Disclaimer: All I own is a copy of the game. Everything else is Square's.

Author's Notes: Again, I profusely apologize to any of you that are still reading this story. I know it's been forever and a day since I updated but I've really been through a lot in the past year. Thankfully, things seem to be settling down now, I've already started working on chapter 12 and chapter 13 is already written. Hopefully, there'll be no more lengthy delays.

Shout outs:

Jade Almasy- Thank you…and I'm feeling much better now that I've had the baby. :)

Boleyn – Don't worry, the gang only refers to him as Sir when they're in uniform or doing something official.

Rune – I always enjoy your reviews. Thanks for taking the time. Things are much better now.

AgentRonin316 – Fujin is one of my favorite characters as well. I'm sorry I couldn't get this out as quickly as I'd originally told you.

Train Raid: Part One

At first glance it was hard to believe that not twenty minutes ago the Deling City streets had been bustling with activity. But since then, the city streets had become unnaturally abandoned. It was like a dream. The traffic began thinning out after the first signs of fog and in it's absence, the fog had settled in and become eerily dense.

Seifer finished lacing his shoes and quietly slid the balcony door open. The early morning air hit him with such force that it nearly took his breath away. It was an odd mixture of moisture and the cool night air along with the heat and smell of the concrete below. Out of the corner of his eye he caught Raijin giving him an odd look.

"Do you smell that?" Seifer asked as he stepped outside. Curious, Raijin followed behind him. From their perches three stories above the shopping district, they had an oddly clear view of the streets below. Perhaps a little too clear considering the entire street was submerged in a weird early morning haze.

"That's some freaky weird fog," Raijin muttered.

"I'm not sure that that's fog," Seifer grimaced.

"It's not," Ellone's soft voice startled both men. They turned to face her just as she reached the rail.

"We didn't wake you –" Seifer tried to apologize.

"No, Squall did…and I've been trying to fall back to sleep for the past half hour," she grumbled. "Smack him when you see him." Seifer grinned.

Raijin groaned. "I was afraid it was the sewers. Aside from a catastrophic flood or power outage, it's the one thing that can shut down the city that never sleeps."

"Steam?" Seifer looked from Raijin to Ellone. "Raij man, you can't tell me you're afraid of a little sewer gas. You're a SeeD."

"Yeah well, unlike you, my experiences with this city haven't always been pleasant……ya know?"

"No. I don't."

"Let's just say, there are creatures in the sewers. Creatures that move like shadows and can literally disappear into them."

"That's a creepy kind of thing for you to be talking about. I thought you didn't like ghost stories."

"They're called creeps, and they're a lot more real than those stupid ghost stories you were always trying to scare me with back when we were just cadets. I don't joke about stuff like this ya know. The sorceress didn't like me and Fuu as much as she did you. She had us tossed down there one night as a punishment. It was horrible. Nights like this you can actually hear the creeps wailing through the drains and manhole covers. I had to listen to it for hours while me and Fuu found our way out."

"Guess that explains why all the drains are covered with those crazy barred grates….and those weird howling noises I've been hearing since I got out of the shower," Seifer grinned.

"Forget it man," Raijin stepped back inside. "Ain't no way I'm going back in those sewers." Seifer rolled his eyes. "Seriously. No." Seifer crossed his arms.

"Maybe another time," Ellone moved Seifer's arms and buttoned up his vest. "Right now, you two have a mission to prepare for. Come on. I need to put on your makeup and you need to correct the mistakes Raijin made on his uniform before Ward gets here to pick me up."

"Ward's on his way?" Seifer asked.

"Kiros called a few minutes before I came out. He'll be here in less than twenty."

"I like Ward. He seems like a nice guy….a little quiet…but we have a lot in common….like our similar jaw lines and handsome features," Raijin grinned. Ellone giggled and rolled her eyes. Seifer snorted as he followed her inside.

The cries of seagulls drifted through the open window on a light, salty, early morning breeze. He shifted his head on the cool pillow and slowly opened his eyes. As his vision came into focus, he studied the woman next to him. He smiled warmly. She was still asleep, curled up against his chest, the early morning sunlight creeping across her shoulders. He watched the rhythmic rise and fall of her body underneath the thin sheets. Somewhere on the floor, a loud and annoying jingle began to play. He winced at the unexpected, but amusingly enjoyable, disturbance. Beside him, the tips of her platinum hair stirred as she slowly awoke. He reached over her and grabbed a leg of his pants. Pulling it up to where he could pull his phone out of his pocket, he fell back onto his back and pushed the talk button. She smiled softly as she rested her head on his chest and pulled the sheets up higher.

"Sup?" His voice was stifled by a yawn.

"Where are you?" Xu's harsh tone hurt his ears.

"….Where am I supposed to be?" his voice was filled with suspicion and dread.

"You have thirty minutes before you're supposed to report to the front gates for your mission."

"Where are you?" he asked.

"Equipment locker," she paused. "I don't suppose Fujin is with you is she? I've been trying to reach her all morning….and she's got to see this."

"Uhh…Fujin? I'll tell her when I see her."

"Don't be late Dincht."

"Yes Sir."

Fujin watched as he snapped his phone shut. "Behind?"

"Yeah," he grinned.

"Go," she pushed him playfully.

"Nuh uh! I'm not gettin' out of bed first. You." She shook her head as a light blush spread across her cheeks. "Ah come on."

The fluorescent lights above the locker room flickered faintly. "Hey! Don't crinkle your nose," Rinoa playfully swatted Squall on the side of his head as she leaned closer to his face. He instinctively recoiled.

"Lean up here while I'm put your makeup on Sir," A dainty SeeD named Louise scolded in a stern voice that betrayed her fragile frame. Squall complied with a grumble as he shot Rinoa a dirty look. She stuck out her tongue. Across the room, Xu held her hands over her mouth in an attempt to stifle the laughs that were trying to escape.

"This is great," Zell said under his breath as he and Fujin came into the room. "Anyone got a camcorder?"

"We wish," Nida said as he tugged at his ripped sleeve. Zell looked at him quizzically.

"Wait a minute. Why are all of you dressin' up? Why can't I go undercover?" He looked at Xu.

"Because you were in uniform last time around and are going to be easily recognized. Besides, they're expecting us to send only two SeeDs. Upon Seifer's request, we baited Averly."

"I guess that's a good way to see where his loyalties lie," Zell looked deep in thought.

"Who's Averly again?" Nida asked.

"Plant manager of Westman's Stiller," Squall answered.

"Sir," Louise grumbled as she caught Squall's chin and turned him to face her.

"Stop moving," Rinoa playfully chided him. "She's almost done." They all watched as Louise put the finishing touches on Squall's face and then stood up.

"There you go Sir," she picked up a mirror and turned it towards her husband. He stared at his reflection for a minute. The room became dead silent as everyone waited for him to turn to them. "That makeup combined with those contacts and mouthpiece, make you look like a different man."

"Yeah right. It's the excessive cheap leather, chains and greasy hair that makes him look different," Xu stated. Louise snorted and then laughed.

"Hang on Sir, I want to touch something up," Louise motioned for Squall to sit back down. He did so dejectedly.

"Dude you look like you're in a bike gang or something," Zell blurted.

"My, someone's stereotypical," Xu crossed her arms as she walked over to her stool.

"But I thought that was what you were going for…."

Xu rolled her eyes as she slowly zipped up her boots, careful not to snag her pantyhose. "Calm down Dincht. We're relying on the fact that people as a whole are stereotypical. They'll be paying so much attention to the types of people we're portraying that they won't notice who we are."

"Oh….hey that's good," he paused and scratched the back of his head. "I'm really hoping you're supposed to be a hooker then."

Xu blinked. A silence engulfed the room. "Zell, Do I look like a hooker?" She asked as she placed her hands on her hips. "Be honest."

Zell looked around to everyone else, unsure if it was a trick question. Squall was pretending not to notice the situation….more than likely out of fear of moving and then evoking Louise's wrath, Rinoa was too busy trying not to let Squall see her amusement, and Nida was just grinning at him. Xu cleared her throat. Zell decided to take a chance with the truth. Fujin was, after all, right behind him and he knew that if Xu came after him, Fuu would be able to kick her ass….hands down. With a renewed sense of confidence, Zell crossed his arms and grinned. "You look like a slutty little tramp."

Xu seemed surprised by his answer but quickly recovered and then narrowed her eyes. "Good. But you better not be checking me out."

"Hey, when I became engaged I forfeited my right to check out other girls," He defended himself.

"You're engaged?" Everyone in the room but Fujin asked.

"Yup! I proposed last night," Zell was beaming.

"So that explains why you were in bed," Xu ran her tongue along her teeth and winked. Zell's face turned ten shades of red as he looked to the floor. Behind him, Fujin cocked an eyebrow and wordlessly dared for anyone else to press the matter further. None did.

"So," Nida cleared his throat. "When're we heading out?"

Xu checked her watch. "We leave in nineteen minutes. You leave in three."

"Sweet," He grumbled as he hefted his bag up on his shoulder.

"So bag man, can you make it to the station in six minutes while toting all of your worldly possessions in a potato sac?"

"You forget," Nida said as he pulled on a pair of ragged gloves. "I still hold Balamb Garden's record for fastest ten mile run. Two is nothing."

"You can run ten miles?" Rinoa looked at him in awe.

"I could run ten miles," Zell informed everyone around him. "A few years ago."

Xu, Rinoa and Louise looked at Squall. "I almost ran ten miles once."

"No man. The SeeD test doesn't count. It was only 8.6 miles down that mountain and to the shore. That and we kept stopping to fend that spider thing off. And, you leapt like, the last ten feet," Zell grinned. Squall looked away in frustration.

Nida grinned. "As much fun as this conversation is, it's time for me to go. See you on the train."

"Make sure you have your mouthpiece in. And be careful with your equipment," Xu reminded him.

Nida looked betrayed. "Considering our present company, if anyone in this room appreciates how delicate technology can be, it's me." Xu rolled her eyes as Nida turned and hurried out the door.

Xu directed her attention to Zell. "What about your mouthpiece?"

"Hah!" Zell laughed. "I don't even have the earpiece."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Xu asked as she dug in a box and tossed a sealed plastic bag at him. "You loose everything. And don't drop this one."

"No promises," Zell grumbled as he fought to open the plastic baggy.

The eight-forty-five engine for Timber sat idly as it took on passengers. Around it, the busy citizens of Deling hurried to make last minute preparations before boarding. The air held a heaviness that seemed to be magnified by the multitude of travelers and running locomotives sitting on parallel tracks. Lying across an old bench, Nida wiped the sweat from his brow as he caught his breath. A man dressed in a business suit trudged by, dragging a screaming little girl. Nida winced at the shrillness of her voice.

"I don't wanna go! No Daddy! No!" She screamed.

"Stop that!" He shouted. "It's just a train, there's nothing to be afraid of."

"No!" She screamed even shriller. Covering his ears, Nida rolled off the bench and made his way slowly along the tracks. He watched from a distance as a railway worker tried to reassure the girl. With a majority of the public attention on the wailing girl, or distracted trying to find a beverage stand that wasn't sold out, Nida hopped down from the loading platform and onto the gravel beside the train. Dropping to his knees, he rolled underneath the passenger car and quickly checked to be sure no one was on the other side. Seeing no one, he ran alongside the next car and then stopped at the first baggage car. Opening his potato sac, he pulled out a small, palm sized instrument. Deftly opening it's backing, he pulled out a small jack. With ease he connected it to the panel on the side of the car and used it to unlock and open the side access door. He tucked the instrument under his arm and sat his sac inside. With a grunt, he pulled himself up inside and then shut and locked the door behind him.

Now alone in the darkness, he used a flashlight to scan the area and be sure he was alone. Once he was satisfied, he walked quietly along the interior of the car and climbed up on a shorter crate. He pulled open a laptop from his sac, wired it to the panel inside the baggage car and then began reading through a list of everyone and everything that was supposed to be onboard the train.

Hair strung up in a messy, greasy ponytail, he strutted along the loading dock and presented his ticket to a startled employee. There was no doubt he was an interesting sight. Getting a nod, he slung his leather bag over his shoulder and pulled his gunblade case up against his chest as he boarded. Immediately people started staring. He was, at least temporarily, the center of attention. 'Great,' He thought bitterly. 'How did Xu talk me into this? Why didn't Cid object to this?'

He stepped into the passenger car. The chains rattled and the taught black leather constricted around his legs with every step he took. Around him, mothers cringed as they tried to keep a weary watch over him out of the corner of their eyes. Fighting the urge to grin, or to look down in embarrassment or anything else that might blow his composure, Squall approached his seat near the back of the car. He dropped his black leather bag, startling everyone around him. Shooting for the dramatic, he paused and turned to face them all and then shook his head in dismissal. Pulling open the compartment above the seats, he tossed his baggage inside, save for Lionheart's case – that, was slid under his seat. Nodding warmly to the lady beside him, he fell back into his seat and began immediately rummaging through his pockets. She watched him, an annoyed and perturbed expression on her face. He grinned inwardly. Perhaps this mission would be fun. He was starting to enjoy playing his part.

Hair braided neatly in the back, her bangs bounced against her forehead as she made her way down the aisle. Chloe, more commonly known around Balamb Garden as the 'library girl,' looked around the passenger car in awe. Never before had she seen so many tall people congregated so close together. She supposed they had nowhere else to stand, considering seats filled every bit of available space not included in the aisle. Nevertheless, they were in her way and she couldn't see past them to find her seat.

"Excuse me," She said as she squeezed between the giants in front of her. The first few men stood aside as best they could but the last two seemed oblivious to her presence. "Excuse me gentlemen," She repeated as she brushed her bangs out of her eyes.

Neither man budged.

"Yo Dirk. Move out of the lady's way," One of the men behind her ordered as he reached out over her head and swatted Dirk on the back of his head. Dirk jumped in surprise and looked ready to swing back – that was until he looked down and noticed Chloe.

"Sorry," He mumbled as he pushed his friend out of the way and took a step back.

"Thank you," She said as she walked between them and continued on her way. A little surprised by the length of the car, she sat her carryon down and double checked her ticket.

"Can I help you ma'am?" A railway employee asked.

"I'm not entirely sure where to begin looking for my seat," She spoke sweetly in a delicate accent. He smiled at her as she handed him her ticket.

"It's right over there ma'am," The man pointed to a window seat on the other side of the car.

'They gave me a window seat?' She wondered. 'Why would SeeD give me a window seat?'

"Can I help you with anything else?" He asked.

"Oh no thank you," She smiled as she gathered her bag from the floor and took her ticket back.

"Alright ma'am," The man walked past her and back the way she'd came. "Come on gentlemen, you're blocking the aisle."

Chloe watched him go and then walked over to the row of seats he'd pointed to. She double-checked her ticket and then tucked it in her pocket. "Excuse me Sir," She smiled as she squeezed in front of him and took her seat by the window.

"I'm sorry," He said as he motioned for his daughter to quit fussing.

"Oh that's alright," She said as she crossed her legs and stared out the window. "It's such a nice day for a train ride."

"Try telling that to my little Liza here." Chloe smiled warmly as she quietly wondered who back at Garden or the station goofed up and didn't give her an aisle seat.

"Excuse me, excuse me," He pardoned himself as he weaved in-between the departing passengers. Pushing up the back of his wool cap, he scratched the back of his head. 'Damn wool,' he thought bitterly to himself. 'Damn getup. Why did I have to be a geeky looking newsboy?'

"Because you're too confident and cocky. If you go as anything else people will recognize you," Rinoa's previous explanation rang in his head. He sighed in annoyance as he stood looking at the masses moving around him.

"Move it," A bigger man plowed into him, knocking him onto the floor. Seifer landed hard on his right elbow, barely managing to hold onto his glasses. Quickly finding his feet, he barely caught himself before whopping the bigger man. To his dismay, the man paid him no mind as he boarded his train.

On the floor around his feet, lay all the papers he'd had in his binder. Carefully kneeling, as to not knock his concealed Hyperion against the floor and draw any extra unwanted attention, he began gathering the papers while somehow managing not to get stepped on by the crowd of travelers trying to push their way through. Just when he thought he was in the clear, a woman's purse swung down and struck him in the face. Before he could catch it, his cap flew from it's perch on his head and landed a few feet in front of him. Afraid someone might recognize him, he combed his hair back into his face, snatched his cap up and put it back on. Collecting the last of his scattered papers, he stood up, tucked his binder under his arm and slowly made his way through the oblivious travelers and to his train.

He sat down slowly, taking care to keep Hyperion tucked underneath his light duster. Letting the binder fall into his lap, he closed his eyes and for half an instant, almost felt sorry for all the geeky kids he'd ever picked on. Almost.

"Hi," The girl sitting next to him smiled. He stared at her blankly. She was quite adorable in a weird geekish kind of way. The odds of his seat being next to hers couldn't have been that good. He silently wondered if he was as transparent as he was feeling as he offered her a weak smile. "I'm Mari," She smiled again as she adjusted her glasses.

"Hi," Seifer paused. "I-I'm….Cid." Immediately he could hear who he assumed was Squall snickering in his earpiece. He frowned a bit, not liking the fact that every person on this mission was able to hear everything he said. That and he didn't like having their annoying voices in his head.

"Are you okay?" Mari asked.

Seifer's frown faded abruptly as he rediscovered his little admirer. "Yeah…" He paused.

"Your stomach's bothering you," Nida suggested.

"My stomach…gives me a lot of trouble," Seifer responded to her. "Especially when I travel."

"Oh. You poor thing."

Seifer started to say something in return but stopped short when he took notice of the SeeDs at back entrance of their car.

Their every step was perfectly timed and in synch as they made their way down the aisle. Everyone turned to see who was coming. They had a presence unlike any regular railway security officer or police officer could ever hope to have. They were SeeD. A tense atmosphere grew as people noticed who they were All passengers began parting and making way as they walked down the aisle. Both stone-faced and determined, Zell and Raijin kept in perfect time with each other as they reached the front of the car. By the time the last passenger had found his seat, the entire car was dead silent. Both SeeDs stood silently, very aware of the effects their presence was having. Raijin looked over at Zell.

"I do this car, you do the next," He said to where no one else could hear it. Zell nodded. "Can I have everyone's attention," Raijin ordered rather than asked as he shouted across the car. Now, not a passenger even stirred. He smiled heartily. "My partner and I are here by request of the Transcontinental Shipping Line President. Due to the increased threat of train robbers, President Wu felt that it would be comforting for the travelers on his railways to see an increased security presence. I just want to clarify that we're not anticipating any kind of activity on this trip. We're just here for your piece of mind." His eyes scanned out over the crowd and paused on Seifer for an instant. Turning to Zell, he nodded and then led the way to the next car. Behind him, a few children watched them excitedly as they exited. The majority of the adults however, murmured amongst themselves worriedly.

"That was really good man," Zell said as he opened the door for the next car.

"Seifer wrote it. I just memorized it ya know?" Raijin responded as he led Zell inside the next car. The conversing occupants in the car slowly quieted as they realized something was going on. "You're up." Zell cast Raijin a quick glance as he stepped forward, the material of his boots constricting as he fell into a comfortable position; his legs slightly apart and his hands at the small of his back. Everyone quieted without him even having to speak a word. He flashed them a smile.

"Thank you," He started hesitantly and ill prepared. "I want to start by saying that there's nothing for you to be alarmed about. President Wu, of the Transcontinental Shipping Lines, asked SeeD to be present just in case. We're merely here so that every passenger can feel more at ease traveling along these railways. I just wanted to clear that up so that no one got spooked or unnecessarily worried." He looked out over the attentive crowd and then over to his partner.

"Mine was better," Raijin muttered under his breath.

Tossing her hair to the side, she offered any of the men that looked her way a smile and a wink. Most of them looked back at her in shock and a few looked away nervously. A woman a few rows down looked her over with a scowl. Xu just rolled her eyes and grinned. "You just wish you still had my body," She taunted the older woman under her breath as she slowly made her way up the aisle. Teasing the men around her, she scanned the area until her eyes came across Squall, who was seated a few rows behind Seifer. Her gaze lingered on him for a minute before she turned and left the cabin. Stepping into the next car, she looked around at the brightly lit hallways around her. Pulling her access card from her purse, she stepped up to her private room and slid her car through the lock slot. Two little green lights blinked three times and the door slid open. Casting a foxy glance at the man down the walkway, she entered and then quickly shut the door behind her. Falling onto the couch, she adjusted her tiny earpiece. The train jerked as it began moving.

"Alright. Remember your squads everyone," She said unnecessarily. "Squad A report in."

"Ready to go ya know," Raijin's voice sang out. She winced at how loud it was.

Zell laughed. "Just say when."

"Sit tight," She instructed them. "And remember, Seifer's your squad leader." Xu sat lazily upright. "Commander's squad B, report."

Squall cleared his throat so she could hear him.

"I've got a great view," Chloe said happily. Xu paused at her comment but continued nonetheless.

"You hear me bag man?"

"Loud and clear."

"Commander, everyone's accounted for. Now we just sit tight and keep a sharp eye on things."

Squall had been sitting silently for what seemed like hours and was beginning to get bored. He looked around for some type of distraction. The boredom was getting so bad he was beginning to wish Seifer and Zell would get into a spat so he could referee. So far, he'd had no such luck. For once, Seifer was actually following orders and staying in line…and was it just him, or was the little girl sitting next to Seifer slowly leaning closer and closer to him as time passed by?

The lady next to him continued looking uncomfortable as she distracted herself with something on the other side of the window. He raised an eyebrow and then jumped when he turned and saw Xu practically leaned over in his seat. She grinned in amusement.

"Hey there," She said in a low voice. "It's been a while since I've seen you around."

"They just let me out on Friday," He said as he looked up at her. "Good behavior." He tucked her hair behind her ear. The woman next to him grew paler and shifted around in her seat.

"You? Good behavior?" Xu shot him a sly grin as she pulled him up from his seat. "This I have to see. Why don't you show me?" Over the comm. Systems they could hear Zell snickering and Seifer coughing or choking on something. Kneeling only to retrieve Lionheart's case, Squall rose and closely followed Xu back to her private cabin. The unfortunate woman who'd been sitting next to him looked around and then shuddered.

"So, what's going on?" Squall asked as Xu closed the door to her cabin.

"I just got the call," She answered as she took her earrings out. "An unscheduled train has triggered a sensor that was planted sixteen miles west of junction 34-b."

"How do we know it's our train?" He asked.

"Well, we don't. But how many other unaccounted for locomotives do you think there are out there? Especially given this one's location and direction?" Squall just stared at her. "It's suspicious. The route that junction feeds from is rarely used anymore. Decades ago it used to lead to a Galbadian mining facility. They stripped the place clean and there's been no real reason to take trains back that way anymore. I mean every now and then a scenic tourist train may go that way to get into the mountains, but even those tours are limited to the few weeks during the fall when the foliage is the most vibrant."

"How far away is it?" He asked as he peeled off his leather jacket and unfastened a few dangling chains from his pants.

"If they keep up the speed they were going when they tripped our sensor, ETA….is about nine minutes Sir," Nida spoke up over the comm. System. "We should be able to see it-"

"Right about now!" Zell cut him off.

"Wait, what?" Nida asked.

"Calm down," Raijin said softly. Squall and Xu both turned and looked through the dainty curtains covering the window.

Meanwhile, back in the passenger car…

"That's a nice engine," Chloe said softly. "Excuse me Sir. I really need to get by," She said as she practically climbed over the gentleman and his now sleeping daughter.

"Chloe, report to the cabin," Squall ordered.

"On my way Sir." By this time, the passengers had taken notice of the other locomotive. The people sitting nearest to where she was standing looked upon her with curiosity and then dread as they put two and two together. "Things will be fine everyone. Just remain calm."

"Squad A, meet me in the last passenger car," Seifer ordered as he gladly pulled the wool cap and glasses off and dropped them in his seat.

"Already there," Zell answered as he burst through the front entrance.

"Good," Seifer responded as he carefully pulled his contacts out, revealing his naturally emerald eyes. Mari just stared in awe and embarrassment as Cid the newsboy transformed into Seifer the mercenary right before her eyes.

"Hey Nida, hold your position. I'll be there as soon as I can," Xu said as she kicked her heeled boots off and pulled on a rugged pair of SeeD issues.

"Remember Squad A, you wait on Squad B to set up a defense before you go after the engine," Squall warned. "We want them to underestimate our numbers."

"Yeah because they're already not arrogant enough, with using the exact same technique over and over in these raids," Seifer grumbled.

"Shh. We're nearly parallel to them now," Xu whispered.

On the other train, Ross stared over at Jalen with contempt. Knelt down on the other side of Lucas, the older man quietly and carefully checked to make sure all of his gear was accounted for. Lucas watched him for a moment and then watched the glare Ross was sending in his direction. Looking back at Jalen, Lucas slowly inched back and crawled around to Ross's other side as the train swayed. Much to Ross's amusement, Jalen fell to his knees and elbows and gripped the roof of the engine for dear life. Lucas swatted Ross on the shoulder and nodded towards the train next to them.

"Let's go!" Ross yelled to Jalen as he pulled him to his feet. "Better get a running start if you don't want to get yourself killed!"

The darkness around him seemed hollow as he listened to the clanging of a few unidentifiable objects in the baggage car. He exhaled slowly, calming his tensing nerves as he waited. It was almost time. He leaned back against the wall of the car and stared blankly at the dull glow of his computer screen. The clanging continued as the car swayed and jerked.

He closed his eyes and listened to the rhythmic sounds emitted by the track below. A sharp hiss startled his eyes open. Sliding off of his crate, he dropped down to one knee and peered around a stack of luggage. He watched as a security guard searched ever nook and cranny with his flashlight. Nida remained silent as he gently folded down the laptop on the crate and placed it in his sac. The officer continued quietly scouring the car.

From his place, knelt back in the corner, Nida continued watching him as he debated his next move. A few thuds echoed down from the roof, startling both Nida and the guard, who turned his flashlight upwards to survey the ceiling.

"They're on the roof," Nida whispered as he watched the guard's light follow the footsteps.

"Hold tight," Xu's voice rang in his ear. He winced.

"What about the security guard?"

"Someone's with you?"

"He doesn't know I'm here," Nida whispered.

"Announce yourself, present him with your credentials and keep him inside the car," Squall ordered. "The only casualties with these raids have been the security personnel."

"Yes Sir," Nida answered as he peeked out from behind a stack of suitcases.

The security guard was still as he listened nervously. "Hello?" He asked. Nida slowly rose, startling the graying man. "Hold in right there!" The man called out to him.

"Shh!" Nida scolded him. Momentarily baffled by Nida's unexpected reaction, all he did was fix his flashlight on him and furrow his brow. "I'm with SeeD," Nida said as he slowly reached in his pocket and pulled out a black wallet. "Here." Slowly the man leaned forward and flipped through the various licenses and identification cards inside. "I need you to please stay here. Don't open the door and announce our presence."

"What's going on?" The man's shaky tone reflected his age.

"Sir, I'm not the only member of SeeD here. There's a whole team. We just have to wait for the right time to act."

"A raid," He grabbed for his radio but Nida caught his hand.

"Don't. We know they're here. If you alert the other guards they'll try to intervene and might get themselves killed. Let us handle this." The man looked to protest but didn't. Both men looked up towards the ceiling when the footsteps stopped. A slight tremor shook the car.

"They've undone the couplers," The guard said as he handed Nida's wallet back.

"Good. Now all they need is to get their engine hooked up," Nida mused as he retrieved his sac and pulled out his laptop.

"You want them to?"

Nida turned to the guard. "How else are we going to catch them and their train?" No sooner than the words passed his lips did the car jerk forcefully enough to send them both tumbling to the floor.

"They're connected!" Zell shouted into his mouthpiece.

"No shit," Seifer complained.

"We need confirmation that the couplers are engaged," Xu stated over the comm.. Nida brought his computer back online and made sure it was securely linked to the panel inside the baggage car.

"There are two unregistered attachments," He responded. "One is a foreign engine and one is a flat car. Both are secure."

"Sit tight until your Captain arrives and keep that guard inside the car," Squall said. "Squad A, get ready."

"It's about time," Seifer responded.