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Description
FFVII
Forewarned

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs: 25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are ALL mine. Thank you.

FOREWARNED

After speaking with Cloud, Reeve looked up at the ceiling and expired a long-held anxious breath. He wasn’t much of a gambler, but the stakes were too high for him to walk away from this one. Not this time Cloud. You weren’t getting away from this decision again. Finally, he had him onside – he only wished he was at WRO right then. He stood up fully alert, but overwhelmed by all that had to be done. He couldn’t plan alone. On his intercom he pressed the extension of his PA, his right-hand man, or in this case, woman. It did not buzz long.

“Hansen.”

“Yes, sir.” Loud, brisk and awake. Not a surprise she always responded like a lieutenant. She had gone through the ranks after all, and she was intelligent too.

“I want the troops up and prepared for an assault.”

“Which Division?” she queried with hesitation.

“Every Division! Wake up everyone in this base. It’s not a drill.”

“You want a Code A?”

“I’ve got intel Rocket Town is going to be attacked—”

“Yes, you want a Code A. I’ll call the Command Staff, and will Captain Nash be in charge?”

“Yes.” Reeve was up and pulling out clothes. “I’m on my way to Command now. The delegation members are a top priority. The Seawind will have to be prepared for their evacuation.”

“Right, sir, I’m on it.”

“I’ll talk to you later.”

Aliza Hansen, no-fuss, no ego, and an extremely capable woman, just what Reeve needed – plus she didn’t ask any unnecessary questions.

He dressed in his new blue Director uniform quickly and grabbed his phone and a slim battery which he slid into his pocket. Time: 1.37am. Surely they had enough time to do something. He dialed Cid as he left the room.

“You really pick your timing—”

“Cid, we may have a situation here.”

“You don’t say. If you remember, we’ve got a situation here too.”

“This is big—”

“You reckon, well, you should have seen the size of this—”

“Not that. Deepground is coming here. I need you and whatever ships you can spare for energy to come back. ASAP.”

“What the fuck?! The slimy coward bastards are planning an attack?! You sure? Darn it, we’re stuck in this out here.”

Reeve entered the lift and using the fingerprint pad pushed the number to take him to the operations level. “We have been forewarned, but still… I don’t know their numbers or even what they are capable of. How soon can you come?” He didn’t even care how desperate he sounded, he needed the backup Cid could provide.

“Six hours, maybe more. We’ve got civilians onboard.”

“Damn.”

“I’ll bring ‘em along—”

“No. You can’t enter combat with civilians!” He was shocked Cid would even consider it. “By the way, Cloud mentioned you shouldn’t be so hasty to enter battle. Be cautious on your approach.”

“Darn that Cloud! That’s his style. I know what to do.”

Reeve sighed and exited the lift. “Just get back safely.”

“Any news from him? We’re going crazy waiting.”

“Nothing on Tifa or Marlene, but he’s following some leads underground.”

“Yeah, guess he’s busy, like all of us. Hold up the fort till we get there.”

“I’m worried about the citizens here.” He sighed. It seemed premature to sound a city alarm, but what else could be done to protect them.

“Gotcha…” he paused. “I’ll call my pal at Bombers, used to be Shanghai, that pub is probably still open. He might be able to round up civilians.”

“Alright.” He responded with some trepidation, with visions of what Cid’s pals could get up to if given free rein.

“And Yuffie’s not with you?”

“No.” Reeve creased his brow in consideration, recalling he assigned her to look into the lab in Deepground. “She should be at Edge. I’ll call her.”

“Yeah, you better. Let her know what’s going on. She’s sour at you she’s not in the search for Tifa and Marlene.”

Reeve grumbled, “There was hardly time to include her. Not that I had any say in that.”

“As long as you call her. Sounds like you could use her help. Anyhow, keep in contact.”

Reeve entered the Command room using the fingerprint keypad. So far one other person was present and he began turning on lights and display screens. Other staff filtered in and Reeve was pleased to see they looked alert and ready, if not perplexed. “I believe everyone is here. This is not a small thing or a drill, but a potentially perilous situation. I have information that Rocket Town will be attacked by Deepground within hours.”

“But Deepground, how?” someone asked. “And where are they coming from?”

“I have limited intel, but apparently from underground.” Reeve turned to a large screen for all to see and brought up an aerial view of Rocket Town. It had grown over the years and was no longer a town, but an expanding city. “But where, is a good question.” WRO was near the centre of town and was larger than the base at Edge, and it had a good perimeter wall. He had spent time and money working on the security and the technology to run the base. But there was more he planned to do, he just hoped what they had in place would be strong enough.

A young man called, Garcell, asked in amazement, “Deepground are really coming here?”

Reeve glanced around at their faces, over half would be younger than twenty five. They were young but enthusiastic for WRO’s future plans. “If the information is correct, and I believe it is, than yes. We should prepare for everything.”

Another young man asked, “Who’s in charge of the troops?”

“Captain Nash will be in charge of ground operations.”

“He’s the new Commander?”

“No. Actually, our new Commander is the one who gave me this information. Right now he’s on an important mission.” Reeve flicked on another screen displaying the sewage system. “Captain Nash will be in charge until he is present.” He had already informed the captain, the position of CIC was currently being considered. Now he would have to tell him it had been accepted, although that might have to be put on hold until everyone was safely home.

After some moments a woman spoke up on behalf of the others, “Well, Sir, who is it?”

“Cloud Strife, of course. Now we have work to do.”

Quiet applause and cheers rippled through the staff. But they were soon at their desks and monitors in a flurry of activity.

“No need to celebrate yet. He’s not here, unfortunately. We must stand firm and protect this city, and this base.”

A great response of, Yes, sirs’ followed.

Reeve continued, “Communication towers around the city must be guarded and alert all stations over the city to a lockdown. My airship will need to be readied to evacuate the delegates.” He sighed, remembering the other calls he was yet to make. “So much to do.”

“We’re on it, Director.”

A couple of staff examined the maps. “There’s construction going on in this area of the city. Digging up a lot of earth. Perhaps?”

A man held out a phone to Reeve. “Director, I’ve got Captain Nash on the line.”

“Good.” Reeve took the receiver. “Captain Nash, did Hansen brief you?”

“Wasn’t much too brief on. Is this really happening, Reeve?”

So much doubt in his voice, Reeve didn’t need. “It is, it’s also at Nibelheim. They’re coming up from the ground. We need Communication stations watched and send an armoured mobile unit to the east district, there’s a construction site.”

“Right, we’ll get ready. Maybe the sewer?”

“Possibly. But in any case, use stealth. It’s imperative they not know that we know. It will give us some advantage.”

“Agreed. We’ll watch the streets.”

“At the first sign of activity, I’ll sound an alarm across the city. But not before…”
Nash paused. “Shall we prepare the SCMs?”

The Specialized Combat Machines Reeve was working on personally. They were not fully tested and not complete in some units. “Prepare them.”

“I’ll get the troops ready.”

He hung up and took a breath. The staff were busy making calls and processing data. He took his phone and dialed a number. The answering machine responded with a female voice– Mr Shinra is not available to take your call. Please try later.

“Rufus, this is Reeve. It’s urgent. I’ve got news Deepground is going to invade the city. If you don’t want them knocking at your door you better wake up—”

The phone was picked up. “Hello Reeve. Elena here.”

“Elena, can I speak to Rufus?”

“He’s indisposed.”

“He’s asleep.”

“I’m not at liberty to disclose his activities.”

Reeve grunted. “Fine. Wherever he is or doing, give him the message. Deepground are coming here. You better get ready and not be caught napping. If Rufus is interested tell him to call me.”

“Is that it? What else do you know? How many? What weapons?”

“That’s it. And they might strike while it is still dark.”

“Reeve, that’s not a lot of info.”

“It’s a lot more than you had before I called,” he retorted.

“I’ll pass on the tip. Thanks for the intel.”

After she hung up, he shook his head with disbelief. Why did he even bother?

He was about to call the number for Nibelheim and he realized the Mayor was in WRO. Instead he dialed another number. “Hansen.”

“Yes, Director.”

“What’s happening with the delegates?”

“Still working on organizing them. It’s like trying to herd flying mogs.”

“A problem?”

“Yes. Compliance, sir. Not all the delegates are… agreeable. One wants to stay in bed, while another wants to fight, while another refuses to believe me. Overall, they want to speak to you.”

Reeve sighed. “I understand. But they still must prepare to leave. How is Mayor Ockerman from Nibelheim?”

“He’s with the others in the lounge.”

“Tell him to contact his people in Nibelheim to warn them of a possible attack. We are hoping it won’t come to that. But… better they are aware in case.” In case the worst happens.

“I’ll inform him. You’re coming up to see them?”

“Soon. I have to call Edge first before normal communications fail.”

He hung up and someone asked, “Shall we call our families?”

Reeve pressed his lips together in contemplation. Finally he nodded. “Yes, call them. Although do your duties first and be careful what you say. I don’t want to cause panic. Also I don’t want the lines blocked.”

The team went back to their business and Reeve sat for a moment. Was this attack really going to take place? How much did Cloud know? But he had to trust him. At least, it would be an excellent training exercise for WRO as well as the whole city, despite his reputation going down the tube across the planet, and his staff and Rocket Town losing all respect for him if it caused citywide panic.

A woman, a phone at her ear, called over to him, “Shall I ring Edge office?”

“Not yet,” he answered, “I’ll call someone first.”

~ 7 ~

Yuffie entered WRO with one of the Security Units through the basement storage hangar. The troops were exhausted, and they all separated off to their level to sleep. She said goodbye to them and headed upstairs. She didn’t know what time it was, but she was guessing it was late. They had been at it all day and into the night. In the bowels of Deepground, searching out the monsters and getting rid of them. As well as looking for any clues as to who was working down there, making the monsters in the first place. They still had more to do – until every single monster was accounted for. Reeve would be happy with that, she hoped. But no, he wouldn’t be happy until she completed that other task - discover who the WRO infiltrator was.

She was tired, but she couldn’t sleep till she found out who was spying on Tifa. “Can’t believe they’re all looking for Tifa and Marlene without me!” She grumbled, “No fair.” She halted in the passage and rubbed her chin in thought. “Mmmm, what sort of person would stalk Tifa anyway? Must be crazy to do something stupid like that.” Reeve told her the culprit had photos and all, and knew she was pregnant, which was meant to be a secret. A scientist geek up to no good. It was her sole mission and purpose to find him, but first… she clutched her gurgling stomach. “I’m starved.” Food. “I know, Reeve’s got food in his office.” She could even crash on his couch. He would never know.

In the lift she tried Cloud’s phone. Again. It rang out. “Hi Cloud, any news yet? How’s Denzel doing?”

She rang Vincent, for no reason except he might know what Cloud was doing. “Hi Vincent. I’m really worried. Have you heard from Cloud yet? Ring me back okay?” She wasn’t going to ring Barrett again or Cid, she already spoke to them a couple of times. She didn’t want to talk to Reeve, he would ask her if she’d found out anything about the spy.
The lift opened to the dimly lit open space of offices.

She mumbled, “Why doesn’t anyone answer their phones…”

It was unusually quiet. Must be really late. “mm, real creepy up here.”

A voice came from a partitioned office bay.

“Huh?” She stopped a moment and realized the man was not talking to her, but was probably on the phone. Why would someone be on the phone at this time of night? Except her of course. But that was different. She had an emergency! Life or death. Whoever this person was talking to it must be pretty serious.

She ducked down and crept closer. He was not visible, but she could hear his muffled voice, and he sounded irritated.“They’ve killed them.” — “that’s right. Most of them.” — “I destroyed it.” — “Dern’s gone.” — “It’s not my fault!” he whined, “you acted too quickly. They should have waited.” After some moments, his tone cooled down. “Yes, in the med lab.”— “But…it is guarded.” — “I’ll release it. Yes, if I can. That should do it.” He hung up.

Yuffie dived out of the way in time. A skinny, weird looking doctor in a white coat with thick glasses walked past. She couldn’t remember his name if she even knew it, she didn’t know. He walked to the lift and was gone.

“I don’t like it.” Her hands turned to fists. “Acting too quickly and destroying stuff? What’s he talking about?” She stood at his desk. Neat on top and she couldn’t access his computer. She rifled through his drawers. Eventually, she came to a file and an envelope dropped out. A picture of Tifa was inside and another. She shook out the contents on his desk. A stack of photos came out. “Tifa’s stalker!” She jumped up and cried, “but what’s he up to?! Wait… is he going to the med lab?”

She ran to the lift. The survivors of the experiment were recovering there. Reeve said they were important. She wondered if she should call him. No, I can handle it. But she would have to arrest the spy, not kill him. Even by accident. “Darn it!” She dialed downstairs for a Security Unit.

Someone answered, “Hey, Yuffie.”

She replied, “Hi Nik, I’m on this important mission. Come up to the med lab. I might need backup.”

“Really? You think you need backup?” he chuckled.

“Hey, I’m not joking. This is something big! It’s an order!”

“Alright, no need for that. We’re coming.”

The lift was going far too slow for her liking. She should have taken the stair between the levels. It opened and she raced down the hall. She skidded to a stop in front of the door and two watching guards. She puffed with her hands on her knees, “did someone just go in there? A skinny looking guy with a white coat and glasses?”

“Yes, a few minutes ago.”

She stood hands on her hips, eyeing them with disapproval. “I thought Reeve said, no one can enter without authorization?”

One of the guards thumbed towards the door. “He said he had authorization.”

“Oh. Well, I need to go through too.”

The other guard smiled and shook his head at her. “Hey, Yuffie, are you authorized?”

She stepped closer and stared up into his face. “I’m Yuffie Kisaragi, I’m authorized to go wherever I want. That’s anywhere!”

“Anywhere?” the guard teased.

“Umm… maybe not everywhere… but this is wasting time! I’ve got to catch that doctor guy. He’s a traitor to WRO!”

“That man’s a spy?!” the guard growled. “Go on through. We’ll stay here in case he comes back.”

“Thanks, boys.” The door whizzed open and Yuffie sprinted down the corridor.

The weedy doctor she was chasing came rushing down the corridor towards her, shouting, “There’s a monster! It’s killing the staff. Better get out of here.”

“Hold on!” She yelled, “I know who you are. The pervert spy! You’re up to something.”

With a look of terror, he ran off.

“Hey!” Yuffie cried, “Stop!”

A scream came from the med lab and explosive gunfire.

“Ohhh!” Torn between chasing the traitor and saving those in the medical lab, she ran towards the shouting. She arrived at the rooms where the patients were. The window paneling was blown out on one room, and the glass door was open. Smoke filled the room and billowed out into the hall. She covered her mouth and nose. A guard was dragging his injured and groaning comrade towards the door and out into the passage.

“What’s happening?” Yuffie started to race in.

The guard barred her entry. “I don’t know, but that man…” he pointed inside, “is morphing into something. Be careful."

Screams came from inside and the smoke started to clear.

The guard said, “A couple of doctors are in the adjoining room. They might be trapped.” He winced and gripped his thigh. The side of his leg was burnt.

“Okay, I’ll get them out.” She ran to the door of the second room and pushed on the key pad. Locked. Inside she saw the two doctors. One was standing over another doctor who was severely burnt, and not moving. The two other patients were still suspended in the containment and so far looked fine. Yuffie banged on the glass to get the doctor’s attention. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you out.”

She went back to the other door and entered. The patient must have fallen out of his tank and was stumbling around groaning and crying out. But he was no longer human, if he ever was. His torso had grown to a massive size and continued to expand. Smoke streamed out of his mouth and fire burst out from his hands and from the skin on his arm. Yuffie watched amazed as he transformed into a monster she had never seen before. He threw fire at her and she dodged and readied her shuriken. The blast shattered the metal wall.

“Guess a Shield might be handy about now.” The power shimmered around her. “Oh boy, what is that?” The smoke hindered her vision and she waved it aside. “Pew. And it stinks!”

The monster thing turned from her and headed towards the doctor trying to drag her colleague as far from it as she could. A stream of fire shot towards the doctors and the two in the tanks.

Yuffie threw her weapon at the creature, slicing into its back.

It turned on her and growled through its contorted mouth on its oversized head. A blast of fire came at her and she crossed her arms guarding herself against it. It whoosed around her and she threw her weapon again. Fire was all around them and the creature was coming their way, to her and the two guards. “You better stay back!” she yelled at them.
The monster was hunched over and getting bigger. Its flaming hands expanded and touched the ground. Fire now came from its mouth as well as the smoke. Flames spewed out into the corridor.

Yuffie ducked down and the guards cried out from the intense heat. From her core, an overwhelming need to help them filled her body, and she sensed the power leaving her to heal them and the doctors not far off. At least she could do something, but – she had to stop the monster, before it killed them and destroyed everything. That’s it. She focused on one of the materia embedded into her weapon.

The creature paused for moments, and lagged against the spell. She attacked it repeatedly, wounding it, but not stopping its path down the passage. The spell wasn’t strong enough. Gunshots came from the end of the corridor. She ran to the two injured guards. One was burnt badly but breathing, the other was pulling him back to clearer air.
She said, “You’re alive.”

He nodded and breathed hard, “You’ve got to stop it.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it!” Yuffie raced up the hall through smoke and flames. It bounded up to the door and blasted through it and the wall. The guards scattered to the mezzanine outside.

The thing seemed to have grown to nearly fifteen feet or bigger. “It’s getting stronger?” Yuffie watched in awe.

It stampeded at her and any unfortunate soldier to get too close, and cast fire at everything. The air was choked with smoke and flames. The WRO troops stood way back and up on the higher level, and they fired into it. Yuffie also kept on it, keeping pace with its fast attack and hitting it with her enhanced weapon. Enraged and bloody, the monster destroyed the railing and the walls. Gunfire seemed to have no effect and it was only her empowered elemental attacks that did the damage, but at least the soldiers kept it from going down the stairs to the lower level. Along with the creature’s roars, alarms were going off everywhere, making a terrible racket.

The drain on her body was startling. She remembered she hadn’t slept since… she couldn’t remember, a long time. Was it morphing into some sort of fiery behemoth? It really looked like it. With so many hits, it was still going. So tough. “I’m beat… this will have to be it…” Falling to her knees, she slammed the tip of her shuriken into the floor. The metal cracked and buckled out from her and towards the monster. Tremors shook the whole balcony and crumbled the support beams sending massive steel splinters through the air. The monster, the floor and the nearby stair trembled and collapsed downwards. Metal was still sliding down to the bottom floor in loud echoing clangs. Faint, Yuffie lay flat on the only untouched space on the floor, hoping the thing was dead and the guards were not.
Her phone rang.

Without moving her body, she reached into her hip pocket for her phone. She put it by her ear. “Hi Reeve…”

“What is that noise? What’s going on there? Is it trouble?”

“I… no, no trouble.” She took a short breath. “I found Tifa’s stalker.” She remembered she didn’t know where he was.

“Good! Who is it?”

“I… I don’t know his name. But...I..." Who was that guy anyway?

“How do you know?” Reeve was annoyed.

She was falling asleep even with all the noise. “I’ll call you back. I need a nap.”

“Yuffie!”

Description
FFVII
Forewarned

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Emotive themes
Setting: 3 years after DoC
Rating: M
Status: WIP
OCs: 25%
Disclaimer: All related Final Fantasy VII names and characters are copyrighted © by Square Enix. However, this story and the OCs are ALL mine. Thank you.

FOREWARNED

After speaking with Cloud, Reeve looked up at the ceiling and expired a long-held anxious breath. He wasn’t much of a gambler, but the stakes were too high for him to walk away from this one. Not this time Cloud. You weren’t getting away from this decision again. Finally, he had him onside – he only wished he was at WRO right then. He stood up fully alert, but overwhelmed by all that had to be done. He couldn’t plan alone. On his intercom he pressed the extension of his PA, his right-hand man, or in this case, woman. It did not buzz long.

“Hansen.”

“Yes, sir.” Loud, brisk and awake. Not a surprise she always responded like a lieutenant. She had gone through the ranks after all, and she was intelligent too.

“I want the troops up and prepared for an assault.”

“Which Division?” she queried with hesitation.

“Every Division! Wake up everyone in this base. It’s not a drill.”

“You want a Code A?”

“I’ve got intel Rocket Town is going to be attacked—”

“Yes, you want a Code A. I’ll call the Command Staff, and will Captain Nash be in charge?”

“Yes.” Reeve was up and pulling out clothes. “I’m on my way to Command now. The delegation members are a top priority. The Seawind will have to be prepared for their evacuation.”

“Right, sir, I’m on it.”

“I’ll talk to you later.”

Aliza Hansen, no-fuss, no ego, and an extremely capable woman, just what Reeve needed – plus she didn’t ask any unnecessary questions.

He dressed in his new blue Director uniform quickly and grabbed his phone and a slim battery which he slid into his pocket. Time: 1.37am. Surely they had enough time to do something. He dialed Cid as he left the room.

“You really pick your timing—”

“Cid, we may have a situation here.”

“You don’t say. If you remember, we’ve got a situation here too.”

“This is big—”

“You reckon, well, you should have seen the size of this—”

“Not that. Deepground is coming here. I need you and whatever ships you can spare for energy to come back. ASAP.”

“What the fuck?! The slimy coward bastards are planning an attack?! You sure? Darn it, we’re stuck in this out here.”

Reeve entered the lift and using the fingerprint pad pushed the number to take him to the operations level. “We have been forewarned, but still… I don’t know their numbers or even what they are capable of. How soon can you come?” He didn’t even care how desperate he sounded, he needed the backup Cid could provide.

“Six hours, maybe more. We’ve got civilians onboard.”

“Damn.”

“I’ll bring ‘em along—”

“No. You can’t enter combat with civilians!” He was shocked Cid would even consider it. “By the way, Cloud mentioned you shouldn’t be so hasty to enter battle. Be cautious on your approach.”

“Darn that Cloud! That’s his style. I know what to do.”

Reeve sighed and exited the lift. “Just get back safely.”

“Any news from him? We’re going crazy waiting.”

“Nothing on Tifa or Marlene, but he’s following some leads underground.”

“Yeah, guess he’s busy, like all of us. Hold up the fort till we get there.”

“I’m worried about the citizens here.” He sighed. It seemed premature to sound a city alarm, but what else could be done to protect them.

“Gotcha…” he paused. “I’ll call my pal at Bombers, used to be Shanghai, that pub is probably still open. He might be able to round up civilians.”

“Alright.” He responded with some trepidation, with visions of what Cid’s pals could get up to if given free rein.

“And Yuffie’s not with you?”

“No.” Reeve creased his brow in consideration, recalling he assigned her to look into the lab in Deepground. “She should be at Edge. I’ll call her.”

“Yeah, you better. Let her know what’s going on. She’s sour at you she’s not in the search for Tifa and Marlene.”

Reeve grumbled, “There was hardly time to include her. Not that I had any say in that.”

“As long as you call her. Sounds like you could use her help. Anyhow, keep in contact.”

Reeve entered the Command room using the fingerprint keypad. So far one other person was present and he began turning on lights and display screens. Other staff filtered in and Reeve was pleased to see they looked alert and ready, if not perplexed. “I believe everyone is here. This is not a small thing or a drill, but a potentially perilous situation. I have information that Rocket Town will be attacked by Deepground within hours.”

“But Deepground, how?” someone asked. “And where are they coming from?”

“I have limited intel, but apparently from underground.” Reeve turned to a large screen for all to see and brought up an aerial view of Rocket Town. It had grown over the years and was no longer a town, but an expanding city. “But where, is a good question.” WRO was near the centre of town and was larger than the base at Edge, and it had a good perimeter wall. He had spent time and money working on the security and the technology to run the base. But there was more he planned to do, he just hoped what they had in place would be strong enough.

A young man called, Garcell, asked in amazement, “Deepground are really coming here?”

Reeve glanced around at their faces, over half would be younger than twenty five. They were young but enthusiastic for WRO’s future plans. “If the information is correct, and I believe it is, than yes. We should prepare for everything.”

Another young man asked, “Who’s in charge of the troops?”

“Captain Nash will be in charge of ground operations.”

“He’s the new Commander?”

“No. Actually, our new Commander is the one who gave me this information. Right now he’s on an important mission.” Reeve flicked on another screen displaying the sewage system. “Captain Nash will be in charge until he is present.” He had already informed the captain, the position of CIC was currently being considered. Now he would have to tell him it had been accepted, although that might have to be put on hold until everyone was safely home.

After some moments a woman spoke up on behalf of the others, “Well, Sir, who is it?”

“Cloud Strife, of course. Now we have work to do.”

Quiet applause and cheers rippled through the staff. But they were soon at their desks and monitors in a flurry of activity.

“No need to celebrate yet. He’s not here, unfortunately. We must stand firm and protect this city, and this base.”

A great response of, Yes, sirs’ followed.

Reeve continued, “Communication towers around the city must be guarded and alert all stations over the city to a lockdown. My airship will need to be readied to evacuate the delegates.” He sighed, remembering the other calls he was yet to make. “So much to do.”

“We’re on it, Director.”

A couple of staff examined the maps. “There’s construction going on in this area of the city. Digging up a lot of earth. Perhaps?”

A man held out a phone to Reeve. “Director, I’ve got Captain Nash on the line.”

“Good.” Reeve took the receiver. “Captain Nash, did Hansen brief you?”

“Wasn’t much too brief on. Is this really happening, Reeve?”

So much doubt in his voice, Reeve didn’t need. “It is, it’s also at Nibelheim. They’re coming up from the ground. We need Communication stations watched and send an armoured mobile unit to the east district, there’s a construction site.”

“Right, we’ll get ready. Maybe the sewer?”

“Possibly. But in any case, use stealth. It’s imperative they not know that we know. It will give us some advantage.”

“Agreed. We’ll watch the streets.”

“At the first sign of activity, I’ll sound an alarm across the city. But not before…”
Nash paused. “Shall we prepare the SCMs?”

The Specialized Combat Machines Reeve was working on personally. They were not fully tested and not complete in some units. “Prepare them.”

“I’ll get the troops ready.”

He hung up and took a breath. The staff were busy making calls and processing data. He took his phone and dialed a number. The answering machine responded with a female voice– Mr Shinra is not available to take your call. Please try later.

“Rufus, this is Reeve. It’s urgent. I’ve got news Deepground is going to invade the city. If you don’t want them knocking at your door you better wake up—”

The phone was picked up. “Hello Reeve. Elena here.”

“Elena, can I speak to Rufus?”

“He’s indisposed.”

“He’s asleep.”

“I’m not at liberty to disclose his activities.”

Reeve grunted. “Fine. Wherever he is or doing, give him the message. Deepground are coming here. You better get ready and not be caught napping. If Rufus is interested tell him to call me.”

“Is that it? What else do you know? How many? What weapons?”

“That’s it. And they might strike while it is still dark.”

“Reeve, that’s not a lot of info.”

“It’s a lot more than you had before I called,” he retorted.

“I’ll pass on the tip. Thanks for the intel.”

After she hung up, he shook his head with disbelief. Why did he even bother?

He was about to call the number for Nibelheim and he realized the Mayor was in WRO. Instead he dialed another number. “Hansen.”

“Yes, Director.”

“What’s happening with the delegates?”

“Still working on organizing them. It’s like trying to herd flying mogs.”

“A problem?”

“Yes. Compliance, sir. Not all the delegates are… agreeable. One wants to stay in bed, while another wants to fight, while another refuses to believe me. Overall, they want to speak to you.”

Reeve sighed. “I understand. But they still must prepare to leave. How is Mayor Ockerman from Nibelheim?”

“He’s with the others in the lounge.”

“Tell him to contact his people in Nibelheim to warn them of a possible attack. We are hoping it won’t come to that. But… better they are aware in case.” In case the worst happens.

“I’ll inform him. You’re coming up to see them?”

“Soon. I have to call Edge first before normal communications fail.”

He hung up and someone asked, “Shall we call our families?”

Reeve pressed his lips together in contemplation. Finally he nodded. “Yes, call them. Although do your duties first and be careful what you say. I don’t want to cause panic. Also I don’t want the lines blocked.”

The team went back to their business and Reeve sat for a moment. Was this attack really going to take place? How much did Cloud know? But he had to trust him. At least, it would be an excellent training exercise for WRO as well as the whole city, despite his reputation going down the tube across the planet, and his staff and Rocket Town losing all respect for him if it caused citywide panic.

A woman, a phone at her ear, called over to him, “Shall I ring Edge office?”

“Not yet,” he answered, “I’ll call someone first.”

~ 7 ~

Yuffie entered WRO with one of the Security Units through the basement storage hangar. The troops were exhausted, and they all separated off to their level to sleep. She said goodbye to them and headed upstairs. She didn’t know what time it was, but she was guessing it was late. They had been at it all day and into the night. In the bowels of Deepground, searching out the monsters and getting rid of them. As well as looking for any clues as to who was working down there, making the monsters in the first place. They still had more to do – until every single monster was accounted for. Reeve would be happy with that, she hoped. But no, he wouldn’t be happy until she completed that other task - discover who the WRO infiltrator was.

She was tired, but she couldn’t sleep till she found out who was spying on Tifa. “Can’t believe they’re all looking for Tifa and Marlene without me!” She grumbled, “No fair.” She halted in the passage and rubbed her chin in thought. “Mmmm, what sort of person would stalk Tifa anyway? Must be crazy to do something stupid like that.” Reeve told her the culprit had photos and all, and knew she was pregnant, which was meant to be a secret. A scientist geek up to no good. It was her sole mission and purpose to find him, but first… she clutched her gurgling stomach. “I’m starved.” Food. “I know, Reeve’s got food in his office.” She could even crash on his couch. He would never know.

In the lift she tried Cloud’s phone. Again. It rang out. “Hi Cloud, any news yet? How’s Denzel doing?”

She rang Vincent, for no reason except he might know what Cloud was doing. “Hi Vincent. I’m really worried. Have you heard from Cloud yet? Ring me back okay?” She wasn’t going to ring Barrett again or Cid, she already spoke to them a couple of times. She didn’t want to talk to Reeve, he would ask her if she’d found out anything about the spy.
The lift opened to the dimly lit open space of offices.

She mumbled, “Why doesn’t anyone answer their phones…”

It was unusually quiet. Must be really late. “mm, real creepy up here.”

A voice came from a partitioned office bay.

“Huh?” She stopped a moment and realized the man was not talking to her, but was probably on the phone. Why would someone be on the phone at this time of night? Except her of course. But that was different. She had an emergency! Life or death. Whoever this person was talking to it must be pretty serious.

She ducked down and crept closer. He was not visible, but she could hear his muffled voice, and he sounded irritated.“They’ve killed them.” — “that’s right. Most of them.” — “I destroyed it.” — “Dern’s gone.” — “It’s not my fault!” he whined, “you acted too quickly. They should have waited.” After some moments, his tone cooled down. “Yes, in the med lab.”— “But…it is guarded.” — “I’ll release it. Yes, if I can. That should do it.” He hung up.

Yuffie dived out of the way in time. A skinny, weird looking doctor in a white coat with thick glasses walked past. She couldn’t remember his name if she even knew it, she didn’t know. He walked to the lift and was gone.

“I don’t like it.” Her hands turned to fists. “Acting too quickly and destroying stuff? What’s he talking about?” She stood at his desk. Neat on top and she couldn’t access his computer. She rifled through his drawers. Eventually, she came to a file and an envelope dropped out. A picture of Tifa was inside and another. She shook out the contents on his desk. A stack of photos came out. “Tifa’s stalker!” She jumped up and cried, “but what’s he up to?! Wait… is he going to the med lab?”

She ran to the lift. The survivors of the experiment were recovering there. Reeve said they were important. She wondered if she should call him. No, I can handle it. But she would have to arrest the spy, not kill him. Even by accident. “Darn it!” She dialed downstairs for a Security Unit.

Someone answered, “Hey, Yuffie.”

She replied, “Hi Nik, I’m on this important mission. Come up to the med lab. I might need backup.”

“Really? You think you need backup?” he chuckled.

“Hey, I’m not joking. This is something big! It’s an order!”

“Alright, no need for that. We’re coming.”

The lift was going far too slow for her liking. She should have taken the stair between the levels. It opened and she raced down the hall. She skidded to a stop in front of the door and two watching guards. She puffed with her hands on her knees, “did someone just go in there? A skinny looking guy with a white coat and glasses?”

“Yes, a few minutes ago.”

She stood hands on her hips, eyeing them with disapproval. “I thought Reeve said, no one can enter without authorization?”

One of the guards thumbed towards the door. “He said he had authorization.”

“Oh. Well, I need to go through too.”

The other guard smiled and shook his head at her. “Hey, Yuffie, are you authorized?”

She stepped closer and stared up into his face. “I’m Yuffie Kisaragi, I’m authorized to go wherever I want. That’s anywhere!”

“Anywhere?” the guard teased.

“Umm… maybe not everywhere… but this is wasting time! I’ve got to catch that doctor guy. He’s a traitor to WRO!”

“That man’s a spy?!” the guard growled. “Go on through. We’ll stay here in case he comes back.”

“Thanks, boys.” The door whizzed open and Yuffie sprinted down the corridor.

The weedy doctor she was chasing came rushing down the corridor towards her, shouting, “There’s a monster! It’s killing the staff. Better get out of here.”

“Hold on!” She yelled, “I know who you are. The pervert spy! You’re up to something.”

With a look of terror, he ran off.

“Hey!” Yuffie cried, “Stop!”

A scream came from the med lab and explosive gunfire.

“Ohhh!” Torn between chasing the traitor and saving those in the medical lab, she ran towards the shouting. She arrived at the rooms where the patients were. The window paneling was blown out on one room, and the glass door was open. Smoke filled the room and billowed out into the hall. She covered her mouth and nose. A guard was dragging his injured and groaning comrade towards the door and out into the passage.

“What’s happening?” Yuffie started to race in.

The guard barred her entry. “I don’t know, but that man…” he pointed inside, “is morphing into something. Be careful."

Screams came from inside and the smoke started to clear.

The guard said, “A couple of doctors are in the adjoining room. They might be trapped.” He winced and gripped his thigh. The side of his leg was burnt.

“Okay, I’ll get them out.” She ran to the door of the second room and pushed on the key pad. Locked. Inside she saw the two doctors. One was standing over another doctor who was severely burnt, and not moving. The two other patients were still suspended in the containment and so far looked fine. Yuffie banged on the glass to get the doctor’s attention. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you out.”

She went back to the other door and entered. The patient must have fallen out of his tank and was stumbling around groaning and crying out. But he was no longer human, if he ever was. His torso had grown to a massive size and continued to expand. Smoke streamed out of his mouth and fire burst out from his hands and from the skin on his arm. Yuffie watched amazed as he transformed into a monster she had never seen before. He threw fire at her and she dodged and readied her shuriken. The blast shattered the metal wall.

“Guess a Shield might be handy about now.” The power shimmered around her. “Oh boy, what is that?” The smoke hindered her vision and she waved it aside. “Pew. And it stinks!”

The monster thing turned from her and headed towards the doctor trying to drag her colleague as far from it as she could. A stream of fire shot towards the doctors and the two in the tanks.

Yuffie threw her weapon at the creature, slicing into its back.

It turned on her and growled through its contorted mouth on its oversized head. A blast of fire came at her and she crossed her arms guarding herself against it. It whoosed around her and she threw her weapon again. Fire was all around them and the creature was coming their way, to her and the two guards. “You better stay back!” she yelled at them.
The monster was hunched over and getting bigger. Its flaming hands expanded and touched the ground. Fire now came from its mouth as well as the smoke. Flames spewed out into the corridor.

Yuffie ducked down and the guards cried out from the intense heat. From her core, an overwhelming need to help them filled her body, and she sensed the power leaving her to heal them and the doctors not far off. At least she could do something, but – she had to stop the monster, before it killed them and destroyed everything. That’s it. She focused on one of the materia embedded into her weapon.

The creature paused for moments, and lagged against the spell. She attacked it repeatedly, wounding it, but not stopping its path down the passage. The spell wasn’t strong enough. Gunshots came from the end of the corridor. She ran to the two injured guards. One was burnt badly but breathing, the other was pulling him back to clearer air.
She said, “You’re alive.”

He nodded and breathed hard, “You’ve got to stop it.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it!” Yuffie raced up the hall through smoke and flames. It bounded up to the door and blasted through it and the wall. The guards scattered to the mezzanine outside.

The thing seemed to have grown to nearly fifteen feet or bigger. “It’s getting stronger?” Yuffie watched in awe.

It stampeded at her and any unfortunate soldier to get too close, and cast fire at everything. The air was choked with smoke and flames. The WRO troops stood way back and up on the higher level, and they fired into it. Yuffie also kept on it, keeping pace with its fast attack and hitting it with her enhanced weapon. Enraged and bloody, the monster destroyed the railing and the walls. Gunfire seemed to have no effect and it was only her empowered elemental attacks that did the damage, but at least the soldiers kept it from going down the stairs to the lower level. Along with the creature’s roars, alarms were going off everywhere, making a terrible racket.

The drain on her body was startling. She remembered she hadn’t slept since… she couldn’t remember, a long time. Was it morphing into some sort of fiery behemoth? It really looked like it. With so many hits, it was still going. So tough. “I’m beat… this will have to be it…” Falling to her knees, she slammed the tip of her shuriken into the floor. The metal cracked and buckled out from her and towards the monster. Tremors shook the whole balcony and crumbled the support beams sending massive steel splinters through the air. The monster, the floor and the nearby stair trembled and collapsed downwards. Metal was still sliding down to the bottom floor in loud echoing clangs. Faint, Yuffie lay flat on the only untouched space on the floor, hoping the thing was dead and the guards were not.
Her phone rang.

Without moving her body, she reached into her hip pocket for her phone. She put it by her ear. “Hi Reeve…”

“What is that noise? What’s going on there? Is it trouble?”

“I… no, no trouble.” She took a short breath. “I found Tifa’s stalker.” She remembered she didn’t know where he was.

“Good! Who is it?”

“I… I don’t know his name. But...I..." Who was that guy anyway?

“How do you know?” Reeve was annoyed.

She was falling asleep even with all the noise. “I’ll call you back. I need a nap.”

“Yuffie!”