News of the pacification of Timber has already spread throughout the world, Naraka was saying. Your broadcast was received by nearly a billion viewers across the continent.

Caraway nodded absently. Sitting before him was Galbadia's provisional council, appointed by himself to assist in the day-to-day administration of Galbadia. Once — if — public elections were held, chances were that they would all be replaced; as would Caraway, most likely.

Pacification, he repeated silently. This is what we call it when half a million people lose their homes.

We've already began to notice some drastic political shifts abroad, Tolmar put in. Civil unrest across the Republic has dropped to near zero. Even in Timber, resistance to our occupation is at an all-time low.

What will the cost be to rebuild Timber? Caraway asked.

Sir, I don't think we should, Naraka said immediately. This must be clear to the people of Timber; they must know that they brought this upon themselves. Repairing the town would be tantamount to an admission of guilt.

We can't simply leave the town as it is! protested the administrator of transportation. Timber is the junction for every major railroad in the continent!

Then repair the railroads, Naraka returned. Clean up the streets. But send Timber the bill. They must be made to rebuild for themselves. It might even be better to leave the city in ruin; travelers passing through town will see the consequences of opposition to the Galbadian Republic.

It'll also detract from the town's general appeal, pointed out the domestic administrator. People will certainly be less willing to spend time in the town...what condition is the hotel in, anyway?

We're rebuilding, Caraway declared. From now on, Timber is a Galbadian city. He turned to the administrator of State. See to establishing a Galbadian governor in the city, then rebuild it as quickly as you can.

Sir, I believe that is a mistake! Naraka warned. If we don't enforce our position in Timber now, the citizens will —

They are citizens of Galbadia, Caraway said firmly. If they will renounce the resistance, then they will receive the same treatment as any other citizens.

Naraka looked as if he had something more to say, but did not reply.

Anything else? Caraway asked.

One last thing, Tolmar put in. The matter of the suspected resistance members we arrested. The SeeDs have already been released; what are your orders regarding the others?

Rinoa. Caraway sighed. Julia, I tried. I did all I could to keep her out of this. But Galbadia has to come first.

Do we have enough evidence to hold them? he asked tiredly.



Then do so. The words almost caught in his mouth. God, what have I come to?

Tolmar nodded. Then I think that concludes the new business.

We're adjourned, Caraway declared.

The others stood and muttered respectful goodbyes, which Caraway barely acknowledged. I've thrown my own daughter in prison. I want to believe it's for the greater good, that she entered into this of her own free will. But she'll never forgive me now.



Looking up from the ornate wooden table, he saw that Naraka had remained in the room, regarding Caraway with his typical scowl.

I see we don't agree on the Timber situation, Naraka said evenly.

There is no Timber situation, Caraway replied, standing. The resistance has been put down.

For now. The General fell into step as Caraway headed for the door. But you can't let them forget who is in charge. Timber is an important strategic location; we have to keep it in line.

And is the only way to do that through brutality?

Naraka shook his head. Fear. The people will not act if they are afraid of the consequences. They will insult us and print blistering articles in that magazine of theirs, but in the end, they will do nothing, as they are afraid of what we might do. Burning the town was a necessary proof of our resolve. Now, we tell them what we want. They will know the consequences of refusal, and will not dare to oppose us.

But we must retain that resolve. We cannot take any action that will make ourselves seem weak. That would destroy any control we now have.

Fear won't last, Caraway pointed out. Before long, they'll have forgotten to be afraid of us. What then, another demonstration?

Naraka smiled as they passed under the large archway into the main hall. Not at all. By then, they will have learned to accept the situation as it is and not question the status quo. Just as they had before these Forest Owls.

Before Rinoa. I don't want to rule by fear, Caraway protested. We are all citizens of Galbadia; the war with Timber ended eighteen years ago.

I doubt they think so, Naraka returned. When dealing with an insidious form of terrorism such as this so-called Timber Resistance, General, it is not enough simply to hunt down those responsible. We must ensure that the very idea of resistance is snuffed out, so that none will ever follow in their footsteps. The other General paused at the main entrance. We still have some difficult times ahead, my lord. Maintaining the integrity of Galbadia will require more than talk of unity, I promise you. The only way we can maintain control is by demonstrating just how undesirable the alternative to obedience will be.

With that, he departed, leaving Caraway to walk the rest of the way to his car in silence.

Control by intimidation. Rule by fear. That was Deling's strategy, wasn't it? Vinzer Deling was probably the most hated man alive.

But, he kept the peace for seventeen years.

What am I thinking! he muttered out loud. Just weeks ago, I hired SeeD to assassinate the Sorceress to prevent a new reign of terror. How can I even consider taking that same road myself?

But there was always this voice nagging in the back of his mind. What if, in the end, this is the only way to save Galbadia?