I needed Kael to do something before he heads out to Wutai on a mission with Genesis, and my mind wanted me to do something with Tseng, since they only just met.

I'm not sure what Tseng is after, but I think one of the higher ups is feeding the Tursk false information, and Tseng is looking to access restricted science department files to get the correct information, as well as get some information Turks aren't supposed to have at all. (He's asking for acces to at least some files that are not supposed to be available to anyone not the President or a science department head).

Sorry if he's OOC, but I was trying to show that breaking the rules of shinra is hard for him because he knows what happens to people who do; they're disappeared, usually by him or his fellow Turks.

Trust and a Dangerous Request

Tseng hesitated outside the door to the not top-secret science department.

Did he really want to go through with this? He barely knew Professor Kael, and asking for any of the files he wanted without proper clearance could get him killed, or worse. For all he knew, the young scientist would decide it wasn't worth the risk and turn him in instead of hearing him out. The Turk was asking him to abuse his security clearance for a complete stranger. Did he suspect even now? Tseng wondered, Was he walking into a confession?

Tseng suppressed the urge to shiver, and jabbed the door activator a little more forcefully than he usually would, Turks did not stand hesitating in doorways.

The door slid open with a quiet sigh, and Tseng strode forward to deter his own misgivings. Then he stopped in surprise, blinking around at the chaos of movement, light, and sound. The science department was bright and open, separated into labs by glass walls and a few thicker walls for more dangerous or delicate experiments.

And there were people everywhere. Tseng wondered mildly how Kael managed to coordinate so many projects and people at once, while Hojo and Hollander could only seem to work with one project or assistant at a time.

Completely out of his depth, Tseng tried to pick the Professor out of the crowd, or locate his office. A young woman rushed past with a clipboard and the Turk stepped back to make sure he didn't bump her. Then a familiar voice filtered through the clamor on his right, and Tseng turned to find Kael talking to the young woman.

"Yes, place the order. Let's get more 8mL test tubes than they need this time to head off the next accident, even if they won't tell us what they need them for," The Professor was saying, as he jotted something down and signed the clipboard. He smiled at the assistant as he handed it back, thanking her for her help.

Tseng stepped forward in hopes of intercepting the Department Head as the woman rushed off again.

Kael noticed him with a slight start before recognition dawned and he smiled, "Tseng, you're early."

Tseng inclined his head, "Since I was the one who made the appointment, it is only polite to ensure that I am on time."

"If only everyone though that," Kael replied with a wistful shake of his head. He smiled apologetically at the Turk, "I have to finish my rounds, then I'll be right with you."

Tseng nodded his understanding, surprised that the scientist waited for it before heading off again. Not knowing where he was supposed to go, the Turk found himself trailing after the Professor. Kael on the other hand seemed to know exactly where he needed to go, which was just about everywhere. After a few minutes of watching the young scientist check on various experiments and explain several things to lost aids, Tseng was feeling out of place as the only one not working.

"If this is a bad time I can reschedule," he offered, wondering if he would have the resolve to return.

Kael started and looked up from the permission form he was skimming, "Oh, no, I didn't mean to make it look like you were imposing. You were just early. I only have to finish this now and we can have our meeting." He finished the last page and signed it, handing it back before turning to Tseng with an apologetic smile, "Sorry for the wait. Lets go to my office."

Tseng followed the Professor through the main department and out to a private lab just beyond. Kael locked the door behind them before taking a seat at his desk. He gestured for Tseng to sit in one of the other chairs around the room. "What did you want to talk to me about? It sounded serious."

Tseng seated himself in the chair directly across the desk and collected himself invisibly before replying, "I'm not sure if you can help, but… recently, I have been finding that the Turks' information is incomplete or even incorrect in areas. This could prove deadly for operatives in the field if such information was to become necessary. I hope to amend this, and the only place to get this information is the science department. Since you're on better terms with the Turks than your associates, I decided to approach you first." Kael was watching him calmly, and Tseng got the impression he knew he was avoiding a straight answer.

"What files are you looking for, exactly," the Professor asked, but didn't turn to switch on the computer.

Tseng hesitated, if he backed out now he was still safe. Could he trust the Professor not to sell him out? To break company policy and risk his own life, for a stranger?

"I haven't been able to access any of the required databases to accurately narrow my search," he offered, tentatively.

Kael considered him and Tseng turned away.

The scientist sighed and leaned forward, "I have clearance, if that's what you're asking." Tseng started, turning to face him, and Kael continued, "And I have a habit of randomly revisiting old files randomly and unnecessarily, so no one would be suspicious if I do so again."

Tseng realized with a shock that the Professor had just done what he was unable to do, and revealed information to a stranger that could have him killed. He let out a silent sigh, before meeting Kael's eyes, smirking invisibly, "I did not mean to imply that it might be suspicious."

Kael smiled back at him, "Of course, I apologize, I misunderstood." He turned his computer on and gestured to the empty space beside him, "Let's see if we can't pull up those files you need." Tseng was obliged, coming around the desk and pulling over a nearby chair.