Scene 11
I'm not sure if Tseng is Turk director at the moment, so I wrote it as though he wasn't, but was still 2nd in command.
Another Misunderstanding
Tseng bid SOLDIER director Lazard good night and closed the office door behind him. Walking briskly down the darkened after-hours hallway, Tseng absentmindedly straightened the papers in his manila folder as he carefully analyzed the SOLDIER accommodations. It wasn't often he was in this part of the building, and certainly never without a mass of SOLDIER rushing about. Without the Shinra army andcadets wandering around, it looked like an immensely efficient department.
Tseng sighed inwardly and reminded himself that SOLDIER could not afford to be as selective in admission as the Turks were, so they couldn't have their success rate.
He straightened, businesslike, accepting his own chastisement. At least the department was held to as strict and rigorous a schedule as the Turks, sometimes even more so. That would, at least, ensure that all ranked SOLDIER acquired the necessary respect for orders…
It was then that he heard a crash coming from the VR room.
Jinxed it… Tseng thought tiredly and walked over to investigate. Who would be using the VR room after-hours? Cadets? Tseng reached out to press the door open button. Their antics reminded him of someone.
The door slid open.
I will have to ensure that they aren't here without permission.
There was a loud bang as the last enemy in the room self-destructed just as Reno struck it.
Rude raised an arm to shield his face from the flash and, so, didn't have enough warning as the exclaiming Reno was blown backwards into him. "Oof," Rude exclaimed as the force of the impact sent him crashing backwards.
Kael spun to see Rude crashing down towards him, and wondered if he could dodge in time. Whatever, He sighed.
*Thud*
And the threesome were in a pile on the floor.
Standing in the doorway, hand still on the opening mechanism, Tseng just stared.
"Ow," Reno stated, after the simulation shut down.
He Tilted his head back and saw Tseng. "Oh. Hey Tseng," he drolled, drawing everyone's attention to the newcomer. He sat up and stood as Rude struggled to rise. "What brings you here?" the red-headed Turk continued as Rude helpfully pulled Kael to his feet and dusted him off by way of apology.
It had to be Reno…Tseng thought, but did not allow himself to sigh as Kael thanked Rude and assured him an apology wasn't necessary. "I was in the area, after a meeting," Tseng replied, looking from Rude to Reno calmly, "Why are you here?"
Rude cleared his throat in embarrassment, but didn't show any shame. That was a good sign.
Reno dusted off his sleeves carelessly, "Training." He glanced at Tseng and saw his look, "Hey! I am!"
Rude nodded firmly, "We are here within regulations."
Kael's eyes widened as he realized Tseng was reacting the same way Rude had. He turned to Tseng, hand running nervously through his hair, "I'm sorry. I invited them here, to train with me, and I'm the one who booked this room. Should I have informed your superiors?"
Tseng took a closer look at the scientist.
Reno took that opportunity to step forward, "Tseng, this is Kael. He's a new friend of ours. He's in the science department, but he's cool."
Rude nodded in agreement.
Tseng filed away the name and face. Knowing Rude wouldn't have helped Reno take advantage of the scientist's clearance, he let the matter drop. "Pleased to make your acquaintance," he said shortly, "But I must take my leave now." He bowed slightly, and Kael bowed back. Then the dark haired Turk turned and left the room.
Reno slapped the straightening scientist on the back, much to Rude's alarm. "Man, I wish he'd seen you fight," Reno told Kael as the threesome left the room, "You know everything about those monsters. And you even have some combat skills to back it up! Maybe you could even have joined the Turks."
Kael smiled and shook his head, "And have you same be all the time? No thank you. But tell me, Reno, are you always in trouble?"
Reno balked, "Not me!"
Rude coughed and Kael laughed.