"Give us your analysis of the evidence." The President spoke calmly.
"I have concluded the two responsible for the destruction of Nibelheim reactor isn't from Avalanche. They are too efficient. And they know how to deactivate the reactor entirely. Avalanche not only doesn't have this knowledge, but they wouldn't care to turn the reactor off before destroying it."
The others listened to Tseng's reasoning. Some nodded. Others were displeased. Heidegger and Scarlet noticeably. Avalanche would be an easy target.
"Very well. Have you identified them at least?" The President accepted the Turk's observation.
Tseng placed the photographs on the table for all the see. He watched as the photos began to be passed around one by one. There was an equal curiosity for those who haven't seen the photos.
"I have deduced the blond is either an unknown Soldier runaway, or an escaped secret project of unknown origin. Professors Hojo and Hollander denied any claim to the swordsman." Tseng informed.
"Would he have ties to Wutai?"
"I doubt it. Perhaps at the start of the war, I would consider it. But that sword is too high quality make for a nation that is scraping the bottom of the barrel in resources. And, why start Nibelheim? It is remote, middle of nowhere. Midgar would be the better target from Wutai."
Tseng had put some thought into this. He had to be thorough in his investigation. They can't afford surprises with little information there was.
"What about the second man?" Scarlet asked, holding up the full body photograph.
"Unknown. The most I can gather is that he has a gun holstered at his hip. He's fast, so he could be just as enhanced as any Soldier." Tseng understood the risk he was taking.
From the corner of his eye he noticed Hojo relaxing. His shoulders weren't stiff anymore. Until Tseng had more information and evidence then he wanted the professor to think he was safe.
"No one from Nibelheim have any information?"
"No one has come forward. Everyone is currently in a panic over the loss of power there. It has taken some time to calm them with the promise of fixing the issue without giving details of the reactor's condition."
Tseng did have a look into each individual in the village. He found it strange the blond was very similar in appearance to a woman, but looking into her history she never birthed any children nor had other family. So he wasn't going to mention her at all.
"Let's keep this under wraps for now. We need more information. If possible, let us try and recruit this warrior. Then we can discover his secrets."
"And if he objects into joining?" Tseng wasn't sure it can be done.
"Then kill him."
For some reason Tseng felt his stomach drop. He hid the confusion he felt. In front of everyone he was the picture perfect stoic Turk.
Tseng left the meeting still confused. He tried to focus on how to go about his search, and that disturbing feeling grew. It was enough that the Turk needed to step away from the office. He knew where to go.
Today she was selling flowers. He stayed well out of the way. Yet he felt a sense of calmness wash over him as he listened to her humming. Tseng was so distracted he didn't immediately notice she was approaching.
"What's the matter?" Aerith tilted her head.
"It's nothing." He lied. She knew it was a lie. And he felt a little silly for lying in the first place.
And then Tseng realized she approached. Something she had never done before in the times he shadowed her. He studied her curiously.
"Are you rethinking your choice?" He wondered.
"No. But something was troubling you. I can't ignore when someone needs an ear."
Tseng couldn't help a smile. This was typical of her.
"I take pride in my job. Perhaps in some ways I enjoy it a little too much."
"A little?" Aerith gave him a look.
"You're not changing the subject. I've never come across any regrets. Even if I've done horrible things. I never questioned it. But now...I'm faced with an unknown possible enemy. And I find myself questioning the order to kill him if he won't be recruited."
His instinct was right to come to her. Tseng knew she wouldn't judge him. She wouldn't spill his secrets. Aerith was a caring person through and through.
"I see. Maybe this person is important. More than you realize."
"Important?" Tseng was confused.
"Not in a romantic sense. Maybe, that of a friend? Something about this person caught your attention. And your instincts are telling you something important. That there's more than the surface."
Like an iceberg. Small on the surface. But deeper under the water it can be massive. And in a way Tseng understood why it made sense.
"So then don't set myself down that path until I understand everything there is about this person." Tseng concluded.
"Mhmm." Aerith nodded.
All right. Tseng can work with that. Perhaps he can try the approach of knowing Valentine's identity. It would surely throw them off well enough to not attack or run away.
Feeling better about the decision Tseng left.
xXx
Soon as Cloud awoke, he explained the dream. Vincent listened silently. When the blond finished, he confirmed the same thoughts.
"This is result of the connection you share with him."
"I don't want it." Cloud hated it.
"She said there was no means to reverse it. Not even the planet could come between the connection. This is something you have to endure." Vincent reasoned.
"Then I guess I won't sleep." Cloud remained stubborn.
"...Think of Sephiroth right now. He would be confused, at a loss, and not to mention endless questions."
"Are you saying this out of concern of your possible son?" Cloud raised an eyebrow.
"...Whether he is mine or not doesn't matter. He is still her son. The ultimate goal is to prevent him from succumbing into Jenova's lies."
"So I can't avoid this." The blond crossed his arms. He really hated his rotten luck. He knew something would come up, but he hadn't expected something as peculiar as this.
Cloud looked away. It was him accepting this. He was just showing he didn't like it. Vincent seemed to relax all the same.
"If it's any consolation, he will be interested enough to listen to you. Set aside your hatred. If you show him he's an enemy, he will become one."
"What, you don't want to lose me already?" Cloud allowed a smirk.
Vincent stared. The blond wanted to smack himself. Instead he looked away, wondering what in Ifrit's Hell was wrong with him.
"Did you just - "
"Don't even say it." Cloud cut him off.
Silence.
Hoping that was the end of it, the blond opened his water flask.
"...I'm not competing against Sephiroth."
Cloud spat out the water. He was in a coughing fit as he tried to recover himself. A gloved hand patted his back in some form of sympathy.
When the blond was finally calm he sent a glare. Vincent lowered his face enough so his mouth wasn't shown above the cape. It didn't matter since Cloud knew he was smirking.
"You did that on purpose." The blond accused.
"That remains debatable." The humor was still heard in Vincent's voice.
"Did you have to go there, though? And why is Sephiroth even an option?"
"Where else will this connection go? It will either destroy you, or bring you closer together."
Cloud was not going to admit out loud Vincent had a point. Nope. He wasn't going to give him the satisfaction.
In the same instance he wondered when Vincent grew comfortable. Maybe it started during or after they destroyed the reactor. Well it might help run things smoother without Vincent being awkward.
"First, we have to trust each other." Cloud knew that in itself will be a rollercoaster.
"Set boundaries. Have him earn it. But make sure to follow up with a reward. Not what you're thinking." Vincent saw the pink on the warrior's cheeks. "Random facts that don't give away too much."
"Look at us. We've turned into a typical family dynamic where you're giving your kid life advice on how to date." Cloud couldn't help himself.
"The irony is I'm telling the one who isn't my son." Vincent added, humor in his voice again.
"Who happens to have a connection to said son. Strange how the planet set this all up." The blond did roll his eyes this time.
"She likes messing with you."