Chapter 02

"Nekura, come see this!"

Nekura pawed over to Red, who was staring into one of Bugenhagen's mighty contraptions.

"A *great* disturbance in the Lifestream," Red explained, looking at a screen that measured the Lifesream's activity. "Look at those waves!"

Nekura's ears went back. "What does that mean, Nanaki?" she asked.

Red shook his head. "I don't know, something is terribly wrong," he cried. "Last time I saw this, was when Sephiroth, Aeris, and Tayeko were ressurrected. And even then, the shockwaves were not this enormous."

"Do you think perhaps someone has been revived?" Nekura asked.

"I can't say," Red answered. "But look at the power and force it's causing! Whoever it is, must be very powerful."

"Should you tell the others?"

Red nodded. "Yes, they should know. This could be danger, perhaps. Even so, when this force crosses the Lifestream into our world, we should know what it is."

Nekura nodded. "I'll call Cloud."

"Something else is bothering me," Red added.

"What?"

"It's the heat," Red answered. "All the time I've lived, it's never been so unbearably hot. I've heard outrageous reports of the heat in other areas too. From what I've observed, something is deteriorating our ozone layer."

"Really?" Nekura said, somewhat worried.

"Yes," Red answered. "You see, over the past few months its been very hot, and its getting hotter and hotter. In April it was eighty degrees in Midgar. Now in mid august its close to a hundred. Something is wrong."

"Go ahead, Striker," Yuffie cooed, pushing him up the stairs of her Father's home. "You've got to go."

Striker scratched his head nervously. "Alright, alright, I'm going," he said finally.

Yuffie led him inside to where Godo sat in a large couch in front of the television.

"Godo," she said. "I've brought Striker for you to meet."

Godo looked up at Striker and cocked an eyebrow. "Nice you didn't bring that Turk, Yuffie."

Striker walked over to Godo and extended a hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir."

Godo was not impressed with Striker's manners. "Have a seat."

Striker nodded and sat in a chair opposite Godo's couch. He twirled his fingers around each other. Yuffie leaned over the back of his chair and giggled.

"Yuffie, sit quietly or leave," Godo scolded her. "This is an important matter."

Yuffie rolled her eyes and walked over to the couch, sitting besides Godo.

"Now," Godo began, folding his hands in his lap. "What's your name?"

"David," Striker answered.

"How old are you?"

"19."

"Tell me about your life."

Striker took a deep breath. "I was born in the Sector Seven Slums in Midgar," he answered. "I joined SOLDIER, but when they dropped the Sector 7 plate I tried to leave SOLDIER. They caught me, and I was arrested. But I escaped with Zack."

Godo rolled his eyes. "Interesting track record," he said. "Now tell me. What is it you're here for."

Striker swallowed hard. "I've come to ask you if I can date Yuffie."

Yuffie slapped her forehead.

Godo frowned. "Really? That's not how you ask. I deny you."

Striker's mouth hit the floor.

"Please depart from my presense."

Striker blinked, but when it was obvious that Godo was not joking, he stood up and left the house.

Yuffie scampered behind him. "Striker, wait!"

Striker turned around. "What happened? What went wrong?"

Yuffie shook her head. "I'm sorry, Striker. This is all my fault. I forgot to tell you that when you ask for my hand, you must bow down, and say 'Lord Godo of Wutai, I ask your permission to court Yuffie Kisaragi in the eyes of the Five Gods of the Pagoda."

Striker shook his head. "Now what?"

"I don't know," Yuffie sighed. "But its not your fault. I'm pretty sure Godo would have turned down anyone that asked to court me, unless its someone he chose. I'm scared to see what freak he's got in line for me."

Striker sighed. "I feel like such a failure."

"Don't worry," Yuffie reasurred him. "I've never listened to Godo before, why would I start now?" she grabbed his wrist. " Come on, let's go to the Turtle's Paradise."

Striker laughed and followed her, shaking his head.

Cid wiped his brow, which was covered in sweat. The rocket town sun was blaring down on him as he worked on the Tiny Bronco, and Shera walked towards, a glass of lemonade in her hand.

"Here you go, Cid," she said. "It's very hot today."

"No flippin' kidding," he said, dropping a wrench in the grass. "It's never gotten this hot in Rocket Town since I've lived here."

Shera nodded. "I wonder why its so hot? Even other towns are having scorching weather. I heard that alot of snow in the Northern region has been melting on the mountains, causing avalanches to fall dangerously close to Icicle Inn."

"Ain't that a bitch," Cid commented, taking a large sip of lemonade and swallowing loudly."

"Captain! Captain!" a young tech called as he approached Cid and Shera. He had been part of the team that was working on the Highwind, giving it new features. "There's an urgent call for you!" He shoved a PHS device in front of Cid.

Cid snatched the phone and answered it.

"Yeah?"

"Cid?" Reeve's voice came through. "Rufus is proposing re-opening the Space Division of Shin-Ra and has left it up to me to recruit the leader and team. Now, I don't know anybody more qualified than you, Captain, so what do you say?"

Cid whistled and smiled, pulling a cigarette out of the pack he left secured under his googles. "You want old Cid Highwind to run the Shin-Ra Space Division?"

Shera's eyes widened.

"That's right," Reeve answered. "Your the best of the best, of course. You're the only person who's ever piloted into space, and you've done it twice. It would be a sin not to choose you."

Cid laughed. "Well goddamnit then, Reeve," he lit up his cigarette. "I accept."

"Look at this, Elena."

Elena peered over Tseng's shoulder, staring at the papers strewn about his desk.

"What's this about?" she asked.

"These are files and documents on Jonathan Iben Ross, president of Ross Energy." He pointed to a large black and white headshot of him.

"Right," Elena agreed.

"Rufus insisted he's becoming a threat to the corporation," Tseng explained. He's trying to get as many regions and towns as possible to switch over to his energy "solution". Rufus wants us to report to Junon and watch him. But first we are to deliver this check to Barret in North Corel."

Elena lifted a small envelope that was face down on the desk. "This is it? How much?"

"I don't know, Tseng said. "But Rufus said it was urgent."

"How does Ross supply their energy?" Elena asked.

"It's a mystery to me," Tseng said. "In fact, its mystery to everyone. They only disclose that information to employees and the governments of towns that use their power."

Elena frowned. "That doesn't seem very trustworthy."

"That's why we're going to watch them," Tseng said. "To find out what they're doing."

Elena nodded and smiled.

Tseng kissed her forehead. "Go give Reno and Rude a call about the mission," he said. "They're already stationed in Junon on other business. Tell them to get started and that we'll join them after we go to North Corel."

Elena nodded and jogged out the office, removing the PHS from her belt as she walked.

"She wants us to do what?" Reno said, frowning.

Rude sat beside Reno in the Inn's minibar, which was rather empty due to the early hours. "We've got to take watch of the Ross Energy corp and keep tabs on Mr. Ross himself. She said they'd join us when the get back to Corel."

"Damn," Reno complained.

"What's the problem?" Randy asked. "Doesn't sound like a tough job to me."

"That's not it," Reno sighed, lighting a cigarette. "That's always the most boring work. Watching somebody. Taking notes. Blah blah. I'd rather kill someone."

"We're watching him to see if there's a reason we can kill him," Rude pointed out.

"Sure, sure," Reno said. "Whatever."

Faiza appeared behind the counter.

"Can I get you boys anything?"

"Sure," Reno began. "I'll take a -"

"Sorry, Faiza," Rude said, standing. "We've got work to do. But we're still on for tonight, right?"

"Right," Faiza giggled.

Rude nodded. "Come on, Reno."

Reno growled and followed Rude towards the exit, Randy trailing behind them.

Once outside the Inn, Rude turned to Randy and frowned. "Where are you going?" he asked.

Randy shrugged. He'd gotten rid of his headband, which he said was too much like Striker's, and instead began wearing a visor cap to sheild his eyes from the blazing sun that had been scorching the planet. "I'm just following you guys."

"You can't do that," Rude said. "We're on offical Turk business."

Randy frowned.

"Aw, come on, Rude," Reno began. "He can come along. We're not doing anything dangerous, just some snooping around."

"I don't think the Boss would like- "

"After I followed you blindly to a strange planet, got my jaw bashed in, and had to listen to your "Boss" bitch and whine the whole time, I think I should be able to come along!" Randy nearly shouted.

Rude shrugged in defeat and turned. "Fine. Let's go, we've got to go to the Ross headquarters on 8th ave."

Zack inhaled the slightly cool breeze that blew in from the sea as he walked across the plains near Kalm. Though this summer had been unexplainably hot in most regions across the Planet, Kalm had an advantage from sitting so close to the shore, and the sea breezes cooled things down a bit. He felt sorry for Cloud and them, living in hot Midgar which he'd heard reported outrageous temperatures.

Zack was walking a short distance away from Kalm's city gates, towards a new airport that was built in the open near the town. It had been Reeve's idea, as air travel was becoming more and more accepted, especially by helicopter, but most towns, like Kalm, did not have the space within their limits, so the ports were built in the open spaces around them.

The station wasn't far, only a mile or so away. Rather close now, Zack could already hear the rumble of engines and see the hustle and bustle of the port. Airships, though none as large and mighty as Cid's Highwind, were being loaded with Shin-Ra cargo that was obviously ready to be shipped off elsewhere. Ever since the abandonment of Mako energy use, Reeve's brilliant idea had been electricty. It was rather interesting, actually. Shin-Ra had built these huge "Power Plants" all over the planet, which connected to some high towers, which Reeve called "Transmission Lines" that transferred power to people's homes. Rufus was rather impressed with Reeve's resourcefulness. Zack, on the other hand, didn't understand a bit of it. He was just glad that they'd found away to get rid of Mako reactors, since they were so troublesome.

Zack apporached the port and entered through a main gateway. After clearing his I.D., a guard led him to a helipad where a slim, shiny black helicopter waited, a small crew rushing about it. There was a huge white and blue emblem that read "ROSS ENERGY" on the side.

"Nice to see you made it, and on time," a voice said.

Zack spun around, startled as he felt a hand clamp down on his shoulder. Behind him stood Ryu.

The boy didn't seem any different than Zack remembered him. His hair was still spiked straight up, though it wasn't very long. Nothing like Cloud's. He wore black leather pants, a white tank top, and a black leather jacket over it. Black boots completed the outfit Zack thought was way too hot for this atmosphere. Ryu's black eyes stared at Zack.

"Geez," Zack exclaimed. "Long time no see, ey?"

Ryu gave Zack half a smile. Just as Zack had remembered him, Ryu had a terribly serious demeanor. He took off his leather jacket.

Ryu's arms were cut nicely with slim muscles. His arms where also covered in tattoos, all done in black. Zack also noticed a long scar across his face, something that had not been there during their time in SOLDIER.

"Come," Ryu said. "We must leave now. This is Shin-Ra property and we're not exactly in favor with them. The helicopter is ready."

Zack shrugged and followed Ryu up the stairs that were pushed close to the helicopter.

Inside, the helicopter was lush and fancy. It was carpted blue, with comfortable black leather seats. Ryu took a seat and advertised for Zack to sit across from him.

"Let's go," Ryu shouted, and the chopper's engines flared to life.

"Now," Ryu spoke calmly. "We are going to Upper Junon. There, Ross Energy has its main base of operations. We are a new corporation that provides energy currently for Icicle Inn, Mideel, and soon Wutai and the Gold Saucer. We do not use the ill fated Mako energy nor did we copycat Shin-Ra's new 'electricity'. We are an energy source that offers power to regions that do not want to involve the risks of Mako but want an alternative to Shin-Ra. Many people beileve Shin-Ra cannot be trusted and it is our job to see that they do not monopolize again."

Zack blinked. "I see..."

"Jonathon Ross owns and runs this company. I am his bodyguard, business manager, overseer."

"A lackey?" Zack joked.

"That isn't funny."

Zack wiped the smile off his face and stared out the window, looking down at the world fly past.

"The reason I have called you, Zack, is because we need more people who can help keep this company working right. I knew you in SOLDIER and you were one of the few I could contact from those days. Mr. Ross has asked me to set you up in an above entry level position in Junon, in which you will be Lieutenant of our small but growing army. You see, just like Shin-Ra, we do not only offer energy to our customers, but protection as well."

Zack stared, dumbfounded at the Wutain. "M,me? Lieutenant?"

"Yes," Ryu said emotionlessly. "Of course, as time passes, I will certainly offer you promotions as need be."

Zack whistled. "Boy, when you said above entry level, You sure weren't kidding."

Scarlet read through the Junon Times, a cigarette burning in one hand. She picked up her coffee and sipped it, finding absolutely nothing of interest in the paper.

She was sitting in a small, Junon coffee house, getting her morning fill of caffeine and nicotine. She was visiting Junon for the week to distribute new lightweight artillery she had been working on, and to instruct the upper ranks of SOLDIER how to use them so the information could be passed down onto the entire army.

"Is this seat open?"

Scarlet turned, blowing smoke from her painted red lips as she moved. She stared at the person beside her.

He was tall, with a medium build and a soap opera star face. His hair was dark brown and his eyes a sparkling blue, and he wore a dark blue business suit. Scarlet was surprised.

"Who the hell are you?" she asked.

The man smiled. "Just call me Jonny. You new here? I've never seen you around before."

Scarlet laughed. Oh, that was rich. She'd been in Junon so much in her life she was sick to death of the town.

"No, you must be the new one, Jonny," Scarlet said.

"I've been here a while," he said. "I don't think I would have missed a beautiful face like yours."

Scarlet stared and lowered her cigarette, careful not to laugh. She was thirty seven years old and she'd never been a fool. She was too old for these sort of games.

"What do you want?" she suddenly asked.

Jonny sat in the seat he'd earlier asked her for. "I just wanted to talk to you. I live alone here and I was just looking for some companship. Is that hard to believe?"

"Believe it or not, it is," Scarlet said, puffing her long white cigarette once again.

Jonny shrugged. "Look, I'll make it easier for the both of us. How bout I take you out for a drink tonight. You ever been to Delany's?"

Scarlet's eyes went wide.

"Delany's?"

"Sure," he answered. "I can meet you right out front here at nine, unless you would like me to pick you up?"

"Pick me up..." Scarlet whispered to herself.

"Sure," he said. "Just be looking for a black Shin-Ra Yakashi Model 25 outside."

"Yakashi?" she repeated. She knew that was the most expensive sedan ever produced by Shin-Ra Motors.

"That's right," Jonny said, a slight smirk on his face. He rose from the table. "See you at nine then!"

Scarlet blinked as "Jonny" got up and walked out the cafe. Delany's was the most expensive bar and resturant in Junon. Yakashi model cars were so expensive she could hardly afford one, and she was an executive at Shin-Ra.

She smiled. So what if she was pushing forty and he was probably Rufus's age. That never stopped her before.

"Age ain't nothing but a number," she laughed to herself.

"Mayor Wallace! Mayor Wallace, come in!"

Barret stared at his phone, where Wanda's voice was booming through demanding he answer. He punched the call button with his entire fist.

"WHAT?!"

"Mayor Wallace, Shin-Ra Turks are here. Please let them in. They say it's urgent."

Barret rolled his eyes. "Send them in," he growled back.

A few moments later, Tseng and Elena appeared in his doorway. Elena quietly shut the door behind her.

"Hello, Barret," Tseng said. "I have something for you, something Reeve and Rufus insist is urgent." He held his hand out to Elena. She pulled a small envelope out of her breast pocket and placed it in Tseng's palm. Tseng then walked up to Barret's desk and placed it on it.

"What is this?" Barret asked, picking it up.

"I do not know," Tseng answered. "I'm just a messanger."

Barret nodded and tore open the enevlope. He first pulled out a sheet of white paper with a R&R Shin-Ra letterhead, that had a note typed on it.

Dear Barret, How are you, my friend? I was worried to hear the news you called me with. It seems as though this Ross may cause more trouble than we suspected, or at least that's what Rufus says. Anyway, I have convinced him to loan you a sum that should hopefully be able to save your youth center. I hope the amount is enough. Rufus says he wants anything left over back, but I say ignore that. If you don't spend it all on buying the building, you're welcome to keep the rest to help the center.

Take care, my friend,
Vice President Reeve

Barret smirked, impressed. He pulled the check out of the envelope.

"Holy hell!" he exclaimed.

"What?" Elena asked, startled by his outburst.

"This check is for 2.5 million gil!" Barret announced, leaping out his chair. "There ain't no way that place ain't mine!"

"Reeve wanted you to call immediately and buy, and if there are any problems we are to stay here until it is taken care of."

Barret was so full of glee he didn't ever hear Tseng. He snatched the phone off the hook.

"Wanda!" He yelled. "Get the West Continent Realtors on the phone right away!"

Tseng and Elena watched as Barret paced about the room, dragging his phone with him. He wagged the check in his other hand.

"Hello?" a voice said.

"Yes!" Barret exclaimed. "Mr. Chafer?"

"Yes," he said.

"This is Mayor Barret Wallace of North Corel," he began. "I'm calling for the warehouse in Corel. I'd like to buy it right away."

"Oh, the warehouse," Mr. Chafer sighed. "I'm afraid it's already been purchased, Mayor Wallace. How much were you planning to invest in it?"

"2.5 million gil," Barret answered, worry taking over his voice.

"Oh, dear," Mr. Chafter said. "It's been bought by five. I'm sorry, Mayor Wallace."

Barret's face fell. "Who bought the goddamned thing?" he said angrilly.

"I beileve it was a Mr. Ross," Mr. Chafer said. "Of some power company that runs Icicle Inn or something. I've never much heard of him."

Barret did not answer, instead slammed the receiver down. He looked up at Tseng and Elena, who were by now quite confused.

"That asshole bought it!" Barret hollered at them. "He really bought it!"

Tseng immediately pulled out his PHS and Elena stepped up to the desk.

"He bought it? For how much?" she asked.

"Five million gil," Barret spat.

"Oh my goodness," Elena said. "There's no warehouse in the world worth five million gil. He must be loaded."

"He must be really trying to screw me over," Barret added, slumping into his chair.

Tseng faced them and slapped the PHS shut. "I've contacted Reeve about the situation. I'm going to Junon tomorrow to work this problem face to face with Mr. Ross himself. I hope we can help you."

Barret nodded. "Yeah..."

"This must be the place."

Reno, Rude, and Randy stared up at a tall but slim skyscraper on 8th ave in Junon. A gray sign made of stone that read "Ross Energy Corporation" sat above the huge glass door that led inside the lobby of the building.

"It's got nothing on the old Shin-Ra building," Reno said, reminiscing. "It doesn't even have much on the new building. It's just your regular old skyscraper."

"We can't just walk in there," Rude said, studying the outside of the building. "They'll know we're Turks. Elena suggested we get disguises first."

"That's too much work," Reno complained. "Let's just send Randy in there."

"What?" Rude said. "Are you crazy? He isn't trained."

Reno ignored his colleague and turned to Randy. "Look, all you gotta do is go in there and pretend your looking for a job or you're lost or something. Then just keep sneaking your way further and further inside. Ask lots a questions, especially about Ross." He took a seat on a bench outside the building and pulled out his pack of KOOLS. "We'll be right here," he said, lighting a cigarette.

"You're nuts, Reno," Rude said. "Tseng would have a fit if he found out."

"Tseng's not gonna find out shit," Reno replied, relaxing in the shade of a tree. "Go ahead, Randy. You'll be fine."

Randy smiled and nodded. "Haha, Turk for a day," he laughed as he bounded up the stairs into the building.

Rude sat beside Reno on the bench. "Reno, your laziness and carelessness is going to get us all into a load of shit one day."

Reno shrugged. "He'll be fine."

Randy walked slowly inside the lobby. The place wasn't as busy as he suspected, but was actually pretty nice. There was large desk on one end, where a woman sat, three different computers surrounding her. People walked to the elevators, slid their credentials in, and went up to who knows where. Others were sitting on the plush leather couches, reading newspapers for stock quotes. The lobby reminded him somewhat of a lobby of a expensive hotel.

"Excuse me, sir? Can I help you?"

Randy turned to the woman at the desk, who looked fairly young with very long brown hair and unevenly cut bangs. She stared at him.

"Oh... yeah," Randy began, approaching the desk. "I'm looking for a job."

The woman turned in her chair towards a filing cabinet and pulled it open. She sifted through it for a few seconds, then turned back to Randy and slammed a large pile of paperwork on the counter in front of him.

"These are employment applications, insurance forms, health and immunization records, dental history, and background check request forms. Please take a seat over there and fill them out."

Randy blinked at all the paperwork, thankful he really wasn't trying to work for this company.

He lugged the heavy pile to one of the couches and sat beside a young man with red curly hair who seemed horribly bored. He slammed the papers down on the coffee table in front of him and sighed.

"Load a shit to do just to get a custodial job," he laughed, attempting to make conversation.

The man turned to him. "No kidding. I was sent here for an internship from the University of Junon and I've been waiting for almost four hours.

Randy shook his head. "Internship, eh? What do you know about this place?"

The red head shrugged. "They gave me some info before I came," he explained. "Ross runs on some undisclosed energy source that's supposed to be breakthrough. Jonathon Ross was the son of a mining company head back in the day, when I wasn't even born. Shin-Ra's hostile take over of that time got rid of it. Ross is supposedly acting out his revenge now by trying to eliminate Shin-Ra. don't know how well that will work."

"Interesting," Randy said, making a mental note of everything. "Anything else?"

"I heard some rumors," the red head continued. "Something about Ross building a Cyborg/Human army. Don't doubt that its a bunch of nonsense, though."

"Cyborg/Human army?" Randy repeated.

"Yeah," the man answered. "You know, soldiers that are half human and half robot. They're supposed to be incredibly powerful. But I don't see how Ross could pull that off."

"Wow..." Randy said, a bit awed.

"Just don't tell anyone about this," the red head added. "It could get us both into some serious trouble."

Randy nodded and stood, gathering the forms he hadn't even touched. "No prob," he said, smiling as he walked back to the front desk.

He dropped the unfilled out paperwork in front of the receptionist. "Here ya go," he said. "Think I could get a tour?"

The woman shook her head. "We don't give tours," she answered. "Besides, even if you did work here, you'd only be on this floor. "Good afternoon."

Randy shrugged, taking that as his cue to leave. He walked out the glass doors and met Reno and Rude outside.

"Ha," he laughed as he approached them. "Guess what I heard."

"You'll be spending a lot of time on base," Ryu droned, walking Zack through an warehouse of artillery. "My best suggestion to you would be to move to Junon, unless you have a fast and reliable mode of transportation from Kalm to Junon."

Zack sighed. "I don't know about all that," he said. "Aeris really won't like leaving Kalm though..."

"Aeris?" Ryu repeated. smirking slightly.

"My girlfriend," Zack explained.

"Oh," Ryu said. "Well, I guess she just ought to get used to it. There's no way you can live in Kalm and work in Junon. Unless she wants to stay home and see you on a weekend basis."

Zack thought for a moment. "Tell me more about the job," he changed the subject.

Ryu shrugged and continued walking through an isle of semiautomatic weapons.

"The first thing you'll be asked to do is begin training of our newest recruits. Most of them are ages 13 to 16. They'll start with a basic training which will later lead to their initiation into our ranks. Currently we only have one flank, which you will become Lueitenant of , of course. You report to Captain Fergunson, who in turn reports to General Matakashi."

"Matakashi?" Zack repeated.

"That's right," Ryu answered. "Sound familiar? That's because he was the Captain of Wutai's army during the war against Midgar."

Zack nodded, frowning slightly.

"You answer to them," Ryu continued, leading them towards an exit. "I will introduce you to them now."

The exit lead to a large but scarcely decorated office, where a secretary sat behind a glass encased desk. There was one chair in the waiting area, which Zack figured didn't frequent many visitors. Ryu led him down a hallway and stopped abruptly, knocking on a door to his left.

"Come in!" was the call back.

Ryu pushed the door open and led Zack into the small office. A small number of military accomplishments and a high school diploma were on the walls, and two leather apolstered seats were in front of a wooden desk. Behind the desk, a tall, large built man sat, about Cid or Barret's age, with brownish red hair and a mustache. He wore a military unifrom, and stared up at Ryu and Zack with pale green eyes.

"What's up, Ryu?" he asked.

Ryu held a hand out to Zack. "This is Zack," he said. "The ex-SOLDIER I was telling you about. He is about to take over as our Lueitenant."

"Well," the man said, standing. He shoved his hand out towards Zack. "I'm Captain Macenzie Fergunson. But just call me Captain Mac, or Mac."

Zack nodded and shook his hand.

"Lueitenant is quite a position to take when you're just starting out," Mac said. "But don't you worry about a thing, because I'll have you doing your share of work in no time." He laughed. "I assume Ryu here has already told you about your first assignment?"

"Yes, sir," Zack answered. "Training the new recruits."

"Yep," Mac confirmed. "And I'll pass on your next job in no time."

"Yes sir," Zack smiled and nodded.

"Well, better take him to see old General," Mac said. He laughed heartilly after that.

Ryu nodded. "Come," he said, directing Zack again.

Zack nodded good-bye to Captain Mac and followed Ryu to a doorway at the end of the hallway. Ryu stepped foward and knocked loudly on the door.

"Who is it?" a heavy accented voice came.

"Ryu," Ryu said.

The door then slipped open, and an older Wutainese man, about in his late fifties, let Ryu and Zack in and closed the door behind them. He then walked over to his desk and sat.

"General," Ryu began, "This is Zackary Taylor, our new Lueitenant."

"I am General Tachao Matakashi," the General answered. "General, Commander in Chief of this army."

Zack nodded and studied the man. Physically, he seemed to be in great shape. His hair had streaks of gray peeking beneath his military cap, and his face was withered and stony, as if he had been through the worst times and winds in life. The creases around his mouth and forehead suggested he frowned alot, and his black eyes gazed at Zack suspiciously, as if he had seen him before.

"Ex-SOLDIER, huh?" Matakashi thought aloud. "How interesting. I fought in the Midgar-Wutai war, you know."

"I know," Zack answered, a bit uncomfortably. "You were Wutai's General."

"Yes, I was," Matakashi answered, slightly impressed. "You were there?"

"I got to fight in the very end of that war," Zack responded.

Matakashi nodded, trying to conceal a frown with a straight face. "Well, that's wonderful. You are to report to your first day of work bright and early tommorrow at nine a.m. That's when I will set you up and prepare you for your first day of training the new recruits. You do remember some of the basics from your days in SOLDIER, no?"

"Certainly," Zack replied proudly.

"Good," Matakashi said. "That's all for now. Dismissed."

Ryu gave the General a slight bow and opened the door. Zack nodded at the General in respect and stepped out the door, Ryu closing it behind them.

"Well, I'll have them fly you back home to your family," Ryu said. "You've got to be here, ready tommorrow morning. You can follow that exit on the right up the stairs to the roof, where a helicopter should be ready and waiting."

"Sure, thanks," Zack said.

"See you tommorrow," Ryu said.

Zack nodded and waved, turning around to head to the exit.

Ryu watching as Zack left, and winked as the ex-SOLDIER disappeared out the door. He turned and walked briskly towards the elevator.

"I have a report."

Jonathan Ross turned in his leather chair away from his picture window to face Ryu, who was standing opposite his desk.

"What is it?" he questioned.

"I was unable to locate the crazy one," Ryu said. "But I found someone else I remembered from SOLDIER. A boy named Zack, Zack Taylor. He was much better then Strife during those days, thought he isn't as pyscotic. He'd still make a suitable leader for the army."

"Suppose it will have to do," Jonathan murmered. "You got a hold of him?"

Ryu smiled. "He starts tommorrow."

Jonathan nodded, smiling as well. "Excellent, excellent. How long before our largest flank is ready?"

"Not too long, I'd say a couple weeks to a month or so," Ryu estimated. "The recruits have already been selected and prepared. Zack begins training them tommorrow."

Jonathan laughed. "Wonderful..." he glanced at the time. "Oh, shit. I've got to get going, Ryu. I've got more things to settle this evening." He rose from his chair and grabbed his suit jacket.

"Ah," Ryu sighed, moving to leave the room. "More excellent plans."

"But of course," Jonathan laughed.

"Zack! Why, Lueitenant? That's wonderful!" Aeris threw her arms around his neck.

Zack beamed. "Yes, thank you, thank you."

"Bout time he did something useful with himself," Elmyra griped, setting a plate of food in the center of the table.

"Oh, stop it, Mom," Aeris scolded, overjoyed with Zack's news.

"The only thing is," Zack began, "Is obviously the job is in Junon. They need me full time and I won't be able to stay here..."

"Oh..." Aeris said in a quiet voice.

"Dear..." Elmyra muttered to herself.

"But they suggested," Zack continued, "That you can come live with me. They've included an on company grounds apartment for us and even a car in my contract. What do you think?"

Aeris' eyes brightened. "Oh, that sounds - "

"Aeris!" Elmyra exclaimed. "You can't just go off and live in an aparment with him! You two aren't even married!"

"Mom, please!" Aeris said, standing. "I'm a grown woman. Zack and I love each other and I've got to support him. We'll be married soon, we've just got to get settled. Right?"

"Sure," Zack answered. "I've got to go with him," Aeris continued. "It's my choice!"

"Why can't he just go alone?" Elmyra argued. "They didn't say you had to accompany him."

"Because, Mom," Aeris continued in a serious tone. "I want to be with him!"

Elmyra sighed and touched her forehead as if she would faint. "Fine, Aeris," she gave in. "Do what you want, child. You've always been this way."

Aeris ran to her adoptive mother and kissed her cheek gleefully. She then turned to Zack.

"We've got to leave early tommorrow," he reminded her.

"Oh, I have to pack!" Aeris exclaimed. She ran out of the kitchen, and tore up the stairs excitedly, leaving her food abadoned.

Zack looked at Elmyra and shrugged.

"Don't look at me," Elmyra spat, a disgusted look on her face.

"Why are you so strict on her?" Zack asked. "She's twenty two years old, soon to be twenty three. Why are you so overprotective?"

"Why?" Elmyra repeated, growing angry. "Why? Because she was killed out there behind her curiousity, that's why. She was killed behind her need to run out and look for adventure. She was killed for her lack of good judgment, her naivety and her innocence. She was killed, and I got her back. I've been given a second chance and I don't want to risk anything."

Zack looked at the floor and scratched his head. "I'll protect her, Mrs. Gainsborough," he said.

"Yeah, I know you will, Zack," she said, shooing him out the kitchen.

"Hey Tifa!"

Cloud came upstairs to Tifa's room, smiling at her. She was holding jewel at her breast, feeding her. She looked up at him.

"Hello, Cloud," she said. "How are things going downstairs at the bar tonight?"

"Pretty good, though there was one fight. Clyde broke it up though. He and Natalie run things pretty well."

"That's good to know," Tifa sighed tiredly. "I wish I could be down there amoungst the hustle bustle of it all, but at least I know you're down there checking up on things for me."

Cloud nodded and stroked Jewel's cheek. "Has Rufus come by yet to check on her?"

"No," Tifa answered. "He did call to see if she needed anything, though. I told him we were fine."

"That's because I've taken care of it all," Cloud said.

"While I'm not going to argue the truth in that, you can't be angry at him. He's a very busy man."

"Too busy for his own child?" Cloud rebuffed.

Tifa shrugged and looked down at Jewel, a sign that she didn't want to continue the conversation further.

"Anyway," Cloud went on. "This morning I went out and killed an entire nest of Whole Eaters that was festering unnoticed in the basement of this woman's apartment complex in Sector Two. Boy, did that make me a lot of gil. Was a nasty job too, though."

Tifa laughed. "Oh. Aeris called me about an hour ago. She told me Zack got some job at a new energy company called Ross or something in Junon. She told me to ask you if you've heard of it."

"I think so..." Cloud thought. "Maybe in the papers... wait! I think that's the company Barret called me about."

"The one that wanted to buy his soon to be Youth Center?"

"I beileve it is. If that's the case, why would Zack take a job with such scum?"

"Beats me," Tifa answered. "She told me he's been hired as Lueitenant of their army."

"What?" Cloud said, shocked. "That's quite a job he's found."

Tifa shrugged. "Aeris wants to come to Midgar after Zack's first week of work so she, Tayeko and I can go shopping together Downtown. We haven't spent a lot of time together lately and I get bored to tears sitting around this house all the time doing nothing but taking care of Jewel. I honestly wasn't ready for a baby."

Cloud's brow creased for a brief moment, and he then lay back on the bed beside Tifa. He stroked her back with one hand.

Tifa rose and carefully placed Jewel in the crib that was set beside their bed. She then loosened the tie on her rob and lay beside Cloud on the bed.

Cloud looked at her and stroked her cheek. He leaned in to kiss her when the phone rang.

"Damn," Tifa cursed. "I'll get it."

She leaned over to the end table and snatched the phone off the hook, answering it.

"Hello? Oh, hi Red! How are.... oh... alright..."

She cupped her hand over the reciever. "He wants to speak to you right away," she said.

Cloud shrugged and took the phone from her.

"Hello?"

"Good evening, Cloud," Red came on the phone. "Sorry to be calling so late. It's really only afternoon over here, actually. But I called you because I have something very important to tell you."

"What is it?" Cloud asked.

"Remember when Aeris, Sephiroth, and Tayeko were revived?" he asked. "Remember the great disturbance in the Lifestream I recorded?"

"Yes," Cloud answered.

"Well, something similar has occured again, early this morning. Around three or four o'clock. I don't understand it, nor do I have any idea what it could be. All I know is that it's giving off incredible levels of magical and physical power, as high if not higher than what Sephiroth gave off when he passed through the Lifestream."

Cloud was silent for a moment. "So what are you saying, Red? That someone else has been resurrected from the dead?"

"Most likely," Red answered. "I just can't imagine who."

"That's strange," Cloud thought. "Well there isn't much we can do about it on that. I'd say you keep watching and report anything else unusual to me. I'll keep watching for unusual things too. Who knows, maybe tommorrow on the news they'll start announcing sighting of people who were supposed to be dead."

Red chuckled. "Alright, Cloud."

Cloud hung up and ran a hand down his face.

"What was that about?" Tifa asked.

"Red noticed that something passed through the Lifestream the same way Aeris and Sephiroth did," he explained.

"Really?" Tifa said. perplexed. "What do you think it could be?"

Cloud lay back on the bed again and closed his eyes. "Nothing, I hope," he sighed.

Scarlet stood outside the Coffee Crumble, the coffee house she'd met "Jonny" in earlier that day. Only now it was night, and the Coffee Crumble was long ago closed.

Scarlet wore a vampish and revealing red dress, one of the many that hailed her closet. This one was expensive too. The neckline dipped down to the center of her stomach, and the back was completely out. The slits on either side of the dress raced up her thighs, and red sequins adored the front of the garment. Her high red stiletto pumps clicked along the concrete.

Her make-up was applied well to make her appear younger, bright red lipstick and loud eyeshadow. Her bleached blonde hair was done up in a simple evening style, and glittering earrings hung from her ears.

Scarlet smiled when she saw a black sedan pull up. She walked over to the car, which was sure enough a Shin-Ra Yakashi. The rims where sparkling and the car itself was shiny. The old "before Meteor and Reeve" Shin-Ra emblem hood ornamate glittered in the moonlight.

Jonny sat in the driver's seat, wearing a black suit and a bright smile. "Ready?" He unlocked the the doors.

Scarlet beamed at the sound of the click and pulled open the door, sliding into the plush leather seat. The blast of the air conditioning was a cool greeting after standing out in the heat.

"You look ravishing," Jonny said as he pulled off. "Excellent for tonight's affair."

"Thank you," Scarlet relished in the attention. "You do look very nice yourself, Jonny."

Jonny smiled.

The ride to Delany's was short. Jonny parked the car and got out.

"Wait," Scarlet said. "They have valet parking here. Why don't you use it?"

Jonny shrugged, and walked over to her and slipped his arm through hers. "I don't want to have to take the time to wait for someone to bring the car around. "I'm sure once we leave, we'll be eager to get to my place."

Scarlet's eyes twinkled devilishly.

"Come," Jonny said, leading Scarlet to Delany's.

Delany's was a very expensive bar and grill, with only the finest drinks and foods served. It was decorated with rich burgandy carpets and Greek columns, and had all sorts of flora growing about. A Maitre 'D approached them.

"Ah, how nice to see you, Mr. -"

"Thank you, Philipe," Jonny cut him off. "Please seat us in the back."

Philipe gave him a puzzled look, but obeyed and led them to a small booth in the back.

Scarlet took a seat and pulled out her cigarette case, taking one out and lighting it. Jonny stared and watched her.

"So where do you work?" Scarlet asked.

"Oh, I work for a printing company here in Junon," he answered.

Scarlet frowned. "Printing company?" she repeated. "Then how can you afford a Shin-Ra Yakashi?"

"Oh, that old thing?" Jonny said. "My father left me money when died. He... he once owned a mining company. He closed his down and invested his earnings before his company could be bought out by Shin-Ra."

Scarlet looked at him strangely for a moment. "Smart," she said.

Jonny nodded and continued staring at Scarlet, staring at her in a way that made her a bit uncomfortable.

"Don't you want to know what I do for a living?" she asked loudly.

Johnny snapped out of his daze. "Certainly," he said.

Scarlet nodded. "I'm head of the Weapons Development Department at R&R Shin-Ra," she answered. "I'm surprised you didn't know, as I've been working at the old Shin-Ra for years."

"Oh," Jonny said dully. "You're *that* Scarlet?"

"That I am," she answered.

Jonny grinned in a devilish way, just as a waiter approached. He took their orders, which were only drinks, and left the two alone.

"How is it, working at Shin-Ra?" Jonny asked thoughtfully.

Scarlet shrugged. "It's not bad, really. It used to be rather corrupt. I didn't much care how corrupt it was though, as long as I got my check and it was fat. To be totally honest, I was really part of alot of the corruptness. But since Rufus had his change of heart, and his partnership with softie old Reeve, the new Shin-Ra wouldn't see such behavior the old one would. I imagine if Rufus' father saw the company now, he'd be impressed and unhappy at the same time."

"Oh?" Jonny wondered, leaning closer to her over the table. "Why is that?"

Scarlet laughed. "Why, Old President Shin-Ra was the most corrupt of us all."

"So why would he be impressed?"

Scarlet shrugged. "President Shin-Ra was still a business man. And right now, Shin-Ra is doing pretty well, almost better than when he left it. He'd be impressed we were doing so well without using corrupt tactics."

The waiter brought the drinks around. Scarlet had order a tall glass of lemonade mixed heavily with Bacardi Limon, and Jonny had a scotch.

Jonny stared at Scarlet as she sipped her beverage. He was hoping she'd finish that huge glass quickly so he could get them out of here.

"What kind of rivals does Shin-Ra have in the industry these days?" he asked curiously.

"Not many, but there is one," Scarlet admitted. "A Ross energy corporation. They're rather small and they run in Junon. They power Icicle Inn, and I beileve they've signed up a few other insignificant towns."

"Really," Jonny said, frowning. "What type of energy do they use? Shin-Ra still uses Mako, right?"

"No, good grief," Scarlet sighed. "Where have you been? Shin-Ra runs on electricity. And Ross, well, nobody really knows where they get their energy from."

Jonny smiled. "It looks like you're almost finished with your drink, Scarlet. Shall I get the check?"

Scarlet nodded and shrugged. "Sure, might as well," she replied.

Jonny snapped a finger when the waiter passed, drawing his attention and asking for the check. A few minutes later he and Scarlet were out the door and on the way to the car.

"You're coming by my place, right?" Jonny asked.

Scarlet started to look at the time, but shrugged it off, realizing she really didn't have anything better to do. "I guess so," she said.

They got in the expensive car and drove off in silence, Jonny with a crooked grin on his face. Scarlet figured he looked like that because he was expecting to get laid.

Whatever, she thought to herself.

When they reached Jonny's home, Scarlet was surprised at where she was. It was an small but impressive mansion, with a small fountain in front and a lush lawn.

Now I know I'm not drunk off that one drink, she thought.

Jonny parked in a long, curving driveway and hopped out, running around the car to let her out.

"What a nice home you have," She said, staring at its design as they approached the front door.

"Thank you," Jonny said, leading them in. He brought them to the living room. "Here, have a seat," he offered.

Scarlet sat in the black leather couch and admired how nicely and costly the living room was decorated.

"Would you like another drink?" Jonny asked.

Scarlet shrugged. "The hell, why not?" she replied.

"What would you like?"

"Oh, some Kahlua would be fine."

"Okay," Jonny replied. "I'll be right back. I gave my hired help the night off." He walked off.

Scarlet was beside herself. Here she sat in the small but lush mansion style home of some rich young man who was obviously half her age. He obviously was taking great interest in her, and she wasn't sure why. But who was she to question fate? She laughed quietly to herself.

She didn't expect to take this to seriously. After all, he was just a boy to her. She could probably use him for things, but she didn't suspect she'd be introducing him to her friends or co-workers, much less settling down for a serious committment.

Jonny returned to the living room with two glasses, one a chocolately brown and the other bright red. He gave Scarlet the Kahlua and kept the other for himself.

She sipped her drink as he sat beside her. "What is that?" she asked him.

"Oh, just some punch," he answered. "I poured a little rum in it, of course."

Scarlet laughed and continued with her own drink. "This is mixed excellently," she complimented.

Jonny smiled. "Thank you," he said. "It seems to come natural to me."

By the time Scarlet had downed her entire drink, she felt light headed and drowsy. Her vision was slightly blurred, and though Jonny had been talking her ear off the entire time, she didn't seem to hear a word of it.

"I feel... funny..." she muttered, cutting him off where he was speaking about his father's old mining company. She kicked off her heels and propped her feet up on the coffee table, leaning back and sinking back into the couch.

Jonny smirked.

Scarlet yawned and looked at him. "I don't think I drank that much," she said in a slurred voice. "Maybe it was asprin I took earlier... I don't feel..."

Jonny smiled as Scarlet quietly passed out on the couch.

Reno made a face. "Human/Cyborg army? That doesn't sound too good. How are they attempting that?"

"Beats me," Randy answered as they walked back to the Junon Inn.

"They'll probably take humans and operate on them to make them part machine," Rude said with a shudder. "Seems horrible."

Reno opened the door to the Inn and held it open as they all walked inside. When they entered the lobby, they were surprised to see Faiza sitting over the counter, wearing a black dress, fishnet stockings, heels, and dark make up. Her burgandy hair was down and she was still popping her gum loudly.

"I was wondering when you guys where gonna come back," she said. "We still got that date tonight, right Rude?"

Reno whistled and Randy laughed aloud as Rude mentally kicked himself for being so forgettful. He nodded cooly, thankful his sunglasses kept her from reading the surprise in his eyes.

"Right, sorry we're late getting back," he answered. "Let me just go up to my room and freshen up."

Reno and Randy howled in laughter the whole way up the stairs.

Rude did not take long to return, and and Faiza had gotten another girl to hold her place behind the counter while she was out. Rude smiled at Faiza, intrigued with her affixiation with the color black. They linked their arms together and headed out the door.

"So where are you taking me?" Faiza asked through chewing her gum.

"Good question," Rude said. He hadn't given any thought to what they would do on this damn date. "Any suggestions?"

Faiza shrugged. "Ever gone bowling?"

Rude looked at her. "Bowling?"

"Sure," Faiza answered. "It's fun."

"I don't exactly think bowling is my thing," he said.

"Oh come on," Faiza cooed, pulling his sleeve. "You can get drunk there!"

Rude couldn't argue with that.

"To the bowling alley it is," he said, hailing a cab.

"Cheers!"

Faiza sat atop the ball return at the bowling alley, a huge mug of beer in her hands. Rude sat in one of the chairs staring at her.

"You're awfully drunk," he told her.

Faiza climbed off of the ball return and stumbled towards Rude. "I love beer! Watch me make a strike."

Faiza grabbed a bowling ball and sent it flying down the lane. Her aim was so bad that it soared over the next two lanes and made a strike in lane 84.

Faiza screamed. "That counts, that counts! Ohmigod, did you see that Rude! It striked three lanes down!! That's got to count! I should, like, get extra for it."

Rude broke into laughter as someone from lane 84 returned their askew ball with a frown on his face. "I've never met a woman who could drink almost as much as me," he said.

"Almost as much?!" Faiza cried in surprise. "I can out drink you by far!"

Rude lifted an eyebrow. "Is that so?"

"Goddamnit you bet it is," Faiza muttered, stumbling towards him and towering over his seat. "Come on, to the bar, Mr. Rude!"

Rude chuckled as he followed behind Faiza to the bar.