In the [ μ ] - εγλ 1513 treatise De Principatibus, Machiavel argues that fear is a more powerful motivator than love and that leaders should rely on fear if they cannot rely on both from their people.
But, there are many dangers to being feared.
In ruling through fear, leaders replace competent truth-sayers with incompetent yes-men. So long as fear prevails, constructive discussion gives way to extraction and cronyism. In its final form, these governments are extractory enterprises built on crumbling institutions. And when a challenge to rule finally comes, the strong man leader finds a vacuum where his cabinet once sat, his coffers already ransacked.
Excerpt, Gebb, and Right. Analysis of Leadership. [ ν ] – εγλ 0033
XV. Deserting Order
"Can't imagine how this could be a mission for Soldiers," Zack complained halfheartedly. Angeal sighed.
"Well, Lazard was doing as we requested," Sephiroth said as they waited for the elevator to stop.
It was their second week at Junon. The mission was to clear out a few monsters that made their nests around the cannon, inspect the underwater reactor, and check on troop deployment. However, there wasn't much to clear out and deployment was working as smoothly as could be. Instead, Angeal spent most of it preoccupied with keeping an eye on Zack. The last time his pupil was here, he was on a debacle of a mission. Even now, Zack was unusually quiet.
The only snag they hit was reactor access. The team wasn't expecting them and inexplicably denied anyone access.
Where most other reactors fell to the jurisdiction of Urban Planning, both Junon's reactor and mako cannon were under the control of the weapons department. As a result, they had to deal with the red tape and idiosyncrasies of that woman, Scarlet. Angeal didn't have many dealing with her personally, but every time he did, every hair on the back of his neck felt like it might stay on end.
The elevator deposited them in the hanger bay. The large space was nearly empty, with most of Shinra's Gelnikas sent to the Wutai front. Only a few helicopters remained, along with older aircraft that were remaining for servicing.
"Excuse me, general?"
They turned, but instead of seeing a trooper as they had expected, it was a Shinra employee wearing protective equipment for working inside the reactor. He rubbed his hands together nervously as he addressed them.
"What is it?" Sephiroth asked.
"Please. We…need you to check out the reactor," he said, "I-I-" The man was close to breaking down. Without any more communication between them, the Soldiers followed the man across the hanger bay toward another set of lifts. This time, they stood in silence as the platform descended, taking longer than the one that brought them up into Upper Junon. Zack bounced on his feet next to Angeal, prompting Angeal to lay a steadying hand on Zack's shoulder.
The creeping dampness was the first sign they reached the bunker beneath Junon, dug right into the bedrock. Beside him, Sephiroth tensed. Though the klaxons were silenced, the yellow flashing lights that greeted them as the blast doors slid open told them that something was out of the ordinary. The reactor tech led them past the underwater tunnel, but Angeal didn't have time to marvel at the sight of water all around them. Next to him, Zack let out a gasp. It was still day out, and glimmers of sun rays lit their way through the shallow waters. The light cast them in a turquoise hue. Here and there, lazy shadows of predatory fish circled, uncaring of the turmoil beneath.
"Through here," the man said as they entered another elevator.
"Okay," Angeal said as the tech breathed heavily, catching his breath, "What's going on?"
"Mon-mon-monsters," the reactor tech said, "They broke out of containment. The head supervisor lo-lo-locked himself so they wouldn't escape." The man was close to tears, and the Soldiers were immediately more alert.
Monsters? Here in the reactor?
They exited the reactor entrance, following the man as he ran up to a terminal flashing red. He swiped his badge against it, and an alarm rang as more heavy doors slid open.
"Warning. Loss of containment event. High mako contamination levels detected. Warning …" They didn't even need computerized alerts. The moment the doors opened, the sharp scent of mako hit their senses. Its pungency was unmistakable. Beyond the doors, something let out a deep growl.
"Let's move," Sephiroth said, "We can't be in there for too long." Angeal could only follow his friend's fluttering coat as they raced into the heart of the reactor.
Zack stabbed angrily into another monster. It wasn't the hoard Zack had imagined, dreamed of in his worst nightmares from that day, but it came close in the depths of the reactor.
The monster slumped on his sword and went silent. Zack could feel its viscera slide over his gloves. With a final push, Zack wrenched the sword out and let the corpse slump to the floor. Around him, Angeal and Sephiroth were also finishing up.
Dim lights lit the reactor, illuminating the stark horror of its interior. Clearly, more was going on than mere power generation. Past the open doors, what greeted them looked more like Hojo's lab than a typical reactor.
Smoldering anger surged through Zack from a dark place he had locked down tight ever since the last time he had been in Junon.
Was this what people died for? So that scientists can put these things somewhere else to study?
"Modified monsters," Sephiroth stated grimly as he cleaned dark blood off the Masamune, "This installation looks recent."
"Yeah," Zack said hotly, "Those are the 'samples' we collected from our last mission." Angeal looked at Zack but didn't say anything in reprimand. Instead, he just sighed.
"I think it's time we finish what we came for and get out of here," Sephiroth said.
"But-" Zack protested. Sephiroth shook his head.
"We won't be getting more answers here. We need to see if the supervisor is still alive."
"Sephiroth is right," Angeal said, laying a heavy hand on Zack's shoulder. Zack looked down and clenched his fists but followed Sephiroth silently further into the reactor.
Thankfully, the rest of the reactor was free of monsters. They also found the control room on lockdown. The keycard the reactor tech gave them unlocked the doors. Inside, the scent of mako faded. When they entered, they found the barrel of a trooper rifle trained on them. Behind the rifle, an older man was trembling. At the sight of them, he let out a startled gasp.
"Oh, thank goodness, thank goodness," he said shakily as he stood up from behind an overturned desk, "I didn't know how long before help might come."
"The monsters are taken care of," Sephiroth said, "Can you tell us what happened?"
Zack looked around the control room. Other than the desk, a few overturned binders, and a chair, a sign people left in haste, there was little else out of order. Zack righted a chair and let Angeal guide the man into it. Then, Zack found unopened water bottles in one of the cabinets and handed one to the supervisor, who took it gratefully.
"We heard Soldiers were coming to inspect. Not sure what Shinra wanted Soldiers here for," the supervisor mused. "Things were quiet. Well, as quiet as it can be with those monster canisters keeping us company."
"When were those installed?" Angeal asked.
"Not long, I think. I'm new, too, and they don't pay us to ask too many questions. Then, right before you came, we had orders to lock things down from the weapons department."
Sephiroth frowned.
"By who?"
"Who else," the supervisor sighed, "Scarlet. After that, it was all hands on deck. We ramped up production, and mako storage levels are the highest it's ever been. That close to the level safety high means we are in a delicate bit of operation, see?"
Zack didn't really understand it, but Sephiroth at least nodded along.
"And the monsters?"
"Hojo himself came down to inspect them not long ago," the supervisor said, then took a long gulp of water, "Said they were important specimens, wanted to replicate the process or something." Sephiroth straightened at the information.
"Hojo did," he asked sharply.
"That's what they said. I wasn't on shift at the time," the man confirmed.
"What happened after?" Sephiroth demanded.
"We were on maintenance shift. I think one of the techs might have bumped into something. Not the boy's fault. They completely flipped the procedures on us," he said, "Then the canisters started letting them out. Thank goodness you came."
"Quadrant four cleared," Ramirez reported.
Kunsel breathed a sigh of relief as he marked down the area on the map in their operations center. It took weeks to secure Toin. Even on the retreat, the defending forces fought tooth and nail, and, as Gainsborough predicted, they booby-trapped every inch of the village. The fleeing villagers appeared to have burned anything they couldn't take in the retreat. With the roads rendered almost unusable, they had to rely on flights for both supplies and men, giving Wutaians ample opportunities to pick off vulnerable aircraft.
On the ground, they had to scour every inch of the village. Unable to set up a secure base in Toin itself, they rotated men in and out from Nanzen, increasing the exposure to enemy fire. At least the road was finally secure now (though how much was usable remained to be seen), and so was the airspace. Kunsel wouldn't wish braving the forests again on anyone.
From his vantage point, Kunsel could see Mount Tamblin and the fort that straddled it, looking the same as it had when they first arrived in Nanzen. Hard to believe it had only been a few months since they arrived in Wutai. The days stayed long.
"It's not going to be easy, is it?"
"Wasn't ever supposed to be," Sebastian replied from where he sat, transcribing comms. "If it were, Shinra would've already built a reactor on top of Da Chao."
"Well, let's take all this to Genesis."
To everyone's relief, Genesis's health didn't take a turn for the worse. Unfortunately, that didn't mean the man recovered, either. He stabilized, but privately, many Soldiers knew the truth. He wasn't healing.
The Soldier's mess was only a few steps from the command tent. With the numbers swelling in Nanzen, they had to add facilities out of necessity. The diet that was served differed, too, favoring extremely high caloric content that wasn't needed for the regular army.
The initial lunch rush was over, and only a few latecomers milled around. Sitting toward one side, Genesis's red coat was easily recognizable amidst black uniforms and drab metal tables. Cloud was easily recognizable seated across from Genesis, back facing them.
"There you are," Genesis greeted as Kunsel and Sebastian approached his table, trays in hand. Kunsel dragged over a chair next to Cloud while Sebastian joined a few other Soldiers who waved at him.
"Yams survived the fires. We found a small crop, but they already ran out," Cloud offered, gesturing to his plate. Kunsel took him up on the offer. The taste almost brought tears to his eyes. Fresh food was hard to come by.
"Messages for you," Kunsel said, handing over a stack of paper. Then he dug into his food with gusto. Tasteless as it was, it sure beat hunger.
Genesis read through only two reports when his face turned sour. The page crumbled in his hand.
"Those bastards," he said, "those absolute bastards." The sound of Genesis's fist hitting the table let out a loud bang that silenced the small hall as others looked their way. Kunsel saw Sebastian give a knowing glance and look away. Kunsel recalled he was handling comms.
That git. Didn't see fit to give me a bit of heads up?
Cloud looked over, bewildered at Genesis's reaction. Genesis lifted his gloved fist to reveal the dent he had left on the metal table. He sighed and passed Cloud the crumbled memo. Grabbing the other papers, he stood abruptly.
"I'll be in the command tent," he said tersely, dumping his tray off with a clatter as he stormed out. Cloud carefully unfolded the paper and flattened it on the table, using his tray to pin down a corner. Kunsel leaned in to read as well.
"FROM: Department of Public Security, Shinra Tower Main Command Center, Midgar Sector 0
TO: Temporary Command Post, Nanzen, Wutai
ATTN: Genesis Rhapsodos
The president grew tired of the lack of progress in Wutai.
We need to deliver a swift victory.
Prepare the unit for a frontal assault on Fort Tamblin. After that, you are called back. Stand by until you are relieved by your replacement from Midgar.
The rest of the company will remain in Wutai and carry out the remainder of the campaign.
End of message."
Kunsel cursed. "Frontal assault. That's suicide. And just calling back Genesis before it happens? Does Rufus actually want to lose?"
"Rather than that, what's Heidegger's office doing giving Soldiers orders?" Kunsel looked more closely at the heading, and Cloud was right.
What is Heidegger doing giving orders to Soldiers? Where is Lazard? What the fuck is happening in Midgar?
"I really don't know what else to do," the medic professed to Genesis as Cloud rolled the sleeve of his fatigue back down, seated on a cot across from where Genesis lay.
Genesis's flesh was stitched back together, but the deeper wounds weren't healing after the initial field treatments, and Genesis was slowly bleeding out internally. Worse, Genesis's magic refilled at a snail's pace and even now recovered to levels well below where he had been. Genesis clenched and opened his fists, then channeled some magic. His materia glowed faintly, and light sparks danced across his fingertips.
Genesis sighed.
The magic still flowed, but it felt like molasses, stubbornly resisting Genesis's every command.
"Get some fluids," the medic said, turning to Cloud instead. "You did two transfusions in four weeks. That's pushing it." Cloud nodded and accepted the packaged juice that the man offered.
Genesis looked down at his own bandaged arm. Donating blood to Soldiers was finicky. It was miraculous that the field transfusion even worked. Since they suspected poison targeting Soldiers, Cloud again offered his arm in a bid to see if nonenhanced blood would help.
"We aren't trained to treat Soldiers," the medic said, shaking his head apologetically, "The best would be one of the mainland clinics - Costa del Sol or Junon."
No one was trained in Soldier physiology. This Genesis knew without a doubt. All medical information about Soldiers fell strictly under the purview of Shinra's science department.
Besides, leaving now to go back alone was galling to think about.
Besides, Hollander had been utterly useless before. Genesis doubted the man would be much help now. But, well, what other option was left?
Genesis smiled when he saw Cloud's concerned face, watching him carefully. "I'll be back to top form in no time," Genesis said more confidently than he felt. When he started feeling poorly in Midgar he checked in with Hollander. The scientist assured Genesis that he would have a cure. But the treatment before Genesis left for Wutai clearly did nothing.
Infinite in mystery is the gift of the Goddess.
Cloud finished his juice and crushed the container in his palm. "Kunsel said he needed help with the aerial survey data," Cloud said, "I'll see you back at the command center." The blond had a concerned expression on his face but knew better than to push Genesis now. It would be saved for later and in private. Genesis waved him away. He watched Cloud toss out the juice and silently leave the medical tent.
Genesis sat on the cot for a while longer, soaking in his own thoughts, then shook his head. He had a job to do. He swung himself off the bed, and when his feet hit the floor, he felt more invigorated than in the weeks leading up to being deployed in Wutai. Time to check in on the troops.
Zack sighed as the mission drew to a close. He wanted a mission, but not one like this. He couldn't wait to leave Junon again.
Except for the horrifying discovery at the reactor, everything else was uneventful. When Sephiroth strode intimidatingly into the Junon command center, seeking answers, his face was the darkest Zack had seen. But no answers surfaced, and everyone else was just as in the dark about the reactor.
From his vantage point, he gazed dejectedly at the forces assembling on the starboard deck below, leaning against a railing circling the flight deck. Around them, men assembled, and supplies were packed to be deployed—a constant stream toward Wutai.
Except for them.
From where they stood, Zack could almost stare down the barrel of the mako cannon and imagine it pointed toward the active battlefields of Wutai, where his friends were fighting. Were they safe?
They were so close that Zack wished he could just borrow a trooper uniform and sneak onboard one of the departing ships, regardless of what Angeal would say about insubordination.
Angeal stood quietly beside him, arms crossed across his chest, brows drawn close, leaving deep wrinkles on his forehead. Genesis used to tease him about them getting stuck that way. These days, Zack wonders if there was any credence to what Genesis said. Angeal seemed to sink into dark silence more frequently now, without Genesis at his side or Zack to distract him.
They both turned at the sound of hard rubber on metal grating. As expected, Sephiroth was walking toward them.
"Transport is arranged then," Angeal asked, tone almost resigned. Sephiroth nodded.
"Follow me."
Guess that was it then.
Zack stooped down to grab his packed bag, Angeal only a step behind.
Contrary to Zack's expectations, Sephiroth did not steer them to the heliport. Instead, they took the elevator down toward the docks. Sephiroth approached a high-ranking trooper overseeing sweeper units being loaded into a seafaring vessel.
"Sir," the man saluted hastily, clearly awestruck at the sight of Sephiroth. "Can I help you?"
"We have orders to board this ship," Sephiroth declared, voice full of authority.
"We do..?...We do," Angeal said.
Zack had never heard Angeal's voice crack like that. Angeal got back his composure quickly, though.
"Uh, sir," the trooper looked down at his clipboard, then flipped it hastily, "Sorry, sir. You don't appear on the manifest-"
"We should not if people did their jobs right," Sephiroth said, "Top secret mission. Operational secrecy. You understand."
Zack did his best to school his expression into one of utter seriousness, channeling Angeal as much as possible. It seemed to have worked. The man straightened.
"Of course, I-"
"Wait!" They turned to see Essai running down the ramp toward them. Zack cursed to himself.
Dammit, Essai, don't say anything to reveal us now.
Essai ran so fast that he almost crashed right into Zack. He stopped just in time, out of breath.
"I- I'm also on orders. T-to join the Wutai mission." Sephiroth raised a brow, and the slight pull to his lips told Zack the man was more amused than annoyed.
Smoothly, the Silver General said, "Ah, lieutenant. Glad you made rendezvous time. We were almost going to leave you behind."
"Sorry, sir!" It was convincing enough for the trooper to let them through. Sephiroth turned to the trooper as they stepped across the gangplank.
"I trust no rumor of this will spread. Loose lips…"
"Sink ships. Not a word, sir."
As they stepped into the cargo hold, the last of the doors clanged shut. Zack watched dock hands throw back the ropes, securing the ship to the pier. Gently and without fanfare, the ship rocked its way out of Junon's deepwater port toward Wutai, joining the escort fleet.
"Come on," Sephiroth prompted, "I am certain the good captain will be able to arrange accommodations. It will be a long trip."
"So, uh…" Essai asked, "What mission are we on?" Sephiroth looked at him incredulously, and Zack started laughing. The guy didn't even bring a change of clothes and just ran onboard. This unfroze Angeal, who seemed to still be in utter shock from earlier. The hint of a smile on Sephiorth's face turned into a full smirk.
"Mission to keep under Rufus's radar for as long as possible."
Well, that erased all doubt. There was no mission to which Sephiroth was secretly privy at all. They slipped the leash. Zack hoped Lazard would understand.
"Don't you think it's time to let me out," Lazard spat at the screen. On it, Rufus looked back, a smug smirk affixed in place. Rufus, unfortunately, was as smart as he was ruthless. In this respect, the apple did not fall far from the tree. That face was insufferable. If Rufus had come in person, Lazard would have already gotten in at least one punch to his face.
"I think you should be glad you aren't in a Turk detention cell," Rufus replied. "Tut, tut. Consorting with the wrong kind all this time. Trying to undermine me. My own flesh and blood."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Lazard said.
Rufus leaned forward on his thronelike chair, resembling his father even more. Their father. The only thing missing was the cigar.
"Don't waste my time anymore," Rufus said, "I have the trail. Embezzlement, espionage, leaking of corporate secrets. Really, how would your men feel if they knew you sent them off to die knowingly? Sold them out for coin?"
Shock.
It emptied out all other thoughts Lazard had. What?
"I never leaked Soldier secrets to anyone. What kind of false accusations-"
"So you admit to the other things."
Lazard straightened his back, his mouth set to a snarl. "If you're going to accuse me, show me evidence. I know what game you are playing."
Rufus sighed, feigning disappointment. "I thought that after our father's passing, we could arrive at…an amicable arrangement. But heavy indeed is the weight of the presidency, and your treachery left me no choice."
"Wait, what do you intend to do?" Lazard thought of the men in Wutai and the work left to do. "What's happening to Soldier?"
Rufus smiled back but without any warmth in how he pulled back his lips. Lazard was reminded more of a wolf, baring its teeth, than a human expressing amusement.
"Soldier jurisdiction is transferred under the command of Heidegger. Our disgraced former director will be under house arrest and surveillance until we can complete the investigation," Rufus answered, affecting a gracious tone. "The Turks will escort you to a …more comfortable accommodation. Be good, now."
"Wait-"
The screen went black. Lazard growled in anger. Uncharacteristically, he punched the metal wall of the detention cell, then plopped heavily down on the bare cot against the wall, his head bent down. His hand smarted, and there was a visible dent in the wall before him.
Veld again sat in front of a denizen of the slums. This time, they checked the suspect thoroughly.
The truth was, Veld knew Rufus was plotting something before Palace del Monte. Was on his scent tracking down Avalanche, even. The assassination plot perfectly fit Rufus's style, letting Dark Nation circle while waiting for the opportune time to strike from afar.
But Veld just didn't have the energy to care. Not when it was between Shinras. Not when it was a family feud. Not anymore, at least.
Until Rod took a bullet. Until the Turks fell apart from the inside out.
Gun looked at him with contempt. He didn't blame her. Rod accused Veld in his dreams. He deserved it. He tried his damnest to keep his team out from between Rufus and his father. He failed. Shinra was like the mako reactors they were known for. They drew people in and used them until they were spent. Felicia looked at him with empty eyes before fire engulfed her body. And Veld never believed in Shinra again.
For the first time in years, he thought of his old partner.
Vincent, you were right. It is a pit of crawlers.
Veld didn't expect to sit in front of an Avalanche operative again. Though admittedly a small-time one. Nonetheless, Veld settled into the interrogation with a sigh. He was alone this time. With the new president changing things up, unrest in the slums, and being down a person until they could recruit again, Turks were in short supply.
Let's get this over with.
Veld whistled. "I heard some very interesting things about your operation, Mr. Turner. A month ago, you were selling drugs in Wall Market. Today, it's arms smuggling, murder, and a side of terrorism. Truly moving up in the world."
"I ain't done nothin'" the man said, "Just mindin' my own business when one of yer boys assaulted me."
Veld idly flipped through the file before him, "Funny, he remembered it differently. Tell me, what's in it for you to suddenly work with Avalanche?" The thug sniffed and turned to look at a wall.
Veld closed the folder decisively and stood. "I tried hard to help you, to reduce your sentencing, but the original sentence stands since you won't talk. We make sure to eliminate threats to Shinra. Permanently. If you won't part with information, it appears you aren't of any use to us-"
"Whao! Wait!" the thug's eyes widened, and he paled with fear. "Ain't that illegal? You're talkin' murder." Veld gestured to the room around them.
"We are short-handed, and I'm running this interview by myself. Nothing is recorded, and if someone from the slums went missing….well, who'd miss you?"
Turner slumped in his chair.
"Look, they don't tell us nothin'. We just handle shipments to Corneo. They get cash and weapons, and we get assurance that things are handled. Easy money."
"And what things are…handled?" Veld asked. Turner bit his lip nervously.
"I-I don't know anymore. Look, ya gotta believe me. They-"
"They don't tell you anything. I heard," Veld said, "But you heard things, didn't you? It's hard to be a messenger with no message after all." The man stayed silent. Veld smiled and raised his phone to his face. "Look at the time. Pity. I had to witness the end of such a high-flying career…"
"Okay, okay, if ya don't, um, hurt me, I'll tell ya what I know. I swear!" Veld raised a brow. "Avalanche is after somethin'. They keep talkin' about underground. Underground somethin'. Wanted Corneo to stir the pot a bit, not that he needs the proddin'. Ya have to believe me. That's all I got."
"Thank you, Mr. Turner," Veld stood, "I'll have the guards escort you out shortly."
The door to the interview room closed, the suspect still inside. Veld nodded to the trooper outside. "Take care of the suspect."
"Um…by take care of, you mean…" The trooper's voice raised an octave with the question. Veld signed.
New recruits.
"Put him in the detention cell."
Roche just finished his patrol and grabbed some grub in the mess. Looking around, he spotted a table with a few familiar faces and an empty spot. He walked over and plopped his tray down.
"Mind if I joined?" he asked, almost as an afterthought.
"Sure," a familiar voice piped up. Roche paused halfway to climbing into his seat. Looking up at him over the table, Cloud's bright blue eyes stared back.
"H-hi," Roche greeted. It came out about an octave higher than normal, prompting Kunsel to look his way curiously.
Sitting next to Cloud, Loire grinned devilishly at whatever expression was on Roche's face. Cloud glanced quizzically at Roche but continued to eat quickly next to Loire as Roche finally sat down. Roche's right leg bounced uncontrollably as he searched for words to say to Cloud.
Before he could get any words out, Cloud finished. He wiped his mouth and stood up with the tray in hand. Kunsel looked over.
"Hey, what's the rush?" Kunsel asked.
"Genesis is eating in the command tent again," Cloud said, "I'm going to take some food to him."
They watched Cloud get back in line with a clean tray while Roche got his breathing back under control. His cheeks felt warm. Loire shot him another grin. Suddenly, Roche regretted going around without a helmet to hide behind.
"Well, someone has a crush," Loire teased. Seagill laughed and leaned over his plate to speak over Kunsel.
"Eh, get in line. Everyone's a hormonal teenager 'round here," he gestured at the rest of the mess. Roche peered around to see a few people pause from their meals (a feat for any hungry Soldier) to watch Cloud leave. "Lucky for you, the boy's as dense as adamantine."
Roche groaned but stuffed his mouth with a spoonful of tasteless gruel.
"You never let me do anything," Yuffie complained.
Godo groaned and thought fondly of Yuffie as a small(er) girl. So much more quiet and obedient. Now he felt only anger after finding out she ventured into active combat, putting others at risk trying to retrieve her. They were lucky the Soldier she ran into didn't seem interested in hurting children.
One of his captains bowed, "Lord Kisaragi, the beast units are deployed." Godo nodded.
"Good, we won't make Shinra's occupation of Toin easy for them." Ignoring Yuffie's shrill yells, he turned instead to the silent red-cloaked guardian that brought her back. Until now, he leaned against the wall of Godo's spartan command room, leather- and metal-clad arms crossed in front of him and still as a statue.
"I'm afraid I will need another favor from you."
The man opened his eyes and looked at Godo.
"You want me to take Yuffie away." Godo winced at the loud "What" Yuffie made and nodded.
"Fort Tamblin is preparing for war. It's no place for a child." Valentine uncrossed his arms and walked toward Yuffie, who tried to back up in vain but didn't look too threatened by Vincent. They realized that Valentine was surprisingly good with children.
"Be wary," the man warned as he reached for Yuffie, "Things move in the shadows. Someone has much to gain from keeping Wutai and Shinra occupied as long as possible." Godo nodded.
"I'll see you again in Wutai City."
It was more faith than Godo felt. He smiled at Yuffie one last time.
"Take care."
Then, Yuffie and Valentine were gone with a swirl of red cloak and an indignant shriek.
AN: Rufus really FA'd and (haven't) FO'd if even Sephiroth and Angeal are noping out of Midgar.