Chapter 7-- Goodbye
The crew got up early and loaded into a bus and made a
short drive to the airport in Beautiful Spartan City.
This was the day the expedition would finally leave.
All the preparations were complete, the physical's were OK'd, equipment and
supplies were fully stocked.
Gary made final check with central command, based in Pallet at his late
grandfather's house. There, 12 of Gary's colleuges would provide round the
clock support.
They would also record and send any information they needed, recieve any new
Pokemon the Expedition caught and also send out mail and supplies.
Gary would have sattilite acess to them at all times. He got on the video
phone and contacted Oswald, his lead tech.
The screen buzzed and a small guy with bottle bottoms for glasses appeared.
"Hey Gary! Are you all set?" He asked enthusiastically .
"Yup, Hercules leaves within the hour. Are things set there?"
Billy, the other scientist, body checked Oswald out of the chair and spoke to
Gary. "Yup everything's a green light here!" he said
"How is Optimus?"
"I'm fine Billy..." A computer voice with female distinction said.
That voice belonged to Optimus, the central AI computer that Gary invented.
It was this computer that Gary programmed to run all of his operations, store
data, and would command all of the new Pokedexes Gary made.
It also contained the essence of Gary's long departed wife Alicia. The voice
was her's too...
"We are leaving now. My next transmission will be from the Outer
Territories. Gary Oak out!"
Everyone was out at the Spartan City airport to see the Expedition
off. Reporters, onlookers, and most important, family and friends, assembled
in Hanger 12.
Graydon Saywer checked his bags and Pokeballs and decided he was ready.
He was a cute 17 year old with scruffy looking brown hair and round glasses
that mostly obscured a rather handsome pair of emerald green eyes.
He was also a brilliant inventor, and a thinker. He didn't let the weak use
of his legs, suffered from an early bout with polio, stop him. Even when he
was stuck sick in bed he used his down time to educate himself and tinker
with every kind of machinery he could find.
He was also a great pokemon trainer who believed in using his pokemon in
combo teams to fight. His favroite pokemon, next to his Abra, was his
Hitmonlee, mainly because Hitmonlee also helped rehabilitate his legs.
The only down side to his high intelligence it kinda led him to be almost
cocky and arrogant, a trait he was working on improving.
God knows he was still trying!
Next to him sitting on her duffel bag was Nina, juggling her Pokeballs.
"Hey Graydon? I gotta know. With your disability will you be OK on this
trip?" She asked.
"Oh you mean the crutches?" He waved his hand. "Don't worry about me." He
clicked something on a remote in the handle of his left crutch.
From his belt buckle emerged a flat wire harness that wrapped around his legs.
When they had a hold of him and conformed to the shape of his legs he was
able to stand up straight and walk around normally.
"Wow!" Nina breathed, dropping her pokeballs. Her Pikachu popped out and
jumped at the sight of Graydon's feet and legs, wrapped up in the metal
contraption. It squeaked; "Pika-pi!" and ran up Nina's back to cower on her
left shoudler.
Graydon walked around a bit, looking a little smug.
"I invented these two years ago. Only bad part is I can't be in them for more
than five hours, after that my legs begin to cramp."
Briss's dad was wiping her face clean with a cloth drenched in his
spit. He was a tough burly man, a one time Pro wrestler. He gave it all up to
be a full-time housedad when Briss's mom passed away. Briss had only been six
at the time... too young to really understand.
"You'll be careful right?" He asked still wiping at her nose, as if trying
to remove the sprinkle of freckles there.
"Yeah Pop I'll be fine." She said, pushing him away. "I got my friend Mr.Bat,
see?" She said holding up her wooden bat. Briss's dad beamed.
"My little girl, speak loud and carry a big stick. And use it too!"
She looked at him lovingly. "You gonna be OK Pop?"
He cleared his throat and looked down and shuffled his feet.
"Uh Yeah. Yeah, I got Raylene to help me cook and and there's the guy's at
the Gym to keep me company....I'm good." He said meekly.
"I'll make you proud Pop. I love you. "
She made sure to keep holding him until she had wiped all of her tears away.
Jett Masters popped his spine, he had been waiting for this moment
for a long time. He hopped up and down in place to contain his excitement.
As he did an airport flight attendant came up to him,
"Hey are you Jett Masters?" The young man inquired in a nasal voice, pushing
a pair of bangaged glasses up on his nose.
Jett answered "Yup that's me." The teenaged boy gave him a small package
"Here this is for you."
Jett saw him leave and then opened his package. It was a hololetter from his
parents in Neon town. He knew they couldn't be here cause of his mom's health
so he had said his good-bye's early. He clicked on the message.
It was his mom, dad, and older brother Tom, who was in the air corps.
His mom spoke first.
"Jett! we are so proud you made it! I'm glad you got this message in time
before you left. We just wanted to tell you how proud we are of you. This
trip will help you become the best Pokemon doctor you can be! Good luck and
be careful, and don't forget to write."
The message ended, "Guys....." He grinned as he sat on his duffle bag.
At his foot sat his Evee "Uweeee weeeee!" It sang.
He looked at her. "I know it girl! it dosen't get any better than this!"
CLUNK! He felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck as a small red headed
girl fell over backwards and slumped over with a huge lump on her head
"Ooooooooo....Ah! Sorry!" Nina whimpered.
He stood up and picked her up.
"I'm sorry are you ok?" Nina looked up to see the handsome Jett looking at
her. She completely lost touch with reality.
'Wow! What a cute guy! He looks like Brendan Fraser!' She thought till she
finally spoke
"Umm ..Yeah I'm fine!" Nina paused, she was nervous now "S-s-s-sorry. I was
looking to see if my boyfriend had arrived and I guess I must have lost my
balance while standing on my bag."
He blinked "Oh I'm sorry he's not here."
Nina sulked. "Yeah he'd promised he'd be here!"
He extended his hand "I'm Jett Masters."
She returned the handshake "I'm Nina Ketchum."
Jett grinned. "Hey, if you like I can act like your boyfriend and you can say
good-bye to me!" He suggested.
She laughed at his silliness "Well that would be kind of dumb dontcha think?
I mean, you're coming with me!"
He smiled and rubbed his head "Hey I didn't say it was perfect plan."
"Nina!" A voice called from behind.
"Brian?" Nina shouted as she pun around to see not Brian but her parents.
Ash and Misty Ketchum.
"Hey pumpkin!" Ash smiled.
"Mummy! Papa!" She yelled as she hugged them both
"Nina." Misty cooed.
Then with no provocation, Jett muzzled in and gave Misty and Ash each a warm
hug. "I'll miss you!" he exclaimed.
"Uhh do we know you?" Ash asked sweatdropping as Jett clutched him around
the chest.
"Nah, I just like hugs!" Jett smiled.
"Um...Mum, Pop, this is my friend who's also coming with me on the Expedition
His name is Jett." Nina said sheepishly
Judging by their blank expressions Jett could plainly see he had blown his
first impression.
"Yeah, Well...Um...I think I'll just go over there now..." He skittered off.
"Brian's not here yet and it's almost time to go!" Nina lamented.
Misty comforted her daughter.
"Sweetie! He might not have been able to make it."
Nina shot back "But he promised! He's always doing things like this!"
Ash rubbed her back.
"Hey, Nina forget about him for now, this is your last chance to say good bye
to us before you leave."
Nina wiped her face and nodded "I-I'll be ok , I'm with Ruka and Ryer."
"Nina, be careful of those two, they're Rockets." Ash warned.
"But dad, they're my friends!" Nina moaned.
"She's right Ash, Ruka and Ryer aren't like their parents were and besides
Jesse and James have changed alot too." Misty said.
Ash could see he was beat.
"I guess your right..." He sheepishly grinned.
From the first time she held them both in her arms when they were
infants to the day she saw them off to kindergarden, Jesse knew this day
would come. But for as long as they called her Mom, Ruka and Ryer would
always be her babies.
"This will be the first time you will have been away from us for more that a
week." Jesse sniffed as she held her only son, Ryer. "Be careful and watch
over your sister."
Ryer smiled "I won't let her out of my sight Mom!"
Few girls could ever say they had a father who actually ENJOYED
dressing up with them when they were little, but Ruka had been an extremely
lucky child. James had always been around the play the snooty Duchess of York
when Ruka was in mood to have a royal tea party. James hugged his daughter.
"Promise we'll have a tea party when you get home." He sniffed. "Be careful,
have fun and take care of your brother."
Ruka smiled. "Don't worry Dad. Ryer's clueless without me."
The four rockets then entered a group hug and began crying.
After the tears had ended Jesse adressed her children.
"Kids, your father and I want you to know how very proud we are of you both.
How two scoundrels like us could ever have two wonderful kids like you is
beyond us!"
"Well I think Ryer's pretty great at least." A voice interrupted from behind
Jesse.
Ryer ran past his mother and picked Katie up in a hug.
"I thought you weren't coming!" he cried.
"Kimmi's sick. Not me." she replied, hugging him.
"Hey, guys?" Ryer asked, looking up at his parents and sister. "Could we..?"
He gestured for them to leave him alone with Katie.
"I need a boyfriend." Ruka grumbled. "He's the same age as me and he has a
date to all the dances. How come I don't have a boyfriend...." She went on
as Jesse and James led her to the snack bar while Katie and Ryer said
goodbye.
"I'm going to miss you too much." Katie sniffed, clutching Ryer
against her.
"I promise to write you a letter every day. I'm bringing my laptop. We'll
e-mail back and forth." Ryer replied. He pulled his hands up to her face,
cupping her cheeks in his palms. "It'll be fine. You'll see."
The two of them were kissing, rather heavily, when James and Jesse returned
with Ruka.
Ryer broke from the kiss hearing his twin clapping and cheering.
"Wonderful romantic movie Ry! Break it up and move on to the next scene!"
"Ruka!" Jesse scolded. "Why don't you go find Nina. I heard her wailing a
bit ago that Brain hadn't showed up."
"That's okay." Ryer sighed. "We're just about through. Just give me another
minute."
Jesse and James pulled Ruka away again.
"She used to think we were cute." Katie grumbled.
Ryer placed his finger on her lips. "Yeah."
Kissing her one more time he whispered something in her ear. Then picked up
his bag as the announcment rung over the speakers.
"Flight nine-ten-five to the Outer Terrritories - Now Boarding!"
As Ryer headed up the ramp Kitty came up to her sister.
"Katie?" she asked, waving her hand in her face. "Hellooo?"
Katie simply mumbled. "He said he loved me...."
With good byes said it was time to board the Hercules.
The Hercules was a very very large C-130 Air Cargo Plane.
The teens gazed in awe at the massiveness of the vehicle as they left the
hanger and boarded her interior.
"Whoa! This thing is huge!" Ruka hollered as she heard her voice echo inside
the plane.
Gary called to his troops. "OK the equipment is already loaded, I need all of
you to carry your bags and find a seat on board!" He shouted over the
background noise.
As they made their way through the plane they passed a very large RV Van that
looked like it was outfitted with some major scientific hardware.
It was the size of two RV's actually and was mounted on very large tires, the
other two vehicles were hummers with motorcycles strapped to them. They were
also fitted with computer equipment.
"What's that?" Nina asked Gary about the RV.
"That's HQ, that will be our main base of operations and home for the next 6
months. Some people will sleep in HQ and others will sleep outside in tents,
we'll alternate who gets to do what, there's also working showers in HQ."
"Showers! Yes!" Ruka cheered. "Awright!"
As everyone piled into the plane the rear was brought up by Kal and Kia.
"Nervous?" Kal asked.
"A litle, this is my first time up on a plane." Kia said with a little tremor
in her voice.
Kal smiled "This is nothing, you should try hyperspace travel."
Before Kia could ask he was called away by Kenny.
"Go find us a seat I'll be there shortly!" He instructed.
Kia made her way up to the front where the other teens were and found a set
of empty seats. She sulked in one of them.
She watched the other teens all lollygagging around and laughing. The sun was
bright and the day was beautiful, but seeing the others say goodbye to their
loved ones kinda made her a little sad.
Kia had no one to say goodbye to.
She only gazed out the window into a blank stare until she heard a voice.
"Hi!"
She turned and saw Ruka smiling over her. The blue haired rocket girl slid
into the seat next to Kia.
"I noticed you just joined on." she smiled. "I'm Ruka Rocket. You wanna be
friends?"
Kia smiled and nodded. "Uh...Sure! I'm Kia."
Ruka waited for a last name.
"Kia...." she prompted.
Kia looked down.
"I don't know. I was left at an orphanage when I was hours old with only the
name Kia. The nuns say I can choose a last name when I turn 18, a year and a
half from now."
"Ah..." Ruka said as she pulled some coloured rods from her purse.
"Pixie sticks?" She offered.
Kia's mouth watered as she took a couple and sucked them down with a giggle.
Chapter Eight- Hello Outer Territories.
Spence Walken looked over at the backside of his co-pilot.
Laurie "Swoop" Buchanan. It wasn't that hard, being as cramped as the
cockpit of Hercules was.
"Hey Swoop did you find it yet?" He asked.
"Ugh! Still... looking!" She hollered from underneath the control panel.
"Ah ha!" She yelled and tied the two wires together. "Ok! Fire her up!!"
Walken pushed the buttons and soon the engines of the C-130 came to life and
propellers began to spin.
Swoop sat upright.
"It's...it's...IT'S ALIVE! WHAHAHAHAHAHA!" She laughed maniacly.
Swoop had been Walken's co-pilot since thier days as cadets aboard the sea
class carrier Nostromo.
They and their squadron were once called upon to do a bombing raid against
some Tentacools and Tentecruels that went haywire off the coast of Porta
Vista, apparently this was their second attack and then Goverment would take
a stand.
And thanks to 45th Balck Sheep Squadron it was their last. But viewing the
carnage from the sky both Walken and Swoop felt it was wrong, and that night
over a bottle of Spirits the two made a pact to watch over each others backs
and question and challange authority whenever possible.
Which is probably why they found themselves carting around kids and Pokemon
scientists on a camping trips......
Walken spoke over the P.A.
"This is your pilot speaking. We'll be leaving shortly. Stay in your seats.
There is no stewardess. No peanuts. No trays. Nothing! Do not come up to
cockpit for we have no pilot wings to give you. That is all. Have a nice
flight!"
Ryer pulled a small bag out of his backpack. "Well. It's a good thing
I brought my own peaunuts then." he huffed.
Swoop eyed her co-pilot.
"You sure have a way with words." she said.
He sat back and sniffed "Yeah. You've just got to show them who's boss."
The back doors shut and the plane began to roll down the runway.
It gained speed by each foot going faster and faster until...at last liftoff.
Liftoff toward a grand and glorious adventure to the Outer Territories!
Part 9-- Just what are the Outer Territiories?
Hello! This is Mr. Author here!
While our heroes are sleeping on their flight I'd thought I'd take this
opportunity to explain just what the Outer Territorries are.
It's about a 15 hour flight to the Outer Territories (OT) from
Spartan City so that should give me plenty of time to explain them.
The OT is roughly half the size of Australia and lies just below the
equator. 50 years ago due to an earthquake the OT rose out of the ocean.
Most of it was undiscovered country with few colonies from diffrent countries
established there.
Satlellite and some witness accounts have reported sightings of new species
of Pokemon. There have also been some reports of natives in hidden reigons
of the contienent.
It wasn't until just about 5 months ago that scientist were allowed to
explore the region, the reason being that there were five countries who have
colonies there.
Four colonies gave permission to explore the OT. All except the Kingdom of
Annakerunda. King Gulag opposed the exploration of his terriroty and would
not allow it.
Then he passed away and his son Prince Borsch acended to the throne.
Unlike his father King Borsch loved Pokemon and finally allowed the
expedition to pass.
The OT are also known for having every major climate known to man,
making this an ecological enigma. A pact was made to allow only a few
colonies to establish as to preserve the environment.
The contenint is mainly used for scientific research.
Dr.Gary Oak's mission is to find and record new species of Pokemon and train
a brand new bunch of recruits to be top notch trainers at the same time.
However he will also be battling his own inner demons.
What will he find?
Only time will tell....
So that's the Outer Territories for you. Enjoy the rest of the flight.
I hope you brought your own peaunuts.....
Chapter Ten - Getting To Know You Part One
A few hours after sunrise and the C-130 made it's way to
the Outer Territory shores.
The plane landed safely and the crew was allowed to eat bathe and call home.
It was time to go.
Gary thought he would start out by going west toward the greenlands.
As everyone boarded the RV, Kia and Ruka walked side by side.
"This is amazing! "Kia said.
"Why?" Ruka asked.
"We've just landed, this place is beautiful! And nothing bad has happened to
me since...."
KWOOONGG!
Kia trailed off as the door to the RV swung open and smacked her in the
forehead.
"Uh oh...."Ruka said "Spoke too soon, huh?...MEDIC!" She yelled.
The convoy began with Kenny up front in the hummer and Gary and the rest in
HQ Behind. Dr. Trudie drove while Gary adresseed the teens.
Meanwhile Kia was in the back getting stiched up by Dr. Joy.
"You need to be more careful, those doors will just jump out at you!"
Joy said as she tied off the last stich to Kia's forehead.
"OW! I will.."
She was done.
"OK. Finished. Go join the others and see me in four days and I'll take them
out for you."
"Take a seat Kia!" Gary said as he continued the meeting."For this
Expedition, you all will be given new Pokedexes."
Everyone excitedly whispered as Gary opened up a large metal box and passed
out the silvery Pokedexes by name.
"These Pokedexes are encrypted with your DNA so only you and will be able to
use them."
He took out two other components attached to it. "They also come with a
wristwatch with a small transmitter and a headset transmitter too. The
wristwatch is a smaller version of the Pokedex and the headset unfolds an
eyepiece that measures up the strength and weakness and ability of opposing
Pokemon."
He put up his Pokedex.
"Ok that will end instruction for today. Remember, this is no vacation. I
expect full reports from you on your findings."
Nina spoke first.
"Hey! Hold up! That's it? There's nothing you need to tell us on how to work
these Pokedexes?"
Gary smiled and thought. 'Nina Ketchum. She has her mother's fire and her
father's cluelessness...'
He stood up. "I won't have to tell you, they will." he entered a command in
the computer panel behind him and all of the Pokedexes came to life and
started talking to their masters!
"Hey! What's Up?"
"Ello!"
"Yo! How's it going?"
"Hello."
"Kannichiwa! Watishiwa Kia's Pokedex Desu!" Kia just about screamed.
"Ohio! I said that wrong didn't I? Doh!"
"Hellooo nurse!" Joy instanly complained. "Hey, I'm a Doctor!"
"Vreep! Bweep! Bweep! Vreeep!" Kal laughed. "It sounds like an Artoo unit!"
"A what?" Kia asked.
"Nevermind."
"They can talk!" Ryer shouted.
Gary explained. "They are outfitted with artificial intelligence. They will
talk with you and teach you how to use them. Now they do have a personality
and their feelings can get hurt, so go easy on them. Take the next couple of
hours to get used to them. After that get ready to explore! Dismissed!"
"Oh." Kia looked at her Pokedex, puzzled. "Okay, Um, How come mine speaks
Japanese?"
But everyone was wrapped up in their own Pokedexes, ignoring her.
So she tried the only complete sentence she knew in Japanese.
"Nihongo wa (amari) hanase masen. Eego ga dekimas(u) ka?"
It meant: I don't know (much) Japanese. Do you speak English?
"Yeeeesss." Her Pokedex replied. "Of course I speak English! Why would
Dr. Oak give a Japanese pokedex to an English speaking kid like you?!"
"You make a point. What did you say to me before, when I turned you on?"
"Good day. I am Kia's pokedex."
"Cool! Can you 'read' Japanese?"
"I can read anything! I am fluent in over six million forms of comunication
and can readily...."
"You sound like someone I know." Kal interrupted. "What's your code number?"
"I am called C-DPO."
Kal shrugged. "Ah, close enough!"
Chapter Eleven --- Getting To Know You--Part 2
A few hours later Gary finally stopped in the first of
two jungle areas of the Outer Territories. The Head Quarters stopped and they
all filed out.
Gary divided the group into two teams. One group consisted of Kia, Nina,
Graydon and Jett led by Kal. Poke-team Alpha.
And Poke-team Bata that consisted of Ruka and Ryer, Briss, Dr.Trudie and was
led by Gary.
They were all dressed in donated millitary fatuiges.
Gary repeated his rules.
Remember now, do not stray from your team, keep in radio contact at all times
and if something goes wrong or someone gets lost call HQ immediately.
Enjoy the beautiful day remember you are the best!"
With that they started.
While everyone was off Kenny was left behind to finish up some final
security checks on HQ.
Kenny was called on by Gary after his tenure at the Veridian City Prision
Facility. Gary had been friends with Kenny's Mom. The officer Jenny of
Cerulean City.
Kenny was the black sheep of his entire family. First reason he was born a
guy, a first for the Jenny clan.
He wasn't shunned or anything, he just wasn't expected to succeed as well as
his cousins.
This ticked off his mother. So she made it her life's work to raise him to be
the toughest S.O.B. he could be. And she did.
Kenny was known for taking a beating and coming back for more, But he also
wasn't too bright, which he made up for in hard work and loyalty. And as
tough as he was Kenny knew he was bested.
He finished his checks and found his way to the infirmary where Joy
was setting up her work space.
"How's it going Joy?" he asked as he slumped down in a comfy chair.
"Hey Kenny. I'm fine. How are you?" She sang as she set up some pictures.
"How's security going?"
Kenny smiled and took off his cap to reveal his shaved head.
"Well you know it's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it. You have to be
careful in my line of work."
Joy smiled as she listened, urging him to continue.
"One moment your safe, next moment your in danger. It's my duty to make sure
everyone in this expedition stays safe and sound! Like my Mom used to tell me
when I was little. She said, "Kenny, you have to always do your best and show
em how tough you are!"
As Kenny talked Joy's pictures caught his eye.
One was of Joy in a millitary officers uniform. He reconized the rank to be
that of a captain. The next photo was her in green army fatuiges with 7
other men and women standing in front of a sign that read: 654th SPECIAL
FORCES.
The next was her standing with the president of the united states receiving a
medal of honor. Then next to it was of Joy in a flowing white wedding gown
arm in arm with a handsome military man. The final one was of a newspaper
clipping. It was written in a foreign language. It was of Joy bound and
gagged her eyes taped over with duct tape. She was tied up by the neck and
a baretta was pointed to her forhead. He also saw a frame that held her
medals and ribbons. Kenny reconized several awards.
Medal of Valor, Special Forces Crest, Army Cross, Navy Cross, Overseas
Ribbon, Air Ribbon, P.O.W. Medal, and finally the Medal of Honor.
He paused. "You were in special forces?"
"Yup I was assigned to the special forces unit to be the assistant medical
officer. I served in Mulane and the Pan Mujan conflict."
"Oh ..." Kenny said meekly, knowing he was way outclassed.
Joy continued. "I joined the army to earn my medical degree so I could be a
doctor, not a nurse like my other family members were. But I ended up doing
much more!"
Kenny realised he had nothing to brag to Joy.
He could not believe that this gentle being was perhaps the most decorated
person he had ever met.
He got up. "Well, I guess I'd better get back to work now."
With that he left quickly.
"Hmm, I wonder what's up with him?" Joy muttered.
Then she took the oppertunity to change her shirt. What Kenny missed and what
probably would have floored him was the small tattoo on Joy's left shoulder
blade. It was of a metal rose with a knife through it. Beneath the picture it
read: SPECIAL FORCES - STEEL ROSE.
The crew got up early and loaded into a bus and made a
short drive to the airport in Beautiful Spartan City.
This was the day the expedition would finally leave.
All the preparations were complete, the physical's were OK'd, equipment and
supplies were fully stocked.
Gary made final check with central command, based in Pallet at his late
grandfather's house. There, 12 of Gary's colleuges would provide round the
clock support.
They would also record and send any information they needed, recieve any new
Pokemon the Expedition caught and also send out mail and supplies.
Gary would have sattilite acess to them at all times. He got on the video
phone and contacted Oswald, his lead tech.
The screen buzzed and a small guy with bottle bottoms for glasses appeared.
"Hey Gary! Are you all set?" He asked enthusiastically .
"Yup, Hercules leaves within the hour. Are things set there?"
Billy, the other scientist, body checked Oswald out of the chair and spoke to
Gary. "Yup everything's a green light here!" he said
"How is Optimus?"
"I'm fine Billy..." A computer voice with female distinction said.
That voice belonged to Optimus, the central AI computer that Gary invented.
It was this computer that Gary programmed to run all of his operations, store
data, and would command all of the new Pokedexes Gary made.
It also contained the essence of Gary's long departed wife Alicia. The voice
was her's too...
"We are leaving now. My next transmission will be from the Outer
Territories. Gary Oak out!"
Everyone was out at the Spartan City airport to see the Expedition
off. Reporters, onlookers, and most important, family and friends, assembled
in Hanger 12.
Graydon Saywer checked his bags and Pokeballs and decided he was ready.
He was a cute 17 year old with scruffy looking brown hair and round glasses
that mostly obscured a rather handsome pair of emerald green eyes.
He was also a brilliant inventor, and a thinker. He didn't let the weak use
of his legs, suffered from an early bout with polio, stop him. Even when he
was stuck sick in bed he used his down time to educate himself and tinker
with every kind of machinery he could find.
He was also a great pokemon trainer who believed in using his pokemon in
combo teams to fight. His favroite pokemon, next to his Abra, was his
Hitmonlee, mainly because Hitmonlee also helped rehabilitate his legs.
The only down side to his high intelligence it kinda led him to be almost
cocky and arrogant, a trait he was working on improving.
God knows he was still trying!
Next to him sitting on her duffel bag was Nina, juggling her Pokeballs.
"Hey Graydon? I gotta know. With your disability will you be OK on this
trip?" She asked.
"Oh you mean the crutches?" He waved his hand. "Don't worry about me." He
clicked something on a remote in the handle of his left crutch.
From his belt buckle emerged a flat wire harness that wrapped around his legs.
When they had a hold of him and conformed to the shape of his legs he was
able to stand up straight and walk around normally.
"Wow!" Nina breathed, dropping her pokeballs. Her Pikachu popped out and
jumped at the sight of Graydon's feet and legs, wrapped up in the metal
contraption. It squeaked; "Pika-pi!" and ran up Nina's back to cower on her
left shoudler.
Graydon walked around a bit, looking a little smug.
"I invented these two years ago. Only bad part is I can't be in them for more
than five hours, after that my legs begin to cramp."
Briss's dad was wiping her face clean with a cloth drenched in his
spit. He was a tough burly man, a one time Pro wrestler. He gave it all up to
be a full-time housedad when Briss's mom passed away. Briss had only been six
at the time... too young to really understand.
"You'll be careful right?" He asked still wiping at her nose, as if trying
to remove the sprinkle of freckles there.
"Yeah Pop I'll be fine." She said, pushing him away. "I got my friend Mr.Bat,
see?" She said holding up her wooden bat. Briss's dad beamed.
"My little girl, speak loud and carry a big stick. And use it too!"
She looked at him lovingly. "You gonna be OK Pop?"
He cleared his throat and looked down and shuffled his feet.
"Uh Yeah. Yeah, I got Raylene to help me cook and and there's the guy's at
the Gym to keep me company....I'm good." He said meekly.
"I'll make you proud Pop. I love you. "
She made sure to keep holding him until she had wiped all of her tears away.
Jett Masters popped his spine, he had been waiting for this moment
for a long time. He hopped up and down in place to contain his excitement.
As he did an airport flight attendant came up to him,
"Hey are you Jett Masters?" The young man inquired in a nasal voice, pushing
a pair of bangaged glasses up on his nose.
Jett answered "Yup that's me." The teenaged boy gave him a small package
"Here this is for you."
Jett saw him leave and then opened his package. It was a hololetter from his
parents in Neon town. He knew they couldn't be here cause of his mom's health
so he had said his good-bye's early. He clicked on the message.
It was his mom, dad, and older brother Tom, who was in the air corps.
His mom spoke first.
"Jett! we are so proud you made it! I'm glad you got this message in time
before you left. We just wanted to tell you how proud we are of you. This
trip will help you become the best Pokemon doctor you can be! Good luck and
be careful, and don't forget to write."
The message ended, "Guys....." He grinned as he sat on his duffle bag.
At his foot sat his Evee "Uweeee weeeee!" It sang.
He looked at her. "I know it girl! it dosen't get any better than this!"
CLUNK! He felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck as a small red headed
girl fell over backwards and slumped over with a huge lump on her head
"Ooooooooo....Ah! Sorry!" Nina whimpered.
He stood up and picked her up.
"I'm sorry are you ok?" Nina looked up to see the handsome Jett looking at
her. She completely lost touch with reality.
'Wow! What a cute guy! He looks like Brendan Fraser!' She thought till she
finally spoke
"Umm ..Yeah I'm fine!" Nina paused, she was nervous now "S-s-s-sorry. I was
looking to see if my boyfriend had arrived and I guess I must have lost my
balance while standing on my bag."
He blinked "Oh I'm sorry he's not here."
Nina sulked. "Yeah he'd promised he'd be here!"
He extended his hand "I'm Jett Masters."
She returned the handshake "I'm Nina Ketchum."
Jett grinned. "Hey, if you like I can act like your boyfriend and you can say
good-bye to me!" He suggested.
She laughed at his silliness "Well that would be kind of dumb dontcha think?
I mean, you're coming with me!"
He smiled and rubbed his head "Hey I didn't say it was perfect plan."
"Nina!" A voice called from behind.
"Brian?" Nina shouted as she pun around to see not Brian but her parents.
Ash and Misty Ketchum.
"Hey pumpkin!" Ash smiled.
"Mummy! Papa!" She yelled as she hugged them both
"Nina." Misty cooed.
Then with no provocation, Jett muzzled in and gave Misty and Ash each a warm
hug. "I'll miss you!" he exclaimed.
"Uhh do we know you?" Ash asked sweatdropping as Jett clutched him around
the chest.
"Nah, I just like hugs!" Jett smiled.
"Um...Mum, Pop, this is my friend who's also coming with me on the Expedition
His name is Jett." Nina said sheepishly
Judging by their blank expressions Jett could plainly see he had blown his
first impression.
"Yeah, Well...Um...I think I'll just go over there now..." He skittered off.
"Brian's not here yet and it's almost time to go!" Nina lamented.
Misty comforted her daughter.
"Sweetie! He might not have been able to make it."
Nina shot back "But he promised! He's always doing things like this!"
Ash rubbed her back.
"Hey, Nina forget about him for now, this is your last chance to say good bye
to us before you leave."
Nina wiped her face and nodded "I-I'll be ok , I'm with Ruka and Ryer."
"Nina, be careful of those two, they're Rockets." Ash warned.
"But dad, they're my friends!" Nina moaned.
"She's right Ash, Ruka and Ryer aren't like their parents were and besides
Jesse and James have changed alot too." Misty said.
Ash could see he was beat.
"I guess your right..." He sheepishly grinned.
From the first time she held them both in her arms when they were
infants to the day she saw them off to kindergarden, Jesse knew this day
would come. But for as long as they called her Mom, Ruka and Ryer would
always be her babies.
"This will be the first time you will have been away from us for more that a
week." Jesse sniffed as she held her only son, Ryer. "Be careful and watch
over your sister."
Ryer smiled "I won't let her out of my sight Mom!"
Few girls could ever say they had a father who actually ENJOYED
dressing up with them when they were little, but Ruka had been an extremely
lucky child. James had always been around the play the snooty Duchess of York
when Ruka was in mood to have a royal tea party. James hugged his daughter.
"Promise we'll have a tea party when you get home." He sniffed. "Be careful,
have fun and take care of your brother."
Ruka smiled. "Don't worry Dad. Ryer's clueless without me."
The four rockets then entered a group hug and began crying.
After the tears had ended Jesse adressed her children.
"Kids, your father and I want you to know how very proud we are of you both.
How two scoundrels like us could ever have two wonderful kids like you is
beyond us!"
"Well I think Ryer's pretty great at least." A voice interrupted from behind
Jesse.
Ryer ran past his mother and picked Katie up in a hug.
"I thought you weren't coming!" he cried.
"Kimmi's sick. Not me." she replied, hugging him.
"Hey, guys?" Ryer asked, looking up at his parents and sister. "Could we..?"
He gestured for them to leave him alone with Katie.
"I need a boyfriend." Ruka grumbled. "He's the same age as me and he has a
date to all the dances. How come I don't have a boyfriend...." She went on
as Jesse and James led her to the snack bar while Katie and Ryer said
goodbye.
"I'm going to miss you too much." Katie sniffed, clutching Ryer
against her.
"I promise to write you a letter every day. I'm bringing my laptop. We'll
e-mail back and forth." Ryer replied. He pulled his hands up to her face,
cupping her cheeks in his palms. "It'll be fine. You'll see."
The two of them were kissing, rather heavily, when James and Jesse returned
with Ruka.
Ryer broke from the kiss hearing his twin clapping and cheering.
"Wonderful romantic movie Ry! Break it up and move on to the next scene!"
"Ruka!" Jesse scolded. "Why don't you go find Nina. I heard her wailing a
bit ago that Brain hadn't showed up."
"That's okay." Ryer sighed. "We're just about through. Just give me another
minute."
Jesse and James pulled Ruka away again.
"She used to think we were cute." Katie grumbled.
Ryer placed his finger on her lips. "Yeah."
Kissing her one more time he whispered something in her ear. Then picked up
his bag as the announcment rung over the speakers.
"Flight nine-ten-five to the Outer Terrritories - Now Boarding!"
As Ryer headed up the ramp Kitty came up to her sister.
"Katie?" she asked, waving her hand in her face. "Hellooo?"
Katie simply mumbled. "He said he loved me...."
With good byes said it was time to board the Hercules.
The Hercules was a very very large C-130 Air Cargo Plane.
The teens gazed in awe at the massiveness of the vehicle as they left the
hanger and boarded her interior.
"Whoa! This thing is huge!" Ruka hollered as she heard her voice echo inside
the plane.
Gary called to his troops. "OK the equipment is already loaded, I need all of
you to carry your bags and find a seat on board!" He shouted over the
background noise.
As they made their way through the plane they passed a very large RV Van that
looked like it was outfitted with some major scientific hardware.
It was the size of two RV's actually and was mounted on very large tires, the
other two vehicles were hummers with motorcycles strapped to them. They were
also fitted with computer equipment.
"What's that?" Nina asked Gary about the RV.
"That's HQ, that will be our main base of operations and home for the next 6
months. Some people will sleep in HQ and others will sleep outside in tents,
we'll alternate who gets to do what, there's also working showers in HQ."
"Showers! Yes!" Ruka cheered. "Awright!"
As everyone piled into the plane the rear was brought up by Kal and Kia.
"Nervous?" Kal asked.
"A litle, this is my first time up on a plane." Kia said with a little tremor
in her voice.
Kal smiled "This is nothing, you should try hyperspace travel."
Before Kia could ask he was called away by Kenny.
"Go find us a seat I'll be there shortly!" He instructed.
Kia made her way up to the front where the other teens were and found a set
of empty seats. She sulked in one of them.
She watched the other teens all lollygagging around and laughing. The sun was
bright and the day was beautiful, but seeing the others say goodbye to their
loved ones kinda made her a little sad.
Kia had no one to say goodbye to.
She only gazed out the window into a blank stare until she heard a voice.
"Hi!"
She turned and saw Ruka smiling over her. The blue haired rocket girl slid
into the seat next to Kia.
"I noticed you just joined on." she smiled. "I'm Ruka Rocket. You wanna be
friends?"
Kia smiled and nodded. "Uh...Sure! I'm Kia."
Ruka waited for a last name.
"Kia...." she prompted.
Kia looked down.
"I don't know. I was left at an orphanage when I was hours old with only the
name Kia. The nuns say I can choose a last name when I turn 18, a year and a
half from now."
"Ah..." Ruka said as she pulled some coloured rods from her purse.
"Pixie sticks?" She offered.
Kia's mouth watered as she took a couple and sucked them down with a giggle.
Chapter Eight- Hello Outer Territories.
Spence Walken looked over at the backside of his co-pilot.
Laurie "Swoop" Buchanan. It wasn't that hard, being as cramped as the
cockpit of Hercules was.
"Hey Swoop did you find it yet?" He asked.
"Ugh! Still... looking!" She hollered from underneath the control panel.
"Ah ha!" She yelled and tied the two wires together. "Ok! Fire her up!!"
Walken pushed the buttons and soon the engines of the C-130 came to life and
propellers began to spin.
Swoop sat upright.
"It's...it's...IT'S ALIVE! WHAHAHAHAHAHA!" She laughed maniacly.
Swoop had been Walken's co-pilot since thier days as cadets aboard the sea
class carrier Nostromo.
They and their squadron were once called upon to do a bombing raid against
some Tentacools and Tentecruels that went haywire off the coast of Porta
Vista, apparently this was their second attack and then Goverment would take
a stand.
And thanks to 45th Balck Sheep Squadron it was their last. But viewing the
carnage from the sky both Walken and Swoop felt it was wrong, and that night
over a bottle of Spirits the two made a pact to watch over each others backs
and question and challange authority whenever possible.
Which is probably why they found themselves carting around kids and Pokemon
scientists on a camping trips......
Walken spoke over the P.A.
"This is your pilot speaking. We'll be leaving shortly. Stay in your seats.
There is no stewardess. No peanuts. No trays. Nothing! Do not come up to
cockpit for we have no pilot wings to give you. That is all. Have a nice
flight!"
Ryer pulled a small bag out of his backpack. "Well. It's a good thing
I brought my own peaunuts then." he huffed.
Swoop eyed her co-pilot.
"You sure have a way with words." she said.
He sat back and sniffed "Yeah. You've just got to show them who's boss."
The back doors shut and the plane began to roll down the runway.
It gained speed by each foot going faster and faster until...at last liftoff.
Liftoff toward a grand and glorious adventure to the Outer Territories!
Part 9-- Just what are the Outer Territiories?
Hello! This is Mr. Author here!
While our heroes are sleeping on their flight I'd thought I'd take this
opportunity to explain just what the Outer Territorries are.
It's about a 15 hour flight to the Outer Territories (OT) from
Spartan City so that should give me plenty of time to explain them.
The OT is roughly half the size of Australia and lies just below the
equator. 50 years ago due to an earthquake the OT rose out of the ocean.
Most of it was undiscovered country with few colonies from diffrent countries
established there.
Satlellite and some witness accounts have reported sightings of new species
of Pokemon. There have also been some reports of natives in hidden reigons
of the contienent.
It wasn't until just about 5 months ago that scientist were allowed to
explore the region, the reason being that there were five countries who have
colonies there.
Four colonies gave permission to explore the OT. All except the Kingdom of
Annakerunda. King Gulag opposed the exploration of his terriroty and would
not allow it.
Then he passed away and his son Prince Borsch acended to the throne.
Unlike his father King Borsch loved Pokemon and finally allowed the
expedition to pass.
The OT are also known for having every major climate known to man,
making this an ecological enigma. A pact was made to allow only a few
colonies to establish as to preserve the environment.
The contenint is mainly used for scientific research.
Dr.Gary Oak's mission is to find and record new species of Pokemon and train
a brand new bunch of recruits to be top notch trainers at the same time.
However he will also be battling his own inner demons.
What will he find?
Only time will tell....
So that's the Outer Territories for you. Enjoy the rest of the flight.
I hope you brought your own peaunuts.....
Chapter Ten - Getting To Know You Part One
A few hours after sunrise and the C-130 made it's way to
the Outer Territory shores.
The plane landed safely and the crew was allowed to eat bathe and call home.
It was time to go.
Gary thought he would start out by going west toward the greenlands.
As everyone boarded the RV, Kia and Ruka walked side by side.
"This is amazing! "Kia said.
"Why?" Ruka asked.
"We've just landed, this place is beautiful! And nothing bad has happened to
me since...."
KWOOONGG!
Kia trailed off as the door to the RV swung open and smacked her in the
forehead.
"Uh oh...."Ruka said "Spoke too soon, huh?...MEDIC!" She yelled.
The convoy began with Kenny up front in the hummer and Gary and the rest in
HQ Behind. Dr. Trudie drove while Gary adresseed the teens.
Meanwhile Kia was in the back getting stiched up by Dr. Joy.
"You need to be more careful, those doors will just jump out at you!"
Joy said as she tied off the last stich to Kia's forehead.
"OW! I will.."
She was done.
"OK. Finished. Go join the others and see me in four days and I'll take them
out for you."
"Take a seat Kia!" Gary said as he continued the meeting."For this
Expedition, you all will be given new Pokedexes."
Everyone excitedly whispered as Gary opened up a large metal box and passed
out the silvery Pokedexes by name.
"These Pokedexes are encrypted with your DNA so only you and will be able to
use them."
He took out two other components attached to it. "They also come with a
wristwatch with a small transmitter and a headset transmitter too. The
wristwatch is a smaller version of the Pokedex and the headset unfolds an
eyepiece that measures up the strength and weakness and ability of opposing
Pokemon."
He put up his Pokedex.
"Ok that will end instruction for today. Remember, this is no vacation. I
expect full reports from you on your findings."
Nina spoke first.
"Hey! Hold up! That's it? There's nothing you need to tell us on how to work
these Pokedexes?"
Gary smiled and thought. 'Nina Ketchum. She has her mother's fire and her
father's cluelessness...'
He stood up. "I won't have to tell you, they will." he entered a command in
the computer panel behind him and all of the Pokedexes came to life and
started talking to their masters!
"Hey! What's Up?"
"Ello!"
"Yo! How's it going?"
"Hello."
"Kannichiwa! Watishiwa Kia's Pokedex Desu!" Kia just about screamed.
"Ohio! I said that wrong didn't I? Doh!"
"Hellooo nurse!" Joy instanly complained. "Hey, I'm a Doctor!"
"Vreep! Bweep! Bweep! Vreeep!" Kal laughed. "It sounds like an Artoo unit!"
"A what?" Kia asked.
"Nevermind."
"They can talk!" Ryer shouted.
Gary explained. "They are outfitted with artificial intelligence. They will
talk with you and teach you how to use them. Now they do have a personality
and their feelings can get hurt, so go easy on them. Take the next couple of
hours to get used to them. After that get ready to explore! Dismissed!"
"Oh." Kia looked at her Pokedex, puzzled. "Okay, Um, How come mine speaks
Japanese?"
But everyone was wrapped up in their own Pokedexes, ignoring her.
So she tried the only complete sentence she knew in Japanese.
"Nihongo wa (amari) hanase masen. Eego ga dekimas(u) ka?"
It meant: I don't know (much) Japanese. Do you speak English?
"Yeeeesss." Her Pokedex replied. "Of course I speak English! Why would
Dr. Oak give a Japanese pokedex to an English speaking kid like you?!"
"You make a point. What did you say to me before, when I turned you on?"
"Good day. I am Kia's pokedex."
"Cool! Can you 'read' Japanese?"
"I can read anything! I am fluent in over six million forms of comunication
and can readily...."
"You sound like someone I know." Kal interrupted. "What's your code number?"
"I am called C-DPO."
Kal shrugged. "Ah, close enough!"
Chapter Eleven --- Getting To Know You--Part 2
A few hours later Gary finally stopped in the first of
two jungle areas of the Outer Territories. The Head Quarters stopped and they
all filed out.
Gary divided the group into two teams. One group consisted of Kia, Nina,
Graydon and Jett led by Kal. Poke-team Alpha.
And Poke-team Bata that consisted of Ruka and Ryer, Briss, Dr.Trudie and was
led by Gary.
They were all dressed in donated millitary fatuiges.
Gary repeated his rules.
Remember now, do not stray from your team, keep in radio contact at all times
and if something goes wrong or someone gets lost call HQ immediately.
Enjoy the beautiful day remember you are the best!"
With that they started.
While everyone was off Kenny was left behind to finish up some final
security checks on HQ.
Kenny was called on by Gary after his tenure at the Veridian City Prision
Facility. Gary had been friends with Kenny's Mom. The officer Jenny of
Cerulean City.
Kenny was the black sheep of his entire family. First reason he was born a
guy, a first for the Jenny clan.
He wasn't shunned or anything, he just wasn't expected to succeed as well as
his cousins.
This ticked off his mother. So she made it her life's work to raise him to be
the toughest S.O.B. he could be. And she did.
Kenny was known for taking a beating and coming back for more, But he also
wasn't too bright, which he made up for in hard work and loyalty. And as
tough as he was Kenny knew he was bested.
He finished his checks and found his way to the infirmary where Joy
was setting up her work space.
"How's it going Joy?" he asked as he slumped down in a comfy chair.
"Hey Kenny. I'm fine. How are you?" She sang as she set up some pictures.
"How's security going?"
Kenny smiled and took off his cap to reveal his shaved head.
"Well you know it's a tough job but somebody's gotta do it. You have to be
careful in my line of work."
Joy smiled as she listened, urging him to continue.
"One moment your safe, next moment your in danger. It's my duty to make sure
everyone in this expedition stays safe and sound! Like my Mom used to tell me
when I was little. She said, "Kenny, you have to always do your best and show
em how tough you are!"
As Kenny talked Joy's pictures caught his eye.
One was of Joy in a millitary officers uniform. He reconized the rank to be
that of a captain. The next photo was her in green army fatuiges with 7
other men and women standing in front of a sign that read: 654th SPECIAL
FORCES.
The next was her standing with the president of the united states receiving a
medal of honor. Then next to it was of Joy in a flowing white wedding gown
arm in arm with a handsome military man. The final one was of a newspaper
clipping. It was written in a foreign language. It was of Joy bound and
gagged her eyes taped over with duct tape. She was tied up by the neck and
a baretta was pointed to her forhead. He also saw a frame that held her
medals and ribbons. Kenny reconized several awards.
Medal of Valor, Special Forces Crest, Army Cross, Navy Cross, Overseas
Ribbon, Air Ribbon, P.O.W. Medal, and finally the Medal of Honor.
He paused. "You were in special forces?"
"Yup I was assigned to the special forces unit to be the assistant medical
officer. I served in Mulane and the Pan Mujan conflict."
"Oh ..." Kenny said meekly, knowing he was way outclassed.
Joy continued. "I joined the army to earn my medical degree so I could be a
doctor, not a nurse like my other family members were. But I ended up doing
much more!"
Kenny realised he had nothing to brag to Joy.
He could not believe that this gentle being was perhaps the most decorated
person he had ever met.
He got up. "Well, I guess I'd better get back to work now."
With that he left quickly.
"Hmm, I wonder what's up with him?" Joy muttered.
Then she took the oppertunity to change her shirt. What Kenny missed and what
probably would have floored him was the small tattoo on Joy's left shoulder
blade. It was of a metal rose with a knife through it. Beneath the picture it
read: SPECIAL FORCES - STEEL ROSE.