The Misdreavus Menace

Chapter Twenty-Two — Incredible Evidence

In a quarry at the eastern outskirts of Pewter City, the Clefairy transporter hummed to life and rose into the sky. Amongst the small group of observers were Officer Jenny and Brock, who looked up in amazement. Suddenly, the craft flashed a bright pink and disappeared.

Before the pair had a chance even to gasp, a second flash directed their attention to their left. There again was the same floating vehicle, having shifted at least twenty metres in the blink of an eye. It repeated the same manoeuvre, this time reappearing a hundred metres into the distance. Finally, it came back to its original position and touched down.

"What we think," explained Misty, "is that Team Rocket have gotten hold of one of these machines."

Jenny stood quietly in thought. "That would be very serious," she said finally. "I don't think we have the means to deal with something like this."

"I bet Dan Brown would like to have a look at this," said Brock. "I wonder if he'd have any ideas."

Kadabra, who was standing amongst them, communicated on behalf of the Clefairy.

The Clefairy do not want news of this device widespread.

"Don't worry, Dan can can keep a secret," replied Brock.

What about the Police? Will they help us recover the stolen machine?

"You'll have to repeat this demonstration to the Celadon police," answered Jenny, "and to the Kanto chiefs."

The Clefairy have just demonstrated it to you. Isn't that enough?

"Not if I'm going to keep my job. If I come up with reports of a... teleporting spaceship, they'll think I'm crazy."

"We'll vouch for you," said Ash. "I went to their planet on one of those."

"Ash," Brock advised, "I think that's one thing you better keep quiet about."

"Pikachu and I helped break up Team Rocket, didn't we? Don't we have any credibility?"

"So you were the boy?" said Jenny.

Ash didn't want to go into that story right now.

"What sort of information do you need then?" asked Misty.

Jenny considered. "Have any of you got any evidence that a machine like this is actually in Team Rocket's possession?"

"Misty and I saw Team Rocket on the Clefairy's planet not long after the other transporter went missing," replied Ash.

"Have you any evidence that's going to be believed?" said Jenny. Kadabra replied.

Each transporter has a tracking device, but it only emits a signal while the machine is in use. As far as I know, no signals have been picked up this morning. Therefore we cannot be sure where the missing transporter is located or who has it.

"That's too bad," said Jenny. "Still, if we can give another demonstration, at least we'll be aware of the possibility of what we might be up against."

The Clefairy may agree to another demonstration to a small number of people. Can you arrange it?

"I'll try, although in the present crisis the entire force is extremely busy. You'll have to fit into our schedule."

"You're not planning to defend Celadon City, are you?" asked Misty.

"I'm sorry, I can't reveal the nature of our plans," Jenny replied. "Rest assured, though, that all of Kanto and our neighbouring regions are on full alert. They won't be able to try anything without getting caught." She did not sound convincing. She added, "If you do manage to locate the other teleporting machine, please let me know. If anything, it could help us locate their base. I'll try and arrange a time for another demonstration."

With that, she waved good-bye to Brock and rode off in her motorcycle. Ash and Misty shared a look of disappointment. They had hoped more would have come out of the demonstration that had taken some effort and convincing to organize.

"I'll contact Dan," said Brock. "Maybe he can think of something."

So long as he will be sympathetic to the Clefairy, I'm sure that would be fine.