I'm really liking your fem cloud interpretation.

It is my understanding that the "1st class" are only known as commanders since they are like the SAS or SEALS of ShinRa but without real ranks and the TURKS are like MI5 or CIA or FBI after all Hollander is in charge of the "regular army" while Lazard is in charge of SOLDIER and Veid/Teseng/Rufus are in charge of TURKS.

This story is great! I love the way you made Zack actually a puppy XD and the way you explained mutations makes a lot of sense! The feathers were a nice touch :) good luck and God bless!

lol now Cloud has another reason to be called "chocobo head"

Words cannot express my love for this AU.