Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Good Doctor's Plan ❯ Chapter 2 ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: RakuenGaki 
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Romance / Thriller / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.24.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 143 | Status: Work In Progress
Non Anime: Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Drama / Romance / Thriller / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 08.24.2009 | Pages: 2 | Words: 2.6K | Visits: 143 | Status: Work In Progress
Disclaimer: Don't on it.
Chapter Two
“We’re on course as scheduled,” spoke the voice on the other end of the phone.
“I assume then that you’ve retrieved both of them?”
“Yes. They’re settled in a room at the moment, both uninjured and as well as can be expected.”
“I see. Very well then, keep me informed.”
“Of course, Mr. President.” With a nod that couldn’t be seen, Rufus set the receiver in the cradle and made a half assed attempt at resisting the sudden and nearly overwhelming urge to slam his head repeatedly against the hard wooden top of his desk. Instead, he leaned back in his plush office chair, set his elbows on the arm rests and tried to ease the ache in his head by rubbing his fingers against his temples. Needless to say it wasn’t working. Glancing up, his eyes fixed on the computer screen to the side and on the schedule that showed the airship’s estimated arrival time. It hadn’t changed and was still much too far away for his comfort.
If he was lucky, they would arrive before his scheduled meeting with Reeve Tuesti, thus forcing the scheduled meeting the next afternoon to the day after or preferably next week. Regardless of what good intentions he had or how kind hearted the man was, the fact that he could go on and on and on for hours on end about the opinions people had of the reforming ShinRa company and how to improve life in Midgar, the young president honestly wished that he’d shut up and run with whatever ideas he had so he’d stop bringing every little thing to him so the urge to shoot himself in the foot would stop growing. A chuckle sounded just behind him before someone leaned against the side of his desk, hands no doubt stuffed in his pockets and looking just as disheveled as ever.
“You know,” he started, humor still evident in his voice. “If you want me to bash someone over the head, Boss, all you have to do is ask.” Letting out a long, silent breath, Rufus turned to face his desk properly and filed the suggestion away for later contemplation.
“I’m aware of that, Reno,” he said and reached for a stack of papers his secretary had set on his desk that morning. He saw Reno nod absently and didn’t see the point in trying to make him stop leaning against his desk, knowing that he’d do it anyway. As he began to read over the papers, Reno shifted and moved to the side of the desk he was on, facing the windows at his back and glancing sideways at him.
“What’d tall, dark and psycho have to say?” he asked. Sighing again, Rufus shoved the papers away and went back to trying to massage his headache away.
“They’re on schedule and should arrive by the estimated time.”
“Right, so in other words send word to the science and medical departments to be ready for two other psychos and make sure that third apartment on the General’s floor is ready to be inhabited by tomorrow.”
“You’re as perceptive as always, Reno.”
“I do try my best.”
~That’s a shock,~ Rufus thought, casting a sideways glance at the redhead before picking up the papers again, leaning back in his seat as he let his eyes scan over them, quickly taking in the information and trying to determine how important it was. The two remained silent, Reno leaning against his desk and staring out the window with his usual smirk in place as Rufus worked at trying to finish up the last bit of paper work before his secretary decided to come in with more.
“Any word?” he said quietly as he signed off on another report.
“Hm, well, a little birdie did tell me that a certain vulture was spotted up near the ruins but unfortunately the little birdie lost sight of it the deeper it went.”
“I see.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about it, sir,” said the red head with a chuckle, pushing off from the desk. “Vultures never last very long. Coffee?”
“Please.” Nodding, Reno stepped away from the desk, scooping up the completed papers as he walked out of the room, door shutting quietly behind him. Again, Rufus let a heavy sigh escape him. Though the news had been what he’d expected, he still wished that it had been different.
~*~
Gaia had apparently been listening to him, at least partially. As he listened with half an ear to Tuesti’s rambling updates, a knock sounded on the conference room door a moment before it opened, the dark haired leader of the Turks stepping into the room. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Margaret Rosen, head of the science department, and Dominique Geris, head of public relations, immediately straighten, eyes glued to the blank faced Turk but betraying none of the nervousness they surely felt. Reeve Tuesti, used to the man’s presence, offered him a polite nod in greeting, setting the paper he was reading from on the table. Tseng returned it absently, gaze sweeping the room before landing on the president.
“Estimated ETA is fifteen minutes, sir,” he said. Rufus nodded and stood, resisting the smug smile that tried to flit across his face.
“Thank you, Tseng. If you all will excuse me, I am afraid that the meeting shall have to be postponed for now. Please go ahead with what we have discussed. Mr. Geris.”
“I’ll be sure to inform Holland that you expect a report on the negotiations with Wutai by tomorrow evening.”
“Thank you. Ms. Rosen.”
“Both the science and medical departments are prepared, Sir.”
“Thank you. Mr. Tuesti, please go ahead with what you have discussed so far and we shall talk about the rest later.” ~Preferably next year.~ With a final nod to the assembled department heads, Rufus gather his papers neatly and followed Tseng out the door, handing the papers off to his waiting secretary. Tseng led him to the row of elevators at the end of the hallway and pressed the button for his private elevator, stepping aside for Rufus before following.
“What’s the current status?” he asked once the doors had closed.
“No injuries or damage to the ship,” Tseng began, shoulders square and back ramrod straight as always. “No attacks, by enemies or the two recovered from the lab. Reno, Rude and Elena are waiting in the hanger. Along with a team of medics, a troop of twelve soldiers ranging from First to Third class are also waiting in the hanger.”
“Hm. Eager to greet their General no doubt.”
“And to see if the rumors of the deserter being alive are true.”
“That, too.” The elevator let out a soft ding as it stopped at the correct floor, the pair stepping out once the doors had opened. He gave half hearted greetings to those that spoke to him, most moving out of the way as he and his body guard moved down the hall and across the long glass enclosed bridge that connected the main building to the newly dubbed SOLDIER building, the office and science staff slowly filtering into the military personnel of cadets, regular army and SOLDIERs. Tseng moved just a little bit closer to him, his presence growing stronger the deeper they moved into the building. Most gave him respectful nods and greetings, moving out of the way, cadets scurrying and keeping their eyes averted. Another elevator ride and they were on the bottom floor, moving to the back entrance and the waiting jeep which would take them to the small airfield about seven minutes away.
“Report came in a minute ago, Sir,” their driver said. “They should be just touching down when we get there.”
“Anything else?”
“None, Sir.” Nodding, Rufus settled back in his seat and watched as the practice fields and other smaller buildings sped past them in a blur. He could hear the rumble of the airship’s engines over the jeep, the large ship passing over their heads as it descended into the airfield ahead. It appeared that their driver’s assumption was right. As they passed through the open gate and slowed to a stop near the designated landing site, the ship was just setting down, a high wind blowing due to the engines. Rufus waited until the wind abated, the ship settled firmly on the ground and the engines slowing to a stop before he stepped out of the jeep, walking past the medical team and assembled SOLDIERs, stopping a few feet from the lowering ramp.
He saw his Turks stationed nearby, each glancing at the ramp and waiting whatever form of chaos might emerge from the gleaming hull of the ship. After a few moments, they got their answer. A glint of silver and the sound of boot heels clicking together as SOLDIERs saluted preceded the appearance of the great General Sephiroth and his entourage. The general, impassive as always, looked as if he had just come from a meeting of some sort instead of a recovery mission while his Second in Command, Zack Fair, looked about ready to go traipsing off into the woods on a monster killing spree. He kept glancing over his shoulder, scowl deepening every time he did so which caused Rufus’s own gaze to move up to the empty doorway at the top of the ramp. A doorway which didn’t remain empty for very long.
Rufus recalled the pictures and brief glimpses he had of Genesis Rhapsodos and ran a quick comparison. Still tall, same red hair, red brown eyes lacking the mocking humor he recalled, face set in a stern, watchful expression, posture tense instead of flowing with the grace he had once heard of and the air of arrogance and lazy mockery was absent, extreme caution and paranoia taking its place. Sharp eyes took in the surrounding area and personnel, no doubt writing off the presence of the SOLDIERs and perhaps becoming a bit more wary of the Turks though it seemed that it was the medical and science teams that caused him the most worry. Perhaps in some show that he wasn’t afraid of them, or as a warning, Genesis straightened and raised his chin, holding the little blonde closer. It was slightly amusing though also disconcerting. He didn’t allow himself to think too long on the man before he turned his attention to the waiting General.
“It seems everything went well, General,” he said in way of greeting as the silver haired man stepped off the ramp. There was no change in his expression as he stopped a handful of feet away, nodding to his SOLDIERs before that cat-like gaze settled on him.
“As well as can be expected, Mr. President,” he answered. Nodding, he glanced at the former general and his unconscious friend before motioning to the medical team.
“The science department shall take the data you’ve recovered while the medical team will take Mr. Rhapsodos and Strife to the medical ward to be checked out. We’ll arrange for the debriefing to be in the next couple of days.”
“That sounds fine; however, I believe it would be best if Genesis and Cloud were settled into their rooms for now. The medical team is not necessary,” Sephiroth said, motioning to the slowly tensing man behind him who was watching the approaching team like a behemoth about to strike. Thankfully, the lead doctor seemed to recognize the growing tension and stopped the team where it was before coming forward himself, a disarming smile on his face which he turned to Zack.
“I’ll take the data, Mr. Fair,” he said.
“Warning, it’s heavy,” Zack said as he handed over the large case, making sure that the doctor had a firm hold of it before letting go. The doctor let out a breath of surprise, arms straining under the sudden weight that hadn’t seemed like much in the SOLDIER’s hands.
“You got it?”
“Y-yes, I’ve got it. We’ll begin the analysis immediately.” Rude took that as his cue and followed the doctor back to the waiting team, helping him set the case on the gurney and accompanying them back to head quarters, Reno catching up at Tseng’s dismissal. Rufus watched them for a moment before turning and heading towards the waiting jeeps, Sephiroth and company following.
“The rooms have been prepared correct?” asked the General, stepping up to walk at his left.
“Everything’s been prepared as you requested.” A derisive snort sounded behind him.
“A padded cell and an observation room, how kind of you.”
“Actually it’s the third apartment on the top floor of the staff apartment building.”
“One door down from you, old friend? Does the puppy live on that floor as well?”
“I’ll leave you to showing them to their quarters, General.”
“Of course. Inform me when the debriefing is scheduled and when the science team has finished their analysis.”
“Plan on the end of the week or early next. I’ll leave you to your duties, General.” With that, Rufus slipped into the front seat of the jeep, Tseng and Elena getting into the back. The second group followed suit, Sephiroth pausing a moment to dismiss the still watching SOLDIERs before both jeeps headed back to the complex, one going back to the main building and the other splitting off to head for the staff quarters. As Rufus watched the other jeep drive in the other direction, he couldn’t help but wonder who was actually in charge. To him, it seemed as if he was the subordinate answering to Sephiroth instead of the other way around. It was a little aggravating if he was honest. The subtle intimidation and bargaining were grating to him yet he knew that it was necessary if he wanted to keep the General happy. Well, as happy as he could be at the moment.
“I’m sure Sephiroth will calm down a little now, Sir.” said Elena from the back, no doubt sensing his line of thought.
“I doubt it Elena,” he said. “But thank you.”
“Anytime, Sir.” Yes, perhaps with his friend returned to him and his lover soon to be healthy again the man would calm and allow himself to focus on more relevant and highly urgent matters.
“Don’t worry about it too much.” Tseng spoke up. “The fact that we’ve lost the vulture will surely draw his mind to more significant issues.” Rufus sighed. One can only hope.
Chapter Two
“We’re on course as scheduled,” spoke the voice on the other end of the phone.
“I assume then that you’ve retrieved both of them?”
“Yes. They’re settled in a room at the moment, both uninjured and as well as can be expected.”
“I see. Very well then, keep me informed.”
“Of course, Mr. President.” With a nod that couldn’t be seen, Rufus set the receiver in the cradle and made a half assed attempt at resisting the sudden and nearly overwhelming urge to slam his head repeatedly against the hard wooden top of his desk. Instead, he leaned back in his plush office chair, set his elbows on the arm rests and tried to ease the ache in his head by rubbing his fingers against his temples. Needless to say it wasn’t working. Glancing up, his eyes fixed on the computer screen to the side and on the schedule that showed the airship’s estimated arrival time. It hadn’t changed and was still much too far away for his comfort.
If he was lucky, they would arrive before his scheduled meeting with Reeve Tuesti, thus forcing the scheduled meeting the next afternoon to the day after or preferably next week. Regardless of what good intentions he had or how kind hearted the man was, the fact that he could go on and on and on for hours on end about the opinions people had of the reforming ShinRa company and how to improve life in Midgar, the young president honestly wished that he’d shut up and run with whatever ideas he had so he’d stop bringing every little thing to him so the urge to shoot himself in the foot would stop growing. A chuckle sounded just behind him before someone leaned against the side of his desk, hands no doubt stuffed in his pockets and looking just as disheveled as ever.
“You know,” he started, humor still evident in his voice. “If you want me to bash someone over the head, Boss, all you have to do is ask.” Letting out a long, silent breath, Rufus turned to face his desk properly and filed the suggestion away for later contemplation.
“I’m aware of that, Reno,” he said and reached for a stack of papers his secretary had set on his desk that morning. He saw Reno nod absently and didn’t see the point in trying to make him stop leaning against his desk, knowing that he’d do it anyway. As he began to read over the papers, Reno shifted and moved to the side of the desk he was on, facing the windows at his back and glancing sideways at him.
“What’d tall, dark and psycho have to say?” he asked. Sighing again, Rufus shoved the papers away and went back to trying to massage his headache away.
“They’re on schedule and should arrive by the estimated time.”
“Right, so in other words send word to the science and medical departments to be ready for two other psychos and make sure that third apartment on the General’s floor is ready to be inhabited by tomorrow.”
“You’re as perceptive as always, Reno.”
“I do try my best.”
~That’s a shock,~ Rufus thought, casting a sideways glance at the redhead before picking up the papers again, leaning back in his seat as he let his eyes scan over them, quickly taking in the information and trying to determine how important it was. The two remained silent, Reno leaning against his desk and staring out the window with his usual smirk in place as Rufus worked at trying to finish up the last bit of paper work before his secretary decided to come in with more.
“Any word?” he said quietly as he signed off on another report.
“Hm, well, a little birdie did tell me that a certain vulture was spotted up near the ruins but unfortunately the little birdie lost sight of it the deeper it went.”
“I see.”
“I wouldn’t worry too much about it, sir,” said the red head with a chuckle, pushing off from the desk. “Vultures never last very long. Coffee?”
“Please.” Nodding, Reno stepped away from the desk, scooping up the completed papers as he walked out of the room, door shutting quietly behind him. Again, Rufus let a heavy sigh escape him. Though the news had been what he’d expected, he still wished that it had been different.
~*~
Gaia had apparently been listening to him, at least partially. As he listened with half an ear to Tuesti’s rambling updates, a knock sounded on the conference room door a moment before it opened, the dark haired leader of the Turks stepping into the room. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Margaret Rosen, head of the science department, and Dominique Geris, head of public relations, immediately straighten, eyes glued to the blank faced Turk but betraying none of the nervousness they surely felt. Reeve Tuesti, used to the man’s presence, offered him a polite nod in greeting, setting the paper he was reading from on the table. Tseng returned it absently, gaze sweeping the room before landing on the president.
“Estimated ETA is fifteen minutes, sir,” he said. Rufus nodded and stood, resisting the smug smile that tried to flit across his face.
“Thank you, Tseng. If you all will excuse me, I am afraid that the meeting shall have to be postponed for now. Please go ahead with what we have discussed. Mr. Geris.”
“I’ll be sure to inform Holland that you expect a report on the negotiations with Wutai by tomorrow evening.”
“Thank you. Ms. Rosen.”
“Both the science and medical departments are prepared, Sir.”
“Thank you. Mr. Tuesti, please go ahead with what you have discussed so far and we shall talk about the rest later.” ~Preferably next year.~ With a final nod to the assembled department heads, Rufus gather his papers neatly and followed Tseng out the door, handing the papers off to his waiting secretary. Tseng led him to the row of elevators at the end of the hallway and pressed the button for his private elevator, stepping aside for Rufus before following.
“What’s the current status?” he asked once the doors had closed.
“No injuries or damage to the ship,” Tseng began, shoulders square and back ramrod straight as always. “No attacks, by enemies or the two recovered from the lab. Reno, Rude and Elena are waiting in the hanger. Along with a team of medics, a troop of twelve soldiers ranging from First to Third class are also waiting in the hanger.”
“Hm. Eager to greet their General no doubt.”
“And to see if the rumors of the deserter being alive are true.”
“That, too.” The elevator let out a soft ding as it stopped at the correct floor, the pair stepping out once the doors had opened. He gave half hearted greetings to those that spoke to him, most moving out of the way as he and his body guard moved down the hall and across the long glass enclosed bridge that connected the main building to the newly dubbed SOLDIER building, the office and science staff slowly filtering into the military personnel of cadets, regular army and SOLDIERs. Tseng moved just a little bit closer to him, his presence growing stronger the deeper they moved into the building. Most gave him respectful nods and greetings, moving out of the way, cadets scurrying and keeping their eyes averted. Another elevator ride and they were on the bottom floor, moving to the back entrance and the waiting jeep which would take them to the small airfield about seven minutes away.
“Report came in a minute ago, Sir,” their driver said. “They should be just touching down when we get there.”
“Anything else?”
“None, Sir.” Nodding, Rufus settled back in his seat and watched as the practice fields and other smaller buildings sped past them in a blur. He could hear the rumble of the airship’s engines over the jeep, the large ship passing over their heads as it descended into the airfield ahead. It appeared that their driver’s assumption was right. As they passed through the open gate and slowed to a stop near the designated landing site, the ship was just setting down, a high wind blowing due to the engines. Rufus waited until the wind abated, the ship settled firmly on the ground and the engines slowing to a stop before he stepped out of the jeep, walking past the medical team and assembled SOLDIERs, stopping a few feet from the lowering ramp.
He saw his Turks stationed nearby, each glancing at the ramp and waiting whatever form of chaos might emerge from the gleaming hull of the ship. After a few moments, they got their answer. A glint of silver and the sound of boot heels clicking together as SOLDIERs saluted preceded the appearance of the great General Sephiroth and his entourage. The general, impassive as always, looked as if he had just come from a meeting of some sort instead of a recovery mission while his Second in Command, Zack Fair, looked about ready to go traipsing off into the woods on a monster killing spree. He kept glancing over his shoulder, scowl deepening every time he did so which caused Rufus’s own gaze to move up to the empty doorway at the top of the ramp. A doorway which didn’t remain empty for very long.
Rufus recalled the pictures and brief glimpses he had of Genesis Rhapsodos and ran a quick comparison. Still tall, same red hair, red brown eyes lacking the mocking humor he recalled, face set in a stern, watchful expression, posture tense instead of flowing with the grace he had once heard of and the air of arrogance and lazy mockery was absent, extreme caution and paranoia taking its place. Sharp eyes took in the surrounding area and personnel, no doubt writing off the presence of the SOLDIERs and perhaps becoming a bit more wary of the Turks though it seemed that it was the medical and science teams that caused him the most worry. Perhaps in some show that he wasn’t afraid of them, or as a warning, Genesis straightened and raised his chin, holding the little blonde closer. It was slightly amusing though also disconcerting. He didn’t allow himself to think too long on the man before he turned his attention to the waiting General.
“It seems everything went well, General,” he said in way of greeting as the silver haired man stepped off the ramp. There was no change in his expression as he stopped a handful of feet away, nodding to his SOLDIERs before that cat-like gaze settled on him.
“As well as can be expected, Mr. President,” he answered. Nodding, he glanced at the former general and his unconscious friend before motioning to the medical team.
“The science department shall take the data you’ve recovered while the medical team will take Mr. Rhapsodos and Strife to the medical ward to be checked out. We’ll arrange for the debriefing to be in the next couple of days.”
“That sounds fine; however, I believe it would be best if Genesis and Cloud were settled into their rooms for now. The medical team is not necessary,” Sephiroth said, motioning to the slowly tensing man behind him who was watching the approaching team like a behemoth about to strike. Thankfully, the lead doctor seemed to recognize the growing tension and stopped the team where it was before coming forward himself, a disarming smile on his face which he turned to Zack.
“I’ll take the data, Mr. Fair,” he said.
“Warning, it’s heavy,” Zack said as he handed over the large case, making sure that the doctor had a firm hold of it before letting go. The doctor let out a breath of surprise, arms straining under the sudden weight that hadn’t seemed like much in the SOLDIER’s hands.
“You got it?”
“Y-yes, I’ve got it. We’ll begin the analysis immediately.” Rude took that as his cue and followed the doctor back to the waiting team, helping him set the case on the gurney and accompanying them back to head quarters, Reno catching up at Tseng’s dismissal. Rufus watched them for a moment before turning and heading towards the waiting jeeps, Sephiroth and company following.
“The rooms have been prepared correct?” asked the General, stepping up to walk at his left.
“Everything’s been prepared as you requested.” A derisive snort sounded behind him.
“A padded cell and an observation room, how kind of you.”
“Actually it’s the third apartment on the top floor of the staff apartment building.”
“One door down from you, old friend? Does the puppy live on that floor as well?”
“I’ll leave you to showing them to their quarters, General.”
“Of course. Inform me when the debriefing is scheduled and when the science team has finished their analysis.”
“Plan on the end of the week or early next. I’ll leave you to your duties, General.” With that, Rufus slipped into the front seat of the jeep, Tseng and Elena getting into the back. The second group followed suit, Sephiroth pausing a moment to dismiss the still watching SOLDIERs before both jeeps headed back to the complex, one going back to the main building and the other splitting off to head for the staff quarters. As Rufus watched the other jeep drive in the other direction, he couldn’t help but wonder who was actually in charge. To him, it seemed as if he was the subordinate answering to Sephiroth instead of the other way around. It was a little aggravating if he was honest. The subtle intimidation and bargaining were grating to him yet he knew that it was necessary if he wanted to keep the General happy. Well, as happy as he could be at the moment.
“I’m sure Sephiroth will calm down a little now, Sir.” said Elena from the back, no doubt sensing his line of thought.
“I doubt it Elena,” he said. “But thank you.”
“Anytime, Sir.” Yes, perhaps with his friend returned to him and his lover soon to be healthy again the man would calm and allow himself to focus on more relevant and highly urgent matters.
“Don’t worry about it too much.” Tseng spoke up. “The fact that we’ve lost the vulture will surely draw his mind to more significant issues.” Rufus sighed. One can only hope.