victory_road | 42nd Recipe [Video, Goldenrod City]

[Jane knows there's going to continue to be a flood of "what the heck was THAT" sort of posts about Prom for a while. Really, she shares the sentiment. But this is...she's got to do something, and she's got to make it known and make it count. Let people know she's on the case, whether that gives them cause to be relieved or makes them sweat. She's in her kitchen, a stack of local newspapers off to the side and a mug of coffee in her hands.]

Good morning, everyone. I...erm, if you don't know me, that's fine, of course. My name is Jane Crocker, and I want to say something about what happened last month.

[Her delivery's a little stiff, because she is nervous. A touch nervous.]

From what I'm hearing and learning about the events in the ballroom on the night of our yearly Prom...I'm concerned. [That's a very light way to put it.] It's become more and more obvious that Team Rocket was behind the events, in a plot to rob our hosts blind, and their methods were nothing short of deplorable, as usual. I already cannot abide while they continue to hurt and terrorize the people of this world, and this just furthers my resolve.

[A pause, a deep breath. Jane's hands tighten around her mug.]

Which is why...I've decided to make my efforts to counter them more serious. I can't exactly run something like that out of my house, but as someone who's completed her challenge of the Elite Four and as a member of the Aurora League, I've been given the opportunity to open my own gym, and I've decided to take it.

[Her face brightens a bit, and the nerves seem to ease. It feels so weird to say it out loud, but once it's said, continuing feels easier.]

I've already submitted an application and design, and I know it'll take some time for it to be complete, but I will let you guys know when we're open, because I'm not going to just take challengers. I'm going to take cases.

[She reaches over, and - oh, that's a very nice hat! On her head it goes~]

I can think of no better way to give back to a world that's given me so much than by working to curb the trouble Team Rocket causes its people. So, I'll be operating as an independent investigator, and once we're open, I hope you'll pay us a visit.

[Her smile, still warm, seems to take on a touch of an edge at the end. There's sincerity in there that goes both ways: one way to those who would want to push back against Team Rocket, and another way that stares Rockets in the face and says, "Come the fuck at me".]

Ah, but, for now I'm going to stick to combing the classifieds in the paper. Build up a reputation and all that. You guys have a lovely weekend, alright?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Dimitri is still adjusting to what happened on Prom, and trying to work out his own way to help go after Team Rocket. Christmas had been bad enough, after all... but Prom? So soon? It makes him seethe, and it's only with the help of some of his Pokemon that he doesn't just go on a full out spree.]

[Yet, anyway.]

[It's good to see that other people on the network are still thinking about that as well... Although there seems to be some significance to the hat Jane puts on that he's not understanding. Still, he's nodding as he opens up the video feed on his own end.]

Is there anything we can do to assist you, Jane...? We will be heading out to Mahogany soon, but once we arrive... And of course, Sylvain will be here in Olivine.

Oh! Oh, Dimitri, no, no no, it's fine! You all continue to do what you wish and don't worry a lick about me.

[But she seems genuinely touched he'd want to help!]

Right now it's a lot of forms to sign and lots of waiting and finalizing and explaining the concept to people several times in different ways because bureaucracy. When it's open...well, I'm going to have to think about how exactly I'm going to be conducting business day-to-day. I figured I could be the one main detective going out into the field, but I would always welcome tips on things whenever possible...

Of course. Although... May I ask what a detective is, Jane, and what such a job would entail?

[They don't have private investigators in Fodlan, alas. Or, well, not in the way that Jane is thinking of. Anyone can be a nosy fuck for free, 'tho.]

They're kind of like the police, but they act on their own in investigating crimes or mysteries. They don't have the authority to arrest anyone, it's more...they come to a situation, use what they know about the world to find clues as to what happened, and are willing to get into the muck of a situation to find out the truth.

[I don't know if that's the best explanation, but it's the one Jane is going to give.]

Ideally you'd have some kind of background in criminal justice and forensics, and all I've done is reach and watch as many iterations of Hercule Poirot and various other fictional European detectives as possible...and some CSI: Undella.

[It's like CSI: Miami but in Unova.]

It may not be the best or most realistic sort of background, but it's what I've got, and I'm going to work with it.

[Dimitri listens carefully, even if the only exposure he's ever really had to police would be the Jennies in Johto. He's yet to watch any cop shows, you see... and Fodlan's idea of police and investigators would just be whatever mercenary you could hire (or knights, if you could convince the noble or church to give a damn), along with, you know. A spy network. IF you have one.]

I see... I could have Silkie research any tools you may need, if you would like. She prefers to keep busy, you see.

[And who knows, maybe this will be useful for his own purposes in the near future.]

Oh, really? That'd be very sweet, thank you! I am not sure how much she would be able to find out on her own, but the help is appreciated.

[Time for Dimitri to be given a whole stack of classic Golbatman comics to become inspired to take on the mantle of Ratman]

Oh, do not worry. Silkie is a rather determined individual. I am sure she will be able to find all manner of interesting things that could help you out.

In the meanwhile, if I hear of anything strange... I will be certain to help you.

Oh, well...only if you want to, okay? Don't feel like you've got to by any means.

There is no need to worry. When it comes to justice, and making things right...

[A part of him wants to say no matter the cost. He hesitates to actually say it.]

...I think it is a noble goal, Jane. I truly would like to help with it.

Oh, well...shucks, buster! Thank you!

[She doesn't think it's as noble as he's making it out to be. It's not like she expects to dismantle Team Rocket all on her own, or ever, but if she can help trip them up even a little bit...maybe this part of a wider world could be even better for the people who live in it.]

[Shucks.... Buster...]

[Dimitri Will Remember That]

It is nothing.

Please let us know when your gym finishes opening. We will be sure to take the time to come and visit you, and perhaps celebrate its grand opening as well. Although.... May I ask where it is going to be?

[Dimitri would assume Goldenrod, but also, what if he's wrong?]

[oh my fucking god]

Ah, well, it'll be in Goldenrod, since I don't want to up and move my whole house somewhere else...but also, there's warehouses down by the docks that don't seem to have gotten a lot of use for a while, and I figured if one's gone empty for a while, it's worth it to fix it up and...you know, fill it with surprises.

Yes, that makes quite a bit of sense. If they are not being used, then there is no harm in putting them to good use for some fun surprises.

[Dimitri grins as he says it.]

We will be quite glad to make the trip back and see its unveiling.

Aw, you don't have to double back just for me! You can check it out whenever you're in the area!

And you did not have to go all the way to Olivine to help us with our bout of sickness. Please, worry little of it.

Ah...well, when you put it like that...I can't really refuse, can I?

I believe it would be rude to do so.

Still, with so much happening, you must be quite busy. I will speak with you again soon, all right, Jane?

All right. Speak to you soon, Dimitri.

42nd Recipe [Video, Goldenrod City]

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