Authors Note: Hello everyone! Sorry it's been so long since I last updated the other stories I have, trust me, I'm on it, but as of right now, I'm writing a story with my friend, Rachel. She and I have been writing this for about a year now and I've decided to put it up on Fanfiction. So hey, don't be hating me. This story is pretty important to us. Please enjoy! We write off every other chapter. The first one, this is Rachel's chapter.

Disclaimer: We do not own the characters, or setting, but the plot is totally ours. We manipulate these poor people into doing our whims!

Summary: Vice President Rufus Shinra and his top Commander of the Turks are both placed into a situation that they can neither deny or escape.

Warnings of the chapter: Reno, Language.

Time in which this takes place: Wherever the hell we feel like. :)

Mission

"Your mission is to infiltrate the Wutai capital and gather as much information on King Gordo as needed for an operation. Get the Intel to Gun and Reno in a weeks time. Are you listening to me, Tseng?"

I bring my hand up to my eyes. "Yes, sir. I apologize."

Verdot's gaze is hard. "Then we are clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Good. Now go."

I give a slight bow in the Turk commander's direction, then exit the room.

"Hey! Hey, Tseng!"

"Oh, dear Goddess," I mutter. Just hearing the sound of Reno's voice gives me the sudden urge to shoot myself. Or him. But then I would have to send my shirt to the dry cleaners.

Reno's greenish blue eyes only brighten with mischief and amusement, "Oh, come on, boss! You know you enjoy my company."

I may be imagining things, but I'm almost positive that my hand twitches toward my gun. "This fact was unbeknownst to me."

"Reno, don't make me put the dog collar on you again," Rude says, patting the red-haired Turk on the cheek. "The leash always gets tangled, so I'd really rather not."

Reno sputters something incoherent while the other Turks laugh. "Oh," Rude says, "was that suppose to be classified?"

"Rude, I will break your shades if you don't shut the hell up," Reno growls between his teeth. Rude holds up his hands in surrender and backs away.

I close my eyes briefly. "What is it, Reno?"

"Oh, right," Reno scratches the back of his head, grinning stupidly. "Good luck, boss."

"Thank you." I continue down the hall, the other Turks wishing me well as I pass.

"Tseng?"

My name greets me when I round the corner. Rufus stands there, holding a stack of papers. Presumably essays- his father has him taking all the advanced college courses available. His open blue eyes gaze at me.

"You are leaving now, I assume," he says. It's a statement, not an inquiry. Over his shoulder I see Legend, eyes concealed by sunglasses but watching my friend carefully regardless.

"Yes," I say. "I should be back in a weeks time." For some reason, the words do not ring true.

"Tseng," says Rufus in low tones, "I have never given you an order before. I never bothered with unimportant nonsense. But I am giving you an order now." He takes a step closer. "Come back alive. Body bags are not acceptable."

His words surprise me, but I simply bow and say, "I will."

"Good." Rufus shifts his papers into one arm and gives me a half embrace. "You'd damn well better.

My heart pounds loudly in mt ears. Semi-reluctantly I back away, then I realize that I am retracing my steps and briskly continue down the hall. Composure. Composure.

I stop once I reach Legendary. The massive orange-haired Turk somehow manages to remain the perfect wallflower. He regards me cooly, face impassive.

"Legendary," I say quietly, "I am not questioning your skill. But, please... watch over Rufus."

He inclines his proud head just slightly, but remains silent and stoic. With that, I walk past him, pausing to glance back in hopes of seeing Rufus one more time. But he has vanished, as Legendary moves to take his place behind one of the many doors lining the hall. I close my eyes and start to walk again. My stomach tightens with every step, but I push aside the peculiar sensation. Hesitation, anxiety, nervousness, and any other form of fear is not to be present in a Turk.

But that does not console me. Something is not right.

Authors note: Let me know if I should continue to put up the chapters or let it stay between Rachel and I. Have a great day, everyone!