Test 2.

[azumods]

WILLPOWER The chamber at the back of the cave is not unlike the one before it - it's large and oppressively dark, with shallow pools of water puddled on the floor. However, it isn't entirely impossible to see; off in a far corner of the cavern, there's a dim light shining pale blue, the soft glow pulsing steadily like it's keeping time, like a heartbeat. It's likely, however, that you're not going to get a good look at whatever is causing it before a voice rings out from the entrance behind you, immediately setting the Spiritombs off with loud, ringing shrieks that indicate over half a thousand souls aren't pleased with what seems to be happening here, and as the words register, you'll realize it's probably for good reason. "In the name of Team Galactic, I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. The Guardian is rightfully ours." It's immediately obvious that at the very least, the voice doesn't belong to Saturn - it's higher-pitched, belonging to a woman from the sound of it. Turning to face the source will reveal a woman in full Galactic grunt uniform; she seems young in the face and she's rather short, though she's built as though she's likely strong for her size. While she's clearly here to do a task, her eyes are noticeably just as devoid of spirit as the others that you've seen - she's just as heavily brainwashed as the rest. The Spiritombs you've encountered will do their jobs; they'll protect the Lake Guardian physically, promptly proceeding to get between it and...well, everyone else here. They aren't going to back down until the perceived threat is dealt with; they really, really don't like Team Galactic. What happens now is up to you.

Comments

[azumods]

[Liam Sidequest: Complete!]

I should return to Commander Jupiter. If I don't, it's just going to cause more problems. She doesn't have to know any of this happened, though.

[semistableman]

Keep hold of yourself; as long as you're able to do that, they'll never own you completely.

[azumods]

Of course.

[eudaimonikos]

[Clap!]

How are you at lying?

[azumods]

[Um.]

I can do it if I have to, but I don't like it...? I know it's probably going to be necessary now, so I will, but...

[eudaimonikos]

Two important things, then. First, a lie is always better the closer it is to the truth. The more you deviate, the more you're going to have to keep track of, the harder it'll be to react as you should. Second - confidence. Don't hesitate, be straightforward, and...

[...he's departing from the script]

...don't feel bad. Sometimes you have to do what's necessary.

[azumods]

[...She was expecting a lot of things, but this was approximately none of them.]

Okay. I can do that, yes.

[eudaimonikos]

[Some people give inspiring speeches about the power of hope; some people will coach you in deception!]

Here, hit me with one.

[azumods]

What, just- ...anything?

[eudaimonikos]

Whatever you like. Maybe what you're going to say happened here, if you've settled on your story?

[azumods]

There wasn't anything worth reporting at Lake Valor. The Lake Guardian wasn't present in the cavern system; if it isn't in Commander Saturn's possession, it can only be assumed that it's moved on and its location is currently unknown.

[...?]

[eudaimonikos]

[He clasps his hands behind his back as she talks, using his height to his advantage and looking down his nose at her. What he might have done had he ever, really, become senior staff.]

...good. That's not bad at all. [He drops the posture and smiles.] I mean, it helps that you don't have to emote much. Just keep a straight face, and you'll be okay. Act unnatural.