Before Caleb could figure out how to explain things to Mimikyu, Gwen sat down across from him with a tray of sushi...
Caleb raised an eyebrow, pulling Mimikyu closer before giving her a questioning look.
Gwen kept her voice low, "Did you notice?"
Caleb matched her volume, "Notice what?"
"This Pokémon world isn't as safe as we thought."
Caleb immediately understood what she meant, recalling the System Notifications. He shrugged nonchalantly, stirring his mushroom bisque, "Honestly? I'm more interested in what's for dinner tonight."
Gwen openly shared her mission, "My task is to gather evidence of Team Rocket's crimes and report it to the Kanto League."
"Newbie missions are probably similar..." Caleb paused, recognizing her intent... she wanted to team up.
Compared to the two scheming veteran players (reincarnators), another newcomer like him was clearly a better ally.
Though Caleb wasn't keen on teaming up yet, he didn't mind sharing insights: "We've got two main problems."
"First, while we're undercover agents, we have no way to contact the League. Even with evidence, we can't reach them..."
"...Second, the mission doesn't specify how to deliver evidence. We lack phones, recorders, or storage device..."
"...Most importantly... we're broke. We can't buy anything. Even if we wait for Team Rocket's paycheck, that's a month away. We don't have that much time."
Here, Caleb again marveled at Team Rocket's employee benefits... It wasn't just generous pay, but free cafeteria meals too!
Without that, they'd be reduced to begging on the streets... The mental image of him and Mimikyu holding a tin cup almost made him laugh.
Gwen fell deep in thought before finally suggesting, "Then let's split up? You find League contacts, I'll gather evidence?"
Caleb nodded while feeding Mimikyu, "Sure."
Truthfully, he wasn't invested in teaming up... he had already secured another lead. Still, he warned her, "Be careful. Team Rocket might already suspect us."
This wasn't paranoia, Ariana's earlier comments had tipped him off.
Gwen nodded solemnly before leaving...
....
From their cafeteria corner, the two veteran players watched Gwen depart...
Lucien sneered, "Looks like they teamed up."
Victor licked his lips. "A shame. I was hoping to play with the newbie girl this round."
Lucien suddenly stiffened, "Boss... we're being watched."
Victor frowned, "I Guess Team Rocket doesn't trust us." After a pause, he asked pointedly, "You still haven't told me your main mission."
Lucien kept his face neutral, "Same as yours, obviously. Undercover in Team Rocket, right?"
Victor eyed him suspiciously but recalled Lucien's past performances, "Don't screw me over. I'm out of points... one more failure and I'm gone..."
....
After lunch, a grunt escorted Caleb to Ariana's office...
Upon arriving, Caleb noticed that the office space was minimalist... just a desk, computer, cabinet, and black sofa. Nothing hinted at her personality.
Ariana barely glanced up from her screen when Caleb entered.
After standing awkwardly, Caleb's legs grew numb, so he started, "Did you eat yet?"
Ariana finally looked up, arching a sculpted brow, "Want to have lunch together?"
Caleb shook his head, "No, I ate. That was just small talk. Why did you call me here?"
Ariana's bell-like laughter rang out, "So blunt! I like that." She leaned back lazily, "I'm just checking if you're settling in well."
Caleb considered this seriously, "The cafeteria is free, housing is perfect. This organization is the best employer ever."
"Oh?" Ariana purred, "Then have you considered... staying with Team Rocket permanently?"
Had Caleb truly been a League agent, he would have lied through his teeth... But he wasn't. Completing his mission and mooching off Team Rocket's resources weren't mutually exclusive.
The mission didn't specify evidence scale, any minor crime would suffice.
By the time Team Rocket retaliated, Caleb would probably be in another world.
Meanwhile, Ariana thought, 'Even if he's a spy, keeping this eye candy around isn't bad...'
Plus his battle potential showed promise...
Their gazes locked, and in that instant, Ariana read his intentions perfectly. She sighed, lips curving, "You greedy little brat. But... I approve."
Those swayed by benefits were the most predictable.
At that, Caleb gave a deliberately dopey grin.
Ariana mentally rolled her eyes, 'And I thought he was dumb this morning.'
She then tossed him a black-gold card from her drawer, "Here. The PIN is six zeros. Buy whatever you and Mimikyu need."
Caleb caught it deftly, and happily headed to explore Celadon City...
....
After Caleb left, Ariana returned to the basement room...
"Boss,the target took the bait." She reported.
Giovanni's lips curled into a Nike-swoop smirk.
If Caleb was a spy, he would be useful. If not, even better.
Everything was proceeding perfectly. Giovanni couldn't wait to see the League's faces when their precious agents defected...