"The choice of 'Ash' as a tournament handle is strategically sound," Annie remarked as their corporate transport approached the Scissor Seven Convention Center. "It's unremarkable enough to avoid immediate attention, unlike some of the more... theatrical suggestions floating around social media."
Ethan watched the growing crowd of reporters outside the convention center, their cameras already tracking approaching vehicles. The Victoria show had drawn every major biotech company in the sector, making it impossible to enter quietly. "The best cover stories are often the simplest ones."
Annie's tablet chimed with another security alert. "Speaking of cover stories, Northam Group's PR team just confirmed their attendance. They're bringing their latest genetic engineering showcases."
Timmy chittered from his perch on Ethan's shoulder, ears twitching at the mention of other engineered creatures. Beside them, Suicune maintained its characteristic poise, ruby eyes scanning the convention center's architecture with quiet intelligence.
The moment they stepped from the vehicle, Ethan could feel the shift in the crowd's energy. Suicune's presence had that effect, even among the world's leading biotech innovations, there was something undeniably different about it.
The Pokemon's sapphire mane caught the morning light, and its movements carried a fluid grace that no amount of genetic engineering had yet managed to replicate.
"Mr. Grave!" A convention staff member hurried forward, tablet in hand. "We've arranged private access through the executive entrance. Though..." The staff member's eyes kept darting to Suicune, barely suppressing the urge to take a photo. "Would it be possible...?"
"Security protocols," Annie interjected smoothly. "No unauthorized photography of Pokemon Biotech assets."
The convention center's main hall had been transformed into a showcase of modern genetic engineering. Display areas highlighted creatures that pushed the boundaries of what was possible, some with iridescent fur that shifted colors, others displaying impossible combinations of traits. Yet even here, Suicune commanded attention, its natural elegance making the engineered spectacles seem somehow artificial in comparison.
"Pokemon Biotech graces us with its presence!" The booming voice belonged to Jason Hobbes, Northam Group's lead researcher. His enthusiasm seemed genuine, though his eyes betrayed a sharper interest as they tracked Suicune's movements. "I was hoping we'd have a chance to compare notes after your remarkable work in Japan."
"Hobbes." Ethan kept his tone professionally cordial. Northam Group had been aggressively expanding their genetic research division, and their recent data mining spike hadn't gone unnoticed. "I trust the convention's security protocols meet your standards?"
"Oh, absolutely." Hobbes gestured to two massive creatures occupying Northam's display area, one with pristine white fur, the other midnight black. "We're particularly excited to showcase our latest developments in trait combination. The strength-to-mass ratio alone is revolutionary."
The engineered creatures were impressive, objectively speaking. Their muscle density and coat quality spoke to significant advances in Northam's genetic manipulation techniques. Yet there was something mechanical about their movements, a preciseness that betrayed their artificial nature.
Timmy, perhaps sensing Ethan's analysis, hopped down to investigate. The Pikachu's natural curiosity provided excellent cover for gathering intelligence on competitors' developments. Annie, meanwhile, was already documenting specifications and market implications on her tablet.
"Remarkable specimens," Ethan acknowledged, noting how Suicune maintained a careful distance from the engineered creatures. "Though I'm curious about their cognitive development metrics."
Hobbes's smile tightened slightly. Cognitive enhancement remained the holy grail of genetic engineering and Pokemon Biotech's clear advantage. Before he could respond, a convention coordinator approached.
"Mr. Grave? Victoria's team is ready for your pre-show briefing."
Ethan nodded to Hobbes. "We'll have to continue this discussion later. Annie, ensure our friend here gets a copy of our latest public research bulletin."
As they followed the coordinator, Annie fell into step beside him. "Northam's new line is impressive," she murmured, "but their neural architecture is still generations behind Timmy's capabilities."
"They're trying to brute force evolution," Ethan replied quietly. "All that power, but limited ability to apply it intelligently." He glanced at Suicune, whose graceful movements continued to draw attention from passing engineers and executives. "Sometimes the most advanced technology looks deceptively simple."
The Victoria Show's private preparation area offered a brief respite from the convention's intensity. As Annie reviewed their media talking points, Ethan considered the delicate balance they were maintaining. Between the Japan cleanup, the Orange League registration, and now this very public appearance, their corporate rivals would be looking for any connection between Pokemon Biotech's CEO and the mysterious trainer called Ash.
Timmy returned to his shoulder, chittering quietly about what he'd observed. The Pikachu's intelligence reports were often more valuable than their official corporate espionage. Meanwhile, Suicune's quiet presence reminded Ethan that some powers transcended corporate manipulation, a fact that made Pokemon Biotech both admired and feared in equal measure.