Turn 008 // Video (Text to Rockets)

[best_laid_plans]

[Today the feed opens up on a bright, sunny view of the Goldenrod Game Corner. It zooms in on the name of the building, then on the motto inscribed on the sign - "A Safe and Sound Playground!" - before finally landing on someone's smiling face.

Someone's slightly bruised, smiling face.]

Good morning! Is everybody doing all right? How about that weather....

No, I shouldn't joke. [He looks more thoughtful.] I do hope everybody made it through the storm okay. But let's focus instead on the present, and future.

I never introduced myself in full! I'm Malik, and starting today, I'm the new manager of the Goldenrod Game Corner!

[Another pan out. Ta-da! (Whoever's filming this is having a lot of fun.)]

Pretty much everybody on their Pokémon journey goes through Goldenrod at some point, huh? Well, if you've been, I hope you'll give us a second look, and if you haven't - I hope you put us on your list.

Here, I'll show you a little of what's in store.

[He holds the door open for his cameraman, who says "smoo" in reply as something she's riding on lumbers in.]

Right now, in addition to the usual slot machines, we've got a very special game unique to Johto! It's called "Voltorb Flip", and while I'd bore everybody explaining the rules, I'll give you a demonstration today...

[He then proceeds to sit in front of the machine and pwn at it. While doing so, he chats.]

Sorry, is this still boring? Turn it off at any time....but I hope you'll come in and give this a shot for yourself. We've got lots of great prizes - TMs, but also some rare Pokémon, who I'm sure would love to meet great trainers and find welcoming homes. But we can't give those out to just anybody - you have to prove you're dedicated, so be sure to keep stopping back to win coins.

[His game concluded, he turns back to the camera and smiles.]

The staff and I would love to meet you, too! So that's the Goldenrod Game Corner, and my name's Malik. Best of luck on your journeys, and happy playing!

[The feed cuts out. Malik, for his part, has to rub his cheeks from smiling too hard and immediately types up a little memo for his fellow Rockets. Best show them how quickly he can change gears.]

Congratulations to everyone on the mission's overall success. I'm sure it proved profitable for us all.

Onto further business. Advertising could always use an additional boost...

Tell me what you know about the Psychic type.

Comments

[audio]

[best_laid_plans]

You're the one who called. So you must want a conversation, regardless of attitude.

I'm just helping you out with that. We can talk about something else.

Re: [audio]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

[Oh that's right...]

You don't sound like you'd have anything worthwhile to say.

[audio]

[best_laid_plans]

You can tell all that from my tone of voice?

Re: [audio]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

I can tell that from what you're saying!

[audio]

[best_laid_plans]

Well, now I'm sheepish....

I guess it's difficult, huh? To have such a differing opinion from everybody else.

Re: [audio]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

A different opinion....

Why would it be difficult?

[audio - private]

[best_laid_plans]

[Malik considers for a moment, then puts together a quick private filter. She's new, she shouldn't notice.]

You don't feel the frustration? Everyone's always telling you to do one thing, but you're the one, from where you're standing, that's making sense. They're the unrealistic ones, including me. Holding you to a standard when you know it's just going to trip you up.

I've been there, you know. A realist in a sea of ideals. It's uncomfortable, isn't it?

Re: [audio - private]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

[She's completely oblivious to the filter.]

...

That's if you let then get to you. They're- they're wrong! So... It's nothing I should worry about.

[ Is that a hint of denial in her sniffling?]

[audio - private]

[best_laid_plans]

But it still grates. It's human nature to want to take new variables into account.

So if you're surrounded by nothing but ignorance...you start to doubt your own intelligence. It takes a lot of self-esteem to overcome that.

Keeping all that in mind, I'm kind of impressed! Sounds like you're holding your own quite well.

Re: [audio - private]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

I don't have time for self-doubt.

[audio - private]

[best_laid_plans]

Most people don't. It's the successful ones who follow through.

What's the goal, then? Driving you forward no matter what?

Re: [audio - private]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

[With arrogance,] Why don't you come over here and find out?

[audio - private]

[best_laid_plans]

Would if I could, but as you've heard, I've got a job.

Why don't you come over to Goldenrod, instead? It's a bit of a trek, but worth the trip. Plenty of trainers to battle and Pokémon to catch.

Re: [audio - private]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

Goldenrod...?

To visit some idiot? As if!

[audio - private]

[best_laid_plans]

Not a visit. A challenge.

That's what you were proposing, right? I'd be happy to take you on.

Re: [audio - private]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

...Heh. You're on. But don't say I didn't warn you.

[audio - private]

[best_laid_plans]

Fair enough.

Goldenrod City Game Corner, ask for Malik. Train hard on the way, I've been needing a challenge.

[audio - private]

[hurtitselfinconfusion]

I hope you're ready to loose.

[She snickers, which quickly dissolves into a coughing fit. To save face, the feed shuts up.]