The New Normal – 5-16 – Interlude – Proton
The facility was filled with a sense of anticipation as the final preparations were being made for their raid against Devon Corp that was going to be launched very soon. And thus, instead of continuing to train up the grunts as was his usual duties, he was instead forced to accompany his boss to participate in the last-minute prep.
"…We've confirmed that the data and files are indeed there." Maxie's voice filtered through the digital screen of their computer. "Tabitha almost exposed himself doing so, so I hope you're ready to execute the plan." Maxie glared at his boss, though it was simply ignored.
"Relax! The team is trained and ready for deployment. Isn't that right, Proton?" Archie said as he gestured towards Proton, who stood forwards.
"Yes, as you may have read in my previous reports, the old Team Rocket has integrated well into Team Aqua and can act efficiently as one cohesive unit. Or at least, as best as we can considering the dwindling funding and time constraints." He said formally. Normally, he hated this using this stuffy language, but it was better than wasting time when Maxie had his dumb sensibilities triggered by his normal way of speaking.
He withheld the urge to curse as he pushed forwards, "And, I am confident that the grunts are proficient at performing hit-and-run operations, and that they will operate at a professional level. I am assured that they have gotten rid of their more impulsive actions."
He was overselling it a little, and left unsaid was the fact that he had literally beaten it out of them in some cases. But his boss didn't complain, so who was he to say no to free beatings?
"Good. And so, are we still running with the plan of having Tabitha grant them entry?" Maxie asked with some concern.
"Yes, it's the best way to do it. While the main Devon Corp building is no fortress, we'll be able to avoid causing a lot of property damage if we were simply let in." Archie explained with a nod, "Less heat on us that way."
"True…but I'm loathe to sacrifice Tabitha's position in the company." Maxie grumbled as his head fell into his hands. Tabitha, the fat lump who was also in the call, shared a frown with his boss. But, after a moment, Maxie shook his head as he gathered his resolve. "No matter, we must all make sacrifices for the greater good. And yes, we can't afford to generate too much heat with this attack. We cannot afford for the League to escalate too harshly, not at the moment."
Archie let out a huge sigh, "I thought we already went over the plan to trick the League. We are going in as Team Rocket to throw them off. Then, we'll be sending off some of our stolen info to our corrupt director at Silph Co and frame them for the attack. Make it look like one big act of corporate espionage gone wrong. Calm your tits, Maxie, we already planned for this. We even got lucky with that stupid silver spoon heir being in Indigo."
Maxie spluttered, "Well, yes, but…fine." He straightened up his tie, "As much as it pains me to do this, I'll trust in your judgment…THIS time."
Archie smirked, "Don't worry your brainy little head, we got this. Even I know the stakes here. We've already discussed it plenty of times that we need this to be a clean operation-"
"No unnecessary violence, no hostages, no excessive property damage." Maxie interrupted, listing each item off his fingers. "We need the League to think that this is JUST an act of corporate espionage. NOT terrorism. That way, we can buy time to launch the operation for the Orbs before they their guard up and come down on us like an avalanche. The events at Indigo should have taught everyone here a lesson here on what happens when you play with fire."
Proton could feel everyone's eyes shoot to him at that comment, and he visibly withheld a snarl. Yes, he overplayed his hand back in the Indigo League, but he was forced to due to a lack of resources. Hiding and laying low wasn't an option back then.
It frustrated him that these colleagues of his would dare to lecture HIM on how to run a team? Sure, they had good ideas at times, but they mostly stayed afloat due to the funding they received. But they didn't know how to run a criminal gang besides just spending resources. Unlike Proton, they never had to make hard choices when they had everything given to them.
Even the threat of cutting off funding was more a temporary concern than anything else.
It really pissed him off. And his anger was made worse by the fact that the ONE opportunity that he was finally let off the leash, they weren't allowed to brutalize anyone. No, the two bosses drilled it into his head that he had to behave. Well, screw them! It's not like a bit of violence would really be that bad for them. Not too much; he wasn't stupid, but just enough to let him satisfy his urges.
"…Is that understood, Proton? You'll be leading the mission, so I expect the best from you." Archie spoke to him, wearing a friendly smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Yes, boss. Understood." He simply said, withholding the urge to roll his eyes. He just wanted to just be done with this stupid meeting already.
"Good, then I think we can safely adjourn this meeting." Maxie nodded, "Go through your final preparations. And best of luck. The future of this world rests in our hands."
"Yes, it does." Archie replied seriously. And this time Proton couldn't resist the urge to roll his eyes. Even after all this time, he never could understand his boss' fanatical devotion to this goal. It was always a ridiculous sight to him.
Still, at least this meeting was finally over. He pushed himself off his chair and made his way back to the underground training yard, putting on his mask to conceal his identity. There, he found HIS grunts training with a good mixture of Pokémon from all 4 regions. At this point, he figured that their mysterious backer likely had some connection with the new region, but he didn't care to look into it any more than that.
The Pokémon they supplied were of good stock and obedient, which was all Proton was concerned with.
Letting his gaze fall over his grunts, he couldn't help but smirk viciously as he watched them train. Like he told the others, his grunts were much better trained than when they had made their embarrassing retreat out of Indigo. And now, they were far above the level they were at previously.
They would definitely be a match for your average trainer, especially if they ganged up on them. And, against more proficient trainers, a group of his grunts would be able to beat them down without much issue. And this army was under his command. And soon, they would finally be put to use.
Proton let out an evil laugh as he was filled with anticipation. This was going to be fun!
A.N. Some foreshadowing and build-up. The downtime for the evil teams is almost over, and they'll be making a splash VERY soon.
TLDR, the criminals have learnt their lesson from Proton, and are TRYING to not escalate things by disguising their operation as corporate espionage. That way, they hope the League might be more think that Team Rocket has 'rebranded', or just won't come down as heavily on something that isn't as scary to the public.
I'm very excited to be bringing down the story down this path. I really do hope you like it. Don't worry, the story won't suddenly shift into a darker tone.
This chapter has been BETAed by Allute! Thanks! And to anyone who wants to support me, please check out my p atreon at CartecTNN where you can read 8 advanced chapters! Thanks to those who have supported me already!