UP ON THE ROOF
An Ultra Omake
by Scott K. Jamison
(All characters trademark their respective owners; no infringement intended.)


One of the more interesting new features of the rebuilt Ultradome 
was the "brooding shelves."  These were platforms scattered around the 
roof of the dome, cleverly arranged to be just out of line of sight of 
each other.  Kasumi had added them to the design when she'd noticed that 
Ranma wasn't the only martial artist who liked to go to high places alone 
and look at the stars.
They were just large enough to comfortably seat one economy-sized 
human, or two average-sized ones who liked each other very much.  Nabiki 
had a betting pool going on when and which couple would be the first to 
go "all the way" up on a shelf.  To better convey a sense of privacy, 
none of the roof hatches opened directly by a shelf.
Thus it required a certain amount of agility or ingenuity to 
reach a brooding shelf.  The majority of the martial artists in ULTRA 
were in the agile category, and several of the others could fly.  But 
some people had to get a little more creative.
"Arbok, return."  The giant purple snake returned to its Pokeball 
with a cry of "Char-bok!" and its mistress sat back.
Jesse wasn't particularly thrilled about riding Arbok, due to its 
odd slithering style of locomotion, but it was an effective way of moving 
around the domed roof.  She smiled as she looked up at the stars.  The 
view here was almost as good as in the Safari Zone.  Pretty amazing for 
as much light pollution as there was in Tokyo.
Thinking of the Safari Zone, Jesse was reminded of Team Rocket's 
days on the road.  They'd been hard times, sure, never knowing where the 
next meal was coming from, or if her hair spray would run out, but the 
freedom had been good.
She wondered if their old boss missed them.  Nah.  If he'd even 
noticed they were gone, the Boss had probably just cleared out their 
lockers and assigned Butch and Cassidy the extra work.  You could say a 
lot of things about Controversial Jack, most of them unpleasant, but at 
least he took an interest in his underlings.
Jesse moved aside an errant lock of scarlet hair.  It had taken 
her a long time to grow it out just right.  A luxury.  There'd been none 
of those growing up; her parents had barely been able to keep a roof over 
their heads, and a minimum of food on the table.  Forget things like 
dolls, or fancy clothes, or hair styling.
So she'd learned to take what she wanted when other people 
weren't looking.  It'd been easy at first; people didn't suspect an 
innocent-looking child.  But as she got older, her innocence vanished, 
and so did adults' tolerance for her thefts.  She'd spent a lot of time 
hiding, and playing dress-up with bits of clothing she'd found or 
filched.  
In her games, she'd be a princess, or a Pokemon master, or a 
pirate.  The details were less important than the idea of being somewhere 
else, somewhere nicer.
She'd eventually left home, and good riddance on both sides.  The 
next year or so had been another sort of learning experience, until she'd 
hooked up with James.  A boy who loved to play dress-up as much as she 
did!  It wasn't exactly love, but they were definitely made for each 
other.  
The bike gang they'd joined was Jesse's first taste of respect.  
For all that it was just a bunch of kids, it felt good to be looked up 
to.  And their illegal activities had brought James and Jesse to the 
attention of Team Rocket.
At first it had seemed like a dream come true.  Steady employment 
at what they did best, aided by Meowth, who'd provided a balance to the 
trio.  Unfortunately, it quickly became apparent that there was no 
"brains" in this team.  One too many foul-ups, and the trio were assigned 
to less and less important assignments.
And then had come the boy.  And his Pikachu.  Again and again, 
Team Rocket tried to steal the Pikachu, and time and time again they 
failed miserably.  They'd gotten obsessed; Jesse realized now they could 
have walked away, but that just wasn't the Team Rocket spirit.
It had come as something of a shock when Ash disappeared.  They'd 
tried everything to find the missing Trainer.  Everything but turn on the 
television.
By the time Team Rocket had reached the Ultradome, they'd been at 
the end of their rope.  So they were ready to listen to the offer of the 
strange spiky-haired man.  Especially since he offered them cup ramen 
while he talked.
Controversial Jack had offered membership in his gan--er, stable, 
"Sex and Violence", and other considerations, in exchange for the team's 
services.  Used to making snap decisions, Team Rocket had taken him up on 
it. 
And it hadn't been all bad.  Watching Ash's face when they'd 
summoned a Mew had been worth the trip all by itself.  Team Rocket 
merchandise was selling decently, and they all had enough to eat.  
Besides, they'd been getting thrashed regularly without benefits before.  
Still, they were supposed to be stealing a Pikachu, eventually.  
And now it should be easier.  Jesse's face turned a little sad.  Poor 
Ash, having to learn that no one can be trusted, that even your so-called 
friends will turn on you in an instant.  She'd certainly betray James and 
Meowth in a second if she got a better offer.
Maybe two seconds, and it would have to be a really *good* 
offer.  After all, it was hard to find good dress-up partners.
Meanwhile, in order to sell more merchandise, Team Rocket needed 
to win a few more fights.  And Ash had been right about one thing at that 
Ultrarage match.  Their tactics were incredibly predictable.  Worse, 
they'd lost Mew, at least temporarily.  (Controversial Jack had assured 
her it would be back soon, but then he'd also assured her the Yomiuri 
Giants would win the American League pennant.)
Arbok and Weezing both had severe weak points, Meowth had 
concentrated on language studies more that fighting skills, and neither 
she nor James was a martial artist.  A couple of new Pokemon would be a 
good start, but Team Rocket also needed some new tactics.  Something 
underhanded and sneaky, for preference.  She thought for a few moments, 
but nothing was forthcoming.  Jesse decided to brainstorm with the boys 
tomorrow.
She looked at her watch.  There was still an hour until the 
stable meeting; Cage was going to be showing one of his movies.  As an 
actor, he made a good martial artist, but the action was excellent.  
Meanwhile, Jesse could just sit back and enjoy the quiet.
"THE LEGENDARY WARRIOR HAOHMARU ALREADY OCCUPIES THIS SEAT!  PRAY 
REMOVE YOURSELF TO ANOTHER LOCATION OF LESS PRESTIGE!"
Or maybe not.


Fin (for now)



SKJAM!
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/5990