Every year, the summer rains drenched southern Esthar in what was nearly a solid sheet of water. At times, it became difficult even to see a few meters in front of you through the haze of water droplets. The Garden schedule was always careful to end the class year before the start of the storms, which could sometimes last for weeks. Nearly all the students were gone now; only those who lived at Garden year-round were still there, along with the faculty and the SeeDs.

Jay stood just inside the main entrance, staring out at the rain. This would be his eighth day since graduation, and he had yet to recieve an assignment. Now, the storms had come, and he could not even go outside. Garden was too open and spacious for one to become claustraphobic, but Jay was instead forced to cope with a mounting sense of boredom. Every day, he would check the monitor, and every day more SeeDs would be sent out. Aside from him, Tycho, Jiri, and Samson, everyone from their graduating class had been sent out. And he could be waiting for another twelve days.



Startled, Jay spun to see Hahn standing behind him, also looking out at the rain. Oh. Hey.

Still haven't been sent out yet, huh?

Jay shook his head. Tycho thinks they're saving the best for last.

Lucky you.

Jay paused, unsure of what to say. Are you going to try out again next year? he asked.

Hahn sighed. I don't know. I don't want to go through all the training again, but I can't think of anywhere else to go. All my friends are here.

Jay nodded. Any idea...why you didn't make it? I mean, I was sure.... He stopped, unsure as to whether he should be asking.

Yeah, no one seems to know why I failed. Everyone says they were sure I would make it. Except the faculty, of course. She glanced at Jay. You remember what the Headmaster said? About how she knew we had what it takes, but that we had to know, too? Well, something like that.

Jay nodded.

I think that's the problem. I get the feeling that I was the only one in Garden who didn't think I'd make it. That's probably what did it, I think.

For a moment, they just stood there, with the rain crashing down outside. I did it again, Jay thought. Why do I keep getting myself into these conversations? I can never think of anything to say at times like this, but she's waiting for me to say something. I hate this.

Well, maybe...you'll do better next year, he offered weakly, kicking himself the moment the words left his mouth.

Letting out another sigh, Hahn stared out at the rain. I don't think I'm going to try out again. I mean, if I would make a really good SeeD, I would have passed this year, right?

They can't think that way. Why would they let you try out again, if that was true?

I should be saying this out loud.

You never know, he said.

Dammit!

The chime of the intercom spared him from any further humiliation. Will the following SeeDs please report to the Headmaster's office for assignment in thrity minutes: Tycho DaLannen, Jiri Nasima, and Jaysen Trager. Be prepared to depart immediately after being briefed.


Taking a data slate from a faculty member, Ayo handed it to Jay. This is a copy of a report from Trabia Garden a few days ago. Intellegence suggests that Bika, a town near Trabia Garden, has been attacked by a band of raiders who have bagan operating in the region. You are to investigate the truth of these rumors, and report to Headmaster Daniels at T-Garden for further instructions. The Garden will provide for transportation to Trabia, but once you have arrived you will need to find your own methods. Whether you rent a car or chocobo or simply walk, make sure it is the most efficient. Your SeeD stipend should cover all expenses. Any questions?

They were silent. Seems pretty simple, Jay thought. But why isn't T-Garden taking care of this?

Ayo continued, we sent a team up to Bika seven days ago. This team consisted of three SeeDs — most of whom I think you know. Kailie Loren was the team leader, her subordinates were Medri Univar and Joa Kristov. Trabia Garden never received this delegation. You are instructed to find these SeeDs — or their remains. Be prepared for the worst.

Kailie? Jay felt a pang of worry. Remains? he asked, hesitantly.

Ayo looked over. "You have a question, Mr. Trager?

Yeah. If Kailie couldn't handle this, what makes you think we can? Jay glanced over at his team yet again, and reconsidered voicing his fear out loud. No, he decided. Even if she would let us off, I don't think I could go on knowing I didn't even try.

No, ma'am, he said.

Ayo crossed her arms. You three have already proved that you are capable of handling what may seem like an inordinate amount of difficulty. However, should you — at any time — feel you are incapable of handling this, report to Trabia Garden. Headmaster Daniels will deploy his own SeeDs to complete the mission.

That won't be neccesary, Jay said.

I should hope not, Ayo said. Any further quetions? She nodded when no one said anything. Good. You will leave from Seagull landing field immediately, where you will proceed to Esthar Airstation and take suborbital transportation to Trabia City. From there, you will proceed directly to Bika. Dismissed!

Jay nodded, heading for the door. Tycho followed, but Jiri lingered a bit longer. This is bad, Tycho pointed out. Really baaaad.

Not up for it, Tycho? Jay asked grimly.

Never said that. Tycho grimaced. Just —

Jiri supplied. Tycho nodded.

Yeah. Just disappearing like that isn't right.

No kidding. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can figure this out, Jay mentioned. Shouldering his pack, he led the three out into the rain.


Jay barely even remembered the ride from Garden to Esthar Airstation. He knew they had taken a Garden hovercraft directly there, but he could recall none of the specifics. He didn't particularly care to try, either.

He absently handed his ID to the attendant, and followed him to the transport pod up on the launch deck. Tycho was saying something about how cool it would be to actually use one of the things. All Jay saw was an ugly metal cork.

The inside was slightly more spacious than he had expected. He stowed his pack in the overhead compartment and plopped down in one of the six G-seats lined up along the wall, dutifully fastening the multitude of safety belts. Glancing out the window that ran along the side, he could see no trace of the pod's stubby wings.

And this thing is going to take us halfway around the world. That thought was enough to distract him from the mission ahead as the pod levitated itself into the massive cannon-like launcher.

Please make sure you remain strapped into your seats until further notice, came the calm, automated voice. This flight will take approximately forty-five minutes.

They were secure in the launcher, and a high whine was beginning to assert itself. Here it comes, Tycho said.

There was a dull explosion outside, and the pod shot out of the launcher, into the sky. All three of the Seeds were pinned back in their seats as the airstation and the city of Esthar slid away behind them.

Oh, wow, this is fun! Tycho exclaimed.

After a few minutes, the shaking died down as the pod slipped up to the very edge of the planet's atmosphere. The craft, though utterly nonaerodynamic for purpose of reentry, could direct airflow in such a way that it could still slide easily through the air.

To Jay, it still seemed like he had just been shot out of a very large cannon.

Hey, do you guys ever worry about these things? Jiri asked.

My first time in one, Tycho said. And I'm loving it!

But, like, what if they deploy the retreival grid in the wrong place, y'know? Or the flight drive kicks out? What's anyone gonna do?

Flying in these things is safer than driving a hovercar, Jay said. Besides, it's the fastest way to get to Trabia.

I know, but isn't it kinda scary?

We might already be too late. I don't want to waste any more time.

The edge in Jay's voice cut off any reply for a moment, then Tycho ventured, Hey, I'm sure Kailie and everybody will be all right.

Then why haven't they checked in?

Jay lay back in his seat, and stared out the window at the earth below. They were just passing over the Nortes mountains, he saw. This is her first mission. There's no way she could fail. Not Kailie. She has to be all right.

If she's not, what hope is there for us?