Rufus slips the safety off but keeps the gun pointed down, prepared even as Sephiroth turned away. He had never seen any indication that Jenova was in this world but if Sephiroth kept searching, he was going to wreak destruction in his wake. Innocent people who didn't deserve to be caught up in this would suffer- there had been enough of that on their planet, he would not let that continue.

"She's here," he lies easily, his voice firm. He had to buy himself some time, or at least try if Sephiroth would even believe him. "I've been keeping her safe and sound until I can destroy it." It was better that Sephiroth was focused on him alone rather than wreaking havoc on the world in his quest to find that thing. "Is that your plan? Summon Meteor here for her?"