Winter, 2550
Azterc, UNSC Colony
Defensive Line Foley
The Brutes ran with all the strength their legs could muster. They gasped for freezing air as heavy steps hammered into the snow and across the frozen pond. Weapons dropped and forgotten. Terror steeled in their hearts. Survival the only concept within their semi feral minds.
A phantom moved eerily in the night. A brute frozen here and another scared to death (literally) over there. Snow collecting on their cooling forms.
The Phantom floated behind the fleeing vermin. A feminine voice cackled. A purple beam fired out against the leading Brute crossing the pond. He fell into a scared, panicked state swiping and punching at things no one else could see before setting upon his fellows with a desperate fury. The other brutes struggled to fight him off as the ice began cracking.
A creature rumbled under the ice before coming out and grabbing one of the brutes, dragging them down into the freezing depths. On the other end of the pond, those brutes which made it to the other side found a falling illusion and a grinning Lupine figure before being turned to nothing by a dark ribbon like beam.
A man stepped out of the fading Illusion. Suppressed coughs coming from his weapon and two more brutes fell. He scratched the lupine creature along its massive mane and they disappeared.
A ghostly wail went up through the forest, snow falling slowly in the night. A figure floated in the moonlight, not unlike a sheet in the wind. Uricamus fur stood on end as he moved through the snow slowly, his breath coming out in ragged, steaming patches. He alone remained of his pack. All others had been picked off one by one. It had been a creature of the grave, a haunted and mournful figure from beyond. His grandmother had told him stories of such creatures to scare him into obedience as a child on Dosiac. This creature however, was not the same as the Demons the humans employed. They fought in a straightforward manner while moving through their foes efficiently one after the other before moving on. The grave creature of which he had only had brief glimpses of was a white sheet with big eyes. It giggled and wailed while floating with eerie grace all the while slaughtering his packmates viciously, sometimes turning them against each other.
Uricamus huffed as he heard a whisper inches from his ear and quickly turned.
Nothing.
He turned to the other side. 'Froslasssss.'
Icy terror clutched him even as his life force left his body. Uricamus's lifeless body fell to the ground, eyes wide in stark terror.
"Well played, Froslass." A tall man appeared as if from nothing, an illusion fell revealing black armor with a silver faceplate, an insignia of a small golden pyramid appearing at his lapel. An even taller red and dark furred werewolf-like creature stood next to him, eyeing their surroundings warily.
An orb pulsated at his wrist discreetly in rhythm with one at the Zoroark's neck, its form exaggerated beyond normal.
Frosslass moved over to him and hugged him affectionately, cooing as he scratched her head.
"Lets head back to base." The man returned those of his team out other than Froslass before she warped them in shadow and both were gone.
Lt. Titus Rann sat back at the table with his brow furrowed in concentration, an uncertain set of cards in his hand. A group of ODSTs all sat around a table smoking cigars, sipping scotch, playing cards. Jack had managed to scrounge up peach cobbler from the Division Commander's personal mess somehow, handing out slices to everyone.
'I fold.' He put his cards down and reclined before taking a long drag from his cigar.
'And so I win once again.' Jack Wataru put his cards down, a rather good hand revealed. Running a hand through his thick blonde hair, certainly not cut within regs.
Terry Hood groaned as he put half his paycheck into the pot, his chair also groaning under the strain of his large frame. 'I swear, everytime I think I might have something, Jack sweeps in just so.'
As Jack began to gather the pile of money in the table center, Emily Keyes smiled predatorily, brushing her shoulder length blonde hair from before her eyes. She slowly placed her hand on the table. Titus had seen this before, but only when Jack wasn't around. Emily was quite adept at playing the player rather than the game always feigning a skill issue when against Jack. However, tonight was a massive pot.
Jack frowned and muttered a curse under his breath before reclining, sharp eyes watching. Keyes shoveled the money from the table into her black helmet as the door opened and cold wind ushered into the room.
Captain Don Cerny stepped into the room, discreetly placing a couple white and red balls into his pocket Titus noticed. He smiled at them, 'I miss anything?'
'I won finally.' Keyes smiled smugly before slugging a still frowning Jack in the shoulder.
'So this is where I find you all? Playing poker without me. I suppose you have to make your money back somehow.' Don stated mirthfully. Titus mentally recalled how Don had cleaned them all out on multiple occasions.
'Well, that's enough bad hands for one night.' Cass Drake groused, 'I'm going to go check on my men and hit the sack. I have an early patrol. By Mew, why must we have terrible luck?'
Don shot her a sharp look while Jack looked like he saw a ghost. A faint giggle could be heard emanating from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
'Who is Mew? Are you a part of one of those funny religions?' Titus asked with his mouth full of peach cobbler.
'Oh yeah, real funny one. We worship a floating cat!' Cass tried to recover by doubling down, her green eyes openly panicking for a split second.
Jack coughed and Don just laughed. 'You leave offerings of catnip for it?'
Cass' face flushed red with embarrassment before she made a look at Emily and allowed her sandy blonde bob cut to cover her face.
'Alright time for us ladies to hit the hay. You boys can go back to measure sizes.' Emily grabbed Cass by the arm and hurried her out, glancing at Terry before following her out.
'Night!' Terry looked longingly at her arse as the ladies disappeared around the corner. The big man got up from the table and stretched. 'I think I'm going to hit the hay as well. My platoon has a rapid response rotation in the morning and Sergeant Major Johnson is none too pleased with our readiness level. Besides, we owe him for the cigars!'
Titus looked at him knowingly, 'Of course you do, Lt. Hood! Besides, isn't Sergeant Major on patrol tonight? That gives you some time to get squared away.
'By the way - I heard the message your mother sent last night - she seems concerned about you finding a nice woman? Aren't we at war?' Titus teased.
Hood went pale and quickly changed the topic. 'Well uh - you know my dad is getting his final star and moved to High Command!'
Jack and Don had since started devouring peach cobbler before they both had surprised looks on their faces. Don swallowed and spoke, 'Well congratulations to your old man! Maybe you can put in a good word for me sometime? Being a field team handler is becoming tiring. I might like to try my hand at some office work.'
'Yeah you guys run too hard. I've not even been through formal Shock Trooper training and yet you guys have dragged me on at least a dozen drops!' Jack complained.
'Mhm, Cass with a Flamethrower is scary! That woman is likely to hit any of us as she is the enemy. You see what she did to that Pack of Brutes the other day? Hot damn!' Titus recounted.
Jack suddenly got all serious for a moment and looked him straight in the eyes, 'Trust me, you have no idea.'
Titus looked back at him confused at the sudden seriousness before Jack shifted back, 'But she can surely drink all of us under the table.'
Titus thought he heard him mutter something under his breath about that woman can out drink a dragon. Why was everyone so weird tonight? Gotta be the alcohol.
Don didn't miss a beat though and noticed Titus' awareness before coughing. 'So you gonna keep playing those holo games of yours Jack? I noticed you always complain about not having someone to play against. Maybe you should teach Titus here.'
Jack looked confused for a moment before understanding dawned on him. 'Oh yes, pokemon. Titus, you uh, interested in trying this game out? I'll trade you a decent starting 'mon to get you going!'
Titus tilted his head, 'I suppose? You must have others who play in the battalion?'
'Don used to play, but he's too busy as the Battalion's new head spook.' Jack grabbed his bag and pulled out a holopad. 'Here is my spare. You'll find the games on the main page.'
Titus took hold of the pad and sat down next to Jack who instructed him on how to play. Don wandered off, a knowing smile on his face.
March, 2553
Earth
Hood Estate, The Hamptons
Major Don Cerny, tall and brooding, stood with his protege Lt Jack Wataru, high cheekbones and taller yet, drinking beers on the Hood's back porch. A small shindig thrown together by Terry's mother to celebrate the end of the war and the wedding between her son, Terry Hood and the other daughter of the influential Dr. Halsey, Emily Keyes. Night had come and the waves lapped against the beach with a regular and beautiful crescendo, covering their conversation effectively.
'I think Titus should be read in on Pokemos.' Jack said simply.
His Haunter sat in the shadows talking in pokenese with his Dusknoir and Gengar. Don's Froslass stayed in his shadow sometimes giggling when the other ghosts said something loud enough.
Don simply hummed in agreement. Titus had taken well to their gradually introduction of Pokemos media, carefully curated of course. After the careless mention of Mew by Cassandra Drake, Jack had to manually remove the pokemon and any mention of it from any media he lent Titus.
'If the wrong factions in ONI were to discover Pokemos, they would be little better than the Rockets in their treatment.' Don stated. 'We need influential allies more than ever and Titus is on his way up. As is Terry, but it remains to be seen if he can be trusted. The risk of him telling his father is too great and we do not have the full measure of Admiral Hood.'
'Definitely. But I'm rather optimistic about it. We have read-in Dr. Tillson, a friend of Dr. Halsey's. With Titus, we will be able to make steady progress in their social groups. Besides - Halsey loves Titus like a son. Before they were ODSTs, Em and Titus served together as Regulars. If we can eventually shift her and her husband to our cause - we will have more political clout to protect Pokemos.' Wataru reasoned.
Haunter had floated over and nodded emphatically as to support his trainer, despite not paying attention to what was said.
'Halsey is noted for her ability to defy Parangosky. However she would not be able to protect us over something with the magnitude of Pokemos. We would need Lord Admiral Hood's patronage for that.' Cerny pointed out.
Froslass rose to support her trainer, taking note of Haunter's interest in the conversation. She nodded even more emphatically as her trainer spoke.
'Don, I trust Terry with my life and he trusts me with his, but I'm not as close to him as Titus. Those three have always ran together.'
'Then we will just have to hope that Titus' connection to both the Hoods and the Keyes might play in our favor.' Don mused.
The ghosts began nodding faster and faster everytime their respective trainers spoke.
'I don't much care for trying to court anyone within ONI itself. But these folks have the right moral temperament for our goals. I know Titus doesn't want to go into the Spartan IV program with Terry and Em.'
That took Don by surprise. 'Really? I heard he was one of their top picks. I had no idea he intended to turn it down.'
At this point, Don was absently swatting at Froslass who giggled and began making faces at Haunter instead.
'He feels that operations against the covenant remnants will be minimal and that ONI would task Spartan fireteams with a refocused effort against surviving Innies. He thinks he might have to whack Innie families and wants no part of it.'
Don frowned and nodded. 'That's the kind of strong, moral compass we are looking for.'
Dusknoir wheezed next to the guest house as Haunter exaggerated his facial features back towards Froslass. Terry's annoyed face appeared in a different window, a woman's bra hanging from his head and a spatula in his hands.
They were silent for a while taking in the ocean waves. The noise of the wedding after party dying down as guests went home. Although if one listened intently enough, moaning could be heard from the general direction of the guest house behind the main house. Froslass had pranked them earlier by simply giggling near the window and darting away. Terry's face had popped up in the window, brow furrowed while looking about.
After a long while Don spoke again, 'We are the Knights of Uxie and it is our Duty to preserve Pokemos through any means possible. Even if that means joining an organization as unsavory as the Office of Naval Intelligence.'
'Is that so Tall, Dark and Brooding? Ha! I knew there was something about you boys!' A new figure joined the conversation from the shadows.
If Don was surprised, he didn't show it as Sergeant Major Johnson entered the light. The biggest cigar he had ever seen hanging from the man's mouth and a tall glass of whiskey in his hand. Jack just stood there slack jawed wondering how Froslass and his Haunter had missed this man.
Then again, it was Sergeant Major Avery Motherfuckin' Johnson. The ghosts had been distracting each other which didn't help.
'Now as it so happens, I have a friend from Pokemos. In fact, the only other surviving Spartan One besides myself.' Johnson pointed out. The man could speak clearly while simultaneously taking a drag from his cigar somehow.
Don allowed his surprise to show on his face this time. 'Who?' He stated simply.
'What do you know of the man named Marcellus Byrnes?' Johnson inquired.
Don eyes widened, 'The previous Champion of Indigo.' He murmured. 'Did you have any idea?'
'Somewhat, I know he was approached by some mysterious group after the Harvest campaign and disappeared. I'm guessing that was one of your old friends?'
Don Smiled, 'My predecessor Roger would've been the one. He has been retired for some time now.
The ghosts had retreated into the shadows as soon as Johnson had shown, but now Froslass crept out and to Johnson's side. 'Frosssslassss.'
Johnson gave a sassy mhm at Don, ignoring Froslass. 'I remember him, good taste in cigars. Quite charming according to my wife.' He frowned at the memory.
'He sent me a picture once - he had this massive steel serpent. He was smilin' next to it. Something about a new technology called a Metal Coat working. I assumed he meant it buffed up real nice like. Had no idea that it was a living breathing creature.' Johnson remembered. 'Must've been on for 20 years ago!'
'Sounds about the time he was training to become Champion.' Jack found his way into the conversation.
Froslass feigned being offended and whined at Johnson who sighed and reached out to scratch her head. She cooed at his touch.
'Indeed. Now what is it you want from us Sergeant Major? I doubt you snuck up on us for a joke.' Don asked.
'Well, I noticed the media Titus was watching lately and saw that - what was it called, a Steelix? - on the holo. I figured you boys were gonna recruit him like my old buddy Marcellus. Now, I won't be able to make it as I have an upcoming training deployment with the first litter of Spartan IVs. But once I'm done with that - I want in. Whatever is going on there, sounds big. Sounds fun.' He explained.
Jack did a small fist pump. Don simply smiled, 'We'd be honored Sergeant Major.'
They shook hands and Johnson eagerly poured them some fresh whiskey, which Froslass promptly froze and cackled before darting away from Don's annoyed glare.
Early Spring, 2553
Earth
Sydney, Australia
'So those two have "read" you in on something that quite frankly, I've never heard of.' Dr. Halsey stirred her tea with well practiced motions and sat down in the deck chair next to Titus.
'And quite frankly, I have heard of practically everything under the sun and in the shadows that ONI meddles with.' Dr. Halsey continued.
'Yes ma'am.' Titus sat straight and respectfully, sipping his tea quietly.
Dr. Halsey had done much for him at Emily's behest over the years. The least he could do was let her know about some super spook conspiracy he had unwittingly stumbled upon. Halsey carried herself with a gravitas and bearing he had only seen in aristocratic women. Her scientific acumen was beyond stating. And if Em was anything to look at, well her mother was quite the stunner in her youth. The combination of these traits and it was no wonder Admiral Keyes wifed her as soon as he could and four kids and some 30 years later were still going strong.
'Hmmph. If this Pokemos-' She rolled the world over her tongue, 'is anything like what you say and show me on these… holo games. I have no doubt there be quite a bit of revelation there for us all. However, as they are rather conspiratorial about it. The best course of action, would be a rather subtle one.' She paused before continuing. 'I've taken the liberty of pulling Scipio from the Active Duty Rolls. You will take him with you in order to investigate this world and uncover whatever you can.'
Titus gasped slightly as Dr. Halsey pulled the memory chip of a Smart AI out of her pocket and proffered it to him. 'I understand the two of you have some operational history together?'
'Yes ma'am, when Spartans were unavailable due to high mission volume, we might get called up for something less risky. On several occasions and even an entire campaign, Scipio was assigned to us by command.' Titus answered, taking a sip of his tea.
Halsey twitched at the mention of Spartan unavailability, no doubt caused by the inevitable attrition of war. She thumbed the projector next to her and Scipio's form appeared. A british accented Roman Legate, Scipio Africanus.
'Ah Major Titus Rann! What a privilege to be of service to you once again. I hear we will be having quite the adventure this time however.' Scipio answered enthusiatically.
Scipio as Titus had previously learned working with him was a 5th Generation Smart AI created by Dr. Catherine Halsey herself. He was essentially Cortana's little brother. Scipio having been around for about two years already and would live at least five more. Scipio specialized in cyberwarfare and rapid pace analysis of foreign and exotic materials. Both crucial for fighting in the Covenant's domain.
Titus smiled and regarded Scipio warmly. 'Into the breach once again, bud?'
Into the breach my good sir! Forward evermore!' Scipio exclaimed. He then made a holo tea cup and began drinking with them.
Dr. Halsey smiled. 'Okay settle down you two! Because if what I think I'm seeing is correct? These pokemon are essentially creatures explicitly created for Composing via Neural Physics. Paragonsky and her goons cannot be allowed to exploit such creatures. And you did not hear those terms from me, understand?'
Halsey sipped her tea. Titus tried to again, but it burned his tongue.
'Yes ma'am!' Titus and Scipio responded. Despite the fact Titus had no idea what the hell either of those two things were.
Halsey nodded. 'Good then. You will send me regular reports via Scipio. They should have a comm buoy in system. I will discover what I can within ONI itself about this world and run interference. Jacob is currently helping to organize what is left of the fleet. But once he is back, he will do the same within the Navy.'
'With that settled, I'm hungry. You want take out?' Halsey asked, picking up her phone and setting her tea down.
Spring, 2553
Pokemos
Indigo Plateau
Titus Rann walked off the transport and across the tarmac of Indigo Spaceport, a massive bag strung across his shoulders. A cigar, sunglasses, and the biggest shit eating grin stretched across his freckled face, brown hair waving in a slight wind.
He had arrived.
Haunter floated by him, cackling as it amused itself.
Excited as all get out, Titus was beginning a two year sabbatical from active service following the conclusion of the Covenant War. He had been placed in a quasi-reserve state with many other service members while the UNSC reorganized what was left of itself. Jack revealing to him the reality of Pokemon and the following invitation to Pokemos had been one of best moments of his life.
'Lets get a move on man! The list of things to see and experience is too big to even begin to explain! Its much better than the books and the games.' Jack shouted at him over the engines powering down, their whine stifling out all other noise. Titus walked about gawking at all the pokemon and people milling about the main terminal.
A Machoke with glowing flight sticks wanded aircraft to and fro in the distance. Flying pokemon of all types filled the skies. Teleporters came and went with small flashbang effects. People moved between the main terminal and several transports preparing to rise into the evening sky. A Pelican was taking off from the secluded NAVSPECWAR compound on the other side of the Spaceport, bound for destinations unknown. Indigo Plateau, the city stood just to the North, all Skyscrapers, lights, and hubbub in the setting sun.
A random murkrow perched itself on a lightpost and cawed at them and just as Titus was about to tell it to frag off, Haunter laughed at it. The cranky bird promptly cawed at them irritably before flying off.
"I didn't tell my family when I was returning so I could have some time to get my affairs in order before being dragonpiled! By Mew itself, I wouldn't be able to get anything done for at least a month if my mother, aunts, and sisters knew I was home! It would be nothing but fussing over me!" Jack complained, although with a wistful grin on his face.
They got in a short line, checking in with the Gardevoir with a stewardess cap. She looked up at the two ODSTs in their black fatigues and berets, sidearms holstered at their side, smoke rising from Titus's cigar.
May I see your identification, please? One of the most pleasant, warm voices that Titus had ever heard filled his mind. Emotions of peace and utter kindness radiated from the creature.
Haunter made faces over over their shoulders at the Gardevoir. She didn't even bat her eyes at him.
'Uh yeah, here.' Titus handed her his ID which she levitated over to a human woman next to her. The sharply dressed attendant scanned it before her face paled.
'Oh my.' She muttered before making eye contact with Titus. 'Major Rann, the UNSC Consulate is on Gainsway Boulevard just four blocks south of the Plateau itself. There is a notice for you to report in to the Reserves Oversight Officer - Captain Pilates.'
Titus furrowed his brow at that. He was under NAVSPECWAR reserves, there wouldn't be anyone on planet that could order him about on his sabbatical besides ONI command staff. This was highly unusual as NSW personnel weren't even suppose to be identifiable at a mundane terminal.
'And what does Captain Pilates do besides the obvious?' Jack cut in.
'Well sir all it says here is that she is the Marine Reserves point of contact for all incoming personnel.' The Attendant stated, 'The system has alerted her as soon as you were scanned in.'
Jack smirked, 'Well we are Naval Special Warfare - ODSTs. We fall under a different perview.'
'Of course sir. I was simply relaying what the prompt here says.' She replied professionally.
Haunter made eye contact with her and just stared.
'Well you shouldn't even be seeing that. The ONI director is going to have someone's ass, that's for sure!' Jack sighed.
Have a wonderful day, both of you! The Gardevoir practically smiled in their minds before psychically smacking Haunter who cackled and floated away.
The attendant handed back there IDs after handling Jacks as well - his didn't ping the system. The two ODSTs quickly grabbed their other bags and walked through the terminal, Titus gawking once again at all the real pokemon hanging about non chalantly. Frag me, I can't believe this place is real!
They walked outside where a Hariyama was standing in front of a small passenger buggy with poles. Jack walked up to the owner and haggled over a ride somewhere. Titus watched the busy traffic outside the terminal. Various pokemon were being ridden or pulling buggies and wagons. A few cargo trucks rumbled back and forth, Machokes and other strong types riding the backsides like garbagemen on other worlds.
There was a man on a big billboard wearing a long trenchcoat and Captain's Hat while smoking a churchill cigar. An absolutely massive dragon - Salamence- stood proudly next to him. The sign read: ELITE FOUR DRAKE DRAKE THE DRAKE OF HOENN IN EXHIBITION MATCH WITH ELITE FOUR AGATHA. BUY TICKETS NOW!
Haunter mimed Drake and Agatha, going back and forth between both personas as a one-ghost play. Haunter shifted forms to vaguely resemble each and their respective starters. His floating hands dramatically moving about.
Titus tilted his head at the man on the billboard - he looked familiar, not to mention awesome. The man was obviously fearsome and had the most magnificent mustache. 'Hey Jack, remember that Major who's first and last name were also Major?'
Jack wandered over having completed his haggling, laughing. 'So look, something I didn't tell you before - Cass is one of us. From this world I mean. That right there is her dad. He is a Dragon Master and the former Champion of Hoenn. Don and I meant to tell you, but simply forgot. To be fair, she doesn't know your here either. '
Titus' eyes widened, 'Are you serious? That seems a pretty important detail dude!'
'We didn't think it our place to reveal anyone from this world. We only just read you in after all. Since we are on that topic. Rudy is on planet as well, he got recruited by Don directly and sent to Galar.'' Jack explained.
'That's Terry's academy friend from the wedding right?'
Jack nodded, 'They roomed together for 4 years before going straight to ODST training. Didn't even have to spend time as Regulars first!'
'Man, I barely got to talk to him, we all got absolutely smashed. Can barely remember that night to be honest.' Titus complained.
'Don says he is of solid character and has him doing his journey through the Galar circuit while investigating that Rose character. Shit ain't up to spec over there.' Jack pointed out.
Haunter continued on in his dramatic play, clearly having moved on from Drake and Agatha towards something no one could tell even if they had been paying attention - which they weren't.
'He probably has some amazing stories about Terry, we gotta meet up with him when we have time! Back to Cass though, since she doesn't know I'm here that means we need to get the drop on her. Something good, a prank to be remembered for a long time.' Titus smiled mischievously.
Haunter ceased his self-amusement routine at once and gave his complete and undivided attention to Titus as soon as the word "Prank" left his mouth. "HAUN HAUN HAUN!"
'Oh you want in eh?' Titus asked and Haunter nodded emphatically.
'Well we will have to put that on hold for the time being as she is halfway around the world and we have plans tonight.' Jack pointed out.
'Haun Haun Haun.' Haunter said sagely. Gesturing in a manner to indicate teleportation.
Jack just sighed and shook his head.
'Sooo since Cass is a Dragon Master, ya think she might have an extra Bagon lying around?' Titus asked, changing the topic.
'Possibly, but Dragonites are truly the way to go. Less grouchy, though extremely prone to over hugging. Are you going to try and trade that Energy Sword you got your paws on for a Dratini? My cousin Lance would trip over himself to own a blade like that.' Jack said, finally moving towards the cart.
The Hariyama waited patiently for the marines to enter his cart and then loaded their belongings before setting off.
'We'll stop at my old apartment here in Indigo and drop off our luggage and then head to The Preening Gyarados. It is run by an old Shock Trooper, Gunny Hans Cerny, he's Major Cerny's younger brother. The guy makes a great malt beer! Besides, his niece ain't bad to look at!' Jack waggled his eyebrows.
'Alrighty and how about that whole fiasco at the terminal?' Titus asked.
'Oh I'll call the local ONI station and some people will get yelled at. I wouldn't worry about it. Someone probably misflagged you in the system.' Jack waved away the matter.
The Hariyama waited at an intersection as traffic moved slowly at a crawl. 'Yeah, but are those Reserve goons gonna come looking for me?'
'Hmm, they might and if they do, call me. Besides, Don is still off-world, but we can always send him a message and he'll do something about it.' Jack said.
'So that girl is Don's niece as well eh? I doubt he would take it well, knowing you're trying to boink his niece! Didn't you learn from the incident with that one Admiral's daughter?' Titus stated as it dawned on him.
'Well that was simply me failing to successfully exfil myself from the situation.' Jack said casually.
'Uh huh. And how would that help with the niece of your direct superior?' Titus laughed.
A strange digital laugh echoed in Jack's cybernetic ear comm.
'What would you know about seducing a woman on the sly? Hey, what is that sound?! Scipio is that you?' Jack folded his arms.
"I'm right here in your ear Lieutenant Wataru! I'll have you know I did notice you oogling that Attendant's tits by the way. Shameful, shameful. Pray tell, how will you enrapture this other young lady? Ah yes I see her here! Quite the beauty, Lt. Wataru. No doubt Major Cerny would be very put out should you bed his favorite niece!" Scipio stated over their cybernetic ear pieces.
Titus Cackled. The AI was up to his usual sass! Halsey had programmed him well, Titus noted.
'I'll have you know, I'm a perfectly respectable gentleman!' Jack smiled ridiculously.
'Oh of course. Your a paragon saint who can do no wrong!' Titus mocked.
'You wound me, oh great friend! If there was anyone to believe in me, I thought it might be you, but no, I must suffer on alone!' Jack held his forearm along his forehead dramatically. 'Despite the fact you've never found a woman of your own!'
'Well, those drugs they put us on don't help the matter - considering we are in mixed gender units!' Titus pointed out. 'I've been fighting Covenant since I was 15. For five fragging years!'
Jack nodded slowly, the gears turning in his mind. 'Then its settled. You shall woo Karen Cerny tonight. As your wingman, I would be derelict in my duty to leave you high and dry. This is how we are going to do it…'
'Oh yeah, I doubt that. Judging by the quality of women you get shot down by regularly, I'm going to absolutely crash and burn! I also would like to not be on Don's shitlist.' Titus pointed out.
'Shhh, you'll do fine!'
The Hariyama practically choked at the name before wheezing with what sounded like a chuckle. Titus raised an eyebrow but continued to listen to Jack's plan. Titus had no clue and Scipio kept his digital trap tightly closed, having casually swept the entire Indigo League system - twice.
The Preening Gyarados wasn't just a Marine joint. It was a honkey tonk bar with a massive dance floor. There were two stories with most of the bottom dominated by a dancing crowd. An outside BBQ restaurant was built on the right side, a fresh BBQ smell wafting into the building. A massive water tank dominated the wall between the dancefloor and BBQ pit, a lone barraskewda swimming through it menacingly.
Having irreverently dropped all their things at Jack's place upon his insistence, Titus and Jack now sat at the bar listening to the Gunny Hans Cerny telling war stories. 'I'll tell ya what boys! Nothin' like a mammoth tank rolling up on a Covie position in the middle of the night raining all kinds of hell! Or dropping in from above in one of those tank sized drop pods! Enough about that though. So you're new to Pokemos are ya Titus? Got any idea what you're in for?'
'Well, I played some of those holo games Jack had.' Titus mused before grinning deviously, 'However, Jack had this book, I think a romance novel? About some ninja on a golden dragon saving a helpless princess from Lavender tower or some such non sense. Book was pretty well worn too!'
Hans eyebrows shot up at the mention of that before cackling, 'Ah Jack I had no idea! Sounds like something Nina or my niece Karen would read.'
Jack's face turned bright red, 'Well I uh -' Nina popped up out of seemingly nowhere at that point, big smile and all. 'I love that book!' She gushed.
Jack attempted to extricate himself from the conversation, but was unsuccessful as Nina the barmaid continued to gush to him about one of her all time favorites. Titus looked around the bar and noticed patrons slowly making their way in for dance night, some low song playing in the background as pairs danced. Then he saw her, a long silver mane on the other side of the low wall behind them, intently reading a book with a big brawny man on the front. Jack however saw where he was looking and quickly gave his excuses before pulling Titus along.
They walked around the low wall to Silvermane, Titus finally getting a good look at her face. Oh I'm in trouble.
Karen Cerny sat intently focused on the romance novel in front of her, a massive Houndoom at her feet glaring at anyone who came close. Jack fearlessly approached and made his move, 'I noticed that -'
'No.' She stated simply, not even deigning to look up. Houndoom swished his tail, eyes narrowing at Jack.
'Ooh kay then.' Jack surprised, then walked backwards hands in front of him.
In that moment, Titus had a realization. Houndoom was the Gatekeeper. You had to pay the toll to walk through the gate. Titus squatted and made eye contact with Houndoom.
'I bet your in charge here, huh? How about the biggest, juiciest Tauros steak Uncle Hans has in the back, cooked with the finest herbs and spices to your liking and I get 5 minutes with your trainer?'
That got his attention. Houndoom immediately sat up and began salivating, before nodding emphatically. 'Hey Hanse! Can I get the biggest, juiciest Tauros steak you got for my new friend here?' Titus shouted.
'Coming right up!' Hans shouted from the back.
Titus turned back to Karen, who to his credit had put her book down and looked at him with a curious look. He took a seat on the stool next to her as she gave a wry smile. 'Very clever. Okay then, 5 minutes.'
Titus had had his brilliant idea and now was completely at loss as to the next step, lost as he was in this woman's silver-blue eyes. 'Well you can start by telling me your name there, helljumper.'
'Oh uh, Titus. Just got on world a few hours ago actually!' Titus managed to get out. Hot damn, he was in trouble. Karen tilted her head curiously at that, putting it together.
'Your not just getting back from the war - you're not from around here at all are you?' Karen regarded with new interest.
'No I am not. Jack over there - who just did his best crash landing impression for you - invited me to visit his home world. Gotta say, I don't think I wanna leave. Being a trainer seems an amazing opportunity.' Titus explained.
'Well then. You've arrived just in time. The next training season begins in two weeks. However, that's hardly any time to learn what you'll need to be a trainer though I suppose.' Karen mused.
'Oh I've already been prepped by Jack over there during our time as ODSTs.' Titus grinned back.
'And what did you exactly do as an ODST?' Karen asked.
If there was one thing Helljumpers loved, it was a good boast. 'Well, I made Major by eighteen to take command of my own armored battalion. I've been apart of 5 successful Scarab boardings, I've aided in detonating two separate nukes that were thrown up Capital grav lifts, and I've led an armored battalion of heavy tanks. All this, across a dozen different worlds in the last five years.'
Titus gave his best imitation of Jack's cockiest grin. Karen for her part wasn't phased though
'Uh huh.' She skeptically stroked her chin. 'And how did you manage all that?'
Titus merely continued. 'Well first and foremost, I had my fireteam. Together we trained and fought together. None of that was possible without them. I'm sure you feel the same way about your pokemon team.'
At that she gave a genuine smile and nod. 'Yeah I know how that feels. Tell me about your fireteam.'
Titus didn't even have to think and began rattling off his squadmates, 'Well there is Terry Hood. Massive guy with an even bigger heart. He typically handled heavy weapons. We call him thunder thighs. Then there is Emily Keyes, explosives and amazing driving skills along with the sharpest wit I've ever known, we call her Goldilocks. Jack Wataru, our resident ONI attache/analyst and playa playa- we call him sneakers on account of his ability to acquire things. He apparently has a big brain behind that pretty face, who knew? And lastly, Sergeant Major Avery Johnson, the man who taught us all how to be and the biggest badass. Not sure where he is now, he got pulled for a special assignment. Terry and Emily got married, of which Jack and I just got back from.
However, that's just my fireteam. I led a battalion and hoo boy the personalities there would take us all night.' Titus finished.
'And what was your callsign?' Karen asked.
'Well that's a good question. They call me Prancer.' Titus smiled.
At that, Scipio overrode the music controls and the dancing music came on. People had been slowly filling up the bar at that point and began to flood towards the dance floor en masse. Titus gestured towards the dance floor and Karen stood up, nearly as tall as himself. She took his hand and away they went.
Several hours of dancing later…
The boys stood at the urinals emptying their arsenal. 'Nice save man! She shot me down far too soon. I meant to stumble through a conversation first.' Jack complained.
'I remember horse girls back home and how attached they could be to their steeds. I figured pokemon trainers are probably no different.'
'Oh you have no idea. What now, bar closing up?' They finished washing their hands and walked out.
'Well, we've made small talk between some songs and I told her some stories of our epic travails against the Covenant. She was especially intrigued to hear about her Uncle's exploits. Especially his hunting down of those Brute packs.' Titus said before stretching. 'She wants to hear more and has invited me to her favorite late night Ramen spot.'
'Are you serious?' Jack ask incredulously. 'Crap.'
'What?' Titus stopped before it dawned on him. 'You bet on me, didn't you?'
Jack held his hands up defensively, 'Well you see, I might have bet Nina how far you would get. She seemed rather optimistic at how far you would get with her cousin - a number after dancing.'
'And how far did you bet I'd get?' Titus huffed, clearly sour.
Jack flinched, 'Well it seems I underestimated your dancing skills. I forgot you could give Don a run for his money and who else probably taught her?'
Titus' face lit up at that idea. 'Well I have a Ramen date. Leave the key under the mat - I'll find my way back.' Titus confidently swaggered off towards Karen and the entrance.
Jack walked back towards the bar, being eyed by Nina the entire time. 'Pay up Wataru! I want that dance!'
Jack smiled as Nina came around the side of the bar, music began playing low and slow. The two clasping hands and spinning about the dance floor.
Scipio spoke into Titus' ears as he walked with Karen, only half listening. 'It seems that Jack and Don have left out a number of details. It was wise to contact Dr. Halsey after their big reveal.'
Karen continued to tell him a story of how she caught her Weavile as a Sneasel in Ilux forest. He apparently was quite the stinker. Doomhound -Titus had taken to switching the two words of his name around- trotted right alongside them, happy to get all the extra pets from Titus whom had found his favorite scratch spot.
'Don thinks he's a smooth operator - which he normally is. However, one must never assume that Halsey is without her wits. She's always sensed a vibe about those two.' Scipio continued. ' I think they mean well - however it seems that it was left out that Karen here is an apprentice to none other than Lorelei of the Elite Four. Gauging from these League files the Ice Queen will be departing her position within the next couple years. Just enough time to push Karen from Elite to Master. There is just a sheer treasure trove of data here on the Cernys' here, Titus. Let me show you.'
Titus' eye HUD illuminated with multiple file pulls as Scipio compiled a death-by-powerpoint on the woman walking nonchalantly next to him.
Titus, dismayed, looked down to his side, 'Stahp!' He whispered harshly.
Karen scowled at him, 'Everything alright there?'
'Yeah, just my cybernetics playing havoc.' Titus half truthed.
Karen lightened up at that, 'Ah my Uncles have had that from time to time. They swear by them regardless.' She laughed, a rich lilt.
Her speaking voice was rich and trained with a slight aristocratic tint to it Titus noted. She carried herself far more like Don than Hans or her cousins he had met at the bar.
'Tell me about your parents?' Titus asked, suddenly curious.
Karen considered the thought for a moment before speaking,' Both of my parents are school teachers, a far cry from the rest of my family I admit. I take after my grandmother more than I do my mother.' She smiled before continuing, 'My mother grew up among her crazy brothers who all went on to become Shock Troopers. My grandfather was relieved that at least one of his children chose a more normal life.'
'How many Uncles?' Titus looked at her curiously as they finally came to the small Ramen shop. The man behind the counter immediately began preparing something for them, evidently recognizing a regular.
'Well there is Uncle Don, Uncle Hans, Uncle Albert, and Uncle Walter.' She counted off on her hands. 'They all went on to become Shock Troopers and survive the war.'
'Uncle Don is working for ONI, Uncle Hans has his bar, Uncle Al runs the Azalea Gym, and Uncle Walter is an ACE commander in Sinnoh.' Karen finished and grabbed the finished bowls of ramen before leading to an outdoor table.
They sat down and began slurping down their ramen. Doomhound whined and pawed at Titus who reluctantly lowered his bowl to the fiery canine.
Karen snorted and lightly tapped Doomhound with her foot. 'You know you're going to be training that off tomorrow right?' He gave a low whine, looking up at her with pleading eyes.
'Who's a good boi?! Who's a good boi?!' Titus exclaimed and Doomhound woofed back at him, moving to lick his hands. Karen rolled her eyes and snorted. Her long silver hair shaking a bit.
'You have any idea what kind of pokemon you want to start with or team you want to build?' Karen asked.
Titus thought for a moment before answering, 'I think I'll go for a team with the same style of combat I had as an ODST. Shock and Awe, overwhelming firepower, etc. I'm definitely leaning towards the team my inner twelve year old would prefer: Psuedos, plural.'
Karen widened her eyes and nodded. 'I would normally roll my eyes at anyone going for one let alone multiple pseudo legendaries. But knowing from personal experience, Helljumpers are a different breed entirely.'
Titus just smiled. 'You have no idea.'
She gave a cocky grin, 'Oh I think I do. Follow me.'
Alarm bells of the pleasant variety were going off in Titus' head. He didn't have to be told twice. He grabbed their garbage and chucked it in the can before joining up with Karen and following her.
'I'm coming! I'm coming!' Lorelei stumbled out of bed and to her apartment door, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. 'Duh yuh knuh wah tim it is?'
Karen and a man were at the front door, glued to each other's faces like starfish. Karen grabbed the man and led him in towards the guest bedroom all the while whispering I owe you one! Thanks! to Lorelei as she passed her in the doorway. Doomhound passed her with a sympathetic look in his eyes.
'Yeah you do!' Lorelei muttered before shutting the door and grumbling all the way to bed about kids these days despite still being in her late twenties.
The door to the guest bedroom shut only to open a moment later and a grouchy Jynx making her way out with a pillow and blanket. Doomhound dutifully laid in front of the door, falling asleep.
Titus looked around the room. The wall was plate glass from floor to ceiling looking out over the city from several hundred feet up. Behind the headboard was the window to a vast and dark aquarium easily able to fit a museum worth of fish. The bed was absolutely massive despite the sheer size of the room itself. The walls were decorated with shelf upon shelf of Pokedolls. But before he could even begin to make them out, his eyes were brought back to her.
Clothes quickly occupied the floor and Titus got a glimpse of a ridiculously beautiful body before the lights went out and he felt it as he was pushed onto the bed. Yep they feel as big as they look. Quickly they fell into a rhythm and then it was over as quickly as it had started. The rhythm played out several more times and then a blissful sleep took them both.
A massive eye looked in on them from the aquarium.
Even now, Scipio was moving his way through datanet after datanet, collecting ranger reports on Tyranitar movements in the Ore mountains and detecting Beldum positions in the Safari zone with Magnetic Resonance scanners aboard hacked ONI satellites. He had even lazily traced the bank accounts of several financial backers for various teams including the Rockets and Magma and sent the data anonymously to the respective leagues. That'll make a great news story in the morning!
He checked every ONI research Installation on the planet and found a Kadabra and five Analysts passed out at the Alola Station, the remains of a massive Alolan BBQ feast occupying the room's center table. Other security cameras showed the ONI Director playing golf in his office, a scientist feeding about twenty Aggron in an enclosure, two analysts shagging in a hall closet, and an ODST snoring soundly at his guard station somewhere in the Hoenn desert.
It appeared ONI on this world was using hand me down technology, some even Pre-Covenant War. Logically to keep oneself off the radar of the rest of the organization, it paid off to keep the budget low.
The entire planet was covered in EM interference from what Scipio could only deduce to be Neural Physics based. The various regions could communicate to only a limited extent and travel between them was slow at times.
ONI controlled the only satellites in orbit and had a hell of a time keeping the local herd of Rayquaza from using them for target practice. Scipio ran a hunch through a calculation. Yep! Most of the satellites that the Rayquazas ate were the shiny variety and it appeared they simply loved anything shiny from the recording he rapidly processed. Matter of fact, it appeared one of the most heavily staffed departments in ONI was the Satellite Retention Unit.
Scipio then took it upon himself to update all the code across the entire ONI network when he found the intrusions. Team Magma, you nefarious little shits. He quickly patched the vulnerabilities with contemptuous ease and flooded Magma with ridiculous amounts of scrap code, making their connected systems completely useless slag.
He moved around Porygon of all forms like a wraith, completely unseen. Digital human one, digital pokemon zero. Scipio had once been a cloned human brain which had then been uploaded into the digital realm via a crude method of Composing developed by Halsey herself. She had then modified it to fit performance parameters and outfitted his personality.
Scipio checked on Titus and Karen as they slept for a moment before continuing on. Scipio had recalibrated the entire ONI Satellite Network for his own ease of use, updating its software and causing it to perform far beyond where it had been - but only for himself. He was able to process data in exotic ways that only Smart AI could, no ONI Analyst could squeeze the sheer amount of performance from them as he could. He could detect and analyze data that they never could before. Scipio digitally patted himself on the back until he saw them. Ah there you are!
In his digital mind's eye Scipio saw a pack of Entei; two mates and their four pups. Scipio noted a number of trainers who had achieved the honor of having a legendary on their team - even one individual in Sinnoh with two. The most common being Latis or one of the dogs according to League Archives.
However, the main cause of his research was here before him: The Knights of Uxie. Scipio was no fool, he knew this to be Don Cerny's and Jack Wataru's little secret club. He skimmed every file he found including a Champion Carolina's private hard drive. It was there he finally met some resistance. Finally a challenge!
A Champion-level Porygon-Z awaited him within the depths of this Carolina's office. They sparred back and forth throwing data spears and null formations at each other, testing and skirmishing. It had not only detected him, but was capable of a decent offense! Well trained indeed!
Scipio played for the time being, allowing the Porygon to press and press. Its attacks intricate, dazzling, and powerful. This Champion Carolina was quickly climbing the list of people to meet for Scipio, his list of people he respected.
He took a page out of Haunter's playbook and danced about cackling sending false-positives all over the digital space. The Porygon reeled trying to identify the real one, before they all collapsed on it and imploded in a brilliant flare of energy. Porygon rallied itself and launched a final bid towards him.
However Scipio had learned at the feet of the finest cyberwarfare AI in the UNSC: his big sister Cortana. The Porygon was trying to trap him now and so forced Scipio to take it more seriously. Scipio sighed as they flew about the digital space trading data jabs and sparks of energy.
Enough! Scipio unleashed a final, overwhelming wave of data that washed over the Porygon and knocked it clear from the data system.
I dearly hope I didn't hurt it too badly! Scipio immediately retreated from the Sinnoh League's systems and back to Titus' implant.
I do believe that is enough adventure for me tonight! Scipio went about organizing and collating all the new data he had found awaiting the humans to awake.
Oh my! What do we have here? Titus would want to know about that, oh and that too! So many juicy pieces of intelligence. For the Major to review. For Scipio to send to Dr. Halsey.
Scipio smiled as he wrapped the data packet in the highest known clearance and security he could before shooting it off across Slipspace to Halsey from the Comm Bouy in orbit.
Cynthia Carolina sat in her office, the fire extinguisher out. Her personal computer and server had been on fire, before being put out. Part of her desk and most of the Hoennese rug were burnt to a crisp. She had only just returned from the medical wing where her beloved Porygon-Z rested, recovering.
Garchomp stood next to her, breaths interspersed with grumpy rumblings. Something had disturbed her trainer's sanctum and hurt one of her family. This would not do in the least!
Cynthia got up and scratched Garchomp right under her chin. She gave a pleasant rumble, calming down.
Bertha entered her office, 'From what the techs are saying, no one has any idea what caused this other than at least a champion-level digital pokemon.'
Bertha walked up to Cynthia with a plate of chocolate chip cookies, freshly baked. 'Here sit down girl, and have something to eat.'
Hippowdon entered the office and nudged up against Garchomp before settling down on their stomach.
'They were able to soundly defeat Porygon, evade detection into and out of our systems. I've never known any pokemon that could do something like that.' Cythinia mused.
A slight smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Nothing permanent had been lost but a new challenge had arisen for her to solve. A puzzle that had to have some type of trail. And if Cynthia Carolina was good at one thing - it was solving a good ol' fashion puzzle.
She took a bite of the cookie. Oh my goodness! Almost as good as ice cream. I gotta find where Lucario hid it this time…
Director Simon Cerny measured his putter against the golf ball before hitting it. It clattered off the mound and rolled across the room. Damn ball hates me!
Instead Malamar sat across the room, eyes glowing. No, I just enjoy keeping you on your toes!
Simon looked Pisces with an annoyed look before turning about and looking at his photo ladened wall. Ah! Now there was a family to be proud of! He was proud of his only son, a teacher in Alto Mare. Nothing wrong with a quiet life! Quite frankly he wondered if he could do it all over again, if he would choose something different that ONI like his son.
Now his grandchildren were a different story! The girl had managed to snag an apprenticeship to a Master on the Elite Four of all things. The boy was still finding his feet. But no matter, he no doubt would as soon as he stopped smoking those damn trees!
Pisces waddled over to him and handed him a data slate. Incoming chatter about a digital intrusion in the Sinnoh League systems.
Pisces levitated a cigar to him and lit it. Simon took a drag.
Simon took the slate and analyzed it for a moment. 'Hmmph, they managed to defeat Cynthia's Porygon and evade the Sytem's Metagross? That's impressive. It seems the Teams are becoming emboldened. We might have to have NAVSPECWAR step in.'
You know they don't do Direct Action Operations here easily. Pisces mused.
Indeed Naval Special Warfare had a bit of a reputation for being the boogie man among Pokemos. They rarely aided the various Leagues in their war efforts or assaulted the Teams.
But when they did act… it was the stuff of legend. The teams stayed clear after The Rockets thought it wise to try and knock over one of ONI's few known black sites some years past. The retaliation that followed, the Rockets are still recovering from.
During the last war, several ODST strike teams obliterated defensive positions against the Unovan Regime's capital city, allowing Allied Forces to breach it and end the war. Simon had personally commanded that operation. They had been in and out, quickly deescalating the war from the bloodbath it might've become. Wrecking the planet's ability to export materials and then causing curious eyes to wander why a planet's economy had suddenly tanked. Can't have that kind of attention coming to them.
'Pisces, please tell Mrs. Cerny I'll be home late.' He sighed. Not often he had a long day. This year was shaping up to be eventful for ONI. If only Don would get his ass back here and help put the fires out!
His daughter-in-law had the same last name and to confuse things even more, her brother was a Major! Two Cernies of different blood in the same command chain! Pisces thought it was the most hilarious thing ever when he had first found out. Over course, he found plenty of eccentric ideas funny. Damn Malamar.
I heard that!
Titus woke up, spitting out a mouthful of silver hair. He couldn't go anywhere, she lay on top of him, snoring. The woman could sleep through a plasma bombardment!
Doomhound lay next to the bed eyeing him. He fished for his pants with his leg and through them back to himself awkwardly, grabbing the lone poketreat he had in a pocket and throwing it to the Houndoom. The fiery canine quickly scarfed it up and looked pleased back at Titus, who just gave him a silent thumbs up.
Out in the kitchen he could hear someone cooking and smelled something akin to bacon before a shadow crossed over the light streaming in from the aquarium and a loud whale like noise exuded from behind the glass.
Karen's naked form was immediately dashing for her clothes. 'I'm up! I'm up! Damn you!'
If Titus could of taken his eyes away from that, he would of turned around and beheld a massive Lapras sticking its smirking face against the glass cooing at them.
Karen gestured towards the glass snapping Titus from his haze for a moment as he finally did turn around and beheld the Lapras. 'Well don't you just have a wonderful voice!'
Lapras wiggled happily against the glass from the praise.
'Yes, and a terrible ability for waking me up too early.' Karen scowled.
There was a knock at the door and Lorelei stuck her smirking face in. 'Get dressed. We have to appear for the conference today.' She then looked over at Titus. 'Oh and by the way Major - Welcome to Pokemos.'