Pokemon Syndicate

Episode 8: First Mission Briefing

"First order of business, I would like to formally welcome you all to Espeonage, intelligence and mercenary superpower for hire. We specialize in the services of information and combat. What our clients wish to know, we can find out for a fee. Whom our clients wish to do engage with, we execute the proper strategies to gain the upper hand over and defeat," spoke Espeon as he greeted the young Pokemon with an introduction of his organization.

"May I ask a question, Mr. Espeon", implored Chimchar.

"Please. Don't hesitate. The floor is yours to ask anything you wish," Espeon replied.

"Were you behind our own computer systems being hacked?"

"Yes."

Zoroark raised her hand to add, "The fact that you were able to notice was a test in itself that you passed with flying colors. We usually implement nothing less short of the best firewall breaching protocols to bypass even the most top ranking security interfaces."

"We didn't break into any files. Everything is still in tact, I can assure you," Sylveon chimed in.

"Is there any reason in particular why you chose us," Chimchar then asked.

"To put it simply, we like what you kids do. You're talented in all avenues that we deal with, " Seismitoad spoke.

"And we feel that you'll make a great addition to Espeonage," Espeon finished.

Espeon, Sylveon, Zoroark, Seismitoad, and Toxicroak continue the tour of the facility, leading Chimchar, Froakie, Riolu, Kirlia, and Grovyle to different areas of interest. They were introduced to Poli Brothers, Wrath and Toed.

"Toxicroak, the Poli Brothers and I make up the Order of Jiraiya, a team of amphibious ninja."

"Amphibious ninja...that sounds awesome...!" Froakie said to himself.

"They were most effective in assisting Espeonage with managing our clientèle and the many missions in which we are hired to undertake. However, as our business grows, demand increases, and we are short on personnel to satisfy demand," Sylveon explained.

"That's where you kids come in," Zoroark added.

"You want to recruit us?" Kirlia asked their new acquaintances.

"Precisely," Espeon responded.

"But not just you. We'll need your help in enlisting even more skilled Pokemon who fit the mold of what Espeonage is and stands for. We are balancers. We never let any world superpower have too much power or become too much of a threat. We bring stability, and hopefully peace through our services," Sylveon continued on.

"Speak for yourself..." Toxicroak uttered to himself.

They continue to walk through the Espeonage headquarters, being directed to the dining hall, laboratory, training facilities, and lastly the Briefing Room, just outside of the Launch Point.

"Of course", Espeon spoke, "We leave the choice up to you in it's entirety. We do not wish to force the decision upon you. Although, I will say that should you stay, your help would be most appreciated. You will be well compensated, not only in monetary reward, but rich experience and great adventures. You would be doing the world a service."

Riolu looked at Kirlia and then to the rest of his friends. Chimchar seemed to be considering the offer. Kirlia looked as apprehensive as Riolu did. He turned to ask Froakie his opinion.

"Froakie, what do you think?"

"It sounds like a lot of responsibility...I don't know if we can handle it, Lulu."

"Sign me up," Grovyle blurted out.

"Shouldn't we talk about this?" Kirlia asked Grovyle.

"What's there to talk about? We get paid more to do what we were already doing for chunk change. And I get to crack some skulls," he replied.

"Hmm...you shouldn't rush into decisions like that without discussing with us first," Chimchar condescended.

"Don't start with this nonsense, you chimp. Hahahahaha AH AH AH OW OW OW OUCH OUCH CUT IT OUT YOU FUCKER!"

Not even allowing Grovyle the satisfaction laughing at his own childish name calling, Chimchar launched a swift Fire Punch to his chest.

"We're in," Chimchar said.

"We definitely did not talk about this," Kirlia said, shaking her head.

"This is going to be...interesting, " Riolu added.

"Very," Froakie said to himself while staring at Seismitoad, Toxicroak and the Poli Brothers, the Order of Jiraiya.

"Well, then. I guess that settles it," Espeon cheered with glee.

"Welcome to the team, kids," Zoroark sang enthusiastically.

"And now for your first mission briefing! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!" screamed Sylveon.

"So soon?" Riolu asked.

"Awesome!" Grovyle yelled while rubbing the burn on his chest.

"We have been monitoring some disturbing activity in the arid marshes of Gainsay Desert. Sand-air boats have been seen dropping off crates possibly containing illegal contraband. Rising crime boss, Kingambit, has been linked to monitored activity," Espeon explained.

"Kingambit, the Ebon Machete. Dangerous guy, but you kids should be able to handle him. We won't be sending you after him alone, so don't worry. Toxicroak and Zoroark will be tagging along to service as overseers to the completion of your mission," Sylveon added.

"Consider it training while in the field," Zoroark said with a smile.

"Great...just great..." Toxicroak mumbled.

"Beware of his co-second-in-commands: Feraligatr, Krookodile, Salazzle, and Skeledirge: Los Desert Swamp Desperadoes. Also, be wary of forces hired to bolster the defenses of his camp" Espeon finished.

"Sounds like a plan," Chimchar replied.

"Good grief...," Riolu sighed.

"Rest up, kids. Tomorrow, we head for the Continent of Wiley and the Desert Swamp of Gainsay at the crack of dawn" Zoroark demanded.