rocket village
After crossing Mt Nibl, Cloud and the group come upon Rocket Village. Cloud looks up upon entering the village.
CLOUD
What’s that!?
The camera pans up to show a decrepit rocket that is leaning. It pans back down to Cloud.
A rusty, old rocket… What’s that doing here?
If Cloud enters the Weapon Store…
WEAPON STOREKEEPER NPC
A gun is a man’s weapon, and that’s that! Let me handle all of your weapon and accessory needs!
If Cloud enters the Shanghai Inn…
SHANGHAI INNKEEPER NPC
Welcome to the Shanghai Inn! It’s 100 gil a night. Will you be staying?
CLOUD
-
Yes
-
No
SHANGHAI INNKEEPER NPC (Yes)
Thank you!
Screen fades to black.
If Cloud doesn't have enough money…
Sorry, sir, but you don’t have enough money.
SHANGHAI INNKEEPER NPC (No)
Well, stop by again anytime.
If Cloud attempts to go behind the counter…
SHANGHAI INNKEEPER NPC
Er, only authorized personal are allowed in here.
Special Note: It seems that there was more innkeeper dialogue in the original translation here, but I am unable to access it for whatever reason.
MAN STANDING IN FRONT OF PAINTING NPC
Hmm. Is this the original or just a copy? I have to know… It’s keeping me awake at night.
If Cloud heads to the bar inside the inn…
BARKEEPER NPC
Would you like something to drink?
CLOUD
-
Yeah, go on
-
I’m not interested
BARKEEPER NPC (Yeah, go on)
Have you met the captain yet? He’s the face of this village, so you should probably go and see him.
BARKEEPER NPC (I’m not interested)
That’s too bad. Maybe next time. A man sits at one of the bar’s tables.
BAR TABLE MAN NPC
If it’s about the village, you should talk to the captain. He’s the one in charge here.
Special Note: Whichever option chosen, both dialogues will initiate. Only the order in which Cloud asks the questions and the Bar Table Man NPC answers them changes.
CLOUD
-
Captain?
-
Have you seen a man in a black cloak?
CLOUD (Captain? or Have you seen a man in a black cloak?)
Who’s the captain?
BAR TABLE MAN NPC
The captain was a pilot, back when Shin-Ra was still interested in their Space Program. He was going to be the world’s first astronaut, but… well, there was a bit of a problem. He’s been living in obscurity ever since, still dreaming about flying off into space.
CLOUD (Have you seen a man in a black cloak? or Captain?)
Have you seen a man in a black cloak?
BAR TABLE MAN NPC
A man in a black cloak… Hmm… No, can’t say I have.
BAR TABLE MAN NPC
A drink puts your heart at ease.
If Cloud knocks on the bathroom door…
MAN IN BATHROOM NPC
…It’s taken. …Urgh… …Urrrgh…
If Cloud heads back outside and talks to the redhead…
REDHEAD NPC
That rusted-out rocket is all that remains of the Shin-Ra Space Program.
An Old Man NPC stands outside of the Item Store.
OLD MAN NPC
This used to be a launch pad for Shin-Ra rockets. That leaning rocket there—that’s Shin-Ra 26. It never got off the ground though.
If Cloud talks to him again…
The rocket is called Shin-Ra 26. It’s towering presence is what gave this village it’s name. Want to look at it with me?
CLOUD
-
Look up
-
Don’t look up
If selected, Look up, Cloud nods and the camera pans up to view Shin-Ra 26. The camera pans back down.
OLD MAN NPC
It never ceases to amaze me. I’m sorry I pestered you with my hobby. It isn’t much, but let me give you thins…
Obtained Mutsunokami Yoskiyuki!
I hope you’ll make good use of it.
OLD MAN NPC (Don’t look up)
Well, aren’t you a killjoy?
If Cloud heads into the Item Store…
ITEM STOREKEEPER NPC
Welcome. This is an item store.
There is an old woman in the back kitchen.
OLD WOMAN NPC
The only thing my dithering, old husband does is stare at that darn rocket all day long. …Well, he really loves machinery.
If Cloud enters the house furthest to the left, a man will be wriggling on the couch.
MAN ON COUCH NPC
Still nothing to do. Isn’t anything exciting ever gonna happen around here?
A woman is in the kitchen.
WOMAN NPC
Geeez, it’s so boring. There’s got to be something to do?
If Cloud enters the house furthest to the right, an Old Bald Man NPC stands in his living room.
Old Bald Man NPC
Hmm… let’s see. I need to think up something amusing. I’ve dedicated my life to making people laugh, all over the world.
If Cloud enters the house closest to the rocket, they head through and go to the backyard. In the backyard is a plane, Cloud looks it over.
CLOUD
There’s a Shin-Ra logo on it… ‘Tiny Bronco’. Neat. Wish we had one or these.
BARRETT
Shin-Ra always keep the best stuff for themselves. Let’s take it!
AERITH
Should we take it, Cloud?
TIFA
Maybe we can… borrow it.
NANAKI
Can it fly? Would it be rude if we just took off in it?
YUFFIE
Cloud, let’s grab it! I love stealing from Shin-Ra!
CAIT
Cloud! We’ll be in deep trouble if we take this!
VINCENT
…Shall I keep watch?
A woman comes out with a lab coat, round glasses, and brown a ponytail.
LABCOAT WOMAN NPC
Um… may I help you?
The party turns to face her and Cloud shrugs.
CLOUD
No, it’s okay. We’re just looking.
LABCOAT WOMAN NPC
If you would like to use it, please ask the captain. He should be in his rocket. I'm Sierra. And you?
CLOUD
Cloud.
BARRETT
Barrett, from Avalanche.
AERITH
I’m Aerith.
TIFA
Tifa. Nice to meet you.
NANAKI
My name’s Nanaki.
YUFFIE
I’m Yuffie!
CAIT
Cait. Ah’m a fortune teller.
VINCENT
Vincent. I’m with the— My apologies. That is no longer relevant.
SIERRA
Hmm… You’re not with Shin-Ra? I thought that you were here to discuss restarting the Space Program.
CLOUD
…!?
SIERRA
The new president, Rufus, is scheduled to come here. The captain’s been restless all morning.
Sierra walks back inside.
CLOUD
Rufus!?
Cloud goes to the rocket and finds the captain.
CAPTAIN NPC
Who the hell are you? What do ya want?
CLOUD
We’re looking for the captain.
The captain begins to laugh.
CAPTAIN NPC
Captain? Why, that’s yours truly, of course! The name’s Cid. Everyone calls me ‘Captain’, though. So, whaddya want?
CLOUD
-
Tell us about the rocket
-
We heard Rufus is coming
-
Can we borrow the Tiny Bronco?
CID (Tell us about the rocket)
Hey, not bad for a kid! All right, then, here it is… You know Shin-Ra developed a lot of technology during the meaningless war, right? They might be peddlin’ Mako now, but back then they were a weapons manufacturer. Well, in the middle of all that, they created a rocket engine. We all went nuts at the thought of going into space. Our dreams grew bigger and bigger. They poured stupid amounts of cash into the budget—made prototype after prototype. And this, right here, is the final model… Shin-Ra 26. They chose the finest pilot in all of Shin-Ra—no, the world… ME! I mean, it makes sense to use the best you’ve got, doesn’t it? At last, we came to the launch day. Everythin’ was goin’ perfect…
Cid kicks the wall.
But because of that dumbass, Sierra, the launch was a failure. Then the penny-pinchin’ started… The upshot is Shin-Ra retired the Space Program. After they’d told me the future was space and got all of my hopes up! Soon as they figured out they could turn Mako into money, it was all over. They didn’t even so much as look at space travel again.
Cid raises his arm and begins to cry.
Money, moola, dinero—that’s all that mattered to them in the end. They reduced my dream to a bunch of round figures! Look at this rust bucket. I was supposed to be the first man in space with this! Every day, it leans a little more. At this rate, I dunno which of us’ll bite the dust first…
He turns away from Cloud and slumps.
My only hope is the president.
CID (We heard Rufus is coming)
He begins to laugh. Yeah, it must be about restartin’ the Space Program! A young president—that’s what we needed! He has dreams, too!
CID (Can we borrow the Tiny Bronco?)
You out of your god damn mind!? That’s one of my most cherished possessions! …So, no! You can’t borrow it!
If Cloud visits the bar at the inn again…
BARKEEPER NPC
Would you like something to drink?
CLOUD
-
Yeah, go on
-
I’m not interested
BARKEEPER NPC (Yeah, go on)
Cid’s had some tough breaks. It’s not really anyone’s fault he didn’t make it into space…
Just bad luck, I guess.
BARTENDER NPC (I’m not interested)
That’s too bad. Maybe next time.
Cloud and the group return to Cid’s house and go inside.
SIERRA
…Cloud?
Sierra walks in from the back door. Cloud and the others walk towards her.
Did the captain say anything?
Cloud shakes his head.
CLOUD
Not really.
Sierra slumps and shakes her head.
SIERRA
Oh?
CID
Hey, Sierra! What’re ya, blind!? Why not use some initiative and bring our guests some tea? Half-wit!
Sierra shakes her head.
SIERRA
I… I’m sorry.
Sierra walks over to the sink. Cloud shrugs.
CLOUD
Really, don’t mind us.
Cid shakes his fists in the air.
CID
Quit mumblin’! Sit yer ass in the chair drink your goddamn tea! Arggggh! Dammit, now I’m just pissed! Sierra. I’ll be in the backyard tunin’ up the Tiny Bronco. Tea for the guests—get it done!
Cid walks out the backdoor. Cloud and the group watch him as he leaves.
BARRETT
Man… What an arsehole!
AERITH
Sheesh!! Talk about bad manners!
TIFA
Poor Sierra.
NANAKI
Who does he think he is!?
YUFFIE
He sucks!
CAIT
He sure is intense.
VINCENT
…
Cloud and the others turn to face Sierra.
CLOUD
Sorry. This is our fault.
Sierra turns around to face them.
SIERRA
No, no. It’s always like this.
BARRETT
Always? Oh, that’s messed up!
AERITH
Always? And you just put up with it, even when he’s like that?
TIFA
Always? Why does Cid treat you so badly?
NANAKI
That’s so cruel.
YUFFIE
What’s his problem? I’d punch his lights out!
CAIT
Always? Bitin’ yer head off like that? Ah couldnae stand to be near him.
VINCENT
Your patience is commendable.
SIERRA
Well… he’s like that because I was clumsy. I’m the one who… destroyed his dream.
CLOUD
What happened?
The screen fades to black and changes to a flashback of Sierra inspecting the rocket’s oxygen tanks. A younger Cid stands by, laughing.
CID
Hey, get your ass in gear! You work like a snail. Even the moon’ll bugger off waitin’ around for you.
Shera stands up and turns to face Cid.
SIERRA
I’m… I’m sorry.
CID
How much longer ya gonna be checkin’ those damn oxygen tanks? Sierra, bein’ cautious is all well and good, but it’s pointless to go on checkin’ ‘em. They wouldn’t rupture even if hell did freeze over!
SIERRA
Shaking her head.
But…
Cid shakes his fists in the air.
CID
No buts!! You’re not stupid, so step it up!
Sierra shakes her head.
SIERRA
I’m sorry.
The scene changes to three mechanics working on the inside of the rocket. Cid walks in.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER 1 NPC
Captain! Our dreams are really coming true!
MECHANICAL ENGINEER 2 NPC
We’re so proud to be part of the launch of Shin-Ra 26.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER 3 NPC
Preparations are complete… All that’s left is lift-off!
Cid begins to laugh.
CID
Yeah, back in no time!
The mechanics line up along the wall and salute. Cid makes his way to the cockpit.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER NPCs
All right, Captain… Fly our dreams into space!
Cid stops before entering the cockpit.
CID
Thanks, guys!
He enters.
MECHANICAL ENGINEER NPCs
Safe journey!
Scene changes to Cid, who is now sitting in the captain’s chair and fiddling with the buttons and controls.
CID
Gauges… clear. Shin-Ra 26 is ready for lift-off.
A voice comes in over the radio.
Special Note: Some characters speak over the intercom here. So, I slightly changed the names to include Intercom Text. That way, the reader can keep track of who is in the scene physically and who isn’t.
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
Engine pressure rising. Shin-Ra 26—three minutes to lift-off. Beginning countdown.
CID
Finally.
A red light begins to flash and an alarm sounds. Cid looks around in his chair.
W-what the…? What happened!?
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
Captain Cid, we have an emergency situation… A mechanic is still in the engine section of the rocket!
CID
What did you just say!? Which one of those tits is it!?
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
I don’t know. Activating the intercom to the engine section.
Scene changes to show Sierra working on the oxygen tanks.
CID INTERCOM TEXT
Goddammit!! Who the hell’s still in there!?
Sierra walks over closer to the intercom speaker.
SIERRA
Captain, it’s me. Don’t worry. Please go ahead with the launch.
CID INTERCOM TEXT
Sierra!? Whaddya still doin’ in there!?
SIERRA
I was concerned. The results from the oxygen tank test weren’t satisfactory.
CID INTERCOM TEXT
You fool! When this thing takes off, it’s gonna get so hot in there there ain’t gonna be shit left of ya but charcoal! You’re gonna be burnt to a crisp! You’re gonna die! Get it!?
Sierra shakes her head.
SIERRA
It’s ok. As long as I can fix this, the launch will be a success. I’m almost done.
Sierra goes back over to work on the oxygen tanks.
CID INTERCOM TEXT
Almost done!? You’re gonna die!
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
Cid, the countdown’s starting any second… There’s not enough time!
The scene changes back to Cid in the cockpit.
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
I’m starting the engine!
The cockpit begins to shake.
CID
H-hey! Wait! Sierra’s still in there!
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
What should we do, Cid? If we abort now, it’ll be six months before another launch.
Cid places his hands on his head.
CID
Shit! Sierra, you goddamn fool! You wanna make me a murderer?
SIERRA INTERCOM TEXT
Captain!
CID
Is that you, Sierra!?
SIERRA INTERCOM TEXT
I’ve checked up to Tank 7. Once I complete Tank 8, we’re all clear.
CID
Sierra! Hurry up! You’re gonna die!
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
Ignition in 30 seconds. Beginning countdown.
A 30 second timer begins.
Cid, forget about her! She’ll never make it out in time!
Cid shakes his head in his hands.
CID
What… What am I… What am I supposed to do?
Once the timer passes 15 seconds...
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
Engine ignition in 15 seconds. Internal temperature rising.
CID
Oh, man. The moon… Outer space… My dreams…
CONTROLLER INTERCOM TEXT
Ignite engine!
CID
Arrrrrgggh…!!
Cid slams his fist down on a control button. The rocket begins to take off, but the engine stalls and the rocket falls back down to the launch pad. It then proceeds to lean and the stop. The scene changes back to present day with Sierra, Cloud, and the others.
SIERRA
He threw the emergency shut down switch to save my life. After that, the Space Program suffered cutbacks, and the launch was cancelled. It’s my fault he didn’t fulfil his dream. That’s why… it’s all right. I have a debt to pay.
Cid comes in from the backdoor and wakes his fist.
CID
Sierra! You still haven’t served ‘em tea!
Sierra shakes her head.
SIERRA
I… I’m sorry.
Sierra goes back to work. Cid sits down and puts his foot on the table.
CID
Siddown already, or ain’t my hospitality good enough for ya?
Cid rests his head in his hand and begins tapping his foot.
They’re late. Where’s Rufus?
Palmer walks in through the front door.
PALMER
Ya, ha, ha! Long time no see! So, Cid, my old chum, how’ve you been hanging?
Cid jumps up out of his chair.
CID
Well, if it ain’t fat man Palmer! How long were your lot figurin’ on keepin’ me waitin’?
He runs over to Palmer.
So? When’s the Space Program startin’ up again?
PALMER
Ya, ha! I don’t know. The president’s outside. Why don’t you ask him?
CID
Tch! Good for nothin’ fat bastard! No change there then, huh?
Cid runs past Palmer and out the front door.
PALMER
Hey, don’t call me that!
Palmer walks over to Sierra.
Ya, ha, ha! Tea! Can I have some, too—with lotsa sugar and honey? Oh, and, uh… don’t forget the lard!
If Cloud talks to Sierra again…
SIERRA
Is the Space Program really the reason why President Rufus is paying us a visit?
If Cloud talks to Palmer again…
PALMER
Ya, ha… ha… Have we met before?
Turning back to Sierra.
Hey, is the tea ready yet? Remember, lotsa sugar and honey, and a big, ol’ dollop of lard! Ya, ha!
Cloud follows Cid out the front door to find Cid, Rufus and an infantryman.
CID
What the…!? You got me all excited for nothin’!? Then what did ya come here for?
RUFUS
We need you to hand over the Tiny Bronco. We’re going after Sephiroth, but it seems we’ve been searching in the wrong places up until now. We think we know where he’s heading, but it means crossing the ocean. That’s why we need your plane.
CID
Holy shit! First the airship, then the rocket, and now the Tiny Bronco! Shin-Ra took space away from me, and now it wants to take the sky away from me too!?
RUFUS
Oh my… You seem to forget that it was because of the Shin-Ra Company you were able to fly in the first place. You’d do well to remember that.
CID
WHAT!?
Sierra comes out of the house and stands just behind Cloud.
SIERRA
Uh, um, excuse me…
Cloud turns around to face her.
This way.
Sierra and Cloud go back in the house. She shuts the door behind them.
SIERRA
You wanted to use the Tiny Bronco, correct?
Cloud nods.
I believe Palmer’s going to take it. Maybe you should have a talk with him.
Cloud and group head out of the backdoor. They find Palmer standing on the wing of the plane.
PALMER
Ya, ha… Why am I the one doing this? I’m head of the Space Program.
Cloud approaches Palmer.
CLOUD
We’ll be taking the Tiny Bronco.
PALMER
I’ve seen you somewhere before… That’s right—the Shin-Ra building! When the president was killed! Ulp! S-s-security!!
Cloud and the others fight Palmer. As they’re fighting the Tiny Bronco begins to rev up and move.
PALMER
Ya, ha, ha, ha!
Palmer notices the plane moving on its own and ducks before getting hit by a propeller. He wipes his forehead in relief and makes a mocking motion at the party before attempting to run away. But as he’s running, a Shin-Ra track hits him.
PALMER
Ugh.
As the plane continues to move, Cloud and the others jump on.
BARRETT
It ain’t gonna stop!
AERITH
It won’t stop!
TIFA
We can’t stop it!
NANAKI
It’s taking off!
YUFFIE
No! It’s gonna take off!
CAIT
Aw naw! It’s takin’ aff!
VINCENT
It won’t stop.
CLOUD
Forget about it! Hop on!
The Tiny Bronco takes off with an empty cockpit. As the plane flies overhead, the Shin-Ra infantryman shoots at it. Cid runs after it and jumps on. The tail of the Tiny Bronco gets shot and ignites.
CID
Shiiiit! Well, that’s just great—the tail’s been hit!
CLOUD
I guess it’s time for an emergency landing then?
CID
It’ll be a big splash. Hold on to your pants… And don’t piss in ‘em!
The Tiny Bronco lands in the ocean and stops. Cid rubs the plane as it floats like a raft.
CID
She won’t be flying any time soon.
CLOUD
Can’t we use it as a boat?
CID
Hell! Do whatever ya like!
CLOUD
Cid, what will you do now?
CID
I dunno. I’m history with Shin-Ra. And I’ve given up on the village.
Cloud shrugs.
CLOUD
How about your wife, Sierra? Will she be all right?
CID
Wife!? Don’t make me laugh! Just thinkin’ about marryin’ her gives me the chills! Whadda you guys up to?
CLOUD
We’re going after a man named Sephiroth. We’ll have to take care of Rufus someday as well.
CID
I don’t know about any of that, but…
Cid stands up and faces Cloud.
Sounds interestin’! Sign me up!
Cloud looks around at the group.
CLOUD
How about it, everyone?
BARRETT
I’m cool with it.
AERITH
I’m all for it.
TIFA
That’s fine with me.
NANAKI
I don’t mind.
YUFFIE
Yeah, why not?
CAIT
Ah dinnae mind.
VINCENT
Do whatever you feel is right.
CID
Glad to be aboard, shit-for-brains!
CLOUD
Shit-for-brains!?
CID
Yeah. Anyone going up against Shin-Ra nowadays has gotta be a tail short of a plane… I like it! So, where we headed? Rufus was prattling on about followin’ this Sephiroth of yours to the Temple of the Ancients.
CLOUD
What? Where’s that?
CID
Beats me. Jerkface junior was sayin’ he’d been searchin’ in the wrong locations and needed my plane. So, I figure it’s gotta be some place way off.
CLOUD
Let’s just head for land and get some information. Temple of the Ancients… That name bothers me.
If Yuffie is in the party, she’ll stand up.
YUFFIE
Heh, heh. How about going west? No… No reason. No reason at all!
The scene changes to the open world map with the group now piloting the Tiny Bronco.
NON-CHARACTER TEXTBOX
How To Pilot The Tiny Bronco: Press O to get on. Press X to get off. The Tiny Bronco can cross shallow waters. You can get on and off at beaches.
The group heads for the nearest beach, which just happens to be a land to the west.