AU Note: Okay, I've never played any of the FF7 compilation games beyond the original PS1 game. What elements of BC, CC, and DoC I interpret into my stories are taken from websites (FF-wiki being my main source). The plot of Before Crisis is one I found particularly hard to swallow, hence I'm exercising a bit of artistic license and cherry-picking which parts of the story I incorporate into my own fiction and which I ignore (the mass defection at the end being a prime example, I just don't see it happening!).

Without further ado, here's the next chapter. Sorry it's more talk than action but a little 'groundwork' is needed.

Oh, and please review- all criticism welcome!

"Monster attack, somewhere off Mideel.

"Gunned down during the Wutainian war.

"Er,... killed in action, forget how.

"Dishonourable discharge, mako-addiction. Any idea where he ended up buddy?"

*Shrug*

"Hmphh, probably in a slum gutter somewhere. What's next?..."

Reno paused a second. Rufus sensed a shift in the Turk's demeanour and looked up curiously.

"... Found guilty of treason- aiding and abetting fugitives."

"Ah yes, I remember hearing rumours about that over in Junon. Quite the internal hush-up from what I recall."

Reno didn't answer, just stared at the photo a moment longer before turning the file face-up on the desk. Jaw set he turned to the next file, face quickly breaking out into a sly grin. Turning to his partner he waved the mugshot in front of him.

"Heh, check out the family resemblance man!" Rude tilted his head in an acknowledging gesture, a slight tug of the lips echoing Reno's amusement. Looking back at the file Reno shook his head-

"Y'know El' must be nearly the same age as she was. Hope the similarity ends there."

"What's this?" Rufus asked. Leaning forward Reno obediently slid the folder across the desk to his boss. Picking up the file Rufus studied the photo; the hair and curve of the nose were similar to Elena's though the eyes and shape of the jaw were different.

"I didn't know Elena had a sister in the Turks. What happened to her?"

"AVALANCHE, the original incarnation that is."

Rufus blinked. He looked up over guarded brow to be met with Reno's green eyes bearing into him. Was there a hint of accusation in the Turk's gaze? If so it was only fleeting, Reno quickly dropped his eyes to focus on the next in the small pile of papers in front of him.

"MIA during the Rhapsodos incident, body later recovered in Banora-"

"Enough, this is pointless!"

"Hell, I could've told you that from the start."

Rufus sunk further down into his chair, suddenly feeling unaccountably irritated with the whole discussion.

"I never realised the career prospects of a Turk were so- limited."

"Hardly makes us worth the training resources eh?"

Rufus scowled at the black humour being levelled at him from the other side of the desk. There was something about Reno's matter-of-fact summation of the demise of each of his former comrades that was more than a little unnerving.

"Nevertheless, the Investigation Sector has been working as a skeleton crew for too long- what we need is new blood."

The two Turks exchanged suspicious glances.

"I'm sending you two on a recruitment drive; scout out for potential new additions to the Turks clan."

"Er, y'know boss- recruitment is more Tseng's expertise, Head Turk territory yeah?"

"Well now I'm handing over responsibility to you!"

Another exchange of slightly panicked looks.

"Right... er, where are we s'pose to look boss? We ain't exactly, how'd you say- popular with the masses at the mo'"

Rufus closed his eyes in tedium. "Granted there may be some residual animosity felt towards this establishment. However, with a little perseverance it shouldn't be too hard finding new applicants given the current economic environment." He paused and seemed to consider a moment. "Whether any of them hold potential is another matter, I'll be relying on you to exercise your own judgement." He addressed this last comment directly at the taller, quieter of the two men in front of him, seeing his own reflection in the dark sunglasses.

"Can do boss!"

Rufus fixed his good eye on the grinning redhead. "Tell me Reno, I'm curious- what is it about yourself that has helped you outlive most of your contemporaries?"

Reno looked surprised at the question, eyebrows shooting up into red bangs. Frowning slightly he turned to look at his partner, finding no hint from Rude he pursed his lips and rolled his eyes up to the ceiling before returning to face Rufus again, features melding into a serious poker face.

"I'd have to put it down to my stoic professionalism... sir!"

"Get the hell out of my office!"

***

"It's... ambitious."

"Is that your code for foolish?"

"No" Tseng paused to consider his words, "I would simply advise caution, we'd be getting on the wrong side of some very hot-headed people."

"We were never exactly in their good books to begin with. I think we can deal with a chain-smoking pilot."

"And an ex-terrorist?"

"Hmphh."

"And Tuetsi?"

"Let me deal with Tuetsi."

"Are you sure? I don't think even he'd rollover on this one. Oil is a major resource right now."

"Which is exactly why we should be involved. If there was one thing Shin-Ra did well it was energy generating."

"Hmm, some would say a little too well."

Rufus chuckled softly. "Nonetheless, oil-drilling is hardly the terrain of a beret wearing peace-corps. Besides, Reeve appears a little preoccupied with something else right now."

"Sir?" Tseng frowned, wondering where Rufus was getting his information if not through him. If the president noticed the Turk's suspicion he chose not to acknowledge it, instead focusing his attention on the report in front of him.

"You're right to be cautious however. We cannot simply barge in there, a little ground work, decorum, will be required first.."

He trailed off studying the maps laid out in front of him. Tseng observed his employer; Rufus appeared enthused, almost slightly maniacal- his one good eye glinting brightly as he plotted. The Turk wondered where this latest vigour stemmed from. True, he was impressed with Rufus' tenacity; even in the wake of WEAPON's attack the young president had shown little sign of melancholy, just a grim-faced determinism. Yet Tseng was all too aware of Rufus' occasional lapses in reserve, behaving recklessly to the point of wanton self-disregard. He only hoped they would be around to catch him in time.

"The first oil discoveries were made just outside of Rocket Town correct?"

"Yes sir"

"What's the situation over there at the moment? Who owns the land north of the town?"

Tseng paused for a moment. "Well, Palmer built Rocket Town at the start of his space project, so technically I suppose the town belongs to Shin-Ra, that is to say you." Rufus smiled and signalled for him to continue. "As for the surrounding area, I'm not sure. In the wake of Meteor pretty much everything came up for grabs. Wutai is practically an independent state now."

"But the land, who controls the land?"

Tseng shrugged, "The Western Continent's been carved up into several different pieces. Any person with some ounce of money or power claimed a chunk. It's practically a feudal system out there."

"Uggh, how medieval. But still, we'd need exact names. Maybe Elena could include it in her next report."

"Elena?" Tseng was surprised. "How is she involved?"

"She's been doing some reconnaissance work for me." Rufus sat back lazily in his chair. "Why, do you disapprove?"

"No sir."

"As her superior what's your opinion, is she capable?"

Tseng swallowed, "She's been through a lot recently."

"But can she still be a Turk? Can she do the job I pay her for?"

Tseng was silent a moment, meeting Rufus' demanding gaze.

"I have faith in her sir."

"Hmm, your loyalty is admirable. I wish I were so easily convinced."

Tseng set his jaw at the hidden attack on his judgement. "Will that be all sir?"

"Yes, for now."

Rufus watched Tseng leave. 'Weak staff, weak image' the thought flashed bitterly in his head before he had a chance to push it down. Surely he should be grateful for their loyalty. Still, new blood would be arriving soon, new forces, stronger forces. He wouldn't need to put up with such weakness much longer...