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As the other members of the freshly made group went around and conversed with Mr. Lewis, Stalag raised a ridge in confusion. None of his new teammates had introduced themselves. Were they ashamed of their names? But their deeds at the festival were so honorable? How peculiar...smooth-skin cultures still eluded him. The tip of his rose and fell against the floor in annoyance. He wished to know these most noble smooth-skins! "Well then, since it seems you're all willing to join... to be honest, I was sure at least somebody would say no. In fact, realistically, I expected none of you to sign up. If you'll all follow me, we can introduce you to the rest of the team." "It is only natural that you would need me! So I can only humbly accept your request!" Stalag was also surprised that the rest of these humans had accepted being apart of an operation with a Meteor Kin. Usually, he could only perceive fear from the smaller mammals. Being a predator, he was especially perceptive of the smell that arose from the emotion. However, eyes told a much different story. He still hadn't caught their gaze to see their true feelings towards his people. Stalag stood from his seat and took a knee, humbly lowering his head to the others. "I am the thankful. Hopefully we may extend friendly greetings at another time." As Stalag had done this, a message came on a device held by Mr. Lewis. He wasn't able to make out the particulars, but something had happened that was now under control. Nothing to worry about! "You'd be surprised how hard it is to find decent guards these days. But that's not our job in the team I'm putting you in. If you'd follow me." "A shame! I would do a great guarding of the bodies! My body is like that of Iron!" Stalag flexed his muscles in a display of power, almost sending a shockwave throughout the small hallways. He froze in embarrassment, as he scratched the back of his neck. "Please, be leading of the way!" It took a moment of meandering before they all were led to the Meeting Room. Perplexingly, Mr. Lewis had taken his time retracing their steps around the ship to get here. "The team doesn't have an official name, because there's no documentation about us. It's a bit of an extra security measure, to ensure that we leave no paper trail. Shortly after MIRROR first started taking international action, Ja... ahem, Mr. Roosevelt told me to assemble a small team to track them down, learn everything we could about them, then wipe them out. Easier said than done. Their leader's a slippery bitch, and quite frankly, we think that she may have been onto us the entire time and let us gather intel. Except for anything pertaining to her. And I don't want to charge in against an unknown foe, especially if my hunch is right, so for the time being, we'll be seeing about gathering further intel. But first, you should get to know your new teammates." Stalag was introduced to five more members of the group, his predecessors! John West, Weapons, a soon to be close ally of the Mightjaw Clan. Dayna Miller, a woman with hair as fiery as his skin, Analytics...whatever those were. May and Fay Schneider, Combat and Spying...Stalag wished to test himself against a smooth-skin with expertise in the field of fighting! Last and certainly least was Abby Collins, With Doctor, a frail specimen of a human female. Perhaps there was more to her than met the eye. No matter their stature or strength, Stalag was excited at the mere prospect of befriending more smooth-skins...or rather...humans. "It is an honor to be doing the meeting with you! I am Stalag Mightjaw, envoy of the Meteor Kin." Stalag bowed to each of them individually. "I wish to becoming the close with humans, and learn from them, as much as they are to be doing the learning from me! May we find many victories together!" "And that's our team. You've joined just in time to get to see the world, in fact. Now that our job at the centennial is wrapped up, we're being deployed to Novaroma. The Triumvirate's also in on our little operation - they were even kind enough to send the twins our way, in fact - and a few days ago, a letter arrived saying they have some intel we'd be interested in. Hope none of you are prone to seasickness." Seasickness? What was that? Stalag was never the one to get sick! He was the paradigm of health! "Ah, right, as for the envoy in the room." Austin turned and gave Stalag a nod. "I'll escort you to meet with the President myself. Once your talk with him has wrapped up, we can start heading east to catch our boat." "I am understanding!" Stalag turned back towards the other new team members. "I expect introductions at the level of our seniors by the time I return!" Stalag raised his tail, and slammed it on the floor of the meeting room. "Do not be doing the dissappointing of me!" With that, Stalag returned to meet Mr. Lewis and exchanged his own nod. "Let us being doing the meeting now." Austin, not entirely sure what to make of the envoy in the room, gave Stalag a nod. "Yes. Let's." With that, the two men left the room for the time being. In a stark contrast to the winding path he had taken to lead everyone to the meeting room in the first place, the path he took to get back near where he started was remarkably straightforward, eventually going past the lobbies Stalag and company had been in not long ago, further up and into the depths of Air Force Zero, and eventually to a heavily-guarded elevator. An elevator that, as Stalag would soon learn, led up to the White House sitting atop the airship. The inside of the White House, as opposed to the highly utilitarian, minimalistic decor of Air Force Zero, was what one would expect of a national leader's place of residence. Well-kept, well-decorated, and with wide, open hallways. Eventually, Stalag was brought to the Oval Office, and standing behind the desk, talking with and then dismissing a suited woman with incredibly convenient timing, was President Jack Roosevelt himself. He turned, smiled, and nodded toward Stalag and his escort of one. "Ah, yes, our Aztec envoy. I'd like to personally apologize that you had to get caught up in that display by MIRROR. With that said, shall we get down to business?" Here he was, mere feet away from him, in the flesh! The man who shook his chest cavity alone with just his voice, Jack Roosevelt. It took some time to get here. This was truly an experience he never had hoped he would have. The feeling was elating. "Mr. Roosevelt, an immense honor I am feeling!" Stalag bowed his head low, almost showing his back in a display of respectful submission. "This business is getting down, immediately!" He almost hesitated to take a seat from the man he had heard so much about...what was this emotion he was feeling. It was as he was sitting across a predator three times his size! Someone who could devour him whole in a single bite. His stomach rose, and his knees almost buckled, as he sat himself down across the President of the United States. "Let us do the saying...that the land was returned to you...what are to become of my people?" His eyes narrowed at the mention of the future of the Meteor Kin. He had found his resolve, and it was steeled. "Were our lost states returned to us, the Meteor-Kin within their borders would of course be welcomed as equal citizens of the United States of America. On this, you have my word. Not many of them live in our territory, so we would have to survey your people to assess their needs to ensure they are met, and this is of course not an overnight process. What to do with those who wish to remain citizens of the New Aztec Republic is a topic I would prefer to discuss with King Manuel himself, but we will see to it that the Meteor-Kin are integrated into their new nation as seamlessly and harmlessly as possible." "The Meteor Kin are autonomous of King Manuel...surely you are the knowing this? Our society does not rely on the help of The New Aztec Republic. We meet our own needs. The Meteor Kin are a proud people, and we do not need the help of the United States." Stalag huffed out of his nose. "We have had very good relations with King Manuel and his government for this fact, and many others. We have made our intentions clear with him as well. It is the hope of the Meteor Kin to be creating our our own nation." He crossed his arms. "Would this be a willingness of your government? To give the land we rose from, to us? To govern our people as we are the seeing fit?" "That's a more complicated topic, I'm afraid. If you don't mind, I'd like to teach a bit of our history to you, as it is related to your question." Roosevelt nodded toward the wall to Stalag's left, from which hung a large map of the United States, as it was before The Crisis. The states that disappeared in that week were still there, as were the ones that were eventually claimed up by the New Aztec Republic; the very lands that were now being discussed. "Do you know why the New Aztec Republic is considered New, Mr. Mightjaw?" "I understand the land was the taken from your Government after the Crisis by the first King. As I am the seeing it, it was rightfully conquered." Stalag scratched his head. "I am the thinking the United States was relatively new in a similar fashion. Is my thinking of this the wrong?" "You are partially correct. After The Crisis, the United Mexican States fell apart in a series of tragic events. The founding King of the New Aztec Republic re-united the people, then marched north and took much of our land as well. However, much of that land, if you can believe it, was originally part of Mexico. In the year 1846, Mexico and America went to war, and it wasn't until 1848 that peace was made. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed, and in its terms was the requirement that Mexico cede much of its territory to the United States. So, the land that the Aztecs took from us was in fact taken from Mexico. But it goes a bit further than that still. In the year 1492, a Spanish sailor named Christopher Columbus set foot on these lands on behalf of his European masters. This led to the rapid colonization of the Americas and the Caribbean. However, there were already indigenous peoples living here when Columbus arrived. You may have even met some descendants of those peoples, if you've been to the northern NAR. These peoples had societies and nations of their own, yet when push came to shove, we took this land for ourselves. It is not a chapter of our history that anyone should be proud of, be they American, Mexican, or anything else living on this side of the planet, but a chapter it was. However, while I can't speak for other nations, I do know that here, we had chosen to set aside land for the descendants of those peoples, so they may live in their ancestral homeland. This is an arrangement that can certainly be made for the Meteor-Kin as well, but if you seek full sovereignty of an entirely new and independent nation, I feel discussions of granting your people such a thing over the lands of your predecessors would have to be made in the presence of both myself and King Manuel." Stalag took in the history lesson with care. Of course he was briefed on most of this beforehand. Whether he had listened as intently as he had just now was anyone's guess. He just wished to hear what the President Himself would say. "Understandably so. But let us be going back even the further. Hundreds of millions of years ago, an ancient clade of reptiles roamed these lands. You know these creatures well. You disturbed their ancient burials and display them in your museums...much akin to trophies. They had no concepts of nations, of course. But territory...they knew very well." Stalag looked to the roof of the white house, staring beyond it. "Their rule was ended in an instant...but thanks to the Crisis...they were reborn...reforged...as the Meteor Kin. We had no intention of being revived under the same sun as you humans. We had no intention of ever having territory ever again. But we are alive now. Our claim to this land runs deeper than any blood that was spilt during any war you may have waged in the past. King Manuel understands this." Stalag brought his gaze back to meet the Presidents. "That is why we wish to remain separate from both the United States, and the New Aztec Republic. But that is why we also wish to make friendly relations with the both of you. We wish not for violence, Mr. President...but my people have no intention of being called...Americans...or Aztec..." He uncrossed his arms to look at his clawed hand. "Surely you can understand why." "Well said, Mr. Mightjaw. Well said indeed. Presently, most if not all of the land that was home to tyrannosaurus rex - which I would guess your specific line of Meteor-Kin are related to, if you'll pardon the assumption," It was a very good assumption, "- is Aztec territory, so forming your own nation would presently be under your King's jurisdiction. If these territories were to change hands to America, I am however open to discussing the matter with your people myself. You may even wish to discuss this with His Highness yourself upon returning home, if you feel so inclined!" "Um, actually, Mr. President, about that," Austin briefly interjected. "Stalag has announced his intentions to join the anti-MIRROR team." "Oh, my, I had no idea. Get someone to prepare a letter for King Manuel after our talk here has included. I want the details of our conversation as well as the news that he may not be coming home for some time, if he's out saving the world. Manuel has it out for those people as much as I do, so I'm sure he'll understand. Knowing him, he'd even approve. But, back to the matter at hand. The return of Meteor-Kin territory to your people is simply not a matter I have the authority to speak in on at present, but I will keep what we've discussed on that front at the forefront of my mind should those territories move into our hands instead of yours. As for the states that your people do not occupy, what were the other concerns of the Aztec government?" "I understand the King has concerns of the rest of his citizens that have relocated to the Northern territories of the Republic. As I'm sure you're informed, the Southern Hemisphere of our globe has become hostile to life due to rising temperatures...He is reluctant to release the land to you with the concern that his people will have to move back into the inhospitable lands." Stalag's tail tapped on the ground in curiosity. "Is there a specific reason this land needs to be returned? Why not proliferate friendly relations with the Republic instead?" "Our reason is much the same as the reason the Meteor-Kin want certain states ceded to them. It was our territory. Louisiana in particular, for example, was already part of the United States before the Mexican-American War. There are no shortage of eldery Americans whose homes were taken over in the Aztec-American war following The Crisis. I do seek to foster friendly relations with our neighbors, make no mistake, but I must also pursue the interests of the people. Even if I didn't want the land back, they would." Stalag scratched his chin. He couldn't fault the President for the same mindset he harbored himself. Truly, politics was a tricky game. "Perhaps a compromise is required? What if the Aztec Republic was to pay reparations, while maintaining a smaller portion of the land they've acquired?" Stalag smiled. "There's always an alternative solution that I'm told my ancestors participated in frequently." "You may be onto something, Mr. Mightjaw. Owing to King Manuel's efforts, the New Aztec Republic is quite the economic powerhouse. We would certainly be able to benefit from reparation payments. Though, I am curious, what is this alternative solution you've mentioned?" Stalag's toothy grin beamed brightly. "A duel, of course! You and King Manuel shall fight for the right to rule the land you both stake claim too! It is only natural that the strong get their keep! And who better to represent opposing sides than the leaders themselves!" Stalag let out a mighty, and excited roar. "The thought sends tingles down my scales! I wish I could partake in such glory!!!" Stalag calmed himself, clearing his throat. "I am told that these are old ways...you know how us Fossils are though! RAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Roosevelt echoed Stalag's laugh with a hearty laugh of his own. "Old ways, indeed. Martial duels have no place in politics these days, but I just might extend the offer to His Highness purely for sport. I'd like to thank you again, Mr. Mightjaw, not only for aiding in our fight against MIRROR, but for your time and insights on our current political situation. However, if I keep you much longer, Mr. Lewis might start getting antsy. I'll have a letter sent to King Manuel detailing what we've discussed here, and informing him that you've volunteered for a classified mission alongside some of our men. In the meantime, I'll begin doing some personal research into the present situation of the Meteor-Kin, to best foster America's relationship with your people, be you your own nation, or an invaluable part of one of ours. Unless you have any closing questions or comments, you're free to meet back up with your team now." "No, Mr. President. My job here is the done. I have said my peace. It was truly incredible to meet you and discuss the matters of my people. I hope all of these issues have peaceful resolutions. Despite our appearance, the Meteor Kin truly only want to live in this world that has given us a second chance." Stalag stood from his seat, and bowed once more. "I hope we meet again. But for now, we've got a mirror to be smashing." He turned to Mr. Lewis with a smile. "I will be taking after you once again!"

Quinn could find neither Belladonna nor Nathaniel in their ventures through the astral plane that night. Fae could only dream of home. Technically, the house was active. Quinn could see clearly even though none of the lights were on, and she could hear sounds from the kitchen like the hum of a microwave or the occasional crackle of a gas stove coming to life. As ze wandered through the house, though, smaller details stuck out more and more. Despite the noises, the kitchen was completely abandoned, and every countertop had a noticeable layer of dust and cobwebs. The back door was only an affectation of a threshold -- the doorknob did not turn and pushing or pulling produced no results. That was not to say all doors in the house were inoperable. The one to the restroom worked just fine. Quinn noticed that the bathroom mirror did not seem to work, reflecting nothing, acting as a sheet of jet-black metal against the wall. Other reflective surfaces were the same. The sink faucet had a leak that no fiddling with the handles could fix. The door to Quinn’s bedroom was breaking down. It swung open without Quinn even needing to nudge it. This room was in more a state of disrepair than any other. The bed frame was missing an entire leg. It leaned over and the mattress slumped over the side. Books had fallen off their shelves, and the shelves themselves had collapsed. A whir emanated from the television back in the living room -- something was playing even though the screen was off. Quinn reached out and turned the television on, and the screen illuminated the entire room in a bright red light, a light that bled into Quinn’s vision, wiping out everything else. There were words on the screen too, in distorted and wicked black, only just legible: YOU NEVER CAME BACK Quinn woke up from the nightmare. Xe could see the time out of the corner of its eye. It was about three of the clock. Quinn refused to move. The room was unrecognizable to her and ey did not want to disturb it. It was only then that they realized he was not breathing, and e had to manually resume that particular function of their material form, concentrating on that until the unconscious habit returned. Where were they? The memories of the previous day -- of the whole voyage, in truth -- took another moment to return. Quinn started to feel better. The breathing helped too. Still, the energies of the astral plane were against her, that much was obvious. Somewhere along the way, his noumenal essence had split in two. Part of Quinn’s self had stayed behind in Sinnoh, and it was calling across the waves trying to reach out. But no, this was a necessary journey. Not everyone had agreed, but most had not been in a position to argue. A bout of homesickness was but a minor trial. Yet still, as the seconds ticked on, Quinn did start to relent a little bit. Ze inched over to the side of the bed, reached into hir bag, and pulled out one of the Pokéballs contained inside. “Cassiopeia,” Quinn whispered, and the Drifloon came out of her ball with as muted a “Drif…” as she could muster. “Come sleep out here with me, Cassiopeia,” Quinn said. This would help. It was a small thing, but it was familiar. Maybe in the future, they could include Normandie in the equation, and whatever other Pokémon they happened to befriend on their journey, but for now, this was enough.Quinn read and reread Belladonna’s letter, trying to understand it even as Billy explained the additional information he had for them. The morning had seemed so exciting, too. Good omens abounded once her astral self had given up on exploration for the night, and any accompanying visions subsided. The morning sky was exactly as it should be. But perhaps Quinn still needed to work on his interpretations, because such prominent positive symbols blinded zem completely to Belladonna’s departure. How else was it supposed to feel about it? Quinn wordlessly passed the letter on to Nathaniel for him to read. Her final words to Belladonna had proven particularly insightful. Now the land of dreams was the only place they would find each other for the foreseeable future. The sudden Magmortar attack was almost a welcome distraction to keep eir mind off it. “Nathaniel and I can go chasing after this thief,” Quinn said. “That way you can keep your focus entirely on your charges, the Magmortar, this cute little thing, and whoever else.” They looked at the Smoliv, still quivering in Bobby’s hands. Quinn was barely cognizant of the fact she had just volunteered for both of them. It did not particularly matter. Something had to be done. Stolen things had to be returned to their rightful place, after all. It was something Quinn knew from experience.