[voice call, locked to the Turks]

[whitecladprince]

 Reno, Cissnei.

While you're out, investigate these Myrrh trees that I keep hearing about. They seem to have some sort of significance and I wish to find out what.

Thank you, that is all.

Comments

[voice, locked to Turks]

[turks_reno]

[Color Reno very, very unimpressed]

Been there. Done that. .... [There's a hesitation in his voice, but he continues despite his reluctance]

I'd ask for permission to speak freely, sir, but that's never been my MO and I'm not about to start now. Those trees are fucking bad news and bad luck. We had to fight a fucking Zombie Dragon the last time we went after one, and after nearly getting our asses handed to us, we returned to find you... in the state that I described to you when we recapped what had happened to the previous-you. In fact, it was part of that mission that I was returning from when Tseng was found half-dead from your attack on him. So forgive me, sir, if I'm feeling a little less than thrilled about your interest in continuing to fill our Myrrh chalice.

[He sighs, but his voice is professional enough after a moment.]

We'll go. But please don't touch anything odd while I'm gone. I don't want a repeat of last time.

[voice, locked to Turks]

[whitecladprince]

[Rufus scowls at his Turk's audacity.]

[There's a long pause. Then, finally.]

Report in when you return home.

[With that, he closes the line. He doesn't appreciate being spoken to that way by his employees, regardless of any extenuating circumstances concerning their relationship.]

[voice]

[nogoodpeople]

Sir, while I can understand the interest they must suggest, I agree with Reno. The protectors of the trees are nothing to be taken lightly, and given the trouble we had with the zombie dragon at the last one I must express my concern at my Turks being put to such tasks.

[Which is to say, he doesn't approve.]

[voice, locked to Tseng]

[whitecladprince]

[Alright, seriously? Rufus' scowl deepens further when the Director of the Turks chimes in. He makes a soft, annoyed noise before locking the call to Tseng. His voice snaps with cold annoyance when he finally speaks.]

Tseng, if you had been listening, you would have heard me ask Reno and Cissnei to investigate the trees. Not once did I ask them to fight any beasts or seriously endanger themselves in anyway. All I want is information for now.

I'm not about to make my 'predecessor's' mistakes.

Now unless you have any further complaints, my request stands.

[voice, locked to Rufus]

[nogoodpeople]

[The tone of Rufus' voice catches Tseng a little by surprise, but not enough to stop him from speaking up again.]

No, you didn't. However, while the major threat may have been eliminated, in order to fully investigate the tree they will need to make their way past a fair number of monsters, most of whom won't take the intrusion lightly. I'm not doubting that they have the skill, but they will need to fight.

[voice, locked to Turks]

[shurikenfemale]

[Cissnei is not at all pleased, but she masks her distaste for the request. She knows anyway that they would need to do it, she was just expecting it to be done in their own time and pace.]

Sir, I can explain what we know, but those trees are absolutely dangerous. I'm working on gathering more intel and contacts with others who have Chalices like mine, but the process of actually collecting Myrrh isn't a walk in the park. It's overly guarded by smaller monsters in the area and one extremely dangerous Zombie Dragon. Like Reno said, we got our asses handed and probably wouldn't have made it back in one piece if it wasn't for Zack's help that time.

We'll go as you ask, but we're going to need the proper equipment or we'll request aid from allies or others who have Chalices.

[voice, locked to Turks]

[whitecladprince]

[Cissnei's response manages to sooth Rufus' annoyance somewhat, thank goodness.]

I see. [A pause.]

In that case, please gather what other information you can before you return to the manor. Report in with everything you know and we will make a decision from there.

Thank you. I will see you when you return.