PRELUDE

CHAPTER 0

Selena Desmarais proceeds to the head of the table, her arms clasp an assortment of folders and organizers. The gardevoir and the delphox also carry a bunch of files, their psychic power lifting the documents effortlessly as the chipper boltund follows on her side.

Today is the day their first general assembly of the year is scheduled. She doesn’t expect a total turnout but most of her employees, even the additional staff she employed for caretaking the gym hall, chooses to attend the meeting.

“I surmise you all have learned what happened at the press con,” her smile humorless and detached, but there is a modicum of effort to make it courtly and genuine. “Don’t worry—they can’t imprison me for a crime I didn’t commit.”

As soon as the computer is turned on, the rotom from her phone flies out and fuses with the projector. A screen with the Vantage logo appears. “The only repercussion is that Lilycove Gym is out of operation. But things are still going well for us.” The EIC turns to the people inside the conference hall; her hands seeking support at the edge of the table that she leans on, cerulean eyes finding their way to each and every pair of sparkling orbs. “As expected, the revelation at the press con’s conclusion is graver than a baseless accusation.”

She laughs dry for a few seconds before she halts, her eyes now trailing to the projected screen where a collage of headlines and articles flash. While some talk about her “involvement” in Littleroot, only one name resurfaces over and over again in the newspapers: Team Rocket.

“I know most of you still have fresh wounds in the aftermath of Rocket’s invasion in the region. While I’m not from Hoenn myself and I’ve only been here for just a year, I know all about the hardships that you experienced because I’ve seen them too with my own eyes.” Selena stands straight, arms crossing as her eyes scrutinize the bitter expressions reflected in most of her employees’ eyes. “There is greater pressure for us to deliver and bring the truth to Hoenn’s populace amidst all the secrecy of details and dangers of misinformation. I hope that despite any misgivings about my alleged involvement is that you continue to trust and support me as your EIC.”

Another click from the controller, another news comes to their attention, and it is about Commissioner dahlia goode announcing the A.Q.U.A. Initiative to the public.

“Now more than ever, the words Commissioner dahlia goode verbalize about the imminent danger holds great significance in light of Team Rocket’s resurgence on Hoenn soil. Despite my reservations with the A.Q.U.A. Initiative, I see the merit of implementing this program if only to drive away the greater evil that is in our midst.” She pauses with certainty, tiptoeing with her words. “But it doesn’t mean the program is perfect and beyond scrutiny. I believe it is important to involve the general populace in the process of its implementation. If not, I’m afraid Hoenn will be trapped in its paradox of heroes instead of developing everyone’s potential so that they’d be capable of protecting themselves.”

Selena does not bother elaborating for she presses on the last slide of the presentation. Words “A.Q.U.A.” and “Team Rocket” adorn the black screen, gazing back into the rest of glowing pairs that muse on the idea of what is right or wrong in this situation.

“First things first, I want to know what you think about the idea of A.Q.U.A. Initiative being a solution against Team Rocket. Or if there is something else the council is missing out. I want to know all your opinions about this.”

SOCIAL: VANTAGE
Billi Marsh @jak Adam Lycaon