Tia pays a visit to Professor Oak to get her Pokedex rated and thinks about future projects.
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Tia stood before Professor Oak as he examined her progress on the Pokedex, trying very hard not to fidget impatiently. She had sent him progress reports on the Pokedex throughout her journey through Johto and Kanto, but this was the first time she had actually visited the eminent professor in person.
“Hmm…” Professor Oak murmured to himself as he flipped through the virtual pages on the Pokedex unit. “I see…” Then he looked up at Tia, and she fought the urge to jump in surprise. “You’ve done a wonderful job, Tia. I knew you were the right person for the job!”
Tia blushed. “Thank you, Professor. Though, there are a few gaps in the record…”
The professor nodded. “The Pokemon with Legendary origins. It may require a little more digging to find and capture these Pokemon, but I’m confident that you’ll find ways to accomplish that!”
Tia smiled. “My…uh... partner researches Pokemon myths and legends, and might know a thing or two about where to find these Pokemon, so I may be consulting him often.”
“That’s good. Oh, and speaking of research…” Professor Oak smiled. “I heard you passed your dissertation defense. Congratulations!”
Tia beamed. “Thanks.”
“What do you plan on doing now?”
Tia thought a moment. “I haven’t thought of anything concrete yet, besides searching for the Legendary Pokemon. Possibly a new Poke Ball project, or teaching, or something that’ll lead to publishing a paper. Whatever I decide, I’ll keep you in the loop!”
Professor Oak nodded. “Wonderful!” His Pokegear rang just then, and he picked up. “Hello? Yes.” He then looked at the clock. “Oh, my, I almost forgot! Thank you for reminding me. I’ll be right there!” He hung up the Pokegear and smiled sheepishly. “I have an appointment at the Goldenrod Radio Tower for my usual radio show – I must get going.” He walked over to the door of the lab. “Congratulations again on your professorship, and good luck on your future endeavors!”
Tia waved goodbye as he left.
“Tia!” One of Professor Oak’s assistants waved her over.
Tia recognized Mira, Professor Oak’s granddaughter and one of Kit’s Trainer companions, who worked as an assistant professor under her grandfather.
“Hi, Mira.”
“So how did your meeting with Granddad go?”
“Pretty good, I’d say.”
“I heard you’re almost finished,” Mira said, excited, “I can’t wait to see the whole thing completed!”
Tia smiled. “I heard from Kit that you’re the one behind a lot of the new tweaks and features for the Pokedex. It’s some neat, clean programming!”
Mira smiled proudly. “Thanks! Terry yawns about how boring working on the Pokedex is every time he visits. I guess he’d rather be battling Trainers all day.”
Terry was another one of Professor Oak’s grandkids, Mira’s cousin and another of Kit’s Trainer companions. He was Viridian City’s Gym Leader, and Tia wondered if he had ever grown out of his obnoxious attitude.
Mira’s expression turned candid. “I heard from a couple of people that you finally found yourself a significant other!”
Tia blushed. “Not you too. Does everyone know?”
“Hey, the researcher grapevine moves fast! I also heard you’re a full professor now – congrats!”
“And you mention the significant other first,” Tia muttered.
Mira grinned.
“Hopeless romantic.”
The dissertation defense is over, but we're not done yet! ^^ There's still a few more stories to go before the end!