00:03:20 UNTIL RESTORATION

The room was dark, the only lighting coming from the numerous computer panels arrayed in front of the research team. They were preparing the observation interface in advance of the pending operation. The members were talking among themselves, tense but focused. On the main monitor:

The project leader entered the room, and the chatter stopped at once.

"Status report."

One of the senior team members stood from his console.

"All systems appear to be good to go, sir. Biometrics scanners were the last to come online due to the nature of the operation, but they just came up at the four minute mark. We are preparing to run the final check at two minutes."

The leader nodded, and walked towards the center terminal, situated a distance behind the rows of staff consoles. His boots audibly clicked against the ground. He brought up the interface on his terminal, and managed the main screen in the front of the room. The screen was transparent, serving a double purpose as a window into the operation room.

00:02:10 UNTIL RESTORATION

The lights in the operation room came on from this instruction, blinding some unprepared team members. Situated in the room was an apparatus designed with a specific purpose: restoration of Pokemon fossils. A huge cable snaked from outside the room to a specialized module. This module powered the restoration device, which resembled a gun of sorts. The device was aimed at a perfectly chiseled and polished fossil, of what seemed to be a small Pokemon. A tracking light appeared on it.

00:02:00 UNTIL RESTORATION

FINAL CHECK COMMENCING

The final check would take one minute. If there were any discrepancies or errors, the leader would be able to shut down the system and cancel the operation. One by one, however, each of the major systems ticked green.

FINAL CHECK COMPLETE-NO ERRORS DETECTED

00:01:00 UNTIL RESTORATION

"We'll be commencing with the operation. Begin charging."

At those words, the room burst into a flurry of activity. The team members began opening and activating major systems, foremost that of the power system. On the main monitor, an energy gauge representing the percentage of the device's charge appeared. The device would be charged at the ten second mark.

00:00:10 UNTIL RESTORATION

It was finally happening...after years of research and searching, they had finally found it. The apex of a forgotten era, and the foundation of their plans for this era. This creature would serve as the basis for an extensive project, with the end goal of changing the public perception about what a Pokemon really was. At least, that's what the leader's boss said; even if the leader himself knew better. But he didn't care. As long as he was able to achieve his dream, he didn't care what happened in the aftermath.

00:00:00

RESTORATION COMMENCING

A bright light shined from the device, exactly like that of the modern technology used to encapsulate Pokemon: the Poke Ball. The device powered down, and with it the light faded. The operation room was clouded with dust. Biometrics began scanning, and…

"Signs of life detected. Scans match predicted levels based on genetic sampling."

"Clear out the room."

At that, a second device activated: a massive fan system to blow away the dust. The team members were able to hear a skittering noise: a Pokemon's cry. As the dust cleared, the results of the operation came into view: a small, shivering purple Pokemon. Murmurs broke out in the room; this was the first time this Pokemon had existed in recorded history. In fact, it's rumored previous existence was limited to a very select group of people, the Association not included.

"Capture it. It's shivering due to not being adjusted to the temperature and oxygen levels. After it's been captured, have it transported to the holding chamber. Also...congratulations. The first phase of the project has been completed. As you all know, most of you won't be continuing to the next one. The staff resource department will be in contact."

With one last glance at the revived Pokemon, the leader left the room.

Several Weeks Later

"So, you're looking for some specialized help?"

A red-faced woman asked him this question. The two of them were in a warmly lit bar, in a private area. The woman facing the leader was a long-time friend, and a classmate years ago.

"Yes. The timeframe for the project is for it to begin in earnest around November, and continue throughout April. The primary objectives are to gather hard data on Pokemon types, specifically the elemental types Fire, Water, and Electric. I'm expecting data on moves to be the main focus, but it could potentially shift to type changes based on what my superiors ask of me."

The woman frowned. Both of them were drinking beer, having already finished their meal. Dimly in the background, they could hear the regular patrons cheering as they watched a competitive Pokemon battle. Apparently, one of the trainers had a legendary Pokemon. She set her flagon on the large wooden table in between the two of them.

"That's awfully vague...isn't most of that data collected already? Elemental types tend to be far less variable than activity types… Anyways, my main team won't be around-not until February, at least."

"Yes, I heard. Your lab landed the position to research the recently publicized Terastallization phenomenon in the Paldea Region, right? I read about it. That should be fine; the main duty assigned to these team members would be to collect physical data in the field. It could be done by students. Speaking of which, did you get anyone promising this year?"

"Yeah! There were lots of applicants, but two people really stood out to me. I think one of them definitely fits your requirements, and I'm sure the other will accompany them as to not be left out. I just interviewed and accepted them the other day. They're starting next Wednesday!"

"Excellent. Regarding what you said about the parameters...it's just the nature of working for a private organization. I don't even know what the end result of the project is, or its purpose. If you really want to open your own lab separate from the university, you'll have to learn to deal with people like this."

The man lied as naturally as he breathed; this information could absolutely never get out. He picked up his flagon, handing the baton of conversation over to her. The woman nodded, and continued.

"Well, that's settled then. I'm going to break them in over the summer, and I think you'll be able to meet them in the fall." The woman then smiled, and leaned her head on one hand.

"But you know, you'll never meet someone if you act so stuck-up and cloistered all the time. It's almost at the point that I think you've given up, you know?"

The man snorted. "That's rich coming from you of all people. We've known each other for 12 years, and I still haven't ever seen you…"

Their banter continued long into the night.