[For a moment, Alec’s smartass facade recedes, leaving only a serious look which informs Rufus of one thing: this one adheres to his own set of rules. That alone is nothing too unusual, but—]
Standards. [—he echoes. That implies the rules are steeped in morality of some kind, and that always makes things more complicated than need be.
But it’s good to know. It means that his reply should mean something.]
If I told you that my father’s time as President is up, what would you say?
[ Rufus is lucky Alec is here at all, given his particular set of morals, but he doesn't say as much. The man probably doesn't care, first of all, and second of all, Alec doesn't particularly like to advertise the finer points of his personal set of rules. Just how much of his work is done for free is a secret he means to take to the grave. ]
I’d say you’re not the only one who thinks so, but as the VP that would make you heir to the proverbial throne. Think you can run things better than dear ol’ dad?
[ It’s a casual question on the surface, but he really is going to have to pick the lesser evil here, isn’t he? If Rufus succeeds his father and turns out to be an even bigger asshole, then this is on Alec’s shoulders, isn’t it?
[For a half moment, Rufus’ eyes resemble ice, as cold as their color.]
Of course I will.
[Until the uptick of his mouth slides his confidence back into the usual well-worn grooves.
He moves to pour himself another drink. Whiskey, with a dark label and gold calligraphy scrawled across it. It’s scotch that most would never even see in their lifetimes, shimmering into a small glass as it fills.]
...I don’t know what you’ve heard, and I’m sure the rumors run the gamut. But I’ll make one thing clear: I don’t ride on my father’s coattails. Just because I’m flesh and blood doesn’t mean that my ambitions are exactly aligned to his.
[ Whether intentional or not, Rufus turns back on Alec the same trick Alec had used moments ago, a brief glimpse into something far more serious behind the veneer of business and confidence. Alec has yet to decide if he's impressed or not, but that certainly counts towards something. ]
I kind of got that impression when you told me you were going behind papa's back. So, if I'm following this correctly... you want me to feed info to Avalanche to get dad out of the big, comfy president's chair so you can take his place.
[He gives an amused hm. Rufus sets the bottle down, thinking for a moment as he drinks from the glass.
Should he take that as approval? Probably not. He gets the feeling that Alec is the type who keeps his cards close to the chest, his true opinions not so freely given. Fitting for an info-broker, at least.]
It's just business. If there's one person in all of Midgar who understands that the most, it's my father. He's the one who taught me as much.
[And if he's less than understanding, it doesn't matter. He'd be too dead to deride him for it.]
But I want you to feed more than just info to Avalanche. I want you to feed them funding, too. You'll take your own portion of the cut, naturally, so don't worry about that. All-in-all, a pretty simple arrangement if you ask me. Won't see the results for probably months on end, but it'll be worth it.
[ What a charming home life this guy must have, but then Alec really can't judge. He did much the same to his own mother, though perhaps his own endeavors were less about business and more about simple revenge, poorly hidden in the guise of justice.
Alec spends a very long few moments in consideration. He considers the man across from him, he considers the pieces of this frankly fascinating and unexpected puzzle he's been given, he considers the options. There is still a very real chance that Rufus will turn out to be just as bad or worse than his old man, but if it's Avalanche doing the heavy lifting, perhaps there is some benefit to be had from this arrangement anyway.
And if Rufus turns out to be a tyrant prince, then Alec will have to find a way to deal with it. ]
Thankfully for you, I've just decided I dislike you less than I dislike your dad. I'm in.
[That makes him laugh, low and pleased. This man's mouth probably gets him in trouble more often than not, but Rufus decides that he likes it for now.]
Perfect. Then it's a deal.
[Under the table as this is, it's not like there are documents to sign or officiate. Leaving a paper trail would be foolish, so their contract is binding only by their own words. Not the most air-tight way to go about it, but when he's working to unseat his father from the Shinra throne, he doesn't have much of a choice.
But a businessman's a businessman, and Rufus is one through and through. The deal's always got to be sealed somehow. A simple handshake could do the trick, but he always thinks in more grandiose terms.
He slides the bottle of scotch in Alec's direction, paired with an empty glass that matches his own.]
Customary to seal it with some kind of celebration, so pour a glass. I promise it's not poisoned.
[ Rich bastard, Alec thinks, as Rufus slings around a bottle of alcohol worth more than most people living in Midgar's shadow would ever see. But, the move is on-brand for what he expects of Rufus in their short time together, so he's not entirely surprised either. ]
This gonna come out of my pay?
[ Alec already said he doesn't drink on the clock, but one glass surely won't make much of a difference, plus it gives him the excuse to stick around and see if he can learn anything interesting about his host. ]
[He’ll drink to that, and the stuff goes down with a burn worthy of the gil it costs. Afterwards, he decides to indulge himself in a question or two, since he has Alec at his disposal.]
So— [The glass clinks against the bar.] —What’s your problem with my father?
[He grins, knowing that’s quite a question to ask, but Rufus never was the sort to hold his tongue.]
[ Down the hatch, and Alec would admit it is worth the price tag. He has no desire to live in a mansion in the sky, so he'll accept this little taste of what it's like before going back to his life under the city.
While the question Rufus flings at him isn't exactly expected, Alec replies almost instantly, ]
It's the mustache. Never trust a man with that kind of facial hair.
[ He makes a vague motion at Rufus with his glass. ]
[A non-answer which is as good as deflection. Rufus’ grin doesn’t dissipate, but like hell if he’s letting his own question turn around on him like that.]
Nuh-uh. [He shakes his head, swirling amber in his glass lazily.] I asked you first. Give me a real answer.
[He’s curious, of course, but the reason behind it is purely strategic. What to mention around this man, what to avoid. What are the shape of his morals so he can not trip over any of them during their time working together — that sort of thing. People had a lot of opinions when it came to Shinra and its President. Sussing them out is for the best when they’re not the sort to bend over backwards for the name.]
[ Ah, see, Alec should have just taken the job and left, because Junior is sharper than he likes his more affluent clientele to be, but those are the perils of going (almost) all the way to the top, he supposes.
He shrugs, turning to lean back against the bar, elbows resting on the surface. ]
I just don't think a guy who claims he does things for the people but has entire, sprawling districts of slums under his city is really doing everything he can.
[A common viewpoint taken up by those sympathetic to the grounders. Those who think the slums cropped up out of some negligent treatment of Shinra’s, as if the economy ever worked that way. But it’s easiest to pin the blame on the biggest target; that’s not surprising. The widest scope was always suited for the most narrow minds.
He doesn’t say any of that, only follows up with more prying.]
So you’d like to see Shinra do more than what they already have for the people on the lower plate? Is that where you live?
[He raises a brow in Alec’s direction, and while knowing that he has a point (and it’s the stance he would take if the roles were reversed), Rufus presses anyway. He has no reason not to.]
Your answers won’t change whether or not you’re suited for the job. It’s yours. I just like to know the people I’m working with. Not expecting you to share your whole life story.
You can be curious all you want, but that doesn't mean I have to indulge you. If you wanna know something about me, know that I'm a very private person.
[ He sets his glass down on the bar, still half full of far too expensive alcohol. He figures Rufus can afford to waste half a glass. ]
[Look like he's hit a brick wall. Rufus didn't garner as much information as he'd like, but he has a very broad stroke of where Alec lies on the "common man sympathizer" scale. Easy enough to avoid that minefield of a topic altogether.]
Not yet.
[Rufus relinquishes his own glass and moves around the counter. Darkstar lifts his head from his spot near the window, watching, but otherwise remains unmoving.
He crosses to the dining room table and cracks open the laptop resting there. The screen lights up with stark, white light.]
Since you're in such a hurry to get to business, might as well have you leave with your first gift to Avalanche.
[A few keystrokes, a second or two later, and then he's pulling a thin USB-like device from the computer's side. He holds it up, twirls it between forefinger and middle like he would a coin, before offering it to Alec in his palm.]
[ Much like the dog, Alec keeps his eyes on Rufus as he moves across the room, though he's certainly not unaware of the hound off by the windows either. Alec is a paranoid bastard, so there's some small part of him that keeps expecting a trap, but he is instead offered a datastick - which might still be a trap, but he doubts it. The biggest trap here is one Rufus has already laid out for him: he's disposable.
Alec neatly plucks the device from Rufus' palm, deigning not to remark on the flashy little show he was just given. ]
I know better.
[ He gives a mock salute with the device before sticking it in his pocket. ]
Well chief, it's been fun, but I've got some subterfuge to get rolling. Thanks for the drink. Sorry for tracking dirt in your apartment.
[ He doesn't sound sorry at all, but that's probably as close to a "yes I came from the slums" as Rufus is going to get. ]
[You know what? He probably would've guessed that from the get-go, even if he wasn't given any clues. What does that say for first impressions? Well, maybe it's better not to think about it.]
Just wipe your shoes next time.
[ :) ]
Keep my name out of it, by the way. I'm pretty sure some members of Avalanche would reject that data outright, on account of it coming from a Shinra. [And rightfully so.] But for now-
[The door to his apartment slides open with a gentle hiss. Darkstar gives a huff of air.]
I was planning on it, Junior. Sometimes people are better off not knowing where I get my info.
[ Don't tell him how to do his job!!
But he will take his leave now, tossing a casual wave over his shoulder without turning around. Back into the elevator for a very long trip down, and then out onto the street.
After that, who knows? It's like Alec simply disappears. ]
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finalflight2020-04-22 12:49 pm
no subject
Standards. [—he echoes. That implies the rules are steeped in morality of some kind, and that always makes things more complicated than need be.
But it’s good to know. It means that his reply should mean something.]
If I told you that my father’s time as President is up, what would you say?
no subject
I’d say you’re not the only one who thinks so, but as the VP that would make you heir to the proverbial throne. Think you can run things better than dear ol’ dad?
[ It’s a casual question on the surface, but he really is going to have to pick the lesser evil here, isn’t he? If Rufus succeeds his father and turns out to be an even bigger asshole, then this is on Alec’s shoulders, isn’t it?
Fuck. ]
no subject
Of course I will.
[Until the uptick of his mouth slides his confidence back into the usual well-worn grooves.
He moves to pour himself another drink. Whiskey, with a dark label and gold calligraphy scrawled across it. It’s scotch that most would never even see in their lifetimes, shimmering into a small glass as it fills.]
...I don’t know what you’ve heard, and I’m sure the rumors run the gamut. But I’ll make one thing clear: I don’t ride on my father’s coattails. Just because I’m flesh and blood doesn’t mean that my ambitions are exactly aligned to his.
no subject
I kind of got that impression when you told me you were going behind papa's back. So, if I'm following this correctly... you want me to feed info to Avalanche to get dad out of the big, comfy president's chair so you can take his place.
This is one hell of a job you're running, Junior.
no subject
Should he take that as approval? Probably not. He gets the feeling that Alec is the type who keeps his cards close to the chest, his true opinions not so freely given. Fitting for an info-broker, at least.]
It's just business. If there's one person in all of Midgar who understands that the most, it's my father. He's the one who taught me as much.
[And if he's less than understanding, it doesn't matter. He'd be too dead to deride him for it.]
But I want you to feed more than just info to Avalanche. I want you to feed them funding, too. You'll take your own portion of the cut, naturally, so don't worry about that. All-in-all, a pretty simple arrangement if you ask me. Won't see the results for probably months on end, but it'll be worth it.
So are you in?
no subject
Alec spends a very long few moments in consideration. He considers the man across from him, he considers the pieces of this frankly fascinating and unexpected puzzle he's been given, he considers the options. There is still a very real chance that Rufus will turn out to be just as bad or worse than his old man, but if it's Avalanche doing the heavy lifting, perhaps there is some benefit to be had from this arrangement anyway.
And if Rufus turns out to be a tyrant prince, then Alec will have to find a way to deal with it. ]
Thankfully for you, I've just decided I dislike you less than I dislike your dad. I'm in.
no subject
Perfect. Then it's a deal.
[Under the table as this is, it's not like there are documents to sign or officiate. Leaving a paper trail would be foolish, so their contract is binding only by their own words. Not the most air-tight way to go about it, but when he's working to unseat his father from the Shinra throne, he doesn't have much of a choice.
But a businessman's a businessman, and Rufus is one through and through. The deal's always got to be sealed somehow. A simple handshake could do the trick, but he always thinks in more grandiose terms.
He slides the bottle of scotch in Alec's direction, paired with an empty glass that matches his own.]
Customary to seal it with some kind of celebration, so pour a glass. I promise it's not poisoned.
no subject
This gonna come out of my pay?
[ Alec already said he doesn't drink on the clock, but one glass surely won't make much of a difference, plus it gives him the excuse to stick around and see if he can learn anything interesting about his host. ]
no subject
[Of course he won’t make him pay for a drink in his own home. Rufus Shinra is not the gil-pinching kind of rich; he’s the pockets-overflowing sort.]
What, not to your taste?
[Most would be lucky to even get a whiff of the stuff.]
Could always pick out something different if you really want. I have plenty.
no subject
[ This with a pointed glance at the bar, but ultimately Alec simply shrugs and takes the bottle offered to him to pour himself a glass. ]
This'll be just fine. I always wondered what it would be like to pour liquid gold down my throat.
[ Wicked waste of money, but at least it's Rufus' money. He lifts his glass. ]
Here's to working with you, then.
no subject
To new business ventures and their success.
[He’ll drink to that, and the stuff goes down with a burn worthy of the gil it costs. Afterwards, he decides to indulge himself in a question or two, since he has Alec at his disposal.]
So— [The glass clinks against the bar.] —What’s your problem with my father?
[He grins, knowing that’s quite a question to ask, but Rufus never was the sort to hold his tongue.]
no subject
[ Down the hatch, and Alec would admit it is worth the price tag. He has no desire to live in a mansion in the sky, so he'll accept this little taste of what it's like before going back to his life under the city.
While the question Rufus flings at him isn't exactly expected, Alec replies almost instantly, ]
It's the mustache. Never trust a man with that kind of facial hair.
[ He makes a vague motion at Rufus with his glass. ]
What's your problem with your father?
no subject
Nuh-uh. [He shakes his head, swirling amber in his glass lazily.] I asked you first. Give me a real answer.
[He’s curious, of course, but the reason behind it is purely strategic. What to mention around this man, what to avoid. What are the shape of his morals so he can not trip over any of them during their time working together — that sort of thing. People had a lot of opinions when it came to Shinra and its President. Sussing them out is for the best when they’re not the sort to bend over backwards for the name.]
no subject
He shrugs, turning to lean back against the bar, elbows resting on the surface. ]
I just don't think a guy who claims he does things for the people but has entire, sprawling districts of slums under his city is really doing everything he can.
no subject
He doesn’t say any of that, only follows up with more prying.]
So you’d like to see Shinra do more than what they already have for the people on the lower plate? Is that where you live?
no subject
[ Alec doesn't like people prying, even if their questions are fairly benign. He provides other people's info, not his own, thanks. ]
I'm not here to be your buddy, Junior. I'm just here to get paid.
no subject
[He raises a brow in Alec’s direction, and while knowing that he has a point (and it’s the stance he would take if the roles were reversed), Rufus presses anyway. He has no reason not to.]
Your answers won’t change whether or not you’re suited for the job. It’s yours. I just like to know the people I’m working with. Not expecting you to share your whole life story.
no subject
[ He sets his glass down on the bar, still half full of far too expensive alcohol. He figures Rufus can afford to waste half a glass. ]
We done here?
no subject
Not yet.
[Rufus relinquishes his own glass and moves around the counter. Darkstar lifts his head from his spot near the window, watching, but otherwise remains unmoving.
He crosses to the dining room table and cracks open the laptop resting there. The screen lights up with stark, white light.]
Since you're in such a hurry to get to business, might as well have you leave with your first gift to Avalanche.
[A few keystrokes, a second or two later, and then he's pulling a thin USB-like device from the computer's side. He holds it up, twirls it between forefinger and middle like he would a coin, before offering it to Alec in his palm.]
A taste to get them interested. Don't lose it.
no subject
Alec neatly plucks the device from Rufus' palm, deigning not to remark on the flashy little show he was just given. ]
I know better.
[ He gives a mock salute with the device before sticking it in his pocket. ]
Well chief, it's been fun, but I've got some subterfuge to get rolling. Thanks for the drink. Sorry for tracking dirt in your apartment.
[ He doesn't sound sorry at all, but that's probably as close to a "yes I came from the slums" as Rufus is going to get. ]
no subject
Just wipe your shoes next time.
[ :) ]
Keep my name out of it, by the way. I'm pretty sure some members of Avalanche would reject that data outright, on account of it coming from a Shinra. [And rightfully so.] But for now-
[The door to his apartment slides open with a gentle hiss. Darkstar gives a huff of air.]
You'll be hearing from me again.
no subject
[ Don't tell him how to do his job!!
But he will take his leave now, tossing a casual wave over his shoulder without turning around. Back into the elevator for a very long trip down, and then out onto the street.
After that, who knows? It's like Alec simply disappears. ]