best_laid_plans | Turn 008 // Video (Text to Rockets)

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well that's-

...

Ah, that sounds like it's part of the job, right? I mean, my grandpa ran his own shop, and it was for buying and not playing games, but a lot of his work was about making people want to come by, and organizing stock and stuff.

So, isn't that a normal part of being a manager?

I certainly think so.

The question comes down to how much time I'm expected to spend on it. Can't speak for your grandfather, but I can get a little particular!

Did you notice him doing anything that really helped out? I'd like to make this someplace people come to socialize, not just hope they win big. Someplace people can meet, and have fun.

Aaaah, I guess that depends on how much gets done by a certain time, instead of how long it takes you? But, I bet you'll get faster as you go! You're just getting used to it now, right?

-I guess that's why salary or hours are important...

[But, his grandpa... He gives it a moment's thought, but has to shake his head.]

Ah, our shop's never really been like that, it's more about finding games you can't anywhere else. But, if you want to bring in more people... Why not events or something? Or, some discount one day a week? Then the gamers will come in at the same time and meet.

Events - I like that. A special discount night, or a night for playing a specific game - maybe poker, or something...something easy and portable. Get a little social group going. That'd be nice.

You've learned a lot from watching him, haven't you? Even if it's a different kind of business, you've figured out how to bring people together.

[...pleased agreement and uncertainty. What is this inner conflict?]

Ah, that's not so much my grandpa's shop, and what I've seen done with other games...

[You know, duel monsters, grand openings, tournaments... Most of which were traps, actually, but. Eh-heh.]

But thanks- I don't know what you're thinking otherwise, but. There's another game corner, isn't there?

[That doesn't make planning them any less difficult! Oh, the things he could tell you about setting stages.

In fact, he will tell you someday. As you breathe your last~]

...at least one, yes, in that other region. What'd you have in mind?

[Why doesn't he think you're warming up to him much, Malik? And with all the friendly, too.]

Well, if you want to take something from Grandpa's method... I know you're not sure you can add anything yet, but if you can, why not add a game exclusive to Goldenrod, and one to the other region?

Then there's a reason for people to visit both places, if they can.

Turn 008 // Video (Text to Rockets)

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