video (OTA) and a closed log

[phdepression]

[The video opens at New Bark Town, overlooking Professor Elm's lab. While the camera is bobbing up and down slowly, the picture seems clear despite something blue is covering top right of the screen.]

"Star Platinum. Over here."

[There's a very loud gurgle from whoever is holding the camera. The camera turns to a man standing by the water, clad in snakeskin pants and a bright purple hat and jacket.]

"I could have used text but I figured this would be best for getting my name and face out there." [He sighs, muttering 'good grief' before continuing]. "My name is Jotaro Kujo. I'm a marine biologist and an oceanographer. I figured since I'm here, might as well put my skills to use and do some research. So... how do I get grants here? Do I need to reapply for my doctorate so it's more Pokemon-orientated? Or is there someone I battle in order to get my degree? I wanted to ask the professor here but he's not in so... answer."

[Thanks Jotaro]

--------------

[Ordinarily, Jotaro was pretty sure he could make it from New Bark Town to Cherrygrove City in two days. However, with the snowfall, the hike may be longer than three days, especially if he gets lost. Not that he will but Jotaro likes preparing for these things, even if prep is prolonged by the lack of stores in the town. But Jotaro makes do with what he has and he's confident he can make it surviving a week if need be.

He just has to do his final checks. Bag? Safely strapped to him. Pokemon? Star Platinum is in his ball. Map? Got it. Messages? Well, he doesn't need to send it again (he sent one to both Jolyne and Emporio when he got here). So... good. He's ready. He just needs to scan the horizon, try to predict the next snowstorm and...

...

Is that a green dragon over the horizon?]

Comments

[seacub]

Haha, there sure is..! Oh- but, it's not my Gym, it's Armin's. I'm just helping around a little while I plan mine, actually. It's a lot of work, and I don't want it to just be an 'arena' if that makes sense...

...it's been really good learning here though. And, they have a Lapras breeding program, they're no longer endangered now!

[he should explain what a lapras is, but it hasn't occurred to him yet]

[phdepression]

I suppose so. [He's seen Carly's and Jolyne's gyms and the difference between their designs. He'll be interested to see what Emporio has planned.]

So Pokemon can be endangered as well. That's unfortunate. I thought with how much this world stresses bonds between humans and Pokemon, there'd be less problems like in our world.

[He's really passionate about the ocean.]

[seacub]

Yeah...it's not great, but pokemon can still be caught for reasons like energy, or illegal trade...there's definitely less problems, no doubt about it, but there's still a few.

[phdepression]

Hmph.

[And if he catches anyone doing that, he'll beat the shit out of them.]

Send me the location of the gym. I'll visit there afterwards when I've got what I needed.

[seacub]

Sure!

If you open up a map of the Sevii Islands, it'll be pretty easy to find...you'll probably be going to Two Island to visit Hermana once you can, but the Pelagic Gym and the Aquarium are near 'Four' Island- so it won't be far, and if you mention it to whoever's driving the boat, they'll be able to get you there pretty easy.

[phdepression]

The same island chain... I see. Convenient.

[His expression goes grim]

It will be good to catch up. I have some questions for you that only you can answer. In person.

[Right. The thing they've avoided talking about]

[seacub]

Mmhm. There's seven total, which you might have guessed?

[uh-]

...Right.

[That.]

[phdepression]

Yes. I have noted that.

...

See you soon.

[And the call will end there supposedly, unless Emporio has much more to add. How ominous.]