Chapter 26: Chadley

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Acting Director Tseng. The internal investigation of the Experimental Unit is all wrapped up."

"We've compiled everything into a report, but... even the Turks don't undergo training this intense. Would it be possible for us to incorporate some of this into our own regimen?"

Reno and Rude, whom I had tasked with investigating the Advanced Weaponry Division, had returned.

Ever since the Vice President took real control of the Turks, we haven't had any defectors, and our numbers have stopped dwindling. Thanks to that, it’s a relief that we finally have the resources to turn our eyes inward toward the company itself. Up until now, we’ve been completely tied up with Avalanche, but we need to grasp the current state of each division in parallel with hunting down internal traitors.

Given their nature, both the Science and Research Division and the Advanced Weaponry Division handle highly classified information. We need a solid understanding of what's going on inside them, at least as much as we are permitted to know.

"Still, are you sure it was a good idea putting us in charge of Advanced Weaponry? Her big sister was complaining about it, man."

"It couldn't be helped. Having family involved makes us look biased to third parties. Though, who would have thought the younger sister would end up in the Experimental Unit instead of the Turks."

I had heard her grades at the Shinra Academy were excellent, so I was considering the possibility of her joining the Turks eventually. I certainly didn't expect her to be scouted for Cloud’s unit.

Glancing through the report Rude had prepared, I saw that the curriculum was denser and far more practical for real combat than the training we put rookie Turks through.

"It certainly looks like a grueling regimen... I'll consult with Director Veld to see if we can introduce this as a simulation on our end."

"Ugh, you're only saying that 'cause you haven't actually seen them doing it, Acting Director. Someone's gonna die in training if we pull this off."

The Turks hadn't participated in the inter-departmental mock battles, but the combat capabilities of the other divisions have been steadily improving year by year. We can't afford to be the only ones left behind.

"Our daily duties are crucial, of course, but it’s just as important to get your reps in while you can, Reno."

"Man, Rude is way too serious."

Even though the Avalanche situation has calmed down somewhat, the Turks are by no means overflowing with personnel. Because of that, we need to raise the quality of each individual while we have the chance, ensuring no one gets injured and drops out of the roster.

"Well, I have good news for the two of you. Starting next month, you'll be taking turns undergoing a special reinforcement program. It will be a mock battle, practically indistinguishable from actual combat."

"Gah, and here I thought I'd finally get a little rest. Who are we even fighting in this mock battle?"

"If it's someone who can actually go toe-to-toe with us, a SOLDIER unit... no, even the Experimental Unit might be good experience."

Every Turk is handpicked and subjected to advanced training. Anyone capable of being their opponent would have to be highly skilled.

"Rejoice. I hear a senior, former Turk will be personally running you through the wringer."

"A former Turk? What the hell is that? Sounds completely sketchy, man."

When a Turk leaves the job, it's an unwritten rule that it's in a body bag. However, it seems there are exceptions to everything.

"I'm told it's a special exception approved by the Vice President himself. Furthermore, he was apparently a colleague of Director Veld—and is said to be even stronger than the Director."

"Stronger than the Director...?"

I am also obligated to participate in the training, but lately, I've been bogged down with undercover investigations and missions flying all over the world. Getting knocked around by a veteran is a welcome opportunity to get my combat instincts back. The winds of a new era are starting to blow through Shinra Electric Power Company; I need to tighten my focus so I don't embarrass myself in front of my subordinates.

"Excuse me, Acting Director! Listen to this."

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

With her trusty gun hanging at her hip, the older sister of the recruit everyone was gossiping about marched into the room.

"It's about my little sister, Elena."

"Ah, she was scouted by the Experimental Unit, wasn't she? I'm reading the report now; she seems quite exceptional. It's a shame we couldn't get her for the Turks."

Although our workload had somewhat stabilized, we were still desperate for capable recruits. Losing Elena to Cloud’s unit stung a bit. It seems he has a good eye for people, much like his direct superior. Perhaps we should expand our scouting net beyond just the Shinra Academy. If we fixate solely on the academy, we run a high risk of competing with the Advanced Weaponry and SOLDIER divisions for recruits.

After that, I was forced to listen to an endless stream of idle gossip that had nothing to do with our missions. Things like: Elena taking the training is fine, but her instructor Cloud is getting too close to her, or they've been spotted eating out together in private and it's starting rumors. I could understand a sister's worry, but Reno carelessly quipping, "Better him than some weird creep," prompted her to demand a mock battle with the Experimental Unit.

It was an interesting idea. Maybe I should have a chat with Cloud. He probably wouldn't turn me down flat, and if necessary, we might even be able to drag the SOLDIER Division into it. I could ask the Vice President directly, but maybe it's time to leverage a friend's connections. He's climbed the ranks to squad leader; he must have some authority by now.

"Director Scarlet. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Chadley, a trainee in the Science and Research Division."

Wait, what!?

Why the hell is Chadley standing right in front of me?

"Hehehe... The Turks have been awfully noisy lately. Having them poke around looking for trouble is a nuisance, so I've prepared personnel on my end to analyze Cloud's simulation data in my stead. I'll be dispatching him to you, so use him as you see fit. I've programmed him with a comprehensive suite of scientific knowledge and analytical skills, so I would appreciate it if you allowed him to accompany you during fieldwork for data collection."

Just when I thought I had a sudden visitor in the reception room, it turned out to be Hojo—and for some reason, Chadley was right there beside him. Someone praise me for not screaming out loud in shock.

I skimmed the resume I was handed, but it was far too pristine. To a normal person, it would look perfectly fine, but to people like me and Hojo who constantly tinker with things behind the scenes, it actually looked suspicious.

He's not even trying to hide it, is he?

"I have been instructed by Professor Hojo to assist you, Mr. Cloud. I look forward to working with you."

Chadley politely bowed to Cloud and Elena, who had accompanied me. Cloud didn't seem particularly suspicious, and Elena—thrilled to finally have someone younger in our division—looked like she was absolutely dying to play the "big sister" role.

"I'm Cloud, Captain of the Experimental Unit. We'll be relying on you for anything simulation-related from now on."

"I'm Elena, Vice-Captain candidate! I just joined myself, so feel free to ask me about anything!"

Yep, to an outsider, there's absolutely nothing wrong with this picture.

"It's helpful that the youth get along so quickly. You won't need to bother with tedious desk applications anymore; just run everything through Chadley, and it is set up to report directly back to me."

Hojo tried to wrap the conversation up like it was nothing.

Oh no, you don't! I'll have you know I actually cleared Hard Mode in the Remake!

"Your technological prowess is astonishing, as always. Mechanical engineering is our specialty, but even we couldn't build a cyborg this precise."

Cloud and Elena failed to process my words immediately, and Chadley froze for a split second. I thought Hojo might maintain a creepy silence, but instead, he suddenly burst into laughter.

Honestly, it's terrifying.

"Gwahahahaha!!! Oya-oya, as expected of Director Scarlet! To see through his true nature at a mere glance... Yes, this Chadley is a cyborg of my own creation! Cloud's experimental data is highly valuable. I refused to leave it in the hands of my incompetent subordinates, so I used my own technology to create an assistant perfectly capable of gathering the data!"

Watching him boast about his "masterpiece" while echoing a maniacal laugh throughout the room was incredibly off-putting.

"W-wait, this kid is a machine!? No way, his skin is so soft!"

"E-Elena, please refrain from pinching my cheeks so hard."

"You can't tell him apart from a human at all by looking... This is incredible technology, Professor Hojo."

Elena kept poking and prodding Chadley with a look of utter disbelief, while Cloud praised Hojo's technical skills in awe of his ability to create such a cyborg.

"Is it not? My specialty is genetic engineering, but I had a few thoughts. The AI system I set up to manage the Shinra Manor previously failed to determine the cause of an incident. Incomplete systems are useless. As I spent more time building a new simulation for Cloud, I found myself tinkering with programming as well. This is the culmination of that—a prototype. I won't allow him to be dismantled, but one of the objectives is to see if he can flawlessly blend in with humans while gathering intel, so please, I welcome your unvarnished feedback."

I actually like Chadley as a character, and he becomes an ally to Cloud, so that's fine—but this is basically a flat-out declaration that he's sending in the perfect spy.

What should I do? Honestly, the risks are high, but the returns could be huge. If I awkwardly reject him here, there's no telling what kind of underhanded methods Hojo will use next. In that case, it’s more beneficial to play along while I'm dealing with an opponent I somewhat understand thanks to my meta-knowledge...

"Very well. I formally recognize Trainee Chadley as Cloud's support personnel."

"As expected from the head of Advanced Weaponry. I appreciate your quick understanding."

He definitely has some ulterior motive, but he's got another thing coming if he thinks he can underestimate me. Programming might be his side-hobby, but machinery and tech are my domain. For now, I'll subtly poke around his code when he's connected to the simulation network.

"So, does that mean Chadley is kind of like your son, Professor Hojo?"

The completely clueless Elena just dropped an absolute nuclear bomb of a question!?

The only people in this room who know that Hojo's actual son is Sephiroth are the man himself and me, with my knowledge of the original game. I hadn't even told Cloud about Sephiroth's parentage.

Hojo paused, making a show of thinking for a moment, before slowly opening his mouth.

"I suppose you could view it that way, in the sense that he is a creation of mine... But if word got out that I had a child, it would only invite pointless snooping from the company idiots. Please, treat him strictly as a trainee."

With that, Hojo left the room as if nothing had happened.

Wow, ignorance really is bliss.

"For now, Cloud, use your clearance to show him around the Advanced Weaponry Division. I'll drop in on the simulations later."

Led away by Cloud and Elena, Chadley looked like nothing more than an average boy his age. You would never guess he was a cyborg built by Hojo...

"A son, huh..."

That specimen named Elena possesses flawless combat data, but unlike Cloud, she prattles on a bit too much. Still, I never considered that a third party might jump to such a conclusion. My perspective as a scientist is far too dominant; I find the sensibilities of the common masses rather difficult to comprehend.

"I assumed they would figure it out eventually, but to notice at a single glance... I suppose that means she was already heavily on guard against me."

I shoved those trivial thoughts to the corner of my mind and focused on the fact that Chadley's true nature had been exposed much faster than anticipated. I had calculated that they would notice after running a few simulations, but her expertise lies elsewhere. I couldn't fool that woman's eyes.

Not that it matters. I designed him under the assumption he would be discovered. I didn't install any crude programs that automatically leak information; instead, Chadley is programmed to voluntarily submit the data himself. In that regard, he's no different from a human operative—and his information processing capabilities are vastly superior to any of the dimwits around here. If our goal is to enhance Cloud's strength, I have calculated that he will absolutely be of use.

"You think you are using me, but I will be using you. Your specimens are the perfect testers for my Sephiroth."

I know she is only lending Cloud to me so that he might surpass Sephiroth. I'm cooperating because it is highly convenient for Sephiroth if Cloud grows to an appropriate level, but it has drastically accelerated my other research as well. The Vice President and the SOLDIER Division have been quite accommodating to my requests, but as a scientist, I find it easiest to reason with an engineer of a similar pedigree.

"She didn't question for a second the fact that I built a cyborg of that precision. She certainly has an eye for these things."

My lofty theories and scientific experiments are rarely understood by the mediocre masses. Having a fellow executive who possesses even a fraction of comprehension makes things much easier for me.

"Though, in terms of comprehension, Lucrecia was several steps above..."

When I organize my thoughts while walking, I naturally end up talking to myself more often. These thoughts slip out unconsciously, but just now, the name of a woman I haven't spoken in years slipped from my lips.

A colleague who lost her mind and vanished while undergoing treatment. A woman who vanished, unable to recognize her own son or even call herself his mother. A scientist who somewhat understood my research and served as a rather excellent assistant.

"This won't do. My experiments have been proceeding far too smoothly lately. It has given me the idle time to think about unnecessary things."

The woman who was, on paper, my wife...