Chapter Five
"And so, it is with the greatest of sorrows and honor that I accept the responsibility of being President," announced Settan.
The crowd below cheered happily, sure that their future was safe in his hands.
"And to make sure such a horrible conspiracy never occurs again, I shall be making a few new reforms. My ShinRa Weapon's Development Division will be receiving more funds. People of Midgar, in honor of Nibori," Settan suppressed a sneer and instead adopted a sorrowful tone. "I will do my very best to protect you. And believe me, the Weapon's Development is in your best interest."
Settan's main job when Nibori had been in power was not only Vice Presidency, but also the running of the Electric Power Company. Both he and Nibori had founded it, but he had been left in charge of it. This was, in essence, how he had run across Mako in the first place. Always in search of a better way to fuel their technology. And he was now all to happy to stick his name onto the company and claim it all as his very own creation.
He was also the sole founder and owner of ShinRa Weapon's Development. But Nibori had been strongly opposed to the research and manufacturing of weapons. He had wanted a Utopia. How naive Nibori had been. With his new attainment of Presidency, he would no longer be able to personally run the Weapon's Development Division. He had a certain young vixen in mind though...
The people, as always, wildly cheered. No blame could be found with them. They could not see beyond the man's facade. They had no idea of the evils that lurked within the chambers of his dark heart.
"But, I regret to inform you that some major changes must come about in order to ensure your safety and our economic growth. First, solar power will no longer be in use. Instead, we will be building eight Mako Reactors throughout this great city of Midgar. They'll make life even easier for you! They are the future.
"Second, I will be stepping up the army. From this day on, it shall be called SOLDIER. SOLDIER will be divided into classes, the highest honor of course going to people who are worthy of being in First Class. People who join SOLDIER will receive a hefty and regular salary as well."
The crowd was beyond elation. This new army of his would mean more jobs for many. They soon took to joyously chanting his new title and name.
"President ShinRa! President ShinRa!"
After the appointment of his Presidency, President Settan ShinRa called Reeve on a personal communicator. He had a few matters to attend to.
"Hello?" The other end answered.
"Ah, Reeve. I told you your hard work would be rewarded. I'm making you head of the City Development Division since you helped Nibori design and build Midgar in the first place. No doubt this will be putting your talents to use. I will be wanting you to make a few... Changes to the city though."
Reeve suppressed his outrage. "As you wish, Sir." Hatred seethed just below the surface of Reeve's voice. One day he would redeem himself. One day.
"Good. And remember Nibori's son--Vincent? I want you to put him under the care of Heidegger. He's also been promoted, but to the Public Maintenance and Order Division. I have a few new ideas, and I think Vincent will fit nicely into my plans. We should be able to put his hatred to use in a new elite force I've named the Turks.
"Oh, and also inform Hojo for me that he has been promoted to head of the Chemistry Division. I can't be bothered with any more menial tasks. I have too much work I need to get done."
"Yes, Sir."
A soft click and then static as the conversation ended.
Within ten years, almost all vegetation in Midgar perished. The citizens easily forgot about solar power and the names of their precious villages within the once great city of Midgar. True, Mako Reactors diminished most of the hardships they had once been so afflicted by. But it seemed with the more technological advances ShinRa made, the more the quality of life for the denizens of Midgar diminished.
They were not alone. But felt alone.
Some dared to whisper that technology was beginning to be the ruination of them all, but these few soon quietly disappeared. The whispers in the dark were effectively ceased. No one wanted to tempt fate.
After all, Mako Reactors was the Future.
