Episode 148: Planetary Crisis Part 5: Rocket vs. Planetary

Having recovered from their blast off, Jessie, James, and Meowth are back on the ground. They march triumphantly down the streets of Kanaveral, towards Planetary HQ. A group of Planetary Grunts moves to intercept them. Although they are vastly outnumbered, Team Rocket continues to display nothing but confidence and composure.

A Planetary Grunt shouts, "Stop right there!"

Team Rocket stops, but only because they want to. Jessie grins cockily and announces, "Prepare for trouble!"

James continues, "Make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all people in our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

"Jessie!"

"James!"

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth, that's right!"

"Wobbuffet!"

"Mime, mime!"

The grunts stare at Team Rocket questioningly, not giving any response.

Jessie groans with annoyance. "Look, I realize that normally when we say the motto, we don't really emphasize the 'surrender now or prepare to fight' part, but this time we mean it. We demand your immediate and unconditional surrender."

The grunts stare at her for a few more moments before breaking out in laughter. One asks, "You and what army?"

Meowth smiles smugly and points up. "That army."

The quiet drone of helicopters slowly grows louder. The grunts notice the sound and look up to where James indicates. There, flying in from beyond the sea, they spot a fleet of pitch-black helicopters and airships. All bear the striking red R of Team Rocket.

James holds his arms towards the sky as the fleet flies directly over him. The downdraft from the helicopters causes his hair and clothes to blow about. He announces, "One last chance. Surrender now, or prepare to fight."

The grunts all go wide-eyed and flee, giving James a smug grin as he lowers his arms.

All around the city, ropes drop from the air fleet and Rocket Grunts repel down. They take positions at key points around the city, including in the streets, on sidewalks, and atop roofs. What people were outside scatter in terror.

As the Team Rocket Attack Force lands all around them, Jessie, James, and Meowth indulge in a shared maniacal laugh. Until Jessie ruins the moment by choking. She takes several labored coughs to regain her breath, before James shouts, "Quickly! Hit her!"

Meowth grins. "With pleasure." He slams his joined fists into her back, which stops the choking. Despite relieved of the choking, she stares angrily at Meowth. "You were a little too eager for that."

Meowth shrugs nonchalantly.

Polaris stares at the holographic display floating above his desk. He shakes his head in disbelief. "I've worked hard for years to keep Tenno safe from those vile gangsters, and yet somehow, on today of all days, they break through."

Cosmo suggests, "We could deploy the weapon early. Even with their extreme numbers, they would stand no chance."

"It is tempting, but the weapon is too important. Protecting the world is our number priority, and the weapon is our one and only chance. We can't risk losing it. We've sacrificed too much for that."

The thought of what has been sacrificed puts Cosmo in a more somber mood. "Okay. Then at least send me to the front lines. I'll defeat them all myself, should I have to."

Polaris shakes his head. "No. I need you here to help with our system recovery. All vital functions must be transferred to the Cape Space Center secondary computer network before the launch. We cannot miss our launch window. To ensure it, I will also send everything Team Planetary has at these thugs. Should the need demand it, I shall enter the battlefield myself. This is war. The leader of Team Rocket will regret ever setting foot on Tenno soil."

Battle breaks out across the city. Everywhere that Rocket Grunts landed, Planetary Grunts appear to engage in combat. It really is a war as stray attacks from Pokémon fly every which way. Neither side seems concerned with collateral damage. A stray Hyper Beam from a Raticate flies past its intended Muttnik target and strikes a nearby building. Debris showers down to the street below.

It's not just the grunts that are doing battle. The Giovanni Garrison also enters the fray across the city.

Just as two Rocket Grunts look as if they're about to lose their fight, Hun's floating platform appears above them. Attila leaps to the ground as he shouts, "Yippie ki yay!" He lands and pulls out a Pokéball, "I've been raring for a battle like this!"

Hun asserts, "Then I suggest you battle, instead of scream your lungs off."

Attila grins, plucks a Pokéball off the belt around his chest, and throws it. "Let's rock and roll, Carapice!"

Hun also tosses a Pokéball from her platform. "Go, Spectricity!"

The two Pokémon appear. Attila's Pokémon is large and bulky white beetle, the color of ice and snow. It stands on two legs, has two free arms, and two additional arms which are focusing on holding a massive snowball in place that rests atop its head and long horn. It looks to be the evolved form of Beetundra.

Hun's Pokémon is a phantasmal form of electricity. It's composed of a central core of storm clouds, from which a head, tail, and two arms, all made of spectral blue-purple lightning, emerge. Additional dark clouds wrap around the head. The tail, arms, and head form the shape of a cross.

The Rocket Grunts rejoice at the appearance of the backup. The Planetary Grunts don't seem to realize how much trouble they're in.

Elsewhere, Annie and Oakley have snuck behind a group of Planetary Grunts with their Espeon and Terrorantula. Espeon uses its psychic powers to render the grunts unconscious, while Terrorantula, scares their Pokémon into fleeing with its skull-shaped abdomen.

Annie fluffs her hair and asks, "Did that sneaking around ruin my hair?"

Oakley laughs. "Leave it to you to be concerned about your hair in the middle of a war."

Annie shrugs. "What can I say? A girl's got to have her priorities."

"Sure, and mine is to win this battle so we can get paid."

"As good a motivation as any." They laugh together.

Across the city, the Iron-Masked Marauder and his Dark Hydreigon and Dark Fallamence are blasting their way through hordes of Planetary Grunts and their Pokémon. Not even buildings get in his way, as his Pokémon blast right through their sides to make way for him to progress. If this is a war, then he and his Pokémon are the tanks. As Hydreigon easily tosses aside several Elgyem, the Marauder grins viciously and laughs at the destruction he's left.

So, this is it. This is what war looks like between two forces of evil. On one hand, you have Team Rocket who wants no less than direct control over the world. On the other you have Team Planetary, who aim to manipulate the world from the shadows. These two goals were incompatible. It's only obvious in hindsight that they would end up in all-out war. But how will our heroes respond…?

Ash, Brock, Brenda, and Braydon are running through the streets of Kanaveral. They're doing their best to avoid the battle zones, but it seems like fights are everywhere.

Brenda pleads, "Ash! We can't just keep running like this! It's too dangerous!"

Brock asks, "Do you even have a plan, Ash?"

Ash stops for just a second and looks back to them. "The plan is simple. We have to stop this fighting before anyone gets hurt. Before they cause any more destruction."

Braydon objects, "Why should we stop this? Team Planetary has to be stopped. We all know that. Why can't we let Team Rocket stop them?"

Ash looks Braydon straight in the eyes and emphasizes, "Because then we'd only be trading one danger to the world for another."

Braydon freezes up. Ash's words have a clear impact on him. He nods. "You're right. If you think you guys can stop Team Rocket, then you go do that. Team Planetary is my focus. I'm going to go ahead to Planetary HQ and see what I can scope out. When you're ready, meet me there and we'll put a stop to them as well."

Ash nods. "That's more of a plan than I had. Good luck." The two clasp hands as a show of solidarity, then move off in opposite directions.

As Brock and Brenda follow Ash, Brenda asks, "What are we supposed to do to stop Team Rocket?"

Ash grins at her. "I just came up with it. Looker and the International Police may not be interested in taking action against Team Planetary, but Team Rocket is a different story."

Brock objects, "But Ash, just calling the police isn't going to help. Surely, they already know what's going on here. There's no way it's not in the news already."

Ash grins. "I considered that, and realized that Team Rocket must also know that."

Brock nods in understanding. "Team Rocket must have set up a perimeter around the city. Nobody's getting in or out. Including the International Police."

Brenda continues the train of thought. "So, we've got to help the police break through that perimeter from the inside."

Ash grins at her, then turns to return to his sprint. What he doesn't notice is that a wayward Dark Pulse from a Rocket Grunt's Houndoom hits a building above Ash and destroys the façade. Rubble crumbles away and falls straight down towards Ash.

Brock shouts, "Ash! Look out!"

Ash looks up in fear but has no chance to get out of the way.

"Solurtle, use Solar Flare!" A burst of fire is shot at the rubble, blasting it away and saving Ash.

Ash takes a sigh of relief, then looks towards the source of the attack. Brandon and his Solurtle stand resolutely down the road. "Brandon?"

Brandon states bluntly, "I should have expected to see you here."

Ash laughs. "Good to see you, too. Thanks for the save. What are you doing here?"

"I imagine the same as you. I'm here to stop Team Planetary." With that, he and Solurtle turn to continue on their way.

Ash runs up to him and shouts, "Wait!"

Brandon stops, but he doesn't turn to look at Ash, nor does he respond.

"Stay with us. Don't go off on your own." He takes a deep breath. "You can't do this without friends at your side." He moves around Brandon so he can look him in the eyes. "I refuse to believe that you don't have any."

Brandon hangs his head in shame. "I used to…" He turns away again and continues on. "But I already told you this last time we met. The path I walk is too dangerous. I refuse to endanger anyone else."

Ash shouts after him, "And I told you last time that that's a ridiculous way to think!"

But Brandon doesn't stop, and Ash makes no further motion to stop him.

Attila laughs with joy as his Carapice and Skarmory tear through the opposition. The Planetary Grunts are simply no match for his powerful Pokémon. "It's like herding Tauros!" Skarmory uses Steel Wing against a Meteorfight and forces the Grunt to flee. "There's another! That makes twenty-six! What's your score, Hun?"

Hun shoots him an annoyed look as her Spectricity unleashes an electrical blast that takes out several Planetary Pokémon at once. "This isn't a game, Attila. Keep your focus."

"Come on, Hun. Don't be a spoilsport. There's no reason we can't enjoy our job. After all, why work in a profession if you don't find it fun?"

Spectricity electrocutes a Minior, shattering its shell into dust. Hun breaks the smallest of grins and says, "Twenty-nine."

Attila looks at her with wide eyes. "I've got to up my game!"

"You want to up your game!? Well, meet the next level!"

Attila and Hun turn around towards the new voice. Planetary Commander Orion has entered the battle. Attila asks, "And who are you?"

Orion cracks his knuckles. "I would say you've met your match, but that would be giving you too much credit. You ready to rumble?" His Meteormight steps up beside him.

Attila grins. "I like this guy." He points forward and announces, "I'm always ready to rumble! Go, Carapice!"

"Meteormight, show him your strength!"

The two muscular Pokémon collide into a grappling match.

It's not just Orion who's ready to fight. Annie and Oakley's battle against three grunts is interrupted when the grunts run away. Not from them, but from Cygnus.

Annie laughs. "Look, Oakley, even her subordinates are afraid of her."

Oakley laughs. "Maybe we should cower too."

Annie chuckles. "As if."

Cygnus rolls her eyes. "This day was all planned out. But you lot just had to come and mess it all up. Now I've got to deal with you myself. How obnoxious."

Annie shouts, "I'll show you obnoxious! Espeon, use Psybeam!"

"Block it." Cygnus' Eatyai steps in front of her and uses Protect to stop the attack. Cygnus groans. "So much for you surrendering on the spot. Just great."

The Iron-Masked Marauder seems less focused on battling Team Planetary and more on simply causing collateral damage. His Dark Pokémon tear through buildings and infrastructure like paper. When the odd grunt gets in his way, they are quickly dealt with. He savors this rampant destruction.

Then a powerful Solar Beam attack is launched at the feet of his Pokémon. They stop and look ahead to see Sirius and his Gigastar stand in their way. The Marauder laughs. "Are you trying to stand in my way? Did you see what happened to that building that was in my way?" He points behind him to a completely collapsed tower.

Sirius crosses his arms and stares unblinkingly at the Marauder. "You think you're so strong? Then prove it by defeating me without using one of those Dark Balls to control my Pokémon."

The Marauder laughs. "I can tell when someone's trying to manipulate me. You're not even being subtle about it."

"But you'll still accept my challenge. I know how men like you think."

"You know, it's boring having no one stand a chance against me. I've already taken enough of your rare space Pokémon to sell on the black market. So, let's do this. A real battle." He recalls his Dark Fallamence to focus solely on Hydreigon. "You're going to regret picking a fight with me."

A slight smirk appears on Sirius' face. "That's what everyone says about me."

Giovanni watches as battles unfold across the city on his holographic display. He enlarges the three scenes showing the Planetary Commanders. "Who are they?"

Matori explains, "They're the three Commanders of Team Planetary. The highest-ranking members there are, behind only Polaris."

Giovanni nods. "So, Team Planetary finally decided to start taking this fight seriously."

Matori points out, "We still haven't seen their leader enter the battlefield yet."

Giovanni nods. "Then I say it's time we force him to show himself." He stands up. As he does, Persian leaps from his lap. "It's time for me to enter the fray."

Matori moves to the door and opens it.

With no further thought or preparation, Giovanni leaps out the door of his flying headquarters and lands on the ground below. His Persian lands beside him.

Matori, using a jetpack, flies down beside him.

"Let's see if we can draw some attention to our arrival. Persian, use Hyper Beam."

"Perrrrrr!" Persian unleashes a powerful Hyper Beam with no particular target. Instead, it rips through buildings and leaves a wake of destruction.

Polaris is also watching the battle unfold from his office with Cosmo. "That's him. That's their leader. Giovanni."

Cosmo asks, "Shall I engage him in combat?"

Polaris shakes his head. "No. I need you here, protecting HQ and finalizing everything for Project Architect. It's time that I take matters into my own hands."

"You're going to take on Giovanni yourself?"

"If he's half as powerful as the rumors make him out to be, no one else stands a chance of stopping him."

Cosmo looks hesitant. "Be careful."

Polaris nods at him. "Of course. I don't plan on letting anything stop me from saving this world. Especially a lowlife gangster." He leaves the office.

Giovanni almost seems to be enjoying himself as he continues to cause pure destruction. But that joy quickly dies when a fire attack strikes Persian before it can use another Hyper Beam. He looks towards its source to see Polaris standing on a roof above him, with his Volcarona flying next to him. Giovanni grins in satisfaction. "So, you've finally decided to show your face. I've been hoping I could be the one to take you down. After all you've done to stop me from gaining my foothold in Tenno, how does it feel to know that you've failed so miserably?"

Polaris asserts, "You may be here now, but it won't last for long. You can't hope to compete with the resources that Team Planetary has under its control. Your powerplay will fail."

"Even if you somehow manage to drive me out today, tomorrow you will be all the weaker for it. You can never truly get rid of Team Rocket. We will always return. Eventually, Tenno will be ours."

"Not if I have anything to say about it."

"Unfortunately for you, you don't." He throws a Pokéball, and a gigantic Pokémon explodes out from it. It's a Galapaglobe. The massive Pokémon landing on the floor is enough to create an earthquake. "Galapaglobe, Mud Bomb!"

"Volcarona, Heat Wave!"

Who's that Pokémon!?

One of this Pokémon basking in the sun with its frill outspread is all it would take to produce enough electricity to power a city.

Brandon sneaks his way through the city. He and Solurtle stick to alleys and side roads as they progress steadily towards Planetary HQ and avoid the ever-increasing patrols by Planetary Grunts.

He ducks behind a dumpster and looks across the street at Planetary HQ. Grunts march in patrol patterns around the block where the grand tower is situated. Brandon whispers in complaint, "This attack by Team Rocket has heightened their security a thousandfold. Any other day, and we would have been able to walk right back up to their front door. Now nothing's getting through. Shoot." He shakes his head in frustration. "Why'd it have to be now?" He groans.

He carefully surveys the area. Team Planetary has guards everywhere. They march the streets, stand atop the roofs, and guard the doors. He stands up. "They've given me no other choice. Let's push through into the main entrance. You ready for a fight, Solurtle?"

"Lurtle." The Pokémon gives a confident nod.

"Good, because that's what we're going to do. Let's go."

He and Solurtle leap out from their hiding spot and run for the tower ahead. Almost immediately, a young voice shouts from behind, "Stop right there! No one goes past this point!"

Brandon freezes up. The voice is instantly recognizable to him. "No…" He slowly turns around to face the sources of the voice.

Standing before him, dressed in a Team Planetary uniform, is a young boy with a Sporout lounging lazily on top of his head. Several other Planetary Grunts run behind him to reinforce him.

All the color drains from Brandon's face. His head shakes in slow and abject horror. "Chris… What have I done…?"

Chris stares critically at Brandon. "Do I…know you…?"

A grunt pushes past Chris and shouts, "One more warning! Leave now!"

And Brandon runs. He runs away as fast as he can. A tear falls from his eye as he does. Memories force their way into his head. Brandon and his Eatyai are standing over Chris' bed. Chris asks in a monotone voice, "You were going to have Eatyai mindwipe me, weren't you?"

Brandon is caught off guard and is only able to answer with a blunt, "Yes."

Chris slowly nods. "Okay, I'm ready."

Brandon is caught even more off guard. "What?"

"I said I'm ready. If you really think this is what you need to do, then do it. You're my friend, and I trust your decisions." There's a clear sadness in his eyes, but also an acceptance. It's clear he will do nothing to fight this.

Brandon continues to stare at Chris. He was prepared to justify himself but being given permission has somehow only made things harder for him. Then he realizes the tear falling down Chris' cheek. Chris is fighting as hard as he can to maintain his composure, but still a single tear slipped through.

Brandon closes his eyes tightly as he takes a deep breath. "It's for the better…" The words may sound like he's trying to convince Chris, but Chris doesn't need convincing. Brandon's the only one who needs to be convinced. He looks to his Eatyai. "Do it."

Eatyai raises its glowing fingers towards Chris. They begin to flash. Brandon tries his hardest to stand resolutely and watch as his friend's memories are rewritten. But even his strong will isn't enough. He buckles and looks away. He only looks back when he hears the thump of Chris' unconscious body landing on the bed.

Back in the present, Brandon has taken refuge in an alley. He's hyperventilating and tears fall down his face. He repeats to himself, "It's for the better… It's for the better… It's for the better…"

It's Heliolisk!

Ash, Brock, and Brenda have made it back to the outer perimeter of the city. As Ash predicted, Team Rocket guards all entrances and exits to the city just as heavily as Team Planetary guarded their headquarters.

Brenda asks, "But how do we know the International Police are ready to enter the city if we give them a chance?"

Ash insists, "We just have to believe they are."

Brock points out, "It's logical to believe that they're already doing everything they can do on the outside to get in. It is their job, after all."

Ash shakes his head in disbelief. "Only yesterday I was furious with Looker for not helping us. Now I'm relying on his help."

Brock insists, "This is help he can provide, Ash. He will help us."

Ash nods. "We can only hope."

Brenda asks, "So, what are we going to do?"

Ash suggests, "The simplest thing to do would be to get their attention and run for it. Get them to chase us and leave their post."

Brock shakes his head. "No. That's not enough. They'd send maybe a handful of grunts after us. They have hundreds stationed here. We need to make a significant difference if we're going to open a path to the International Police."

Brenda realizes, "But what can we do that the International Police can't do?"

Ash contemplates this. "We have to do something that can only be done from within… What can we do to distract Team Rocket…? Distract… Team Rocket…" His eyes widen. "Distracting Team Rocket!"

Brenda asks, "What? What is it?"

"Wherever we go, the biggest distractions ever are sure to follow!"

Brock realizes, "Team Rocket!"

Ash nods. "And I don't mean the evil gang."

Brenda understands. "Jessie, James, and Meowth have got to be around here somewhere. But how are we going to get them to help us?"

Ash grins. "We have something that they would do anything for. We can manipulate them to do anything."

Everyone looks to Pikachu. Pikachu looks back with bewilderment. "Pik?"

Giovanni and Polaris, now both facing each other on ground level, continue their clash of titanic proportions. Giovanni commands, "Heavy Slam!"

"Glooobe!" Despite its massive size, Galapaglobe is able to leap high with its equally massive strength. It becomes covered in a metallic aura as it plumets towards Polaris' Volcarona. The giant Pokémon slams the full force of its weight down on Volcarona.

A slight grin appears on Giovanni's face. "Much like my Galapaglobe, Team Rocket is a force with so much weight behind it, it can't be stopped."

Polaris doesn't look ready to give in yet. "You underestimate my Pokémon nearly as much as you underestimate Team Planetary. Volcarona, use Hurricane!"

For a moment, nothing happens, but suddenly a massive burst of wind lifts the immense Pokémon right up into the air. A second later and the intense wind becomes a furious storm, all starting from the powerful flaps of Volcarona's wings. Galapaglobe is sent spinning through the air as blades of wind slice at it.

But Galapaglobe's not the only thing damaged by the attack. The hurricane-force wind breaks windows and carries debris all around the immediate city. It's no less destructive to the surrounding area than an actual hurricane.

Giovanni commands, "Mud Bomb."

Despite its spinning in the wind, Galapaglobe is able to precisely launch a Mud Bomb attack at Volcarona. It knocks the Pokémon to the ground and stops the Hurricane.

Giovanni quickly follows up, "Now use Earthquake!"

"Galaaaaaaaapa!" Galapaglobe aims its fall and slams down to the ground with a heavy impact. Not only does it shatter the ground where it lands, but it sends shockwaves through the earth, creating an intense Earthquake. Volcarona, having been forced to the ground, feels the full power of the attack.

The city is feeling the power as well. Buildings shakes and sway. Some even fall apart. Already weakened by the Hurricane, the Earthquake does the rest of the job.

Ash points ahead as they run. "There they are!"

Ahead of them, Jessie, James, and Meowth are using Buzzsaw and Ivine to battle two Planetary Grunts with a Minior and a Staryu. They seem to be actually taking the battle seriously.

Then Ash runs by them, holding Pikachu high into the air. He shouts, "Hey Team Rocket! Look, it's Pikachu!"

Jessie and James look to each other for just a moment. Then Meowth shouts, "What are you lugs waiting for! Get that Pikachu!"

Jessie and James shout together, "For Boss and Team!"

Meowth adds, "For Boss and Team!"

"Wobbuffet!"

They bolt off after Ash and Pikachu, leaving the two grunts they were battling extremely confused.

With Team Rocket in tow, Ash, Brock, and Brenda use Pikachu to lead Team Rocket across the city. They head right back to the edge of the city.

Ash leads them past the grunts guarding the perimeter. Seeing the grunts, Jessie shouts, "What are all you waiting for!? The Boss wants that Pikachu, and he wants it now!"

James adds, "It's the key to our victory in Tenno!"

The grunts look to each other in confusion and uncertainty.

Meowth advises, "I'm a member of the Giovanni Garrison, so you better listen!"

With mention of the Giovanni Garrison, the grunts lunge into action. They all leave their post to chase after Ash.

Ash and Pikachu grin at each other.

Outside the city, Looker is monitoring a video feed. A large group of International Police officers surround him. His eyes widen. "The guards. They're gone. But how?" He sees Ash run by on his feed. Looker grins broadly. "Ash. You kept your faith in me after all. Thank you for this chance." He stands up and announces, "Okay everyone, this is the chance we've been waiting for! Move out! Arrest every Team Rocket member you find!" The International Police mobilize.

Back in the city, Brock shouts, "Ash, they're coming! The International Police have broken the barricade!"

Ash grins. He quickly stops, pivots around, and shouts, "In that case, enough of this silly chase! Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Jessie, James, and Meowth skid to a halt as they see Pikachu leap at them. James asks excitedly, "Is this a surrender? Is Pikachu ours?"

"Pikaaaaaaa chuuuuuuuuu!"

Jessie shouts through the pain of electrocution, "No! Only its Thunderbolt!"

Meowth laments, "As usual…"

The attack explodes them into the sky. They shout, "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

The other grunts that were chasing also stop. They're not sure how to proceed. One steps forward and announces, "You can't do…whatever that was to all of us. You're outnumbered."

Brenda laughs. "I don't think you're counting those guys."

Before the lead grunt can turn around and see who she's talking about, an officer grabs his arms and locks them in handcuffs. All the other grunts are also being arrested.

Looker steps forward and announces, "You all have the right to remain silent. And please. Use that right."

Ash exclaims, "Looker! You came!"

Looker nods. "Only because you had faith that I would. I may not be able to move against Team Planetary, but I am more than happy to get these Rocket thugs off the streets. As we speak, my officers are sweeping the city. We'll have things cleaned up within an hour."

Volcarona flies over Galapaglobe. Both Pokémon have taken major damage, but Volcarona seems to have the upper hand at the moment. Galapaglobe is struggling under its own weight as Volcarona assaults it with the fiery wind of Heat Wave.

Polaris grins. "You can't defeat me, Giovanni. You're nothing but a dirty criminal."

Giovanni chuckles. "We're both criminals here. The difference between us is that I own it. And being criminal has its advantages. Do it, Domino."

Polaris asks, "Huh?" But suddenly writhes in pain. He collapses to the ground.

A Planetary Grunt that was standing behind Polaris stands above him holding a black tulip, which had been jabbed into Polaris' back. She casts aside her uniform, revealing her identity to actually be Domino. She laughs. "Too easy."

Polaris struggles to look up. "You stand in the way of the saving of this world. You vile scum."

Giovanni walks up closer to Polaris. "At least I admit to it."

But then Polaris starts to laugh.

"What's so funny?"

"Being a blatant criminal may have its advantages, but it also has its disadvantages. You've lost."

Pierce runs in and shouts, "Sir, behind you!"

Giovanni looks back to see the International Police running at him. He curses under his breath. "The International Police! How is this possible?" He grimaces and looks to Pierce. "Pierce, order an immediate retreat! We can't fight both Team Planetary and the International Police!"

Pierce nods. "Yes, sir!" He uses his jetpack to fly away as shouts orders into a communicator.

Giovanni looks to Domino. "Get us out of here, Domino."

Domino nods. "Of course, boss." She activates her glider jetpack flies at Giovanni, grabs him by the hand, and flies them both away. As they retreat, he recalls Galapaglobe, and Persian leaps onto the top of Domino's glider.

As they board his personal helicopter, Giovanni looks down with hatred and aggravation.

Two of the officers running in help Polaris to his feet. One asks, "Are you okay, sir?"

Polaris nods. "I am now. Team Planetary can proceed with operations as planned."

It's now nighttime. Ash, Brock, and Brenda hide in an alley near Planetary HQ. Ash looks torn up over something.

Brenda asks, "What's wrong, Ash? This was a win for us."

Ash sighs again. "But it's also a win for Team Planetary, and that's a loss for us." He shakes his head. "We did what we had to in the moment. We had no choice, but it sure would have been nice to let Team Rocket take a bite out of Team Planetary." He looks around at the destroyed city. "But this destruction alone is proof that we did the right thing. I just wish it felt that way…"

Brock points to a building across the street, which has a large monitor on its side playing a newsfeed. Polaris stands on a stage for a press conference. "You guys might want to see this."

Ash gasps. "We know him!"

Brenda agrees, "It's Polaris, the philanthropist we met at Tyde's charity event."

Ash asks with trepidation, "But what's he doing in a Planetary uniform…?"

Polaris announces, "Today, we stood strong against a terrorist attack the likes of which Tenno has never seen. But we, as a region, remained strong. Kanaveral City may lie in ruins, but its people do not. Its people are strong. Team Planetary remains strong. We are now only thirty hours out from the original planned launch of the Space Shuttle Rayquaza, and I am pleased to announce that thanks to the brave souls who defended it, the Cape Space Center is unharmed. The mission will go on as planned. It is a symbol of our strength and defiance towards those selfish people who seek to stop us. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks to the valiant heroes of today. From eyewitness reports, I know a certain group of children were responsible for the International Police breaking Team Rocket's barricade. It is thanks to your brave efforts that Team Planetary can continue its work to protect this world. As leader of Team Planetary, I thank you. And know that I know exactly who you are. My son, Cosmo, speaks so highly of you three. Now that I know you're in the city, I will find you to thank you in person." The last line almost sounds more like a threat than a promise.

Ash looks like he's going to be sick.

Our heroes have saved the day again, but at a cost. No good deed goes unpunished. Saving the day also meant saving Team Planetary, the very enemy our heroes seek to stop. The crisis continues…

To Be Continued…