...Yes, see to it as a matter of priority. And inform the workers.
[In the middle of a dirt clearing framed by black mountains and ominously grey skies, there is a circle of houses. Nestled within these houses is a rickety timber watertower, with a man in a suit standing beside it.
Some uniformed men speed away from where he stands, in unison. Their steps are as one.
The man exhales, his brow creasing as if in thought before he folds his arms in front of him, deciding to lean against the tower. A faint creak of the aged wood is echoed in the sky- the sound of thunder approaching. He looks upward to the skies before pushing himself from the structure, dirt crunching under his shoes as he walks.
His eyes- always solemn, seem especially so now. And as he approaches the veranda he speaks- to the man that he knows awaits what he has to say.]
The schedule has changed. The directors wish to commence the journey to the reactor immediately.
[Apparently, they're bored. But that does not need to be said.]
[Ever since they first arrived Veld felt on edge and unsettled. There was something wrong about the area even though Nibelheim was just the beginning of the village it would become later. It was a sense of foreboding he couldn't quite shake. The sooner they were done with this babysitting mission the better.
He doesn't like the delight on Hojo's face when he sees the progress of the reactor's construction and he's not going to ask why Research and Development is so involved in the design and construction, he doesn't really need to.
He watches Vincent approach, already dreading the inevitable update that he has. It's going to rain soon and it's doubtful they'll make it to the reactor before the downpour starts though the idea of watching Scarlet trying to walk through the mud in those heels might make it worth getting completely soaked.]
Let's round them up then. We're probably going to have to roll Palmer up the mountain if we want to try to avoid getting caught in the storm.
That and a turn- away from the inn, (It had been fully booked up, yet who they were corralling would not be there. Veld was the only executive that chose to sleep in the same building as the salaried soldiers, assistants and Turks.) toward the manor.]
Perhaps he won't be an issue. He has greater reason than most to push through.
[Palmer's star was beginning to rise. Shinra's first reactor, Vincent suspected, was being constructed here to power the beginnings of another project over the mountain. A small town formed of worker accommodation was forming around land earmarked for a launch platform- already named Shinra number 26.]
If you'd like to liven things up by making a bet, my money's on the madam director being more of a problem.
[Those heels, of course. As well as the fact that the journey would have to be made on foot.
Vincent stops just shy of the gate, his gaze flicking beyond it, into the courtyard where small groups of people stand. The president, of course- flanked on all sides by military and company photographers. A middle-aged man. Rotund, but strong. Dashing, as the newspapers said. Heidegger- stronger. ....Rotunder. Surrounded by military men. Gast, accompanied by lesser doctors- Hojo included.
And as for Palmer, Scarlet, and the possible bet... He turns to his partner.]
[Information is their job, even the seemingly mundane details as Scarlet's new heels which probably cost more than they made in a month.
It wasn't that that bothered him but he considers the executives, especially Hojo, like snakes in the grass just waiting for their opportunity to strike. But he knew the president would just be dismissive of the danger around him if he said anything, he had his grand vision and nothing would get in the way of that.
He laughs as he looks over at the executives gathering around the president, eagerly talking among themselves. That's not going to last halfway up the mountain but their sense of optimism is hilarious.]
Alright, you're on. If it's Scarlet's new heels I'll do the mission reports for a week. But if it's Palmer who inhaled bacon and sausage for breakfast and a full lunch with fried chicken and at least a liter of coffee who breaks first it's on you.
[A couple of infantry officers were approaching them, Veld knew they were being summoned to get a move on.]
Let's do this then. The sooner we're back to Midgar the better.
[To say that Weapons Development and Public Safety worked hand-in-glove would not be groundbreaking. More like a first day on the job observation- it was common knowledge that the military needed weapons. These weapons had to be tested by the military- so cooperation was crucial for the productivity of both departments. But something seemed to have changed between the department heads. They seemed... cozy. As cozy as two vipers could be, anyway. Given Heidegger's recent departmental budget increase, warranted by the ongoing issues in the Undercity spilling onto the upper plate, this project, and Number 26...
Perhaps the shoes were another sign of that coziness. The directors were paid well (of course!) but a purchase like that... Regardless. That was a little too close to office gossip to serve much of a purpose. And Veld was too sharp to have not noticed anyway.
So onto the bet's terms.]
So he'll have an abundance of energy. Good. ...But I don't mind doing the reports. I was thinking more lunch- back in Midgar.
[It wasn't as if they hadn't been fed here. The populace was nothing short of accommodating. But this was the sticks. And unlike Palmer, Vincent found that everything was a little too... hearty and substantial for his tastes. And the portion sizes were off-puttingly colossal.
And shh, Maybe there was an ulterior motive in wanting to spend a little more time with his partner. Maybe.
He lets the offer hang in the air before he approaches the approaching officers, as if it had not even happened. A small exchange happens between them- confirmation of the route, the most gentle ascent, and...
Gya ha haaaaa!]
...!
[Oh, fuck his life. Really. For at that moment, the doors of the manor swing open, and the madam director makes herself known. From what appeared to be a makeshift carrage- a heavy, padded chair held aloft by no less than four of Heidegger's finest. A single man stands at the front of it- his whole profession seemingly being reduced to nothing but a footrest. Those shoes, the heels of which, are angled to rest against the side of the man's neck.
The turk stares at the scene before him, almost in disbelief before he approaches. Some tittering, more Gya Ha Ha'ing later, one or two Kya Ha Ha's...
And the procession is off. Although there were no monsters (as of yet...) to worry about, the very real threat of wolves warranted the turks to take point, alongside a small company of infantry.
Even with his eyes and his ears peeled, Vincent could not help but make a few glances backward to Palmer, in particular. Eyeing the already sweating director like a race chocobo.
Time to put that fried chicken, bacon, sausage, and coffee to work, Palmer. Dig deep.]
[He gives Vincent a grin before they follow the officers to where the executives are gathering, the president eager to get going before it starts to get too late.
But as soon as he starts to approach the president there Scarlet comes in all her glory and even if he's not surprised, he still has to stop and stare at that ridiculous carriage. He doesn't need to turn around to see the annoyance on Heidegger's face at his soldiers being to carry her around but he knows better than to say anything as they start the ascent.
Veld has several infantry men bring up the rear, leading the way with Vincent which makes it a bit easier to hide his amusement at hearing Palmer huffing and puffing along.
When he glances behind him he could see the sweat starting to show on that ugly mustard suit but somehow Palmer is still upright even though his steps are dragging.]
How .... [More huffing, gasping.] until we get there? It's so far!
[Veld shares a grin with Vincent, a silent I'm going to win this before he looks back at Palmer with a more professional expression.]
At this pace, most likely another hour to an hour and a half. If you look to the right you'll soon start to see the construction site.
[The sound of a mixture of dismay and despair is so satisfying as he turns back. Thankfully they seem to be lucky not to run into anything so far until finally there is a sad, pathetic voice behind them as Palmer finally admits defeat.]
[He shouldn't laugh. He really shouldn't laugh- he shouldn't grin and he definitely shouldn't smile at the head of space and aeronautics behind him suffering so. Not when the director was the reason he would lose the bet.
But as his eyes flick to his partner, he can't help but be betrayed by the smallest quirk of his lip in response to his grin. He moves his head away accordingly, reminding himself of the grim fact that as gentle as the ascent was, Palmer stood a very real chance of suffering an aneurysm before they'd even got halfway.
The president is deaf to Palmer's plea. He's striding ahead- the picture of a man in his prime- loudly declaring behind his cigar that nature meant nothing to a man on a mission- as if he were climbing the great mountains of the icicle region and not a route planned, cleared, and checked again and again to be the easiest way to the reactor- easy enough for a child to follow.
And as the president moves, so does the convoy. Palmer's lagging now- being overtaken by directors and hangers-on from each department. But perhaps something was on Palmer's side. The weather.
The sky darkens immediately before the sky itself seems to shake- and a deep, rumbling crack of thunder fills the valley. Immediately, the hiss of rain overwhelms them. It's a downpour. A heavy downpour- with thick, fat, beads of rain instantly soaking the ground and all who walked upon it. The procession makes startled sounds, and of course, umbrellas are deployed by the hangers-on, over the heads of Shinra's great and good.
...The only issue was that the downpour was so sudden, so heavy, that the ground is already muddy. Muddy enough to severely impact the efficiency of Scarlet's mode of transportation. There's a few cries as the men holding the chair slip and slide- and of course, a shriek from the woman both getting soaked by the rain, and given the fact her steeds could not hold her weight and maintain their footing in the mud- likely to end up on her face.
Vincent pauses, turning back to view the shambles behind him. Scarlet was currently kicking at every one of the men holding her upright, shrieking something about idiots and fools- as if the men around her were personally responsible for the downpour. The call to stop is sounded. A squabble begins.
At the end of it, it would appear that Palmer, Scarlet, and all of Research and Development (Except for Hojo, interestingly...) wished to turn back.
So. Behind his own sodden fringe, to Veld, and Veld only:]
Shall I run them back? I can take them back to the village, and arrange their transportation back to Midgar.
[Not the outcome he wanted. Certainly not. Splitting the directors was hardly the most secure way of watching over them. But the most capable Turk should stay with the president.]
[It's taking every bit of willpower and professionalism to not burst out laughing when he exchanges a small smirk with Vincent. But a moment later, his expression was once more professional and focused.
The president had made the decision to come out here even when Veld had warned him about the weather so he has little sympathy that the umbrellas don't seem to be doing much to prevent any of the executives from quickly getting soaked. He knows he's still going to hear a tirade later but that's not what he's focused on now.
Before he can respond to Vincent his attention is the disaster unfolding in front of them. It was inevitable- as soon as one of the men holding up Scarlet lost his footing it was all over. It was like watching a car crash - everything suddenly went into slow motion as soon as the first man lost his footing in the mud and went down face-first.
From there everything came cascading down until everyone is in the mud, including a shrieking Scarlet whose dress is definitely beyond ruined and there would be no getting the mud out of those designer shoes.
He looks at Vincent, needing a moment to compose himself before speaking so that he doesn't let out an unprofessional laugh.]
I know the president wants to continue but I don't think anyone is getting up the mountain tonight.
[The president and the scientists will be disappointed but Veld has learned how to handle the president's frustration but Veld isn't going to risk their lives just so the scientists can do whatever weird things they wanted to do in that reactor.]
I'll speak to the president if you start out with Palmer and Scarlet first before there are any further...mishaps.
[A brisk nod follows, as well as the faintest wince as he sees, over Veld's shoulder, a few unfortunate members of the infantry get the brunt of both Heidegger and Scarlet's temper. His (barely concealed) amusement is gone by now. Instead, concern is viewable in his eyes as one of the men appears to get slapped around the face while Heidegger outright roars into another's- but he knows better than to step forward. Instead, he turns his gaze back to his partner.]
Agreed. If there's anything of note [Monsters.] on the descent, I'll inform you via radio. Usual frequency.
[Likewise, he knows better than to take the majority of the soldiers. One or two would suffice. He knew, full well, it was paramount they stayed with the president as the only man amongst them who was not replaceable. As he steps backward...]
See you in the village.
[In the time that followed, there would be no contact. Other than the poor weather making the way more slippery than usual (and the huffing and puffing of both directors) there was nothing of note on the way down. So there was little reason to make contact. That, and Vincent knew the other man's hands would be well and truly full with managing the disappointment of both the scientists and the president.
So he had not made contact. ...But there was some concern. As the presidential entourage, by hook or by crook, finally reapproaches Nibelheim, Veld may have made out that concern via a dark-suited figure waiting alongside the soldiers on guard at the manor's gate. As the group draws closer, the figure moves away- back toward the village.
Vincent, of course. ...Call him sentimental, but Veld was his partner.]
[Veld lingers for a moment as he watches Vincent head off with some of the executives but once the noise fades, he turns back to the president and group of scientists.
It still took some convincing the president that there was no way ahead to the reactor now especially not as the rain was still pouring down, soaking everyone despite the umbrellas. Only then did the president begrudgingly admit defeat but not before lecturing Veld on the importance of getting the road cleared. It didn't matter it wasn't Veld's job but it was something for him to make sure it got done.
The trip down was tricky as the rain came down harder and mud ran down the path. Veld had to act fast to grab the president's arm to keep him from slipping, barely avoiding disaster.
But he gives no such aid to the scientists, hearing Gast slip on the mud with a muttered curse. No amount of loyalty or money could get him to offer assistance to catch Hojo if he fell.
One of the first things he sees when they reach the village is Vincent by the gates of the mansion. But his attention is distracted by the president giving Veld a list of things he wants done so it's another few minutes until he gets the president into the manor that he finally gets to follow Vincent into the village.
The rain had let up but he's still completely soaked and he's pretty sure the mud has gotten into his shoes at this point.]
You owe me lunch when we get back. But first- please tell me they got the hot water working finally.
[One of the less idyllic charms of village life was some of the luxuries of the city like constant hot water and stable electricity just weren't a thing.]
They've got water, at least. Which is an improvement. The boiler's still intermittent though.
[The rain had solved one problem. The village's water tank levels were looking much healthier thanks to the downpour. But as for heating? Vincent's experience had been ...lukewarm. With abrupt bursts of cold water every 30 seconds. An improvement over that morning's shower, certainly. But still a miserable experience.
He makes his way into the hotel. As he moves up the stairs and past where a few soldiers had congregated, he keeps the conversation light. And when they're in their room, and the door's shut-]
Transport back to Midgar has been arranged for the directors. I took the liberty of rounding up some of the infantry- who will leave with them at first light tomorrow.
[Not the ones that'd been made to be human chairs for the madam director. Instead, he'd assigned the task to those that'd borne the brunt of Heidegger's temper on the side of the mountain. An act of mercy for the soldiers- and perhaps an indication of some form of empathy, as well. An empathy that certainly wasn't a positive trait for one in his line of work.
But a harmless quirk, at least. So far. And he'd been effective enough where it counted for it to not be a problem. So far.
He moves to the window, his eyes fixed on the square beneath them.]
I'll accompany them- to the pickup point at least. That way, you'll be free to escort the President should he wish to try the ascent again early.
[His gaze moves from the window to Veld's face. Partners or not, as head of the department, Veld was still his boss. And so his confirmation was needed.]
He's going to want to try again but with the amount of rain- even if it stopped tonight the road is going to be dangerous.
[Not that it would stop the president from wanting to attempt the ascent again but Veld is hoping that he can get through to him and convince him that no amount of ambition will change the conditions.
Every day he can feel his influence on the president slipping away. With every new 'advancement' that the scientists make he knows that he's losing the man the president used to be in the beginning and is watching him become a creature twisted with greed.
It's a relief to finally peel off his wet coat, tie, and shoes, tossing them on the chair in the room.]
At this point, I'll just take clean water, even if it's lukewarm.
[It's not just the scientists, either. Weapons development had started becoming bigger than its already colossal britches thanks to the advent of materia creation. As Midgar grew and more and more sectors reached completion, the undercity had thus grown in its shadow. Public safety was starting to... become about public control.
Vincent had noticed its tendrils here. Although the soldiers that accompanied them had embraced the hospitality Nibelheim had given them (and returned the favour. A small company of mechanics was working on upgrading the water tower and trying to fix the rusty old truck at the gates in their downtime) they were Public Safety. And Vincent he knew, full well, that they had been instructed to shoot to kill should the reactor be compromised.
The company was changing. Little wonder. With mako, the world itself had changed. The fact that being here was such a shock to the system was a testament to how far humankind had come in such a few short years. Shinra spearheaded this change. So of course, it would change too.
Things were murky. But it had always been murky. Before the switch to energy, Shinra was never a friendly arms manufacturer. Both he and Veld were equipped to wade. And their job was to keep the company's head above water- regardless of how murky it got.
Butyes. Clean water.]
That, they can do. Or could an hour ago, before-
[A curtaintwitch. Yeah. Some of the infantry's engineers are being doused with a sudden leak in said water tower. Yeah, there's yelling. And the water tower being called a 'sonnavabitch'.]
-Well. Better hurry.
[He turns his head to the other man again.]
And pass me your shoes. I've still got the polish out from cleaning mine. You're paying for lunch.
[Veld winces when he hears the crash outside- it's admirable that the soldiers want to help even in the pouring rain but from the sounds of cursing and breaking wood he doesn't have high hopes, not in this storm that seems to be getting worse.
Just their luck.]
Fuck, if you can salvage anything I'll buy you dinner too. I'll even try to save you some water.
[He hands his shoes over to Vincent before handing him his phone as well. He knows eventually he will have to go over to deal with the president's displeasure but he's going to take this brief moment of respite while he can.]
I'll be quick, I just need to get the mud off. Get some rest and something to eat while you can, we're not going anywhere until tomorrow and once the rain stops, we're going to be going back to Midgar.
[Even if the president tried to put his foot down, which Veld knew he would, travel in these conditions in this remote village would be hazardous and going up the mountain would be impossible for a while.
He can't help but feel a bit of petty satisfaction that the scientists aren't going to get their way for once, not that it would stop them in the long run.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
→ nibelheim
[In the middle of a dirt clearing framed by black mountains and ominously grey skies, there is a circle of houses. Nestled within these houses is a rickety timber watertower, with a man in a suit standing beside it.
Some uniformed men speed away from where he stands, in unison. Their steps are as one.
The man exhales, his brow creasing as if in thought before he folds his arms in front of him, deciding to lean against the tower. A faint creak of the aged wood is echoed in the sky- the sound of thunder approaching. He looks upward to the skies before pushing himself from the structure, dirt crunching under his shoes as he walks.
His eyes- always solemn, seem especially so now. And as he approaches the veranda he speaks- to the man that he knows awaits what he has to say.]
The schedule has changed. The directors wish to commence the journey to the reactor immediately.
[Apparently, they're bored. But that does not need to be said.]
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He doesn't like the delight on Hojo's face when he sees the progress of the reactor's construction and he's not going to ask why Research and Development is so involved in the design and construction, he doesn't really need to.
He watches Vincent approach, already dreading the inevitable update that he has. It's going to rain soon and it's doubtful they'll make it to the reactor before the downpour starts though the idea of watching Scarlet trying to walk through the mud in those heels might make it worth getting completely soaked.]
Let's round them up then. We're probably going to have to roll Palmer up the mountain if we want to try to avoid getting caught in the storm.
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That and a turn- away from the inn, (It had been fully booked up, yet who they were corralling would not be there. Veld was the only executive that chose to sleep in the same building as the salaried soldiers, assistants and Turks.) toward the manor.]
Perhaps he won't be an issue. He has greater reason than most to push through.
[Palmer's star was beginning to rise. Shinra's first reactor, Vincent suspected, was being constructed here to power the beginnings of another project over the mountain. A small town formed of worker accommodation was forming around land earmarked for a launch platform- already named Shinra number 26.]
If you'd like to liven things up by making a bet, my money's on the madam director being more of a problem.
[Those heels, of course. As well as the fact that the journey would have to be made on foot.
Vincent stops just shy of the gate, his gaze flicking beyond it, into the courtyard where small groups of people stand. The president, of course- flanked on all sides by military and company photographers. A middle-aged man. Rotund, but strong. Dashing, as the newspapers said. Heidegger- stronger. ....Rotunder. Surrounded by military men. Gast, accompanied by lesser doctors- Hojo included.
And as for Palmer, Scarlet, and the possible bet...
He turns to his partner.]
Well?
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[Information is their job, even the seemingly mundane details as Scarlet's new heels which probably cost more than they made in a month.
It wasn't that that bothered him but he considers the executives, especially Hojo, like snakes in the grass just waiting for their opportunity to strike. But he knew the president would just be dismissive of the danger around him if he said anything, he had his grand vision and nothing would get in the way of that.
He laughs as he looks over at the executives gathering around the president, eagerly talking among themselves. That's not going to last halfway up the mountain but their sense of optimism is hilarious.]
Alright, you're on. If it's Scarlet's new heels I'll do the mission reports for a week. But if it's Palmer who inhaled bacon and sausage for breakfast and a full lunch with fried chicken and at least a liter of coffee who breaks first it's on you.
[A couple of infantry officers were approaching them, Veld knew they were being summoned to get a move on.]
Let's do this then. The sooner we're back to Midgar the better.
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[To say that Weapons Development and Public Safety worked hand-in-glove would not be groundbreaking. More like a first day on the job observation- it was common knowledge that the military needed weapons. These weapons had to be tested by the military- so cooperation was crucial for the productivity of both departments. But something seemed to have changed between the department heads. They seemed... cozy. As cozy as two vipers could be, anyway. Given Heidegger's recent departmental budget increase, warranted by the ongoing issues in the Undercity spilling onto the upper plate, this project, and Number 26...
Perhaps the shoes were another sign of that coziness. The directors were paid well (of course!) but a purchase like that... Regardless. That was a little too close to office gossip to serve much of a purpose. And Veld was too sharp to have not noticed anyway.
So onto the bet's terms.]
So he'll have an abundance of energy. Good.
...But I don't mind doing the reports. I was thinking more lunch- back in Midgar.
[It wasn't as if they hadn't been fed here. The populace was nothing short of accommodating. But this was the sticks. And unlike Palmer, Vincent found that everything was a little too... hearty and substantial for his tastes. And the portion sizes were off-puttingly colossal.
And shh, Maybe there was an ulterior motive in wanting to spend a little more time with his partner. Maybe.
He lets the offer hang in the air before he approaches the approaching officers, as if it had not even happened. A small exchange happens between them- confirmation of the route, the most gentle ascent, and...
Gya ha haaaaa!]
...!
[Oh, fuck his life. Really. For at that moment, the doors of the manor swing open, and the madam director makes herself known. From what appeared to be a makeshift carrage- a heavy, padded chair held aloft by no less than four of Heidegger's finest. A single man stands at the front of it- his whole profession seemingly being reduced to nothing but a footrest. Those shoes, the heels of which, are angled to rest against the side of the man's neck.
The turk stares at the scene before him, almost in disbelief before he approaches. Some tittering, more Gya Ha Ha'ing later, one or two Kya Ha Ha's...
And the procession is off. Although there were no monsters (as of yet...) to worry about, the very real threat of wolves warranted the turks to take point, alongside a small company of infantry.
Even with his eyes and his ears peeled, Vincent could not help but make a few glances backward to Palmer, in particular. Eyeing the already sweating director like a race chocobo.
Time to put that fried chicken, bacon, sausage, and coffee to work, Palmer. Dig deep.]
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[He gives Vincent a grin before they follow the officers to where the executives are gathering, the president eager to get going before it starts to get too late.
But as soon as he starts to approach the president there Scarlet comes in all her glory and even if he's not surprised, he still has to stop and stare at that ridiculous carriage. He doesn't need to turn around to see the annoyance on Heidegger's face at his soldiers being to carry her around but he knows better than to say anything as they start the ascent.
Veld has several infantry men bring up the rear, leading the way with Vincent which makes it a bit easier to hide his amusement at hearing Palmer huffing and puffing along.
When he glances behind him he could see the sweat starting to show on that ugly mustard suit but somehow Palmer is still upright even though his steps are dragging.]
How .... [More huffing, gasping.] until we get there? It's so far!
[Veld shares a grin with Vincent, a silent I'm going to win this before he looks back at Palmer with a more professional expression.]
At this pace, most likely another hour to an hour and a half. If you look to the right you'll soon start to see the construction site.
[The sound of a mixture of dismay and despair is so satisfying as he turns back. Thankfully they seem to be lucky not to run into anything so far until finally there is a sad, pathetic voice behind them as Palmer finally admits defeat.]
Please, rest! Cannot...another step.
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But as his eyes flick to his partner, he can't help but be betrayed by the smallest quirk of his lip in response to his grin. He moves his head away accordingly, reminding himself of the grim fact that as gentle as the ascent was, Palmer stood a very real chance of suffering an aneurysm before they'd even got halfway.
The president is deaf to Palmer's plea. He's striding ahead- the picture of a man in his prime- loudly declaring behind his cigar that nature meant nothing to a man on a mission- as if he were climbing the great mountains of the icicle region and not a route planned, cleared, and checked again and again to be the easiest way to the reactor- easy enough for a child to follow.
And as the president moves, so does the convoy. Palmer's lagging now- being overtaken by directors and hangers-on from each department. But perhaps something was on Palmer's side. The weather.
The sky darkens immediately before the sky itself seems to shake- and a deep, rumbling crack of thunder fills the valley. Immediately, the hiss of rain overwhelms them. It's a downpour. A heavy downpour- with thick, fat, beads of rain instantly soaking the ground and all who walked upon it. The procession makes startled sounds, and of course, umbrellas are deployed by the hangers-on, over the heads of Shinra's great and good.
...The only issue was that the downpour was so sudden, so heavy, that the ground is already muddy. Muddy enough to severely impact the efficiency of Scarlet's mode of transportation. There's a few cries as the men holding the chair slip and slide- and of course, a shriek from the woman both getting soaked by the rain, and given the fact her steeds could not hold her weight and maintain their footing in the mud- likely to end up on her face.
Vincent pauses, turning back to view the shambles behind him. Scarlet was currently kicking at every one of the men holding her upright, shrieking something about idiots and fools- as if the men around her were personally responsible for the downpour. The call to stop is sounded. A squabble begins.
At the end of it, it would appear that Palmer, Scarlet, and all of Research and Development (Except for Hojo, interestingly...) wished to turn back.
So. Behind his own sodden fringe, to Veld, and Veld only:]
Shall I run them back? I can take them back to the village, and arrange their transportation back to Midgar.
[Not the outcome he wanted. Certainly not. Splitting the directors was hardly the most secure way of watching over them. But the most capable Turk should stay with the president.]
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The president had made the decision to come out here even when Veld had warned him about the weather so he has little sympathy that the umbrellas don't seem to be doing much to prevent any of the executives from quickly getting soaked. He knows he's still going to hear a tirade later but that's not what he's focused on now.
Before he can respond to Vincent his attention is the disaster unfolding in front of them. It was inevitable- as soon as one of the men holding up Scarlet lost his footing it was all over. It was like watching a car crash - everything suddenly went into slow motion as soon as the first man lost his footing in the mud and went down face-first.
From there everything came cascading down until everyone is in the mud, including a shrieking Scarlet whose dress is definitely beyond ruined and there would be no getting the mud out of those designer shoes.
He looks at Vincent, needing a moment to compose himself before speaking so that he doesn't let out an unprofessional laugh.]
I know the president wants to continue but I don't think anyone is getting up the mountain tonight.
[The president and the scientists will be disappointed but Veld has learned how to handle the president's frustration but Veld isn't going to risk their lives just so the scientists can do whatever weird things they wanted to do in that reactor.]
I'll speak to the president if you start out with Palmer and Scarlet first before there are any further...mishaps.
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Agreed. If there's anything of note [Monsters.] on the descent, I'll inform you via radio. Usual frequency.
[Likewise, he knows better than to take the majority of the soldiers. One or two would suffice. He knew, full well, it was paramount they stayed with the president as the only man amongst them who was not replaceable. As he steps backward...]
See you in the village.
[In the time that followed, there would be no contact. Other than the poor weather making the way more slippery than usual (and the huffing and puffing of both directors) there was nothing of note on the way down. So there was little reason to make contact. That, and Vincent knew the other man's hands would be well and truly full with managing the disappointment of both the scientists and the president.
So he had not made contact. ...But there was some concern.
As the presidential entourage, by hook or by crook, finally reapproaches Nibelheim, Veld may have made out that concern via a dark-suited figure waiting alongside the soldiers on guard at the manor's gate. As the group draws closer, the figure moves away- back toward the village.
Vincent, of course. ...Call him sentimental, but Veld was his partner.]
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[Veld lingers for a moment as he watches Vincent head off with some of the executives but once the noise fades, he turns back to the president and group of scientists.
It still took some convincing the president that there was no way ahead to the reactor now especially not as the rain was still pouring down, soaking everyone despite the umbrellas. Only then did the president begrudgingly admit defeat but not before lecturing Veld on the importance of getting the road cleared. It didn't matter it wasn't Veld's job but it was something for him to make sure it got done.
The trip down was tricky as the rain came down harder and mud ran down the path. Veld had to act fast to grab the president's arm to keep him from slipping, barely avoiding disaster.
But he gives no such aid to the scientists, hearing Gast slip on the mud with a muttered curse. No amount of loyalty or money could get him to offer assistance to catch Hojo if he fell.
One of the first things he sees when they reach the village is Vincent by the gates of the mansion. But his attention is distracted by the president giving Veld a list of things he wants done so it's another few minutes until he gets the president into the manor that he finally gets to follow Vincent into the village.
The rain had let up but he's still completely soaked and he's pretty sure the mud has gotten into his shoes at this point.]
You owe me lunch when we get back. But first- please tell me they got the hot water working finally.
[One of the less idyllic charms of village life was some of the luxuries of the city like constant hot water and stable electricity just weren't a thing.]
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[The rain had solved one problem. The village's water tank levels were looking much healthier thanks to the downpour. But as for heating? Vincent's experience had been ...lukewarm. With abrupt bursts of cold water every 30 seconds. An improvement over that morning's shower, certainly. But still a miserable experience.
He makes his way into the hotel. As he moves up the stairs and past where a few soldiers had congregated, he keeps the conversation light. And when they're in their room, and the door's shut-]
Transport back to Midgar has been arranged for the directors. I took the liberty of rounding up some of the infantry- who will leave with them at first light tomorrow.
[Not the ones that'd been made to be human chairs for the madam director. Instead, he'd assigned the task to those that'd borne the brunt of Heidegger's temper on the side of the mountain. An act of mercy for the soldiers- and perhaps an indication of some form of empathy, as well. An empathy that certainly wasn't a positive trait for one in his line of work.
But a harmless quirk, at least. So far. And he'd been effective enough where it counted for it to not be a problem. So far.
He moves to the window, his eyes fixed on the square beneath them.]
I'll accompany them- to the pickup point at least. That way, you'll be free to escort the President should he wish to try the ascent again early.
[His gaze moves from the window to Veld's face. Partners or not, as head of the department, Veld was still his boss. And so his confirmation was needed.]
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He's going to want to try again but with the amount of rain- even if it stopped tonight the road is going to be dangerous.
[Not that it would stop the president from wanting to attempt the ascent again but Veld is hoping that he can get through to him and convince him that no amount of ambition will change the conditions.
Every day he can feel his influence on the president slipping away. With every new 'advancement' that the scientists make he knows that he's losing the man the president used to be in the beginning and is watching him become a creature twisted with greed.
It's a relief to finally peel off his wet coat, tie, and shoes, tossing them on the chair in the room.]
At this point, I'll just take clean water, even if it's lukewarm.
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[It's not just the scientists, either. Weapons development had started becoming bigger than its already colossal britches thanks to the advent of materia creation. As Midgar grew and more and more sectors reached completion, the undercity had thus grown in its shadow. Public safety was starting to... become about public control.
Vincent had noticed its tendrils here. Although the soldiers that accompanied them had embraced the hospitality Nibelheim had given them (and returned the favour. A small company of mechanics was working on upgrading the water tower and trying to fix the rusty old truck at the gates in their downtime) they were Public Safety. And Vincent he knew, full well, that they had been instructed to shoot to kill should the reactor be compromised.
The company was changing. Little wonder. With mako, the world itself had changed. The fact that being here was such a shock to the system was a testament to how far humankind had come in such a few short years. Shinra spearheaded this change. So of course, it would change too.
Things were murky. But it had always been murky. Before the switch to energy, Shinra was never a friendly arms manufacturer. Both he and Veld were equipped to wade. And their job was to keep the company's head above water- regardless of how murky it got.
Butyes. Clean water.]
That, they can do. Or could an hour ago, before-
[A curtaintwitch. Yeah. Some of the infantry's engineers are being doused with a sudden leak in said water tower. Yeah, there's yelling. And the water tower being called a 'sonnavabitch'.]
-Well. Better hurry.
[He turns his head to the other man again.]
And pass me your shoes. I've still got the polish out from cleaning mine. You're paying for lunch.
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Just their luck.]
Fuck, if you can salvage anything I'll buy you dinner too. I'll even try to save you some water.
[He hands his shoes over to Vincent before handing him his phone as well. He knows eventually he will have to go over to deal with the president's displeasure but he's going to take this brief moment of respite while he can.]
I'll be quick, I just need to get the mud off. Get some rest and something to eat while you can, we're not going anywhere until tomorrow and once the rain stops, we're going to be going back to Midgar.
[Even if the president tried to put his foot down, which Veld knew he would, travel in these conditions in this remote village would be hazardous and going up the mountain would be impossible for a while.
He can't help but feel a bit of petty satisfaction that the scientists aren't going to get their way for once, not that it would stop them in the long run.]