"Yes," Zev said readily, his tone firm but not forceful. "Since I'm planning the operation with a look at the big picture, I'm most familiar with all its moving parts and how they affect each other." [break][break]

The three-pronged assault from east, west, and south. The mobile power spot, currently being constructed on the largest ship of the fleet assigned to Mossdeep. The infiltration of the Space Center, including his own wife's role in the deceit. [break][break]

"If there is a specific effort you want to spearhead as part of the larger op, then we can work it into our strategy with you in command."

TAGS – THEO BECKETT[break]
NOTES – social

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Zev didn't know the machines' true purpose, but he was not about to admit that—to anyone, least of all himself. Instead, he said, "I have a theory." [break][break]

Oscar's Xurkitree lit up the room with its TAIL GLOW, forcing back the oppressive gloom for the barest moment. The machines activated, siphoning the brilliance into themselves at once. Darkness fell upon the room once more. [break][break]

Zev rested a hand on one of the machines. Nothing seemed different about it, but it was possible he and Oscar did not yet have the key to unlocking their mysteries. [break][break]

"Were you at the Blackout of Slateport a few years ago, when Necrozma turned several Pokémon into their Shadow versions?" Zev asked.

TAGS – oscar clayton[break]
NOTES – mission (repeat)

[attr="class","pkmn"]

The bustling streets of Mauville City was a sharp contrast to the sweltering desert from the previous scenario. Standing there, holding Nenet's hand, Zev briefly thought about ducking into the nearby alley to avoid recognition by other pedestrians. Then he remembered it was a simulation and stayed put. [break][break]

However, movement from said alley still drew his eye to the shadows. As soon as he saw the familiar face of Father Winter, every muscle in his body tensed for a fight. [break][break]

"You," Zev hissed, releasing Nenet's hand to reach for a Pokéball. His Seviper appeared in a flash of fangs. Embers came to life between her jaws before she launched a FLAMETHROWER at the DRK Triad agent. [break][break]

TAGS – Neffatari Nzingha[break]
NOTES – the rks simulation

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Zev had given the placement of the underbosses much thought. Elisabeth Fiorelli's decision to take charge of the Petalburg operation made sense due to her familiarity with the area and personal grudges. The same could be said of Cillian Quinn's choice to defend Sootopolis. [break][break]

Therefore, it made the most sense for Theo to join the Mossdeep operations. Not only that, but the optics looked good for the lower ranks. They could be reassured of Team Rocket's success if each of its underbosses took to the field in a different theater. [break][break]

"I agree," the general said, keeping the reluctance out of his tone. "We want to act on our strengths, and yours lie with Mossdeep." [break][break]

The question remained, however, if Theo would try to take command of the assault from Zev's hands.

TAGS – THEO BECKETT[break]
NOTES – social

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Bryan was right: Zev knew all of the other man's strengths and weaknesses already, at least when it came to combat. Still, the question was worth asking, in case Bryan had anything else he wanted to share. [break][break]

He didn't, though, and Zev nodded at the summary of information he already had on hand. [break][break]

"We very likely will, depending on how the plans are finalized." He tapped the territory of Petalburg with the capped end of his pen. "If you were still Xerneas' Avatar, I'd have assigned you to Petalburg without a second thought. However, that's not the case anymore." [break][break]

He turned his head to regard the eastern side of Hoenn. [break][break]

"Do you have a preference? Mossdeep, Petalburg, or defending Sootopolis?"

TAGS – bryan delarosa[break]
NOTES – social

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Zev looked over at the nearby whiteboard. "Assuming the numbers are what I expect, then you'll be working alongside Yuan Wright," he said, before pinning Priam with his gaze once more. "Have you met him?" [break][break]

Ever since the engineer's return to Hoenn, he put in significant time to assist with the acquisition and production of weapons for the war effort. Though he seemed to have a disdain for Genesect, Zev was not going to waste the man's talents. [break][break]

"If not, I suggest getting to know him before the battle begins."

TAGS – priam conrad[break]
NOTES – social

[attr="class","pkmn"]

"Permission granted." [break][break]

Once deployed, Chandelure phased into the overnight kennel, his unnatural illumination casting bright light upon the cages. A Tangrowth stirred at the disturbance, reaching vines through the bars to swat angrily at the Ghost-type. [break][break]

The noise summoned the nurse from the records room. "What's going on out here?" she grumbled, the light of Chandelure's flames immediately catching her attention. "What the—" [break][break]

And hypnotizing her. She stopped in her tracks and stood there, motionless, registering nothing else. [break][break]

Grigori had to move quickly if he wanted to save the nurse from having her spirit consumed.

TAGS – Grigori Sokolov[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

No protest came from Fenelle after they absorbed Zev's advice. Instead, they merely gave their thanks. He read the words on the Rotom-tablet's screen but only acknowledged them with a slight inclination of his head. [break][break]

After all, using Pokémon as tools was the bare minimum expectation for grunts. [break][break]

Zev cleared the holographic map of all highlights, ignoring Fenelle as they departed his office.

TAGS – Fenelle Miller[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

From that point, confiscating the goods was an easy enough task. While Zev hovered with his victim above the convoy, he barked out orders, directing the drivers to empty the smallest truck. After transferring the Wishing Stars and Dynite Ore to the other vehicles, they climbed into the back of the truck to await further orders. [break][break]

Back on the ground, Zev shoved the last driver, the one he'd been dangling in the air, into the truck. Then he slammed the door shut and locked it. [break][break]

"We'll teleport what we've stolen to our warehouses across the region," he told Maki as he trudged toward the front of the convoy. Out of a Pokéball emerged his Beheeyem, who set to work as soon as it read its master's thoughts. [break][break]

"Good job with the planning and execution."

TAGS – MAKI YUKIMURA[break]
NOTES – mission

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Zev made a mental note of Hawkins' explanation as he gathered up the papers between them. [break][break]

"Report to Admin howard slayte at headquarters and he'll process your paperwork. You will probably receive your first assignments in the next few days. Not related to the operations I mentioned, but to get you acclimated." [break][break]

Team Rocket had a lot of use at base for a surgeon, so Hawkins likely did not need to worry about taking common jobs like burglary and arson. [break][break]

"Do you have any questions for me before you go?"

TAGS – Hawkins[break]
NOTES – mission (repeat)

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Zev nodded, accepting Cillian's suggestion. He had already suspected he'd need a secretary, but did not relish the thought of having to sift through eager grunts' résumés. [break][break]

"No," Zev said, stepping at last into the empty room and turning on the light. He did not care if Cillian lingered by the door or joined him inside it. [break][break]

"Though I would prefer if we had more troops to secure Mossdeep. Acquiring it will not be without its challenges, with the majority of our organization focusing on Petalburg and the remainder of Kanto's supply in Sootopolis." [break][break]

Already, the gears of his brain were at work, outlining a plan of action for the next few days. [break][break]

Glancing over his shoulder at Cillian, Zev said, "I would welcome your counsel for Sootopolis' defense in the coming weeks." [break][break]

While the new God General had no particular attachment to the city, the underboss had made it his home.

TAGS – Cillian Quinn[break]
NOTES – social

[attr="class","pkmn"]

After his promotion, Zev had contacted each department within Team Rocket for a full review of what they could contribute to the war effort. He received reports on League movements and defenses, Genesect production, League database hacks, grunt recruitment and training, Kyogre sightings, equipment requisition and maintenance—the list went on. [break][break]

With these gathered pieces, he fleshed out the three operations: the assaults on Petalburg and Mossdeep, and the defense of Sootopolis. Personnel for each warfront received their assignments based on their abilities and competences. Each weakness was accounted for and compensated by another’s strength. [break][break]

Zev walked the underboss through this meticulous plan. Using the holographic map, he highlighted different locations and moved representations of key Rockets across them to simulate the attacks. When he finished, he looked over at Theo. [break][break]

"With Fiorelli leading our troops at Petalburg and Quinn leading the defense of Sootopolis, are you going to join the operation at Mossdeep?" [break][break]

Zev expected it, even if he didn't like it.

TAGS – THEO BECKETT[break]
NOTES – social

[attr="class","pkmn"]

Zev did not bother to chastise Bryan for snickering at the new title. The God General himself thought it too pompous for his taste, but Monroe and Walsh had decreed it, and the rest of Team Rocket's leadership accepted it without question. [break][break]

In any case, the man behind the title was what mattered. [break][break]

Gesturing to the whiteboard map with the pen he held, Zev said, "I'm conducting a preliminary review of our resources, including personnel. To succeed at both Mossdeep and Petalburg, we'll need to maximize our power and efficiency across the board." [break][break]

"Since you're a Beast, we need to position you where you can take advantage of your strengths while accounting for your weaknesses." He eyed Bryan critically. "What would you say those are?"

TAGS – bryan delarosa[break]
NOTES – social

[attr="class","pkmn"]