War Story
Chapter One: The Assignment
By PasifiKStaR

Author's Note: I'm writing again. I'm sorry, I was just so incredibly bored at work.

All Standard Disclaimers Apply: I do not own Final Fantasy.

'Quistis Trepe, you've done it again!' she grinned to herself as walked confidently through the maze of desks. Long legs beneath a black twill dress suit swiftly carried her to her boss' office. 'I can just hear the praise pouring out of Cid's mouth.'

"Quistis Trepe! I don't know how you did it, but you've done it again!" a boisterous voice boomed as she rounded the corner. Quistis smiled as was greeted by the open arms of a slightly rotund man with dark hair and glasses.

"And how exactly have I done it?" Quistis asked teasingly as she felt Cid wrap his arms around her and hug her proudly. The old man stepped back, dressed in a white buttoned up work shirt underneath a brown sweater vest and slacks.

"Oh, don't be shy!" Cid chuckled as he held up a well worn newspaper from that morning. "You've done it with THIS!"

The corner's of Quistis' mouth curled into a pleased smile as she saw the front page of The Balamb Times. At the top, in large bold letters, was the headline 'Deling City PD Under Arrest' followed by smaller letters beneath it saying 'Quistis Trepe'. It was a front page article framing a picture of a police officers beating down a supposed criminal.

"I see my article made the front page," Quistis said casually as she handed him back the newspaper. "Was it a slow day, Cid?"

"Hardly," Cid said as he ushered Quistis into his office. "This report on the DCPD's unnecessary violence is a break through story! No one in Deling City wants to write on it - they say they're all afraid."

"It's the duty of a journalist to expose injustices like these for the betterment of society." Quistis replied as she took a seat on one of the soft leather seats in front of Cid's desk.

"President Deling has no choice but to start shaping up that corrupt police department now," Cid said, pleased. He took his seat at his desk and faced Quistis. "I swear, you never cease to amaze me. I sent you to Deling to do a report on that new zoo and you bring back this. "

"I kept hearing about it," Quistis explained. "I couldn't just it go...my journalist senses were tingling, so to speak."

"I hope that keeps tingling," Cid told her. "Every newspaper in the world dreams of having a top reporter like you. You have a knack for getting the little dirty details that escape everyone else. And getting away with it, too. I'm amazed you were able to get a picture of the actual violence. Any cameras that were on scene were often confiscated."

"You have Zell to thank for that," Quistis assured him. She leaned back against the chair and crossed her legs confidently. "He's the best camera man I know. I didn't know he had those pictures until he developed them when we got here. I was amazed myself."

"Then you'll have to bring Zell with you on your next assignment!"

Quistis chuckled slightly. "I knew there was a reason you called me to your office other than to praise my work."

Cid leaned forward, excitement written all over his face. "We have been offered the chance of a lifetime, Quistis!" he exclaimed. "We have a chance to go do something that hasn't been done in years!"

Quistis raised an eyebrow in question. "What exactly...?" she asked, her voice showing a hint of interest.

Cid grinned from ear to ear. "The Galabadian Military has finally allowed us to send a journalist to the war in Esthar!"

Quistis' eyes went wide as she nearly jumped out of her seat. "You're kidding!" she gasped out. "Cid, no one's been allowed on the front lines of war for years! Maybe even decades!"

"I KNOW!" Cid exclaimed. His eyes crinkled up as he smiled. "It took me months, Quistis, but I finally got permission for you to go to Esthar with the military!"

Quistis' face looked utterly shocked at the man's words. Ever since the first Sorceress' War, no press was allowed on the war front. The news of the war was heavily controlled by the government, who supplied their own reporters for the job. As a result, many people believed that the war stories reported were only one chapter in a book.

"Impossible," her voice filled with disbelief as she stared at Cid. He jerked his head back, his smile falling from his face. "There is NO way you could've gotten permission. The government has been controlling what the public sees of the war front of years! They're not about to stop now. And if that's the case, then the only thing I'd be doing is assisting them in...in...in WAR PROPAGANDA!"

Cid sighed heavily. "I should've known you'd find a problem in this..." Cid told her tiredly. He looked at her and offered her a weak smile. "That's why I want to give you this assignment."

Quistis' eyes blinked rapidly in surprise. "What?"

Cid chuckled at the shock in her voice. "You know as well as I do that the government usually chooses who they want to report for them. I struggled for months to get them to let me provide a journalist for them and I promised them the best I have. Quistis, YOU are the best I have."

"That's all well and good, Cid, but I still refuse to be a pawn in their-"

Quistis' voice stopped as Cid held up his hand to silence her. "I'm not done," he told her. He looked back at her, pride evident in his eyes. "You are the first person that they HAVE NOT chosen by themselves. I merely promised them the best I have. They have no idea what you are capable of Quistis. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

The blond drew her head back slowly as she let the information sink in. Cid only offered them her and they expected her to be like all their other journalist and report what they wanted her to report. They had no idea that Quistis' integrity could not be bought so easily. She would have her chance to expose the raw deal that was happening far from Galbadia in foreign Estharian soil. She would be able to do what no other reporter in the last two decades had been able to do.

Quistis' eyes locked on to Cid's. "When do I leave?"

Cid's smile reappeared on his face. "I knew you'd do it," he chuckled. "You will be leaving tomorrow night for Galbadia's Military Base off the coast. From there, you'll be picked up by a soldier, I'm not sure who yet, and they'll escort you to Esthar."

"I want Zell to come along." Quistis insisted.

Cid shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not possible-"

"Zell comes along or I don't go," Quistis spat out as she stood up. "He's the best photographer we have, Cid. He knows how my mind thinks and he knows how to get the photos we need. I'll only trust him when it comes to something this important."

Cid took a deep breath. "I'll call, but I doubt-"

"No buts," Quistis cut in quickly. Her blue eyes narrowed behind her glasses. "I mean it. This is too important to be butchered by some tactless military photographer."

"Very well," Cid nodded. He stood up as well, signaling the end of the meeting. "I'll do what I can. You can take the day off to prepare and tie up any loose ends. I expect you at the train station tomorrow night. The train leaves at exactly nine PM."

"Understood." Quistis said as she headed towards the door.

"Quistis," Cid called out before she walked out of the door. She turned around and gave him a questioning look. "This is full out war. You and Zell do stand a chance of dying on the front lines. It only takes a moment and you're gone."

Quistis stiffened and took a sharp breath. Her lips set themselves in a tight line as she lifted her chin up proudly. "Dying for the best story this world has ever seen is the ONLY way for a journalist to go." she told him confidently.

Cid smiled and nodded. "Then good luck."

She wrapped her arms around her body as she looked down the railroad tracks, waiting for the train to arrive. Next to her was a large heavy duty, navy blue duffel bag containing her clothes and her laptop. To her left, accompanied by a smaller dark red duffel bag and a camera case slung securely around him, was a blond man with blue eyes and a distinct tattoo on his face. He was wearing cut off jeans and a black sweatshirt. He was shivering as he regretted not grabbing the pants his mother had set out for him before he left.

"Zell," Quistis sighed finally as she looked over at him. "What in the world were you thinking? Didn't you hear the news? Tonight is going to be cold!"

"I thought I'd be okay..." Zell answered weakly as he looked around the empty platform. "I didn't think it was going to be THIS cold..." he stammered behind chattering teeth. Quistis sighed once more clad in a warm jacket.

"This is crazy..." she grumbled as she looked at her watch. "The train should've been here by now! Nine PM my butt!"

"Maybe it got delayed...?" Zell suggested as he crouched down to conserve more heat. Quistis frowned. She hated it when things went off schedule.

"That carrier we're supposed to be on leaves promptly at DAWN," Quistis informed him. "If we get there late, it'll leave without us and we won't get another chance like this."

"I know, I know."

"Ugh!" Quistis looked around, frustrated. "Where is main office? I'm going to see what's taking so long."

"Quistis, just relax," Zell assured her. "It'll be here soon."

"Not soon enough," Quistis grumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest. "If that train doesn't get here in-"

Just then, a train's whistle blew and Quistis grinned. Zell let out a relieved sigh as he stood up and peered over the platform. In the distance, he saw the train pulling up and reached down to get his duffel bag.

"Well, I guess this is it," Zell mumbled. "Once we get on that train, there is no turning back."

"Once you said you'd go, there was no turning back." Quistis corrected him.

"Yeah, but once we're on that train, we're off to the war. We won't be able to come back. Who knows what might happen when we get there?" Zell professed softly.

Quistis chuckled. "Why, Zell, you sound a bit scared..."

Zell scoffed and straightened up. "I'm not scared!" he announced indignantly. He shot Quistis an annoyed glare. "I'm READY for this! Bring it on!" he shouted at the night sky.

Quistis laughed. "That's the spirit. Don't worry, Zell. I can handle myself just fine and I'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Zell grinned. "No need," he said proudly. He put his bag back down and opened it quickly to show her a pair of gloves. "I got these babies."

"Are your hands cold?"

"No!" Zell exclaimed. Quistis snickered as Zell turned red. "Forget it! You'll see when I use them."

"Are they like special picture taking gloves?" Quistis continued. Zell huffed and Quistis raised her hands in defense. "Okay, okay...no need to make a face."

"Well, what did you bring, Miss 'I can handle myself'?" Zell snorted as he zipped his bag back up. He looked over at the tall blond female was she moved aside the side of her jacket and revealed a thick leather chord around her waist. "A belt?"

Quistis rolled her eyes. "Look again." she sighed. She moved to the side and Zell saw that it got thinner to one end and thicker at the other. It even had a handle on it and Zell's blue eyes widened in surprise.

"A WHIP?" he gasped. His eyes shot up to her face and saw the flicker of amusement in her eyes as she brought her jacket back down. "Quistis, do you even KNOW how to use that thing?"

"Of course I do," she replied coolly. "I wouldn't bring it otherwise."

"Quisty, I don't know what Cid told you, but I was told that we were going to the front to do a story, not to get involved in some sort of torture." Zell told her.

Quistis shot him a glare. "I'm not an S&M dominatrix, Zell," she snapped. "I'm good with a whip - and DON'T even ask how." she added before he could ask.

Zell snapped his mouth closed and scratched the back of his head. As the train pulled up and stopped before him, Zell realized he would be wondering where Quistis learned to use a whip the entire way to the base.

"Blue Mage has landed along with Red Dragon - over."

"Selphie," an exasperated voice sighed from the armor plated black vehicle parked in front of the train station. "Just pick them up..."

"Roger! This is Officer Tilmit approaching targets...now!" From the tinted windows of the vehicle, the tall red head leaned back against the driver's seat and watched with amusement as a petite, green eyed brunette dressed in her prim dark uniform approached the two people who just stepped off the train.

"Selphie, darlin', you know I think your adherence to military protocol is cute, but if we don't get back soon, Commander's going to leave without us and it won't be pretty." he sighed tiredly.

"The mission is engaged, Officer Kinneas," Selphie's voice said through Irvine's head phones. He watched her reach out and tap the shoulder of the blond female. "Hi, are you Quistis Trepe?"

"Yes," the blond replied slowly. She studied Selphie and made a note of the uniform. "Are you...?"

"Officer Selphie Tilmit!" the short brunette shouted as she stood up straight and offered Quistis a salute. "I'm here to pick you up!"

Quistis couldn't help but smile at the smaller girl and nodded. She looked over at her companion, who was standing next to her, immersed in a directory map of the train station. "Zell," she said. No answer. She gave Selphie a weak smile. "One moment..." she whispered. Selphie nodded and Quistis turned to Zell. "Zell! ZELL!" She finally tugged on his arm and he snapped around.

"I'm right here, Quistis!" he told her as he gave her a strange look.

"Zell, this is OFFICER TILMIT," Quistis said as she stepped aside and introduced him to the awaiting young female soldier. "She's here to pick us up."

"Oh..." Zell nodded. Selphie saluted him and Zell stiffened and saluted back before lapsing into a lopsided smile. "Cool! So do we get to be picked up in like some big military truck or maybe a tank? Oh...a tank would be cool!"

"Nope," Selphie said as she hopped around and waved for them to follow her. "We're taking an armor plated SUV from the base. It's specifically for picking up visiting high ranking officials."

"Armor plated?" Zell asked. He looked past her and saw the dark SUV they were approaching. It was all black with dark tinted windows and he could barely make out the blue lights that were on the panels inside. He grinned. "Close enough."

Selphie opened the back door and Zell hopped in first, carrying his bag with him. Selphie helped Quistis put her bag in the back before they climbed in. As soon as the doors closed, the driver made himself known.

"Hello, back there!" a deep, carefree voice sounded. Quistis looked up and saw a warm smiling face and laughing eyes set against long, tied back brown-red hair. "Name's Officer Kinneas, but you can call me Irvine. Nice to meet you."

He extended his hand through the area between the two front seats where he ad Selphie were seated and shook hands with both Zell and Quistis firmly. "I'm Zell Dincht, the photographer and that's Quistis Trepe, the reporter."

"Nice to meet you both," Irvine told them. "All right, everyone," he said as he faced the front once more. "Buckle your seat belts. We seem to be running a little late."

"That was the train's fault." Quistis sighed tiredly.

"Doesn't matter whose fault it was," Irvine assured them as the vehicle started up. "As long as we get to the base before our Commander looses it."

Selphie giggled and looked over her shoulder. "You'll met him soon. Commander Leonhart is kind of stern, but he's a good guy."

"How far is the base from here?" Quistis asked.

"Just a twenty minute drive," Selphie assured her. "It'll pass by quick. And Irvine drives really fast."

Quistis nodded and Zell eagerly looked out the window. "So, this squad that I'm going to be in, can you tell me anything about it?" Quistis asked.

"Sure can!" Selphie said cheerfully. "You'll be in OUR squad! We're a small group. There are just four of us on missions."

"FOUR?" Quistis asked. Disappointment was written all over her face. She had been hoping she had been assigned to a large unit where she could watch from the front lines as men she got to know ran off into battle. It was a romanticized image, but at least it was somewhat exciting.

"Special ops?" Zell asked.

"Damn straight," Irvine answered. He looked up at his rear view mirror and looked at Zell. "How'd you know?"

"Wild guess," Zell shrugged with a smile. "That's pretty cool, though. Aren't we lucky, Quisty? We get assigned to a special ops squad!"

Quistis merely smiled, but hid the disappointment. She wanted to SEE the war raging in front of her. Inwardly she sighed as Zell, Selphie, and Irvine droned in the background about what to expect. Zell seemed to be very excited, but Quistis didn't care.

All she wanted was her story. This was her once in a life time chance.

As the SUV slowed down, Quistis snapped back into attention and realized that they were arriving. She looked out her window and saw the base all around her and in the distance, several carriers. She eyed one in particular as they approached it. Steel towered above them as they came to a stop beneath it's massive moonlight shadow and Quistis felt her body tingle.

Suddenly, she felt as if her life were about to change.

"Seifer! Damn it!" A nurse in light blue scrubs gripped her clip board at her sides as brown eyes blazed with fury. "I swear to Hyne when I get my hands on you, I'll smack that smirk right off your face!"

Waving from the deck of the massive carrier, a tall green eyed blond looked up and smirked as he saw the nurse shaking her arms furiously at him. "You're too slow, Rin!" he shouted arrogantly as he watched her give him the finger. "I'd love to, but I'm not Puberty Boy!"

He turned his back just as he heard something along the lines of 'I'll kill you, Almasy'. He snorted and took a step just as a sharp pain slammed into the back of his neck. He winced and raised his hand up to rub his neck as he looked down behind him. A metal clip board clanged to the floor and he looked up at a satisfied looking nurse from the sick bay balcony on a higher level.

"Damn it, she always has to take things so seriously..." he mumbled as he watched her stick her tongue out at him.

"Meanie!" With that, Rinoa whirled around and headed back into the ship. Seifer rolled his eyes. He'd get it later when nurse Heartilly's kind-of-sort-of-but-not-really boyfriend Squall would have a meeting with the rest of the squad later in the morning.

"Lieutenant Almasy," a deep voice said suddenly, stopping the tall blond man in his tracks. "Where exactly do you think you're going." It was more of a statement rather than a question.

Seifer turned around and was immediately faced with a cold, hardened blue eyed glare of his commanding officer. "Puberty Boy-"

"Commander Leonhart." the other male corrected.

"Fine," Seifer scoffed. "COMMANDER Puberty Boy," he smirked. "I was going to my room."

"You're supposed to be at sick bay resting from fatigue due to your last mission," Commander Leonhart stated. "Dr. Kadowaki assigned you a week of bed rest."

"I can REST in MY bed," Seifer retorted. "I don't need to watched day and night by the medics or even Rin. Not that I can blame her." he grinned.

Squall resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "Lt. Almasy, this is the fifth time this week you've sneaked off to your room in three days."

"I am aware." Seifer replied coolly.

"If you're so determined to stay in your room, then I'll speak to Dr. Kadowaki about putting you on lock down there." Squall informed him. A brief look of horror flashed through Seifer's face before being replaced by a scowl.

"Bastard."

"If you like your room so much, you can stay there until we get to Estharian soil," Squall spat out. "Dismissed!"

Seifer shot him a glare before turning on his heel and trudging back below deck, grumbling about the unfairness of the situation. He was wearing sweats and T-shirt and had on a pair of comfortable old shoes. Since he returned from his latest mission, he had been extremely tired and worn. As a result, his commander, who kept close tabs on their emotional, mental, and physical health, sent him to the carrier's doctor.

She prescribed him a week of best rest, which was practically like sentencing the typically active male death itself. Was THAT the reward he received for saving the lives of a small village? Apparently so.

'Last time I save anyone...' he thought to himself miserably.

He headed for one of the many doors that led to the lower decks of the ship, where the private quarters were. Like the rest of his special ops group, he had a private room all to himself. As he wandered down the maze of metal halls, he passed numerous soldiers on their way to Esthar.

His unit was made up of four people who worked on the field, two weapons specialists who were already in Esthar, and an information broker back in Galbadia. Like his squad mates, he had worked long and hard to get him to where he was. He was hoping to get his own squad to lead, but the man he had labeled as his rival since they were in boot camp had become the leader.

Seifer grunted as he reached his room and opened his door to reveal tiny quarters made up of a small sink, wall inlaid shower and closet, and small bed with a very uncomfortable mattress. 'It's the life of a soldier...' he thought to himself as he fell back on the miserable excuse for a bed. He shifted around, trying to get as comfortable as he possibly could on that metal lined thing. Despite the fact that he was prescribed bed rest, he still had to go to a meeting with his squad members.

He snorted. He couldn't believe his bad luck. First, his squad leader ends up being Puberty Boy himself. Someone he had relentlessly taunted all through basic training. He was surprised that Squall didn't really harbor any ill will towards him and assumed it was Rinoa's doing. How could Squall possibly be angry at one of Rinoa's friends? He was so whipped.

Second, on his last mission, he supposedly over worked himself and stayed longer in the frozen Trabia tundra than necessary. As a result, upon his return he was dehydrated and tired. Dr. Kadowaki decided he needed some rest and knowing that the active young man wouldn't adhere if she merely suggested it, she made it an official order. He was then admitted into the sick bay to rest, despite his protests.

It's only up side was that Rinoa was his nurse and he had plenty of time to harass her about her pathetic attempt at a relationship with Puberty Boy. It had always been fun to rile up Rinoa and he had turned it into an art form.

But the worst news so far was that HIS squad was assigned to carry with them the first outside recruited journalist in twenty years. The mere thought made him annoyed.

The last thing he needed was some stupid reporter getting in his way. He had no urge to entertain a civilian while he was on duty and he just knew that they would lead to the death of him. Squall had protested the assignment for more than just the safety and convenience issues. The only reason they had assigned the reporter to Squall's unit was because his father was a military journalist and they assumed he would know how to handle whoever was sent.

It was too late to re-assign their visitor and they would now be stuck working along side some overly curious reporter who might just get themselves killed. The last thing they wanted was a civilian death on their hands.

Seifer rolled over on his bed and closed his eyes. The thoughts of annoying reporters were giving him a headache and he decided to get some sleep. He had a gut feeling this was going to be the longest overnight trip he'd ever had.

"Welcome to the military transport ship, Carrier #408," Selphie said as she lead Zell and Quistis down the hall. "Carrier #408 is manned by 150 people and transports up to 500 soldiers on it's inner levels and up to 75 vehicles in it's lower sanctums. Currently, it is only half filled with soldiers as it is carrying mainly supplies to our bases in Esthar."

Zell nodded as he looked around, his fingers twitching to use the camera around his neck. Quistis was making a mental note of everything and Selphie did her little tour. Behind them, Irvine was calmly walking, a casual smile on his face. Unlike Selphie, he was dressed in his civilian clothing, consisting of a long leather jacket over jeans and a work shirt. To top it all off, he had a cowboy hat on.

However, despite their appearance, they noticed that many of the people on board were also dressed in their civilian clothing. "Selphie," Quistis said as they approached a door that would lead into the ship. "When is this ship leaving port?"

"6 AM," Selphie said. She looked down at the watch on her wrist. "We have approximately fifteen minutes, so I'll show you your rooms and the cafeteria before we head over to a briefing room so you can meet the rest of the squad."

"Whose in your squad other than you and Irvine?" Zell asked as his eyes darted all over the place.

"We'll tell you when we get to the briefing room," Selphie assured them. "For now, pay attention because it's really easy to get lost in here."

"Gotcha." Zell said. They stepped through the a steel enforced door and into a hall way.

"Selphie!" a voice called out to their right. Zell and Quistis all looked up as a thing young woman ran down the hall in light blue scrubs. She had a frown on her beautiful face and her dark hair was pulled up in a tight bun at the base of her neck. "Selphie, have you seen Seifer?"

Selphie shook her head. "Nope, we just got back from picking up our guests," the cheerful girl replied. She hopped aside to reveal Zell and Quistis. "Rin, meet Zell and Quistis! They're the press from Balamb I told you about. Zell and Quistis, meet Rinoa Heartilly, our head nurse. She'll also be our field nurse."

"I'm this close to getting the certs to be a medic," Rinoa said with a bright smile as she lifted her hand and showed a space between her thumb and index finger. "Nice to meet you!" She extended her hand and firmly shook Quistis and Zell's.

"Nice to meet you, too, Rinoa," Quistis said as she withdrew her hand. "I look forward to working with you." Zell nodded in agreement.

"Irvine," Rinoa called out as she noticed the cowboy casually waiting behind the rest of the group. "Have you seen Seifer?"

The cowboy merely grinned. "Did your patient run off again?"

"Yeah, but I got him..." Rinoa smirked back. "Even after his prescribed bed rest is over, he'll STILL be nursing what I gave him," She smiled at the rest of the group. "It was great meeting you all, but I still have to hunt down that damn runaway, so I'll see you all around, all right?"

She gave them a wave as she scooted past them and continued her search. Selphie jumped back in her place. "You might see a lot of that while we're here," Selphie beamed. "Seifer's our Lieutenant and he's kind of hard to control and is really stubborn."

Quistis snorted. "Men."

Selphie giggled as Irvine raised an eyebrow and Zell threw her a weak look. "Okay, now let's continue on to the cafeteria!"

"And finally, this is one of the five briefing rooms on the ship!" Irvine opened the door as Selphie lead the group in. Zell let out a series of 'ooh's as he looked around the room that had a circular table with some built in, sunken monitors. There were about ten chairs around the table and Zell quickly took one.

"Be careful what you touch," Irvine said as he sat across from the tattooed blond. "One wrong move and you might shoot down a plane," Zell's face paled as he snatched his hand back from the touch screen. Irvine chuckled. "I'm just kidding, man...you can't do that from a briefing room."

"Quistis, have a seat," Selphie told the tall blond. "Squall will be here in a second."

"And Squall is...?" Quistis asked as she took a seat next to Zell.

"The Commander of this unit," Her head jerked up at the sound and saw a young man walk into the room, his leather jacket clad back facing them as he closed the door. She frowned. She didn't even hear him come in. "Welcome to the Diablo Squad, Special Operations Unit 949. I'm Commander Squall Leonhart. You may call me Commander Leonhart or just plain Commander."

"Commander?" Quistis asked. Her blue eyes went up and down his body, disbelief written all over her face. He was so young! How could he be the commander? He stood a few inches taller than her wearing standard military issue black boots and pants. He wore a plain white T-shirt over those and then a black leather jacket.

"Oh, come all, Squall," Irvine's chuckling voice sounded to her left. Quistis looked over at him as he leaned back against his chair and propped his feet up on the desk. Squall frowned disapprovingly and placed two manila file folders on the table. "No need to be so formal."

"Just call him Squall." Selphie informed the two blondes. They nodded and Squall pushed a file towards each of them before he sat down next to Irvine.

"You must be Quistis Trepe, one of the journalists from the Balamb Times and you must be Zell Dincht, the last minute addition and photographer sent on this assignment," Squall said as he looked at each of them. They both nodded and reached out to take the folders. "As of now, you are part of my squad. It's my duty to inform you of not only our missions, but on the people you will be working closely with for the remainder of your stay.

I won't lie to you. This isn't a walk in the park. We will have to put you through drills and weapons training. Just the basics, nothing too harsh. When we get to the base, we'll run you through a week of drills before you even set foot in the war zone. Even then, you'll be kept behind. Be prepared to wait a long time until this particular squad is called up front."

"No offense, Commander," Quistis said sternly as she sat up straight in her desk. "But do understand that we are quite willing to do what it takes to get our story."

Squall narrowed his eyes and nodded. "Understood and noted. But that won't excuse you from the drills and preparation. The main branch requested that the journalists sent would be in peak physical condition, so I trust you both will be able to fulfill the requirements with ease. It will be most rigorous."

Quistis and Zell both nodded and Zell looked down at the folder. "Commander Squall, what are these?"

Squall took a deep breath as a look of annoyance flashed across his face briefly. Irvine snickered and Selphie let out a slight giggle before covering her mouth quickly. "Mr. Dincht-"

"Just Zell is cool."

Squall narrowed his eyes. "Zell," he drawled out slowly. "What you have in front of you is the statistics and information on the unit members. There are four of us out in the field, two weapons specialist, and one information broker. And Nurse Heartilly will soon be our personal medic. Please feel free to look through them now."

Quistis and Zell opened up the folders and began to look through the information provided them. There were no pictures, just information stating their names, training backgrounds, specialties and concentrations. Quistis frowned and looked around the room. "It says that there are four of you," she said as she looked up at Squall. "Where is..." She looked back down at the folder and read out a name. "Lt. Seifer Almasy?"

"Damn it, Seifer!" Rinoa growled viciously as she pounded on his door. "I KNOW you are in there! Open up! Dr. Kadowaki instructed me to take your blood pressure, you arrogant little prick!"

From where he was sprawled out on his bed, Seifer let out a highly amused laugh as he heard Rinoa's comments. Instead of getting up and unlocking the door, he stayed I his place. "Little prick huh? Tsk, tsk...what would your daddy say if heard you now?"

There was a moment of silence on the other side of the door and Seifer smirked. "DAMN YOU, ALMASY! OPEN THIS DOOR IMMEDIATELY BEFORE I CALL FOR YOUR COMMANDING OFFICER!"

'I really should go and open the door before she runs out of breath' Seifer sighed to himself. Rinoa's scolding shrieks went through is metal door as he took his time and stretched, just to make her more angry. He finally walked to the door and quickly opened it, allowing a flushing brunette to stumble through.

"Ah!" She let out a cry as she stumbled forward. Seifer smirked and grabbed hold of the back of her shirt to prevent her from meeting face first with the cold floor. He tugged her up and she shot him a glare. "If there is ANYONE in this room whose blood pressure should be checked, it's MINE."

He chuckled and set her down before walking back to his bed and slumping over. "All right DR. H, let me have it." He said. He lifted up the sleeve of his white T-shirt to bare his upper arm as Rinoa knelt down in front of him with the hand held mechanism.

"Why do you have to make things so damn hard for me..." Rinoa sighed tiredly as she wrapped the Velcro laden wrap around his arm and grabbed the little rubber ball.

"Because you make it so damn easy," Seifer replied coolly. "I'd think you'd be used to it by now. We have known each other for a long time."

"Don't remind me..." she said behind gritted teeth. Seifer winced as the band tightened around him before letting the air escape. Rinoa left it on his upper arm as she recorded his information on to his medical chart. "At any rate, I'm surprised you're still here."

Seifer snorted arrogantly. "It'll take more than a few ill trained punks to get me down."

"I'm not talking about your mission, your jerk," Rinoa snapped as she ripped the mechanism off his arm. "Didn't you have a briefing with the others, about say..." She glanced down at her watch and smirked. "Thirty minutes ago?"

"WHAT?" Seifer jumped up, hitting himself on the low ceiling just above his mattress. "Mother fu...!" He let out a series of curse words as he rubbed his head and stumbled over to his watch on the counter by the sink. He was due at briefing with his squad and he was now thirty minutes late.

Rinoa grinned. "I saw them when they were I started my search for you," she said as she stood up. "They look pretty fit. I'm sure they'll be fine."

Seifer snorted once more and grabbed a gray jacket out of the closet hanger. "Later, princess," he grumbled as he moved her aside gently. "I have to get going."

"Yep, just go to straight to the EMPTY room." Rinoa told him. He froze at the door way as she gathered her things and clutched them against her chest. She squeezed past him and made her way back on the hall way, a knowing smile on her lips.

"What did you just say?" a low voice rumbled behind her. Rinoa grinned quickly before turning around and faced him with an innocent look.

"I said go straight for the empty room."

"Meaning...?"

Rinoa smirked. "Meaning that since the two press people had to report to Dr. Kadowaki around NOW, the briefing is over."

Seifer stared at her for a moment. "UGH!"

"Keep it down," another voice said to his left. Seifer turned and scowled once more as Squall approached him. "I see you finally remembered the briefing."

"It slipped my mind," Seifer retorted. "What's the big deal anyway? It's not like they're permanent members."

"But we don't know how long they'll be here," Squall reminded him solemnly. He glanced over at Rinoa and gave her a nod of his head to acknowledge her presence. "Has he been cooperative?"

Seifer rolled his eyes as Rinoa sent him a wicked glare. "Eventually...yes..." she mumbled with annoyance. She looked back at Squall and offered him a smile as her face flushed. "I...um...have to go help Dr. Kadowaki with the two guests. See you at lunch?"

"No, I have a satellite meeting with Nida." Squall told her in a dead pan voice. Rinoa felt her face flush more and she lowered her eyes before nodding.

"Okay," she said softly. "See you when I see you then..." She offered him another forced smile and left the two men.

Seifer glanced over to see Squall's reaction and was met with a cold, icy glare. "What?" he gasped as he held his hands up. "I didn't do anything to your precious Rinoa."

His comments were met with an even angrier look as Squall took a foreboding step forward. "Just don't forget we arrive tomorrow morning." He spat out before stalking past him. Seifer smirked and gave Squall a mock salute before disappearing back into his room.

"Quistis, check this out!" Zell said as he showed her the schedule that they were provided. "We have to be trained to use a standard military issue gun! I've never shot a gun before!"

"It's easy, Zell," Quistis said. "Once you get the hang of it. The hard part is getting comfortable and of course achieving great aim."

"You didn't tell me you knew how to shoot!" Zell gasped. They were walking down the corridors to the rooms they were assigned earlier.

"I had that assignment a few years back," Quistis shrugged. "No big deal. Anyway, you better get some rest. This is where we split."

"Cool, I'll see you around lunch?" Zell asked excitedly. Quistis chuckled. Her companion had been so energetic since they got on board. Not that it was anything new.

"We'll see. I might just sleep until dinner or something," Quistis shrugged. "I'm in room 510 if you need me."

Zell nodded and took a right as opposed to Quistis going straight. As he made left turn, he slammed into broad shoulders and stumbled back. "Hey! Watch where you're going!" a deep voice snapped.

Zell looked up and saw the fuming face of a tall, emerald eyed blond. "Sorry about that-"

"Hey..." Seifer narrowed his eyes and studied Zell up and down. "You're that journalist, aren't you?"

"Actually-"

"Let me make it blunt to you, chicken-wuss." The taller blond proceeded to speak as Zell snapped his mouth closed as he looked at Seifer with shock.

"Chicken-wuss?" Zell gasped as he jerked his head back.

"We're going to war. Don't get in my way." Seifer gave him a harsh glare before shoving him aside and disappearing down the way Zell came.

Still in shock, the shorter blond man looked around to see if anyone saw that and could tell him who that man was. Unfortunately, the corridor was vacant. Zell narrowed his eyes and shot a glare after the rude man. "Jerk."

Seifer grinned to himself as he rounded the corner. Now that he had instilled fear into that pathetic excuse for a reporter, he felt slightly better. Although he didn't know WHAT Rinoa was thinking when she said that they looked physically fit. The short blond probably wouldn't be able to swing a gunblade in his book.

"Stupid doors..." a female voice was mumbling up ahead. Seifer looked up and raised an eyebrow as he stopped.

'Hmm...not bad...' He stood in his spot and rubbed his chin thoughtfully as his jungle colored eyes swept up and down the slender young blond.

"I can't believe this..." Quistis turned took her hands off the door handle and took a step back to assess the situation. As she did, she noticed a figure standing to her left and looked over at him. "Hey," she called out. "Excuse me, but do you think you can help me?"

He got a good look at her face and smiled broadly. "Sure, be glad, too," Seifer replied coolly as he sauntered over. Quistis frowned slightly at the attitude he had around him. "What seems to be the problem?"

"The latch is locked. I'm supposed to be in room 510, but this damn thing won't open!" Quistis explained exasperatedly. She waved her hand over to the door handle and Seifer raised an eyebrow.

"I can help you out." He offered. Quistis gave him a tired smile.

"Thank you, I really appreciate it-"

"What's in it for me?" he cut her off. Quistis' mouth snapped closed and she looked at him. She took a step back as her eyebrows furrowed together in question.

"Excuse me?" she gasped out, shocked.

"I believe you heard me the first time," he grinned. "You're one of those reporters, aren't you?"

Something about his tone told her he didn't want them there and Quistis narrowed her eyes and stiffened. "Yes, and never mind. I can figure this out on my own!" she snapped. She moved past him and put her hands on the latch once more.

A low chuckling could be heard behind her and she snapped her head around. "You'll never get into your room like that." He laughed as he leaned casually against the corridor wall just to the left of the door.

"And WHY not?" she hissed in a low, frustrated voice.

Seifer chuckled once more and reached out. He placed his hands on her slim shoulders and physically turned her around to face the door right across the small corridor. "Because," he said in a sugar coated voice. He felt her stiffen beneath his hands. He lowered his head so that his mouth was close to her ear and grinned. "Your room is across from it."

Immediately, her blue eyes widened in humiliation as her face flushed. She could still hear him laughing behind her as he let go of her shoulders. "Why didn't you just say that in the beginning?" she asked as she whirled around to glare at him.

"Typically, when a pretty girl wants to break into MY room, I don't stop them," He watched with amusement as her face drained of all color before turning hot pink. "I look forward to working with you." He gave her a wink before unlocking his door and slipping in.

Quistis' mouth hung open at the sheer audacity of the tall blond as his door closed in her face. Turning around sharply, she grabbed a hold of the door handle and stomped in. 'The only good thing about meeting him is that after we get to the base, I won't EVER have to deal with him AGAIN!'