embezzling | ✯ I ; video/action for new bark ✯

[ Uh-oh, it's that time again. All of the new kids have started pouring in on one of Johto's famous sweeps of the dimensions--

Well. "Kids" might not be the most appropriate term to use here. ]

The heck is going on here-- [ A popping, deafening tap-tapping on the Gear's voice recorder could pop the eardrums of anyone listening too closely. Thump, thump, it beckons dully. The voice behind it sounds gruff and with the gravelly tone of a deep-chested smoker. ] Is this thing on?

[ The video feed flips on (accidentally) and viewers are greeted to a shiny pair of shoes and the bottommost hems of a dapper pair of slacks. The thing is clearly being held upside-down... ] Stupid technology... [ A cream-colored creature saunters over those feet, rubbing on the man's legs.

The device is flipped around and our vocal complainer's face is revealed. Oh he's... Old, squinting through his glasses. ] What's the big idea here? One second I'm trying to find my slippers, and the next I'm bein' woken up by some lady who's saying she's my mom! [ A 'Reeeowr~!' mewl busts in from down below and Stan shuffles visibly to the left. ] I'm not a fan of cats either.

[ Oddly enough, he seems pretty resigned to this like it's just a bad dream or something COMPLETELY NORMAL. ]

I shouldn't've eaten that can of peas before bed. Should'a known they weren't of this Earth. Now I'm hallucinating.

[ Sure, Stan. Whatever you wanna believe. ]

Guess I'm just riding this one out.

[ The cat screeches as her tail is stepped on and the feed abruptly cuts off on a flailing note. ]

Will you get outta here--!

[ Booop! ]

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[ Assume this is replied to a bit later--

Hello grouchy, slightly younger man. ]

Yeah, yeah. Read about it in the book.

[ He seems to have a handle on which way to hold the Gear. We're making progress. ]

At least this dimension came with a manual.

Good, then we can get right to the important part.

[Blake may not be playing at being in charge anymore, but he still feels some responsibility to keep track of newcomers. He takes out a pen and pad of paper.]

Gonna need your name, birthplace, and occupation.

Wait a minute now, pal. Why would any of that matter if I've never been here before. You trying to sell me something?

[Blake has a feeling this guy is going to be difficult.]

You're an immigrant here. Somebody has to pay attention to the people coming in. This is basic stuff. An old guy like you can't have that much to hide.

[Unless he's one of those old Russian mob types that the gold chain brings to mind.]