Head of security ARCHIE COOK, promoted after the death of NATHAN MARTINEZ during dorian westcliff 's attack, had two consecutive weeks of PTO starting today. Josh had still not found a replacement for him, despite raising the pay for the position. Hiring through a contractor would be far more expensive, cutting into the Gym's balance sheet too much in his eyes. Today, he might end up paying for that.

The Gym Leader, having finished his monthly administrative work, moved his giant, ride-on Raikou stuffie to the north side of the room. He carefully sat astride the adorable legendary and closed his eyes, daydreaming of the day he could ride Swift freely. The day he could showcase the regal, ashaen creature at his Gym. Maybe even let Mauville's best trainers say they've ridden a legendary Pokémon. He failed to notice that ACE SHEEKE, in his haste to leave, left the Gym's east gate wide open. Though there was a sign near it with a stern warning on it -- "Trespassers Will Be Trampled" -- that wouldn't stop brave, unscrupulous souls from setting foot on Mauville Racing Grounds without authorization...