Genesis commandeered a corner of the lounge the moment he arrived. He hadn't wanted to be at work at all, nor did he see much of a point in it. But Danita had been adamant that he come in today. Practically shoved him out the door this morning. Only a few days ago, she'd been doing just the opposite, promising him hours of hot sex if he would remain at home with her.

No such offers today. Hell, last night, Genesis had been the one coaxing her to bed instead of the other way around. Make no mistake, Danita's skills were as phenomenal as ever. Satisfying needs that had only intensified since the day she arrived in Midgar whenever he wanted. But he'd come to notice that the enthusiasm just wasn't there on her part. Could have just been a mood- women were known to get them, after all- but Genesis suspected his lady was becoming bored.

Will just have to think of ways to rekindle her interest.

He certainly couldn't risk losing her. Not now.

Maybe Danita would enjoy a night on the town- something to remind her of our initial, passionate meeting in Junon. They'd only been to the clubs once since she arrived in Midgar. That night when he'd unexpectedly run across Fair and his pathetic shadow, Luxiere. And since Sephiroth already knew Danita was in town, what was the point in keeping a low profile? So why not go have some fun?

Genesis smiled to himself, thinking of how he could surprise her this evening. He even considered buying her a gift. Something to show his appreciation for her- all the things Danita had done for him. The support and reassurance she'd given him. Surely she deserved something in return. And while he was contemplating just what kind of gift would communicate what he wanted to say, Wendt walked into the lounge.

Well, well- what brings you in here?

He placed his bet on the theory that the 2nd Class had come looking for him, although he was surprised that he would have come up with anything this soon. But stranger things had happened. Wendt scanned the room, which was mostly empty. Just a small group of 3rd Classes huddled around a medium-sized table near the front of the room, whom he pointedly ignored. At last, their gazes met. Oh yes, he was here to tell Genesis something.

He could see it, though- the question of how to do that without raising suspicion from the junior SOLDIERs. They would certainly take notice if the two of them struck up a conversation. Would have been considered odd even before the whole thing with Lilith started. But now, intentionally seeking him out would make Wendt look like a traitor in the so-called 'Class war' of late. Genesis merely turned the next page of his book, letting the 2nd Class figure out how to overcome the dilemma.

After debating for a minute or two, Wendt walked up to the 3rd Classes. Sided up to one in particular and traced a fingertip down her arm while murmuring something Genesis couldn't quite hear. Whatever he said did not go over well with the group. They responded by hurling angry insults at him before rising from their seats. Wendt seemed not to care, baiting them the whole time it took them to leave the lounge.

Once the room had been cleared, the 2nd Class sauntered casually to Genesis' table. He closed his book and regarded the other man in bemusement.

"You certainly have a way with people, Wendt," he commented drily.

"Not my fault if they can't take a joke."

I very much doubt you were joking. Not that it mattered either way to Genesis, and he allowed himself an indulgent chuckle.

"Indeed."

"I heard something last night that you might find useful to know," Wendt continued after a momentary pause. "Kept an eye on the other 1st Classes last night- like you asked. Couldn't tell what Sephiroth was up to in one of the spare offices, but he went in there with a laptop and didn't come out again for an hour at least."

Interesting.

"I followed him to Hewley's office after that."

"And?"

"And everything you said is true. They're definitely scheming against Shinra. I managed to overhear them talk about something- or someone- who had been 'eliminated'. Sephiroth and Hewley were keen to confirm that the targets were no longer a concern. Not only that, but that they're planning more to come."

Despite Wendt's emphatic delivery, Genesis was somewhat skeptical. At the very least, he suspected the 2nd Class had misconstrued what had been said. Angeal and Sephiroth were behaving like self-righteous jerks to him, but they weren't killing other SOLDIERs. Which was what Wendt was implying. More likely, his friends meant agents of the Leviathan group. Perhaps one of their reports had led to finding out who was involved.

And you could have been there helping them take the bastards down if you weren't set on feeding this feud between you.

The jab at his conscience caught Genesis by surprise. He hadn't been plagued by any regrets about the schism in days, and he wasn't in the mood for any to resurface now. They would just get in the way of what he wanted to accomplish.

What exactly are you trying to accomplish?

A ridiculous question. He was going to prove that he was the best SOLDIER Shinra had. Always had been. Once he had, then he'd have the respect that he truly deserved. No one would be telling him what to do anymore. Genesis would be giving the orders.

Curious to know how you intend to do that by using an ingrate like Wendt to spy on your friends. Doesn't sound like much of a plan to me.

Shows what you know, he threw back.

And with that, Genesis shut out the unwanted voice in his head by asking Wendt another question. "Did they mention the location of their targets- or who they were?"

"No, unfortunately not. Kept very cryptic about it, actually."

The conversation with Luxiere put him a little behind, but Kunsel managed to arrive at training room six on time. Sephiroth was there already, though it didn't look as though he'd been waiting for very long. The 1st Class greeted him with a nod before passing through the open door; Kunsel assumed he was meant to follow. When they were both inside, Sephiroth headed straight for the command console.

"I imagine you are curious why you're here."

Kunsel knew better than to admit that he'd spoken to Lilith about her session, and so he kept his response neutral.

"I had assumed that you intended to continue yesterday's discussion, sir. But I confess the choice of location is a bit unusual."

"It is and isn't." For a few minutes, that enigmatic reply was his only explanation. But once he'd finished setting the program, Sephiroth offered up more information. "I've called you here this morning to complete an assessment- to measure how well you work with the more advanced forms of Materia. It's part of a new training curriculum for 2nd Classes."

So, this is bigger than just wanting to test what Lilith could do- or even testing me before I return to Junon. Training 2nd Classes to use advanced Materia like 1st Classes. What would prompt the Commander to roll these changes rank-wide?

Kunsel considered what he'd been hearing around Shinra this morning. No one had seen any of the 1st Classes lately. Was it really a coincidence that this new training program arises at a time when Shinra seemed to be short on members of their highest rank? He didn't think so. Either Shinra was merely using this as a temporary augmentation of 2nd Class duties, or they had a need to accelerate promoting new members to 1st Class. Preferably the former, but he had a bad feeling wherever they'd gone, those men weren't coming back.

Kunsel weighed the pros and cons of pointing that out before reaching a decision he hoped wouldn't be a mistake.

"The other 1st Classes- has Shinra sent them away only temporarily, or are they just gone altogether?"

His question was met with tense, chilling silence. The longer Sephiroth studied him, the more he regretted having taken the gamble. He could have uncovered the answer to this particular question without antagonizing Shinra's most elite commander. So why had he done it? To prove he was clever. Showing off like an idiot when he knew better.

"What makes you say that they're gone," Sephiroth queried in return.

While he couldn't deny that he'd been looking into the matter, he didn't want to give any names of anyone he'd spoken to. Kunsel made a point never to reveal a source when he wasn't confident in how a situation would play out. This was definitely one of those times to play it cautious.

"Things I've overheard since returning from Junon. Some 2nd and 3rd Classes saying that they're tasked with duties typically handled by 1st Classes. Watches that aren't being manned regularly- or at all. A general lack of presence here at Headquarters. Nothing specific."

Another silence. This one thoughtful.

"Would it be possible to obtain specifics? For instance- the last time a particular 1st Class was seen around Headquarters?"

Kunsel found that line of questioning to be highly alarming. It sounded to him as though Sephiroth- and perhaps Lazard himself- didn't know where Shinra's SOLDIERs were. Between mission logs and duty rosters, that shouldn't be the case. Everyone was always accounted for. Even if the group operating out of Junon was behind any disappearances within SOLDIER, it ought to be easy to pinpoint when and where using official records. So what did it say if they couldn't?

Nothing good.

Sephiroth, meanwhile, awaited his answer. And just like yesterday, Kunsel got the impression this endeavor was meant for him alone. That the 1st Class was asking him if he could obtain the answers and report back the results of such an inquiry. An assignment he knew he could complete. The question was, did he offer to get involved?

I can only imagine what Lilith would say if I agreed. After lecturing her about letting Sephiroth use her to achieve his own ends, she'd be quick to throw that right back in my face.

Then again, what were the consequences of refusing? Sephiroth might assign the task to someone else. Probably Lilith. Or what if he didn't? If 1st Classes were going missing, did Kunsel want to be responsible for not helping to discover when- or where- they may have disappeared? This might be Shinra's only hope of finding them. In light of that argument, he had just one answer to give.

"Possible? Yes, it might be."

"When we're finished here, report to Hewley's office. He will provide you with additional information about what we're looking for." Kunsel was about to acknowledge the order when Sephiroth changed his mind. "On second thought- that will have to wait for tomorrow. I had intended to task you with another assignment today. One that takes precedence."

Aren't I the popular one?

"You'll need to coordinate with Lilith on this one." Kunsel tried to hide his reluctance; didn't work as well as he'd hoped, because Sephiroth raised an eyebrow and asked, "Will that be a problem?"

"No, sir."

They both knew he was lying, but Sephiroth chose to continue with the details of the assignment. Message received; if Kunsel had a problem, he was expected to deal with it however necessary. The 1st Class expected the mission would be carried out, regardless.

"Good. She brought back some photos from Junon. We need them printed."

Well, that doesn't sound too bad. I wonder why he would need me to-

"By someone in the undercity."

The slums. Sephiroth was talking about sending them into the slums. A risk in and of itself, given that most undercity dwellers hated SOLDIERs. Meaning that the content of those photos was more dangerous still, if they couldn't be printed somewhere in the sectors on the plate. Likely something highly incriminating. Kunsel didn't want to think about what that something might be, but couldn't help himself.

The photos weren't his biggest problem, however. Asking Lilith to go into the slums posed a far more serious concern. Physical perils aside, going down there would likely dredge up more memories like the one that had gripped her in Junon. Kunsel didn't want to see that happen again. For his sake as much as hers. But unless he was willing to betray her confidences to Sephiroth, there'd be no convincing the 1st Class to keep her out of this assignment.

Perhaps not even then, he admitted. I guess we'll get through this somehow.

"Yes, sir."

Satisfied with his answer, Sephiroth advised him, "I recommend not entering that part of the city in uniform. Aside from that, the two of you may run the operation as you deem necessary to see its successful completion."

The commander, considering the subject closed, moved onto another. He withdrew an emerald sphere of Mako.

"Destruct. For today, we'll focus on a simple assessment." Kunsel accepted the Materia sphere with some reluctance, but continued listening. "You will be given a target. Use this to subdue it- cast whatever spell you wish. I will observe your performance and provide guidance as needed. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"When you're ready, give the signal and we will begin."

After a good hour or so of searching my locker, I finally found what I was looking for. Somehow, my books on Material had gotten wedged behind a bag and then slid into a crevice caused by a gap in the metal locker panels. How I'd missed them during my previous searches was anyone's guess. I inspected each one carefully, and was glad to see that they weren't damaged beyond some light scuffing on the covers.

Not that I had any time to read them. At least not until later in the afternoon. The search had taken so long that if I was going to meet Danita in the lobby, I had to be on my way. My hope was to be there before she arrived. Choose the battleground rather than to let her choose it for me. Of course, whether the woman actually showed up was another matter entirely. She might not, worried that I would lay a trap for her.

Or she could lay one for you.

I gambled that, like me, Danita would see those tactics as too premature. If she did show, she would want to use this meeting to find out what I knew. But the next time…

Shutting out those thoughts, I closed my locker and headed out. In the hallway, I turned left, thinking to take the quickest route to the elevators. But on second thought, I spun on my heel and went the other way instead. While I was mostly confident that Danita wouldn't try anything extreme, it didn't hurt to give myself a little insurance. The kind I knew I could find in the Mako Infusion Room.

Sephiroth is not going to be happy when he finds out about this.

Well, then I'll just have to make sure he doesn't find out about it, won't I?

With a quick look around me, I ducked into the room and shut the door behind me. Luckily, I didn't need to bother with a mastered copy this time, and wouldn't need to go near the locked cases. Still avoided being seen by the security camera, dodging nimbly through the equipment shelves until I found what I needed. Only, when I got to the section containing the magic Materia, the particular sphere I was looking for wasn't there. I scanned the shelf a couple of times to be sure I hadn't missed it.

Don't tell me they don't have one, I railed in silent fury. They have to keep a copy of Barrier here somewhere.

And since it wasn't here, I had only one other place to look for it. Sure enough, when I edged my way to the locked cases, there it sat. Both the mastered and unmastered copy. I could only guess that obtaining one wasn't cheap, and that's why Shinra took care to lock them up. A minor inconvenience, and a potentially major headache. But meeting Danita without the ability to block any status spells wasn't a risk I was willing to take. Once I had the lock worked open, I had to decide which one to take.

Well, I'm already in this much trouble. Might as well take the mastered copy just in case.

I stowed the sphere of Mako energy in my fatigues and relocked the case. The adventure had cost me more time than I liked, and now I was sure to arrive late for my meeting. Even worse, when I got back to the hallway, it was much busier than it had been before. Lots of other SOLDIERs changing shift, or just headed to lunch. I threaded my way through the crowd, each step carrying me closer to the elevators. But they also came with the risk of running into my friends. Friends who would want to know where I was going. I kept my eyes on the lookout for any of them in the sea of faces coming my way.

"Hey, Lilith- where ya been all morning?"

Should have been looking behind me, I cursed inwardly at hearing Luxiere's voice from the direction I'd just come. He was weaving in and out of the other 2nd and 3rd Classes. It was too late to pretend I hadn't seen him, so I waited for him to catch up to me. Could have been worse. Could have been Zack.

Or could have been-

Don't, I shot back before the name could be said. We're not bringing him up. Not today.

Really, my hope was to make it through today without having any thoughts about- or interactions with- Kunsel. Maybe a few days. I could really use the break, and felt that I deserved one.

Well, then you better find some way of shaking off Luxiere.

One step ahead of you.

"Taking stock of my things," I told him with a shrug. It was a plausible half-truth. "What's left of them, anyway."

"Yeah, that's- shit, I don't even know where I'd start if it'd been my place that bought it in the explosion." He threw me a sympathetic wince. "Any ideas what you'll do?"

"Still working on it. I was going to take my lunch to make some inquiries about my funds."

Which would ensure that he wouldn't try to come with me- or invite me along to whatever he and the guys were up to. The excuse was foolproof. And yet, I realized that I probably ought to run that particular errand. Even though I wasn't looking to replace my apartment any time soon, I did need to buy some essentials to tide me over. I couldn't walk around wearing my uniform and the same three sets of civilian clothes for what could be months.

I guess I'll do that after meeting with Danita.

"Oh- so you were probably on your way out, then."

"Yeah." I paused, debating whether or not to say anything more. It wouldn't hurt to set an expectation when I'd return, just in case this thing goes wrong and the scheming bitch really does try to take me down. Erring on the side of caution, I added, "Probably won't be more than an hour- hour and a half, tops."

Luxiere didn't prod me about why it would take even that long, or ask for any details. Yet one more reason I was glad he'd been the one to see me instead of Zack or Kunsel. Still, I felt a twinge of guilt for lying to my friend. Even if it was for his own good.

You keep telling yourself that.

"Sounds like a miserable way to spend an hour," he quipped with a shake of his head. "I'll see you when you get back, then."

Let's hope so.

"Yeah, see you."

Genesis wondered what to make of that. When he'd been invited into Angeal and Sephiroth's secret meetings those first few days, they'd been very open about discussing details. He didn't think they knew he'd set Wendt to spy on them, or he wouldn't be having this conversation with the 2nd Class. No, they would have confronted Genesis themselves if that were the case. So something else must have prompted them to change their tactics.

Doesn't really matter why- the timing is still incredibly inconvenient.

While trying not to let his disappointment show, he queried, "Anything else?"

"Some talk about 'intel' that they're expecting to get today. Hewley griped that they should've gotten it yesterday, but Sephiroth shot down his complaint with an argument about needing a 'secure transmission'."

Intel. Genesis understood from Wendt's phrasing that it didn't have anything to do with the coastal city reports. SOLDIERs stationed abroad sent reports back to Shinra Headquarters all the time. Even asking them to include information about strange sightings wasn't anything unusual. Certainly nothing that required any special handling or secrecy.

So what kind of intel were they getting- and from whom?

Although the chances were slim, he decided to see if Wendt could answer either of those questions.

"Any mention of a source?"

"No. I think they'd already discussed the details- likely earlier in the day. This was just a status update."

As expected. So far, this meeting had been quite underwhelming. His protégé was proving to be an early disappointment, not having the sense to wait until he had solid information to report before seeking him out. Genesis was more than ready to end the conversation, not wanting to waste any more of his time.

"I see. It's a start, but the unknowns need to be filled in. Follow up on those and get back to-"

"There was one last thing," Wendt interjected.

Now that's just unacceptable. Just because Genesis allowed the 2nd Class to assist him, that didn't mean he had been given any special privileges over any of the others. Wendt couldn't blatantly disrespect him and expect to get away with it. He shot the man a scathing glare and reached across the table to grab a fistful of his uniform. Outmatched in strength and speed, the 2nd Class gasped awkwardly in his grip.

"Did I finish speaking, Wendt?"

"N-no, sir."

"Didn't think so. So why were you talking?"

"I-"

He released the man with a mild shove, forcing him back into his seat.

"You what?"

"I wasn't thinking, sir."

"No, apparently you weren't. Now, what was so important that you felt you needed to interrupt me?"

The 2nd Class, thoroughly chastised, wasn't all that eager to speak. Stricken by a bout of second thoughts, no doubt. But Genesis continued to stare him down until he mumbled an answer.

"Sephiroth came in early this morning."

When doesn't he? That's hardly news, puppy.

"I saw him access training room two. Thing is, that room was already checked out to that bitch, Lilith. The two of them stayed in there for a little while, and then she followed him down to the spare office he was in last night."

Okay, that was a piece of information Genesis found very interesting. He was almost willing to forgive the 2nd Class for his momentary lapse of respect. Almost.

What could you be doing, Sephiroth? Private meetings with a 2nd Class.

If he didn't know better, he would have suspected the other 1st Class of the sort of 'fraternization' they'd lectured Genesis for. But he did know better. An accusation like that was laughable. Sephiroth's disinterest in women- both here at Shinra and the fangirls- was well established. How many times had Genesis tried to convince the other 1st Class to take advantage of the perks of being among Shinra's elite?

More than he could count. And each time, the answer was a staunch 'no thanks'. Genesis couldn't remember the last time Sephiroth had seen a woman for any reasons other than professional. Not since…well, best not to think about her. The point was, whatever Sephiroth's purpose in meeting with Lilith alone, it wouldn't be anything personal.

Pity.

Of course, very few SOLDIERs would think the situation through to come to that conclusion. Most people in general wouldn't. Wendt was no exception. Genesis could see that he'd leapt straight to what seemed like the most obvious explanation, believing that Sephiroth could only have one reason to meet with a female SOLDIER in private. He was quick to voice that opinion aloud.

"It's like I always knew," the man sneered. "She's no better than the rest of them. First it was Fair. She used him to advance to 2nd Class, and now she's set her sights on screwing her way up to 1st Class."

Wendt's theory might sound like a plausible one to some. But if that was her aim, why would she turn Genesis's offer down? The logic fell apart from the beginning. Again, logic wasn't going to influence the opinions of most people. They'd believe Wendt's theory for one reason or another. Envy, boredom- genuine spite. The reason didn't matter. The key was that they'd whisper the rumor though the ranks. Eventually, Sephiroth and Angeal would have to deal with the scandal.

Especially if word of it reaches Lazard.

And so he let Wendt think as he pleased, neither confirming nor denying the truth of his theory. His only response was a half-smirk before picking up his book and offering a neutral dismissal.

"Sounds like you have several leads to pursue. Some more interesting than others, to be sure. I suggest you get back to it."

Wendt nodded.

"Yes, sir."

The 2nd Class left the lounge, and Genesis was alone again. He found his page, but kept his eyes on the door for several minutes. Just staring across the empty space while he imagined how he might make his former friends pay for abandoning him.

I'll have the last laugh when this is all over. Mark my words.

Zack hadn't seen any of his friends all morning. After missing his usual train this morning, he didn't walk into Headquarters until nearly ten. Not the biggest deal, since Angeal hadn't put him on any assignments yet. As far as Zack knew, none of them were tasked with any duties this morning. He thought he'd have plenty of time to seek out Kunsel and the others.

Well, he'd been wrong. Zack didn't even get both feet out of the elevator before he was waylaid by a few 2nd Classes. They said that they only wanted 'a minute or two' of his time. That minute had turned into almost two hours. They'd complained almost non-stop about the 1st Classes, wanting to know why Angeal had the junior ranks on double and triple watches. Wanting to know why the 1st Classes weren't being asked to stand any- or why Angeal wasn't making them come into Headquarters at all.

Zack wished he could have told them the news he'd heard yesterday. It wasn't easy to convince the other 2nd Classes that they weren't being screwed over when he couldn't explain the real reason why the 1st Classes weren't around. But even if he hadn't been warned against it, Zack understood the panic that would arise if he did. His conversation with Angeal yesterday certainly hadn't given him any peace of mind.

Which was why he wanted to talk with his friends. They had to stick together more than ever if they were going to make it through whatever this was. More or less, it was the same advice he'd given to the 2nd Classes who'd approached him this morning. And Zack intended to see that his friends abided by it- their personal complications be damned.

I'd say getting nabbed by one of those goons is a much bigger problem.

After checking the lounge and locker room, Zack walked the training room corridor. He wasn't looking for Luxiere or Kunsel- they were likely already in the breakroom- but he stood a good chance of finding Lilith here. Especially with it being nearly noon. Everyone else would be clearing out for lunch, which was her favorite time to sneak in extra practice. He checked the displays on each door as he passed; rooms one through five were empty. Zack was about to check room six when the door slid open.

To his surprise, Kunsel, not Lilith, emerged into the hallway looking wrung out as a dishrag. His friend was so tired that he hardly noticed Zack trying to get his attention, just sort of staring dully down the length of the corridor. What could the 2nd Class have been doing in there? The question hovered on the tip of his tongue, but he bit it back when Sephiroth exited the training room a minute later.

Well, I think I can guess the answer to that question. He suspected this might have something to do with the training program Angeal mentioned yesterday. If it is, I'm not so sure I'm all that eager to have my shot at it.

"Fair," Sephiroth acknowledged with no show of surprise; Kunsel, on the other hand, appeared to be slightly startled.

"Commander, sir."

"Convenient to run into you, as it will save time." He wasn't sure he liked the sound of that. The 1st Class didn't wait for a response, issuing his next order in the same breath. "I will want to see you in training five this afternoon. Hewley should have already briefed you on the details."

"He has, sir." More or less.

"Then I will expect to see you at one-thirty."

"Yes, sir."

Without another word, the commander walked away. Zack stared after him in grim silence. Beside him, Kunsel did the same. A few minutes passed before his friend spoke to him, and when he finally did, what he had to say was far from encouraging.

"Everything we understand about using Materia is wrong."

"What do you mean 'wrong'?"

"I mean that the training we got as 3rd Classes when we learned to use the basic elemental spheres was a haphazard short cut." Kunsel coughed drily and winced. "Enough to let us pretend we knew what we were doing. After what I just went through…well, now I know better. We don't understand a damned thing about it."

Zack wasn't sure what to say to that. It was hard to believe that Shinra would intentionally provide its SOLDIERs with improper training. Well, hard to believe of the Shinra he'd known for most of his career. Given the bits and pieces Zack had been learning about Shinra lately, though, he was forced to admit that his friend's assertion wasn't impossible.

"But why would they do that?"

"That, my friend, is a question I don't have an answer for."

Kunsel shuffled stiffly in the direction of the breakroom. Zack fell in step beside him in thoughtful silence. They got halfway there before Kunsel said anything. Although, said wasn't quite the right word. More like he half-muttered to himself under his breath, "Lucky she didn't kill herself."

Didn't take a genius to know who he meant.

"I take it you mean Lilith. Sephiroth put her through the same wringer as you already?"

His friend regarded him a little too long before relying.

"Yeah. She said he assessed her skills yesterday."

Why do I get the feeling you meant something else, though? Was it worth trying to drag it out of him, though? Probably not. Zack decided to approach the conversation from a different angle instead.

"Soooo…You talked to her, then?"

"Zack."

No one was around, so he dared press the subject.

"Did you ask her about Vestra?" His friend refused to answer. "You didn't, then. Man, I don't understand you. Why aren't you seizing opportunities to make progress with her?"

"You don't know that it would be. So you'll have to forgive me for not being so eager find out that I've only made my position worse than it already is."

"Worse than what?"

Kunsel shook his head. "Nothing."

"You know you can talk to me, right? You know that I'd understand."

The appeal did nothing to convince his friend to confide in him. Quite the opposite, in fact. Kunsel ignored Zack completely, pushing open the door to the breakroom and ending the discussion. Nothing he could do but follow him inside. If the man wouldn't accept help, he couldn't force him to take it.

The breakroom was busy, which came as no surprise for this time of day. SOLDIERS not on assignment would be at lunch, and while some preferred to eat out in the city, most remained here. In the crowd, he spotted Luxiere, who was talking with Kohlen and Glazer. Kunsel must have seen him, too, and angled his way to the trio.

Luxiere happened to look over right when they approached. He took one look at Kunsel and exclaimed, "Gaia, what happened to you? Sephiroth run you over with a bus or something?"

Both Glazer and Kohlen snickered, but Kunsel didn't share in their amusement. He yanked a chair out and collapsed into it.

"Witty as always, aren't you, Lux? Nice to know I count on you to boost my morale," he replied sarcastically. "Wouldn't want to feel like shit for my own benefit."

The other three 2nd Classes traded sheepish looks. Luxiere cleared his throat and finger-combed his hair with a shrug.

"Look, I was only kidding around."

Their friend slashed a dark look at him, but said nothing more. Conversation stalled, and the group sat around the table in awkward silence. Zack considered bringing up the discussion he had this morning with the 2nd Classes. He had wanted to wait until his friends were all together, but maybe talking to Lilith separately would work out for the best. This seemed like a good opportunity to talk to Luxiere and Kunsel. Or would have been if Glazer hadn't decided to pick that moment to ask a question.

"Did you seriously have a run in with Sephiroth this morning? Is he giving you trouble like Rhapsodos now?"

Oh this is the last thing we need, Zack thought as heads at neighboring tables swiveled around to listen in. He shot Glazer a meaningful frown. The man frowned back, genuinely confused at what he'd done wrong. Even worse, now Kohlen joined him.

"Seriously, if those two are at it again…"

"They're not," Kunsel denied in a firm voice. "This was a training thing."

"You expect us to believe that. Training."

"Doesn't matter if you do or not. You'll find out for yourselves soon enough. So just leave off the interrogation already, will you?"

Glazer and Kohlen didn't look wholly convinced, but they let the subject drop. Zack wasn't surprised when they got up from the table a few minutes later, saying that they had intended to meet up with a few of the 3rd Classes. Maybe they were telling the truth. Maybe they weren't. With their departure, conversation around them resumed as if nothing happened. Still made Zack a little uneasy.

He leant over the table and whispered in a low voice, "Kunsel, you sure that was a good idea?"

"What?"

"Telling them about the training with Sephiroth."

"They're going to hear about it one way or another. And it's far better than the alternative."

"What exactly is this training," Luxiere asked.

Zack held his breath, hoping his friend had the good sense not to answer that question. Not here, anyway. For his part, Kunsel regarded their friend for a long minute before heaving a reluctant sigh.

"Why don't we go for a walk."

"A walk? You wanna go for a walk?"

"Yeah. Get something decent to eat."

"You know I'm always up for it- but you didn't answer my question." Kunsel just stared at the other man until he pieced it together. "Ooooh. Got it. Yeah, let's get something to eat."

They were gathering up their things, preparing to leave, when Zack mused aloud, "Maybe we ought to see if Lilith wants to go with us."

The look he got from Kunsel could have killed him stone dead, but before he could come up with excuses why they shouldn't, Luxiere did the job for him.

"Oh she's already gone."

"What do you mean 'gone'?"

"I ran into her fifteen minutes ago. Said she had errands to run and wouldn't be back for an hour or so." At Kunsel's muttered curse, he asked, "What?"

"Nothing. Come on, we're wasting time standing around here."

Once I'd gotten Luxiere out of the way, I headed straight for the elevators. Didn't breathe a sigh of relief until I'd safely made it there without running into anyone else. Even better- I had the car all to myself. No intruding chit-chat to distract me. But even that relief was short-lived as the elevator sped down to the ground floor. Wouldn't be long and I'd be up against Danita. I needed to make the most of these next few minutes to mentally prepare for that meeting.

Just how does one prepare to meet someone who's tried to have you abducted or worse twice in the past week?

Damned good question. I wished I had an answer. Any answer at all. But the cheerful ping announced that my time to think of one was up; I'd reached the lobby. The doors opened, giving me one last chance to remain inside and return to the relative safety of the 49th floor. Tempting to take that option, but I stepped out into the unknown with my mind set on seeing this through.

The lobby itself was crowded. The unhappy citizens of Sector 7 were clustered around the reception desk, as they'd been yesterday. After a quick assessment of any potential threats from that direction, I dismissed them as harmless and widened my search in order to locate Danita. Groups of various business leaders and city officials milled around, or waited in the uncomfortable-looking chairs. Probably here to see the corporate execs.

My initial sweep didn't find anyone matching Danita's physical description. I checked my phone. Just after noon. Maybe she wouldn't show.

Movement from the building entrance drew my attention. I saw her then, walking in my direction. In the time it took her to cross the lobby floor, I took in every detail about her. This Danita was very different from the one I'd seen briefly in Junon. Gone were the risqué clothes and excessive cosmetics, replaced by sensible business casual attire. She could easily pass muster in any corporate office.

She'd changed her demeanor, too. The vapid dimwit was also gone- swapped out as easily as she'd changed clothes. Of the two, I found that transformation far more disconcerting. But at the same time, I wondered why she'd intentionally come here without the façade. What did Danita stand to gain? What was she prepared to lose by revealing this side of herself to me so quickly?

This meeting was my one chance to find out; I sure hoped that I wouldn't fail.

When we were only a few feet apart, she stopped and offered me a smile in greeting. "Lilith?"

"That's me," I answered while feigning a smile of my own. "You must be Danita?"

"I am."

Introductions made, we stood in measuring silence for a minute or so. On my part, I was curious to see what she'd do next. After all, Danita had been the one who'd wanted to see me. Circumstances had changed since she'd prompted Genesis to arrange this meeting, and she likely suspected I knew about her connection to the Leviathan group. Would she try to persuade me otherwise, or take a different approach?

Regardless of what she did decide, I already knew that I'd made the right choice to bring along the Barrier Materia. I could sense that Danita had brought at least one- perhaps two- spheres with her. Although, something felt…off…about the energy. I couldn't describe what it was exactly. But the Materia she carried wasn't right. All the more reason why I was glad to have some defense if she thought to use it against me.

At last, she provided some follow up, adding, "I'm so glad that Genesis could put us in contact with one another. I really am interested to know what SOLDIER is like for women."

So, sticking to the original script. All right, I'll play your game and see where this goes.

"Well, I don't know how my experience compares to others, but I suppose it might make for an interesting story."

Another smile. I had to admit- Danita was good. If I wasn't aware that she wanted to be anything but friendly, I might have believed it sincere.

"Oh, I'm sure it will be. And I have the whole afternoon to hear it."

Fan-fucking-tastic.

Lucky for me, I didn't have all day, and could use work as an excuse to end the conversation at any point. A little leverage in a situation where I needed every bit of it I could scrape together. With that thought in mind, I gestured to a pair of open seats.

"I don't know about you, but I'd find it more comfortable to tell it while sitting down. Shall we?"

"Oh. Well." Danita paused long enough to appear as if she was considering my suggestion. I was far from surprised when she proposed a counter-offer. "It's so crowded and noisy in here. I was thinking it might be more fun to talk over lunch."

Oh yes. Not to mention that getting me away from the building would be to her advantage. I knew accepting her plan may very well be suicide, but if I wanted to keep her talking, accept it I must. That being said, all wasn't completely lost. Not if I played it right.

"Even better," I agreed blithely. "I know just the place. Just a block or so from here and serves some of the best maki rolls in the Sector."

Danita didn't want to agree, likely already having picked a place herself. But now she was the one forced to accept a compromise. For the briefest moment, irritation pulled at the corners of her lips, tightening that smiling façade. The next second, it was gone again.

"Sounds fabulous. If you're ready, why don't we go, then?"