The Seventh Month

Conflicts & Comfort

~Seifer~

We make our way to the temporary camp set up by SeeD for first aid and the investigation. The scene that greets us is organized chaos. Everyone running around doing there jobs proficiently. However to an outside eye it would look like a disorganized mess. When Leonhart stalked towards the entrance of the camp a SeeD was already there to greet him. I personally would not want this person's job. Although the headmaster will insist until the day he dies that he is fine but the truth is he's a bubbling boil of rage. He has gone into soldier mode, so all of his actions seem automatic, but his eyes hold this deadness about them which scare me beyond words.

"Sir." The red headed female SeeD salutes and Leonhart automatically returns it. "I'm SeeD rank 16 Alysha Wilborn and I've been assigned to escort you to where you need to go and brief you on any questions you have." She seems collected enough in this situation. She must have specialized in Crisis management. How else could she be unaffected by the Lion's wrath. With a vague nod from Squall she turns and leads us further into the camp to the first aid area. I notice that her hands never drift far from her daggers. And I doubt her nervousness is from being in the field. "This is the tent with the Seed 6 in it, Tristan Ashton. We were told that you would want to personally question the survivors." Leonhart spared a moment to glare at her for vaguely insinuating that his father might be dead before pulling back the tent flap and entering.

"Thank you for showing us around" I whispered to her as I went to follow the headmaster into the tent.

"It's just my job." She looked at the ground and continued. "It's not my place, but does.... Never mind I shouldn't say." Okay sweet pea, I'm not as dumb as you wish I was. I know she was going to question Leonhart's curt actions, but is afraid she'll get in trouble. If one person even thinks of questioning Squall I will personally introduce them to the pointy end of Hyperion before he is ever troubled by it. I am the only one who can question him and his motives. Nobody has earned the right as an equal to do so.

"You're right it is your job." I all but spit the words at her. "And as such, you have no authority or right, whatsoever to question the actions of the those above you. Understand?" She attempts a glare at me. It just looks like a facial twitch though compared to the death glares Leonhart's been sending me for the past ten years or so. She also looks at me as if trying to figure out where I stand and how much power I have. I don't bother with her any longer though. Let her think what she wants. I brush past her and enter the tent. I know I should treat those below me in rank with respect but Respect is a two way street and there ain't a grat's chance in time compression that I'm respecting that girl until she shows proper respect for the headmaster.

The scene in the tent doesn't surprise me in the least. The doctors are trying to keep busy as not to attract Leonhart's attention while Squally boy has already approached Tristan Ashton's bed and is gently talking to him. I'm not too surprised by that, one of the first rules of dealing with survivors who are injured and most likely in shock is to treat them kindly and gently prod the information required out of them.

"Why don't you tell me about your train ride from Esthar?" Always start off with safe questions a good time ahead of the first mishap as to put their mind at ease and to get them into the flow of reliving the past. Ashton answers some boring answer and I wouldn't doubt it if Squall's thinking about what brand of polish he should use on Leonhart instead of what this guy had for lunch on the train. Father or no father at stake, Squall's sense of patience will never be great.

"When you reached Timber, did anything seem out of place to anybody?" Never blame the victim. As a trained SeeD they are already blaming themselves for the event. Reprimands will be made in written statements and issued by the Headmaster after a suitable time for healing. Questioning is the time to collect the whole story. Make them feel comfortable with you and as if you will believe them and not blame them. They are likely to tell you more. As I think this I miss the guys answer but by the slight scowl on Leonhart's face I'm assuming it wasn't what he wanted to hear.

"When everything started to happen, where were you positioned?" Try to never directly mention the attack by name, you may trigger bad memories. Keep it simple, one question at a time. Don't expect the person to answer your question with a large story and every minute detail you want. Ask what you need to know directly. "And the other SeeD?" His answer for both questions are standard. One at the front and one at the back. To be able to watch and protect the largest area around the president. He was in the back.

"What happened first? The shooting, or the bombings?" Squally must be getting anxious he's being a bit more direct then he probably should, but then again there aren't that many euphemisms for shootings and bombs. This is also the main purpose of questioning. Find out how many there were, what they used, their tactics, and hopefully some identifying trademark.

"The bombs, but barely. As soon as we went down with the blasts they had people take out the center guards...They must have been Kinneas' standard to not hit the President with all that smoke and debris..." Ashton looks off into the distance as he relives the moment. Never ever let your victim get so involved in the past that he can't be help to you in the present.

"I'll keep that in mind. Now, where do you think they were when this all started?" With SeeD training he should be able to tell you almost exactly where the attacks came from by being able to identify shot sounds and trajectories but never pressure the person, and don't make them doubt their abilities. Ask them to give you a guess and its more likely to be right anyway. As Ashton describes where he believes the snipers to be I try to picture that sector of Timber in my mind and place the people on the buildings. It's a logical guess and probably accurate, but the thought startles me, if they were placed that far away there would have to be a good number of them, trained in signals, and with some high quality equipment. No need to tell the SeeD though he's been through enough as it is. Leonhart turns his head slightly to catch my eye. He silently asks me if I'm thinking the same thing as him. I give an imperceptible nod and he frowns.... This isn't some ragamuffin group. These are people with a mission, highly trained and dangerous.

"The others on the ground, how many do you think were there?" Try to get numbers. The person will most likely exaggerate in both victory and defeat. Nobody wants to defeat and army of one or be defeated by an army of one while it can be an army of ten. What ever they guess look at the number from a tactical standpoint. Does it make sense?"

"They came from everywhere Sir. In a matter of seconds they were on us. They must have been under the bridge waiting for the signals to swing up. would say close to twenty. Different weapons, and clothes but well drilled... seemed to be someone doing something everywhere. Tried to stop them...I just..." Try to avoid the self pity indulgence if you can. It will only set you back and lead you nowhere.

"Don't. If there were that many the blame is mine for underestimating the enemy. I just have one more question. You blacked out from pain after being beaten and didn't witness what happened with the president, and that's not your fault. I was just wondering, with all these people swarming around did you notice anything standard on them?" Who knew Leonhart could say so many words at once and not have a seizure. Have to admit though, when the need calls for it he can be good with his words. Hell, He almost has me believing it's his fault for not hiring enough people. That is if I didn't blame the guards' incompetence and Laguna's lack of intelligence while traveling first. Also I can see just how much a statement like that hurts him. He wants to shoulder all the blame for this mess, believing that he is capable of protecting everyone around him. However I know the logical side will eventually win out telling him he did more then his father had wanted him to do and that he will get his revenge. That doesn't stop me from wanting to hold him in my arms and protect him from the cruelty of the world. I'm startled out of this thought as Ashton finally thinks of something that connected the mass of villains.

"...They didn't wear anything special except for one thing...It's hard to describe....It was a deep blue and it looked like a cross but it had this thing....it was wrapped around it....coiled almost,....like a snake...That's all I could make out...." Ashton's voice trails off and I'm startled by his description. It sounded familiar, but I can't seem to place it. Maybe I had just seen it in passing somewhere. Oh well I'll worry about that later.

"Thank you for your help SeeD Ashton. Now just relax and rest and you'll be back in Garden in no time." Don't over question the patient, ask what you need and get out. Give them time to rest and to think about the events and your questions without the pressure of you standing over them. That way they may think of something new and will want to tell you to help out. Although this SeeD looked agitated at the thought of not being able to help more.

"But...Sir," He was objecting to being dismissed. Poor guy probably feels responsible and wants to help the nice calm headmaster get his daddy back...yeah, good luck to him.

"SeeD, what did I tell you? Go to Sleep and when you wake everything will seem better." As he said the word sleep he held his hand over the SeeD's face and he quickly fell asleep. I briefly worry about the boy having a concussion and Leonhart doing serious harm but as I like for his charts to check I notice they have been thrown haphazardly onto the bedside desk by Leonhart. He must have flipped through them before I entered. He always did put his subordinates above himself. I'm sure he won't be getting nearly enough sleep himself until this thing is solved. Wonder if I'd be able to pull that sleep trick on him? I consider trying it one time for about two seconds until I remember all of his status junctions and that all I would accomplish would be pissing off a really angry man with a gunblade. Not a smart move. As Ashton's breathing settles into a pattern Leonhart waves me over. All the medical staff are momentarily out of the tent, so I'm assuming he wants a private word.

"How many do you think? About seven on the ground and three more on the roofs. Probably about 15 altogether including behind the scenes people. Maybe more back at their base." He looks as if he has already started plotting painful vengeance on all of these people. I know this is upsetting him, but why does he have to channel all that energy into such hate? Why can't it be something more peaceful...Like what Almasy Love? Way to sound like Rinoa...Ugh

"I agree with you, but with the way he describes the snipers I'd put five up there, four shooters one comms guy. What do you make of the symbol. It sounds familiar, but there are so may groups it could be anyone from anywhere. Want me to start the tech guys at Garden on it?" He contemplates it for a few moments before responding.

"You're right about the roof. The symbol doesn't seem that familiar but Garden should have it on file. We'll call after I talk to Kiros." With that he marches out of the tent with only a slight glance back to the bed. I can see how he wants to just stay here and help the young man get better and help him through the nightmares he's bound to be having. However the lion has never been good with emotions and is just doing what he does best. Walking away and leaving what he believes to be someone more capable to look after it. He'll never believe that he would ever be the biggest comfort to someone, even with all his awkwardness with trying to express himself. Oh well, maybe one day I can teach Squall how not to cringe against comfort and how to express himself fully. Maybe one day....

As we approached Kiros' tent I knew that without a doubt he was important. Don't these SeeDs know anything? Never put a target on your captain or the person you're protecting. If I was a terrorist this tent would be the first one I'd attack. It was at least twice the size of the other ones, and had more medical personnel then you can shake a stick at. I lean over to Squally to whisper into his ear. "Is it just me, or do these guys really need a lesson in field standards? Might as well just paint a big red X on the tent with a big 'VIP in here, please attack.'"

He scowled at me and then took a look around. The general set-up was good. They had a decent perimeter they could monitor and the layout was functional and practical, but it was the small things like lack of call and answer challenges or the civilian put in the largest most extravagant tent that made Leonhart frown. I could just see the gears in his head making a mental note to sign everybody up here for a seminar to refresh them on certain procedures. Good luck to them. They should have paid better attention. Instead of giving me an answer, which I didn't expect anyway he shakes his head slightly disappointed at his SeeDs and heads into the tent.

Kiros is laying on the bed and is being swarmed by numerous doctors and nurses all aiming to please the presidential aid. The SeeDs on guard duty salute with the headmasters approach and a path is cleared for him. "Good evening Mr. Seagul, As you know I'm headmaster Leonhart of Balamb Garden. Since two of our SeeDs were assigned as escort duty we take full responsibility for the capture of President Laguna Loire. As such we are willing to do all initi......" Squally boys planned speech was cut off by Kiros with an angry howl. If I was him I would have done the same. What kind of bullshit is Leonhart trying to pull.

"What the hell is wrong with you Squall? This is not some random client! This is your FATHER!" Kiros tried to sit up to look Squall in the eyes but fell back onto the bed clutching his sides. He must have gotten pretty beaten up trying to protect Laguna.

"If you would please lower your voice sir, we can continue are discussion..." the Ice Prince replied in his business monotone, while Kiros shot him an evil look. "...We are willing to do all the initial cleanup and inspections for free and we agree to locate the location of the president of Esthar and any other information involving the kidnappers. However we will need you to sign a new contract for a retrieval since that is outside the first contracts boundaries. The price of course can be....." He was once again cut off by Kiros.

"Price! Squall! Listen to yourself. you can't believe this shit. Tell me what in Hynes name you are doing to get Laguna back and stop giving me this headmaster talk! Money is not an issue! do whatever kind of paperwork you need to, but go out there and get him back!" I would never peg Kiros for someone who would break down easily but with the attack, Laguna missing, and the iciness of the Leonhart I guess I would be a little misty eyed with frustration too.

Squall's hands were clenching and if you were looking closely you could see faint trembles run through his body. This was not easy for him. "Everybody, Please Leave. I'd like to talk to Mr. Seagul alone." His monotone sounded a bit forced to me, to anyone else it would have sounded normal. Everybody was looking at everybody else not sure if they should leave their headmaster alone. Apparently he sensed this. "That was an order, Leave." People fidgeted and a couple headed out the door. He did a quick survey of the people remaining. Either to reprimand them later or to size up the competition. I decided maybe I should step in here before Leonhart gets more upset. I was just about to speak out to tell the kiddies to listen to leader and get lost but he beat me to it.

"Now!" Leonhart growled. He didn't yell, but he didn't have to. That 'now' held more power and threats to it then any other word yet spoken. In seconds the tent was cleared leaving only a bewildered Kiros on the bed, a very upset Squall, although he was doing a good job hiding behind his business mask, and myself standing near the doorway but with no intentions of leaving. Leonhart looked around the tent and noticed I was still there. He caught my eye and held it for less than a second but it said so much. His eyes were swirling in colour like a storm about to broil over, he had no clue how to handle the situation he was once again thrown into. He would never admit it but the war had made him open up just a little and he didn't know how to function without that support system he had built. His eyes also told me he was scared, he was doing the only thing he could do to get out of this in one piece, trying to stay detached. I gave a slight nod in understanding. I wouldn't judge him or his actions. I would just follow along and make sure that everything worked out alright, and if need be to pick up the pieces, just in case Squall did decide to show he cares and accept what has happened. His head moved in an imperceptible nod of acknowledgement... Well that was new. I know he offered me the spot of Commander and all, but until tonight he hasn't shown a single sign in all the weeks I'd been at Garden that he even knew I existed, let alone gave a damn about me. Maybe without him noticing I'd become one of his support systems. I've always been around, and Hyne, I was the one in the 'Rok with him when he found out. I'll have to think about that more later. I know why I care about the bastard, but maybe he finally cares about me too.

Squall, whose body was still shivering with pent up emotions approached Kiros and stood directly in front of him. "Don't, Don't you ever doubt what I feel for Laguna. He may have left me, but I Will never abandon him when he needs me!" I have never heard Squall speak so adamantly about someone before. I wonder if he has room in the ice field he calls a heart for more than family.

Kiros goes to protest but Squall is to fast for him. He looks him in the eye and clutches his wrist tightly. "Listen Kiros, I respect you and even like you. I don't want to break your wrist but if you don't shut up and never talk back to me before an audience I wont have to. Understand?" I could feel the venom from the door. I was thinking of stopping him, but something about him told me that this was taking all his resolve and that he would rather plunge Lion heart into his body than really hurt Kiros. So I stood by the door and took everything in as a statue would.

"What the hell is wrong with you Squall! This isn't you..." Kiros yanked by his wrist from Leonhart's loosened grasp.

"What would you have me do? Break down?" His voice had the faintest quiver in it. Kiros didn't hear it but I wanted to rush to him and tell him we would get his father back and to do what he needed to do cause I'd take care of him. Two things stopped me. I didn't know for sure that Laguna was alright and we would get him back, I never wanted to lie to Squall again. And two I have no idea where Squall stands with me. I've talked to the group and found out from Rinoa that Squall will play for any team as long as he gets to play the bases. But that meant nothing where I was concerned. So my insecurities left me keeping the door company and listening to Squall battle with himself in front of Kiros. "I can't. This Fucking Sucks! I can't trust someone else to this. I trust them with my life but not with his. Can't you see this is killing me Kiros? I'm getting through this bureaucratic investigation shit by going through the motions. Acting like the trained soldier I am." Kiros stared at Squall in shock. He had probably never heard him speak so many words at one time or show emotions. He nodded as if he still couldn't believe what was being said. "Please, don't take that away from me. Just answer my questions and help me out. Then I can get this over with." I stared dumbstruck that must have been the first time I had ever heard Squall remotely come close to begging. I hoped to never have to hear that again, unless of course it was under certain pleasurable situations....Focus Seifer. Focus.

"I understand Squall, just promise me you won't do anything rash?" Squall nods, and I bite my tongue to keep from calling his bluff. Leonhart not doing anything rash, that's like having a toaster that won't toast. ok bad comparison but I have more important things to think of.

"Good. Now as I was saying about contract agreements I'll send you the revised version with a price as soon as I can. You will find the prices very reasonable and below our average askings since we are taking some blame for the escalation of the scenario. Also before I can release you to your own government's custody to be transported back to the palace in Esthar I need you to answer some questions for me." Squall's mask was back in place, It was as if we had gone back in time and he had just entered the tent and nothing else had happened. Kiros nodded now understanding what Leonhart was doing. He was covering his ass. Do everything professionally to a tee. That way when you do break the rules they'll overlook it since you're such a great kid. How many detentions did Squall and I get out of because we were promising misunderstood students?

"When did President Loire decide to take the train and why?" His questions were more direct. Right from the questioning hand book though. Don't baby the people you're talking to. If they have a fighting intelligent spirit treat them as such. If you are condescending to them they may lead you astray.

"About two days ago. He thought it would be a change of pace and an exciting and safe way to see the country. We didn't want to transfer in Timber but we had to."

"Who would have access to his travel data?"

"We try to keep it low profile, but anyone with high level clearance could know. I could get you a list of all those shown to have accessed the presidential travel schedule. It may give you a lead."

"Garden is most appreciative of your cooperation. Would you also be willing to send over several other documents if need be?"

"Of course. We are at your mercy."

"Back to President Loire, did he have any known enemies in Timber?"

" As you know since the war we've opened our borders and any sorceress supporters are greatly against Laguna, even some Galbadian extremists have it out for Esthar..."

Kiros and Squall continued their talk. It was formal and informative but most of the information we had heard from Ashton and the rest I just couldn't care about at the moment. Something was nagging me at the back of my mind. The logo Ashton had seen struck a chord within me, and with talk of Galbadian extremists who support Sorceress... It all seems to familiar. Hauntingly so. I need to get back to Garden so I can check some things out. Maybe call up Edea and ask her about this.

"Thank you so much for your aid Mr. Seagul and we hope that you have a safe journey home."

"Wait before you go I'd li..." Kiros probably wanted to talk to him about personal matters again but Leonhart would have none of it.

"You really need to rest right now. We can talk later after you've gotten some Sleep." With that he raised his hand over Kiros and once again cast Sleep on the person he just questioned. He looked betrayed for a second but a deep peaceful sleep soon overcame him.

"Keep doing that Leonhart and we won't have anyone left awake." I remark from my shadow by the door. He sneers at me for a moment before replying.

"Like it would matter. They're walking around with their eyes closed as it is." I can't help but chuckle as he walks out of a tent to hunt down a SeeD medic. Leave it to him to turn a joke into an insult at bad military practice in the field. After hunting down a SeeD and going through the whole dance of salute, speak and salute the SeeD scampers off to prepare Kiros for transport back to Esthar. I figure it's now or never time to act.

"We should probably prepare for transport to. We won't be any help at the scene and you got what we need for right now. They'll send us information as the get it." He looked at me as if I had grown a third head. "Our presence here will just agitate people, make them sloppy. You need to be back at Garden in case anything happens, and to front the compilation of info and to brief your team." his glare softened and he nodded.

He looked over the site for a second before spotting Wilborn. The dance was gone through again. With his farewells said and instructions given we headed side by side to the Ragnarok in silence. Leonhart thinking about strategy no doubt, and me thinking I much prefer to walk behind him because the view is much more attractive......

~~~~Author's Notes~~~~

Redrum, I love getting questions and comments. They usually make me think or go oh shoot I guess I didn't explain that well enough. They make me try harder and hopefully make the story better so please ask all the questions you want.
Oh about the room getting cold in the last chapter. I am actually using it in the Cell Block story, but I was working on both, and I guess I got my stories confused (Don't hold your breath for the Cell Block story though). Oh well it doesn't really take away from this story so I'm just going to leave it. Sorry if it confused anyone. This is what I get for working on more then one story line at a time.

I know I said I didn't want to do another Seifer point of view for this story, but this chapter just didn't sound right coming from Squall's view. I tried, and it just felt forced. I think it worked better this way because you can see what Seifer sees in Squall and how Squall is being torn up over this even if he hides it so well nobody else can notice. I like how Seifer is more open in his thoughts about Squall although I probably didn't show it all that much, but it was a serious chapter I couldn't have Seifer drooling the whole time. Don't worry the day is coming where Seifer and Squall hook up....hopefully soon. Also this chapter had more plot in Squall's POV but when I changed it I had to cut out the last parts because Seifer wasn't inside Squall's office for a while. But that just means I have part of the next chapter done, and I even manage to give the boys some alone time....for a little while anyway

Until the next chapter... Please Review I love getting comments.