"Thanks, I'll figure it out from here", Zack's response came just as Tseng entered his office. He wanted to let Zack know about the upcoming mission as soon as possible because the risk for everyone involved in this job was going to be quite high. Tseng did not expect anything terrible to happen, but he still wanted to give Zack the chance to use the time before this mission well. Although the Turk did not worry that much about his own well-being, he thought that Zack was too young to die. And he had had understood what Tseng's intention had been.
But this was the first time Zack had actually asked Tseng for advice. And he had told him the best thing he could think on in the spur of the moment although he wondered why Zack had not thought of that himself although it was completely obvious that dinner was the right choice. If only she was open to it, Tseng would take Aerith out for dinner every single day. He would take her mother, too, if she only wanted to. But he was in no position to even make such a suggestion.
He closed the door and picked up the phone receiver on his desk to call Rufus, who picked up immediately and asked: "What? Did you finally eat something?" Tseng chuckled. He had completely forgotten about that "order". "I have good news for you, sir. I'm coming in." The vice-president sighed. "Sure. I'm not busy or anything." Tseng hung up, prepared their usual mugs of coffee, and took them into the cell. He was technically Rufus' jailor, but nothing about the situation was normal, and Tseng believed that regular habits could improve peoples' lives, even if it was something minor as having a cup of coffee.
When he entered, Rufus was laying on the couch, staring at the ceiling. He had finally put on a pair of the fashionable pants he himself had designed and commission, but he was still wearing yesterday's shirt that had already begun to crinkle and gave him a disheveled look. Rufus waved at Tseng, but made no attempt to sit up or look at the Turk. Tseng knew he deserved no better, but this blatant show of indifference after Rufus' previous advances did offend him a little.
He placed the tray on the table, took his mug and sat down. "Are you not interested in the news?", he asked. Rufus closed his eyes and answered flippantly: "Do they involve you losing your pants?" Tseng was glad his smile was hidden by the rim of the coffee mug. "I could lose my hair tie if you sat up and listened", he teased, leaning forward a little.
"That would be a start, I suppose", Rufus said with mild annoyance, but sat up and swung his legs off the couch, nonetheless. "Very well." Tseng pulled his hair tie out of and shook out his hair, causing it to fall left and right around his face down to his shoulders. Rufus was observing him closely. "Why are you in such a good mood?"
Tseng brushed his hair back with his hand and finally explained: "You and I, we're going on a mission together." Rufus snorted. "A mission? Did my old man have a change of heart and suddenly decided to let me out?" Tseng shrugged. "For a few days at least. We're going to Wutai to negotiate the terms of a truce." Tseng wondered how Rufus would react after him casually dropping such big news. Rufus leaned back and folded his arms. "My old man isn't going himself?" Tseng shook his head. "He won't grace them with his esteemed presence."
Rufus scoffed. "You mean he's scared." Tseng smiled as he sipped his coffee without saying anything. Who could fault president Shinra for being wary after an attempt at his life that would have succeeded if not for Sephiroth's intervention? A conspiracy spearheaded by his own son. "We'll be accompanied by two other Turks, Sephiroth and another Rank-1 SOLDIER and a couple other people. Mr. Tuesti is coming, too."
"Sounds messy", Rufus mused, crossing his legs. "Well, we're still at war, so I guess it can't be helped. Finally, this senile fool is coming to his senses." When Rufus did not continue to elaborate on his thoughts, Tseng inquired: "How so?", and the Vice President responded: "We're bringing Sephiroth to remind them what we're capable of, right?" Tseng stared. "How else can we rule over Wutai, if not with fear?" Tseng had not thought that far. He had received the information from Veld, who had presumably received them directly from the president, and he was given the impression that Sephiroth's presence was to ensure the safety of the envoy. With two high-ranking Shinra executives traveling to hostile territory, bringing two rank-1 SOLDIERs with them was only appropriate. And Sephiroth was the only on suitable to protect someone as important the Vice President.
He had not realized that Sephiroth might be used in another way. It could not be denied that the presence of the Hero of the Wutai War could possibly have some effect on the outcome of the negotiations. With Tseng not being well-versed in the ways of war, diplomacy, and public displays of power, he said defensively: "I'm not a politician." He realized he still had lots to learn before he could even dream of being the leader of the Turks. Yet, the idea of being the leader of Rufus Shinra's Turks filled him with excitement.
"Neither am I", Rufus countered with a smirk. Tseng raised his eyebrows questioningly, to which Rufus responded with an exaggerated wave of his hand: "Aren't you ever so grateful the esteemed Mr. Tuesti will be joining us on this important mission?" Tseng had no idea why Tuesti was even needed for this mission but he nodded slowly as he begun to understand what Rufus was getting at. Folding is hands over his stomach, he mused: "I wonder if he knows just how grateful we are." Rufus laughed out loudly. "No way!" More seriously, he added as he looked deep into Tseng's eyes: "A pawn wouldn't be pawn if it knew it's being played."