People crowded around the shop windows on a street in Maliro.
Several television sets stood inside the windows, each playing a different program.
Maliro's economy was in terrible shape, but in another sense, it was actually better than it had been during the years of warlord conflict.
At least society was stable now, and ordinary people still had a little money in their hands, more or less.
It might not have been much—three or five hundred, or perhaps one or two thousand.
They not only had money, but also places to spend it. Although the economic situation was poor and per capita income was extremely low, compared to the past, the people of Maliro were actually satisfied at heart.
If they had not been satisfied, they would not have so peacefully accepted their fate of being ruled by the Federal Government.
By now, a large crowd had gathered outside the window. The television was showing a news channel, where a local host solemnly read out the latest announcement from the Maliro Central Government.
"...According to the latest developments obtained after our discussions with the Federal Government, Maliro will receive three million places in shelters."
"The Central Government has urgently convened a discussion meeting for this matter. It has ultimately reached the following decisions—"
"Maliro residents over the age of twelve and under the age of forty-two, who have no history of infectious diseases or serious illness, may apply for shelter places at their local City Hall."
"The review committee will select sixty percent of applicants under the age of eighteen according to a certain ratio."
"Thirty percent of applicants will be over eighteen and under thirty-two, while thirteen percent will be over twelve and under forty-two."
"Residents whose applications are approved should immediately go to the nearest Blackstone Bank to