Damn. Morning already, Jaysen thought as he opened his eyes to the flashing alarm clock on his wall. I should never have taken up that late-night training session with Tycho. Does that guy ever sleep?

Finally awake, huh? Tycho asked. By the way, we're supposed to get to class early today. They're posting the test results in a half-hour.

Jay said, still trying to blink sleep out of his eyes. Didn't I tell you to stay out of my room?

It's my room too, Jay.

No, it's your suite too. Stay out of my room.

sure, whatever.

Jay pulled himself out of bed, grabbing a band and tying his hair back. A few strands still fell down beside his face, and he tucked them behind his ear in annoyance. Opening the door to the suite, he grabbed the package there. Handing it to Tycho, he closed the door.

Hey, a present? You shouldn't have, Tycho grinned. Opening the package, he looked at the neatly pressed, off-white student's uniform there. Oh, man, he said. I thought he was joking.

You thought Chang made a joke? Jay asked. You're crazy.

This prompted Tycho to pick up the nearest cushion and threw it at his roommate, but Jay caught it easily. I guess you've already had breakfast, he said, setting the cushion back on its proper couch.

Less of a breakfast and more of a midnight snack, but yeah, Tycho responded, shaking out the new uniform. Hey, they got the size right this time, too.

Jay returned to his room to change, this time remembering to lock the partition. Pulling on the field uniform and strapping on a watch, he ran a hand through his hair and reached for his boots. Fortunately, they were there; Tycho had a habit of hiding his clothing.

Hey, how long are you going to take in there? Tycho demanded.

He can't be changed already, Jaysen thought, then mentally kicked himself. Of course, he's not going to put the uniform on.

You want to go ahead? he asked, slightly irritated.

You kidding? I want you to be there when you see I aced the test! I live for that look on your face.

It was nice knowing you, Jay growled. Struggling with the sleeve of his own uniform, he made his way out of his room, and froze.

Tycho stood as if posing for a photograph, in full uniform. He had even included the headband and shiny new boots that had come with it.

Oh, that should keep me going for a while longer, Tycho said, laughing at Jaysen's shocked expression.

...Let's go, Jay said, not bothering to retort.


The separation between the concourse and the food court was further emphasized by a ring of holographic monitors — or rather a single monitor that wrapped all around the center of the building. The monitor usually displayed the morning's announcements and headlines from the Garden newsletter, but today it was host to the results of the SeeD written test. As the students' names spun slowly along the screen, hundreds of students in the SeeD progam had turned out to see what their future held.

Tycho drummed his fingers against his leg, waiting as the screen scrolled through the names. He wouldn't have long to wait, as he was fairly near the beginning of the alphabet. Jaysen, with his last name of Trager, would have to wait even longer.

Sighing, Jay watched Tycho pace for a while.

Hey-you're up soon, someone whispered to him. Both Tycho and Jaysen looked up.

Cymann, Uriel — 78%

DaLannen, Tycho — 96%

Tycho said, swatting a fist into his other hand.

What happened to acing it,' Tycho? Jay asked, crossing his arms.

Yeah, I'll have to speak with the grading staff about that, Tycho said, grinning. I'd like to see what you got, though!

Jaysen turned back to the screen, watching the names slide past. Not many were above the cutoff 95% line. As Jay read through them, he realized that a good majority of the passing students were from his class. Of course, Chang was said to be the best instructor in Garden.

After what seemed like an eternity, one name caught his attention.

Loren, Kailie — 105%

Tycho exclaimed. How does she do that?

Jay agreed.

She sold her brain in exchange for a computer, someone behind them said. The names and grades scrolled on.

Nasima, Jiri — 95%

Jiri passed, Jaysen remarked.

No kidding, Tycho drawled. She's Kailie's friend. They're all brain cases.

Osoto, Hahn — 97%...

Tycho gaped. What...? How'd she get better than me?

You'd better talk to the faculty about that one, too, Jaysen said, smiling.

The intercom chimed. Attention. All students who passed yesterday's written exam, please report to the auditorium. For all students who failed yesterday's exam, classes are adjourned for the semester. I repeat....

I hate being last, Jay thought as the students began to thin out.

Hey, you're coming up, Tycho warned.

Jay looked up just as his name appeared off to the side. Involuntarily, his breath caught in his throat as the text marched up.

Trager, Jaysen — 98%

Tycho said. Nice one, man! Who did you sit by?

Shut up, Tycho, Jaysen said, unable to restrain a grin.

Come on! Tycho said excitedly. After this, it's just the field exam! And I was born to boogie!

Jaysen was too pleased with himself even to manage an exasperated sigh.


Congratulations to all of you who made it this far. Headmaster Ayo scanned across the thirty or so students gathered before her. As you all know, you must now pass the field test in order to become SeeDs. You have already been tested on history, mathematics, science, tactics. These are all useful skills, but by far the most important test is of your abilities in battle. Life and death, victory and defeat, honor and disgrace...each of these go hand-in-hand. You must choose one way or the other. She paused for a moment, looking across the young faces a second time. But don't be concerned. You have all been screened by our faculty; if we believed for any reason that you are not up to the task, then you would not be here now. I know that you are capable. What you must now prove is that you know it, and are ready to realize your potential. Any questions?

Silence. Jaysen glanced sideways at the other students, most of whom had their most impassive faces on. About one out of every three candidates who pass the written exam becomes a SeeD. That means twenty of us won't make it. He shook his head. That's not something I should be thinking about.

The Headmaster was nodding. Very good. You will be placed in groups of three. Eighteen SeeD members will back you up, but I trust you will not require their assistance. Here are your group assignments.

A brown-clothed faculty member stepped up, holding an electronic clipboard. Squad A will consist of candidates Melara Aande, Ander Hein, and Hahn Osoto. Aande will be the squad leader. Squad B will consist of Kailie Loren, Joa Kristov, and Medri Univar. Loren will be the squad leader. Squad C —

Jaysen waited impatiently. Squad H will consist of Jaysen Trager, Jiri Nasima, and Tycho DaLannen. Trager will be the squad leader. Squad I —

I'm with you, Tycho whispered, mock-saluting. Yes, sir!' No, sir!' God, this'll be fun!

Jay hissed as Ayo glanced in their direction. Jay swore the dark-skinned woman knew everything that went on anywhere near her Garden.

Now that you've heard your team assignments, Ayo said as the faculty member stepped down, I would advise you take the rest of the day off. Train, sleep — that is up to you. Report to Seagull landing field at eleven hundred. Mission briefings will be given on the hovercraft. Ayo paused, dark green eyes narrowing. Then, as if she had seen something and was satisfied by it, she nodded. Good luck. Though I would suggest you rely less on luck than on skill. She started to turn, then paused. Oh, and Mr. DaLannen?

Tycho smiled pleasantly. Yes, ma'am?

I am glad to see that you chose to appear today in proper uniform. Dismissed! Doing an abrupt about-face, she walked off the stage.


The hum of the hovercraft filled the landing pad as the SeeDs and candidates formed into their groups. They had all grabbed an early lunch, and were now simply waiting for the stragglers to show up. Jaysen absently fingered the needle sword he had checked out just half an hour earlier. Only SeeDs were allowed weapons of their own.

Are Squads A and B present? called out the sharp voice of a faculty member. Melara shook her head nervously, but Kailie stepped forward, offering the traditional SeeD salute.

Squad B present and awaiting embarkment, she said formally.

The faculty nodded and motioned to the hovercraft, ticking something off on his clipboard. Are Squads C and D present?

Present and awaiting embarkment? Tycho muttered, elbowing Jaysen. That's a hundred for her on He mock-glowered at Kailie's form as it disappeared into the craft.

Her team made it on time, too, Jaysen said, glancing around him. Luckily, both Tycho and Jiri were there.

Are Squads G and H present?

Jaysen almost jumped. Stepping forward in his turn, he saluted the faculty. Here, sir, he responded. Another tick was added to the clipboard, and he stepped into the hovercraft.

The interior of the craft was not spacious, but hardly cramped either. A pair of long, padded benches ran along either side behind the doors, and a pair of reinforced windows covered the sides, prompting Jay to wonder once about the design trait of having the rider sit with his back to the windows.

A thin glass table occupied the center, with the Garden symbol engraved on it. Jay had read somewhere that the symbol for Garden and the salute hadn't changed since Cid Kramer founded the first Garden in Balamb. The Esthar SeeD uniforms were even derived from the group of White SeeDs who had been charged with guarding the girl Ellone. All the pictures of Commander Leonhart and his near-legendary team had them either out of uniform or in the archaic deep-blue ornamented dress uniforms — colors which were no longer used save by the Balamb SeeDs.

After both squads had been seated, there was a slight vibration and an increased hum as the hovercraft lifted into the air.

someone said from the front of the cabin, and Jay looked up to see Instructor Chang standing there. When did he show up? he wondered. Are you sure you're up for this? the instructor asked, looking at the six candidates.

Yes, sir, everyone responded, almost in unison.

The instructor surveyed the six students, then activated a remote in his hand. The screen flared to life, displaying a map of northern Esthar. Our destination is the Nortes mountain range. Reports have indicated an increasing monster presence in this area, activity which appears to originate deep within the mountains themselves. These regions have not been explored.

A series of arrows appeared from the bottom of the map, spreading out into the mountains. SeeD candidate teams will search these mountains for a nest or nests responsible for the monster population, and exterminate it. You are to remain in contact with the squad letters preceding yours and following yours at all times — Squad H, for example, would communicate with Squads G and I. A SeeD team will also remain within contact range and monitor your signals. Do not attempt to contact them unless you are in serious danger.

All six nodded.

Beyond this, you may do as you please, provided you obey all Garden rules and the orders I have given you. When the order to withdraw is sent, you are to obey immediately. No delays.

Jiri raised her hand. What if we haven't found the nest yet?

Then you have failed your mission.