Days of Exile

Thank you for waiting one whole month for this chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 45 – Old Ties and Bonds

Previously on Days of Exile…

With the confusion of Meia and Matilda lifted, Reno and Meia knew that they could not be together much longer. They both had tasks to do, and people to save.

Back in Rod's garage, the Turks celebrated the reunion of everyone except for Jasper, who was still in Bone Village planning his wedding. In no time at all, the former Turks were ready to rock and roll, just like old times.

Now that he has returned to the Shinra Building, Tseng felt the pressure of everyone expecting results. However, a phonecall with Reeve Tuesti assured Tseng that at least some one was doing something right. Out in the streets of Midgar, Elena finally discovered that the Turk who had saved her from the Ravens many years ago was Meia.

With Professor Hojo finally killed by AVALANCHE… all that was left was to destroy Meteor and save the Planet…

Seven days.

In a normal perspective, seven days is nothing much. A simple Monday to Sunday routine. Five days of work, 2 days of rest and recreation. Then, the cycle would repeat to no end. Not for Gaia.

Seven days.

A long time for children wanting to grow up, a short time for adults working against deadlines. However, none of them would probably have to worry about that anymore.

Seven days.

Before Meteor strikes the Planet, wiping it off the Cosmos once and for all.

14 January 0008

A quiet office was at the end of the corridor of level 57, Shinra Building. In the office, there was nothing adorning the clean, immaculate area. There was just a simple certificate on the partition, stating the completion of the beginner Turk course that every Turk had to go through when they were first employed. The desk was spotless, save a pencil holder and a desktop computer. There was a potted plant, now withered due to the occupant's long leave of absence. A whiteboard was mounted on the wall, now wiped clean of its original schedules and plans.

Inside the office, the man was speaking in his PHS. His tone was calm and in control, but inside he felt frustration and irritation towards the person on the other side of the line. "Yes, sir… Yes…" A long pause as the speaker rattled about something unimportant. "The Turks will go according as you've planned, Mr Heidegger."

"You better be!" breathed Heidegger heavily. "I will not have Shinra be insulted again by that scheming, conniving AVALANCHE! Did I tell you how they destroyed my Proud Clod?"

"Yes. Yes you did, sir."

"No!" retorted Heidegger. "You don't know the extent of how humiliated they made me… I mean, Shinra feel! I want every Turk to go out and find AVALANCHE and bring them down!"

With that, the phone line went dead. Tseng stared at the PHS and sighed. Deploying his three members to find a terrorist group that could always escape from their clutches was a waste of efforts. He placed his phone on the table and sat down with another sigh.

Seven more days…

Tseng looked at his office. It was the office that he had been given when he was promoted to second in-charge, under Veld. Even though Veld was no longer in Shinra, Tseng could not bring himself to go to Veld's office and make himself home there. So Tseng remained in the original office floors. It was easier to communicate with Reno, Rude and Elena this way too. Due to the bigger office space, the four of them gathered by his table for meetings. It was more convenient, and they did not have to feel awkward with any vast amount of space that used to hold more people.

He quickly pulled his thoughts from a certain group of people and back onto work. No one has ever been in such a global crisis. Tseng had to admit that Reno did a fairly good job managing the Turks while he was away. When Reno handed back the leadership role to him, Tseng remembered the cheeky redhead sighing. "You are better suited for this job, Tseng." Reno had said in relief.

Tseng was not so sure about that. He was unsure about many things, it was just that he did not show it to the others. Everyone looked up to him for answers, for directions, for assurance. Contrary to popular belief, Tseng did not have all the answers. He could not be assured himself that the instructions and plans that he made were going to work out. Who would know what to do in such a big incoming disaster? There were only a few that had led others in times of crisis… but…

He felt something against his hand. It was his PHS, lying on the table silently. There was an urge to pick up the phone, dial through the secret channels, dial his number... Veld would know what to do.

Tseng was just human. He was not almighty. He was just as normal as any other Turk, and just as unsure as any other Midgar civilian. The difference was that he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders. Shinra declared themselves the overseer of global issues, and they sought control in every aspect of life. Even if it means compromising the people's safety and happiness. So Tseng worked for the interests of the company… while ignoring his own interests.

Yes, Tseng had long forgotten his own values and interests. He did not need to account or explain to anybody anymore. His family, if he had one, was gone. He had nobody outside the Turks to speak of.

Like it or not, Shinra was all he had left.

Veld was the ideal Turk, in Tseng's opinion. He could execute his duties yet show enough concern towards his subordinates. Veld was committed to his job, so committed that he did not hesitate to sacrifice his entire family to their deaths in the fire at Kalm. Thereafter, Tseng thought that Veld had lost himself sometimes. Veld would throw himself into his work, showing signs of emotions at rare times. Tseng often wondered how Veld could work in Shinra knowing that Shinra was responsible for making him eradicate Kalm.

And why would Veld choose him, of all qualified Turks, to take over his leadership?

Abandon fear… take back your pride… You are a Turk…

He could still remember the words that Veld spoke to him, when he was a rookie.

No, Tseng said to himself, putting the PHS down. I won't rely on Veld for help. There must be a reason that he entrusted the burden to me from the beginning. I must trust in his judgement, even if I can't trust in myself. This is a problem while I'm in charge. I will solve my own problems.

He just had to learn how. Now that the President was safely out of the way, there were many important things to do. None of them as pressing as ensuring the safety of Rufus Shinra, but important nevertheless.

Tseng twirled his silver ball-point pen between his fingers, thinking. He would need to fulfill his side of Reeve's plan. There's no knowing if Reno, Rude and Elena could finish the evacuation by Meteorfall. There were more people in the slums, and he did not know what the situation of the evacuation was like in the Lower Plates, apart from the fact that some of the exiled Turks were doing it. He also needed to collaborate with food vendors to see if there will be enough food to feed Midgar for a few days. There were also information stored in the Shinra Building that he probably needed to transport over for reference.

And there's AVALANCHE, who was busy with things that Reeve did not tell him. Heidegger was bent on killing them. In fact, he was so committed to his desire that he seemed blind to the bigger issue ahead.

Curses, what are all the executives doing at a time like this? He thought in frustration, scratching his hair wildly. Am I the only one who is worried about what is going to happen? He drew a deep sigh. If all else fails, I'll just get hold of whoever I have with me and leave Midgar…

He stopped himself. Reeve would not be happy, and Tseng would not want that either. As much as possible, Tseng hoped to evacuate everyone. He wondered if Veld was in his position now, would he make the call to focus on hunting down AVALANCHE? Or sacrifice that opportunity to evacuate the citizens of Midgar?

Tseng knew the 'right' answer, but he could not do it. He was unable to do things with such sheer commitment like Veld, no matter how hard he tried. Tseng was not Veld.

Over the years, Tseng found himself doing things that he knew might lead him into trouble. The decision to overlook the existence of the rogue Turks, the decision to stay in Shinra despite the possibility of losing his life for infidelity, the decision to take up leadership of the remaining Turks, the decision to finally take action against Aerith Gainsborough, the decision to confront Sephiroth in the Temple of Ancients... All were done for one sole reason.

Protection of his comrades.

No matter how much he wanted to be heartless and work-committed, Tseng found it a little difficult to ignore a group of people whom he used to fight with side-by-side.

He opened a drawer by his table. His office looked like it lacked personal adornments, but the drawer told a different story. A hand written card from Cissnei, a set of throwing knives from Katherine, a book called "Finding True Love" from Cassie, a tin of Earl Fray tea from Jasper, the silver ball-point pen from Meia, shoe polish from Haato. Other gifts had been consumed or currently in use. An "All" Materia from Reno and Rude, a fresh bouquet of flowers handpicked by Aerith many years ago, a mini dumbbell from Zack Fair who claimed that the Turks were not exercising enough…

There were practical gifts (except Cassie's), something that Tseng preferred, given by people whom he could not protect, and people whom he swore he would protect from now on…

Letting go of Veld and Elfe was one of the hardest and easiest decisions he had to make. And he was glad he did it. Many years ago, Veld had given him a difficult lessons to learn. Veld was furious that Tseng did not commit himself to the mission at all costs, yet Veld saved Tseng during the next mission, earning himself scars on his face to carry for the rest of his life. Despite the harsh expectations the job held, Veld saved Tseng's life. All Tseng did was returning the favour when he let the father and daughter go scot-free.

What an irony, sir, he laughed to himself inside. When you wanted me to take up leadership of the Turks, you were hoping that I would govern with a strict and merciless hand. You hoped that I would be a Turk that does his mission at any costs… Turns out that I did not live up to half your expectations.

He thought, with a smile, of the rare occasions that Veld did things that were out of the ordinary. When Veld became a leader, he accepted people from all walks of life as Turks, even from enemy camps like Cissnei. He risked Heidegger's wrath by retrieving his Turk leadership. He sacrificed himself so that Shinra would not hurt Jasper.

How did he not understand Veld's intentions and rationale until now? A Turk should not be affected by his own feelings in his job. What a hypocrite. You were never cold and merciless. I had not realized just how much you cared for all of us until you were gone.

Tseng straightened his expression and grabbed his PHS and gun, ready to rendezvous with Reno and the others.

I will do the best that I can, and not let you down, sir.

Sector 5. It was amazing how even with the incoming disaster, business was as usual in Wall Market. Meia and Legend stood at the entrance, gazing at the lights and sounds in wonder.

It took a bit out of Meia not to go to Sector 4 to do the evacuation. She did the best she could in allocating, and she made the decision to send someone else to the place of her childhood. She would not know to handle people whom she had grown up with during her childhood. There was an unknown saying that "no prophet is accepted in his own country". Meia was not going to try and see if that was true.

"Well now," sighed Legend. "What do we do? Reeve has already sent out the nation-wide broadcast."

Meia made a face. "These people don't care, do they?"

"Well, I'm quite sure that the others are having it easy." Legend groaned loudly. "Why did you throw me the hard jobs to do?"

"Aww come on," said Meia with a cheeky grin. "You haven't been working much of your muscles anyway. Here's the golden opportunity."

The bomb master's jaw dropped. "Excuse me? I am still in tip top condition!" He flexed his muscles to make a point. "I have many Wutaian girls who can vouch for me."

"Argh, you're disgusting." Meia rolled her eyes.

Legend pretended to look offended. "Don't talk as if you are above it all..." His cheeky expression became a genuine shock when Meia did not reply. "No way!" He laughed. "You and Reno have not done it!"

"Shut up," said Meia crossly. "We don't even see each other much, much less do that kind of stuff." She blushed. "Not everyone is as desperate as you."

The blond man really looked offended this time. "Little Meia is so harsh towards me!" He said with a mock-hurting tone. "Once upon a time, you would run towards me and prance around me like a little puppy."

The girl whom Legend always half regarded like a sister turned around and gave a sly smile. "No more little puppy, 'Brother Legend'. Get over it!"

The duo entered Sector 5, politely refusing solicitations from lovely girls from the Honey Bee Inn and charismatic shop owners. Since the rumoured death of Don Corneo, everyone thought that Honey Bee Inn would cease to exist. However, business went on as usual. There were speculations that Shinra has taken over the brothel but no one could be sure.

Around them, stores and customers bustled about, haggling and chatting in loud voices. Meia stared at them with disbelief. Why were they still doing business as usual when the broadcast has been given for them to prepare for evacuation? Meia and Legend exchanged a glance. They would need to do some investigation first.

"Hello," came a man dressed in a standard uniform for inns. "Would the two of you like a place to stay in for the night? We've got lovely rooms for couples like you."

Meia blushed, realizing that the man had misunderstood them. Legend grinned and slung an arm around Meia's shoulder. "That sounds great!" He said with a smug smile. "My girlfriend and I were just around the area." Meia played along by putting and arm around Legend's waist.

"Wonderful," beamed the innkeeper. "Would you come right this way?"

As the man reentered his inn, Meia nudged Legend's ribs. "What did you do that for?" She hissed.

The bomb-master's expression was innocent. "Do what?"

"Why do we need to act like civilians?" Meia asked again. "Reeve and Tseng have given us the permission to use the Turks' name for this operation."

Legend shook his head, as though Meia was asking a very silly question. "Just play along, little Meia."

And she did. When they entered the inn after the innkeeper, Meia said, "Thank goodness you have rooms in this place. All the other sectors were closing due to the evacuation." She looked around the cosy setting of the inn. No signs of packing or other disturbances.

"Pshh!" scoffed the man. "Wall Market will never close! Even if Shinra wants to scare us with a stupid meteor, we will always be in business!"

Meia frowned. "But there really is a meteor."

The man laughed. "And now you are trying to be funny!"

"No," pressed Meia. "You have to believe me. I am not joking."

The man's face turned dark. "If you are going to continue making false accusations, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Meia opened her mouth, but before she could utter a word, her partner pulled her away. "I'm sorry my girlfriend is so upset," apologized Legend with a bright smile. "She gets a little delusional sometimes. Let us just calm down outside, okay honey?" Trying hard not to cringe, Meia followed Legend out of the inn. Once outside, they dropped their facades.

"So… delulsional, huh?"

"Don't go confrontational on me now," commented Legend lightly. "Anyway, seems that they think that Meteor is a hoax." Meia did not reply. Legend scratched his fuzzy orange hair at the nape of his neck. "Honestly, I believe they know. They have just given up on wanting to escape. They are just hiding it."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Meia said. "Let's go convince them that we are going to save them!" She skittered off in the direction of Honey Bee Inn.

"Meia, wait!" Legend shouted. He groaned at her brashness. "Meia!" When Legend ran over, Meia was asking questions. "Meia!" He grabbed her arm and spoke sharply. "What are you doing?"

Meia pointed at the Honey Bee girl. "I was asking if she knew where the sector head is."

"Who?" Legend asked, but inwardly he was relieved that she was seeking alternatives. For a moment, he imagined Meia in her rashness, grabbing a microphone and announcing the evacuation like that. Legend was glad that Meia was not THAT reckless. Perhaps she did learn some things about being a Turk after all.

The Honey Bee girl blinked at them stupidly. "Who?"

What's with her? Meia thought. The term 'sector head' was a secret responsibility for people who took the initiative to lead the remaining six sector slums. Since the destruction of Zirconiade that obliterated Sector 6, the slum citizens felt that Shinra no longer cared about their well-being. The sector head was something like a village chief, and their roles were kept secret from Shinra, in case Shinra suspected it as a coup. It's understandable that Legend did not know the new term, since he had been away in Wutai. But not forgivable to someone who lives in the slums!

"The Sector Head!" Meia repeated. "You know… the man who governs… who leads…" She groaned, trying to find a simpler way to explaining to the girl. "The one who decides everything in Sector 5!"

"Ooh!" exclaimed the girl with a clap of her hands. "You must be talking about Bear-bear!"

It was Meia's turn to be confused. "Who?" asked Meia, but the girl had already bounced back into the brothel, calling out endearment names. Meia and Legend exchanged skeptical glances. "All leaders with some sort of power are regular patrons in this place, don't they?"

Legend grinned. "Can't say much about that. After all, Honey Bee Inn is the only red-light district in the whole of Midgar. Even Reeve is a customer here… although it's not for his personal pleasure," he quickly added when there was a look of horror on the girl's face.

"How do you know about all these things?" Meia asked in awe. "All these information about the customers in Honey Bee Inn?"

He threw her a cheeky smile. "It takes one to know another."

Meia rolled her eyes. "Why did I even ask?"

"Bear-bear is here!" The girl announced chirpily.

Thank you for reading.