Chapter 6

The Elite were assembled bright and early the next morning, awaiting their new orders. Cloud still had Tifa on the brain as he sat at ease with Zack while Valentine addressed them individually or sometimes in small groups.

"Zack, Strife, the Captain will see you now." An officer informed as he left after receiving his orders. Cloud kept an eye out for Tifa, since it was her bar and all; yet he hadn't seen her all morning.

"Relax Romeo," Zack whispered as he led the way to a backroom that had been transformed into the makeshift office of Captain Valentine. They stood at attention until Valentine greeted them with an uncharacteristically and somewhat friendly smile, setting them at ease for the moment.

"Now lads, I have rather important orders for you two. Colonel Zack, you will be in charge of holding down this base here and acting as Commanding officer in my absence when deemed necessary."

He spread his arms to indicate their surroundings, adding to the importance of this responsibility.

"Keep an eye out for any mysterious behavior, alright? Never know when a trader could be in our midst."

Zack stood with pride as he replied dutifully, "Yes, sir."

"And now you, Lieutenant Strife. I have a special task in mind for you."

Before continuing, Valentine motioned for Zack's release and only continued once he locked the door behind his Second's departure.

"Cloud, you know Miss Lockheart, correct?"

"Well, I just formally met her last night-"

"So you do know her."

"I guess in the early sense, than yes, sir."

"Good, because I would like you to watch her carefully, for mine and the General's sake."

Cloud looked at him quizzically as Valentine wet a little more into detail.

"She is the only woman present among the men, we wouldn't want anything to happen to her, now, would we?"

Cloud shook his head, agreeing with this Captain

before asking, "Should she know that I have been…assigned to her?"

"I think she is a smart girl…but she must not know the reason of your presence. This is for her own safety, Strife. She might be privy to confidential information in the future and could possibly overhear things not meant to be heard…"he seemed to think out loud before moving on, "We don't want her to warn our enemies, now do we?" it was a statement, not a question, and so Cloud just nodded his head in the affirmative like a good SOLDIER. THE Captain walked back to stand behind his desk, sifting through paperwork while still informing Cloud of his mission.

"Starting today then, you will be Miss Lockheart's personal guard. After all, we do need to protect our assets," Valentine drifted off again, this last part not really meant for Cloud but didn't matter really. The Lieutenant stood silently and respectfully, mulling over his Captain's last remark before he was dismissed.

"Go on, Strife, and remember, no one must know. No one."

On that note, Cloud left with his new orders and a smile plastered across his face. At least now he'd have a reason to have Tifa on his mind, and see her everyday. As his rank increased, so did his luck at special assignments and he was happy in this fortunate change of events.