Silas was a patient individual. While most people would have become irritated after being ignored for so long, he simply leaned against a nearby workstation and waited.
The scientists had completely forgotten he existed. Their attention was entirely focused on the teleporter blueprints.
Papers were spread across tables. Calculations filled whiteboards. Arguments erupted every few minutes before being replaced by excitement. Dr. Nery was particularly animated. The usually indifferent scientist looked like a child on Christmas morning.
"This section is brilliant."
"No, look here."
"The energy conversion rate is incredible."
Another scientist pointed at the monitor.
"If these numbers are accurate, then long range transportation becomes significantly cheaper."
A third scientist immediately countered.
"Forget transportation. Think about logistics."
The room erupted into another discussion.
Silas remained quiet. He understood very little of what they were discussing. Fortunately, Team Rocket employed some of the brightest minds in the world.
Eventually they reached a conclusion. Testing was the only way forward.
Several scientists immediately began constructing a miniature prototype. Silas watched with mild curiosity.
The machine itself was surprisingly small. Only a few feet tall. Various wires connected the components together while a scientist repeatedly adjusted the calibration settings. Even with six people working simultaneously, the process still required nearly an hour.
Finally, the prototype was complete.
One scientist produced a cage containing several Rattata. Silas immediately understood their purpose.
"Let's see if this thing actually works."
A nervous atmosphere filled the room. If the blueprint failed, everyone would look foolish.
The first Rattata was placed inside. The machine activated as light flashed. The Rattata disappeared.
Several scientists rushed to the receiving platform. A second later, the pokemon reappeared exactly where it was supposed to.
The room exploded.
"It works! It actually works!"
"Unbelievable!"
A second test followed. Then a third. Every single attempt succeeded.
The scientists were ecstatic. One man practically danced around the laboratory. Another immediately began discussing improvements. Several researchers began calculating projected cost reductions.
"We need to notify the Boss immediately."
Everyone nodded. This technology was revolutionary. It would save Team Rocket enormous amounts of money and manpower. Transportation. Logistics. Operations. Everything would improve.
One of the scientists turned toward Dr. Nery.
"Congratulations."
The others quickly followed.
"You are going to be rewarded heavily."
"Giovanni will probably approve any research project you propose."
"You've changed the organization."
The praise continued. To them, the answer was obvious. Dr. Nery was the head scientist here. Naturally, the invention belonged to him.
Dr. Nery awkwardly scratched his head. Then pointed toward Silas.
"Actuall this wasn't my work."
Everyone looked confused.
Dr. Nery continued.
"Odin stole the blueprints from Bill and brought them to me."
Every scientist turned toward Silas. The atmosphere changed immediately. Before, they assumed he was some low level grunt who happened to be standing nearby. Now they viewed him completely differently.
One scientist approached first before Silas was eventually surrounded by eager faces.
"How did you do it?"
"Did you infiltrate Bill's laboratory?
"Were there security measures?"
"Did anyone see you?"
"What else did you obtain?"
Questions came nonstop. Silas smiled politely but answered none of them.
"I have methods."
The scientists looked dissatisfied but Silas shrugged.
"We all have secrets."
That only made them more curious.
Eventually Silas decided to remind them of reality.
"There are only a handful of people aware of what happened tonight. So if any information leaks…"
His tone remained casual as he let the sentence hang. Everyone understood.
"…then Team Rocket will know the leak came from one of you."
Several scientists visibly stiffened. The reminder was effective. Nobody wanted that kind of attention. Particularly not from the Reaper Squads.
The Reapers were infamous throughout Team Rocket. They answered directly to Giovanni. Their job was simple.
Eliminate any traitors, spies or anyone deemed an internal threat.
Anyone unfortunate enough to attract their attention rarely survived long.
The scientists quickly changed the subject when suddenly, the space seemed to distort.
Psychic energy filled the laboratory. An Alakazam materialized first. A second later, a man in a white suit appeared beside it.
Every scientist immediately straightened.
It was Archer.
Even Silas felt his posture improve. The Administrator possessed a natural authority that demanded respect.
His gaze swept across the room. Then settled on Silas.
"I spoke to you about rewards earlier today."
A faint smile appeared.
"You've already earned another one."
Several scientists looked shocked. Even they knew how rare it was for Archer to praise someone openly.
"Kid."
Archer folded his arms.
"You continue exceeding my expectations."
Silas remained calm externally. Internally he was quite pleased.
Archer continued.
"I have come personally to promote you."
The room became even quieter.
"From Grunt to Elite Officer."
Even Dr. Nery looked surprised. That was an enormous promotion. Most members spent years climbing that far. Silas had accomplished it in months.
"Per tradition, you may select a pokemon as your rank-up gift."
Archer paused.
"If you desire exceptional talent, it cannot be a pseudo-legendary."
Silas didn't need time to think. He already knew the answer.
"I want a Tropius."
Several people blinked. That wasn't the answer they expected.
Archer raised an eyebrow.
"Tropius?"
Silas nodded.
"The best potential available. I am even willing to spend Team Rocket points."
Archer considered it. Then pulled out his TR device. Several commands were entered.
Moments later the laboratory's Pokeball teleporter activated. A Pokeball materialized.
Archer picked it up and tossed it toward Silas.
"This is the best available. It should be to your liking."
Silas immediately scanned it.
Tropius (M) — Level 28
Ability: Harvest
Potential: C+
Moves: Rank B Grassy Terrain, Rank C Leaf Storm, Rank C Gust, Rank C Growth, Rank C Sweet Scent, Rank C Whirlwind, Rank C Magical Leaf, Rank C Wide Guard, Rank C Stomp, Rank D Dragon Dance, Rank D Leaf Blade
Silas couldn't hide his satisfaction.
Harvest alone made the pokemon valuable. A self-sustaining source of nutrient-rich fruit. While the ability wasn't powerful enough to replace a skilled breeder entirely, it provided immense utility. Especially for younger pokemon.
The Dragon Dance caught his attention as well. That move had tremendous future value.
Most importantly, Tropius could fly. Silas finally possessed a genuine aerial mount. The pokemon's enormous stamina made it ideal for long-distance travel. Unlike most flying types, Tropius could sustain itself through photosynthesis if necessary.
The more Silas examined the pokemon, the happier he became.
Another thought surfaced.
The Phoenix Lake water.
If the water truly strengthened natural abilities, then what would happen to Harvest? Could fruit production increase? Could the fruit quality improve? The possibilities were exciting.
Archer interrupted his thoughts.
"For saving resources during the upcoming operation, you are awarded an additional 500k Team Rocket points."
Silas' eyes widened.
Once again he received a massive reward but it wasn't over yet.
"3 Protect TMs."
A stack appeared.
"And 3 additional TMs of your choice."
Silas immediately knew what he wanted. He wasn't one to break promises so he used the opportunity to ask for the TMs Thunder Wave, Thunder, and Iron Tail.
Archer nodded. A few moments later, the TMs arrived.
"Thank you, sir. I won't waste these opportunities."
Archer appeared pleased. Then he asked another question.
"Have you received the gift we discussed earlier?"
Silas froze. Then laughed awkwardly.
"No."
"I completely forgot."
To his credit, he wasn't lying. The day had been absurd.
Dr. Nery nearly jumped.
"That's my mistake."
The scientist hurried across the room. A Pokeball was placed into Silas' hands.
"I simply didn't get the opportunity earlier."
Archer's reputation for strictness was well known. Dr. Nery clearly didn't want misunderstandings.
"No worries, Doctor."
Silas scanned the pokemon and soon smiled.
This Eevee was at level 5 with B- potential and the hidden ability Adaptability. A truly rare specimen.
He had wanted an Eevee since Phoenix Forest. More specifically, he wanted an Espeon.
Magic Bounce was one of the most annoying abilities in existence. Status effects. Entry hazards. Debuffs. Everything reflected.
A properly trained Espeon with Magic Bounce could completely disrupt enemy strategies.
Archer spent several more minutes discussing future assignments. Eventually he reached the final topic.
"The operation is cancelled."
Silas blinked. That wasn't expected.
Archer continued.
"You have one month. Use that time wisely. I have high expectations, young man. After that, report to Vermillion City."
Silas nodded. A month was more than enough time to strengthen Spartan.
Moments later Archer and Alakazam disappeared. The laboratory returned to normal.
Silas immediately began planning. He had many pokemon requiring attention and the list would only continue growing in the future.
"Hermes. What are my current balances?"
A moment later the response arrived.
"Host currently possesses 4 million Pokédollars, 505 BP, and 2.53MM Team Rocket Points."
Silas immediately opened the Team Rocket store. His spending spree began.
The Advanced Breeder Book appeared first for 600k points. He purchased it with no hesitstion. Knowledge was power.
The next purchase required even less thought. 10 drops of Dragon Essence for 400k points.
These would be used on Teddiursa. Silas still believed an Ursaring with Dragon Dance possessed incredible potential.
Afterward he upgraded Odin's identity. 100k points disappeared. It was spent on much better documentation and records. The greater legitimacy allowed Odin to hold up even under some scrutiny.
A worthwhile investment.
Hermes began analyzing the Advanced Breeder Book. New recipes appeared rapidly. Most required rare materials.
The first water type formula required scales from an Elite tier Milotic. Others required similarly ridiculous ingredients.
Expensive but powerful and effective. Silas purchased everything necessary. 1.3 million points vanished like nothing.
When the spending finally stopped, only one hundred thirty thousand points remained.
He wasn't finished.
Next came Pokédollars.
Silas visited the Pokémart. Then purchased nearly every useful TM available.
The clerk looked increasingly shocked.
By the end, Silas had reduced his balance from 4 million to 450k. Some people would call that reckless.
Silas disagreed. Money existed to create power. Hoarding your money made no sense when there were resources available to strengthen yourself.
The TMs transformed Spartan. Everyone received Protect. Meowth received all requested moves. Jessie and James obtained additional training resources.
Silas took particular care of Meowth. The cat pokemon earned it. His contributions had been immense.
The diamonds remained hidden, as did the HMs. Axel Stone still searched relentlessly. Trying to sell the diamonds would be suicide.
The HMs were even more dangerous. Until Silas possessed sufficient strength, nobody needed to know about them.
A few days later, Spartan relocated. Their destination was Celadon Base. Silas quickly understood why Team Rocket valued this location so highly.
The underground complex was enormous. Massive. It felt like a hidden city. It had training fields, a Pokémon centers equivalent, arenas, and simulator training systems.
Everything a trainer could possibly need existed here. As such, the cost was substantial. 400 points per day for maximum access. Team Rocket wasn't in the business of charity. Becoming a powerful trainer took untold resources.
Fortunately, Spartan could afford it. Silas paid 25.200 points upfront.
This was for 3 weeks with no restrictions. As a result, Team Rocket assigned them a 4 bedroom suite.
Jessie immediately ran from room to room while James examined the furniture and Meowth jumped onto one of the beds.
Despite being underground, the accommodations were excellent. The beds were comfortable and the furniture was high quality. The atmosphere felt closer to a luxury hotel than a criminal organization's training facility.
Silas gathered everyone together. Then revealed his newest idea.
"The fourth room will remain empty, for now."
Everyone looked confused.
Silas smiled.
"The room belongs to whichever pokemon performs best."
Interest immediately appeared.
"Every three days, there will be a new competition to determine who gets the room."
The pokemon reacted instantly.
Monferno crossed his arms confidently. Electabuzz cracked his knuckles. Frogadier looked thoughtful. Teddiursa immediately became competitive. Even Meowth looked interested.
Perfect.
Healthy competition created growth. Silas intended to use every available tool to strengthen Spartan.
The next month would be dedicated entirely to training. By the time it ended, every member of Spartan would emerge stronger than before.