A.N. This fic is posted as a sequel to my first fanfic Aftermath, but it doesn't matter if you haven't read it. Everything you need to know will be explained int he first two chapters.

For those of you who have read Aftermath, this is one of a number of sequels that I intend to write from the perspective of various characters in that story. You may have guessed that this one is written from the perspective of the Turks.

Hope you enjoy it!

Thanks to my husband for plot help and to everyone who asked for a sequel to Aftermath.

Disclaimer: As I'm sure you are aware, this is only fanfic. I don't own any of the characters or settings in this story.

To Be a Turk

30th September 2007

The midday sun was high in the sky over Midgar, but the blank metallic walls of the ShinRa building cast a dim light over the office. An imposing central desk loomed before the sealed window, casting its shadow into the room, and through the tired eyes of the man who sat behind it, the space held a gloomy stillness that was unnatural for this time of day.

It occurred to the man, as he reflected, that this room, the building, Midgar itself; all of them had taken on a bleaker aspect over the past few days. Perhaps it was the weight of sleep that hung around him, or maybe it was something else. Perhaps the sombre realisation of just what his role entailed had spilled over into the landscape, rippling not just through his own mind, but out into the world that he inhabited. As if its years of offences had at last begun to weigh upon its shoulders. Midgar had finally realised what it had to answer for. And so had Tseng.

The shrill sound of his ringing phone startled Tseng from his contemplation. Wearily he reached across his desk for the receiver.

"Tseng, Head of Investigations" He answered in a flat monotone.

A deep but oily voice sounded through the phone line. Its tone carried a warning of its own. "I think it's a good idea that you come to my office Tseng."

The leader of the Turks snapped to attention. There was no mistaking that voice. A cold apprehension began to squeeze at his chest.

"I'll come right away Sir."

"Excellent" the voice replied, insincerity almost dripping through the receiver before the line went dead.

The tuneless hum of the dial tone rang in Tseng's ears long before he finally placed the receiver on to its base. So the time had come. He'd hoped he could delay this. It would have been so easy. The three of them could have covered her work, and the President rarely asked to meet with his more lowly subordinates. If it wasn't for the problem of those cameras… Cissnei had made things so difficult for herself. But Tseng couldn't help but respect her for it.

Tseng stepped out of the elevator on to the top floor corridor of the Shinra building and rapped on the office door.

"Come in."

The President of the ShinRa Company looked up from the papers on his desk.

"Ah. Tseng. I assume you know what this is about."

"I think I do, Sir."

"That was an interesting report you sent to the military General." President Shinra began, false joviality oozing from every pore. "The Sergeant in question denies the entire incident. He seems to think the intercom and rifle were taken from him by a SOLDIER wanting to know more about our Nibelheim escapees."

Tseng's palms were beginning to sweat, but not a hint of anxiety crept into his countenance. He gave his answer with an air of well rehearsed detachment. "Rude told me that a SOLDIER operative found the rifle and the destroyed intercom. I have no reason to disbelieve him."

The President scrutinized Tseng with no attempt to hide his suspicion. "And I assume you can explain how an intruder knew the whereabouts of our security cameras?"

Tseng held his performance flawlessly. A look of regret flashed momentarily in his eyes and the smallest hint of a frown began to furrow his brow. "Actually Sir I think I can explain that." He gave a perfectly measured sigh. "Cissnei did not attend a meeting with me this morning, and I have since learnt that she did not carry out the mission that I set her last night. I've been trying to contact her since then..."

The feigned smile dropped instantly from the President's face. "Are you telling me that you have a renegade Turk?" His cheeks, usually flushed red as a result of his overindulgent lifestyle, were rapidly turning a deep shade of puce.

"I'm hoping that it's not the case, Sir, but…"

"Find her immediately! All your other duties are cancelled! I want her shot on sight!"

President Shinra's chubby arms flailed around wildly. He looked as though he was liable to explode, but Tseng responded only with his usual calm professionalism. This was nothing he hadn't seen before. He gave a sharp nod.

"Of course Sir. I'll inform my staff immediately."

As his superior continued to rant about Tseng's negligence and the threat that Cissnei could be to the company, the Turks' leader simply nodded in acquiescence until the President finally waved his dismissal. Tseng shut the door to the office, leaving the President still muttering angrily. He frowned at the metal door as he waited silently for the elevator. He would have to think very carefully about his next move.

On a lower floor of the same building, the weapons department's chief technician was fidgeting nervously as he stood facing his superior. He stumbled through his progress report as his boss tapped perfectly manicured fingernails against her varnished desk. Beads of sweat were beginning to form at his temples. The technician scowled inwardly at his own agitation. He was a respected professional, and within minutes she'd had him blathering like an idiot. The Boss tended to have that effect on people. This should have been his proudest moment. The Techno SOLDIER would be a breakthrough in weapons development technology, a real feather in the cap of ShinRa's armoury. It only stood to reason that it would take time to ensure that it was entirely combat ready. But unfortunately Scarlet was not a reasonable employer.

The technician breathed a barely concealed sigh of relief as the ringing phone brought an abrupt but welcome end to his progress report.

"Come back when you have something interesting to say." Scarlet told him, waving dismissively at the door. Her employee nodded gratefully and left in a hurry.

"Scarlet" President Shinra's voice slithered down the phone line. "I have an urgent job for you."

As Scarlet listened intently to the President a cruel smile crept slowly across her face. This was a job she was going to enjoy.

"Do you understand?" asked President Shinra at last

"Yes I do" Scarlet answered silkily. "I will begin immediately."

The President grunted his approval.

"They won't make it easy for you" he warned. "Deception is the Turk's business. I'm asking you to beat them at their own game."

"Don't worry Sir" Scarlet answered, relishing each word as they dripped from her lips. She tossed a few strands of sleek blonde hair over her shoulder. Her eyes narrowed. "I think I can manage to be devious."