text;

[islandshore]

Hey, guys. Riku here. Most of you guys probably won't remember, but years ago, there used to be a group called the PGC- that's Pokemon Guardian Corps, and we were dedicated to keeping the peace and fighting Team Rocket.

Back then, the Rockets were actively causing crimes every few months. Bomb threats being their bread and butter. Pretty sure that particular Rocket's long gone, but with these recent crime waves... well. I'm starting to think we need to be more proactive again.

Not sure how many have taken matters like this into their own hands. There's already a post up that gave some info on the recent crimes. That tells me that we're dealing with at least one or two Psychic type Pokemon, so if you can, I recommend getting your hands on some Dark Types for your own safety. Pokemon with the abilities Shadow Tag or Arena Trap are good options, too- to prevent the teleporting. Mean Look if you don't have the ability, preferably on something fast like a Haunter or Gengar.

Personally, though? We've got a lot of tough trainers. Aurora League members, longtime residents, but... I know a lot of you "newer" trainers are competent in your own right. I haven't taken enough steps to really get to know a lot of you, but I don't think this is something we need to restrict to people with teams of level 100's.

There's strength in numbers, and if the cops aren't gonna pull their weight, then I think a concentrated effort to push back is the way to go. So if anyone's interested in a PGC revival, lemme know. Maybe we can hash things out from there. And if you've got any more intel on the crimes, I think this is a good spot to share the details and maybe hash out some strategies.

There's... also some sensitive info I got from a former Rocket back in the day that might be worth discussing, but that's something I wanna keep to a private line. I already know Rockets hide in plain sight- and not all of 'em are willing to turn on the organization like he did.

Comments

video

[conniemaheswaran]

[The video flickers on to find a semi-familiar face for Riku lounging on a pool chair in a sundress and sunhat, looking concerned... although not for the reasons Riku may assume.

After a few interactions with Riku, she knows well enough how competent he is—and if he got intel from a fellow Rocket (not that she can blame him, whoever he is, goodness knows Connie considered defecting a few times), he could prove very, very dangerous.

So she repurposes her concerned expression for one reason and one reason only:]

Bomb threats? Holy crap, that's terrifying. If that's the sort of thing Team Rocket's capable of... [She shakes her head.] I thought they were like small-time muggers with a side of cartoon villainy at best, not terrorists.

I'm on the S.S. Anne right now for some time off with Akane, but I want to help as soon as we get back to shore.

Re: video

[uncutetomboy]

[A probably less familiar face is going to pop her head on camera. Like Connie, Akane's in a sundress and sunhat.]

I'll help too! I know martial arts and I'm really good at fighting off large groups of people. I can help teach people how to do both of those too.

[And this way she can help Connie keep her family safe. It's not like they want to be Pokemon Yakuza after all. They're just being made to with threats and stuff.]

video / private

[islandshore]

I mean, some of them were pretty cartoony. Cobra Commander was one of their loudest, most over the top members around... and I think some other guy gave out poisoned cookies on Christmas Eve.

[He snickers at the mental image. Kiiiind of an odd scheme, and he's not sure what the point was.]

I'm down to meet whenever, though. Was thinking the Training Center in Celadon might be a secure place, but I'm down for alternatives depending on everyone else's schedules and availability.

voice

[fingersandteeth]

I mean, they were basically acting like cartoon villains that time you had the run-in with them. Remember when you were visiting us in Goldenrod and you managed to rescue poor Zeus? I think I must have bought a half-dozen copies of the newspaper with your article in.

[Text]

[cyan_maid]

I would very much like to be kept in the loop at the very least.
Sorry for just text, kind of busy in Blackthorn right now.

[Text/Private]

[islandshore]

Nah, it's fine. You've got a reason to. Gym battle, right?

I can definitely touch base with you once things develop further. Right now, it's just Connie and one of her friends who've chimed in. Hoping we get some more interest, but we'll see.

It's basically rebuilding the Corps from scratch, so it's gonna be a bit rough at first. But that's on me- been really negligent these past few years.

apologies for claudia's inability to spell

[ohmylord]

o my lord

yu arn't kidding ar yu?

a bom. rilly.

i'm not enny kind of fiter but i can babysit evrywun's pokmoms pokymans teems wen yor fiting?

you're good!

[islandshore]

Pokemon bomb. Guy made his team do his bidding, basically. By exploding repeatedly.

Having someone to keep an eye on things wouldn't hurt. Depends, though. I know a lot of people stash their extra Pokemon in the PC.

Text/Private

[notyourgoddess]

I'm interested. What's the point of even having cops if they can't stop a single group.

Maybe teaching people self defence if they're interested might help. I know it's mostly pokemon battles here, but it's always good to be able to defend yourself if you have to.

As for crimes, private at the moment as I don't want others to bother him, but you might want to ask Armin. A group of us managed to rescue a large group of pokemon that were stolen from him by Team Rocket.

[The poor Rocket guards got beaten up so badly.]

Text/Private

[islandshore]

My thoughts exactly.

Self-defense sounds like the perfect fit for us. Especially since we've got volunteers who might not be up to speed with some of the more seasoend trainers.

Appreciate the lead with Armin, for what it's worth. Theft like that... I'm glad you guys worked it out, but that's still rough all the same.

How far back was this, anyway? The more info on recent Rocket activity, the easier it'll be to figure out a pattern.

text

[fingersandteeth]

Bombs??? *Seriously*???

[WHAT THE FUCK, PREVIOUS IMPORT ROCKETS? Jack did not tell him anything about that.

Welp. He helped create this mess, so it's up to him to help fix it.]

I'm not sure if I'm exactly the person to be on a hero team, but I'm not half-bad at public relations. Do you need anyone to draft up your press releases?

text / private

[islandshore]

Just going private in case sensitive info gets passed out on this line.

But yeah, there were regular bombings. This Rocket would forecast them, basically using the network as his calling card. Used a lot of powerful Pokemon with Explosion to get the job done, and he used an alias so his actual identity was under wraps.

Smart guy, honestly. Really kept us on our toes back in the day.

As for press releases... I'm down for it. What sorta info would you need?

video

[stardiving]

I wouldst offer my assistance. I have not been here over-long, but preserving the peace is a noble cause.

[He shrugs. He might look like a white-haired pretty boy but he is definitely ready to throw hands. Even with something that can breathe fire at him.]

video

[islandshore]

[A fellow prettyboy, Riku totally isn't the sort to underestimate based on appearances. He nods, flashing a small smile.]

New or not, you can always learn the ropes. 'Bout how long have you been here?

[bent_the_world]

oh i remember bomb everything guy. did he ever actually have any bombs?

anyway, you KNOW i'm always ready to take on some rockets, i'd get in on this.

Text / Private

[islandshore]

I think he used Pokemon with Explosion? Used an alias and never showed his face, so he was pretty good about covering his tracks despite the calling cards.

But glad to have you aboard. Thinking of setting up a meeting once I know everyone's availability. Celadon work for you? I guess somewhere in Johto might work better overall, but I'm kinda wary of Goldenrod. Rockets basically set up shop there, so it's probably the riskiest spot to talk tactics.

Text

[carbonatedscientist]

I'd be interested. I can't say I've been here long enough to have assembled a stronger team of Pokemon than anyone else, but we're getting there, slowly.

Text / Private

[islandshore]

Strong Pokemon aren't mandatory- they just help. Having the conviction to make a difference is just as important in my book.

As far as logistics- was thinking of doing an in-person meeting at some point, but how's transportation for you? Just trying to get a feel for where everyone's at.

I live in Celadon, but I know most people tend to hang around Johto.

[angewiesen]

Pokemon Guardian Corps? That's got a good ring to it. I don't think the Jennies are totally useless or anything, but sometimes it feels like things fall on us when the situation gets really out of hand. Might as well be organized about it.

[islandshore]

Yeah, that's what I figure.

The Jennies do their best, but I feel like sometimes they're too inclined to play it safe. But the fact is, Team Rocket won't give us that luxury. I've known Rockets who attack trainers directly- not everyone's equipped to deal with that.

And the way I see it- a lot of people here come from worlds with way higher threat levels. This world's got problems, but half the time it's so peaceful that when something does happen, it throws everyone through a loop.

[Text]

[strings_theory]

[Man, she's about to get on a boat. But whatever, this is... a lot to take in and she's somewhat tempted to use this for her own purposes. Or more accurately, keep her girl from getting caught for something, it's fine.]

I mean, I guess I'm almost required to throw my hat into this thing, huh? Not gonna be around for a while, but given the majority of my Pokemon are already maxed leveled and got a range of typings going on that it ain't that huge of a deal for me.

'Sides, I could use something to do once I get back.

[Text/Private]

[islandshore]

No rush if you've got stuff to take care of. A lot of this is still penciled in. Heck, we're still trying to hash out the best spot to meet, and I know a few of the volunteers are on trips or outta the way.

But we'd be happy to have you aboard. With all the newer trainers interested, I think it'll pay to have some tougher Pokemon on the roster in case things get dicey. Bonus points if we can get more people with combat experience on top of all that.

video

[bravury]

[Hey, it's that guy you talked to a few days early about his Galarian Meowth! Seems he's no longer in the middle of nowhere and actually in a town now.]

I may be too new here to be of much assistance, but know you have my support.

[Seriously, full teams of level 100's? Phew. Ardbert had a long way to go...]

You need only ask and I'll help in any way I am able. It may mean little here, but I was a warrior back home. I've seen my fair share of fights.

video/private

[islandshore]

Lot of warriors chiming in. Can't complain, though- I'd say battle experience can make up for a newer team, and I've got specially bred eggs I'd be happy to pass on to newer trainers that want to broaden their team.

[He'll have to make a note of that when he does a follow up on all this- so much happening at once, it's been hard to really iron out the specifics. Been a hot minute, too.]

I'd say right now, the most important thing is to stay alert. We know the main perp's got a Xatu- think a giant, green bird with weird markings. Even if you don't have a fully trained team, I'd say just keep an eye out for anything shady. Communication's gonna be huge if we get this off the ground.

Text; encrypted (and private)

[insidegalra]

[Whoever is sending this message is very cautious and very good with technology.]

I do not have a strong "team" and am moreover concerned about owning and fighting by proxy with sentient creatures, but if I am here, I will do what I can to ensure the safety of the people. How can I be of assistance?

Text; encrypted (and private)

[islandshore]

Hey, for what it's worth, I get the concerns. Lot of people have those kinds of reservations with Pokemon at first.

Guess as far as assistance goes, it depends on your skillset. This encryption's definitely a plus. When dealing with the Rockets, the more security, the better.

Video

[firstonesexpert]

Oooooh, if we're going to be fighting an evil army, I should be able to make PLENTY of weapons for us to take a decisive arms stance against them! I just need to find the parts...

OH, or I could make robots so we don't have to send our Pokemon into risky situations! I'm not sure how I'll be able to power them yet but I'm sure we'll find something! The magic of this universe is fascinating, there's got to be something regarding how people utilise Pokemon here that we can apply to our own side!

Video/private

[islandshore]

Parts, huh? What kinda stuff do you need? Can't say I have a ton of resources, but if you need metal, I got spare feathers from my Skarmory.

[He pauses, tapping his chin.]

As for robots... See, that sounds great on paper, but you're right about the power source. Guess using electric Pokemon might work. Might be worth looking into Rotoms, since they're known to take over appliances.

text

[asmywitness]

[Well this is a bit of a shitty situation. He wonders if they should start asking Jack about how well this all went down last time. And possibly more on the bomber, to see if he can't replicate it to scare a few folks in the wrong direction.]

Not to sound horrifically cynical, but a scare campaign against people who are definitely going to be able to see this and get involved under cover of anonymity - or worse, openly join it under false pretences - is kind of a gargantuanly stupid plan.

text

[islandshore]

You're not wrong.

If I could've slapped a filter to hide from all Team Rocket agents, I would've. But that'd require a specific level of encryption that's beyond my level- and probably the names of all Rocket personnel.

No matter what, it's not foolproof. We'll probably need a screening process.

But the way I see it, the alternative's just turning a blind eye to everything or flying solo. Neither's ideal.

video

[runicfeathers]

Bomb threats? Why in the world would one do such abhorrent things!? I could never stand idly by and watch these things happen... no one needs to suffer these things, and I have come to enjoy this world in my short time here.

[Although they're not the same as her world, bombs were a magical force of destruction and death and by her assumption they would be very similar here. Destructive and deplorable all the same.

Her anger, regardless of bombs being the same or not, is palpable and she is certainly willing to put herself in any kind of danger for this.]

video/private

[islandshore]

Boredom? Insanity? Lust for power?

[Riku shrugs, shaking his head.]

It's not pleasant. And I'm not saying the current Rockets are in the same boat, but they are a dangerous organization no matter how you slice it.

It's just rough. Someone pointed out that we don't really have an easy way to screen for potential moles. All we really have is an honor system to go off of.

[text]

[foolishwren]

Ugh, I remember the bomb guy.

Honestly, after all of that, the recent stuff has felt pretty tame by comparison.

<sub>[Unless you counted that warehouse thing, but that had been another kettle of fish entirely.]

[Still, it's all bad news even if lives aren't in danger. God knows she'd go on a Rambo-style rampage if one of her own team-members got stolen.]</sub>

I'm busy as hell right now, but if you get a for-sure positive tipoff and need some extra muscle, I can't say no to another Aurora Leaguer.

[text/private]

[islandshore]

You're not wrong, but I'd say any Rocket activity's still something to keep an eye on.

[Theft could precede larger schemes and larger disasters. It could be a warm up. A way to test the waters, even.]

But for what it's worth, I get it. Right now it's too soon to really leap into action. We gotta organize, gotta plan. Gotta figure out how to avoid getting duped.

You up for being added to the filter, at least? Not saying you gotta fully commit, but you've been around here about as long as I have. If I can trust anyone, it's probably you and Cecil.