I don't blame any of you. Everyone else just assumed I was dead, Scarlet and Heidegger tried to take over but it was only you four who went looking for me in the rubble. I owe each of you my life many times over.

[The worst was about to come and Rufus needed Rude to be prepared for that. He wasn't surprised Rude hadn't left though. They had always been by his side through the worst, even from childhood when it was Veld who was there for him more than his own father.

They were more than just his subordinates. Different than friends. Rufus trusted each of them without hesitation.]

I don't remember anything after you nad Reno finding me until I woke up in a hospital. Tseng made the decision to leave Midgar- he wanted to go further away but I insisted that we go to Kalm where there was a safehouse used by the Turks at times that no one knew about. I wouldn't abandon Midgar even though it seemed like Meteor was going to hit any moment.

[He paused to take a long drink from his glass at this part.]

I insisted on sending the four of you back to Midgar to assist the evacuation. What happened after that was the result of my decision, not yours or Tseng's. None of you are to blame nor do I hold any of you accountable.