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Post by Deleted on Oct 3, 2018 7:39:09 GMT -5
And for you, only you I would give anything, To be accompanied by the fresh air of the outdoors again after being confined within the metal hulls of the ship felt liberating. The former SOLDIER still yet felt tad groggy and tired after waking up from that strange dream he had earlier. The sensations, the anguish, the thrill of battle felt all too real to simply discount it as one. However, at the end of it all, it was indeed, by all means, was no more than a dream. Perhaps it was unhealthy to overthink on it too much, as the one he affectionally he called 'Doc' over at WRO's medical wing would say. Though he spouted nonsense from time to time, he certainly knew what he was talking about when he was serious.
Aldrich dug through his pocket, getting out a small bag of 3 day's worth of sleeping pill that the 'Doc' had prescribed to him. At this point, it was only down to a day's worth. The pills haven't helped with keeping down the strange dreams he'd been having too much, but it did keep him from waking up in middle of the night at the very least. As he tucked the pills away back into his pocket, he slowly headed up the harbor's exit and stepped on the familiar sun-kissed town. He could still yet remember the times he'd come to this place as a SOLDIER when Shinra used to hand out vacation days to this place for those that were in their ranks. The old sign he remembered seeing that said: 'Welcome to Costa Del Sol' was still yet standing, though its once vibrant colors seemed to have faded out over time.
However, its atmosphere was something that always remained constant, even if the sky itself was about to fall.
As much as he would like to rest after what seemed to be a long trip, R&R was not something that he was here for. His stay here would only be but a brief momentary lapse until he'd be able to make his journey all the way to Wutai. Just thinking about the trip there was enough to give him a headache. His paycheck from the WRO was definitely going to take a hit just to visit his friend again, but he would have enough to get back. probably.
"Need to hitch a ride first."
The male mentally noted as he bobbed and weaved past by the people on the streets. There were significantly less than last he remembered, but he wasn't too surprised by it. Being at a resort was probably the last thing on people's minds after going through world ending events not only once, but twice. This, unfortunately, resulted in the car rental business he knew rather well closing down too, it seemed.
"... What a drag." Leaving a trace for love to find a way, |
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Post by Rufus Shinra on Oct 3, 2018 11:10:05 GMT -5
 | Sorry? Why, I've never had this much fun. | |
Costa del Sol had always been a haven for Shinra employees. The Midgar continent was not well known for its surf or sun. The capital city itself was nestled under the shadow of the Mythril Mountains and was bathed in a false illumination that did oft to disturb the mood and general health of its citizens. Those of the upper plates had the luxury of a moderate amount of sunlight, but the mountainous region did little to encourage but the faintest of sun light. It was not until one got out to Kalm that they were provided with a moderate sense of leisure until reaching Junon where Industry consumed the natural purview of the landscape. Rufus -- never took pleasure in Costa del Sol. Living there under house arrest, a prisoner beneath the lackadaisical vices of his corrupt father: one would have few pleasantries about a city that served as the institution for his disruptive machinations against a collapsing empire.
The sun was poison for such a fair skinned warlord.
Rufus lay rest under the shade of an umbrella, a sunhat atop his head to further ward away the heinous rays of Planet's singular solar occupant. He was laid out on a lounge chair, the plastic sticking to the bare parts of his skin whenever he shifted. He wore a black tee shirt, over top a white, short sleeved blouse. Long, white slacks protected his legs from the angry burn of the sun as did a pair of white rimmed sunglasses did for his eyes. In one hand he held a glass of lemonade, like spiked with enough vodka to deter his foul mood when come subject of the sunny, coastal town. On the desk beside him lay his phone, a text message forgotten -- something concerning approval for renewing Rocket Town's contracts with Shinra for restarting the Space Program. Beneath his lounge chair was the ferocious war hound. Unlike its counterparts this Tentacle Hound was of exemplary specimen. The beasts were only afforded to soldiers and high ranking Shinra employees as the guard beasts were solely bred by the company for their intelligence and brutality. Few would dare invoke a member of Shinra with the beasts at their side.
Rufus had come for one reason and one reason only. To escape the infernal ice and chill the Midgar continent was known to suffer in the winter seasons. He would rather begrudge the hellish heat of the Western continent's sunny seasons than deal with the malicious ice and hail that punished the mountainous region. While naught compared to the Northern continents, who suffered a constant system of ice and snow, save for the lip of the continent that shared its equatorial balance with the Western edges -- he would stand neither.
The executive fanned himself with a blue, paper fan, Dark Nation rest atop a bag of ice, which slowly turned to water under the combination of its body heat and the surrounding dryness. Rufus was on the deck of his villa which overlooked the town, far from the reach of tourists' prying eyes, but close enough that the president could watch them go by. Rufus' attention was caught by the man's voice. His own vehicle, a prototype in oil-based fuel, lay tucked away in the garage of the villa. He had assured the Turks of the opportunity to test it on the long and winding roads of the Western continents, but it had been mere excuse to take it along with him on the ships and far away from the ice sheeted roads of Edge.
"There isn't much of a supply of sturdy cars that can run on alternative fuel, but if you're interested..." The executive smirked from beneath his shades.Normally he wouldn't bother with the dregs of society, far be it for him to interfere in their droll and morbid lives while he build his legacy on the skeletons of his father's deep closet. This would be an opportunity to test his vehicle and spread interest to the common man. Plus a ride in the open air seemed a far more pleasant thought than roasting out here in the sun.▲ 0690 ● next ● Circumstantial query |
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Post by Tseng on Oct 3, 2018 22:37:16 GMT -5
Tseng never understood how he always got pulled off to Del Sol when the President decided her wanted to skirt his responsibilities for a few days. Honestly, this was more Reno and Rude's cup of tea than his own. Instead, here he was while Reno slept to cover the evening shift. The Director much preferred the colder weather to this intense heat. Yet, the policy was clear and he would never break it. He was on duty currently as the President's guard. Full uniform was required for this. Though, he made an exception and removed the long sleeved jacket which was draped over the back of the chair next to him as he stood. Had the two been inside in the air conditioning, Tseng would likely be sitting. Outside he needed to be more aware of their surroundings and he couldn't waste the few precious second to act on getting up.
The Director's weapons were tucked into the gun holster that was normally hidden underneath his suit jacket. He had rolled up his long sleeved white shirt cuffs about a third of the way up his forearm to assist in cooling him off. But, that was the most he would do. He would not allow himself to dress like Reno did. Even if the weather would likely allow it.
Rufus, on the other hand, was enjoying the weather. He was in far less clothing. At least they were in a semi-private location. Things should run rather smoothly from here. That is until Rufus decided to speak up and talk to a civilian that happened to be walking by. The Director pulled a face at his statement. "Sir..." He warned. Nothing good came from drumming up conversation with a random. Especially when he was talking about the vehicle he had brought up.
Tseng was forced to take a few steps forward from the shade of the villa to be able to keep an eye on this new man that was now likely going to enter the conversation. It was a shame that Rufus was so recognizable. It would make their lives easier if they weren't worried about everyone suddenly turning on the President. Even with the company turning around, he wasn't the most popular man in the world. |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2018 11:01:15 GMT -5
And for you, only you I would give anything, "There isn't much of a supply of sturdy cars that can run on alternative fuel, but if you're interested..."
Aldrich's attention shot up to the nearby source and caused one of his eyebrows to raise in a mild surprise. If there was one person that he didn't expect to see again since the dissolve of the Shinra Electric Power Company, then it was Rufus Shinra, a son of the previous president who'd gotten himself killed during Sephiroth's insurrection at the tower. There was a word that went around the Edge that he was still alive, and rumors of him funding WRO from the backstage was floating about among the Agents. Though the latter half of the gossip wasn't totally confirmed, he certainly didn't expect this.
Yet, there was Rufus - standing right above him, casually offering him a free ride in his vehicle all the way from his balcony.
Even with a pair of shades being worn on his face, the former SOLDIER could easily recognize his features for the man that he was. Then again, was this... really okay? Surely, a former emperor of a fallen Empire that'd committed so many sins and atrocities over the years couldn't possibly display himself out in public in such a manner, could he? No, of course he could, the man probably still sat on a pile of fortune that he could burn through a few lifetimes over from his dead father's broken legacy for all he knew.
Yet, even without a throne to sit upon, and the time had passed since Shinra's long reign over the world, Aldrich could still feel a sense of oppression coming from the man. Rufus was a man who didn't need any superpowers, no genetic modifications, or weapons - he already had those things being done for him through other people already. A word of his mouth was mightier than any sword, spear, bullets, or missiles in the world; at least, if the rumors of him pouring money into the WRO happened to be true. Even if it wasn't, he was a man who stood above a common rabble, and even as a former SOLDIER he was but commonfolk to him, barely even registering in his radar.
However, was this man actually offering him a free ride out of simple whim? Or did he just want to show off that he still yet had deep pockets?
Aldrich never took the former President to be a person who'd want to waste his time so needlessly, even(probably) a Turk, whose face he couldn't exactly recognize seemed to warn him against such idea. For some reason, he couldn't help but feel tad bit sorry for the man in the suit. Even under a hot, blistering sun, he was still wearing a black suit that seemed to absorb all the heat into his body. Yet, he still had the iron will to conduct himself in a professional manner while trying to manage his superior's whims under such a weather.
Sheesh, ten points of respect to this man, even if he was (probably) a Turk.
"Hm, is that a free ride that you're offerin' me there, Mister former President?" The male put forth a smile, "Well, if yer offerin', I sure as hell wouldn't mind. It ain't every day that a person like me gets to hitch a ride with someone so famous."Leaving a trace for love to find a way, |
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Post by Rufus Shinra on Oct 7, 2018 11:11:17 GMT -5
| Sorry? Why, I've never had this much fun. | |
Rufus turned his head to Tseng, the tone of his singular word not lost on the executive. Pushing up his shades slightly he looked to the Turk who was just making him hot by the way he remained in uniform despite the weather. He took a sip of his lemonade and set the glass aside on the patio's table. The corners of his mouth were pulled up in a smirk. It was opportunity the executive could do little to ignore. Dark Nation rolled up from their place on the melting bag of ice when they saw Rufus move. The Tentacle Hound, who was black as the night and sizable when compared to the military's stock, padded up beside the president, their large head peeking out between the posts. A deep woof escaped their jaws. Rufus' hand petting the top of its head had calmed the beast who would sit on their haunches beside him. With both his hounds beside him Rufus had little to worry about from civilians, well armed or not.
He leaned forward, crossing his arms over the banister, having greeted the fellow below. At the utterance of former, from the man's lips, Rufus could not help but chuckle, head turning away with a wry smile. What pleasures the Shinra received from the myths of his own defeat and death. But he supposed that on a point it was a good thing their return was a subtle stand with Edge's construction rather than the loud boom of his father's legacy. His black shirt creased as he pressed against the length of banister, head turning toward the unopened garage of the villa.
Shinra, while still the most influential company on all of Planet, they were not the Power Electric company of olde. Long gone were the influences of his father's regime and the vacuums of power quickly filled by up and coming members who had done to stand by Rufus' company during Meteorfall. His company was still the number one manufacturer of industrial goods and after the fall of much of the Mako-dependent technology that Midgar had coveted there was now an untapped market for solar, hydro and gas energy. Junon's reactor was still being converted to full Geothermal and Hydroelectric while places like Costa del Sol would state as hallmark for testing the idea of solar energies: the roof of the main club fitted with panels. WRO was deep in Shinra's pockets, using their economic power to retain Planet's Peace come the loss of the infrastructure within Shinra's own para-military. Those who had returned were given their old positions in the military and the old SOLDIER projects were shut down in lieu of new types of gene therapy advances that did not involve the use of Makou as it once had.
Wile there was still naturally occurring pools of makou to make use of: Shinra would never again drain more than it was offered by the Planet. In the end Shinra had not lose a modicum of power, but they had lost the people's faith and were slowly rebuilding it. All it took were a few fools -- ready to accept the new ways... that was a much steeper hill to climb. Rufus had come here for a little R&R, but that wasn't something easy to achieve for a man's whose mind had to be in the vex of the constant troubles that came with running a company as large as his. He had to manage, handle, and control all available industries and always be one step ahead of the curve. If someone invented something Shinra would either buy it, or them. There were still times when there were those who resisted their passive takeovers, but they simply needed a bit more encouragement... It was the sort of combat Rufus excelled in. Manipulating others to reach his goal was still a viable means of control so long as they themselves didn't know it.
Besides there would be no other's legacy that was fit for the Planet.... Who could handle such a responsibility?
After observing the man for a moment he would chuckle. "Of course, it would be my pleasure." he moved to stand tall, but his hand did not leave the banister. "Oh, and there is nothing former about me. If you ever need a job, you can find the Shinra Power and Electric Company's headquarters in Edge. We're always looking for a few good -- security guards." He mused before leaving Aldrich's sight.
he would enter the villa and grab his keys. Looking himself over in the mirror the male paid no mind to the two hounds following him. Tseng and Nation alike seemed displeased with the idea of leaving the air conditioned villa, let along with a stranger. Dark Nation did not like his scent, but they were inclined to find offense to those that were a possible threat. The beast stalked behind Rufus and looked up as he prepared himself for the outing: brushing back his hair and collecting his car keys. He would spy Tseng from the mirror's reflection.
"Don't worry Tseng, I won't tell Reno we went without him." But he knew well that Tseng cared little about that. "Did you see his eyes?" Rufus looked to his own, pulling his lids down.
he still had to suffer his own doctor visits on occasion. It was not an easy thing to come off a makou addiction and despite the very small doses of SOLDIER serum he had to take to stave off the Stigma, it would not be for some time until he is weened from it. At this juncture the executive was compelled by not only his curiosity of the man, but a genuine interest in testing out his vehicle. He chuckled at his thoughts.
"Besides, we have to maintain responsibility. We can't let the intact, stray dogs run free. We can inspect if he's neutered." He would regard the fact that many SOLDIERs from the rosters had up and vanished. Many had a handle on their abilities, but others suffered from the adverse effects come Meteorfall. While madness was one, sometimes it was simply a case of letting lose overpowered men into ordinary lives. They weren't all the heroes that Sephiroth once was. Many were just street thugs, looking to get out of the gutter. Rufus would exit the villa, making his way down the steps with keys in hand. Dark Nation was close behind. With a click the garage would open revealing a rather new style, sleek car with a convertible top. It was a comfortable fit for four men and was quite large to easily fit great loads if the seats were laid down, unlike the more compact makou models that. This one ran on gas produced from oil. He smirked and held up the keys for the former SOLDIER.
"Ready?" ▲ WORDS ● @kdash Tseng ● A changing world |
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Post by Tseng on Oct 10, 2018 13:10:54 GMT -5
Tseng could feel the bit of anxiety rising up in the back of his mind. The last thing he felt like doing in this heat was have to keep an extra eye on this ex-soldier. Or, that's what the man's eyes told the Turk. He had to have been a lower class as the Director wasn't quite he'd worked with him in the past. The man didn't seem threatening at the moment. But, it didn't mean he wasn't going to decide to make the rumor's of the President's demise a reality. The Director and his Turks always prepared for the worst case scenario. Sometimes, that planning paid out and they prevented a catastrophe.
What frustrated him was the fact that Rufus rarely took his advise. The Director did do his best to tell him the safest route and the best options for his protection. Then he took those suggestions and tossed them on the ground before doing whatever he liked. It had almost gotten the President killed in the past. Yet, he always seemed to continue his reckless behavior, expecting the Turks to catch his fall.
The Director watched the encounter before Rufus slipped inside the building to collect the keys so they could go out for a ride. Tseng did not like this in the slightest. He collected his suit jacket from the back of the chair, fixed his sleeves, and pulled the jacket on, leaving it loose to give himself better access to his weapons, if necessary. The Director was quite warm. It was tempting for him to pull his hair back like he used to in the past. But, that wasn't truly an option for him. It was more a point that things had changed and he wasn't about to revert back to who he was. The man followed him inside, about to speak. However, Rufus preempted him. Of course the president knew what Tseng was about to say, even if he was joking at the start. It was very clear the danger that he was interjecting himself into so needlessly.
Reno would have to suck it up. Rufus would certainly tell the man during a fight or something. It wouldn't be kept a secret. "His eyes are another reason this is a bad idea." He clearly expressed as he followed the president as he spoke. This was absolutely ridiculous and frustrating to the Director. What was he thinking? "If that is your true concern, then we can contact Reeve and have the WRO look into him. Not inspect it ourselves. The only reason you're doing this is for the vehicle, which you are supposed to be testing yourself. They are going to do the inquiries with the public..."
He moved down the steps with the President as he ushered the ex-Soldier around. The Turk was completely silent as he offered the keys to this mystery Soldier. They hadn't even gotten his name yet. But, the Director was prepared to draw his weapon if necessary. Why was it so warm? |
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Post by Rufus Shinra on Feb 6, 2019 20:06:26 GMT -5
| Sorry? Why, I've never had this much fun. | |
Even as the sun began to set in Costa del Sol the sandy paradise was still hot enough to induce lethargy in even the most energetic beach bunnies. Mukki and his gang were like hold up in the hostels with the air conditioning full blast. Beach goers, more like than naught, would have retreated into the cool air of the ceiling fans and ice-cold drinks washed away the beads of sweat and dragging memories of the burning sand between their toes and other unsavory locales. All of it meant was that the group had the freedom to ride the open roads without having to deal with bodytraffic and the like. Tseng was like done with Rufus’ games, his teasing of strangers and flirting with danger. It was something that ensured the Wutain earned his paycheck.
Even though Rufus liked to teeter on the edge of his power he knew when to reel it in and how much he needed to tip a situation into his favor. They were supposed to be in Costa del Sol for a bit of rest and relaxation, but Rufus just seemed to make more work for Tseng by simply existing. A few silent glares and dark sighs as Tseng attempted to deter yet another existential crisis was a price worth paying do determine how much power he still had over the sad, scattered rabble that were once the super soldiers which kept order in his father’s world. Rufus believed in the enhanced warriors just as much as any citizen of Midgar had been, but all power eventually fades into the succor that feeds legends.
It seemed it had not taken long for the Ex-SOLDIER to realize just who he had been dealing with. Rufus seemed to earn a measure of sadistic amusement as he watched those pale, glowing eyes widen in horror. It was as if he was never there. The ring of keys hung from Rufus’ digits before he leaned back with his hands coming to slide into the pockets of his slacks. His head leaned back as his gaze drifted towards Tseng. His own baby, blue eyes retained that same faint glow, but it was faded just as the addiction was. It was nice not feeling that pain and helplessness. But he was a Shinra. And while death had given him pause it was now that Rufus was beginning to realize it has been because it was easy.
“If things in life were always easy to obtain, we wouldn't be here.” They were there to relax, right? “Oh let's take in the sights shall we? I heard Strife owns a villa out here.” He made his way to the vehicle and entered the passenger side, tossing his keys to Tseng. “Have you seen Corsa del Sol from the wall?” It was a limestone cliff that looked over the coastal town to the east.
▲ 000● Tseng● Let's go somewhere private |
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Post by Tseng on Feb 7, 2019 15:51:26 GMT -5
It was a relief to see the SOLDIER continue on his way. One less thing that he needed to be worried about. Except for the fact that someone outside ShinRa was aware of the President's impromptu trip to Del Sol. That added a few complications. Nothing that the Director couldn't handle. The man watched Rufus as he made the decisions in his head. He had already decided that the would be heading out into the town. So, that seemed to be where they would end up. Tseng wasn't thrilled about this heat and having that will to dress in the proper Turk attire, even though most of his Turks would object. Reno was just a bit more defiant in that regard. Tseng had simply given up trying to force the dress code on him.
They continued to the garage as Rufus moved to get in the passenger side of the vehicle, tossing the keys toward Tseng. The Director caught them with little effort and shook his head a bit. This was not how he planned to spend his day. Though, at least they had the vehicle if things became fishy. The man got the driver's side door open and started the vehicle. His eyes glanced over at the President, not responding immediately to his statement. "Seatbelt..." Was all he said before starting the car. It at least sounded nice. That was a plus. He secured himself in before responding. "Yes, Strife does have a villa. Yes, I have been there before. Since it seems I don't have any choice in the matter, where are we heading first?" The garage was opening and they were already starting off. He just needed to make the decision. |
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Post by Rufus Shinra on Mar 14, 2019 1:31:36 GMT -5
| Sorry? Why, I've never had this much fun. | |
Rufus was the sort of man who pleasure in the simple things in life, such as his power and fortune. The Shinra was far from an altruistic man, but he was not without the sense that, after everything Planet was put through: there was such a thing as a future. His father had chased a dream and never seemed satisfied with a present or creating a future where prosperity could be had by all. After all they were a company and had a product to sell, many products. If you kill the majority of your customer base than what was it all for? They had part in nearly destroying Planet. They would not don't again. This time Rufus would take his small pleasures and run with them, deciding to let it take him where it would. Even now as he strolled through his day he did so with the intent to find something. "The end of the road here." He reached up to brush back his hair. "The road ends but you can see all of Costa del Sol from there." And what a sight it we to behold. Standing high above those peons... As they rode Rufus stared out as the scenery flew by. It brought back memories of seeing his life pass through a series of Windows. The real world was nothing like his father prepared him for. So long he has been left to believe that someone may someday want his power... Burning the end he has been updated own worse energy. Crystal blue eyes stared off towards the sea. "How long..." His elbow has come to rest on the edge of the window: mouth pressed to host palm in contemplative thought. He felt like an old man. His time trapped in Palm had been so surreal. His time arrested in Costa del Sol was unreal. "How long have we known each other?" ▲ WORDS ● TAGGED ● NOTES |
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Post by Tseng on Mar 18, 2019 11:44:59 GMT -5
Tseng waited until the President had strapped himself in before taking the vehicle completely from the garage. With it being a prototype, he wasn't taking any chances. Tseng was always the one that took his responsibility very seriously. After all, he was the Director. He nodded in compliance to his destination and worked on getting them there. Rufus was rather silent as he stared out the window of the vehicle at the scenery. Del Sol was quite beautiful. Tseng had to rank that in the top ten of his favorite areas to visit. He had travelled enough to narrow down beautiful areas.
The Director felt the vehicle and it did handle better than he expected it to. It was almost as smooth as his previous car. Though, he wondered if testing this would be worth the whining of a certain red head about how he was supposed to test drive it first. Rufus didn't care because they both knew Reno would complain to Tseng. That's always how it went down unless Rude was there to be the buffer. Sadly, that was not the case today. He might as well get some enjoyment out of it if he was going to get an earful later.
They reached the end of the road and Tseng parked it out of the way before glancing at Rufus in response to his question. How long HAD he known Rufus?
"I've known you since I joined the Turks. You were around five, I'd guess, at the time. So, that would be over twenty years I've known you. Though, we didn't properly talk until you were under confinement in the Turk Headquarters and I was promoted to Director.... So, for you, just over ten years..." He replied before shifting out of the vehicle and moving to get the President's door. The area was clear which meant it was safe for Rufus to get out. |
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Post by Rufus Shinra on Apr 30, 2019 10:53:44 GMT -5
| Sorry? Why, I've never had this much fun. | |
After strapping himself into the vehicle Rufus would focus on taking it all in. The buckle slipped into the lock with ease and sat at a perfect spot against his chest. Sliding back so his shoulders pressed into the leather of the cushion he was able to get a feel for the design. he had designed it himself, after all, so comfort was just as important as function. The sheen of silver that painted the car's surface hid beneath a light, mythril frame that could withstand even the most robust Behemoth. But, most importantly, it was particularly abundant and a very special metal that could possible be reproduced in a lab, making it a quite valuable material. It was why he had been trying to get into the good graces of those in Mount Corel. Mount Corel was the primer location for large Mythril Nodes ever since the Myhtril caves were mined clean. They had been foolish in their pasts and overused finite resources. It was now, of no surprise they suffered a financial loss as a result. If they could reproduce such a strong and lightweight metal in the lab he could get Tuetsi off his back about better arming the WRO who have to face more precarious enemies as the days went by.
He could not hear a sound... the new engine had a uniquely manufactured casing which deflected sound and overall reduced vibrations that came with a combustion engine. It helped that this was not a combustion engine, but an electric one completely fueled by solar charged cartridges. Little by little the Shinra Company would change and better control the future of Planet and her people and Rufus was not going to do so from the back seat. He would tear power away from those who attempted to divvy up his father's empire out between themselves.
The first to go was the SOLDIER project an over half of Hojo's science department and its arbitrary divisions. Next had went the Weapons Development department, newly instituted as Defense Research. While it hardly changed the department... it gave it a safer feeling for citizens of Planet. He would also merge Public Safety Maintenance with WRO, leaving Tuetsi's to maintain the underappreciated role he had always held while, over, providing him more power to change the world ... under Rufus' watchful eye of course. Space Exploration had been put into its paces giving Rocket Town's unofficial hero new tools to develop space and aeronautics machines that Shinra could present for Planet's profit. Because it was no longer truly theirs, was it? It had never been. It was a mad mechanization his father had invented.
Urban Development saw its revival and restructuring with the construction of Edge. Getting rid of all the old ways of building higher and higher into the skies and back to the outward expansion of man. And who could forget the Investigative Division of General Affairs? Well they became Rufus' private pack of hounds, whom he had nurtured and protected: who his father sought to destroy for doing exactly what they were created to do. Rufus saw their use and understood their loyalty. That loyalty could not be bought, nor destroyed. And with it they would ensure the right path to protect the company's interest and Planet's safety was maintained.
Rufus turned his blue eyes upward, his question a decadent memory he did not often indulge himself in. How long had it been? Time seemed to vanish come the Planet's near destruction. He had so easily sought to accept death whilst Tseng and the others fought to the final threads of their existence to protect him. He was no sentimentalist, but he was observant of their undying loyalty and it was something to be repaid in his own actions... No paltry pat on the back or supplements of excess funds would please them, no matter how much Reno insisted a raise would get him into uniform properly. They were who Shinra had raised them to be, the real Shinra anyway. Not the husk of a devil his father had produced.
That was not to say he did not indulge.
His blue eyes held on the back of the man's head, gaze strong before drifting to the horizon. Nearly a lifetime... at least that was how it felt. Rufus pressed his hand over his mouth, teeth coming down over his lips.
How easily it was all nearly... taken.
When the Director moved to side door the President turned to exit the car as eloquently as he had slid in. Standing tall he would look to Tseng. Their attire was dreadfully contrasting, but it showed the kind of man Tseng was when it came towards his position. Rufus could understand that attachment, that -- drive to do one's damnedest. He was a bit late in recognizing what it was himself, but he did come to understand that even at that age... He had seen it in Tseng even than. He had picked out Dark nation under the same circumstance of understanding. One hand would tuck away into his pocket while the other drifted up, much without his permission.
Whether or not his fingertips managed to graze the side of Tseng's face and make poignant eye contact, did not matter. What mattered was the passing attempt. It was such a strong reaction that Rufus himself could no longer deny his hound praise. It was easier that way: looking to them like dogs. It was easier to face them every day without the emotion he had long since destroyed to become Rufus Shinra. The more things you loved the more you had to lose.
It was something he had learned from his father: who had severed ties with all he loves except one...
...His mother.
It was this that created the monster that Shinra Senior had become.
This obsession over him, over his half brothers, over the company....
"It's been too long." He regarded suddenly, letting silence pass between them with tense dismissal of the previous action. "We should go on a vacation like that again." Though were they not on one? Or did Rufus have something else in mind. "I want to go to another world, vacation somewhere out there." He looked to Tseng. "What do you think?"Omega had nearly taken everyone to the stars, but Rufus had not wanted it like that. He wanted to cross the heavens of his own power."I want you to go to Rocket Town and keep an eye on Cid and the other engineer's projects. If we can discover a place, like this... I want to go on a proper vacation again, just us." A man and his hounds. "To celebrate of course." Because he was no sentimentalist. ▲ plenty of WORDS ● Tseng ● A man of dreams and money |
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