video // 001

[gildthepast]

[For a brief moment there's only audio--a smooth voice lets out a little "hm" and then:] I see.

[It switches abruptly to video mode. The image is that of a lean, handsome blond man in a long, crisp white overcoat. Those who know Rufus Shinra will note two things: first, he looks a few years older than when he served as Vice President of Shinra;

Comments

[video]

[soldierboy777]

Turks? Why do you want to know about the Turks?

[Like someone who is clearly a SOLDIER boy wants anything to do with them, either!]

[video]

[gildthepast]

[There's a slight pause]

Information is their business. I happen to be looking for information.

Re: [video]

[soldierboy777]

What kind of info?

[Pauses and tilts his head almost comically at the video feed.] Heyyy, you look kinda familiar. Who are you?

[video]

[gildthepast]

Names, locations. Nothing you would be interested in, I can assure you.

...it's possible we've crossed paths. Who I am is of little consequence, however.

Re: [video]

[soldierboy777]

[Pffft, that didn't answer anything.]

Uh, well, the name's Zack Fair and you're stuck in Never Was like the rest of us. Better get used to it!

[video]

[gildthepast]

[That was sorta the point, Zack.]

We'll see.

In any case, Zack Fair, I would like to return to my original question. Do you know the whereabouts of the Turks?

Re: [video]

[soldierboy777]

[...Even so!]

[Zack shrugs and figures, hey, what's the harm in answering?] There aren't many of 'em in town. Reno and Cissnei aaaand...some other guy, I think. But that's about it.

[video]

[gildthepast]

[His expression remains carefully neutral to hide the fact that he's torn between relief and disappointment.]

Hn. Thank you.

Re: [video]

[soldierboy777]

Uh, sure. Nooo problem.

[gildthepast]

[There's another pause and then a soft chuckle]

Forgive me for not being more forthcoming, Zack. You work for ShinRa, don't you?

[soldierboy777]

[Loooooong pause. When he replies, he sounds a little bitter. Well, as bitter as Zack could sound, anyway.] I used to. I was SOLDIER 1st class.

[gildthepast]

My, that's quite an accomplishment. May I ask why you're no longer employed?

[soldierboy777]

They - [He gives a stressed little sigh.] They thought I outlived my usefulness, I guess.

[gildthepast]

Hn. How very typical of the old management.

I hope your retirement has been enjoyable, at least?

[soldierboy777]

[.............]

Uh, yeah. Enjoying it to death, really.

[gildthepast]

It doesn't appear to have slowed you down. This place is good for that sort of thing, I hear.