Chapter 28: Audit round two

Chapter 28: Audit round two

Goooooooooood morning listeners old and new! Today! Huge news! Our old friend Rachel Raul has set us up with one of the hottest topics around! Today, were joined by Gym Leader Brock of Pewter City! Listeners! Can you dig it or what!? The scruffy-looking radio host grinned into his microphone.

When he turned in his chair he made sure to drag the microphone with him. Brock! Loved your fight during the lead-in to the Indigo Tournament! Werent you worried about stepping up against the Champ? Lance had an amazing showing when he ascended for the championship, that had to be playing on your mind! How did you do it? You had to be sweating buckets, right my man?

I played with the microphone before speaking, I didnt let the situation go to my head. That gets more people than most will understand. I just went in with a goal to accomplish.

I put my hands together in front of me and pushed them forward like a spear. I had a trainer that I needed to win against. In a few ways, Lance is easier than some of the challengers I get, because I could research a lot of information on his team and his methods. He had plenty of tricks that I hadnt planned for, but I was confident in my ability to adapt.

I imagine Lance is going to be cursing that you forced his hand so much, no?

Not really, I got the chance to talk with Lance and he was really relaxed after the fight. The fight was tense, yeah, but, it helped bleed the poison, to use a metaphor, I said in reply.

You mentioned not letting the situation get to you, but you were very aware of the crowd, no? Howd you shift from battle to crowd like that, or was it all just acting?

I chuckled. I like to think a lot of them were cheering for me. When you have a crowd like that, its all noise, energy and emotion. There was one moment that they made it clear, but it was easy for me to twist.

Which Oh! The moment with Dragonite getting called out?

Yeah, it got this huge lead-in. Super hyped up, but the way they did made me laugh, and that just made it easier.

Laugh? Why was that?

Well, the crowd did this thing where they stomped twice then clapped. They meant it for Dragonite, but it felt like a rock song opening which is something Im kind of all about.

The radio host laughed at that. Hahahaha! Nice one! Ill have to check with my producers cause I dont think theres a song like that?

Nah, more's the shame but there should be, I imagine that as a rock song intro. I couldnt help but lay the breadcrumb trail. I really wanted some good music like We Will Rock You.

Heh! Any aspiring rock stars out there, you heard it here first! Make us a song for that beat!

A few more questions were bandied about before the host began to get to the meat of the questions. So, Brock, the circuits over, your Gyms trainer is done with her running of the tournament, ah- an amazing run by the way.

Thanks, she really impressed me out there, I said.

Whats next?

Next is the down period for us at the Gym. I get to give my trainers time off, and I get to do other things like let my pokemon recover. Run some maintenance around the place and also spend some time in the community.

Ho? Whats that entail for you?

I like to train youths with Little League Baseball.

The host raised his hands up and tamped down the air. Wait, wait, wait, you? Brock, you train pokemon most of the year and during your off-season train kids?

Coach them, its got a lot of overlap and some of my pokemon can throw a mean curve ball or fastball. Makes for great training for the kids. I only get them for a few months but it's a ton of fun.

Ever thought of trying your hand at some of the major leagues?This chapter's initial release occurred on the n0vell--Bjjn site.

Ha! No, Im not good enough for that. I went the pokemon training path instead of the athlete. I like where Im at right now.

The host shook his head back and forth. I never understood the whole training and playing during the winter months.

Blame the pokemon circuit. It runs longer than any other sporting season but its not such an issue for us, even in northern Kanto, thanks to the indoor training facility that we have.

Lucky~! Theres actually an early snow predicted this year I believe, so if youre listening from northern Kanto, Im talking Cerulean and Pewter, make sure you button up next week! The host turned once more to me. So? Baseball for the off-season? Anything else planned?

Probably a trip down to Fuschia for some warmth. Might even go down to Cinnabar with my family.

Nice! The host grunted as a stick appeared from the side to prod him. I tracked it back to its origin to find Rachel holding a broomstick. She held up a whiteboard.

Talk about whats new and coming up for the gym! was written in large letters.

The host grinned. You got a big payout from your match with the Champ, anything new coming to Pewter Gym? Rachel lowered the broomstick.

Ha! There are going to be a lot of changes. Im happy to announce Pewter Gym is expanding the stable capacity for trainers ready to start their journey, starting at competitive rates for the applicants next year. I also will be taking on at least two additional sponsorships instead of the one in past years. With these expansions, Im also on the lookout for pokemon trainers looking to sign on for employment at the Gym, along with stable handlers and some receptionists to make things run smoothly for next years circuit. There are also some long-term plans to perhaps one day run a contest out of the Gym.

Wow! Looks like youre about to become a Super Gym! And contests? Bleh! Im sure the Hoenn trainers might like that but I'll stick with the tried and true pokemon battles.

I think Pewter needs to be big, as its the most frequented Gym. Lots of trainers start their journey with us. I know in the past weve always touted Pewter as the first challenge and that should be something that is really memorable for anyone challenging us. Im all about making the experience a great one for people on their journey.

I decided not to push on the topic of the pokemon contests opening up trainers to a wider dynamic than just fighting. I could see it being much more popular than most people stuck with their traditional mindset might realise.

The host nodded, Cool, cool, cool my man. Now! Listeners, its that time of the day! With Brock as our guest, our producers will begin screening calls. Call in now and you, lucky listener, might get the chance to ask Brock a question! Were going to a song now, its the hottest hundred songs count back with, That Aint My Wool, That Aint My Mareep! He then held up three fingers and counted down. When the last finger dropped the light signalling we were on air turned off.

The host leaned over his screen before waving for a glass of water. You need a drink, man? This is good stuff, dont let yourself go dry from talking too much.

Tea? I said. Rachel nodded and rushed up with a thermos.

Yolanda mixed it up when I asked her what you drink, she said when I hummed in appreciation

Heh, thanks.

The host grinned. Ah, I remember when you all used to keep me good to go with snacks and coffee. You just dont get the same help like the old days! This earned him a round of jeers from the producers that could cut in when they wanted. He ignored them and winked at me. You take care of little Rachel for us Brock!

I smiled at him, but any further conversation about Rachels past work at the radio channel had to wait as he raised up his fingers and began counting down slowly. He then flicked a switch and a red light above him announced silently that we were on air.

Welcome back listeners! Isnt Alisha Shepherd something special with that hit song?! Were back live with Brock and now we have some call-ins crossing to. he looked at the screen, Joel, hello! Joel, what's your question for Brock?

Hello, Seventy-Six! My question for Brock is this: what pokemon would be best to start out with?

Oh, the classical starter question to start things off! said the radio host as he swivelled to me.

I chuckled at the joke before leaning into the microphone. Professionally, any pokemon can serve as a good starter. Personally, I prefer if the pokemon has the capacity to grow with a person starting out. If youre inheriting a powerful pokemon or having it fall into your lap you're doing yourself and the pokemon a disservice, because there are a lot of little things that you learn early on with a fresh starter that you dont with older, stronger pokemon. So start small and plan to grow rather than going out hard.

Thanks for your question Joel! Now we have Chelsea!

Hi, there! Long time listener of seventy-six! Wooooh! called the woman before she settled down and asked her question. Which pokemon is the prettiest youve ever encountered?

Ah, Ive had the pleasure of fighting a Latias actually. It was a real treat as afterwards, the trainer was nice enough to stick around and let me pet it.

I found myself relaxing more and more as the radio show continued. I wasnt sure why Id been worried about this, it was just talking, and Rachel had covered most of the questions that would be asked to me already.

There were some really good questions being asked. Such as; "Brock, how do you find the time necessary to train and take care of such a large cadre of Gym pokemon, your own personal pokemon, and your Gym? I struggle to find the time with only four pokemon!"

Wow, thats a well-thought-out question with a lot of parts to it. In the early days when youre starting out as a trainer on your journey, things are hard because you dont have a great handle on how best to train your pokemon. You dont have an idea of how your team will work or not work together. I find that its great to have a team that is synergistic or willing to work together. Sometimes I will have my pokemon train with themselves or in set patterns. I admittedly have it easy with most of my pokemon being the same typing which makes a blanketed training approach highly appropriate. Type specialists will always have this as a benefit but there are lots of considerations. I find setting out a plan for the week can be one of if not the most important thing I can do. Its like anything, its always better with a plan. Put in the important items for you and plan your exercises or your discussion time depending on whats coming up. Thats the easiest way thing to implement.

Another asked more personal questions.

If you or your family couldnt run the gym for whatever reason who would you pick to be your stand-in?

Oh! Now, this is an interesting question as I have a delegation of authority if something were to stop me from acting as Gym Leader. Forrest my younger brother is currently listed as Vice-gym leader in the event something put me out of action however after that it would pass to Rocko, whos our senior gym trainer.

Things were going quite well in my opinion until one lady called in.

Are you a playboy? she giggled. I sat there dumbfounded.

Im not sure what you mean? I answered with a bemused cough.

Well its just that I heard a rumour about a number of ladies coming around to your room, and then there was that date with Erika, and then you had two young girls in your trainer box during the match with Lance! So you must be rather popular, no?

I stared at the blinking light that signified that we had a caller on the line.

For a long moment, silence filled the room until the host leaned forward, causing his seat to creak. I could tell he was extremely interested, in a way his interest probably reflected everyone listening in. I licked my lips realising that I had probably let that go on too long.

Ah well, Ill have to dash your image of me, sorry! The meal that got ordered was because of Surge, a fellow gym leader and close friend, who called around to hang out. He also brought Erika to introduce her to me as she wanted to meet me properly. We ended up going out as a group but Surge got called away. The news didnt mention him being there but it had started out that way. Erika and I are just friends. I took a sip of my drink to wet my tongue.

Agent Timothy? I said, reading over the paperwork. The man merely nodded affably. I made sure to get a picture of his official credentials, much to Lawrences approval. Timothy then produced a signed Order of Investigation. My mind shortened it to warrant. Lawrence intercepted the document before I could do more than read the top line. He glanced over it and took his own photograph before handing it to me.

Everything appears to be in order, Lawrence said to me. I grunted, looking at the man happily standing at the front door.

My own eyes glazed over the document only to sharpen when I came to the section where the official signature was recorded. Whos Helga Masken? Oh never mind she literally wrote her title

I stared at the form proclaiming that the Secretary of the Pokemon League had ordered this audit. I felt a little piece of information lock itself into place.

It felt good having a name. Perhaps if I had been more aware with Joy I might have gotten this information earlier. Sadly I had no idea what to do with it but I made a note of it nevertheless. Who was the secretary of the pokemon League was that like a C.E.Os assistant or was it something much more grandiose?

Ahem? said a polite but intrusive voice. I glanced up to see Timothy smiling blandly at me.

Shall we, Auditor? I asked with a pained smile, gesturing up towards my office.

Certainly! said the man that surely must have fed on others' happiness to be that gleeful. My mind ascribed all the worlds evils to him. Surely a man like this must kick Growlithe puppies when no one was looking? His mild manners had to be a front! Or, I just wanted him to be evil.

Lawrence followed along and mimed taking another deep breath. I grumbled at him but tried to force myself to relax and not glare too much at Timothy. I claimed my seat behind my desk while Lawrence sat down next to Timothy as the auditor began reviewing my accounts.

It wasnt a quick process.

The man drew out a notepad that was probably stolen from an orphanage somewhere while using a pen that probably used distilled tears and burnt dreams as its ink. I sat and watched him like a Noctowl, when I got bored I tried to find something else evil about his horribly bland appearance.

Occasionally, he would ask for some clarification or tap away at his calculator to do some sums. Lawrence observed and occasionally shot me some reassuring looks.

Hmmm, I can see the receipt of sale for your Onix here. The impressive sum of money for such a pokemon. For what reason Ah, I see it was a variant of Onix thats never been seen before. A crystal Onix?

I nodded from my seat.

The sale was done on an international account?

Thats all I was informed of from the auction house. The buyer paid them extra to remain anonymous, I said, not willing to voice my suspicions.

Across the table, the Auditor happily made another note on his file as he cross-referenced my earnings and expenditures with receipts of sale. His questions made me wonder if I was failing in some manner.

It was worse when he didnt say anything. Merely tapping his pen and making a note. Each scratch of his pen made me feel like I had a Weedle crawling up my back. The stinger on its head glistened as it readied itself to drive into soft, exposed flesh.

It brought back old memories of tests Id undergone at university in my old life. Id hated those tests at the time, and the memory of them slamming to the forefront of my mind only intensified my feelings of anxiety. I wanted to walk out and leave him. Part of me thought that would make it easier.

It probably would have been less emotionally taxing. I could go and do things like train pokemon or work with my Gyms trainers but another part of me railed at the idea of leaving this man alone with my records. Lawrence made it slightly better. It helped settle my nerves having someone nearby in my corner.

You chose to auction the Onix instead of training it? That seems to be an odd choice for a Rock-type trainer. It would have been a large boon for your gym.

My client was able to use the earnings to establish his Gym much further than by keeping the pokemon. He already had a number of powerful or unique pokemon.

Timothy noted this response down before asking his next question. I noticed the unique pokemon you displayed in the recent fight. I see here that youve started up a breeding program along with the sale of these pokemon?

Those pokemon do not count towards the cap that all Gym Leaders have to deal with of having less than one hundred pokemon at any time.

Eh? I murmured, surprised by what Lawrence had just said. I can only own a hundred pokemon?

Lawrence nodded Its an archaic law from when wars with pokemon were more common. The treaties that were signed between regions state that there is a hard cap on the number of pokemon any one Gym Leader can own for their roster. Even with the pokemon you have on hand and that others hold for you in trust, youre only up to seventy-four. The pokemon you have in your breeding group dont count.

I leaned back at that. Huh, that kind of made sense. More pokemon meant more ability and influence to exert power. Whats my holding limit allowed to reach? I asked out of curiosity.

Ten, like any other Gym Leader. Only Elite Four members or Champions are allowed to carry twelve pokemon on them at any point in time.

Your Shin and Don will of course not be discounted from the counting of your pokemon, viable as they are to the breeding roster. They are still listed as part of your strongest team, Timothy said as he made a note of the pokemon in my gym.

Which still leaves Brock at seventy-four, Lawrence calmly stated.

I decided to lean back and let Lawrence do his thing. It was an odd feeling being thankful youd spent your money well.

Your Omanyte, Kabuto, and Aerodactyl were previously extinct pokemon, however. As previously extinct pokemon, these pokemon are supposed to be granted to reserves that the League has set up, do you understand? Timothy said without inflection.

I was surprised that this actually was something I knew, having read about it in what little law books I had perused before initially hiring Lawrence. Lawrence still spoke up first though, experience at this sort of verbal sparring leaving him quite prepared to counter.

Those pokemon were encountered in the wild during Brocks journey. They were not resurrected from labs as some others have attempted for their own profit and therefore incorrectly labelled. It was merely that people hadnt encountered them yet. Brocks pokemon are therefore not subject to release to the League unless he voluntarily does so of his own volition. When Lawrence paused to look at me at the same time as Timothy I shook my head. And there you have it. The League may purchase a breeding set of the pokemon for their own purposes, but Brocks pokemon will not be subject to the Resurrection Act.

Jolly good, then! The auditor didnt even seem phased that hed been rejected, carrying on without missing a beat. Lawrence gave me a smile and a nod. I settled back trying to get comfortable as the man continued to scrutinise my work.

Eventually, he turned over the last page, made another note on his pad and then began to efficiently pack his things away into his briefcase. My thanks for your work here, and for streamlining the process. I dare say this has been one of the most straightforward audits I have had to do! He said with his signature wide smile. He reached across the table and shook my hand before repeating the gesture with Lawrence. I shall submit my report to my superior.

Youre done? I said in surprise. That felt completely anti-climatic. Shouldnt he grow frustrated and try and slip in some information or a document that would work as a gotcha!? Id half expected someone to call me up and announce that Tide was in danger from a small platoon of Team Rocket. I glanced around and clicked my transceiver to make sure it was working.

Indeed I am. It has been a pleasure working through your books. Very well kept, I might add! Timothy merely packed away his things in an officious manner.

We would request a copy of said report be sent through to our office, for our records, Lawrence interjected. I felt my stomach lurch. I both did and did not want a report card but trusted Lawrence on his reasons.

Of course! With that said, Timothy waved once and was led out.

Lawrence and I retreated to my kitchen where I slumped onto a stool. Timothy made a note. Alright, Ill write up the notes and make some calls to make sure everything progresses smoothly. Any more questions before I go? Lawrence said while checking his watch.

I considered him for a moment. How do you think it went? Is that it?

As well as it could. He didnt take any of your pokemon or point out any large irregularities. With a copy of his report, we will know more and also be able to make sure no one misrepresents his findings.

Lawrence steepled his fingers, And for as mild-mannered as it was, the financial audits can be just as deadly to some Gyms Brock. You handled this correctly by requesting I consult with you along with having Georgina square everything away.

I nodded, pleased but still feeling like something else was lurking around the corner, ready to jump out at me. I chewed my lip. Joy could only audit me once a year does he have any such restrictions?

Lawrence drummed his fingers on the counter. They should only do that with probable cause, or with something suspect being clear to them. None of your accounts were, as we had them all sorted before his arrival.

But they still can if they want? He nodded and I grimaced as a potential worry was confirmed. What's stopping them from bugging my Gym with further audits?

Lawrences face twitched. I could make a case for harassment if they did such an action within the next two years. There have been previous cases in the past where things got political with local councils. The ruling is currently highly in favour of the Gym Leaders in such cases as everyone wants the Gym to operate seamlessly. Something you are known to be very good at. He waved his hand around. They cant just walk in and take away your hard work, Brock.

And if they dragged things out? Made it costly? I waved my hands towards the lounge room. Couldnt the League throw their weight around?

It would raise serious flags. From what has been described to me, theyd flush themselves out if they chose to pursue such an action and then Lance or others could step in. Also, there would be public outcry so I think wed be safe over that course. Youre very popular and known as a good Gym Leader. The fight with Lance has only cemented that. He reached out and put a hand on my shoulder, You dont have to worry about that, alright?

I sighed before nodding my head. Well at least I know it was worth putting you on retainer.

Lawyers are always worth having on retainer, he said with a serious expression.

I gave him a flat look. Said the Spinarak to the Caterpie. He snorted and patted me on the shoulder. At that moment Tilly walked in, stopping when she spotted Lawrence.

Well hello there, little one! he said in a friendly manner.

Tilly put her hands to her mouth and started giggling like crazy. I turned to watch as she giggled manically. Never seen her react like that to someone before, I said when Lawrence winked at me.

Tilly got control of herself to shoot off back into the house. Yolanda theres a big Pidgeotto man in our kitchen! I snorted as Lawrence ran a hand over his mohawk with a pleased expression.

Ah, kids always react that way. My nieces and nephews all love it when I visit. He nodded at me before walking to the door. He didnt escape before Tilly led more people in to see the Pidgeotto man.

The next day he called. It seems dear Auditor Timothy is an efficient sort of man. Open up the file and see what hes written. I gave the video image of Lawrence a dubious look but did as asked when I reached my office computer.

I began to look over the report and felt my eyebrows climb upwards. Hes actually complimentary of the Gym?

Lawrence nodded, Oh yes! Quite by the book. So by the book, in fact, hes found the points where the League owes you money and agreed! I blinked and scrolled further before finding out that Lawrence was right.

Huh, I was not expecting that, I said.

Lawrence gave me a fanged smile, While it might be chump change for the League, its still a bit of egg on their faces. Certainly a good result, no?

I agreed and felt my stomach unclench. With that out of the way and plans in place for other situations, I felt back to even footing after the recent events that had come hard and fast. I might now be able to move on and enjoy a bit of breathing room.

Somehow I doubted itd be that easy.