Quite some time has passed back at the Shinra Building since Zack's terrible performance during the training session with Angeal. Zack began doing his normal routine of squats on the SOLDIER Floor, starting to grow impatient at the lack of assignments and the recent in training exercises. Kunsel, a SOLDIER 2nd Class and friend, notices that something's bothering him.

"Hey Zack, you seem a little on edge." Kunsel says as he sits down on the steps next to Zack.

"Is it that obvious?" Zack replies. "All this training and no assignments. Like they're hanging me out to dry. You must be pretty busy with everyone off base."

"Off-base?" Kunsel replied, looking a little confused. Then it occurred to him that Zack must've not heard about what has happened. "Wait, haven't you heard? There's been a mass desertion at SOLDIER."

Upon hearing this, Zack stopped doing squats and looked over at his friend a look of surprise came over Zack's face.

"It appears one of the 1sts deserted." Kunsel explained, "He took a bunch of 2nds and 3rds with him, too. Nobody knows why he left, or what he's up to. This mass desertion's the reason your training's on hold."

"Head's up, a 1st!" Kunsel exclaimed, just as a SOLDIER 1st Class operative, who Zack recognized as Angeal, came walking towards them.

"Zack, new assignment." Angeal announced.

"Woo! Finally!" Zack replied with delight. "Some real action!"

"This will be your show." Angeal explained.

"Yes!" Zack replied, trying to hold back his excitement.

Report to Director Lazard in the briefing room. We'll give you the details." Angeal answered, as he made his way to the briefing room.

When Zack arrived in the briefing room's conference area, he finds Angeal and Director Lazard, who he has never met before, are waiting to get Zack's mission briefing underway. The man gets up, and introduces himself to Zack.

"Zack. It's good to finally meet face to face. Lazard, Director of SOLDIER." Lazard replies as he extends his hand for a handshake.

"Heya." Zack replies, and shakes his hand.

"On to buisness." Lazard explains, as he begins typing on the computer in front of him, and brings up a bio on the projection screen in front of them. Underneath the profile image reads 'M.I.A. - Missing In Action'.

"SOLDIER 1st Class Genesis. A month ago, he went missing during a mission in Wutai. Know anything about this?" Lazard asked.

"Not much." Zack replied. "All I heard that he deserted, and that he took a bunch of 2nds and 3rds with him, that's all Kunsel explained to me."

"The mission is currently stuck in limbo." Lazard explained."That's why we've decided to send you."

"Uh, to Wutai? To finish his mission?" Zack replied with a confused look over his face.

"Yes. This War has gone on for long enough." Lazard explained.

"I've recommended you for 1st." Angeal announced.

A look of euphoria came over Zack's face, who couldn't hold back the excitement from what his mentor just said.

"Angeal! I love you man!" Zack shouted, as he ran over and started to bear hug his mentor. "Ang-"

"Don't make me regret this, Zack." Angeal responds as he pushes Zack off of him.

"Sir!" Zack responds.

"Once you're packed, you'll leave at once." Angeal explained.

"I'll be joining you as well. I'm counting on you." Lazard added.

"Sir!" Zack replied as he stood at attention.

"By the way, what is your dream? "To become 1st"… is it?" Lazard asked.

"No..." Zack replied as he thought for a moment. "To become a hero!"

"Ah, good!" Lazard replied. "Unattainable dreams are the best kind."

"Uh, thanks?" Zack responded, not knowing if Lazard was being serious or sarcastic.

Without further delay, Angeal, Lazard, and Zack made their way up to the helipad atop the Shinra Building, where a helicopter waited to take them to Wutai. The three men boarded the craft, and it took them off into the night sky to their area of opertion.