Final Fantasy - All Series Fan Fiction ❯ The Unknown Ally ❯ Chapter 4: There's A New Turk in Town ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter 4: There's A New Turk in Town

 

Vincent stood on the platform, waiting patiently for the helicopter that would take him to the corporation. The wind ruffled his clothing and swept through his newly cut hair and he wished that he could have kept the length, but it was crucial to the team that he wasn't recognised by the corporation for who he really was: he had a very strong feeling that some of the Turks hadn't forgotten the previous time he worked there, though it had been nearly four decades since he set foot onto the premises. As he waited for his transport, he couldn't help but think about what Tifa had said earlier concerning Hellfire. Could it truly be possible that the young woman was so powerful that she could enter his mind and visit him in dreams? He didn't know whether to feel relief or great disturbance at the thought of the girl he loved invading his utmost private thoughts….

 

The roar of a descending helicopter broke his train of thought and a high wind suddenly kicked up, almost sweeping the disguised gunman off his feet. He looked up and saw the aircraft land, its corporate logo glistening in the late afternoon sun. The door opened and a tall young man with a spiked red ponytail stepped out to greet the reborn Turk.

 

`So, you must be the new guy,' he yelled over the whirring copter blades. He led Vincent under the blades and into the waiting aircraft, sliding the door shut behind him. He sat across from the gunman and smiled at him.

 

`Name's Reno,' said the redhead. `I've been working with ShinRa for a while with my buddy Rude here.' He gestured to the bald man piloting the helicopter. `We were sent to pick you up, uh…..hey, what is your name anyway?'

 

Vincent didn't hesitate for a second. `Hunter Ephraim.'

 

`Well, Hunter, it's good to see someone's willing for work for us,' said Reno. `Ever since that mess with Midgar, no one seems to want to put up an application. So, from what I've heard, you've been in hiding for ten years. Why come out now?'

 

`That's my business,' replied Vincent, trying to keep his tone even but an undercurrent of annoyance crept into his voice.

 

`Hey, hey, no need to get defensive there, guy,' said Reno, putting his hands up in `no harm' gesture. `I was just curious.'

 

`Sorry,' replied the disguised gunman. `It just feels strange, returning after so many years.'

 

`Guess I can't blame you for being a little cautious,' conceded Reno. `Anyway, you'll be working on our level. Since you've been through the ropes before. The training facility's changed location though, so we'll have to show you where that is before you get started.'

 

Vincent nodded. `Any information as to who I'll be working for?'

 

Reno laughed. `You're eager to work, aren't you? I don't know much except one of the scientists needs someone to protect her while she's doing her rounds for Rufus.'

 

`Her?' repeated the reborn Turk.

 

`Dr. Isolda Charis,' answered Rude.

 

`Rufus's pet researcher,' said Reno. `I don't blame him for taking such an interest in her, though. She's a Grade A Hottie.'

 

The chopper landed and Reno, Rude and Vincent piled out of the aircraft. They led the reborn Turk to the headquarters where they were stationed. The building was familiar to Vincent for it was one of the new corporation buildings that had been constructed so ShinRa could conduct their business. He noticed things had changed since he'd been with the Turks. Yet he wondered just how much.

 

`This'll be your office when you're not on duty,' said Reno, gesturing to the spacious room he'd just opened. `Rude, go and tell the boss that the newbie's arrived.' Rude nodded and walked to the terminal set into the wall. He pushed a few buttons and the screen flashed to reveal a young man with sleek blond hair and green-blue eyes in a large office.

 

`Yes, Rude, what is it?' asked the young man.

 

`Sir, Mr. Hunter Ephraim has arrived,' said Rude,

 

`That was quick,' remarked the young man. It was clear by the tone of voice and the deference with which Rude had towards him that this was none other than President Rufus ShinRa. `Is he with you?'

 

Vincent walked up to the terminal and nodded. `I am, Sir.'

 

`So, you're the one whose come out of hiding to help us,' said Rufus.

 

`I feel the planet requires my assistance, Sir.' It surprised him that after so many years, he was still able to fall back into old habits.

 

`Good to hear. I was wondering if you were here so I could give you your task directly. I trust you've heard of Dr. Isolda Charis.'

 

`Reno and Rude told me of her, Sir,' Vincent replied.

 

`Good,' replied Rufus. `She is a Class A scientist and researcher for my company. If it were not for her knowledge and assistance, we never would have been able to start afresh and strip the corporation of its dark and somewhat tainted reputation.'

 

Vincent nodded.

 

`I need someone to be her bodyguard, and I am assigning you to her protection,' said Rufus. `I've read your file, Mr. Ephraim and I am impressed to know you are more than qualified for this task.'

 

`Thank you, Sir,' answered Vincent, privately thanking Reeve for the cover-up.

 

`You'll begin your task as soon as you're settled. I'm sending a map of the building and directions to Dr. Charis' private sector to your office terminal, so you should have no trouble finding it. Good luck, Mr. Ephraim. It is good to have you here with the company.'

 

The terminal blinked off and Reno stretched out his arms.

 

`I guess that means Welcome Aboard,' he said. `You better go and get that map or you might get lost.'

 

Vincent nodded and turned to walk to his new office.

 

`Oh, and one more thing.'

 

Vincent turned to Reno.

 

`If you need any help, or get bored with protecting the good doctor-which I doubt you will- just call #REN and it'll patch you through to my phone.'

 

`Thanks, Reno,' said Vincent.

 

`Well, I gotta get back on my shift,' said Reno. `Good luck, buddy.'

~*~

No sooner Vincent shut the door to his office than his phone rang. He picked up on the third ring.

 

`Yeah.'

 

`Vincent, how are you doing?' The familiar voice of Reeve was filled with concern.

 

`I got in. ShinRa sent me a map of the building.'

 

`That could be of use. Check and see if the archives chamber is shown on there.'

 

Vincent looked at the map on the screen and saw a large room in the right hand corner of the map. `It's there.'

 

`See if you can access the archives in your time off,' said Reeve. `We don't want to cast any suspicion on you so just carry out the assignment the president put you on and do what you can during your spare time. Don't draw attention to yourself.'

 

`Fine,' replied Vincent.

 

`And Vincent.'

 

`Mmm?'

 

`Be careful.'

 

Vincent smiled to himself. `Hmph. I'll do my best.' He ended the connection and quickly checked the map before he went to carry out his task.