A Shinra World

[Rufus Shinra]

Midgar was not what it used to be, while the Shinra company presence was still a strong one, the President had found a much more comfortable establishment within the city of Junon. He had always been more comfortable in the waterside city anyway, the shadows and long lasting nights of Midgar were simply depressing and not to the tastes of the younger Shinra. Rufus Shinra set in his large office, everything glittering with the appearance of over expensive, as well as a strong musk of cologne drifting in the air. He was the President after all, he enjoyed keeping up his appearance. At the end of the long office was placed a huge desk, covered in different folders and paperwork that needed the Presidents attention and signature. Though the pile was large and uninteresting for the moment, other things danced on the mans mind.

One folder in particular was what the cold gazing President took an interest in. Written across the front in block capitals read the name, Professor Hojo. His company had been continuing to fund the oddly collected man, for there was a chance of major breakthroughs with such a great yet disturbed mind. While it was like people were hurt in the process of such experiments, Rufus was willing to make the sacrifice for a better world. A Shinra world. The blonde haired man calmly slithered his blue eyes through the paperwork inside, while he was always willing to provide funding for a better and richer future, recent events had caused doubt to tickle the hairs on his neck. He never truly trusted Hojo, and probably never world – time would tell what would come of such funds.

The President relaxed back into his throne like leather chair, one hand casually lifting a glass of wine between in his fingers, while the other hand pressed a button on his phone to allow him to speak to his secretary.
“Yes Mr. President?” A rather respective yet mild female voice sounded from the speaker. The collected white coated man took a light sip of his drink before giving his orders.
“The Turks and Nina. Have them report to my Office in Junon as soon as possible. That is all.” And with that, he cut her off. Rufus pushed himself from his seat and made his way to his window, his cold eyes glaring through the glass in contemplation. The world could not be controlled by money, he knew this. Could the people be controlled by fear? It was still possible. After all that had happened in his world, Cloud and Sephiroth, Weapon, Deepground, Shinra still came out on top. Shinra would always come out on top.

Shinras’ were born to rule.

[nightwraith]

Finally.

Nina was practically rushing at first, a hastened walk down the long hallway to the elevator. She'd freshly showered, dressed herself prim and neatly, and smelled pleasantly of roses. The experiment was truly excited. It felt good, seeing as she had very few things free in the world to become excited over. Her long, ebony hair practically flowed behind her while she quickly stepped into the elevator and pressed the button. Finally he was calling on her. The president, who meant a great deal to Nina, had been occupied with important business matters since they had arrived in Junon. And as such, Nina hadn't been able to see him, kept cooped up mostly in her quarters for the time being. And now that she'd been told to report to Rufus, Nina couldn't have been any more joyous. Of course, for appearances' sake, she had to do her best to hide the excitement. Rufus had reminded her it wouldn't do for others to suspect something was going on. But Nina was obedient and loyal, and only to two men. Her maker, Hojo, and the one she held dear, Rufus. She wouldn't do anything to cross either of them and would do whatever they demanded of her. Nina did her best holding the stoic appearance when others were around her, but when no one was looking, she couldn't contain it.

Alone in the elevator, Nina cracked a small smile to herself. It was hard to avoid, he had that affect on her.

Is he thinking about me? I know he's got a lot of more important things on his mind but... I hope he's thinking about me.

Nina took a minute while in the elevator to take a deep breath and calm herself. She was getting far too giddy, way ahead of herself. She had to be professional. No room for slacking, unless Rufus made it clear to. Still, the girl smiled until the elevator door opened. Nina now walked out into the hall with a relaxed pace and calm appearance. She knew exactly where his office was, and it was obvious when she noticed it was guarded to the left and right of the entrance door. When she got to the guards, Nina flashed her I.D, and one nodded, allowing her access. The door was opened, Nina was announced, and she entered. Standing there in front of the doorway, Nina looked lovely. She wasn't exactly dressed up, but she wasn't in poor civilian clothes either. No, Nina wore her comfortable yet stylish ensemble that Rufus himself had actually provided. In a way, it really reflected his own taste in clothing. A pair of black slender pants, matching ankle-boots and woven belt, with a black tank top and white coat that went down to mid-thigh. Her hair, as usual, was left down and combed neatly. She wore no jewelry or makeup, save for one silver ShinRa logo pin mounted on a black ribbon around her neck. It was very symbolic, that pin.

It meant that she was ShinRa property. His property.

Keeping that in mind, Nina stood straight as the door closed behind her. Her bright, blue-green eyes looked at Rufus who stood by the window. She wanted more than anything for them to at least have a few minutes alone, so that he might tell her to relax and become comfortable. Perhaps even share an embrace, or some sign of his affection. While Rufus was normally quite cold, it seemed that he could still soften some for her at times. Nina knew very well how he was, and respected it as well as understood it.

"Mr. President..."

Nina kept her face straight as she addressed him.

[elena]

It was early morning in Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department when Elena received a notice from the President’s secretary. The Turks were needed in his office as soon as possible. Ending the call with an affirmative that she would be headed over ASAP, Elena hung up the phone and stood from her chair. Peering over the wall of her half-cubicle, Elena turned to look toward the back of the large room, where Tseng's office was located. The shades were drawn such that she wasn’t sure if he’d arrived yet, this morning.

It was a bit strange that the secretary called her, directly. Usually, she would contact the Director, who would then tell the rest of the Turks that they were needed somewhere for something or other.

Maybe he was running late, or was otherwise was detained?

Was that way the secretary was contacting them directly?

And so Elena wondered if the President had summoned her for something very important, not to say that any call from the President was not important. Not that all. It was just that things had been strange around the offices lately.

Take last night.

When most everyone else in the department had decided to call it a day and head out to the bar in Upper Junon for their usual after-work drink, Director Tseng had stayed behind. Usually, he would tag along with the rest of the Turks when they went to the bar, even if he didn’t often add much to the conversation while there—he was always so quiet like that. Yet, last night, Tseng declined the offer to join with nothing more than a, “Go ahead. I have other business to attend to.”

What business, exactly, was he talking about?

Not that it was any of her business to be wondering just what Tseng was doing at any odd hour, because he was her boss and it wasn’t her place to be wondering what he does in his free time when he’s not on the job or going with the gang to the bar…

Er…

She knew that his business was his business, but she was still curious.

Well, more than curious.

Tseng had been reclusive lately, and it had started the day a bunch of folks from Records had dumped a bunch of boxes into his office over two weeks ago. Since then, Elena had only scarcely caught sight of Tseng. It was like he’d sequestered himself, only emerging to grab himself a cup of coffee from the break room before locking himself back inside his office.

When did he eat?

Was he still in there, now?

Did he stay the night in his office?


((OOC: Quick mooning over Tseng, Elena, and go do your job!))

[cissnei]

Sitting in her office, Cissnei was working on loads of paper work. Many of the Turks, not that she was going to name them, did not have the perseverance to finish certain paper work. Cissnei, hating that things were started and never finished, came to work early to attempt to finish them.


She was born and raised here at ShinRa and their top standards were her own. She had exceeded at many things, and her penmanship was certainly one of them. Almost in a trance, words formed from her pen, until something disturbed this meditation. The phone seemed to scream in the air. She was not used to someone calling her at this hour, especially since these days seemed to be slow. The Turks had been being given meaningless tasks to do, and usually they went undisturbed.

Or rather, she was given such meaningless tasks. Technically a renegade Turk, she had returned to the company with a bruised pride. ShinRa had been her pride and joy, she knew nothing else. Emotional distress had caused her to run. She had expected a much worse punishment, but oddly they accepted an apology and put her on a probation period.


Maybe they were running low on employees? Or perhaps they needed her skills either way… the phone was still screaming.


A gloved hand picked up the phone, “Cissnei, speaking.” Not her real name. But it was how people around the office knew her. It was to keep an alias, so that she was protected in case coworkers got disgruntled and wanted to look her up in the phone book.


Her red brown eyes widened. The President wanted to see her? It must be important. Generally he only delegated to Tseng.

Unless…

“I am on my way.” She delegated to the woman over the phone. She stood up from her desk, careful to put paper weights on some of the near tumbling mountains of paper.


She left her office to go to the mini break room built in on the floor. Earlier she started some coffee, knowing many people, including their Director, could not go long without it. Her motherly instinct was kicking in.


The cupboard above the coffee maker held the usual black coffee mug with the ShinRa logo on it. The dark liquid filled it, the strong smell beckoning for Cissnei to just sip it. But she resisted this urge, and as if this was just the average everyday norm, she methodically found the shortest route to Tseng’s office.

Whether or not she noticed Elena staring at Tseng’s door was a mystery. However, not many couldn’t notice Elena’s infatuation with the man.

Her knuckles rapped on the door. “Tseng?” She said clearly and loudly, announcing her presence at the door. When no one answered, she slowly opened the door, as if she was afraid that she may disturb him during some important time.


By the looks of it the time DID seem too important to disturb…


Tseng was actually sleeping….

About time too! She could swear he never slept. A man in his position had to be an insomniac to accomplish what he could.

A soft sigh escaped her lips. Footsteps padded over to his side. Holding the coffee in one hand, Cissnei gently shook Tseng by the shoulder. “Sir, I am sorry to wake you, but the President wants us.” Her words were soft as not to startle the sleeping man.

[tseng]

E A R L I E R . . .

In the years since the destruction of ShinRa’s previous headquarters, along with the constant watchful eye of Edge’s media broadcast agencies, it seemed that ShinRa’s employees had unanimously decided to return to the company and atone for the past. In this new wave of altruism spreading throughout the corporation, the ShinRa General Electric Company was working diligently toward turning a “new leaf.” And while most ShinRa personnel wanted to do so by working hard toward implementing policy changes, the President’s approach to the company’s new initiative was decidedly more intrusive.

After the former president’s assassination, Rufus’s subsequent ascension, and the events leading to Midgar’s destruction, much information was lost. Those “in the know” of ShinRa’s secrets where killed before the new President was ever made aware of them. As a result, the reconstruction that the ShinRa company had been working at was nearly lost to the forces of Deep Ground. Not wanting such an occurrence to happen again, the President had entrusted Tseng and the senior TURKS with conducting their most critical mission to date—the complete and thorough investigation of the ShinRa Electric Power Company, itself. This investigation consisted of many late hours, wherein, Tseng was held up in his office while combing through the company’s past to uncover any loose ends that needed to be tied up, albeit discreetly. And, due to the sensitive nature of Deep Ground’s secrets, Tseng was tasked with going through those particular records, himself. Therefore, the large expanse of his once Spartan office was now overrun with boxes upon boxes of files and folders. Across the north wall was spread an assortment of computer towers that were salvaged from the ruins of a recently uncovered Deep Ground laboratory.

It was late—probably sometime past two in the morning, if Tseng was to venture a guess. A half-filled mug of lukewarm coffee sat, untouched, on his desk, while he sat transfixed at one terminal.

It was yesterday afternoon when he had started going through the laboratory’s data archive that he came across the notes of one Dr. G—a Deep Ground scientist whose harrowing experimentations were starting to give Professor Hojo’s scientific perversions a run for their money.

…G…

The Bio-Medical Division had a tendency toward designating their projects and employees with unimaginative, single-letter code-names, and this particular letter was used multiple times by that department—Professor G, Project G and Subject G being three predominant examples. That being the case, it was surprising to see this particular “G” attached to the Weapons Research and Development Department.

Scarlet’s department.

…Dr. G…

Further delving into the laboratory records revealed that the codename belonged to a man named Velent Gram. From the nature of his work, he looked to be a cyberneticist. Initially, he looked to be nothing more than a run-of-the-mill ShinRa Researcher, who worked mainly in cybernetic weapons development. That was, until he defeated and tried to flee from Deep Ground with what was recorded as “Classified Data.” It after the attempted defection and “rehabilitation” into Deep Ground that Dr. Gram’s research took different turn.

…Efforts toward mitigating the onset of necrosis was unsuccessful in Biomort Specimen IV… Increasing input to sixty percent on BS-V…

Although much of the vernacular went over Tseng’s head, he was able to get the gist this particular document. It made for a truly morbid read that made the hairs on the back of Tseng’s neck rise.

…Necrosis rate stabilized…Tissues and organs show no more signs of degradation… Inclusion of MAKO into the bypass unit was successful… Biomort Specimen V shows an increase in motor activity…

For this Dr. Gram was experimenting with what sounded like a bio-mechanical form of necromancy.

And…

Dr. Gram was currently unaccounted for among the SOLDIERS killed and captured from Deep Ground.

…AWOL… XX/XX/1998…

He had disappeared from the confines of Deep Ground not long before the Tsviets had revolted against the resistors and overthrew Deep Ground. And if Tseng was understating Dr. Gram’s notes correctly, the subjects of three experiments that he conducted within the laboratory were also unaccounted for.

Namely, Projects MOG, RAG, and DOG.

…The MAGUS Sisters…

Tseng exhaled as he leaned back in his chair and lifted his right hand to pinch bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger.

This was what exactly what ShinRa needed—another mad scientist on the loose.

With a sigh, Tseng lowered his hand and stood. He could hear his spine pop from sitting too long as he stretched. After making his way around an obstacle course of boxes, files, and folders, Tseng arrived back to his desk. He then took a seat and shook the mouse of his computer before waiting for the computer to load out of sleep mode.

It was getting very late, but it looked like he would need to stay at work for quite a while still. He was going to have to file a report on his finding, and it looked as though this find would keep him up all night.

And so Teng got to work right away.


L A T E R . . .

The overall investigation was not yet complete, and he doubted it would be for some months to come. Deep Ground was a wealth of misinformation and missing files, and it was taking a long time to piece things together. However, Teng was able to write up the report regarding last night’s investigation into Deep Ground’s cybernetics laboratory before sunrise.

Unfortunately, it had taken him until five o'clock in the morning to do so.

Therefore, the mid-morning hours found Tseng to be slouched in his chair with his suit jacket draped over the back. His arms were folded over his chest with his chin tucked against his sternum as he slept. Running on too many all-nighters and too little coffee, Tseng had practically dropped dead in his seat.

So, it was with some embarrassment that he found Cissnei wakening him with a quiet voice and a steaming cup of coffee.

Barely restraining a grimace, Tseng sat up and gingerly accepted the cup with his right hand while he tried the rub the kink out of his neck with the left.

“What time is it?” He asked in a voice thick and slurred with drowsiness. Upon realizing how he must have sounded, Tseng cleared his throat and nonchalantly took a quick sip of his coffee before eyeing Cissnei with an expectant, albeit slightly half-lidded, stare.

[cissnei]

She observed as he awoke. By the look of it, he had been completely out of it. When he took the cup from her, she placed a hand on the back rest of the chair. She knew he was quite sure that she wouldn’t barge in here to get his butt up unless it was something important.


“It is time for us to see the President. He wants all of us in his office right now.” A small frown framed her lips as she repeated herself to him. It was quite a rude awakening to have something to respond to right upon awakening.


Upon thinking this, she quickly added, “Would you like me to tell him you will be a few minutes?” She began to walk toward the door, but she waited at the entrance for his reply. She had moved herself because it was tempting to look at all the papers on his desk. If Tseng wanted to share his information he would, until then she would try to distance her prying eyes from what he was studying.

She was trying to minimalize his embarrassment by pretending nothing was amiss. That and she was offering him a few minutes to collect himself before reporting in to Rufus.

[Hojo]

He was ascending... higher and higher. Professor Hojo was standing like a statue, on the elevator traveling upwards to the President's office in Junon. He hadn't remembered leaving his lab to come here, or how he had made his way to this elevator. The only things on his mind were things that he had never thought would be information that he would need again. The first part of his body to move was his hand, as it made its way to his glasses. He absent-mindedly slid them into his hand and polished them on his labcoat. This particular coat was flawlessly white. He kept it as a formal coat, just in case he was ever called by one of the higher personal. The scientist preferred his labcoat to be stained red.

The door opened, and light shone into the small hallway. Hojo clasped his hands behind his back and stiffly walked forward until the doors swung open to reveal the President's office. Hojo had never cared for ranks, but it was those in power that provided his funding, and without them, obtaining subjects for experiments would be nowhere near as simple. Although, it might be more interesting.

Rarely were Hojo's thoughts in the same place that he was, but just as rarely was anyone in his vicinity aware of this. However, the white-coated man's eyes were drawn to the floor, as his thoughts continued. Finally, his eyes slowly rose up to focus on the man behind the desk. Hojo's mouth twisted into a slight, mad grin. As his lips parted, only one word came from them in greeting.

"Shinra..."

[zek]

Knife was shaken from her concentration on a large pile of papers she had been ordered to go though and sign, it was rather tedious. She almost regretted rejoining but knew in the end they'd have won over anyway still after doing work for shinra as a freelance even if she hadn't known it was them, it was different.

The missions if you could them that were boring and those that would of been assigned to a rookie turk, apparently she like Cissnei were still regarded as 'renegade'.
So Knife found a lot of paperwork and patrols were her current missions, she did want peace but it was like she was a rookie again.

She sipped her coffee and sighed before answering the phone that had stopped her concentration "Knife speaking...yes I'll be right there"

She was surprised Rufus wanted to see them all not just Tseng or Elena, it was ironic Elena was Guns sister and yet if Gun ever showed her face Elena would be higher than her. Though Elena seemed ok except she was always mooning over Tseng.

She had to admit she missed her former partner sometimes at least he made life interesting, she
had gone with the other turks to drink the other night but felt like she was a stranger.
She smirked Katana would scold her for thinking such thoughts but he was off somewhere out there probably traveling.

She approached Tsengs office as she saw Elena mooning over Tseng once more, though it was strange to see Tseng sleeping "I see you all received the same phone call"she said letting her presence be known.

[tseng]

(( Good Morning, Angels.
Just woke up and kinna sleepy, but wanted to get this out so things can role. Sorry that it’s a bit short.))

When Cissnei asked if he would like for her to tell Rufus that he would be a few minutes, Tseng gave her an appreciative smile.

“There’s no need. I’ll be out, shortly.”

After taking in a long gulp of coffee, Tseng set the mug on his desk. He then rolled his chair away from the desk and stood. Drawing his jacket from its perch on the back of his chair, he promptly slid his arms through the sleeves and zipped the front. Straitening his sleeves with a tug at the cuffs, Tseng passed Cissnei another glance as she discreetly waited for him to either join her, or dismiss her.

Instead, he asked, “Have the others been contacted?”

With a final tug at his cuff, Tseng then ran his right hand though his long hair to make sure it was still in order. Fortunately, it had managed to avoid degenerating into a mass of tangles during his nap. Satisfied, Tseng stepped around his desk, to join Cissnei’s side as the door. Passing the Investigation Sector’s main communal office a quick onceover, he saw that Elena and Knife present.

Very well.

Clearing his throat and inclining his head, Tseng addressed his subordinates, “Let’s go.”

[Rufus Shinra]

The crashing waves off in the distance plummeted against the docks of Junon, soldiers marching down the streets. His forces had been somewhat crippled quite considerably due to all the events in the recent years along with faith in his company dwindling there had been less recruitment, though he had a remedy for such things. A last resort if one labelled it, however he would reinstate Shinras overall power, that was a given. The blonde haired President turned from his window and returned to his desk, placing himself down onto his large black chair and relaxed comfortably. It was amusing, at the end of the day. Cloud had saved the world twice, with his assistance of course, and was generally the hero scraping a living in Midgar, and yet he was still king of the castle. Whenever he needed a bit of amusement, that thought could always cross his mind. Power went to those who grasp for it.

Rufus Shinra took a light sip of his wine glass as the project Nina was introduced at his doorway. The guard saluted sternly towards his president and stood in the doorway. His cold eyes lingered over the woman while giving nothing away about his mood or what was on his mind, it was one of the reasons he was so dangerous to some, being somewhat unpredictable. His father never liked it, and it even came back to bite him on the ass and one point. Though such a man, as grubby as he was, could never kill his own son and now that very man was sitting on his throne. Just as it should be. Though that was a history lesson for another time, it was the future he was interested in. And this girl, as closer as they had become, was part of that future that had clocked in his mind. The perfect tool.
“Nina. Take a seat.” Rufus motioned to a couch he had moved from Midgar and placed in his office, before calmly running his hands through his blonde hair. She was only there a moment, before Hojo made his own appearance. As the scientist stalked through the door in his gremlin like fashion, a light smirk touched the Presidents lips.

The strange acting man referred to him as Shinra, which was something Rufus had accepted. Hojo was one of the few people in his employment who would dare, or be allowed to call him by his name without his title. He much preferred Mr. President however Hojos’ long standing in the ShinRa Company as well as respectable intelligence earned a loose respect from the young President. While this man was likely one of his greatest dangers he was also one of his most useful employees. Rufus waved his hand to the guard at the door for it to be shut, before focusing his attention onto the man ahead of him.
“Hojo. I see you have come as well, good, I was going to call you anyway.” Slowly Rufus rose from his black chair, his fingers idly tracing stands on his blonde hair over his ear, while his deep cold eyes casually lingered between the pair.
“I do hope our funds are assisting you nicely with your current affairs, we take care of our own as you know.” Rufus began, though it was always hard to tell if he was being serious with such words, for he rarely said them.
“And then comes a time when such funds are to be used directly to my wishes. You created Nina, she is strong and almost human. I want to know if more can be created, not as intelligent and probably due to a large order not as powerful, but as foot soldiers for… later use. Can it be done, Hojo?”
It was cold. But the world was cold. He was cold. His ambitions were cold.

After all these years, had he changed?

[Hojo]

Hojo's grin faded, as his mouth dropped back into a stoic and emotionless stare. He finally lifted his eyes to fully meet the blue eyes of the man behind the desk. Hojo normally did not care to talk about his work, as having to explain each detail to those who could not comprehend the subtlties of it felt like a waste of time. Although, he felt that way about almost any form of conversation.

"How fortunate that you should ask now..."

The only part of Hojo's body that moved was his mouth, as the rest of him was stone, in place, his hands behind his back once more. But the elevator doors behind him did move, and something began to emerge from them...

(OOC: Sorry, this was a short post, but we all know where this is going. >.>)

[Lycan]

(I'm in proto form, which is my avatar.)

Project Lycan stepped out of the elevator, with his claws clicking on the floor. He stood at his full height of six feet. His dark fur shined under the light as countless employees stared in shock, at the beast who entered.

Hojo was in the usual form, but was expecting this creature, after all.... He made it.

"I am... here, Master." He said, a low growl to his voice, as he began to walk. He wore some ragged red pants, with a belt of rope tied in many knots, suspenders were also helping keep his pants up.

A large sword rested on his back, the blade was sharp, with many scratches on the handle.

As the creature looked at Hojo through his bright yellow eyes, he saw President Shinra.

"Lycan is here, Master Hojo." He growled, bowing slightly to the group.

[nightwraith]

Nina didn't ease a bit even as Rufus asked her to sit. She had to keep face, just as he did. But she did obey, and went to the familiar couch and sat down. While holding back a smirk, Nina recalled the particular couch, and supposed that Rufus had ordered it from Midgar. The memories associated with it amused her some. But the thoughts were interrupted by the sudden appearance of her creator, Hojo. Nina's attention immediately snapped to the aged scientist, who seemed eerily pleased with something. It was with that sickening grin of his, she was absolutely sure that he had done something. It wasn't like him to act in such a way unwarranted. And she wasn't sure exactly what it was, he'd been rather solitary as of late. At least, Nina hadn't been in the picture recently. It didn't feel right at all.

What is he up to...?

She watched the two as Rufus addressed Hojo. Rufus demanded more results from Hojo, more brute and less intelligent versions of herself. Nina wasn't bothered by the 'almost human' comment, not by much. It wasn't important, she was just as good as human. And she was well aware of it, no one could convince her otherwise. Nina listened as her creator spoke. Something was wrong. What was he going to do? Nina's question was answered when the elevator opened to reveal a hulking, beast-like creature that stood like a man. He stood well over her or anyone else in the room, and had a very intimidating look about him, with features much like a wolf's. Nina almost rose from her seat, surprised to see such a strange creation just suddenly appear. He was certainly Hojo's pet project of the day, and must have been a recent development. She wasn't sure how the beastman came about, but Hojo was indeed a genius. There was no denying, even if his intelligence was spent on most dangerous projects and experiments.

Nina looked the creature over a second time before looking back to Hojo with curious eyes. She didn't speak, unsure of what to say even if she was given liberty to. Was this thing to take her place? Or was he simply covering the areas that she herself couldn't manage? Whatever it was, it unsettled her some. The young experiment looked to Rufus then, as if he knew what to do. This random showcase must've caught him by surprise as well, though. Whatever was to happen next, Nina would await orders from either of them.

(I apologize for the short post, but apart from not having much to say or do, I was extremely distracted throughout typing it. ^_^

[cissnei]

Cissnei nodded at Tseng’s words. When he asked if they were informed, she peeked her head out the door to see if they had indeed got word. “It seems so.” But Tseng was already walking passed her before she could really give him a full answer.

She looked at the other two, who just seemed to be staring at her and Tseng. Were they waiting for him to emerge? It seemed the Turks were at a loss when their Director did not give word to them to act. Had they really learned nothing? The President requested them and not one of them was up there?

There was something wrong with this picture, and she was wondering if it was because they all jumped into a habit of nothing happening at all.

Following his orders to ‘go’, she walked down the hallway to the elevator. She pressed the button to go up, and it came accordingly. Briskly she walked into it, holding the door open for the others, tapping her foot impatiently. Her identification card was out and was being scanned for authorization to use the elevator. Her finger jabbed the button that would take them to the floor that Rufus was on.

Once ensured everyone was present and accounted for she allowed the doors closed, and up they went. She hated waiting. The anticipation of wanting to know what was going on killed her sometimes.

The elevator opened again, and she slid out walked down yet another seemingly too long hallway to show her identification to the guard at the front of Rufus’s office. He let her slip by.

The door opened…

And yet what was revealed behind the closed door certainly wasn’t a sight she expected to see. She side stepped out of the door way, her hand reaching at her belt to pull out her shuriken. With a press of the button, it unfolded itself so that it grew to its full circumference.

“What’s going on in here?” She hoped the president would forgive her rudeness for not addressing him, but there was a snarling beast of what might have been a man in here. Her body tensed up ready to move to attack at any sign of threat.

She did not trust Hojo at all. Not after all he did. Her gut twisted at the mere sight of him, perhaps out of an old fear? Her eyes trained on all threats present in the room.

Perhaps she was not being professional, but until she was told to stand down, she was ready to strike.

[tseng]

After Cissnei stepped out of his office, Tseng and shut the door and promptly turned to activate the biometric lock. With all the sensitive information that had recently taken residence in his office, it was prudent to keep the room secure during his absence. Once he grinding sound of the door’s bold sliding into place, Tseng turned from his door only to meet the awaiting faces of Knife and Elena. Cissnei, on the other hand, was already down the hall and on her way, presumably, to the elevator.

Looking back toward the two remaining Turks, his lips pressed into a thin line. They had received order to go to the President’s office, and yet, neither had made a move to do just that. Although, he had to give Knife credit—she looked ready to mobilize.

Elena, however, was still standing near her cubicle while staring in his direction. She had that look on her face, again. It was that same expression that she seemed to have, whenever he happened to notice her watching him. It made him uncomfortable to see her looking at him like that, for he knew the meaning behind it well. It’s was the same that he used to wear when he watched over Aerith all those years ago. Tseng had hoped, with time, that meaning behind the look would fade. That it would eventually become nothing more than memory about the folly of youth. Yet, time did pass, and the meaning seemed to do nothing but endure.

And it was foolish, really, to be wasting so much time on something so unrequited.

Especially now…

The President was waiting for them, so with a determined stride, Tseng made his way past Elena—and Knife—to join Cissnei in the elevator.

Once the four of them were gathered, they ascended to the President’s floor.

It only took a moment to arrive at the top level since the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department was only one floor below. The door opened with a ding and Tseng strode out and down the long hallway. The president’s office as at the far end, and his doors were flanked by two security guards. Giving a brief toward the two upon arrival, he promptly flashed his ID—it was procedure after all—and waited for the rest of the Turks to do the same.

Access granted, they were allowed to pass into the President’s office.

And that was when things got complicated.