After the long cutscene, you'll find that Cloud isn't with you anymore. He fell to the gigantic lifestream explosion in the Northern Crater. However, you don't have to worry about Cloud; he'll show back up later.
For some time henceforth, you're mainly controlling Tifa, and Cloud's materia and accessory have been returned to your inventory. Tifa wakes up after being knocked out for seven days. Barret shows her what's happening outside; the Meteor is coming from the skies.
Escaping Junon
Rufus and Heidegger show up and clap you in irons. They have decided to cheer up the populace with a televised public execution. For a brief while, you're controlling Barret. Follow Tifa and the soldiers downstairs, where you'll see a save point. You'll end up in the press room. Scarlet throws Tifa in the gas chamber and the guards lock her there, but you'll notice a guard drops the key.
Just as Scarlet, the sadistic executioner, starts to see Tifa squirm and beg for mercy, the base gets attacked by one of the Weapons released from the crater. The monster's name is Sapphire Weapon, although the name isn't mentioned anywhere in the game. Also, it turns out one of the reporters was Cait Sith in disguise. Barret can't easily get the gas chamber door open, so Cait Sith suggests opening it from elsewhere, and they join up. Equip the characters as you see fit.
As you leave, you find out that Scarlet woke up and locked the door from inside. Cait Sith gets a great idea, but won't tell you what it is - head right down to the airfield. Outside, if you've gotten Yuffie, she's here - talk to her and she's back in the fray. Press on. Head to the upper level on the airfield and go right where the big airship is waiting.
Meanwhile, in the gas chamber, help Tifa escape confinement. Follow the on-screen instructions to do the following:
- Slide down, and pull the key closer.
- Pick up the key with your feet.
- Take the key with your mouth.
- Transfer the key to your hand to unlock the manacles.
Then use the console on left to shut down the gas. Sapphire Weapon wants to really roast the Junon base, and gashes a big hole in the wall. It's right where the gas chamber was, so to get out climb down the wall and run down the long barrel. Scarlet shows up and tries to slap Tifa. Tifa isn't handcuffed now, of course. You'll enter into a slapping match, and eventually Scarlet yields and notes that Tifa has nowhere to go but to jump down to her death. Luckily, the airship Highwind shows up. Barret tosses down a rope and Tifa leaps aboard, escaping.