2ND PIECE - [VIDEO/ACTION FOR THE TEAM ROCKET BASE]

[artfuldestruction]

[[Even though the plot may not have succeeded, Kato has found himself fired up tremendously since his mission with Kimblee. He's been working through all hours of the night, assembling and dissembling new creations, optimizing his designs. There's a wealth of charged weapons in all stages of development littering his portion of the lab, from simple blueprints to devices requiring nothing more than a polish.

He appears on the video feed, now, dressed in his usual outfit with the mask in place. Leaning forward slightly, he peers into the camera, smirking.]]

I should congratulate you all on a job well done.

[[He doesn't elaborate on just what he's congratulating you all on, quickly moving forward with his speech, his voice animated and lush.]]

Isn't it intoxicating? The way a powerful, immovable structure can crumble into nothing but dust floating through the sky, battered by the wind. Our universe is truly a fascinating thing, wouldn't you say?

I live for that destruction. That decomposition. The brilliant flare of an explosion, the power that rockets through the air, oh! Is there no greater feeling?! To know that you have caused the demolition of something huge, something enormous?! Can you understand that power?!

[[Slamming his hands down on the bench, Kato chuckles softly, fingers curling.]]

My Pokemon...have learned a new technique. I have my own personal bombs, capable of endless explosions!! And they only grow stronger as the days pass! Soon they will have the combined capacity to take out entire buildings! I won't even have to lift a finger!

Isn't that truly magnificent, Johto?!

[[Guys. It's hard being this well-adjusted.]]

Comments

[action]

[artfuldestruction]

[[That hand will be accepted and gracefully shaken!]]

Dr Kato, weapons and technology. Traps and counterfeiting, eh? Useful skills.

[[And he's not being sarcastic! Such talents can be quite useful, after all.]]

I also tend to lend my hand to disguises, but it's more of a hobby rather than a profession.

[action]

[best_laid_plans]

Understood.

[Another glance about the lab.]

I take it from your announcement, and the openness to allies, that you've another display already in the works....

[action]

[artfuldestruction]

[[Have a rather secretive smile~]]

I have a few tricks up my sleeve. The last attack was too blunt for me, really. I prefer to have a bit of a playful air to everything. Feed people clues, see if they can puzzle out the solution....you always see the true colours of a person when their life is in danger.

When I'm truly setting a piece in motion, I tend to prefer working alone....but if outside assistance will increase the majesty of the final product, I am in no way opposed to seeking help. Particularly if it's enthusiastic~

[action]

[best_laid_plans]

[He'd hoped to just end up cultivating a good working relationship with a compatriot of Cobra's, but you are speaking his language, Kato. There is indeed a fine art to the perfectly-executed plot.

He's not sure whether this is exciting or infuriating - no one's ever agreed with him about this sort of thing before.]

Consider this a bid for the position, then. If you need evidence of my credentials I'd be happy to supply it.

[In fact, he produces one of the counterfeit Game Corner business cards he made for Cobra. Good to always be prepared.]

These look familiar?

[action]

[artfuldestruction]

[[And upon seeing the card, Kato will actually laugh.]]

I thought these were legit. You're good, Mr Ishtar.

[[Offering the card back to Malik, Kato smiles again, clearly pleased.]]

Don't stress about needing credentials; I'll contact you when I've got something planned. Sound good?

[action]

[best_laid_plans]

[Malik re-pockets the card with a smirk.]

Ideal.

Then - I'll look forward to assisting a masterpiece.

[action]

[artfuldestruction]

It will be a magnificent usage of your time; I promise you.