Pokemon: The Scientist’s Rebirth

Ethan's first day at the Pokeforge was nothing short of eye-opening. After Professor Oak formally introduced him to the team working on the NovaDex, he met Dr. Vera Luman, the lead researcher spearheading the project. Dr. Vera was a Tier B Research Specialist and one of the foremost experts in computer technologies and AI systems. She exuded a sharp intellect, matched by her precise and confident no-bullshit demeanor, which immediately commanded respect.

Her impressive background in computer technologies and specialized in advanced AI techniques, made her the perfect choice to lead this ambitious endeavor. Oak's role was more of a supervisory and advisory one, offering his vast experience and occasional contributions. He was, after all, the "OG Pokedex creator," as some of the younger researchers affectionately called him, but his current focus was spread across various research initiatives not just the NovaDex project, so he was not the lead researcher.

When Ethan first introduced himself to Dr. Vera, her gaze swept over him, assessing him like she was examining an outdated piece of equipment. She extended a hand, though her grip was firm enough to feel more like a warning than a welcome.

"I've read your paper," Dr. Vera Luman said curtly, barely sparing Ethan a glance as she tapped away at her datapad. Her tone was clipped, almost dismissive. "Impressive work for someone your age, but this isn't botany, nor is it Pokémon biology. Artificial intelligence and computational systems are entirely different beasts. I hope you understand the steep learning curve you're about to face."

Ethan stood his ground, meeting her sharp green gaze without flinching. "I'm ready to learn," he said, keeping his voice steady, even though her tone carried more skepticism than encouragement.

She gave a faint snort, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Ready to learn? I hope so," she said, setting the datapad down and folding her arms. "Because, frankly, I don't see how someone with no background in computer systems or AI can be anything but a hindrance to this project. I don't have the time—or the patience—to drag someone through the basics while trying to push the NovaDex to the next stage of development."

Ethan didn't look away. "I understand I have a lot to learn, but I'll do whatever it takes to contribute meaningfully." he said.

Dr. Vera raised an eyebrow, her expression unreadable. "Words are easy," she said coolly. "This isn't a high school project. This is cutting-edge research, and every delay costs us time and credibility. If you can't keep up, you'll only slow us down—and I won't tolerate that."

Her words were meant to hurt, but Ethan was indifferent to the hostility showcased. "I won't slow you down," he said firmly.

Dr. Luman studied him for a long moment, her silence more withering than any sharp remark. Finally, she exhaled sharply and gestured toward a workstation humming with activity.

"Fine," she said. "Follow me. I'll show you what we're doing, but don't expect me to hold your hand. If you want to prove yourself, you'll have to figure things out fast. I'm not going to waste my time babysitting."

Ethan couldn't help but admire her as she gave him an overview of the project. "We're not just cataloging Pokémon anymore," she explained. "With AI, we're venturing into predictive analysis—using visual data to infer what a Pokémon might be capable of. It's a challenge, but the potential impact is enormous."

Dr. Vera led him to a workstation, her heels clicking sharply against the polished floor. Ethan couldn't help but notice the way she held herself—poised and efficient, as though every second wasted on him was a personal affront.

Then gestured impatiently toward a terminal, where a hologram flickered into existence. It resembled a bird made entirely of angular polygons, its vibrant colors shifting slightly as it hovered above the surface.

"This," Dr. Vera began, her tone clipped and businesslike, "is Porygon. An artificially created Pokémon, developed entirely from programming code. It has no true physical form, only this holographic projection you see now." She gestured toward the angular, colorful figure hovering midair, its geometric edges glowing faintly.

Ethan leaned closer, his eyes widening with a mixture of genuine curiosity and a hint of feigned surprise. "Artificially created? You mean it was made by people? Like... engineered?" He deliberately exaggerated his response to mask his recognition of the Pokémon from his meta-knowledge.

"Yes," Dr. Vera replied curtly, folding her arms across her chest. Her sharp tone suggested she wasn't in the mood for lengthy explanations. "It was developed as an experiment to push the boundaries between digital space and reality. Porygon operates entirely in cyberspace and can interface directly with electronic systems—something no naturally occurring Pokémon can do."

Ethan nodded, internally captivated by the concept. The Porygon he remembered from the anime of his previous life had a physical presence, but this entirely digital incarnation felt even more groundbreaking. The implications for its abilities and potential applications set his mind racing.

"This is incredible," Ethan said, keeping his tone measured to avoid showing too much enthusiasm. "But... if it's just code, how does it even qualify as a Pokémon? Doesn't it need, I don't know, a body?"

Dr. Vera's lips pressed into a thin line. "That question has been asked before," she said, her voice edged with impatience. "But definitions don't concern me. What matters are its capabilities. Porygon is a marvel of technology, not biology. That's the only distinction you need to understand."

Unsatisfied with the answer, Ethan's mind buzzed with a cascade of questions. "But how does it work? Is it an energy entity? Does it have DNA? Is it sentient? Can it be caught in a Pokéball?"

Dr. Vera held up a hand sharply, her eyes narrowing. "Enough," she said, her voice tinged with irritation. "Don't get ahead of yourself. Your clearance level doesn't entitle you to know anything beyond what's strictly necessary. Even I, with Tier B clearance, know little more than how to utilize its capabilities." She leveled a sharp gaze at him. "So keep your curiosity in check. Porygon isn't here to satisfy your fascination—it's here to serve a purpose."

Ethan swallowed his frustration and nodded, forcing himself to quell his urge to push further. "Understood," he said, his tone even, though his mind raced with possibilities and theories.

"Good," Dr. Vera said briskly. "Porygon's applications in this lab are strictly related to data analysis and AI development. We're not here to study its origins or question its nature. If you can remember that, you might be less of a distraction."

Ethan met her gaze, his expression firm despite the subtle sting of her words. "I'll keep that in mind," he said simply, his voice steady.

Before Dr. Vera could speak again, a crackle of electricity filled the air, and a mischievous orange orb zipped out of a nearby console. Sparks danced around it as it rotated midair, its jagged grin almost alive with mischief.

"Rotom," Dr. Vera said with a long-suffering sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose as the Pokémon buzzed excitedly.

"Hi, hi, hi!" Rotom chirped, zipping around Ethan's head in a dizzying whirl. "New friend? New friend!"

Ethan couldn't help but laugh at the infectious energy of the creature. "And this is?" he asked, his curiosity feigned to mask his meta-knowledge.

"Rotom," Dr. Vera replied flatly, waving dismissively at the exuberant Pokémon. "An electric- and ghost-type Pokémon. It can possess and manipulate electronic equipment, which makes it invaluable for testing hardware and debugging prototypes—when it's not busy wreaking havoc, that is."

Rotom zipped toward a nearby monitor and dove in, causing the screen to flicker and distort before a cartoonish face appeared, grinning wildly. "I'm on TV!" it declared with glee.

Dr. Vera groaned audibly, her patience wearing thin. "And this is exactly why I prefer working with Porygon. At least it doesn't have a personality designed to drive people insane."

Ethan leaned closer to the screen, grinning at Rotom's antics. "Is it really a Pokémon? How is it able to talk?"

Dr. Vera crossed her arms, her tone clipped as she explained. "Yes, it's a Pokémon, albeit a very unusual one. Rotom's electric- and ghost-type nature allows it to inhabit electronic devices and manipulate them. Its ability to communicate comes from its connection to the systems it controls." She glanced at the screen as Rotom's face stretched into an exaggerated grin. "But its proclivity for mischief makes it a constant headache."

Ethan chuckled. "It seems like such a delight to be around. Its energy is infectious," Ethan remarked, grinning. "If it's that much of a nuisance, I'll take it off your hands."

Dr. Vera shot him a withering look. "Nice try, kid, but no. As much of a handful as it is, Rotom is still useful for the NovaDex project."

Ethan shrugged, his grin undeterred. "Had to give it a shot."

Neither Ethan nor Dr. Vera noticed the subtle shift in Rotom's expression on the monitor. The exaggerated grin softened ever so slightly, and the spark in its eyes glimmered with something more than mischief when Ethan had called it a delight.

As the day wore on, Ethan was given a crash course in the lab's ongoing projects. Dr. Luman's instructions were efficient but brusque, her patience clearly thin.

"I don't expect miracles from you, Ethan," she said. "Frankly, your lack of experience in this field is a liability. But since Oak insists on having you here, I suggest you spend your time observing and learning, rather than getting in the way."

Ethan bit back a retort, choosing instead to focus on the information she was sharing. He couldn't afford to alienate her, no matter how cold she seemed.