FINAL FANTASY

CRY OF THE PLANET
 

Character Listing for Part 12

 

CLOUD STRIFE

BARRET WALLACE

TIFA LOCKHEART

AERIS GAINSBOROUGH

RED XIII / NANAKI

YUFFIE KISARGI

CAIT SITH

CID HIGHWIND

RUFUS

HEIDEGGER

PALMER

 

GAUTHIER

YEAGER

RADIO OPERATOR

PILOT #1

PILOT #2

CREW #1

CREW #2

CREW #3

MISSION CONTROL (VO)

WUTAI CAPTAIN

ROCKET TOWN BARTENDER

 

SHERA

SANTOS

GODO

GORKI

YUFFIE KISARGI (AGE 5)

PRESIDENT SHINRA

 

Set Listing for Part 12

 

Interiors

 

HANGER

CID’S PLANE

GAUTHIER’S PLANE

CID’S HOME - MAIN ROOM

WUTAI - UNDERGROUND DEFENSE STATION

WUTAI - SHOP

TOWER OF TRIALS - GODO’S CHAMBER

SHINRA TOWER - PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

ROCKET TOWN - BAR

ROCKET - COCKPIT

ROCKET - OXYGEN BAY

 

Exteriors

 

AIRFIELD - SHINRA AIRBASE

WUTAI - STREETS

MOUNT NIBEL - BRIDGE

OPEN WORLD - MOUNT NIBEL

SKY

SHINRA TOWER - HELIPAD

ROCKET TOWN - STREETS

ROCKET TOWN - LAUNCH CENTER

ROCKET - MAINTENANCE PLATFORM

ROCKET - BASE
 

Part 12: The Captain

 

EXT. AIRFIELD - SHINRA AIRBASE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

The sky is a HAZY BLUE some semi-thick clouds COVER up the sun. It has just stopped raining and lingering the sky are nearly 30 BATTLE PLANES, all of which are onward toward their target.

 

PAN DOWN to the wet MUD that is now the ground. A FOOT is a dark brown BOOT stomps in it, splashing water and shifting the mud.

 

PAN UP the foot to see a PILOT dressed in uniform. The pilot is clean shaven male with dirty blonde hair. He has an un-lit CIGARETTE in his mouth and a blue SACK over his shoulder. The young charismatic pilot is, CID HIGHWIND.

 

We follow Cid as he walks to his PLANE. He opens the cockpit and throws his stuff inside.

 

PILOT (OS)

Hey Cid!

 

Cid turns around and sees one of his fellow pilots, GAUTHIER walking towards him.

 

GAUTHIER

I wanted to catch ya before you left.

 

CID

(taking the cigarette out of his mouth)

Got a light?

 

GAUTHIER

Sure.

 

Gauthier digs in his pockets and pulls out a BRASS LIGHTER and TOSSES it Cid.

 

CID

(catching the lighter)

Thanks.

 

He LIGHTS his cigarette and tosses the lighter back to him. A beat; then

 

CID

Well?

 

GAUTHIER

I just wanted to wish you luck.

 

CID

Thanks, but I won’t be needing it.

 

He turns around and continues unpacking EQUIPMENT from inside his sack. Gauthier watches. A few beats; then

 

GAUTHIER

You know, a lot of the guys look up to you.

 

CID

(with his back turned)

That’s because I am the best.

 

GAUTHIER

Yes you are which is why you don’t have to worry.

 

Cid turns around to face him.

 

CID

You’re afraid that you’re not coming back from this thing are you?

 

GAUTHIER

Honestly, I don’t think any of us are coming back. Didn’t you read the intelligence reports?

 

CID

Don’t need to. I don’t care about any intelligence reports. My job aint to think, it’s to fly.

 

GAUTHIER

This is a suicide mission, with all due respect. We’re flying into Wutai airspace when they have stockpiles of anti-aircraft artillery.

 

CID

I’ve faced worse situations.

 

Cid empties the final piece of EQUIPMENT from his sack and pulls out a PISTOL. He loads a fresh CLIP in it and holsters the gun on his belt.

 

GAUTHIER

Word is that they were stocked by our competitors. They know our weakness.

 

CID

You want my advice?

 

Gauthier nods.

 

CID

(CONT’D)

Don’t think...just fly. It’s our mission and a mission is damn near the only certain thing in life.

 

GAUTHIER

You’re saying the mission gives us purpose?

 

CID

That’s exactly what I’m saying.

 

They are interrupted by their Commander-in-Chief, PRESIDENT SHINRA as he speaks with a megaphone.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA (OS)

Soldiers of Shinra, may I have your attention?

 

All the grounded pilots stop what they’re doing and look up at President Shinra, who is standing on an ELEVATED SCAFFOLD over viewing the whole airfield.

 

A beat; then

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(through megaphone)

Today is the day you march into battle! You fight those you threaten us and our way of life.

 

A beat.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(CONT’D)

Our enemy is across the ocean...an ocean that was once a gateway to peace has now become a highway for death and destruction! Shinra has worked for years to unite the world. All have been cooperative except one. That ‘one’ is our enemy. That ‘one’ thought it honorable to declare war on us! If they want war, then they will get it from the best...Shinra!

 

The pilots all CHEER. We focus on Cid, who isn’t cheering. Instead he leans against his plane smoking his cigarette.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(CONT’D)

As I look at the men in front of me, I do not see soldiers or pilots. No. Instead I see men. And though wars may be fought with weapons...they are won by men.

 

A beat.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(CONT’D)

All I was trying to do was reach a greater peace with the world. Our enemy refused! That is when it dawned on me, if you want peace...you must prepare for war. Because the only peace that has ever existed has come from war!

 

The pilots cheer again.

 

PRESIDENT SHINRA

(over all the cheering)

May the power of Ancients guide you on your mission! Good luck!

 

President Shinra steps down from the scaffold while all the pilots start getting in their planes.

 

CID - GAUTHIER

 

Cid calmly starts to get inside the cockpit of his plane, where as Gauthier is extremely hyped.

 

GAUTHIER

Hey Cid.

 

CID

(inside his plane)

Yeah?

 

GAUTHIER

I’ll see ya on the other side.

 

Cid nods and the pilot excitedly run off towards his plane.

 

INT. CID’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Cid shuts and locks the cockpit. He sits there briefly and stares a PICTURE he had placed there earlier. The picture is that of an open FIELD at NIGHT with the STARS in the sky.

 

Cid sighs and STARTS the plane’s engines.

 

EXT. AIRFIELD - SHINRA AIRBASE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

We watch as Cid’s plane slowly starts to move into the traffic of planes. He looks to the right and sees Gauthier inside of his plane. Gauthier gives Cid a THUMBS UP. Cid nods and pulls out onto the RUNWAY.

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

We see nearly 40 planes in air all in a cluster formation.

 

INT. CID’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Cid pulls down his GOGGLES and grabs the steering stick inside his plane. He then presses the intercom button on the counsel in front of him.

 

 

 

CID

(to the other pilots)

This is Warbird One.

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

(through intercom)

Roger, Warbird One. This is Warbird Three.

 

CID

(to the pilots)

Get in your formations. I want the gunners in front and the bombers in back. Over.

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

(through intercom)

I copy, Warbird One.

(to other pilots)

You heard the Captain, boys. Let’s get to ready to smoke some of those Wutai bastards.

 

GAUTHIER (VO)

(through intercom)

I’m ready and waiting, sir. Over.

 

CID

(into intercom)

Don’t get cocky. We got work to do. Let’s do it.

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

We see the plane form into groups of five, two gunner planes in the front, two gunner planes in the back, and one bomber plane in the center.

 

CID (VO)

(through intercom)

Just ride steady, boys. Wait for my orders.

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

(through intercom)

Roger that, Warbird One.

 

EXT. WUTAI - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

TRANSITION SHOT of Wutai.

 

It is a beautiful village surrounded by tan mountains. The mountains have the Wutai gods carved in them. The architecture is oriental and a clear river runs through the village.

 

INT. WUTAI - UNDERGROUND DEFENSE STATION - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Numerous Wutai VILLAGERS are in the underground defense center, each of them checking various things. In control is GORKI a tall man with Asian features and firstborn son of Godo.

 

As Gorki stands staring at the workers, one of the RADIO OPERATORS gets a strange look on his face as he listens through HEADPHONES.

 

The radio operator SHOOTS himself up and runs over to Gorki. He has important and vital news.

 

RADIO OPERATOR

(out of breath)

Commander, Gorki...

 

GORKI

What is it?

 

RADIO OPERATOR

They’re coming!

 

GORKI

(worried)

Who?

 

RADIO OPERATOR

Shinra has a fleet of planes coming in.

 

GORKI

Shit! How big?

 

RADIO OPERATOR

They’re looking to end the war right here, sir.

 

GORKI

You are sure about this?

 

 

RADIO OPERATOR

Yes, sir. Our ground spies spotted them.

 

GORKI

How long until they get here.

 

RADIO OPERATOR

(shaking his head)

Ten...twenty minutes tops.

 

GORKI

Sound the alarm. I want all soldiers to arms and the women and children hiding.

 

RADIO OPERATOR

Yes, sir.

 

GORKI

I’m going to warn my father.

 

Gorki storms out of the room. Meanwhile the radio operator runs over to a counsel and presses a LARGE RED BUTTON. The loud ALARM goes off.

 

EXT. WUTAI - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

The BUZZING ALARM echoes throughout the town. We see women grabbing their children and running inside as well as WUTAI SOLDIERS running out and taking position.

 

INT. TOWER OF TRIALS - GODO’S CHAMBER - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Gorki BURSTS into Godo’s chamber in the Tower of Trials. Two WUTAI SOLDIERS stand guarding Godo.

 

GORKI

Father, you must hide!

 

GODO

Why has the alarm been tripped? Is Shinra coming?

 

GORKI

(nodding)

A huge fleet, father. I am unsure if we can survive this one.

 

GODO

We must try.

 

GORKI

(nodding)

I understand your decision. What of the family?

 

GODO

Take Staniv and Yuffie with you. I will take Chekov.

 

GORKI

All due respect, I wish to fight.

 

GODO

I will not allow my family to be sacrificed in this war. You will hide, my son.

 

GORKI

No. So many families have already been sacrificed. Those were families better than ours. I will fight.

 

Godo sighs.

 

GODO

Very well, son. May the gods protect you while you fight.

 

Gorki bows and leaves the chamber. Godo stands up and the two guards escort him through a BACK DOOR.

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

PLANE’S POV: We see the plane’s cut through the clouds. As the final cloud is passed we see a bird’s eye view of Wutai.

 

INT. CID’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Cid looks outside and sees Wutai down below.

 

CID

(into intercom)

There they are, boys. Fire on my order.

 

GAUTHIER (VO)

(through intercom)

Wait!

 

INT. GAUTHIER’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Gauthier looks out from his plane at Wutai. He jaw is dropped.

 

CID (VO)

(through the intercom)

Warbird Six, what’s the problem?

 

GAUTHIER

(into the intercom)

Where’s their artillery!?

 

CID (VO)

(through the intercom)

Fuck the artillery! We got a mission to do!

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. CID’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

GAUTHIER (VO)

(through the intercom)

No! I am not killing innocent people over false intelligence.

 

CID

(into the intercom)

Dammit, Gauthier!

 

GAUTHIER (VO)

(through the intercom)

I won’t fire a single round! Not until I’m threatened!

 

Cid SLAMS fist against the wall of the cockpit in anger.

 

CID

(into the intercom)

Warbird Six, you will follow orders or be Court Marshaled by Shinra.

 

GAUTHIER (VO)

(through the intercom)

Let them do to me as they will. They lied. There are no fucking stockpiles!

(to his fleet)

Fleet, this is your commander Warbird Six, I am ordering you to turn around.

 

CID

(into the intercom)

Gauthier, don’t do this to me!

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. GAUTHIER’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

GAUTHIER

(into the intercom)

I’m sorry, Cid. I won’t be pawn in massacre like you’re about to do.

 

A beat.

 

GAUTHIER

(to his fleet)

Fleet, I’m ordering you to pull back.

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. CID’S PANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

CID

(angry; into the intercom)

Gauthier, you will abort that order!

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

(through the intercom)

We’re closing in on Wutai, sir.

 

GAUTHIER (VO)

(through the intercom)

I don’t answer to you anymore, Captain. I thought you were a man of morals. There are no anti-aircraft stockpiles down there. Shinra lied to us!

 

Cid sighs.

 

CID

(to Gauthier)

You’re forcing me to make a very bad decision, Gauthier. I’ll ask you one last time to abort that order.

 

A beat...No answer.

 

CID

Gauthier?

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

(through the intercom)

He’s disabled his intercom, sir.

 

CID

Fuck!

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

We see Gauthier and his fleet start to turn around. Meanwhile Cid’s plane breaks away from his formation.

 

INT. CID’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

(through the intercom)

Sir, what are you doing?

 

CID

(into the intercom)

I’m stopping Gauthier.

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

BAM! BAM! BAM! Cid fires his guns at Gauthier’s plane. The bullets all hit their mark. Gauthier’s plane starts SPINNING wildly.

 

INT. GAUTHIER’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

GAUTHIER

(plane is spinning out of control)

Cid!

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

BAM! BAM! Cid fires again. BOOOM! Gauthier’s plane EXPLODES.

 

INT. CID’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Cid sighs and he maneuvers his plane back into formation.

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

(through the intercom)

You made the right decision, sir.

 

CID

(to Gauthier’s fleet)

Warbird Fleet Six, get back in formation.

 

PILOT #2 (VO)

(through the intercom)

Yes, sir.

 

A beat.

 

CID

(into the intercom)

All fleets get ready to attack.

 

EXT. WUTAI - STREETS - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Wutai soldiers take position in TRENCHES and buildings. They aim their rifles in the air.

 

Meanwhile, Gorki and two other WUTAI SOLDIERS jump inside of a trench. Gorki aims his rifle in the air.

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

CID (VO)

All fleets, this is Warbird One. I am ordering you to fire!

 

PILOT #1 (VO)

Roger that Warbird One.

 

One by one, all the planes start FIRING their machine guns down at Wutai.

 

EXT. WUTAI - STREETS - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

The village has now become a WARZONE!* Soldiers fires GUNS and ROCKETS in the air.

 

We watch a long battle scene. Not one Shinra plane is taken down, but many Wutai soldiers are seen killed.

 

BOOM! The bombers start dropping bombs on the village. Gorki RUNS for cover.

 

EXT. SKY - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

We see Cid’s plane dodging ROCKETS like an expert. Suddenly, BAM! BAM! BAM! Cid’s plane is hit.

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. CID’S PLANE - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

He starts to lose control of his plane.

 

CID

(into the intercom)

Dammit, I’m taking some friendly fire. Take it easy!

 

SMOKE starts to fill the cockpit.

 

CID

Shit!

(into the intercom)

This is Warbird One, I am going down. I repeat, Warbird One is going down!

 

EXT. WUTAI - STREETS - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

We see Cid’s plan plummeting downwards at the streets of Wutai. ZOOM! Cid and his pilot chair FLY out of the plane. He pressed ‘eject’. Cid releases his PARACHUTE and slowly starts to fall to the ground.

 

Meanwhile, Wutai soldiers positioned on the roof see him falling and aim their rifles.

 

 

CID

(pulling out his pistol)

Come on, you sons of bitches!

 

BAM! BAM! Cid fires at the soldiers killing two.

 

GORKI

 

Gorki continues to fire at the planes. BOOM! A bomb is dropped 20 feet in front of him. Gorki goes FLYING. He quickly gets up and runs inside --

 

INT. WUTAI - SHOP - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Gorki hugs the wall of the shop and RELOADS his auto-rifle. The sounds of bombs and machine gun fire are still eminent.

 

Gorki waits for his chance to strike when;

 

YUFFIE (OS)

(frightened)

Gorki....

 

Shocked, Gorki turns around and sees his sister, a young YUFFIE KISARGI, hiding under the shop counter.

 

GORKI

Yuffie!

 

Gorki shoulders his rifle and runs to his sister’s aid. He grabs her from under the counter and holds her.

 

GORKI

It’ll be alright.

 

YUFFIE

Where’s mommy?

 

GORKI

I’ll find her. You’re going to be safe.

 

Gorki picks his sister up and runs out of the shop and into the war zone.

 

EXT. WUTAI - STREETS - DUSK - FLASHBACK

 

Cid safely reaches the ground. He unhooks his parachute and stands up.

 

Suddenly, a Wutai soldier STANDS UP from the tall grass with his gun aimed at Cid...

 

Cid aims his pistol...BAM! He fires first. The bullet hits the soldier in the arm. He staggers. BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! Cid empties the rest of his clip into the soldier killing him.

 

He throws his gun away and grabs a RADIO from his belt.

 

CID

(into the radio)

This is Cid Highwind requesting back up from any ground troops near by.

 

No answer. A beat...

 

CID

(into the radio)

I repeat! This is Cid Highwind requesting assistance.

 

SANTOS (VO)

(through the radio)

Roger that Captain Highwind. This is Colonel Santos. What is your status.

 

CID

(into the radio)

My plane has been shot down by friendly fire. I am unwounded.

 

SANTOS (VO)

(through the radio)

Your air fleets are starting to pull out. The ground troops are coming in to finish the job.

 

CID

(into the radio)

Roger that, Colonel. I’ll be waiting.

 

Cid signs off and puts the radio back on his belt. He then stealthily moves to the side of small BUILDING.

 

He peers around the corner and sees some Wutai soldiers running around preparing for the ground troops. He then pulls out a thick 6 inch knife and readies himself for combat.

 

GORKI - YUFFIE

 

We follow Gorki and he carries Yuffie trying to find a safe place to hide her. As runs he meets a WUTAI CAPTAIN.

 

WUTAI CAPTAIN

Commander Gorki,

 

Gorki stops.

 

WUTAI CAPTAIN

(CONT’D)

The air attacks have stopped. What shall we do? We’re heavily damaged.

 

GORKI

It’s not over. They’ll probably send in ground troops to finish us off. Get ready.

 

WUTAI CAPTAIN

(nodding)

Yes, sir.

 

The captain salutes Gorki and runs off. We continue to follow Gorki and runs past a small building.

 

Sensing something, Gorki stops and looks to his right. He grits his teeth when he sees Cid looking the other way.

 

Catching Gorki in the corner of his eye, Cid turns and sees him. Gorki stumbles to find his rifle but can’t since he is holding Yuffie.

 

Cid CHARGES at Gorki with his knife. POW! He tackles him to the ground. Yuffie flies free from Gorki’s grip and hits her head hard on the ground. She starts crying.

 

CID

(ontop of Gorki, punching him)

I’ll kill you, you son of a bitch!

 

Gorki KICKS Cid off causing him to drop his knife. The two get up and engage in a fist fight.* Yuffie watches as her brother and Cid fight.

 

Meanwhile, in the background we can hear that the Shinra ground troops have penetrated the village. The place once again turns into a war zone.

 

Gorki bleeds from the eyebrow and mouth and Cid bleeds from his nose. POW! Cid hits Gorki hard in the face. Gorki falls back several paces - Cid dives and grabs his knife.

 

As Gorki spits out some BLOOD, Cid GRABS him from behind. Cid uses his forearm to choke Gorki and arches Gorki’s back with his knee. Cid then moves the knife with his free hand....he STABS Gorki in the back. The tip of the knife pierces through Gorki’s chest. Gorki’s eyes bulge and Cid STABS again, and AGAIN, and AGAIN. Meanwhile Yuffie watches as her brother is being stabbed to death by Cid.

 

Cid throws Gorki off, but he doesn’t fall. Cid stares as Gorki struggles to stand. He turns around and faces Cid.

 

CID

Not dead, yet?

 

SLASH! Cid slices Gorki’s neck with the knife. Blood SPEWES out and catches itself on Cid’s face. Gorki gurgles for air, and falls to the ground dead.

 

Cid turns his head and looks at Yuffie, who is crying. The two lock eyes.

 

A beat; then Yuffie gets up and runs toward Cid. She starts hitting him. Cid just stands there. A beat; then he pushes her off.

 

SANTOS (OS)

Captain Highwind!

 

Cid turns his head and sees SANTOS with three other SHINRA SOLDIERS running toward him.

 

SANTOS

(seeing the blood on Cid’s face)

Are you alright?

 

CID

It’s not my blood.

 

SANTOS

(pointing to Gorki’s corpse)

It’s his then?

 

Cid nods. Santos shoots him a wide grin.

 

SANTOS

(patting Cid’s shoulder)

You did a fine job.

 

Santos looks over at Yuffie.

 

SANTOS

Who’s she?

 

CID

I don’t know.

 

SANTOS

I see. Well...it doesn’t matter.

 

Santos aims his rifle at Yuffie. Cid pulls his arms away.

 

CID

No. Let her live.

 

SANTOS

Why?

 

Santos looks into Cid’s eyes. A beat; then

 

SANTOS

Oh, I see. She’ll grow up with the pain. You’re a sick man, Cid.

 

Santos laughs. Cid once again locks with Yuffie.

 

CUT TO:

 

INT. ROCKET TOWN - BAR - DAY - PRESENT

 

Two FINGERS tap Cid on the shoulder as he sleeps at the bar. Cid opens his eyes to see that he had flashback in his dreams.

 

The Cid at the bar is quite different than the young charismatic pilot we saw in the flashback. The present day Cid, looks like shit. He has a hint of beard that had been unevenly shaved and a small gut. Something has happened since that flashback that turned the skilled pilot into the alcoholic we now see.

 

Cid rubs his eyes and looks to his left to see that it was PALMER who woke him up.

 

CID

(still tired)

Palmer. To what do I owe this pleasure?

 

FREEZE FRAME:

 

‘Cid Highwind

War hero and expert pilot turning alcoholic’

 

Types across the screen

 

REAL TIME

 

PALMER

Hello again, Cid. I knew I’d find you here.

 

CID

Should I be surprised? Look in enough bars and you’re sure to find me.

 

Cid singles the [ROCKET TOWN] BARTENDER over.

 

CID

Get me a beer, will ya?

 

ROCKET TOWN BARTENDER

Sure thing, Captain.

 

PALMER

(sitting down next to Cid)

I see your reputation hasn’t been lost yet...Captain.

 

Cid, ignoring Palmer’s comment, pulls out a CIGARETTE and LIGHTS it.

 

CID

Do me a favor Palmer.

 

PALMER

What?

 

CID

Get to the fucking point.

 

Palmer chuckles and the bartender returns and hands Cid a bottle of beer.

 

CID

(to the bartender)

Thanks.

 

He takes a long swig of his beer.

 

CID

(to Palmer)

Well?

 

PALMER

Well what?

 

CID

Why the fuck are ya here?

 

PALMER

You know why I’m here, Cid.

 

CID

You’re not getting the Tiny Bronco. That plane is like my child. It’s the first one I ever built and I’d still put it up against those Shinra fighter planes you got.

 

 

PALMER

We need that plane, Cid. You will of course be rewarded.

 

CID

That’s the same as selling my plane. I already told ya...fuck off.

 

Cid takes another swig of his beer. A beat; then

 

PALMER

Look at you! You’re a shell of your former self. I used to know a great pilot, now I know a former pilot who’s now an alcoholic.

 

CID

Really? Let me tell who I know. I know a big fat fuck who once promised that great pilot that he’d be the first man in space, but in the end he fucked him the ass. Sound accurate?

 

Palmer laughs.

 

PALMER

It’s amazing how you can sum up so much history in just one sentence.

 

CID

Yep, it’s amazing.

 

A beat.

 

PALMER

What if I told you I could offer you something that would make you for sure hand over the Tiny Bronco?

 

CID

I’d say you’re a lying piece of shit.

 

PALMER

I’m serious, Cid.

 

CID

What are you offering?

 

PALMER

You’re dreams. If you hand over the Tiny Bronco, President Rufus will restart the Space Program.

 

Cid stares at Palmer. A beat; then

 

CID

A new president....same old lies. I’m not retarded, Palmer. Why should I trust you?

 

PALMER

Because I am telling the truth. So what do ya say?

 

A beat.

 

CID

You know, you guys took everything from me. My airship, my dreams, my men,

(raising his beer bottle)

my talent and health.

 

PALMER

You want an apology?

 

CID

I conducted so many missions for you during the war. I killed disobedient soldiers just to kiss your ass, because I knew that if I kissed your ass, you’d send me into space. But you screwed me over. I’ve learned my lesson.

 

PALMER

You’ve got nothing to lose though, Cid.

 

Cid chuckles and GULPS down the rest of his beer. He then BELCHES loudly.

 

CID

(sighing)

Aint that the truth.

 

PALMER

So what do you say? Ready to be the first man in space?

 

CID

I’ve been ready for the past two decades.

 

A beat.

 

CID

(CONT’D)

I’ll think about it.

 

Cid extinguishes his cigarette in a nearby ASHTRAY and stands up. He grabs his blue pilot coat, puts it on, and walks out.

 

A beat; then the bartender walks over to Palmer.

 

ROCKET TOWN BARTENDER

You want anything?

 

PALMER

(starting to walk away)

No.

 

He leaves.

 

EXT. MOUNT NIBEL - BRIDGE - DAY

 

We see a view of the rickety bridge on Mount Nibel, from Cloud’s flashback. It has been REPAIRED and makes a sturdy path leading to the other side.

 

CLOUD STRIFE walks on screen. He stops and looks over at the bridge.

 

We PAN BACK to see TIFA LOCKHEART, AERIS GAINSBOROUGH, BARRET WALLACE (minus his gun-arm), NANAKI, YUFFIE KISARGI, and CAIT SITH all walking to catch up to Cloud. They all stop when they reach him.

 

BARRET

So what now? We crossin’ that thing?

 

Cloud looks over at Barret.

 

CLOUD

I don’t know. I told you what happened last time.

 

CAIT SITH

What happened?

 

CLOUD

Let’s just say, I’ll feel better if we take the long way.

 

YUFFIE

You sure? That bridge looks alright to me.

 

CLOUD

Just follow me.

 

Cloud leads the party past the bridge and continues walking the jagged peaks of Mount Nibel.

 

FADE TO

 

EXT. OPEN WORLD - MOUNT NIBEL - DUSK

 

We see an image of the bottom of Mount Nibel. A beat; then we see the party emerging from behind a LARGE BOULDER.

 

The camera continues to follow them a few paces out onto the grassy plains of the planet. Cloud, who continues to lead the group, stops and looks off into the horizon.

 

YUFFIE

Where to now, leader?

 

CLOUD

Sephiroth said to follow him north past Mount Nibel.

 

YUFFIE

Yes...and we’re past your mountain already.

 

Cloud is silent. A beat.

 

YUFFIE

Well?

 

He looks at Yuffie and then at the rest of the party, all of whom are staring at him.

 

CLOUD

There’s a town not too far from here.

 

BARRET

Another town?

 

CLOUD

Yeah.

 

BARRET

Is Sephiroth is this...town?

 

CLOUD

I don’t know.

 

BARRET

Then why the hell are we goin’?

 

Cloud thinks briefly of what to say. He suddenly gets an idea.

 

CLOUD

I’m going to find us faster transportation since we lost the buggy.

 

BARRET

Why the hell didn’t you say so?

 

CLOUD

Because I just thought of it.

 

A beat.

 

CLOUD

(CONT’D)

The place is called, Rocket Town. It’s a haven for pilots, so I hear.

 

YUFFIE

Rocket Town? Are you sure you didn’t just make up that name, too?

 

CLOUD

(ignoring her)

I’m sure we can find someone that will lone us some transport.

 

BARRET

Fine then. Let’s go.

 

The party starts walking. Meanwhile, Cait Sith hops his way up to Tifa.

 

CAIT SITH

(into Tifa’s ear)

Does Cloud know what he’s doing?

 

TIFA

I hope so.

 

CAIT SITH

We don’t want him to have another breakdown, especially with a spy in our midst.

 

TIFA

Just keep your cool. We all have an eye on each other.

 

INT. ROCKET TOWN - STREETS - NIGHT

 

The DOOR of the Rocket Town Bar opens and Palmer walks out. He looks at his WATCH and then looks to left at the rusty towering ROCKET in the north end of town. It is the rocket that was abandoned years ago.

 

Palmer’s concentration is broken when his PHONE rings. Quickly, he pulls it out and answers.

 

PALMER

(on phone)

This is Palmer.

 

INT. SHINRA TOWER - PRESIDENT’S OFFICE - NIGHT

 

We see RUFUS staring out the windows of his office down at Midgar while speaking on the phone.

 

INTERCUT RUFUS & PALMER

 

RUFUS

Palmer, this is Rufus.

 

 

PALMER

Yes, sir. Hello.

 

RUFUS

Do you have the Tiny Bronco yet?

 

PALMER

Negative. I talked to Cid, and it’ll take a lot for him to give it up.

 

 

Rufus sighs.

 

RUFUS

I recommend you try harder. The Turks are ready for the infiltration. All they need is that plane and Sephiroth is ours.

 

PALMER

Yes sir! I understand.

 

RUFUS

You promised me you’d be useful, Palmer. Should I now assume you were lying?

 

PALMER

No, Mr. President. That’s not necessary. I’ll get the plane from wherever Cid is hiding it.

 

RUFUS

Good.

 

Palmer hangs up the phone and walks, with purpose, through the town towards Cid’s place.

 

INT. HANGER - NIGHT

 

The large HANGER-LIKE DOORS of Cid’s mechanic garage slide open and Palmer storms in. He sees Cid lying down and working under a small PLANE. Palmer walks toward him with Cid’s pilot friend, YEAGER, steps in his path.

 

YEAGER

What do you want?

 

PALMER

Get out of my way. I’ve got to talk to Cid.

 

YEAGER

He’s busy.

 

CID (OS)

Let him in, Yeager. We have to talk.

 

Yeager snarls at Palmer and steps out of his way.

 

Meanwhile, Cid rolls out from under the plane. He wipes some OIL off his hands with a DIRTY WHITE RAG and walks over to Palmer.

 

PALMER

Looks like you haven’t lost all you’re skills if you’re still building planes.

 

CID

(pulling out a CIGARETTE)

I didn’t build it. I was fixing an oil leak.

 

Cid LIGHTS his cigarette with a lighter and takes a few puffs. A beat; then

 

CID

(to Yeager)

Yeager, I’ve got to talk to our fat friend here. You mind?

 

YEAGER

Not at all, Captain.

 

Yeager starts gathering his TOOLS and puts them in his tin TOOLBOX.

 

CID

(as Yeager finishes packing up)

Go have Shera make you tea or something. I’ll be up in a little bit.

 

YEAGER

I’ll do that.

 

He grabs his full toolbox and heads towards the doors. Cid and Palmer watch as he exits the hanger garage and SHUTS the doors leaving Cid alone with Palmer.

 

CID

So what do you want?

 

PALMER

I’m afraid I need an answer now, Cid.

 

CID

(arrogantly)

That what your boss want?

 

Palmer starts to walk in a small perimeter around Cid, as he continues to casually smoke his cigarette.

 

PALMER

This is your big opportunity for a comeback, Cid. You can realize your dream. Just hand over the Tiny Bronco.

 

Cid sighs.

 

PALMER

(CONT’D)

Have you thought it over?

 

CID

Not really. I’ve been shakin’ off a hangover all day.

 

PALMER

Well I’m sorry to pressure you like this.

 

Cid eyes move away from Palmer and start to look around inside the hanger.

 

A beat.

 

PALMER

I know this must be difficult for you, trading your first plane for your dreams.

 

CID

Do have your assurance that you will send me up no matter what?

 

PALMER

You have assurance, Cid. I guarantee you that you’ll be the first man in space.

 

Cid looks at Palmer and chuckles to himself.

 

CID

There’s the problem. Your word doesn’t mean diddily-shit to me.

 

PALMER

What are you saying?

 

CID

I’m saying, go fuck yourself. I want to hear from President Rufus. I know Shinra might just as well wipe their ass with a contract, so all I need is Rufus to give me his word.

 

PALMER

Why Rufus?

 

CID

He’s young, and still got dreams. I’m sure he already knows what kind of back stabbing piece of shit you already are, so he’ll understand why I want to hear it from him.

 

Palmer lets out a FRUSTRATED SIGH. A beat; then

 

PALMER

I’ll see what I can do.

 

CID

Good.

 

Cid looks at Palmer, who is standing staring at him. He reads some anger in his eyes.

 

CID

Well?

 

PALMER

What?

 

 

CID

I believe you have some phone calls to make. So if I were you...I’d get crackin’.

 

He smiles and BLOWS SMOKE from his cigarette right in Palmer’s face. Palmer lets the smoke disperse then STORMS out of the hanger.

 

We focus on Cid as he watches Palmer, off screen, leaving the hanger. We hear the DOORS CLOSE. A beat; then Cid walks over to the north part of the hanger. Waiting for him in the corner is his small office area, fully equipped with a DESK and FILE CABINETS.

 

Cid sits at his desk and extinguishes his cigarette in the GLASS ASHTRAY on this desk. He then leans back in his chair, bored. He swerves 180 degrees and looks at the wall behind him. On the wall are numerous PHOTOGRAPHS of Cid’s earlier days in the Air Force.

 

We PAN ACROSS the pictures and STOP at a picture with Cid and Gauthier.

 

CUT TO: Cid staring at the picture. The guilt is apparent.

 

CUT BACK TO the photographs. The camera PANS RIGHT to see a large PIN-UP of a NAKED CENTERFOLD. Cid smiles.

 

Suddenly, off screen, we hear the hanger doors OPEN again. Cid sighs and leans back in his chair, thinking its Palmer.

 

CID

Back so soon, Palmer?

(swerving around to face the doors)

I hope you brought me my good--

 

Cid stops in mid-sentence when he sees that it was Aeris who entered the hanger.

 

CID

Hello.

 

AERIS

(walking towards him)

Are you ‘the Captain’?

 

CID

(leaning forward in his desk)

That depends on who’s asking. Who are you?

 

AERIS

My name’s Aeris Gainsborough. I’m here with my friends.

 

CID

Who told you I was here?

 

AERIS

The bartender.

 

Cid smiles and stands up from his desk.

 

CID

I see.

(hitting on Aeris)

I should have known he’d send a beauty like you.

 

AERIS

What?

 

CID

(slowly walking toward Aeris)

Since he’s coverin’ the expenses...why don’t we get to it?

 

Confused, Aeris looks around nervously as, Cid seductively walks toward her.

 

AERIS

What’s going on?

 

CID

So where you from?

 

A beat; then Aeris figures out what’s going on. She lets out a small laugh.

 

AERIS

I’m not a prostitute.

 

Cid reaches Aeris and puts his hands on her shoulders. Aeris tries to resist laughing.

 

CID

Of course you’re not. You’re just girl who’s attracted to good lookin’ pilots like me.

 

Cid smiles and Aeris turns her head away at the smell of his breath.

 

CID

What’s the matter, baby?

 

AERIS

You smell like alcohol and cigarettes.

 

CID

And you smell like roses blooming in a meadow.

 

Aeris laughs again and pushes herself away from Cid.

 

AERIS

(struggling)

Listen, I’m not...here for you...

 

A beat.

 

AERIS

(CONT’D)

Well I am here for you...just not like you think.

 

Cid starts to move in closer again.

 

CID

(seductively)

What’d ya say we stop wasting time, and get to it?

 

He grabs Aeris by the shoulder again and moves in to kiss her when; SWISH! The sound of sword slicing through the air echoes throughout the hanger. Cid, feeling the tip of a sword against his neck, lifts his head up away from Aeris.

 

 

CID

(to whoever is behind him)

And who might you be?

 

PAN BACK to see Cloud holding his sword to Cid’s neck.

 

CLOUD

The name’s Cloud.

 

CID

(to Aeris)

A threesome? You are wild. But with another guy? I don’t swing that way.

 

CLOUD

Shut up.

 

Cid raises his arms in surrender.

 

CID

May I turn around?

 

CLOUD

Go ahead.

 

Cid turns around slowly to face Cloud.

 

CID

Nice sword.

 

CLOUD

Thanks.

 

Aeris walks past Cid and stands next to Cloud.

 

CID

I get it now. You two are con-artists, right? One of them seduces me, while the other sneaks in to rip me off.

 

CLOUD

Are you the Captain?

 

CID

(smiling)

That’s what people call me.

 

CLOUD

We need your help.

 

CID

Why should I help? You are holding a sword to my neck.

 

CLOUD

We heard you were still in league with Shinra. You can’t blame us for being cautious.

 

CID

(looking into Cloud’s glowing eyes)

If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were the one in league with Shinra.

 

AERIS

We’re not here to kill you.

 

CLOUD

We saw Palmer leave this hanger, and you’re telling me you’re not in league with him?

 

CID

Palmer and I got a deal goin’.

 

CLOUD

Then you lied to us.

 

CID

So? I’d expect the same from you SOLDIER-boy.

 

CLOUD

What did you call me?

 

CID

You were in SOLDIER, no? Shinra’s elite fighting force?

 

Cloud is silent...

 

A Beat.

 

 

 

CID

(CONT’D)

I was mere fighter pilot for Shinra. Members of SOLDIER do far worse things than measly pilots like me did. I’ve heard stories.

 

CLOUD

(angry)

What do you know about it?

 

Aeris puts her hand on Cloud’s shoulder.

 

AERIS

It’s okay Cloud. I think he’s drunk is all.

 

Cloud looks at Aeris - BOOM! Cid seizes the opportunity. He PUNCHES Cloud - grabs his shoulders with his forearm and SLAMS Cloud to the ground. Immediately as Cloud IMPACTS with the ground, Cid pulls out a SNUB NOSE PISTOL and aims it at Cloud.

 

CID

I forgot to tell you something about this measly pilot that’s aiming a gun at you.

 

A beat.

 

CID

(CONT’D)

I was the best.

 

Cid kicks Cloud’s sword away leaving him defenseless.

 

CLOUD

That’s why we’re here.

 

CID

What?

 

CLOUD

Because you’re the best.

 

Cid groans.

 

CID

What are you kissing my ass so I don’t kill you?

He moves the gun closer to Cloud’s head.

 

CID

(CONT’D)

Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t.

 

AERIS

Please. Don’t do this! We just came here because we need some help.

 

CID

Bullshit!

 

Meanwhile near the hanger doors, we see Barret peer his head in from outside.

 

CID CLOUD AERIS

 

Cid twitches his eye sensing that something is happening by the doors.

 

 

CID

(to Cloud)

Maybe I was wrong about you?

 

CLOUD

How so?

 

CID

It’s obvious you were in SOLDIER. I just didn’t know you’d go down so easily.

 

Cid slowly starts to back away from Cloud.

 

BARRET

 

We see Barret quietly enter the trying to evade Cid’s field of vision.

 

BOOM! Cid fires his gun. The bullet hit the hanger door an INCH away from Barret’s head. Barret hits the ground for cover.

 

CID CLOUD AERIS

 

Cid positions his gun back to Cloud’s head.

 

CID

Who’s your friend?

 

CLOUD

He’s with us.

 

CID

You should have taken advantage of my gun moving away from your skull.

 

CLOUD

I told you, we’re not here to fight.

 

CID

Then why hold a sword to my neck?

 

CLOUD

I thought you were going to rape Aeris.

 

Cid laughs.

 

CID

It’s been a year since I had my last good piece of ass. You can’t blame me.

 

A beat.

 

CLOUD

Put the gun down so we can talk. I promise nothing will happen.

 

Cid sighs and slowly lowers his gun.

 

CID

I guess if you wanted to start a fight you would have done it already.

 

CLOUD

(getting up)

Thank you.

 

CID

(holstering his pistol)

Don’t mention it.

 

He pulls out another CIGARETTE and puts it in his mouth.

 

CID

(lighting his cigarette)

You can tell darkie that it’s safe to come in.

 

CLOUD

Who?

 

CID

Your buddy trying to sneak in.

 

Cloud looks over at Barret, who’s still on the ground. He WAVES at him. Barret nods and gets up. He starts walking toward them.

 

CID

So what do ya guys want?

 

CLOUD

We heard the Captain was here.

 

CID

Captain? I’m the Captain. Real name’s Cid, though.

 

Cid walks over to the plane we was working on and leans up against the wing. Meanwhile, Barret catches up to Cloud and Aeris.

 

BARRET

Cloud, what the hell’s goin’ on? I come in to see what’s up and I’m getting fired at!

 

CLOUD

(pointing at Cid)

This is the guy we’re looking for.

 

BARRET

(pointing at Cid)

This drunken smelling piece of garbage is the Captain?

 

CID

That’s me, blackie.

 

BARRET

What’d you call me!?

 

CLOUD

Take it easy.

(to Cid)

Listen, we came into town a few hours ago. We asked around and heard that you were the best pilot here.

 

CID

You heard correctly.

 

CLOUD

We also hear you have an airship, one of the only few in existence.

 

CID

(boasting)

It may be only one of a few, but it’s the only working one on the planet.

 

CLOUD

I’m going to cut right to the chase. We need you to pilot us somewhere on your airship.

 

Cid laughs hysterically.

 

CLOUD

(CONT’D)

We’ll pay you handsomely.

 

CID

Please! There isn’t enough Gil in this planet that will make me pilot you somewhere.

 

BARRET

Is there anything we can give you?

 

CID

(looking at Aeris)

I’m sure we can think of something.

 

Realizing that Cloud is looking at Aeris, he SIGHS heavily. Angered, Barret gets in Cid’s face.

 

BARRET

All you pilots are they same! Skilled in the sky, but on the ground you’re nothin’ but alcoholic scum.

 

CID

A little harsh, no?

 

Cloud pulls Barret away from Cid. A beat; then

 

CLOUD

Alright listen, I’m not giving you Aeris. No way! But I can find you other women.

 

CID

Can you?

 

CLOUD

Yeah.

 

AERIS

Cloud, wait.

 

Cloud looks over at Aeris.

 

AERIS

(CONT’D)

If all I have to do is sleep with him...then it’s a small price to pay.

 

Cloud’s jaw drops slightly as he is shocked at what Aeris just said. He walks over to her.

 

CLOUD

Aeris, you can’t. You’ve never even--

 

AERIS

(interrupting)

Cloud, everything’s for the greater good of the planet. It’s not like putting my life on the line.

 

BARRET

With this scumbag, your life could be on the line.

 

Cid smiles, feeling complimented by Barret’s comment.

 

AERIS

(putting her hand on Cloud’s cheek)

It’ll be alright.

 

CLOUD

I’m not selling you like some street whore. I’m your bodyguard, remember?

 

AERIS

Cloud, this guy can supply us with everything we need to beat Shinra to Sephiroth.

 

CLOUD

No.

 

Aeris puts her finger on Cloud’s lips silencing him.

 

AERIS

This is my decision.

 

A beat; then Aeris walks over to Cid.

 

AERIS

I’m ready.

 

Cid looks into her eyes then; he CHUCKLES.

 

CID

Does it suck to me right now or what?

 

CLOUD

What are you talking about?

 

CID

She doesn’t have to fuck me.

 

CLOUD

You’ll fly us for free?

 

CID

Hell no. You’re not getting my airship.

 

CLOUD

Why not?

 

CID

‘Cause, I don’t have it anymore. Those Shinra pricks took it from me.

 

Aeris sighs in relief and smiles.

 

BARRET

Why the hell didn’t you say so!? Instead you’re beating around the bush trying to sleep with Aeris! What the hell were you going to do, have sex with her and then tell us you didn’t have the ship!?

 

CID

No. I may be a bastard, but I’m no fucking bastard.

 

Cid extinguishes his cigarette on the ground with his foot and pulls out a SILVER FLASK. He takes some sips of the drink inside.

 

 

CLOUD

Can you still help us?

 

CID

I don’t know.

 

A beat.

 

CID

(CONT’D)

Come on. I’ll buy your lady friend a beer. I owe it to ya after putting you through what I did. We’ll talk there.

 

Cid pockets his flask and grabs his blue pilot coat, which was hanging on the plane’s propeller, and puts it on. He starts walking towards the hanger doors while Cloud, Barret, and Aeris stand still watching him.

 

CID (OS)

You comin’ or not?

 

A beat; then Cloud, Barret, and Aeris start to follow Cid.

 

BARRET

This guy’s fucked up.

 

CLOUD

Let’s just follow him. He can still help us.

 

EXT. ROCKET TOWN - HANGER - NIGHT

 

Cid exits the hanger only to met by Nanaki and Cait Sith.

 

CID

Whoa. What the hell is this? A fuckin’ animal farm?

 

NANAKI

You must be the infamous Captain. I’m Nanaki and this is Cait Sith.

 

CAIT SITH

Hi’ya, Captain.

 

CID

You can talk too?

 

NANAKI

Indeed I can, and I’m also quite intelligent.

 

CID

Uh-huh.

(to Cait Sith)

And what the hell are you? You some sort of giant moving pillow?

 

CAIT SITH

I resent that, sir. I’m a cat. The big pillow thing is my Mog.

 

CID

Your Mog?

 

CAIT SITH

Yeah.

 

Cid nods. A beat; then Cloud, Barret, and Aeris exit the hanger.

 

CLOUD

(to Nanaki and Cait Sith)

Good you’re here. Where’s Yuffie and Tifa?

 

NANAKI

We weren’t sure what was taking so long so they went to find somewhere to sleep.

 

CLOUD

Oh.

 

NANAKI

We heard a gunshot. What happened?

 

CID

(pulling out his snub nose)

You mean this?

 

NANAKI

Is everyone alright?

 

CLOUD

Yeah we’re fine.

 

Cid looks at Cait Sith, mesmerized. A beat.

 

CAIT SITH

What!?

 

CID

(aiming the pistol at Cait Sith)

If I were to shoot that big marshmallow thing...would you feel it?

 

CAIT SITH

Would you put that thing away!?

 

CLOUD

He’s right, Cid. We don’t have time.

 

CID

Whatever you say.

 

He pockets the snub nose.

 

BARRET

How ‘bout that beer so we can talk?

 

CID

Right. The bar’s this way.

 

Cid starts to walk toward a building with ‘TAVERN’ written on a sign above it. He STOPS suddenly for he just remembered something important.

 

CID

Shit!

 

CLOUD

What’s wrong?

 

CID

What time is it?

 

BARRET

It’s an hour past midnight...roughly.

 

CID

Dammit to hell.

 

CLOUD

What’s the problem?

 

CID

It’s last call. We won’t have enough time to talk.

 

AERIS

Now what?

 

CID

We’ll go to my house. There’s plenty of booze there.

 

BARRET

I bet.

 

Cid starts to lead the party towards his house.

 

INT. CID’S HOME - MAIN ROOM - NIGHT

 

The DOOR of Cid’s 3 ROOM HOUSE opens up and Cid walks in followed by the party, minus Tifa and Yuffie. The main room of Cid’s house is the LIVING ROOM, KITCHEN, and DINING ROOM all adjoined.

 

At the STOVE tending to some TEA, is SHERA, a young brunette woman with glasses. Shera looks over and sees Cid enter.

 

SHERA

Hi Cid.

 

CID

(passive)

Yeah, hi.

 

Cid takes off his coat and HANGS it on a HOOK on the wall. A beat.

 

CID

(to Cloud and the others)

You guys can sit down.

 

Cid gestures to a circular TABLE. Cloud nods and the party walks over to it. Cloud, Aeris, and Barret sit down. Cait Sith leaps off his Mog and onto Aeris lap whereas Nanaki just sits on the floor.

 

CLOUD

(looking around)

Nice place you got.

 

Cid chuckles and takes out a CIGARETTE.

 

CID

(lighting his cigarette)

Well that’s all thanks to Shera here. If it were just me here, there’d be shit all over the place.

 

AERIS

(petting Cait Sith; to Shera)

I take it, you’re Shera?

 

SHERA

That’s me.

 

AERIS

(to Cid)

Wait a second! You were trying to sleep with me when you have a wife!?

 

CID

(chuckling)

You think this skank is my wife?

 

Shera sighs.

 

BARRET

Nice choice of words.

 

CID

You can’t expect me to be all cheery to the broad who destroyed my space flight.

 

In the background we see Shera hurt at what Cid is saying.

 

 

CLOUD

I take it that crooked rocket out there was supposed to be your ride.

 

CID

(sitting down at the table)

Damn straight.

 

NANAKI

If I may interject for a minute,

(everyone looks at Nanaki)

If Shera is not your mate, and I take it she’s not your girlfriend, then why is she here?

 

Before Cid can answer, Shera walks over to the table with the POT of tea.

 

SHERA

I owe it to him to for I did.

 

AERIS

So you did sabotage his mission?

 

Shera shamefully nods.

 

SHERA

Now I clean up around his place, and try to keep him from becoming a full blown alcoholic.

 

CID

(jokingly)

You aint that good, sweetness.

 

SHERA

(ignoring Cid)

It’s my way of repaying him for what I did. You want some tea?

 

AERIS

Sure.

 

Shera nods and sets the pot down on top of CLOTH PAD. She walks into the kitchen area and grabs several MUGS.

 

SHERA

Anyone else want any?

 

CLOUD

No thanks.

 

BARRET

I’ll take a glass.

 

Shera nods.

 

SHERA

Cid?

 

CID

I got my whiskey.

 

SHERA

(jokingly)

Is that a yes?

 

 

 

 

CID

(angry)

Would you stop fuckin’ horsing around and get them some tea.

 

She sighs and walks over to the table with two mugs.

 

AERIS

Why do you have to be so cruel?

 

CID

Because I can.

 

Shera fills the mugs with tea and walks back into the kitchen.

 

CID

(leaning forward)

So let’s get down to business. You said you needed my help.

 

CLOUD

We need transportation.

 

CID

Well you came to right place.

 

Cid laughs to himself. A beat.

 

CID

What kind you looking for?

 

CLOUD

We’re hoping you could tell us. Your airship was what we had in mind.

 

Cid rubs his chin, pondering whether or not to help Cloud.

 

CID

Where you headed?

 

BARRET

It’s a secret.

 

 

 

CID

(chuckling)

Is he serious?

 

A beat.

 

CID

(CONT’D)

You expect me to loan you one of my planes, and not know where you’re going with it?

 

BARRET

What’s wrong with that?

 

CID

My planes are like my children. Hell, I’d take them over any real kids any day.

 

AERIS

You have kids?

 

CID

No...not that I know of anyway. I’ve had a lot in women in my day though.

 

BARRET

(snapping back)

Too bad you can’t get any now.

CID

You’re quite the smart ass, blackie.

 

BARRET

(standing up from the table, angry)

My friends call me Barret.

 

CID

Well I aint your friend,

(blowing smoke in his face)

...blackie.

 

Barret raises a BALLED UP FIST ready to strike Cid. Just as quick, Cloud stands up and grabs his forearm. Cid casually sits at the table like nothing’s happening.

 

CLOUD

Enough of this. Barret, sit down.

 

Barret looks at Cloud. A beat; then Barret STORMS out of the house.

 

CAIT SITH

Can we get back to why we’re here please?

 

NANAKI

He’s right. We don’t exactly have all the time in the world.

 

CLOUD

(sitting back down)

Will you loan us one of your planes or not?

 

CID

I don’t know. Do any of you boneheads even know how to fly?