Rocket's Downfall

[Raven]

Caleb followed, making sure that Amy was close behind. Riley brought up the rear, but went to stay with Erica. She didn't have any money to gamble with. Amy went to go look at the Voltorb Flip game, while Caleb went to the slots.

At one of the poker tables, there was a group of men in black shirts with the red R on the front, speaking with one another. Caleb chose a place where he could watch them without looking too suspcious.

[Gifted]

Erica sat next to Caleb, waiting to hear the conversation. She'd play a game or two and then try the slots, which were the easiest way for her to look around and take in the layout of the building.

[Raven]

The conversation stopped as a man with messy black hair and a navy blue shirt that looked like it hadn't been washed in a week entered the building, and went to sit with them. "I hope there's a good reason for me to come here," he said, slumping into a chair.
"We have things to talk about, Nikolai, and not every discussion can take place in a lab," one of the others muttered. "Anyway, you aren't even in uniform."
"I don't go out to do things for you, I don't need a uniform, especially in our own headquarters," Nikolai said.

[Gifted]

Erica pretended to focus on the gambling game, but she kept her bets low and was more focused on listening to Team Rocket converse.

[Raven]

"Look, we're going to move ahead to Ollivine, and he wants you there," the man hissed. "So you might want to pay attention."
Nikolai's anger was thinly veiled. "I am much more use in the labs."
"Orders." Another grunt shrugged.
"What did he say exactly?"
"He wants you to see what happens, he thinks you could learn from it."
Nikolai relaxed slightly. "Fine." He sat back and crossed his arms. It almost looked like he had fallen asleep. The others began talking about the mission, but they lowered their voices more so it was hard to hear.

[Gifted]

Erica glanced at Caleb, then sat out the next game and moved to a slot machine. Once there, she took a careful look around the room, seeing the clusters of Team Rocket grunts everywhere. Of particular interest was a guarded door in the back, through which she saw Team Rocket grunts going in and out. That was probably the way to the non-casino part of the building. Satisfied, she got up to leave a few minutes later.

[Raven]

Amy soon followed her out. "You want to head back to the pokemon center?"

[Gifted]

"What's the fastest way to Ollivine from here?" Erica asked Amy instead of answering as soon as they were out of earshot of the grunts.

[Raven]

"Um, a ferry, I guess. Otherwise, up North," Amy said.

[Gifted]

"We should head that way pretty quick. We didn't get much info, but there may be a mission up there we can shutdown in thenear future."

[Raven]

"Really? Should we take a boat or?" Amy asked, as Riley caught up to them.

[Gifted]

"Boats are expensive. I don't know if we should pay for a ferry ticket, but it would be faster. What do you think, Caleb?"

[Raven]

"We can walk. Unless you're paying for Riley's ticket too. I doubt she's got the money," Caleb pointed out.

[Gifted]

"Right, damn. Walking it is." Erica agreed.

[Raven]

"Alright, let's get going, then," Caleb said.
"It will be dark before we get to Ecruteak," Amy objected.