“Almost,” she grunts from inside the van, struggling to zip up the pencil skirt over her blouse in the limited space. After slipping the jacket over the white blouse, the heels get pulled on next and the van door pops open. She looks none too happy about having to play dress up. It’s not the first time she’s had to but her disdain for it never changed. She slips a pair of large glasses onto her face to complete the look, “I hate this,” she sighs, exiting the van and buttoning a single button to keep the cardigan in place.

Her eyes drift up to admire the large building. It would be a maze, that’s for sure. Making their way to the top wouldn’t be easy, but that’s what her Shadow Gardevoir and her extensive training is for. The pokemon’s INFILTRATOR ability would allow her to easily slip past any security they may have blocking any sort of entry deeper into the building.

Adjusting her glasses, she grabs the notepad, pen, and tape recorder before shutting the van doors. Her red stained lips pull into an amused grin, turning towards Killian, “Me too,” she’s always nervous before a big job, but that’s what keeps her careful and aware. The Gardevoir in her shadow moves restlessly, anxious to proceed, “Easy,” she whispers softly, settling the pokemon. For now, the Shadow Gardevoir would be her only pokemon. The Space Center is very strict about not allowing visitors access to their pokemon during their visit, “Once it’s safe, Gardevoir will TELEPORT back to grab our pokemon,” she reminds Killian, “Until then, we’re on our own,” she shifts, uncomfortable with the fact she wouldn’t have access to Smoke, “Do you have the badges?”

Killian Decker

The door opens and outsteps his queen in all her glory. "I know, baby." he pushes off the van, "Thank you for putting up with it for me." the smile on his face is wide.

"You look gorgeous." he chuckles, "Very professional." it's tempting to reach for her. His fingers are particularly twitching at the thought. Maybe later, when they weren't facing such a daunting task.

Lex's presence calms his nerves. They're further soothed by her shared anxiousness. "This reminds me of when I had you break into the Olivine Battle Tower." that might as well have been a lifetime ago. His eyes are drawn to her shadow as it moves. The Gardevoir's unease makes his lips purse.

"I still don't like that you're bringing it along." but it was a necessary evil. Unlike Smoke, it could teleport and remain concealed inside Lex's shadow. Still, Killian would have preferred the Gengar regardless. At least the two of them got along. Blue eyes drift up, "Better together than apart." he assures her with a smile.

The way she shifts sends his hand out towards her. Their fingers interlock with a comforting squeeze. "Of course I do. Who do you think you're talking to?" he lets go, grabbing the IDs from his back pocket. He hands one to Lex and clips the other his shirt.

"You're the lead reporter here, beautiful. Whenever you're ready, we'll head inside."

Alexandra Briarwood

Lex fights the urge to reach for him too. A small smile graces her lips at his compliments. She doesn’t absolutely hate this, she is just being a bit dramatic. It’s refreshing to keep working together, just like old times. If she had it her way, he is the only one she would work with. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a say in that.

A small laugh accompanies fond memories at the mention of the Olivine Battle Tower. As far as she’s concerned, it was a lifetime ago. A different life, “Ahhh yes, I remember playing dress up for that too,” not quite like this, but it worked, and they got what they were after.

Her lips pursed at the mention of the Gardevoir. She had come to trust the Shadow Pokemon. Well, trust is a strong word. She doesn’t trust it on the same level that she trusts Smoke, for example. She believes it’s definitely more reliable than it use to be, “Do you have any better ideas?” the question isn’t meant to sound snarky, she’s legitimately curious.

There’s a sense of security when his fingers lace between hers. She returns his squeeze with one of her own to confirm: yes, better together. She takes the badge and inspects it briefly before clipping it on to her blouse. Lex isn’t exactly sure what it’s supposed to look like, but it looks believable, “Guess we better not be late,” she moves forward, expecting him to follow.

They’re right on time, as they should be. Security along with a lead scientist meets them at the large building’s lobby. They welcome them warmly. Lex smiles, nodding thankfully in return. Her mood turns bright and cheerful, charming as a reporter should be, “Hello, hello~ So happy to be here, thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us. I’m Penny Sun of HNN – It’s always sunny in Hoenn!” she laugh comically at her stupid pun. Inside, she cringes.

Killian Decker

"No, not really." if Killian had any better ideas, he'd have brought them up already. Gradevoir was the best choice for the task at hand. He gave Lex's shadow another momentary glance. "I'd prefer Smoke. At least he has a sense of humor." a soft chuckle undoes the tension beginning to roll through Killian's shoulders.

He follows as she moves. The smile on his face fades into something more neutral as they enter the building. As expected, the scientist and his security are already waiting for them.

Lex does the talking, and he can practically feel her cringe from where he's standing. "And I'm Dominick Cloud. Thank you for agreeing to the interview." Killian pushes his glasses up against his face with a less bright but equally friendly smile.

"No, no! Thank you for being so interested in our work. When HNN reached out for an interview, I couldn't have been more delighted."

The scientist motions to the two security guards standing next to him with a smile. "Before we let you, I'm afraid our security team is going to have to pat you down." he brings his hands together, rubbing them.

"Just a formality. We can't risk you bringing anything dangerous inside the facility."

Killian nods, "Totally understand, can't be too careful." his arms raise as the guards approach to begin their search.

Alexandra Briarwood

Penny Sun she hates but Dominick Cloud has a nice ring to it. Maybe she should have chosen a better name. Oh well, too late for that.

She’s gentle in the way she shakes each of their hands in turn, offering each a smile and nod in greeting, “Well, we are delighted to be here,” she emphasizes while stepping back after their quick greeting. A light, airy laugh follows and the red head lifts her pen and paper, “Of course, of course! I completely understand! That’s why I brought the old school tools and not my Rotom Recorder,” Not that the Rotom Recroder would have been dangerous but they made it quite clear there were no unauthorized pokemon allowed into the facility. Lex assumed that meant aids like Rotom as well.

A female security guard approaches her and pats down her rather snug outfit. There aren’t many places to hide things beside some small pockets in the cardigan which are obviously empty. Satisfied, the woman steps back and gives them the “all clear”. Once Killian’s security guard it satisfied, the researcher approaches with a smile, “Excellent! Please wear these Visitor Badges at all times while within the facility,” he hands each of them a rather bland sticker they are meant to place on their chest.

“Alright, now that that’s all taken care of, we may begin! I am Dr. Wick and this is my colleague Dr. Quest,” the dark haired female nods in greeting, “We’ll being our tour with a bit of history,”

Boring. But Lex feigns interest, moving quickly to follow them as they drone on about the Space Center, it’s founders, and their past endeavors. She keeps herself busy by jotting down notes like a good reporter. At least, that’s what she thinks they do.

Killian Decker

Watching Lex act was always a pleasure. She slid into the role of the cheerful reporter so comfortably. If he didn't know her so well, he'd have fallen for it himself.

Killian smiles, adjusting his glasses and straightening his shirt as security finishes patting him down. Their 'visitor badges' are laughable, being little more than stickers. "How retro." he shakes his head, stifling a chuckle as he attaches it to his shirt. And then they're off to a tour a building Killian already knows all about.

While Lex is taking notes and pretending to care, he's scanning the area. The elevator to the higher levels was around here somewhere.

Dr.Quest and Wick come to a stop outside a room with numerous large monitors and computers.

"This is where we monitor the rockets during take off. As you can see, we're making preparations for a launch as we speak."

Killian nods, "Oh exciting, and what exactly does that entail?" even if he knows, they have to keep them talking. At least until - Killian's train of thought is derailed as he spots the elevator. It's tucked away near the end of the hallway.

A scientist stands before the metallic doors. Killian watches from the corner of his eye as he presses an ID against some kind of scanner. A few moments later, the doors slide open, and the scientist steps inside.

Gently, subtly, he nudges Lex's arm and motions to Dr.Wick with his eyes. It should be obvious what he wants her to do.

Alexandra Briarwood

Blah. Blah. Blah. Note. Note. Note. The boring part of this job has her squirming on the inside, ready to move past this quickly and onto the next level. Patience is often what makes the different between success and failure. Luckily, Lex has a lot of it. Killian asks a question and she immediately follows up with another to keep them talking, “Oh! What an exciting prospect! May we observe the process?” she pauses, tapping the pen to her chin, “It would make quite the intriguing article for our readers, I’m sure – How to Touch the Stars, the Story of a Rocket’s Journey to Space” Corny? Stupid? Yeah, but people would probably eat it up.

Lex notices the subtle nudge, letting the periphery of her vision do the work. She understands what Killian suggests, it’s a logical leap and next step. Perhaps making the professors observe the launch, throwing them into the natural habitat, would be enough of a distraction to acquire the key card without too much suspicion. Ditching them would be the hard part, but nothing a little HYPNOSIS and a rogue closet couldn’t fix. Or she could just swipe it then. Oh the possibilities.

After some deliberation, and probably thanks to her stellar article title, they agree and lead them into the room preparing to launch their next rocket.

Killian Decker

The room is small, with a large glass window that looks out upon the launch site. It's a spectacular view of the rocket. One that Killian would appreciate more if they didn't have things to do.

Alone with the scientist, who still haven't stop rambling about all things they're doing and what they're trying to accomplish. Now would be the best time for them to strike.

While he waits for Lex to signal her Gardevoir to act, Killian continues to ask questions. He nods along as if he's listening intently to every word that they say. Yet the look in his eyes, one Lex would recognize, says he couldn't be more bored.

Is this what he sounded like when talking to Lex about his latest fascination?

"Arceus, I hope not."

Alexandra Briarwood

Yes, this is very close to what Killian sounds like when he drones on about his latest obsession. Lex listens because she loves him. She would probably sound similar if she had something she could nerd out about, but she isn’t that interesting.

Killian keeps asking them questions, distracting them with their work and expertise. If you really want to keep someone’s attention, get them talking about what they love. It’s enough for Lex, who is continuously scribbling down “notes” to break her concentration on the notepad without them noticing. It’s a quick look around the room. Trained eyes catch the shine of a security camera tucked into a corner. Her hand subtly drops to her side. The thief’s fingers flex in a very specific way and direct the Gardevoir to the camera’s location. Her shadow shifts, and races across the floor and up the wall in a dark blur. A dark hand reaches out and gently plucks one of the wires to short circuit the video.

It’s another, more obvious hand signal that pushes the Gardevoir towards the two scientists. The ghost bleeds form the wall into her physical form. Two hands reach out to grip the humans in psychic energy. The concentrated pressure around their throats causes them to choke in surprise as she turns them around to face her. Crimson eyes flash a deep pink, and HYPNOSIS lulls the scientists to sleep.

“We won’t have long before they notice the camera is broken, gather their things quickly,” She doesn’t need to tell him that but she does anyway as she moves forward towards the female scientist to grab her ID and clothes.

Killian Decker

Killian breathes a sigh of relief once their bodies drop. Thank Arceus it's finally over. They can't afford to waste any time. So when Lex tells him to hurry, Killian's already reveling the male scientist of his clothes. "When Gardevoir retrieves our Poke Balls have her take their bodies and our clothes with." he orders, removing his own shirt.

"Not at our house or in the van, but somewhere safe and far away." they weren't here to kill anyone. All he wanted was the meteorite.

Now that things have begun to move, his mind is focused. Too focused to watch Lex undress despite how strong the urge is. Tossing his clothes into a messy pile atop the slumbering scientist, he adorns his new disguise. The lab coat and button up shirt feel right at home on him. In another life, he might have worn this professional. The thought lingers in the back of his mind as he attaches the ID to his coat.

"Still excited?" baby blues fall onto Lex's figure with a smile.

Alexandra Briarwood

Lex breathes a sigh of relief that matches Killian’s when the scientists slump to the floor. The tension in her shoulders fade and she’s quick to join him in stripping the professionals of their garments and IDs. A command from Killian leeches through as they work. His authority always stimulates more erotic thoughts, but she resists the urge and simply responds with a grin and a wave of the hand to send Gardevoir off to retrieve their belongings.

By the time she’s shrugged on the lab coat, Gardevoir has returned with two belts lined with pokeballs in hand, “Excellent work,” she praises, taking her belt and strapping it on under the lab coat. A few buttons conceals them from sight, “Now, take care of these,” After a moment of consideration and before she gives the official signal she specifies a location, “I think an alley in the Slateport Outskirts will do,” People will probably just think they are drunks passed out half naked in an alley. Plus, they’d be hard pressed to find a phone anywhere around there once they woke up.

Red lips pull into a tight grin, “That’s one word for it,” Excited, but always nervous. It kept her cautious and careful. A flash of light sends Gardevoir away with the two scientists and their belongings. Another flash released Smoke, the Gengar. The ghost is excited. An enthusiastic lap around the room nearly has him bouncing off the walls, “Settle down,” she hisses, gently waving a hand towards her shadow. The Gengar melts into it without resistance.

Killian Decker

In the blink of an eye, Gradevoir is gone, off to retrieve their Poke Balls from the van. When the phantom returns, Killian eagerly takes his belt from her. The moment it's in his hands, a weight lifts from his chest. If Lex is paying attention, she'll notice a subtle shift in his posture. He'd been confident prior, but his back is a little straight, shoulders less tense as he straps the belt around his waist.

"Slateport, excellent choice." Killian praises.

He cocks an eyebrow, "And what's the other word?" he's tempted to say aroused. There's just something about the glint in her eyes and the grin spread across her red lips that suggest she might be. Granted, he could just be projecting.

Lex has Smoke, and Killian has his Inteleon. Unlike the eager ghost, Insidious is far more relaxed once he's released. His body flickers out of existence, invisible but present as they advance. "Have I told you how useful he's been since you gifted him to me?" invaluable, really.

"Anyway, let's go - the elevator is at the end of the hallway."

And they're off, heading out of the room and to the elevator. Hopefully, they don't run into trouble along the way.

Alexandra Briarwood

A flash of light brings the Gardevoir back, empty handed. Lex is quick to return the pokemon to it’s pokeball. If they needed her again, she’d be ready. For now, Smoke and Inteleon would do just fine.

Lex chooses not to answer Killian’s question. The grin she flashes him should be enough for him to assume. He knows her well enough to not need words. Still, she can’t help herself, “You look cute in a lab coat,” and by cute she means sexy, and by sexy, she means ‘save that for later’.

“I’m glad he’s been so useful,” she smile, eyeing the Inteleon as he disappears from sight. With both pokemon concealed, it’s time to move on. Lex follows Killian out of the room, not bothering to inspect the corridor. She’s meant to know exactly where she’s going, after all. It’s a confident stride and brings her closer to the elevators in question. She remembers the motion she witnessed earlier. With the ID card in hand, she mimics it, and the elevator’s button lights up to signal it’s approach.

They know exactly where they need to go. So when the elevator doors open and the two enter, Lex is surprised when the number of floors ends short. Her hand freezes in place, calculating a series of possibilities. Regardless, they can’t seem out of place (or let anyone in the elevator with them) so she chooses the highest floor and the doors shut “Hm, there must be another elevator somewhere,” she whispers, glancing towards Killian.

Killian Decker