It took a long time for me to figure out what I wanted to do in this chaptyr, but I think I've finally got an idea. So without further adue, chaptyr 6.

In this chaptyr we will see the ending of that SeeD contract that was forged so long ago. It's all very political.

Still not owning…

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Seifer was the rightful president of Galbadia, but his part as a sorceress' knight was over and he only wanted to be a normal teenager anymore. With the help of Squall's negotiating power, he was able to give up his seat in exchange for amnesty. The rule of Galbadia was now under Squalls belt along with headmaster of Balamb Garden. He had lobbied for the position, not because he wanted to be their president, but because he wanted to be the one to appoint the 'right' person for the job.

After leaving his gathering with Ellone, he headed to the conference to discuss the future leadership of Galbadia. He wasted no time. He didn't want the massive country to lose its structure to anarchy. He rode the elevator to Cid's chambers where there was already a small assembly. He made his way past the familiar faces to speak at the podium.

Upon arrival, Xu whispered in his ear, "Are you sure you can make a decision so quickly?"

Squall lackadaisically ascended his a hand as if to say 'I've got this.' He grabbed the mic and adjusted it slightly. He looked around the room. Rinoa's father sat in, exchanging glares across the room with Zone and Watts. Cid, smiling broadly, was holding hands with Edea. One of Master NORG's advisors was in attendance. Irvine and Selphie were playing with each other's hair. Quistis and Zell sat together. The White SeeD Leader sat with his cover in his lap. Next to him, both Mayor Dobe and Flow were present. And a few random faces…

There was a slight pause before he began, "Everyone, this conference has been assembled to sanction a new president to the powerful country, Galbadia. I know it seems something sudden, but the choice for the leadership is an obvious one." He frowned, finding it strange that he was listing back and forth like the former headmaster.

Both Quistis and Zell felt his gaze. Zell's feet were hopping up and down at about a million miles per hour as he waited for the big decision. Quistis held her breath. Zell looked over to her, and she placed a gentle hand on his.

He stood erect and continued, "This person will control one of the top military forces in the world. It is imperative that this person will guide such a country with restraint…"

Zell's features sagged.

"diplomacy, and compassion…"

Quistis sighed.

"for the people in the world in which we share. That being kept in mind, I chose someone who had seen the world, and who have seen the power and destruction of war firsthand. Someone who all the leaders and representatives assembled here today have met and would approve of."

A slender figure stopped at the door. It was Rinoa, arriving just in time to hear the announcement. She leaned on the doorpost.

"The person I have selected to be the life-long president of Galbadia is Zell Dincht."

Zell felt like jumping through the roof, but he managed to control himself; he didn't want to embarrass Squall or hurt Quistis. Quistis looked over at Zell and was impressed with his self-restraint. Rinoa clapped silently and covered her mouth in her joy.

"Zell, like no other, has shown a remarkable willingness to learn, he has the capability to take charge, and the fire it takes to withstand such a tasking job. Zell," Squall backed up from the podium, "if you would…"

The applause sounded as Zell stood up from within the small gathering and made his way to the front of the room. Everyone's eyes were anew as they followed the young man. Zell reached the podium and gripped it tightly. He leaned in and spoke, "I, uh… Thank you, Squall." They nodded at each other. "This is kind of unexpected, and I don't have a speech prepared or anything, but I just wanna assure you of what Squall said. I'll be a good leader. I've seen the world and its people. I will strive for the tranquility that I've seen in Fisherman's Horizon, and I'll never command the destruction that came to Trabia," he bit his lip.

Irvine pulled Selphie close into him.

"So… Thank you, Squall, and… I love you Ma!" Zell smiled and the applause began again. Squall spit into his gloved hand and reached it out to Zell whose eyes were wide with elation. He spit in his hand and slapped in a firm handshake and the crowd gave a standing ovation. Rinoa couldn't see over the crowd, so she edged toward the front.

"Congratulations, Zell." Xu shouted over the applause. "Now you'll have to prepare a speech for all of Galbadia to hear."

"Woa…" Zell's head spun a bit.

"You'll manage." Xu said, adding, "You know, I'm a pretty good writer…" she smiled.

Everyone got up and mingled with one another, enjoying the various beverages provided. Zell got carried away by the range of people who all wanted something of him.

Squall stood and watched Zell for a moment before Quistis walked up. "Zell is going to make a fine president. He's a good choice, Squall."

Squall nodded.

"He was the 'obvious choice?'" Quistis cast out her line.

"Hi, Squall." Familiar hands reached across Squall's waist from behind and he turned and held her.

"Rinoa…" He kissed the top of her head, then he turned back to Quistis who had bowed her head in embarrassment. "Quistis," he began to answer her question, but

"Rinoa," a familiar, gruff voice called. Both she and Squall turned.

"(It's…) Caraway." Squall said.

"I wasn't talking to you, I was talking to my daughter, and I would like to speak with her alone."

"Squall is just as a part of me as anything else." Rinoa jeered. "Anything you have to say, you can say in front of him."

Zone and Watts flew out of nowhere and stood behind Rinoa with a, "Yeah!"

Squall turned to them fierce look and they disappeared into the crowd without a word. Then he turned to Rinoa. "Rinoa…" he called for her to be gentle. "Look… I just got through establishing some peace in the world, surely you two can resolve your differences. Rinoa, he's your father… that's something not to be taken for granted. Caraway, I am a part of your daughter's life and I will not abandon her at anyone's command."

Caraway was taken aback. "I see…" He cleared his throat. "(Rinoa, I wanted you to come home, but you probably want to stay with this boy… He seems like he's on the level, so I'll allow you to stay.) Take care, daughter. You know where home is." He turned and left without a fuss.

Rinoa was quite surprised. "I think that means he likes you…"

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Zell went to Balamb and scooped up his 'Ma.' Together they traveled first class in the head of the Ragnarok to Dealing City, Ma Dincht hugging and squeezing her baby boy all the way.

On arrival, Squall introduced Zell as their president and an unrecognizable Zell rose to meet his duty. His hair was slicked back and he wore a 3-piece suit. There was an aura of calmness about him as he spoke poetically and passionately about the future of Galbadia. He promised them he would promote peace and prosperity. He promised to convene with Esthar to improve the country with technology and ideas. He promised that Galbadia had seen the last of pain and suffering and the crowd went wild.

Under President Dincht there was a beautiful calmness. The Galbadian army was diminished… the D-District, shutdown… Timber and Dollet were left alone. Many of the soldiers were out of work. Sure, some had found jobs rebuilding Trabia Garden or in reconstructing Galbadia, but many were left without a cause. For just about a decade there was a beautiful calmness, but there's always someone left unsatisfied…

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Oo, dissatisfication… But I will not be leaping that many years into the future in the next chaptyr. …I think…