After the events of the last several days, it was almost a relief to enter the now-familiar landscape of Trabia City once again. But there was too much weighing on Jaysen's mind for him to enjoy it. All he could do would be to report back and hope that one of the Headmasters could make more sense out of it than he had. And hope that the nearest store had some very good headache medicine....

Hey, um, Jaysen?

Jay glanced behind him, looking at Tiana. She, Darian, and Jiri were trailing after him, with Tycho having gone to return the hovercar. Jay sighed; he was really not up to whatever she might have in store for him.

How long are you guys staying here? Tiana indicated the skyline behind him.

Probably around a day, Jay said, stopping to turn completely around. Why? Is that a problem?

Tiana raised an eyebrow. ...Not really, she said, somehow sounding less than convincing. Stay...as long as you want. She finished with a noncommittal shrug, which almost set Jay screaming. Why couldn't anyone up here ever say anything straight off?

Thanks for your permission, he said, managing to keep his voice a bit more civil than a growl. Turning around again, he moved off towards the city proper.


The North Wind Hotel was one of the larger ones in the city. Though not as high-class as some others, it did offer the dual advantages of being cheaper and closer to the airstation, as it was located just on the edge of the city plaza. The neighborhood was — as far as Jay had been able to tell — neither reputable or dangerous, as its residents had a habit of changing from week to week. They did pass a pair of SeeDs in the distinctive blue-and-black Balamb uniforms, but aside from that he couldn't distinguish anyone from the general crowd.

Jay wanted nothing more than to collapse into a bed and sleep for several hours, but as they approached the building through the main shopping plaza it became painfully apparent that this wouldn't be possible.

They were just passing a makeshift stand with someone hawking miscellaneous pieces of jewelry, when the man looked up. For a second Jay was afraid that he was going to have to spend another five minutes explaining that he didn't want to buy anything, but this salesman had found something more interesting.

Hey! You over there! The man snapped, looking directly at their group. Do I know you from somewhere?

Jay turned around. Excuse me? he asked. The man was heavyset, bearded, and definitely not anyone he recognized.

Not you, the man said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Who's that girl behind you?

Jay glanced around, noting that Tiana had suddenly become very involved in examining a rug in the window of a store nearby. Oh. That's —

Name's Tansy, Tiana said without looking over. I'm new here. Just moved up from Cen —

By hell you are! the man exploded suddenly, stepping out from behind the stall. You're that — that kid from Sorbald!

Tiana didn't so much as glance in his direction. If anything, she began to turn away. Sorbald? Where's that?

Don't play coy with me, you — you — the man spluttered, unsure of what to say. In a moment, however, he had apparently found something to his liking. What? Wasn't Sorbald enough? You had to drag these SeeDs up from whatever godforsaken pit they came from to make a mess of Trabia City, too?

We shouldn't let this continue, Darian warned from beside him.

The man's shouting was beginning to draw a crowd. Nodding, Jay decided to step in. We're just here to escort...Tansy to Midgard. We'll be leaving here as soon as —

He never got to finish the sentence. A hand like a slab of meat rammed into his jaw, and the next thing he knew he was staring up at the sky and down the barrel of a very large pistol.

Jiri yelled, charging forward. What are you —

Stay right there, SeeD, he growled. Two more people had emerged from the crowd. One seemed more than happy to restrain Jiri, and the other pointed a nasty-looking gun at Darian, who hadn't moved an inch in any case. Mikail, Lerryn, guess who decided to show up one fine day? the first man asked. Each word was clipped.

One of them turned to stare at Tiana, who was not being very discreet about looking any direction except the one the three men were in. The man ran a hand absently over his cheek, which Jay noticed carried a very bad burn scar. It was faded — it was probably very old.

Well lookie here, he whistled between his teeth. And a handful of WeeDs, to boot.

God, he can not be serious, Jay thought. The police would be here within seconds —

It was then that he first noticed that one of the men — the one with the scar — was wearing the slate-grey colors of the Trabia Police Division.

Oh, damn, was his only thought.

So what do we do? asked the other. He was staring at Tiana with obvious fear in his eyes.

We do what we do with any weeds, the jeweler said, cocking the gun. Jay had half a second to focus on a Protect shield —



There was the sound of a gunshot, a metallic clang, and a stream of curses nearly hot enough to make paint peel. In the space of a heartbeat, the man had dropped his gun and was holding his hand in pain. A tiny throwing knife was lodged between his index finger and thumb.

Tiana wasn't making any pretense about staying inconspicuous anymore. She had rounded on the three, eyes blazing. There something wrong? she demanded loudly. Weapons aren't allowed in the plaza. You remember that?

Jay wondered for a moment what she was doing. Then he realized that just because one of the police was on the jeweler's side, it didn't follow that any others within earshot were as well.

Storming up to the man, Tiana stared him in the eye. You want a piece of me? she asked quietly.

He took a step back. You're a fine one to talk, assassin, he snarled. How many more little tricks do you have up your sleeve? I should have the police give you a weapons search —

But I'm not the one who everyone saw using a weapon, Tiana said. Making a barely perceptible motion with her hand, she motioned Jay off. Leave, the gesture clearly said.

The hell do you mean? the man demanded. I have your damn knife right —

Tiana winked as the man raised a bloodied hand. Aside from the wound, there was nothing to suggest a knife had ever been there. With an incoherent yell, the man charged at her. Ducking to the ground in a ball, Tiana rammed into his shins. He fell forward to land on his face, and within seconds Tiana had disappeared past his two cohorts and into the crowd.

Put your hands on your head! The voice could clearly be heard over a loudspeaker. Do not move unless you are instructed to do so! Through the crowd from the opposite direction, a trio of police began to force their way over, accompanied by the two Balamb SeeDs.

Jay groaned as he complied. This was not going to look good on his record....


Hey, we didn't have a problem until this bozo pulled a gun on Jay! Jiri protested.

You better watch your mouth, girl, growled the jeweler.

Both of you, quiet!

Jay groaned. He stood before the desk of the police deputy, along with Darian, Jiri, the leader of the Balamb SeeDs, the jeweler, his two buddies, and the two officers who had been tasked with bringing the bunch in. And nobody seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The deputy glared at them across his desk, fixing his gaze on each one of them individually before continuing. Now, Vosher, why don't you tell us what happened again?

The policeman with the scar glared over at Jay. These two SeeDs were having a confrontation with Mr. Rivens here. I stepped in —

Yeah, right! Jiri cut in. He held off Darian with a gun while this guy tried to kill Jay!

That's a lie!

If I may? The Balamb SeeD stepped forward. He was young — not out of his twenties, Jay was sure — but both Jiri and the policeman immediately fell silent. I didn't have an excellent view of the incident, but it did seem that your officer wasn't making the best effort to...defuse the situation.

Hey, I was doing my best! sputtered the policeman. I didn't know what the hell to expect from these WeeDs and the freaks they were traveling with!

I really wish he would just quit with the weed' thing, Jay thought sullenly.

Jiri exclaimed.

Pardon me, sir? the Balamb SeeD asked calmly, before Jiri could think of something more to say.

The policeman looked stricken, and averted his gaze. Sorry. Didn't mean nothing personal.

The deputy was obviously becoming exasperated with the entire affair. Were any of the SeeDs armed during the incident? he asked of one of the other policemen.

No, sir. Both Mr. Rivens and his companion Mr. Lerryn were armed with Class Two pistols, however.

And by all accounts, the aggression was solely on the part of Mr. Rivens. The deputy indicated his terminal. Anyone care to disagree?

It was the friggin' assassin! Rivens growled. She's the reason for all this! And if these frickin'...twerps hadn't gotten in the way —

Do you deny firing an illegal weapon within city limits? the deputy continued wearily.

Rivens was silent.

Very well, then. Due to the uncertainty involved in this case, I'm going to sentence Mr. Rivens and Lerryn to two weeks in detention — half the standard time. And Vosher, this incident will go on your record.

Jiri was fuming. He tried to kill us! What is wrong with you? I want to talk to the chief!

Darian raised an eyebrow.

A number of observers saw this assassin' from your group as a cause of this altercation, the deputy shot back. Would either of you care to explain her role?

We ran into her during our mission, Jay said, hoping to cut off Jiri's reply. And she wasn't doing anything before this man tried to shoot me.

Hey, you oughtta be thanking me! Rivens exclaimed. I probably saved your fricking city from going down like Sorbald! You should have let me finish her —

Hey, wait a minute — Jay protested.

the deputy shouted. I have made my decision; this is the end of the discussion.

I should warn you, sir, this will go into my report to Balamb Garden, the other SeeD said, just as calmly as ever.

The deputy's expression changed for an instant, but he did not change his mind. You're all dismissed, he said evenly.

Jiri was about to say something else, but a glance form the Balamb SeeD silenced her. I'd like to speak with you in private, the SeeD said, turning to Jay. Deputy, if I may...?

The deputy nodded, shooting Jay a glance. You can use the conference room at the end of the hall to your left.

Jay gave a purely mental groan. Headmaster Ayo will have my hide, he thought as he followed the SeeD out the door and towards the conference room.

Wait a minute! Jiri was exclaiming. You're not all going to just let these guys —

Jay growled, but he found that he couldn't really find fault with her attitude. The deputy was being unfair. Why don't you see if you can talk to the chief? he finished.

She snapped a quick salute and streaked out the door with a speed that would have made Tiana proud. The Balamb SeeD, with another look at Jay, stepped out and headed the short distance to the end of the hall. Dreading what he would say, Jay followed.

The conference room was probably one of the smaller ones in the building, and doubtfully the newest. The angular stone table was lined with outmoded wire-frame chairs, and the display screen looked like it had survived from Commander Leonhart's time. The lights were controlled by a panel on the wall instead of activating automatically, and flickered for a moment when the other SeeD switched them on. Jay had a sneaking fear that the whole place, despite its traditional stone construction, would collapse at any second.

As soon as the lights were on, the SeeD turned to face Jay, and saluted. By the way, I'm Gavin Biggs, the Assistant Commander at Balamb Garden.

Oh God. Jay did his best not to wince as he wondered just what he would do after being kicked out of Garden. Jaysen Trager.

Biggs smiled. Don't worry, I'm not holding you responsible for this. Unfortunately, Garden isn't the most popular institution in these parts.

I noticed. Jay's tone belied the relief that flooded through him at hearing that he might last to his second mission after all.

As a matter of fact, I think I owe you an apology, the other SeeD continued. Esthar shouldn't have been involved in this, but we've been faced with a...very unusual set of circumstances.

None of which you're going to tell me about, Jay thought sardonically.

It would probably be best if you didn't even try to understand.

Way ahead of you on that one.

I do need some information from you, however.

Oh damn.

This...assassin you were traveling with.

Dammit dammit dammit....

How much do you know about her?

Enough to want to turn and run the other way whenever I see her. Almost nothing. Her name is Tiana, and we ran into her at T-Garden; she mentioned something about doing some work for them, I think. There, she...insisted on helping us out. She knows the terrain better than the monsters do, but she tends to disappear a lot. She seems to...work out of a town called Icicle, a bit south of here. And she's annoying as hell, he almost added. I could have done without knowing her.

Biggs nodded, looking thoughtful. And this other person...Darian. What about him?

Jay frowned. What did he know about Darian? He's really strong, talks in riddles, and has a left hand that heats things. He doesn't really talk about himself, he defended. But he was helpful in hunting down the raiders.

Biggs looked confused for a moment, but then showed understanding. Of course. Your mission.

I'm sorry I — Jay started, wondering if his career still had a chance.

No, it's all right. I wondered if they might play into my own mission here, that's all. I will have to ask about Tiana at T-Garden, but I can promise you that none of this business is going to affect your record in any negative way. You've been sent into a situation you weren't prepared for without any idea of what to expect. Nodding at Jay, he saluted. I'd appreciate it if you gave my congratulations to your team and my apologies to Ms. Loren and the families of her team.

Suddenly, Jay had been catapulted to a whole new dimension of discomfort. Of course, sir, he said, nodding.

Biggs motioned to the door. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Trager. Better luck in the future.

Thank you, sir, Jay managed to mumble as Biggs walked out the door.


Darian glanced along the street, and motioned off to one side. We may not want to take this route to the hotel, he said.

Why not? Jay asked, glancing along the road. It didn't seem too crowded. Is there something we'll need to avoid?

Darian raised an eyebrow, but didn't respond. Jay groaned inwardly; with Jiri (presumably) still demanding to see the police chief, Tycho out somewhere, and Tiana...elsewhere, he and Darian were left to go to the hotel and wait for the rest of the group to show up. It wouldn't have been Jay's first choice of company. Then again, he didn't seem to be getting much choice in that respect....

Hey! WeeD!

Jay managed weakly, noticing the grey-clad person making his way towards them. Nodding officially, he actually managed to look civil.

Vosher pulled to a stop in front of him, running a hand over his scar. Don't give me that, he growled. Damn WeeDs, think you're all so much better then us civilians, huh? Don't have to pay tention to our laws, or listen to what we say, oh no. He advanced on Jay, bringing his nose within bare centimeters of the SeeD's. Well, listen up. If I catch you covering for that assassin I'll have your hide in jail for disturbing the peace, being a menace to the general welfare, and whatever other charges I can get. You'd better get it, because I'm only gonna warn you once.

Jay narrowed his eyes. Sir, with all due respect, Ti — she goes where she wants to. We really don't have a choice.

Well tell her to keep herself away from here, he snapped. Cause the next time I see her, she's the one that'll burn. And to high hell with the consequences!

I'll relay the message, sir, Jay said, still trying valiantly to be polite.

You do that. Vosher physically pushed past Jay, moving down the thoroughfare.

Hey, Jay!

What is it now...? Jay turned around. Tycho was barreling up the street, ignoring the surprised look the policeman shot him. Vosher mumbled something under his breath as he stalked away.

Yeah, I saw Tiana a bit ago, Tycho said as he pulled to a halt. Said something about leaving.

What sort of something? Jay asked, not inclined to trust that he had finally had a stroke of good luck.

Well, basically what she said was you guys are boring, and since you don't need to find the raiders anymore, I'm leaving, bye.'

So she gets us arrested, then leaves, Jay thought. Well, maybe she'll stay gone this time as her way of saying she's sorry. Jiri's in the station. I'm going to cancel our reservation at the hotel; when she comes out, you head straight for the airstation. We're taking the next shot to Esthar, or Monterosa or Centra for all I care. He started off.

Woah! Jay?

None of this is his fault, he reminded himself as he turned back around, forcing his fists to relax.

Look, if we're taking a side trip before we go back to Garden...there is this place I'd kind of like to visit....

Jay's initial reaction was to ask him just why he thought he could take a little paid vacation on his first SeeD mission, but stopped himself. Why the hell not? he reasoned. By now, we've already made so big a mess out of our mission that it probably wouldn't matter if we blew up Trabia City. Fine. Where?

Tycho shifted uncomfortably, scratching the back of his neck. You're not going to believe this....