Hey! Hey! The pilot shook Jay, who was muttering unintelligebly. Wake up!

Wh-what time is it? Jay asked, blinking. The long windows on either side of the aircar had darkened to opacity, so he couldn't tell whether they were flying or not, much less whether it was night or day.

Ten o'clock at night, the man said. And we're in Bika.

Jay repeated. Got it. Bika. Sighing, he got up. Nudging Tycho with his boot — Tycho had opted to sleep on the floor, as there were only two benches — he grabbed his pack and threw it onto Jiri. Guys! Wake up. We're there.

Jiri snorted as the pack hit her. Oww! What did you pack, Jay?

Snk...I'm up, I'm up. Tycho mumbled something from the floor, then promptly fell back asleep.

Jay snapped, giving him a somewhat harder kick in the side.

Yow! Hey! Tycho grumbled from the floor, pulling himself up with the aid of the table and Jay's knee. I was up way before you!

Right, Tycho, Jay said. Stretching, he waved his hand over the door sensor. The door promptly slid open, and he motioned to the dark city outside. Shall we go?

The air was cold and still outside, and noises carried well. The hum of the aircar wafted across the tundra eerily, bouncing off the dark city. The town of Bika was not large; even in the moonlight Jay could see straight through to the other side. The houses were small and domed, made of hardened earth — a much simpler design than that of Trabia city, but a reliable one nonetheless. This same hardened earth formed the city's roads.

Not a single light could be seen in the enrire town.

Tycho looked around, pulling his jacket tighter around him. No lights. Does that mean what I think it means?

Let's hope not, Jay said, scanning the city. No lights, no movement. The place was a ghost town.

Pretty spoo-ky. Jiri whistled softly, grinning as she pulled her headband down over her ears.

No kidding, Tycho said. Looks like we got here just a bit too late.

Jay moved to one of the houses, pushing the door open. Everything of value was gone, leaving some very distinctive marks where they had been removed. Two dark, lifeless forms lay on the ground. I think it's safe to say the rumors about the raid are true, he said, stepping back out.

No kidding! Jiri agreed.

Jay looked around at the other dark houses. The town was lifeless; every distinction that marked the town had died with its residents. There was just a profound sense of emptiness. A whole town of empty houses.

Let's check the others, just to be sure, he said. Then head to T-Garden right away. I don't want to spend the night here.


The town was definately raided, Jay was saying. No one was left there alive, but a lot of the houses were empty. There might be survivors who left before we got there.

Headmaster Daniels nodded. Unfortunately, that was more or less what I had expected, he said tiredly. Well, the raiders will have been long gone by now. I don't expect we'll be able to find anything more there. Hmm.... He paused for a moment as if considering something, then shook his head slightly. You are correct, he continued. There may be refugees from the town of Bika who have taken shelter somewhere nearby. Your next objective is to find them.

And what about Kailie and the others? Jay demanded silently.

Hey, what about Kailie and the others? Tycho asked.

Ms. Loren and her team will likely be in the same location as whatever refugees you find. If not, they are likely no longer alive. He gave the three young SeeDs a slightly sympathetic look. You may leave whenever you like. However, you will be expected to report back in seven days regardless of your situation. Dismissed.


Is anyone else beginning to think this mission sucks? Tycho asked as they made their way along the wide, arched corridor.

Oh, yeah, Jiri affirmed. Sooooo...what do we do now?

Jay pushed the door to the outside open, ondering once again why a Garden in the middle of the Trabia continent would have so much outside space. Find Kailie, he answered.

In a whole continent? Tycho demanded. That's like looking for a needle in a frickin' desert.

Needle? Desert? Sounds like I'm needed somewhere, called a wry, half-amused voice from somewhere behind them. Everyone spun around, but the hall was empty.

Who said that? Jiri demanded. C'mere and show yourself!

Behind you, the voice said, and everyone spun around again. A slender, tallish girl had apparently materialized out of nowhere. Long black hair was tied in a mathmatically precise braid down the center of her back, and deep blue eyes sparked in amusement. She was wearing dusk-grey long pants, and a faded blue shirt. Every move she made implied stealth.

Who are you? Tycho asked.

With a winning smile, she took a deep bow. Trailmaster Tiana at your service. I'm the proverbial jack of all trades — assassin, spy, pickpocket, theif, scout, guide, you name it. And I know more about this region than any tour guide you could find. Now, what are you looking for?

She's certainly confident, Jay thought. Or just full of herself. he said aloud. It's a SeeD mission...

Ah, but they never said it was a secret SeeD mission, did they? And if it's just covert, that could be my middle name! If I had one, she added somewhat more quietly, with a conspiratorial glint in her eye.

Get lost, Tycho said with a snort.

But if you don't take me along, She said, smiling, how will you get your axes back?

Tycho demanded, looking down at his side. Both axes were gone. With a laugh, Tiana held them up.

How'd you do that? Jiri asked, staring.

He turned his back on me. Tiana shrugged, stepping back as Tycho grabbed for his weapons.

Jay, his hand darting to make sure his needle sword was still there, took a step forward. Give them back, he said in his best commanding voice.

Tiana grinned, and made as if to drop one in Jay's hand. He grabbed it, but found himself holding a plastic flower instead. she said, looking at it with a mock-contemplative expression on her face. I thought I threw that one away.

Jiri jumped at her, but Tiana was too quick. Ducking and hopping backwards, she left Jiri grabbing empty air.

What are we going to do with a pickpocket? Jay asked her in the most civil voice he could manage at the instant, casting away the flower.

How about Tiana asked. Do you know the Mesmerize trails through the forest? Can you get yourself up Breakneck Pass without breaking a neck? Can you evade a search party on a barren tundra? Hmm?

Tycho, in a sudden burst of motion, lunged at Tiana. As if she had expected it the whole time, she smoothly sidestepped and stuck out a foot to trip him. with a loud Tycho fell to the ground.

Jay gritted his teeth. She's an opportunist. And a damn annoying one. But she does seem to know her stuff. Glancing at Tycho as he struggled to lift himself back to his feet, he crossed his arms. If we let you come, you don't cause any trouble. Got it?

I only cause trouble to people I don't like, she said, grinning. Believe me, I'll keep up. If you can keep up with me! Laughing, she bent down and deftly placed the axes back in their sheaths as Tycho got up.

You can't be serious, man! Tycho exclaimed, clasping his axes protectively.

Hey, I'm not too crazy about this either, Jay hissed. But something tells me we're not getting rid of her. Just watch your back.

Tiana whistled shrilly, and a fairly large chocobo trotted up. she said sternly, and the bird warked and ran off.

Welcome to the club, Jiri said, stretching out her hand. Tiana grinned and clasped it warmly. Jay, ignoring the two, moved for the exit.

Tiana called, running after him.

Jay turned and glared at her. I thought you could keep up? he asked coldly.

I can. You just forgot something.

His eyes narrowed.

Tiana smiled, and held up her hand. In it she held Jay's needle sword. Jay snatched the weapon back, and was a little surprised when she actually let him.

This is part of what I meant by he growled, hooking the weapon back on his belt and turning back for the exit.