To call the new facilities cramped would have been an incredible wide aisles and personal safes had been left behind, as had as had all of the equipment they'd grown used to. There was a fridge used to store what samples needed it, but otherwise they had nothing.

Archie almost considered it a blessing to have double shifts to keep him busy, though he didn't dare say anything for risk it'd turn to double overtime. Being outside, away from the blaring and cramped paranoia inside, was as close to relaxation as he'd get for the next few weeks.

Maxie has the same idea, only without the work. Since the research team had essentially been put on hiatus during the break, able to do little without equipment, resources, or at the least drawing attention, he'd taken to reading outdoors. He was helping to guard if anyone asked, though it was more an excuse for his Pokemon to stretch outside their PokeBalls than anything.

It was for the best, their supervisors had grudgingly admitted. It was easier to accept two people sitting out for hours on end rather than just one.

"Ever been to Fortree?" Archie asked. He offered a nonchalant, yet uninviting, wave to a pair of passing hikers.

"No," Maxie replied without looking up from his book. "What's there?"

"Weather institute. Heard it's a good trip."

"That sounds nice. I've wanted to see the Mossdeep Space Center. Evidently there are tours."

"That'd be good, too." He glanced over to nod at the 'all clear' sign his Golbat gave. "Of course that all takes money."

"As well as jobs and housing, on top of food and supplies." His voice dropped to a mutter. "References and work history help too."

Archie grinned. "If you're good, you can get around all of those."

"How can you be good enough to get out of rent?"

"If you don't stay in one place too long, you don't need to worry about rent."

Maxie opened his mouth to protest, then shut it again. "Touche."

"Between charisma and nerd smarts it shouldn't be that hard to get a couple free admissions. Maybe even a few nights in a hostel."

"You really think so?"

"Anything's possible. I know the charisma part will at least pull through." He grinned at the glare. "You know I'm right."

"Don't you have a job to do?"

"Don't you have anything to do but bug me since you left school?"

'I guess I could research this hypothetical journey indoors and leave you alone for the next..." He glanced at his watch. "7 hours."

"Nah, I'll force my way through."

"Hm." He straightened a bit. "Speaking of inhuman charm, can you handle that ranger? They're getting awfully close to my Numel..."

Archie smirked and stood. "Let the master work."

Over the edge of his book, Maxie watched as the trainer was gradually talked down and sent off without so much as a glance back. As Archie patted his leg, and the Numel happily plodded back after him, Maxie flipped to the coastal section of the travel guide. If they were really going to become a team, he should at least be well acquainted with the areas he'd undoubtedly be spending most of his time in.