News Broadcast + Private Action

[fearedheir]

[Anyone able to get power to their televisions or radios are treated to a special news bulletin around noon on the 16th]

We have received reports that former President of ShinRa Electric Power Company and current CEO of ShinRa Tech Rufus Shinra collapsed on the way to his helicopter after a meeting in a Costa del Sol hotel today. No one knows where he was rushed to, but our sources say it was not to any public hospital. Could someone have planned this, or is Rufus Shinra just the latest victim in the rash of collapsed citizens plaguing the Planet? More at eleven.

[And if you're a ShinRa employee or otherwise familiar with Rufus at all, you will find him in his Edge apartment, one of the few buildings with fully functioning AC. He has it on full blast as his doctors said it might have been heat exhaustion combined with stress from his work lately.

Rufus is pretty sure that's bullshit, as what he vaguely remembers about being passed out is too much like when he was sick with the stigma to be simply exhaustion. But if it makes them stop nagging, whatever.]

Comments

[provenworth]

Perhaps one day, despite our best efforts. Though here I thought your base-jumping would have covered anything we could think of.

[She's joking of course, though only just. Because seeing him free-falling from the half-built structure had taken at least 5 years off the Turks each. Granted permission, she enters the room, standing to one side of the bed.]

You sure? Costa is already several degrees hotter than here. [And wearing all those layers can't be helping.] What's your schedule been like of late? Still putting in hours that puts even Tseng to shame?

[fearedheir]

[Well, someone was going to nag at him for his hours. Might as well be the baby Turk. Rufus just shakes his head]

The hours I keep are irrelevant. I wouldn't have visions if it was simply heat exhaustion, Elena.

the baby turk omg

[provenworth]

[A snarky comment about how his hours are relevant is on the tip of her tongue, but are quickly forgotten.]

Visions? [She's frowning a little now.] What sort of visions?

RUFUS IS LIKE TWENTY SEVEN she's the baby

[fearedheir]

Ones that are far too reminiscent of the last time I was sick.

[The stigma]

OMG LIKE THOSE 5-ISH YEARS MEAN SO MUCH she may be the baby but she'll fight you

[provenworth]

[That was a punch to her stomach and she goes a little pale. She'd never even considered it, really. Wouldn't consider it. Because she couldn't imagine having a resurgence appear and what that would do to the population. To him.]

Are you experiencing any sort of flare ups? [A small notebook is pulled from the inside of her jacket, flipped open to a page, and she's taking notes. Elena may sound professional, but she's visibly concerned. Worry lines forming in her forehead.] Anything specific in the visions?

[Like him. Or them.]

[fearedheir]

Relax, Elena. The doctors checked for signs of the stigma several times. It hasn't returned.

[Iseul, the braver couerl, stands up and goes to sit at the edge of the bed closest to Elena, meowing.]

I can't describe them, just that they weren't pleasant.

[provenworth]

[For now. She doesn't say the words, but they echo loudly in her head.]

Sorry, sir. Its just...first I find Rude passed out on the street and now you? I think a little concern is warranted.

[Hardly one to deny any affection to the couerls, Elena reaches over to give Iseul an affectionate scratch behind the ears.]

I hope this is just a one-time occurrence. How long do the doctors have you on bedrest?

[fearedheir]

Just a day. Better safe than sorry, after all, and I believe they think they'll get paid more if they seem to be doing something beneficial to my health.

[Iseul is the worst guard couerl, but she loves pets so she's happy with this arrangement.]

[provenworth]

Leave it to a doctor to try to squeeze every last gil out of a simple diagnosis.

[Iseul is the best guard couerl for letting Elena spoil her with attention and affection.]

Is there anything that you need me to get for you? Any tasks that you'd like me to complete on your behalf?

[Because she's going to do her damnedest to make sure that he actually, you know, rests.]

[fearedheir]

[Rufus gestures vaguely, resting a hand on his other couerl's head and petting her so she doesn't get jealous]

Try to stop anyone from doing something absurd for my birthday this year? Specifically Reno.

[provenworth]

I think that's doable.

[Elena can't help but give a little grin.]

I'm sure Reno'll be disappointed, but I can convince him that instead he can take lead in planning something for Tseng's birthday.

[fearedheir]

That would require anyone to know when his birthday is. Maybe give him the reigns over the holiday party, if everyone wants one.

[provenworth]

Ah... [Her mouth opens, hand non-petting hand lifting for a second. Then her mouth shuts, hand lowering.] You have a point. I think I saw the date blacked out in his file.

[She's giving a slow, hesitant nod.]

I suspect that Reno would end up making it mandatory if given the reigns. But if it keeps him clear of causing any shenanigans for your birthday...

[Worth it? Maybe.]

[fearedheir]

No, he'd just ensure there's quality eggnog, and I am frankly okay with that.

[provenworth]

You and me both. I wish he'd share his source, I never seem to be able to find it anywhere.

[And she gives the couerl a final scratch.]

Is that all you need from me, sir?

[Because she's mindful that though his incident was not heat related, it was important that she not add to his stress level. And being there could likely cause him to think about work, and the work not getting done, and increase said stress level.]

[fearedheir]

Hand me my laptop, please.

[That is clear across the room. He's going to do work while on bedrest]

[provenworth]

....

[Elena doesn't approve of the request or what it entailed. And had she had a bit more clout she would have said so. But her first duty was to the President and whatever his orders were. Even if she disagreed.]

Of course.

[Said laptop is retrieved and brought over to him, extended with both hands to ensure it was not dropped on either man or couerl.]

[fearedheir]

Thank you.

[Rufus opens it, gently shoving Keiko's head out of the way when she tries to block the keyboard]

I know my limits, Elena. There's no need to worry.

[provenworth]

You're welcome.

[She gives a little nod.]

I'm sure you do, sir. But I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't.

[fearedheir]

Technically, the job description is more like wetworks than worrier.

[Type type type]

Then again, that was a few years ago now.

[Rufus's way of saying he knows, understands, and maybe even appreciates it]

[provenworth]

I think that falls under 'additional duties as required' in the job description.

[A corner of her mouth quirks up into a hint of a smile, picking up the subtle message. One had to learn to read between the lines when it came to Rufus and she had a steep learning curve compared to the others.]

By the way, I'm picking up some takeout later. Do you want me to bring you something as well?

[fearedheir]

I wouldn't say no.

[He smiles a bit]

Thank you, Elena.

Edited because late night tags with vodka makes you forget details

[provenworth]

My pleasure, sir.

[She gives Iseul a final scratch and a nudge towards Rufus before heading out. She's halfway out the door before leaning back into the room.]

I'll be back around at about 5:30 with probably Wutainese. Should I get you your usual?

[fearedheir]

Yes please. And one of the fish dishes for the couerls--I am not spoiling them, it's to save my own dinner.

[provenworth]

Of course not. [Elena can't help but grin. Because, really, who was she to say othewise?] Consider it done. I'll see you later this afternoon, then.