Authors Note: ::huggleglompsquish:: I love you guys! Too kind, mind you. Okay...the pressure is on. I supposedly have a fairly interesting idea going on here; so I better write some good chapters and not slack off. Hopefully, that won't be the case. Hopefully, I'll do some crazy stuff with this fic. I'm swarming with ideas, too many at once...ugh..must..type...


Bond of Dignity; CHAPTER TWO: Indecisive



 Squall awoke to the sound of morning dew drops misting against his window. Pink rays of sun shown through his curtain, making a shape not unlike a heart. That was odd. He stood, and opened the curtain fully, allowing the sunlight to bathe his body. He had never been one for love, or anything of the sort really. The symbol the sun cast had only reminded him of his being..alone. He yawned and stretched, lazily walking to where his dresser stood. After selecting a pair of black jeans, a belt to match, and a white t-shirt, he walked back to his bed. Slipping the clothes on, he yawned once again. He was not in the least bit surprised at his fatigue, he had gone to bed somewhere in the vicinity of 1:30. Now he was awake at 5:00.


Such is the responsibility of being commander, he thought, combing his hair with his fingers. He slipped on his black boots, and, after brushing is teeth, left his dorm. Thoughts of the war soon flooded his tired mind. It had not been acted on as of now, and for that, he was grateful. He could not deal with a direct assault right now, for he had yet to plan out his strategy. All things considering, they had a pretty good chance.


His train of thought was broken as he was approached by a very tired Quistis, who, despite the early hour, looked as beautiful as ever. Squall almost smiled at the sight of her. Quistis had always been the equivalent of a sister to him, nothing more and nothing less. The thought crossed his mind more than once of being romantically involved with her, but there was no connection--atleast not on his side of the coin.


Morning, commander, she greeted, a warm smile gracing her pink lips.


he nodded, acknowledging her presence.


They walked down the hall, side by side, stern looks forming on their faces. Silence was something they were not accustomed to. However, both had too much on their minds to casually talk. There was so much tension at garden, and they felt that needed to be dealt with before all was well. Not being able to stand the silence, Quistis spoke.


Has anything developed? she asked, not slacking in her pace.


They reached the elevator, and Squall selected the 3B floor. Stepping into the enclosed area, they noticed two female SeeD's staring at Squall from behind.


Stop looking at his butt, one said, between muffled giggles. Unfortunately for them, Squall heard the comment, and glared at the two. Before they could enter the elevator, he pushed the close button.


Regarding the war? No, nothing new has developed since yesterday. I suspect that Timber, like us, has yet to form a strategy. I wouldn't be surprised if they wait till last minute, what with the new commander and all.


I don't think there is going to be a last minute, Squall. I have an inkling that this war will be long; and until we figure out what it is Timber thinks they are gaining from it, there will be much more suffering. She sighed.


What a depressing comment, he thought to himself. However, he knew what she said was true. There was something Timber wanted from this war, something big. The soldiers of Balamb all wanted badly to know what that was. He did not respond to her statement, he had always been one to keep personal opinions to himself. He spoke his mind in important business matters, but other than that, he was pretty much the loner type.


They reached the 3B lobby, and Quistis followed Squall into his office. They were both surprised to see Seifer sitting in Squall's chair, feet crossed and resting on the surface of the desk. Squall placed a hand on his hips and gestured for Seifer to sit elsewhere. Seifer did as ordered, and sat at his own desk, which happened to be much smaller than Squalls. Prior to the war, Seifer had decided that he and Quistis move their desk's into Squall's office for the time being. He had said that it would be easier to communicate that way.' Squall himself thought he just wanted an excuse to be with Quistis as much as possible. He wasn't too far off, either.


Well, commander, I have some information I'm sure you'd be interested in hearing, said Seifer, a sly grin forming on his near-perfect features.


Cut to the chase, Seifer. I don't feel like putting up with your riddle crap. Seifer crinkled his nose at this, annoyed that Squall was in such a pissy mood.


Squall sometimes wondered why he put up with Seifer. The man was a pain in the ass, most of the time. But, he did possess incredibly outstanding battle skills - and his way of thinking was beyond compare. He was indeed a valuable asset to garden.


I've found out from a reliable source what our little friend's name is, he said, resting his hands on the back of his head.





Heartilly. Ring a bell? he replied, raising his brow.


Yeah..can't quite remember exactly where I've heard it though, said Squall.


General Caraway - do you remember him? Seifer asked, now sitting up straight. The man was just bursting with information; and it didn't surprise Squall in the least. How seifer always knew exactly what was going on; it was beyond him.


Yeah. Galbadian general, right? Squall said, tilting his head to the side.


Julia Heartilly is his deceased wife, Seifer said. Another grin formed on his face, pleased with himself for gaining this information. It would be useful to them, he knew, because Timber was trying to hide it. Seifer found it interesting she didn't go by CMDR Caraway--which made it even more probable the Timber faction was trying to keep it a secret.


You're telling me that this girl is general Caraway's daughter !? Oh hyne, that is really going to fuck up our plans. A lot. Contact Trabia Garden, we need more reinforcements.

That's not all, Seifer said, it seems that Caraway is taking matters into his own hands. He's launched missles at our garden, Trabia, and Centra gardens--all without Heartilly's knowledge. We've got a problem on our hands, Squall.



______________________


Rinoa walked hastily; firmly; a stern and hard look on her face. She wore her Timberian SeeD uniform, green skirt and top, pins assorted throughout the clothing. She was as angry as Rinoa could be. Timber Garden had decided to side with Balamb. Irvine Kinneas, head honcho there, had said he would remain neutral throughout the war. She knew, without being told, that he would undoubtedly side with Balamb --but the hope still lingered.


This gave Balamb the advantage. Well, not really--it evened out the allies. Balamb was far superior to Timber, this she knew, and now with Trabia backing them up, they would surpass the power of any known enemy Timber has ever faced.


And yet she walked on.


She would not back down. She would do no such thing; she would stand tall, even if it meant defeat. She would not allow Balamb to make a fool of her; she needed to avenge the people of Timber who had lost their lives to the Balamb soldiers. She did not stop until she stepped into the meeting hall, where she found her second in command, Selphie Tilmitt, and partners, Watts and Zone, waiting for her.


What do you know about Trabia Garden? she asked Selphie. Her voice was harsh; cold; demanding. Selphie had been a transfer from Trabia, she had originally planned on transferring to Balamb...but Timber had offered her a scholarship.


Heeey..what's Trabia got to do with anything? she asked. She, too, thought trabia was remaining neutral.


They're siding with Balamb. We have to take them down-- she was sympathetic, but her voice bared no backing down.


You don't mean... Selphie asked, a confused look forming in her green eyes.


We're blowing it up. Rinoa's words were so blunt, so flat. No emotion was detected in it.


Selphie nearly passed out. It was so unlike Rinoa to do anything of the sort--it would cause more casualties, and Rinoa didn't want that. Hell, it would cause a good 3000 deaths! And to her former home! To the place she grew up in! How could Rinoa expect her to launch out orders to destroy her home? She wouldn't do it--but she couldn't betray Timber. The past or the present--which was more important? And then there was the future. What she chose now would greatly affect it.


Rin, there's gotta be another way. You can't just..


Rinoa's voice softened, there is no other way. We can't win this war if we don't--


Don't you get it!? So many people will lose their lives! You'll kill innocent people! Children! And you expect me to blow up my home?! I won't do it Rin. You can find another robot.


Rinoa was completely astonished at Selphie's outburst. Selphie was never one to show restraint, certainly, but she hardly ever blew up like that. And maybe she was right. Maybe Rinoa was acting too irrational. But what else was she supposed to do? Contact Trabia herself? Or maybe schedule a meeting between her, Kinneas, and Leonheart. That seemed the better idea.


she said, admitting defeat. I won't...blow up Trabia. I'll schedule a meeting between all three commanders, she grimaced at the thought of having to meet Leonheart, but--if push comes to shove, and Trabia does decide to side with Balamb, then...


I know, selphie said, but I have a feeling they'll stay confident in their original neutrality.


I sure hope so, Selph. Zone, do me a favor, schedule a conference between Irvine Kinneas, Leonheart, and myself. Make sure it takes place in Esthar; I don't want them thinking it's a trap. Oh, and make sure it's this weekend--I don''t care which day.


With that, she turned, and left the conference room, a million thoughts flooding through her head. She stopped, one thought in particular sticking out. It was a random thought, one that never should have popped up--


Why, exactly, were they at war?


She had been told it was because of the casualties in Balamb. But, when she really thought about it, was that really a reason to go to war? It was an oxymoron, actually. Go to war and kill more soldiers because five were killed while training in Balamb. She had been told that was the reason for war; and she had never questioned it. But now, she really didn't know.


What would happen at this meeting? Would they be able to make a direct decision? Perhaps, if all went well, the war would end then and there...No, she didn't have the authority to make that sort of decision. That was even more terrifying. She had no control over the war. She was just supposed to manage it. How was she supposed to do so when she had no say in what happened?


____________________


Sir? Commander Kinneas? There is a man here to see you. Seems he's a messenger from Balamb. A voice sounded over the intercom which Irvine recognized to be Dempsey's. Dempsey was his second in command, who also happened to be his secretary. He chuckled at the thought. They were so very efficient at Trabia.


Let him in, Irvine said casually, tipping his cowboy hat over his head.


Soon enough, the double doors slid open, and a short guy with spiky blonde hair emerged. He wore the Balamb Mercenary uniform, which eased Irvine's doubts about him being a spy. The boy saluted him and proceeded to speak.


Dincht, Zell Dincht, sir. Sent by Commander Squall Leonheart at twenty-one hours sir, the boys voice was anxious, as if dying to flood the commander with information.


irvine grumbled. What's Squallie-boy got to say?


Irvine was unprofessional. He had always been that sort of man. He took his garden matters into his own hands, feeling that politics and certain behaviors was a load of shit to intimidate common folks and make themselves look good. He had always felt that way, and he wasn't about to change it. Puzzled at Irvine's being so casual, Zell continued.


Commander Leonheart has just received notice that uh--


Permission to speak freely granted, said Irvine sarcastically.


Squall just got a letter from CMDR. Heartilly. She want's a meeting between the three of you. Zell seemed rather baffled at not having to speak with respect towards the Trabian Commander.

Yeah, aright. Irvine stood, walking towards his calander with a black marker at hand.


This weekend, the twenty-seventh, said Zell.


asked Irvine, annoyed that Zell had not provided him with this information.


Esthar City. Zell most certainly did not like Kinneas. He had shoved away the tradition of formalities in garden. He dismissed the thought, knowing it was not his place to think such things.


Gotcha. See ya there, kid. Tell your commander I'll make it.


Irvine sat back down, and slipped his cowboy hat over his eyes. Zell shook his head, thoroughly shocked at this guy. What in hyne's name had possessed Trabia to appoint him commander?



Authors Note: There it is, hope you liked it ::gulp:: as always, please read and review with any suggestions or comments--or compliments. hehe. CH3 should grasp your interest a little more--it'll be the meeting between the three commanders. oooohhh, Squall is meeting Rinoa, Squall is meeting Rinoa ::runs in circles chanting::