Classified Team Rocket Communication
Source: Listening Post 5572
To: Team Rocket Intelligence Network Division 001
Fwd To: Team Rocket Central Command
Priority: Urgent

Reports from Operatives #56435 (James) and #56434 (Jessie) indicate presence of level-2 threat Nathaniel Lawrence Rivers in the vicinity of Hazelwood Grove. Please advise.

Sent: March 3, 2002 5:06 PM
Received: March 3, 2002 5:06 PM
Read: March 3, 2002 5:11 PM
Forwarded: March 3, 2002 5:12 PM
Received: March 3, 2002 5:15 PM
Read: March 3, 2002 5:30 PM

Encryption: 128-bit SSL

Team Rocket uses a five-level system to classify threats to the organization, with one being the highest threat level. The system works like this:

Level-5: Little or no threat posed.

Example: The general public.

Level-4: Minor threat due to nature of occupation, or due to track record.

Examples: Officer Jenny, members of the FBI, some politicians, etc.

Level-3: Moderate threat either as a heightened version of a level-4 threat, or enhanced knowledge of the Team Rocket organization.

Examples: Heads of state, high-ranking military officers, and intelligence operatives. Ash, Misty, and Brock would be placed in this category had Giovanni's memory not been erased in Mewtwo Returns.

Level-2: Significant threat that possesses either knowledge or power sufficient to destroy the Team Rocket organization given opportunity and motive.

Example: Nate Rivers.

Level-1: Upgrade of level-2 classification upon determination of the existence of an opportunity and a motive. Threat may posses advanced knowledge or immense power capable of annihilation of the Team Rocket organization.

Examples: The CIA as a whole, IOCEF (International Organized Crime Elimination Force) as a whole, and Mewtwo.

As a member of the IOCEF (Nate Rivers naturally kept this part of his life very secret, especially since his main job was just to collect information) for the past 5 years, Nate would have immediately become a level-3 threat to Team Rocket. However, his added powers, monetary gains, and political influence bumped him up to level-2 threat. There were also other reasons that Nate was unaware of.

Meanwhile, the group of four had finally reached Hazelwood Grove. It wass a city of about 45,000, not exactly huge (no building exceeded 6 stories), but it did have all the essentials one would need on a daily basis, including a Pokémon Center.

Ash asked, "So where is the Pokémon Center here?"

"I'll check the guidebook," Brock responded.

Suddenly, a bus approached, prompting Nate to say, "I think I have a better idea. We can get on that bus. It stops over there."

Misty rejected the idea, saying, "We really need to save our money."

Nate pushed the argument aside, telling her, "Nonsense, I'll pay your fare."

Brock replied, "You don't have to do that."

"I insist."

With that, the trio gave in as the bus pulled to stop, the door swished open, and the four walked in.

"These three are with me," Nate told the driver as he deposited 4 fares. "Does this line have a stop near the Pokémon Center?"

The driver responded, "The transfer center is right by it. We'll be there in about fifteen minutes."

"Thank you."

The four entered the bus, which was fairly similar to that of any other city. It was plain, with advertisements lining the area above the seats. No one else was on the bus. The group sat down and began passing the time.

Misty told Nate, "A millionaire taking public transportation just doesn't make sense. You should my going in a...

"A what? A Ferrari, a Jet? Misty, the Mayor of New York City takes the subway every day," Nate finished for her. "That's okay. A lot of people stereotype me like that." Nate placed his backpack on the floor. It was made of denim, lighter than his jeans or his navy blue T-shirt. "Say, Ash, why doesn't your Pikachu ever go into its Pokéball?"

Ash responded, "Gee Nate, isn't that kinda stereotyping Pokémon?"

"I suppose so. I guess I'm not perfect."

"Welcome to the club," Misty said.

Everyone laughed.

Ash kept going, "Well, it's just that I met it when it came out of its ball, and it never went back in. I guess it just doesn't like it."

Nate commented, "A small fraction of Pokémon just like your Pikachu, can't stand being in a Pokéball. There are various theories as to why ranging from genetics to past experience."

"Pika, pika-pi! Pikachu!" Pikachu yelled this out, knowing that only Nate would know what it said. Everyone else laughed, but the mouse's human target heard loud and clear. Pikachu told him he felt like a ton of bricks in there.

At last, the bus reached the transfer point. Everyone got out. The sky was already dark.

"Well, you guys, it's been nice meeting you. Now, I must be going." Nate said.

Brock requested, "Why don't you stay at the Pokémon Center with us? I mean, you've done so much for us. Besides, I hear the Nurse Joy here is really cute."

Nate replied, ignoring the last part of what Brock said, "I couldn't leech off the taxpayers like that. I really should stay in a hotel."

Misty tugged verbally, "Nate, come on, if you really feel guilty you can spend money on us later."

You're a conniving young woman, I must say.

I try.

"Okay, but only because you insisted."

And because someone needs to protect Nurse Joy from Brock.

I've got that covered, Nate. Don't worry.