"Hmm, his technique is remarkably fluid."
"He is definitely someone with years of genetic research experience."
"If he checks out, I'll let him handle the processing of the Reshiram and Zekrom feathers."
Colress observed Feng Che's every move through the surveillance monitors.
"Lord Colress, Lord Ghetsis is requesting a video call," a Team Plasma member hurried into the monitoring room and reported.
What does Ghetsis want now? Has he finally found N? That would be ideal; it's time we secured those feathers from his hands, Colress thought. He quickly made his way to the briefing room.
"Lord Ghetsis," Colress said with a respectful bow toward the true controller of Team Plasma.
"Colress, what is the status of the Mythical cloning research?" Ghetsis's voice was sharp. "We are preparing for war with the Unova League; we need those clones to spearhead our assault."
"The current progress is insufficient. The clones have extremely short lifespans," Colress replied. "I intend to combine Zekrom's cells with those of the Mythical Zeraora. I want to see if Zekrom's divine power can sustain the clone's existence."
"Accelerate your efforts, Colress. Time is running out. Word has reached me that Team Rocket in Kanto has already successfully cloned a God. If we could steal their technology, it would provide the breakthrough you need." Ghetsis rubbed his temples, looking weary.
"Lord Ghetsis, has Lord N returned? I require more samples from the legendary dragons," Colress asked tentatively.
"Do not speak to me of that rebellious son! He refuses to acknowledge my vision and has vanished once again." Mentioning N clearly caused Ghetsis a headache. "I have some stock of the feathers. I will have them sent to you immediately. Focus on the clones. While N controls the dragons, the Unova League still holds the Swords of Justice and the Forces of Nature. We need a decisive advantage."
Ghetsis sighed. "There is internal friction within the organization. Some want to pull your funding; others support it. As Leader, I am in a difficult position. I hope you understand."
"I do, Lord Ghetsis. I will deliver results soon."
When Colress returned to the lab, he found Feng Che still engrossed in his work, not even looking up as the door opened. The cell extraction was being performed with surgical beauty.
"Enough. Stop the processing," Colress said. "You've passed the test."
"Understood, Lord Colress." Feng Che stopped instantly. Finally. He bought the act.
"I have an urgent task involving our Mythical subject," Colress said tonelessly. "We are out of blood samples. Go to the containment chamber and draw a fresh sample from Zeraora. Be gentle; we captured this specimen in Alola at great cost. Use this magnetic key—it's the only way in."
As Feng Che took the card, he subtly brushed against Colress's hand, successfully lifting a copy of his fingerprints using a specialized thin-film collector hidden in his glove.
The containment area was located at the very bottom of the ship. Feng Che walked down the corridor, inconspicuously releasing several grain-sized reconnaissance robots from his pant leg. These latest Rocket inventions began to fan out, transmitting real-time layout data to his terminal.
He reached the heavy double doors of the chamber. Two heavy rocket launcher turrets flanked the entrance, tracking him as he approached. Feng Che swiped the keycard.
"Access granted. Welcome, Dr. Colress," a synthesized voice chirped. The turrets disengaged.
Inside, behind a meter-thick stainless steel door, sat Zeraora. It was trapped within a transparent super-alloy container, its limbs bound by heavy chains.
Zeraora looked like a bipedal feline with blue paw pads and lightning-bolt patterns across its body. While standard Zeraora are yellow, this one was Shiny—covered in sleek, silver-white fur. It didn't have a power-generating organ; instead, it siphoned electricity from the environment and stored it.
At the sight of Feng Che, the creature grew feral. Silver-white sparks danced across its fur as it strained against the chains, which rattled violently.
[Zeraora: Humans... all of them... monsters.][Zeraora: I want out... give me back my freedom!]
The electricity it discharged was being siphoned through the chains into a golden orb—a Thunder Stone Pearl, a top-tier cultivation resource.
"Kiyoma, the subject is in a state of primal rage," Colress's voice came through an intercom. "I am releasing sedative gas. Draw the sample once it's unconscious."
Feng Che looked at the cameras in the four corners of the room. I'll have to be lightning-fast if I want to smuggle it out of here.
The white gas filled the tank, and Zeraora's struggles slowed until it fell into a heavy sleep. Feng Che approached the glass and initiated a system scan.
Pokémon: Zeraora (Shiny) Potential: Legendary (Deep Cyan) Level: 53 Status: PregnantEvaluation: A pregnant Zeraora. Its condition is critical; the continuous blood draining has left it emaciated and may cause congenital defects in the unborn egg.
Feng Che's eyes darkened with a cold fury. They're siphoning the life of a mother and her unborn child for their experiments. He looked at the needle in his hand, then at the cameras.
The plan had just changed. He wasn't just here for data anymore.