Oak Trees and Angel Wings

-Part 1-

Opening the pub door just a crack, Wedge spotted the patrol up on the station level. 4:30, his watch read, that Watts’ information is impeccable, he thought. He turned to the bartender and said, “ Here they come, you’re up.” The bartender nodded and ran outside, trying to look flustered.

“ Excuse me fine sirs,” he shouted to the soldiers. “There’s a brawl getting out of control at the pub, I could use some help!”

“ Leave it to the drunken Timber scum to always be disturbing the peace,” the Galbadian officer replied, and then turning to his men, “weapons at the ready men, arrest them all and kill any who resist.”

“Yes sir!”, the soldiers saluted and drew their swords. The officer slapped a magazine into his weapon and walked briskly down the staircase, followed closely by his men. He flung open the door and pointed the gun inside.

“All right you worthless rats! Break it up, you’re all under- What?!” He cut himself off, noticing the scene inside was completely serene, more peaceful then the average pub, in fact it appeared almost too peaceful. One of the customers slowly raised his hands on top of his head, looking quizzically at the officer, another burst out in laughter. Very funny, thought the officer.

“You,” he addressed the bartender sternly. “who do you think you are? You can’t just play your little practical jokes on us! Men, arrest him!” As the soldiers moved to detain the bartender, Wedge moved in from behind the officer and put him in a headlock, his sword depressed ever so slightly on the officer’s throat.

“Biggs now!” he shouted. No sooner had the soldiers noticed their commander’s assailant than did Biggs burst through the back door of the pub, his gun trained on the soldiers. The half dozen other men in the bar pulled out concealed pistols and moved to disarm the soldiers while Wedge “liberated” the officer’s gun.

“Up against the wall!” Biggs commanded, gesturing to the east wall with his machine gun. The soldiers rushed to obey, but their officer was less enthusiastic.

“Traitors!” he spat. “You won’t get away with this!”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

Zone strode out from the bathroom, Watts in tow as usual.

“You see,” he continued. “In case you haven’t noticed, your country is in turmoil, Deling is dead, Edea’s out of the picture, Caraway’s got his hands full trying to help Esthar battle those monsters from the Lunar Cry, and who’s left to stop us, that politician Rufus? Ha! He’ll have no choice but to negotiate with us. So, I’d say we will get away with this. Uh huh, looks like Timber’s finally free!” he finished exuberantly.

“Uhh sir, not to belittle the victory, but all we got was a few lousy soldiers.” Watts interjected.

“That’s better than we’ve ever done before, and besides, Galbadia isn’t exactly the juggernaut it used to be, besides which, it’s not like we’re just gonna hold these guys hostage, we’ve got their weapons now and more importantly, their uniforms. So don’t be such a sour puss!” Zone snapped. “Contact Rinoa, she should be with Squall at Balamb Garden, I’ll bet she’s gonna be happy.”

“All right, sorry.” Watts skulked away to find a radio. Zone, Biggs and Wedge sat down at a table and began to draft their list of demands from the Galbadian government.

* *

“So, some rebels got a few soldiers and they think they can push the whole country around. What audacity!” Senator Rufus slammed his fist on the hard wood desk, causing a satisfying reverberation. “Has the whole world lost it’s mind?” he turned to his adjutant, “There will be no negotiations! Timber has crossed us for the last time! Mobilize my troops, tell them to burn Timber to the ground!” he finished, practically fuming with rage.

“Sir, uh, if you don’t mind my saying so, don’t you think that’s a bit rash? This could be your big break, I mean, what if you rescued those hostages? You’d be a hero, you’d have the whole of Galbadia in the palm of your hand. If I may say so, you wouldn’t even have to ask to become President for Life.” his adjutant suggested quietly, but gained confidence as he finished.

“Good idea, but one major flaw.”

“Sir?”

“My men are not trained to handle situations like this, and if the hostages got killed, I might as well retire.” he explained.

“ Your men might not be trained for such operations, but SeeD is. And furthermore, if any of the hostages get killed, you just blame SeeD. Plus, who cares if some SeeD members die, people might get upset if some loyal Galbadian troops die, but SeeDs are just back stabbing mercenaries.”

“I must say, I like it. It’s just crazy enough to work. Contact SeeD, tell them I’ll pay 500,000 gil for every hostage they rescue, plus an extra million for the heads of these terrorists’ leaders!”

“Yes sir, immediately sir!” As his assistant left the room, Rufus envisioned himself as the President for Life, and he liked what he saw.

“Poor bastards, heh heh heh...”

* *

“Wake up sleepy head!” Rinoa’s lively voice caused Squall to stir momentarily and emit a small moan before drifting back to sleep. Putting her hands on his shoulder, she shoved him gently, and he rolled over onto his back. “Okay, you asked for it, Rip van Winkle.” Smiling, she produced a dog biscuit. “Angelo! Here, boy!” Angelo came panting in from the hallway and immediately noticed the treat which Rinoa held. Rinoa held it right under the dog’s nose and then tossed it onto Squall’s chest. Angelo reacted instantly, propelling himself onto the bed and proceeding to devour the dog biscuit.

“What?” Squall groaned. It was clear he had not slept much last night. He opened his eyes and the first thing he saw was Angelo gaping mouth as the dog munched on the treat.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!” he screamed, rolling accidentally off the side of the bed. As he glared up at Rinoa, realizing what a fool he had made of himself, she could not help but giggle.

“Very funny” he said sarcastically, giving Rinoa a half-hearted glare.

“What,” she replied. “did I interrupted your highness’ beauty sleep?”

“How did you get in here again?” he asked. Oh yeah, I think she was in here when I went to sleep. “Never mind.”

“I won’t.”

“Please don’t do that again.”

“Do what again?” she asked innocently.

“Wake me up with your dog.”

“Would you rather I awaken you with a kiss, your highness?”

“Better than a kiss from Angelo, I reckon.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Uhh, nothing.” Squall responded quickly, thinking he may have said too much.

“Nothing, eh? Thought so.” Rinoa said understandingly.

“Whatever.” They said in unison. Even Squall could not suppress a smile this time. By this time Squall was on his feet, and he stood a head taller than Rinoa.

“Come here.” he said, pulling Rinoa to him. They embraced momentarily, before they were interrupted by his door as it crashed open.

“Hey what’s up!” Irvine boomed. “Xu wants to see you on the bridge so-whoa, my bad!” Why does this always happen to me? thought Squall.

“Way to go Kinneas, while you’re at it, why don’t you take a picture too.” Zell shouted from behind Irvine. And there’s Zell, too.

“Tee-hee, I told you we should’ve knocked first!” And that must be...

“Selphie!” said Zell “You seriously need to teach your hotshot sniper cowboy wannabe boyfriend some manners.”

“Calm down, Zell.” Squall said. “Now what is it you want?” In other words, he thought, why have you seen fit to interrupt me at the crack of dawn when it’s obvious that I want to be alone with Rinoa?

“Oh yeah,” Irvine continued. “Well like I was saying, Xu wants to see you on the bridge to brief you on your next mission.”

“Some sort of counter-terrorist operation, I believe.” Zell added, trying to sound as official as he could.

“Tell Xu I’ll be with her in 10 minutes, I need some time to get dressed. In the mean time, the rest of you assemble on the bridge. Be prepared to disembark immediately..” Damn, I’m bossing them around again, I hate when I do that.

“Yes sir, commander sir!” Zell saluted smartly. Irvine nodded and strolled out the door, Selphie clinging to his arm. Squall went to change when he realized Zell was still standing at attention.

“Dismissed, Zell” He’s really taking this commander bit seriously.

45 minutes later Squall struggled past Rinoa and ran out of his room. She had forced him to shower and have breakfast before he finally left. “Rinoa,” he had said. “I have to get to this mission briefing, timeliness is important in SeeD, you should know that.”

“They can wait,” she had told him. “after all, you’re the commander of SeeD, you call the shots.

“Still, I have a duty to Garden, SeeD isn’t me, SeeD is more important then just its leader. SeeD is about ideals, and those ideals are what made me who I am. I want to be faithful to what SeeD stands for. Besides which, you’re not my mother, and it’s not like we’re some old married couple, either.”

“Married couple, eh? I like that.”

What a stupid thing to say. Squall kicked himself for saying that. There were more important things to do than argue with Rinoa, and he was afraid that he might have gone too far. It’s not like I hate the idea, I just wish Rinoa would stop thinking about things like that. He paused as he waited for the elevator, and noticed Rinoa running up the staircase after him. The door opened, and he stepped in, Rinoa right on his heels. He pressed the close button, but she jumped in with him.

“Why so hasty, dear?” she asked, scrutinizing him and smiling.

“Well, I’m about half an hour late to an important meet-” Rinoa cut him off by throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him slowly. Squall’s mood softened quickly, and he held her by the waist and pulled her up to him. He gently set her back down on her feet as they continued to kiss. The doors slid open and he pulled away from her and was greeted by the level gazes of Quistis and Xu. Zell rolled his eyes, Irvine gave a quick thumbs up, and Selphie winked, then the three broke out in laughter.

“Attention!” Xu clicked her heels and glared at Zell, Selphie, and Irvine, who immediately put on straight faces. She turned to Squall, “Squall, I won’t ask, you being the commander and a hero and whatnot.”

“I told you.” Rinoa whispered in his ear. Squall sighed audibly.

“Is there something I should know, Mr. Leonheart?” Quistis demanded sternly. Squall did not reply. Quistis, you’re not my instructor anymore, please.

“Yes, you’re probably thinking, ‘Quistis, you’re not my instructor anymore’. Well, I’m not, but just because I’m no longer you superior, in fact, I’m your subordinate now, commander, but I think I’m still entitled to an answer.”

“Whatever.” Quistis shook her head and smiled condescendingly.

“Anyway!” Xu took charge of the conversation at that point. “On with your briefing. Senator Rufus of Galbadia has hired SeeD to alleviate a hostage situation in Timber. A terrorist organization has apparently taken several hostages in a local pub. That was at 1635 hours yesterday. At 1645, the local garrison surrounded the terrorists and sealed off the immediate area. However, these are just GIs, not trained to handle such incidents, and so Rufus made a request for SeeD intervention at 2230 hours. The hostage takers are completely besieged, the power to the building has been cut, and all their transmissions have been jammed. Your orders are to rescue all six hostages and eliminate or capture four key individuals whose identities you will be provided with by the local garrison commander. Capture any other hostile survivors. Additional information will be provided by local forces or your own intelligence. If you leave on the Ragnorak in ten minutes, you should be at the scene in about two hours, 1420 local time. Be prepared for potentially extended operations, and try to avoid collateral casualties. As usual, conduct yourselves in a manner appropriate to your status as SeeDs. Any questions?”

“Yeah,” said .Rinoa. “why is SeeD still conducting these mercenary activities? We have defeated Sorceress Ultimecia, that’s the true purpose of SeeD right?

“The true purpose of SeeD,” Xu corrected. “is to defeat the sorceress, whomever she may be. You yourself are not a threat to us, however, we do not yet know who received Adel’s powers when she was killed, and consequently we do not know if this individual is friend or foe. And furthermore, when you die, your powers will be passed on as well, and we shall have to deal with your successor as well. So you see, as long as there are any sorceresses, good or evil, there will be a purpose for SeeD, and since we must maintain the organization, we must continue to dispatch SeeDs as mercenaries.”

“That’s too bad.” Rinoa muttered. Squall, sensing that she had been hurt, slid his arm reassuringly around her. Zell grinned, and Squall glared at him, adding to the already high tension in the room.

“Okay! All aboard the Ragnorak, next stop-Timber!” Selphie was clearly trying to relax the mood, but Squall was glad she was trying.

“Move out!” Zell piped in.

“Good luck.” said Xu.

“Sounds like a mission for a sharpshooter, if y’ask me.”

“Hey, try not and choke up this time.” Zell advised.

Irvine paused for a moment. “Well, if I do say so, it’s a good thing I did, would you really have wanted me to end up killing Matron?” he finally responded.

“That’s enough!” Squall finally silenced their bickering. “Board the Ragnorak, and I want you guys in separate rooms once we embark.” This of course infuriated Zell, who stormed out pouting, and also warranted a dirty look from Irvine as he exited along with Selphie, Xu, and Quistis. Rinoa smiled at Squall.

` “Look Rinoa, I didn’t want you coming along on this mission, seeing as how this is just SeeD business and I wouldn’t want you to be at risk for no good reason. But, it looks like you’re going to come whether I like it or not so...” he began.

“You are most correct, your highness.” she interjected as he gathered his thoughts.

“So...just stay close to me and don’t get hurt.”

“Don’t worry, your highness, I’m a big girl, I can take care of myself.”

“And please, stop calling me ‘your highness’.” After a short but uneasy pause, they both burst into laughter and kissed as Squall carried Rinoa to the elevator.

* *

“OKAY!” Zone shouted hoarsely through the megaphone. “WE ARE PREPARED TO NEGOTIATE THE RELEASE OF OUR HOSTAGES, I AM GOING TO SLOWLY OPEN THE FRONT DOOR AND PRESENT OUR DEMANDS!” Zone dragged himself to the door and opened it slightly. This action was greeted by a hail of fire from the surrounding soldiers. He quickly dove back into the safety of the pub, kicking the door shut behind him.

“Dammit!” he yelled out the window. “Don’t you stupid sons of bitches know I’ve got hostages in here. Shit! Don’t make me do something you’ll regret!” In a moment the window frame too was riddled by bullets.

“WE DO NOT NEGOTIATE WITH TERRORISTS!” came a voice through the speakers set up on top of the besiegers’ barricade. “YOU WILL RELEASE THE HOSTAGES AND SURRENDER IMMEDIATELY BY ORDER OF THE GALBADIAN ARMY!”

“They could’ve overrun us hours ago.” Watts said wearily, huddled in a corner, clutching his rifle. “They’ve gotta be waiting for something. I’ve got a bad feeling.”

“That’s just your imagination,” Biggs contradicted. “The G-Army would never abandon comrades like that. They’re not the nicest people in the world but they do have a sense of camaraderie, eh Wedge?”

“Well,” Wedge agreed. “even if they didn’t really care, it would be their commander’s ass if the hostages were killed. C’mon Watts, stay frosty, nobody said this was gonna be easy. You want to liberate Timber, don’t you?” Wedge was trying to give Watts some reassurance, but it was painfully obvious that the man did not belong fighting on the on the proverbial “front line”.

“More than anything, but still...” Watts replied weakly. “This just doesn’t seem right.” he finished.

“Trust me, we have nothing to worry about.” Zone said with seemingly feigned confidence.

“Oh yeah, except for the hundred or so itchy-fingered G-soldiers outside who would like nothing better than to come in here and crush the resistance once and for all.” Watts mumbled sarcastically.

“You say something, Watts?” Zone asked.

“No, nothing.”

“Okay, just thought I heard-” he was cut off by a deafening roar which for a moment seemed to emanate from everywhere at once, and then passed to the northwest.”

“What in hell is that?!” Wedge shouted in a state of temporary panic.

Zone, having thrown himself on the ground, crawled slowly towards the window and peered out to see the Ragnorak coming about, beginning a vertical landing

“The Ragandrock!” Zone yipped, jumping for joy. “Squall and Rinoa have finally come back to liberate Timber!”

“Uh, that’s the Ragnorak, sir.” Watts corrected.

“Same difference! Watts, can’t you see how great this is? With SeeD here, especially SeeDs like Squall, no G-Army’s gonna mess with us!”

After calming down slightly, Zone looked back into the pub to see Biggs and Wedge cowering under a table. What’s gotten into those two?, he thought. Oh yeah, Squall, he remembered. “Yo, don’t worry, Squall’s with us, and since you’re with us, too, Squall’s with you. Cheer up, man!”

“Guess that proves me wrong...” Wedge observed.

* *

“Okay! We’re almost there, everyone. Initiating landing sequence. Engaged!” Selphie said energetically, punching a sequence of buttons.

“I love it when you talk technical.” Irvine said, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Selphie turned her head to face him momentarily. “Thanks, tee-hee!” she said, winking before returning her attention to piloting the ship. Irvine smirked, nodding to Squall, who tried to seem as if he hadn’t noticed. Zell clenched his fists, growling quietly. Irvine acknowledged him coolly, which added to his frustration.

“all right.” Squall announced. “Everyone prepare to disembark. Irvine, make sure you have your sniper rifle.” Irvine nodded, gesturing to a case he had left in the corner of the cockpit.

“We’ll be touching down about 25 meters from the west gate.” Selphie reported. A moment later the Ragnorak ceased all horizontal velocity and began a vertical descent.

“Touch down in five, four, three, two, one...” There was a slight jolt as the ship settled.

“Lowering main ramp.” Selphie said. A muffled sound of whirring servos was heard as the gangway was let down slowly. Selphie logged off the pilot program as the rest of the team gathered their gear.

“Move out!” Squall commanded. “We shouldn’t be far from the target area.” By the time he had finished, everyone had assembled on the lift platform. Quistis clicked her heels and the hydraulics went into action. They began towards the ramp as outside several military helicopters circled the pub area, the familiar sounds of trains and the bustle of the passengers and inhabitants drowned out by the sirens and loudspeakers of the besieging Galbadian forces.

Only minutes later the SeeDs arrived at the scene, whereupon they were greeted by a lieutenant of the local commander.

“Welcome!” the officer shouted above the commotion. Squall nodded in return, indicating that he was the leader of the squad. “Follow me,” the lieutenant continued. “I’ll brief you on the current situation.” A short time later the SeeDs were in mobile command vehicle, standing around a table above which floated a holographic projection of a building layout. Selphie studied that intently, trying to access the controls on the adjoining console.

“Ah yes,” the officer said, breaking Selpphie’s concentration. “We’ll be getting to that in a moment.” He gestured with his hand, directing their attention to a screen in the front.

“Since your initial briefing at Garden, there have been a number of developments. First of all, it appears that the terrorists have placed approximately ten of these demolition charges.” A picture appeared on the screen of what resembled a large four-pointed star with a receiver and some small clamps attached. “They have stated that if we attempt a breach, they will destroy the building, which would be disastrous to those inside as well as in the immediate vicinity. Therefore, your first priority will be to disarm these charges, otherwise it’s all over.”

“Hey!” Zell complained. “There’s nothing in the contract about that! What gives?” Please Zell, Squall frowned while at the same time Selphie rolled her eyes and Irvine smiled knowingly.

“Obviously, sir,” the officer replied. “we have contacted Garden and with their cooperation your contract has been modified accordingly.”

“Can we see the new con-”

“Anyway,” the officer said, cutting Zell off in mid-sentence. “ you will need to utilize one of these disarmament devices which you are all being provided with.” He handed out six small tools, cylindrical handles with a button for the thumb on one end, and an infra red transmitter on the other. “Touch them to the receiver, press, and hold for three seconds, the jamming signal should deactivate the detonation mechanism. Now, if you will direct your attention to our schematic.” He indicated the table with the hologram and the group turned to face it while he filed some commands on the console Selphie had been tampering with earlier.

“Thermal scans indicate that there are eleven armed terrorists in the building, posted at these points.” Red figures appeared, indicating hostile forces. The lieutenant pressed another button and six neon green figures appeared, all huddled together in the main room. “These, of course, are the hostages. Rescuing them is your primary objective.” Another keystroke caused the heads of four of the terrorists to turn blue. “We believe that their leaders are in the main room, with the hostages. You will need to eliminate or at least apprehend all four of them. Here are their identifies..”

On the main screen there appeared suddenly mug and profile shots of Biggs, Wedge, Zone, and Watts with names below their respective pictures. Rinoa gasped, her eyes widening. She grasped Squall’s hand tightly, and he held her reassuringly.

“Don’t worry.” he whispered to her, and then addressed the officer, “That may be a problem, I believe we are still under the employment of two of those men, Zone and Watts. I’ll need to consult Garden before any action can be taken.”

“Not to worry, we have already spoken to Garden on this matter as well. Besides which, communications in this area are jammed, so I’m afraid that would be quite impossible.” He spoke with confidence, perhaps even overconfidence, Squall observed.

“I’m sorry,” Squall stated. “but I would need confirmation from Garden itself.” Rinoa beamed at his steadfast refusal. The Galbadian lieutenant did not share her enthusiasm.

“Please,” he said, sounding somewhat exasperated. “communication is jammed, you can’t contact them at all. Just do your job, these terrorists aren’t going to wait forever. I promise, you’ll get word from Garden as soon as possible.” Quistis, it seemed, had heard enough.

“Look,” she had taken on her trademark commanding tone. “Those two in there are our friends, and I for one will not take part in this, especially without speaking to Garden beforehand.”

“The purpose of SeeD does not involve questioning a mission!” the officer bellowed at her.

“Who are you to judge the true purpose of SeeD?!” she demanded.

“Yeah!” Rinoa agreed. Hearing the commotion, a pair of guards rushed in from the forward compartment, hands at their hips, fingering their swords. IN response to what appeared a new threat, Zell assumed a combat stance, clenching his Ehrgeiz into fists. Squall felt that the escalating hostilities had reached a dangerously high level and made an attempt to calm the situation.

“That’s enough!” he said firmly. “Lieutenant, me and my team will return to the Ragnorak and attempt to contact Garden from outside the jamming zone, depending on Garden’s instructions, we may return to complete our mission.” At this the SeeD squad adjourned from the table and proceeded towards the door from which they had entered.

“How can you do this?!” the Galbadian shouted. “Those hostages are in danger, you can’t just walk out...Guards, stop them! Don’t let ‘em get away!” As the guards moved to intercept him, Zell laughed.

“You can’t be serious, do you know we are? We defeated Ultimecia, we blew up your missile base, we busted out of your prison. We’d eat your guards for breakfast. Jeez, I’ll bet your entire garrison would hardly qualify as a warm up for Squall!” In response to his boasts, the two soldiers flourished their swords menacingly at him. Zell did not appear to be concerned.

“All right,” Squall said, more firmly. “let’s get back to the Ragnorak, now. And that’s an order!” They departed single file, Squall in the front and Zell trailing behind. When all had exited save Zell, the infuriated guards stepped together to bar his way.

For a moment, they stood staring at each other, practically toe to toe, saying nothing. It was Squall, from outside, who broke the silence.

“Zell, let’s go!” he shouted.

“Go on ahead, I’ll catch up.” he replied.

“I’ll trust you this time.”

“Thanks, man” Squall then looked to his left, noticed he now stood alone, and ran to catch up with the rest of the group. Zell returned his attention to the soldiers he had been shouting past.

“Yo, I’d love to stay and play, but I’ve got pressing engagements, so adios.” he said with a condescending smile. One of the soldiers cracked an evil smile in return.

“You’re not going anywhere, filthy mercenary.” he spat. As they made eye contact again, the other guard delivered a blow to the gut with the hilt of his sword. Zell grunted, hunching over and clutching his stomach. The guards laughed as the other raised his sword and brought it down for a killing blow, but their gaiety was cut short when Zell caught the blade in his adamantine glove and wrenched it from the guard’s hand. He dropped the sword on the floor and uppercut it’s owner, the heavy metal studs easily breaking the jaw. The other guard swung for Zell’s head, but he ducked the clumsy attack and countered with a nose shattering roundhouse kick. With both enemies temporarily out of action, he dashed out the door of the command center and sprinted for the safety of the western gate. As he fled through a maze of sandbags and other portable barriers, the somewhat dazed and obviously infuriated lieutenant hastily activated the PA system. Snatching the microphone in one hand, he pounded the TALK button.

“Attention all units!” his voice boomed from the loudspeakers. “Stop the escaping SeeD! You have clearance to open fire. Repeat...” with that he dropped the microphone, allowing it to fall to the floor, and with his violent motions betraying his agitation, seized an automatic rifle from a rack on the wall. He stumbled out of the door, unbalanced as he loaded the weapon with both hands. The SeeD was rather a distance from him by this point, but many of his men were in close pursuit. Hastily he drew a bead on his target, and leveling the gun at his shoulder, snapped off a few shots before running ahead with the rest of his men.

Zell ducked his head as the bullets whined past him. Damn, didn’t mean to cause so much commotion. Squall’s not gonna like this. Taking cover behind a row of sandbags, he peered out towards the exit to see a score or so of sword armed guards approaching his position. No escape from there, he thought. Glancing behind him revealed more of the same. Or to the east.

“There he is!” one of the guards hollered, pointing towards him. The troopers continued their advance towards him, forming a semicircle to envelop him, and the officers trained their guns on him, opening fire.

“Shit!” He dove to the ground, scraping his arms badly on the cement as the enemy fire thudded into the sandbags, causing clouds of fine dust to fill he air. Coughing, he realized they had him pinned. Still, if I stay here I’m as good as dead anyway. Deciding to brave the odds, he pulled himself up to a crouching position. The soldiers were closing in, probably no more than ten feet away, but Zell waited until the last possible moment. As the first of the swordsmen began to scale over the barrier protecting him from the officers’ gunfire, Zell launched himself towards the pub, running with his upper body bent over, almost parallel to the ground.

“Got him, fire!” the Galbadian lieutenant shouted to his subordinate officers as he took aim at the SeeD, whom had finally broken his cover. He tracked the SeeD with the muzzle of his weapon, but was unable to fire due his own soldiers being so tightly packed in that area. Wait a minute, it occurred to the lieutenant. He’s headed towards the pub, what the hell?!

“Alright,” he addressed the other officers again. “open fire once he reaches the clearing by the pub. Suicidal bastard...” he trailed off with a small smile.

Zell saw the path ahead of him open up as he reached the barbed wire, which separated the base from a twenty-foot no-man’s land surrounding the pub. Crossing his fingers, he propelled himself over the fence, and, having already drawn himself up to full height rushed with all his might towards the pub. As soon as he had cleared the fence, he came under a hail of fire from the enemy officers. He staggered as a shot slammed into his side, plowing itself approximately two inches into his body. With no time to recover, he leapt through a cracked window, shattering the glass and rolling over his head as he hit the floor inside the main room. He was immediately greeted by the rough click-clack of guns being readied. He opened his eyes to see a pair of flushed, sweating militants pointing their pistols down at him. He felt mildly disappointed, but he was far too faint and exhausted to truly care.

“Well, so nice that one of you could join us.” said an oddly familiar voice. Zone strolled smugly over to where he lay. He looked down, and his smirk was replaced by an expression of pure bewilderment.

“You?!” Zone said, dumbfounded. It was then Zell allowed himself the luxury of blacking out.

* *

Squall walked briskly up the gangway of the Ragnorak, followed by Quistis, Rinoa, and Irvine. Selphie was trailing behind, stopping sporadically and looking back, hoping to catch a glimpse of Zell as he ran to rejoin the rest of the SeeDs. He’ll get here soon, she told herself, and with a measure of disappointment, began to ascend the ramp. Near the top of the ramp she stopped abruptly, as if transfixed by some unseen force.

“Is something wrong, Sefie?” Irvine asked.

“Did you hear that?” she said. Straining his ears, he picked up the sound of some distant gunfire. Almost instantly he recognized the firing rhythm of burst fire machine guns. Galbadian standard issue, he observed, recalling his training at that Garden.

“Sounds like Zell’s in pretty serious trouble, either that or the standoff’s heating up.” he speculated.

“We gotta go back and help him out!” Selphie exclaimed, bouncing up and down anxiously. Irvine nodded in agreement

“Zell can take care of himself .” Squall said coldly. “We need to contact Garden first.”

“But what if Zone and Watts are the ones on trouble?!” Rinoa demanded, clearly discontent with Squall’s decision. “They’re not SeeDs, who knows what kind of trouble they might’ve gotten themselves into.” She tugged fiercely on his arm, trying to drag him down the gangway. Squall frowned, appearing only mildly annoyed with Rinoa’s immature behavior but holding his ground.

“Look Squall,” Quistis advised. The voice of reason as usual, he thought, shaking his head at the floor. “normally I would agree with you, contacting Garden is proper procedure, but Zell is our friend, so just this once?” she pleaded.

“Yeah Squall, don’t be such a tight ass!” Rinoa said quickly. Squall narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing her with a glare. Rinoa smiled awkwardly, thinking she may have said too much.. After a moment of uncomfortable silence, she smiled sweetly at him.

“Pleeeeease?” she said childishly, but, seductively, irresistibly. Squall rolled his eyes, and, in mute testimony to his surrender, started back down the ramp.

“Thanks Squall!” Rinoa said happily, hugging him tightly. She released the embrace, noticing that Selphie, Irvine, and Quistis had already departed en route to the source of the gunfire. As she turned in pursuit of the others, Squall caught her gently by the wrist.

“Yes?” she inquired with some surprise.

“Rinoa, I don’t want you coming with us, it’s too-”

“Hush Squall.” she said sternly, putting a finger to his lips. “You know I’m coming whether you like it or not. I’ll be fine as long as you’re with me.”

“Rinoa, you said yourself that Zone and Watts could get themselves into trouble because they’re not SeeDs, and remember, neither are you. You haven’t been through the training-” Rinoa cut him off again, this time physically muffling him with her hand.

“Yes, but they don’t have someone like you watching over them either. Jeez, you sound like Caraway. Anyway, let’s get going, I’ll wager that the others are already there.” She turned once again and ran energetically down the street. What’s wrong with Caraway? Squall thought as he started after her.

* *

“Damn!” the Galbadian lieutenant yelled hoarsely as Zell crashed through the pub window. “Frickin’ brat got away! That little twerp...” he mumbled, scuffing his boots on the coarse, dusty ground.

“I hit ‘im once, barely slowed ‘im down.” a sergeant muttered, shaking his head remorsefully.

“The hell does Garden do to those kids?” another moaned.

“Uhh, Lt. Claudius, sir?” a soldier said, approaching the assistant commander cautiously, wary of his fowl temperament.

“Yes private?”

“Sir, the two scouts you sent after the SeeDs have reported in.”

“And?” Claudius prompted, smiling slightly.

“The SeeDs are approaching base, but as far as the scouts could ascertain, they made no attempt to contact Garden.” the private explained.

“So, they came back to help their buddy. Good, very good, carry on.” The trooper saluted, then exited.

“Okay men,” Claudius said to his officers. “get with your squads, tell them to prepare for a surprise attack. We’ll allow them into our base, then jump them. SO, act casual, but be ready to attack, got it?” The officers responded with a chorus of “Yes, sir!”s, and dispersed to heir squads. We’ve got those little punks this time. He laughed harshly, kicking a nearby helmet, his toe smashing into the steel.

“Owwwwwwww!”

* *

Selphie, Quistis, Irvine, Rinoa, and finally Squall turned the corner, bringing the Galbadian base once again into view. As they approached the entrance, it seemed that the entire garrison was watching them, and yet none said so much as a word. Irvine ran his right hand uneasily through his hair, left gripping the Exeter resting at his side. Quistis reached for her Save the Queen, but only left a hand on it, while otherwise maintaining her composure. Selphie raised an eyebrow, her eyes darting back and forth, expecting to catch a glimpse of some monster lurking in a hole. Squall’s piercing blue eyes were focused straightforward as he silently contemplated the situation, his permanent deadpan frown revealing nothing.

“Back so soon? Well, what’s the word from Garden?” Lt. Claudius appeared from inside a makeshift bunker, greeting them with unexpected cordiality.

“Where is our friend?” Squall asked in a low, menacing tone.

“Friend? Oh, the other SeeD? Last I saw he was headed towards the west gate, where your airship landed. I would have thought-”

“Don’t bullshit us!” Irvine snapped, bringing his gun up to the hip. Recoiling several feet, the lieutenant took a deep breath and responded.

“We heard the gunfire.” Rinoa added. Squall turned toQuistis.

“I want you to take Rinoa and Selphie to go back to the Ragnorak,” he whispered. “wait there, if we’re not back in half an hour, or things really heat up, make an airstrike. Selphie can handle that.”

“I’ll go this time Squall, as long as you’re not just trying to get me out of your way.” Rinoa whispered in response. “Squall, be careful..” The three women started back to the Ragnorak again.

“Just you and me, man.” Irvine said quietly.

“Where’re your ladyfriends goin’?” Claudius asked.

“They’re going to look for our missing comrade.” Squall answered calmly.

“Right....” he said sarcastically, dismissing the topic of conversation. “Anyway, what did Garden tell you?”

“Actually, we were unable to” Squall began matter-of-factly. “contact them so-”

“Here, why don’t you tell me all about it over coffee.” Irvine eyed him suspiciously.

“Well, I’d love to,” he said. “but we should probably-” Claudius interrupted his hastily composed excuse.

“You’ll need to wait here for your ladyfriends anyway. Please,” he said invitingly, and with his face radiating an intangible aura of danger he finished, “I insist.” Squall agreed, nodding for Irvine to follow him. As they walked to the bunker, Squall and Irvine inconspicuously lagged behind their host.

“Look man, I dunno about this, somethin’ ain’t right.” Irvine whispered, looking around cautiously to be sure no one was watching.

“Just play along. I have an idea.” Squall responded.

“Yeah, would you care to enlighten me?”

“Look around.” Squall said, directing him to several elevated points. “See those surveillance devices? They probably recorded whatever happened to Zell. So, we need to find a hard copy of those recordings, and the cameras all seem to be wired centrally to that bunker. Understand?”

“Yeah, pretty much.” Irvine said, seeming bewildered. Squall sighed and shook his head.

“What?” Irvine asked, truly confused. Squall rolled his eyes.

“Be ready to fight.” he instructed.

“Of course. Here, you can take this, I brought an extra.” Irvine produced a silenced pistol, holding it out to Squall. What? I haven’t used a sidearm since training, I never carry one.

“Why?” Squall asked, bemused. Irvine looked at him with an expression of surprise playing across his face.

“Duh!” he exclaimed. “We’re like spies, covert operatives. Subtlety, stealth, and silence are key. You know, infiltration, sabotage, subterfuge, seducing beautiful women. Sorry, had to throw that one in. Anyway, my point is that with Lionheart and Exeter, we’d be about as subtle as Bahamut with a bottle of 30 proof. ”

“Okay.” Squall conceded. Been drinking Selphie’s sugar coffee again?

“Ah, gentlemen, this way!” Lt. Claudius shouted, behaving in an increasingly suspicious manner. Obliging him, Squall and Irvine jogged the remaining distance to the bunker where Claudius waited, holding open the heavy steel door. They entered into the dark room, Irvine ducking through the entrance.

As Irvine and Squall settled into their chairs, Claudius strode through the door, followed by half a dozen other officers, who all took seats at and around the table in such a way that there was no direct path to the exit, and Claudius was furthest from them.

“So,” he started, resting his elbows on the table and leaning across, “let’s talk.”

* *

Zell blinked and opened his eyes, squinting from the sudden flood of light. He examined a strangely familiar ceiling for a moment and being unable to recall its exact whereabouts, closed his eyes again. No sooner had he begun to drift back into unconsciousness that he felt it. A deep, piercing pain emanating from his left side. Reaching his right hand across his body to the wound, he uttered a virtually inaudible incantation.

“Curaga.” He winced at the burning sensation caused by the flesh sealing shut, but more so as muscles rewound tightly around the bullet lodged in his lower ribs. Damn, I’m gonna need surgery for that now, I can’t believe I let ‘em hit me!

“Oh, you’re up at last, I see.” came the familiar voice again. Zone walked over, kneeling by him. Zone, now I remember.

“Could you tell me where I am? I seem to have forgotten.” Zell responded groggily, sitting up and rubbing a tender spot on the back of his head.

“You’re in the Timber Pub, surrounded by marauding Galbadians, that ring any bells?” Now I remember, strange that I forgot, yet I knew I’d been shot. Hmm, must’ve been the GF.

<If I may be so bold, fated one, it would appear that the blame lies not with me, but with thine head wound.> a voice reverberated through his mind.

“Shut up, Bahamut.” Zell muttered.

“What? You say some something?” Zone asked.

“Huh? Oh, no. I was just talkin’ to Bahamut.” Zell answered casually.

“Right…” Zone said sarcastically. “anyway, would you mind letting us know what’s been goin’ on out there?”

“Oh sure.” Zell explained the situation. By the time he had finished, all of the rebels not on watch had crowded around him to hear the story.

“…and that about brings up to now, I think. How long was I out, anyway?” he finished, wiping his sweating brow with the back of his glove.

“Actually, sir, you were only unconscious for about twenty minutes.” Watts stated.

“Wait a minute,” said Zone. “if they’re not gonna go after us, what’re the rest of the SeeDs doing?”

“I don’t really know. SeeD is supposed to be neutral, which would mean carrying out our current mission, except that we technically still have a contract with the Forest Owls. Squall was gonna contact Garden, but from what I gather the Ragnorak hasn’t taken off yet, so who knows?” Zell shrugged.

“Well, when you didn’t get back to the Ragandrock,” Zone speculated. Watts attempted to correct his mispronunciation, but Zone continued speaking. “and they heard all the shooting, they probably figured you were in trouble. So they might’ve come back to rescue you, although things’ve been pretty peaceful out there.”

“Hey, you could be right.” Zell said, feeling enlightened. “And just ‘cause there hasn’t been any commotion doesn’t really mean anything. SeeDs are trained infiltrators, and we’re the best SeeD has to offer.”

“That is true.” Zone agreed.

“Gee Bahamut, thanks, I think.”

Zell noticed that Zone was looking at him strangely, contemplating.

“What?”

“Oh nothing.” Zone said condescendingly.

“Geez, I was just talkin’ to Bahamut, what’s your problem?” Zell said, slightly perturbed. “Oh, of course. You probably didn’t know, but you can talk to some of the more intelligent GFs. Bahamut happens to communicate telepathically.”

“If you say so.”

“No, really!”

“Okay, I believe you, now let’s get back on the subject.” Zone said earnestly, without the patronizing tone. Zell nodded in agreement.

“Alright, now listen, you’re with us right?”

“All the way!” he shouted enthusiastically.

“Good, now here’s the plan. As things stand now, Galbadia can’t very well take the offensive against us without losing the hostages and probably some more of their own, but we don’t have the supplies for a long siege like this is looking to be. So we’ve gotta seize the initiative!”

“Sounds like a plan.”

“Well, there’s more to it than that. See, in a straight up firefight, we don’t stand a chance. That’s where the disguises come in, we’ll just use the hostage’s uniforms! Get it?”

“Good idea. But who’s gonna actually sally out? You don’t have quite enough uniforms.” Zone responded readily.

“I was thinkin’ Biggs, Wedge, three of our other guys, and you, since you seem to be pretty much in fighting condition. Plus, we’ll put Biggs and Wedge’s uniforms on two of the hostages to confuse them if they attempt to break in, even when they know we’ve planted demo charges. Watts and I would go, but they might get suspicious since we’re pretty much the brains of this operation, and I’ve got horrible stomach cramps. Ow Oww Owwwwww!”

“Yeah, I’m pretty much fine for now. I’m gonna need surgery,” he said, gesturing his wound. “but that can wait. Anyway, just one question, how are you gonna get this plan rolling?”

“Elementary, my dear Zell,” Zone said, smiling intelligently. “we simply agree to release the ‘hostages’ and send you guys out instead.”

“Great, looks like we’ve got it worked out.” Zell smiled, rubbing his hands in anticipation.

“Well, not really…” Watts began. Zone glared menacingly at him, placing a finger on his own lips. “Yeah, everything’s fine.” he said weakly. As the others prepared to fight, Zone looked forlornly out the window, and crossed his fingers. He considered the stars, an unfazed backdrop to the chaotic scene below. Abruptly a pillar of light, which burst forth from the base, shattered his solace. In a primal state of hysteria, he dove to the floor, curling himself into a tight ball. Zell ran to the window and, arm across his brow, peered out at the tower colored light. Squall.

“Son of a bitch!” he grinned.