Disclaimer: I do not own any characters, scenery, or towns; Square Enix does.
29 – Connections Old and New
Head in his hands, Reno's mind worked diligently to put each piece of the puzzle into its proper place. The process was made difficult by the fact that he had to break apart finished puzzles and reassemble them. That's what ya get for thinkin' ya know something.
30 minutes after he'd begun the process was interrupted by the opening of the front door. He didn't bother to reach for a weapon; if he died, he died. It wasn't that he was wishing for death; for once, he just wanted to assume his ass wasn't in a frying pan. "Yo."
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
The Wutain silently scrutinized his subordinate. He certainly didn't look fine. The redhead was ghost pale and so motionless he looked like a statue. In his experience, that type of stillness wasn't born of calmness, rather from turmoil or fear.
"AVALANCHE blew the reactor and someone in Shinra's workin' with 'em… and it ain't Rufus," Reno said tonelessly without moving.
"What did you find?"
"A bunch a shit I can't read," the redhead chuckled, finally looking up. Tseng arched an eyebrow and he chuckled again. "Yeah, I know how it sounds yo. Hear me out."
Tseng stared at Reno for a moment before sitting on the couch next to him. Some would think the redhead had lost it, but not him. Reno's methods had always been a bit unusual, however his insight was invaluable and he always got results. Simply put, unusual worked well for the man so he'd listen, then decide if he needed to call in the guys with strait jackets.
"Angeal and some villagers found some docs this mornin', paper and disc both. Once I got done with the box," Reno hooked a thumb over his shoulder toward the kitchen table where the gutted box sat, "I checked them out. Can't read anything. Damned paper's in Cetran and the discs are in shorthand."
"Cetran?"
"Yeah, here," the redhead said, handing the pages over.
"Did you get anything from the box?"
"Not a Gaia-damned thing yo. Everythin' was completely generic and there wasn't a signature that I recognized."
The Wutain nodded, took the documents, and shuffled through them. "'Enclosed are the files we discussed. I apologize that there isn't much, however the data you requested is quite old and many of the files have been destroyed, lost, or degraded to the point that conversion is impossible. I still don't understand why you want such outdated records!
As you foresaw the files are written in shorthand. I hope you are correct in that you can decode them. If you find the data to be insufficient or would like more, send word and I will do my best to procure newer files,'" Tseng finished, setting the documents back on the table. "The remaining pages seem to be short notes in no particular order. It will take time to try and make sense of them; however I believe they are written by a different person than whoever wrote the letter."
Reno blinked at his boss for a moment before speaking. "I'm not even gonna ask how the hell ya know Cetran." Another blink. "That does confirm my conclusion though. At least one of the discs, the only one I could open, is research data."
"On what?"
"Told ya I can't read it but I'd bet my fuckin' paycheck it's on the SOLDIER program," Reno replied and then amended, "No, probably on the foundation of the SOLDIER program. Bet my next paycheck that with Veld's daughter gone, Fuhito's running AVALANCHE."
"Go on."
"In all there are 63 files, created on three different computers, and written by two different people. The first 26 files were created roughly 19 to 20 years before the remainin' 37," Reno said, pointing at the open log file on the laptop's screen. "Unless I'm mistaken the SOLDIER program ain't that old, but I'll bet its roots are. They had to go through some kinda trial phase righ'?"
"Most likely," Tseng replied in thought.
"So if I'm right, the 26 older files are copies of original research data on said trial phase and were probably created by one of the original scientists," Reno paused then began ticking off names, raising a digit for each name listed, "Professors' Hojo, Gast, and Hollander to name a few."
"Why do you believe this is research data, let alone data on the SOLDIER program?"
"Fer starters most of the files have somethin' like '21 yr. old, wh. ml. w/n.f.' at the beginnin'. Sounds like a case history don't it?" Tseng nodded. "Next, the filenames all begin with 'TS', which probably stands fer 'Test Subject', followed by a three digit number. Anybody who'd number files that way ain't expectin' to have more than 999 files and I'd imagine Shinra, or whoever the hell was fundin' the original research, wouldn't have wanted anywhere near that many bodies. It's obvious we're talkin' about people here and too many would draw suspicion."
"The file system or file names could have been amended at a later date."
"Coulda been but it ain't likely. The order of these files is important."
"Why?"
"'Cause it's a basic classification and reference system yo. There are two important aspects to a system like this: the name and date of each file. To make sure the files stay in order, the oldest files are given the lowest number so they stay on top without havin' to sort them in any way. System like that also makes cross referencin' pretty easy."
"I see," Tseng replied, thinking it made sense. If one wanted to see why a project failed they didn't have to remember the file name, only the date, subject number, or how many experiments ago the project was. "What is the connection to the SOLDIER program?"
"Fuhito," Reno sighed. "Remember I told ya he had some kinda fucked up SOLDIERs. Looks like he got hold of the original data and started his own program. Explains why the files were created by two different people too."
"Why not use more current research?"
"Dunno. Maybe he thought the newer models were flawed or somethin'," the redhead replied thoughtfully. After a long pause he quietly added, "Shinra's SOLDIERs are too human."
"Too human?"
"Yeah," Reno nodded, blowing out a puff of air. "It's hard to explain but Fuhito's SOLDIERs are more like organic robots. Not a one of 'em showed any emotion whatsoever."
"Perhaps they are psychopaths or sociopaths."
"The hell are the chances that many whatever-paths would work together? 'Sides psychos and socios are anti-social. Neither group likes anyone let alone another person like them. Psychopaths would probably tear each other apart too since they tend to be aggressive, violent, and all around nasty."
"True," Tseng replied. "Anything else?"
"Shit," sighed Reno. He leaned forward, picked up his soda can, took a drink, and then played with it, tiling it this way and that.
"I understand this is hard," Tseng said quietly.
"It ain't that. It's just all mixed up in my head. The bits and pieces I remember are out a context and fuzzy. It's also frustratin' 'cause I can't tell what's real and what ain't since I was outta it half the time." Reno paused and sucked in a breath. Think. "Fuhito's SOLDIERs seemed too complacent, too mindless."
"Mindless?"
"Yeah. Like I said they never showed any emotion at all and would follow an order without question, no matter how risky or hard it was. They may be capable of improvisin' in battle, but they wouldn't unless specifically told they could. It's like they'd get their orders and set out with that single purpose in mind. Nothin' else mattered."
"What about when they were not on a mission?"
"They'd just stand there, completely motionless like someone had flipped their off switch. There was zero camaraderie. No jokes, no boastin', no complaints like bitchin' about the food, missions or shelter, and there certainly wasn't any snide comments behind Fuhito's back. Hell, they didn't even fuckin' talk that I saw," Reno replied, shaking his head. "And their eyes… if they got close enough for ya to seem 'em, their eyes were fuckin' dead. No sign of intelligence or emotion at all. They were completely devoid of that light, that spark, that everyone has to some degree or another."
Tseng nodded in understanding. He'd seen eyes like that in people who'd experienced too much tragedy, seen too much conflict, or who had simply lost hope or the will to live. Depending on the circumstance eyes like that could invoke pity or fear. "While I do not disagree with your theory that these files are likely a combination of Shinra's and Fuhito's, why would they be here?"
"Dunno," Reno shrugged. "The camp I was held at was less than a hundred miles west of here, but even if Fuhito came here to hide at some point or another I doubt he woulda left 'em behind. Didn't seem particularly forgetful to me."
Tseng paused, fighting a mix of hope and dread at Reno's response to his next question. "We know Rufus was working with AVALANCHE, what makes you think he has nothing to do with this?"
"Fer starters these files can only be accessed from within the Science Department, usin' one of only a handful of terminals. Even if Ruf knew which terminals and managed to physically obtain access to them undetected he ain't got clearance for research records period, let alone 20 year old data and he ain't a hacker. Then there's the problem of how he'd know where to find the data in the first place. The newer files are probably hidden in a maze of other files and the older files have been recently converted. Whoever did it would have to know where shit like that is stored, which I'm certain he don't know. Not the physical or electronic files."
"He could have asked."
"No," Reno replied, shaking his head. "Woulda drawn attention to himself and that would have set off alarms 'cause people talk. Ya know Hollander and Hojo are paranoid fucks who guard their secrets very, very closely."
"Yet someone accessed the data."
"Which implies it was an inside job," the redhead finished.
The two lapsed into thought and silence settled around them. Reno became more and more anxious due to the inactivity and lack of conversation. 10 minutes later he reached his breaking point and hopped up. "I need some air yo." Tseng nodded and the redhead rose, grabbing his PHS from the floor before exiting the hut.
Reno unhurriedly rounded the hut, enjoying the chance to stretch his legs. Gods what a fucking mess. As if the reactor itself wasn't enough, now they had this other shit piled on top of it. The phrase 'mystery wrapped in an enigma' came to mind, making him chuckle.
It made perfect sense for AVALANCHE to blow the reactor. Not only would they be saving the planet, they'd be sticking it their number one enemy in the process: Shinra Electric Power Company. Yet no matter how long he considered it, it didn't make sense that Fuhito would leave evidence of any kind behind. He was fairly certain the documents had been here before the reactor explosion, which meant someone could have been hiding out but if that was the case who and why. For that matter, how did they get the documents in the first place?
As the redhead walked all noises from the village ceased and he was engulfed by total silence. Startled he looked up and discovered he'd entered the thick forest surrounding Gongaga. He found the dense band of trees unsettling. Why have a village with such a large barrier around it? Natural or not he couldn't imagine being so cut off from outsiders. No wonder no one knew about the reactor.
Reno stopped and took a few deep breaths before turning and heading back toward the village. He had taken less than 10 steps when a hand suddenly clamped down on his mouth from behind. At the same time a second hand grabbed his left wrist and a foot swept his feet out from under him. In less than five seconds he was on the ground with a knee in his back, left arm twisted painfully behind him. His right arm was free, but given the position it was impossible to reach his EMR or gun. Not knowing who his attacker was he forced himself to go completely limp in compliance. Often if an assailant thought their victim was cooperating they'd slip up, even if only a little. A little's all I need.
"I thought you were better than this."
At the voice Reno tensed and froze. Ok, gonna need more than a little, he thought, forcing himself to relax again.
"I have no intention of hurting you. As such, I'm going to remove my hand from your mouth and let you go. If you scream or go for a weapon I will run, taking valuable information with me."
Immediately the hands disappeared and Reno heard his assailant back off. He remained motionless for a moment then slowly pushed himself to his knees. With a deep breath he got up, turned, and faced his foe.
"Hello Reno. You don't seem happy to see me."
"Should I be?"
"I'm afraid I can't answer that. Only you know how you should feel."
"Cut the shit Katana, what are you doing here?"
"Probably the same thing you are, investigating. I may not be a Turk anymore but this is my hometown. A lot of innocent people died in a senseless attack," Katana replied, crossing his arms and looking off into the trees. "I want to know who did it."
Reno took in his ex-partner in silence. The man was still dressed like a Turk right down to the tie. His black, shoulder length hair was slicked back except for one unruly chunk that fell just to the right of his right eye. His skin was a bit darker than the last time he'd seen him, making the long scar on his left cheek a little more obvious. The scar was jagged and began just under his left eye, continuing down and back until his jaw line. As Katana turned back, the redhead noted that the eyes behind his thin, black wire glasses appeared a bit tired and a bit more restless than the last time he'd seen him.
"What took Shinra so long?"
"We didn't know."
"How the hell could you not know?" Katana snapped, louder than he liked.
"That information is classified," replied Reno, unfazed.
"Classified?"
"You're no longer a Turk and are in fact a fugitive. I'm under no obligation to share information with you yo."
"You are kidding me? Those people are my friends! My family!" His only response was a blink. "I thought you were my friend."
"You got a funny way of showing friendship."
"What?" Katana replied, confused.
"I accept your decision to leave the company, but did any of you ever stop to consider the consequences? Consider what would happen to those that chose to stay behind?"
"You should have left with us."
"Someone had to stay behind and clean up the fucking mess you all left," snapped the redhead.
"They would have managed just fine."
"Yeah, and where would we have gone? Off to fucking Veld land? Screw that."
"I thought you two had worked out your differences."
"Partially, but I'd just as leave not continue taking orders from him. I certainly don't want to live with him. Taking my chances with Shinra was a hell of a lot better option. Besides, I like my fucking life Katana."
"I'm surprised they didn't kill the five of you as traitors."
"We came that close," Reno said, holding the index finger and thumb of his left hand a millimeter apart. "A lot of people damn near died and every one of us is still paying the price for what we did. Standing here now, talking with you, I'm wondering if it was really worth it."
"No one twisted your arm for help."
"You're right. You're absolutely right. Thing is, I don't leave my friends out to dry," Reno retorted, tone so cold he was surprised the words didn't freeze and hit the ground the second they passed his lips. Having nothing else to say he turned and began walking away.
"I'm sorry ok?" Katana called.
"I don't want an apology. I don't even want a thank you. All I want is for you to leave. If you stay I'll be forced to take you into custody and everything we did, everything everyone sacrificed, will be for nothing," the redhead replied without turning.
"You'd do that?"
Reno stopped, turned around, and nodded. "I would and I won't have a choice much longer. You think two Turks and three SOLDIERs is all Shinra's gonna send to an accident like this?" His sometimes ex-partner shook his head. "Leave Katana, before it's too late."
"At least let me tell you what I know." The redhead looked at him with something akin to hate and he swallowed. For the first time since leaving Shinra he felt regret. Reno was right, they hadn't once considered what would happen to the Department or anyone who stayed behind, yet every one of them had stuck their neck out for them, almost getting it sliced. We were so self-centered. "Do you remember Shears?"
"One a Fuhito's commander's right?"
"Yes. He was Third in Command of AVALANCHE, second only to Elfé, Veld's daughter, in strength," Katana said, relaxing a little at the change in Reno's body language. His shoulders were slumped a little and his hands were in his pockets, which meant he wasn't quite as on edge. That's a start. "While AVALANCHE held you captive Shears left and contacted Veld, stating Elfé was in grave danger and that he wanted to meet. Naturally Veld felt it was a trap but agreed to the meeting anyway. If nothing else the man would have intel on AVALANCHE so a few of us were sent out to capture him. He never showed."
"No offense but is this goin' anywhere yo?"
"Patience never was your strong suit," Katana smiled. "In addition to his allegation that Elfé was in danger, Shears claimed to have stolen something valuable from Fuhito. At the time he contacted Veld he was staying in Gongaga. No one has seen or heard from him since, so he is missing, presumed dead."
"And yer just now gettin' around to comin' here?"
"Of course not but the last time we were here we found nothing. I thought perhaps with so much damage to the village something might have turned up."
"You expect me to believe that?"
"I'd hoped you would," Katana chuckled. He slipped his right index finger and thumb underneath his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "A direct approach then. Did you find anything in the village relating to Elfé?"
"Elfé? No."
"I see," Katana sighed. "Would you tell me if you did?"
"Depends on two things yo. One: how much of what ya told me is a lie and two: what yer after and why."
"The only thing I lied about was the part about Gongaga. The truth is we didn't learn until a week ago that Shears was ever here. By the time I got here the reactor was already destroyed and I didn't dare enter the village."
"Not even to help 'em?"
"I wanted to Reno, but there is a lot of animosity between myself and some of the villagers. I did what I could do while staying out of sight. I also admit I didn't want to risk being caught. Had Shinra found me here they would most likely have killed everyone in the village, captured me, and drug me back to Midgar to be executed."
"Yet ya approached me."
"I took a calculated risk."
"What's this thing about Elfé yo?"
"She's dying. Fuhito knew it but didn't care. Shears did and that's why he left. He and Fuhito never got along in the first place and this was the final straw. Veld thought perhaps whatever he stole from Fuhito might have something to do with Elfé's condition, or at least point us in the right direction."
Reno thought for a moment, deciding this time Katana was being honest. "I knew Veld's daughter was sick, probably dyin'. Look, we did find some data but I assure ya it has nothin' to do with Elfé, and yes, I'd tell ya if it did." There was a long pause while the redhead took a deep breath. It was too easy to forget Katana wasn't one of them anymore. He wasn't certain that was a good or bad thing, nor was he certain it mattered. Godsdamnit! "Head ta Cosmo Canyon. Bugenhagen migh' be able to help ya with the Ziconiade Materia. He was also Fuhito's mentor."
"I never mentioned the Ziconiade Materia," Katana replied, unable to hide his surprise.
"No, but Veld did." The redhead smirked as Katana's surprise grew. "To Tseng, who had me do some research before shit hit the fan. He didn't tell me there was any kinda problem with it, just that part of it was grafted into Elfé's hand. The research was 'just in case'," he said, placing air quotes around 'just in case'.
"Tseng always was very thorough," said Katana through a faint grin.
"If ya had said somethin' sooner, we might have been able to avoid some unpleasantries." Katana nodded. "I better get back before Tseng hunts me down. Ya got a PHS?"
"Yes, though of course the number has changed."
"Imagine that," Reno smirked. "Give me the number. If we find anythin' out that might help I'll call yo." Katana recited the number and gave a small smile before turning and disappearing into the forest.
Fuckin' hell, Reno thought as he turned and headed back to the hut. While it had been nice to see Katana it had obviously brought thoughts and emotions to the surface that he hadn't completely dealt with. Ain't really had any time have I?
Not all of the deserters had treated him like shit. Mostly they had just avoided him, but there were some like Katana who had been mostly friendly with him, at least away from Veld's watchful glare. Weird or not he missed them, all of them.
Reno stopped, sighed, and scuffed the ground. Now was not the time to be thinking about such things. His mind was ready to burst with everything that was going on. For just a brief moment he wished he was still on the run from Shinra with Genesis. Yeah, at the time it had sucked but at least everything had been cut and dry. Even with all the uncertainties back then it had been an 'us against them' situation. In contrast, the current situation was anything but.
He felt a sudden pang at the thought of Genesis. It had only been a few days but Gods he missed him. Pulling out his PHS he dialed the STC's number. Five rings later the voicemail picked up. Ending the call without leaving a message, the redhead scowled at his phone and returned it to his pocket. He'd tried calling the auburn several times starting back in Junon, yet he never answered. The hell is he?
The thought brought on a fresh bout of anxiety. Had he scared Genesis off by asking him to move in? Angeal had warned him to take it slow and give the auburn time. Hell, even Genesis himself had asked for time. He'd accepted it but had he gone back on his word by asking the STC to move in? Maybe. Yet thinking back Genesis hadn't seemed angry or particularly upset by the request, just surprised and hesitant. If the STC thought he'd broken his promise for time he probably would have gone off on him. He is feisty. Reno smirked, moving once more. The sooner the Gongaga mess was cleaned up, the sooner he could get back.
Reno was within 10 feet of the hut when the front door swung open. Tseng took a step out, spotted him, and stopped, eyebrow raised. "Goin' somewhere?"
Tseng nodded. "Clean up quickly. We have a dinner engagement," he said, moving back into the hut.
"With who yo?"
"The Fairs."
Reno groaned, praying to Gaia Zack's parents weren't as hyperactive as their son. "I know where the data came from," he called from the kitchen sink. "Apparently Fuhito's third in command left AVALANCHE and took it with him."
"How do you know that?"
"Katana," Reno replied without hesitation, seeing no point in lying. "I told him to scram." Tseng's head gave a slight nod of approval. "The AVALANCHE guy split while I was bein' held captive. Probably stopped here after that. He mighta left in a hurry when he realized AVALANCHE was on the move. Hell, dependin' on which way they went, they mighta headed straigh' for him and he didn't know until they were on top a him."
"Where is this person now?"
"Missing, presumed dead," Reno said, splashing water onto his face.
"Regrettably not very helpful."
"Don't know about regrettably, but it's convenient."
"Are you implying something?" Tseng asked, face blank.
"No, not really," Reno said, drying his hands and face with a kitchen towel. It was possible Katana had lied to him about that, but he wasn't certain so he kept his mouth shut. "Clean as I'm gonna get yo."
"Why did this person leave AVALANCHE?"
"Apparently it had something to do with Veld's daughter's sickness. The guy wanted to help and Fuhito didn't."
Tseng nodded, opened the door, and exited. The last time he'd talked to Veld he'd been told of his daughter's illness, though not in detail. He knew it had something to do with the Ziconiade Materia but that was about it. Could Katana's presence mean that Veld's daughter was getting worse? Or was it simply a fact-finding mission? While Reno was convinced AVALANCHE had blown the reactor, was it possible that Katana and Veld's group had something to do with it? It was extremely unlikely, but the investigative side of him refused to simply dismiss it. Like it or not at the moment the facts didn't implicate or eliminate any one person or group conclusively.
The Wutain heard Reno fall into step behind him and his thoughts shifted. As more information came in his concern for the redhead lessened and what remained shifted focus. The man's quietness and anxiety was likely linked to his subconscious. For whatever reason when Reno had laid eyes on the transmitter he had known AVALANCHE was involved. Given his experience with the group it was not surprising he would be unsettled. What concerned Tseng now was whether Reno could handle a face-to-face confrontation if that's what it came to.
Admittedly Tseng had never seen Reno hesitate in battle, yet to the best of his knowledge the man had never been placed in a situation such as this. If they had to fight the group, he was worried buried memories would surface at the wrong time. That could put not only Reno in danger, but his allies as well.
At the moment all Tseng could do was speculate and that wouldn't get him anywhere. He would simply keep an eye on Reno and if a problem arose, he'd react accordingly. Besides, the likelihood of confronting AVALANCHE was probably slim as they'd been after the group for months and hadn't gotten close. Of course they didn't have intel from Rufus now which might make tracking them down easier. Yet again the VP could still be working behind their back, however he highly doubted that. The group did possibly still have another source, but someone within the Science Department would have a hard time tracking the Turks movements. Enough! He could continue to go round and round in his head and the only thing he would accomplish would be a migraine.
Tseng managed to pull himself from his thoughts as he approached the Fair residence. He walked to the door, knocked, and took a step back to wait. The door swung open in less than a minute.
"Hey!" Zack said though a wide smile. "Mom the Turks are here!" he called over his shoulder.
"They have names, Zack," came a male voice from somewhere behind the youth.
Reno couldn't help the grin that spread across his face as the youth scowled. If that annoyed him he was in for a rude awakening at boot camp. The redhead forced his lips to straighten as the voice took on a shape. Zack's father was in his late 20's to early 30's and had dark hair with just a touch of grey here and there. His face was shorter and more triangular than his sons, however Zack had inherited his nose and mouth.
"You're being rude," said Zack's father, stopping behind his son and putting a hand on the edge of the door. "Come in, come in," he added to the Turks. Zack bounded backward and jumped from foot to foot, making his father fight not to shake his head. Where does he get his energy? "Zack go help your mother," he said, stepping back and allowing the Turks to enter.
"Good evening," Tseng said, bowing slightly.
"No need for formalities," Zack's father replied with a warm smile. "Don't believe we've met," he said, turning to the redhead.
"Nope."
Tseng fought a scowl and the urge to stomp on his subordinate's instep. "This is Reno, Assistant Director of the Department of Administrative Research."
"Really?" Zack's father replied, eyes wide with surprise.
Tseng tensed, sure Reno was going to say something biting. The redhead could be polite when he wanted to, however he usually didn't want to. He sighed in relief as Zack bounded into the room, stirring something in a large mixing bowl.
"Yeah! He showed me his ID 'cause I didn't believe it either. You should see him Dad, guys like a ninja or something!"
"If I was a ninja the whole point would be not to see me yo," Reno said, fighting a chuckle as Tseng pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Huh?" replied Zack, looking confused. "Oh I get it!" he said a few seconds later. "You're being a dick again," he scowled.
"Zack!" said the parents in unison.
"What? I was just saying!"
"Get back here before you drop that bowl. That's my last batch of cake mix," the mother called. Her tone was part scolding, part amusement.
"My apologies. Didn't mean ta get the kid in trouble," Reno said, glancing at the mother. She was short, maybe 5 feet at best, with lighter hair than her husband or son. Her face was rounder as well but he could tell she'd given some of it to Zack. The kid had her ears, forehead, and eye shape. Looking at both of them made him wonder where the hell Zack got his violent eyes, as his mother's were blue and his father's were brown. Genetics make no sense sometimes.
"It's quite alright," Zack's father smiled. "His mouth is what got him into trouble. If anything, I owe you an apology. I hope my surprise did not offend you."
"Nah, I'm used to it yo."
"How long have you been the Assistant Director?"
"Not long, six months or so."
"How long have you been with the Turks?"
Reno's face scrunched up in suspicion and he glanced at his boss. The Wutain nodded and he answered, "Two, two and a half years. Why?"
"You just seem so young."
Before Reno could reply Zack called, "He's 17!" from the kitchen.
"I'm impressed," said Zack's father, tone indicating his sincerity.
"Uh, thanks," Reno replied uncomfortably. He'd never been good at responding to compliments.
"Where are my manners?" the father mumbled to himself. "Please, have a seat on the couch there. Dinner will be ready shortly." He watched as the dark haired Turk sat down while the redheaded one moved behind the couch, taking up position about a foot behind his boss. "Ever vigilant huh?" he smiled, taking a seat in a chair three feet in front and to the left of the couch.
Reno nodded but otherwise remained silent. He darted his eyes around and noticed the living room, dining room, and kitchen all existed in an open floor plan. There was a dark hallway in the back of the living room and he assumed it led to the bedrooms and bathroom.
Zack's parents seemed friendly enough but the place had him on edge. It took him several moments to figure out why: it reminded him of life before Shinra. The kid's parents didn't seem much like his own, it was the house that did it.
The house was comfortable enough but it was obvious the family didn't have a lot of gil. The brown couch and two matching chairs were old and worn, all sporting patches in several places where the upholstery had been rubbed away or slits had been made to replace stuffing. The rest of the furniture included two end tables, a coffee table, a sideboard, a dining table with two benches instead of chairs, and a large china cabinet. All were wooden and pocked, scarred, and scratched in several places. The wooden floor and kitchen cabinets were in similar shape.
While everything was battered, the place was spotless. Everything was in its proper place and there wasn't a speck of dust to be seen. Reno had a feeling the cleanliness had nothing to do with the fact that guests were present; it was probably always that way. To him it was a sign that the parents were content with their life and gil was only a small part of their world.
At that, melancholy settled over the redhead like a blanket. In a village like this one could get by without much gil. Families often grew their own food, made their own clothes, and if worse came to worse the community would band together to help those in need. That wasn't the case in a city like Midgar, certainly hadn't been the case in the slums of Sector 3. People had to work themselves to the bone and fight for every gil they could get. Being penniless and homeless was practically a death sentence as few wasted a glance or a pang of sympathy on the less fortunate. Community bonding was completely nonexistent and it was each man, woman, and child for themselves.
Reno couldn't help but wonder how differently things might have turned out had he been born in a place like this. Would his parents still have been so distant with him? So focused on work and whatever else that had kept them at arm's length? How different would he be if they'd paid more attention to him, spent more time with him? Would he still have become one of Shinra's top black ops experts, willing to kill without batting an eye?
The redhead shook his thoughts aside with a mental scowl. Who the hell cared how things might have been? Obviously you do. Great, another mental fight. It's all right to wonder. Yeah? Where the hell is wonderin' gonna get me? Nowhere. I'm content with my life thank you. Are you? Yes. Is simply being content enough? The internal battle came to an abrupt halt. Was it enough to simply be content?
Being content meant one was satisfied, but in terms of life what did that mean exactly? Did it mean just waking up one day and saying 'I'm content' then never trying for anything better again? Or maybe it was a way to try and trick oneself into believing they're happy when they really aren't. People often said 'I'm content' when what they really wanted to say was 'I can't or won't go any farther or do anymore,' 'I'm tired of trying,' or 'this is the way things will always be no matter what I do.' Ifrit's Hellfire was anyone ever truly satisfied with every aspect of their life? When the hell did I get so… so philosophical? Too much time with Tseng.
Reno inwardly smiled as his thoughts continued to crash around. As far as basic needs went he didn't want or need for anything. Many might claim contentment with that alone, but he decided he wouldn't. Yes he had a steady, high paying job that he was satisfied with but it wasn't like he couldn't improve. Why settle for mediocre when he could do better, be better? That meant he wasn't entirely satisfied, not entirely contented. He had an apartment but he didn't own it nor was it exactly a home; more room for improvement and more malcontent.
Those things, while important, were not the only thing in life. Hell, in a way they were probably the least important things in life. If he lost his job, all his gil, and his apartment it would suck, but he could start again. All of it was replaceable and for that matter there were some things gil couldn't help with at all, namely relationships, an area he needed to seriously work on.
Growing up, Reno's parents had never really been there when he'd needed or wanted them. He'd had to learn to do everything for himself and as he got older he'd relied less and less on people. Eventually he flat out stopped relying on anyone but himself and his self-reliance had been, and still was, a point of pride. Yet for perhaps the first time he understood it was also a hindrance. He'd become so independent, so convinced he could take care of himself and do everything himself, that he often didn't even give others a chance. If something needed done he'd find time to do it and move on, never considering that someone else may be able to help or would even enjoy helping. Hell, they might even be able to do a better job than him. For that matter, he wasn't even one hundred percent sure who could even help with what since he didn't know anyone all that well. Shit. In part his self-reliance had stopped him from getting to know people as there was little bonding over common interests, tasks, or chores. The truly weird thing about all this was that he trusted, nay, relied, on people to watch his back in battle. Shiva I'm fucked up.
While his independence was an issue, he wasn't fool enough to think it was the only issue. No, there was something else that kept him from opening up or getting to close: fear. He was afraid to get to close to anyone. Afraid to become reliant on someone or get to know them all that well.
Reno's thoughts came to such an abrupt halt he wondered if he'd staggered. With a quick glance he determined that if he had, no one had noticed or they weren't going to say anything. Thank Gaia. His eyes drifted to Tseng, who was sipping on tea that the redhead didn't remember being offered. Not very vigilant.
Looking at his boss Reno mentally groaned and fought the urge to slap himself in the face. His last thoughts had seemed eerily familiar and looking at Tseng he knew why. Apparently he was more like the Wutain than he realized.
Less than a week ago the two had been sitting in Tseng's office having a chat about the man's feelings for Rufus. He distinctly remembered saying, "Whether consciously or not, you use any excuse you can to keep people at a safe distance," to his boss. At the time it had seemed an apt description of the Wutain, and it was, but he hadn't realized it applied to himself as well, though perhaps for different reasons.
Reno didn't know Tseng's reasons for holding people at arm's length because it wasn't something they'd talked about. As for himself, simply put, he was afraid they'd die and he didn't know if he could handle that. While he didn't know if he'd admit it out loud, the Turk desertion had shaken him. People he'd gotten somewhat close to where suddenly gone, leaving nothing but a hole. Yeah, they weren't dead but in many ways they might as well be.
Yet thinking about it now, wasn't he handling the loss fairly well? It seemed he had some pent up anger toward some of them but it wasn't like he was all weepy and at a loss. He was sure it would be harder if someone actually died, but wouldn't it be just as bad, if not worse, to live with regret for not getting to know them better when he'd had the chance? So get to know them, you're stronger than you think.
Reno glanced back down at Tseng and wondered how well we really knew him. Most of what he 'knew' was based on instinct, bits and pieces of things he'd managed to put together from things the man said, and from his files at Shinra. Sad thing was he was closer to Tseng than any other Turk, which obviously wasn't saying much. He knew a tad about Rude from missions they'd worked together, but as far as Elena and Cissnei were concerned, he didn't know shit beyond their files, which left out anything personal. His conclusion: he really didn't know a damned one of them. How fucking depressing. The redhead wanted to laugh aloud as he realized the closest thing to a friend he had was Rufus. Shit, we are gal pals!
An image of Genesis flashed behind the redhead's eyes and he was suddenly determined not to make the same mistake with the auburn that he'd obviously made with everyone else. He thought he was off to a good start because he'd already opened up more to the STC than he had with anyone, aside from maybe Tseng and of course Rufus. That aside, the problem with this particular relationship might not come from him, but from the auburn himself.
It was painfully obvious that Genesis had serious reservations about getting close to others, but he wasn't sure of the cause. Angeal had implied the STC either lacked confidence in himself or if he didn't like himself very much on top of being closed off and having a tendency to push others away. He could name a few times where the lack of confidence showed and where he was closed off. The only time Genesis had pushed him away was if he hit a sore spot or pissed him off. In all honestly he didn't know him well enough to say that he did or didn't like himself.
Reno had no illusions that getting to know Genesis was likely to be difficult. Would the auburn continue to shut him out regardless of how much time passed or what he said or did, all the while never giving him a reason why? He seriously hoped not but he had no way to know. Or did he and he was refusing to see it? The STC hadn't answered any of his calls since he left Midgar. Was that a hint that he was refusing to get? Never been great with hints. After a moment he decided it didn't matter. Even if it was a hint he wouldn't leave the man alone until he told him too, even if that meant risking his ire.
"Hey!"
The redhead fought to keep his skeleton inside his skin and told his heart breaking ribs was a bad idea.
"You a doper or something?" Zack asked, trying to scowl through a smirk.
"Zack!" called the father.
"It's called bein' deep in thought. I know ya wouldn't know anythin' about it, but don' knock others for havin' a brain yo."
"Reno!" Tseng snapped.
"Heh, sounds like I'm not the only one in trouble," snickered Zack.
Zack's mother came up behind the pair, smacked her son on the back of the head before scooting them both to the kitchen table. "Sit," she commanded, pointing to one of the benches.
Reno and Zack shared a conspiratorial look after they'd sat. Tseng sent a glare the redhead's way and his face quickly went blank. Satisfied, the Wutain returned to his conversation with Zack's father while his mother began walking around the table and spooning servings onto everyone's plate. Once finished she sat and dinner passed by smoothly with scattered conversation, mostly between the parents and Tseng as Reno and Zack were intent on devouring everything that came their way.
Once everyone was full and only a few blobs of food remained, Zack's mother shooed everyone back into the living room and began clearing the table. Zack's father returned to his chair, Tseng to the couch, and Reno to his position behind his boss. Zack plopped into the second chair. After a moment Zack's mother appeared with coffee and a cake.
"Just a simple chocolate bunt cake, but it tastes good just the same. Do be careful, it's hot!" she said cheerfully before returning to the kitchen.
Zack's father picked up the coffee pot with a glance at the Turks. The Wutain nodded but the redhead shook his head. He poured two cups as Zack began to eagerly cut the cake. Finished pouring, he handed the dark Turk a cup and poured some creamer into his own. "I've spoken with SOLDIER Second Class Hewley about what Zack can expect in Midgar. You really think he can make it?" he asked, looking straight at Reno.
"If I didn't think he had potential I wouldn't have recruited him," Reno replied with a subtle 'no matter what you wanted' in his tone. Zack's father smiled faintly and looked relieved and the redhead nodded in understanding. The father was trying to reassure himself that he had done the right thing. "I'll make sure he's taken care of yo."
"I can take care of myself!" Zack said. The next thing he knew there was something cold and hard pressed against his throat.
"Ya think you can take me slick?" purred Reno, feeling Zack swallow through his EMR.
"N-no."
"Then I guess ya can't take care of yerself yet," Reno chuckled, removing his EMR from Zack's throat. He slid it closed on his leg before returning to his position behind the couch, feeling Tseng's eyes on him the entire time.
"What the hell was that for!" Zack yelped, voice slightly shaky. He leaned forward and angrily shifted a piece of cake to a small serving plate.
"Overconfidence and arrogance will get ya injured or worse."
"You're a dick, you know that?"
"Hard ta forget when ya keep reminding me yo," grinned the redhead.
"Good. I'll keep reminding you too," Zack grinned back, stuffing a bite of cake into his mouth.
Tseng blinked and fought the urge to shake his head. One second the two were at each other's throats, literally, the next they were fine. Almost like brothers. Thank Leviathan Zack was joining SOLDIER because the last thing he needed was a mini-Reno.
Zack's father had resisted the urge to defend his son when the Turk pinned him. He knew the redhead wasn't really going to hurt Zack and that the Wutain would interfere if things went too far, but his parental instincts screamed at him. He resigned himself to the fact that very soon there wouldn't be a damned thing he could do about it even if he wanted to. His son had wanted to join SOLIDER for years and with the village in ruins, there was no better time. Like it or not he wouldn't be around to protect him so he might as well start drilling the idea into his brain. Besides, while the redhead was a bit harsh he had a point and Zack had better get used to harsh since he doubted boot camp was going to be a walk in the park.
"Zack there are a few documents that you must look over and sign before we leave," Tseng said, breaking the silence and pulling folded papers from his inner jacket pocket.
"A few?" exclaimed Zack, setting his cake down and taking the papers. "More like a freakin' book. What is all this?"
"Authorization forms, consent forms, several forms on Shinra policies and procedures, confidentiality agreements, forms that explain your rights within the company, forms that explain the SOLDIER program and the risks thereof, and forms detailing military and SOLDIER payment and benefits," Tseng summarized.
"That's, uh, a lot of forms," blinked Zack, confused and overwhelmed.
"Basically if you wanna join you gotta authorize us to pick yer life apart from the day you were born. Assumin' we don't find any nasty, deep, dark secrets we'll take ya to Midgar where you'll be put though mental and physical hell, during which time ya got no say in a damned thing and they'll pay ya shit, but yer basic expenses are covered so it don't matter. If ya manage to live though boot camp and make the cuts for SOLDIER, you'll get turned into a human lab rat and Shinra probably owns yer ass until ya die. If at any time you go AWOL or run yer mouth, we'll hunt you down and euthanize ya like a dog."
The redhead finished and looked at his boss. Several times during his 'speech' Tseng had called his name in an attempt to get him to stop. "Everything I said is the godsdamned truth and ya know it."
"You could have put it much more tactfully," growled Tseng through clenched teeth, flicking eyes at Zack's parents, who had gone pale.
"Why fuckin' sugarcoat it? Kids got a right to know, in plain fuckin' English, what the hell he's gettin' himself into," Reno replied. He looked at the mother, then the father before speaking again. "Yeah, probably sucked to hear all that but wouldn't ya rather Zack be told in a way he understands over readin' it in jargon only a lawyer can make sense of?" Both parents nodded and he looked back to Zack. "Any questions?"
"Eh, yeah. What happens if I don't make the, uh, cuts to get into SOLDIER?"
"Then ya go into the regular military and dependin' on what cut you didn't make to get into SOLDIER, ya may be able to reapply for the program every six months. Ya won't get turned into a lab rat or make as much gil, but after four years yer free to leave the company if ya want. Anything else?"
"Got a pen?"
Reno nodded, reached into his pocket, and pulled out a pen. He held it out as he said, "Once ya sign those documents that's it. There ain't no goin' back."
"First that speech, now this. Are you trying to talk me out of it? Or do you just not like SOLIDER?" Zack asked suspiciously.
"Neither. Shinra's the best thing that ever happened to me and who knows, it might be for you too. Just givin' you a chance to make sure this is what ya really want. You can go over the papers and sign right before we leave if ya want." Zack shook his head. "It's your call, but understand that if ya wake up tomorrow havin' changed yer mind it won't matter how much ya cry, scream, or beg, you'll still be leavin' with us. As for the SOLDIER program, I don't have a problem with it. Like I said, I just wanna make sure you understand what yer in for."
Zack stared at the offered pen in thought. It was one thing to fantasize about being a hero, another to face the reality of it. Was he prepared to deal with it all? To have most, if not all, of his individually and privacy stripped away? To get screamed at, possibly humiliated, and pushed to the breaking point both mentally and physically? To keep his mouth shut and follow orders even if he disagreed? Prepared to deal with possibly becoming a lab rat?
Reno watched the thoughts flash across the youth's face. He knew his words had been harsh but he'd wanted to make sure he got through to the kid. More than once someone had gone into the program and not been ready for it. They'd cry and beg to be let go to no avail. Often they became nothing but a shell and were among the first to die in battle. Less rarely someone would bolt and the Turks were dispatched to eliminate them. It was sad, heartbreaking even, but it was how things were. Whether he acted like it or not he liked this kid and didn't want to see that happen to him. Even with what he had said he couldn't guarantee it wouldn't happen, but at least he could say he'd tried.
After a few more moments Zack stood and his eyes locked with Reno's. He didn't know what the Turk saw, but he swore he saw some tension drain from the man. Without a word, he leaned forward, took the offered pen, and signed his name on the first document next to an X.
"Welcome to Shinra, Cadet Fair," Reno said with a faint nod.
"So if I'm gonna be a SOLDIER doesn't that mean we're like enemies now or something?" Zack grinned, signing another page.
"Heh, I thought we already were yo," chuckled the redhead.
Tseng's gaze traveled from Zack's hand to his parents, finding an almost identical look of acceptance and anxiousness on both their faces. He nodded at both and glanced over his shoulder at Reno, where copper-brown locked onto sky blue. Without a word he knew that the redhead felt the same way he did. While neither fully understood the feeling, it felt as though something had been set into motion and all they could do now was watch and wait, but for what neither of them knew.