Chapter 4: You Knew This Pun Was Coming

*Ending 3: Layoff Scarlet*

"I vote for Scarlet," Rufus said.

"Whoa, what?" Hojo asked, clearly annoyed. "Not the fat one?!"

"I'm a little confused myself Rufus. Scarlet is one of our best employees," Reeve explained.

"Thank you, Reeve," Scarlet nodded. "Rufus, what the hell?"

"Scarlet," Rufus said. "Here's the thing. You are the best employee here, second only to Reeve. You also have the highest budget and belong the the department which, as you said, is headed up by some heavy technical experts who have already begun to outmatch your skill. Getting rid of you saves us the most money, and you are young enough that you will bounce right back onto your feet. Or hell, you could just take your severance and retire."

"I don't know," Scarlet sighed. "I love my work. But I guess it has been a while since I've worked with my own hands, and to be honest I kind of miss that."

"Scarlet, we can still think of other options," Reeve said. "The vote hasn't been-"

"Seconded." Said Scarlet firmly. "You're right Rufus. I think it's time for me to leave Shinra and start working for myself again."

There was a crash of thunder, and all the lights in the tower shut down, leaving the group in the dim emergency lighting.

"I hate to be inconsiderate, but did you ever finish those plans for the new generator?" Rufus asked.

*SI&* Shinra Inc. And *SI&*

Scarlet handed over control of her department to an underling wearing a grease-stained red bandana and grey tanktop. Nobody in the Directorial Staff had ever bothered to learn her name, and given that the newbie said she preferred to lead the department from the floor rather than the conference room, they didn't take the time to learn it.

As she walked towards the front door of the Shinra building, where the Directorial Staff lie waiting, Elena rushed up and gave her a big hug, causing Scarlet to lose hold of her rolling luggage.

"I'm so sorry Scarlet," she said, squeezing her tightly.

"It's fine, really," she said, trying to pry Elena off her. "It gives me a chance to take some 'me time' and goodness knows I haven't had that in a while."

"Scarlet," Rufus said. "Please don't hate me."

Scarlet grinned despite herself. "Rufus, I know this wasn't personal. In my mind we're still friends. Besides the severance package you offered gives me plenty of time to think. I think I might see the world."

"Anything I can do to ease the transition? Job reference? Continuation of benefits? Firing Palmer?" Rufus asked.

"You've done enough Rufus," she said, turning towards the door.

Reeve patted her shoulder. "Scarlet. Where will you go? What will you do?"

Scarlet's grin grew even wider as she turned to the staff. "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

THE END