Chapter 16. Restructuring.

John's POV

We didn't leave the place until a whole amount of military force didn't lock up the building. The training area had been replaced and the whole building area was now under containment.

Sephiroth's contacts had been fast and quite effective… in every aspect.

Still, we had sealed the area, warning everybody to be extremely careful inside the premise. This whole PORTAL thing was completely new and we didn't know how it affected us - in any way. Hell, this was a totally new, spontaneous entity and… I had touched it. The General had been inside and out that thing… which meant we were supposed to be on quarantine. Kind of.

I would have to run tests on both of us. Me and the General.

Just in case.

"There's an urgent meeting scheduled for tomorrow, 7 a.m." The General interrupted me, as I stared at the building's new electrified grid. "I took the liberty to summon the President and all the representatives of our Force will be there."

He had a point. This could not remain a secret anymore. It was our duty to inform the company of our… achievement.

"Yes, well… It's clearly necessary to have discipline and create safety protocols."

"Hojo is out of this. Permanently. I made sure of that." The General smirked, putting his cell phone somewhere inside his coat. "And I advise you to prepare yourself, Medina. Along with me, you'll be presiding this meeting."

What? My eyes widened at his declaration.

"Me?"

"You are Eleanor's confessionary. Choose your words wisely and do not disclose unnecessary information about her."

I blinked in silence, our stare locked. Oh, I could see where he wanted to get at.

"You mean the part where she can tell the future."

The General looked around, discreetly, as if making sure no one was listening.

"Let's not be hasty for now. We'll keep that between you and me." He declared. "With time, we'll open the game to everybody, but not yet. Do you agree?"

In fact, I did, very much.

"Completely."

The General nodded at me and took some steps behind.

"See you at the meeting then, Doc."

And with that, he got inside that huge black SUV and went away, leaving a trail of dust behind him.

Sephiroth's POV.

I had been preparing the meeting thoroughly during the night.

The PORTAL had been an important finding, and it was a fact we had now come to terms with its existence. It was there, it had appeared out of nowhere and someone had crossed it… and walked into our world.

Eleanor Stevens had been the only one crossing, that we knew of.

Now that I recalled it, I had felt it - that disturbance in the magnetic field of the planet had been her, most likely.

Which meant there couldn't be more 'accidental crossings' from now on. Stevens wasn't hostile, so to speak… but if that entity, that PORTAL opened to other worlds? Or what if someone from Stevens' world crossed it as well?

The possibilities were unlimited and we had our duty to uphold: to prevent any catastrophe.

I had dressed up today.

My best suit, black, with white shirt and dark tie.

The President was going to be there and I wanted to show him how professional I was - not that the man didn't know already. However, since Genesis and Angeal's desertion I felt I wasn't at my best. And, deep down inside I felt guilty for not being able to predict and contain the little chaos they created.

I would have to check on that as well. With Angeal dead, Genesis would be preparing something, I was sure of it. I knew the bastard too well.

When I got to the conference room there was no day light - the dawn was upon us, and soon the sun rays would greet us.

"General." The floor's secretary greeted me with a respectful bow. "Veld and The President are arriving any time."

I nodded.

"I'll be inside."

I took my time preparing all the paperwork on the tribune I would occupy for minutes. I had prepared my speech… and I hoped Medina had come prepared as well.

Speaking of which.

The good Doctor made an entrance in the conference room visibly nervous. I tried to ease the man's worries.

"Stick to the obvious facts, Medina." I suggested.

Medina nodded, sitting on the closest chair available. He too had brought a consistent amount of paper with him. Reports, I presumed.

"I don't want to screw this up." Medina admitted.

So, that was his fear.

"Follow my lead." I said, right before Veld got inside the room. The President followed and one of his security men closed the door behind them.

It was time to begin.

"Good morning. Veld. Mr. President." I greeted, going straight to business. It was early and I had a lot to do today. "I brought you here with a serious and urgent matter."

I paused a little, my stare on them.

"Months ago, a civilian was found in the training area outside Midgar. Once brought into custody, the nature of her declarations made us suspect. The information this civilian provided us with was not only suspicious. It made sense and, in a way, gave us useful strategic hints."

I heard Veld take a deep breath and knew he had read in between the lines.

"Doctor Medina's team ran tests on this civilian and found out her genetic background is completely different from ours. Hence, from another… world. A world I've explored for brief seconds as I crossed the PORTAL."

"The PORTAL is the virtual 'door' that allows passage. A security structure is being constructed around it as we speak, and the Physics team is studying it. For now the PORTAL is stable. The place is now sealed and under surveillance 24/7. Turks and SOLDIER are working together in this."

I paused, knowing I had disclosed a lot of information. I knew the questions would start now and I was willing to bet Veld would ask about Eleanor and the nature of her 'declarations'. The man had been focusing on that since I mentioned it.

"What kind of information is provided?"

And touché. My eyes shifted to Medina's.

"Doctor."

I got down from the tribune, changing places with Medina. The good Doctor stood behind that wooden structure, staring at us with interest.

"Uh, Thanks. Veld. Mr. President, if you allow me. It's a fact Eleanor Stevens came from a parallel world, located strategically next to us. She has knowledge of matters that are important enough to prevent unnecessary-"

"Just answer the question."

Veld was getting impatient.

"She's not an oracle, she cannot predict the future." John declared, and I bit the inside of my lip. It was a lie - I knew it, but… it was necessary. For now. "In a way, she knows certain things - events, happenings - that are of use to us, the company, to prevent… catastrophes."

And I decided to step in.

"This woman witnessed some events of our natural history. We can work based on that knowledge."

Veld stared at me at once, making a reasonable thinking.

"Like an informant."

"Exactly."

"And what is the accuracy of that information?"

"I assure you, better than I expected." Medina declared, all eyes on him again. "The General can corroborate on that."

The President finally spoke.

"I want this event contained. The knowledge of this… PORTAL and the woman must remain top secret until otherwise is decided. And I want a thorough report on the information she discloses."

The President's worries were whole, I could see.

"Of course, Sir." Medina answered.

"Mr. President," I asked, his eyes now on mine. "I am going to need a full pass on this. And so is Veld. If we are going to share responsibility on this, we must be acquainted with everything concerning this file. In all its aspects."

"Permission granted."

That was easy.

"Make sure it's contained and silent. Surprises won't be welcome. Not now."

I nodded, feeling the weight of guilt on me at once. He was referring to the SOLDIER desertion - and I hated the feeling of being pointed at.

The President got up in a sudden movement and we all rose, bowing to the man.

"Have a nice day, gentlemen."

And with that, he left, leaving us three alone. Veld's eyes met mine and he made a face.

"We'll need to discuss details, then." Veld stated. "If my men are going to be involved in this, I need to know what on the Planet we're dealing with."

I offered him an immediate answer.

"There is a File in your desk. But we can schedule a meeting whenever you want to."

"Thanks, General."

"You're welcome."

And with that, Veld went off that conference room, leaving me there with Medina, who still remained in behind the tribune.

"It wasn't so bad." He said, raising his eyebrows.

"Nicely done, Medina." I smirked, arranging the files I had brought on the table.

"Yeah. I only hope they don't… press us out."

"That will only depend on us." I stated, confident. "Stevens discloses information gradually. Which means that once you have that information… you'll have to tell me."

The good Doctor eyed me for a moment. Oh, so he thought I was stupid enough not to know he and Stevens were having off the record conversations.

Not a chance.

"Agreed."

"I mean it, Medina." I insisted.. "Turning off the building's recording system won't do for now on."

And the good Doctor eventually acquiesced.

"Okay."

I prepared myself to leave, almost getting to the door, but Medina's voice interrupted me.

"Oh, and by the way…"

"Hum?"

"You must get to my lab asap."

"And why is that?"

"You crossed the PORTAL. I must know if your system got affected or not."

Argh!

"Do I seem affected to you?"

"Don't be coy. It's a 'safety procedure protocol'."

"Says who?"

"Me." Said Medina, with a file on his hands, black capital print saying 'Safety Procedure Protocol'.

Damn. I didn't need this right now.

"Leave it on my desk and I'll pass by when I can."

"Thanks for your cooperation."

"Likewise."

And finally, I was out of there.

The day was breaking and I had a lot to do today.

Elie's POV

It was great to wander around the floor with normal clothes. I mean, the white pajama was comfy enough but I was bored of it.

John had made this arrangement and I had a limited freedom, given Hojo's presence in the building as well. He had been very cute and the clothes he had picked… had been very cool indeed.

Maybe it was a fashion thing in this reality, truth was I felt like I was in a FF7 cosplay or something. The thought put a smile in my face and I couldn't help but to laugh at the situation.

I usually chit-chatted with his lab assistants, who were very cool as well. Thanks to them, I was now familiar with all the lab procedures in the facility, they even let me help them from time to time.

And I got to talk about the world outside - Midgar and stuff. Every time I mentioned it, I felt shivers all over my spine.

It was weird talk about a game set like it was so real - but it was in fact, real. Very real.

Security was at the lab door 24/7. I presumed they were Turks, or who knew, maybe some SOLDIER infantrymen.

I wondered where Strife would be, if not around. I wondered how he would be feeling… looking up as the General passed by, wishing to become a first class… and not even imagining he would be the one killing the man he so bluntly venerated.

Man. That thought depressed me. I didn't want the General dead. I didn't want anybody to die, not if I couldn't help it.

I sighed at my logics, trying to ease up the nerves that invaded my body each time I thought about that.

In time, Elie. In time.

Right, all of it in time. There was no way I would disclose such sensitive information right now. The consequences would be disastrous. And, as my mind lingered in those disastrous consequences… my eyes found the unexpected.

I was walking by, as I saw, through the squared glass of a thick, dark door, a very familiar face sitting in a gurney. The General, in a random lab room?

What is he doing here?

And, without even considering knocking, I got inside, the door closing with a loud 'click' behind me.

The moment our eyes met I wished I hadn't barged in like that. The man wasn't exactly at ease. Or maybe he was… too much at ease.

He sat there, visibly bored. His face didn't hid how annoyed he felt for being there, shirtless and powerful, with black suit pants that fit him in a way I hadn't ever seen in him.

His hair, as usual, looked gorgeous, resting peacefully on the skin of his back, as a transparent bag with crystalline liquid inside made its way inside his vein. His right arm had those needles there, just like mine had for so many days.

The white shirt he had on previously rested on a chair, and I couldn't help but to stare at his physical perfection.

God damn. The man looked like he had been carved. It was impossible for a regular human being be so… anatomically correct. The chest muscles, the arms, the abdomen… man. What on Earth was that?

Heaven.

"Oh…" I said, feeling heat on my cheeks. "Sorry to barge in, I…"

"Aren't you at ease."

Oh and what a tone! Disdain was all over. That got me in defensive mode at once and I immediately abstracted from his physical figure. Impressive, all he had to do was say something to ruin everything.

"There's no reason for me not to be."

He snorted, his eyes on the needle inside his arm.

"Of course not."

And since we were talking - kind of -, I decided to let him know I was aware of the news as well.

"I heard you found out."

"I did."

"And?"

He smiled falsely at me. Oh, man, there was something not nice coming, I could feel it.

"I know you and John are very close. Hence, you are disclosing all type of information to him." The General narrowed his eyes at me, as if I had been misbehaving terribly. "I would like to know if any of that information is vital to our survival."

"You mean… concerning people in the company?"

"Yes."

Okay, I would tell him the truth.

"No." I said, his stare hard on mine. "Not yet." I added, hoping he would understand my words. And said so, I decided to change subject. "Why are you here? In the labs, I mean."

"Safety protocol procedure."

It took me a while to get it.

"Wh- Did you cross it?"

"Yes."

Oh my God! And he admitted it like it was something normal!?

"All the way into… that abandoned factory?"

"Was that a factory?"

Oh my God, it was true. He had been there. In my city. My world. All of the sudden I recalled the guys that had chased me into that room. The same ones that would have done terrible things to me if the PORTAL hadn't been there and sucked me in.

Man, what a rush.

"Was it vacant?"

"Yes." He declared, not bothering to look at me. "I sealed the door to prevent further intrusions."

Oh.

"You can't cross it again, General." I said, my tone urgent. "Not like… that."

"Why?"

"You're… you may be recognized and…"

"And…?"

"You don't get it, it's… uh…"

"Can you be more specific?"

Okay, he wasn't getting it.

"My world is not prepared to see you. Not the way you are right now, not all flesh and bone."

The words hadn't left my mouth and I regretted saying them.

"Then, how are they prepared to see me?"

Oh-uh. I gulped dry at his explendid reasoning. What was I expecting after all? He was brilliant, intelligent - of course he would try to trick me into saying things for his own benefit. I had fallen in his little trap like a duck.

He got up from the gurney and removed the needle out of his arm. Slowly, he grabbed a small piece of cotton and pressed against his punctured vein as he walked in my direction. The movement made his arm muscles contract, and I gulped at the sight of the General.

He was so perfect it hurt. I didn't even imagine he would look like that underneath that leather coat. Imagination was so unfair and minimal now that I had him - chest stripped -, in front of me.

My eyes betrayed me. I couldn't help but to stare at how defined his abdomen lines were, skin above muscle - pure, raw power.

I wondered if any woman had touched him. Ever. Since no appointment had been ever made to any interests the General had, besides war and killing… I couldn't help but to wonder if he fancied someone.

"What is it you're not telling me Stevens?"

His voice brought me to reality, in a way. I felt guilty for thinking such perversities of him. He was Sephiroth… Damn.

And thankfully, someone came to help me out. Someone in a white coat and a very shocked facial expression. John.

John's stare jumped from me to Sephiroth, clearly wondering what was going on. Thank God he couldn't read minds or I would die with mortification right there and then.

God. I had seen too much of Sephiroth than allowed. That man was prejudicial to me, really. He made me feel all weird and not at ease with his bitter comments and amazing body.

Oh, man, put the shirt on, pleeeeease!

"We need to talk."

"Great." I said, relieved. I could use a time out. Really, I did. Too much of Sephiroth all around me saturated me.

In a terrible, sensual way.

"Let's meet up in my office." John declared, clearly disturbed with the scene he had barged into accidentally. Half-naked Sephiroth looming all over me with all that eye power and… stuff.

Right.

John was very protective of me and that included the General as well. It was fact he and I had our differences.

I walked with John next to me towards his office while the General remained behind, most likely dressing up. That white shirt on wouldn't make much difference now that I had seen what was beneath the fabric.

The man was damn hot, for a psycho in full potential.

Stop it, Elie!

I had to put some breaks in my perverted feminine mind. There were serious things going on and there was John… clearly annoyed with my drooling all over the General.

The General made its way inside John's office in silence. He sat next to me with his arms crossed, clearly hoping someone would start talking.

John did the deed.

"I'm sure you won't mind the General is present as well." He said, staring at me with a knowing look.

I blinked at him, feeling my face burning. Damn it.

"Of course not."

"Please, begin." John said, urging me to do all the talking. Well, at least that would take my mind out of the gutter.

"There is a mission scheduled to Junon next month. I know infantryman will be stationed there, namely Cloud Strife."

The General took his time confirming.

"Yes."

So I continued.

"By the end of June he will be sent to Midgar under a new assignment. Professor Rayleigh, from Shinra will be carrying a disk with classified information and AVALANCHE will try to get their hands on the disk."

Sephiroth's eyes narrowed at me, clearly questioning.

"What kind of 'classified information'?"

"Uh… on SOLDIER and Shinra."

"The Turks will have to be there too. The charge on Strife will be hard. He will be protecting the scientist."

I stared at John now, who sat behind his desk in silence. He was the one making the important question.

"Will they get the disk?"

"The goal is not letting that happen."I admitted. "If they get the disk they will decipher the information inside and what I'm telling you will be of no use if that happens."

"Or?"

"Or the consequences will be… terrible."

"Terrible?"

"The disc's content… will allow others to perform experiments on persons. Just like the Mako-enhancement."

I felt how the General felt uneasy. Mako and all things related to that brought up bad memories.

"I see."

"It's important not to let the disk get in the wrong hands." I insisted. "Otherwise, Hojo will be the next target."

"They need Hojo's expertise in the experimentation area, in order to succeed."

"Very well." The General stated. "Let's get the details on who, when and where."

A/N: Ah! Loved writing this one! Tense scenes are so cool! LOL! The General all hot and just being himself… and things will roll nicely :) Read&review, can't wait to hear you out!