Episode 135: A Tale of Two Fathers

Cosmo walks through the pristine white halls of Team Planetary HQ. He looks to be in a bad mood.

He passes by two grunts. One of them sees him and says, "Cosmo, sir, I was hoping you could take a look at my-"

Cosmo cuts her off, "Does it look like I have time for you right now?" He marches on.

The grunt is left stunned. The other grunt chastises, "What were you thinking, talking to Cosmo? Don't you know that today's that day?"

The first grunt's eyes go wide as she realizes her mistake. "It's that day?"

The other nods.

Cosmo continues on past another grunt. This one is carrying a stack of papers and seems to be sneaking glances at Cosmo as he walks into an office.

In the office, a man sits at a desk, facing away from Cosmo as he looks out over the vast cityscape of Kanaveral. There may be many giant skyscrapers in Kanaveral, but none are taller than Planetary HQ, and this office seems to be on the top floor. Cosmo reports, "Sir, I'm here as ordered."

The man sighs and says disapprovingly, "I didn't order you anywhere, Cosmo. You know I'd never give you an order, especially on a day like today. How are you holding up?"

Cosmo crosses his arms. "Why does everyone keep asking me that? I'm fine."

"You don't sound fine. Cosmo, I may be your boss, but I'm so much more than that to you." He swivels around in his chair, revealing himself for the first time. The man is Polaris, the philanthropist that Ash and friends met at Tyde's charity auction. He now wears a non-standard Team Planetary uniform, featuring a heavy-padded white and gray trench coat and black padded pants. Like many variants of the Planetary uniform, it bears aspects that make it look like a space suit, including an extended solid collar that sits well away from his neck, looking like a place a space helmet could attach to. The Planetary 'P' emblem features prominently on the front of his suit, as well as the sides of both arms. Above his left wrist, a display is attached to his sleeve. He grins at Cosmo. "Cosmo, I think of you like a son. After everything I've done for you, don't you think I deserve just a little candor?"

Cosmo sighs. "I told you already, Polaris. I'm fine. My father was an inconsequential fool. He took an unnecessary risk, and he paid the price. He got what was coming to him. You were a much better role model than he ever could be. If you called me up here just to talk about him, and it wasn't an order, then I'm out of here."

Polaris nods. "You are free to do what you wish, as always." With that, Cosmo turns to leave.

Once Cosmo is gone, Polaris shakes his head in disapproval. "No matter how much that boy claims otherwise, his father still means something to him." He sighs. "Have I not been a proper godfather to him?" He shakes his head again. "Hopefully, when push comes to shove, Cosmo will have the vision necessary."

Cosmo, meanwhile, has marched several rooms down the hall, and turns into another room. As he walks, a grunt watches him disappear behind the door.

The room he enters is a spartan bedroom, painted the same sterile and stark white as the rest of the building. It has little furnishings, save for a bed, a desk, and a small holovision. Cosmo collapses on the bed, his bed.

The holovision was left on from previously, and a reporter on a news channel says, "Today marks the five-year anniversary of the Space Shuttle Deoxys Disaster. The Space Shuttle Deoxys was the first and only Tenno space vessel to fail post-launch. Its two astronauts, Commander Andromeda, the previous leader of Team Planetary, and the pilot, Captain Perseus, became the only people in history to perish in outer space."

The same news report is playing on a holovision at a Pokémon center. The reporter continues, "To this day, no one is exactly certain what caused the space shuttle to fail. Theories range from a failing of the shuttle's heat-proof covering to sabotage from a rival space agency. Team Planetary continues to assert that the investigation towards the cause is ongoing."

Ash, Brock, and Brenda are relaxing in the Pokémon Center, not paying any attention to the news report. It's impossible to know what's going through Cosmo's mind right now, but it's easy to guess what's on Ash's.

Ash gushes, "It's been too long since I've competed in an honest-to-goodness Pokémon League. I need to get that eighth badge already!"

Brock points out, "Ash, we're still a long way away from Kanaveral City, you might want to consider controlling your anticipation."

Ash sinks lower in his chair as he groans. "I know…"

Brenda points out, "And even if you did have your final badge, the Tenno League is still a few months away."

Ash sinks even lower in his chair. "I know…"

From his new vantage point, Ash notices someone across the room. He immediately perks up. "Hey look, it's Braydon! Hi, Braydon!" He waves to him.

Braydon looks lost in thought while watching the holovision. Only after Ash shouts to him again does he notice them. Sounding distracted, he says, "Oh… hi, Ash. How's it going?"

Ash runs over to him. "Pretty great. How about you?"

Braydon sighs. "Today, I'm not so sure how to answer that question."

Brock approaches and asks, "What does that mean?"

Brenda comments, "Looks like something's on your mind."

Braydon sighs again. "You're not wrong." He looks at his fist, which is clenching something. "I just got something sent to me by mom. I'm not sure if I'm ready to look at it." He looks to them and decides in that moment. "Actually, I could use some friends right now. Would you three do me a huge favor and watch this recording with me?"

Ash is caught off-guard. "Um… yeah. Whatever you need, Braydon."

Braydon grins. "Thank you. Please come with me, I have a room upstairs."

Cosmo lays back on the bed and stares aimlessly up at the stark white ceiling. He sighs. He has a flashback. A younger Cosmo stands looking up at a man with a similar blue hair color to him, wearing a Planetary uniform. Young Cosmo cries, "Why do you have to go? You have so many other astronauts that would go for you."

The man shakes his head and kneels down, and puts his hands on Cosmo's shoulders. "Cosmo, my son, this trip may be dangerous, but sometimes in life, you have to do things yourself. My father before me founded Team Planetary to help this world. He would do anything to make it a better place. Today I follow in his footsteps. This is a mission that I must take, and that's why I refuse to put anyone else in danger. It will be just me and your Uncle Perseus up there. The bare minimum. Nobody who doesn't need to will be hurt."

Cosmo rubs the tears from his eyes with a sleeve. "Please come back, dad."

The man smiles. "I will do everything in my power to return to you safely. And until I do, Polaris will be here to take care of you, right, Polaris?"

Polaris, wearing a more subtle Planetary uniform featuring the red stripe of a Planetary Commander, nods. "I will take care of him as my own." Polaris looks to Cosmo and comforts, "Andromeda, your father, is one of the best astronauts we have. He may not have been into space since he took over as leader of Team Planetary, but if anyone can make it back safely, it's him." He looks to Cosmo's father. "Despite that, I must ask you one last time to reconsider. There's no need to risk yourself by traveling to space. If you would just approve Project Architect…"

Andromeda shakes his head. "You know I can't do that, my friend. It wouldn't be right. Wouldn't be moral. If Team Planetary doesn't set a positive example for the region, then what's the point of everything we're doing?"

Polaris sighs. "Saving the world…" Andromeda ignores him.

Polaris has failed at calming Cosmo. He begs one last time. "Please don't go."

Andromeda shakes his head as he stands up. "I wish I had that liberty. Don't worry, Cosmo, there is nothing to fear."

The flashback ends. Cosmo angrily crashes a fist down into his bed. "There was everything to fear. You were a fool, father. A naïve and idealistic fool."

The holovision, still on, says, "Andromeda is known across the region as a hero, who gave his life in the pursuit of a better tomorrow. He-"

Cosmo angrily throws a pillow at the holovision, knocking it off its stand and shutting it down. Cosmo looks to it and notices something. A piece of paper hangs out from the pillowcase.

This intrigues Cosmo. He stands up and walks over to the pillow. He pulls out the paper and reads from it, "If you want to learn the whole story about what happened five years ago, check the sealed archives. TP105-37." Cosmo isn't sure what to make of this. "Is this some kind of joke?" He's about to rip up the paper, but something compels him otherwise. He sighs as he takes another look at the paper. "TP105-37."

Cosmo is digging through a dusty box on a shelf in a dimly lit room. "35… 36… 37." He pulls out a data storage chip labeled TP105-37. After staring at it intensely for several moments, he shakes his head. "Why am I doing this?"

He plugs the chip into a nearby terminal and turns it on. The voice of Cosmo's father says, "Cosmo, my son…"

The ghostly voice causes Cosmo to leap. He lunges to turn the terminal off. Cosmo stares at the data chip sticking out of the computer for several moments, then asks, "If my father left a message for me, why had I never seen it?" Eventually, his curiosity gets the better of him. He reactivates the terminal.

"Cosmo, my son… I'm sorry. The truth is, I don't know if I'll be making it back… But still, I leave this recording in hope that one day you can listen to it and better understand me. For me, Team Planetary is more than an organization, it's an ideal. An ideal that I strive to meet in every way. I've told you before, I grew up in a different era. An era without space travel. At least, until my father stepped in and founded Team Planetary to rocket Tenno into the future. From that point on, I always knew what my destiny was. I would stop at nothing to make Tenno – no, the world – a better place, just like your grandpa did. This is my story…"

Braydon has brought Ash and the others to his room in the Pokémon Center. He holds a data chip in his hand. Ash asks, "What do you need us for, Braydon?"

Braydon sighs. "There's something I've never told you guys before. My father… he died five years ago… five years ago today…"

Brock instantly makes the connection. "Does that mean your father was…?"

Braydon nods. "Dad was the pilot aboard the Space Shuttle Deoxys, Captain Perseus."

Brenda realizes, "Wait, that means your dad was…"

Braydon nods again. "A part of Team Planetary. Shocker. I know." He shakes his head in dismay. "Dad was my hero…"

Ash asks, "But you hate Team Planetary. What about all the conspiracy theories?"

Braydon nods. "I hate them because of what they did to my dad. It was the Deoxys Disaster that opened my eyes. As a kid, I couldn't understand what happened, so I went online to find out why the rocket failed. At the time, all there was for explanations was conspiracy theories. Researching these is how I first learned everything wrong with Team Planetary." He sighs as he clenches the data chip. "I just learned today that he left this behind. A recording he made for me to hear when my mom thought I was old enough." He pauses for a breath. "Guess I'm old enough now…"

Ash encourages, "Play the recording. We're here for you, Braydon."

Braydon nods. He silently plugs the data chip into a terminal and a vocal recording begins to play. "Hi, Braydon. I'm sure you must understand by now that I live – or at least lived – a dangerous life as an astronaut. I make these recordings in case I ever don't come back. I hope that if you hear the story from me, maybe you won't blame me so much for leaving you. This is my story…"

A space shuttle marked with the Planetary logo touches down on a large runway and skids to a halt, aided by parachute breaks. Once everything settles, the astronauts disembark. First among them is Perseus.

Andromeda, wearing the red-striped uniform of a Planetary Commander, stands beneath the shuttle and greets him. "Perseus, as fine a landing as I've ever seen!"

Perseus grins, and goes into hug Andromeda. "You know me. If it flies and has a landing gear, I can land it perfectly. You know what? Scratch that. If it flies or has landing gear, I can land it perfectly." They both laugh together.

Andromeda comments, "It's good to see you again, my friend."

Perseus nods back. "As you. How's the misses?"

"She's doing alright. Our baby is expected any day now."

Perseus chuckles. "Good, that means Uncle Perseus won't have to miss it."

Andromeda chuckles too. "We'll have to discuss the whole 'uncle' thing."

Perseus gives Andromeda a playful jab in the shoulder. "And hey, the baby isn't the only thing you have to celebrate. A little space bird told me you're being considered to take over Team Planetary when your father steps down."

Andromeda points out, "Nothing's set in stone yet. The Board of Commanders still has to vote to make it official. And there's other candidates."

Perseus waves that off. "No way, you're the only candidate. You've dedicated everything to this job. It'll happen."

Andromeda smiles. "We'll see."

"Unless…"

"Unless what?"

"Unless the Shadow Organization has anything to say about it."

Andromeda groans. "There you go again with your conspiracy theories. Can you cool it on the whole 'secret organization hiding within Team Planetary' thing?"

Perseus shrugs. "It's not a conspiracy if it's true. The evidence is there. A Shadow Organization exists within Team Planetary. It was created back during the space race to for the purposes of espionage and sabotage against our rivals, but soon grew out of control. Now it manipulates Team Planetary as puppet masters. The only thing holding them at bay is your dad. I'm sure they'd love to get someone they can manipulate easier as the Planetary Boss."

Andromeda shakes his head in jovial disapproval.

Andromeda sits at a conference table with several other Planetary members. In addition to Andromeda, there are two others dressed as Planetary Commanders – one is Polaris, the other a younger, though still scowling, Sirius. At the head of the table is an older man with graying blue hair. Several other Planetary officials are also at the table.

The man at the head of the table announces, "You all know why we're here today. Tomorrow I officially step down as leader of Team Planetary. It is time that we finalize my successor. I will start by nominating Andromeda. Andromeda, do you accept this nomination?"

Andromeda nods. "It would be my honor, father."

"Is there any opposition or alternative nominations?"

An older, stern-looking man with gray hair stands up. "With all due respect, sir, I do not believe naming your own son as your successor would be the best move for Team Planetary. We do not want to be accused of nepotism. In addition, I do not believe that Andromeda, as great of a leader as he is, has the tact for such a high-profile job." Several people at the table, including Sirius, begin to nod in agreement. "We need someone who can stand against our opposition and make the hard choices. With that said, I nominate Polaris."

Andromeda looks to Polaris with surprise. Polaris looks just as surprised as he is.

Polaris asks, "Why nominate me? I've never requested the position."

The man shakes his head. "It has nothing to do with what you requested. As they say, actions speak louder than words. You have a continuous record of making the toughest choices and standing your ground when the decisions are questioned. That is exactly what an organization as large and important as Team Planetary needs."

Polaris is dismayed.

Andromeda's father asks, "Polaris, do you accept this nomination?"

After a split moment of hesitancy, Polaris nods. "I accept this nomination."

The Planetary Boss nods. "In that case, it will go to a vote. You all know both Andromeda and Polaris well. Consider your vote. We will reconvene in an hour for the vote." He gets up and leaves. Everyone starts to get up as well.

Andromeda walks over to Polaris. "Did you know?"

Polaris shakes his head. "Honest to goodness, I had no idea he was planning on nominating me. Sorry, but after those words of endorsement, I couldn't say no. I swear I'm not trying to steal your position."

Andromeda shakes his head. "It's not 'my' position. Not until the vote. I want whatever's best for Team Planetary. If the board thinks that's you, then I will happily follow you."

Polaris grins. "I'm happy to hear you say that. This won't but a damper on our friendship?"

"Not at all."

Who's that Pokémon!?

The scalchop on its stomach is made from the same element as claws. It detaches the scalchop for use as a blade.

Andromeda walks into a dark office. He tries to turn on the light, but the switch doesn't do anything. Andromeda laughs. "Is this some kind of prank, Perseus?"

A voice answers, "I'm afraid not, I simply prefer to do my business in the dark."

The mystery voice catches Andromeda off-guard. He asks sternly, "Who's there?" He instinctively pulls a Pokéball off his belt.

The voice says, "You don't trust me. Wise of you."

His eyes now adjusting to the darkness, he spots a man sitting in his chair behind a desk. The man wears a non-descript black suit and a black hat that hangs down and obscures much of his face. An Eatyai stands next to him. "Who are you?"

"Close the door and we can talk."

Andromeda hesitates, then closes the door without taking an eye off the intruder. Pokéball still at the ready, he turns back to the stranger. "Who are you?"

"The exact details would be a secret. But you may call me Messier."

"Okay Messier. What are you doing in my office?"

"I simply came to make a suggestion."

"A suggestion? What's that supposed to mean?"

"I want you to rescind your acceptance of nomination."

Not knowing how to respond, Andromeda laughs sarcastically. "Excuse me? Who do you think you are?"

"I already told you, that information is classified."

Andromeda groans. "Okay, I'll humor you. Why should I rescind?"

"The exact details are, of course, a secret, but in essence, it's what would be best for Team Planetary. Best for the region. Best for the world. Polaris is the leader Team Planetary needs to push into the future. Dark times are coming, and certain people are afraid you won't have what it takes to handle them. You want to do what's best to help the world? So do we."

Andromeda throws his arms into the air. "This is ridiculous. You're not even going to tell me who you are, and you're going to make demands of me like that?"

Messier shakes his head in disapproval. "I was hoping you would take this better than that. Look, let me put it another way. If you don't step down now, you're going to wish that you would have."

Andromeda raises a brow. "Is that some kind of threat?"

"That would be a-"

Andromeda groans. "Let me guess. A secret."

"Exactly. Maybe you're not as naïve as you seem. Prove me correct by rescinding." He gets up. He adds as if it were casual conversation, "By the way, congratulations on the coming son. I hope he's born healthy."

Andromeda's eyes widen as he reads between the lines, then anger crosses his face. "You won't touch him!" He throws his Pokéball, sending out a Tennoan Golurk. "Golurk, Zap Cannon!"

Messier gives a simple chuckle and looks down to Eatyai, giving it a slight nod. Eatyai raises it arms and stops the electrical orb attack with Psychic. It then throws the orb back at Golurk, electrocuting the robotic Pokémon.

Continuing the casual formalities, Messier tips his hat at Andromeda and bids, "Have a nice day." He vanishes, teleported away by his Eatyai.

Andromeda is left stunned.

It's Oshawott!

"You were right."

Perseus looks up from his work tinkering with the space shuttle to Andromeda. "I'm right about a lot of things. You're going to have to be more specific."

"About the Shadow Organization."

Perseus raises a brow. "Really? What changed?"

"Everything. I just had an encounter with a man by the name of Messier in my office. He all but threatened me in an attempt to get me to allow Polaris to take the position as Planetary Boss. It had conspiracy written all over it. It's like you said, they must think they can control Polaris easier than me."

"Messier, you say his name was?" Perseus is already typing something into a nearby laptop. "Hmm… no one in the Planetary Personnel Files by that name."

Andromeda nods. "That was the first thing I tried too. This guy was so obsessed with secrets, I imagine that was an alias. But the way he spoke, he sounded invested in Team Planetary. He has to be a part of the organization. Whether in public or in secret."

Perseus nods. "This lines up with other stories I've found on the web." He looks to Andromeda. "What are you going to do?"

"Nothing different. If the board thinks I should be my father's replacement, then I will be. I don't care what this guy says."

"I applaud the bravery, but please. Be careful." He sighs. "Supposedly the Shadow Organization has caused those who cross them to 'disappear' in the past."

Andromeda laughs. "Do you really think they could just make a Planetary Boss 'disappear?' I'll be fine. With me as leader and you at my side, we'll root out this Shadow Organization ourselves."

Perseus nods, but doesn't seem wholly convinced.

The next day, Andromeda stands before an audience and several holovision cameras outside of Planetary HQ. His father, Polaris, Sirius, Perseus, and several others stand behind him. "I am proud to accept my appointment as Team Planetary Boss. I will do everything in my power to make the Tenno Region a better place. This morning, only a few hours ago, my son was born. Seeing his face only served to accentuate how important it is for us to fight for the future. I refuse to let my son live in a world that is anything less than better than the one I have lived in. Cosmo, my son, I do this for you."

Applause erupts from the audience.

After the speech, Polaris approaches Andromeda and shakes his hand. "Congratulations, Andromeda. On both your son and the position."

Andromeda grins broadly. "Sorry things didn't work out as well for you."

Polaris shakes his head. "Things will always work out as they're meant to. You do not need to apologize."

"Still, you are my oldest friend. I want to make sure you know that I appreciate you."

Polaris nods. "Of course, I know that."

"And that's why I have a massive request to make of you. Going forward, as the senior Commander, you will of course be my right-hand man. More importantly though, I want you to stand by my side in something more personal."

"Oh?"

"The wife and I have discussed it. We would be honored if you would be Cosmo's godfather."

Polaris slowly nods as he takes this in. Then he grins broadly. "It would be my honor."

Five Years Later…

Andromeda stands looking at a massive screen full of readings and graphs. He asks melancholically, "How long do we have…?"

A scientist reads, "Six… maybe seven years. Then it's all over. Mass extinction on Earth."

Andromeda takes a deep breath as he takes in this fact. "Cosmo…"

Perseus asks, "Is there any way we could stop it?"

Polaris speaks up. "I believe there is. Ever since we first theorized this possibility, I've been working on a plan. I call it Project Architect." He leans down and types some things into a console, changing the display on the large screen to show some schematics. "We can fight this off, but it's going to take massive amounts of energy. Cosmic energy, specifically."

Andromeda questions, "You mean like the radiation we recently discovered is emitted by Meteoric Shards?"

Polaris nods. "Yes, according to legend, the very energy of the Cosmic Architect itself. It is the one energy type that can be used to ward off this threat."

"And how do you propose we get this energy? Professor Pine and Crate together have only found a small handful of Meteoric Shards."

"Project Architect has accounted for that. We can obtain the energy needed from the servants of the Cosmic Architect. We work our way up a ladder, the more energy we obtain, the larger sources we'll have access to."

Perseus speaks up, "Wait a second. Servants of the Cosmic Architect? You mean like the Cosmic Guardians? The myths?"

Polaris points out, "If Cosmic Energy really is the power left over from the creation of the solar system, then why wouldn't other parts of the Cosmic Architect mythos also be true?"

Andromeda thinks this over. "Okay, let's assume the Cosmic Guardians are real, and let's also assume we can find them. The amounts of energy your plan calls for is massive. It would practically drain them dry. We can't assume they'd just give us that energy."

Polaris takes a deep breath. "Yes. I accounted for that as well. We will take the energy by any means necessary."

Andromeda is taken aback. He stares at Polaris for several speechless moments. "You can't be serious. You want to rob those Legendary Pokémon, to which we owe so much, of the energy that makes up their very essence?"

Polaris sighs. "I know it sounds extreme, but it may be our only option. It's to save the world. The ends justify the means."

Andromeda shakes his head. "No. The ends never justify the means. Team Planetary is supposed to set an example for the world. If we go through with your plans, we'd be no better than criminals."

Polaris begs, "Please, my friend. Just take the time to consider-"

Andromeda shakes his head. "No. There is nothing to consider. I'm sorry, but I say this as your boss, not your friend."

Polaris nods. "Very well."

Andromeda announces to everyone, "But we will find a different way. We will not allow this world to end. We are Team Planetary, and we are the hope of the world." He thinks silently to himself, First father, then my wife. I've lost too much these past few years. I refuse to lose anything else. Cosmo, I will keep this world safe. For your sake.

Perseus is busy working on a terminal at home. His wife, Braydon's mother, walks into the room and says, "The boys are finally asleep. Braydon was stubborn, as usual."

Perseus responds with a non-comital, "Oh," as he continues to search through a database.

His wife sighs. "You have the night off. How about you come and relax a little?"

Perseus shakes his head. "Sorry, but I think I'm on to something right now. I'm close to a breakthrough."

She sighs again. "You and your conspiracies…" She leaves and heads up stairs.

Alone now, Perseus says to himself, "Now, how do three different personnel files just completely disappear from the database on the same day? Let's check archives." He makes a few keystrokes, then shakes his head. "Nope, archives were deleted too. Hmm… Let's take a look for any Planetary personnel who stopped working here on that day…" A few more keystrokes. "Nope…" He thinks for a second. Then suddenly, "I've got it! They had the foresight to wipe the main database clear, but maybe they failed to clear their daily bioscan checkups. I just need to look for anyone who's scans stopped logging on that day…" Some typing. "Bingo! I've got you. Definitive proof that three different and seemingly unrelated Planetary employees all went missing without a trace on the same day. Likely the day they were recruited by the Shadow Organization."

"I should applaud you."

Perseus quickly looks up. He was so engrossed in his work that he didn't even notice the lights in the room shutting off. A shadowy figure stands before him. After getting over his initial surprise, Perseus states calmly, "Messier, I presume."

Messier shakes his head. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. It would seem some people simply don't appreciate the value of secrets. In fact, it's a plague to our modern-day society."

Perseus glances towards the stairs his wife left on.

Messier shakes his head. "Don't do anything to alert them, if you value their safety."

Not panicking at all, Perseus crosses his arms. "Did I make you sweat with my digging? Is that why you're here?"

"Don't flatter yourself. While I admit that checking the bioscan records was clever – an exploit we'll have to fix in the future for sure – if I didn't want you find that info, then you wouldn't have even known three employees left the record on the same day to begin with. Think about it. You've been hunting for us for the past five years. Why would you find us now?"

Perseus looks quizzically at Messier. "You wanted me to find you? Are you joking?"

"Not at all. That is no secret. This was a test, and you passed."

"A test? For what?"

"The exact details are classified, unless you first make an agreement."

"An agreement?"

"Join us. Your skills as a creative thinker, not to mention an expert pilot, could be of great value to us."

"And who exactly is 'us?' You haven't been too clear on that point."

"Nah ah ah. You know that's a secret."

"You know what? I really hate secrets. So how about you get out of here, and never show your face here again." He jokes, "Oh wait, you're not showing your face anyways." He grins confidently. "While we were talking, I already sent all the proof of your existence to a mutual friend of ours. Your organization will be done by this time tomorrow."

Messier shakes his head in disapproval once more. "I'll leave, but you might want to check your outbox again. You'll find no such email was ever sent. And also, all data you saved has been deleted. And you won't find it again. You'll get what's coming to you for spoiling the sanctity of secrets." With that, he teleports away.

Perseus does a quick scan of his terminal and shakes his head in disbelief. "He wasn't lying…" He slams a fist down on his desk in frustration.

Several Months Later…

Andromeda looks at the readings with shock. "Are you absolutely certain these readings are accurate? Absolutely?"

A scientist nods. "Yes sir, I've double and triple checked."

Andromeda looks to Polaris and asks excitedly, "Do you realize what this means? Such a massive source of cosmic energy just up there, floating in Earth orbit, ripe for the taking? Our prayers have been answered! We can fuel your plan without resorting to Project Architect!"

Polaris is hesitant to celebrate. "Andromeda… I hate to point this out, but that particular region of orbit is extremely dangerous. A satellite broke up there only a few months ago. The debris field left behind makes that a no-fly zone for at least the next ten years."

Andromeda stresses, "We don't have ten years to wait. We have to take the risk."

Polaris points out, "Please, don't be rash, my friend. Project Architect has next to no risks. We don't need to risk the lives of any astronauts."

Andromeda shakes his head. "We won't risk the lives of anyone. I'll go and retrieve the energy source myself."

Polaris sighs. "For one thing, as great of an astronaut as you are, you can't fly a space shuttle."

Perseus steps forward. "That's why he won't be. I'll be flying. Space shuttles may have been built for a crew of five to seven astronauts, but a bare minimum of two could work. Andromeda and I will go, risking no one else."

Andromeda looks to Perseus. "Are you sure about this? This will be extremely dangerous. You have a wife and kids waiting for you."

Perseus laughs it off. "How many times have I told you? I can land anything. Besides, I'm not the only one with a munchkin running around."

Andromeda takes a deep breath. "I do this for Cosmo. To ensure his future, while also remaining a role model he can be proud of."

Perseus nods. "Then it's settled, we'll prep a shuttle and get it ready for lift off as soon as possible. Should only take a few months. It's you and me." He extends a hand.

Andromeda grasps his hand in a show of unity.

Polaris sighs. "I guess we're doing this then…"

A Few Months Later…

In the same scene as Cosmo's memory, Andromeda, young Cosmo, and Polaris stand outside the Space Shuttle Deoxys as it makes final preparations for launch. Polaris begs one last time, "There's no need to risk yourself by traveling to space. If you would just approve Project Architect…"

Andromeda shakes his head. "You know I can't do that, my friend. It wouldn't be right. Wouldn't be moral. If Team Planetary doesn't set a positive example for the region, then what's the point of everything we're doing?"

Polaris sighs. "Saving the world…" Andromeda ignores him.

Cosmo pleads while sobbing, "Please don't go."

"I wish I had that liberty. Don't worry, Cosmo, there is nothing to fear."

Perseus, dressed in a Planetary space suit, approaches them. "We're at t-minus thirty minutes. You ready to go?"

Andromeda nods. "As ready as I can be." He takes one last glance at his crying son, who is being comforted by Polaris. "Someday you'll understand. I'm doing this all for you." He and Perseus embark for the ship.

Once aboard and strapped in, Andromeda says, "There's just one thing I have to do while we wait for lift-off." He presses a button and says, "Recorder on." After a moment, he says, "Cosmo, my son…"

A news reporter stands outside with the launchpad of the space shuttle in sight. She reports, "We're now at t-minus sixty seconds until the launch of the Space Shuttle Deoxys. Team Planetary has been extremely tight-lipped in regard to the specifications or reasons for this mission, but they promise that it is of the utmost importance, and it must be, seeing as the leader of Team Planetary himself will be acting as mission commander here."

A voice announces, "T-minus 10… 9… 8… 7… 6… 5… 4… 3… 2… 1… 0!" The ground begins to rumble as the thrusters ignite. "Liftoff! We have successful liftoff of the Space Shuttle Deoxys on its mission to far Earth orbit!" The space shuttle can be seen flying up, carried by its boosters.

The reporter cheers, "There you have it! Another successful rocket launch by Team Planetary! The world's leader in space exploration! Never before has a Team Planetary rocket launch failed after this point! In fact-"

Suddenly, there's screaming. People all around shout in terror. The camera quickly pans up and zooms in on the spot where the rocket disappeared from sight into space. Except now something is visible. A massive fireball.

The reporter stands dumbfounded for several seconds. "I… That… No…" She looks to the camera, completely lost for words, her mouth agape.

"Daaaaaaddy!" Young Cosmo screams at the top of his lungs.

Standing next to him is Polaris, transfixed on the mission control screen displaying the fireball floating among the stars. He hangs his head in remorse. "You did this to yourself…" He looks down to Cosmo and pulls him into a tight embrace.

One Week Later…

The holovision in the background of Andromeda's office, now Polaris' office, still plays footage of the Deoxys Disaster. Cosmo sits wordlessly on a chair, staring at the ground.

Polaris takes a deep breath as he readies himself. "Cosmo… I'm going to do you a favor. Something that no one else is willing to do…"

Cosmo looks up at him, his eyes red from crying.

"I'm going to tell you the truth. What happened to your father… it was horrible… but it was also… it was also his fault…"

Cosmo's eyes widen.

"Your father went on that mission to save the world. He told you that much. What he didn't tell you is that there was another way to save the world. A way that wouldn't have been a risk to him. But he was a fool. He let his ideals get in the way. If he hadn't been such an arrogant, naïve, idealistic fool, he'd still be with us, and we could all be working together to save the world." Cosmo sits there silently. Polaris extends a hand to Cosmo. "Cosmo, will you join me? Join me in reforging Team Planetary so that it can do what's necessary. Together, we will do what your father was too weak to. We will save the world."

Cosmo looks Polaris in the eyes and takes his hand, remaining completely wordless.

In the present day, Braydon is sobbing. "Dad…" He collapses, crying into his hands.

Ash, Brock, and Brenda look to each other, not entirely certain what to do. Ash approaches Braydon and puts a hand on his shoulder to remind him that he's not alone.

Outside, Jessie, James, and Meowth were spying through a window. They have all broken down weeping. Even Wobbuffet appears to join in the crying. They sob together, "Looks like Team Rocket's crying off again!"

Cosmo shuts down the terminal. A single tears streaks down his cheek. He wipes it away and takes a moment to gather himself, putting on a strong face, before he walks out of the room.

In the hallway outside, he passes by a grunt, who takes note of him. Once he's gone, the grunt pulls out a communicator and says into it, "Mission complete. Cosmo has viewed the file."

A voice responds, "Good. Maybe now he'll be able to piece together the fact that Team Interplanetary were responsible for what happened that day." As he says this, the grunt pulls off his Planetary headgear, revealing his identity. "You did well, Agent Looker."

Polaris sits alone in his office. The holovision is on, still reporting on the Deoxys Disaster. He sighs as he looks to a photograph on his desk of a younger version of him and Andromeda. Next to it is a photo of young Cosmo.

Memories take grip over him.

Young Cosmo pleads while sobbing, "Please don't go."

Andromeda responds, "I wish I had that liberty. Don't worry, Cosmo, there is nothing to fear."

Polaris walks away, hanging his head. "No, there's much to fear." He takes a deep breath and pulls out a communicator. "I couldn't convince him. He's steadfast. Prepare to blow the rocket."

Messier's voice responds, "Excellent. By the end of the day, Team Planetary will be under the control of Team Interplanetary. I knew having an Interplanetary Agent as a public Commander would come in handy someday."

Polaris notices Cosmo weeping alone and asks, "What of the boy?"

"What of him?"

"Do you have plans for him?"

"I have no concerns for a child. You're the godfather. Do what you wish. Messier, out."

Polaris drops his arms to his side. He looks over towards Andromeda and Perseus talking. "Why couldn't you just have vision?" He sighs as he pockets the communicator and walks up to Cosmo, giving the crying boy a tight hug to comfort him.

Back in the present, Polaris asks the photograph, "Why couldn't you just have vision…?"

Stay tuned…

To Be Continued…

Who is Team Interplanetary? Find out more in the Cosmic Chronicles, a spin-off series of special episodes available on the Cosmic Quest Official Website.