The Mako Reactor, Exterior

There were nine Mako reactors in Midgar. Eight ringed around the city in a circle, giving plentiful power to the citizens and to Shinra. One underneath Shinra Tower, the towering headquarters of the most powerful company on the Planet.

But Mako wasn't only good for power. Although materia could condense naturally, it was primarily an artificial process. It could be condensed into various forms of -- well -- magic.

And magic was the key to the mission tonight, to bomb the first Mako reactor constructed in Midgar. As the soldiers approached, Cloud calmly knelt down, inserting a 'Protect' materia into his armor.

They said not to bring a sword to a knife fight, but that didn't factor in materia. With this materia, which he'd nabbed from a security office of Shinra as a first act for AVALANCHE, the gunfire would merely bruise him.

Safe in the knowledge that the weapons wouldn't kill him, Cloud methodically carved up two guards. And then two more. And two more after that for good measure.

Finally, he reached the corner, near where the crew was working to open a door. He heard Jessie and Biggs talking.

"So what's SOLDIER boy's deal? Is he one of us now?" Jessie asked, curious. "He's got a big set of balls this uh ... what's his name again?"

"Cloud Strife," Biggs said, not for the first time. "And he isn't a SOLDIER anymore, but he's still a professional. More than I can say for you."

"Shut it, Biggs," Jessie said. "He's hot stuff. I could look at him all day ..."

"Some of us aren't all about looks, Jessie," Biggs said sourly.

"It's what most people notice first," Jessie said, putting her hand on her hip. Flushing, Cloud walked around the corner.

Jessie whistled. "The man of the hour himself." She walked over to Cloud, reaching down brashly into his pants, cupping his cock. If she was disappointed, she wasn't showing it. She winked at him. "Let's get together after we blow her away, huh?"

"Yeah, whatever," Cloud said testily. He'd been cockteased more than once, after all.