Interlude: A New Day is Everyday
The TV screen buzzed, channel after channel of late-night talk shows and evening news. Skylar Ashcroft grumbled in boredom, looking around for anything captivating to do. Her Pichu sat on the couch, dozing. The clock’s endless ticking was driving her crazy, and the subtle sounds of her Ma in the other room was the only thing breaking the silence.
She flipped the TV back on, and an advertisement caught her eye. “Come on down to work for Silph. Co! Now hiring delivery workers, long-distance shippers, and more!” A list of income and clauses flashed on the screen. Delivery workers made a good buck, especially at Silph, around 750 Pokédollars per day. It wasn’t a lot, but it would make a good thing to do apart from school. The Circuit was about to start, and teachers were pressuring people to get minor jobs for a headstart in cash.
Skylar whistled, with that money she could even get a Pokétch! The devices had to be imported from Sinnoh, which made them extra expensive these days. “Tariffs are shit, but this could make it easier, huh?” She said, petting Pichu. His ears twitched. “Hey mum! Can I go get a job?” Skylar yelled over to the other room.
“Uhh, sure hun! Just wait a few minutes… I want to check whatever it’s out first!” Her mother replied, her voice in that familiar ‘I’m-busy-right-now-and-I-mean-to-help-but-yeah’ tone.
After Fa had come home, Skylar had rambled to him about the Silph. Co job as they ate over dinner. “I think it’s a good idea, it gives you a chance to go and explore the world! Maybe even become a trainer…” His tone wasn’t forceful, just a gentle suggestion as always.
Skylar sighed, “I don’t want to become a trainer, I don’t wanna spend days outside and getting beat up all the time!” Fa chuckled, a deep hearty noise that seemed to please everybody nearby. “Just give it some thought, at least until tomorrow, okay sweetie? Even then, interviews start in a few days, so don’t get your hopes up.”
Skylar nodded, pouting.
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Pichu snored loudly, letting out a bit of static electricity that made Skylar’s hair stand straight up. The two both talked into the night, about what it was like to be a trainer.
Good times…
--X--X--X--X--
The next day, Skylar put on her best ‘I-know-what-I’m-doing’ outfit, placed Pichu precariously on her head, and went to the Silph. Co building. A tired-looking attendant greeted her dryly. “Hello and welcome to Silph. Co, where dreams are made real. I assume you are here for the interview. Skylar Ashcroft, no?”
Skylar nodded, Pichu grumbling angrily, and found a seat. Time seemed to pass slowly, but finally her name was called for an appointment.
“Skylar Ashcroft?”
She sat up, waving at the smiling lawyer.
The interview room was small, but quaint. A desk stood at the forefront, with a chair sat in front of it.
“Sit, my dear.” The interviewer greeted warmly. Skylar sat in the chair, but just as she sat down the interviewer said something… shocking.
“Well, Ms. Ashcroft, you seem to be the only one who actually signed up for the job of delivery. And, thanks to the great system of elimination, we have to hire you.” Skylar sat there frozen. She had come in expecting to have to really try, she had even prepared a script!
But nope. Things were turning out a bit easier than she thought. The interviewer passed her a contract, and Skylar signed it. “Welcome to Silph. Co! We hope you enjoy working for us, and here is a little something to start you off.”
She passed Skylar a strange, rectangular device. The screen buzzed to life, and a recognizable logo flashed onto the slate. “A Pokétch, t-thank you!” she said putting the phone into her pocket. “Consider it a congratulations, we don’t have many open spots available anyway, so think of it as a treat, my dear.” The two shook hands, and parted.
--X--X--X--X--
Just after Eight while Skylar was playing toss with Pichu, a notification lit the Poketch up. A message from Silph. Co. Skylar immediately bolted over to it, Pichu mewling indignantly. An order!
TRANSPORT
BY: 6.20.20XX
SENDING: machine parts, vitamin mix-ins
TRANSPORTER: SKYLAR ASHCROFT (SA452234)
TO: MOLOVIA-GAMMA RANGER OUTPOST (ROUTE 1)
WISHING GOOD WISHES
PUSHING THE FUTURE FORWARD
-SILPH CORPORATION
(If needed, burned, injured, poisoned, wanting contract ended, a pay raise, possible mutilation, please contact 80930547-4375-22)
Wow. Her first job! And it seemed like it would be an easy one, but she didn’t memorize Kanto’s map.
“This will be fun, I hope. Right kiddo?” She said, petting Pichu.
A burp elicited her response.
