Ya know, this was meant to be a very short little conversation between the first three but then Rufus had to keep questioning Tseng and then Reno and Rude showed up and in the end I'm not really sure how cohesive all this dialogue is. Also, another note, I've run into the end of my already done posts so I wouldn't be updating as frequently as before.
"Sirs."
"Ah, Tseng. What news do you have for me?"
Tseng gave a curt nod before giving his report to the President and his son. "Yes, sir. General Sephir –"
"Ex-General." President Shinra interrupted as he leaned back in his chair behind his massive desk.
"Ex-General Sephiroth just contacted me."
Rufus, the Vice-President and Tseng's direct superior, leaned forward in his chair. "Really?"
"Yes, sir. He was attempting to contact Comm – Ex-Commander Fair." The President nodded in approval for his correction. Tseng continued. "I informed him that Fair was still alive but under arrest. He did not sound pleased."
The President smirked. "Good. It's about time someone ruffled his damned feathers." Tseng didn't think it was wise to annoy the former General but he held his tongue.
"Anything else, Tseng?" Tseng straighten as he organized his thoughts before answering the Vice-President.
"Before ending the call, the former General made some remarks about having more than the two Soldiers going AWOL with him from the last battle."
The President arched an eyebrow. "Oh? How many?"
"A full squad worth."
The two businessman exchanged looks. The President voiced his thoughts first. "Can we back that up?" Rufus shook his head slowly.
"We're currently having difficulties getting any kind of reliable information out of Wutai."
"Your Turks not up to the task, Rufus?"
Tseng ground his teeth as he kept himself from defending his people and their endeavors. His eyes caught Rufus' knowing look and he cooled. Rufus spoke instead.
"The problem doesn't lay with the Turks, Mr. President but with the fact that Godo is being very tight lipped with any plans. Also, the Wutai's capital is on high alert and no one unknown has been allowed in."
"So the Turks say. They're not getting lazy are they?"
"Or course not. Even if there was an issue I have no fears that any of them would depart suddenly and without word."
The Presidents calm face suddenly turned red as he stood to his feet. "That's too far, Rufus. Now do your job and figure out what the hell Godo is planning." Rufus stood, bowed low to his father and walked out. Tseng followed silently behind.
When they reached the elevator, Rufus glanced behind him, his cool eyes meeting Tseng's before they stepped on to the lift. The doors closed and Tseng pushed the button to the Turk's floor.
"Do you believe the General?"
"Sir?"
"Do you believe that a full squad defected with Sephiroth and Fair?"
"I – I do not know, sir."
Rufus glanced at him. "Tell me what you're thinking, Tseng."
The Turk Commander took a deep breath. "The Ex-Gen –"
Rufus waved his hand. "Call him as you will, Tseng. I know what he is and don't particularly care for formalities at the moment."
Tseng nodded. "Sephiroth is never one to show his hand, sir. Not until he is sure of his victory. Why tell us that he might have potential allies that we were unaware of?" The elevator doors opened and Tseng followed the Vice-President out into the floor proper and down a familiar hall. "He was seeking out information."
"And?"
"And I think I might have given it to him. I'm sorry, sir."
They walked in a moment of silence before Rufus again dismissed it with a wave of his hand. "That could work in our favor." Tseng stepped around the younger man and opened the door, letting him enter first. Closing the door behind him, the Wutainese man watched his superior cross the room toward the small mini-bar in the corner of the spacious but dim office. Rude stood promptly in a salute from his desk. A swift kick to the snoring man next to him sent Reno sputtering awake in ire.
"What the hell ya doing, Rude? I was leaving ya alone just –" A gesture from the bald man sent Reno's gaze across the room to the young Vice-President who was pouring himself a drink. The redhead jumped to his feet, snapping a hasty salute.
"Sir!"
Rufus turned to face the two saluting Turks, took a small sip from his glass before striding to his usual seat on the leather couch that was positioned under the large curtained window. Once comfortably seated on the plush cushions, he took another sip and waved the two down. Reno slumped back down into his seat, Rude continued to stand.
"What do you think he was looking for, Tseng?" Tseng turned face the Vice-President, his hands clasped behind his back.
"He knew we had Fair, he was obvious in his concern. He did not know if there was anyone else, sir."
"So, ya thinkin' he wanted to know if we had that little blonde too, yo?" Everyone turned to Reno. Rufus cocked his head.
"Explain Sinclair." Reno shrugged.
"Just that Fair was really protective of that blonde. And I know Fair's a friendly guy and all, but I can't help but thinking why weren't they with the great General?"
"You're sure this blonde is with Shinra?"
"Had those glowin' eyes of Soldier."
"What have you found out about him?"
Reno and Rude looked at each other before the redhead glanced at Tseng. "Eh, not much." Rufus arched an eyebrow again and took a sip. "We processed him as soon as we got back but got nothing. Not even fingerprints."
"How is that possible?" Tseng asked. Reno shrugged again.
"They told you nothing as well?" Rufus inquired.
Reno snorted. "Like I'm dumb enough to question someone with glowin' mako eyes without three feet of steel between me and 'em and a Bahamut Summon in hand." Tseng looked at Reno. The redhead frowned back. "Hey, don't get all stone-cold on me. I bugged their cells. Givin' it a few days before I try anything." Rufus glanced at Tseng, an amused light in his usually cold eyes.
He raised his glass in a mock salute. "Perhaps I'll go instead. It would be interesting to see what Fair and Hojo's pet project are doing with this little anomaly." Smiling coolly he took another sip from his glass.