This was... Different. And in a way, that different-ness was enough to make Makoto somewhat unsettled.

Being called out like this to be sent on a mission was certainly one thing - but as far as they understood, this wasn't a mission. This was more a talk of sorts - and not only that, but a talk with one of the Rocket Beasts. Zev Harcourt, to be specific - the Beast that had overlooked one of their first more formal missions with Rocket.

He was very much a straightforward and to-the-point person from what they'd seen - no-nonsense, and the like. So they didn't necessarily feel like they had to worry about anticipating the other shoe dropping out of nowhere. But on the other hand, if there truly was an issue with them, well... He'd likely make it plenty known.

Was it any surprise then, that their nerves were a little bit on edge, as they stepped out onto the pier? They were thankful for Kuro; the zorua did well to disguise them whenever they were slipping into more Rocket business. Which, while it was mainly to protect their civilian identity, it also had the added benefit of hiding most of their visual tells (which felt more important, in this moment.)

Likely, Zev would already know the disguise that they were approaching with - it'd be awkward if he saw them as some random stranger, after all.

"You wanted to talk, sir?" Makoto addressed Zev, coming to a stop at the end of the pier alongside him. They put their hands in their pockets, to keep them from getting cold in the sea breeze. Faintly, distantly, they can hear the cries of wingull carried on the wind.

What was on the agenda, today?

It was indeed reassuring, for Zev to confirm that the mission was a positive. Makoto relaxed under the mask of their illusory disguise - even if only marginally - and nodded in response. They did well. They weren't going to be let go, or whatever the Rocket equivalent of such would be (which probably wouldn't be something pretty, all things considered.)

Though it wasn't stated that way, those were the conclusions they drew and took comfort in. The stability that Rocket ironically provided in their life was secure - even if only for now - and they wouldn't have to panic and figure out some sufficient apology for something going awry after the fact. That would've been awkward, the general anxiety and fear that would've occured from such a scene aside.

But then came the question of how they felt about how things went - and Makoto couldn't help but take pause at the question. It wasn't really something that they had to consider before - at least not in this sort of context - and for a few long moments, they mulled it over.

"... It went well, I'd think - I don't imagine we'd be talking, if it didn't..." They eventually responded, glancing briefly to the flock of squabbling wingull. "You are either found out or you're not - and we weren't. You either get away with the goods or you don't - and we did. There was barely any fuss, aside from that almost-moment at the end, and even then it was handled."

There wasn't really any half-assing it, when it came to stealing. If they hadn't done well, then they would've either ended up back on the streets and on the run, been arrested and sent to jail, or perhaps even killed - be it by authorities or Zev himself.

But as far as using the full extent of one's skills... They couldn't help but find themself unsure of what Zev was asking for, exactly. Did 'extent' here refer to quality, or quantity? "The extent of the specific skills I have, sir? Or how well I can use them?" They questioned for clarification, internally hoping that doing so wouldn't be seen as a mistake.

Was the job easy? Did Makoto find it boring, or had it been challenging? Once more, Makoto is thoughtful - considering their own feelings about the prior mission. "It went smoothly, so... I suppose I'd say that things had gone easy. But I'm not sure how much to attribute it to skill, or luck." They admitted honestly - things could've easily gone awry at any moment, for reasons that would've been beyond the duo's control.

One of the guards outside could've become suspicious of the group's disguises for whatever reason, and attempt a closer look.

Someone could've come around the corner at the most inconvenient moment as they were climbing up to the balcony, and spot them.

The guard in the hallway could've opened the door - and worse, stepped in far enough to blow their cover and force a hasty retreat.

But all that aside, Makoto continued "I don't know if I'd call it boring - it's hard to be bored when you're actively focusing on making sure things go off without a hitch. But it wasn't difficult in hindsight, either." Perhaps if Zev had asked whether this mission seemed hard or challenging before, they'd have agreed, but... "... It was just... Different. Both the mark, and having to work with another person, both were very different from what I'm used to."

They usually didn't have to steal documents - or more specifically, the information on them - to get by, after all; nor did they usually have to deal with a superior watching their performance.

Makoto couldn't help but stiffen a little under Zev's stare - unable to fully meet it. For a moment, they opened their mouth as if to say something - though they remained silent for a couple moments longer, until...

"... I... Meant what I said, sir. I've never had to really consider if something was too easy, or boring, or challenging; I may consider to myself if a theft is doable, or otherwise seems too risky, sure, but... I'm not really used to this." Makoto soon admitted.

The grunt would fall quiet for a moment - considering how to elaborate like Zev wanted them to - before continuing "I'm not usually stealing documents. I'm stealing valuables like jewelry, that I can quickly pawn off for an extra bit of cash. I'm stealing necessities like food, water, clothing... Anything to be able to provide for myself and the few pokemon I had back then, for a little while longer."

Sure, information was a currency of its own - but it wasn't something that Makoto tended to linger in any given place for long enough to make use of, back then.

"I'm used to having to figure out a plan myself, and having to go in... Well... Relatively blind, I suppose. But you were able to provide information, and a bit of direction. I don't usually have to worry about there being someone else to keep an eye out for - someone who could be a detriment as much as they could be a great aid like you were. Your cofagrigus was able to unlock a door from the inside, where I would've otherwise needed to spend time lockpicking it myself."

"Adjusting to it feels... Strange." They concluded. Not a good or a bad strange, but a different sort of strange...

Makoto couldn't help a sharp inhale - even as they wrinkled their nose from the smell of the cigarette smoke - at the judging gaze that Zev leveled on them. For a moment, it almost felt like they were back home in the worst of ways. It felt like the barest twitch of weakness would have him tearing out their throat.

What did they want from Team Rocket? And perhaps more importantly, what would they be able to offer in return?

For certain, a lot of their basic needs were met. Even if they didn't use the submarine all that much, the money they got from jobs was enough to have a simple apartment in Sootopolis and keep the fridge stocked. They probably would have more spending money if they did live in the submarine - although, something about the place unsettled them. It always felt a bit too... Closed in? Suffocating?

Claustrophobic?

Ultimately, they felt more comfortable here - above water. Even with the added costs, their needs were more or less met. They felt like they could live comfortably, off of just how things were now. The only thing that was missing was just that general sense of belonging, of acknowledgement, and yet... That wasn't something they felt like they could wholly admit to.

Still - as much as their initial instinct was to play people pleaser, Zev made it clear that he wanted honesty - and that even with the mask of the illusion they wore, he had enough of a read on them to call bullshit. Though at the same time, they weren't exactly sure if the truth would be a satisfactory answer, either...

... Taking in a deep breath, they began speaking. "Survival... Was why I joined in in the first place. Other goals, what else I want... It's... something I'd need to consider." They spoke - somewhat reluctant, but honest. They were happy enough, just being able to have a warm bed to sleep in, just being able to reliably feed themself and their pokemon... Right?

What else could they want from Rocket, right now?

Think about what they wanted from Rocket... "... Yes, sir." They responded with a nod - momentarily wondering what the next mission would end up being. But more presently, was thoughts of their own desires and goals. Briefly, they half-opened their mouth again - as if to ask a question, but... They quickly closed it again - they'd been dismissed. They shouldn't linger any longer than necessary.

Thus, they'd head the other way - leaving the pier, and heading back home. They only spared a short glance back in Zev's direction - and as they did, they couldn't help but wonder...

... What was it, that people like Zev wanted - and surely got - out of Rocket..?