A/N: Sorry about the inconsistent updates. This story is not dead; in fact, I'm re-writing it! This version will continue, but expect a reboot within a few months!

"Boss. The preparations for the assault are ready. We only have another hour until we depart. Any further orders?"

Solstice ignored Jet's voice, instead continuing to gaze at the sky. Soon...soon there would be no more excuses. The time had finally come to show those emotion-bound humans the folly of their feelings. All of the past month's plans had come down to today. It would have been utterly perfect had that Absol not imprinted on Amber, but that could be remedied. Even without her perfect Pokémon, Solstice was not about to let this opportunity slip, not now. She had invested far too much in this to let a mere Pokémon stand between her and her ambition. Perfect or not, that Absol was still only a tool: a means to an end.

Now, that end was fast approaching.

"Good. See to it that the machines are properly calibrated." A slight smile crept its way onto her face, in spite of herself. The thought of making that pathetic little excuse of a girl squirm, now that was amusing. Vengeance was one of the few emotions she still allowed herself to feel, and the anticipation of seeing it through was nearly too much. She nodded in reply to Jet, and continued to stare out across the sea, towards the mainland.

"That's already been taken care of," Jet took up a position next to Solstice, joining her in the view. "Is something bothering you, Boss? You're never this quiet..."

Solstice's only response was a sigh, and her face fell again. Instead of responding, she merely continued staring out the window of the laboratory, glaring at the sun. Sunsets always put her in a bad mood: they reminded her of that time so long ago. Fingering the edge of her mask, she cursed the falling night.

Kali...It was a spring sunset, just like this one when she died. I hate myself so much for not letting go of her memory...

Jet stared out at the sky, almost as if searching for what had her so transfixed. "I can't claim to know what you're thinking, but you're acting odd. It bothers me to see you so uneasy."

Solstice turned abruptly away from the window, leaning against it instead. Hardening her expression, she stared at the floor. "My feelings are nothing. I feel nothing anymore..."

Jet shook his head. "Boss, I know emotions are the root of evil, but I can't help feeling worried for you. You've seem a bit out of touch, and I wonder if you're still committed..."

Solstice shot him an expressionless glare. "Of course I am committed. Now more than ever. Jet, you concern yourself with matters that bear no significance. The end result is all that matters."

"Boss..." Jet put a hand on her shoulder, making Solstice look up. Though most of his face was hidden as always, those dark green eyes seemed to display a hint of...was that sadness? "I'm here for you. Always. You can talk to me about anything."

Solstice raised her one eyebrow. "Jet...what are you doing? Is that an attempt at seduction?"

Jet seemed completely caught off-guard. He froze for several long moments before continuing, "I won't lie: I have always loved you. Your perseverance is matched only by your dedication. I've never seen you falter, not once. Who couldn't admire that in you?" She could swear her henchman's eyes were smiling as he said those words. She simply stared in return, earning an uncomfortable expression out of Jet. When Solstice's only response was further silence, he continued, "So, to answer your question: yes, I am trying to show affection for you."

"Jet..." Solstice stared at him uncertainly. Was he serious? No, he couldn't be. All emotions were nothing but a product of manipulation and misconceptions.

And love had to be the most dangerous emotion of all.

"I already told you," She pushed him aside in disgust, continuing out of the room and towards a door leading outside, "I feel nothing. Especially not love." She walked alone out into the field where her Honchkrow sat. He was nestled in the grass nearby, idly preening his feathers. Placing a hand on his side, she earned a caw out of the bird as she stroked his feathers. Without another word, she turned back to Jet, finding the man standing in the doorway. He was staring at her, his face completely unreadable.

"Of course not. I'm sorry for mentioning anything," Jet shuffled aside, releasing his Yanmega, "Yanmega and I...need to be alone for a while."

"Where do you think you're going? Come down here at once!" Solstice's complaint fell on deaf ears as the clearly broken man flew off on his mount. Solstice shook her head in disgust.

"Honchkrow," a squawk of acknowledgment came from the bird as he looked up at her, "I want you to observe him. If he's not back here in ten minutes, force him." Honchkrow nodded and flew into the sky, and Solstice narrowed her eyes at Jet's departing silhouette.

What an idiot. He is actually submitting to his primal urges, the very same ones we seek to eradicate! I have neither the time nor the desire to engage in such illogical and stupid pursuits!

Solstice watched her Pokémon fly off into the sunset, trailing Jet and his Yanmega into the dusk, contemplating the way Jet left her. She told herself these harsh words, but something inside her felt a little sympathy for him. If he was telling the truth, this would be hard for a human to take. It was still pretty pathetic, but understandable at least. This left the cyborg contemplating what just happened well past her intended benchmark of ten minutes. As Honchkrow returned, shoving an angry Jet and Yanmega ahead of him, she never noticed that her henchman was biting his lip and averting his eyes, deliberately evading her as the two landed.

"Boss. If we're still going through with this..."

"Of course we are," Solstice climbed up onto Honchkrow's back, "I'll gather some more men. We leave in fifteen minutes. If you are not here, I will consider you a traitor, and I will deal with you accordingly. Is that clear?"

"Clear, Boss." Was Jet's terse response as Solstice's Pokémon flew off into the sky. Solstice sighed, shaking her head. There was no time for this nonsense. The stakes were too high, and the attack must commence, regardless of the consequences.