CHAPTER XIII (A): FISHERMAN HORIZON
The five were done with their meals after a few minutes and are now in Headmaster Cid's office, where Squall and the others were waiting together with Cid and Edea, who were behind his desk. Entering the room, the five stood still in front of them while the three young SeeD's saluted the SeeD salute.
"I'm sure you're wondering why you've been called to my office," the headmaster said after the three saluted, "Roger, Jacky, Cindy, you three were called because of your excellent SeeD capabilities and that I wish to have Squall and his party to share their experiences in dangerous situations such as yesterday's in Deling City. On the other hand, Zack and Amber, you two were already involved in yesterday's incident."
"In other words, we have already planned on our next move," Edea explained.
Squall then continued, "We are now heading for Fisherman Horizon. Once there, we'll take a train to Esthar."
"A train?" Roger asked, "Are the railways in use again?"
"Yes, just recently," Xu answered.
"What do we have to do in Esthar?" Cindy asked.
"We are going to borrow an airship from there," Rinoa explained, "Since we are facing Sephiroth and Sorceress Ultimecia, we might need a fast transport in order to find them quickly."
"That way, they won't have too much time to themselves," Squall continued.
"Not to sound pessimistic, but I don't think time is the problem," Zack said.
"I'll agree with you on that, Zack," Cid answered, "But we can't do anything until something actually happens."
"I understand."
Just then, sounds of gears moving suddenly sounded as the platform elevator of the control tower slowly came down from the bridge. A young SeeD was standing on it. Getting off the platform, he stood in front of everyone and saluted to them.
"Sir, we're approaching Fisherman Horizon!" the boy reported.
Cid nodded his head, "You may resume your post."
"Yes, sir," the boy saluted again before going back to the bridge on the platform elevator.
Turning his attention back to Zack and the others, Cid said, "I suppose you all have to prepare your arrival to Fishermen Horizon. Good luck."
"Yes, sir," Squall announced, saluting to him.
At that, the other SeeD's in his group saluted to the headmaster, as well. After that, all of them left the floor, except Cid, Edea and Xu.
*********
Zack and everyone else are just coming out to the second floor deck.
"Roger, who was that boy earlier, the one who announced us approaching FH?" Zack asked.
"Oh, that was Alex."
"What was he doing at the bridge?"
"He's Nida's assistant. Since Quistis and Xu are quite busy lately, Nida needed an assistant up at the bridge. Headmaster Cid personally picked Alex for that."
"Is that so? Alex must be a good SeeD to be handpicked by Headmaster Cid himself."
"Wait a minute. Did you just call Fisherman Horizon, 'FH'?" Roger realized.
"Yes, what about it?"
"That's what the people there call it, too. How did you know about? I didn't hear anyone telling you about it."
Then, Zack realized his mistake, "Oh! I. I find the name. quite long, so I. I called it FH. Yeah, that's it! I called it FH as a short form. Hehe."
"Is that so?" Roger said softly before looking away, towards where the port was.
When he did, Zack sighed in relief, "That was a close one."
"Hey there, what is it this time?"
The sudden greeting surprised Zack a little, but when he turned to see who it was, it wasn't anyone special. The one who greeted them was a well- built man wearing a cap that was pulled up to his eyebrows.
"He looks familiar," Zack thought, "Oh yeah, he's the guy who operates the elevator somewhere inside."
While Zack was thinking to himself, Squall was explaining to the man their plan to get to Esthar.
"I see. Well, you're in luck. The train to Esthar just arrived at the station, but I can't say anything about the tickets. Maybe you might still be able to get on with permission from Mayor Dobe."
"Thank you for your information," Squall said, looking as solemn as he always does.
"Hey, no problem. We here at FH love to help out others."
After saying that, the man left the group.
"Let's get going then," Irvine said, walking on the catwalk ahead of the group.
However, even without him saying so, the group was already moving on.
*********
The young group is now waiting outside the mayor's house. Zell was playing cards with Martine. Martine still sits around outside the mayor's house. Selphie, Jacky, Cindy and Amber have gathered together at the edge of the wide steel floor, having a pleasant conversation with one and another. Irvine was laying on the floor near the four, his hat covering his face. In other words, he was having a short nap. On the other hand, Roger was busy playing with Angelo while Zack just watched them. Squall, Rinoa and Quistis were the only ones that went to talk to the mayor. After a short while, the three came out of the house.
"So how'd it go?" Roger asked, standing beside Angelo.
"The mayor has given us special permission to go to Esthar. However, he will only allow six of us to go," Quistis answered.
"Why's that?" Zell asked, gathering his cards as he did.
"Apparently, we can only use one cabin in the train, and each cabin can hold up to 6 passengers only," Rinoa explained.
"If that's the case, then who's going?" Jacky asked as Selphie woke Irvine up from his nap.
"I've already decided on that," Squall said, "Selphie, Jacky, Amber, Zack, Rinoa and I will be going."
"Then what about the rest of us?" Irvine asked, stretching his arms out widely.
"The rest of you will have to wait for us until we return. Until then, you may do as you please, but be alert. Who knows where or when Sephiroth and Sorceress Ultimecia will appear," Squall said.
"No need for warnings, Squall. We already know that," Zell said.
"Hey, wait a minute. Why's Selphie going and not me?" Irvine asked, a little curious.
"That must be because you can't do without my abilities! Isn't that right, Squall?" Selphie, dancing that happy dance of hers.
"Actually, it is because you know how to pilot the Ragnarok," Squall explained.
Selphie stopped dancing when she heard him, "You're mean."
Hearing that, Rinoa laughed to herself, so did Quistis. Zack laughed, too, but less openly.
"If that's why you're having Selphie in your party." Roger said, ". then why's Jacky going?"
Squall was about to answer Roger's question when Rinoa answered it for him.
"Jacky is from Esthar, isn't he? This is for him to visit his family and friends who are still there. Isn't that right, Squall?"
Squall was surprised that her answer was exactly the same as his, but then he just smiled.
"You guys have got to be going then. The train should be leaving soon," Irvine said.
Squall just nodded.
"See you!" Selphie exclaimed before running off ahead of the others.
==========
CHAPTER XIII (B): JACKY'S REUNION
Nothing happened along their way to Esthar. They just rested in their cabin while waiting for the time to pass. Along the way, Zack discovered that Selphie still loves riding in a train, singing her train song happily throughout their way to Esthar. Arriving the station closest to Esthar, Zack discovered something completely different.
"There wasn't any road leading to Esthar in the game," Zack thought, looking at the road.
Zack could tell that the road was of Esthar because of the unmistakable color and the unmistakable tube-shaped barrier along the side of the road.
"Well, that's something new," Rinoa said, "I guess Esthar is more open now."
"What do you mean, Rinoa?" Amber asked.
"Esthar used to be a very secretive city," Jacky answered for Rinoa, "It wasn't long ago that the city itself hid from the world."
"The city itself?" Amber, confused a little by that.
"Esthar is a very advanced city," Selphie explained, "They had an incredible barrier around the whole city that made Esthar looked as if it wasn't even there! You know, they could've called it, the Great Barrier of Esthar!"
"The Great Barrier of Esthar?" Zack thought, "Sounds almost like the Great Wall of China."
Jacky laughed softly before looking at the great city, "You could say that."
Looking at Jacky, Zack could not help but noticed something. Jacky seemed very happy to see Esthar.
*********
Besides a new road leading straight to Esthar, there was also a car service near the station where the six arrived at. From there, the six took a car straight for Esthar Presidential Palace. There was always something amazing in the great city for Amber. Zack was also amazed, although he had seen the city through the game.
"They're so much more incredible than how they looked in the game," Zack thought while staring out of the car window.
Arriving there, Zack and Amber were amazed by the beauty of the grand palace.
"Guys, welcome to the Esthar Presidential Palace," Jacky said to the two, quite happily, Zack noticed.
Just as they had entered the palace, they met up with an oddly dressed man, who seemed to be in a hurry to exit the palace. He was a short, balding man with a small moustache, wearing purple clothing and a strange, red and white, circular 'disk' around his neck.
"Dr Odine?" Zack thought when he saw the man.
"Pleaz, excuz me! I am in a hurry!" Dr Odine shouted before getting onto the transport saucer.
Just then, another person appeared. He was wearing a red robe and a strange 'hat' that covered his eyes.
"Please wait for me, sir," the man shouted.
"Hurry it up! I must start ze project before any interference!" Dr Odine shouted impatiently.
When the man had got on the saucer with Dr Odine, a purple semi-orb formed around the saucer before it floated out of the palace. The six were caught by surprise by Dr Odine's quick entrance and his even quicker exit.
"Oh, I didn't know that we had guests in our palace. Please, forgive Dr Odine's impoliteness. He is a very impatient man and never bothers with welcoming guests."
The six turned around to see the person who had appeared to greet them. He wore a bright, creamy-white robe and a 'hat' that covered his eyes. Suddenly, the man seemed to be surprised.
"Jacky? Is that you?"
"David?" Jacky asked, barely recognizing the man's voice.
"So it is you! How have you been?"
"Fine as always! But." Jacky, who was smiling widely, "What are you doing here?"
"It's been so long, Jacky. A lot happened since you left Esthar."
"Mind introducing your friend to us, Jacky?" Rinoa cut in.
"Oh, sorry. This is my old friend, David."
"How do you do?" Selphie greeted excitedly.
"I'm fine. Nice to meet you all. So." David cleared his throat before continuing, "What business do you have in the Presidential Palace?"
"We wish to have an audience with the President," Squall answered solemnly.
"I see. Then, please, come this way," David, gesturing the group to follow him.
David led the group into a small room.
"Please wait while I inform the President of your wish," David said before leaving the room.
It was a few minutes before David appeared again.
"The President may now see you. Please hurry. The President is a very busy person."
*********
The group is now entering the President's room. In the room, there was a wide desk, which had a lot of unknown objects on it. Behind the desk stood the President whose back was towards the group. The President, who had long hair that was let loosely, did not wear the 'hat' but was wearing the usual robe. The President was looking at a large screen at the back of the room. There were two other people in the room. One was a thin Negro while the other was a large man. Both of them wore the usual robe and the usual 'hat' that covered their eyes.
"Kiros? Ward?" Zack thought, looking at the two before looking at the President, "Laguna?"
"Your guests are here," said the Negro to the President.
The President just nodded before the Negro gestured David to leave the room.
"So, what is your business?" the President asked before turning towards the group.
Not including Amber and Jacky, the whole group was shocked. The President was a woman!
"Well?" the President, who seemed to be a little impatient.
"Are you really the President of Esthar?" Selphie asked, still shocked.
The President was shocked, "Whatever do you mean by that? Of course, I am."
"What happened to President Laguna?" Rinoa asked.
"President Laguna? He recently retired," the President explained, "Look, if you have no actual business here, please leave at once. I am very busy."
"Sophia? Is that you, Sophia?" Jacky suddenly asked.
The President was surprised by that.
"Yes, my name is Sophia. Who are you?" she asked, looking closely at him.
"It's me, Jacky!"
"Jacky? Is that really you?"
"Yes!" Jacky answered, looking quite delighted.
"Hey, have you forgotten about us then?" suddenly the Negro said.
"You're." Jacky muttered, still unsure.
"It's me, Vies," the Negro said before taking his 'hat' off.
Vies did not have braided hair like Kiros, Zack finally noticed. Vies had very short hair with a short tail at the back of his head.
"Vies!" Jacky shouted when he saw Vies's face before looking at the large man, "Then you must be Uncle Calv."
Calv then took off his 'hat', revealing his face as well. Calv did not have a scar on his face like Ward did and was balding.
"Long time no see," he greeted.
"I guess he's definitely not Ward," Zack thought, remembering Ward had already lost his voice and could not speak.
"Then, what happened to Kiros and Ward?" Rinoa asked.
"They retired at the same time Laguna did," Vies answered.
"I see. You had expected to see the former President, Laguna and his two assistants, Kiros and Ward. However, they have already left for the town of Winhill several days ago," Calv explained.
"Is that so.?" Rinoa muttered, a little surprised by the news.
"It doesn't matter. Our purpose here concerns only the Esthar President, no matter who he or she may be," Squall explained solemnly.
"I see. So, like before, what is your business here?" President Sophia asked the group.
"We wish to borrow your aircraft, Ragnarok," Rinoa explained.
"The Ragnarok?" Vies, surprised at their request.
"I am very sorry but, when Laguna, Kiros and Ward left, the Ragnarok left with them," Sophia explained.
"They took the Ragnarok?" Squall, who did not expected that.
"I'm afraid so," Sophia answered.
"Then, can we borrow any of your other aircrafts?" Rinoa asked.
"Sorry, but we cannot borrow any of our aircrafts for the time being," Calv answered, "All of them are needed for our project of rebuilding the space station that was destroyed not long ago."
"He must be talking about when the Lunar Cry happened," Zack thought.
"You're rebuilding the space station?" Selphie asked.
"Yes," Calv answered, "One of our research professors, Dr Odine, plans on having a research of our moon, Lunar."
Hearing that, Squall frowned, "I guess we do have to meet with Laguna and the others."
"I apologize for the inconvenience," Sophia said, "After all, you did come all this way to meet me and yet not get the result you had hoped for."
"It's all right, President Sophia," Rinoa explained, "Squall may sound. unhappy about it, but really, he doesn't mind it."
"Is that so? Then it brings relief to me," Sophia said.
Squall only sighed at Rinoa's explanation.
"So, is there anything else you want?" Sophia continued.
"No, that is all. Since you're busy, we shall leave you now, President Sophia," Rinoa said.
"Oh no, please. I know you have no more business here, but please, stay a little longer. I really wish to talk with Jacky. It's been years since he left Esthar. And he has to meet with his family again, too," Sophia said.
"Of course we will," Rinoa explained, "Our reason for being here was to borrow the Ragnarok and for Jacky to revisit his family and friends."
"Is that so?" Sophia asked.
Without saying a word, Squall just nodded.
Sophia smiled gladly, "Oh, thank you. I am very relieved to hear that. Jacky, make sure that you see Mother, all right? I'm sure she'll be very happy to see you."
Jacky nodded, smiling happily.
"I'll be with you later, after I am done with my work here," Sophia continued, "Vies, why don't you go ahead and bring Jacky to where Mother is? Oh, and come over here, Vies."
Sophia gestured Vies with her hands to come closer. Vies followed as Sophia whispered quietly into his ears.
"Don't tell Jacky that he has returned, all right?"
"All right, it'll be my pleasure," Vies exclaimed before turning to the group, "Let's go then, shall we?"
With that, the young group left the room with Vies. Halfway along the long hallway, Selphie suddenly stopped in front of the group.
"Jacky, mind to tell us your relationship with the President and her assistants?" Selphie said as the group went to a stop.
"Oh, sorry that I didn't introduce you all to them properly."
"It's all right," Rinoa said, "We understand how you feel, meeting a friend after years of being apart."
Jacky smiled happily when she said that.
"If that is what you want, let me introduce myself first," Vies cut in, "As you all should know already, I am Vies, Vies Keynos. I have been Jacky's friend since childhood. I am very, very pleased to meet you all."
"Well, that answers one part of Selphie's question," Jacky said, "Uncle Calv is. well, my uncle. He is my father's elder brother. Sophia is my elder sister and also the eldest in my family."
"The President is your sister?" Amber, who was amazed by that.
"Yes, I was surprised myself," Jacky explained.
"It wasn't only you," Squall said under his breath, barely heard by anyone, except Rinoa, who laughed to herself when she did.
"Um, would you mind if I. go and meet with my family?" Jacky asked.
"Of course not," Rinoa answered, "We'll be back here around sunset. Take your time til then."
"Thank you," Jacky said before leaving the group with Vies.
The five were done with their meals after a few minutes and are now in Headmaster Cid's office, where Squall and the others were waiting together with Cid and Edea, who were behind his desk. Entering the room, the five stood still in front of them while the three young SeeD's saluted the SeeD salute.
"I'm sure you're wondering why you've been called to my office," the headmaster said after the three saluted, "Roger, Jacky, Cindy, you three were called because of your excellent SeeD capabilities and that I wish to have Squall and his party to share their experiences in dangerous situations such as yesterday's in Deling City. On the other hand, Zack and Amber, you two were already involved in yesterday's incident."
"In other words, we have already planned on our next move," Edea explained.
Squall then continued, "We are now heading for Fisherman Horizon. Once there, we'll take a train to Esthar."
"A train?" Roger asked, "Are the railways in use again?"
"Yes, just recently," Xu answered.
"What do we have to do in Esthar?" Cindy asked.
"We are going to borrow an airship from there," Rinoa explained, "Since we are facing Sephiroth and Sorceress Ultimecia, we might need a fast transport in order to find them quickly."
"That way, they won't have too much time to themselves," Squall continued.
"Not to sound pessimistic, but I don't think time is the problem," Zack said.
"I'll agree with you on that, Zack," Cid answered, "But we can't do anything until something actually happens."
"I understand."
Just then, sounds of gears moving suddenly sounded as the platform elevator of the control tower slowly came down from the bridge. A young SeeD was standing on it. Getting off the platform, he stood in front of everyone and saluted to them.
"Sir, we're approaching Fisherman Horizon!" the boy reported.
Cid nodded his head, "You may resume your post."
"Yes, sir," the boy saluted again before going back to the bridge on the platform elevator.
Turning his attention back to Zack and the others, Cid said, "I suppose you all have to prepare your arrival to Fishermen Horizon. Good luck."
"Yes, sir," Squall announced, saluting to him.
At that, the other SeeD's in his group saluted to the headmaster, as well. After that, all of them left the floor, except Cid, Edea and Xu.
*********
Zack and everyone else are just coming out to the second floor deck.
"Roger, who was that boy earlier, the one who announced us approaching FH?" Zack asked.
"Oh, that was Alex."
"What was he doing at the bridge?"
"He's Nida's assistant. Since Quistis and Xu are quite busy lately, Nida needed an assistant up at the bridge. Headmaster Cid personally picked Alex for that."
"Is that so? Alex must be a good SeeD to be handpicked by Headmaster Cid himself."
"Wait a minute. Did you just call Fisherman Horizon, 'FH'?" Roger realized.
"Yes, what about it?"
"That's what the people there call it, too. How did you know about? I didn't hear anyone telling you about it."
Then, Zack realized his mistake, "Oh! I. I find the name. quite long, so I. I called it FH. Yeah, that's it! I called it FH as a short form. Hehe."
"Is that so?" Roger said softly before looking away, towards where the port was.
When he did, Zack sighed in relief, "That was a close one."
"Hey there, what is it this time?"
The sudden greeting surprised Zack a little, but when he turned to see who it was, it wasn't anyone special. The one who greeted them was a well- built man wearing a cap that was pulled up to his eyebrows.
"He looks familiar," Zack thought, "Oh yeah, he's the guy who operates the elevator somewhere inside."
While Zack was thinking to himself, Squall was explaining to the man their plan to get to Esthar.
"I see. Well, you're in luck. The train to Esthar just arrived at the station, but I can't say anything about the tickets. Maybe you might still be able to get on with permission from Mayor Dobe."
"Thank you for your information," Squall said, looking as solemn as he always does.
"Hey, no problem. We here at FH love to help out others."
After saying that, the man left the group.
"Let's get going then," Irvine said, walking on the catwalk ahead of the group.
However, even without him saying so, the group was already moving on.
*********
The young group is now waiting outside the mayor's house. Zell was playing cards with Martine. Martine still sits around outside the mayor's house. Selphie, Jacky, Cindy and Amber have gathered together at the edge of the wide steel floor, having a pleasant conversation with one and another. Irvine was laying on the floor near the four, his hat covering his face. In other words, he was having a short nap. On the other hand, Roger was busy playing with Angelo while Zack just watched them. Squall, Rinoa and Quistis were the only ones that went to talk to the mayor. After a short while, the three came out of the house.
"So how'd it go?" Roger asked, standing beside Angelo.
"The mayor has given us special permission to go to Esthar. However, he will only allow six of us to go," Quistis answered.
"Why's that?" Zell asked, gathering his cards as he did.
"Apparently, we can only use one cabin in the train, and each cabin can hold up to 6 passengers only," Rinoa explained.
"If that's the case, then who's going?" Jacky asked as Selphie woke Irvine up from his nap.
"I've already decided on that," Squall said, "Selphie, Jacky, Amber, Zack, Rinoa and I will be going."
"Then what about the rest of us?" Irvine asked, stretching his arms out widely.
"The rest of you will have to wait for us until we return. Until then, you may do as you please, but be alert. Who knows where or when Sephiroth and Sorceress Ultimecia will appear," Squall said.
"No need for warnings, Squall. We already know that," Zell said.
"Hey, wait a minute. Why's Selphie going and not me?" Irvine asked, a little curious.
"That must be because you can't do without my abilities! Isn't that right, Squall?" Selphie, dancing that happy dance of hers.
"Actually, it is because you know how to pilot the Ragnarok," Squall explained.
Selphie stopped dancing when she heard him, "You're mean."
Hearing that, Rinoa laughed to herself, so did Quistis. Zack laughed, too, but less openly.
"If that's why you're having Selphie in your party." Roger said, ". then why's Jacky going?"
Squall was about to answer Roger's question when Rinoa answered it for him.
"Jacky is from Esthar, isn't he? This is for him to visit his family and friends who are still there. Isn't that right, Squall?"
Squall was surprised that her answer was exactly the same as his, but then he just smiled.
"You guys have got to be going then. The train should be leaving soon," Irvine said.
Squall just nodded.
"See you!" Selphie exclaimed before running off ahead of the others.
==========
CHAPTER XIII (B): JACKY'S REUNION
Nothing happened along their way to Esthar. They just rested in their cabin while waiting for the time to pass. Along the way, Zack discovered that Selphie still loves riding in a train, singing her train song happily throughout their way to Esthar. Arriving the station closest to Esthar, Zack discovered something completely different.
"There wasn't any road leading to Esthar in the game," Zack thought, looking at the road.
Zack could tell that the road was of Esthar because of the unmistakable color and the unmistakable tube-shaped barrier along the side of the road.
"Well, that's something new," Rinoa said, "I guess Esthar is more open now."
"What do you mean, Rinoa?" Amber asked.
"Esthar used to be a very secretive city," Jacky answered for Rinoa, "It wasn't long ago that the city itself hid from the world."
"The city itself?" Amber, confused a little by that.
"Esthar is a very advanced city," Selphie explained, "They had an incredible barrier around the whole city that made Esthar looked as if it wasn't even there! You know, they could've called it, the Great Barrier of Esthar!"
"The Great Barrier of Esthar?" Zack thought, "Sounds almost like the Great Wall of China."
Jacky laughed softly before looking at the great city, "You could say that."
Looking at Jacky, Zack could not help but noticed something. Jacky seemed very happy to see Esthar.
*********
Besides a new road leading straight to Esthar, there was also a car service near the station where the six arrived at. From there, the six took a car straight for Esthar Presidential Palace. There was always something amazing in the great city for Amber. Zack was also amazed, although he had seen the city through the game.
"They're so much more incredible than how they looked in the game," Zack thought while staring out of the car window.
Arriving there, Zack and Amber were amazed by the beauty of the grand palace.
"Guys, welcome to the Esthar Presidential Palace," Jacky said to the two, quite happily, Zack noticed.
Just as they had entered the palace, they met up with an oddly dressed man, who seemed to be in a hurry to exit the palace. He was a short, balding man with a small moustache, wearing purple clothing and a strange, red and white, circular 'disk' around his neck.
"Dr Odine?" Zack thought when he saw the man.
"Pleaz, excuz me! I am in a hurry!" Dr Odine shouted before getting onto the transport saucer.
Just then, another person appeared. He was wearing a red robe and a strange 'hat' that covered his eyes.
"Please wait for me, sir," the man shouted.
"Hurry it up! I must start ze project before any interference!" Dr Odine shouted impatiently.
When the man had got on the saucer with Dr Odine, a purple semi-orb formed around the saucer before it floated out of the palace. The six were caught by surprise by Dr Odine's quick entrance and his even quicker exit.
"Oh, I didn't know that we had guests in our palace. Please, forgive Dr Odine's impoliteness. He is a very impatient man and never bothers with welcoming guests."
The six turned around to see the person who had appeared to greet them. He wore a bright, creamy-white robe and a 'hat' that covered his eyes. Suddenly, the man seemed to be surprised.
"Jacky? Is that you?"
"David?" Jacky asked, barely recognizing the man's voice.
"So it is you! How have you been?"
"Fine as always! But." Jacky, who was smiling widely, "What are you doing here?"
"It's been so long, Jacky. A lot happened since you left Esthar."
"Mind introducing your friend to us, Jacky?" Rinoa cut in.
"Oh, sorry. This is my old friend, David."
"How do you do?" Selphie greeted excitedly.
"I'm fine. Nice to meet you all. So." David cleared his throat before continuing, "What business do you have in the Presidential Palace?"
"We wish to have an audience with the President," Squall answered solemnly.
"I see. Then, please, come this way," David, gesturing the group to follow him.
David led the group into a small room.
"Please wait while I inform the President of your wish," David said before leaving the room.
It was a few minutes before David appeared again.
"The President may now see you. Please hurry. The President is a very busy person."
*********
The group is now entering the President's room. In the room, there was a wide desk, which had a lot of unknown objects on it. Behind the desk stood the President whose back was towards the group. The President, who had long hair that was let loosely, did not wear the 'hat' but was wearing the usual robe. The President was looking at a large screen at the back of the room. There were two other people in the room. One was a thin Negro while the other was a large man. Both of them wore the usual robe and the usual 'hat' that covered their eyes.
"Kiros? Ward?" Zack thought, looking at the two before looking at the President, "Laguna?"
"Your guests are here," said the Negro to the President.
The President just nodded before the Negro gestured David to leave the room.
"So, what is your business?" the President asked before turning towards the group.
Not including Amber and Jacky, the whole group was shocked. The President was a woman!
"Well?" the President, who seemed to be a little impatient.
"Are you really the President of Esthar?" Selphie asked, still shocked.
The President was shocked, "Whatever do you mean by that? Of course, I am."
"What happened to President Laguna?" Rinoa asked.
"President Laguna? He recently retired," the President explained, "Look, if you have no actual business here, please leave at once. I am very busy."
"Sophia? Is that you, Sophia?" Jacky suddenly asked.
The President was surprised by that.
"Yes, my name is Sophia. Who are you?" she asked, looking closely at him.
"It's me, Jacky!"
"Jacky? Is that really you?"
"Yes!" Jacky answered, looking quite delighted.
"Hey, have you forgotten about us then?" suddenly the Negro said.
"You're." Jacky muttered, still unsure.
"It's me, Vies," the Negro said before taking his 'hat' off.
Vies did not have braided hair like Kiros, Zack finally noticed. Vies had very short hair with a short tail at the back of his head.
"Vies!" Jacky shouted when he saw Vies's face before looking at the large man, "Then you must be Uncle Calv."
Calv then took off his 'hat', revealing his face as well. Calv did not have a scar on his face like Ward did and was balding.
"Long time no see," he greeted.
"I guess he's definitely not Ward," Zack thought, remembering Ward had already lost his voice and could not speak.
"Then, what happened to Kiros and Ward?" Rinoa asked.
"They retired at the same time Laguna did," Vies answered.
"I see. You had expected to see the former President, Laguna and his two assistants, Kiros and Ward. However, they have already left for the town of Winhill several days ago," Calv explained.
"Is that so.?" Rinoa muttered, a little surprised by the news.
"It doesn't matter. Our purpose here concerns only the Esthar President, no matter who he or she may be," Squall explained solemnly.
"I see. So, like before, what is your business here?" President Sophia asked the group.
"We wish to borrow your aircraft, Ragnarok," Rinoa explained.
"The Ragnarok?" Vies, surprised at their request.
"I am very sorry but, when Laguna, Kiros and Ward left, the Ragnarok left with them," Sophia explained.
"They took the Ragnarok?" Squall, who did not expected that.
"I'm afraid so," Sophia answered.
"Then, can we borrow any of your other aircrafts?" Rinoa asked.
"Sorry, but we cannot borrow any of our aircrafts for the time being," Calv answered, "All of them are needed for our project of rebuilding the space station that was destroyed not long ago."
"He must be talking about when the Lunar Cry happened," Zack thought.
"You're rebuilding the space station?" Selphie asked.
"Yes," Calv answered, "One of our research professors, Dr Odine, plans on having a research of our moon, Lunar."
Hearing that, Squall frowned, "I guess we do have to meet with Laguna and the others."
"I apologize for the inconvenience," Sophia said, "After all, you did come all this way to meet me and yet not get the result you had hoped for."
"It's all right, President Sophia," Rinoa explained, "Squall may sound. unhappy about it, but really, he doesn't mind it."
"Is that so? Then it brings relief to me," Sophia said.
Squall only sighed at Rinoa's explanation.
"So, is there anything else you want?" Sophia continued.
"No, that is all. Since you're busy, we shall leave you now, President Sophia," Rinoa said.
"Oh no, please. I know you have no more business here, but please, stay a little longer. I really wish to talk with Jacky. It's been years since he left Esthar. And he has to meet with his family again, too," Sophia said.
"Of course we will," Rinoa explained, "Our reason for being here was to borrow the Ragnarok and for Jacky to revisit his family and friends."
"Is that so?" Sophia asked.
Without saying a word, Squall just nodded.
Sophia smiled gladly, "Oh, thank you. I am very relieved to hear that. Jacky, make sure that you see Mother, all right? I'm sure she'll be very happy to see you."
Jacky nodded, smiling happily.
"I'll be with you later, after I am done with my work here," Sophia continued, "Vies, why don't you go ahead and bring Jacky to where Mother is? Oh, and come over here, Vies."
Sophia gestured Vies with her hands to come closer. Vies followed as Sophia whispered quietly into his ears.
"Don't tell Jacky that he has returned, all right?"
"All right, it'll be my pleasure," Vies exclaimed before turning to the group, "Let's go then, shall we?"
With that, the young group left the room with Vies. Halfway along the long hallway, Selphie suddenly stopped in front of the group.
"Jacky, mind to tell us your relationship with the President and her assistants?" Selphie said as the group went to a stop.
"Oh, sorry that I didn't introduce you all to them properly."
"It's all right," Rinoa said, "We understand how you feel, meeting a friend after years of being apart."
Jacky smiled happily when she said that.
"If that is what you want, let me introduce myself first," Vies cut in, "As you all should know already, I am Vies, Vies Keynos. I have been Jacky's friend since childhood. I am very, very pleased to meet you all."
"Well, that answers one part of Selphie's question," Jacky said, "Uncle Calv is. well, my uncle. He is my father's elder brother. Sophia is my elder sister and also the eldest in my family."
"The President is your sister?" Amber, who was amazed by that.
"Yes, I was surprised myself," Jacky explained.
"It wasn't only you," Squall said under his breath, barely heard by anyone, except Rinoa, who laughed to herself when she did.
"Um, would you mind if I. go and meet with my family?" Jacky asked.
"Of course not," Rinoa answered, "We'll be back here around sunset. Take your time til then."
"Thank you," Jacky said before leaving the group with Vies.