Wasted Chapter 10
Delicate Matters
By Lila
The Turk staffroom seemed to be the site of many surprises today, and the new rookie was about to get her share. Elena was just settling down for her morning break when a red-haired man sauntered in, glancing about as if looking for someone. He saw her- she knew he did- but his eyes merely passed through her as though she didn't exist.
He was tall, but thin, with a laid-back stance that suggested a carefree persona; but there was an intensity about him, especially in his green eyes. Of course, twin scars under each eye may have accentuated the impression Overall, he was surprisingly good-looking, but definitely dangerous.
He noticed her staring and raised one eyebrow, as though to say, What are you looking at? By now his degrading silence was grating on her. She would have to be the first to speak.
Elena cleared her throat self-consciously and stood up. May I help you? she said politely, thinking she sounded much too like a secretary. Maybe he needed help- he looked to be injured.
When he spoke, he sounded scornful. Im looking for Rude.
Oh! she exclaimed suddenly, realizing who he had to be. Youre Reno, arent you? Rude had mentioned earlier his partner might come by, and had instructed her to make sure he didnt leave.
Reno gave a single nod, a quick jerk of the head. Yeah.
So he was a Turk. That was surprising; with the state of his uniform, she would have mistaken him for a street punk. Compared with Rude and Tseng, who were always meticulous in their appearance, Reno looked like hed slept in his clothes. Well, from what she knew of him, maybe he had.
Well? he said impatiently. Wheres Rude?
Hell be a few minutes, she replied, sitting back down on the couch. Have a seat.
He ignored her offer and instead leaned against the wall, watching her carefully. He said nothing, and the oppressive silence began to make Elena uncomfortable. She started talking to fill in the quiet.
Im getting used to the job by now, she began, trying to engage Reno in conversation. Its not that hard, really. Mostly paperwork, but Tseng says well be tracking Cloud and the others, too. Thats why I was hired, because theyre getting too much to handle, with you out of work. But mostly were going after Sephiroth, because he killed the president and all-
For the first time, Reno looked interested. Sephiroth? Who saw him? he demanded.
Pleased to have finally won a response, Elena said, I think it was Palmer, head of the Space Exploration Department. He-
Palmer, Reno repeated, sounding like he didnt believe it. That fat tub of lard? Everyone believed him?
Someone killed the president, Elena pointed out. Not to mention many innocent employees.
Rude didnt mention this, Reno murmured, more than a little pissed off. Elena, of course, didnt know the cause of his obvious anger and assumed it was sorrow for those who had died.
Yeah, isnt it terrible? she blurted, talking faster than before. There was blood everywhere! They even had to get the Turks involved- this was before they asked me to join- to try and hunt them down. But it was useless. Cloud and his pals took advantage of the confusion and escaped-
You like to talk, dont you? Reno interrupted dryly.
Elena didnt know whether he was angry or amused. Childhood habit, she admitted, busying her self with straightening her uniform. It always happens when Im nervous.
Reno smirked. She and Rude would make the perfect pair- one talked too much, the other rarely said anything at all. I make you nervous?
Elena had the idea he was baiting her, and she didnt like it. I should think youd make anyone nervous, she snapped. Just look at the state of your hair! And your uniform! Good Lord, what had possessed her to say that? The man was dangerous!
Reno slowly looked down at himself, than back at her. His expression was blank. Your point being?
You dont look professional. Elena folded her arms impertinently. Not at all.
Reno surprised her by laughing. Dont you try to talk to me about professionalism, baby, he said languidly, leaning against the wall again.
Elena wasnt sure how to react- no one had ever called her baby before. Was it an insult? A come-on? And she still had the impression he was laughing at her.
She suddenly decided she didnt want to talk to him anymore. Ill Ill go find Rude, she said hurriedly, stepping to the door. Just as she flung it open, Rude himself strode in.
Hey, Rude, Reno greeted from his position against the wall. His eyes flickered the Elena. Just getting to know our new recruit. He winked.
Yknow, I think she kinda likes me. Sorry, babe, but I could never be a one-woman man.
Elena glared at him, spat out, You jerk!, and stalked out of the room.
I said I was sorry! Reno called after her.
Rude ignored this and sank down on the couch. I need some sleep, he muttered, removing his dark lenses. It revealed for once the jagged scar that crossed over his right eye. None of the wounds Kaiser had inflicted- physical and otherwise- had faded or disappeared. They were simply too deep to heal on their own.
Well, before you go beddy-bye, maybe you can explain something to me, Reno drawled sarcastically, moving to lean on the back of the couch.
Such as? Rude didnt look at him.
Such as why you never told that Sephiroth came and annihilated half our staff!
Because I didnt think youd care. Rude stopped rubbing his eyes and replaced the shades.
I didnt until I talked to Hojo.
Rude stood and turned to face him. And?
I think hes a psycho. Reno yawned. He was going on about lab rats and the Lifestream and dead guys walked around stabbing people. Whyd you want me to talk to him, anyway?
To figure something out.
Reno didnt buy it. What do you care?
Rude hesitated. Whether what he suspected was true or not, he had the gut feeling Reno shouldnt know about it. It wouldnt take much to set his friend off, he knew, and he wasnt sure he wanted to see Renos reaction.
I cant tell you just yet, he said at last. Just take my word for it. I swear, Reno, I would tell you if I could.
Reno sighed. You dont trust me?
Rude said nothing. He wasnt going to lie.
All right, man. Reno shook his head. Cant really blame you, I wouldnt trust me, either. Just dont do anything stupid, okay?
Okay. Rude sat back down. Now tell me about Hojo.
Elena stalked down the hall, still fuming about Reno. Just who did that jerk
think he was? She couldnt believe she would have to put up with him-
and every day at work! The others were okay: Rude was kind of quiet, but
very nice. Tseng was
she didnt know. He seemed to be waiting for
her to prove herself to him. He was firm in his expectations, but basically
a nice guy. He emitted the kind of aura that made her want to live up to
his standards. She was desperate to impress him, to make him see she was
right for this job. She knew they all doubted she could handle it, although
Rude and Tseng were both too polite to say so. Reno was scornful of her,
and had made it plainly obvious. And now she had him to impress as well as
Tseng and Rude! She sighed irritably and ran her fingers through her blond
hair. It was already hopelessly mussed, and it wasnt even noon yet.
Come to think of it, she hadnt really done anything all day. A little
paperwork, some filing, but nothing that made her feel especially useful.
Was this all that the Turks were about? Shed have to ask Tseng if there
was something she should be doing.
Excuse me, Miss?
She whirled around to face a little man in a white labcoat. It was only then she realized shed wandered so far down the halls she no longer had any idea where she was. In fact, she was lost.
The man made a sweeping bow. I am Professor Hojo. You are a Turk, correct? She hated it when people introduced themselves like that, as though she was too inferior to need to know their first name. Patronizing, that was what it was.
Yeah, thats correct, she said cautiously. Whats it to you?
Hojo smiled politely. I have an assignment for you, if youre interested.
I take my orders from Tseng, she retorted, turning in another direction. Maybe she could find someone to tell her the way to the staffroom
I bring orders from President Rufus. Hojo folded his hands and awaited her response.
Elena blanched. She didnt know much about Rufus- who refused to be called President Shinra, as it had been the title his father went by- but had heard he could get very nasty if he wasnt obeyed. But why her? Tseng was the leader; why hadnt Professor Hojo gone to him?
Whats this all about? she said suspiciously.
Hojo glanced about, nervously, she thought. Perhaps we should go to my lab, he said. We can discuss the details-
No. Elena folded her arms. We discuss the details here. It felt good, taking a stand. This was what being a Turk was all about. Charge, authority. Is there a problem with that?
Hojo coughed softly. Its a rather delicate matter, Miss Elena.
Whys that?
He seemed to decide something and looked her in the eye. Ill be blunt, he said. We suspect criminal activity within the company. Specifically, among the Turks.
Among the Turks? Elena was shocked. You must be mistaken.
I hope I am, my dear, I hope I am, Hojo said gravely. But I need your help. We believe there may be treachery involved.
Treachery! Now Elena was angry. Tseng and Rude are not traitors! Reno, on the other hand And regardless of whether they are or not, I wont be your spy.
Please understand, Elena, Hojo said calmly. Im not asking you to spy on your fellow Turks. Just keep an eye on them. Especially that red-haired one. Keep me informed.
Elena bit her lip. I really think you should discuss this with Tseng.
But you see, I cant! Hojo exclaimed. If there was a plot, say, to overthrow the president, do you think your fellow Turks would share it with their leader? Assuming he himself isnt in on it. But you, Elena, you are a rookie. They'd be eager to impress you, to boast of their daring exploits-
Th this is ridiculous! Elena sputtered, starting to turn away again. I wont have any part in it.
His voice stopped her cold. This is your job on the line, my dear. I have authority over Heidegger. Your boss. If you dont do as I say He stopped, leaving the threat hanging in the air.
Elena considered, weighing the facts. She didnt like the idea of doing the presidents dirty work, but he was the president, after all. And it wouldnt really be betraying the others if she kept an eye on them, would it? It was her job, after all.
Besides, she could always change her mind, let this jerk do his own dirty work. But if he got her fired
What would Tseng do if he was in her position? She didnt know for sure, but she was nearly certain he would do it. Tseng was a devoted, loyal man- he would follow the presidents orders, no matter how unorthodox they seemed at the time.
It couldnt hurt to agree, at least. She could always back out if she needed to.
All right, she said at last. Ill look out for anything. Specifically, Reno doing anything, she added silently. She did not trust that man!
Hojo gave a small smile. Thats all I ask, my dear, he said. Thats all I ask.
Reno threw his nightstick up in the air and caught it in his right hand.
Just an hour alone with him, he said, half to himself. Thats all I need.
Hojos too powerful in the company, Rude reminded him. Besides, hes told us a lot.
Reno tossed his nightstick in the air again. Yeah, I know. He just pisses me off. He paused for a moment, then began to grin. Let me show you something.
Oh boy Rude thought as Reno switched the weapon on. The redhead paused to flash one more cocky grin as he did something with the rod, sending a blast of power from the dangerous end. The ball of electricity smashed into the outside wall, leaving a gaping hole in the side of the building. Rude stepped to the huge opening and looked outside. Passerby at the street were staring up at the Shinra building with horror.
That wasnt the smartest move youve ever made, Reno, Rude said to his friend.
Reno shrugged. Oops. If anyone asks, it was Elena.
Rude turned around, eyeing the rod. It had never been that powerful; Wat hadnt been able to blow chunks out of buildings. At least, Rude didnt think he had. What happened to it?
Reno switched it off. You know those bastards who busted me up?
Rude nodded. He meant AVALANCHE- specifically Cloud, Tifa, and a man named Barret.
I was thinking maybe I could upgrade this baby. Renos fingers slid over the weapon with a peculiar sort of affection, and a small, tight smile graced the corners of his mouth. Not for the first time, Rude wondered if his friend really remembered everything that had transpired in Death Row. Sometimes it seemed like the Turk had forgotten everything, put it out of his mind.
Reno looked up, and Rude saw a flash of half-crazed mirth in his eyes. It was then he realized Reno had forgotten nothing. Instead of putting the trauma and grief behind him, he had merely carried it all back with him.
You know a lot about wiring? Rude asked, trying to draw Renos attention away from the weapon. It worked; Reno looked up and shrugged a bit.
Not really, he admitted. But it wasnt that hard. Just took some messing with the little switchgrid inside-
Rude was already lost, but pretended to be listening intently. Reno had a habit of making the most complicated things sound easy. Of course, he was so skilled at playing dumb no one knew how intelligent he really was. Rude suspected his partner preferred it that way.
What did you think of Elena? Rude suddenly asked. Reno paused in his technical ramblings and thought for a moment.
Naïve, he said at last. You can tell shes the kind of girl whod smile at the homeless guy in the street and ask his name. Shes got a bit of backbone, but it wont make a difference when the homeless guy starts getting too friendly, you know?
I hope you didnt freak her out too much, Rude commented. He knew Reno had probably tested her a bit, maybe seen how far he could push her.
Nah. Reno grinned. Well, maybe-
He stopped speaking suddenly as the door to the staffroom opened. Tseng came in, looking more or less alert since his coffee. His eyes strayed to the destroyed wall. He stopped dead, then stepped to the wall and surveyed the damage.
I dont suppose, he said quietly, that either of you He abruptly whirled around, glaring at both Turks. have any idea what happened?! Reno, realizing he still held the nightstick, quickly hid it behind his back. Rude rolled his eyes behind his dark lenses, but said nothing.
A bomb went off, Sir, Reno said gravely. Lucky we got here in time to put out the fire.
Tseng sighed. Knock it off, Reno. He grabbed the redheads wrist and twisted until Reno reluctantly relinquished the nightstick. Tseng inspected the rod for a moment, then handed it back. This is coming out of your pay. What are you doing here, anyway? Youre still on leave.
Reno glanced to Rude, who said nothing. The Turk cleared his throat. Missed you all too much to stay away, he tried.
Tseng gave him a long stare. Why were you bothering Professor Hojo?
Sir! Reno looked shocked. Are you suggesting Im not scientist material? Ive been hanging around the lab every chance I can get. Hojo and I really are great friends now.
Really, Tseng said, sounding skeptical. Then whats his first name?
Reno knew he was caught, but he still didnt miss a beat. Lucifer.
Wrong. Tseng didnt look amused. Ten points for creativity, but still wrong.
Rude and Reno looked at each other. Sir?
Never mind. Their leader covered a yawn. Okay, Reno. I dont know what youre up to, and Im not sure I want to know. But unless youre seriously considering a change in profession, youll remember our priorities are Sephiroth, then Cloud. You dont have time to pursue scientific interests.
Reno pretended to look disappointed. All right, sir.
Go home and get some sleep, Tseng ordered. Youre back with us when youre completely healed, otherwise youre useless. Understand? Renos jaw clenched angrily, but he merely said, Yes. He didnt add sir this time.
Good. Tseng turned to the other Turk. Rude, weve received word that Sephiroth is heading for Junon. Were going to try to intercept him and end this.
Rude nodded, but at the words end this he felt a quiver of fear. Sephiroth was the most powerful warrior that had ever lived. He had once been a member of Shinra, but apparently held no love for the company. On top of all that, he was supposed to be dead.
Tseng was still talking. I want you to go tell Elena. You two prepare to leave. We head out tomorrow morning.
Yes, sir. Rude saluted quickly, then left to find her.
Tseng nodded to Reno and was about to leave when the latters voice stopped him. Hey, Tseng?
Yeah?
Reno gave a slight smile. For future reference, what is Hojos first name?
Tseng shrugged. The truth? I have no idea. With that, he walked out, leaving the gaping redhead alone in the room.
Reno took a moment to close his mouth. I bet it really is Lucifer, he announced to the empty air.
Despite Tsengs orders to leave immediately, it was late afternoon by
the time Reno started home. He took Shinras private train down to Sector
8, then got off to walk home from there. He lived in a rundown condominium
located in Sector 6. It was a good few miles walk from where he was,
and until he got his car back, that was what he had to do: Walk. In fact,
he had to go out of his way and take a roundabout route to skirt the remains
of Sector 7. Remains was a loose term- the sector was now little
more than a gigantic heap of rubble. Sometimes, a few of the poorer folks
would rummage around in the ruins in hopes of finding a bauble to sell. But
not many ventured near there. It was, after all, a graveyard of sorts. Setting
off that bomb had killed more people at once than Reno ever had in his entire
lifetime.
As he stepped past the crushed mound of metal and debris, a weak little crying sound caught his attention. Reno paused and listened, then his expression turned to one of puzzlement. The sound was coming from the ruins of Sector 7. Reno hesitated a second longer, then ran over. There was no way anyone could be alive under that mass of refuse and destroyed lives.
But someone was.
With the sudden, half-crazed image of a person buried alive under the rubble, he dropped to his knees and began to dig frantically with his good arm. The cries got louder as he moved heavier pieces of metal aside, and it seemed to him they had a childlike quality. How a child had gotten trapped under the ruins he didnt know, but he had to get it out.
At last, hed uncovered a sizable hole in the debris. As he moved one last piece aside, a little snow-white head shot up and looked around with bright green eyes. It was still mewing pitiably. Reno sat back and stared stupidly as the kitten crawled the rest of the way out of the hole. Its white fur was matted with blood in places, but for the most part it appeared to be uninjured. The little animal sat on its haunches and appraised him silently before letting out a loud, decisive yowl.
Youre welcome, Reno told the cat, still wondering how the hell the thing had been trapped in the first place. It merely looked back at him with that piercing gaze, and Reno suddenly felt uncomfortable. The blood-matted white fur reminded him of another cat, one whose life hed cut short so many years ago
He stood up quickly and started walking. He needed to get home; a few drinks would help him relax. A few stiff drinks.
A sneaking glance behind his shoulder proved the worst: The thing was following him. He whirled around and shouted at it: Get away! Go home! Dont you have a home?
It stopped and looked at him, mewing plaintively.
Thats not my problem, he snarled, starting to walk again. Go bug somebody else. Im sure Tseng would love to have you around.
Even though he was certain it was still following him, Reno didnt dare look behind him again- maybe it would go away if he ignored it for a while. It was worth a try.
Unable to stand it anymore, he looked around again- and there it was, still trotting after him.
Go away! he yelled, bending to grab a small rock. Get out of here! With one well-aimed throw, he sent the stone skittering at the cat. He wasnt sure where, but he must have struck it, because it gave a yelp of terror and sprinted away. Reno continued walking, feeling justified but not quite alleviated. He couldnt shake the annoying feeling that he was still being followed, and not by the cat.
He later discovered he was right.