Chapter Eighteen

Ryan took careful aim at the bridge, closed his eyes and fired. On his wings, the rest of the squadron followed suit. They could see the SeeDs and students below, running into their positions. 'Now, while they're still getting into their places.'

"This is Red Alpha One to Blue Wing. No air defences set up yet, do your worst."
"Roger Red Alpha. Out."

***

The first attack had taken them unawares. Students ran all over the place, remembering only too well what had happened in the last attack.

"This is Nida Harrison to Ragnarok, do you read?"

"This is Ragnarok."

Nida breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods, Squall. Listen, everything's going to hell here. We've got no Anti-Aircraft equipment."

"Radio Esthar. Laguna might be able to spare some. I doubt he's happy about Galbadians on his western border."

"Roger. Could you…"

"No, I need to be there. Selphie will be able to, get her on deck."

"Will do. Hurry."

Nida flipped the comm off, and ran back up to the bridge. There was another wave coming. "Shit."

"Nida!"

Nida turned to see Seifer come running up the stairs. "What is it?"

"Nida, I know how these fight. There'll be paratroopers coming next. After that, they'll try to take out the main engines."

"How do you know this?"

"Because I trained them to fight this place. Position your AA weapons on the lower floors - they'll try to use Garden to hide behind…"

***

Sergeant John Mitchell crouched and reached down for his gun. He looked round at his men, praying to Hyne, or the Lady, or whatever gods they had. John didn't blame them, this was a first mission for most of them.

"Come on lads. Move out." He walked to the back and flung open the doors. "Remember, last one down there gets 'em in."

This had the desired effect as the lads grinned, and John thumbed the 'activate' button on his jumppack. Then he said his own prayers, and jumped.

***

The Ragnarok sped over Esthar City. The ship let out the occasional groan as she pushed to her limit, but Squall didn't care. One thing filled his mind, and one thing only. Rinoa.

***

"This is Blue Alpha. All Units have been dropped."

"Understood. Red Wing, proceed with Operation Pesticide."

Ryan took one last deep breath. It was out of his hands now. "Knight Seoman, we're proceeding with Operation Pesticide. Your window starts here sir."

"Thank you Ryan. Excellent job. I'll give you the nod when I'm done."

"Thank you sir. Good Luck."

"You too Ryan, I'll see you get a promotion for this."

***

John Mitchell landed in the centre of the quad, rolled, and came up firing, till he was finished by the blast of a fireball. And so the second Battle of Balamb Garden began.