{Alright, good luck baby! Radio silence in 3… 2…}
And the line went dead.
(Just so you know… I think this is a terrible plan.) Jenova said idly, hands behind her head and she walked next to Cloud.
They entered Shinra HQ without any issue, the AI drones scanned him quickly before allowing them to pass through the checkpoint.
The building's ground floor was a marvel of modern science, wealth, and convenience.
A ceiling that was nearly clocking in a 100ft in height, that alone bigger than most of the sounding buildings in the capital. There was a pattern of square reception desks lining the floor, artistically placed on the tile grounds to be both functional and beautiful. The furniture– both small and large, sleek and black – was placed in unobtrusive locations around the lobby, aesthetically pleasing despite their usage. Bright square-shaped light hung over, also functional but designed in a way that made one think of crystals and gems.
And that was just the stuff Cloud saw stepping two feet into the building…nevermind the second-floor landing, the two spiraling staircases, and numerous elevators and office doors scattered about.
'Your opinion has been noted… and ignored.' The blonde thought as they passed through the main lobby, the sea of office workers and military types parting for the "Soldier" when he got near. It was pretty stress-inducing, walking among so many unfriendlies… but considering he hadn't been shot yet – a real possibility, considering how new his ID badge was – it was a surprisingly good start to the mission. 'Look… I get what you mean, but Nayo and Biggs stayed upfordaystryingto put that plan together. It's the best we got, with the time we had.'
(I'm not saying it's all bad… just the part where you gotta "negotiate" with these fools.) The alien said, air-quote the word with disdain. (Stuff like that only really works if both parties trust each other. But if half the things I've heard about these Shinra types are true, you're liable to find a knife in your back the moment you turn away.) Waving one hand in the air, as if dismissing the whole lot of them, she elaborated. (When it comes to psychopaths like these… if they don't know you, they're not gonna give two hoots what you have to say.)
' Maybe… but I still gotta try.'
(So you say.) Jenova said with a noncommittal shrug of her shoulder. (But I think that until they know you're not all smoke and mirrors… they're only gonna respond to violence and power. Personally, I think it'd be better if we go all… "fire and brimstone on" their evil asses from the get-go, and demand obedience.)
''...do you ever take a moment to think before you speak?' Cloud asked flatly as he searched around, looking for the right elevators to the upper levels. 'These people burn down villages over the smallest whispers of mako… so, what makes you think they won't just laugh in my face if I threaten them? Going in guns blazing might cause more harm than good.'
Seeing the right lift, they beat a hasty retreat to the chute, accidentally shoulder-checking a few people on the way.
(You'll never know unless you try.) Jenova said cheerfully as they got closer, getting in line behind a few people, not at all dissuaded by his argument. (I'm just saying… keep it in your back pocket, just in case. In the meantime, while you're talking to them and stuff, I'll snoop around their office and look for something incriminating!)
For a moment, Cloud stopped to look down at the crazy woman.
'You can't physically touch anything though…'
That comment seemed to stun her, almost as if she had forgotten that fact.
(I– shut up!) She said irritably, pointedly turning aware of him as she crossed her arms and they got in the queue. Staring straight ahead for a few beats, she growled out over her shoulder. (For your information, I've been practicing! So I can do it, especially if I really concentrate. So you know… exhibit A!)
Jenova suddenly turned around and punched him in the gut… which, to be fair, he did feel something.
Even if… said something felt like a deflated air balloon.
'Alright, alright… you made your point.' He chuckled a little, jokingly rubbing his stomach as they got another step closer to the front of the line. 'If want to keep yourself busy, I–'
A heavy hand fell on Cloud's shoulder, causing the merc to stop mid-thought. Forcing himself not to tense and draw his sword in reflex, the blonde let his eyes trail up the tree trunk of an arm, past the black shoulder pauldron… and into the mako eyes of a Soldier.
'Well… shit.'
It was a big man, about a foot taller than Cloud – dark hair, tan skin, and built like he ate airships for breakfast – but with the most confused expression on his face, staring down at the blonde. And for a long excruciating moment, the two mutants just stared at each other… scratch that, a half dozen mutants stared at the merc.
The man had apparently arrived with his squad, a loose collection of equally big Seconds and Thirds, each man armed to the teeth.
And as the seconds passed – the group of Soldiers beginning to draw curious eyes – Cloud's fists started to clench in preparation for a fight.
But before he could throw a punch, the stranger suddenly shook his head vigorously… finally seeming to notice his hand was still on the blonde. The big man hastily withdrew it, shaking it a little – almost as if he had been holding hot iron – his other arm half raised like he wanted to give a salute.
In the meantime, the other Soldiers' had slowly shuffled closer, all of them now standing nervously in a semi-circle around Cloud – some of them were also doing the uncertain half-salute, while others were hunched a little as if they wanted to give a bow – but all waiting with bated breaths, looking at the blonde in almost fanatical wonder.
The merc could only blink at the odd reaction.
"G-Going up… uh, sir?" The Soldier asked dazedly, hesitantly pointing a finder at the elevator… as if he wasn't sure how to properly address Cloud, and didn't want to offend.
"I–"
(Yes. please!) Jenova piped up suddenly, having watched the whole exchange with a smirk. (Past the 60th floor if you can.)
Once again, the assembled Soldiers all seemed dazed, blinking stupidly at the spot where the alien was… but they shouldn't have been able to see.
"Um… I can do that for you, sir." The squad leader said, glancing back and forth between man and parasite, before settling directly on Cloud… all but confirming he couldn't see the phantom, even if seemingly able to hear her words. But despite his confusion, he found his conviction and turned to the rest of his team, barking out. "Form up you lot! We'll escort the, um…" He quickly looked at the blonde, blinking rapidly before saying. "T-The General to his destination! Clear the way!"
Once the squad had assembled into a formation, the leader motioned for Cloud to take the middle position – the VIP spot apparently, with Jenova pushing him in when he hesitated – before going to the front and indicating for his Soldiers to march away from the line, and toward to one of the golden elevators behind the left staircase.
A little too stunned by the sudden turn of events to even speak, the merc let the alien happily lead him along until they were at the lift – reaching it in record time – before stepping into the metal chute.
Watching the captain swipe his access card on the keypad, the big man tried to step into the box as well, the other not far behind him.
At least until Cloud stopped him with a raised hand.
"That's… good enough Soldier." He managed to say, trying to force as much authority into his voice as he could, before he firmly pushed the man out of the box. "I… thank you for your effort, but I can make it the rest of the way up myself."
(See ya!) Jenova said blithely, giving the man a wave.
"I– Of course sir." The squad leader said hesitantly, but still stepped back, forcing the rest of his team – who had been craning their neck around to look inside – a few feet away, clearing the space. "Have a safe trip General!"
A few of the other Soldiers managed to say the same before the door closed them for view.
A minute or so passed in a blur… but eventually, Cloud had managed to collect his thoughts enough to turn to his parasite and ask. ' What… the hell was all that about?'
(Hmm?) Jenova asked as if she was genuinely confused by what he was talking about. But it didn't take long for a distinctly evil grin to appear on her face, as she said teasingly. (What? It's just some kids giving proper respect to their Goddess and her Chosen, of course… no big deal.)
000
After Cloud finished his "story", he made sure to give Reeves the appropriate amount of time to digest it all.
As per instructions.
Which he had to follow to a 't' because there was no backup now that he was in the Director's office. While Cloud had an earpiece to communicate with the other members of Avalanche… it currently wasn't active. A safety precaution in case any of the Directors had anti-spyware that could potentially let them tamper with the mission. And considering about half of the Board members were mechanical geniuses… it was a smart safety measure.
Sure didn't help the merc feel like he was being left in the lurch though.
(Hey Cloud… I think this cat thing just blinked at me.) Jenova said musingly, looking curiously at a toy that had been on the ground near one of the wall shelves.
'Not now.' The merc thought firmly, still waiting for the Director to make the first move. 'I need to focus.'
That being said, Cloud couldn't help to watch the phantom out of the corner of his eyes, wondering what had her so intrigued.
Outside of women, and everything in the pursuit of that, there wasn't a whole lot that caught the alien's interest.
The small woman was slightly hunched over as she inspected a black and white cat doll sitting on… what looked like some fat, mutated moogle with wings. Scratching her head a little in confusion, she slowly looked away from the kept glancing back and forth between the dolls and Reeves Tuesti, almost like she wasn't sure what she was looking at. But suddenly, as if struck by lightning, the alien rushed back to the merc, almost buzzing with excitement.
(So crazy question… but are Inspires a thing in your era? Cause if so, we might–)
"That's… quite the story you have. Although, nothing I wouldn't believe of Hojo." Reeves admitted slowly, unintentionally interrupting whatever it was that Cloud's unwanted roommate was trying to tell him. The Director leaned back into his cushy office chair – Jenova giving the older man the stink eye as she began circling him like a shark, muttering something to herself – with hands tented before him as he regarded the reluctant spy with intense eyes. Another long moment passed, his fingers idly tapping together in rhythm, he asked. "But where's your proof? I have your words, I know the bones of your plan… but how do I know they're sincere? More importantly, how do I know you are who you even claim?"
"Would you like me to hand you a resume? Show you my references?" Cloud said sarcastically with a flat look, crossing his arms as he leaned back in his chair, mirroring the older man's posture. "I already told you I want to stop the President and his schemes, basically incriminating myself… so how much more do you want?"
"I… acknowledge the risk you've taken, but–"
"Don't play me for a fool, Reeves." The "Soldier" said firmly, tapping an irritated finger along his bicep as he tried to keep his voice calm. "Because I didn't survive five years with Hojo just to bend myself over for you. So lower your expectations – and maybe try being a little more slick with your digging – because as far as you, and anybody else in this building are concerned… I'm a nobody." Making sure to glare as hard as he could at the engineer, he deliberately lowered his gaze and added quietly. "Trust me when I say… it's better that way. "
Unfortunately, Cloud's attempt at guilt-tripping was less than effective.
"So you say… but with no way to verify even your identity, how am I to believe you?" He countered readily, eyes intently searching Cloud's face as his hands spread out before him, palm up imploringly. "You ask for trust, and help to save the slums… yet are unwilling to give me anything to earn that. I just don't know who you really are, Cloud Strife, beyond what you've told me yourself."
"What do you expect? Hojo to keep a neat and orderly file on a secret project?"
"Of course not… but it puts us in a predicament." Reeves acknowledged with an embarrassed shrug. "At the end of the day, words are wind… and I base my life on hard facts and the clear intentions of others." Waving his left hand out he said. "You haven't provided anything for the first…" Flipping his right hand out. "And I barely understand your reasonings for the second. Not a great start for what you implied would be an equal partnership. This could be a trap for all I know…"
"Yeah. well… I don't exactly see you volunteering anything." The merc retorted, a heated look in his eyes as he glared across the table. "And my proof… is that I'm sitting right here in front of you, hat in hand, begging on my knees. Half the things I'm told you could get me executed for treason… true or not!" Slamming a fist on the wooden desk, just enough not to cause cracks, he gritted out. "And after what Hojo did to me – cutting me up and shoving me back together – I'm going out on a limb for a man who might be just as bad as every other Shinra Executive I've ever encountered."
"True enough." The Director conceded with a wince, as if he just made a faux pas, before sighing dramatically. "And I sympathize with your plight, being caught between your loyalty and moral dignity… with all sincerity, I truly do. But the stark reality is… I don't need to convince you of anything, you need to convince me ." Leaning into his armrest, he rubbed one finger to his temple and asked seriously. "You say you are taking a risk – and you are – but so would I, just by entertaining your idea for a second, true or not. Even worse, all I've heard so far are the cons of your plan – and when challenging other Directors, there are many – but none of the pros… so what do you even have to guarantee success?"
"Plenty." Cloud snarked back stubbornly, still leaning forward aggressively but now pleadingly. "But I need a commitment, Reeves… a guarantee that you're all in, that you won't just ring up the President the moment I turn my back." Lowering his voice, making his next words almost pleading. "Because i-it's not just us that'll be in danger if this whole thing blows up in my face… I have to save the slums."
For a split-second, the Director's eyes flickered up sharply… before his face went smooth.
(Hey, I saw that!) Jenova shouted out obnoxiously, pointing an excited finger at the man's face.
"I'm not trying to be unreasonable Cloud." Reeves said softly as if he was truly remorseful over pressing so hard. "And I don't mean to put you, or anyone you work with, in a tough spot." Sighing tiredly, as if all 33 years of his life finally hit him at once, he said. "Quite frankly, I detest the President's plans and all that he hopes to accomplish with it."
"Then let's stop talking in circles, and–"
"But I won't be bending on this issue either… because what was it you said? You spent... five years with the Professor? Well, I've done 15 with the man, and if there's anything I've learned from… those interesting times, is that anything involving Hojo… requires caution." Looking off to the side, he gave a shoulder shrug. "But I think you already knew that… because surely you didn't come to my office expecting unconditional trust."
A statement, not a question.
Reeves was proving a lot more stubborn than Nayo and Biggs had told Cloud he'd be… which meant his premade script was hitting a dead end.
Shit… now what?
(Eh… just improvise.) Jenova said with a shrug of her shoulders, not at all concerned as she kept on inspecting the Director, occasionally glancing back at the dolls. (You need to say something, you weirdo… or he might get suspicious.) She placed both her index fingers just above the Executive's temples as if trying to measure his skull. (Besides, what's the worst that can happen?)
'A lot.' He thought, somewhat irritated by her nonchalance. 'A lot, lot.'
(Yeah, okay… but if you keep just sitting there like some golem, he's gonna know something up.)
"Fair enough..." The merc admitted eventually, nodding in agreement as he tried to scramble for something more to say.
"Good." Reeves said simply, clapping his hand now that the matter had been settled, before straightening his tie busily. "Shall we conclude things for now? Give us both a minute to collect our thoughts and prepare ourselves? Perhaps we can set a time and place for our next meet when you're ready–"
"I live in the slums," Cloud said quickly, not liking the direction the conversation seemed to be leading. It was a bit out of sequence, but talking about where he lived was a harmless truth, especially since Bigg's cover story for him planned for Shinra to find that out eventually. "Have been living there for the past couple of months."
A moment of hesitation, before Reeves found his voice.
"Oh?"
"It was… part of an ongoing operation that Hojo had me doing." The merc elaborated, his thoughts spinning a thousand miles a minute as he tried to come up with a convincing lie. "I was to integrate myself below the plate... and become the Professor's eyes and ears in the lower sectors. Keeping track of… pretty much everything and everyone, before passing information up the chain." He gave a frustrated wave of his hand as if he didn't know how to explain further. "And it was to stay that way… unless he needed me for another mission."
"And then he died." Reeves supplied.
(Good riddance.) Jenova said with a yawn, wandering away from the desk in order to squat in front of the dolls again, apparently having grown bored.
"And then he died." He echoed, nodding in confirmation. "And I, for all intents and purposes, got cut loose to finally live my life the way I wanted. Which I was… until the shitshow that is Shinra, forced me to come back."
"And… you've established a life down there?" The Director asked slowly, his eyes once again searching the Soldier's face. "Friends, family, lovers?"
(Don't tell him about the girls!)
"Easy with the questions," Cloud warned, not liking how quickly then man dug for more information, especially over such personal ones. When the man gave an aquicent dip of his head, acknowledging his mistake, the blonde signed and continued. "But for the most part… yes, I have." He admitted reluctantly, trying to squeeze every ounce of sincerity he could into his words. He wasn't really enjoying the interrogation but knew how important his undercover mission was for Avalanche, and forged on ahead. "And this is why I'm trying so hard to get you to work with me, Reeves. I'm trying to save my loved ones because I have it on good authority… that among all the Board members, you're supposed to be the one with a heart."
The man took the backhanded compliment as it was intended, only asking. "And now?"
"Still the best of the worse, you piece of shit… but just barely." The Soldier spat out, before pointing a finger at the hi-rise windows, and the scenery down below. "Look, if you want to confirm who I am… just ask any of the millions of people on the ground floor. I'm sure any of them would be more than happy to tell you all about "Cloud Strife the Mercenary"."
"I just might." The infuriating man said placidly, giving him an idle nod… once again, not very moved by Cloud's acting. Even when the merc… kind of wasn't acting anymore towards the end. Tapping his fingers on the desk, the older man watched the blonde curiously, before asking. "But keeping an active spy ring under the plate? That's… something I could believe of the other Directors, but Hojo… well, he never cared much for anything outside of his labs…"
"And that's where I come in," Cloud said, managing to keep a cool face but internally panicking as he struggled to keep up the story. "He hated every moment of the office politics but understood the necessity of it… that he needed to cover all his bases if he didn't want someone younger coming for his neck. I'm sure you can sympathize." A weak allusion to Reeves' own meteoric rise through the Shinra ranks, becoming the youngest Director in the Company's history. He didn't outwardly react to the jab at first but eventually nodded that he understood the point. "I worked the field and did the grunt work, or… really, any work he felt was beneath his time and notice – which was most things – but needed to be accomplished anyway."
"And that's how you gained your unique position as Hojo's right-hand man." Reeves surmised, nodding to himself as if he just obtained another piece of a puzzle. Taking a moment for quiet contemplation, working his jaw as he considered his next words, the engineer finally said. "Thank you for humoring me Cloud, I know it couldn't have been easy putting yourself on the backfoot to a practical stranger…"
"But?" Cloud asked, sensing the unspoken word.
"But what is to say… this isn't one elaborate trap?" The Executive began, hands already up in surrender, no doubt knowing how aggravating his words were. "I know, I know… you've been more than accommodating, your reasons sound and understandable. And I want to trust you…" He leaned forward on his desk, arms crossed at the elbow as he regarded the infantryman. "But I can't shake this feeling that you're trying to play me… that you're hiding something crucial. And I've learned to trust my instincts."
Even when Cloud felt like his jaw was about to fall off, Reeves only gave a shrug of his shoulders, before settling back in his chair, waiting patiently.
But before the blonde could say anything… the world slowed to a crawl.
(Oh… this piece of shit.) Jenova said in disbelief, her head snapping around to glare at the Director who was now moving in slow motion, her incredulous tone mirroring Cloud's own dissatisfaction with the man.
'What the hell did you do!?' He asked in horror, as the whole room seemed to have fallen out of sync with reality.
(Hmm? Oh this?) She asked, circling a finger to indicate their surroundings. (It's just a little time dilation in your head, with me increasing your perception so we can have a private talk. Everything outside of your head is still normal, so– you know what, don't worry about the details! Focus on what's important.) Pointing an accusing finger at the dark-haired man, she said angrily. (He's totally trying to play us! Taking advantage of our "desperation" to run circles around you!)
'I know, but what am I even supposed to do about that?' The merc shot back, trying to force his jittery heart to calm down over Jenova's display of power. It was something the two of them would definitely have to talk about eventually. 'I can't just throw him out the window and be done with it, we need him on our side… for now at least. I gotta play nice.'
(Yeah, but do you really?) The alien asked didactically, marching back over to stand by Cloud's side and stare daggers at the businessman. (I mean, I know Nayo said don't hurt this guy – and I agree, because I abhor violence – but he's treating you like a fool! All because he thinks he has the upper hand!)
'He kinda does…'
(Yeah… well, then bluff.) She said simply as if that was the perfect solution to his predicament. (Nine-tenths of power is pretending like you know everything… and well, making people think you'll smite them if they bother you too much.) She admitted with a shoulder shrug. (Tuesti's only confident now because he feels like he's in his element, scheming and plotting. But that's not really you Cloud, you're more of a "talk to me… or talk to my sword" kind of guy.)
'Are you trying to help me or insult me?' Cloud thought wondering, even as his body kept up its staring match with Reeves going, neither man blinking.
(I'm just saying… play to your strengths.) Jenova said encouragingly, walking behind his chair to give him a shoulder massage, trying to hype him up. (Nayo and Biggs' plan was solid, but they're not here right now to guide you. Trust me, it's better to rely on yourself, and what you can do, than flounder over a strategy that's leading nowhere.)
Fair… he was already struggling to keep up with Reeves, too unsure how to even fight back, and with no real solution in sight…
Cloud couldn't help but glare harder at the man across from him.
So, maybe he should listen to his parasite for once?
'I can't believe I'm considering this…' The blonde incredulously, still unsure over what she was saying, yet… somewhat grateful that the alien was helping him nonetheless, her positivity feeding into his confidence. 'Alright I'll bite… what are my strengths?'
(Well… you're an exceptional lover and fighter.) She stated simply, ignoring his internal splutter at the crude statement, her phantasmal hands still moving like they were actually working the knots out of his muscles. (I mean, you can't really fuck or kill your way out of this one, unfortunately... however! They do have certain similarities that say a lot about your personality… such as you dominating the situation and taking control! Which, incidentally, kind of works with Nayo's plan for you to be a straight shooter.)
'She said, don't threaten him…'
(Oh, pish posh, it's just a few words… to establish a hierarchy, if you will.) The phantom said cheerfully, before chopping his shoulders in rhythm, her small hands bouncing off his back. (Besides, a busybody like Reeves needs someone above him, a pin-head to make the big decisions and take orders from… if he didn't, then he wouldn't be playing second-fiddle to Shinra.)
'You're reaching.' Cloud thought back stubbornly, his body reflexively trailing a finger down his sword hilt, his arguing consciousness barely registering Reeves' eyes following the motion nervously. 'By your logic, I'm a yes-man too, all because I'm not in charge of Avalanche.'
(Hmm, no hate but you kind of are.) Jenova teased, a hand reaching up to flick a spike playfully. (But that's mainly because you lack ambition… Reeves, on the other hand, clawed his way to the top. And he did it by being smart… and knowing who he shouldn't mess with.) The merc felt the barest touches of imaginary arms circled around his neck, a soft voice in his ear. (I'm just saying, he nearly shit himself when he first saw you… a little reminder, and you'll have him on the ropes.)
'So threaten him?' The Soldier thought flatly, but with no real heat behind it as he truly considered her plan. His eyebrows furrow in consternation – watching the Director twitch suddenly, shifting a little in his seat – and realize he was… maybe not as opposed to the idea as he should have been. 'And even if I did… what would I even say?'
Leaning in closer, she whispered…
And time restarted.
{Cloud, we might have a bit of an issue!} Nayo's voice suddenly rang in his ear, her breath was ragged as if she had just run a dozen miles, her words practically tripping over themselves as she spoke. {So don't freak out, but Jessie found a bug on her… and we think it might be one of Reeves–)
"Maybe we should reschedule for another time…" The man in question said slowly, unknowingly interrupting Nayo as he loosened his tie a bit, a bead of sweat trailed down his forehead. He gave a "reluctant" shoulder shrug like suggesting they take a break was the last thing he wanted to do. Running a hand through his hair, he said apologetically. "A lot was said today, and I think we both need time to clear our heads–"
(We checked the device, and I doubt it recorded anything incriminating, but she definitely got made. This whole thing with Tuesti might be a bust–}
"You're an Inspire." Cloud cut in roughly, panic rising in him again as he comprehended Nayo's words, a thousand different worst-case scenarios spiraling in his head. "And yes… I know all about your powers and your little dolls, so don't try to hide it."
(What's an Inspire?) Nayo asked in confusion, her tone making it clear she did not like being out of the loop. (Wait… not important! We gotta evacuate you and Jessie out of the building ASAP!)
Yet, as he watched Reeves, Cloud knew there was no time to rethink Jenova's plan or consider a plan of escape… he could only adapt and act.
If Jessie was in trouble and Reeves was somehow the cause of it… then it was even more crucial that Cloud get the man under control and in line. Otherwise, it'd be a loose thread hanging over Avalanche's head. This way, even if she got caught as a spy, she'd be safe if the Director was too scared to do anything about it.
Ultimately – without any time to consider better alternatives – it was either that… or run his sword right through the engineer's body.
{Like two birds with one stone.} Jenova said, nodding grimly at Cloud's final conclusion.
Conviction set, he watched in morbid satisfaction as the older man's eye nearly popped out of his head from shock, before forcibly schooling his face.
"H-How could–"
The Soldier made sure to indicate the strange cat/moogle combo on the wall… which almost seemed to stiffen in surprise at getting singled out.
'Well, shit…' Cloud thought, not having truly believed Jenova until he saw the movement out of the corner of his eye.
"I-I… meant, I don't know what you mean–"
"Can it, Tuesti." He cut in irritably, turning his attention back to the man as he stood up and placed both hands flat on the desk, looming over the Director. "You don't want to play nice? Work this out like adults? Then I'm done bandying words with you. As far as we're concerned now, you just need to shut up and obey." Leaning in closer, to stare dead into the man's eyes, he growled out softly. "Because if you don't, the President is going to find a very special file on his desk this afternoon." Reeves physically leaned back from Cloud, his earlier bravado gone. "Or if you prefer, I can just toss you off the goddamn building now."
For a moment, the director's eyes flickered towards his dolls – a split second of consideration – before focusing on the Soldier in front of him, the numbers were apparently not in his favor.
"Easy Cloud, let's discuss this properly… " The Director began slowly, composing himself, but no doubt sensing he was losing control of the situation, and was trying to backpedal gracefully. "Especially before any based on a hunch as ridiculous as an… Inspire? What is that anyway? Something Hojo told you?" He asked inquisitively, with an almost genuine look of curiosity, trying to play off his earlier reaction. "And I thought you said equal partnership… threats and coercion, even the false kind, are not–"
{Cloud! Now's not the time, we gotta–}
"That ship's sailed." Cloud interrupted firmly, pushing off the desk to cross his arms and stare down at the sitting man. "And there's no going back because this…" He motions to himself and then Reeves. "Is no longer between peers. As far as you're concerned, it's now my plans, my orders … and the only thing I want to hear from you in response to them is "yes, sir" and "right away, sir"." The merc finished his punctuation with a glare, before adding offhandedly. "Maybe you can take your chances with Rigel Shinra's tender mercy – I'm sure if you beg, he'll preserve your brain in a jar – or gamble on the hope that I have a change of heart… your choice."
Surprisingly, instead of folding or talking his way out of his predicament… Reeves glared at him instead – jaw clenched, face made of stone – not saying anything.
(Oh… he's bluffing for sure.) Jenova said mockingly, giving a dismissive swipe of her hand toward the engineer. (I can practically hear his knees shaking from under the table. C'mon Cloud… let's leave this nerd to sweat it out and go see what the other Directors are up to.) When he didn't respond, too absorbed in his staring match, she rolled her eyes and tried to tug him along by the arm. (Don't worry about the plan, he'll come crawling to us soon enough, kissing our toes.)
And for a moment, both men tried their best to burn a hole into each other's skull…
But after the prolonged silence, Cloud eventually just scoffed, straightening his back and grabbing his sword, before pointing a thumb at a clock. "You got an hour to make a decision Reeves… and it better be the right one. But in the meantime, I think I'll start working on a draft, just in ca–"
"Fine!" He spat out, looking more agitated by the minute. "What do you want?"
{Holy shit! Is this working!?}
(See? Easy-peasy.)
The merc took a moment to study the Inspire, wary of any traps or deceit… but the longer he looked, the more desperate Reeves seemed to become, too anxious and angry.
"The President wants blood, then we'll give him blood." Cloud declared boldly, leaving his sword by the desk and sitting back down for business as he considered how to present Biggs' plans. And there was nothing to say that Reeves wasn't going to buck under the threats and strong-arming, but… being overly suspicious wasn't going to accomplish anything. Mind set, he decided to just go for broke… especially since Jenova was giving him an encouraging thumbs up. "During the next Board meeting, you're going to give a compelling argument for why we should go after my chosen target. Do what you have to – research it, crunch the numbers, making fucking slide if you have to – but convince the President and the others that it's the smart play."
The Director's eyes widened in surprise, mouth dropping open a little, apparently having expected something else, anything else. But to be fair, Cloud felt the exact same way when Biggs had first suggested throwing Don Corneo and his criminal empire to the wolves, giving Shinra a pound of flesh to stave them off from the rest of the slums. And yet, he couldn't help but feel like it was an overly optimistic solution to their problem. That a million things had to go right in order for it to work… but only one thing had to go wrong for it to blow up in Avalanche's face.
Still… in for a penny, in for a pound.
"...who do you have in mind?"
"Wall Market of Sector 6."
For a beat, Reeves just stared in surprise, before shaking himself and asking "Why–"
"In just a moment." The Soldier interrupted, holding up a finger and forestalling the Director as the merc got ready to bring it all home. "Before we get into the details, I want you to call Jessie Rasberry up here… because we're gonna need her."
A blink, a beat… and a jaw drop.
"W-What is she to you?' Reeves asked unsteadily, looking somewhat faint by the odd request, before a protective expression appeared on his face, his voice hardening. "I'm letting you know now… leave her alone, she is not a pawn in all of this! Jessie is a good girl with a bright future! Whatever you have on her, I won't–"
"She's my girlfriend," Cloud said simply, ignoring the older man's dumbfounded look… not expecting that answer. "And your new handler."
That caused the man to blink, dumbfounded.
"Oh…"
{D-did we just get the best possible outcome?} Nayo asked hesitantly… but happily as well, her wide smile apparent in her tone. {Oh, my god…}
(Yeah! Jessie in the mix!) Jenova cheered, her hand waving in the air.
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Not much to say, we'll get Scarlet in the next chapter and finish the first day of infiltration after that. Then, hopefully, we'll change POV to the slums and see what some of the girls are up to.
A little spoiler, another certain blonde is getting prepped for her own infiltration mission haha.
Fun fact: Reeves is part of a race called Inspires, who can "breathe life" into inanimate objects. They're one of those weird or ancient races that occasionally pop up FF7 with unique powers. IE. Aerith Cetra status, Nanaki being a Red Lion, Shelke's psionic abilities
