The shadowy figure seated in the far corner of the room frowned as his minions scurried around him, frantically trying to assemble the equipment as quickly as possible without incurring the wrath of their boss. Glaring at them irritably, he shook his head and tried to focus on the static snatches of conversation coming from the makeshift listening device the workers had so hastily assembled. Crackly voices came from it, and the reception was made worse by the howling winds that were plaguing Johto so often these days. Some superstitious folk like that blasted gym leader, Morty, claimed that the legends were angry with the people. Others blamed global warming. How global warming was even possible with that abnormal dog Suicune was hanging about, he wasn't sure. Unless it had been incinerated by Ho-Oh that is. Morty would have a field-day if that happened. But since he was walking around with a face like the red Gyarados, it probably hadn't.
Snorting in expiration he collected his wandering thoughts and turned back to the device, waving at the scientists to dismiss as he did so. They were eager to comply with his wishes and shot out of the room fast enough to make even a Dodrio jealous. In fact, one of the more newer arrivals was so terrified he turned around so fast he slammed into the door frame and tottered minus a tooth or two. Ignoring them, he focused on the tinny noise reaching his ears.
"-taking so long?" came the voice of Proton. The figure leaned closer, interested.
"-be fine.-why-worried?—fond-?"
Rain lashed across the window, drowning out much of Archers reply. Well, most of all the conversation really.
"—stupid. Of course- ,"
"she'll be fine.-Experienced-after all," Archers voice carried a distinct amount of impatience as he replied.
"-better be-"
Sighing, the man gave up on trying to hear any more of the conversation. Spinning his chair over to the window he stared out at the bell tower in the distance. If all went well, 009 would be back soon with the package. Then they would see. This would not be like last time. this time his team would not fail. And if they did, he would not want to be in their shoes when he dealt with them.
"Soon, my friend. Soon….."