Sephiroth approached the large, imposing doors of the briefing room, which creaked open as he pushed them aside. Angeal and Genesis followed closely behind. Inside, the room was illuminated by the soft glow of a large holographic map projected in the center. Lazard was seated at the head of the table, his gaze fixed on the data flickering on his computer screen.
He surveyed the room with a sense of déjà vu. The setup, the holographic projector, and even the layout of the room were reminiscent of the briefings he had attended during the early days of the Wutai war. Those battles had been pivotal in shaping his reputation as a hero, and the drive to uphold that image never truly faded.
Lazard looked up from his screen, a hint of a smile on his lips. "Gentlemen, I trust you're prepared for today's briefing?"
Sephiroth nodded, taking his place beside Angeal and Genesis.
Lazard's tone turned serious. "As you know, the Wutai war has been ongoing for the past few years. While we've made staggering progress due to your fine work and everything has toned down, we need to end this war once and for all. Fort Tamblin, the final stronghold of Wutai resistance, is our target. We need to infiltrate and capture this fort for a decisive victory."
Genesis flipped through his Loveless book, barely glancing up. "With all due respect, Lazard, three First Class SOLDIERs seem excessive for this task. Second Class could handle a weakened enemy."
Lazard's eyes twinkled with mild amusement as he got up from his chair. "Tell me, Genesis, how do you win a war?"
Genesis, uninterested in answering this question, glanced over to Sephiroth, who sighed briefly.
"Propaganda wins wars," Sephiroth said with a touch of irritation. This was very familiar to him. "So basically, you want us to demonstrate Shinra's real power."
"Exactly. We need to show up with the highest ranks of Shinra. Angeal will lead the attack on the fort with the Second Class SOLDIERs. This should be more than enough to bring the fort down. Sephiroth and Genesis will work with the new cadets to secure and protect the civilians in the surrounding area."
"The new cadets?" Angeal interjected, raising an eyebrow. "Why would inexperienced cadets be on the field?"
"Their participation is part of the display. The aim is to project power and capability, both from our seasoned SOLDIERs and from the next generation. It's about making a statement."
"I disagree. Involving the cadets in this manner to showcase their potential will expose them to unnecessary risks," Sephiroth said, looking directly at Lazard who sat down.
"They will not engage in direct combat. Their role will be restricted to securing and evacuating operations. Raith and Mira have reported promising cadets in this batch. It wouldn't hurt to give them a chance on the field."
"When does this mission start?" Genesis said as he glanced at Lazard and back to his book.
"At dawn."
"This early?" Angeal exclaimed.
"We need to end this war swiftly. Shinra plans to commence work on the Mako reactor in Wutai immediately after," Lazard said, his expression becoming stern.
Sephiroth sighed but nodded in agreement. Lazard continued, "You'll receive the detailed mission briefing shortly. You're dismissed."
As the meeting concluded, the trio exited the briefing room. Angeal broke the silence as his mood lifted by the idea of working with his friends again. "It's been a while since we've had a mission together. Feels like old times."
Genesis, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow but managed a smirk. "Let's hope it goes as smoothly as it did back then."
Sephiroth, however, remained deep in thought, his brow furrowed.
"What's wrong?" Angeal placed his hand on Sephiroth's shoulder, noticing his concerns.
"Nothing," Sephiroth replied curtly, though his mind was still racing back and forth.
"Go to Raith and Mira to brief the new cadets and get them ready. We move at dawn." He commanded Genesis who nodded and headed off, leaving him and Angeal to prepare for the mission ahead.
As the duo moved to prepare for their roles, Mira and Raith were already heading to the training hall. They had received the briefing from Genesis and knew they needed to get the cadets ready quickly.
Raith entered the training hall, his authoritative presence immediately drawing the cadets' attention.
"Listen up," General Raith began, his voice commanding. "You have been selected for a mission in Wutai. Your primary duties will be to secure and assist civilians if needed. This is a no-combat operation for you. Avoid engaging the enemy at all costs. You will be divided into two teams like before and will report back to us."
Mira joined him, her tone firm and clear. "You have one hour to prepare. Wear the public security uniforms provided. Your task is to support and do as told. Do your tasks efficiently. You are the future of this company, and you need to demonstrate this."
A murmur of understanding spread through the cadets as they began to process the instructions.
"This is going to be amazing, Ren!" Zack said with a wide grin while getting ready as instructed. "Can you believe we get to be in a field mission this early?"
Ren offered a small smile in response. "Let's make sure we're ready."
Ren carefully inspected her katana as she prepared for the mission. She ran her fingers along the blade, ensuring it was in perfect condition.
"This is a no-combat mission," Zack pointed out as he noticed Ren securing the katana on her back. "You won't need your sword, you know."
Ren looked up from her inspection, offering her new friend a genuine smile. "I know. It's just that having it with me gives me peace of mind. It's more about the comfort it provides me."
Zack nodded, understanding her sentiment as they went back to the training hall, ready to be transported to Wutai. They were never told that they could not take their weapons.
Once all the cadets were gathered in the hall, the three First Class SOLDIERs appeared before them. Sephiroth stepped forward, his imposing presence commanding attention. He surveyed the cadets with a stern gaze before speaking.
"You are here because you have shown potential. Today, you will have the opportunity to prove yourselves as the future of Shinra SOLDIERs. Stay vigilant, follow your general's orders, and remember your training. We are counting on you," Sephiroth said with a professional yet encouraging tone.
His eyes met Ren's briefly, a fleeting moment of concern showing before he continued. "We leave for Wutai now."
With that, the group moved out, boarding their respective transports. The ride to Wutai was quiet in the cadets' transport, the air thick with nervous tension.
The reality of their mission loomed large, and each cadet was lost in their thoughts, mentally preparing for what lay ahead.