Rocket Town - Meeting Cid
After passing through the Nibel Mountains, Cloud and the others reach Rocket Town.
Cloud
What's that...!?
He looks up to see the rocket.
A rusty old rocket... Wonder what they'd make something that huge for?
In the Weapons Shop...
Shopkeeper
A gun is a MAN'S weapon! Ain't nuthin' else'll do!
At the Shanghai Inn...
Man Looking at Painting
Hmm. Is it real or fake?
Barkeeper
Would you like something to drink?
Cloud
- Let me hear your story
- Not interested
- Let me hear your story
Barkeeper
Did you meet the Captain already? He's really the town's representative, so you should really talk with him.
- Not interested
Barkeeper
......that's too bad. Please come again.
Man
Better ask the Captain about this town. He's the one in charge of it.
Cloud
- Captain?
- Did you see a man in a Black Cape?
- Captain?
Who's the 'Captain'?
Man
The Captain was a pilot when Shinra was still interested in their Space Program.
He was going to be the world's first astronaut, but there was an accident...
Ever since then, he's been wasting his life away here dreaming about going into outer space.
- Did you see a man in a Black Cape?
Man
A man in a Black Cape? Nope... don't know a thing about it.
Man
A drink will ease your heart...
Man
How long's that guy gonna be in the bathroom? I need to go too...
Man in Bathroom
...I'm in here.
Back outside...
Redhead
That rusted out rocket is all that remains of the Shinra's Space Program.
Mechanic
Everyone in this town was a mechanic back when they were planning to launch the rocket.
Inside a house...
Man
Mmm, I'm so bored. Isn't there anything that can get me excited?
Woman
Geeeeez, it's boring! Isn't anything exciting going to happen here?
Old Man outside Item Store
This used to be a Shinra base where they used to launch rockets.
You saw the leaning rocket, right? That's Shinra No. 26. It never got off the ground though.
It just looms there. That's how the town got its name... 'Shinra No. 26'.
Want to look at the rocket with me?
Cloud
- Yeah, let's take a look
- No, not interested
- Yeah, let's take a look
Old Man
I get so impressed every time I look at it.
Sorry to get you into this. For me, it's a kinda hobby.
But, out of appreciation, let me give you this.
I wish you'd take care of it and use it...
- No, not interested
Old Man
Oh, how boring...
At the Item Shop...
Old Woman
All gramps does is gaze at that rocket all day long.
Well he's a man that really loves machinery...
Inside another house...
Old Man
My job's to make everyone laugh all over the world...
At Cid's house... Cloud + co. go out back to where Cid's plane is.
Cloud
There's a Shinra logo on it. Tiny Bronco...... This is cool.
Barret
The Shinra always keep the most useful things to themselves. Let's steal it!
Tifa
I wonder if we can borrow it...
Yuffie
Cloud, let's steal it! I love stealing from the Shinra!
Shera comes out of the house.
Shera
Um... may I help you?
Cloud
No... We're just looking at it.
Shera
...If you would like to use it, please ask the Captain. The Captain should be in the Rocket.
I'm Shera. And what are your names?
Cloud
I'm Cloud.
Barret
I'm Barret, of AVALANCHE.
Aeris
I'm Aeris.
Tifa
Tifa. Nice to meet you.
Nanaki
Nanaki, otherwise known as Red XIII.
Yuffie
I'm Yuffie!
Cait Sith
Fortune telling machine Cait Sith, here.
Vincent
Vincent. My occupation is...... forget it.
Shera
Hmm... So you're not with the Shinra.
I thought the approval for the reopening of the Space Program came.
Cloud
......!?
Shera
President Rufus is scheduled to come here. The Captain's been so restless all morning.
She turns to go back inside.
Cloud
Rufus!!?
Cloud heads for the rocket, finding Cid there.
Cid
What're you guys doin' here?
Cloud
We heard the Captain was here.
Cid
Captain? I'm the Captain!
The name's Cid. Everyone calls me 'Captain', though.
What d'ya want?
Cloud
- Tell me about this rocket
- Is Rufus coming?
- Can we borrow the "Tiny Bronco"?
- Tell me about this rocket
Cid
Wow! Not bad for a kid.
Alright then, I'll explain it to you.
You know Shinra developed a lof ot technological gadgets during the meaningless war, right?
Now it's a Mako company, but in the old days it was a weapons manufacturer.
Well, they came up with a Rocket Engine.
There was so much excitement about the thought of going into outer space. Our dreams got bigger and bigger.
They put a major budget into it and made prototype after prototype! Finally, they completed the Shinra No. 26.
They chose the best pilot in Shinra--no, in the world--me. I mean, come on.
And finally we get to the day of the launch. Everything was goin' well...
He kicks the wall.
But, because of that dumb-ass Shera, the launch got messed up. That's why they became so anal!
And so, Shinra nixed their outer space exploration plans.
After they told me how the future was Space Exploration and got my damn hopes up... DAMN THEM!
Then, it was all over once they found out Mako energy was profitable. They didn't even so much as look at space exploration.
Money, moola, dinero! My dream was just a financial number for them!
Look at this rusted Rocket. I was supposed to be the first man in space with this.
Everyday, it tilts a little bit more.
At this rate, I don't know which will come first, this thing falling down or me gettin' outta here.
My last hope is to talk to the President......
- Is Rufus coming?
Cid
Yeah! It must be news about restarting the Space Program.
A young President, that's what we needed! He still has dreams, too!
- Can we borrow the "Tiny Bronco"?
Cid
You out of your *&$^$# mind!? That's my most cherished possession. I can't let you take it.
Back to Cid's house...
Shera
Excuse me... Cloud?
Did the Captain say anything?
Cloud
Nope...
Shera
Oh...?
Cid enters.
Cid
^%$#! Shera. What are you, blind!?
We got guests!! GET SOME TEA! ^%$#!
Shera
I... I'm sorry.
Cloud
Really, don't mind us.
Cid
Shut up! Sit your ass down in that chair and drink your goddamn TEA!
Argggggggh! DAMN, I'm pissed!
Shera! I'll be in the backyard tunin' up Tiny Bronco!
An' make sure to serve them some tea! All right!?
He goes out back.
Barret
...damn, man. Wassup with that guy's attitude?
Tifa
Poor Shera.
Yuffie
Man, this sucks...!
Cloud
Sorry. It's our fault.
Shera
No, no. He's always like this.
Aeris
Is it like this all the time? You keep quiet even when he's like that to you?
Nanaki
I think it's a bit too harsh.
Cait Sith
Is he like this all the time...? Bitin' your head off like that? I could never stand it...
Vincent
...It's amazing that you can live with it.
Shera
No... It's because of my stupid mistake.
I was the one who destroyed his dream...
Cloud
What happened?
In flashback, Cid is watching Shera as she inspects the rocket's oxygen tanks.
Cid (laughing)
Hey! Get your ass in gear! You work like a snail!
Even the moon'd get tired waitin' around for your ass!
Shera
I'm... I'm sorry.
Cid
Don't take so much time checkin' that *%$^# oxygen tank!
Shera, bein' careful's good, but it won't do any good, no matter how many times you check that oxygen tank.
That thing wouldn't break even if hell froze over.
Shera
But...
Cid
No buts!!
You're not stupid, so be more efficient!
Shera
I'm sorry......
Cid joins his crew outside the cockpit.
Men
Captain! Our dreams are finally coming true!
We are so proud to be a part of the launch of Shinra No. 26.
Captain, preparations are complete! All that's left is lift off!
Cid
Yeah! Leave it all to me! I'll be back in a few!
Men
All right, Captain! Fly our dreams into outer space!
Cid
Thanks, guys!
He enters the cockpit.
Men
We're praying for your safety!
Cid
Instrument panel... all clear. Shinra No. 26, ready for launch.
| Engine pressure rising. Shinra No. 26, 3 minutes to launch. Beginning countdown. |
Cid
......finally.
A red light starts flashing.
Cid
What the? What happened!?
Cid! We have an emergency situation!
A mechanic is still in the engine section of the rocket! |
Cid
What!? Who is the little ^%$@!?
| I don't know. Activating the intercom in the engine section. |
In the engine section, Shera is still checking the oxygen tanks.
Cid
Hey goddammit!! Who the &%$#'s still in there? |
Shera
It's Shera, Captain. Don't mind me, go ahead with the launch.
Cid
Shera!? What are you still doin' in there!? |
Shera
I was still concerned. The results of the oxygen tank test weren't satisfactory.
Cid
You stupid little ^$#^%!
It's gonna get so hot in there that there ain't gonna be SHIT left when we blast off!
You're gonna be burnt to a crisp! You're gonna die! You know that, doncha!? |
Shera
I don't mind.
If I can just fix this, the launch will be a success. I'm almost done.
Back in the cockpit...
Cid
Almost done!? You're gonna die!
Cid, we must start the coundown. We won't make it if we don't!
Starting engine! |
Cid
Hey, wait a minute! Shera's still in here!
| What are you going to do, Cid? If we cancel now, it'll be another six months until the next launch! |
Cid
GODDAMNIT, Shera... you wanna make me a murderer?
Cid
Shera!?
Shera
Tank Number 7 check is complete. Once I complete Tank Number 8, it's all clear. |
Cid
Come on, Shera... hurry up... You're gonna die...
30 seconds until ignition. Beginning countdown.
Cid! Forget about her. We won't make it in time. |
Cid
What... what am I....... what am I supposed to do...?
| 15 seconds until ignition. Internal temperature rising. |
Cid
Oh man, the moon... outer space... my dreams...
Cid
SH---------------IT!!
The rocket starts to take off, but the engine stalls immediately and the rocket falls back onto the launch pad. It tilts, creaking, and comes to a stop. |
Shera
He pushed the Emergency Engine Shut Down switch, aborting the mission, to save my life.
After that, the Space Program was cut back and the launch was canceled.
It's my fault his dream was destroyed...
That's why... it's all right. I don't care what the Captain says, I'll live my life for him.
Cid returns.
Cid
Shera! You still haven't served 'em tea!
Shera
I... I'm sorry.
Cid sits down and props one foot up on the table.
Cid
Hurry up and sit down! Or ain't my hospitality good enough for you!?
They're late... Where is Rufus...?
Palmer comes in.
Palmer
Hey-HEY! Long time no see! So Cid, how ya been?
Cid
Well, if it ain't fat man, Palmer. How long were you figurin' on keepin' me waitin'!?
He runs over.
So? When's the Space Program gonna start up again?
Palmer
Hey-hey! I don't know. The President's outside, so why don't you ask him?
Cid
^$#&! Good for nothing, fat &$#$^@!
He goes outside.
Palmer
Don't say 'fat'!
Hey-hey! Tea!
Can I have some too? With lotsa sugar and honey and... oh yeah, don't forget the lard!
Shera
Is President Rufus here to announce that he's going to restart the Space Program?
Palmer
Hey-hey? Have we met before?
Hey-hey! Is the tea ready yet?
With plenty of sugar and honey. Oh yeah, and don't forget the lard too.
Cloud steps outside.
Cid
What the......! You got me all excited for nothing!?
Then, what'd you come here for?
Rufus
I want to borrow the Tiny Bronco.
We're going after Sephiroth. But seems like we've been going in the wrong direction.
But now, we think we know where he's headed. But, we have to cross the ocean. That's why we want your plane...
Cid
&^#^%! First the Airship, then the Rocket, and now, the Tiny Bronco.
Shinra took outer space away from me and now you want to take the sky away from me too!?
Rufus
Oh my...
You seem to forget it was because of Shinra, Inc. that you were able to fly in the first place.
Cid
What!?
Shera (from behind Cloud)
Uh, excuse me...
This way...
Cloud follows her back inside.
Shera
You wanted to use the Tiny Bronco, right?
Cloud nods.
Shera
I believe Palmer's going to take it. Why don't you talk to him?
Cloud and the others go out back where Palmer is on the wing of the Tiny Bronco.
Palmer
Hmm... Why do I have to do this...? I'm the head of the Space Program...
Cloud
We'll be takin' that Tiny Bronco.
Palmer
I've seen you somewhere before...
I know! The Shinra building! When the President was killed! Ulp!
Se... se... security!!
Cloud and the others fight Palmer.
Palmer
Heh-hic-heh-hic!
Heh heh hic!
He runs away, but gets hit by a Shinra truck pulling up.
Ugh!
Aeris
It won't stop!
Nanaki
It's going to take off.
Cait Sith
No! It's going to take off!
Vincent
It's not going to stop...
Cloud
Forget it! Get in!!
They climb aboard the Tiny Bronco as it takes off with an empty cockpit. As it swoops by Cid and Rufus, the Shinra start firing at it, and Cid jumps on.
Cid
Shit!! The tail's been hit!
Cloud
Emergency landing...
Cid
This's gonna be a big splash. Hold on to your drawers and don't piss in 'em!
The plane crashes into the ocean and drifts to a stop.
Cid
She won't fly anymore...
Cloud
Can't we use it as a boat?
Cid
$#&%! Do whatever you want!
Cloud
Cid, what are you going to do now?
Cid
Dunno. I'm history with the Shinra and I've given up on the town.
Cloud
How 'bout your wife? How 'bout Shera?
Cid
Wife? Don't make me laugh! Just thinkin' 'bout marryin' her gives me the chills.
What're you guys gonna do?
Cloud
We're going after a man named Sephiroth. We'll have to get Rufus of the Shinra someday too.
Cid
I don't know about any of that, but...
What the hell!? Sign me up!
Cloud
How 'bout it, everyone?
Aeris
I'm all for it.
Nanaki
I don't really care.
Cait Sith
I don't mind.
Vincent
...Do whatever you like.
Cid
Glad to be aboard, numbskulls!
Cloud
Numskulls...?
Cid
Yeah. Anyone stupid enough to go up against Shinra nowadays, has GOTTA be a numskull! I like it!
So, where we headed?
Rufus was goin' after Sephiroth towards the Temple of the Ancients.
Cloud
Really!? ...Where is it? That Temple of the Ancients?
Cid
Dunno. That numskull kid was tellin' me he was headin 'The wrong direction'... so maybe it's off this way?
Cloud
Let's just head for land and get some information. Temple of the Ancients... that name bothers me.
Yuffie
.........Hm. How 'bout goin' west?
No, no reason. NO reason at all!
Cloud and the others head for land, the closest just happening to be the Wutai continent to the west.
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