The Truth Behind Midgar
By Hatred's Legacy

Chapter Two

President Nibori sat in the Conference Hall at the head of the table, and listened diligently to every scientist's data report and opinion. Well, he attempted to pay attention. But Settan's earlier doubts were really starting to eat at him.

Could he have been right? Should taxation be brought into the system?

Ever since he and Settan had been children, Settan had always had a pessimistic outlook on life. While he was eternally damned to always be optimistic about a situation. No matter how hopeless the situation may be. Sometimes that had proven to be his downfall...

Nibori's attention snapped back to the conference as Professor Gast, a particularly bright and young scientist that showed great promise for the future, piped up after one of the older scientists finally got winded from rambling on and on.

"Well, I see no reason why our solar-power technology, however new and innovative it is, should not reach every corner of the Planet. It's safe to the environment and highly efficient."

"Yes, well, that's all well and good. But what about once its night?" Asked one of the more newly employed scientists.

Amused chuckles passed around the table.

"Don't be silly, Hojo. The sun emits so much solar energy that we couldn't possibly run out. We've long since figured out how to harvest and store the energy for later usage," Gast stated knowingly.

Professor Hojo sneered at Gast. "Don't you dare talk down to me, Gast," he spat out.

At this time President Nibori intervened before things degenerated into petty insults. "All right! Since everyone's given their report, meeting adjourned."

The brilliant minds of Midgar shuffled out the door, talking and muttering amongst themselves. All but one that is. It seemed Hojo had a bone to pick with him.

"Yes, Professor Hojo?" He asked politely as he could. He really didn't have a great liking for this character.

"President Nibori, I wish to file a complaint about Gast, and request his immediate dismissal."

"Oh, is that so?" He had been expecting something of this nature for quite a few days now. Hojo and Gast being on the same continent, let alone in the same room, was just a time bomb waiting to go off. The two were simply too different to ever possibly get along.

"Yes, President," Hojo said silkily. "Professor Gast has had it in for me since day one. He is constantly insulting me in front of our peers. He has no respect for a man's opinion or integrity." Hojo sniffed indignantly.

"Well, Professor Hojo," he replied. "It seems to me that you are the one who is always instigating these little spouts. In fact, I've never once witnessed Gast say an unkind word to you. So, until I see some evidence for your claims, your complaint and request are respectfully dismissed."

Hojo's face blotched red in anger, all the while spluttering for words. He was obviously used to getting his way. And this time he hadn't gotten it.

"Is that all, Hojo?" He said calmly, hoping that the man would take the subtle hint and leave him be.

Hojo continued to stand where he was, trembling with rage at the Presidents obvious disinterest in his woes. "But, sir," he bit out. "I ask you to reconsider your deci--"

"Hojo, leave at once. Or I will be forced to call Security and have them escort you out of the building." Well, he had not wanted to be so cruel. But the man was getting on his last nerve. Plus he couldn't have employees showing subordination.

The persistent scientist finally took a hint, and clamped his mouth shut. Giving a curt nod that almost seemed to be petulant, he turned on his heels and brusquely walked out of the conference room.

Nibori ran a hand through his blonde hair, troubled green eyes squeezed shut against the tension headache he could feel coming. He didn't know why in the hell he had allowed Settan to talk him into hiring Hojo onto the team. Sure, the man was brilliant. But he was simply too pompous. This latest event would certainly make him consider letting the overly arrogant scientist go.

"Nibori, are you okay?" A voice asked from the doorway.

"Huh? Oh, yes, yes. I'm quite fine, Settan," he replied, waving away the concern. "I'm just tired. Haven't been able to spend much time with my family either."

"Ah, yes. How are your wife and little boy... Vincent, was it?"

"They're fine. They miss me. My wife threatens me that one day I'll come home only to discover my own son knows not who I am." He grimaced slightly at such a grim prospect.

"Don't speak of such things, Nibori!" He admonished. "Look, I have some bad news to break to you."

Nibori let out a muffled groan but wearily raised his head and peered into his friend's face. "What is it?"

Settan shifted his weight uncomfortably, and let out a deep breath. "It concerns the Mayor of Celestial Village..." He paused for a moment, letting the weight of the matter sink in. "His body was found behind the Church. Nibori, I am deeply sorry..."

Surprisingly, Nibori did not respond in quite the way Settan had expected. He simply sat there quietly, wearing an expressionless visage. It unsettled him somehow. It really wasn't like Nibori to be so... Calm. Especially with the news of his childhood friend's death. He needed to do something. Anything to prompt the man out of his moody silence.

"Nibori?"

Nibori did not bother to answer. He simply waved his hand, gesturing for Settan to exit the room.

"Of course, Sir." He did not begrudge Nibori for his attitude. After all, what man would want to be seen at his most vulnerable state? Mourning. "But before I leave, sir. I'd like to strongly suggest that you take the rest of the day off. Spend some time with that family you miss so much. After all, you don't want that son of yours growing up without knowing the real you."

Nibori gently nodded his head. "I thank you, Settan. I shall heed your advice and visit my family."

~ ~ ~

Professor Hojo hovered over a personal experiment of his in his laboratory, muttering occasionally to himself. The door squeaked open behind him, and footsteps signalled someone stepping just inside the musty room.

"Go away! No one's permitted in here!" He screeched irritably, not bothering to turn around. Those damned, lowly assistants were always trying to pester him. Always wanting his wise advice.

"Oh, is that so?" A voice inquired. A very recognizable voice.

Hojo nearly dropped a vial in his hand from surprise. Nearly. "You!? What are you doing down here?" He asked, as he turned to face his visitor.

"I merely require your services. That is all."

"Mm. And why should I help you?"

"Because if you do not assist me. I will happily have you assassinated."

"Ah... And if I were to help, what would be my... reward?" He snickered softly. "Surely a promotion would be in order. Hmm?"

"... Done."

"What is it you need?"

Author's Note: Yes, the son of Nibori is Vincent Valentine. I know I said earlier that no members of AVALANCHE would be in this short story, but I like to tie things together that were left a mystery in the game. This also leaves me an opening for another short story that I have some ideas about. And you readers out there--Review!