Vagaries of Fate

Compromise

Chapter 24

When they were finally shown to their rooms, Genesis pulled out his phone and gave Tseng a brief overview of what had happened. When it was relayed to Rufus, the young President was on edge, but it was decided to continue to keep his presence hidden. Clarissa wasn't entirely convinced that Godo didn't already know, as he seemed to have an uncanny ability to ferret out information. But he hadn't said anything about it, so they were content to let it lay. Rufus was only supposed to interfere in case of an emergency anyway. If they were allowed to do what they came to do, then there might not be a reason for anyone in Wutai to suspect that the young blonde was anything other than a Turk.

They ended up having to wait three days before they were called back to the Emperor's office. In the meantime, they had been offered a guided tour of the city and were shown all the way to the base of the sacred mountain, Da-Chao, but they were not allowed any closer. It was still impressive. Clarissa was amazed at the opportunity to be able to see everything in person, but her enthusiasm was dimmed by the fact that Genesis was so antsy that he was nearly livid. He was not a patient man by nature, so being forced to wait and knowing what hung on the decision made him irritable at best. Clarissa did her best to keep him occupied and not trying to burn anyone to a crisp, but even she was thankful when they were finally called to see the Emperor.

Godo was waiting for them when they were guided into his office. He gave them a small bow in return to theirs before he gestured to the seats. Clarissa looked around quickly before she sat. She noticed Fuhito was not there, and she hoped that was a good sign, but she tried not to get her hopes up.

Her tenseness was eased some when Godo spoke, but not by much. "I have taken time to deliberate what you have told me, as well as investigate further. I have verified your trip through my country, at least, but that doesn't prove much."

He paused as if he was deliberating what he wanted to say next. Neither of the Soldiers tried to interrupt. They were both ready to get to the point. When he finally spoke, it was easy to tell that he was uncertain, even if he was still trying to project certainty. "I took the liberty of sharing part of what you told me with Fuhito."

Genesis jumped up at that point, and Clarissa wasn't too inclined to stop him. She had explicitly asked to keep that information from the maniac. Godo did not seem fazed by the outburst. He raised a hand before he continued. "Please sit. I did not share anything that would allow him to harm anyone."

Genesis didn't look convinced and didn't sit, but Clarissa tried to take Godo at his word. He was still treating them with respect, so that had to mean something. She gave him a nod, and he continued. "I asked him about the labs here in Wutai. Much to my dismay, he denied their existence. It wasn't long after we spoke that he was caught trying to relay a message to someone outside the country. I have been forced to detain him until this is completed."

He sat back at that point and gave them both an evaluating look. "There was something else brought up in my conversation with Fuhito that I would very much like to discuss with both of you, but before we get into that, I would like to offer you both an opportunity to make sure there isn't anything else you would like to share."

Clarissa tensed further. She felt a shiver crawl up her spine as she realized this was a test. He knew that they had contacted Rufus and was wanting to see if they would continue keeping secrets. She wanted to kick herself for even thinking that it would be overlooked after they told him they would be transparent.

Clarissa didn't have to mention it, as Genesis finally sat with a glare. His voice was harsh when he answered. "It is clear you already know that Rufus Shinra is here as well. He is not here to participate in the negotiations unless you request his presence. He decided to come to address any issue that came up, but he represents the Board as much as we do. He can not make decisions without the input of everyone else."