Misconduct Chapter 2

2.6k For now this chapter is just needed information. The meeting between Tseng and Genesis. Over the next week I'll be adding a couple of other chapters.

“You’re late.”

It appears as though Genesis is already grating at Tseng’s nerves. The expression crossing Tseng’s features made it known he was far less than pleased by Genesis’ punctuality. Well lack thereof. The way Genesis sauntered in the room as though he had not a concern in the world. Sipping on a bottle of Banora White juice, truly not a care in the world. His eyes scanned across the room before meeting Tseng’s gaze. “At the very least, Tseng, you could have pulled a seat up for me.”

“I expect everyone who works under me to be punctual. There are no exceptions. Especially those I’m doing a favor for.” Tseng’s voice calm, and emphasized the ‘favor’ portion of his statement. He didn’t expect working with Genesis to be easy. Tseng knows, fully, how difficult working with Genesis could be. There wasn’t much of a choice after Rufus stated outright, he only wanted Tseng indirectly working on this assignment from here on out. It was impossible to take him away from this mission with the amount of information he’s gathered over the years. Rufus merely thought Tseng’s skills could be used in a more efficient manner, or so he claimed.

Wheeling one of the chairs from the desk in the center of the office, setting it in front of Tseng’s desk. As Genesis took his seat, setting his drink on the desk now before him, crossing his legs and leaning back in his seat as he regarded Tseng. “It was five minutes. Is there no grace period around here?”

Tseng genuinely struggled to prevent himself from rolling his eyes. Having his own rather rowdy crew to deal with, now the addition of Genesis. They had no choice but to rely on someone else, the other Turks failing to cover nearly the amount of ground in which Tseng was able to. Not even coming close, something Tseng couldn’t quite comprehend. In parallel it was completely reasonable, it took a special kind of skill to get close to their target. “There’s no such thing as a grace period in our line of work. If you’re not early, you are late. Even a few seconds can determine if you will succeed or fail.” A small smirk gracing Tseng’s face, “I don’t think I need to go into too much detail. You’ll hear all of this during your safety training.”

The smugness in Genesis’ features faltered for a moment, the jab at, what he felt like, was his pride immediately sparking irritation within him. “What role do you want me to play in your childish schemes? It looks like a desperate move to have an outsider do your work.” Genesis’ mind was filled with questions regarding why he had to pair up with the Turks. They’ve reached out to SOLDIER before for assistance on plenty of missions, but nothing long term.

Pulling out a rather large binder, setting it down before Genesis. “There’s a lot, so try to follow along the best you can.” Standing up, Tseng walks over to the wall mounted monitor behind his desk. Powering it on, the screen illuminates with a blue hue before transitioning to a powerpoint like screen, various charts appear spread about, “This is a quick overview of the sudden spike in crime through sectors one through three. Mostly violence and drug related crimes. Both seem to be going hand and hand as most of the perpetrators that have been brought in display similar symptoms that are causing them to lash out. After questioning many of them we found out they appear to be coming from a similar source, though we are positive there is a far larger source.” Using the remote to bring a new slide into view, a series of buildings. By the appearance of the storefront it was a small franchise, specializing in herbal remedies. A map, in the bottom left corner of the monitor, pinpointing the locations of each store. Noting that they franchise started with a store in sector three nearly five years ago. With two more locations opening up earlier in the year.

Putting two and two together, Genesis pieces together the correlation of the conversation at hand and the images of the businesses “Not to criticize your, oh so wonderfully structured government, but a ‘herbal supply’ does sound a bit obvious. So is it that surprising?” Genesis couldn’t resist his urge to comment, the very concept throwing red flags. Images of the inside of the store showed a very clean and organized environment, products placed neatly in glass cases on the side of each wall with a few shelves in the middle of the floor. Not a very large place at all, each store having a similar layout to another. “The decorations kind of scream ‘drugs’ may I add.”

Tseng could do without the interruptions but he couldn’t deny that Genesis was right. For the past half year they’ve taken to regularly sending in health inspectors which require testing of the product being sold. Unless the inspectors were in on whatever plans this franchise had, Tseng would assume they were innocent. However, that couldn’t be the case. “It is just a front, a way for them to do business discreetly. So far we don’t have any physical proof that these stores are truly attached to the spike in crime, they do a good job at keeping it all under wraps. We do, however, have a crack in their foundation. Not a very large one, but if you can get through to them, you might have a solid lead.”

As the slide transitioned Genesis couldn’t help the coy smile playing on his lips as he examined the image of you on the screen. A cheeky mugshot, smiling proudly as if you just won the jackpot. “This must be our little criminal. That is certainly a shame,” his eyes following along the screen, taking note of your preexisting criminal record. Scanning over the portion highlighting your record. “Violent little thing.” Noting the numerous assault related offenses. Another charge for distributing illegal substances along with weapon violations. “Certainly not an upstanding citizen of Midgar. You didn’t think to lock them away by now?”

“(y/n) (l/n). They have a way with Shinra’s legal system. Though, we keep rather close tabs on them due to her past affiliations in the slums, namely, Don Corneo.” Tseng, motioning to the binder that was set in front of Genesis. “Everything you need to know about their past is heavily documented. You need to be well informed with who you will be dealing with, so I suggest you do a bit of studying. They have a tendency to be incredibly elusive and have a persuasive way of talking or guiding people that are investigating them to redirect their attention elsewhere. Their mannerisms are also documented, you need to know exactly what to look for when you two speak. More than likely will resort to being deceitful within seconds, very guarded.”

“You know Tseng, if you’re already so knowledgeable on this case,” Genesis states matter of factly, pausing a moment before saying what’s on his mind. He’s certain none of the other Turks would be efficient enough to document so much detail about anyone or anything, “Why aren’t you covering it if you’re already so deeply acquainted?”

A question that makes Tseng visibly bristle, his body tensing at the intrusive question, otherwise giving away no indication that he was bothered. “I’m needed for more important tasks, I will still be working on this case. Albeit it’s from a distance, I’ll be your assistance. This task cannot be done by you alone. It will take a team effort. Though we could have tried resorting to our other Turks, they’re familiar with them and won’t cooperate. Someone else needs to get as close to them as I did. While not a perfect fit, you should do.”

While a little outdated, the information displayed had your last known address and pictures of the outside of the residence. Every entrance and window was detailed, down to how they opened. Images of your daily driver and the numerous license plates you were caught using appearing under the photo of your car. A mild look of surprise crossing Genesis’ features, his voice mirroring his disbelief. “I see this car every other morning. If they don’t live near me, they certainly frequent the area a lot.”

“Are you certain it’s the same car?”

“Drives like a total asshole? Unbearably loud motor, smells like it gives off more pollution than the reactors? Will nearly kill anyone just to be stuck at the red light with us?”

“Sounds about right.” Tseng can’t help the ghost of a smirk playing on his lips. You were always a rowdy one, it didn’t matter what you were doing. Your fiery personality displays in every action you perform. “Next time you see this car, I want you to trail it. Keep a healthy distance, you have to remain undetectable. They will catch on pretty fast, if your presence is detected. If they opt to evade, you let it happen. You’ll be a new face to them, and that should instill a level of paranoia within their mind. That’s not what we want, not yet anyways.” Tseng knows all too well how you operate, this is why he makes this request. “They don’t frequent the same location regularly, always on a randomized schedule. Just a tactic used to throw anyone off. They have a typical day to day routine, each activity will swap times each day. I want you to find out if they’ve added anything new to their routine.”

Genesis can’t help the frown taking place on his face. Following you wouldn’t be a problem. Using his personal vehicle for work was a problem, especially putting one of his prized possessions at risk. Being a man of finer taste Genesis went out of his way to make sure his car was one of a kind. “Do I get a company car for this?”

Tseng truly didn’t want to entertain this question, yet he had to make it clear to Genesis that any order was to be fulfilled. No matter the circumstance, “You could be riding a bicycle and I fully expect you to pursue them. I will supply you with anything I see fit.” In short, it wasn’t a no. There wasn’t a need to change vehicles just yet. “Even seeing a new vehicle in their usual commute has caused them to change routes in the past. If you tip them off, we’ll discuss it.”

As Genesis flips through the binder of information, it seems like all of the information on you has been very well documented. The data goes as deep as your childhood. All of your previous addresses logged into a list, the numerous places they could find you in the slums, all of your associates and family members. The pages highlighting your time in Wall Market were the lengthiest. Starting out your path of self destruction with that area at fifteen. It was almost odd to Genesis how Shinra felt the need to monitor you so closely rather than arresting you and charging you properly for everything you’ve done. Maybe an inside source, thinking back to Tseng’s comment on how you ‘have a way with Shinra’s legal system.’

Allowing Genesis time to skim over your file. Tseng watches his face go through a small flurry of emotions. Mostly Genesis raising an eyebrow here and there, nodding his head and giving a disapproving grunt as he continued reading more about you.

It made sense to Genesis now, dealing with you truly was the punishment. While in his eyes he immediately saw a criminal that probably didn’t have a thought in their head, you were almost an expert when it came to organized crime. For the last two years it seems you haven’t been up to any trouble, nothing more than boring day to day data taken down. Your current employment at “Gaia's Elixir” herbal supply being one of the first jobs listed since your teenage years, starting around the same date the location in sector two opened. It makes sense to assume you were tied into these strange occurrences with the occupants of Midgar and the timing of your presence at your, for lack of better words, job. Your past heavily inclining you would continue your previous actions. Finally asking the question Genesis dreaded the most, uttering out in a resigned tone as he leaned back into his seat. “What do you need me to do?”

Tseng, reclaiming his seat across from Genesis, using one of the arm rests to prop his chin in his hand while giving a thoughtful look before straightening his posture. “I think it would be best to befriend them first. They’re more willing to do so if the person they would be acquainted with can do something for them. Your high rank within Shinra for example, something that could be taken advantage of. In theory you could help them get away with plenty of unlawful acts. I suggest meeting them in as casual of a way as possible. Outlined in the pages regarding their general affairs, you’ll find bars, restaurants, parks etcetera that I’ve known them to frequent. Time yourself accordingly and it can go in your favor. That’s your main objective for now. Next we’ll focus on pinning whatever charges we can gather on them so we can bring them in for questioning. Any other questions?”

He nearly wanted to mention the Turks usual interrogation tactics. Fully aware of how underhanded they could be about most of the cases they handle. Perhaps if the circumstances were different they would have brought you in and forced any information out of you. ‘Can’t take the same approach every time,’ Genesis thought to himself, unable to conjure up any questions to ask. Considering anything he would want to know seems to be right before him. “And when do I start?”

“Right now.” Pulling a PHS from his pocket, handing it over to Genesis as Tseng provides the final details, “This is to stay with you at all times. I’ll be tracking your location and will get notified whenever you begin moving. This is also your only way to contact me, the number is already saved. You’re also required to answer at all times. What you’re doing doesn’t matter. You are free to go now. Remember, the moment you see their car-”

“Follow them, I got it.” Genesis didn’t like hearing that in the slightest, his tone making it clear. To constantly be watched by Tseng couldn’t possibly be a good thing. His micromanaging ways would quickly wear down on Genesis nerves, almost positive Tseng would pay him random visits while working alongside him. The when and where Tseng would pop up was on Genesis’ mind. Pocketing the PHS as he got up from his seat, picking up the binder while making a mental note to keep it somewhere secure. To Tseng’s displeasure leaving the seat Genesis moved from its usual home left out of place.

Before Genesis could reach the door, Tseng’s voice rang out, “By the way, I’ll send over a copy of your safety training schedule. Luckily for you, it’s three days out of the week.” Watching as Genesis walked out of the door without a word. Tseng couldn’t help but sigh, envisioning how this mission would be carried out. His hopes weren’t high, but he knew as long as he worked with Genesis it had the potential to be completed.

******

sidenote:Adding Tseng in last minute caused this story to change drastically, but I think it was for the better. Wanted to give more of an update but I'll be adding a couple of more chapters throughout the week. Also mid way through (I don't know why) started typing this out as though reader was female. If i missed any pronouns I didn't make gn please let me know. Though I called myself combing through it numerous times.

Misconduct Chapter 2

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