Reeve, what was working for ShinRa before the Meteor Crisis like? Did you ever form friendships/rivalries with the other department heads? Meet the Turks? Got a SOLDIER escort?
Good day to you, spiritthatdenies.
What was working for ShinRa like?
At first it was undeniably exciting. Nearly everyone had their eyes set on working for ShinRa back then, and for a good reason. Whilst the company had already established back in the middle of last century, it was growing exponentially.
With that came opportunity for talent or skill to be proven. It came with a promise of very real effects that would be felt by an ever-increasing populace. I personally believed, at the beginning at least, that it was my chance to make a difference to the people of Gaia.
That driver was one of the motivating forces for my own rise up through the ranks. Though it was also my chance to prove myself useful to the important figures in my life, the chance to make my mark upon the very infrastructure of the planet.
Rather high ended ambition, would you not say?
Undoubtedly foolish too, in hindsight.
Over time, things changed. I ended up having to balance out a number of differing priorities, often conflicting priorities. Sacrifices were constantly having to be made.
ShinRa went to war. It had already ploughed resources into frankly amoral science and research experiments which continued to occur throughout the decades. The impact on the planet was becoming better known.
Was I aware of what was going on? I have to admit that I was aware of many things, probably more than most would credit me with knowing. However i was not aware of everything. The secrets of ShinRa still have the chance to surprise me, even now.
At this point working for ShinRa was a challenge, a puzzle and a constant spinning of plates. Rivalries and friendships were bound to occur, or would cement further into their dynamics the more things went on.
It was no secret that my fellow Executives were at each other’s throats for praise, recognition or - in the majority of cases - for Gil from the President. It is also neither controversial nor novel to say President ShinRa was a man who ruled with money and greed. People responded in kind.
As the majority of my Ex-colleagues are no longer with us however, I feel able to give a bit more of a frank assessment of each of them in response to you.
My friendships in the Boardroom consisted of Veld, and, to an extent, Lazard Deusericus. The former of which was a relationship that went a ways back, the latter of which largely gravitated around my talents to lend a hand…
Later I developed a certain relationship with Rufus Shinra. This was due to, I suspect, the fact I did not underestimate him for his youth. It might also have helped that I had ties to his new Director of the Turks, similarly as I had the former Chief of the Department.
The rest considered me a rival in principle. Some, I should think, considered me in terms worse than that. As for my opinion of them:
Scarlet and Heidegger were both smart, but were easily corrupted by their sheer ambition. This led them to strong arming themselves upon several projects completely unsuited to them. The last, arguably, taking the biggest toll.
Professor Hojo was someone who I had to abide by, especially in terms of mako applications, but I greatly preferred avoidance wherever possible.
…Though that was perhaps a grave mistake made by many of us, to leave such a man so unchecked.
Palmer was a vast incompetent. Mayor Domino was not much better, but he had his heart in the right place and his face fit the bill, insofar as he was in position by a people’s election. In that, at least, he had some purpose.
In terms of the other Departments, I kept aware of the comings and goings of as much as was possible in a company that size.
Yes, I met the Turks. The army I had least to do with, although they were often foisted upon Urban Dev for city sweeps. I was aware of and met several SOLDIER classes from time to time, including the infamous Generals.
Indeed Soldiers, Third class and upwards, were particularly good at giving feedback from the ground. This was then relayed via Mr. Deusericus for any parts regarding the running of the city needed my urgent attention.
As for escorts, I… tended to avoid such frippery, though, following a certain incident on my 21st birthday, monitoring was put in place. This unfortunately only got more strict by the time I became Director shortly thereafter.
However it was the Turks, not SOLDIER, that accompanied me. SOLDIER were obviously prioritised in defence and military advances, therefore only tended to escort the Old President and Rufus.
I hope that answered your questions.
