Episode 17: The Team Scheme
Team Rocket is in some sort of abandoned warehouse. They are tiptoeing through the dark, with only Meowth's flashlight to guide them. James asks, "Do you really think we'll find anything in here?" Meowth and Jessie both shush him.
They creep for a few more moments. Jessie states, "We can't be far now." James and Meowth shush her.
A little while longer, and Meowth finally says, "Ladies and Gentlemen…and you two, I present to you, the future of Team Rocket!" Jessie and James shush him, but he jumps behind them and hits them on the back of their heads with a fan. They all look up. Towering above them is a massive robot. Most of it is covered by shadows, so not much of it can be seen. What can be seen, emblazoned on its chest is a large P, the emblem of Team Planetary.
Our heroes continue their visit through the grand city of Kanaveral. It would appear that some are enjoying this trip more than others.
Ash is sitting at a table at yet another food court at yet another mall. He and Pikachu look bored. Brenda walks by, she's carrying a large stack of boxes and bags. She says to Ash, "Come on Ash, can't you at least pretend to enjoy yourself? Even Brock has found something to do." Brock is standing outside a clothes shop. Every time a girl walks out, he proclaims his love to her. The girls all just walk away, staring oddly at him.
Ash sighs, "This is the sixth mall we've been to today, then there were all the ones from yesterday too. I want to get back on the road, find something to do, figure out where my next gym battle will be."
"Sorry Ash, but you know, you don't have to wait here for me. You could go out and explore the city."
Pikachu's ears perk up. "Pik?"
Ash nods. "I guess I could." He gets up. "Come on Pikachu, let's go find something more interesting to do." He and Pikachu run out.
Ash and Pikachu are now walking through the streets of Kanaveral. Off in the distance, a rocket ship can be seen peeking up over some buildings. Ash suggests, "Hey Pikachu, why don't we go to the Cape Space Center? That could be interesting."
Pikachu nods. "Pika."
"Alright, let's go!" They run off towards the rocket.
Ash and Pikachu make it to their destination. They're out of the main city, and all around them is the sprawling complexes of the Cape Space Center. Ash approaches the main building and walks in.
At a front desk in the entry lobby is a female receptionist. She asks, "Hello, and welcome to the Cape Space Center. May I ask your reason for visiting us today?"
Ash replies, "This is my first time in Kanaveral City. Pikachu and I were hoping for a tour."
"I'm sorry, but you just missed the last tour of the day. It left ten minutes ago."
Ash hangs his head. "Oh…"
The voice of a man suddenly booms, "My boy, would you happen to be a Pokémon Trainer?"
Ash perks up. "Yes, I am." He looks in the direction of the voice. Standing on the other side of the room is a large, muscular, and heavy-built man. He is older, and has graying hair that might have once been black. He wears a white and gray jumpsuit and heavy boots. Ash asks, "Why?"
The man looks Ash over. "I've seen your type before. Let me guess, you came to Kanaveral because you wanted to challenge the Kanaveral Gym."
Ash nods. "Yeah, how'd you guess?"
"Allow me to introduce myself, my name's Neil. I'm the Kanaveral City Gym Leader."
Ash is surprised. "Really!? My name is Ash, I'm from Pallet Town, and this is my partner Pikachu."
"Pika!"
Neil nods. "Nice to meet you Ash and Pikachu. I'm sorry I can't accept your challenge. I've been so busy with the upcoming rocket launch that I just couldn't focus on running the gym."
Ash nods, "I understand."
"How about I make it up to you. I've got a little bit of free time, I'll show you around."
"That would be great!"
Neil turns around and puts on an overcoat. The coat is covered in various patches, each showing various space-themed pictures.
Ash asks, "Hey, what do all those patches mean?"
Neil smiles, "Obviously you've never heard of me."
Ash shakes his head. "No, I don't think I have."
Neil is obviously happy to tell his story. "I am perhaps one of the most famous astronauts to ever live. Have you ever heard of that little thing called the Moon Landing?"
Ash looks very surprised. "You landed on the Moon!?"
"I was the very first. After that, I went on to go into space another twenty times at least, doing a great many feats. Each of these patches represent a different mission I went on."
Ash is in awe. "Do you still travel to space?"
"Sadly, no. I've settled to just running the Space Center. I leave all that stuff to the younger astronauts."
Ash notices another patch, one more meaningful than any other. On his upper arm is the emblem of Team Planetary. Ash asks is shock, "Wait, why are you wearing that!?"
Neil looks to the patch that Ash pointed out. He looks confused. "Well why wouldn't I? I do work for Team Planetary after all."
"Why would you work for Team Planetary!?"
Neil laughs. "You must be joking, right? Team Planetary owns the Tenno Space Program. If it wasn't for them, we never would have landed on the Moon."
"That…can't be."
Neil laughs again. "You must be new to the Tenno Region. Team Planetary is the reason that this region is at the forefront of technology and space travel. They're chuck full of geniuses who turn out new inventions that help the world all the time."
"I've encountered Team Planetary twice now. Both times they have proven themselves to be little more than thieves. They stole a Starter Pokémon from Professor Pine's lab!"
Neil laughs again. "Okay, I get it. This is a joke."
Ash shakes his head. "No, I swear, this is no joke. I'm completely serious."
Neil looks Ash over. "I feel you've been misled my boy. Why don't I give you that tour, and on the way I'll show you Planetary Headquarters. Maybe we can clear up your misconception."
Ash reluctantly says, "Alright."
Team Rocket is still at the base of the massive robot. Meowth says, "Alright, I think we should call this one into The Boss."
James nods. "Good idea." Out of a pack of supplies he's carrying, he pulls out a laptop.
He opens it and puts it on a nearby table. They gather around it and turn it on. After a few moments, Giovanni's image appears on the screen. He's wearing his traditional orange suit and Persian is on his lap. Meowth shouts, "Greetings from the Tenno Region your bossliness!"
Giovanni grunts upon seeing who it is. He demands, "What are you fools doing in the Tenno Region?"
James answers, "Why we're conquering it in your name. We told your aide to tell you that last time we tried to call you."
Giovanni rubs his forehead with irritation. "Normally, it is I who tells Team Rocket operatives where they are to go, and currently you three imbeciles are assigned to manual labor at our Viridian HQ. Can you not even do that?"
Jessie responds, "We can explain sir. That special Pikachu you want so badly is here, so we just had to follow it." Giovanni doesn't respond. He just looks annoyed.
Meowth says, "Anyways though, we found something even better! Upon reaching Tenno, we quickly discovered that the main obstacle to conquering the region will be an organization known as Team Planetary."
Giovanni looks up. "Did you say Team Planetary?"
Meowth nods. "Yeah, we managed to beat them on our first encounter, and then another time only a couple of days ago."
Giovanni appears intrigued. "Really? You've managed to defeat Team Planetary twice?"
Jessie, James, and Meowth look at each other for a short moment and then all answer, "Of course!"
"I have been attempting to get agents into Tenno for months now in order to fight Team Planetary, the greatest threat to Team Rocket's criminal dominance, but Team Planetary has blocked all attempts. Now you're telling me that you three have not only made it into the region, but made it through encounters with Team Planetary?"
They all nod. Meowth states, "That actually brings us to the point of why we called you. We have infiltrated a secret Team Planetary warehouse, and have discovered what can be only described as a superweapon. From what we can tell, it's a prototype for something called Operation Architect. We have all of the supplies we need to commandeer it and make it work for Team Rocket."
Giovanni nods. "I am actually impressed for once. Proceed with your plan. I hereby appoint you three the head of all Team Rocket activities in Tenno."
Team Rocket is shocked. Jessie stammers, "Why…th…thank you Boss."
James salutes him. "We'll make you proud."
Meowth nods. "Meowth, that's right!"
Giovanni nods. "I'm signing off." The screen goes blank.
In Giovanni's office, an assistant asks, "Sir, are you really going to trust those three with such an important job?"
Giovanni pets Persian. "I would never normally trust those three with such an important job, but I don't have much of a choice." He thinks for a moment. "However, get me Butch and Cassidy. If those three could get in, Butch and Cassidy should be able to as well."
Back in the warehouse, Team Rocket is looking up at the massive machine. James declares, "If those copycats of Team Planetary think they can steal our theme, let's return the favor and steal their machine!"
Who's That Pokémon!?
This Pokémon was originally a foreign Pokémon that was imported as a pet. It eventually turned up in the wild. This Pokémon is very hardy and has greatly increased its population.
Neil has led Ash to a nearby building. Emblazoned on the front is the P insignia of Team Planetary. Neil says, "This is Team Planetary HQ, from here they command their national and global operations. Why don't you come in, and I'll show you that there's nothing to fear."
Ash reluctantly nods. They walk in. Inside is a crisp, clean, and white lobby. Team Planetary Grunts travel back and forth across the room, performing various tasks.
"See, does this look like a group of thieves to you?"
"I guess not."
Neil spots someone across the room and calls out, "Cygnus, come over here!"
A girl walks over. She wears a uniform similar to the one worn by Planetary Commander Sirius. She has long white hair. She smiles and says, "Good day Neil, what may I do for you?"
"This boy here is Ash Ketchum, he has some bizarre misconceptions about your operations here, so I thought I'd prove him wrong."
Cygnus raises an eyebrow in curiosity. "What kind of misconceptions?"
Neil looks to Ash. "This is Cygnus, she's a Commander of Team Planetary. Why don't you tell her what you've heard?"
Ash asks, "Do you have anyone working for you named Cosmo?"
For a split second, Cygnus looks surprised. She quickly regains composure. She looks like she's thinking. "Hmm…Cosmo…I can't say I've ever heard that name before."
"Are you sure? I've meet him twice now. First he stole a Sporout from Professor Pine's lab, then he stole Meteoric Shards from the Horizoport Meteorite Museum. Both times he had claimed to be doing it in the name of Team Planetary, and he had the backing of your grunts here." Ash beckons to the grunts walking about.
Cygnus puts on a smile that is obviously fake. "I assure you, this is probably some sort of prank or misconception. Team Planetary had nothing to do with these events." She looks back to Neil. "I'm sorry, but I have a very busy schedule to keep and must be off."
Neil nods. "Of course Cygnus. Have a nice day." Cygnus walks off. He looks back to Ash. "I hope that that convinced you."
Ash seems uncertain. "I guess so…"
It's Corphish!
A dimly lit room is shown. There is a desk with a man sitting at it. Due to the lighting of sunset, only the man's silhouette can be seen. Cygnus walks in and salutes. "Sir, I have news to report."
The man, who is facing away from her, looking at the view of the rocket out his window, says without turning, "What is it?"
Cygnus' entire personality seems to change, as she becomes much more hostile. "Neil brought in some brat."
"I fail to see why this matters."
"It matters because he was asking too many questions. He was asking questions about your little pet, Cosmo. The brat apparently saw him committing crimes on two different occasions."
"And this matters why?"
Cygnus seems annoyed. "Because if this one brat has discovered the truth, who knows how many others have! I've been telling you from the start that giving your pet so much freedom to operate was a bad idea, and now I'm being proved right!"
The man declares angrily, "How dare you question my decision!? Cosmo is the future of Team Planetary! One kid knowing the truth is insignificant! Tell me, does Neil believe him?"
"No sir, not at all. He remains as ignorant as ever."
"Then we have nothing to fear. Leave me now."
"Yes sir." Cygnus salutes and then turns around to leave.
It's now nighttime. Ash and Neil are returning to the original building. Neil asks, "Did you enjoy the tour?"
Ash nods. "Yeah, there was some pretty cool stuff."
"I'm sorry I couldn't spare the time to battle you. You should keep an eye on the news. Almost as soon as the rocket launch is over, I should have the gym back up and running."
"Alright, I will." Ash notices Brock and Brenda off in the distance. "Thank you very much for the tour, I'd better get going."
"Of course, it was my pleasure."
Ash runs off and joins back up with Brock and Brenda. Brock asks, "How was your day Ash?"
"Pretty good. A little confusing though."
Brenda asks, "How come?"
"It's about Team Planetary. They-"
Just as Ash is about to tell his story, there is a loud crashing noise. The group looks towards the source, a nearby building. Through the roof breaks out the massive robot discovered by Team Rocket. Standing fully erect, it is almost as tall as the shorter of the skyscrapers in the city. It is roughly humanoid in shape, but seems to be not complete in construction, missing some armor in most places and having exposed parts in others. It is over all clunky in appearance. The Planetary P on its chest has been painted over by the Rocket R. Standing on each of its shoulders are Jessie and James.
Brenda exclaims, "What's that!?"
Ash points to it. "It's Team Rocket!"
Brock asks, "How'd they get a robot that big!?"
The robot begins marching towards the city. Jessie declares, "Prepare for big time trouble!"
James continues, "Make it a gigantic double!"
"To destroy this city with a giant mech!"
"To flawlessly show off our stolen tech!"
"To denounce the evils of Team Planetary!"
"To prove they aren't even the slightest bit scary!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket conquers all at the speed of light!"
"Surrender to our robot or prepare to fight!"
Meowth pops out on top of the head. "Meowth, that's right!"
Wobbuffet appears next to Jessie. "Wobba!"
Mime Jr. appears on James' shoulder, standing there like James stands on the robot. "Mime mime!"
The robot reaches the city and smashes its arm into a building, collapsing it.
An impromptu police barrier has been set up by Officer Jenny and a handful of other police officers. Through a megaphone, Officer Jenny shouts, "Stop right where you are!"
Jessie laughs. "Or you'll do what!?" The robot bends over and swipes its hand at the police. They all jump, getting out of the way just in time. Jessie laughs some more.
Brock shouts, "Jenny!"
Ash says, "This is awful! We have to stop them!" He looks to Pikachu. "Try a Thunderbolt."
Pikachu nods, then leaps into the air. "Pikaaaaaa chuuuuuuuu!" Pikachu unleashes its strongest Thunderbolt. It merely hits the robot and glances off.
James turns around and looks at them. "Oh look, it's the Twerps, and not even their Pikachu can stop this giant machine!"
Meowth declares, "I know an opportunity when I see one!" A grappling hook shoots out of the back of the robot and grabs Pikachu.
Ash shouts, "Pikachu!"
After being drawn in, Pikachu is locked up in some sort of clear capsule. Pikachu tries to break free with Thunderbolt. "Pikaaa chuuuuu!" It does nothing.
Jessie explains, "That capsule is meant to withhold the extremes of space, just as the rest of this robot is! You'll never get out!"
Neil comes running over to the group. He asks in a panic, "What's going on here!?"
Brock answers, "That's Team Rocket, they somehow managed to get their hands on this robot from that building over there."
Neil looks in the direction Brock points. "That's the Planetary Warehouse! Team Planetary store many of their experimental projects there. It's top secret."
Brock and Brenda exclaim in unison, "Team Planetary!?"
Ash says, "I'll explain later." He looks up to Neil. "Do you know anything about this robot, a way to stop it maybe?"
Neil shakes his head. "I'm never seen or heard of this thing before."
The robot destroys another building. Jessie declares, "People of Kanaveral, bow before your new rulers!"
Neil continues, "We have no option but to fight it!" He throws a Pokéball. "Go, Klinklang!"
Brenda takes out her Pokédex. "Klinklang, the Gear Pokémon, and a Steel-Type. Klinklang's body are composed of the highest grade steel. They must constantly turn their gears in order to survive. They constantly polish themselves to avoid clogging. Klinklang evolves from Klang at level 49."
Neil commands, "Klinklang, Hyper Beam!" Neil's Pokémon spins its gears at high speeds and creates a beam of energy that fires at the back of Team Rocket's robot. It does little to no damage. "Come on, we have to get closer!" They all run towards the robot.
Once closer, Ash declares, "Alright, let's try this out!" He throws a Pokéball, releasing Turcell. "Turcell, use Molten Slag and melt its legs!"
"Turrrr cellll!" The Pokémon launches several globules of molten materials at the robot's feet. The slag hits, but just falls off, doing no damage at all.
Neil realizes, "Team Planetary must have built that thing for space travel, maybe even for travel close to the sun. That Molten Slag may be hot, but nowhere near hot enough to melt through."
Brenda asks, "Then how do we stop it?"
Neil commands, "Try Zap Cannon Klinklang!" The Pokémon launches its electrical attack at the robot, once again doing nothing.
Jessie sticks out her tongue at them. "Ha ha, you can't touch us!"
Brock throws his Pokéball, letting out Blissey. "Blissey use Strength and try to tip the robot!" Blissey glows with white energy as it runs towards the robot. It rams into it and pushes with all its strength, but even that isn't enough.
Neil suggests, "Let's all try at once! Attack one of the weak points! Klinklang, Hyper Beam!"
Ash shouts, "Turcell, Molten Slag!"
Brock shouts, "Egg Bomb!"
Brenda throws a Pokéball, letting out Kappaqua. "Kappaqua, Aqua Bomb!"
The four attacks all hit the same point on the robot's leg, in a spot missing armor. The robot shakes, but little else happens.
The robot's torso pivots on its waist, turning 180 degrees, and swats its arm down, knocking back the Pokémon. It then turns back around and knocks over another building.
Brenda says in desperation, "It's hopeless. This thing is unbeatable."
Suddenly a valiant voice declares, "No situation is ever hopeless, no enemy ever unbeatable!"
Everyone looks up in the direction of the voice. Standing on top of a skyscraper near the robot is a silhouette. The figure steps forward. It is a tall, slim, but fit man dressed in the outfit of a ninja. All of his head except his eyes are covered by a black mask. On his back are two swords in sheaths and there's a tool belt around his waist. On one side of the belt are six Pokéballs. Neil murmurs with awe, "It's him…"
Jessie and James crack up laughing. Jessie asks, "Is it Halloween already!?"
James shouts, "No, I don't believe it is!"
Without even acknowledging them, the man takes a Pokéball off his belt and throws. "Ninjato, emerge from the shadows!" A similarly ninja-themed Pokémon emerges from the ball. It is completely black, almost as if made from shadows. It is a slim Pokémon, apparently built for speed and agility. It seems to wear a mask, which is tied off behind its head, which leaves streamers flying in the wind behind it. It stands in the pose of a ninja about to perform a Ninja Art.
Ash pulls out his Pokédex this time. "Ninjato, the Shinobi Pokémon, and a Dark and Fighting Combo-Type. Ninjato are experts in fighting in the shadows. They can create some of the sharpest blades out of pure shadows, which they wield with great skill. In the ancient past, they fought side by side with ninjas. Ninjato evolves from Ninjitsu by leveling up while holding the Ninja Scrolls."
The ninja commands, "Ninjato, Night Slash!" The ninja Pokémon creates two blades out of shadows and wields them in a reverse grip. It jumps into the air towards the robot. It first lands on top of Pikachu's capsule, and slashes through the mechanism that's binding it. The capsule opens, and Pikachu falls out.
Ash runs forwards and catches Pikachu.
Ninjato then disappears in a burst of speed. It reappears for only a second as it slashes its sword through both kneecaps of the robot. It then disappears again, only to reappear next to the ninja.
Meowth laughs. "Ha, it looks like your attack didn't do a thing!" There is a suddenly groan from the machine. Meowth's eyes go wide. The entire robot falls down from its own weight, collapsing on the floor. Team Rocket look at each other nervously.
The ninja declares, "Now, Lunar Beam!" Ninjato disappears in another burst of speed. It reappears in front of Team Rocket. They look terrified. Ninjato gathers energy from the Moon, and sends a beam of it right at Team Rocket, causing them to fly into the sky.
While flying off, Jessie asks, "Our plan was perfect, what went wrong!?"
Meowth responds, "Oh, I don't know…maybe a ninja!"
James demands, "Who does that guy think he is!? Showing up from the shadows out of nowhere! What does he think he is!?"
Meowth gives the same answer, "I don't know…maybe a ninja!"
They all shout, "Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"
Back at the ground, the ninja returns his Pokémon to its ball. He declares, "People of Kanaveral, you are safe now! And know that you always will be, as long as I, the Guardian, am here!" He disappears into the shadows.
The city cheers. Ash asks, "Who was that guy?"
Neil answers, "As you just heard, he calls himself the Guardian. He shows up from time to time around the region. He acts like he's some sort of superhero. He uses his own ninja training, as well as his team of ninja-themed Pokémon to protect the people of Tenno."
Brenda is in awe. "Wow, that guy is great."
Brock agrees. "Very powerful."
Ash states, "I'd love to have a battle with that guy someday."
Some time has passed. It's daytime again. The city is still wrecked from the previous night's attack, but repairs are already underway. Ash, Brock, and Brenda are standing with Neil at the edge of the city. Neil says, "If I may make a suggestion, there is a gym in Atmos City, not too far from here. It should be open." Neil smiles.
Ash smiles back. "Thanks Neil. I'm looking forward to battling you."
Neil nods. "And I look forward to battling you."
Ash, Brock, and Brenda begin to walk away. Brock has pulled out the Pokéssistant. He says, "Hey guys, look at this."
On the screen, a press conference is playing. Speaking is Cygnus. She says, "I assure you, Team Planetary had nothing to do with last night's attack. That robot was an experimental prototype for a probe that was supposed to fly to the sun and collect samples. It was never meant to be used as a weapon. We grieve that our technology was the cause of so much destruction." Many reporters try to ask questions. Cygnus states, "No further questions will be taken at this time." She walks off stage.
Ash shakes his head. "I don't believe them. That thing had to be designed as some sort of weapon."
Brock nods. "It would appear that Team Planetary has too great of a grip over the public. That's not safe."
Brenda nods. "It scares me." They three walk on
And now that our heroes have learned that the sinister Team Planetary is more dangerous than ever, who knows what the future could hold? And who is this mysterious Guardian? Will our heroes cross paths with him again? You know how to get the answers to these questions…
Cygnus walks into the same room as before. The man is left out of view, but is in the same location as before. Cygnus states, "I hate putting on those public performances, all the smiling I have to do hurts."
The man replies, "You will do what you have to do to further our plans."
Cygnus asks, "And what of Operation Architect?"
"It is a shame that we have lost our prototype, but the plan can go on. We will have to start from scratch on a new Titan, but that is of little concern. We have plenty of time and resources."
Cygnus nods. "The plan will go on."
The Narrator finishes ominously, Stay tuned…
To Be Continued…
