III


"Let me get this straight. You want me to order a giant evergreen tree from Trabia assessed for aesthetics, cut down, and rush-delivered here... alive?"

Headmaster ValHalla nodded, steepling her fingers in front of her face. "Exactly," she said. Mesmer groaned.

"Do you have any idea the paperwork I'll have to go through? The transportation costs? The sheer damn embarassment of explaining that I want someone to drag a tree halfway around the globe? I hate to complain, Headmaster, I really do, but--" Mesmer thought for a moment, unsure of how to phrase his next statement. "This is insane!"

"Point?"

Mesmer stared at the Headmaster. ValHalla leaned back, taking a deep breath.

"I can explain my reasoning for this," she said. "All of Garden is going through a lot of stress right now. Everyone's still getting used to the Tribunal running affairs, and the transition to a new Headmaster can't be easy. The tree is going to be the focal point of this year's Winter Festival, or so I understand--and we have one large winter festival coming up. I'd like to make that festival as extraordinary as I can. It'll take people's minds off of all the changes, at least. This place could use a morale boost."

Mesmer gave a long-suffering sigh. "Aren't there easier ways?"

"No doubt. But this is what the Festival Committee has planned--and if you want to take on the responsibility of planning and organizing the Festivals from now on, slip them a note. For now, just requisition the supplies. Okay?"

Mesmer stood, nodding unhappily. "Yes, sir," he said.

"Trust me, Iohan," ValHalla urged. "I have other reasons for this. Let's just say that it's vital to have an impressive Festival this time around."

Mesmer nodded. "I'll do all I can, sir," he said. "But I want you to know that I don't like this one bit."

"Objection noted," ValHalla said. "Now get out of my office."

Mesmer gratefully took the chance to leave.

--- - - - ---


"Squall!"

Squall ground to a halt outside the library, turning around to see Selphie sprinting at him. He stepped aside almost reflexively, earning himself a reproachful look as she slowed down quickly enough to not slam into him.

"You got the memorandem, didn't you?" Selphie asked.

Squall nodded.

"Are you doing anything to help the Festival Committee yet?" Selphie asked slyly, certain that she would be able to drag him into doing something.

Squall, however, was prepared. "I'm not vetoing it on the grounds that importing all the supplies will deplete the Garden funds and hiring foreign musicians will compromise security," he answered, deadpan. Selphie blinked at him.

"Right," she said meekly. "Er, thanks!"

Deciding her efforts would best be spent elsewhere, she darted off.

"Smooth," a voice chuckled from off to the side. Squall turned to see a man lounging on the bench across from the library, watching him out of one green eye from under a mop of dirty-blonde hair. After a few moments of trying to match the face with a name, Squall gave up and decided that the man was a visitor to Garden.

"Welcome to Garden," he said pleasantly. "I'm the Commander here. Do you need help with anything?"

"I'm fine, Squall," the man said. "How's it with you?"

There was something unnerving about the way he addressed him. The fact that he knew his name didn't bother Squall so much--if he knew anything about Garden, as soon as Squall had introduced himself as the Commander he should presumably have been able to attach a name to the title. But there was something odd in the tone of his voice--and the calculated too-casual air about him.

The man didn't bother to wait for an answer to his question. "I've been out for a while, doing some odd jobs," he said. "You know, jack-of-all-trades type work. I see you've got a nice set-up here, though. Seen Ellone recently? What does she think of all this?"

Squall's eyes instantly narrowed. Who was this freak? "I don't think that's really your buisiness, sir," he said as politely as he could.

"Hey, just wondering about an old friend," the man said, flashing him a disarming grin. "I hear you've been having trouble. But I see your old cadre is still around." He laughed. "And Selphie seems as excitable as ever."

Old cadre...? Squall wondered. He folded his arms. "Do I know you?" he asked.

The green eye scrutinized him for a moment. "That's unfair. How am I supposed to answer that?" he asked. "I don't know if you know me. Do you?"

For a moment, the only noise came from the hum of the recirculated air. With an effort of will, Squall shoved the matter out of his head. "Welcome to Garden," he said coldy. "I hope you enjoy your stay."

Hoping to avoid a response, he turned on his heel and stalked off towards the library. Even so, a cocky "See'ya, Squall," rang out after him, mocking him.