>Kurasu enters the office.
>Kurasu has arrived.
>l kurasu
Kurasu
Her choice of attire can best be described as formal evening wear, and gives
her an air of alluring, yet still demure, beauty. The dress she wears is as
dark as the midnight shadows, and fits perfectly in nearly every imaginable
way. Black satiny material contours to her full feminine curves, the neckline
of the dress low enough to show just the right amount of cleavage. Two thin
spaghetti straps leave her shoulders bare and connect to the bodice, which
seems to be made of two bands of cloth, one crossing over the other. Fitting
snuggly around her midriff and stomach, the material of the dress is still form
fitting, yet is elastic enough to let her breathe easily. Fitting snuggly
around her midriff and stomach, the material of the dress is still form
fitting, yet is elastic enough to let her breathe easily. The fabric of the
dress changes at her hips, going from a smooth texture to a ruffled, scrunched
surface, almost like crepe paper. While definitely not as close fitting as the
rest of the dress, the knee-length skirt still manages to hint at her svelte
figure. Matching black stockings cover her smoothly muscled legs, and a pair of
simple black high-heels adorn her feet. Around her neck is a gold chain
necklace, a small gemstone pendant glimmering in ruby-red splendor in the
light.
Carrying:
## Kurasu senses your gaze. ##
>Rufus Shinra stands up, and nods (rather cooly) to Kurasu.
>Kurasu isn't neccessarily all business, so to speak, but her own nod to Rufus
is calm and collected as she comes in the door. For once, her stance isn't the
alert lean, but rather a comfortable shift in weight from one foot to the
other. "I hope I haven't arrived too early."
>Rufus Shinra says, "No, extra time will come in handy." He pauses a moment.
"Perhaps it would be best if you lead the way, I'm not as familiar with the
street layout..."
>Kurasu nods. "Certainly." She steps out the door (if it's held open for her,
she waits for you to follow as well) and heads for the elevator and entrance.
** Trip cut **
East Setsu way
The traffic here is lighter, still retaining the noisy cacaphony that permeates
from a major city transit system. Motorists and people bustle here and there,
going to work and going home. The sun is like the moon on water, bringing in
the tides of people as the day progresses. You can see the Transit System to
the west.
[Exits : Ien (Y)onaka (fine restaurant), and (W)est ]
[Players : Kurasu ]
[Things : None ]
>Kurasu enters with Rufus_Shinra following behind.
>Kurasu walks up to the doors of Ien Yonaka. They are opened, and Kurasu steps
in.
>Kurasu leaves and you follow behind.
Ien Yonaka - Foyer
From the doorway, the room opens into a wide and well-furnished lobby. Several
comfortable seats are offered, a few tables as well, and a box or two of go set
beside them, for those people who will be waiting for a while. The Maitre'D
watches as people come and go, bowing politely at the waist in greeting to
anyone who so much as looks his way. Occasionally, a waiter will pass through
to call a number, or escort a couple waiting into the dining room beyond. The
sound of soft music echoes from around you, a soothing undertone to the
half-hectic surroundings. From beyond the opulent doorway, more music, as well
as murmering voices can be heard. Occasionally the barest hint of the cooking
reaches your nose, and all but makes your mouth water in itself.
[Exits : (O)ut to district, and (D)ining Hall ]
[Players : Kurasu, and Talwyn(Pup) ]
[Things : None ]
>Kurasu enters with Rufus_Shinra following behind.
>Rufus Shinra doesn't give his coat to the Maitre'd
>Talwyn is quick to bow politely to the pair. Particularly once he recognises
Rufus. . o O (An actual paying customer). "Welcome. Welcome. Have you got a
reservation?"
>Rufus Shinra says, plainly, "Of course I do."
>Talwyn doesn't even check to make sure, really. "Of course, sir. Right this
way." ^^ He walks towards the main room, gesturing in. ^^
>Kurasu is relatively calm about the whole thing, though the look of the
restraunt is at least partially impressive to her. If not surprising. Though
she hasn't got anything to say about it, of course.
>Kurasu is escorted into the dining hall.
>Kurasu leaves and you follow behind.
Ien Yonaka - Dining Hall
Once inside, the dining room can be more easily seen even. Scattered throughout
the room, set carefully up and made extravagently, are several two-person
tables, each with a setting in the middle for a candle. The light here is
subtle and almost delecate, the chandeliers throwing off a soft overtone to the
entire room. The candles lit on the occupied tables give each one their own
little circle of brightness, while the murmering undertone of voices and
clinking of glasses and plates adds its own music to the tunes already playing.
Set somewhat aside from the dining tables, but not completely out of sight, is
the dance floor. Occasionally, a pair will step from the tables, starting into
a close dance with one another, while the music and voices blend into the
ambiance of the subtle room. Waiters drift back and forth, almost unnoticed
until they are right by a table, menus being taken and offered. And the food!
Those that are carrying platters show various and sundry delecacies, from
simple sushi and haute cuisine, to such things as caviar and cherries jubilee.
The smells add to the room, invoking the hunger of even the most picky stomachs
and tantalizing the senses with promises of things to come. Of course, the
price tag on a place like this must be impressive in and of itself, but for a
good date, nothing matches true luxury.
[Exits : (F)oyer ]
[Players : Kurasu ]
[Things : None ]
>Kurasu enters with Rufus_Shinra following behind.
>Rufus Shinra waits for Kurasu to take a seat, then does the same.
>Kurasu sits down, carefully pushing the chair in and looking around, marvelling
for a moment or two at the room. Or maybe just getting an idea of what's what
and where everything is. SOLDIER habit. Date or not.
>Rufus Shinra waits silently for a menu to be delivered, his demeanor detatched,
business-like
>After some quick discussion from the kitchen, a waiter comes out, all smiles
and warm attitude. The menus are set on the table, the candle lit without a
thought on the matter, and he steps back, nodding to either one. "Welcome to
Ien Yonaka. I will be your waiter for this evening."
>Rufus Shinra comments, "I am pleased to hear it. Try to be prompt."
>Kurasu's attention is drawn back to the table by the man's voice. She takes the
menu as it's sat down, carefully opening it up and looking inside.
>The waiter sweatdrops, still not losing his smile. "Yes, Sir. Of course, Sir.
Now." He turns to Kurasu with a smile, then to Rufus. "What will the lady and
yourself be having to start your meal?"
>Rufus Shinra scans the menu, giving it very little actual consideration. "A
fine red wine would be a pleasnt beginning..."
>The waiter nods. "Yes, sir. An excellent choice." And with that, he's off.
Soon enough after, he returns, carrying the bottle, which he presents to both
individuals. Kurasu's look is half-blank, since she's no expert, but she nods
at it, as though she knows what she's talking about.
>Rufus Shinra appears to tolerate it, at least. "Good enough."
>They certainly are trying to please him. Probably hoping for the big tips. The
waiter sets the bottle down at the table, along with a pair of goblets, then
steps back once more. "Would the gentleman and the lady like time before they
order?"
>Rufus Shinra turns to look at Kurasu, apparently letting her make the decision.
>Kurasu looks up from the menu with a touch of one fingertip against the meals.
"I was thinking the roast duck looked interesting.'"
>Rufus Shinra leans back in his seat, steepling his fingers. "Venison, if it is
available."
>"An excellent choice, might I say." The man smiles at both, then takes the
menus, bringing them back to the kitchen to retrieve the orders.
>Kurasu watches as he leaves, then sits back in her chair once more,
comfortably. Her hands lace together, resting on the table, as she finishes her
look about once more.
>Rufus Shinra closes his eyes, venturing to ask as the waiter exits, "Perhaps
you could give me an update on current events?"
>Kurasu nods at that. "I expected as much." She turns, her attention more fully
on you. "I don't even dare to ask how." she says, her voice settled low in the
murmer of the room, so it blends well. "...but as you saw last evening, Locke
managed to slip his way into the tower. He apparently had come looking to
'talk' with me."
>Rufus Shinra hmms. "It is safe to assume your cover is broken, then."
>Kurasu nods. "Unfortunately so. Particularly with his escape last evening." She
gives a sigh, though at least her mood has been cooled quite a bit, both from
the earlier 'discussion' and with the locale. "It's safe to assume he'll be
making sure people know what happened."
>Rufus Shinra steeples his fingers in front of him. "Then we will have to act
against AVALANCHE before they realize things are wrong."
>Kurasu nods. "I don't think he's working with them directly. I haven't seen
him, nor Celes, working with AVALANCHE. However, I have seenm them speaking
with Rachel, and her with AVALANCHE. It's too much of a chance they'll
indirectly find something."
>The waiter carefully weaves in and out through the tables, carrying a large
tray with him, balancing it with infinate care. Kurasu silences her thoughts
and discussion as he approaches, looking up at him and letting her hands drop
from the table, giving more room for it to be set down.
>Rufus Shinra doesn't nod, though he reaches up to brush a lock of hair from his
eyes. "Heidegger has been itching to test his new weapon systems, perhaps it
would be a good idea to let him do so, in a safe setting. Such as an abandoned
junkyard..."
>The plates are carefully set on either side of the table, the platter picked up
and taken out of the way as soon as they are. "Should you need anything else,
don't hesitate." Smile. Smile. The waiter steps back. "Signal when you are
ready for the dessert menu, as well."
>Rufus Shinra nods dismissively to the waiter
>So dismissed, the waiter vanishes into the throng of people once again.
>Kurasu waits until he's visibly passed beyond hearing distance, then leans in
once again, adjusting her plate in front of her. "Better than having it tested
in the tower." she says, tactfully. Well, less than tactfully, maybe. "I
understand the need for them. But I have to object to the timing of the last
one's use."
>Rufus Shinra inahles, "The testing of the weapon in the Tower was an
unfortunate necessity. We rarely have an opportunity to field test new
equipment, and you must admit this test showed several flaws in the design."
>Kurasu gives a chuckle at that. "That was obvious enough." She looks up,
focusing on you. However, it isn't half the challenge it was meant to be to
Heidegger. Simply an attentive look. "Though, unfortunately, those same flaws
were instrumental in Locke's escape, I believe."
>Rufus Shinra opens his eyes. "Locke is inconsequential. He can do nothing to
us, besides the unfortunate destruction of your cover."
>Kurasu nods, letting her gaze turn to her food once again. "And information on
the 'truth' about the company. Though the loss of my cover is going to be the
worse part of it."
>Rufus Shinra says, "Nobody will care what he says. A thief and a vagrant? He
has no opinion of worth."
>Kurasu cuts a careful bite of her meal with a smooth slice of the knife. "I can
only hope that the same can be said for his friends, then."
>Rufus Shinra begins his meal as well. "You aren't looking at the big picture.
They can certainly cause damage, potentially large damage, to our installations
and personell. But in the long run it will gain them nothing. No one will
believe what they have to say about us."
>Kurasu is quiet, taking the first few bites of her dinner, before nodding to
your words, chewing thoughtfully. "You're right." she says, once her mouth is
cleared. "They're only a group of four or five in a city of several thousand.
At most, they can get their names in the paper. Most likely in the 'rag'
section."
>Rufus Shinra says, "THAT is why they are inconsequential. Any damage they do
can be repaired. This doesn't mean they should be allowed to attack without
impunity... but they shouldn't occupy your time either."
>Kurasu shakes her head, taking another bite. As she finishes this one, she
gives the table in front of her a light tap with a fingertip, for effect. "I
didn't say they should be allowed to attack. They did enough damage the first
time." She says it with a tinge of humor, though the words are deadly serious.
"They're the main reason I'm in full agreement with the mechanical soldier
project. At least for the moment."
>Rufus Shinra takes a bite as he continues, calmly, "And that is why the project
must be tested and completed. There are a large number of similarly powerful
entities here."
>Kurasu swallows, chuckles, and wipes her mouth. "You certainly don't need to
remind me of that." She shifts her goblet around, forward.
>Rufus Shinra closes his eyes again. "Your current mission is to inform me of
when AVALANCHE has assembled, mins Lina Inverse or that Rachel girl. When they
have done so, we will destroy them. Perhaps Sephiroth would like the honors..."
Kurasu laughs softly. "Or, a touch of irony, and Cloud himself can have the
chance." She nods at the orders, pushing a bit of the food around in thought
before eating a little bit more, letting it taper off into silence for a bit.
You can see the thought behind her eyes. Probably giving herself a moment or
two to work out exactly how to manage this.
>Rufus Shinra wipes his mouth with a napkin. "Cloud is not fully within our
control. Yet."
>Kurasu arches her eyebrows. She looks up from the plate. "Surprising,
considering all I've seen of him." She frowns. "With Sephiroth here, I would
have thought Cloud would be more manageable."
>Rufus Shinra hmmms. "Cloud is too befuddled at this time to be worth
controlling... but likewise, he will not retaliate, if Sephiroth is used in the
attack."
>Kurasu nods, pausing in the meal long enough to pick the bottle up, carefully
uncorking it and pouring a measure of wine into either glass. "Sephiroth, then,
yes. He can handle most of AVALANCHE, with Cloud still..." Her voice tapers
off. Not a lot of ways she can put it. So therefore, she leaves it at that,
letting you fill in the blank.
>Rufus Shinra steeples his fingers in front of him. "Everything is going exactly
as I have planned it."
>Kurasu says, "Soon enough, AVALANCHE should be gone. With it, whatever
resistance is being offered by Locke, Celes, and their friends." She nods at
you, approvingly.
>Rufus Shinra hmms, but doesn't respond to that. He simply takes another bite of
his meal.
>Kurasu washes down her latest bite with a careful sip of the red wine, letting
the cup rest in her fingers as she studies it for a moment or two. "With
Sephiroth returned, I'm not as worried as I once was. But still, we're going to
need to step up recruitment, where possible. And, if I may, I'd like to request
several recruits get an early promotion. We're going to need as many
fight-worthy SOLDIER as we can get, to fill in the holes we presently have."
>Rufus Shinra wipes his mouth with a napkin. "A recruitment drive is underway...
but loyalty is a rare commodity. That is why the mecha SOLDIER plan is so
important."
>Kurasu says, "As I said, I do understand the need for mecha. However, manpower
will be just as neccessary, until a prototype is finished, that has no bugs. Or
at least minimal bugs in it." She lifts the goblet to her lips, taking a slow
drink as she continues to watch you.
>Rufus Shinra says, "Oh, of course. And we have many competent guards, but few
show the loyalty or comittment worthy of SOLDIER."
>Kurasu nods, grimly, at that. "Even I have to admit to that." she says, almost
hesitantly. "Recruits are going to have to be checked and studied carefully for
a sign of someone with that loyalty. What few SOLDIER we have are being run
ragged. Once the mecha-soldier are finally in a working state, it will be
welcomed to some extent."
>Rufus Shinra brushes a lock of hair away from his face. "We have yet to secure
control of the government, although steps are being taken in that direction.
Until this is accomplished, we cannot risk a massive security force... highly
skilled agents like yourself, or powerful mechanized units are necessary."
>Kurasu nods. "However, until we can have the robotic units perfected...or at
least further on the way..."
>Rufus Shinra nods. "That is why 'Sephiroth' has been taken back into the fold."
>Kurasu nods, chewing another bite. . o O (....so long as he isn't going to take
my position from me.) She swallows, chasing it carefully with another small
sip. "I won't deny that it'll take some getting used to."
>Rufus Shinra says, "Do not worry, Sephiroth will only be used for 'special'
projects..."
>Kurasu laughs softly. "It's hardly the projects that he's part of that make me
uncomfortable." Still, even as her voice says that, her face is lined slightly
in relief. Probably that Sephiroth is taking a 'special' position, rather than
her job.
>Rufus Shinra appends, "He is hardly suitable for espionage work."
>Kurasu laughs again, giving a nod. "Far from it. I'd rather see him working
further and more openly, anyhow. If for nothing else, the intimidation factor,
for those who know what he can do."
>Rufus Shinra takes another bite. "Then enjoy your meal and don't concern
yourself with my plans for the company. All you have to do is act as you are
instructed..."
>Kurasu raises an eyebrow passingly at that, but lets it slide, relaxing as she
does just that. Resuming the meal in front of her. If what you said bothered
her in any way, she doesn't say anything about it, or give any evidence outside
that brief reaction. Almost casually, she shifts, the blade of one foot resting
against yours.
>Rufus Shinra watches Kurasu. He isn't the head of Shinra for his
imperceptiveness... "Voice your concerns, you obvious have some. And an
employee with reservations is a useless employee."
>Kurasu hmmns as she chews, swallowing, then lifting the napkin to her lips.
"Hardly 'reservations'." she answers, giving a shake of her head. "Those were
quelled a while ago." Yes, she's going to willingly admit that. "My thoguhts
were more casual, I assure you. Less business."
>Rufus Shinra raises an eyebrow. "Oh?"
>In almost a mimic of your previous motions, Kurasu steeples her fingers
thoughtfully, resting her chin against them and looking at you. "Hai. After
all, Rufus-sama, you are quite an attractive man."
>Rufus Shinra brushes a lock of hair away from his eye. "While I appreciate such
thoughts, I hope your loyalty to the company is more deep seated then an
attraction to me..."
>Kurasu blinks, then raises her eyebrows. At first it looks like it's shock,
then the look shifts, a quick nod. "So ka. Of course it is. I'm not quite that
shallow, I can assure you." Were it anypone else, there's a good chance she
would have swatted them for the suggestion. As it is, she just settles herself,
turning her attention more to another drink of the wine.
>Rufus Shinra adds, unusually for him, "I appreciate the compliment."
>Kurasu nods her head, setting the goblet down to the table once again. "It
isn't offered lightly." she says, sitting back once again.
>Rufus Shinra takes a bite of his meal, delicately cutting away a piece of
flesh. "And you can imagine the number of women who would kill to be seated
where you are now."
>Kurasu chuckles lightly at that, the foot resting against yours shifting
barely. A brief brush. "Hai. More than I'd like to think about, I should say."
She takes another bite of her own food, eyelashes shuttering lightly. "Though
then again, how many of those same women would offer you the same loyalty, at
the same time?" She keeps the tone casual as she can.
>Rufus Shinra takes a bite. "Not many. That is why you are on my staff."
>Kurasu chuckles at that, then raises her eyes to yours once again. "A sentiment
I can appreciate. Not to mention a coveted, and much enjoyed, place to work.
Though I can't help but wonder what 'benifits' I may have stepped away from in
taking the job." She lifts the wineglass again, as she continues, "..after all,
it might have been interesting to think about working below you in some other
way of thinking." Slow sip, watching you casually.
>Rufus Shinra raises an eyebrow, asking simply, "An interesting proposition."
>Rufus Shinra takes a sip of wine. "... Unfortunately, it would be improper at
this point, considering your position as my subordinate."
>Kurasu chuckles softly, giving a nod as she lets the rest of her drink swirl
lightly in the glass, watching it though a thoughtful gaze. "I'll have to make
do, then, with dinner, I suppose." Another glance, this one accompanied by a
somewhat teasing chuckle. "Though don't think for a moment that it isn't a
temptation to quit for a week."
>Rufus Shinra hmms. "Perhaps I should take you up on your offer, sometime. When
the company is once again in control of the planet..."
>Kurasu taps her chin with a thoughtful finger, letting her eyelids drift closed
as though in thought. "I suppose in a case like that, patience is a virtue."
Her finger lightly touches the edge of the goblet, giving off a muted tone.
"Though I suppose when it comes to something of a great deal of interest to me,
patience tends to go only so far."
>Rufus Shinra takes a slow sip of wine. "Ask that question again, after
AVALANCHE has been crushed." He pauses a moment to brush a lock of hair from
his eyes. "That should be motivation enough..."
>Kurasu chuckles. "Crushing AVALANCHE is enough motivation to crush AVALANCHE."
Her plate, mostly emptied, is given a careful push to the side, leaving her
with the wine, and a better view of you. "I suppose that could be considered
the icing on the cake, though."
>Rufus Shinra wipes his mouth with a napkin, setting the glass aside. "Consider
it a company bonus."
>Kurasu says, "I'll make sure to have repayment, in full, then. I wouldn't want
the company head to feel unjustified in the extras."
>Rufus Shinra finishes off his meal, pushing the plate aside. "Oh, of course.
But finish the task first, and worry about compensation later..."
>Kurasu chuckles and nods. "Naturally. I wouldn't think about trying to get
around it. Particularly not when I've been hoping to get it done with, anyhow."
She frowns, then, slowly. "Getting them together will be the hardest part, I'd
say."
>Rufus Shinra hmms. "But I'm sure you can accomplish that. I will make sure
Reeve doesn't inform them more than they need to know."
>Kurasu says, "So long as that thief hasn't already told more than he should
have. I need to make sure Rachel either doesn't hear, or can somehow be
silenced, if she does. She's the most likely one to get the message passed."
>Rufus Shinra adds, "And one of the more dangerous ones, as well. It is
imperative that she be kept from the scene... if that means killing her prior,
do so."
>Kurasu nods. "So duly noted." From flirt to dead-serious once again. "So long
as she's well away from things, I'd say we should have no trouble with it." She
checks the level in her glass thoughtfully, emptying it in a deep sip.
>Rufus Shinra reaches for the wine glass. "You will also be in charge of
organizing the final assault. Enlist the other SOLDIER firsts as you need to. I
recommend you use machine soldiers as well, but that will be up to you.
Understood?"
>Kurasu nods. "I plan to use them, actually. So long as they are kept, for the
most part, out of my single business without my asking. Otherwise, as I've
said, I can at least understand and appreciate their usefulness." She drums her
fingers against the table, mentally adding up who and what needs to be taken
care of.
>Rufus Shinra says, "The most important thing is to keep far from the eyes of
the media. If we are to control the upcoming elections, we must maintain a
scoiable facade..."
>Kurasu says, "Then the hardest part of it, I would think, will be to keep any
of the media from seeing what goes on with it. It'll be simple enough to have
the SOLDIER split up and assemble, and a better idea, even, since we can
surround them."
>Rufus Shinra asks, "Now then, about dessert...?"
>Kurasu says, straightfaced, "Something small, I'd say. I want to watch my
figure, after all." She looks up, searching out the waiter at a glance and
waving him (and his dessert menus) closer.
>Rufus Shinra waits, somewhat patiently, for the waiter.
>Said water returns to the table, bearing the dessert menus. As before, he sets
one down in front of either of you, then straightens. "Will you be wanting
dessert, then?"
>Rufus Shinra asks, "... I believe I will pass. Kurasu?"
>Kurasu looks at the menu, then gives a light shake of her head. "Nothing of
interest, really. The meal was fine for me as well." Menu is folded and offered
back to the waiter, who takes it, as well as Rufus'. The check is set on the
table before you both, a pair of wrapped mints on top of it.
>Rufus Shinra examines the check. It's rather safe to assume he can pay it.
>The waiter hovers nearby, without being too noticiable. . o O (Tip, tip...come
on...)
>Kurasu pushes the chair slightly back from the table, carefully picking one of
the mints up from the plate and waiting for you to finish your 'study'
>Rufus Shinra puts the check down, placing a 5000 yen bill on the tray.
>The waiter is there almost as quickly as the bill is set down, picking it up
and taking it to the register to pay it.
>Kurasu stands up, pushing her chair in carefully and settling her hands against
it, leaning slightly. Not in a way that shows anything. Just in a way to make a
full stomach slightly more comfortable to stand still on.
>Rufus Shinra says, "That was an illuminating dinner."
>Kurasu nods in agreement, unwrapping the candy with one hand and popping it into
her mouth. "That it was. A most enjoyable evening."
** At the Tower **
>Kurasu goes to step by you as you again hold the door for her. She pauses, then
turns, setting her hand against your cheek. Her eyes meet yours once again. "I
had a wonderful evening." With that, and hopefully before you can react (just
in case) she leans forward, letting her lips lightly brush against yours.
>Rufus Shinra doesn't resist, but he doesn't show any enthuasim either. These
cold-hearted corporate moguls have their downsides...
>Kurasu doesn't do more than that, at least. Once her lips leave yours, she
gives a nod, then turns, lassing the rest of the way by you and heading for
the elevator.
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