Abyss
By: Jason Tandro
Chapter I: Reprimand
The office lights burned light searchlights over Elena's head. Tseng's large office seemed to close in on her, the navy-blue walls drawing closer to her as if they were armed soldiers watching her every move. The curtains behind Tseng's desk were closed, which was fortunate because the sight of Midgar below her would have only heightened her vertigo.
Tseng sat in his chair, his arms folded and his eyes narrow and piercing. Elena felt naked in front of him, as though he could see all her secrets. Tseng shuffled around some papers and began to scratch furiously upon them; each form he signed adding a chain to Elena.
He finally brought his desk to some order and looked back at Elena. He motioned for her to sit; this saving grace prevented her from collapsing on her own.
"Okay, Ms. Elena. As you are aware you have been given an opportunity to serve in the Turks during the recent storm. You should also be aware that it is the policy of this office to order random drug screenings before and after each trial period and then quarterly beyond that," Tseng said.
Elena shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her hands clasped firmly to her knees. She realized this might be the last time she wore the uniform of a Turk. It might be the last time she worked for Shinra ever again. This man in front of her could take everything away.
"However, as it happens we did not need to submit you to drug screening, as the proof was delivered to us by one of our own. I'm sure you know that Turks look after their own," Tseng said. "We found in the residency you stayed at during the night of the storm about 5 gallons worth of ketamine, an illegal substance under the SDMP (Shinra Drug and Medicine Protocol). Your friend, Andrew Faris, will be placed under arrest for possession of an illegal substance and at that amount it is likely the prosecution will be able to prove 'intent to sell'. He will serve no less than 10 years in a maximum-security detention center."
Elena felt tears welling up inside her, but she couldn't give into the urge to cry. She had to remain strong until this horrible process was over.
"As for you, we cannot prove conclusively that you possess the ketamine, but that you did willingly partake of the drug. You are very lucky, Ms. Elena, that this was not during duty or else we would not even be discussing this. However, as you were acting as an 'on-call' Turk and represented the Shinra corporation during your stay in Junon, I am empowered to have you fired on the spot from both the Turks and the Shinra Intelligence Agency effective immediately. I can also inform law enforcement who will be able to land at least a 'Drug Abuse' charge landing you in jail for a year and preventing you from ever finding a decent job again. Do you understand the severity of this situation?"
Elena nodded, shivering uncontrollably, while trying to use her hands to stop her legs from banging into the floor. She wanted to run and hide right now.
"However, despite this, your service during a time of great crisis for the citizenry of Junon has been taken into account, as well as your excellent display of professionalism while on duty. Therefore, you have some options," Tseng said.
Elena looked up at Tseng for the first time during the meeting. She could see a faint flicker of mercy in his eyes, although this was certainly not a friendly chat; his mouth still carried the same rigid scowl.
"Option A, you are removed from the Turks and given a horrible letter of recommendation, but you are commissioned back to the Shinra Intelligence Agency, and with a year or two of hard work maybe you stand a chance at becoming a Turk again.
Option B, you remain in the Turks for the time being, but will have to take this case to the court. If you win, then you're fine, but if you are found guilty… well suffice it say the Turks have no need for an agent who is behind bars and I believe the SIA feels the same way," Tseng explained.
"Double or nothing," Elena noted.
"Yes. I want you to consider it. Seek legal counsel, determine your chances of winning this case, or just lay around and ponder what you've been told, I don't give a damn. But I want you in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00 AM with your choice," Tseng said. "You are dismissed."
Elena stood up and walked out without another moment of pause. She rested on the wall outside the office and began to gasp for air, as though she had been holding her breath throughout the meeting. She then ran down the hallway to the nearest woman's restroom.
She walked into the facilities and locked herself in a particularly small stall. The tears flowed of their own accord and Elena just sat back. What she wanted now more than anything was the same thing that got her in trouble. The one thing that never hurt her, that actually took away her pain.
She met Andy at a bar in Junon, back when she was still in school. Originally Elena had figured that this would just be another pleasurable evening; drunken stupor, love making and then a cab ride home in the morning. But Andy was different. She woke up early and gathered up her clothes. However, when she opened the door, Andy was there, holding in his hands breakfast from the deli on the bottom floor of his building. Two bagels and coffee.
Elena was skeptical at first. She didn't really trust men; a trait which she owed to her father who would frequently arrive home drunk with another woman. However, Andy treated her like she was a goddess. She lavished her with attention and gifts.
And then one night, he showed her a needle filled with a clear-blue liquid. Elena had been lectured with the "drug talk" many times before, but this was Andy, the one person she trusted. She knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt her.
She injected the drug into her body. All she remembered was the sudden sensation of all the pain leaving her body and being overwhelmed with a feeling of euphoria. That and the best night of sex in her life.
And then she woke up and he was gone. She was scared, afraid that maybe this was all that he wanted, but when she rushed to the door, there he was, holding breakfast in his hands for her.
And now, because of her stupidity, she wouldn't be able to see him for a while. She got up and washed her face, which did nothing for the redness in her eyes. She opened the door of the stall and waiting in front of her was her colleague Reno. His spiky red hair stood out in the dull, dimly colored hallway.
"Hey, I heard about what happened to you," Reno said. "Are you okay?"
"I've been better," Elena sighed, trying not to begin crying again. Reno walked up to her. He was rather intimidating to the small Elena. He stood at least eight inches higher than her and was incredibly well-built. She supposed that one had to be when they were a Turk. He pinned her against the wall. She felt the same sensation she felt in Tseng's office.
"You know there is an Option C," Reno started. He put his hand on her shoulder.
"Please back away a little, Reno," Elena said softly.
He ignored her. "If you were to do me a little favor, I could see to it that your friend Andy goes free. I might be able to help you out too." His free hand began to stroke her hair.
"I'm not interested," Elena said more firmly.
"It's not like he'd ever find out, you know? You could go back to being happy again, all I want is one night," Reno began to lean into Elena.
"I said 'No!'" Elena shouted.
Reno backed off. There was a group of people coming down the hallway now. Elena straightened her suit and walked off.
Reno scowled, but then smiled. "Well, you don't know what you're missing."
As much as his ego hated to admit it, she was a Turk alright.
"I have chosen option A," Elena told Tseng the next morning.
Tseng nodded, "Very well. I will begin on the paper work. And," Tseng sighed. "I almost never do this, but I have decided to change that particular option. If you will agree to a 12-week rehabilitation program, I will 'forget to sign' the letter of recommendation and maybe you'll be back here sooner."
Elena was overjoyed. "Of course, just let me know what to do." Her tone changed. "Has there been any word about Andy?"
Tseng looked confused for a moment, and then it hit him. "Oh, Andrew Faris your um…"
"Boyfriend," Elena finished. "He's my boyfriend."
"Yes. Well as luck would have it he found himself one hell of a good attorney. He managed to cop a plea bargain for 'Drug Abuse' and your friend will spend 6 months in jail and serve 200 hours of community service. He will also be attending the same rehabilitation that you will, so there is some light at the end of the tunnel," Tseng explained.
"Yes sir. I guess there is," Elena nodded.