A/N: Hi all, sorry I was a little slow with this chapter. I'm trying to get events I plan to connect together logically as well as develop character relationships and such. I was hoping to get suggestions on Genesis. I know when I'll introduce him (which will be in a four or so chapters), but I don't know how to have him react to Vincent and such. So, suggestion would be wonderful. Thanks.

Amon2: Yeah, Vincent and Sephiroth will be stuck with each other for the most part now. Genesis will come in later as I mention above. I just not sure how he should react to things. I only know him from fanfictions I read and some Youtube videos showing Crisis Core cut scenes.

Chapter 4: Soldiers and Ships

Vincent awaken at dawn once again. To his surprise, many Soldiers were up and running errands in Turk hallways. Curiously he headed to the Turk offices. There was chaos quite literally. Soldiers trying to get things and Turks trying to fulfill the requests. The gunman quickly spotted Tseng and headed over. "Need assistance?"

The head glanced over at him as he commanded, "Help with supply orders. They are in the same location."

The pale man nodded as he went to the nearest Soldier. He knew he didn't fit the Turk appearances , so he would have to initiate the job. "Soldier," he asked flatly, "What is it you need?"

The blonde hair boy jumped in surprise. "Er," he hesitantly responded, "Supplies, sir. But I was told to get them from the Turks..."

"That I am. Come."

The boy followed, but was obviously nervous. "So," he broke the silence, "You're a Turk...Everyone thought you were an honor guest or... a prisoner..."

Red eyes slid to meet sky blue ones. "They watch me to be sure that I'm...obedient." To try to lighten the young Soldier's nerves he asked, "What's your name?"

"Cloud, sir."

"Vincent. Not sir, Cloud."

"Right si-er Vincent."

A small smile tugged at his lips as he lead the boy one floor down to the storage rooms. "The list," he requested. The blonde handed it over. His crimson eyes skimmed through the list. "This is a lot to carry... I'll help. We'll both take carts."

The elder grabbed some boxes and put them on the cart after giving the list back to the young Soldier. Cloud began to gather supplies from the beginning of the list since the other was collecting supplies listed at end of list. In no time, the carts were filled. The gunman asked, "Where to?"

"Barricades."

Vincent let Cloud lead the way out of the building. He knew the general area, but it could of change over the years. When they exited the back entrance, he was amazed with how much had change. He should of known since there were many more Soldiers then in his day, but it was still immense. There were many barricades and training areas. His crimson eyes wander as he followed the blonde to the far right barricade. Black hair Soldier was counting things and suddenly turned. "Got the supplies, Cloud?" He had a lopsided smile as his purple eyes glance at the boy's companion. He yelped, "Vincent?!"

"Hello Zack," he replied with amusement laced into his voice.

"I-I," he stammered, "Wasn't expecting you."

"That much was obvious with your previous outburst," he stated as he began to unload the carts. It was quite amusing to watch the Soldier fluster. He figured it was revenge for bringing so much attention to his left arm earlier.

Cloud laughed as Zack just shook his head in disbelief. "And here," the elder Soldier stated, "I thought you were a stiff."

A single remark triggered in the Turk's head. He supposed it was because of all the jokes Reno made about it. "Never as stiff as your hair."

A loud laughed escaped the black hair boy's lips. "You've been hanging out with Reno too long. At least it's loosened you up."

The boy had a point. The strongest stress factors had been erased with Hojo's death, Sephiroth as an alibi, and people treating him almost like a normal human being. It didn't mean things weren't plaguing his mind, but things were much better than he had hoped. He could live in this strange time. "Maybe," he replied cryptically. "Next time you better help the boy or give him a smaller list."

With that he left the two Soldiers and went back into the Shinra building. He spotted Reno and Rude helping the other Turks when he walked into the offices. Tseng lightly signaled with his head for the gunman to come over. The pale man walked into the Head's office and slid the door closed. He asked, "Something you wish to discuss?"

"It isn't a matter for discussing," the Head Turk responded, "You will be leaving tomorrow to Wutai with the troops. They need a Turk who knows the area."

"I'm not Wutain," the gunman stated flatly.

A smile slipped onto Tseng's face as he confirmed, "No, but you are part Wutain and took frequent trips there for both business and leisure." He watched the corners of the other's lips slip downward in a frown. "Here's the file. I am not the one who made the decision."

"I understand," Vincent stated.

As his gloved hand touched the folder the Turk added, "They determine Hojo's death to be a lab accident since they said your...claw was much too small for the damage in there." About time they determined that, Chaos grumbled. The gunman took the folder with a nod of acknowledgment and swiftly exited the office. He paused in front of the two Turks who were to supervise him.

"Yo," the redhead stated with a smile, "I heard you were helping the Soldiers gather supplies."

"That is so," he confirmed.

Before the pale man could say more Reno swiftly asked, "Another mission? You're going off with the troops aren't ya?"

With a slight nod the gunman stated, "I will be in my room."

Rude nodded and Vincent left quickly before the redhead could babble a response. In the room, he sat down at the desk reading the filed. There were terrorist activities in the Shinra bases of Wutai. There weren't any when he was alive and Wutai isn't the type to allow Shinra on their lands. It mentioned a bit about a war. The gunman didn't realize how much time had past until he heard the door unlock. Out of habit, he faced the door with Quicksilver in hand.

"Yo," Reno announced. His aquamarine eyes flickered to the gun, "You're expecting trouble?"

With a sigh he stated, "Trouble can be anywhere and at anytime. It's Turk policy to be prepared. You should remember that."

"I am prepared," the redhead grumbled, "Anyway I thought you may like some grub."

Red eyes blinked as he realized he hadn't eaten anything today. He stood up and followed the Turk next door. He asked with a single brow arched, "Rude cooked?"

"Yeah," the other replied, "He makes the best shit." After realizing the implication of the statement he quickly reassured, "Not that his food taste like shit."

"You take turns?"

"Yeah, but when it's my turn I order. Cause I can't cook." The redhead pulled a card out of his jacket and swiped it through the reader. Once inside he yelled, "Yo, I brought Vinny! The food is ready, right?"

"Yes, Reno," replied Rude, "Help me get the food to the table. "

The Turk disappeared into the kitchen with the pale man following. He noticed the table wasn't set up, so he grabbed the plates and silverware off the counter. The table was quickly set up with utensils and food. The dark man murmured, "Thank you," as he sat down.

Vincent shrugged it off and stated, "It's only proper since you cooked."

They began to eat the mini feast before them. It consist of potatoes, chicken, corn on cob, and rolls. As he ate, he couldn't help but to agree with the redhead. Rude made a very good meal. Reno asked, "Your mission is taking you to Wutari with the troops, right?"

The gunman only nodded. "It isn't normal for a Turk to participate," stated the bald man, "directly with Soldiers."

This created an awkward silence. All including Vincent knew he wasn't a 'normal' Turk. He wasn't very much so before the experiments and now even less. Normal is overrated anyways. You have to admit life is much more entertaining with me around. Believe what you wish, Chaos. Are you saying I'm not fun. I thought you didn't hate me anymore. The demon made an annoyingly fake sobbing sound. The gunman mentally rolled his eyes. I don't hate you, but you are being more annoying then Reno. I'll take that as a compliment. Before Vincent could reply to Chaos, the redhead nervously broke the silence. "I heard Sephiroth specifically asked for you to be on this mission." Chaos was growling, but the man ignored him. His crimson eyes focused on the redhead as he continued, "You'll get to be with him, Zack, and Angeal. So, you'll get to know them better." Suddenly the boy thought of something. "Hey, you have the phone Tseng gave you right? It should have our number in the phone book."

The gunman frowned as he stated, "I didn't get a phone book with the phone."

Rude blinks in surprise as Reno asked, "You don't know how to work a cell phone?"

The pale man pulled out the object of question and asked, "Is that what it's called?"

The redhead leans over and snatched the phone. It made little beeps as he rapidly press buttons. "Yep," he announced, "Our numbers are here." He moved his chair closer to Vincent, "I'll teach you how to use it." With a small twitch at the other's invasion of his space, the gunman watched and listened. The redhead press buttons making the screen do things. "Then," he continued explaining, "You can change the wallpaper and ring tones."

A frown could be seen on the gunman's face. Rude decided to cut in, "How about you stick with the phone book?" The raven hair man gave him a small smile as his partner sighed. "Reno, show him the phone book again and do so slower."

"Yeah, yeah," the redhead mumbled as he began to show the gunman in a slower pace. After the explanation, Vincent showed he could use the phone book. Reno smirked and announced, "Now that wasn't so hard."

The gunman glowered slightly as he commented, "Says the boy who was raised to press impractical small buttons."

Rude chuckled while the redhead looked indignant. "I'm not a kid," he stated angrily.

"So you tell us," Rude replied, "Yet I've been assign to babysit you."

Vincent let a small smile slip onto his lips. "I'm going to retire now since I leave early with the troops."

"Don't envy ya with the wakin' up early," Reno stated since he was ignoring his partner's comment, "But feel free to call to call us. Just not at the crack of dawn okay?"

The pale man nodded and left back to his room where he rereads the reports. He had a lot of thoughts in his mind about Sephiroth, Wutari, and these terrorist activities. The terrorist actions just didn't add up right. SEPHIROTH's actions doesn't add up right! The demon bellowed in his mind making the gunman winced. Chaos, it is practical to have me come since I do have the Turk's skills as well as Soldier's strength and endurance. He knows that much. It sounds to me that you are trying to convince yourself that is the truth. Vincent instead of responding, he laid on the bed praying for the dreams to be peaceful.

Vincent awaken early for once not quite remembering what he was dreaming about, though he knew it wasn't pleasant. He was grateful that the ship leaves for Wutai early. Quickly he packed a briefcase the Turks provided for him of some clothes and extra guns and ammunition. He left the room and hurried out of the building. He walked to the docks that was filled with assortment of Soldiers carrying supplies and such. All he knew was that he would be on a ship to Wutai. The problem lied in the fact that there were three ships going to Wutai. He frowned as he debated if it matter which ship he took.

That was when a certain black hair Soldier spotted the gunman and yelled, "Vincent!"

The pale man turned to the younger who raced towards him. As usual a grin was plastered on Zack's face. "You're going to be on my ship. Come on."

The Soldier eagerly led the gunman aboard the largest of the three ship where Sephiroth and Angeal were giving orders. With the orders issued, Soldiers dispersed to do their job. Angeal greeted, "Hey there puppy, looks like you found Vincent." His dark blue eyes focused on the gunman as he said, "It will be nice to work with you."

The gunman nodded and turn his attention to Sephiroth. His green eyes that was watching Vincent moved over to Zack. "There is," he stated, "a lot to be done before we can depart."

The young Soldier gave a sheepish look at the indirect command. The gunman figured he didn't have anything else to do and set his briefcase to the side of the railing. "I'll help with the cargo," he stated as he turned to head down the ramp, in result missing the surprise expressions.

He reached the pile of boxes that Soldiers were currently working on. Zack tried to get his mouth to move in order to warn Vincent that most of the cargo could only be lifted by 2nd class Soldiers without assistance. The gunman though lifted the box with ease and set it in the cargo bay. The young Soldier knew mako is what gave them strength and made their eyes glow. Maybe that is why the man's crimson eyes seem to glow. He knew that the gunman was an experiment of Hojo. Angeal unlike his apprentice's curiosity was relieved that the Turk was strong. He knew Sephiroth had said the man could take care of himself, but he wasn't sure until now. The three Soldiers went back to business.

In no time, Vincent and Zack finished loading the ship. The Soldier eagerly tugged on Turk's right arm. "Come," he stated eagerly, "I'll give you a tour of the ship."

The gunman followed as the younger man pointed out the gallery, engine room, and mess hall. He was showing the different Soldier quarters that was divided based on rank. As they were walking through what Zack called the First Corridor, he stopped in front of a door. "Angeal and I will be in this room here." Moving over one room he stated, "This is Sephiroth's room as well as yours."

At that moment, the general opened the door of the room. "I assume," he asked lazily, "You're done with the grand tour?" Zack nodded. "Then Angeal is in the room waiting for you."

"Yeah. I'll see you later,Vince." With that said, the black hair youth slipped into the room next door.

Sephiroth turned his attention to the pale beauty before him. As he handed the gunman the key, he explained, "There isn't very much space on the ship. So everyone has at least one roommate. I figured you would be more comfortable with someone you knew."

Vincent nodded, which made the other smile. He followed the general inside the room. It was nicer than the one back on headquarters. It was like a living room with a kitchen for a corner and a decent size bathroom to the side. Behind the couches of the room on the opposite side of kitchen was a king size bed. He frowned slightly as he realize they would be sharing the bed. He then distracted himself with the bookcase. Sephiroth noticed and stated, "Feel free to help yourself to any of the books."

The general wandered out of the room. Red eyes finally found a book of interest it was called 'Wutai War'. It would probably explain what he missed. He took it and sat down on the couch burying himself with the contents of the book. Hours had past as he read. Only a sharp knock on the door drew him away from it. He answered the door to find the Solider boy there.

"Hey there," he said as he swiped a glance into the room, "Just came to tell ya that dinner's ready. ...I'm guessing Seph isn't here?"

"No," the gunman stated.

"Figures. I tried to find him, but he wasn't anywhere I checked."

"You go ahead to the cafeteria. I'll find him," Vincent stated.

Zack didn't get a chance to protest before the Turk went past him. He wandered the halls thinking of areas that Sephiroth could be. Did we really had to look for him? Couldn't ya just let the little guy find him? He wouldn't find him if he hadn't yet. He obviously checked the room as more of a last resort. The man muted the rest of Chao's grumbling. He figured the general be someplace solitary and probably a place with lots of space to train with that long sword of his. As he headed towards the engine rooms he caught the smell of fresh rain and sweat, Sephiroth's smell. Following his nose, he finally could hear the sword slashes in the air. He walked in watching the silver hair general do different sword formations. After a minute, he interrupted and stated flatly, "Dinner's ready."

The swordsman whirled around with surprise evident on his features. He was obviously trying to decided if the Turk was really there or not. "Zack," Vincent continued, "couldn't find you."

This seem to pull him out of his stupor. He smirked and stated, "That is the point of training down here." The gunman shrugged indifferently and turned to go. "How did you find me?"

"Process of elimination," he replied not bothering to face the general or to stop leaving.

Together they entered the mess hall. They quickly got their meal and join Angeal and his apprentice. "Hey," Zack piped, "You found Seph."

Angeal commented, "Quite impressive considering it takes the other Turks at least 15 minutes to find him."

"I have the advantage of having both Turk training and Soldier's enhancements," Vincent explained flatly.

Angeal nodded while Zack looked perturbed. The conservation was quickly ensued by the young Soldier. He went over some Soldier mischief that happened today. Much of which was caused by the talking Soldier. He suddenly change subjects when it looked like Angeal was ready to lecture him. "So, he asked, "Why did you join the Turks?"

Vincent blinked in surprise before he thought about the question seriously. "I did for many reasons," he began, "My father was a scientist working with Shinra. I wasn't really into science, but I wanted to be close to him. So I decided to be a Turk. For I could use my reasoning skills and have them be tested to their limits. I had some basic training with a gun before I joined for self defense. I really liked shooting, so it gave me an opportunity to use that as well."

All three were surprised with the response. That was one thing that wasn't in the records Sephiroth read. To turn the focus off himself the gunman asked, "How about you, Zack?"

"Well," he pondered how to phrase it, "I joined because...I wasn't good at anything else. Plus I want to be a hero and help those in need you know." The gunman nodded in amazement at the innocence the young boy had despite his rank. The boy seemed to decide everyone should answer the question. "What about you Angie?"

The 1st class Soldier answered without hesitation, "A sense of duty to help and hopefully better mankind."

Zack smirked as he commented, "Figures. That is why you lecture about honor and such." Angeal gave him a stern look making the puppy realize how he phrased Angeal's talks. To get out of trouble he continued the question, "Seph, why did you decide to join Shinra?"

Vincent suppress a frown at the thought of Sephiroth's childhood. He was given little choice I bet. His red eyes watched the general with concern. He vaguely noted that Angeal was doing the same. The swordsman on the other hand knew it was coming. He answered, "It was what my father wanted. I accepted it because it give me more distance from him. Though over time I became very attach to the Soldiers.

Zack seemed pleased with the answer as he stated, "The Soldiers are happy to have you." Angeal lightly patted the boy's head. His purple eyes smiled at his tutor before glancing off at one of the other tables. "I'm going to finish eating with Cloud."

He excused himself and went over to a table where a blond boy sat. Cloud if I recall correctly. The rest of the meal was eaten in silence. The three felt no need for unnecessary conservations and the silence was comfortable. Angeal was the first to leave and get the Soldiers to settle down for the night. Sephiroth watched the Turk finished what little food he put on his plate.

"We should retire as well," the general stated. The general had a slight tone to his voice, an almost anxious or excited. Vincent decided it wasn't really important as he set the plate with the stack of other used ones.

They entered the room. Sephiroth began to strip off his jacket while watching the other gather some clothes and disappear into the bathroom. He vaguely wondered if it was in modesty or if it was the scars. He remembered the last video Hojo had of the Turk. It showed the man in his thin full glory while the scientist would point out specific scars and how it was obtained. He overall explained what would or wouldn't scar the subject. The general's thoughts were pushed aside as he turn to look at the gunman dressed in a fully button up shirt and sweat pants. It was disappointing for so much pale skin to be hidden beneath the black fabric. The man tossed his usual attire in the briefcase. Red eyes glance at himself, probably because he was only wearing his boxers. He slipped under the covers on the opposite side taking so little space the Soldier thought he would fall off. Sephiroth took the other half of the bed comfortable taking the same amount of space as usual. His green eyes watched the pale face trying to relax. His breathing was regular, but it eventually faded into the deeper depths of sleep. The swordsman decided to let sleep overtake him as well.