MARCH UPDATE

POSTED ON Jul 25, 2022 14:11:33 GMT

Martín del Mar likes this

Sootopolis. Nikita had not set foot on the soil of that city since her fateful encounter fourteen years ago. She had hoped never to return, but the day her parents assigned her to oversee their company's operations in Hoenn, she knew she would one day. It had only been a matter of time.

She took a deep breath, allowing the salty sea air to fill her lungs. Bad idea. Her stomach twisted into a knot as a spike of anxiety ran through her. She had managed to avoid passage over the ocean to Sootopolis by either sea or air thanks to a teleporting Pokémon she had borrowed for the meeting. That circumvention didn't negate the fact that the city sat atop the water, nor did it erase the feelings and memories she associated with it.

But her visit was of utmost importance. After making smaller deals with various low- to mid-ranking members of Team Rocket, she was finally going to meet an underboss. Someone who could make a real impact on her side business.

A man named Marcus Day.

After checking their string of encrypted messages once more, she followed the directions he'd given her to a cliffside restaurant that overlooked the ocean. Nikita studiously kept her gaze focused on the front door as she walked up the stairs toward it. Once inside, she glanced around at the gorgeous dining area. Tables covered in ivory linens with sea-themed cutlery and decorations were arranged invitingly. Natural sunlight poured in from the large windows facing the sea.

At a two-person table next to one of those windows sat a young man with blonde hair. Besides the hostess near the front door, he was the only other person in the dining room. Taking a deep breath, Nikita walked toward him in a graceful glide.

"Mr. Day?" she inquired when she neared. She held out her right hand for him to shake. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Astrid Thorn."

Martín del Mar

NOTES
+ Mission: Zero to One Hundred

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Mars | Tuesday

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POSTED ON Aug 2, 2022 23:19:01 GMT

[nospaces]

[attr="class","twt4"]

[attr="class","main"]

A mask, illusions, the appearance of a man much different from him. To someone as narcissistic as Martín del Mar, the situation is nothing short of nightmarish, and yet it is also absolutely necessary. His ego does not outweigh his caution: no one outside of Team Rocket members should ever know of his affiliation with the syndicate.
[break][break]
This is why the representative sent by Wells Prosthetics & Technology is meeting Marcus Day, a man who has brokered more than a few deals between distributors and Team Rocket.
[break][break]
A man who is now believed to be one of the syndicate’s underbosses.
[break][break]
He sits alone in the restaurant, looking at the distant ocean through aquamarine eyes while petting an elegant Vaporeon that stands by his side. The feline pokémon is the first to notice the woman’s arrival, and when it turns to look at her, it carefully watches her movement – never looking away.
[break][break]
If judging by demeanour alone, Marcus Day seems much calmer than his pokémon.
[break][break]
”Miss Thorn.” A slight yet polite nod, paired with a pleasant smile when he meets her gaze. His voice lacks any of the particular intonations of a notable accent: normal, perhaps even a little too normal. The same can be said about the handshake, for its one quick and firm, akin to most handshakes experienced by those involved in the business sphere of Hoenn.
[break][break]
”Have a seat, let's order before we discuss anything. This restaurant has an incredible chef.”
[break][break]
Of course, given its seaside view, perhaps it would be no surprised to Nikita when finding that seafood is this restaurant's main focus.

[break][break]

[attr="class","tag"]@nikita

[attr="class","notes"]

notes

[break]
Mission - Zero to One Hundred 🌟

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POSTED ON Aug 3, 2022 0:35:27 GMT

[attr="class","nikitathread"]

In her eagerness to greet Marcus, Nikita had not noticed the Vaporean seated beside him. Her gaze fell upon the Pokémon only after their handshake. She quickly looked away as she sat, her gaze settling on the man across the table from her. At least, while seated, the Vaporean would be out of her sight.

"Certainly," Nikita replied, opening the menu. "What do you recommend?"

Of course, she had researched the restaurant beforehand; she knew that it was famous for its seafood, which composed the majority of its menu. She'd had enough time to steel herself for the inevitable fact she'd have to eat something with fish or shellfish in it. This business deal hinged on her making a good impression on Mr. Day, and she couldn't afford to display a weak stomach in front of a Rocket admin.

Skimming the appetizers, Nikita decided she would start off with a salad as an appetizer — something light and decided not seafood.

Martín del Mar

NOTES
+ Mission: Zero to One Hundred

[newclass=.nikitathread b]color:#7ECED3;[/newclass]

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Azul

Mars | Tuesday

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August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

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POSTED ON Aug 21, 2022 3:05:56 GMT

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[attr="class","twt4"]

[attr="class","main"]

”There’s some great options. I’m a fan of Pincurchin and if you want something unique the Sharpedo fin soup is more than worth a try. All ethically procured, of course.”
[break][break]
That pleasant smile remains upon his lips, slight and calm. There’s no apprehension in talking about seafood dishes while having a Vaporeon by his side. After all, why would there be? Fish eat fish.
[break][break]
They order, and while his guest starts off with a salad as appetiser, his own is seafood indeed: a delightful ceviche which results perfectly refreshing on a warm summer day such as this.
[break][break]
”My contacts speak highly of you, Miss Thorn. Although I have to admit I’m a bit surprised… Most civilians prefer to avoid interacting with Team Rocket. Especially for business purposes. I’m glad to see that people like you have better senses.”
[break][break]
Surprised and cautious. For all he knows, this could be some sort of trap, but all of the information he had gathered makes it seem as if the intentions of the dealer to conduct business with Team Rocket are honest, and that pleases the underboss quite a lot. Still, when outsiders are concerned, he will always remain cautious.

[break][break]

[attr="class","tag"]@nikita

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POSTED ON Aug 21, 2022 14:10:05 GMT

[attr="class","nikitathread"]

Sharpedo fin soup. The mere mention of the Pokémon's name made Nikita's stomach curl onto itself, but she suppressed the shudder as best she could. Perhaps eating the soup could be some kind of revenge or catharsis. What better way to fight your nightmare than by eating it?

"The soup sounds delicious. I'll have to order it."

Thankfully, the salad appetizer was light enough not to disturb her stomach further. She ate with polite manners, but purposefully eschewed some of the finer dining etiquette instilled into her since she was a youth. If her companion was as shrewd as he was touted to be, he would certainly pick up on specific habits and start to suspect her background. It was best to be as anonymous and unobtrusive as possible.

"I understand it's not common," she said. "Many civilians have reason to fear Team Rocket. But as you probably already know, I have several years of experience doing business with organizations like yours back in Galar, even if they operate on a much smaller scale than Rocket. It would be foolish of me to pass up the opportunity to work with you, considering your influence over Hoenn."

Nikita was determined to use all of her business savviness to secure the contract with Rocket through Marcus. She planned to praise them for their successes and highlight how she could help make them even more successful.

She was a veteran of critical deals made over dinner. She would win this for herself.

Martín del Mar

NOTES
+ Mission: Zero to One Hundred

[newclass=.nikitathread b]color:#7ECED3;[/newclass]

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Azul

Mars | Tuesday

He/Him

August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

POG Bank CEO

Underboss

1008 height

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POSTED ON Sept 3, 2022 4:06:51 GMT

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[attr="class","twt4"]

[attr="class","main"]

A deal with someone like Astrid Thorn would benefit Team Rocket greatly, there is no doubt about that in his mind. What he does doubt, however, is if this potential new business partner of his can be trusted, and so, as it happens with any person he has ever considered to do business with both on the table and under it, there is careful judgement.
[break][break]
While seeming to enjoy his meal, listening to her words, the man known to her as Marcus Day also pays attention to the finer details: her actions, her expressions, every gesture. Words say much, specially the choices made, but what is left unspoken tells him a lot as well.
[break][break]
”Spoken wisely.” He says with a smile, taking a sip from his glass. ”Then you’ll be glad to know that Team Rocket is very interested in what you have to offer. We would like to do business with you.”
[break][break]
It’s then that he smiles, meeting her gaze once more, and from where it sits, the “Vaporeon” also has its deep blue eyes fixed on Astrid.
[break][break]
”However, I’m sure you understand why there’s reason for caution. The League has agents everywhere, and we need to make sure those we work with aren’t actually working for them.”

[break][break]

[attr="class","tag"]@nikita

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POSTED ON Sept 4, 2022 15:31:34 GMT

[attr="class","nikitathread"]

Nikita expected this. Every illegal organization in every dark, seedy underbelly required proof of her sincerity.

"How can I assure you of my intentions, Mr. Day?" she asked between forkfuls of her salad. Even as thrill rose in her at the affirmation that Team Rocket was interested in her business, she steeled herself for what Marcus might say next.

Team Rocket could be extreme. She had heard the rumors and read the news reports. Espionage, terrorism, torture, assassination. Surely the man seated across from her would not request such things, but she couldn't be too sure.

Nevertheless, she had to keep cool. Nikita met Marcus' gaze evenly, uncowed.

Martín del Mar

NOTES
+ Mission: Zero to One Hundred

[newclass=.nikitathread b]color:#7ECED3;[/newclass]

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Azul

Mars | Tuesday

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August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

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POSTED ON Sept 15, 2022 23:57:28 GMT

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[attr="class","twt4"]

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Espionage. Terrorism. Torture. Assassination.
[break][break]
To some degree or the other, all of these things are true about him. They may not be known of by the public, they may not be spoken of outside of Rocket’s circles, but undeniably, he’s a man who can cause a lot of harm if he wishes to do as much.
[break][break]
The request he has for Astrid Thorn as they enjoy their meal is not anything nearly as gruesome, but it may be just as difficult.
[break][break]
How to prove Team Rocket can trust someone? How can they prove their true intentions?
[break][break]
The answer is obvious to him.
[break][break]
”Tell me who you really are, Miss Thorn.” Of course he’d ask for what he himself would never give. Of course he’d do so proudly and without a hint of any hesitation.
[break][break]
He takes a sip from his glass and only once this is done does he continue:
[break][break]
”Unless you’d prefer the alternative.”

[break][break]

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POSTED ON Sept 16, 2022 17:52:24 GMT

[attr="class","nikitathread"]

How had he guessed?

Nikita chewed her salad slowly, processing Marcus' request. Most of the crime syndicates and organizations she had interacted with before had not been keen enough to guess she was wearing a disguise. She had relished the anonymity. The fact that Marcus saw right through her false identity chilled her.

She was trapped. He was banking on the assumption she would not prefer the alternative, and he was right. Nikita preferred to keep her hands clean. In her heart of hearts, she would not have the stomach for anything more criminal than what she was doing now.

Was this what it would be like to work with Team Rocket?

Silently, Nikita put down her fork. She reached into an inner pocket of her jacket and removed a single business card from a small, leather case. Then she slid the card across the dining table to her partner's side before putting the others away.

Nikita Wells
Regional Director
Wells Prosthetic & Technology

"Will this suffice, Mr. Day?" she asked, her voice growing cold. Was that even his real name?

Martín del Mar

NOTES
+ Mission: Zero to One Hundred

[newclass=.nikitathread b]color:#7ECED3;[/newclass]

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Azul

Mars | Tuesday

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August 4th

Canalave City, Sinnoh

Bi / Demiro

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POSTED ON Sept 19, 2022 4:19:11 GMT

Elisabeth Fiorelli likes this

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[attr="class","twt4"]

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It takes one to know one.
[break][break]
A liar. Someone who isn’t who he says he is. Someone who searches for such disguises in others.
[break][break]
There had one been a time when Mars had told Elisabeth Fiorelli that she thrived in being underestimated, and although under much different circumstances, that’s the same thing he can see here today. Life experience and an understanding of people have taught him the dangers of underestimating others. It’s not something he does. Not now, not ever again.
[break][break]
He hadn’t underestimated Astrid Thorn.
[break][break]
He had looked into her, he had studied her, and with what little he had learned he had come to one conclusion: she is much more than what she claims.
[break][break]
A business card proves him right. @nikita. He has heard the name.
[break][break]
”Ah, that explains how you managed to have Wells as a supplier.” He smirks, reaching into his suit’s jacket to put the card away. ”It will suffice. Don’t worry, Miss Wells, your identity won’t be known by anyone other than myself and my most trusted colleagues.”
[break][break]
There's no reason for anyone else to be aware, after all. Team Rocket thrives in secrecy.

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POSTED ON Sept 19, 2022 11:20:09 GMT

[attr="class","nikitathread"]

His reassurance sat sour in her mouth. Nevertheless, Nikita forced herself to smile as the waiter returned with their entrées. The smile remained even as she lowered her gaze to the Sharpedo fin soup that taunted her from the white tablecloth. At least the fin was barely recognizable, the meat finely shredded to accommodate the diner.

"I appreciate the secrecy," she finally replied, dipping a spoon into the broth. "I cannot have my public image compromised by the information that I am making secret deals with Team Rocket. But I am sure you are familiar with such scenarios."

Whether that was a direct statement about Marcus himself or simply other contacts of his was up to him to decide. Nikita simply sipped her soup, clamping down on the discomfort in her stomach at the distinct seafood flavor.

Martín del Mar

NOTES
+ Mission: Zero to One Hundred

[newclass=.nikitathread b]color:#7ECED3;[/newclass]

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Azul

Mars | Tuesday

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Canalave City, Sinnoh

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POSTED ON Sept 21, 2022 5:14:46 GMT

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”That I am.” An admittance that means as little or as much as @nikita decides to make of it, for he has never bothered with acting as if this is who he truly is. There’s nothing that links Marcus Day and Martín del Mar, and the mere fact that someone wouldn’t take this to be his real identity is something that earns them a certain amount of respect in the eyes of the underboss.
[break][break]
”I hope you enjoy your meal, Miss Wells.”
[break][break]
Where the Sharpedo fin in her soup is almost unrecognisable, the Pincurchin ordered by him looks as if it had just been pulled out of the sea. Except that, of course, it has been cut open, leaving its bright orange insides exposed for him to feast on. He doesn’t seem to mind this at all. He doesn’t seem to mind the fact that he’s eating a pokémon right in front of his own Vaporeon. And the “Vaporeon” itself? It just stays seated, eyeing the dish as if wishing to give it a try too.
[break][break]
The meeting goes on without an issue, centering mostly around the specifications of their agreement. Through it all, Marcus Day is nothing short of agreeable, respectful, and even polite. To the point that if it weren’t for the fact that much of their discussion has to do with the topics of illegal trade and avoiding League surveillance, it would be terribly easy to forget that he is indeed a criminal.
[break][break]
"Do you have any other questions for me?" The question comes then, just as dessert is served.

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