Reprisal

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters (unfortunately). I wish I did, I'd have a lot of fun with them. I do own a copy of the game and the movie, so Square Enix are getting their moneys worth.

Author note: I'm constantly tweaking bits of this story; so don't be surprised if little bits seem different. It's taking a while to establish, I'm hoping once the action starts it will flow a little easier.

Chapter One

"This is becoming an unacceptable risk."

Reno fought the urge to search through his pockets for a distraction as he watched Tseng and Rufus talking. He didn't really know why he'd been dragged into the meeting. Usually it was Elena's job, to sit next to Tseng looking alert, hanging off their every word.

Elena was a good tool in a meeting with Rufus. Bad news seemed so much sweeter coming from her. It must be the cute blonde hair, he mused. Or the fact she had a cleavage.

It wasn't that he minded sitting in the boss's office, as long as nobody spoke to him. The air-conditioning was state-of-the-art, and the room was so cold he was almost shivering. It was great. The air-con in his tiny office hummed like a wasp stuck in a jam-jar and it didn't even work.

He watched with no particular interest, and knew he should have made an effort. He looked a sorry state sitting next to Tseng, immaculately dressed, whilst his own shirt was half-buttoned and his shoes were scuffed beyond repair.

Rufus didn't seem to care though. If he did he kept it concealed. He just sat there, staring with a grim look on his face, the sun playing a halo in his blonde hair. His fingers were laced in front of him, and he was tensing them idly.

Reno could hear the bones cracking.

"I think it's time we acted."

Tseng shook his head, "There's still a lot we don't know. They're getting help from somewhere."

"Avalanche?"

Reno snorted and Tseng shot him a warning glare, "I don't think so. This is no eco-war."

"Doesn't smell like Avalanche anyway," said Reno, ignoring Tseng, "They always used to slap their name on stuff. These people want to stay nameless."

"But that works to our advantage. We already know more than they think we do."

Rufus stared at them, his one visible eye frowning. The other was hidden away behind a neatly tied white bandage, still horrifically scarred after weapon's attack on Midgar. Reno suspected that it was only there for show, but he'd never say it aloud. Not with the other grey eye glaring at him menacingly. Birds love battle scars.

"But what do we know?"

"These bastards are connected to a whole lot more than we think. And they don't like you."

"This is the work of a group with a vendetta against the Shinra," Tseng added, scratching his chin with an elegantly manicured fingernail, "We think they are connected to more than just the North Corel protests."

"This still sounds like Avalanche."

"We've been watching them, I don't believe they have anything to do with it."

Reno stared at Tseng and raised an eyebrow. Watching them?

Rufus placed his palms on the desk and stared down at them, deep in thought.

"I want you to question them. I'm not dismissing Avalanche on a whim," he stood up, "And I want troops sent in to North Corel. I want that protest crushed!"

Tseng rose, and Reno followed suit, albeit his action was slower, and he yawned widely before standing to attention, "Yes sir."

As they left the room they heard Rufus barking into his intercom. Once his feathers were ruffled there was hell to pay.

Reno jogged to keep up with Tseng as he headed for the elevator. He caught a glimpse of Rufus's harassed secretary shaking her head as she spoke softly into the intercom, and he momentarily considered offering her a drink. Reno wasn't a man to miss an opportunity.

First of all he had a question for Tseng.

"We've been watching them?"

"Yes."

"How, exactly?"

"Well…" Tseng faltered, finger on the elevator button, "You go to Lockhart's bar don't you?"

"Sometimes…" Reno narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling he was about to be backed into a corner.

"And I presume you watch Ms Lockhart on your visits."

"Who wouldn't?" dawning realisation struck him, "Wait…you lied to Rufus Shinra!"

"I didn't lie Reno, I twisted the truth. You'll thank me when you get paid."

Reno shook his head and sauntered into the elevator, "You lied."

"And you could at least try to make yourself look respectable."

"If you wanted respectable Elena would be here."

Tseng gritted his teeth and Reno grinned triumphantly. Too easy.

The elevator doors purred closed.