Icicle was just as dull and boring as Jay remembered it. Which was good, because he really couldn't put up with much more excitement. Trudging towards the hotel, he opened the door and checked in with the owner. Climbing the stairs, he opened the door to Kailie's room, stepping inside without really registering at first that she wasn't there.

Jiri was sprawled across the bed on her back, head hanging off the side. She looked about as bored as she could possibly be. She glanced up as the door opened, pulling herself into a sitting position. Hi, Jay, she said.

Where's Kailie? Jay asked, looking around the room.

She got a bit better, so they shipped her back off to Garden, Jiri said, jumping to her feet. Did you find the raiders?

Jay nodded.

Jiri demanded. Was it by that farm thingy that Darian was talking about?

Jay nodded again.

Jiri prompted.

They retreated, Jay said. We wanted to check in here before we followed them.

Great plan, General, came a sarcastic voice from behind him. Jay almost jumped out of his skin before he recognized it as Tiana. Turning, he saw her lounging against the far wall of the hallway outside as if she had been there since he had arrived. She was wearing a loose-fitting outfit in funeral black. You realize that by now you've lost any chance of finding their trail, she continued.

Jay scowled at her while he tried to act like he had known she was there all along. By the time we were in any condition to follow them, they were already gone, he retorted. I don't suppose you'd like to find it for us?

Tiana winked, but said nothing.

So what are we waiting for? Jiri demanded. Let's go!

Not so fast, Jay said. Geez. I just got here. Can't I have five minutes off? Let's wait until tomorrow.

They might be gone by tomorrow!

Don't worry about that, Tiana assured them. They're already gone.

Jay ignored her. The raiders seem to like forests, and there's a pretty thick one not too far east of the Farm. They probably went that way.

Then let's go! Jiri exclaimed.

Willing himself to keep his voice level, Jay said, I'm going to call Trabia Garden and have them send a hovercar down here. We'll leave when it arrives, all right? I'd also better ask them how Kailie's doing, he thought. And report about Joa and Medri.

Hey, the guy downstairs wants to know if we'll be renting for another night, Tycho called, charging up the stairs. What do I tell him?

Darian was right behind Tycho, somehow managing to keep up without seeming to exert himself at all. The house I stayed in has been abandoned, he said. We could stay there without charge.

Jay thought about it for a moment. Now that Kailie was no longer here, there was no reason to stay in the comfort of the hotel — not that Jay ever had, anyway. We'd better not run up a tab on our first mission, he said.

Got it. Tycho turned and disappeared down the stairs.

Tiana was glaring at Darian. Who are you? she demanded.

He extended his hand. And you?

Mind your own business. Ignoring the preferred hand, she smoothly pushed off the wall and walked across the room where she, without hesitation, jumped out the window. Jay hurried over and looked out, but there was no sign of her on the ground below. Which was odd, because black clothing really didn't blend in with snow at all.

Shaking his head, he turned back to the others. Anyone know where the comm station is?

Darian raised an eyebrow, turned, and left the room without a word, his makeshift cape swishing through the air almost melodramatically. Jay felt a headache coming on. What did I do to deserve this?

Jiri collapsed back onto the bed. I'm bored, she complained.

Come on, boss, Tycho said. Let's make the call!

Jay said from between gritted teeth. Stop calling me

Sure thing, boss, Tycho said, saluting. He ducked outside and sprinted down the hall before Jay could think of a reply.

I wonder if Commander Leonhart ever had days like this? he wondered as he followed Tycho down the stairs.


That's my report, sir, Jay finished lamely. He resisted the urge to fidget under the stare of Headmaster Daniels' life-size face on the comm screen. The man had not said a single word during his report, to the point where Jay wondered if he was still alive.

Now, he nodded. The raiders might have retreated for now, but I'm not willing to believe they are gone for good. I'd like your team to do its best to track their movements. You may use your discretion upon finding them, but we cannot allow the continued threat of their existence.

What about Kailie? Jay asked, without really thinking.

SeeD Loren has been transferred back to Esthar.

Esthar. Well, she's stable enough to travel, so that's good.

Wait a minute. What was she doing here in the first place?

he asked. Why was Esthar called in to deal with this? It sounds like a Trabian matter.

Davies paused. I'm afraid that's internal Garden business, Mr. Trager.

I'm a SeeD, Jay shot back. Sir...with all due respect, two of my classmates have already died over this. I'd like to know why they were even here.

Davies looked at him searchingly for a moment, his eyes seeming to pierce right through his head. Then, he nodded. All right. Two weeks ago, another Garden issued a complaint that our SeeD force was acting outside of Trabia authority. Balamb Garden is conducting an investigation at the moment, and all our SeeD deployments have been canceled. Your Garden has agreed to take this mission in the interim.

Why not one of the other Gardens? Jay asked. Grandidi and Balamb are both closer —

The order came directly from Balamb Garden, Davies interrupted. It's not to be disputed.

Jay saluted. Yes, sir.

This is your first mission, isn't it, Mr. Trager?

Yes, sir, Jay repeated, a little surprised by the change in subject.

Davies' face softened. I'm sorry you and your friends had to become involved in this. There are many issues at hand here. Before Jay could ask what that meant, he added, Just do your part, Mr. Trager. He saluted, and his image disappeared from the screen.

Jay turned around, and managed not to jump when he saw Tiana standing there. Pointedly ignoring her, he turned back to the hotel.

Where in hell did you pick up that creep? Tiana demanded, slipping into step beside him.

It took a moment for Jay to realize she meant Darian. Here. Why should you care?

Tiana's mouth worked as if she would have liked to deliver some sort of retort, but she didn't say anything. And he's still tagging along why?

Jay stopped, turning to stare at her. What's your problem? he asked. You're still tagging along.

Tiana actually looked offended. Never mind, she growled. I'll see you when the hovercar gets here. Turning, she stalked off without any pretense of stealth.

What was that about? Jay wondered as she disappeared down a side street. Shrugging to himself, he headed towards the hotel.