From behind Alek Xanders, a young man clears his throat. This man is not Gavin Merlino.

'Soundproof,' he explains, gesturing at the thick metal door barring entry to Merlino's office. 'Boss operates on an appointment schedule, usually, but... Larvitar samples, you said?' He frowns as if considering something, then checks through his phone. After a brief exchange of messages, he looks up from the device as the door emits an audible click. 'Go ahead.'

The heavy door opens to a stark, utilitarian office. The window that might provide a view of the ocean is covered over. A Klefki floats above a metal desk behind which Gavin sits, fingers interlaced.

"Thank you, Ellis," Gavin calls out, before the door closes. When it does, he cocks his head and regards Alek. "My assistant," he explains. "You have the samples with you?"

His indifferent demeanor lapses enough to show an excited gleam in his eye.

Gavin's sharp eyes find the folder in Alek Xanders's hand and never leave it until it's set upon his desk, at which point the underboss opens it to marvel at its contents.

"Your work seems sufficient," he assures him; a compliment, coming from one as critical as Gavin. "As for its caloric intake, any supplements to its diet may need altering to fit the parameters of its fully-evolved state."

At last, his attention settles on the scientist. "We're planning to evolve it through use of steroids; the specimen to which it's to be compared is a Tyranitar. We needed samples of its base form to ensure those steroids don't interfere too drastically with its genetic make-up." Usually, he'd be more vague. Alek was a fellow scientist, however, and so he leaves in the details. "I understand you worked with Chu-e Choi to get these; how much has he told you about the project?"

Not much, he expects.