Reconstruction of an Empire. (Junon)

[Cloud]

[Cloud]

The top secret memo shook in the man’s hands. He looked from the piece of paper to the man sitting before him, and back again. Was he for real? Was he really reinstating the SOLDIER program? After all, Mako was supposed to be off-limits. The other man in the room, a well dressed blonde who stood from his chair to look out his window, spoke; his voice barely audible to the shocked individual.

“Your silence speaks volumes as to how you feel about this. Let me make this perfectly clear. I do not intend to repeat the same mistakes of the past. I have thought long and hard about this decision and didn’t come to it easily. But after taking into account of recent events, I believe that the Mako infusion process is a necessary risk for the preservation of our way of life.”

Pausing for a moment only to turn away from the ocean view, he returned to his seat, the leather material creaking under him. “Also, as you can see, I put you in charge as the temporary head of the Science Department. I need someone I can trust at the helm until I can find a proper replacement. “

Devereux attempts to speak up, his mouth twitching with every attempt but continues to falter until Rufus takes note of the man’s attempts.

“Is there something you wish to say?”

The scientist was slightly startled by the question, not realizing that President would so easily pick up on his hesitance to speak. Rubbing his hands together nervously, he gave a subtle nod.

“W.well Sir, honestly, I believe it is a mistake to restart the Mako reactor. Even if the single reactor has little effect on the planet, if word gets out to the public, it could be a disaster not only for the company, but for you as well.”

Rufus leaned back in his chair, crossing one leg over the other as he cusped his hands together in his lap. He had listened to and considered the man’s concerns, but dismissed them just as quickly. Who was he to cast doubt on Shinra’s plans? After all, they were in the best interest for everyone.

“You have two options, Devereux. One: You can accept the job I am generously offering to you, knowing that you are taking part in preserving our way of life and securing our place in this new chaotic world. Or two: You will be incarcerated and or possibly disposed of for knowing sensitive information. It’s your choice.”

The proverbial door to the escape was slammed in his face with such force that he almost knocked his chair back. Rufus’ way of conducting business was well known, but to see it in the flesh and in turn be his target was incredibly unnerving. Using his jacket sleeve to wipe the sweat from his brow, he could only reply with a slight nod, accepting the job with great reluctance.

“I am glad that we could come to an agreement. I would very much hate to stain that suit of yours.” The blonde’s voice sounded with a hint of amusement, as if he enjoyed putting the man in such a precarious position. Sliding open a desk drawer, Rufus pulled out a brilliant blue sphere. Setting it down onto the desk with a dull thud, the company head once again leaned back in his chair, his hands resting lazily on the armrests.

“We also need to manufacture new materia until I can acquire all that I can from the public sector. This of course is left in the hands of your department. The Public Safety Maintenance Department is going to be restarting their recruiting processes soon, so I would like if they were properly equipped for whatever they happen to run into. I am assigning you several assistants to make sure you can work on both the SOLDIER program and manufacture our materia.”

Even if Devereux didn’t know the truth, he would still do as Shinra ordered. Almost no one would dare to do otherwise. Rufus’ well executed lie was convincing enough for the scientist who was now standing from his chair.

“Very well, I will see to it that both operations get underway as soon as possible.”

Without receiving a reply, Devereux was ushered out of the room by two Turks and quickly escorted to the building’s lower levels to begin his work, his mind buzzing madly. If only he knew how temporary his post as department head would really be.
Removing a cell phone from his inside jacket pocket, Rufus quickly dialed a number out on the keypad. The conversation was very brief, consisting of only one sentence before he hung up the phone.

“Commence reconstruction of the Sister Ray Canon…”

Reaching for the phone on his desk, he picked up the receiver and dialed ‘1’ for his secretary. After making his previous call, he felt as if he needed a change of scenery. “Call for my helicopter. I am going to Edge.”