Ch. 2

Arriving at the Shin- Ra building, The two Turks and their captive were greeted by Heidegger and President Shin- Ra. Behind Heidegger was a small- framed, blonde woman sporting a Turks' uniform. Heidegger stepped forward. "This," he announced, "Is Elena Monav. She's temporarily taking the place of one..." he paused, trying to think of the wounded Turk's name. "Reno McLedger," Tseng informed him. "Ahh... yes, Mr. McLedger." The official nodded his head. "At the present moment," President Shin- Ra began, " A cell is being prepared for the Cetra. I'll have to ask you to hold her in your office untill it is prepared, Mr. Xeng." The Wutainese man bowed his head in accordance. He turned to Aerith. "Ms. Gainsborough, if you'll come with me, please." Knowing of no other alternative, the Ancient followed Tseng to his office and took a seat in one of the chairs by his desk.

Tseng sat at his desk, getting an incident report filled out from the previous mission. Aerith sat patiently, waiting, watching silently as the Turk sighed and filled in the paperwork. She suddenly noticed something that had not previously caught her attention. "Umm... Mr.... Xeng," She stammered, "What is" she giggled, "What is that thing on your forehead?" The Turk looked up at her, puzzled. "It's...... It's my birthmark.... a Benshi..." "Hmm..." she said, "That's pretty cool." Tseng looked questioingly at the young woman before him. He took some time to look her over. Shy, insecure, nervous. 'Can I blame her?' He shook his head and looked down at his paperwork. 'I've put this off for so long... ' he sighed inwardly 'Zack, please forgive me.' He began filling out the form again when his phone began to ring. "Turk's Supervisor office, Tseng speaking... What?.... What do you mean he-.... Can't we dispatch Rude and the new girl? Oy Vey... Alright... I'll be down... but, listen, I'm going to have to take Ms. Gainsborough with me... Ugh... you know who she-... The Cetra... Yes... Yes... Okay... Goodbye." He slammed the phone back down on the receiver and cursed his superiors under his breath. "You know," the girl said "You don't have to keep calling me 'Ms. Gainsborough'." Tseng raised himself from the wooden desk and asked her, chuckling as he did so, "Well, then. What should I call you?" Aerith giggled at the Turk's sudden light-heartedness. "Aerith will do just fine, Mr. Xeng." The Turk's face went red with embarrasment. "Tseng, please, Ms... Aerith." "Alright... Tseng."