[center]Jorie's eyes narrowed skeptically as Michael reassured the group of their safety. She raised a golden eyebrow high into the slight wrinkles of her forehead and smiled narrowly. Jorie knew Michael had good intentions, and besides, what other choice did he have at the moment. She wondered how long it had taken the man to perfect the art of "thinking on his feet". Her mind wandered aimlessly to thoughts of his adventures, and she let out a small sigh before straightening up to full attention once more. Perhaps this was her chance to prove herself and her abilities in the field she so longed to be an integral part of...[i]adventuring.[/i] Jorie's bright green eyes disappeared as a wide smile creased across her face.

"Well Professor, I think you've got yourself a delivery crew."

She motioned her head to each side, acknowledging Tyler and Marie, and placed her hands determinedly at her hips. The texture of Maren's Friend Ball lingered along her fingertips, and she looked down with concern clouding her vision. Maren had received a rather nasty peck wound during his earlier battle, and Jorie knew he wasn't prepared to win another skirmish should it arise in the near future. She unlatched the Pokeball from her waist and extended it out towards Michael. Her eyes met with his own, and her shoulders shrugged as she questioned the man.

"Could Maren have a quick visit to your Pokecenter before we head out? Always good to air on the side of caution. Speaking of, do you think we could borrow some supplies from your lab in case of emergency? I know the way very well, but the forest is always lurking with secrets..."

Jorie turned her eyes away from the Professor as her words trailed off. Her body erupted in chill bumps, and a shiver traveled down her spine. The stifled memory of Jorie's mother teased at the girl's consciousness. She bit the inside of her cheek and tried her best to contain the moisture welling up in her eyes. [i]Dry it up, Jor.[/i] Beckett's firm, but gentle, encouragements rang clearly in Jorie's ears. She shook her head and blinked hard before looking back up with an irresistibly happy face. The lapse of emotional strength was undetectable, but she sniffed hard hoping to play it off as casually as possible. 

"And how will we recognize your sister, Professor?"

Jorie kept her arm extended, tapping her fingers rhythmically against the Friend Ball, as she waited for a response.[/center]