Birds of a Feather

by StrangeDegree58

In the aftermath of Angeal's passing, Zack and Sephiroth are struggling to find their way in a world without their best friend, while Tseng is trying to balance a new assignment, his personal feelings and what is best for the company. The Story loosely follows the the storylines of Before Crisis and Crisis Core. Tseng x Rufus, Sephiroth x Angeal, Zack x Aerith

34. A moment of peace? (Tseng XVI)

Tseng XVI: A moment of peace?

Tseng was sitting at his desk, catching up with some work and actually writing out his reports that he had not gotten around to the day before, all while trying not to think too much about what he would like Rufus do with him. When he finally finished his last report, he made plans how to best use the two remaining days to prepare for the Wutai mission. This would include reading as much intelligence of Wutai and the history of the war and relations between Shinra Electric Power and the feudal state on the western continent and discussing possible strategies with the two persons formally and actually leading the missions.

This would also require getting Reno and Rude to do their due diligence. They did not have as much time as he would because they would leave already the next day. Their main job would involve doing recon on site and secure the area. This job did not require as much background knowledge as the diplomatic part, which Tseng himself was in charge of. He was certain that Reeve Tuesti would do play his part, whether he was aware of what it was or not. A nerd like Tuesti would not need to be told to learn as many facts as he possibly could because he would do that anyway.

Now, about Rufus. Tseng picked up the phone and dialed Rufus' cell. The phone tooted three times before the vice president picked up. "What? Can't get enough of me?" In fact, he could not, but there were more pressing matters. Instead of dignifying the question with an answer, he inquired straight away: "I'm going to the archive. Do you need any of the paper files?" The electronic archiving system was relatively new in the Shinra Company, so not all of the files older than ten years were digitalized yet. Considering how old the conflict with Wutai was at this point, not all the important files were available in the electronic library.

"How considerate", Rufus observed. "Let's see. Can you get me the files with the numbers 734, 735 and 736?" Tseng wrote down the numbers on a sheet of paper and confirmed: "That's my president." As soon as the words slipped out of his mouth, he wished he could take them back. "Sounds good", Rufus countered after a short pause with a charming tone before he hung up. Rufus was not president yet. Tseng would have to control himself better in order to not let more things out that he was secretly thinking, but could be thought of as controversial. Rufus' reaction elicited a smile from Tseng, who had expected that Rufus was preparing. He was not surprised that he could name files he wanted to read immediately. He had no doubt that Rufus would make the Wutai mission a smashing success.

Before he left for the archive, though, he sent some files to Reno and Rude that he thought they should read before they left in the morning. Night was already falling as he finally left his office and was about to stop by in the archives in the headquarters when his phone rang.

It was Zack. Wondering what could be up, Tseng picked up the call. "Yes?" As far as he knew, Zack was on a date with Aerith. Was it past curfew already? "Sephiroth didn't get back to me. I tried calling him several times and I'm a little worried." Tseng was confused. He had completely forgotten about Sephiroth, but now that Zack mentioned him, the SOLDIER forced himself back into his mind with full force. He had been given a large dose of mako and only Hojo knew what else, and then a stimulant to get him back on his feet. His presumed alcohol abuse over the past couple of weeks also would not help him recover faster. Sephiroth was strong, but even he had his limits. Sephiroth always took some time to recover after such treatments, but I used to be with him. It was painful to know that he was all alone now, but I was grateful to know that at least Zack was thinking about him, despite his date with his girlfriend, despite the mission he was about to go on, and despite his grief.

Tseng walked toward the helipad at a quicker pace as he discussed with Zack what to do. Although it was late already, he would stop by at the SOLDIER quarters before going to the archive, and check up on Sephiroth, just to be sure. In the best case, they would just disturb his rest. Tseng could not help but imagine what the worst case could be. He cursed himself for being so distracted by Rufus and swore to himself not to let himself get carried away like this again.