ride on

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Finding the place hadn't been easy. Guzma had been reluctant to tell Sena or Adora anything about it, and they couldn't go to Lusamine to ask, what with Overwatch keeping tabs on her. But Kukui, on the other hand, had been surprisingly forthcoming, although all he'd given them was a vague hint about a hidden door somewhere in the new Stadium. 

That had been enough. Searching around the base had netted them a secret door at the seemingly empty end of a hallway, and taking it leads to an elevator down into the depths of the stadium. And that led them to another door...one completely locked up with no visible keypad or lock. The only thing there is an odd camera-like device, and a speaker...the light above it a bright red. They're stumped.

"How're we supposed to get in? Did Lusamine give you some kinda secret key or something?"

"Eh?! W-W-Why would she give me anything like th-"

As if responding to his voice, the light suddenly flashes green, and a neutral female voice sounds through the speaker.

"Ultra Rider Zero-One, confirmed."

"...Eh?"

The door unlocks and allows Sena to pull it open, revealing a room very similar to the secret lab that Lusamine had shown Sena some time prior, equipped with multiple buckles and other equipment for additional Ultra Riders. Before Sena and Adora can step inside to get a better look, however, a hologram boots up in front of them. It's a young female with bob-cut hair, dressed in a white and green suit dress over black. She speaks in the same neutral voice from before, making it evident that she's related to whatever computer system just recognized Sena as the first Ultra Rider.

"Greetings, Ultra Rider Zero-One. I have been awaiting your-"

SLAM.
...
...
...

"...Sena, why'd you shut the door?"

"...No, I was just surprised..."

Comments

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Oh! That's actually a decent response. And it's coming from one of the developers, too...

Actually, yeah! I know the Overwatch guys are banned from this place, but that's definitely not gonna keep them out for long...

[blue_ice]

I'm on my way to the stadium. The last thing I want is our work going to waste because they sniped you.

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

...Ah.

That wasn't something he'd considered.

The level of the attacks they can use now...I don't think I could get sniped by that, but they'll definitely raise their game later, right?

Sena.

You underestimate the absolute douchebaggery of Glomgold.

[blue_ice]

It's never too soon to prepare. And I'm an expert at paranoia, so I should be able to cover the bases. Let me know when you're ready for me.

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

By the time you get there, I can be waiting for you in the lobby.

[blue_ice]

All right. On my way.

It's a long trip. Kaiba walks to the stadium, because riding on his Stoutland would attract too much attention. He also spends long periods hiding in the bushes and fending off wild Pokémon, so his hair and coat are full of leaves and branches by the time he arrives.

He spots Sena and approaches with a nod.

"Where are we in the process? Did anyone come find you?"

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Sena's a little stiff, a little haggard, but otherwise manages to nod back at Kaiba before turning to head back towards the lab.

"Izu briefed me on the origins and status of all this...I'm in the middle of going over the data she has, trying to pick out my Away Team. It's what Lusamine asked me to do before all..." he motions with a hand- "this stuff, with Overwatch, happened."

[blue_ice]

"All right."

Kaiba's careful not to say much until they're in a secure area, and he immediately inspects the lab for symptoms of tampering. He adds a few more security screens, then begins to speak in a hushed tone.

"Of course. Their timing couldn't be better. All right. You want trainers who know what they're doing, obviously. The actual Rider suits are as self-explanatory as we could make them, and there's a data link they can access if they get confused. Ideally we'd practice using them before sending the team out, but I don't know if we have the power or the time."

He's continuing his inspection of the lab systems. "I'm not seeing signs of internal tampering, at least."

[swiftasacoursingkawa]

Sena sighs in relief.

"That's good. This lab is in such a public place, and the fact that Overwatch goons are banned from going inside...someone would have to try something out of curiosity sooner or later..."

He nods at the rest of Kaiba's explanation. "Given how long we've been here, experienced trainers might be a tough call...but at least skilled fighters, people who can handle space travel. That kind of thing."