Frontline Mission #10

Jackson was standing on the top of a very tall metal tower, his partner pokemon, Atlas, at his side. His ears were perked up and alert as he stood next to the trainer. The two were in the dangerous and swampy area known as Murkhaven. A team of scientists were below them, working on setting up light beacons. These beacons were essential to keeping the fog at bay, which had only recently begun to clear from the area.

The trainer moved a circular light as it cast a beam from it, lighting up the ground below as a pokemon scurried away. Jackson had been asked to use the light cannon in order to keep dangerous shadow pokemon away from the researchers. This was the second time the team had come out to the area, having been chased away by a hoard of shadow pokemon the previous time.

Atlas was barking to alert Jackson as he saw shadow pokemon moving towards the researchers. The trainer had to move quickly in order to shoot the cannon before the pokemon reached the researchers. Their trust in Jackson was clear as they tried to mostly ignore the shadow pokemon as they thrust the light beacons into the ground.

Even with the team working quickly and efficiently the placement of the light beacons was taking some time. They were also getting further away from the tower, and thus were getting close to being out of the cannon’s range. The amount of shadow pokemon was also increasing the longer they stayed in the area.

“We’re running out of time, and you’re getting out of range!” Jackson shouted down at the researchers, who looked up at the trainer once they heard him speak. The researchers talked back and forth to each other, which Jackson was too far away to hear.

“We’re almost done! Hang in there!” The lead researcher shouted up to Jackson and him and the other researchers quickened their pace. The trainer was completely focused as he quickly moved the light cannon with each of Atlas’ barks. He continued to worry about the increasing number of pokemon but the researchers moved with confidence.

He cursed as one particularly speedy pokemon got closer to one of the researchers. Jackson fired the light cannon, directly hitting the pokemon. It let out a strange, almost shriek like noise as it disappeared into a dark purple cloud. The researcher looked up at Jackson, giving a shaky thumbs up.

Atlas was vital to Jackson’s ability to keep up with the amount of pokemon as his keen eyes easily spotted any new pokemon. It also meant that rather than looking for pokemon the trainer was able to focus on aiming the light cannon and firing. 

His arms were beginning to ache as he continued, the circle of light beacons now being very close to the edge of the light cannon’s reach. Jackson didn’t have any time to dare check his watch but he figured at least an hour had passed.

Jackson watched and continued to shoot the cannon as another round of light beacons were pushed into the ground and the researchers began to talk amongst themselves for a moment. One more line of light beacons were placed into the soft ground before the researchers began to head towards the metal tower. Jackson could see the lead researcher looking up at him.

“Alright we’re done! Come down and meet us at the vehicles!” The lead researcher shouted to Jackson. With the amount of light beacons that were now around the tower the area around the trucks had become relatively safe. 

Jackson and Atlas descended the metal stairs, the trainer’s metal leg making a loud clang with each step. As they got to the bottom he opened the door to see the team of researchers waiting. “You guys didn’t have to wait for me. My leg slows me down.” Jackson said with an awkward laugh.

“No, no we’re grateful for your help and want to make sure you get into one of the car’s safely.” The lead researcher assured Jackson as he headed to one of the cars with Atlas trotting behind them. The team split up between the cars as Jackson got into the one with the lead researcher. Once all the cars were fully loaded he felt the vehicle begin to move forward. It took a moment for the wheels to gain traction on the slippery mud, but once they did they were driving smoothly.

Luckily their drive was along a makeshift road that wove through light beacons so there was no worry about shadow pokemon attacking. “So… what next?” Jackson asked as he looked over at the lead researcher.

“Well, we still need to expand the light beacons in the area. We’ll have to set up another makeshift tower for a light cannon and repeat the process. It’ll take time but we’ll get this whole place lit up.” The researcher explained and Jackson nodded with understanding.

“Yeah, I mean you guys have been doing good work. It wasn’t that long ago that this area was completely unsafe and covered in fog.” He replied.

“Well thank you, I’m glad our efforts are appreciated.” The researcher said with a laugh.

Once the vehicles came to a stop the researchers and Jackson went their separate ways as he headed back towards the nearest train station. He and Atlas had spent the previous night at a hotel the researchers were staying at, so that combined with his fatigue meant he was extra ready to be in his bed.

It was well past midnight once Jackson finally got back to his apartment, dropping his backpack onto the floor and kicking his shoes off. Atlas opened his jaws in a wide yawn as he jumped onto Jackson’s bed and immediately fell asleep. The trainer scratched the noctyena’s ears and then got ready for bed. As he laid down he could notice even more how sore his leg was. Jackson was glad he had nowhere to go tomorrow. He was ready for a long night’s sleep.