Amidst the hellish inferno, a defensive electromagnetic net formed by four Magnemites created a triangular shield in midair. Lt. Surge lay suspended within this protective barrier, hovering above the scorching flames. His years of life-and-death experience saved him at the last moment—instead of attempting a desperate escape from the blast radius, he chose to prioritize survival.
The self-destruction of the Voltorb and Electrode was as devastating as a ton of TNT detonating simultaneously. That Lt. Surge survived at ground zero was nothing short of a miracle.
Now, he lay within the electromagnetic net, his body charred black, his skin covered in grotesque blisters. His face was nearly unrecognizable, his internal organs ruptured, his blood evaporated before it could even spill. One of his hands was mangled beyond use. Were it not for his military discipline keeping him conscious, he would have long since passed out.
Raichu and Electabuzz, both critically injured, had been recalled into their Poké Balls. Even the four Magnemites sustaining the shield showed signs of melting under the intense heat. Unable to move, Lt. Surge couldn't command them to carry him to safety. Thick black smoke choked the air, obscuring all sense of direction.
But for Lt. Surge, this was enough. He could die here—but his Pokémon would not perish with him.
Even as a member of Team Rocket, he was still a true Trainer. He might employ ruthless methods against others' Pokémon or wild Pokémon, but he would never subject his own partners to cruelty. He would sooner sacrifice himself for them.
"Those damn brats… really did a number on me… No, they were too damn good… Heh…"
His voice was like a broken, wheezing bellows, scraping out from his parched throat.
As his consciousness wavered, Lt. Surge thought he heard his subordinates calling for him. His mind relaxed—and then, darkness. His injuries were severe, but in the modern medical world of Pokémon, physical wounds were rarely fatal as long as the victim didn't die instantly. Even lost limbs could be regenerated.
"Commander Surge!"
A group of Team Rocket operatives shielded their faces from the smoke and flames, desperately searching for their leader. Pokémon with the Flash Fire ability absorbed the surrounding fire, while Water-types doused the remaining flames. Finally, in a deep crater at the ship's lowest level, they found Lt. Surge—barely alive.
The Team Rocket squad leader's expression flickered between relief and grim determination.
"...We'll split up and escape! You all take to the skies as decoys—draw the attention of anyone still on board! I'll take Commander Surge and escape underwater!"
"...Remember, keep the Trainers distracted at all costs. Buy time for the Commander. If you're caught, you die before revealing his identity. Understood?!"
"Yes, sir!"
The Team Rocket members saluted sharply.
Among Team Rocket's high-ranking executives, while Sabrina was admired by male operatives for her beauty, Lt. Surge commanded genuine respect. A former soldier, he trained, ate, and lived alongside his subordinates. Their bond was almost brotherly—and as a result, his forces operated like a disciplined army, willing to lay down their lives for their leader.
"Move out! We're close to Johto—there's a secret base there. Abandon all cargo! For Commander Surge!"
With that order, the Team Rocket operatives sprang into action.
---
On the deck, chaos reigned. Screams, shouts, and frantic footsteps filled the air. Though the flames here weren't as intense as those below deck, it still took a coordinated effort from Trainers and their Water-type Pokémon to extinguish most of the fires.
But the damage was done. The S.S. Anne's bow had begun to fracture, seawater rushing into the breach. The massive 200,000-ton vessel groaned ominously, tilting as if on the verge of capsizing.
Yet Ryuuske knew a ship of this scale wouldn't sink so easily. It might look like it had taken torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, but—
The S.S. Anne is no Bismarck.
The Bismarck had sunk in under twenty minutes after its scuttling charges detonated. Even the Titanic, after hitting an iceberg, had taken hours to fully submerge. The S.S. Anne, with four times the tonnage and far more advanced technology, wouldn't go down so fast.
Still, the ship was listing.
"Damage report!"
"Captain, the main engines are completely destroyed!"
"Seawater is flooding the lower decks—but the heat is too intense for inspection!"
"The foredeck is tilting at a 30-degree angle! Hull integrity is at risk!"
"..."
The S.S. Anne's captain wiped cold sweat from his brow. This ship carried dignitaries from every major region. If even a few of them perished, resigning in disgrace would be the least of his worries—he'd be lucky to keep his life.
What caused that final explosion?
The battle between the Vermilion Gym Leader and those two Trainers had been destructive, but it shouldn't have crippled the ship like this. This was a sinking scenario!
One thing was certain: Trainers of this caliber were monsters. Their Pokémon's power defied reason—storm-summoning, wind and rain manipulation, lightning crisscrossing the sky like something out of ancient myth.
Still, the captain did his duty.
Alarms blared as his voice echoed ship-wide:
"Attention all passengers—please remain calm! Avoid panic and stampedes! Our crew is maintaining order! Rest assured, the S.S. Anne is constructed with cutting-edge technology—its tonnage ensures it will not sink for several hours! Rescue teams from the nearest port will arrive within sixty minutes! I repeat—"
Amidst the apocalyptic chaos, Ryuuske leaned against a wall near the bow, Caitlin clinging to him in a tight embrace. She sat on the deck with her legs folded beneath her, her face buried in his chest as if unwilling to let go.
The scene reminded Ryuuske of the Titanic—but he was no Jack, and Caitlin was no Rose. Their lives weren't in danger.
Then, another commotion erupted.
Dozens of Flying-type Pokémon took to the skies, their Trainers—clad in Team Rocket uniforms—clearly visible in the firelight.
Ryuuske's mind raced. He raised his voice, shouting over the din:
"Team Rocket caused that explosion! They're trying to sink the S.S. Anne—to drown us all at sea! Who knows if Lt. Surge was even their first victim?!"
Someone had to take the blame.
To be continued…
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