Objective – To forge a path where trainers and Pokémon can grow together without the perils of real battles. The Simulated Battle Ball (SBB) represents my endeavor to protect and nurture Pokémon while honing their skills, ensuring their well-being and growth.
From Inspiration to Creation – The seed of this project was planted when I first encountered the Exp. Share device, marvelling at its ability to share experience without the need for actual combat. That was the spark that ignited my imagination, envisioning a device that could grant Pokémon the knowledge and experience of battles, without subjecting them to the risks and dangers associated with it.
Proof of Concept – Countless hours were poured into research and experimentation, resulting in the birth of the first prototypes of the SBB. Witnessing Pokémon engage in simulated battles, their instincts ignited, and their skills sharpened was a breakthrough moment. It offered a glimpse into a future where training could be safer and more enlightening, fostering growth and bonding between trainers and Pokémon. However, my dear friend Argento, a Gym Leader, philosophy major and a trusted voice of reason, expressed his concerns regarding the long-term effects and ethical implications of the SBB. We engaged in passionate debates, exchanging viewpoints and wrestling with the moral complexities surrounding our creation. His objections pushed me to critically evaluate the potential consequences and reassess the path we were on.
Technical Specifications – The SBB, v1.0, embodied my vision- a customized Pokéball integrating neural interface and dream induction technologies. It harnessed the power of Pokémon’s subconscious to simulate battle experiences, pushing their boundaries and expanding their knowledge. But the flaws in its implementation overshadowed its potential benefits.
Design Flaws – As the project progressed, unforeseen cracks began to emerge. Prolonged exposure to the SBB revealed a darker side, filling me with overwhelming guilt and regret. Pokémon with fierce battle inclinations or deep-seated fears became consumed by the very dreams we had crafted for them. Their mental and emotional well-being deteriorated, leaving them trapped in a perpetual state of turmoil, with fainting in battle being their only respite. These design flaws shook me to the core, as I realized the unintended consequences of my ambition. The very technology I believed would safeguard Pokémon had become a source of their anguish. It was a painful realization that demanded introspection and immediate action.
Failed Experiments – Through careful observation, we made a significant discovery. Pokémon with lower levels of exposure to the SBB could be rehabilitated through care and attention. Calming treatments and therapy at the Restoration Rocket Day Care Ranch showed promising results in helping them recover from their traumatic experiences. However, those with prolonged exposure required more intense interventions and specialized therapies to alleviate their deep-seated trauma and restore a semblance of normal behaviour. Regrettably, I must report that during one of the SBB deliveries, an unknown group intercepted the shipment, resulting in the theft of a Rhydon. The incident was promptly reported to the police, but the culprits remain unidentified. It is disheartening to witness such a breach of security, adding another layer of complexity to the project’s challenges.
Future Considerations – The SBB project now stands at a crossroads, demanding urgent attention and contemplation. We must navigate these mired ethics and ensure the responsible development and usage of this technology. Further research is imperative to understand the long-term effects and to explore countermeasures that can restore Pokémon’s mental and emotional well-being.
Shelving the Project – With a heavy heart, I have made the difficult decision to halt further development and usage of the SBB until these issues are resolved. The risks imposed on Pokémon and trainers far outweigh the benefits we initially envisioned. It is crucial to protect the well-being and integrity of Pokémon, for they are not mere tools for our ambition.
Closing Thoughts – My journey through the creation and subsequent challenges of the SBB has been a humbling experience. It has exposed the fragility of my own convictions and the depth of responsibility that comes with scientific progress. I am grateful for the support of my friend Argento, whose scepticism and insight have kept me grounded and accountable.
Final Note – The SBB’s data must not be published in its current state, as it could prematurely expose others to the perils we have unleashed. Nor can it be destroyed, for that would be a denial of knowledge and the lessons we have learned. Should another keen researcher begin a similar experiment I can present my findings and hopefully kerb the anguish before it begins anew. Instead, I have chosen to carry the burden, safeguarding the data until the right time, when a safer environment for its study and potential resolution emerges.
N.B. – As I set sail on the S.S. Anne, I take with me the weight of the SBB project, a reminder of the mistakes made and my drive to seek redemption. It is my promise to mend what has been broken.
A number of cases are being reported in relation to the mysterious condition, associated with exposure to the energies of the Widening Gyre. This sickness is present in those fourteen individuals who vanished during the initial experiment and were retrieved via [REDACTED]. This document details the observed symptoms, annual progression, and suggested treatment protocols for affected individuals based on predicted continued degradation.
Memory Distortion: The patients were returned during the subsequent activation of the equipment, via unknown means. They each claim to have experienced visions of an unknown humanoid figure, though they claim they do not remember his face in specific detail.
Tremor: The condition typically begins with a mild, persistent tremor, predominantly in the hands, which can intensify under emotional distress or concentration.
Mental Deterioration: Early symptoms also include episodes of confusion and slight disorientation, escalating over time to noticeable memory impairments and the experience of mild hallucinations.
Chorea: The initial tremor worsens into chorea, characterized by involuntary, jerky movements particularly of the facial muscles and hands. The erratic nature of these movements severely disrupts routine tasks and social interactions.
Communication Breakdown: Ongoing deterioration of mental faculties coupled with physical symptoms increasingly impairs speech. Muteness observed in patients may be an involuntary result of neurological decline or a voluntary response to hallucinatory fears.
Unresponsiveness: As the syndrome progresses, affected individuals may show diminishing responses to external stimuli, complicating interaction and necessitating the use of alternative communication aids like boards or digital devices.
Lethargy and Debilitation: Based on the increase in Delta Wave activity a deep-seated lethargy will begin to set in, leading to substantial weakness and requiring intensive, full-time caregiving in five of the fourteen patients. Fortunately Yama seems to be one of those least effected, perhaps her condition managed to keep the effects abated. The child was delivered with minimal complications, despite pressure for investigation by my backer I am afraid that conducting research on the child crosses boundaries I simply refuse to entertain, should he reach adulthood and be willing to submit himself to examination I would urge him to do so.
Disaster. Today the experiment went ahead as scheduled, all seemed to be going well until we introduced the oils into the resonance core, they interacted with the Cinnabar Crystal Samples in a way we've never seen before, for a moment the readings reached their expected levels before exceeding anything we've ever seen before. I attempted to close the core doors and seal the experiment safely behind the Polyhex glass however before I could do so the vial containing the oil sample shattered, dousing all but myself in the solution. This totals fourteen aides and researchers present in the room and Professor D. Those closest to the chamber were unable to resist the sudden gravitational pull of the rift, in an instant they were gone. Fortunately I have managed to redirect the energies from the rift into a stable loop using the magnetic locking system, it seems when these energies enter our domain they begin to follow the domestic laws of physics, until a method of closing the rift is found the chamber will remain sealed. Fourteen men and women, all lost presumably forever, the only one who remained was Professor D who was fortunate enough to be returned via means unknown. I dragged him out of the lab and arranged for med-evac to Celadon hospital, I understand my backer disagrees with this course of action but due to the extensive damage to both Professor D and the equipment I had on hand I saw no other option. Given the nature of the experiment and the legal quagmire this endeavour is wrapped up in I am not yet sure how to report my findings to the Pokemon League. My backer has agreed to visit the site in person, we will work from there. - Rodrick Samanea.
Relief. Despite my fervent remonstrations we began secondary activation of the Resonance Core. If the experiment had to go ahead I damnded to be present. We cleared out the laboratory of any debris and filed away the collected readings for further study. Without my aides present however I found it difficult to check over the data in totality, the scientists provided by Mr. Fukushima were quite capable but were unfamiliar with the data and equipment. Utilising the same methods as the prior operation we once more opened a Gyre. At the behest of the present scientists we once more opened the Resonance Core for more accurate readings and utilised a hardened container of the sample oil to avoid a repeat of the first incident. As soon as the Gyre was stabilised the first Aide emerged, in much the same manner as Professor D. Bodily ejected from the Gyre. Immediate medical attention was sought, the on-site scientists handled themselves admirably and began to load her onto a stretcher, and then the second arrived. And so on, until we recovered all fourteen of the missing Aides.
They are currently each undergoing a full diagnostic in the impromptu medical wing of the facility.
I was about to order shutdown of the procedure when two more figures arrived.
Despite walking through the Gyre unaided, upon arrival they immediately collapsed. We have categorised these unknown travellers as Subject A and Subject B. As of the time of writing they remain unresponsive. - Rodrick Samanea