“Oh ho, of course not, we have an objective to defend our home.”

“What about finding Papa?”

“…He’ll come home someday, even if I have to bring him back myself.”

“He wouldn’t approve of us fighting the Ultra Beasts or hurting Type:FULL.”

“Just because your father has a degree doesn’t mean he’s always right. We’re practicing science, Gladion, and we’re going to change our approach when the truth presents otherwise.”

“Where is the research proving that they’re not Pokemon?”

“Oh, you really are brand new…”

“It’s okay. I’m not old enough to operate the lift yet either.”

“They don’t have to be older, Lillie, they just need an employee code that does work. Try these numbers, I’ve seen Branch Chief Faba enter them before.” Gladion shares Faba’s employee code and basement lab level code.

“…Is it really okay that we use that?”

Lusamine seems pretty involved talking to this agent about testing the BK project.

Gladion and Lillie pass her on their way to the Conservation Area. “…(I really want to know what that BK project is…)”

Lillie swings her arms as she hops up to you, standing at the elevator. “Please take us to the Conservation Area? I’m not big enough to use the elevator yet!”

“I’ve heard other Pokemon species speak a couple words before but none speak as fluently as the Chatot. However, as smart as these birds are, speaking to garner a reaction is learned behavior of their environment. It can be trained, refined, like any skill-” Lusamine’s phone rings.

“…My apologies, I need to take this call, it’s rather important.  Perhaps we can continue another time. I will summon someone to escort you out.” Lusamine steps away and accepts the call. “Yes Agent…”

“…” Gladion relaxes and checks his own phone. “(Lucky us. Let’s go back.)”

“(I don’t want to go back to math work… can’t we just find Bewear to play with?)”

“(Lillie, Mother will yell at you again.)”

“(But I’m tired! And mother’s too busy to tickle Bewear herself anyway!)”

“Pastime? Are you asking about something I miss…? I miss playing with P-”

“No Lillie, just stick to something you like to do.”

“Okay. I love playing tea parties with Mr. Pipi and showing Pokemon we’re friendly. My favorite is grooming their fur and feeding the Butterfree and Cutiefly!”

“Well I like watching how Pokemon interact with each other and helping them recover. I also enjoy following the Masked Royal’s challenges on tv.”

“…”

“Cheese!”

“…”

She tugs on his arm. “Cheese…”

(Ughhhhh… No Lillie, saying ‘cheese’ for photos is embarrassing…)

“Lillie dear, how long are you going to insist on such childish routines? You’re getting to be a big girl now, it would be nice if you could act like it…”

“Yes Mama.”

He puts an arm around Lillie and forces a smile. “Cheese!”

Lillie gives a shy wave back.

He gives a cold stare at the gossiper and takes Lillie’s hand. “(Come on, let’s just get this over with…)”

“Mh… thank you. It’s fortunate I’m in a good mood today.”

Aether employee Nalani and Lillie come into the room, Lillie walks up to her mother with her hands laced together in her lap.

“You asked for me, Mother?”

“Yes dear, we’re going to allow these nice reporters some time to photograph the three of us.”

(More photos…) She looks at Gladion.