'Sephiroth has reawaken. Shinra's president is dead,' announced a grim voice on a cellphone loudspeaker Reno held out for everyone. Thick silence filled the room, as everyone tried to digest the sudden news. It was Turk's job to protect the president, so they did lose some teammates this day.

'It…does not seem like there was much they could have done, yo' said Reno, his voice stern and deep with concern. 'They say he used Jenova's body that was still in the lab, and with such high levels of her genetic material his old powers just came back. From then on, he was already deep in Shinra's heart, and a lot of good people paid a high price.'

The look of guilt on everyone's face was potent. They wished they were there and maybe that would have saved at least a life or two. It probably would have been futile, and at least for now they did retain some manpower, along with people who were out on various missions.

A mere mention of the name instilled fear and dread in Cloud's heart. It nearly took his life to defeat the god-like Sephiroth, and now that effort seemed to have been in vain. Zack's eyes grew sadder, he did work with Turks on a few occasions and some SOLDIER members might have died as well. He looked at Cloud, knowing the news did not sit well with his friend.

'Sure does sound like he became the monster he saw himself as,' said Zack, with regret. In his past experience Sephiroth was aloof yes, but also calm and often even encouraging. Like many in SOLDIER, Zack used to look up to him, but things certainly changed since then.

'What was his goal?' asked Tseng, keeping his cool even in a trying situation like this one. After all, it was his job to assess the situation and choose the best plan of action possible.

'It would seem to capture Jenova. We speculate his aim is full reincarnation and control of the planet. Rhapsodos was spotted in the area as well, they might be working together. Which is not too surprising, considering they used to be friends,' Katana's voice was shaken but he tried his best to communicate their findings.

'AVALANCHE escaped, and Aerith is with them,' continued the report.

'Wait, what?!' shouted out Zack, butting in the conversation.

There was a brief pause on the other end, Zack's affection towards the subject was well known. 'AVALANCHE are a group of activists that have become a thorn in Shinra's side while you were incapacitated. They have not harmed any hostages they've taken in the past, so I do not believe she is in any immediate danger.'

Zack frowned, Aerith seemed to be a hostage of either Shinra or another organization for most of her life. He nodded though, glad his question was not left unanswered.

'You said 'full'', Tseng picked up a potential weakness. 'Would that mean his current state is unstable?'

'Jenova is still a separate entity from Sephiroth, so her will could be interfering with his. Sephiroth could have easily inflicted more damage, but did not and instead fled the scene.'

'I see' nodded Tseng. 'As of now, Rufus is in command of Shinra and Turks will be reporting to him. Me and Elena will be returning shortly, keep us posted on victim's condition.'

Cloud couldn't help but feel guilty too, even though as fugitives there really wasn't much they could do, plus Shinra's army was hot on their tail for far too long. However, Sephiroth already took many lives, and adding to that count was something he wished he didn't have to do.

Tseng's calmness did make him feel better, perhaps there really was a way to stop more bad things from happening, and this time Cloud COULD have a hand in it.

'Rhapsodos...' paused Tseng before heading out, and looked at Zack. 'Do you think he would work with Sephiroth, given your last interactions with him?'

Zack recalled the fight he had with Genesis who looked like an ancient man rather than in his 30s. That's how...Lazard was before he died, a tinge of sadness at a loss of both his mentors appeared in his blue eyes. The way he was…it seemed like life was being drained away by something invisible, even his clothes showing signs of decay.

Then he also remembered the inhuman creature he had to fight, that Genesis turned into.

'He seemed…lost. Like he had nothing to fight for. I wasn't even sure if he was alive, more like in a coma really.'

His gaze drifted to Cloud, who now was much more coherent than he was for months. Cloud stayed silent through most of the conversation, and he couldn't blame him for it. There were some things he still couldn't forget Shinra for.

'I see...' nodded Tseng. 'Perhaps he found a new purpose, but his unpredictability also makes him a threat. We will regroup soon to discuss next course of action. Reno, you know what to do.' With that he and Elena headed out the door.

'Aye, boss!' Reno said enthusiastically, tasked with watching the two.