[008] - video

[pkemeter]

[It's about 3:24 AM when a new video is posted to the network. It seems to be a livestream of some sort, though all that's visible for a few moments is a dark room with various indicator lights flashing intermittently.

The light flicks on. A steady burbling noise can be heard from behind the camera, like an aquarium filter malfunctioning. It sounds almost as if words are being spoken underwater, but in a completely alien language. Nothing happens for a few minutes--just the sound of gurgling.

Eventually, the source of the noise is revealed: a Reuniclus floats into view, holding a PokéBall in each hand. She's wearing a pair of glasses on her "face," but they seem to have begun to sink into her cytoplasm. Not that she cares. She continues to "talk" to the camera, her arms waving around and her ears twitching, and despite the fact that one might not understand her, it's very clear what she intends to do--science.

If it's possible for a Reuniclus to grin, she's doing so right now. With a gentle click of the button, the PokéBalls release their inhabitants. Two small, oblong forms manifest on the table, and as the light dissipates, one can see a Pyukumuku and what looks to be...a...yellow, spiky Pyukumuku?

The Pyukumuku looks quite unenthused about this whole situation, while the other one peers around curiously. The Reuniclus's ears twitch in excitement as she digs through a box to pull out a complicated-looking device that's probably very expensive to construct. She lets out a giggle, gesturing to the Pokémon on the table and "explaining" her procedure, before holding the device in front of the Pyukumuku. The Pyukumuku pulls her fist out of her mouth and tightly squeezes the handle of the device. A large number appears on the device--somewhere in the hundreds, probably. The Reuniclus takes back the device then turns to the Pincurchin, waiting for his response.

The Pincurchin studies the device for a few monents, as if trying to figure out his approach. His soines start to glow and spark with electricity as he points them towards the device. The Pyukumuku starts to scoot away, wary. The Reuniclus simply stands her ground, looking fascinated by this.

There's the sound of footsteps approaching the door, causing the Reuniclus to look up sharply. The door opens, and a confused voice speaks--]

What is going on--?

[A flash of light, followed afterwards by a loud ZAP causes the camera feed to static and warp. The room is plunged into darkness. A blobby green hand covers the lens, and the stream stops.]

Comments

video;

[sassymaru]

Goodness...

Is everything all right? Do you require assistance?

video;

[pkemeter]

[It takes maybe ten, twenty minutes for Shadowmaru to get a reply. The video feed is completely dark--the only thing to even indicate that the video is on is the occasional static on the edges of the screen.]

Yes, everything is alright. The power is out, but otherwise, it should be fine.

[A flashlight clicks on, illuminating the Reuniclus. She looks away, trying to look as guiltless as possible.]

Kölliker apparently took it upon herself to perform experiments with her new friend. [The light falls upon the Pincurchin, who looks as confused as a sea urchin can be.] Which was not unfounded, given that this creature is completely new to the region.

[The Pincurchin lets out a squeaking noise.]

video;

[sassymaru]

[Look, he doesn't know where this guy lives, but he's damn near ready to go find out. Something seems like it went horribly wrong over there, he shouldn't leave this alone... wherever he is.]

[Fortunately, the video resumes before he does anything drastic.]

And it destroyed the power to your house?

I should hope that wasn't the experiment's intent.

video;

[pkemeter]

Well...it took out the power for the whole building. I'm sure it'll come on in time--

[The lights flicker on, and the room is finally visible again. The Pyukumuku seems to have sulked off to some corner, while the Pincurchin remains on the table, apparently unfazed.]

Ah. There. The back-up generators should be running now.

[The video turns back on Egon Spengler's face. He looks irked, to say the least. Over his shoulder, the Reuniclus hovers, giggling and holding her hands to her face.]

Have you dealt with any misbehaving Pokémon in the past, yourself?

video;

[sassymaru]

Ah -- look. You have impeccable timing.

[Why did he bow. Why. No one knows.]

Back up generators? Is this a common problem for you? Or... are you simply a mind-reader of pokemon?

Mm, not myself, no. My lot appear to be rather well-behaved.

video;

[pkemeter]

[Don't worry about it. Egon doesn't even bat an eye.]

It's quite common, unfortunately. My Pokémon seem somewhat inclined to mischief and pranks, or simply causing accidents on their own volition.

[Maybe it's just because he's terrible at disciplining his Pokémon.]

It seems to be something shared across all my fellow Ghostbusters, unfortunately.

video;

[sassymaru]

Accidents? You mean minor ones, such as this, I hope.

[He's used to "accidents" meaning things that need emergency services... like himself.]

Your fellows? You have many of them here?

video;

[pkemeter]

[There's an uncomfortable long pause after Shadowmaru's first question.]

Yes. We can deal with most accidents.

[Hm. Ominous.]

Well, there's Winston Zeddemore, Ray Stantz, Peter Venkman, and I. So, four, in total. However, we're not all from the same dimension. Have you met any of my colleagues?

video;

[sassymaru]

"Most"? Are you some sort of emergency team?

{Color him curious.]

Possibly. I don't think I've had the pleasure of their names, however.

video;

[pkemeter]

We deal with all manner of paranormal and supernatural creatures--ghosts, apparitions, spectres, the occasional wandering doomsday god. It's a highly interesting field with plenty of subjects to study.

[He scratches his nose, raising an eyebrow.]

Did you ever experience any supernatural incidents back in your own world?

video;

[sassymaru]

Doomsday god? You... mean something like the black creature from earlier? The one who possessed the legendary birds?

[Look, he's trying to get it.]

Oh, many. Though nothing so serious as a "god", of any sort. Unless, of course, you count the God Whale.

video;

[pkemeter]

Yes, something like that. Although, in our case, we dealt with an interdimensional god named Gozer who had plans to take over the world and allowing supernatural creatures to run amok through the streets.

[He pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose.]

There is no such thing as "god" in the theological sense. Yes, there are near-omnipresent beings with an astonishing amount of power, but they all have their own weaknesses.

What is the God Whale, if you mind me asking?

video;

[sassymaru]

Ah... well. That sounds like a horrific mess. My sincere compliments for dealing with such a problem.

[It sounds uh. It sounds like a bad time.]

You make them sound like the pokemon here. Speaking of "weaknesses" and "strength".

As it turned out, a mechanical whale creature, with the brain of a human being within.

[text]

[yousayyes]

[As the initial spike of shock subsides from his system, the first conclusion that enters Winston's mind at the sight of an unscheduled blackout cascading throughout the entire hotel building beside him is, "ah... that's our Egon". However, checking the network for more context on the incident proves that he's a bit off the mark with that assessment. With the video pulled up, he types up a quick response:]

Damage report, Dr. Spengler?

[...phrasing it that way makes him feel like an Enterprise crewmember. Just injecting a little bit of levity into the moment.]

[text]

[pkemeter]

[He appreciates the text as a light in the dark--both literally and figuratively, as the device lights up when receiving a notification. Egon glances towards Kölliker trying to whip up some sort of temporary flashlight from whatever she can gather and writes back--]

Beyond some presumed blown fuses and my equipment currently being cannibalized by my Pokémon to suit their needs, everything seems to be relatively repairable. What's it look like, outside?

[yousayyes]

If I didn't know better I'd say it looks like the manager forgot to pay the electric bill.

The whole building's gone pitch black, at least judging by what I can see from the windows. I'll admit, I'm not too sure /what/ Kö was trying to test... but I kinda doubt this was the outcome she was looking for.

[pkemeter]

Well, it could be worse. The whole building could have collapsed, or the electronics might have exploded due to the power surge. I am happy to report that neither of these occurred.

[...Reassuring.]

I suppose this means that the elevators must be out, as well.

[yousayyes]

Worst-case scenarios always have a way of putting things in perspective, I guess.

And yeah, they probably are, unless a) they're running on a backup generator and b) that generator got spared from the shock that shut everything else down. Suppose that means I should be taking the stairs to get to you, then?

[pkemeter]

Unless you have a Pokémon that can carry you up efficiently, the stairs it is. Do you want me to walk down to meet you?

[You know, so Winston isn't...just, climbing the stairs alone forever. In the dark.]

[yousayyes]

No no, you can stay where you are! I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself walking downstairs in the dark. ...besides, you just gave me another idea of how to get up there.

[With his neck craned, sizing up the building, Winston takes a couple steps forward- shuffling through his pockets for one of his pokeballs.]

Do you mind opening the window for me?

[pkemeter]

[Egon blinks, then shuffles over towards the window. He stubs his toe against a few pieces of equipment and says "Ow" in an incredibly deadpan tone, but he makes it. The window slides open with a little effort, and he pokes his head out the window. He can't see anything this late at night, and quickly sends off another message.]

It's open now. What are you doing?

[yousayyes]

Finding a way to justify why my dad put me through boot camp.

[Clicking the button on his dhelmise's ball, it isn't too long before Hope's grassy green tendril quickly crawls its way up the side of the building like ivy. The living seaweed slips into the room and slaps the drywall under the window like a wet noodle, suctioning firmly to the surface- creating an anchor in the interior of a room where its actual anchor couldn't fit.]

[Winston grasps onto the vine and promptly begins hiking himself up the side of the building, steadily pulling his weight up the rope until he reaches Egon's open window. At this height, Hope deftly wraps itself around his waist, keeping him secure as he moves his hands to pull himself through the frame, stopping halfway to catch his breath.]

...glad to see me again? [He asks, knowing full well the both of them can barely see anything in this light.]

[pkemeter]

[Egon peers out the window after receiving Winston's message. He sees a figure moving and climbing up the side of the building. He watches with a sort of scientific curiosity, and once Winston has reached the window, he takes a moment to grab Winston's arm to steady him.]

Impressive. This is a real testament to Dhelmise's abilities, as well as your own.

[Not that he doesn't trust Hope, but Egon feels a lot better about Winston dangling out the window while he's anchored inside. No pun intended. Over Egon's shoulder, Winston might see a greenish blob hovering in the darkness.]

It's still a matter of waiting for the power to come back on. At least in this state, we're less likely to have any unfortunate incidents from Kölliker.