It was difficult for Barnaby to tear himself away from his phone, considering all the naughty things Martín del Mar was texting him. But as the buzzer sounded overhead, and he realized who his next partner would be, it was suddenly all too easy to put thoughts of POG Bank's CEO on the backburner.

A new corporate connection was at play.

Thus far, Barnaby's dates had been pleasant but underwhelming (excluding Mars, of course). A mechanic, a policeman, a laboratory aide. All wonderful men, but not exactly the business contacts Barnaby was seeking out. It seemed his luck had changed this round, though.

"Councilman Silph." A hand was extended in greeting, accompanied by his usual shining smile.

"Barnaby Finch, HNN journalist."

Depending upon his media intake, Fernando may or may not already be peripherally aware of who BARNABY FINCH was. He hosted a morning talk show, routinely contributed to articles published by HNN, and had a strong social media presence on multiple platforms.

"I was hoping I'd run into you here."

FERNANDO SILPH
SPEED DATE #5
outfit check

☉

"Not quite."

An interview? What could he possibly ask Fernando in the next five minutes that would be of substance and quality? Nothing.

"I have a proposal for you." Barnaby countered, his bright smile waning into a casual grin.

"francie myrtle , an employee of yours, was very complimentary of your company when I ran into her the other day. It got me thinking."

The ticking of the clock had no bearing on their interaction. His voice was languid, but confident. Succinct in all the right ways. He didn't rush.

"Given these trying times, Hoenn is looking to its best and brightest for guidance. The public yearns for reassurance. They want to see their leaders on the forefront of what's to come."

Something that was surely obvious to Hoenn's pillar of hope.

"Join me on my show. Let them see your face, hear your voice. I can paint you in a light that would benefit the both of us."

From his coat Barnaby relinquished one of his business cards, sliding it across the table until it lay squarely between them.

A simple offer, free to take or disregard at will.

FERNANDO SILPH
SPEED DATE #5
outfit check

☉

Though intangible, a positive public perception for someone of FERNANDO SILPH's standing was paramount. He was at the helm of many ventures under public scrutiny. Councilman, Gym Leader, CEO. It didn't matter if the praise was genuine or not.

What mattered was that the sheep bleated in his favor.

That was Barnaby's logic, anyway, but his proposal didn't seem to be well-received. Fernando had assented, albeit unenthusiastically.

A yes was a yes, though, whatever the reception.

"Of course. Any accommodations you require can be worked out."

A deal, then.

Fernando would deign HNN with his presence, and in return Barnaby would have a handsome councilman on his show - a surefire way to increase viewership.

FERNANDO SILPH
SPEED DATE #5
outfit check

☉

"Magnifique! My viewers will be delighted."

Barnaby's excitement was short-lived, however, as Fernando extrapolated on his ideals. The journalist's eyes narrowed the slightest bit as he spoke; an almost imperceivable difference that was a telltale sign of his annoyance.

"Fair point." He relented, nodding along.

"We can spin it however you want. Optimism need not be required." On his part, anyway. Barnaby was already envisioning a modified 'good cop, bad cop' scenario in his head.

"There are dark times ahead. Hoenn needs a united front. Who better to inspire the masses than FERNANDO SILPH ?"

Or something like that. Unfortunately, their time for conversation was over. Only seconds remained on the clock overhead.

"We can discuss specifics at a later date." A statement spoken with finality, as Barnaby rose from his seat and graced the man across from him with one last sunny smile.

"It was a pleasure doing business with you today, Councilman. Au revoir."

FERNANDO SILPH
SPEED DATE #5
outfit check

☉