Chapter 12: New Weapon Development Schedule and Mako Reactor Construction Project

At the Shinra Manor, things went smoothly; we managed to bring Vincent into the fold and successfully recovered the data on the Jenova Project.

Afterward, I contacted Tseng to report that there had been trouble involving experimental specimens at the Manor. He seemed skeptical of my story and suspicious of Vincent’s presence, but he had no choice but to take my word for it. I'll pass the details to Rufus, and since the current Turks leader, Veld, knows Vincent’s face, they both eventually accepted the explanation once I framed it as one of Professor Hojo’s experiments.

Now that I’m back at Headquarters, I have more work to do. An accident at the Shinra Manor would lead to accountability issues for the Science Department; after all, the creatures that went on a rampage were Hojo’s "failures" that he neglected to dispose of. To avoid a PR disaster, we agreed to cover up the facts in secret. The Turks are handling the primary cleanup, and the Advanced Weaponry Division was tasked with tampering with the security logs. As for the Science Department staff stationed there, they were all either demoted or "encouraged" to resign, and have since gone missing. I suspect they might be imprisoned in the lab facilities beneath HQ, but that’s none of my business.

With this, Hojo won't be able to visit Nibelheim easily for a while, and it's unlikely Sephiroth will visit the Mako Reactor anytime soon. As for the reactor itself, it will be managed jointly by personnel from the Urban Development Division and the Science Department to maintain the status quo.

Honestly, I’m struggling with how to tell Sephiroth about the Jenova Project. I have no direct connection to him, and I was worried about how to even bring it up until Rufus spoke up.

"I’ll take charge of this matter," Rufus said. "For now, it’s better to keep Sephiroth focused on his work rather than letting him dwell on unnecessary thoughts."

Since he put it that way, there’s nothing more I can do. It feels like I'm dumping the problem on him, but Rufus holds Sephiroth in high regard and wouldn't want to turn him into an enemy. I’ll leave it to him. I can only do what is within my reach.

As I was working in my private office as usual, Cloud arrived. I don’t just have him doing combat training; he also performs his duties as a Tester. Even after becoming a squad leader, that part of his job hasn't changed.

"Based on the above, I believe it would be acceptable to terminate the production of the Dust Dozer," Cloud reported.

"True," I replied. "It was good for charging in during the war, but its legs couldn't handle significant elevation changes. Considering our future defense needs, that level of mobility won't cut it."

The Dust Dozer was a large-scale security weapon developed by Advanced Weaponry that saw some success during the Wutai War. It maintained heavy firepower and thick armor while achieving decent mobility on flat ground via wheels attached to its four legs. However, its movements couldn't keep up with the agile Wutai warriors, and its actions were limited by terrain. By the end of the war, Wutai's forces were turning Dust Dozers into scrap metal in no time. Based on those lessons, I had ordered the development of new weaponry.

The documents Cloud brought contained two proposals for weapons that could handle elevation while maintaining mobility on flat ground.

1. Guard Scorpion: A multi-legged type designed for base defense, equipped with various heavy firearms.

2. Airbuster: A large-scale weapon previously requested by the Public Security Division for use against giant monsters. It combines hovercraft technology with aerial maneuverability.

"Fine, let’s proceed with the development of both," I decided. "It's about time our heavy weaponry received a major version update anyway."

Since both will eventually be developed, I might as well give the authorization now. One is the memorable boss Cloud will first fight at a Mako Reactor, and the other is also a boss tied to a reactor incident.

"By the way, we're scheduled to inspect Mt. Corel, the planned site for a new Mako Reactor, so training is on hold for a while."

That’s right—it’s been decided that we’re heading to Mt. Corel for the construction project. Urban Development staff are already on-site conducting surveys, and I’ll be following them.

"I’ll be taking Vincent with us on the way there, but I'm sending him on field duty afterward, so you won't see him for a bit. If you have any unfinished business with him, take care of it now."

I figured I’d have Vincent look for Lucrecia while gathering information on AVALANCHE cells across the regions. He probably won't be back for a while, especially since I'll need him to acquire a Mountain Chocobo locally. It’s better than having him linger at HQ where Hojo might set his sights on him.

"Has he mastered using the PHS (communication device) yet?" I ask.

"Yes... I made it a priority to teach him, so he should be fine... probably," Cloud answers.

The man is a total technophobe. I suppose it’s unavoidable since he was shut inside a coffin for decades and is completely out of touch with the times. Neither Cloud nor I expected that a man who has zero issues with combat training would need so much time for a "how to use a cell phone" tutorial.

"So, on the way there, will it just be Director Scarlet, me, and Vincent?"

"Yes. We won't have Vincent on the return trip, so it’ll effectively just be the two of us."

Cloud acts as my guard for long trips, but he also serves as the driver to help with my motion sickness. Since he manages my schedule too, he’s basically become my secretary.

"What kind of village is this Corel we're heading to?" Vincent asked.

"I hear it used to thrive on coal mining, but since Shinra discovered Mako, they haven't had any real industry or way to earn foreign currency," I replied while piloting the helicopter. "There are people who commute to work at the nearby Gold Saucer, but it’s not enough to sustain the village."

Being by Director Scarlet’s side means I’m often expected to have a certain level of knowledge.

"I see," Vincent noted. "These days, you won't find a profitable coal mine anywhere in the world. Mako is far easier to handle as an energy source and much more efficient. Thanks to Shinra’s technology, even once-precious minerals like Mithril can now be easily mass-produced as synthetic materials."

If we wanted to reduce Mako consumption, coal would be a candidate for an alternative energy source, but the efficiency is simply too poor. At this stage, we can't give it preferential treatment.

"If nothing is done, it will be difficult for people to even live in Corel in a few years," I added.

"Which makes it a convenient spot to build a Mako Reactor," Vincent remarked. "Just like Nibelheim—remote, underpopulated areas have fewer complications. I heard the war with Wutai started over a dispute regarding the distribution of profits from reactor construction."

The Wutai War was ultimately a conflict over money. People have to earn a living to survive.

"But we aren't just preying on the weak," I countered. "We plan to provide subsidies and arrange for employment opportunities in Corel."

"That works as long as you and Reeve are leading the charge," Vincent said. "But there’s no telling what will happen if others get their hands on it. Well, it’s a problem that will collapse either way if nothing is done."

"Exactly. There will be opposing views, and it's natural for some to loathe it, but I think doing something is better than doing nothing."

My hometown, Nibelheim, utilizes Shinra subsidies. The village survives by providing guides for the world's first Mako Reactor and by the money Shinra employees spend there. According to my mother, Tifa is currently working as a guide back home. I didn't get to see her last time, but I’m thinking of asking her to be my guide next time I return for a private visit. As a kid, I only went near the reactor a handful of times. Even now, when I got to tour the reactors in Midgar, I felt a bit of excitement.

This construction project is a good chance to see a Mako Reactor being built from scratch and to see the people working there up close.

"For someone in Shinra, you seek too much of an ideal," Vincent observed. "Scarlet isn't pursuing this plan out of pure goodwill, you know."

"I know that much. But we are in a position where we can reach out to others; there’s no harm in helping those in need. Also, please refer to her as 'Director' or 'Lady Scarlet,' not just 'Scarlet.'"

I try not to let it bother me, but hearing him use her name so casually throws me off. Just then, Director Scarlet spoke up from the back seat.

"You know, Cloud... you can call me by my name when it's just the two of us if you'd like."

Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of nerve. The look on her face just then was something girls my own age couldn't pull off. I suppose words like "alluring" or "bewitching" were made for expressions like that.

"Hey, focus on your flying," Vincent cut in. "If we have to make an emergency landing, you and I will be fine, but jumping out while carrying Scarlet will be a pain."

"I-I know! Besides, if you can't carry her, I'll do it, so it's not a problem!"

"Wait a minute," Scarlet interjected. "Stop talking about jumping out of the helicopter. Filing the incident reports is a hassle."

"M-my apologies!" I stammered.

I glared at Vincent, but he just gave a short, dismissive laugh as if to say it wasn't his problem. Unlike the military models, this helicopter has no partition between the cockpit and the rear, so Director Scarlet is right there. Last time, I didn't realize she had changed clothes while I was flying until we landed; I was so surprised to see her in a suit that I couldn't even comment properly.

"The construction of the reactor is already confirmed, and it seems most of the residents are in favor. This trip should just be about signing the contract with the village elder," Scarlet said.

"If you say 'most,' that implies there are a few dissenters. What happens to them?"

"We'll give our presentation until the end, but the construction will ultimately be decided by a vote. Some people just can't let go of their old way of life, but there's nothing that can be done about it."

According to what I heard from Urban Development, the majority of Corel’s residents support the Mako Reactor. However, a small group of miners is against abandoning their work in the pits. The plan likely won't be stopped, but I have to stay alert in case any dissenters try to attack Director Scarlet. Personally, I don't want to suppress people with force, and I can somewhat understand the desire to protect one’s home. But I cannot forgive anyone who tries to harm Director Scarlet. If possible, I just hope the villagers can come to an agreement peacefully.

"Don't worry too much, Cloud," Scarlet said. "From here on out, it's my job. Leave the 'dirty work' of Shinra to your superior."

"No, I can't do that. I will continue to support you, Lady Scarlet."

"Hehe, you've become quite reliable. I like that, Cloud. You really are wonderful!"

Many people in Shinra dislike or struggle with Director Scarlet, but honestly, I think they lack perspective. If you face her directly, you can see many wonderful sides to her. Granted, her tone and attitude are aggressive, and it’s true she shows no mercy to enemies.

"You really act with my best interests in mind. My decision to scout you was correct. Stay by my side forever, Cloud."

Despite having so many subordinates, she treats me so well. I know I’m receiving special treatment. Zack once warned me that people see how much she favors me and that I should be careful of petty jealousy. To me, the "special people" in my life were my childhood friend, Tifa, and the hero Sephiroth, whom I aimed to impress. But now, Director Scarlet is also special... though I wonder exactly what kind of presence she is to me?

"Look, there it is. That’s Mt. Corel."

Because it’s mining land, a lot of the rock face is exposed, with many buildings and rails carved into the cliffs. In its prime, many minecarts must have shuttled back and forth, but now you’d be hard-pressed to find anything moving.

"Vincent, we part ways here for a bit. Cloud, you'll be coming with me to the village tavern for the meeting. Stay sharp on guard duty."

The meeting with the elder and village leaders will take place at the tavern, where they will give their answer regarding the reactor. I’ve heard many of the villagers are honest but rough-around-the-edges; as a guard, I’ll need to be careful.

Terminology Appendix

Quicksilver: Vincent’s signature weapon. While "Quick" usually means fast, in Old English, it means "living" (as in "the quick and the dead"). It likely refers to "living metal" (mercury) or the "masterpiece of scientific technology" in alchemy.

Dust Dozer: A boss from the Remake. Originally a large security weapon. In this story, it was active during the Wutai War but became obsolete as countermeasures were developed. It has high defense and firepower but slow movement.

Guard Scorpion: The iconic first boss of the game. In the Remake, it showed off high mobility, a 99-hit barrier system, and missiles.

Airbuster: The boss fought at the Sector 5 Mako Reactor. In the Remake, it received a massive upgrade with three phases and flight capabilities.

Next Preview: At Mt. Corel, we meet that man—back when he still had both of his arms.