Shinra Scholar

The sixtieth floor was dominated by a huge golden statue of President Shinra himself, surrounded by displays of the history of the company. Barret spit at it spitefully as the virtual guide reappeared.

"Welcome to the Shinra Building, our humble home!" it chirped.

"Oh, hell no," Barret growled.

"Here in the Memorial Museum… you can learn all about our president… as well as the various divisions that make up the company… and of course, the city of Midgar and the miracle of mako energy. Whatever takes your fancy, you're sure to learn something new!"

They wandered through the museum, Barret complaining about each exhibit.

"Hey, everybody! How's the grand tour? I hope you're all enjoying yourselves! Wasn't it fun to learn about Shinra and our esteemed president? And to get a peek at the president's mementos that was super cool! Now, moving along! The next exhibit will teach you about the important work we do here... by giving you a closer look at each of our divisions! I hope you're ready to be amazed, because you simply won't believe all the exciting adventures we have here!"

"Fuckin' guide," Barret hissed. Only the Hojo and Reeve exhibits worked, Scarlet's image fixed in a bikini from her days as Shinra's spokeswoman. Cloud ogled her, while Tifa regarded her with undisguised scorn. They then peered at Hojo with equal enmity.

"Uh, welcome to Shinra headquarters. My duties as director of Research and Development are, in all likelihood, far beyond your ability to comprehend. To there will be no presentation, as it would be a waste of my time and yours. But rest assured, we are making great strides. Albeit not at this particular moment, because I'm filming this rubbish instead. I believe I've wasted enough of my precious time as it is. Science waits for no one, after all. So—good day."

Next, to Reeve, the newest executive. "Welcome to the Shinra Building. Our mission here at Urban Planning is to supply the residents of Midgar with energy created from mako. We also take pride in maintaining public infrastructure—the pillars and railways that run all throughout the city. Currently, we are working to construct an intra-plate expressway. When this project has been completed, it will provide much easier access to numerous locations all across Midgar. We appreciate your patience and understanding in the meantime."

"Impressive, wasn't it?" the guide said reverently. "I hope you enjoyed learning about our divisions… and the wonderful ideas and solutions that are produced to benefit us all! Here at Shinra, we strive to ensure the safety of all residents around the clock! Now, moving along! The next exhibit will teach you all about the miracle of mako energy and our reactors… as well as the city of Midgar itself! So come on!"

The next room was filled with a scale model of Midgar that filled the heroes with equal parts dread and awe.

"This is Midgar—our home recreated in 1/10000 scale. As you can see here… the eight mako reactors form a ring around the center of our city… and keep Midgar running day and night. The mako which flows beneath our feet is a truly limitless resource. At Shinra, we have developed technologies to extract it… and transform into the fuel and electricity that powers everything we do. Thanks to the miracle of mako energy our lives are - richer and better than ever before. Mako keeps our lights on at night, and made Midgar into the city that never sleeps. A triumph of technology and testament to man's potential."

"Nothin' but a buncha lies!" Barret growled, punching a wall.

"Except that mako has made people's lives better," Cloud noted.

{It's made people blind. Blind to the cold hard truth. Even I used to buy into their bullshit. Rememberin' that makes me even madder," Barret looked almost pensive. It ddn't fit the thuggish barbarian, Cloud thought. Seeing him wistful for the past was disconcerting.

"Congratulations! You can call yourself a proud Shinra scholar! Now, moving along! Next you'll learn about our progress in advanced science and technology. Please proceed to the 61st floor, the Visual Entertainment Hall."