The 16th Precinct, 8AM, Monday
"All right, people, listen up!" Captain Donald Cragen addressed to his officers in the bullpen. "As you all know, there is a weeklong Pokemon convention at the Javitts Center. This means that every Pokemon perp---kidnappers, scam artists, whatever---is descending on the city along with the law-abiding enthusiasts. So if you have any plans, cancel them---we're going to be in for some long days! And everything is to be done by the book---do I make my self clear?!"
"Yes, sir!" chorused the detectives, including a privately self-conscious Elliot Stabler.1
The Jacob Javitts Center, 9:30AM
Ash, Brock and Misty were among the many people attending the 25th International Pokemon Convention, where there were many demonstrations, displays, and venders. Presently Brock was leafing through some Pokemon breeding books at one booth. Meanwhile, Misty was at a nearby water Pokemon stand, looking over books and CD's. And Ash, Pikachu on his shoulder, stood in the middle of the aisle wishing he had not skipped breakfast.
"Hey, guys," he said eventually, "I just heard someone say that a noodle shop just opened on the lower level."
"I knew you were going to do this, Ash!" Brock laughed, purchasing a breeder's guide. "Why didn't you just grab something along the way, like me and Misty?"
"I wanted us to get here before they stopped letting people inside for safety reasons," the preteen replied. "C'mon, I'll bet those two bagels didn't go around twice, and besides, it'll be on me!"
"Well, it will give me a chance to start on this book," Brock conceded.
"But let's make it quick; I want to go to that new mini-Pokemart on the upper level!" Misty exclaimed.
Minutes later, as they ate their bowels of noodles and broth, with Brock reading all the while, Misty asked: "Is there anything in there about Piplups?"
"Well, just what we know already: they're a water type that's not easily found. If you're lucky to get two for breeding, you're ahead of the game!"
After finishing their food, the young people went to the mini-Pokemart. While Brock and Ash browsed in one direction, Misty spied a Piplup doll in another section and immediately purchased it. Joyously, she hugged her acquisition as she went in search for her friends.
"Oh, you're so realistic, soft and plushy," she squealed, "I wish you were a real Piplup!"
"Ahem!"
"What? Who?" Misty looked around and saw a man in a corner. He was tall and sported a trench coat and a fedora. When he beckoned her to come closer, she did cautiously, for his turned-up collar and tilted hat obscured most of his face.
"If you wanna Piplup," he said quietly, "I can getcha one."
Misty's eyes popped. "Really?! How?!"
"Well, if you got a Psyduck for swappin'---"
"No thank you!" Misty immediately turned away.
"But there's also another means!"
Now he had her attention again.
"If you catch me a Finneon or Lumineon from the East River and meet me back here in 24 hours for the swap, you'll get your Piplup. But this has to be our secret---I don't want any hoopla!" The stranger cautiously moved his eyeballs back and forth.
Misty was interested, but she was also a little skeptical. "Do you really think I can catch one in the East River?"
"One of New York's dirty secrets is that there's rare Pokemon in its waterways. But they don't wanna share 'em, so they have strict fishing restrictions. But if you sneak down to the East River at night, on the Manhatten side---midnight's the best time---no one's gonna pay much attention. You just gotta get the Pokemon in a ball before the cops see ya."
Misty stood in nervous indecision, sweating slightly. I---I guess I could give the boys some excuse for me to head back to the hotel and then buy a fishing rod and hide it in my hotel room until after they go to bed. But what if I get caught---I don't want to go to jail! But…I can always tell the police I'm trying to catch fish and the Piplup just happen to take the bait---and that's only if they catch me!
"All right, you have a deal," the girl stated unequivocally. "I'll see you tomorrow same time, same place…"
"Hey, Misty, check out these new Poke Balls!" Ash called from elsewhere in the store.
"Excuse me!" She hurried to join her friends and did not notice the stranger's lurching exit from the store and eventually the Javitts Center.
Meanwhile, at the 1-6…
"Aaahh, it's Number Two! Let me at her! Let me at her!" The furious elderly woman beat the one-way glass with her cane, causing the female in question to cringe behind Number Three.
"Easy, Mrs. Hutchinson, easy!" Fin gently but firm restrained her. "You did good; now it's time join your son and your Lumineon outside."
As the two exited and the lineup room cleared, Kim turned to John. "That's the third case of attempted Pokemon theft, and the morning's just started! Is it always like this?"
"Only when there's a special event in town," he replied casually.
As they turned to leave, she asked, "Are there any 'usual suspects' to be on the lookout for? I'd like to throw the book at as many repeat offenders as I can."
"Team Rocket might make an appearance," he answered, holding the door open for her. "Some months ago we had that trio for grand theft Pokemon and other charges, but they walked on a Miranda technicality---confession was tossed."
Kim halted, frowning. "What happened?! Who was involved?!"
"Hey, John," Elliot began as he approached with a folder.
1 In "The Pokemon Conspiracy," Stabler's unconstitutional actions cost the squad a case against Team Rocket.