Chapter 2: Arrival
The bus carrying Zack pulled up to busy bus terminal in sector 8. As Zack hopped out of the bus he was knocked to the ground by a man carrying a briefcase. By the time Zack got up, the man had disappeared in the massive crowd that seemed to stretch for miles. After wading through the people, Zack finally found a map of Midgar that may as well have been in jibberish as it made no sence whatsoever. He then proceeded to ask random people for directions to the ShinRa building. Many of the answers he received went somewhat along the lines of "Your wasting my time kid!" and "That way" they would say pointing in a random direction. After an hour or so asking around, he finally came to an elderly man who had a ShinRa ID badge on him."Yo, gramps. You work for ShinRa?" asked Zack."Yeah, why?" said the ShinRa employee."Thank God. I need directions to the ShinRa building. Don't suppose I can just tag along with you"The man looked at his watch in a frustrated manner."Yeah sure, just be quick. If you fall behind, I ain't comin back for ya" the employee said.
"Great!" Zack exclaimed with relief. He picked up his stuff and hurried behind the ShinRa employee.
When they arrived at the ShinRa HQ, just before the man branched off to do his own thing, he asked Zack what his business was with ShinRa. "I am going to become the most famous SOLDIER on the planet" Zack replied while standing in a somewhat heroic pose. The ShinRa employee stared at him. "Uhh, yeah, sure kid. Well good luck I guess."Won't need it" said Zack with a thumbs up.
After Zack and the employee parted ways, Zack entered the ShinRa building through the front main entrance and could happily have skipped to the information desk but didn't want to risk looking like a pansy. As he made his way towards the information desk, he couldn't help but notice how grand a building it was. the first floor itself seemed bigger than most of the houses in Gongaga put together.
There was a short, brunette lady working behind the information desk, Zack took a liking to her immediately.
With a macho look on his face, Zack announced "Hello, I'm Zack Fair. I'm here to join SOL"The receptionist quickly cut him off, saying what seemed like an automated message."All new recruits take the door behind me, put your bags down in the locker room, go upstairs, take the elevator to the 69th floor and wait at the bottom of the stairs with all of the other recruits. Here's your elevator card, have a nice day." Zack gave her a blank look, took his elevator card and followed her instructions.
As he walked into the elevator he noticed the that the only thing separating him from the outside, was a thin layer of glass. He pressed the button for the 69th floor, folded his arms, leaned against the wall and stared out at the city that would now serve as his home for a while. As he looked out the window, he saw many cars and people slowly getting smaller and smaller as he traveled upward in the structure.
The door opened to reveal 15 other boys his age. They all looked fit and in top condition to try out for SOLDIER. He walked over to the group and started to introduce himself as "Zack, soon to be the worlds best SOLDIER". Most of the other recruits just laughed and went about their business while some went along with the act and bowed down in a mockingly way to the "soon to be best SOLDIER". Zack enjoyed the attention while it lasted. All of a sudden, an announcement came from over the PA system announcing that all new recruits must walk up the stairs on the left or right and form in an orderly fashion for President ShinRa, and await his orders.
There were mixed feelings of nervousness and joy scattered through the crowd of hopefulls. None of them had met President ShinRa before. One of the boys looked over to Zack, noticing that he looked as if it was an every day thing. "Aren't you nervous?" Asked the boy with worry in his eyes.Zack chuckled "Are you kidding me? I got this one in the bag.
The other boy raced off to his friends who where straitening their shirts and hair, leaving Zack to himself.
They started to ascend the stairs. Their hearts beat faster with each step up they took. When they reached the top they formed in lines of 3 x 5 (Diagram follows)
o o o o o
o o o o o
o o o o o
They all stood with their arms at their sides and awaited the presidents arrival. Not a word was spoken between them.