Special Episode 3: Commercial Break
by khiroWelcome to Eclipse Labs!
Headquartered in Heliopolis, often deemed the heart of progress and innovation, The Eclipse Corporation is seeking talented and driven employees to aid in the development of our brand new project!
Here at Eclipse, we’re more than just a company. We are a community dedicated to excellence, innovation, and ethical integrity. Join us at the forefront of modern sectors including technology, pharmaceuticals, and pokémon sustainability as we spearhead the development of scalable solutions that pave the way for a beautiful tomorrow. Grow with us as we continue to expand our global influence to ensure a more prosperous future for all, man and pokémon alike.
Eclipse Labs is a subdivision of The Eclipse Corporation that specializes in scientific research and development. Equipped with the latest in technology and staffed by some of the most brilliant minds in modern science, our labs are where future breakthroughs are born. We boast thousands of publications and dozens of award winning products, and our palkian physics and pokémon genetics research departments are some of the most reputable in the nation.
We are currently seeking enthusiastic candidates for the following position(s):
Biochemical Engineer/Specialist: Join our dynamic team in crafting materials that revolutionize industries while definitely adhering to the strictest of environmental and safety standards. Experience in pokémon DNA and splicing preferred. A bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, pokémon biology, or related field is required.
Palkian Research Interns: Kickstart your career by working alongside pioneers in quantum science and palkian technology, contributing to cutting-edge, reality bending research that will redefine industries. Applicants must be completing a masters or doctorate degree in palkian physics or related field. 2-3 years of work experience is preferred.
Public Relations Manager: Help shape public perception with your skills in media relations and crisis management, promoting our mission of global well-being and corporate transparency. At least 10 years of experience is required, 15+ preferred.
SOC Security Analyst: Are you a seasoned cyberecurity professional with a knack for critical thinking and analytical prowess? Play a pivotal role in responding to escalated incidents, conducting thorough investigations, and seeing them through to resolution. Applicants must possess a doctorate degree in computer engineering, systems, or related field.
Pokémon Trainer Watchkeepers/Guards: Help maintain a safe and secure environment for all our employees and visitors. While patrolling our state-of-the-art campuses, you will play a crucial role in our organization’s daily operations and overall mission. IMPORTANT: At least 4 years as a pokémon trainer is required, and an entrance examination will be conducted during interview.
What we offer:
Competitive Compensation Packages: Enjoy top industry salaries, comprehensive health benefits for both you and your pokémon, and generous retirement plans.
Dynamic Work Environment: Our modern offices are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and designed to foster creativity and collaboration.
Professional Growth: With personal development programs and continuous education opportunities, we invest in making our team the best in the industry.
Global Impact: Be part of initiatives that truly make a difference in the world, from pokémon conservation projects to groundbreaking technological research.
We at Eclipse Labs believe that every team member is essential to our success and vital to our mission. We’re committed to ethical practices in all our operations, ensuring that our growth never comes at the expense of our values or the communities that we serve.
Apply Today!
Please submit your CV and cover letter at [email protected]
We can’t wait to welcome you to our team, where together, we can build a prosperous future that eclipses the present.
[Stamped on the bottom of the pamphlet is a simple emblem resembling an eclipsed star: a red crescent, waning toward upper left.]
Pardon the hold up again, let my thoughts simmer as I figure out how to word things.
What a place to leave this story off on – right when things start to get going! The exploration remains engaging and action feels well-paced. I like the use of canon strategy as well, though one might argue that Dela pulled a shonen power boost there, particularly when pulling out the Focus Sash out of nowhere. Perhaps tease it in an earlier chapter (or earlier in chapter 7 itself) that she owns such a strong item?
Dela remains my favourite character, both out of bias (I like Skitty) but also because I’m interested to see where her story goes, especially now that she’s a little more buddy with her team. Whether she learns greater lessons and strives to be her own kind of hero or team, or something else.
Since there have been a few battles now, there’s another thing I’m a little icky on, but I must stress it’s REALLY nitpicky. It’s consistency in the mechanics when it comes to action. You’ve got this lore and theory to the way Pokémon attacks work and are used, as well as reasons why feral Pokémon behave the way they do. This is all well and good, if it doesn’t get a little wordy or repetitive during combat. It can feel a bit game-mechanicy in places, but that’s not so much to stop me from reading.
My ick is that the same consistency doesn’t cross all aspects of battle. Unless she was being overdramatic, it seems like Dela almost died when fighting the spirit Rotom, but found the strength thanks to the Focus Sash to get back up, defeat one, and then collapsed due to exhaustion. When I read scenes like this, I interpret it as 1HP equalling very low strength or stamina, or severely wounded, which makes sense here. Dela was able to hang on and strike back with the last bit of strength she could muster thanks to her magical item.
It then doesn’t feel consistent that the Oran Berry she eats a little later instantly gets her back on her feet and able to fight. The little description we get of it working even implies that it works instantly. They might as well be senzu beans!
Again, it may not even be a big deal and perhaps you want things this way. I just feel like with all the work that went into moves, abilities, and what else to make everything feel logical and realistic, that suddenly healing or restoring strength of all things turns to game mechanics. Perhaps even if the effect slowly returned her energy to her, I wouldn’t be irked. Granted it was a Thunderbolt Dela was hit by, but I would at least expect something like visible burns or signs of static remaining on her, considering how much damage it did to her.
At the end of the day, this is without repeating my previous suggestions, all of which can easily be fixed with that rewrite you mentioned you planned to do. You’ve got a good story here, and I’m curious about what you’ve got planned for it~