Chapter 95: Debriefed

Chapter 95: Debriefed

I could say one thing about Timothy: he was quick about his business. I tried to shield Surge from any issues by pointing out how I was with him the entire time, but Surge was quick to denounce me as merely being dragged along in his wake.

Timothy hummed and didnt write anything down. Hmmm, perhaps well just say you were enthusiastic in performing your duties while assisted by Gym Leader Brock. It appears that you were able to take as many precautions as you could and you may actually have been the best suited for the task from what I gather. The business with the Electrodes I havent heard anything like that since He shook his head and clicked his tongue.

He then made a few notes which left Surge and I to share a sceptical glance.

Timothy finished his report with a flourish. Very well, I do believe that about covers all of the questions I need to have answered. I believe Lady Agatha of the Elite Four wanted you to come and speak to her after that was done?

He shot a glance at the clock before checking his own watch. Oh! And we wrapped it up in twenty minutes! Look at that! I shot the clock a disbelieving look. Hadnt it been hours?

Oh wait! My mistake! The clock is wrong! The man stood and adjusted the clock on the wall as I mentally screamed that I knew it. Just need to correct thisIts two minutes out, can you believe it? He shook his head again before waving his hand to a set of doors. You both head down the hall, I need to get this reading properly!

I stared as he set about correcting the clock. I mentally made a note to myself, run the clocks in my house slightly wrong so if he ever comes again I will have time to escape as his obsessive-compulsive disorder trapped him.

Surge dragged me out of the chair. Right! Thanks, bye! he said as he led the tactical withdrawal.

When we reached the doorway he pushed it open and paused when instead of Agatha we ran into a wall of muscle that flexed in preparation to knock us back. I looked up, half of me wondering why Trixie was here, while the other part of me remarked that she was most likely doing some form of training.

Hmpf! said a much deeper voice. There was also disdain there which was something Id never heard from Trixie. I peered up and found myself staring into Brunos face.

Bruno! Baby! Hows it been?! When was the last time we hung out?! Surge said with a jovial grin. From behind Bruno a Hitmonchan and Hitmonlee swaggered out to inspect us. I inspected both and founds them impressive specimen. Both pokemon were held in the same regard as Scyther as cool pokemon to own. But then again they were also all pokemon with a deep well of potential for any trainer. Brunos pokemon were pros. Hitmonlee stayed light on his feet and Hitmonchan had his hands slightly raised while his body bounced from side to side.

Bruno stared, like a rock wall. Then he spoke, his voice rumbling from the depths of his throat, Weve never, hung out Surge. He then pivoted his head to look at me. Agatha said to expect you. He turned back to Surge, Surge. His eyes narrowed. ... You can go in as well.

Great! Great! Good to see you! Surge said as he walked around Bruno who was pointedly standing in the middle of the hallway watching the door wed come through.

That guy is nuts, Surge said as soon as the door closed behind us. I shot him a look.

Bruno? Whats wrong with him?

Just a meathead. And Ive seen enough meatheads to be a pro at judging them. Sadly this meathead is damn good at what he does.

Which is? I said glancing around at the room we found ourselves in. There were a number of other entrances. So why was Bruno standing in front of that one and not another? I practically knew where to go based on the Machamp standing in front of one of the doors. It practically announced that something important was going on behind that door. We approached slowly.

Hes a gatekeeper, or a guard. Ask him to hold a position, and hell do it until hes ordered to stop. Surge gave me a look. He does after all have the best record against challengers against the Elite four. Then again all he does is train and fight strong pokemon in the wilds. He doesnt do any of the other duties of the Elite four.

Isnt he the second in the roster for Elite Four?

Yeah but way I hear? Hed prefer to be first so he gets to face everyone. Lance wants to keep him second though. Doesnt stop Bruno from throwing himself against Agatha though. When shes gone, hell be the longest-serving Elite Four member.

I frowned at Surge. Do you respect him or disdain him?

Surge worked his jaw back and forth. Eh, I can do both. He put a hand under his jaw. Im a rare breed of man. Complex and mysterious and such!

I stared at him. You read that out of a comic book didnt you?

He sniffed. I plead the fifth, he said before pausing in front of the Machamp. It sniffed at us and tossed its head to the side, indicating a door to the left. A shadowy arm reached out of the wall and beckoned us forward.

Surge swallowed and eyed the hallway we were in. Listen, if the lights flicker and the walls start bleeding Im blasting my way out. Fuck this horror show vibe Im picking up.

I blinked and stared before considering how, if you werent used to Agathas antics with her ghost pokemon, that would be rather unsettling. I merely nodded as I noted that Surge would be the person most likely to survive in a horror setting. Yeah, thats probably a good idea.

Good idea? Thats how I got out of at least three death traps back in the war! he said as he scratched at his elbow, eyeing the walls, ceiling and floor with furtive glances.

I raised my hand. Hey, its cool. I understand. Post-traumatic stress was something that could lay dormant for ages until triggered after all.

Surge grunted and edged up to the room. This time, he was much more cautious when he opened the door.

Inside we found a room that I could only describe as an interrogation room. Or at least the viewing room. We had an obvious one-way mirror that we were on the viewing side of. In the room with us was Agatha, Koga, Lance, Officer Jenny who was looking way out of her depth along with what appeared to be a man. It was tough to judge due to how he was hidden from the neck down in a trench coat. I assumed it was a man due to the five oclock shadow stubble that featured on his face. He didnt look at us as we entered but remained locked on the scene on the other side of the glass.

I glanced in and found Sabrina sitting behind Daniel. Daniel was trying to peer over his shoulder at Sabrina, but Sabrina was just out of sight. Not that there was much to see. Sabrina was as stone-cold as Id ever seen her.

I hummed. In fact, was this the least expressive I had ever seen her? When had she ever been so flat and emotionless? When I first met her perhaps? That almost sounded right to me, but also made me rather concerned.

The man across from Daniel was a solidly built man. With his coat off and no tie, badge on his belt next to two pokeballs, he announced himself as cop to anyone with eyes. He also looked like a man that this was merely another day at the office. Like this was just routine. A simple chore. He occasionally made an aborted gesture to reach for the cigarettes in his top pocket before stopping. His eyes had shadows but there was a spark of intelligence that made me wonder how carefully curated this entire procedure was.

I took it all in before I spoke. Hows it going? I said to the room at large. Jenny swallowed, her eyes darting at the other people in the room. Lance grunted and nodded. The man in the trenchcoat ignored me. Koga stroked his chin.

Agatha gave me a smile. Oh, were learning quite a lot more than we thought we would. Daniel is quite the catch it would seem. She flicked her eyes to Surge who was glowering at Daniel through the one-way glass.

Want me to go in and make him squeal? I know how to do it, Surge said tightly.

Jenny stiffened. What?!

Lance gave Surge an assessing look. There wont be any need for that Surge.

The trenchcoat-wearing man grunted. Wouldnt be effective. Ive seen the results from such methods. You end up frying the captive and only getting a portion of the actually actionable information. This method He waved a hand towards Sabrina and the man in the room with Daniel. Its slower but well get more.

He continued to watch Daniel. There! He just lied again, mark that for later playback.

Jenny hurriedly noted it down on a notepad but I spotted that the man also marked it off for himself. So, a discerning man with interrogation and investigation skills. One that had lived through the war? Or just studied the restricted documents?

I hummed. Should I ask for your name? I said pointedly.

The man flicked his eyes to Lance and Lance hummed. This This wont be something I want to be spread around, but I am thinking of enacting code names so that agents in the field are better protected. His eyes flicked to Agathas shadows and the door wed come through. For now call him Agent Coat That got a few looks as he coughed.

Surge snorted. Just call him Agent Brown and be done with it. Any attempts on this punk by Rocket or otherwise? his eyes lingered on the cameras in the rooms. Got the vents covered?

Weve had two Haunters come and a Mr Mime we thought was just on cleaning duty try to break into the room, Jenny offered up. She glanced at the vents nervously.

Koga chose to answer the question Jenny wasn't sure of. I have some Muk in the vents in minimized forms waiting. The vents are secured.

I whistled, impressed at the security theyd laid out for this, before tilting my head. Something had just occurred to me about the layout of the hall. What door do you have Brunos Machamp standing in front of?

A meeting room that we have filled with security pokemon, Koga said, his lips twitching. He seemed to enjoy the ruse, perhaps it had been his suggestion?

Why have Bruno standing at the door leading into the corridor? I said as a flaw presented itself.

Agatha cackled. Hehe! Oh Brock this hallway only has two normal points of entry and the other is guarded just as well.

I considered that and then shot Lance a look. You have Lorelei standing guard?

Jenny coughed. I offered she said quietly but was ignored. Lance coughed and didnt meet my gaze. Was he still making her do annoying errands? Was this bullying?

She understands the importance of what were doing. She took down the Mr Mime in fact, Lance offered up. He almost sounded begrudgingly complimentary.

I huffed and looked back at Daniel. My stomach clenched as I remembered how close hed been to my family. I felt a dark urge rise up before I sated it with the memory of kicking Daniel through a door. I smiled a little and listened as Daniel was grilled about his involvement.

The man in the room was completely relaxed about the entire thing. He merely asked his questions and when Daniel got agitated he merely shrugged.

Daniel snarled and tried to twist around to spot Sabrina. I know what youre trying to do! Im not going to just give you that information!

The interrogator paused. Hoh? Not just, so you do want to do a deal then? he said while lounging in his chair, his hand inching towards his cigarettes before stopping once again. Well, thatd be fine and dandy. Youve gotten yourself in quite the pickle after all. Youre Magikarp with no puddle and the Houndoom are circling young man. We want everything you can offer. Any intel and sources, names, faces. We want the lot.

Guess Im proud of you too, Surge said suddenly.

I glanced up at him. Hmmm? Whats this about?

He stared pointedly away from me. You not being all gung-ho to tear Daniel apart. Guess it was wrong of me to suggest you threaten him.

I snorted. Please, if Daniel ever appears in front of me hell just disappear, but I wasnt going to say anything like that there. I rolled my eyes and offered a joking wink. Thatd be possibly incriminating.

Surge turned back to me grinning. Heh! Thats the way Brocko. He glanced about and offered me a less-than-subtle wink and thumbs up. Still proud of ya! He tapped Alakazam on the shoulder. Gonna steal a ride first, Vermillion good for you?

Alakazam nodded and vanished in a flash. I sighed and looked up at the distant stars.

I didnt do anything else out there but wait.

The doors of the building opened and running feet announced someone racing after me. I whirled around to find Jenny red-faced. Wait for me! Sorry! Sorry! I just got reminded that I wasnt need to know! she stopped when she saw I was still here. Oh good, you havent left yet.

Nope not yet, Alakazam will be back soon.

Said pokemon reappeared with a flash and eyed us both. I nodded at the unasked question and a moment later we vanished only to reappear in front of my gym.

Jenny shook herself like a growlithe shaking off wet fur. Brrr! That always feels weird for me.

I shrugged. You get used to it after a few teleports, I said mildly.

Jenny shot me an incredulous look. Well, this ended up being a much longer, and way more interesting evening than I bargained for. She looked up and for a moment I thought I saw fire in her eyes. But so good! Watching those detectives work on Daniel? That was incredible!

She smiled hugely at me. Thanks for trusting me Brock, that was amazing to sit in even with my missing some of it!

I nodded. Well, I doubt youll be asked to sit out for much longer. The Champion knows your name now and will know youre trustworthy.

Jenny practically floated at that and I chuckled before a yawn escaped me. Well on that note I think I should get to bed. I almost offered her a bed at the gym before considering how that might come across.

Jenny didnt seem put out as she was still buzzing from thinking about Lance noticing her. Yeah, yeah. Night, Brock, she said distractedly as she turned off to the space that was set aside to park her bike.

I started walking around to the side entrance for my home. I made it to the front door when running feet once more had me turning back. I was turning around, ready to reject a challenge when I found a worried-looking Jenny running up.

Hey uhm Brock? Any chance your gym trainers moved my bike? I know I left it parked in my spot is all and it's not there?

I hissed at that, knowing that no one in my gym would have touched a police bike. Lets check the cameras. I offered.

Jennys head bobbed up and down and I opened the door and led her through the house. When we passed the kitchen we found Forrest passed out on the kitchen bench with a blanket wrapped around him. Munchlax was likewise slumped over next to him and across from them was Flint. He straightened up.

Is everything He trailed off when Jenny peeked around the door. Oh. then he blinked. Oh! Right well have a good night you two! he said as he picked up Forrest to carry to bed.

I stared after his retreating form. Then realisation set in. Its not what it looks like! I hissed after his retreating form.

Flint shot me nod that showed he totally didnt believe me along with a thumbs up. I groaned and pinched the bridge of my nose. How the man thought I could be like that I had no idea.

Lets just come on, I said to Jenny who was blushing crimson.

We entered my office and I toggled up the cameras and clicked through them. When I got to the three that looked over the entrance Jenny leaned in closer.

Wheres this one from? she said tapping the third camera feed.

The hill overlooking the gym. Its a good vantage point and the camera is hidden, itll pick up anyone watching the gym too closely. Also its new. I expanded the camera and ran it in reverse until the bike suddenly appeared on the screen.

Jenny hissed as she caught sight of two small forms creeping up to the gym. I frowned at their covered-up forms. They were obviously up to no good with how they had face masks and hoodies. Theyd have been sweating buckets in that get-up.

Jenny and I watched as they crept up to the bike, a few times vanishing from one of the cameras only for the third to keep them in sight the entire time. They were making What I could only deem amateurish attempts to avoid the first two cameras arc points of vision.

They only stood out thanks to the third.

Out of curiosity I toggled the internal security feed and found out why this hadnt been flagged. The security team I had chosen to have someone outside the Gyms door and had been in the middle of securing another door. They were going above and beyond while also dropping the ball simultaneously. I clicked my tongue at how fortunate the kids that had done this had gotten.

Jenny glared at the screen. Some punk kids have stolen my bike

Yup, I said. Jenny swore and I pat her on the shoulder only to have her storm off. I watched her march back out to the front of the Gym with a thunderous expression on her face. I toggled the sound as she unleashed an Arcanine.

Smell! Find! she ordered firmly. Instantly the giant fire dog dropped to smell the ground before sitting up and nodding. Jenny hopped onto the pokemons back and slashed her arm forward.

Arcanine! Hunt! she shouted. Arcanine took off in a burst of speed with Jenny riding atop.

I whistled as I watched Jenny disappear from the camera feeds. Those kids are screwed.

[/hr]

The next morning I was extra glad that I had had the foresight to cancel the gym matches for the day. A number of reporters were quick to appear and claim I was being negligent.

Rachel was quick to appear at my side while I was cooking breakfast.

Brock, whats the situation? Alexa messaged me that all the gym matches were cancelled last night and Ive been freaking out! There are media all over this cause of how many trainers have been put out by this!? Whats happening? she said fluttering from foot too foot like a started pidgey.

I plated up the pancakes and gestured for her to walk with me into another room while the kids were distracted. Yolanda tracked me with an assessing look but I just waved her off. Dont worry about it, I said as I swept past her.

When we reached the room I shut the door and sighed. Daniel was a spy for Team Rocket, I said deciding to go straight for ripping the bandaid off.

Rachel gaped at me a whispered. Oh shit, escaped her and I nodded.

Needless to say when I discovered this we had words

Rachel swallowed, Is he in police custody or

I huffed. Hes at League headquarters due to this being a serious crime. When Rachel shot me a confused expression I continued. Spying on a gym that is on the border of Kanto like we are is considered a national crime with the charge being espionage against a defence asset. As such

Hes in it deep isnt he? Rachel said with huge eyes. I nodded and she considered that. She licked her lips and looked me over. How are you feeling? Must have been a bit of a blow to learn he was a traitor?

I inhaled and exhaled. Yeah, I said simply.

I waved a hand towards the front of the gym. I need you to go out there and assure the media that I did what I did after careful consideration with an ongoing event affecting the Gym. The League is aware of this incident and working with us, but as yet we cannot offer more to the public due to the nature of the incident. Ask for peoples forgiveness but know that we will be back in business as usual tomorrow with the displaced trainers having some temporary slots offered to them.

Rachel nodded seriously. Ill take care of it! she said clenching her fists in determination. She then hopped from foot to foot. He made a mistake you know?

I raised a brow wondering what she meant.

Just that working here should have been a dream job for anyone. Him spitting on that He really thumbed his nose at something great. She chewed her lip. Does that make any sense or am messing this up?

I snorted. Well, thanks for trying, I said before nodding my head towards the door. Rachel turned and marched off, a woman on a mission. I smiled, happy that despite being betrayed I still had a lot of people willing to stand with me that I felt I could trust.

I considered that for a moment before slowly nodding. Yeah, Id still extend them my trust. I didnt need to demand Sabrina or Jenny interrogate them. I wasnt going to let one bad egg ruin what I had here.

I checked my watch and walked back to the kitchen to get ready for the day that was to come. Id have a gym meeting to clean things up and then Id reshuffle Daniels duties to other people. Id be behind on trainer matches but those could be handled n the short term. Id just need to adjust the rest period for my gym and pokemon to much earlier.

Yet another flow-on effect of the Trainer flood coming into play.

But wed be back in business the day after, just as good as ever, I vowed to myself.