Chapter 60: Team Rocket
We were all led to what must be the briefing room. Though the room has the same design as the rest of the place, even with the wall paper, carpet and colour scheme, there are various objects to suggest the purpose of this room.
There is a large projection screen on one of the walls, along with a few laptops, white boards and a PS4 and Wii U. There is also a futuristic looking projector standing on a table directly facing the screen. There are plenty of chairs for us all to sit on, which surround the tables so in a way it's as if we're sitting in a classroom facing the projection screen.
There are a few other people in the room as well, and despite not seeing many pictures I recognise all of them instantly. They are none other than: Stanley Hargrove, Jimmy Patterson, Mike Powell and Manon Batiste all from the Medal of Honor series. It's down to the latter 3 being playable characters from the First Person Shooter, and the former only being seen on a photo.
Stanley, who I remember being the one in charge of briefing the other 3, is dressed as a colonel of the era and of his nation. He has white short hair with a moustache as well. His clothing consists of a brownish suit with stripes on the left hand side of his torso. He also has shoulder pins showing his rank, as well as the letters US in gold on both of his lapels, along with 2 golden guns on each lapel. He wears a dark brown shirt underneath with a tie that has a similar colour to his suit. On the collar of his shirt is what looks like gold buttons. For footwear he wears black polished shoes.
Manon, who I remember being the female protagonist of Underground, is dressed in civilian clothes of the era. Her hair is red and mid length that's tied in a pony-tail. Her clothing consists of olive green trousers, and a blue shirt along with a dark black coat on top. Her footwear consists of black shoes that look ordinary.
Lieutenant Patterson the protagonist from the original Medal of Honor, as well as Frontline was an OSS operative and a pilot with short brown hair and green eyes. He wears a pilot uniform of his era, consisting of a black jacket with olive green shirt and tie, as well as black trousers and shoes. He also wears what appears to be an officer hat, with what appears to be a gold eagle on the front.
Lieutenant Powell the protagonist from Allied Assault was another OSS operative with short brown hair and blue eyes. He is dressed as a Ranger of the period consisting of a green helmet with netting, a green t shirt, and a green jacket with a bag on his back with the letters US on them. His trousers are green as well and he wears brown army boots.
I have always liked those guys and I remember how impressive the 3 soldiers were, in what they did during that war. I remember playing them, as well as all the incredible feats they have done as soldiers. As for Hargrove I enjoyed listening to him brief us, and he is indeed a very good officer. To have the pleasure of being briefed by him and to fight alongside them, I think we'd make a great team.
"Ok thanks for coming and I'm sorry to interrupt your well-deserved celebration meal, but as the soldier I sent to you said there is a threatening message that we all need to see." The colonel explained.
He then switches on the projector, as it makes its distinctive nostalgic noise of switching the slide projection. I wonder if they have it purely for the nostalgia of Medal of Honor, which I do find amusing.
With the screen switched on, it is now I see the most famous members of Team Rocket: Jessie, James and their famous cat Pokémon: Meowth.
To my horror rather than being dressed in their regular Team Rocket costumes, they're wearing bikinis including James, whose fake boobies are bigger than Jessie's.
Jessie is a red haired teenage girl with very long hair that curves in the end. Though instead of her hair covering her back, it goes to the side. She wears red lipstick and large green studs on her ears and for costume she wears a strap less black bikini.
James meanwhile is a short purple haired teenager, who also wears red lipstick, though his bikini that shows his large but evidently fake boobies is orange with which he holds with pride. He wears a yellow towel over his waist.
Though we don't appreciate them, nor their disastrous attempt to look attractive, they still try and flirt only to eventually say their message.
"This is for the people of the so called high tech and prosperous Lastation, especially their leader: the so called "benevolent, wise, most popular CPU: Lady Black Heart who only does everything…" Jessie explained trying to sound intimidating.
Clearly they have never been here, or that they just don't know greatness when they see it. I just wish they'd get to their point already.
"Yes in fact we've heard of how the former CPU of this land: Lady Flat Heart, oops I'm sorry: Lady White Heart has fled her nation after not being able to keep it under control. In fact various provinces of Lowee are sick of her rule. In fact rumour has it that she fled to your landmass and died in battle splendid, splendid. What irony eh I heard that you used to be good friends, and then you fell out to the point of war. And now here you are you are the victor and she is dead, just like her snowy landmass…" James added almost in a mocking tone.
"Those guys sure spout out their BS don't they." Blanc spoke trying to hold back her rage though I can see symptoms.
"At least it is BS not the truth. At least we can be happy knowing that they do not know that you still live." I reply with reassurance.
After I reply to her, she shows a smile of gratitude towards me. It's interesting that the Blanc I see before me is not flat chested at all. In fact I'd say she's definitely above average, though Noire's is way bigger. That reality pleases me considering how I remember hating the "boobie distribution" of the CPUs. In any case unlike Neptune, Blanc and Noire have more positive qualities besides their good looks.
With that said I can't help but actually think how much they do genuinely know about my secret plan involving Blanc's arrival, if they do know anything at all? Or is it perhaps a desperate attempt to anger us. Do they even suspect that we intend to liberate Lowee?
"…In fact the reason for our message is, now that you got rid of that tyrannous foul mouthed CPU, we can allow this nation to be ruled by various states. In fact it will be much easier for us to get rid of those annoying rebels and their Pokémon. In case you were wondering, we don't need the help from your dirty smelly machines; in fact they'll probably add pollution to the cold breezes that we get here." Jessie replied almost playing theatrics with her nose.
"You can sure say that again Blanc, I look forward to shutting those idiots up for good. I look forward to us all teaching them discipline Lastation style." My girlfriend spoke with pride and confidence, I admire that in her.
"Well said Noire well said." I added.
Though it is interesting that they speak of us in the way that I remember from the original series. I'm only glad that the Lastation I live is so clean, fresh and pollution free, it's a very warm, welcoming, friendly place.
"Besides you're probably too busy, too busy in dealing with the far superior and far sexier CPU with the super boobies like mine. We won't join in ending your fate quicker, but it'll be rather fun to watch. We wish you luck being as you most certainly need it. If you decide to let your pride get the better of you and foolishly invade us, we will unite and declare war against you. I'm sure even you can work out that having to fight two nations at the same time is not a bright idea, especially considering the state your little Lastation is." James added.
I do my best to ignore their idiotic remarks, but fortunately after hearing that, I can't help but feel more concerned as to do they know that we would attack them? I do feel as though they're fishing for us to invade their land. What concerns me is how we can invade their land, without them knowing too? This is an issue that needs to be discussed.
It is then they say their trade mark motto and even their theme is played as well.
"Prepare for trouble." Jessie chanted.
"And make it double." James added.
"To protect the world from devastation." Jessie said trying to sound intimidating as she says her part.
"To unite all peoples within our nation." James added in a creepy tone.
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Jessie yelled for the first time in their motto of sorts.
"To extend our reach to the stars above!" James spoke louder but not as much as his partner.
"Jessie!" She yelled her name.
"James!" He yelled his name afterwards.
"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!" She yelled aggressively.
"Surrender now or prepare to fight!" He added in his usual tone of trying flirt with us, though his attempts are in vain.
"Meowth! That's right!" The little white cat Pokémon with the gold mark on his forehead added.
Ahh Meowth one of their well-known Pokémon, the only one that I know, that can speak the human language and go beyond just saying their own name.
With that the transmission ends leaving us with various thoughts racing through our minds. More importantly thoughts on how to tackle the situation.
As for my thoughts they're of the enemy themselves, as it's always important to learn your enemy.
I should have known they'd be behind it. After all I suspected Lowee would be next considering our intentions to recapture Lowee for Blanc. Not to mention excuse the 4th wall being broke, but I've been in Lastation for many chapters, so Lowee is bound to be next. It makes sense for the story.
With one of the main things about Lowe is Pokémon and Team Rocket being the main villains relating to them. I shouldn't have been surprised to see Jessie and James the most famous members of Team Rocket.
I remember how evil they were, but here they appear to be more evil then from memory. I don't ever recall them going against other nations, or even being under the control of a province. I'm not exactly sure if they're the same as how I remember them from before, even if it's the circumstances being different. Some of what they say in their motto is ironic to say the least.
But even with some of my previous knowledge of these guys. I could do with knowing more about the Team Rocket I have just seen. What are their origins? Are they are a vassal or independent? And what is their end game, as well as any potential useful information about them.
Fortunately Blanc our Loweean CPU explains.
"I know of Team Rocket, in fact they were the main ones to be responsible for the misery of Lowe. And perhaps my humiliation of seeing the land, of where my favourite Pokémon are born and raised to be taken over by those deviants…" She explained trying to hold back emotions of anger, sadness and frustration.
I expected it to be personal for her. She had to leave Lowee, had to watch it die so to speak. As well as being forced to endure this humiliation, though I didn't think it would be even more personal, as I feel it is for her right now. Though I understand being as I know how much she truly cares about her Pokémon.
"…Yes it all started a while after I got brain washed, and over time the mind control took its toll on me. I can only guess they came from Planeptune, but they were first spotted in a place in Lowee called Pokémon province. Which is where all the Pokémon originated from and are born and raised. Though until the brain washed started they lived throughout Lowee.
They came there with the intention of conquering that province, and making it their own nation. Despite that nation having some of my best troops and trainers there, over time due to lack of numbers, morale and supplies they've eventually died out. In fact those that have survived were forced to retreat from the cities and towns, meaning they had to fight guerrilla warfare in various forests and caves, even on the water. Unfortunately for the most part they are being forced to hide, with limited magicians and special Pokémon to be able to create their food.
From what I know of them, they are responsible for the deaths of various Pokémon. As well as for the destruction of a lot of the technology and magic that was available in that province.
It is my belief that they intend to either commit genocide on all the Pokémon in existence, at least in their province. Or to insure that the only Pokémon that exist are ones owned by Team Rocket. More specifically only certain ones be it: Zubats, Ratatas and maybe a few other poison types. I also have intelligence suggesting that they are trying to construct brainwash facilities, as well as long range facilities that are capable of brainwashing Pokémon, or even to cause the most slow and painful deaths to any Pokémon within it's very long range. I have reason to believe, that they intend to affect any Pokémon that lives in Lastation and Lowee. I have also received reports that they're trying to manipulate the temperatures of Lowe, to make it colder and colder." Blanc explained, sounding quite emotional as she has to talk about all the horrors that Team Rocket have committed.
"Hmmm I do wonder if they intended to invade Lastation anyway, how villainous. To threaten us over our land, only to invade it at a later date." I speak with disgust at the thought.
"Or worse, perhaps they intend to black mail us knowing the predicament we're in with Leanbox. I wonder if they intend to toy with us like Leanbox does." Noire agreed, I can tell she's quite deep in thought of what to do.
"I do wonder if they're actually allies with Leanbox, I wouldn't be too surprised." White asked baffled.
"Yeah probably in secret, being as it would be very difficult for them to get Leanbox to help them without me knowing. In any rate time is short, as while they have not been able to work on their projects due to fear of sabotage, they have managed to secure their cities. And with that, they've had the resistance cornered, and there has not been any disruption or trouble in any of the cities. This has allowed them to continue with their projects, and I have concerns that it will only be a matter of time before they're fully operational." Blanc explained still sounding the same as she did when she last spoke.
"Do you have any idea, where these facilities are located?" I ask Blanc.
"Well in Pokémon province there are two regions: Johto and Kanto. Kanto has these facilities in Viridian City, Saffron City, Fuschia City and Lavander Town. While in Johto, the facilities are in: Violet City, Golden Rod City, Ecruteak City and Blackthorn City." Blanc explained.
"Hmmm. I find it a bit baffling that despite having control of the cities, they don't try to work on their projects anyway. I also would have thought that they'd have help from Leanbox, considering the brain wash facilities they already have developed." White asked with much suspicion.
"That is a very good point, maybe again they are trying to toy with us, and try and lure us into a false sense of security, almost as if to give us a chance. It's just as well, while I do believe that we should strike now, it does concern me as to how, considering the threat Team Rocket have made to us. Not to mention the fact that we don't have many resources that we can divert, to even attempt an invasion of Pokémon province. At least I do know that Pallet Town is the first place for us to take down, as its closest to Lastation and intelligence indicates, it is the weakest of the other cities and towns. Unfortunately I know that they know that if we were to attack, it would be at Pallet Town. Even if it is the weakest, I know it's defended pretty well." Blanc explained.
"Well I do know that you guys need to be undercover, this time as Team Rocket grunts armed with their weaponry and Pokémon that we have successfully replicated from Pallet Town. Although unfortunately we do not have them in mass quantities. This said I think we may have a plan. Would you like to do the honours Colonel Hargrove?" Noire explained even flirting with pride as she has a plan.
"As you wish Lady Black Heart." He replied turning on the projector, making the distinctive nostalgic noise.
Note: Readers please listen to Medal of Honor Allied Assault North Africa while reading this.
The slide shows the Lastation symbol, which is actually the PlayStation symbol but with an L instead of a P.
"Commander Black, I'm Colonel Hargrove from the Office of Strategic Services, the OSS. Our branch specialises in covert operations, usually deep behind enemy lines. Espionage, sabotage, infiltration. That's the business we're in commander…" He explains in his calm professional manner.
I can't help but be amused as he has only addressed me, but also that he has quoted a mission briefing from one of the games, almost word for word. I like the nostalgia I feel of it though, especially how his voice is very distinctive and appropriate.
"…As you may know Team Rocket has captured key cities across Pokémon province, and is now digging in. Our response in coordination with our Loweean allies is an invasion of Kanto. The attack is code named operation Flash…" He explains further only to then reveal another slide on the machine.
The slide shows a map of Pallet Town as it looked in the Pokémon games. As well as the place itself which consists of a few buildings. The map also shows the surrounding area, which consists of route 1 to the north, the sea to the south, and finally to the west and east, the surrounding forest. On the map are arrows and writing, simply explaining that we are to attack from the south in the sea with a force of about a couple of dozen men, as well as from the west which is to be led by me and White, in which we will lead about 60 troops. Not many but perhaps this is all we can afford regarding disguises.
"…This is it everyone, our first large scale offensive of the war. Now everything you hear is classified top secret. What I'm about to tell you is extremely sensitive and only known by a select few.
Team Rocket have positioned brain washing facilities in various strategic cities in both provinces. I want my special operatives to go to those very cities respectively: Jimmy Patterson to Viridian City, Manon to Saffron, Mike Powell to Fuschia City and Baker to Lavender Town. As for Johto I want Griffin to go to Violet City, Holt to go to Goldenrod City, Comlin to Ecruteak City and finally Barnes to Blackthorn City. Your mission will be to infiltrate the facilities, and gather any intelligence you can regarding their knowledge of the technology. Along with the location of any other significant facilities. When we give the order I want you to sabotage the facilities themselves using Team Rocket's own explosives, to prevent them from brainwashing anymore innocent Loweeans or their Pokémon. We need to find out everything we can about their brainwashing and weather manipulating capabilities, it's critical.
As for the attack on Pallet Town, it's important that we take that town as it's the last location before the Lastation border. If our invasion of Lowee is to stand a chance we must take that town, as this will serve as our foothold against Team Rocket. Should Team Rocket ever learn of Lastation invading them, we can at least use Pallet Town as a means of easing pressure of our borders.
Unfortunately due to us needing everything we've got to hold off the Leanbox invasion, we don't have many spare resources or troops to be able to use for this operation. But if we can take back Lowee, then we may stand a chance in going on the offensive against Leanbox…" He explained away.
It is at this point that a new slide has appeared on the screen.
"…Now Pallet Town itself, despite being the weakest of all of the cities is still pretty well defended. To the south are a fleet of patrol boats that patrol the waters between Pallet Town and Cinnabar Island. To the West on the outskirts, are about a dozen squads of troops on patrol in the forest. As for the town itself: though there are little more than 2 houses and a laboratory, it still has some decent protection. There are 4 sniper towers and only a few machine gun nests, but it's patrolled by a few hundred grunts. Fortunately they don't appear to be well trained, and their arms are not exactly the best. Do be wary of what few of their Pokémon they have.
The battle plan is quite simple; under cover of darkness the group to the south will be dropped by stealth planes into the sea, near various isolated patrol boats, where you will hijack them. Then I want you to split into two groups: 1 group will head to Pallet Town and infiltrate it, try and commandeer their towers if you can. The other half I want you to engage the enemy patrol boats, and create a division for the other groups. At the same time Commander Black, I'd like you and Commander White to lead a small force into Pallet Town, from the west and quietly take out the enemies guarding that flank. When we give the signal, I then want all forces surrounding Pallet Town to capture the location.
As regards timing, I want my OSS agents to land tonight; you'll be dropped by airplane in a quiet location near the city, where appropriate disguises and equipment will be available. As for the invasion force, I want you to go tomorrow after dusk, during that time I want you to ensure you're familiar with the equipment and weaponry that you'll use for the mission. Everyone I wish you all the luck in the world on this mission, I have every confidence you'll get the job done, dismissed." Hargrove had finished briefing. He nodded us all good luck.
For what feels like the first time, I'm nervous. Nervous due to how the odds seem stacked against us, even if I know myself and my allies to be brilliant soldiers. I'm not concerned about familiarising myself with the new equipment. But there is a lot of stake here, as the fate of various nations hang in the balance once again. All of this is to take place in an area around and including a small place called Pallet Town. I feel a lot of pressure as this could be our only chance to take back Lowe, and the chances seem pretty slim and there is certainly no room for error. Even if Pallet Town is to be taken, what of the surrounding areas? Would Hargrove's OSS agents be enough to prevent their deadly facilities being utilised against us? Perhaps I worry too much; I've got to think that at least we'll do our best. I do like our plan and considering the unfortunate lack of resources, as well as man and Pokémon power we can use for this operation, our plan is probably the best. Though I do wonder how would the campaign be carried out if it is to begin before ending straight away.
I must remain positive however. This is the only shot we've got if we're to ever win this war. At least I have enjoyed the briefing as it was very thorough, very logical to me and I enjoyed the nostalgia. It was if I was being briefed before playing a Medal of Honor mission. Then there is the fact that I won't be going to Lowee until tomorrow night. This means I'll probably get to spend a wonderful night with my waifu and CPU.
Speaking of which I see both Noire and Blanc smiling, they must be full of excitement and confidence that finally after all this time, we will get Lowe back. I even see them hugging each other with excitement and gratitude, for what we intend to do for our good friend.
"I would like to thank everyone for the preparation, and for taking part in this operation in our attempt to take back what is rightfully ours: Lowee. I'm sure my Loweeans in Lowee will be full of joy in knowing that our nation's liberation, will only be a matter of when as opposed to if it will ever be liberated. To think that I can be CPU of my own nation again. Words cannot describe my joy and gratitude." Miss Lowee smiled.
It was at that point when the young CPU Candidates of Lowee showed up by their CPUs side, and hugged both of her sides. They looked up to her smiling, while Blanc responds in kind, placing her hands on both as a sign of love and happiness.
"I also wish to express my utmost gratitude for this. I wish everyone all the luck in the world. Though I have to devote a lot of my resources and time towards the defence of Lastation against Leanbox, I will provide whatever aid and troops I can spare, and Uni will also provide any surveillance and reconnaissance she can…" Noire explained while flirting as a sign of her gratitude.
Ah yes even if our weaponry will be at the same level as our enemy. At least we have an edge in perk a cola and with the aid of Uni as our eyes and ears.
"I would love to give those part of Lowee's liberation force, a ride in my bomber tonight. I will personally be taking the OSS agents to their respective destinations." Miss Lastation announced.
"Don't get me wrong I appreciate the offer, but what concerns me about this is that won't Team Rocket be able to detect our plane?" White asked with concern.
"It's alright you have a point, but they won't. My plane is invisible to radar thanks to our stealth technology. And my plane can also become invisible to the naked eye. In fact I will be flying at a very high altitude, so they won't be able to see us coming. Our intelligence confirms that they do not have the technology to detect my aircraft. The agents will be dropped off without a parachute to avoid suspicion but don't worry; the perk a colas will make sure that you survive the big drop." Noire explained with pride.
I get to spend the night and day in Noire's plane. Sounds cool especially how I can imagine viewing Lastation from the air, and watch one of their spectacular sunsets. I wondered if this is Noire's way of giving us the best time she can, before sending us to Lowee where no doubt we'll be a there for a long time. It's just as well she does this as it will be sad for me to be apart from her again, even if this time we can communicate through mind talk. I think I'll miss seeing her face to face for a while though. Never the less it's for good reason and I'm willing to go to Lowee and liberate it no matter how long it takes, with my friends.