Don't Play with Fire (Turks FF7)

15) Assisting Reeve

"Rufus said I have to be your little helper for awhile," I announce upon stepping into Reeve's office. He jumps from where he stands beside some large machine.

"What was that?" A voice says. "Cait?"

"System malfunction," Reeve says quickly, powering the machine down and looking at me. "At least knock. Please."

"Sorry man," I shrug, closet the door behind me. "I didn't know you'd be 'Cait Sith-ing' right now."

"He tends to talk a lot," the man sighs. "They're headed for the Temple of Ancients. Tseng and Elena are there, correct?"

"Yep," I answer, trying not to sound too irritated. "So what did you need help with?"

"Nothing much at the moment. We're headed for the Gold Saucer to get the Keystone to unlock the Temple. Tseng should meet us there."

"Won't they know you're betraying them?"

"I hope not, but they will most likely figure it out rather quickly."

"Who's to say they won't kill you?"

"Unfortunately, that is the job I have for you."

"What is it?"

"There's a house in Sector 5 just outside the slums. There're flowers and such everywhere, you can't miss it. Inside is one of the members' adopted mother and another's daughter. Bring the daughter here."

"Hostage?"

"Yes," he says, sounded slightly defeated. Finally something.... Turk-y. "I really do hate having to resort to such a dirty thing, but I feel I have little choice."

"Sadly, it's not below me," I smile. "I'll get on it."

"Good. I'll have to power on before they leave me behind, but last I saw, we're almost to Corel."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"I take it you haven't seen much outside Midgar? Not many have. But yes, it is if we don't have Marlene."

"Right. See ya soon, then."

I make my way outside, deciding to take the train because it's really hard to drive a truck or any vehicle, really, through the slums. I think I saw the house when we were flying to the Sector 7 plate. At the station, several people look at me weird and I make a mental note to have Reno upgrade my own EMR. The thing's hardly a taser when it comes to shock volume, though I guess I can still smack people with it if I have to. Rufus still has my knife, but at least I still have my handgun.

On the train, I sit alone in the back, only to have someone stand and make their way toward me. He sits beside me and gently elbows my arms. Thankfully, I recognize the man as one that used to be on my news crew.

"Joe!?"

"Hey Kat," he laughs. "Nice suit. That why you left us?"

"Yeah," I nod, playing with the hem of my jacket.

"So you went from being a pretty news reporter to doing Shinra's dirty work?"

"I guess."

"You going to go murder someone this moment?" he asks, a new tone of bitterness in his voice.

"That's not all we do, Joe."

"Yeah, okay. You're all the same."

"They're people too. I know them better than I ever knew anyone else," I scowl. "Remember Reno and Rude? I grew up with Re and Rude's always been my rock. What did you do? Compliment my heels and tell me to smile bigger."