Author's Note :: Thanks so much for sticking with the story so far! And thanks especially to my couple of reviewers – you guys make me smile the most, though my high traffic numbers area also quite nice.

Chapter Six

~Me

"So, what do we do now?"

Reno glanced sideways towards the voice he was coming to hate more and more, an annoyed look not disguised on his face. He was seated on the floor near the door to the President's office, and his silver-haired 'comrade' was pacing back and forth in the corridor. Reno shook his head at the other man's restless attitude, personally feeling grateful for the break. "I know this might be a stretch for you," Reno then stated, his tone flat and bored, "but we wait for our next orders. Situations like this one are touchy – lots of debate by the big guys before decisions are made." A satisfied smirk crossed the Turk's face then, happy that he had managed to fit a little lesson in there for his 'trainee' without really trying – that should qualify for his daily duty as teacher.

Kadaj finally stopped pacing, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back against the wall near where Reno sat, though the older Turk noticed the boy's fingers had turned to drumming on his arm – he assumed to make up for the lack of pacing. Really, Reno didn't know where all that pent-up energy came from, and it was a far cry from his normal dealings with his laidback partner. "Do you think it will still have something to do with what happened in Kalm?" Kadaj then asked, never looking to the ginger Turk.

Reno let out a bit of a scoff, pulling his goggles from his forehead and absently wiping the lenses off with his jacket, proving that despite the common belief, they were not permanently attached to his skull. "We wouldn't be lucky enough to get off that easily," he then replied smoothly, his own gaze focused on the white wall across from him. :"Somehow, the Turks always end up having to clean up the messes the SOLDIER program leaves in its wake. Honestly, I think they do more harm than good."

The Turk finally changed a glance at the boy as he carefully replaced the goggles to their proper place, and he noticed that Kadaj seemed to have a tight grip on his own arms, his face set. Reno shook his head, not bothering to consider what it was that may have offended or angered him or whatever, and rather decided it was safer to return his attention to the wall. "Although," he then continued after a few moments of silence, "I doubt Sephiroth mentioned Genesis in his report to the President, so you never know what we might be chasing after next."

That seemed to bring Kadaj's attention out of his own thoughts and back to the present. "Why do you think that?" Kadaj's question was emotionless, and for a short moment Reno was actually curious as to what the other man was thinking.

"He wouldn't even talk to us about it," Reno then said with a shrug, "Don't ask me to try to guess anything about how Sephiroth's mind works, kid, but I just have a feeling he conveniently left out the detail about his friend."

Another silence developed between them, hanging thickly in the air for a few long seconds until Kadaj finally broke it. "Are you going to say anything about Genesis?" His voice was low and soft, and still unreadable.

Reno scoffed at the question, waving his hand dismissively. "Of course I'm not – it would just give me more to have to deal with. If Sephiroth wants to give himself more work, fine – but I'm not volunteering for it."

Before Reno could say anything more and as if on cue, the door to the office swung open, revealing the Turk leader – Reno didn't bother getting to his feet as he was certain the President was not following. "You're going to Wutai – both of you," Tseng's voice was as devoid of emotion as always, though Reno was certain the look he received was a cold one – perhaps he was still upset about their earlier exchange.

However, Reno had more pressing issues to deal with. "Want to run that by me again?" his tone was dripping with annoyance.

"You heard me – but don't worry, you won't be going alone," Tseng continued, and Reno was certain that behind that flat tone, the dark-haired man was really enjoying this. "You, Kadaj, and your two new SOLDIER friends are going – if the faction ever spreads that far, we'll have a serious problem on our hands. Considering yourselves…peacekeepers." With that, Tseng began to leave the pair in the corridor, and then paused, glancing over his shoulder, "And try to actually keep the peace this time."

Reno frowned at his superior's retreating back, still not rising to his feet, but rather slouching down even further. Wutai was about as far away from Midgar has possible, and the culture that he considered 'backwards' was anything but ShinRa-friendly. Whilst it was true that the faction gaining ground there could be a problem, it was technically always a problem there. Thus, Reno knew there was more to this order than face value – and also that the only 'peacekeepers' there would be the intimidators known as SOLDIER operatives. As for himself – oh, and Kadaj – this order meant watching for suspicious activity, investigating rumours, and taking whatever measures necessary to insure anything anti-ShinRa was silenced before word of it spread from the island.

All this to Reno just equalled a lot of work for a lot of days away from the comforts of Midgar he was so used to, as well as people like Rude. It meant setting up in a hostile area with no one for company but three other men (none of them his first choice for companionship) and a stressful few days, all whilst baby-sitting the new guy. Just great…maybe he had pushed his luck a bit too far this time.

"Do you want me to contact Sephiroth and Zack with the news?" Kadaj's suddenly excited tone and expression made Reno feel like said 'news' was that the two of them were engaged, rather than an assignment he would rather skip. Reno just shook his head at the boy's excitement, thinking he really didn't understand what he was getting into.

"Something tells me you don't have Sephiroth's number," Reno then replied darkly, hoping that crushing Kadaj would make himself feel better – though it didn't. "I'll take care of it." Reno shifted a bit to reach his mobile, but after flipping it open, frowned at the screen. He really didn't have the motivation to talk to either SOLDIER on the phone, but he couldn't hardly let Kadaj do it after what he had just said. "Let's hope ShinRa splurged and put texting on the SOLDIER mobiles," he then muttered, thumbs dutifully typing away.

"Well, I can't really say much about it – its kind of a SOLIDER thing," Zack shrugged a bit sheepishly, frowning at how disappointed he knew that had to sound as an answer. The blonde teen before him offered a weak smile in response.

"I…understand. SOLDIER business," Cloud replied, though Zack's disappointment was mirrored tenfold in the boy's blue eyes. Zack had never been certain what the young infantryman's obsession with the SOLDIER program was, but every time they were together the blonde was always curious about what had been happening – and every conversation seemed to make their friendship stronger. Actually, the SOLDIER was beginning to see Cloud even differently from Kunsel, his other best friend – Cloud seemed more and more like a little brother.

"Yes, and this is the SOLDIER level – and I suggest you more on, infantryman," Sephiroth's voice, though low, commanded authority as the entered the room, offering a stern look at the two spikey-haired men before him. Zack thought he saw Sephiroth's gaze hold Cloud's perhaps a moment longer than necessary, but he shrugged it off as his imagination.

"Yes, General, sir! I am sorry, sir!" Cloud's voice squeaked a bit before Zack could think of a protest to allow the blonde to stay longer, and Cloud had soon pulled on his helmet once more and entered the lift, leaving Zack and Sephiroth alone.

"Speaking of 'SOLDIER business,'" Sephiroth began, his cold gaze focusing on Zack's still disappointed one, "I am sure Angeal appreciates having you as his well of information – but do not mention the matter of Genesis to anyone else. It is Angeal and I's burden to bear." Sephiroth paused for a moment before adding, "I cannot expect you to understand it."

"Uh, okay," Zack replied with a shrug, scratching his head a bit in confusion but not pressing the issue, though it did make him more curious about the exchange between the two older men. "I can keep a secret."

"Doubtful, but it would be in your best interest to try extra hard to keep this one." Again, for speaking so softly, Sephiroth's tone somehow commanded obedience. "However, something tells me our mutual involvement in this is not yet over." And with those words, Sephiroth followed Cloud's footsteps towards the lift, though he was headed for SOLDIER Director Lazard's office, Zack assumed.

After standing aloe in silence for a few moments, wondering what to do next, Zack felt his feet take him towards the lift as well, though when he exited, it was to leave the ShinRa building behind him. As he approached the fountain in the square before the building, his mako eyes lit up in recognition of a familiar form and just who he had wanted to see – fellow SOLDIER operative and his best friend Kunsel, who was talking to a few random women. As Zack jogged up to the group, the conversation seemed to cease – and with it, so did Zack's grin. Just as he reached the group, the woman bade their farewells to his friend, not meeting Zack's eyes as they walked away.

"Hey, Kunsel," Zack said softly, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck as even his naïve personality could see that he may not be as welcomed by his friend as he would have liked.

"Hey Zack," Kunsel replied, and Zack could tell the words were spoken through gritted teeth, "I thought you were out on assignment."

"I'm kind of in between them at the moment," Zack replied with a shrug.

"Well, then go out and have a good time – one day you may not make it back to Midgar, after all."

Zack chuckled a bit at his friend's comment, failing to see any serious implications behind it. "What are you talking about? I always come back – you can't get rid of me that easily." He playfully pushed the other man a bit, and soon they were both laughing together. "So, can I come with you this time, Kunsel?"

The other SOLDIER's laughter abruptly ceased, and Kunsel began to shake his head rather fervently. "No way, Zack. You saw what just happened. No offence, but you really…well…cramp my style."

Zack stared open-mouthed at the words coming from his friend's lips – was that really the reason that Kunsel always suggested the two split ways on their Midgar wanderings? Did Kunsel really have more luck without Zack with him? That realization surprised Zack almost more than finding Genesis in Kalm had – and it certainly upset him more. After all, he had always considered himself to be both the looks and the charm between the two of them, but then…

"But I…" Zack began, but his words were cut off by the unexpected sound of a few chirping beeps fro his pocket. "A text message?" he asked, confusion crossing his face as he pulled his mobile from his pocket, his eyes quickly scanning the words on the screen. "I…I'm going to Wutai," he then announced rather awkwardly, thinking it would be strange to stop the conversation to read a message and then offer no explanation.

"Wutai?" Kunsel repeated, Zack's confusion mirrored in his tone, "Uh, have a good trip? I'll be sure to e-mail you if you miss anything back here."

"Yeah, thanks," Zack replied a bit sourly, his emotions mixed with being upset with Kunsel's earlier revelation, and extremely excited and curious about the mission. It was a dangerous combination, and all the rushing adrenaline was almost causing Zack to literally twitch – mako really did crazy things to the body.

~Friend

Yet again, Kadaj was lost in his own thoughts. His emotions were flying back and forth between excitement, curiosity, and irritation. He was beside himself at the prospect of spending more time with the two SOLDIERs, but the latter two emotions were reserved for his 'partner.' He was not too excited to spend time with someone who clearly disliked him, but had noticed Reno look at him with something akin to curiosity as if he almost cared what was on his mind. He shook his head to cleanse it before those thoughts led him into some reckless action like actually trying to talk to his fellow Turk.

Instead, he turned his attention to what Reno had told him about Wutai. Well, what he thought Reno should have told him about Wutai, which would have been anything. Kadaj had seen the brief worry flash through the older Turk's eyes, though he knew he would never admit to it.

He made his way through the building and outside, noticing the dark-haired SOLDIER he approached, hoping to get information from a slightly friendlier source. He almost turned back when he noticed the young SOLDIER wearing an expression that was very different from his normal big smile, and almost twitching in what appeared to be irritation.

"Erm, Zack," Kadaj asked slightly hesitantly, "Can I ask you a question?"

Zack shook his head slowly, then turned to Kadaj with his normal sunny smile. "Sure, ask away!"

"When Tseng told Reno we were going to Wutai, he looked nervous. Why?" Kadaj noticed the dark-haired boy seemed to consider his answer before he replied, causing Kadaj to lose his violent temper. "I'm not a child. I'm perfectly capable of understanding any explanation you give, even if you think its complex. Don't think you can frighten me, either – not much frightens me. Oh second thought, maybe I'll go ask Reno. At least he doesn't think of me as an unintelligent child." He turned and stormed into the building again, leaving a very bewildered Zack behind him.

As Kadaj reentered the building, he realized he had lied to the SOLDIER he could easily see becoming a friend. He had implied Reno liked and respected him, when he was really sure Reno did think he was an unintelligent, worthless, pain-in-the-behind child.

He stood in the lobby for a minute before turning and exiting the building once more. As he passed the spot of his earlier confrontation with Zack, he noticed the dark-haired SOLDIER was no long there. As he wandered the streets of Midgar, he realized it was becoming something of a habit for him. He felt more comfortable in the streets where he was just another face, as opposed to at ShinRa where he was clearly disliked by his fellow Turks, and where everyone else whispered behind their hands as he passed. Everyone except Zack. Again, it crossed Kadaj's mind that he and Zack could become friends as long as he kept his temper in check. He knew that would be easier said than done, though, as he set off to find someone who could tell him about Wutai and why it seemed to have everyone so worried. He couldn't help but let out a snort of a laughter as he tried to picture Reno and himself being 'peace keepers.' Personally, he couldn't think of two less peaceful people.

He entered a random building, finding himself once again in the bar where once again Reno was nursing a drink and a cigarette. Once again, he went as far as possible from his 'partner' to take a seat. Somehow, Reno still saw him, but instead of yelling, he motioned him over.

"Sit," Reno said, pointing to the chair across from him. Kadaj did, knowing Reno would fill him in when he was ready, and humouring Reno's dramatics. "As much as I would enjoy you getting blindsided in Wutai, I suppose I would get hell if I didn't at least give you some information. Wutai is the opposite of Midgar. While we accept ShinRa and what they have done, the people there despise it. We will not get a warm welcome. I know it was said we were told to be 'peace keepers,' but really our job is to keep our eyes and ears open, and leave the actual keeping of peace to SOLDIER. There, you're informed, now get out of my sight."

As Kadaj left, he smiled to himself. Reno was so unpredictable sometimes, yet he was always Reno.

Sephiroth pulled his mobile out of his pocket, frowning as he saw he had a text message. He had heard the message arrive, but ignored it due to the fact that he was in a meeting with Lazard. He knew there was more to this new mission than peacekeeping, and disliked being so uninformed. As he read the text that was clearly from Reno, he allowed himself a smile and read it again:

"Going to Wutai. Peacekeeping, load of crap. See you there."

"Well, Turk," Sephiroth said to himself, "For once, I completely agree with you."

"Agree on what?" Sephiroth suppressed a grin at the sound of Zack's excited voice, "Are we really going to Wutai? What does Reno mean, the peacekeeping is a load of crap? Keeping peace is why we're going, isn't it, so why would he say that?"

Sephiroth held his hand up to stop what could be an endless flow of questions. "Yes, SOLDIER, we are going to Wutai. I don't think Reno meant keeping the peace is a waste of time, he just feels, as do I, that there is more to this than they are telling us. I don't like this," he said more to himself than actually to Zack, "It almost feels like we're walking blindfolded into a trap." He saw a frown crease the younger man's normally smiling features.

"I was thinking the same thing, sir. Normally we are so well informed, and now, nothing. I was hoping I was just uninformed because of my rank, but if they aren't telling you…" Zack trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished, but not the thought.

"I suppose we must be prepared for a lot of information at once upon arrival, and indeed some real peacekeeping as well as self-defense." He kept his voice calm, yet internally he was in turmoil. It was hard to hear his worries voiced by the younger man, but he kept his face and voice emotionless. Odds were they were worrying over nothing and they really were just going to keep peace. He chuckled to himself as the thought crossed his mind that he had been spending too much time with the two younger men and the ever-imaginative Reno. His thoughts were beginning to run away with him as he knew theirs often did.

If I'm not careful, he thought to himself, I could become just as paranoid and high strung as they are. Even as he thought the words, he knew it would never happen no matter how long he was with them. This thought caused him to chuckle even more to himself.

"Sir?" he heard the younger SOLDIER ask tentatively, clearly confused by his display of honest amusement.

"Go get ready, SOLDIER. We'll be leaving soon."

"Yes, sir."

Sephiroth watched the younger SOLDIER walk away and thought to himself, He's a good SOLDIER. A bit overenthusiastic, but the calm will come with time, age, and experience. Yes, one day he will be a great SOLDIER, perhaps even as good as his mentor Angeal. He returned to his quarters himself, in reality nothing more than his office, and pulled his beloved blade onto his desk.

He worked slowly, cleaning and polishing the blade to perfection. He was very particular about his weapon, about everything, actually, but especially his weapon. It was his livelihood, and he insisted it be kept pristine. After a moment of thought, he also sharpened it. He got the feeling that a sharp blade would be important on this trip – not that his blade was ever dulled.

Sephiroth met Zack and the Turks in the lobby, and was once again troubled by Kadaj's resemblance to him, though he brushed the thoughts aside quickly. He turned to Reno, he corners of his lips turned up in a slight grin. "I would say we'll meet you there, but I think it best we travel together. I'll save your ears and let the two talkers be in the back."

Reno gave him a grudgingly grateful look. "I guess I would rather deal with stoic silence than incessant chattering. C'mon," Reno said to the other three, "the helicopter is this way."

"Wow," Kadaj said snidely, "They gave you another one after what happened to the last one?"

Sephiroth smiled as Reno sputtered indignantly for a moment and then said angrily, "That's enough snark from you, rookie!"

Sephiroth sighed, turned to Zack, and said, "Well, this is going to be an interesting trip."

Author's Note :: Well, there you have it! I actually really like this chapter, though small notes have started showing up in the margins of our notebook…things such as the fact that Tseng seems to be becoming a main character in the story (my fault) and thus, I'm on Tseng-ban for a while, so don't expect to see him soon, heh. Oh, and that my fellow writer likes the word 'snark.' Just wanted to put that out there. Thanks for reading! We love reviews! *wink*