CHAPTER 1 – THE AFTERMATH

[ ν ] - εγλ 0007/12/09, 19:40—21:00

The Turks had done it all in the first seven years of the new millennium—warring with Avalanche, defecting from Shinra, vanquishing Zirconiade, and saving the Planet from destruction. They had experienced sacrifices and heartbreak, all for the good of the world, while still putting their work above all else. Their biggest loss, however, was the trust of President Shinra and his board of directors. By leaving the company, if only for a moment to aid their former commander, the Turks had done something that wasn't in Shinra's best interests.

"President. I think the correct course of action here is to abolish the Turks altogether and execute the three who survived."

Tseng swallowed hard at Scarlet's words, and raised his head shamefully to see President Shinra's fierce eyes, glaring back in anger. He peeked at the other Shinra Executive, Reeve Tuesti, who remained quiet as his opinion carried no weight in the final decision. President Shinra stood up after a tense silence, and nodded to Scarlet one last time before looking ahead at the Turk.

"Well then, I will now announce the verdict," he spoke, and Tseng felt his heart rate increase tenfold. "The punishment I sentence to the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department, also known as the Turks—"

"Wait."

A clear voice suddenly sounded from the back, breaking the stillness of the conference room. Tseng turned around and saw Rufus Shinra standing at the doorway, accompanied by Reno and Rude. Surprised murmurs filled the room as the Vice President took a step forward, his blue eyes locked on his father's.

"Rufus?"

"What are you doing here?" Scarlet scowled in confusion. "I thought you were on a long-term business trip."

The Vice President waved dismissively. "I'm here to stop the Shinra Company from making its greatest loss."

"...Loss?"

"The prosperity of our company is already solid," President Shinra said with a frown.

Rufus scoffed at his father's nonsense. "Somehow, in my absence... you seem to have become an extremely senile old fool."

"What?!"

"An entrepreneur should always be prepared for any risk, as the President himself has taught me. Perhaps I should explain."

"You... what?"

Tseng watched carefully as Rufus made his way to the front. The Vice President still had the face of a young man, but his blond hair was now slicked and groomed professionally. Anticipation welling with every step, Tseng took a quick glance back at his colleagues, Reno and Rude, and wondered how they came to terms with Rufus. He didn't expect to see any of them here.

"To be blunt..." the Vice President began, handing a report to his father. "I'm saying let the Turks continue."

Scarlet grimaced at the man's suggestion. "But—"

"The very existence of the Turks is a risk to the company," the President argued.

"That way of thinking is a mistake," Rufus cut in with a glare. "Veld and the leader of Avalanche have been assassinated. It is a mistake to not recognize that as the extent of the Turks' loyalty. Any objections?"

"Hmph," President Shinra made a sound of disgust as he analyzed the report. Scarlet leaned over for a glimpse and hastily shook her head in disapproval. Before she could object, the President began to read the statement aloud. "Leader of Avalanche assassinated. Turks kill former Chief, Veld. Twelve of the fifteen Turks... killed in the line of duty."

He fell silent again and pulled out a pen from his pocket. After a slight pause, he signed the report and shoved it to Reeve, who proceeded to sign it immediately. Tseng stayed still while Reno and Rude looked at each other and shared grins.

"Tseng, Reno, Rude," President Shinra called out.

"Sir?"

"The Turks are pardoned... but for now, you'll continue to be on probation under Heidegger's command. And should any of you misbehave again..." He shot a glare to his son. "Rufus, you'll pay for it."

The young man nodded. "Of course."

"Turks. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes sir."

Pulled back from the brink of execution, Tseng, Reno, and Rude gathered on the helipad of the Shinra Building. Their lives had been spared and it was all thanks to Rufus, the Vice President of the Shinra Electric Power Company. Despite their recent betrayal to Shinra and the loss of their comrades, the Investigation Sector of the General Affairs Department, the Turks, was going to live on.

"Considering the trouble you've caused," Rufus said, smiling faintly, "Tseng, that was a very good outcome."

"We owe you a lot, Mr. Vice President," Tseng replied in appreciation. "On behalf of all the Turks, I thank you."

"Don't misunderstand." Rufus shook his head and turned away, looking over the city of Midgar. "I did not do this for your sake." After a short pause, he walked back to the three Turks and nodded to each of them. "From now on, you can show your gratitude to me in your work."

"Yes sir."

A helicopter lowered to the ground and Rufus walked towards it, giving the Turks no further attention. Reno sighed as he watched the Vice President leave without a goodbye, his destination set for the city of Junon. As the helicopter took off, he turned to his longtime partners, Tseng and Rude.

"Only the three of us..."

"Insufficient?" Rude said, his eyes narrowing behind his sunglasses.

"In any case, we will always carry out our duty," Tseng told his two subordinates. "For the Chief... and for our lost comrades..."

The three Turks came together and shared another silence under the night sky. Reno brought his hands to his head, fingers grazing his unkempt red hair and the goggles he wore on his forehead. Tseng straightened out his uniform and took several deep breaths, his dark brown eyes looking down in both relief and sorrow. Rude, a man of few words, stood still and calm, towering over the two as his hands relaxed in his pockets.

Their silence was cut by a blaring alarm as red lights began to flash around the building. Reno and Rude shrugged at each other as they awaited the announcement of the emergency. Tseng, meanwhile, had an uneasy feeling inside... and a random thought that another crisis was starting for the Shinra Company. Clearly, his emotions were running a bit high.

"Emergency alert! Emergency alert! Intruders in Mako Reactor 1. I repeat, we have intruders in Mako Reactor 1."

Reno let out a snort. "Well then... straight back to work, huh?"

"Let's go," Rude agreed as he followed Reno towards the building. Quickly realizing that Tseng hadn't moved, they stopped after a few steps and turned to face him.

"Tseng, sir?"

He removed his ponytail with one hand, allowing his black hair to fall to his shoulders. "Reno, Rude," he finally spoke, raising his voice raised over the alarm. "Today marks the first day of the healing process. From now on, the Turks are a new organization. "

As usual, Rude had nothing to say and waited for Reno's response. "One thing won't change..."

"The pride in our work," Tseng finished for him. "Let's go."

Without Veld and all their comrades, the Turks were never going to be the same again.