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"Guess you've got a point," I said off-handedly. "And that is true, though I couldn't imagine what would appease a brain-in-a-box that was programmed to act like an uppity... well, he's all yours in that regard."

With that, I opened the door to Sub's office and walked through, holding it open for Kalkarak and Torch. Once they passed through, the lights came on, and explanations were due.

"This is Allan," I said, pointing at the Bisharp with the emotionless eyes. "Sub's bodyguard. With Sub gone, he's guarding the office. Anybody who tries to get in here without permission, he attacks. Guess GRAY clued him in, since he isn't moving or sleeping."

With that, I made my way to Sub's office and collected the boxes containing new gear and opened them. The first item was the PDA device identical to the one in my pocket earlier. "This is a Snagem Network Access Gear, or a SNAG. This is our main communication source with members outside HQ. It also has a Pokedex feature and is the gateway to the team's Pokemon Storage System."

I handed the device to Kalkarak and opened another box, revealing a device attached to a fingerless glove. "This is a Snag Machine. Placing a Poke Ball in the depression here will terraform the ball's programming, allowing it to re-capture other trainers' Pokemon. Personally, I try not to use this thing unless the enemy is abusive to his friends, which has been the case a couple of times in past missions, but we've got all kinds in this team, and it's up to you how frequently you use it."

I handed the glove to Kalkarak and opened another box, revealing a compacted device. I unfolded it for him to show him what it is. "This is a Hoverboard, our secondary form of transportation for members without flying Pokemon. This device will hover over any terrain, including water. The last package contains two free Poke Balls - a gift. To buy more, you'll need Snag Coins, which you can earn in missions or by gambling. There are shops dotted all over the mountain - a berry shop in the forest in the foothills, a general store carved into a mountain, a tent with an alchemist, and somewhere there's a Garbodor-type thing that buys items. There's also a casino in the lower floor of HQ and some active mines somewhere above this structure, inside the mountain."

I cleared my throat before proceeding. "Now, then, I'll show you to the kitchen next, then the training room and the stairs leading to the upper and lower floors."

With our business in Sub's office done, we left quietly. "The door on the other end of the lobby leads to the kitchen. Don't worry, we keep it stocked. Behind it are the stairs."

I led him around the walls of the kitchen to the hallway behind it, the stairs were on either side of the first few feet of the hallway. "At the other end of the hallway is the Training Room. Four pokemon are currently in there, to my knowledge. My Oshawott, Sneasel, Beldum, and Magby. The Beldum and Magby in particular are in need of it.

I then pointed to the stairs. "Upstairs are the rooms. Each one is designed differently, so find one you like that's not locked or occupied, take the key taped to the other side of the door, and there you go. Downstairs is where the lab, library, and pool are, along with a couple of restricted areas. Probably best not to worry about it."

"Any questions?"

"If you see a black-furred fox lady, a blue-haired kid or a giant guy with blonde hair, leave them alone. Not really an unwritten rule, just good advice. Overconfidence is also unadvised, since there are others that respond poorly to it. Also, there are hybrids in this team, so try not to let that fact bother you if you don't like hybrids. Other than that, have fun. I'm going to make sure everyone's still alive over there, and I think I'll pass out after that. Nice meeting you."

With that, I headed into the training room, recalled everyone, and headed upstairs.

Veronica slouched in, her face would have said 'dead tired' but really it was just all the heat from recent missions. "I swear, I feel like I'm melting." she said to Havoc, whom was still outside of her pokeball.
"Ca... rio?" The Lucario questioned, tilting its head. Probably thinking something along the lines of getting hit by a flamethrower or something to try and understand what Veronica felt.
"Just relax, all right?" Havoc nodded in response and Veronica went on her way to shower off the heat and sleep.

Havoc found herself coming across Ter's pokemon in the training room, which took her by surprise. She couldn't walk out and shyly sat to watch. Meanwhile, Veronica was already on her way to finding Havoc to go out for a walk.

Hawk, left his room and stretched. Zero, His luxray, was following behind him. The two of them turned and walked to the stairs. Hawk was wearing a sleevless undershirt and a pair of jogging pants. He and his pokemon were both wearing towels around their necks. Hawk even had a small drawstring bag. The two of them walked downstairs, Hawk whistling a small tune as he walked.

Hawk strolled on into the room containing the PC and pulled a phone out of the bag. He dialed a number and held it up to his ear........... click! "Hello? Yeah uh... Hey, Dad. It's me. Yeah, I'm fine and all that... Where? Uh, I'm at... I'm at the Museum in Pewter City. Yeah, Kanto-- Listen, Pop. I wanted to know if you could put Four in the PC. No, just Four. I'm gonna help out Juniper with some real top secret stuff.... OK, thanks. I know I need to get my own PC boxes! I just... haven't gotten around to it. Besides, you don't use yours... Yeah, I'll visit soon. Love ya." click. With his phone call done, Hawk put the phone back into the bag.

"I dunno... have you ever met four?" Hawk asked his Luxray. The pokemon was in the middle of grooming herself, and couldn't be bothered to be a participant in the conversation. Hawk gave her a gently nudge with his foot, and received a gentle spark in return. Hawk sighed. "Zero, you're such a cat. Remember when you were a dog? Well, not really a dog. Just... so loyal. Now? You're all froo-froo, 'look at me licking myself oh hoo hoohoo'."

Zero stopped her grooming to let out a low growl at her trainer. She didn't take too well to being talked about like this!

"Oh big bad kitty is mad at me? oh no! Hope she doesn't scratch up the bed posts! or... or maybe she'll go to the bathroom outside of her litterbox?" Hawk continued, putting his hands on his face while he pukered his lips at the Luxray.

Zero had had enough! She lunged at Hawk, her mouth alight with lightning!

"hahahaha!" Hawk laughed, leaping out of range. "Oh big kitty kitty snugglebumps tried to n** me! eeeek!" Zero leapt again, and Hawk continued to dodge. His taunting was reduced to giggling as the Luxray chased him around the room. His pokemon was honestly upset at first, but eventually caught on to Hawk's little game.... nonetheless, she still chased him, trying to bite him all the same.

"See, you were missed so badly that everyone else had to go grieve." Sol spoke up.