I am the leader of a notorious gang and a shapeshifter. AMA!

[Jim Raynor]

Now that I'm involved in these series of tubes, I thought I'd make my presence known out there in the Dataverse. So, ask me anything!

[Samus Aran]

Magnoliafan
Any proof that you are who you say you are?

[Jim Raynor]

Proof? I'm afraid I don't understand. This is the Dataverse. Who would I lie about something like that?

[Erza Scarlet]

Automoderator

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Edit: Nevermind guys he's all good, he sent me a pic

[Jim Raynor]

RocketBoss
Fine. It seems some disreputable fellows are running about saying they're criminal masterminds and shapeshifters when they're not. Seems to me to be terribly unlikely, but if I must, I shall prove my identity.

Here I am frolicking with a Gible (that's a Pokemon, if you were ignorant. Not a shark):

[spoiler][/spoiler]

Here I am at a charity boxing match (that Chansey wasn't the opponent, she just happened to annoy me):

[spoiler][/spoiler]

And another at Team Rocket's annual beachside picnic - bring your own meat, salads, drinks, chairs, cutlery, sunscreen and money to pay for the rental of the barbeque and beach house:

[spoiler][/spoiler]

Oh, but I guess just anyone would have access to these exclusive photos?! Damn you and your mistrust, Dataverse. Here is irrefutable proof I am who I say I am:

[spoiler][/spoiler]

There, a picture of me with today's date on it, mentioning this very AMA! Proof beyond doubt!

Now, if we can finish this pointless quibbling about whether I am indeed who I say I am, I may begin to enlighten you.

[Demetri Malius]

So what is your final form?

[Erza Scarlet]

Titania
Would you rather fight 100 Plue-sized of that cat thingy, or one cat-thingy-sized Plue? Also, can I have that cat thingy? I need to set straight one of my friends back home...

[Jim Raynor]

RocketBoss
I take it you're not a crime boss? No? Such a question would be beneath you otherwise. Oh but I do digress. Being arrogant is not the way to engender new friends, is it?

There is no such thing as a final form. Perhaps in an existential way, when I die, I will have a final form, but in the context I assume you have posited that question, no. All forms are tools to get the job done. Various jobs require various tools, and thus it is wise to shift into the form that suits the situation. Big muscles and a thick chest will be worthless when trying to, say, crawl into a narrow space. Wings and the capability to use them means nothing if you are trapped in a prison cell. Not that I know what that's like, of course.

While there are certainly forms that exude power far superior to other forms, that in no way makes them "better." Do you see? Quite pithy advice, if I do say so myself.

To Titania:

I do not know what a "Plue" is, nor a "cat." However if I deciphered your question correctly, you ask if I would rather fight a large number of weak enemies, or a single, powerful one?

That is a hard question. Both situations obviously have advantages and disadvantages, but to which I prefer? I would say the single, powerful foe, for a few reasons.
1) A single foe focuses your attention. Despite the inherent weakness in the one hundred army, numbers can overwhelm when not monitored or treated seriously. Against one enemy, it is much simpler to stay abreast of their movements and strategy. This also applies to business.
2) Battling a single strong foe is a efficient way of benchmarking your own strength. It can be difficult to gauge one's abilities when facing weak and insubstantial obstacles, but a single great foe will tell you where you excel and where you do not.

And no, you cannot have a "cat thingy." Although if there is money to be made in such a venture, I may investigate sourcing one for you.

[Ganondorf]

KantoOG

So me and the guys were just talking and we were wondering: What's it like to be a sex slave? Ya know, cuz my bro down Johto way was telling me about how he was using ya to breed him all sorts of shit. Like... do you just get passed around like the Frat bong? Inquiring minds need and answer, brah.

[Guu]

Changeling Gang

Pansy ass ho creepin' on our territory? We were the original shapeshifting faction, you got nothing on us fool. You nothing but a poser. When you shiftin, you only be copying. But when we do it we are that person because we are the true shapeshifters. Don't forget to pay respects to the real deals.

I bet you look like shit in your default dude. We look kick ass in our defaults and you'd be wise to fear us fool.

I aint got time ya'll, better watch your back.

[Jim Raynor]

RocketBoss

To KantoOG:

I assure you I don't have the foggiest idea of what you're talking about. Some "men" may crave sexual intercourse, but I am of a higher pedigree. To suggest I would demean myself by prostituting myself ... aha. If this is supposed to be some backhanded insult, I will find you, KantoOG, and have a frank ... discussion with you. Men in my position do not suffer fools gladly.

To Changeling Gang:

Ah, so the open hostilities begin! I was curious how long it would take for the chest puffing bravado of a clueless fool to challenge me. Or in this case, fools.

I did not claim to be a shapeshifting faction. Team Rocket does not need such a boon. And I'm not sure where you get the impression that I only copy my targets. I truly become them, from the smallest hair on their head to the most subconscious thought. Between me and my mark, there is no difference. I am perfection.

Also, who's to say that I am not in my "default" right now? No one knows what I look like, and your short sighted boasting only confirms that you are threatened by me.

So feel free to meet me IRL, as the kids say. I would be quite thrilled to show you the potential of my power ... and the limits of yours.

Oh the Dataverse is quite delightful.

[Shulk]

AquaOG

Hey, pencil neck. You ever think of expandin' your "operations" in Hoenn, you're gonna have to take it up with me.

Last time some punk tried to move in on my turf without my say-so, I had to make an "example" outta them.



Here's an artist's recreation of what happened to 'em.

[Jim Raynor]

RocketBoss
Dear me, what has become of the world? I open myself up to the Dataverse, hoping that intellectuals would find my unique circumstances enticing and would want to ask questions about me and my line of work, but instead I've attracted the vain and the easily agitated. To perhaps help out the rest of your knuckle dragging numbskulls out there, I am not challenging you. I'm not trying to threaten you. I simply thought my life would be interesting to those out there, maybe even provide a benefit for those ambitious but under-resourced criminals out there who are just looking for a way to move up the ladder.

And also, not to make a fuss, but I could shapeshift into a creature infinitely more powerful than Kyogre. There are creatures that command the laws of space and time, you know.

Could you please explain this image as well, because it paints a stark contrast between your 'artist's impression' of you making an 'example':

[spoiler][/spoiler]

[Guu]

The Changeling Gang

Ha! I knew you a pansy! Pretending to be human shifta. Human can't be shifta!

And we'd be eating love since befoe you came to the Omniverse. Seriously, how many bitches have you feasted on? We hav too many to count, fool!

I bet you look like pepto bismal or sumtin'. We always look awesome, even when copyin' weak flimsy pony, or worse, human! So don't actin' like you betta.

Pay respects, fool!

[Sarah Kerrigan]

Deathwind

There seems to be a lack of nonhumans to interact with... So I might as well bite, given this seems to be the first post I've seen that could have been written by someone old enough to properly hold an axe.

Where does your gang generally operate? And what are your plans for expanding?

[Jim Raynor]

RocketBoss

Ah, finally an inquisitive soul with an interesting question!

While I no doubt could hold an axe (or four), I much prefer the tactile pleasure of using claws or scythes for battle. There's something enjoyable about getting to work with one's hands.

Right now my gang is small and I'm trying to get my bearings. Coruscant seems like a city rife with possibility, but both the law and other would-be gang lords pose potential issues. Not to mention that in-fighting isn't uncommon with street trash that tends to form the backbone of a gang. There's much to consider and it behooves any leader to take full stock of all problems rather than glossing over them and crossing their fingers. However, I believe the beginnings of Team Rocket shows much promise (ignoring a few strong willed individuals).

Ultimately I will leave the gang to my second in command for a time and travel. Against what I first believed, this Omniverse is a complicated and immense universe. I simply do not know enough about it in order to capitulate on the opportunities that exist here. During my sojourn, I intend to sow the seeds of Team Rocket elsewhere, perhaps forming smaller cells in other areas, while I keep in regular contact with my Coruscant branch. In this way, I will be wiser to the dangers and opportunities of the Omniverse while growing Team Rocket's base and ensuring its destruction is much harder to facilitate. Even if my Coruscant gang was to be wiped out, the new cells that I create will persevere, providing seeds to replant in Coruscant. Team Rocket will become like a weed, always returning if pulled out.

And since I'm led to believe that I am immortal here, the roots can never been torn out.

Eventually these cells will grow through my successful management, and from there ... well, who knows?

[Sarah Kerrigan]

Deathwind
Your future plans seem to mirror my own... Though I'll refrain from spending too much time on comments, rather than questions.

While I'm not unfamiliar with the forced establishment of a power structure, I'm interested in your approach: What methods and steps do you take to establish power over others, particularly subordinates?

[Jim Raynor]

RocketBoss

It all depends on how you wish to be viewed by your lackeys. In almost all cases, a demonstration of power and malice I find works exceptionally well. There is nothing more effective than negative reinforcement; do something bad, and you will be punished for it. When you illustrate your capabilities of strength and cruelty, you imprint in their minds what can potentially happen to them if they step out of line.

However, that doesn't mean that all interactions with one's employees must be unpleasant for them. For those that show obedience, competence and loyalty, I will often reward them with more duties. This acts as both an incentiviser for others who may not have fully committed to my rule, and assists me by delegating responsibility to someone else, freeing me for other, more important duties.

That said, those who are rewarded must be picked extremely carefully and sparingly. Anyone who has been a faithful lackey can swiftly become too self important, especially if they have been promoted, and may intend to usurp leadership. Also, if rewards are handed out too lightly, lackeys come to expect them. This causes the same effect I previously described, where they believe they are owed something.

Of course, nothing is fool proof. There are many obstinate and proud fools who will balk at the concept of working for someone like myself, whether it's due to morals or pride or some other contrived reason. For those, they must be eliminated.

Unless you have access to mind control.