05

[fingersloophole]

When we're here...do we go on where we come from? We're not replaced with a very convincing double?

And if we're in both places at once...do we ever gain memories of what is the future for us? Do we ever get a chance to change it?

I'm hardly a philosopher. I don't know if anyone could even know these things...but theories would be welcomed.

Comments

Voice

[wellsuited]

If you ask a hundred people, you'll probably get a hundred and one answers. My theory is...I don't have a theory anymore. It doesn't matter what happens or where I am, I'm still a Turk. That's all I really know.

[Private]

Yes Sir.

First there's Sasori. He's been with me the longest. He's one of the shinobi and was friends with Itachi--

[A pause.]

Someone he knew from his home, someone who was also a Turk for a short time.

The thing about shinobi is...well, they're pretty incredible. And Sasori's no exception. He's sharp, fast, skilled with small weapons. Oh, and he likes puppets!

I trust Sasori, and he's good at what he does. He's currently working on a training exercise program.

Riza Hawkeye is the newest recruit. I don't know much about her personally, but so far she's been pretty professional. And she's a great shot! I'd like to work on some plans for a shooting range with her. With your blessing, of course.

[Elena pauses again, but continues at length.]

Sir, there is one thing. The Turks here...they're not like you and me.

That's why I said I would handle certain things personally.

Voice

[fingersloophole]

I think being Turks means different things to us. Not that I'm not relieved you're in a better time, of course. Perhaps I have a few more years of maturing to do to catch up.

[Private]

Not like us? I would like to meet them, even if you do their day to day handling. They sound promising, however. Good work, Elena.

Voice

[wellsuited]

Oh no Sir, I didn't mean--

[Private]

They weren't raised by Shinra. You and I...we're sort of endangered.

[She laughs. Awkwardly.]

Of course! I thought we might start training together. You know, see how we function as a team.

[BRB, blushing.]

Thank you, Sir.

Voice/Private

[fingersloophole]

You mean that they have stauncher morals. They're less likely to do the more...unpleasant things that need to be done. I understand. Not everyone is a bred Turk.

We'll start training together then. I'm sure we'll function as a team quite well though you'll have to excuse me being without a pattern for several years.

Voice/Private

[wellsuited]

I can't say that with complete certainty but...

They also have other loyalties. But I don't believe they conflict with their loyalty to the Turks.

[She laughs a little at his apology.]

Oh Sir, it's just like riding a chocobo! I'm sure you haven't forgotten a thing.

Voice/Private

[fingersloophole]

You can't have divided loyalties but...this is not home. It probably won't cause such major issues.

I believe I have forgotten a bit, but I will fall into it again no doubt. You're better behaved than the other blond your age.

Voice/Private

[wellsuited]

I just couldn't ask them to do anything else...loyalty's important. I know that.

Other blond?

Voice/Private

[fingersloophole]

Rufus.

We all have our talents. Let us just hope they won't need the more negative talents.

Voice/Private

[wellsuited]

[...Did she really just get compared to the President?

...

There's a soft giggle at that.]

Voice/Private

[fingersloophole]

[He's quiet because...giggling? It's a little startling and he doesn't know how to respond for a moment.]

Of course you and Rufus are quite different but...

Voice/Private

[wellsuited]

'Different' is an understatement, Sir. [She still sounds amused.] He's the President! And I'm--

[The rookie.]

Voice/Private

[fingersloophole]

He wasn't always the President. He's still a sullen teenager from what I remember.