To have a program motivate ROCKETs into more stable collaboration was the mark of something truly successful. In his year here in Hoenn, and truly over the course of his criminal career, Barnaby had never been one to step into a laboratory. Science, while admittedly important to their goals, had been an armchair interest at best for him. It just wasn't his particular focus.

But now M.A.G.M.A had them working together with ROCKET researchers and, honestly, it was an exciting prospect.

"I am! A pleasure to meet you, too, Ceri." He replied in kind, extending a friendly hand in greeting. Noting her thicker Galarian accent, she in turn might pick up on the hint of Kalosian that still accented his words.

"I heard you were interested in examining some of my Pokémon today?"

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #1

☉

"Most of those, actually. I took advantage of The Hatchery while it lasted. Before... well, you know." The cataclysmic events at Sootopolis City were still fresh in Barnaby's mind. He couldn't seem to push the memories away, even. They clung to him like an unrelenting specter.

One of the awful truths that had come to light that day was the betrayal of the Shadow Pokémon hatched at the facility. They'd turned on their trainers at the worst possible moment, causing a distinct shift in the tide of the battle.

"This little girl is offspring to one of Underboss Merlino's Shadow Pokémon, actually." Barnaby replied, releasing the EEVEE that he and Cillian Quinn had worked together on producing.

It appeared in a flash of white on Ceri's examination table. It was obvious at first glance that this creature was different from the norm. While most EEVEE had a light umber coat, this one's fur was shades of muted gray.

She also had quite the attitude.

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #1

☉

However common EEVEE were - and Barnaby had said as much before to Martín del Mar while sipping drinks in a faraway cabin - he knew this one was worth some amount of study. She looked and behaved so much differently than others of the species that he'd either owned or encountered.

"The breeding was between my normal Espeon and his Shadow Glaceon." Barnaby remembered it well; it was his second time seeing a Shadow Pokémon in-person, besides LUGIA. It had been quite the sight.

"Besides her unusual coloring, she was also born knowing a move that I don't think is typical of the species." Or it was just extremely rare. "Glitzy Glow is what I was told it's called." Was it related to her Shadow genetics? He wasn't sure, but still felt it was good to mention.

As Ceri began her examination, Barnaby was caught in mild surprise when she released a SPRITZEE and instructed it to gas the room. He'd only ever seen Elisabeth Fiorelli do something like this to soothe herself, but supposed it made sense to do so with such a... spirited Pokémon like the EEVEE.

"No worries, I'll be fine." Barnaby said, but couldn't seem to get a tickle out of his throat. He coughed once to try and clear it, found that it hadn't worked, and coughed again several more times. How embarrassing.

Luckily, he felt very chill about all of it. Like, very chill. It seemed to be having the same effect on his EEVEE as well. She grumbled a little, but appeared more tolerant of being handled.

"... Yes, you're right." Boy did she say it. "...Do you think they're still capable of being controlled like that?"

The million dollar question.

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #1

☉

"Shadow Down." God, he hated that move. It was similar to SCREECH in that she howled at the top of her little lungs.

While Ceri took notes, Barnaby's eyes drifted to the surrounding lab. He inspected it for anything interesting: mysterious machines, vials of oddly colored liquids, maybe an embryo-like creature suspended in a jar like you'd see in the movies. However, soon enough, her voice pulled him away from his prying.

"Hm? Oh, yes, as long as it doesn't leave any permanent scars or something like that."

For someone like Ceri who was a practical stranger to Barnaby, she might interpret this statement as being overly sensitive.

In truth he said it not because he cared that much for the EEVEE's wellbeing, but because it was already a planned present for Martín del Mar. Didn't want to ruin the merchandise before it was given, after all.

"By all means, please do what you need to do." He nodded his assent and then added, "Let me know if I need to restrain her."

He moved closer just in case she did request that of him.

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #1

☉

Her comment on headphones goaded a small smile and a chuckle from him, be Barnaby did little else to respond besides giving a nod of acknowledgement. His focus was on his EEVEE who, while sedated, was still very much resistant to what was being done to her.

"Easy, love..." He cooed, wrapping his arms around the Shadow Pokémon in a way that left her exposed enough for Ceri to collect her samples. Howling at the sudden restraint, the EEVEE began to squirm, resisting her trainer vehemently.

Barnaby was strong enough to hold her in place, though, at least for enough time for Ceri Glynn to finish.

When it was all said and done he released his Pokémon and quickly returned her to her Luxury Ball.

"If you're all done, I'll be taking my leave. Let me know in the future if you'd like to examine any of my other Pokémon."

Barnaby moved toward the laboratory exit, pausing just before the door to add a pleasant, "Good luck with your research. I'm excited to see what we do with this information. Hopefully something good comes of it."

Ceri Glynn
M.A.G.M.A Research 🝪 Tier #1

☉