Timber
"Man, I can't believe the president was a fake!" Zone slumped over and blew wind to the ground, his head down with despair and shame. The SeeD members stood around the meeting room, they watching the Forest Owls gawk, ramble on and complain.
Rinoa was feeling pretty bad as well, especially after the Gerogero's remark about amateurs. "I can't believe we fell for it!" She looked to the SeeDs waiting by the stairway closed her eyes. That's what you all must be thinking as well isn't it?
Squall eyed her as she looked to them. I'll admit that whole train operation was well thought out, but running all your hopes on one hunch will just waste time. Her expression then changed from melancholy to brainstorming as Watts started talking.
"Info, sir! New info! It's big news! I found out the real reason why the president's here, sir! The president's going to the TV Station! Security's really tight, sir!" Watts then handed over a few pictures some of their operatives took around the area. They were scenes of the president being escorted by a few Guards down through the TV station's entrance.
"...The TV Station? Why in Timber? They can broadcast just as easily from Galbadia." Rinoa looked to Zone who merely shrugged. Watts just shook his head.
Selphie tapped Squall on the shoulder then nudged Zell. "Do you think the Dollet communication tower has anything to do with this?"
Squall shrugged. Maybe… If they're planning to do a broadcast of some sort, that tower would definitely boost the signal… but what about the interference? Have they found a way around it? And does Timber have the ability to broadcast using them?
Zone turned to the group of SeeDs and raised a brow. "What's that."
… I suppose that's it. Squall then looked to the Forest Owls. "Dollet has a communication tower that can transmit and receive radio waves. It had been abandoned for a long time, but the Galbadian Army got it up and running yesterday."
"Ohhhh...I get it..." Zone tapped his shoe on the ground and then looked to the group. "The only TV station that can handle broadcasts over the air is in Timber. Other stations use HD cable, which only supports online broadcasting."
Rinoa turned to Zone a bit confused. "So, what's that supposed to mean?"
"They're planning on using radio waves. This way, they can transmit images to regions with cable."
"I know that...!" Rinoa rolled her eyes over then placed a hand on her chin. "What I want to know is, what is the president going to broadcast!? Why use radio waves? There must be something they want to say to the whole world. What can it be?"
"Everybody! Love and Peace!" screamed Selphie as she jumped and displayed a little peace sign with her hands.
"If I remember correctly, radio waves haven't been used in 17 years." Zone looked to the SeeDs who nodded in agreement.
"It's been that long? Wouldn't it be wonderful if the first broadcast could be the declaration of Timber's independence!?" Rinoa looked to the ground and sighed. All was quiet for a moment.
"Hey! That might be possible." Zone looked to Rinoa and Watts and nodded.
"Let's come up with a plan then!" Rinoa smiled as she looked to the SeeDs. "Can you guys give us a minute?" She then ran over to Watts and Zone, they all stooping to their knees chatting in the corner.
Selphie scratched her head as she watched the Forest Owls discuss their plans, they whispering with discrete "oh yeah"s or "then we'll"s being heard every now and then. This is beginning to get soooo lame-o! Do they even know what they're up against? "Can't we go home now?" She asked Squall. "What about our contract? Shouldn't we check it, Squall?"
That's a good idea. We should've done that in the first place… Squall looked over to Selphie and nodded. He then looked to Zell who had an expression of disgust.
"They call that a strategy meeting!?" Zell said to Squall, being as quietly loud as possible, raising his arms to the Forest Owls' direction.
I agree… this isn't some game where they can come up with a plan just like that… Squall walked over to Rinoa who looked up.
"Oh, good timing! We're come up with a plan!"
…A plan… geez… of course you've come up with a plan… "Before we get into that, can I see your contract with our Garden?"
"Oh, sure." Rinoa then took it out of her pocket and held it out for Squall to take. Squall yanked it right out of her hands.
…What the hell? I should've known…
"What's it say?" Zell asked.
"...... 'Balamb Garden' (hereafter referred to as 'Party A') acknowledges 'The Forest Owls' (hereafter referred to as 'Party B') as the hiring party. 'SeeD' (hereafter referred to as 'Party C') shall be dispatched upon signing of this contract. Party C shall operate under the supervision......"
Zell scratched his head. Party of the party of A of C, what? "...The hell......?"
"I don't get it." Selphie said as she leaned over the train models.
Rinoa started laughing. "Oh yeah, that one's pretty confusing. When I told him I didn't understand, he gave me a different one." She dug into her pocket and held out another parchment for Squall to take. Again he yanked it out of her hand. "Cid is such a nice man."
"What's it say this time?" Selphie walked over next to Zell as they both peered over to see the parchment. Squall could you tilt it this way… nevermind.
Hmmm… this is odd… What kind of contract is this!? What was that old man thinking? Squall "......"
"C'mon man, quit stalling!" yelled Zell who had started to fidget.
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To the Forest Owls,
This SeeD deployment contract will last until Timber achieves independence. Please make good use of each SeeD member. I wish you the best with your objective. Please understand that this contract is an exception, and no replacement of any SeeD members can be made.
Balamb Garden Headmaster
Cid Kramer
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What the heck? "Until Timber's independence!?"
No way!!! "That is soooo vague!" Selphie sighed as she placed her hands on her face. Is that even possible right now!? That'd take months… maybe years!
Rinoa smiled and looked over to the SeeDs. "Hey, you're paid professionals. No complaining! Ok, let's decide on the parties!" She clasped her hands together and looked to the group. Well, here goes Watts and Zone as usual…
"Gathering information is my specialty, sir!" said Watts who gave a little salute like wave. He then ran out of the room.
Zone stumbled over to the corner and crouched down. "OuuuucHHHHH...... My stomach!"
Oh those two… "So, I guess it's just us four huh?" Rinoa shrugged and walked out of the room, the SeeDs following. They all grouped up and huddled by the exit of the base. "C'mon Angelo, you're coming with us!" Angelo barked and wagged his tail.
Squall sighed. Does it really matter? Let's just get on with it already. "Alright, this TV station, where is it and what exactly did you want us to do?" He turned to Watts who jumped to that.
"The TV station, sir!? It's quite close if you take the local train... But the local and transcontinental trains have stopped running, sir... Nothing to worry about, sir! There must be someone in town who knows."
You mean… "You don't know?" Watts shook his head. Squall placed a hand on his forehead and gave another sigh. It figures… "You?" Rinoa too shook her head. Now we've got to go find the place… this is just great.
"Are you ready, sir!?"
…Yeah… "Yeah."
"Best of luck, sir! I'll be keeping watch here!"
Squall nodded as they all waited for the train to stop. It's been quite a day so far…
***
Elsewhere, on a walkway in the Timber streets, four Galbadian soldiers stood watch, all eyeing suspicious citizens as they walked by.
"A guy dressed as a cadet...Gathering information?" said one of the soldiers. He was of a higher rank than the others and was obviously much older.
"He was asking about the president's stay!" Screamed the second soldier as he smashed a fist in his other hand. "I found it strange that a cadet would keep asking about the president. He was very polite and kept addressing me as 'sir'."
The soldier with the dented up armor's eyes then widened. "I think I know who you're talking about! He was taking care of 3 suspicious looking characters from Balamb! I'll go question every teenager in the area!!!" He then dashed away, heading for the nearest group of people in sight.
That cadet had to have been Watts! That boy'll never learn. Oh, I knew it would be trouble when we walked into town. The soldiers are gonna tear this place up! The older Galbadian Soldier looked to the other two who both started trembling with anger. "No! We can't just go up to anybody and... Ahem. These are citizens. We can't inflict any..."
"How dare they try to kidnap the president! Not only is it disrespectful to the president, but also to use Galbadian soldiers as well! I'll be sure to find'em and throw their sad be-hinds in jail!!! C'mon, let's go!"
"...Please...Hear me out...to the very end..." I…I thought joining the Galbadian Army would be a good thing… I'd be able to help my people… The old soldier watched as the two soldiers ran off. He looked over to the streets where he used to play, and the pet shop he would always hang around by. The soldier then reluctantly sighed and ran after his team.
***
The Forest Owls' train slowly rolled back in to Timber. Rinoa and the SeeDs then exited, Watts too following them out.
"...Say! I remember now, sir!" said Watts as he tapped Squall on the shoulder. "I think the TV Station is located behind a building called Timber Maniacs! Please head in that direction, sir! I hope you find it!"
That way? … We'll find it.
"WaaaaaaTTTS!!! C'MON! The Galbadian soldiers are comin'!!!" screamed Zone through the intercom. The train then started to roll forward.
"Lot's of guards patrolling the city now! Please be careful, sir! Seems like the hotel's not available, either! You're all SeeDs, you'll be fine, right, sir!?" Selphie and Zell nodded. Watts smiled then looked behind him. Where's the train!? He looked over to his right and saw the train chugging away. "Hey...!!! Don't leave me, sirrrr!" he screamed as he ran after the train's entrance.
Alright, behind a building called Timber Maniacs… I think I've heard of them… they do all those stories on different places. Come to think of it, I think they publish Weapons Monthly… "Let's get going…" Squall then started walking down the steps of the train stop and looked around. He said that way… Walking forward, the others followed, Rinoa telling Selphie about the town while Zell looked about aimlessly.
"Hey, doesn't that kid over there look a lot like Zone?" Zell asked. The others looked and nodded. "Good. That means I'm not loosing it."
Rinoa just sighed. "I've met him before. He really wants to be like Zone. Zone's a real hero to some of the kids here…"
Hero? … whatever. Squall just nodded and looked to the trains. Galbadia's really shut things down around here. There's barely anyone walking around.
Rinoa looked to Squall and noticed him looking at the train station. "Looks like the trains have stopped running... Usually, the local trains would be running here. A lot of hustle and bustle..." Squall just nodded and walked on.
The group continued over a bridge way passing a nervous looking young man carrying a small gift bag of some sort. "Ahhh...Hi...Rinoa...? T-The...weather......sure is nice...today..." said the man as he approached Rinoa.
…What now? Squall walked forward a few feet and leaned up looking over the rail. He glanced over at the man who was obviously nervous. He sighed as he eyed a Galbadian soldier down below.
Rinoa just smiled and greeted him in return. "Beautiful day, isn't it?"
The man nodded and made a smile. Why can't I...say anything interesting?...I'm such a loser...
Seeing the SeeDs begin to walk off, Rinoa followed. "Um, well, nice to see you again, bye!"
Ah! No, wait… ! "Oh...! Umm...Rinoa? Aaahhh...mmmmm...P-Please... Take this...Here!...W-Well...B-Bye..." He handed her the gift bag and quickly trotted off. I hope she likes it!
"What'd he give you?" asked Selphie. "And who was that guy?"
"A potion. This should help if any of us gets injured. Oh, he's just a guy I met at a resistance meeting. He joined the Forest Owls a while back. Kind of cute if you ask me, but waaay too nervous. He needs to loosen up."
"Loosen up huh? You mean like Squall here?" asked Zell as he placed a hand on Squall's shoulder. He slowly retreated when Squall glared at Zell's hand.
"Whatever. Let's just get moving already, we're wasting enough time as it is." The others nodded and they walked on.
They walked down the small businesses district and saw that several townspeople eyed them on the way through. If it weren't for all the so called resistance movements here, I guess this place isn't so bad. Squall looked to the style the buildings and roadways had. It was much like a classic town of the middle ages, nearly all of it paved in stone and brick.
Along the way was a woman standing a little away from a child holding a kitten. "a...a......a...a...ACHOOO!!! I'm allergic to cats...My daughter loves them. What am I to do?" Rinoa smiled and looked to the little girl petting the kitten. "I heard about you guys...You're going to the TV Station? Oh! That was a...secret. I'm sorr...ACHOOO!!!"
Squall slapped his head on his forehead and looked over to the side. What is it with this town? It's no wonder why their resistance isn't getting anywhere…
Selphie and Zell then walked over to the little girl and petted the kitten with her. "It's so cute… Some really mean looking guy was looking for you, but are you......" The girl then started to withdraw from the two SeeDs. "Good? Or bad?" Squall and Rinoa grouped around the little girl, Squall looking around.
"Good, of course!" replied Selphie as she smiled and patted the kitten on the head. The little girl's eyes lit up at that.
"Good! So I guess you like cats, too, right? Yippie!"
"What's wrong Squall?" asked Selphie.
"She said someone was looking for us. That's not good. We'd better get to that TV Station fast…" They all nodded and resumed walking.
***
The main gate of Timber had been guarded by two hired security guards, mainly people from the city. Recently however, they had been harassed by several Galbadian soldiers taking authority over him by order of Galbadia. "Better keep you eyes peeled. If you let one resistance member in here, your dear kids are...well, dead meat. Heh heh heh" said a Galbadian soldier deviously as he breathed down the security guard's back. There were two of them, both wearing a badge signifying they were elite soldiers.
"......" The two guards remained silent, however, one stared at his friend, his rifle shaking. Calm down Jace… he's just another one of Galbadia's stupid soldiers… The security guard could do nothing but endure the mockery and threats made. As calm as he could, he gripped onto his old riffle tight.
Rinoa and the others watched behind the corner of a building. "We have to get to the TV Station fast. I can't bear to watch them suffer like this."
The Galbadian soldiers chuckled and raved on. "So I heard everyone here supports the resistance. You guys are such fools. Just imagine how much this place would thrive if you were loyal to us. This place is gonna be stuck in the backwoods forever."
I'm sorry Steve, I just can't take it anymore! "...And you? Are you happy with your life? Blindly following orders everyday, doing things you probably don't believe in?"
The guards watched as the first Galbadian soldier stumbled back surprised.
The other guard then spoke up. "So what if we're undeveloped. We're not looking to thrive. All we want is to be able to stand on our own feet; to be independent and live according to what we believe."
"You guys will probably never understand, having thrown away your pride and dignity. We're not the fools. You are…"
"You're both DEAD!" screamed the second soldier. He raised his machine gun in the air and prepared to fire.
"No!" Rinoa jumped from behind the alley and fired her weapon. The sharp blade catapulted from the launcher on her arm and slammed right into the soldier's weapon, knocking him off balance and sending him into confusion.
"WHO DID THAT!?" the soldier screamed. His comrade pointed over to the girl in blue as they watched a blade return to the launcher on her wrist.
…Why'd she have to go and do that? We're supposed to be laying low! "Alright, c'mon you two." Squall then leapt out from behind the building along with Selphie and Zell and rushed in front of Rinoa. The SeeDs then tore their weapons forward and awaited for their enemy to strike.
"You're the one's we've been looking for! You're all going to get it!" The first dashed forward and clashed swords with Squall. He sliced up and down constantly forcing Squall to block as fast as he could. Angered, Squall pushed the soldier forward as they made another clash. The soldier rolled back and then threw his blade at the on coming SeeD. Without effort, Squall stepped to the side, dodging the blade, and slashed down in front of the guard in between his legs as he pulled the trigger, just far enough so he would not be hurt.
He fainted? Squall thought as he noticed the guard did not get up. He looked over to Selphie and Zell who had been smashing at the other Galbadian soldier. They ended the fight by choking the soldier with Selphie's nanchaku and knocking him out with a punch to the head. Angelo was still tearing at the guard, biting at a good piece of his uniform.
One of the security guards, the one that lost his temper, stepped forward and looked to the SeeDs. "Thank you for your help. I got a little carried away. We appreciate your help...But we can't let you through here. I'm sorry. Don't worry about these two soldiers. We'll tie them up and hand them over to a resistance group to dump in the forest somewhere."
"So, we can't get through this way?" asked Rinoa.
"Again, I'm sorry, but we can't make any exceptions. Even if it is a bluff I could never risk my daughter's life...I'm really sorry."
"Don't worry then, we understand."
The other security guard sighed and looked to the four. "Be careful. The Galbadian soldiers are all over the place. Things will cool down once Deling finishes his business here."
"Hey Squall, check it out!" screamed Selphie pointing to a sign behind them.
"Alright! Timber Maniacs, we found it!" Zell dashed ahead, Selphie and Rinoa following. Squall rolled his eyes thinking "…and now they actually start moving…" He followed, running back through the small business district, past the train station and towards a large building only to find them stopped, talking to a woman and a man.
"Watts got left behind again... He looks so funny when he chases after the train." Said the woman.
The man just yawned. "Looking for the TV Station? Yeah, that's in this town. You wanna know about it? Maybe the lady next door would know..."
"Hey, Squall? You think we can check the place out?" Zell asked. "Maybe we can grab the latest issue of Combat King while we're at it…"
"I'm actually looking for a magazine for Angelo as well…" said Rinoa as she patted Angelo on the head.
…I'm beginning to think we never really had a mission in the first place. "Alright already, let's just do this quick…" Squall and the others then walked through the main doors of Timber Maniacs. In the Reception area, there were plenty of magazines, old and new, stacked up high all around. The group walked around the room while Squall approached a smaller stack. There's a lot of old magazines. Hey, these are the 'battle series'. I've read all of them.
The woman behind the receptionist booth saw Squall looking at a magazine and smiled. "Hello. What can I do for you honey?"
…Nothing, thanks. "Nothing." Squall quickly replied.
"Oh, the silent type. I like that. Ok, I'll leave you alone so you can look around. Cute boys like you are always welcome. Feel free to look around."
Squall looked over to the woman who winked, then over to the other three who started to giggle. Whatever. "Let's keep moving… hey, wait, where are you all going now?" He watched as they chased Angelo down the main hall. Which way did they go? Maybe I should just relax somewhere, this is seriously… Squall rounded a corner and found his way into what was the editor's room. A man sat behind a large desk which was covered with papers and books.
"What? Did you say I look like an artist? As a matter of fact, I am."
I didn't say anything... Squall scratched his head as he was waved to come in. What does this guy want?
"Have you seen my work yet? It's a collection of photographs titled 'Jacket Over Skin: The Beautiful Women Edition'. It's a major sell out, and we don't have any in stock. A lot's happening in Timber, but art is definitely the way to go. Hey, I heard that card games are getting pretty popular. Maybe collections of photographs on cards might sell."
Squall rolled his eyes and looked around the room. A man in the back, apparently the editor, saw him and approached. "Oh man. Why do battle series books sell so well? We're sure living in a terrible age." He looked to Squall who just nodded. "Oh. You're looking around? Is there anything you want to know?"
... why not? "Tell me about Timber's situation."
"I don't care about what's happening in Timber today. You know, in my childhood, it wasn't like this. Back then, we were in the middle of a war against the sorceress. So I kept writing letters to Timber Maniacs stressing how meaningless the war was. I was really happy, even tough there was a war going on. It gave me hope about my future."
Not soon after, Squall had been getting bored. Rinoa, Zell, and Selphie had met up with him and started listening, but they too got bored and just hung around the room.
...This is getting so boring.
"It was different back then. Those were the good times. It was great to be young. Look at all the young people these days. They're all so lazy. I don't know what they're thinking... We are a publisher that was established 20 years ago. We used to publish a magazine called Tim Mani, short for Timber Maniacs. It was compilation of freelance writing: letters, reports, etc... The majority of the fans wanted to become journalists. I joined the company because I wanted to become an editor for Tim Mani."
Just another stupid story by a boring adult. This guy needs to grow up. Squall looked to the man who kept rambling on and on. ...He's gonna go on forever. This is so typical. Adults reminiscing and talking on and on about the things they couldn't do or didn't do. ...I hate it.
"But times have changed. Now the only things that sell are books like the battle series. It's so sad. I've lost my will to work here."
The group had slowly made their way out, the editor making quick parting words. "Hey guys! A word of advice! You're still young! Don't let your life pass you by!"
Right… that was a pain. Squall just looked to the others, a bit tired. "How long did that take?"
"He was soooo boring! He kept blabbing on for almost ten minutes straight!" Selphie sighed. "I've had enough of Timber life already; can we get on with the mission?"
Zell made a big yawn and shoved a Combat King he had received in his back pocket. "Yeah Squall, let's go man."
Sure, if our client is ready… "Well?" Squall said looking to Rinoa.
"Let's head to that house next door. I know the person living there, she can help."