Who:  (In order of entrances)  Squall Leonhart, Kain Highwind, Irvine Kinneas,  Dragonclaw, Vincent Valentine, Aerith Gainsborough, Barret Wallace, Bleak, Ward Zabac, Laguna Loire, Fuujin, and Selphie Tilmitt.
Where: Meeting room at Balamb Garden.
Why:  A semi-formal meeting with the members of AVALANCHE.
Date of log:  July 14th, 2000.




Squall is seated at one of the chairs, hands buried in his hair and elbows on the table. Yes, he's not watching the door, apparently not expecting people to walk in. Poor Commander.

The meeting room. There's just something so... official about it, and Irvine notices the moment he enters, pausing in the doorway to squint around at the walls, the decor, but not those actually in the room... yet.

Kain enters from outside, nodding to Irvine as he walks in. The usual SeeD escorts stand off to the side of the room as the Dragoon makes his presence known. "Greetings Commander Leonheart...I have much to report...to both you, and the client, if he is available."

Squall's head come sup sharply; hmm, people. He turns in his seat and stands, a faint frown replaced by a fairly strong smile. "Oh hello, sir," he greets also. "Sorry to keep you waiting, but you know, it's been pretty busy. The client's not here at the moment, but if you want to sit, we can talk." He glances to Irvine a moment, before motioning Kain to a seat. Good mood? Seems to be in a great mood, despite the initial appearance.

Good mood? Er... well Squall's putting on a good show otherwise and Irvine's not going to do anything to counter that fact in front of Kain, who the gunman doesn't know from adam. He slips off to the side, leaning against the wall casually, arms folded over his chest with the hat tipped downward. He's listening mostly, uncertain what this is all about just yet, or what may be asked of him.

Kain nods, and takes a seat. "Where shall I start? I've contacted a group who should be able to help with this attempt. I've been inside the ShinRa building itself, and I know where Cloud is. I've also set up a meeting with the group I wish to help, if you'd like to see them." Pretty presumptive of him...but..."I'm sorry if this seems abrupt...but there is need for haste." He waits for a response.

Squall takes a seat nearby, reaching to move his half-empty waterglass and tug some papers to him. "Floor numbers would be helpful, though I guess it's up to the rescue party for that. We just need to make sure we're there to help if something happens." He glances over the papers, adding, "I think they're already on their way."

Kain nods, "Alright...bedrooms are on the 58th floor...that's where the leadership sleeps. Security offices are on floor 60...that's where the defenses would be organized. Floor 67 is the prison sector...an unknown person is in there, but I'm not gonna worry about whoever it is. Floor 68 is an experimental lab, and that's where Cloud is. Floor 70 is where Reeve usually is. I can detail the other floors for you if you like."

Irvine glances up as he can't help but overhear the conversation, tipping the hat back slightly as he pushes himself away from the wall to walk toward the table. Nothing wrong with listening in, is there? Not like he can offer much, and besides, this Kain fellow is intriguing. (AKA: Who the hell is he?)
Dragonclaw's entrance draws the gunman's gaze long enough for him to reach up and tip his hat in greeting.

Squall is scribling something on paper, where he and Kain sit at the table. "My security chief is pretty knowledgeable about the building, but this is good to know now." Where is Vincent? The distinct feeling from Squall is that he's moving on without his Chief. "Did you manage to find where Kefka stays?" he asks Kain, glancing to the door. There's the unmistakable Dragonclaw, and he motions both him and the gunman over, if they want to have a seat.

Dragonclaw's head pops in, in fact, before the rest of him joins the room, head down and arms solidly at his side.
      
Kain hmms, "I met him on the 64th floor, but I don't think that's his usual abode. Kefka is in charge of ShinRa weapons. He could be anywhere in the top 10 floors during the assault...but I heard he tends to stay on the 58th floor most of the time...I would hit there first." He adds, "If he happens to run into the client and myself during the rescue...he'll wish he hadn't."

Squall nods slowly, making more notes. He grins slightly, remarking, "Well, I don't know how important the actual rescue is, but if I were working with this client, I'd want to keep my mind on what he wants to get done." Something's amusing to him there, but he doesn't elaborate. "So who exactly is this new group?" the Commander continues, sitting back.

Kain nods, remembering the client's eerie gaze. "You have a point. A very good point." He seems to respect this particular client quite a bit. "This new group you've probably read about in the Midgar news...they like to complain about them. They are the group called AVALANCHE."

Vincent enters at this time, his gaze scanning those present. His attention falls on Squall, then to Kain, listening as the man's explanation. Vincent remains silent, so not to interupt.

Dragonclaw's head perks up at Squall and the other's conversation. Without asking, he helps himself to a convinient ( standing ) spot nearby, still half-facing the ground but now half-facing the others as well.

Without comment, or further prompting, Irvine finds a seat and claims it, relaxing back as far as possible, or more like slouching into it. The hat is tilted forward slightly again, but not so far as to hide his eyes. No, he's glancing around at faces now, taking stock of who's present. His stance is the opposite of the slight turmoil he's trying to tune out of his mind, slouched, frivolous, and carefree.

Squall notices Vincent slip in, and gives him a bare glance before looking about at the others. "If you haven't met Captain Kain Highwind," he notes with a near-grin. "He's working with our client on the rescue of Cloud. Doing footwork lately. Yeah, we've read something about them, but what are they?" he asks Kain.

Kain nods, "They are a group that fights for the safety of the planet. You've seen the area around Midgar, how it's dead? Mako did that. They hate ShinRa for both Mako usage, and other, more personal reasons. They will have no qualms about this." He thinks for a moment. "When they arrive, I am the client. The original client ordered me to take his position as client where this group is concerned. The client and this group have a history...and it's most unpleasant. If they find out who it is, morale will suffer...quite a bit. Keep his identity very secret."

Squall frowns slightly, and waves a hand. "I'll have to ask the client about that, sir, we can't just trust you to claim authority over them. What we can talk about is just coordination stuff, and leave the command authority to the client when he is available. Alright?" He says this rather smoothly, without sounding put off, and seems almost... sociable about it.

Kain nods, "You may verify this order with the client if you like. Remember what I said about morale however."

Dragonclaw watches Kain before snorting and taking a seat next to Irvine, moving the chair until his tail is comfortable - that is, he's not sitting /on/ it.

Irvine laces his fingers behind his head, having removed the hat finally and left it on the table in front of him, and sinks back further into the chair. (If that even seemed remotely possible from how he was relaxing previously.) That ghostly, vaguely irritating, smug smile of his crosses his lips as he listens to 'the client' this and 'the client' that and morale and ... ech. Turning his head slightly, he glances at Dragonclaw, murmuring a quiet greeting.

Vincent nods briefly when Squall's attention lies on him. His eyes then move to Kain again, listening, but not bothering to correct the minor mistake in the man's information regarding mako. There isn't any affect such information would have on the mission, all in all. He steps forward now, moving closer to the commander and the visitor.

Squall nods pleasantly enough to Kain on his answer. "Sure. What's in this experimental lab Cloud's in, anyway?"

Kain tries to explain, "A bunch of machines. I don't know machines very well, so I don't know what they were for. Hojo was doing some odd experiment on Cloud. It was very wierd."

Dragonclaw grumbles. "Hello, Irvine. I do not like machines. What were the machines doing?"

Irvine lifts an eyebrow at Dragonclaw, unsure what he means exactly by 'Machines'. "Hmm? Explain." His hands drop to his sides again, arms lazily falling half against the armrests as he swings his chair slightly sideways toward Dragonclaw.

Dragonclaw points. "I did not say. He did," he says, waving in the general direction of Kain somewhere.

Squall frowns thoughtfully, before saying, "Guess we'd better hurry then, that doesn't sound good. Torture maybe." A frown marrs his cheer a moment; he recalls torture of some level, himself.

Vincent pauses and speaks for the first time, "Really?" he sounds minutely interested, but that can easily be contributed to the analytical worth of such information as pretains to Cloud's status. "They allowed you to see this?" he questions also. It does seem odd. But there are explainations for it. Perhaps Kain will offer one of the more common ones.

Kain nods to Vincent. "I was the official Ambassador to ShinRa. One of the things I talked about was trade, and to talk trade, one must see what the other has to trade. So I saw most everything in the building. Hojo wasn't happy about being interrupted." To Dragonclaw. "Machines aren't my thing, I don't have a clue what they were doing."

Oh, Captain Kain, so that's what Dragonclaw meant. Irvine swings his chair back again, leaning forward to peer at Kain as expectantly as everyone else seems to be. The gunman takes a moment to really look at the Dragoon too, measuring him up. Mmm, torture. Lovely. He loses interest after the explaination and sinks back into his chair, folding his hands over his lap this time.

Dragonclaw's claw grates against his scales. "Should just turn off then."

Squall seems to be avoiding looking at Vincent, so watches Kain during his explanation. "Any sign of Cloud even being alive?" He asks, as sounds occur outside the doors. Glancing to the two SeeD by the door, he nods. They go out to check.
      
Vincent glances toward Squall a moment, marking the commander's level of interest in the matter, before turning back and nodding to Kain, falling silent so that the dragoon can answer Squall's query.

Aerith appears near the door, looking almost absurdly harmless in the pink_dress and with an umbrella in one hand. Why would she need an umbrella in this weather? Well... you try living for sixteen or so years underneath a Big Metal Plate, and you won't be very well-tanned. She gives the two SeeD a nice warm smile. "Hello, I'm here for the meeting..."

The bass thumps of Barret's feet on the floor herald his entrance, as he enters the meeting room and stops short of the table, arms akimbo. "Howdy, all. This place is awesome!"

The two SeeD at the door open it to... Aerith, and a large hulking shape behind her. "Uh, more guests, sir," one states. Looks like everyone's heading in.

Squall stands from his chair at the booming voice and grins. "I guess this is the rest of the team," he says to Kain, nodding to Barret in greeting.

Aerith gives the room a warm smile as she walks in, umbrella being held underneath her arm in a discreet sort of way. Eek. She has the strangest feeling that this is, ah, a rather masculine sort of environment. o_o And she forgot cupcakes. c.c

Female voice? Irvine's suddenly more then interested. He swings the chair to the side slightly, tilting to the right to glance over his shoulder and see the latest entries. Ah, this must be the AVALANCHE team mentioned more then once during the meeting. And they've got a cute chick with them. So much the better... even with that nagging memory of Selphie's jealous temperment keeping him from launching into any sort of immediate introduction to Aerith.
Wow, the gunman is actually showing restraint in the light of a pretty face. He must be whipped.

Kain nods, "This is AVALANCHE. Barret, Laguna, Ward, Bleak..." He looks at the young lady..."Hmm, you weren't there when I arrived. In any event, welcome. We need all the help we can get." Going on to answer Squall's nearly forgotten question. "I'm quite sure he's alive."

Vincent stands near Squall and Kain, though he turns around at the entrance of the new arrivals. A face he knows, most that he doesn't... He nods polite greeting to the lot.

Bleak follows the rest at a distance, the illusion of gliding across the ground attained both through extremely smooth and unhurried steps and the long cut of his pants. At first someting seems very amiss: He retains his Katana, however closer examination reveal quite tight peace knots tied about the hilt and sheath.

"I'm Commander Squall Leonheart of this facility," Squall introduces with a nod at Kain. "This is Irvine Kinnes, Dragonclaw [when he gets back on], Captain Kain Highwind, though I guess you know him, and Vincent Valentine, my Chief of Security."

Barret assesses the people, glancing at Squall's facial scar, finding a place to sit and plopping his butt down in the undersized chair with a creak as Squall speaks, the big man listening. Arms folded, he leans forward on the table to do so. "Good to meetcha all," he grins to the occupants of the table. "Like the threads, Slim," he addresses to Irvine.

Hmm? Irvine actually stops looking at Aerith now to grin at Barret, actually sitting up from the slouch he's maintained in his chair so far. He grabs the hat, dropping it back onto his head and tips it toward Barrett in greeting. "Slim? That's a new one. Nice to meetcha." Oh no, typical 'Best sharpshooter in Garden' response. That's unusual too.

Aerith blinks several times at Kain - he must be Cid's.... son? Brother? What? - and then nods to Squall with a polite smile. "I'm Aerith Gainesborough..." Kain also got a big of a strange look. Sigh. They didn't think she could drive back in Midgar, either. Fools! Fear the wrath of... erm... Aerith. Vincent gets another glance, if only because he looks vaguely familiar... Kind of like Tseng, she decides.

Ward leans on the wall quietly, knowing that once certain gazes get around the room to himself and Laguna that there'll either be a surprised reunion or hell to pay...and recalling a recent incident, the latter is probably more likely. But, unwilling to back down, Ward just stays where he is, leaning on the wall....

Laguna notices all the people that were here before he left. It's been a long time since he's been here. But one of the rules is to avoid his .... is to avoid Raine. Maybe Squall should be added to the list, but it will all depend. He grabs a seat first, thinking Ward is waiting on him.

Wel, not like she at all really knew what was going on, but there have been rumors about the place and so in following those one little white haired woman ended up here. The place being Garden of course and this being Fuujin after all. The majority of the students do indeed remember her from her time as a Disciplinary Committy member and so just gave the information she was glaring at them for. Glowering is something Fuujin is good at. However, in listening at the door for a moment, the teen only frowns softly, slips inside, glances around at the gathering, and seeks to slide into a corner. She's small and hopefully easily over looked. In finding a bit of wall to hold up (ain't she nice to hold up the wall for you?), arms are folded around midsection and there she waits.. and listens.

Kain looks around. He may have coordinated this, but for know, he'll stay in the background. He has nothing to respond to just now. Silence is golden.

"Good evening." Vincent adds in kind, his gaze moving along through the assembled gathering. It pauses twice. Once, on Aerith, whom he's seen before by his perspective of events since the worlds combined. The second time on Fuujin, whom he notices and offers a faint nod of greeting to. But the most of this meeting is in Squall's hands for the moment, as he was asking the questions....

Bleak is silent, his expression utterly dispassionate. Even as his eyes take in the others in this room, he moves to one side of the doors, making no movement to take a seat and says nothing for now. Any reactions from observation or listening to the various interchanges are kept very much to himself... it seems polite enough, certainly not overtly threatening.

Squall grins at Barret's attitude, explaining, "Irvine here is our sharpshooter." Did you think he'd let you forget, Irvine? He looks over the others assumbled, pausing briefly on Laguna before giving the man an odd, small smile, and looking strangely pleased to catch the shadowy sight of silver hair and petite. "Alright. Thanks for coming." Ooo, business Squall action figure with bureaocratic grip! "We're all here to talk about the operation in a few days to rescue Cloud from Shinra. Hopefully we can use this time to make sure we all know what we're doing so we don't kill each other accidently." He looks to Barret, squinting a bit. "Want to explain what your operational sphere is, sir?" he asks.

"Operational sphere?" queries Barret, as if he'd been asked to put his feet behind his head. "I hate to sound stupid, but could you clarify that? ... My team's functions, or my individual plans for the rescue?"

The grin slips slightly as Squall just _has_ to mention Irvine's 'ability' and the gunman can't help but look directly at him, squinting a bit. Yes, as far as he's concerned he's the best damn sharpshooter Garden's ever seen, but he's got his reasons for preferring it not to be announced right now. Squall knows why too, he's sure, which makes the little announcement slightly disgruntling.
However, the meeting barrells forward, so Irvine slumps back into his seat, tipping the hat forward over his eyes. He seems just sooooo utterly interested in all of this, really, he does.

Aerith gives Fuujin a pleasant smile; even if she is going to be quiet, well, hey. She's not required to be peppy or anything. Besides, she has nice hair. "I think I'm going to have to do part of this on my own," she says, unhesitantly; all this seething testosterone in the area is making her less quiet_and_sweet than usual. Or at least less quiet. "Heidegger told me that I could visit Cloud, presumably in his cell... this could make things a great deal easier. We wouldn't have to fight all of the way

Ward looks across those gathered, and lets out a breath. Not a whole lot he can contribute to this meeting anyway, seeing as it's hard to get ideas out when your throat doesn't want you getting ideas out. So, instead, he raises both eyebrows at Squall -- all right, scratch the hell to pay idea, and mind you, that's a good thing -- and listens quietly to the conversation, picking up what he can.

A quick smile and nod at Squall's direction from Laguna. That was very surprising and very unexpected. Perhaps this meeting won't be too uncomfortable after all. He will follow suit with Ward and listen to what has to be said. Although that cramp maybe be coming again. . o 0(Watch it, Laguna...)

Whatever noise the specific doors to this room make when opening, happens. Much louder than it should, in fact, and probably because the person entering is -- big surprise -- late! Not -too- tardy, but late enough. It's not -Selphie's- fault that she got caught up in a game of Triple Triad with some... guy. She got lotsa cool cards, anyway. --Ahem! The brunette pokes her head in, looking almost like a caged animal. Don't hurt her! "--Uhm~," she says, more to herself than anyone else, as she steps into the room fully. o_o Fidget, fidget. Seeing as she doesn't -hear- anything overly important being discussed, she'll go ahead and say something! Ah-ah-ahem. "...You can start now! I'm he~ere!" She even poses!.

Kain nods to Selphie, remembering her, but othewise says nothing. He looks at Aerith though. He chooses not to mention exactly what will happen. Too many questions involved if he does. Squall can field that one. The Dragoon Captain sits back, looking like...a Dragoon Captain!

Vincent looks up again. Aaah, Selphie. He waves her even further in, indicating that she might find it easier to mingle on the end of the table with the other Garden Students. Irvine's there ya know. After that short gesture, his attention focuses on the commander again.

Bleak seems attentive enough, but after a brief examination and evaluation of Selphie, he returns to a state of asomehow too polite attentiveness. Like a trained diplomat almost, except they do not tend to be armed... peace knots or no. (give or take Gunboat Diplomacy) Still he seems equally aware if non-reactionary to everything about him... both the wordplay, people, and objects.

Squall frowns a tad at Barret's question about what he meant. Was it something he said? Ok, less arcane, this isn't military class. He glances to the pink-dressed girl as she speaks up, lifting an eyebrow. He almost says it, almost says 'You're sending -her- in as point?' but then, Rinoa looks cute too, but he knows better. And then there's Selphie's cute, which he -really- knows better on. The Commander eyes her neutrally as she pops in, muttering, "Alright, we'll start," with a faint grin. "I'm asking what you guys plan to do, or where you are going to be. I guess in the building," he looks briefly to Aerith, then back to Barret. "It'd be a good idea to work this out so you know what we're bringing in, and we know what you're doing. SeeD, our forces, are ground support to draw fire and ShinRa troops... but I need to know where your people will be around or in the ShinRa building." He gets up as he talks, moving to the large screen or panel on the wall and flicking a switch near it.

"The #&@$?" asks Barret, surprised at the entrance of the curly-headed girl. Anyway, back to the task at hand. "No, I'm not...she just told me about this yesterday. And I thought that's why I came here. And actually, no, I wasn't really plannin' on being able to enter the building, seein' as how we'd more than probably be slaughtered on sight by the front guards. The exhaust port that was there before was probably either rerouted and covered or is guarded now...so I wasn't sure. But--" he contemplates, "--if we could find some way to enter the building somewhere higher than the ground floor and find a restrictive entrance--meanin' a small door or hallway easily protected by a few men--we could hold off Shinra from the inside. Are you guys going up from the inside or the outside?"

Why that sounds like the call of tha Woild Selphie. Irvine finds himself sitting up for the umpteenth time tonight, tilting forward to wiggle a finger at her (com'ere), then pat the seat next to his. At least something has caught his attention for more then two seconds. He remains leaning forward afterwards, propping an elbow on the tabletop, and his chin in an upraised palm. The opposite hand tries not to drum his fingers as Squall and Barret launch into the specifics of the mission.

Aerith was only good for two seconds of attention? Tseng would kill people for that implication. Ah, the joy of having a stalker. Anyway, the flower_girl folds her hands in her lap primly. "There's that fire escape... the one Tifa said that you should have used last time. They probably wouldn't be guarding it." She oohs a little at Squall's NiftyTek screen, although it's not the sort of wondrous witchcraft she'd get excited about. Another thought occurs to her, and she says, "I don't know if this is relevant, but who built this place?" Because she thinks she knows the architecture. Although it could just be a coincidence (other people -do- see seashells. Often by the seashore.)

Laguna will just sit tight and do as he's told. He will have the chance to see his son have a turn at the podium. Perhaps he'll learn something or see how much his son is like him. Then again, maybe -not- like him. At least he'll see and enjoy it. A -lot- of familiar faces are popping up to, which is comforting to know. But until a specific topic comes up that's worth noting, he'll remain silent.

Selphie does!, indeed, skitter to the side with the people she knows. Read: Irvine. Especially after he motions her over, and oh--! Imagine that, a free seat right by the cowboy. How conveeenient. Of course, now that Barret and Squallie are conversing, it seems to her that this whole scene is pretty important, now; at least moreso than it was when Squall wasn't up by an important-looking screen thing. As if she were moving through an aisle of seats in the middle of a movie (ducked slightly, 'sneaking,' etc.), she makes her way over to the above mentioned seat. Giggling for one reason or another (who -knows- with this girl?), it was just a bit louder than she had first planned it to be. As she pulls the seat out a bit, the girl erk--s, and covers her mouth with a hand, whispering "Sorry~!" to no one in particular. Finally, -finally-, she sits. Aaah -- comfy seat! Selphie doesn't, however, scan the faces. No, she's obviously too absorbed in somthing else, which she excitedly whispers to Irvine. Meeting? What meeting?

Kain hmms. How is he going to explain this? He looks meaningfully at Squall. However, it's quite plain that he wants to say something. He just doesn't know how to say what needs to be said. So he remains silent. Again.

Vincent draws in a deep breath, his attention drawn to Aerith's query. Who /did/ build Garden? But one that Squall will have to answer, unfortunately. Vincent now stands, turning to lean and murmur something to the Garden's commander, meant only for Squall to hear. He is going to step out for the moment, to fetch something that he'd forgotten to bring and meant to. Hey, no one's perfect.

Bleak finally "speaks" up,as Tactics, capabilities, and plans are spoken of he now adds his own voice... mind it is sealed to whispers that barely reach the ears of all present, "While I wish no disrespect to the... "Ambassador," I still feel that were I to aqquire the ShinRa uniforms they would not be as missed. Using them, perhaps those who are to be infiltrating can replace the guard sent to escort her to the captive. I agree that a team should then make a highly visible assault to distract attention and perhaps draw guards away from their posts. Then a third group can work thier way in using that fire escape, clearing a way for the captive's escort to leave as they go... unless of course there are other objectives that have yet to be mentioned?" as he steps back, closer to the wall he almost seems to fade literally as his words do so... although it is merely an affectation, certainly not magic or any ninja trick.

Squall chews his lip briefly at Barret's questions and comment. Mmm. Inside isn't what he had in mind. The board hums as he takes up a pen thing and starts sketching on it, tracing, roughly, the ShinRa building from the side; and missing Kain's look. He marks a few floors; 67, 68, cells and lab. 58, top of building, unlabeled and 'TOP'. He turns to listen to Bleak, nodding firmly at what the man says; ah, a military man indeed there, man. "That would work pretty well," he remarks. "If you can get out from the top, even better, because..." And he starts marking as he talks. "SeeD will be cutting the building off at floor 58 *here*, which should stop the elevators and stairwells, and cut off any troop support from below *here*. I think that would leave you free to get out the top *here*. Before then, you can sneak in." He doesn't address other objectives, looking calmly from Bleak to Barret and back.

Barret's brows crease as his plan seems to pale in comparison to Bleak's, and he folds his arms in slight rejection. "Yeah, that sounds better." Seems like these guys already have the alley, pins and scoreboard set up, they're just looking for a ball. "Before I go tossin' my nonsense all over the table, what do you guys suggest for Avalanche? It seems to me that since we're the more recognized bunch in Shinra's eyes, that we should be the bait, but we'd more than probably be mauled."

Irvine hmms, leaning in toward Selphie to hear her excited, yet somehow contained and quiet whisper. He chuckles softly, wrapping one arm around her shoulders as he tips his hat back and kisses her temple, murmuring, "Later, darlin'," quietly. Without withdrawing his arm, he straightens again, lifting an eyebrow as the talk finally _does_ garner his interest. Normally he doesn't care about the logistics of an attack, battle, mission, whathaveyou. Just point the way and he'll point the gun, but this is curious. He'd been wondering exactly how the other team planned on getting in and out of the building. That and the 'other objectives' comment makes him slightly nervous, except that it seems to fly by without comment. Shew.

Aerith smiles a bit more at the sight of Selphie and Irvine being so.. well.. Selphie and Irvine! She remains quiet through all of the explanations, although she does rather uncharitably wish that Bleak would speak up - even though he can't - and then raises her hand a bit to signal her own addition to the flow of data. (Amazing how they're all going in order!) "We... don't really have very many people in our group who could pass as Shinra guards with any real hope of accuracy..." She looks at the table. "Besides, we'd have to infiltrate Heidegger's personal guard, most likely... that could be very difficult."

Ward would chuckle if it was easier, but instead he grins as Aerith mentions that a lot of AVALANCHE won't pass for ShinRa. Ward is anything but an exception to that statement...although he passed for a soldier in the Galbadian army...but people would recognize having seen someone that large before, so it's not a good disguise. Ward reaches up and holds the back of his neck, looking at the board with its abstract ShinRa building

Selphie blinkblinks lightly at Irvine, doing little more than look put out at his response, and at his actions. She takes the oh-so-adorable arm and peck in stride, one hand already moving to snap the back pocket that houses her Triple Triad Cards closed. "Fine," she responds, just as quietly. Pout. Eh -- she does figure that this -is- an important meeting, and as the energy gained from winning 5 games in a row starts to fade, the Perky Girl starts focusing on the fact that -this is an importante meeting-o-. So she should, technically, listen. And of course, noticing that -Irvine- is paying attention, she -might as well-. Glancing up to the board that Squall draws on, she has to -stifle a laugh-, which is only half-accomplished. What a cute lil' drawing! Another whisper, a bit louder this time, "He should draw lil' stick figures to show us where we are!" Teehee! Sigh. Thusly begins Selphie's delve into Tactics Speak... At least she's comfy. Irv-ee Boy, brought to you by the Laz-ee Boy company.

Kain holds up a hand. "Wait. There is another way." He nods at Squall, having mentioned this before. "For those that do not know, my power is jump. I can take the ShinRa building in 2 leaps. I can get up the building long before anyone else can. If you wish to make use of my powers...they are available. Also note, however, that I cannot go in normal clothes, or anything similar. I will be disguised, and disguised well, if you opt to use me as a special striker." He looks meaningfully at Squall...He then adds, "I can be out of Midgar in two more leaps. I scouted the the area around the building, and I daresay this might be...a little quicker, and safer for everyone else." Having said that, he sits back, and lets the true nature of the Dragoon sink in.

Bleak cannot help but raise an eyebrow slightly, his awareness focusing on Squall, "Perhaps a claim of an attack by Avalanche thinned thier numbers? Certainly a legitimate if showy attack may be best... I believe ShinRa is still quite worried about that "Red Movement," or they were when I enjoyed thier... ah, accomedations a few weeks ago. If the attacking group looks rag-tag, but puts forth a strong showing the deception may work. "Wounds" from the initial attack could certainly help hide the identities of our people. Certainly few would question the Elite guard to such a point that those visors would be removed... plus the confusion of the attack will have them working for speed, not precision. Sir Dragoon spoke of mixing our forces... in this case it might be the best idea as well. However, while I appreciate what you are doing... the captive is Avalanche. It is not to say I mistrust you, but as I told Sir Dragoon... for now my path is with Avalanche and thier well being is my concern. What be your stake in this operation?" then both his eyebrows raise, as something occurs to him, "Your plan... will leave us trapped on the roof. Ladders or ropes down the sides are out of the question..."

Squall listens to Barret, deadpan. Not quite that he has everything set up, but, well, they're a military organization with an objective. Of course they overplan. But Aerith's input makes him... frown, ever so slightly, as he listens to her. A look runs over the assembled Garden clan, thoughtfully. At Kain's revelations, he tries not to roll his eyes (for whatever reason), but Bleak's words make shim meet the other man's eyes as he listens. "SeeD is under contract for this operation," he explains quietly. "We're paid for our services. And if that's the case, about what you said, then it would help draw fire where we could handle it. As for the building, we can use Captain Highwind's suggestion to reduce risk..." though apparently, he can sympathize with it being one of -their- number in that jail "... or we can arrange timing either way. Bottom is much more likely to be difficult. Your call, sir."

Barret hrrms. "People on your side would be best for Shinra disguises, since we're so easily recognizable and...well, it's probably obvious." He produces a cigar and clenches it between his teeth as he sits back in the chair. "Avalanche could draw the ground forces out the front and distract them if we time it right, but we'd need backup. How're you guys plannin' on takin' out that floor? We have high explosives experience, if it helps any.
The big gunman twiddles the cigar, looking over to Bleak. Obviously, he's the apparently designated tactics man for our side. I am /damn/ glad I brought him, even if it's so damned surprising it's frightening.

Looks like the gunman's going to have to be apologizing later tonight. Irvine briefly glances at Selphie, guaging her response to his lack of enthusiasm for her card game. Oh sure, any other circumstance woulda meant indulging her as usual, but not tonight, not for this. He sighs softly, drawing her in a moment for an affectionate hug and perhaps a bit of an 'I'm sorry' gesture too. Then, it's back to concentrating and listening. He clears his throat at the mention of explosives, interrupting a moment. "We have that too." Meaning Selphie, of course. Who'da thunk it.

Aerith hangs her head slightly. "I..." She lifts her head up again, looking at the room in general. "I don't understand a lot of what you're discussing. I'm not even really sure what we're doing here, why I came, or how all of this will help. I just know that Cloud is being used as a scapegoat, and they're going to kill him. I... don't want that to happen." Her head hangs forwards again, and she sighs, taking a deep breath. "I don't want to blow up half of the Shinra building... I don't want to kill guards or steal their uniforms or anything. I just want to make sure that Cloud won't be killed on national television." Then, a short pause. "...that's all that I want. Even if he has to run far away, I don't mind." After that, she falls silent, leaning back into her chair.

Ward eyes Aerith for a second sympathetically. He looks down for a few moments as the conversation continues, since he can't really say he knows Aerith well enough to talk to her. Not talk. That is...well, you know. Ward does know Squall and SeeD, though, and he knows that however complicated the plan starts sounding, they know what they intend to do, and Ward doesn't have too many worries on the subject. Not that it's always easy to tell, even if  he did.

"I sympathize with the young lady." Oh crap.... Laguna's leg. He's seen her before, but can't put a finger on where. "Uh, but I believe we can all do what's planned and be safe about it. I'm sure we can round up people that look guard material besides Avalanche operatives also. I'd be honored to lead that if wished." And, he falls silent.

There is a little shake of the head from te white haired woman in the corner. She's not going to be any help here, and is mostly just taking up space. There is also the fact that this large a group of people makes her nervous. Yes people are in general ignoring her, and she thinks this is a good thing, honest!, but all the same it's time to go. If she manages to catch Squall's eye Fuujin gives a little nod. If not aw well. Just the same, the slender figure slips from the room and goes to find Seifer and kick him in the shin a few times for having missed something so important. That's her job now you know.

How sweet it is of Irvine to apologize for not humoring the brunette...! If only she remembered -why- she was angry. c_c; Hrm. No matter, she appreciates the hug and the gesture all the same, and it seems like there's no hard feelings. Back to being bored about this. Where's the action? Where does -she- come in? But-- Explosions? Perk! Selphie tears her attention away from Squall's drawing, mentally picturing the plans that're put forth as they're mentioned. Seems logical enough, but the fact she sees them all as stick-figures just kinda... eeh. Anyway, when Irvine notes that Garden has their own Explosions-Type-Person, she beams. Selphie -almost- asked 'who?,' but realized quick enough not to. >_>;

(Ended here as I had to go to bed. n.n)