To Be the Very Best: Rocket Quest - An 8-BD CK2 Quest

Welll howdy everyone!

So, first I want to apologize for the wait thus far for the interludes, there's a few factors but only one I will be going over in detail cause it's actually quite good news!

There's been a surge of interest in 8-bit Dystopia as a whole and as such the setting is getting some things reworked while new things are added to expand the world of The City as a whole! Not only that, but a Scratch Doc has been made also, where people can submit their own suggestions on how their favorite games can fit into the world of Princeps Dominare.

As 8BD continues to expand, I am going to try to keep up with all of the changes and consider them while writing Rocket Quest, several changes that have already been made will be addressed in the coming updates.

Until then though, I have finished something I talked about earlier: An Omake Bounty Board! It will be posted right after this post and it's a bit small right now but I hope to expand it as time goes on.

How this will go is that Omakes here will give direct bonuses to specific things instead of EXP, Omakes that go above and beyond may get something else too along with canon ascension!

I hope the rewards will be enticing enough and the Omakes themselves are interesting enough to warrant some of you taking a shot. That is all and thank you for your continued interest in Rocket Quest!

The Omake Bounty Board

Rocket Launch
She was on the edges of Fuchsia, looking out at Cinnabar that was a mere blip on the horizon, looking back to the days before she and many others were discarded like trash. She looked out at Rocket's grave with hate stewing in her heart when a man in a trenchcoat approached and offered her a chance at revenge.

Premise: Write about a hypothetical scenario where Ariana and Giovanni first meet.

Reward(s): +10 to the next turn's Learning Action OR +5 Ariana Opinion. Possibility of canon ascension.

(Completed by Crosswire)

The Copycat and Her Prey
Copycat smiles as she puts on the finishing touch, she's undoubtedly going to get in trouble for this but the look on their face is going to be worth it!

Premise: Write about Copycat pulling a prank on someone

Reward(s): +10 to Copycat's next Personal Action. Possibility of canon ascension.

A Silver Part of His Soul
Your dad is the strongest trainer there is, there's no doubt about it and that's why you want to follow in his footsteps!

You just wished he was at home more…

…Ah, here comes the caretaker, probably to berate you for trying to capture a Pokemon on your own again.

Premise: Write about a day in the life of a 10 year old Silver in Viridian City

Reward(s): +10 to one of Giovanni's Personals of your choice when next pursued. Possibility of canon ascension.

Loyalty and Love
It is the ideology of Rocket that Pokemon are tools for their use…so what does it mean when a Rocket member holds affection for a tool?

Premise: Write about a Rocket Grunt conflicted between Rocket's ideology and their personal feelings regarding their Pokemon.

Reward(s): +10 to next turn's Martial Action OR a hint towards how to begin recruiting units from within Rocket. Possibility of canon ascension.

(Completed by griffinlw)

One Zone, Two Rulers
Rocket and Silph…anyone with half a brain can see how hostile they are towards each other, but how does this affect the life of your average joe?

Premise: Write about a day in the life of a Neo-Kanto Citizen and their feelings on the growing division in Kanto's society.

Reward(s): +15 to the next 'Engage Philanthropy' action. Possibility of canon ascension.

Off-Time
It's rare for the boss not to have anything for his inner circle while they're on the clock, so what can they do to kill time instead?

Premise: Write about two or more Rocket advisors doing something in their freetime

Reward(s): +3 Opinion to all participating Hero Units, +5 to the next Personals of all participating Hero Units. Possibility of canon ascension.

A Foe of Their Own Making
When they first got rid of the Rocket Division, they underestimated its members and never would have expected that they would make their own worst enemy. But with Rocket Group's rise from the shadows, they vow never to make that same mistake again.

Premise: Write a document-formatted omake from the perspective of Silph Co, detailing Rocket Group's history, the threat they pose, and theories on its unknown leader.

Reward(s): +10 to the next Turn action target Silph Co OR Silph Co takes a -15 Malus to their next action. Possibility of canon ascension.

(Completed by Kingster)

Observers
Despite what Silph Co insists, the Outbreak wasn't a quiet affair. Pokemon are a secret they try to keep away from the rest of the world, for the sake of themselves and others they claim.

They should know that there are some people in this city that you can't hide a thing from.

Premise: Write an onlookers perspective on the Pokemon Outbreak from the eyes of either WilyCorp, Eggdyne, Zeed, or Metapharm (Accomplished by Crosswire).

Reward(s): Varies

The One they Missed
They didn't know what they were looking at. The caged, snarling animal was something they had never seen before. Was it a native species, a mutant? Only two things are certain: That this beast was deadly was the first.

The second is that it came out of Neo-Kanto.

Premise: Write about an outside faction capturing a Pokemon that slipped through Silph's supervision.

Reward(s): Varies

Monsters Among Men
Chaos. That was the only way to describe it.

It was little more than a decade ago, yet it felt like eons. A rogue mutagen escaping a lab was enough to flip Neo-Kanto on its head. Mu infected almost everything it touched, turning it all into these…these monsters.

These creatures roamed the land with little heed to the humans that lived there, destroying anything that stood in their way while most of us were powerless to stop them. A few were capable of taming these beasts like pets, some sought to use that power for good, others for their own selfish goals. They were not enough though, not against the rising hundreds of 'Pokemon' that appeared everywhere Mu touched.

In a time before Pokeballs, before Rocket's brilliance, how could one live in such a place?

Premise: Write a story revolving around someone living in Neo-Kanto in the midst of the first Pokemon Outbreak.

Reward(s): +25 to the next Learning Action (Pokemon Research)

Friend, Foe
She had wished to see her friend again one day.

Somewhere, a monkey's paw curls

Premise: Write a snippet about Erika after the Diglet Cave Incident

Reward: Silph Co will be prevented from recruiting new Hero Units for the next 3 turns

(Completed by GenoWhirl)

One Story out of Many (Repeatable)
Rocket Group's story is only one of many in The City of Light, there are countless others with their own plans, their own grand ambitions for The City…

Premise: Write a Negaverse-esque segment of another 8BD Faction of your choice.

Reward(s): Varies

The issue began when you received a notice of an unusual amount of pokemon being withdrawn from Rocket's PCs.

Rocket Group has always had a 'nest egg' of captured pokemon. A varied stockpile of pokemon from nearly every type that are kept primarily for scientific experimentation, rather than being distributed to new recruits or sold on the black market. These experiments range from simple product testing to more rigorous genetic modification. Fatalities among this number is not unheard of.

Many would criticize, even condemn you, for treating such creatures as disposable. They are fools for thinking progress can be accomplished without sacrifice. These sacrifices are only wasted if nothing is gained from the experiments, and the employees in charge of monitoring your reserves inform you that several pokemon have been withdrawn in rapid succession. At first, you imagine this to be the short-sighted actions of an R&D researcher throwing live specimens at a theory to see if it sticks, and such situations were typically resolved without your intervention. However, the rank of the perpetrator is the reason you are informed directly.

Admin.

Out of your four advisors with that rank, only one of them would have a motive. You elect to make a visit to Ariana's personal laboratory to ask what she had made out of her liberal use of her access to Rocket's pokemon. Your pokemon.

What you find is something you never expected to find. Much less think that your right hand would be responsible for something like this.

It's been a few minutes since you entered, and you have been staring down at the creature before you with a gaze that could break stone. The beige feline pokemon is indistinguishable from others of its species, down to the curly tail and the shining, medallion-esque plate on its head. The pokemon looks back up at you with fearful eyes as it shivers and quakes.

"Say. That. Again."

The Mewoth continues to shake before you, like a stray knowing that it had been cornered. Until…

"H-Hey dere, B-Boss… I-It's an honor to finally meet ya?"

It spoke.

It speaks.

You look at the cowering form in front of you one last time before you turn to the other figure in the room.

"Ariana, what is the meaning of this?" you demand to know.

Ariana's expression remains neutral, in spite of your dangerously low tone of voice when you address her. You do note the tension in her form as she clutches the papers in her hands tightly and begins to speak.

"I apologize if I overstepped my bounds, sir," she starts off with, subtly confessing she at least has an inkling as to why you're here. "If you wish, I can explain myself."

Silence reigns for a moment, before you sternly nod your head, giving her permission to continue.

Ariana composes herself before meeting your gaze again.

"A while back, I had uncovered a scrapped journal, one belonging to my previous superior, Doctor Fuji."

Doctor Fuji? It is a name you know well, despite never having met him in person. Along with Blaine, he was one of the Rocket Division's chief researchers. One of the lead scientists on the discovery of Mu, and spearheaded the Mu-2 Project before disappearing in its fiery aftermath. So great was his knowledge on Mu and its properties, that it was said to rival the intellect of Samuel Oak himself.

"I see," you say slowly, your tone still low as you feel your anger increase. "And why was I not informed of this earlier?"

"I wished to verify the effectiveness of the procedure detailed in his journal first: The uplifting of a Pokemon." She pauses for a moment. "By myself."

It goes unsaid, but you can pick it up easily. This was a matter of pride to her, a desire to show she could achieve what Fuji had done, and what he couldn't. To show that she was worthy of standing where he once stood. Normally, you would not mind her ambitions, and would encourage them as long as it was to your benefit.

That isn't the case here. Pokemon are tools to obtain power, and humans control them. To blur the lines with the creation of a pokemon that can speak its own mind? It presents a significant risk to your vision, never mind the other consequences that may arise from this coming to light.

"So, in summary," you say as you slowly walk towards her, your tone unchanging. "Not only have you expended several precious specimens in this pursuit without my awareness. You have also purposely withheld vital information from me regarding Rocket's magnum opus to instead create something that is a liability at worst, all to appease. Is that correct?"

"I…" Ariana starts, her composure beginning to crack in the face of your assault. She tries to find the words to say, to justify her secrecy. In the end though, she falls back into silence.

"H-Hey, the miss--"

The creature, still standing on the sterile table in the center of the lab, tries to speak once more, but a pointed glare from you silences them.

You sigh, turning your back away from your right hand, rubbing the bridge of your nose as you digest such foolishness.

"I expected better from you."

Silence reigns once more, and for far longer. Though you cannot see her, you can tell your words impacted her. Perhaps more than you intended, but what's done is done.

You turn your head to look at the aberrant Meowth again, who is quick to flinch under your gaze.

"This process, was it a part of the Mu-2 Project?"

"Yes," Ariana quietly says, "What parts I was able to salvage confirmed it."

Your frown deepens, as it becomes more apparent on how and why Mu-2 defied its creators. They had given it a mind of its own, only to treat it like a mindless beast.

Intelligent creatures require a different kind of control. One that is not wholly compatible with the mindset of a pokemon master.

You furrow your brow in thought. You always intended on recapturing Rocket's greatest creation, bringing it to heel, but if it's as intelligent as it is powerful…

First you must address this.

"What did you learn?"

"Sir?"

You turn back to Ariana.

"What did you learn? Or should I believe that we truly gained nothing of value from this pet project?"

Ariana blinks, shifting through her papers with uneasy hands.

"Sir. It was quickly discovered that the traditional uplifting procedures were ineffective on pokemon. Their bodies would reject the cybernetic augmentation in over 95% of test subjects, and similar attempts to alter their DNA after the Mu has already done so have resulted in failure. Doctor Fuji was unable to perform the procedure until he discovered the necessity of what he called the 'human element'. I… used my own blood as the baseline from which to stabilize the augments applied to the test pokemon. Subject 28 was a total success."

While the process of creating uplifts is understood in the loosest sense by the public, you had never heard of them requiring human blood.

"Do you have any idea as to why this is?"

She shook her head.

"I have theories, all of which relate to Mu's role in the mutations, but I have no means to test them for the same reason."

"Unfortunate. Continue."

She shifts through her papers again.

"Development of Subject 28 surpassed the standard time frame for mental maturation before I could implement the cybernetic alterations, a trait also recorded by Doctor Fuji. Speech came shortly afterward."

"I heard it speak. Does it comprehend? Not merely parroting what it hears?"

The Meowth raised its paw, then thought better of it.

"Yes. Subject 28 can speak and respond without further coaching."

"Is that all?" you ask.

"Yes, sir," Ariana responds.

You note the undertone of fear in her voice. A fear of what you will do to her, or a fear of your further disappointment? You have never doubted her convictions, but whether her loyalty lies with you or her ideal of what the Rocket Group should be has now been brought into question.

Regardless.

"I can't overlook your insubordination," you say, affixing her with a stern glare as you give your verdict. "You have abused your position to satisfy your personal pride, and withheld mention of your access to what remains of Doctor Fuji's journals on Mu 2 for the same reason. This cannot be overlooked."

Ariana does not say anything, nor does she meet your eyes as you continue.

"I also cannot ignore your contributions to Rocket thus far, nor the role you would continue to play. For the remainder of the month, your assignment shall be to capture new pokemon to replace those you have expended. Without the aid of Rocket's catchers. This was your choice, and it will be by your hand that it shall be rectified. Am I understood?

She looks at you with clear surprise, but when she attempts to speak, you wave a hand to signal that you're not done yet.

"If anything of this nature happens again, you will be dismissed as one of my Administrators, demoted, and barred from the R&D Wing of the base. This will be my only warning. Do not make me regret this act of mercy."

"I… yes, sir," she says with resignation.

"Now, as for your Subject."

You turn to look at it again. Once you do, the meowth's pupils shrink, perhaps more than aware of what you're considering.

You've disposed of humans who have threatened your goals before. Why should this mistake be any different?

"Boss, I can--"

"Silence."

Whatever the Mewoth is going to say dies in its throat as you cut them off, fear overwhelming them.

"If I may speak again, sir?" Ariana meekly interjects.

Your train of thought is interrupted.

"What is it now?"

"Subject 28 appears to retain the ability to communicate with other pokemon that other uplifts natively would not." Another curiosity regarding Mu, no doubt. There are myriad pokemon species, yet they maintain a consistency in behavior and means of communication. "I have run tests, and confirmed he has the capacity to develop rapports with other pokemon. Persuade them. Subject 28 can be a loyal agent, and has been conditioned to that end. It would be a waste to dispose of him at this juncture. Sir."

You raise an eyebrow. Is she defending this creature?

???
Auto-Pass

The answer comes to you moments later.
She's grown some form of attachment to the test subject. As what, a monument to her work bearing fruit? As a pet?

In either case, disposing of this test subject, trying to sweep her mistake under the rug, could be more damaging to Ariana than you initially predicted.

You quietly muse over this predicament. This could be more trouble than it's worth, but then again, could the value of a talking pokemon be worth the risk?


What should be done with the talking Mewoth?

Select one.

[ ] Keep it
You retain the Meowth as an espionage asset, not a member of your combat team. The Meowth becomes a hero unit.

[ ] Give it to an Admin
-[ ] To whom?
This wild card becomes the issue of one of your admin trainers. Ariana would be the most efficient candidate.

[ ] "Get it out of my sight."
Euthanization is out of the question. Have Ariana give it to a pair of grunts to manage so that you don't need to see it again.