Oh. They actually cared?

No. They were more curious - they knew what Xatu were capable of, and to hear of one afflicted in such a way was something of note. Something they could learn from. It was a matter of pragmatism more than sympathy.

At least, that's what he told himself. He couldn't let himself get soft and trust these people too much. He knew better. Everyone had secrets, after all.

Especially himself.

"Usually only during unique astronomical events." In reply to the Grand Conserve's question. "But, today it's happened twice..." It was at this point that he realized that he hadn't submitted his report of the interrogation yet, and so those gathered before him wouldn't necessarily know what he did. As such, he started to retell the experience with Ether's help. He would include the vision Oracle suffered earlier today in Fallarbor Town. He would also reveal the existence of Samantha, but would remaining vague on her true allegiances, certainly not bringing up Ms. Shade. After all, he didn't even know Ms. Shade's role in all of this.

Tristan nodded in thanks, as expected as the affirmation was, to the Colonel. Then his mind started racing at the prospect of all of this. Everything was moving so quickly, and without him pushing the pace. Usually there was a lot of waiting and making sure the timing was right. He didn't like this. The whole thing was urgent, he understood and respected that, but he hardly had time to think. Good thing Ether was here to keep him straight.

"A bed is not necessary, Sir. But it's appreciated." Tristan always made a point to sleep at home when he could. With Pokemon that could teleport him anywhere and everywhere, that was never really an issue. And in this situation, he definitely needed to go home and get in touch with his family and friends. "No questions, but a request, Sir. I would like my parents to have a Ranger detail while this case is open.” He figured there was no real need to explain why this request was being made and why it was entirely appropriate for him to make it.

Lady Fairfax could be dealt with later.

"Forrest?" He hoped to snap the man out of his concentration. Probably the most Tristan ever saw him think at one time. He'd then motion for Forrest to follow once they were dismissed. Tristan found an empty space for the pair to speak in relative privacy. "I'm going to reach out to the rest of the Elite Four; see if they're willing to lend a hand. I can't promise anything. But, if the bases as well guarded as reported, some help couldn't hurt.

"But, seriously... try not to kill [i]everyone[/i] and destroy [i]everything[/i]..." While there was some playfulness in his voice, he was still quite serious.

After the two parted ways, Tristan made a point to make a copy of all the files and notes he had gathered. Jonton's file was easily twice as thick now that Tristan had worked on it. Not entirely surprising, but he still couldn't help but think it was meager. The originals he'd keep in his office in a safe behind his desk, while the copy he'd put in a briefcase to carry with him. Following this, he would procure the supplies he had requested. 

Once all was set, his hand pet Ether and the pair apparated in Fallarbor Town. He'd spend only about 30 minutes walking around slowly, trying to pick up any clues or information from afar. None of his pokemon were released, so it was just the pair of them walking slowly along the streets.

He didn't want to bring too much attention to himself, and soon enough afterwards the pair were in Mossdeep, right outside the research center. He wanted to have Oracle looked at and tended to right away. Still more unkempt than he typically was, his mother was rightfully concerned about him. However, he wouldn't let her know that he was far more concerned about her and his father at this point. He knew people like this wouldn't think twice about pulling family members into these things to get what they wanted. Or to just stay safe. He desperately wanted his parents, friends, and loved ones to be kept out of this.

While he told her what he could - he knew what he could get away with saying and what he couldn’t, but also didn’t want to worry her unnecessarily - he had a hard time wrapping his head around this whole thing. It was the first time that he really considered his parents to be in real danger. It was unsettling to say the least.

He didn’t like it. 

Once Dierdre was caught up and as reassured as she was going to be, Tristan requested that she use her connections to see if anything could be done for Oracle to help her recover by tomorrow morning. Afterwards, he let his mom know that he’d catch his father up on all of this next.

And he did just that. And only on Mossdeep island would he actually walk to his destination, rather than teleport. It helped give him some time to think, so it was helpful if not enjoyable.

Much the same report was provided to his dad, and the request from him was to use his connections to dig up any information he could on myths and legends of Jirachi. An odd request to be sure, but Tristan would be rather adamant about it. Leon agreed, but wasn’t sure what, if anything, he might be able to come up with. Tristan appreciated the effort before leaving him to it.

Percival was next. Hopefully he was still at the gym, but he was going to head to his parent’s house afterwards and speak with his mother, Persephone, next anyway. These next recitations of the story he could tell came a bit smoother, after having gone through it twice already. He’d make the request that both Percival and Persephone keep an eye on his parents, and let him know of any unusual activity on the island until further notice. Before he left, he’d ask if any of them had noticed anything of note in the last few days, just to see if there was anything else he might need to take care of before he left.

Only once these conversations were concluded did he finally make it back to his condo. His job and profession left little time for a boyfriend, never mind any sort of family. He was fine with this most of the time, despite the occasional loneliness. It was times like these, though, that he was glad he didn’t have anyone particularly close to him like that. Less to worry about. Fewer people who could get hurt.

He let all of his pokemon out to stretch their limbs and to be apprised of the current situation and what they’d be getting themselves into. There was a quick discussion about which base to hit first. The concern was that hitting one would cause the other to either consolidate resources, or just be wiped and abandoned.

Ultimately the decision was made to hit the Route 123 base first. He certainly wasn’t going to split his team and look into both at the same time. And he figured it’d be better to get the one he thought would give them more trouble first.

The whole thing didn’t take long, but it was still well into night by the time he managed to get all the other Elite Four members on the line, their figures hovering over his Trainer Gauntlet. Fredrick and Lois were always up this late, but getting Bingham on the line required a few calls before he finally answered. They were all read-in as much as he felt necessary and finally asked if they might be able to lend a hand.