[attr="class","spiral"] fernando is many things and not all of them good. when the e-mails comes to both of the council members to meet up, fernando is both curt and vague about their agenda. the only details he provides is a mention of the elite four initiative that he's drafted and presented to dahlia goode. naturally, kim and freya received their copy of the .pdf at the time but things have changed. the version Isra Nightingale sent out was a rough draft and only a high level idea of where to push in the future.

rocket is dead.

slateport is alive, crippled but alive.

the future is now and this time fernando's ironed out all the kinks. well, most of that credit should go towards the commissioner. someone as anal as him caused the criteria to be too stiff. it is dahlia and her emphasis on keeping things simple and smooth that allows them to find their respective candidates. fernando stands in line at an empty shwarma shop because the shack is both empty and well-regarded. the lack of life in slateport makes it all the more important to support small, local businesses. economic stability is uncertain and having members of the council in public bodes well for moral support.

a slowking stands behind him, folder in hand, staring at the menu contemplatively. fernando orders four meals and gives little thought to the other council member's preference. he waits for the kitchen to deliver his food, glancing at his watch as he patiently waits for their arrival. a notification beeps on his smartwatch and he pets the comfey bracelet strung a few inches further up on his forearm, using the light touch of his index finger to praise the fairy pokemon with a loving touch.