Miho Chan
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Interlude 2: Many Meetings
🕑 Added 2023-12-16 04:03:28 +0000 UTCMount Coronet can be considered the single, defining feature of the Sinnoh region. Its foothills stretched south to just before the floodplains and valleys near the coast, and trailed north all the way to the edge of the tundra. Many of the cities of Sinnoh rest atop or nestled between the smaller daughter mountains which surround the massive peak. And at the peak of this tallest mountain in the world, sits the ruins of an ancient temple, whose protruding spires of jagged stone give the peak its name; the Spear Pillar.
Akari’s destination lay even higher into the sky.
The immortal woman landed on the stones of the ruined temple, dismounting Lord Braviary with a quiet pat on his fluff. Striding forward, she walked to the edge of the ancient structure, then took one step off the edge. Her foot caught on empty air, and with a quiet sigh, she started to climb the nigh-invisible staircase. “...still not used to this,” she grumbled.
“Being able to still feel fear is good, you know.” Mesprit ‘spoke’ as she faded into view beside her friend. “Being able to feel guilt, even better.”
“I know I went way too far with Illya and Shirou, Mesprit,” Akari replied gruffly, swearing as she nearly tripped on the staircase composed entirely of air, “Every single one of the myths and legends I have regular contact with chewed me the goddamn hell out, and when we had a moment in private, Misora-san and Mana tore me a new one. Though I suppose I did get a good battle out of that…” Her eyes turned cloudy as she remembered the battle, recalling each action in vivid detail, her photographic memory more of a curse than a blessing at this point in her life, “But, like I said, I’m aware.”
“You are not. Not entirely,” Mesprit huffed. “And there are two you are in regular contact with who have not spoken to you yet.” She floated up the last dozen stairs. “After all, Grandfather has yet to speak to you.”
Akari crested the staircase, finding herself on a solid gray plane, the curvature of Garde below visible off the edges. As she stepped forward, two structures formed in the air atop the plane; one a simple arch of gold, the other a door formed out of stone. The golden loop was soon filled with darkness, a sinuous form flowing out of it, massive black wings framing the air.
“Akari. I really wish we were meeting again under different circumstances,” Giratina rumbled.
“... I’m not going to enjoy this conversation in the slightest, am I?” Akari sighed in lieu of greeting, receiving a nod from an old foe turned friend. “On a scale from 1-10, how furious is Arceus with me?”
“3.” The doors of stone swung open, golden light forming around Arceus as they stepped onto the platform, all three of the present beings turning to face the approaching deity. “But then, my relation to such things is remote. I have other concerns.” They stepped forward, waiting patiently to one side. “Mesprit, Giratina.”
“Father.” Giratina inclined his head.
“...so formal.”
“Old habits die hard.” Giratina turned back to Akari, allowing Mesprit to make her own greetings. “Akari, when did you start thinking like Cogita?” He asked slowly.
“I-” She cut off the instinctive denial that came through that she could ever be like Cogita of all people, raising her finger, lowering it, then gagged. “Holy shit when the fuck did I start thinking like Cogita?” she whispered, looking both furious and horrified, and more than a little green.
“And thus, my concern. And frustration,” Giratina said sourly. “Believing that with age comes unapproachable wisdom, not accepting input from outsiders, assurances to others and yourself that ‘it worked before, it will work now…’ hallmarks of a sedentary mind. One which can easily stop questioning itself.” He sniffed. “And of course, instead of stopping when things aren’t working out like they ‘should’, you push forward, because now you want to know why things are different. If you can see it at all. Ring any bells? Sound familiar?”
Akari bit back her quick response and nodded, ruffling through her memories to figure out exactly when this had happened, and finally finding the answer, “It was about when the International Pokemon League first formed, I think. I convinced myself that I’d seen everything there is to see, and tried everything there was to try, and after the tragedies of the wars in the 1900s, I figured that someone had to step up and teach people not to be stupid.”
“Indeed. You did good work then, helping the league, testing the will of those heroes and potential world leaders.” Giratina flowed around Akari, coming up behind her. “But then, why did you use the same methods when you tested a child? One who never approached you, who has not yet reached for power, greatness, or glory?” He floated around to loom before her. “Has the power you had then gone to your head, Akari?”
Akari slowly shook her head. “I don’t think it was the power, at least, not entirely. I think it’s because I’ve made it a point not to interact all that much with society for the last few years or so. Mostly since I come from this time period. Though I’m starting to think I shouldn’t have been so concerned; I’m probably not from this specific period in time, am I? At least, not this world.” She shook her head again. “Not the point. I’ve ossified because I haven’t experienced anything new in a while, and when I found something new, something interesting, I went overboard without considering the consequences.”
“While you are right that you need not be concerned, this is indeed your time.” Arceus corrected, gently.
“Curiosity itself is not a bad thing.” Mesprit chipped in. “In fact, that’s good! It’s just…”
“Rather than treat it as truly new, you just tried to do the same things you did before.” Giratina summarized. “Poked a new situation just like you poked an old one.” He jabbed her chest with one tendril. “At least you know you messed up. If you hadn’t, I’d be… well. Furious doesn’t begin to cover it,” he nearly snarled. “Those kids aren’t yours to manipulate. If you’d gone much further, I’d be comparing you to Volo, not Cogita.”
Akari blanched. “...I’m not like him,” She protested.
“No, he hyper focused on a goal. You had no goal. Or did you?” Giratina asked, pausing. “No, seriously, did you? I really can’t follow whatever logic had you test that Emiya kid.”
Akari winced. “I… cannot recall myself.” She sighed. “It seemed necessary at the time, but I’m not sure why…”
“Falling into patterns like that is not a good sign. We may need to have some additional therapy sessions.” Mesprit rolled into Akari’s peripheral vision, peering at her. “It has been a long time. You have been getting better at recognizing your emotional connections, but you still have issues with detachment.”
Having nothing to say, Akari remained silent, simply glancing towards Arceus, waiting for his input. The god tilted their head, then shook it slowly. “As I said, my Champion, I am not concerned for your actions and the emotions on the ground. My concerns are about you, and should wait until we are done. Or, to be more precise, you will have no lecture from me this evening. Merely a reminder.” They looked at Giratina. “My son, do you have any further input?”
“I think I’ve said my piece,” Giratina sighed loudly. “...you are still one of my best friends, Akari. I do not want that to change anytime soon. Don’t make a habit of this, consider your actions.”
“Resuming your daily meditations would be advisable. I am not entirely certain when you stopped. I could ask Celebi, I suppose.” Mesprit mused.
“I would like to point out right now that I never stopped my daily meditations.” Akari pointed out, not about to be called out for something she hadn’t actually done, “I just haven’t been reflecting on my actions within the context that the current time demands. I slipped back into the mentality I cultivated in Hisui.”
“Survival and goal-pursuit over all else.” Mesprit pulled out a pad of paper, scribbling on the top sheet. “I prescribe less adventuring and more time spent with friends and loved ones. Without the cryptic commentary, I think.” She stopped. “Let’s see… the Grand Prickle, Warden Ingo, Lady Manaphy… maybe drop in on Volo’s bar? See what he’s up to. Oh, and go spend some time in the Distortion World, shake off that rut you’re digging into.” She flipped to the next page. “And if you do want to continue to interact with the children… Therapy. With myself, Uxie, and Azelf. At least once a month with each of us.”
Akari accepted the notes with a sigh. “I… can’t argue with that,” she muttered. As she put it away, she felt the golden presence of her boss come closer. “Okay, what is it, sir?”
“Akari, to continue to serve as my herald, to walk among humans… you must continue to think and act like a human of that time period. You cannot become like Cogita, or AZ. Volo is closer, for all his flaws, and even he…” The creator shook his head. “You are Legendary. If you become defined as a trickster, uncaring, isolated… you will not be able to serve effectively as my herald any longer.” A pane of glass appeared at their side. “I do not want to lose you to the apathy and regrets of the other immortals. I would rather change you than see you lost like that.”
Akari jerked back at the face in the mirror, eyes open wide and pupils narrowed to pinpricks. The reflection which recoiled was her, but not as she was; instead of soft cloth and pale skin, navy fur and silver feathers met her gaze. The almost feline figure spread wings in shock, white crest flared in astonishment above tufted ears; taloned forelimbs scratching at the ground. “You’d change me into–” She stated, almost curious now that her reflexive reaction was contained.
“Not as punishment, and only if you give me permission to do so. If you could no longer connect with humans as they are…” They leaned closer. “There is always the option of changing your form. Your spirit and soul could certainly handle it with the weight of years and legend behind it. But I don’t believe you want that, not yet.”
“I don’t. Not yet.” She shook her head rapidly, the image in the mirror warping to her own, human face. “No. I… have I really become that detached?”
“Not even close, not yet,” Mesprit murmured quietly. “Let’s keep it that way, shall we? I’ll see you on Wednesday. Bring muffins.”
“As Mesprit said, this is merely a warning. You made a mistake with your test, and several people rightfully called you out for it. You will likely lose some standing in the eyes of the league with those in the know, but otherwise many do seem to understand that this was an isolated incident triggered because of a combination of your own trauma and your general distance from civilization in the face of the hero worship that had a recent resurgence,” Arceus stated softly, looking into one of his favorite chosen’s eyes. “But I doubt you will ever go that far again, will you?”
“No. I know what I did was wrong, and I think I understand why I ended up doing it now. I’ll be back on Wednesday with muffins, and I have a visit to make to a certain pair of people.” Akari replied with a smile, something akin to the old fire that once blazed in her eyes returning, an ember of warmth lost with the countless trials she had endured returning for the first time since the formation of the Pokemon League. “I’ll be looking forward to it, Mesprit. Giratina, will you be there?”
“I won’t be. Brother and sister are being assholes again, and I need to keep managing things on the other side. Please, do come visit,” the Dragon of Symmetry said, flowing back over to his gate. “Seriously, my people like the company.” Seconds later, he was gone.
“I will be there, of course. Therapy starts with friendship, I think.” Mesprit said.
“We can use my place,” Arceus said. “And we will have company. Your mother has been hanging out for the last two months,” they said to Mesprit. “I haven’t gotten her to leave yet.”
“That’s because you’re actively choosing not to, father~” A certain feline gremlin giggled from above the great llama’s head, the godcat giving Akari a wave, “After all, it is ever so interesting watching your latest pet project grow! And besides, you know you like my company!”
“Hey Mew. We’ll reconnect on Wednesday, okay?” Akari waved, heading for the stairs. “I have a more… in-depth apology to work on. And I need to find my old Sihde Spellbook…”
---(0)---
The Shmucks Who Let Battling Lead to Eternal Paperwork. The Shmucks that let Loops Lead to Eternal Paperwork. United in Eternal Suffering.
There are currently 15 members online
Pinned Messages:
- Usernames
Lance Blackthorn: DragonMaster
Steven Stone: IAmIronMan
Cynthia Shirona: NotDoomedToRepeatIt
Alder Freeman: RamblingMan
Diantha Karune: Superstar
John Mustard: BearFisted
Geeta Lyrica: FullTimeChampion
Solana Hinata: PartTimeMom
Lunik Kazuki: PartTimeDad
Kellyn Hajime: TopRanger
Kate Hitomi: AceRanger
Summer Minami: LivingParadox
Ben Natsuya: SkyRanger - Re: League Policy
We aren’t supposed to be using this chat to conduct official business, but who the fuck has time to spend five hours on a voice call while most of us are busy trying to make sure our regions don’t burn down, and the Rangers are busy making sure the Wilds don’t burn their lands down.
RamblingMan: Alright, I think we can get away with not doing an official meet up this month, so long as we stay on topic here in the chat. Is that alright with everyone?
BearFisted: Too far from a good signal again, Alder?
RamblingMan: Damn right I am.
League_Porygon_141: Vote Talley: 10-0-2. Motion passes.
Superstar: Who abstained? This seems much more convenient.
FullTimeChampion: Doing this is against League rules, but much more expedient. Consider my vote a small protest.
TopRanger: None of us really have a say here, so all the rangers should have abstained. Then again, none of us particularly have time for the meetings, so that’s probably why some of us voted.
RamblingMan: The Rangers are just as important as the rest of us, Kellyn. More so, in many ways. Pokemon don’t have a direct voice on here, so you’re the best middlemen we have.
RamblingMan: Speaking of which, thank you for intervening recently in the Peninsula Reserve Area. If the League had gone in, it might have turned into a hostage crisis, and Juniper might have skinned me alive.
LivingParadox: Well, I just got back from finishing the paperwork for dealing with the gross negligence that specific Ranger Station was practicing, so you’re passive aggressively welcome?
SkyRanger: Summer, please play nice…
DragonMaster: Context, now please.
LivingParadox: Those idiots were treating their jobs like an inconvenience and blaming all their problems on the predecessor organization of Rangers that the League Maintained until the Ranger Union agreed to be folded into the organization. Now, while they aren’t quite wrong that the Unovan Ranger Corp screwed the pooch around five years ago, we sent Rangers to deal with the problem, and Alder was present as the league rep to make sure that everything went smoothly.
Personally, I think it was a mixture of HQ messing up and sending someone with a grudge against Unova to that specific station, and the fact that he just went completely unnoticed and eventually got promoted to Station Commander. He’s on his way back to Almia for… questioning.
DragonMaster: I meant the hostage crisis, not the screwup which let it happen.
RamblingMan: It turns out letting a traumatized faller pass within twenty miles of a group of Hiusian Zoroark does not end easily. Long story short, everyone’s fine, but one girl’s mental construct-slash-second personality got turned into a Pokemon. I’m still dealing with the paperwork.
SkyRanger: Also, the compact of the Four Swords got broken, so that was fun. We’re also still dealing with that paperwork. I’m just happy that Latias was sticking along with Summer for the duration of this trip. It made things a lot safer than it would have been otherwise, having a legend present and whatnaught.
NotDoomedtoRepeatIt: Hold on, are these the same Fallers who are related to my new little sister and brother?
Superstar: And the walking one-man-army moonlighting for the G-Men?
DragonMaster: Right, the assassin. I just got a report on him…
IAmIronMan: Excuse me? Assassin? Do we need to up league security?
DragonMaster: He is currently on our side.
NotDoomedtoRepeatIt: He’s my adopted siblings’ dad. He’s staying on our side.
BearFisted: Multiple Fallers? That is very unusual. Why haven’t we heard about this already? Considering how much damage the last ones caused over here…
NotDoomedtoRepeatIt: Most of these ones don’t have their f**king ‘game knowledge’. I swear, Arceus sends those idiots here specifically to mess with them and us. Then again, it might be Hoopa, not the Old Sky Goat.
FullTimeChampion: When was the last time one of the fallers with their “Metaknowledge” actually contributed meaningfully to our society? I know it was fairly recently, but then the massive Faller Hell of the Late Twentieth Century was happening at the same time so…
DragonMaster: Professor Flores is technically Faller-Adjacent, and her studies into Pokemon bonding, training, and development have been very useful. Other than her, Kanto is scarce on the ground of useful fallers.
FullTimeChampion: Larry is a very productive member of our Elite Four. He is, however, mostly an outlier.
Superstar: We don’t tend to get many Fallers here at all. Or at least, not open ones. Our tourists may disguise most of the ones who do show up.
AceRanger: There was that one Ranger Faller we had a while back. They’re retired now, but they were actually pretty key in some of our more effective reforms. They definitely used knowledge they shouldn’t have access to to ensure they were effective, but they never did more than suggest or prod us in the right direction.
PartTimeDad: Wasn’t there also that one faller that was a Pokemon? I can’t exactly recall the specifics, but I remember this really old recording of an interview between the Ranger Union in the sixties and a representative of the Lucario Kingdom discussing Fallers.
BearFisted: Hate to say it, but if we go this far off-subject, we may need to get on a call. So, the new three?
NotDoomedtoRepeatIt: Five, technically. One with Diantha, two with Alder, and two with me. All from the same town on another world, apparently.
NotDoomedtoRepeatIt: Mine have managed to cause our local Immortal to have a little oopsie. Which nearly became an international incident. Not their fault, but if my office is forced to sanction Champion Akari…
Superstar: I had one of my Ace Trainers complaining about being involved in that, though she also took her own punishment rather stoically. Misora seemed rather relieved that she was getting punished, honestly.
IAmIronMan: Misora? I thought she had more sense than that…
Superstar: She didn’t say so directly, but I think it was a mixture of wanting to stop Champion Akari from going too far and genuine trauma. She watched children die during the Incident with Zygarde and Volcanion two years ago.
DragonMaster: So when she got roped into working with another Legend… is there any sign Lady Akari is getting worse?
NotDoomedtoRepeatIt: Not as far as I can see. She was seen ascending to the Sky Pillar, so she may have needed to confer with… them.
AceRanger: Please keep an eye on her! She might need a friend right now.
RamblingMan: And there’s a ray of sunshine we all need…
DragonMaster: Indeed. So the Fallers we know about have been involved with several encounters with a living Legend, and gotten involved in a gang war. Diantha, has your Faller done anything of note?
Superstar: He has killed two dozen members of the local Team, left multiple criminals to the local police to arrest, and has become a meme.
Superstar: He’s yet to make the news, but that’s only because someone is still trying to keep Team Flare from becoming public
BearFisted: That’s… odd. Especially given how many of Kalos’ nobility seems to be involved in Flare. Diantha, I assume the Kalos League is allowing the coverup to quietly note the sympathizers in the media and government?
Superstar: Yes. We aren’t exactly happy with what we’ve found so far, let me tell you. There are several people we thought were clean that we’re having to investigate now. Don’t ask me, the information is too sensitive to post in this chat.
IAmIronMan: Considering the amount of Porygon and work we’ve put into making it secure, I’d like to think it can handle some critical information…
PartTimeDad: True, but can we trust Alder and Cynthia to not lose their phones on their trips?
LivingParadox: And Flare has very suspicious levels of wealth. That and all the “Large” teams have equally impressive network security. They’d never have managed to keep existing if our Porygon and Rotom Networks were capable of cracking their CyberSec. In Person Briefings are just better for Infosec.
IAmIronMan: Well put. Though, I don’t think any of us Champions aside from Mustard have enough time to deal with such a briefing, so long as Flare remains local. At least, I can’t. Not since Aqua and Magma’s feuding started escalating. They might actually become Team Aqua and Magma at this rate.
DragonMaster: Team Rocket is making bigger and bigger plays. We’ve gotten weekly reports of their agents attempting to steal Pokemon, and their leadership isn’t trying to keep things quiet anymore. I’ve had to respond to three major operations in the last two months. That and keeping track of the potential Chosen that Professor Oak brought up with all of us a few years ago is eating up all of our time. Indigo’s stretched really thin right now.
PartTimeMom: Speaking of, Lance, Lunik and I are responding to another reported incident. Get ready for another wave of Rocket related attacks.
DragonMaster: I’ll respond as soon as I get out of this meeting- Nevermind. Goddammit Goodshow…
RamblingMan: I don’t have immediate Team issues, but I do have a Cobalion-damned Gang War brewing in my region. And Grimsley’s worried there might be someone else inciting them right now, and I have a lead on a cult which might be behind it. I’m stuck here.
FullTimeChampion: Paldea remains quiet. Except for Area Zero, and that’s too quiet. I can dispatch aid if compensated or ordered by the International League.
BearFisted: We don’t have any organized crime problems, beyond the monopoly Rose managed to set up. And Macro Cosmos has been good for the region thus far. It helps that Rose keeps trying to not have a monopoly.
BearFisted: We do, however, have a Legendary problem. The Birds have started skirmishing again. Zapdos just attacked our one major settlement in the Crown Tundra, and though he was driven off, they were dead quiet until they annihilated that Smuggler Settlement a few months back.
RamblingMan: The Swords have started getting more involved with society again; Cobalion dumped a group of smugglers on the Rangers a few days back without any explanation whatsoever.
NotDoomedToRepeatIt: The Creation Trio have been slightly more active lately, but we can largely blame that on Lady Akari. Speaking of, she just sent me a rather interesting tidbit. Another thing to look into…
LivingParadox: We’ve seen reports of the Beasts of Johto running back and forth across the Home Islands, and my partner has said that multiple groups of Eon pokemon are leaving their nests and making a general nuisance of themselves around passenger planes.
TopRanger: I spoke to some oracular pokemon recently. Apparently, we’re heading into a time of troubles. @DragonMaster, do you know if that Chosen One was chosen, or Chosen? Apparently, there’s a difference.
AceRanger: Kellyn I swear to god Lance literally just left.
TopRanger: Well I’m soooooo sorry, Kate. I was a bit busy- HEY! Why’d you hit me!
AceRanger: You were zoning out for most of the meeting, idiot. Come take your punishment like a man, coward!
FullTimeChampion: Please stay on topic…
BearFisted: Hate to say it, but I think we’re done. There’s a lot of bushfires to deal with, everyone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
IAmIronMan: This is why we can’t have nice things…
---(0)---
Kalos had a long and rich history, both in the sense that it had many storied battles and people, and much in the way of wealth, both earned and taken. Both of these elements were on full display at the elegant chateau nestled in the southern mountains, surrounded by vineyards and gardens. The doors, made of ancient ebony, were carved with roaring flame motifs, common signs of those who followed the ideals of rebirth.
Of course, stepping through those doors without an invitation would lead to intruders being politely turned away by servants in fine clothing. Push deeper, and the servants would give way to red-clad guards with Elite teams and ancient weaponry. Such was what was necessary to give security to the meeting held within.
Lysandre uncorked a bottle, sniffing the wine within. “...an excellent vintage. And no hints of vinegar; this has been properly stowed.” He poured two glasses, handing one to the woman sitting nearby. “A bit to fortify you after your ordeal, Contessa.”
“Thank you, Lyandre.” Contessa acknowledged, taking the drink with almost supernatural grace, sipping from the flute with a pleased hum, “It is as you said, my friend, this is an excellent vintage. I believe from the now defunct vineyards near Marselle.”
“You have an excellent nose.” Lysandre murmured, taking another sniff. “...how cruel the world is, for a place which produced such beauty to be laid low by rot and concrete.” He swirled the wine, taking a sip. “To destroy the old for nothing more than profit, to create tat for the common man, and leave us with inferior product, consigning the remains to luxury and rarity. We drink history tonight.”
“Things change constantly, Lysandre. Even in our new world, things will be lost.” Another voice interjected on their conversation, a pink haired woman sipping brandy. Malva peered over her glasses. “Speaking of change, what happened? Last I heard, the Charente secure facility was still unknown. How did Interpol organize an assault?”
“Their newest attack dog is far more capable than we suspected. We believe that he has been intentionally hiding his capabilities by making us believe he is simply a merciless killer,” the man standing at Lysandre’s side stated, hands tightening around the pommel of the sword he had sheathed at his side. “Apologies, Lysandre, I failed to account for that possibility. It shall not happen again.”
Renault hissed from his place at the nearby table. “...Emiya,” he growled. “I thought we’d found a way to collar that bastard, Malva.”
Malva shot the recently freed aristocrat a glare. “I may have influence in the League, Monsieur, but with Interpol and Champion Diantha watching, all I can do is track his movements. And even that fails frequently. He is very good at remaining covert.” She sipped her drink. “He is a Faller. There are no old crimes to resurrect, no old enemies to point his way. Subtle methods to remove him are few in number.”
Lysandre nodded thoughtfully, “And any propaganda campaign aimed towards exposing him would expose our influence over the media even further,” he thought aloud, a hint of disdain entering his voice at the thought. “We shall simply have to step up our efforts to remove him. Since he has yet to show mercy unless it is convenient, we shall simply return the gesture.”
Renault tapped his chin. “We could hire mercenaries of our own. I believe my cousin knows someone with an impeccable record in terms of contracts completed.”
“...are you talking about Hunter J?” Malva asked incredulously. “She’s a poacher, kidnapper, and smuggler, not an assassin.” Pausing, she considered something else. “It’d also be horrific PR for us to be linked to her in any way, and J would absolutely talk if she was captured. No. If we were to hire her, we must do so deniably. Completely.”
“Lawrence is not connected to us in any way. He is a collector of the strange and unique.” Renault retorted. “And according to Contessa, he was working with three of our acquisitions. Shiny Starters, in fact.” He spread his hands. “I pass that to Lawrence and ask him to hire J for retrieval, pay extra to eliminate witnesses. Chancellor Lysandre, your thoughts?”
Weighing the pros and cons of wasting influence and money on a woman that simply wasn’t beautiful in any way, though he would begrudgingly admit that her methods of capture did preserve the beauty of her targets rather well, Lysandre hummed, “... No. There is no guarantee that J will not clue in regardless, and we have other uses for Lawrence that would be far more useful overall.”
Renault cursed. “Something must be done, Chancellor! Is there no way to take care of this threat?”
Lysandre turned to face a man standing in the back of the room, arcing an eyebrow. “Xerosic, you’ve been awfully quiet.”
The scientist looked up from the tablet computer he’d been messing with. “I’ve been coordinating the dispersal and reassignment of our research teams. Unless you direct me to shelve some of our projects, our timetables need to remain carefully managed in light of this disruption.”
Lysandre smiled. “Punctual and diligent, wonderful as always, Xerosic. But I will need you to redistribute our resources slightly. Accelerate project EXS, and look through our members for anyone who might synergise with the results.” His smile dropped. “We'll need their service very soon.”
“Yes, Chancellor.” Xerosic nodded. “...should we continue work on Project Boulevard? With our agents scattered into the hills, Interpol may be able to hunt them down…”
“The possibilities offered by Boulevard are too great to pass up. Continue the work,” Lysandre responded. “And let me know if you need additional funding. Money, at least, is not a concern right now.”
