i bet some of you thought that i'd forgotten or abandoned this fic. not so! i just couldn't get this chapter and the one following it to come out right. what i finally settled on is version four or five of chapter seven. chapter eight should be up in the next couple of days.

enjoy!
eerian


Chapter 7

Corris protested Valentine's presence all the way back to headquarters. When they got to the building, he threatened to report them all to President Tuesti.

Faerin stopped walking at this. "You're going to what?"

"I'll report you," Corris replied, stepping up to the slender brunette. "Civilians are strictly prohibited inside Turk headquarters."

Faerin didn't allow himself to be intimidated by the younger Turk. "Then you better get going, because you can't stop me, rookie."

Corris glared at Faerin for a long moment, then stormed off.

"This isn't going to get you into trouble, is it?" Valentine asked.

"Not once Reeve finds out who you are," Elena replied. "Fae, now's a great time to test out that new ID."

Fae pulled his ID card out of the folder and swiped it through the door's card lock. The green light on the panel blinked twice and Rude pulled the door open. The bald man gestured for everyone to enter before him. They entered the building to be greeted by a fourth blue-suited Turk.

"Reno is waiting upstairs for you." The fourth Turk was older than the others, with long black hair going to grey at the temples and a small ceremonial mark in the center of his forehead. "Where is Corris?"

"Trying to put me on report with Reeve," Faerin told him, walking to the elevator.

"That will not go over well," the older Turk replied, pressing the up button. "He is upset over Lord Valentine, I presume?"

Valentine felt distinctly uncomfortable as the older man's gaze fell on him. This Turk had him at a total disadvantage, just by knowing the prince's name and not exchanging his own. He looked down at the floor, not sure what he should do or say.

"Let up, Tseng," Elena said, coming to his rescue as the elevator arrived. "You're scaring him."

Tseng gave Valentine as slight bow. "My apologies. That was not my intent."

"Its all right," Val replied. "I just don't know what's going on. And I don't want Fae to get in trouble for me being here."

"Do not be worried about that," Tseng said, stepping into the elevator. Everyone else followed. "Reno wanted you here, and Reeve will see why your presence was necessary."

"I'm glad he will," the prince mumbled.

"Relax, Val," Fae put in. "Reno and I will explain everything once we get upstairs."


"Have you stopped by the house to see your mother yet?"

"Huh?" Faerin stopped in the Head Turk's office door so suddenly that Valentine almost ran into him. "This isn't a social call, Reno."

"Right," Reno replied, flipping closed the folder he was looking at. "Work then. I'm not taking you off your new assignment."

"That's not why I'm here," the brunette said, stepping into the office. Val followed.

"Wow," Reno said, looking the prince over. "I know you told me he looked like Vince, but he could be him."

"I know. Val, this is my dad, Reno. He's the Head Turk. Dad, Valentine Kisaragi, crown prince of Wutai."

Valentine nodded to the redhead. "Its good to finally meet you, sir. Now, I would appreciate it if one of you two would explain what is going on?"

"Sit down," Reno told him. "Tell me what you know."

Valentine took one of the chairs arranged in front of the desk, Faerin took the other. "I don't really know anything. Everyone was pretty tight lipped about Fae's new assignment."

"Did Faerin tell you anything about his assignment in Wutai?"

Val shook his head. "I didn't even know he was a Turk until today."

"Good. I don't have to worry about Tseng being compromised while he's there then." Reno leaned back in his chair. "Before I tell you anything, I have to be sure you aren't going to tell anyone anything that's said in this room."

Val felt his discomfort increase at Reno's words. "I will say nothing."

"Fine. I'll have you sign a non-disclosure statement later. The basics are this: three weeks ago, our top agent went rogue. We haven't heard from the agent we sent after him for over seventy two hours." Reno looked at his son. "Our rogue agent trained Faerin, so I'm sending him out after him."

Valentine arched an eyebrow. "So, what does this have to do with me?"

"Our rogue Turk," Faerin said gravely, "Is Vincent Valentine."