Chapter 14: Palmer

About a year has passed since the decision was made to construct a Mako Reactor in Corel.

The war is over, and construction is proceeding at a fever pitch under the leadership of the Urban Development Division, as it is currently one of Shinra’s most significant projects. My department has sent a considerable amount of personnel and materials, and with additional help from the Research and Development Division and the Public Security Division, it’s scheduled for completion soon.

"Reeve was clutching his head in frustration. He said he’s grateful the company is pouring all its manpower into the project, but coordinating it all is a massive undertaking."

"I bet. Vice President Rufus and the SOLDIERs are so efficient at handling terrorists that the Public Security Division hardly has a role to play anymore. Because of that, Heidegger has been focusing on getting results through 'personnel dispatching.' My department and the Science Dept. have also loaned out a lot of people for new equipment and systems."

The relationship between Rufus and Heidegger isn't bad; apparently, no matter how many results the SOLDIER Division produces, Heidegger has decided not to interfere and is instead pivoting to earn points in other areas. Even Heidegger wouldn't be foolish enough to pick a fight with the President’s son and the heir apparent to the company.

The SOLDIER Division is also thriving, led by the hero, Sephiroth. There was a time when the departure of key members caused concern, but Zack has been performing exceptionally well, and the initial chaos seems to have subsided. As expected, Rufus is highly competent.

"Should I pay a visit to Corel again soon? I’ve had you go there alone a few times in my stead, but I assume nothing has changed?"

"Yes. The villagers who were initially part of the anti-construction faction are gradually beginning to accept the Mako Reactor. Barret, the leader of the pro-construction group, has been acting as a mediator between both sides since construction began to ensure no conflicts break out."

Barret really is skilled at bringing people together. He’s a man of action, but he also pays close attention to his comrades; he might truly be a born leader. Well, I suppose if you lack that kind of charisma, no one would follow you on a terrorist mission to blow up a Mako Reactor.

As I sat there, recalling Barret’s "manly" portrayal from the Remake and nodding to myself, the internal phone suddenly rang. Answering company phones is such a chore; not knowing who is on the other end is stressful. Fortunately, the only people who call my private line are employees I know, making it much easier than my previous life.

The caller ID displayed the reception for the Advanced Weaponry Division. If someone is contacting me now, is it Urban Development?

"Yes, this is the Head of Advanced Weaponry’s office."

Ah, Cloud picked up. That’s how it usually goes—since he’s often in my private office, he ends up answering the phone; he’s basically my secretary. We do have administrative staff for that, but even they’ve become fast friends with Cloud. In fact, he’s earned a reputation for being attentive to detail, and people like that they don't have to file a formal request to other departments for a bodyguard since Cloud is already here. You’re really moving up the career ladder, Cloud. Impressive.

"Understood. I’ll check. Director Scarlet, Palmer, the Head of Space Development, is here at the office."

"Palmer? We have almost no overlap. They’re supposed to be busy with the rocket launch. I wonder what he wants."

The Space Development Division should be occupied with the launch preparations for the rocket known as Shinra No. 26...

"Fine. Send him in."

Shortly after I told Cloud, a man entered the room. He was a portly, middle-aged man with white hair and a clearly metabolic physique. Dressed in his signature yellow suit, he greeted us with the same peculiar laugh I hear in executive meetings.

"Uhyohyo! Even young Cloud is here. This makes things much faster!"

"Aren't you in the middle of a critical period for Space Development? Is it really okay for you to be loitering here?"

"Lard isn't for 'loitering,' it's for putting in tea! Besides, Shinra decided that Mako Energy is what sells, so the value of energy like oil is just dropping further and further. Thanks to that, no one expects anything from my Space Development Division anymore."

Complaining as soon as he walks in, I see. Well, Space Development was once a prestigious division Shinra poured its soul into, but once they realized how profitable Mako was, they shifted all their focus there. If this launch fails, Shinra will likely pull out of space travel entirely.

"But if the rocket launch is a success, my influence in the executive meetings will skyrocket! Even the President will have to favor us with some of the Mako profits! That’s why I must make this launch a success, no matter what!"

"So, what business do you have with the Advanced Weaponry Division? Just so you know, all the parts currently in production have designated uses. We don't have anything to spare for you."

The war is over, and we’re busy again—building prototypes, running new models through the assembly lines for testing and evaluation, and maintaining the weapons issued to the SOLDIERs.

"Besides, aren't the President and Rufus supposed to be attending the rocket launch ceremony? What are you doing here?"

"Uhyo! That’s the thing! Please, lend me Cloud!"

"Hah? No. He is my precious, indispensable adjutant. I’m not lending him to the likes of you!"

Don't mess with me. Why would I hand over the key player for my bright future so easily?

"Director Scarlet, I appreciate the sentiment, but perhaps we should at least hear Director Palmer out?"

"Thanks, Cloud! Actually, due to the planes flying for the pre-launch ceremony and the transport flights needed to rush the Corel Mako Reactor construction, the pilot schedules are completely booked. Everyone is busy."

"I know that. The President and Vice President have their private jets, so they're fine, but all the other helicopters and airships are fully booked. Weren't you supposed to travel on the private jet with the President?"

"That’s the thing! At the last second, the Vice President told me there were no more seats available, so I couldn't get on! Uhyo—at this rate, I won't even be able to see my own rocket launch!"

What on earth? I haven't heard anything about this from Rufus. No matter how incompetent Palmer is, Rufus wouldn't keep him off the plane just to be mean. Is there a reason?

"Please! I managed to secure a plane, but I absolutely cannot find a pilot. Cloud, you can fly a plane, right?"

"How do you know that?"

"I remembered Scarlet bragging about it at the last executive meeting! You said he could master any vehicle, didn't you? Please, Cloud!"

Palmer bowed his head, pressing his hands together in a plea.

Now that I think about it, during recent executive meetings, Rufus has been constantly presenting the excellence of Sephiroth and Zack, so I did brag that my Cloud was just as amazing... Palmer was there, even if he never says a word during meetings. Argh, this is all because my Cloud is just too talented! He’s my prized subordinate; of course I’d want to show him off.

"Sigh... fine. I’m doing you a favor, so make sure you pay me back. Cloud, I’m sorry, but could you fly Palmer to the Rocket Launch Pad?"

"Yippee! I owe you one, Scarlet! I’ll go get the plane ready, so come to the airfield immediately!"

With a brief thanks, he wobbled out of the room, his stout frame shaking as he ran. It’s impressive he can even run like that. Given his age, he’s heading straight for a lifestyle disease. Does he even take his company physicals?

"Director Scarlet, are you sure about this? With Vincent gone, your security will be thin. Even if they aren't making big moves, there’s still the matter of the Avalanche remnants."

"I’ll be here at the office, so don't worry. Besides, even a man like that is one of the Directors; let’s do him a favor now so we can sell it back to him at a high price later. Besides..."

"Besides?"

Something is bothering me. Rufus doesn't do anything without a reason. There must be a reason he kicked Palmer off that plane. If he gave that empty seat to someone else, or put something else in it...

"I’m going to do a little investigating. Contact me once you arrive, and I’ll give you further instructions then."

Something smells fishy. This is the perfect time to use Cloud, who was personally trained in the ways of the Turks by Vincent. I’ve been "remodeling" him into a high-spec asset, and honestly, it’s been fun. He absorbs everything I teach him instantly; he has talent and plenty of motivation. It really goes to show that if you treat an elite well, they deliver results. I feel like praising my own management skills.

"And that’s the situation, Cloud. Do some investigating for me while you're out there."

I’m uneasy about leaving Lady Scarlet’s side, but an order is an order. It’s proof of how much she trusts me, so I don't feel bad about it.

If only I could arrange for another bodyguard in case something happens while I'm away... I can't leave Lady Scarlet’s safety to automated drones, and Vincent is tied up with other work. Zack is trustworthy, but he belongs to a different department, so I can't just ask him for a favor casually.

It’s a bit disappointing, but perhaps I should suggest to Lady Scarlet that she increase her number of trustworthy guards. She calls us the "Experimental Unit," but a unit consisting only of me and unmanned weaponry is problematic in times like this. It’s too late to poach people from elsewhere; if we got new personnel, would it be a new recruit like I was, starting from scratch?

While I was preoccupied with thoughts of Lady Scarlet’s safety, I arrived at the Shinra Airfield near Midgar. Director Palmer said he secured a plane, but I didn't think there were any planes to spare given how busy the company is.

"If there’s a craft available, would it be in that hangar?"

Inside the hangar, most of the ships were gone, but a single, ancient-looking plane remained in the corner. As I worried whether such a clunker could actually fly, I saw Director Palmer checking the machine with a toolbox in hand.

"Director, are you performing the maintenance yourself!?"

"Uhyohyo! Believe it or not, I used to work on the front lines. This old bird was active back when I was starting out!"

As he spoke, Palmer skillfully proceeded with the maintenance. As a tester for the Advanced Weaponry Division, I can perform a certain level of mechanical maintenance, but Palmer's skill didn't seem inferior to the people in the development department. Before long, he finished the tune-up. He walked over to me, wiping his hands with a handkerchief, and signaled for me to check the craft.

"What do you think, Cloud? Can you fly this?"

"Yes. There should be no problem."

"Uhyohyo! That’s great! Being able to pilot even an old model like this... you really are as impressive as Scarlet brags."

With his characteristic laugh, Palmer climbed into the small plane.

"I’ve arranged for guidance once we get to the runway, so I’ll leave the rest to you."

I followed him in and started the engine. It felt normal; I should be able to fly this without issue. I’d never really interacted with or spoken to him before, but he holds the same rank of Director as Lady Scarlet. Despite his flighty appearance, he must be a very capable individual.

I looked back to confirm he had his seatbelt on and spoke.

"Very well. We are departing for the Shinra Rocket Launch Base."

"Oh no! I was in such a hurry I forgot to bring snacks! Cloud, do you have anything sweet?"

"I have some caramels issued to general infantry, if that works..."

"Uhyohyo! How nostalgic! Can I have all of them for now?"

I handed over all the caramels. Even while I prepared for takeoff, he continued with undignified remarks about how they stuck to his teeth or how he should have brought tea. Once we taxied to the runway and received takeoff clearance, I slowly tilted the control stick. The engine roar intensified, and as the craft lifted off, we gradually gained speed.

"Uhyo—! The sky really is the best! Even an old man like me can ignore the Earth's gravity and soar through the great blue yonder! Don't you agree, Cloud?"

"It’s certainly charming to be able to fly freely, unlike a motorcycle."

Palmer seemed to be enjoying the scenery out the window like a child, perhaps because it had been a while since he’d flown. I like the feeling of the wind while riding a bike, but I can understand the thrill of flying through the air.

"We have a man named Cid in my department—he’s an ace pilot and the Captain of the rocket. I bet you two would get along great."

"The person in charge of this rocket. I’ve heard his name from Lady Scarlet."

"The relationship between Scarlet and you is so stiff. Vice President Rufus and Sephiroth were a bit closer than that. It’d be more fun if everyone worked together as closely as me and Cid."

Sephiroth... Come to think of it, I’ve never actually spoken to him. I’ve seen footage of his training and I feel close to him through my conversations with Zack, but I’ve never properly introduced myself.

I hear that since Vice President Rufus became the Head of the SOLDIER Division, Sephiroth is often away from the office, prioritized for missions against Avalanche.

"All the young people these days look up to Sephiroth. You’re the same way, aren't you, Cloud?"

"Yes. When I first came to Midgar, it was my dream to become a hero like Sephiroth."

"Right, right. A typical dream for a young man."

Palmer offered a disinterested nod to my response. It’s true that once you see that level of strength in person, your dreams might be crushed. However, my best friend is still running to overtake that man’s shadow, and I have no intention of stopping my progress toward the promise I made.

"My current dream is to surpass Sephiroth. My friend has the same dream."

I felt a little embarrassed as soon as the words left my mouth. What was I declaring to a high-ranking executive? I’d been caught up in Palmer’s unique atmosphere and blurted out something uncharacteristic...

"Uhyohyohyo!!! Good, good! You’ve got to keep your dreams big, no matter how old you get! Cid and I are going to fulfill our dream of sending humans into the great unknown of space this time!"

Laughing louder than ever, Palmer turned his gaze back to the view outside the window. I followed his lead and looked out; through a gap in the clouds, I could see all of Midgar. Even the Shinra Building, where Lady Scarlet waited, looked small from here.

Author's Notes:

Although time has skipped ahead quite a bit, Cloud is now 16 years old.
It’s quite difficult to keep track of each character’s age and process events in chronological order.

To summarize his achievements so far:

At 14 — He joined Shinra and was simultaneously appointed as a tester in the Weapons Development Department.
At 15 — His accomplishments in the war with Wutai were recognized, and he was promoted to captain of an experimental unit.
At 16 — That’s where we are now!

That’s quite a rapid rise through the ranks.

The “unexpected character” I mentioned last time was Palmer.
He’s probably a veteran employee, and since he was in charge of aircraft maintenance in the original work, I imagine he originally worked on-site.

It’s pretty rare for him to get this much screen time.

It may look like we’re about to start the Corel Village arc, but instead we’re heading into the Rocket Town arc.
So the ones you’ll encounter are Shinra employees.