[RAID] A Legendary Heist

[Rocket Agent Tambrey]

Tam's eyes turned back over the boat as Aulus mentioned it being a nice one, catching sight of Xander, Riley, Rory, and Kyle, smiling in case any of them saw her glance, then swept her gaze back along and back to Aulus, then out to the water.
"I would be very surprised if this was the only boat... or even the only water-vehicle they've got stashed around." Tambrey commented, before agreeing. "It /is/ a nice boat though. Fit for purpose."
The scientist rolled her shoulders a little, and rocked on her toes, hands on the deck-rail.
"I wonder if we'll have time to go back by boat. That would be a change."  

[BlackFireKitsune]

"It's the end of spring, almost summer, Grunt Izaya," Claire pointed out, her tones flat and quite clearly conveying the thought 'are you seriously asking me this question right now.' "A t-shirt would be fine - something as warm as that would be fine if this were a cold fall day or in winter, but now? No, it's not appropriate. You're already suspicious enough without conspicuous clothing."

Her purple gaze swept across the mission team, noting their clothing choices and if they'd brought anything with them, silently nodding her approval at each, until her attention fell on Riley, to whom she moved towards. "While that's perfectly inconspicuous, it's a poor choice for freedom of movement. If it gets caught on something, you're in trouble. Same for your hair - make sure you put it up before the mission starts in full, and either take off that oversized shirt or find a different one."  

[Tori Honoo]

Riley started as she was approached by the Elite, then nodded vigorously, taking hold of her hair as she listened to the woman's instruction. "Y-yes ma'am! S-Sorry."

She would then quickly braid her hair, letting it fall over her shoulder to her hip, then shrug out of her overshirt, revealing a small portion of her tattoo on her shoulder.  

[Natsuko-neko]

Xander did a slightly late nod to Riley at her question, careful not to dislodge the Ditto perched there. He then looked back over to Kyle. "Yep it does." One way of another being a Rocket kept you on your toes. "As your first big mission then, remember to expect the unexpected and nine times out of ten someone will get hurt. The success rate is actually very high. I can only think of one time off the top of my head where we went after a Legendary and wasn't able to get a Legendary. Though that was because the pokemon we got was a Ditto pretending to be a Legendary."

Xander just managed to catch Tambrey looking their way and gave a quick smile back.  

[TawnyAngel]

"Well if nobody gets too shot, or burned or crushed or whatever maybe we will," Aulus replied to Tam, smiling a bit because the prospect of serious injury was both the least of his worries right now and also kind of amusing in a dark way. "I expect somebody will have to rush the objective back to base," they would succeed damnit, "but maybe most of us can have a leisurely trip back. Get a tan. Maybe go for a fly." He should really get himself a water type that he could go surfing on, that would be cool.

At that point Aulus noticed Claire dressing Izaya down about his desired style of dress - oh, he was so punny - and that quiet girl from his class over her hair and her shirt. Wasn't like he had anything against her but being vindictive gave him something else to focus on, and finding stuff to think about was definitely the order of the day now. He hadn't thought about anything horrible in at least half a minute-

Damn.

"Somebody always gets hurt," he added, weighing in to Xander and Kyle's conversation. "People don't die often though." Not often.  

[Blood_Goddess]

"Yeah well, we're talking about legendary here," Kyle agreed with a shrug "I'm surprised more people haven't died, or so I've heard of."
Kyle gave a pointed look toward the cabin where he knew Lu was sitting.
His eyes continued around the aria to the other Rockets who seemed to conglomerate on to the ones they found familiar, he recognized a number of them, his jaw stiffening slightly when he saw that Aulus was on this mission, along with Tambrey At least there were two who knew what they were doing.
Kyle couldn't say he was all that confident about Lu going, the man who nearly got them killed the last time a Legendary was involved.
Zacharie, Jerome's bratty partner was on board too, he hadn't seem much int he way from the purple haired grunt that instilled much confidence, and then Riley, all he really knew about her was that she had a consistent look of terror or vacant surprise.

Kyle tilted his head down a little, moving his attention to Aulus as the Agent joined the conversation. Kyle kept his voice casual, having no intention of angering this particular agent again, but instead continued the conversation after another glance to the other grunts.
"Can't say they've got the creme of the crop for this team, hopefully that doesn't increase our chances of getting killed."  

[BlackFireKitsune]

The elite nodded her approval as Riley removed the ridiculous shirt and began to braid her hair despite the wind blowing all around them, and turned to continue inspecting the rest of the mission team. Everyone else looked fine - though that one stylish-looking grunt was given a rather wary glance because was that stylish outfit really appropriate to look conspicuous or move around in - but regardless, their time was running short.

Exactly one hour after her previous announcement, the order to gather in the cabin was given, and Claire clapped her hands together to get everyone's attention, as she stood between a whiteboard behind her and a table in front of her that only held a single, small box. She shifted a few papers in her hands before looking up to address the assembled team, "As you're already aware, the Ranger Union of the Decolore Islands region has advertised a special event that will take place today - an educational program about Decolore's environment and pokemon population. What's drawn our attention, as well as the attention of many others throughout the world, is the claim that there will be a legendary pokemon present. This gives us the perfect cover: You all will be posing as tourists or enthusiasts either coming specifically for the program or stopping by out of curiosity." She paused for a moment to let that sink in before continuing, putting a firm emphasis on her next words, "Always have at least one other Rocket with you at all times, but avoid forming groups larger than around four persons. Naturally, you should aim to arrive separately rather than all at once. Remaining inconspicuous is key - don't do anything that will draw suspicion to yourself, or to anyone else," the elite said, giving Izaya in particular a very pointed look.

"The Decolore Islands have no League presence," she continued as she set her papers down on the table in front of her, "but we're not sure what kind of opposition the Ranger Union might be capable of. Furthermore, despite the absence of a League, the region is not without pokemon or trainers. In a way, this operation could prove riskier than if our enemy were the League, whose forces we can estimate and whose tactics we are well aware of. Take care not to draw unwanted attention or provoke conflict unless absolutely necessary."

Claire turned, picked up a black whiteboard marker, and began writing on the board a list of pokemon names. "Our intelligence department's investigation strongly suggests that the legendary pokemon is a species from Unova, which is congruent with the fact that the Decolore Islands exist between Unova and Kanto. If the pokemon revealed is Victini, Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Zekrom, Reshiram, or Kyurem, the organization wants the pokemon itself. A covert acquisition is preferable, but if that's not possible, minimize confrontation as much as possible and get out quickly."

With that list done, she moved to write a second left of names. "If the pokemon is Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Keldeo, Meloetta, or Genesect, acquiring the pokemon itself is preferable, but is not necessary - a genetic sample will suffice. Specimens that can be used to produce clones in our labs include a blood or saliva sample or a significant sample of hair, fur, or flesh. A few hairs from its head won't do. Executing the mission without raising suspicion is ideal, as I've said, but given the circumstances, this may not be possible. Seeing as this is the first clear shot we've had at a legendary in three years, going back empty-handed is not an option. The short of it is to avoid drawing suspicion or attention to avoid confrontation, but that may not be possible."

With that said, the elite reached towards the box and opened it, revealing a few small, inconspicuous earpieces. "I'll remain aboard the ship to prepare for a quick departure and to provide defense in the event we come under attack. Agents should wear these concealable microphones at all times," she explained, pulling out four of the small devices and handing one each to Aulus, Tambrey, Xander, and Rory. "Apart from myself, only you four will have them as opposed to everyone, to minimize the number of people talking at the same time and potentially causing unnecessary communication problems. Use them to get in touch with me if necessary, such as in the event the pokemon revealed is not one of the ones on either of those two lists, or if you have a question or want my opinion on something. Similarly, I will also contact you if necessary. They can also be used to communicate with one another, but be aware that all audio input will be transmitted directly to the other three and myself - they're not private lines of communication. I suggest that, when you're all breaking into groups of two or three, that each group have a single Agent, so even though none of the Grunts have one, they will be with someone who does."

With that done, she closed the small box and pushed it to one side of the table. "On site, Agents Aulus and Tambrey, as two of the most experienced and capable agents here, will have full authority. You'll all need to think and act together to coordinate the heist, but the final decisions on all matters are to be left to the discretion of Aulus and Tambrey. If they say don't do something, then obviously don't do it." Another pointed look aimed at Izaya.

"Also, you're all cleared to steal any other pokemon of interest that are present, and may be cleared to keep some of them. However, this is not your priority and should only be pursued if there is absolutely no risk attached whatsoever. Your first and final concern is the legendary. If I find out that any of you," the elite went on, her tone and expression suddenly firm as she put more emphasis on her following words, "has put petty theft of a more common pokemon over this legendary, I will personally escort you to the brig. I will repeat that this is the first shot at a legendary we've had in three years, and failing to at least acquire a sample - especially due to someone jeopardizing the mission due to attempts to steal a pokemon from some civilian - is absolutely not an option."

Relaxing her posture and her tone, Claire leaned back and folded her hands behind her back. "This concludes the mission brief. If there are any questions, ask them now. We'll be arriving at Paladin Island soon."  

[TawnyAngel]

It had been a long damn hour.

Seriously long.

When Claire finally started talking, laying out the fine details, it felt as though an iron band around his chest had relaxed a little. This was what was going to happen. This was what they were going to do. Danger, sure, but that came with the job; it was a kind of danger he could live with.

When Claire stopped talking Aulus nodded and moved forward to take one of the earpieces, fitting it to himself with only a little fiddling. "Can we do a test of these before we disembark?" he asked of Claire. "I'm sure they already have been, but I'd like to do it anyway."

Then, turning around to look at the other Agents; "Do any of you have a preference who you take with you? I don't."  

[Rocket Agent Tambrey]

"Hm. Well. That is true," Tambrey had to agree as Aulus informed them that someone always tended to get hurt... and Xander talked about success rates to Kyle.
"That Ditto broke my leg. Was not pleased to find out it was a Ditto after all. Still. Ditto DNA's highly manipulable, so you can't really have enough of it to study."

She watched Riley fix her outfit when told and frowned slightly; ah, well, lessons for next time. It was the grunt's first after all... And she was very hopeful it would be no one's last.
----

As they gathered in the cabin, Tambrey nodded as Claire outlined what was needed to clone a pokémon.
In short. A lot of material and -root- cells if you were going for hair. Blood, she thought, would be her preferred material, if such were possible.

As the Agents were handed earpieces, Tambrey immediately took, with a sharp nod to show she understood, and fitted hers, before hiding a very brief flutter of true apprehension as she and Aulus were tasked with some authority.
"Understood, thank you, Elite." A salute would feel... weird, but she could at least show some rank etiquette, Tambrey supposed.  

[Rocket Agent Tambrey]

"Uh." Tambrey thought for a moment. "No preference here, but maybe we should spread skills around a bit? Some of us are combatants, some are scientists, some are... other things..." She answered Aulus with the suggestion, but open to all.  

[TawnyAngel]

Aulus shrug-nodded. "Makes sense," he agreed.  

[Tori Honoo]

With flushed cheeks--she really should have known that wasn't acceptable...-- and a slightly more nervous mind-- die?!-- Riley turned to listen to the Elite, giving her full attention, raising a brow as it became clear to her that Elite Clair wasn't fond of the grunt she had met during move in. The list of legendaries was extensive, and slowly, the excitement, and reason she had signed up in the first place, slowly returned to her, calming her nerves once more. So many... She couldn't wait to find out which it was, though, secretly, she hoped it was one of the smaller ones... She couldn't imagine trying to simply take one of the larger ones--or take blood or samples from any of them, honestly-- pokeballs or not. Never the less, she locked each list into her mind with ease, then looked to the Agents when it was suggested they try to stay close to at least one throughout the entire operation.

Her immediate preference would be clear as she looked across to Tambrey again, though she second guessed herself once more when it was announced that Agent Tambrey and Agent Aulus would have full authority over the rest of their group. She didn't want to hold them back, but then again... she didn't really want to hold anyone back. She wouldn't. She'd be sure not to.

When the brief was concluded, she waited to make sure it was okay to move, then turned toward Tambrey, pushing back her sunglasses again. "Any ideas on who I should go with?" she asked honestly, unsure she would be able to go with her friend after all.  

[Natsuko-neko]

The blond agent looked over at Aulus with a quick smile in greetin when he spoke up. "Yeah, we have pretty good luck when it's just dealing with Legendaries." Xander said to Kyle. It was true for the most part. The Legendaries themselves didn't cause the most trouble for them but outside influences.

~

When they were called in for the debrief, Xander gave the Elite his full attention again. He made sure to memorize which Legend went into which catigory, though he was tempted to write it down just to make sure he was fully aware that could lead to an intel breach later. When Claire passed out the earpieces he took his with a low "Yes ma'am." and put it on. He didn't plan on talking over it in personal conversation but he was glad for the reminder she gave them of how it would work.

It wasn't long for it to be over and Xander turned to look at Aulus when he spoke up then shook his head. "I don't have any preference either." He looked between Tam and Aulus for a moment. "Sounds like a plan to me. Do either of you know what their specialties are or shall we ask?" The only Grunt of the group Xander knew of was Izaya after all.  

[LexThetaSigma]

Rory grinned at Xander's Ditto, waving back at it, and smiled over at Tambrey and Riley. "I was actually relieved that it was a Ditto but Aulus is right."

---
They all gathered in the cabin and he made sure to pay careful attention to the lists the elite rattled off. They would have to get close enough to draw blood, depending on which of the species it was, or one of the pokemon would have to do.

"Understood," Rory nodded as he accepted the earpiece. Glancing back over at Aulus, he shook his head. "No preference. But I think Tam's right."  

[TawnyAngel]

Aulus shrugged at Xander. "I know some, but-" He raised two fingers to his mouth and gave a short sharp whistle to get everyone's attention. "Okay. If you consider yourself a fighter stand over there, anyone with specialist pokemon knowledge that might be mission pertinent over there, everyone else over there, and speak up if you feel you have an important talent I haven't covered." The categories Aulus mentioned was accompanied by a hand gestured to his left, then right in front of him, and then off to his right.