Zell, Selphie, and Nida disembarked at the newest of Timber's many rail stations, this one being open to the city's generally temperate weather. Almost immediately as they were stepping down from the platform, they were approached by a man who looked to be in his mid-twenties, but was fairly short and dressed like he was quite a bit younger. Oh the forests of Timber sure have changed! he said, in a manner that made no secret that it was attempting to be nonchalant, and therefore failed miserably.

Nida restrained himself from wincing at the poor acting job. Well, the owls are still around, he said, in what he hoped was a more reasonable performance.

The man frowned. No, sir; it's, But the owls are —' He paused, thinking for a moment. No, it's...nevermind. Please come with me, sir.

By now, they had succeeded in gaining the attention of just about everyone within earshot. Most of them seemed amused, but still Nida hoped this mission wouldn't depend too much on stealth.

They were led across a small plaza to another set of railway tracks, and a platform reading, GALBADIA. A yellow single-car train, with a pair of grappling arms attached to the front and a paint scheme featuring a toothy, scowling mouth and the word along the side was approaching, and their contact felt compelled to hop onto the tracks and guide it in with hand signals.

Okay, keep comin'! he instructed, as the train slowed to a halt alongside the platform. Keep comin', keep — Ahhhhhh! Look outtttt! He attempted to jump out of the way as the train continued to bear down on him; Nida guessed he probably would have done better to jump sideways off the tracks instead of backward. As it was, he landed flat on his back, and the train stopped a meter or two shy of running him over.

Another figure, taller and about the same age as the first man, emerged from the train a few seconds later. What are you doing? he demanded. How many times do I have to tell ya not to stand in front of the train?!

Nida suppressed a groan. He'd been in Timber for maybe thirty seconds, but already his employers were causing him to seriously reevaluate his decision to become a SeeD.

As the first man was picking himself off the ground, the second took notice of the three SeeDs for the first time. ...That them? he asked in an undertone that failed to be anything but clearly audible.

That's them, sir, confirmed the first man.

The second nodded. Follow me, please, he said, stepping back into the train. Putting aside any concerns about being stuck on a train with these people — especially one sporting a glaring yellow paint scheme with shark's teeth and the word RAIDERS — Nida followed.

Almost immediately after they had boarded the train, the door slid closed and the train rumbled into motion again. Their initial contact sailed through the door at the last possible moment, punctuating his arrival with a shouted The second man didn't even seem to notice.

So you guys are SeeDs? he asked, frowning at the three of them. Nida could understand why someone might be skeptical that a trio of teenagers were members of the most dangerous mercenary group in the world, but considering the impression they had made so far, these people were hardly in a position to claim a monopoly on skepticism.

He did not mention this out loud. I'm Nida, the squad leader, he said. This is Zell, and Selphie.

Nice to meet ya. The man extended his hand with a somewhat nervous thrust; Nida hesitated a moment before shaking it. I'm Zone, leader of the Forest Owls.

He went on to shake Selphie's hand, and then Zell's. Then followed a pause in which Zone stared at the SeeDs, looking uncomfortable, while the SeeDs waited for him to say or do something that would justify their presence on this train.

...Okay, then! Zone clapped his hands together, apparently hoping to salvage some semblance of authority from the situation. Why don't I introduce you? Looks like you already met Watts; I guess it's just our princess then.

Nida asked.

Yeah, that's what we call her, said Zone. She's not a real princess, of course, but she's a real inspiration to all the Forest Owls. It was her idea to hire SeeD. I don't know where we'd be without her.

Now Watts looked uncomfortable. Uh, it's the princess' nap time, sir,

Zone was quickly sharing this discomfort. Ahh, man... His face suddenly lit up as he looked to the three SeeDs. Hey, could one of you guys go get the princess? He pointed to an exit at the top of a short flight of stairs. She's in the last room, up those stairs. Some of our other guys are in the room on the way. Ask'em if you get lost.

Nida wasn't entirely sure how one could get lost on a railroad car, but he guessed that he probably shouldn't make too many assumptions where the Forest Owls were concerned.

Say what? Zell demanded. Man, we're not a butler service! We're SeeDs!

Zone visibly recoiled. A-Are you angry!?

I'll get her! Selphie volunteered. I wanna see the rest of the train anyway! And she skipped up the stairs and away through the door.

Another uncomfortable pause followed her exit.

So hey, what were we hired for, anyway? Zell inquired. We better not just be running errands for you guys.

In response, Zone collapsed to his knees, clutching his abdomen. he intoned.

...Are you okay? asked Nida.

Zone repeated. M-My stomach....

I'll get ready for the strategy meeting, sir! Watts declared, and disappeared through another door.

A moment later, the train lurched hard enough to throw Nida off balance, and the motion was accompanied by the sound of a low-speed collision. What was that? he asked.

Zone, who had recovered slightly, managed an answer. We've rendezvoused with our...er, that is.... He trailed off. Uh...Watts will explain it all at the strategy meeting...ohhh....

Finally, Selphie emerged once again from the doorway. Nida frowned at the way she was clutching her forearm, and continued to after he saw that she now bore a set of long scratches that extended almost from her elbow to her wrist. Following her was a dark-haired girl with a black dress, blue cape, and rather abashed expression.

I'm really sorry, she was saying. I hope you're not gonna hold it against... She stopped herself as she saw Nida and Zell.

At about this moment, Nida recognized her as the girl he had encountered at the SeeD ball the previous night. She didn't show any sign of recognizing him at all.

said Zell, thrusting out his hand with all the style of one of his combat moves. After a moment's hesitation, the girl timidly shook it. I'm Zell, SeeD from Balamb Garden. You just tell us what the operation is, and we'll take it on, no problem!

I'm Nida, added Nida, unconsciously raising his hand to wave slightly, an action he often employed to make sure he would catch people's attention.

Giving him a slightly odd look, the girl waved back. I'm Rinoa, she said. Apparently having had enough to do with her SeeD hires, she turned to Zone. Is everything ready for the meeting?

Although Zone still bore a rather pained expression, he had raised himself back to his feet at Rinoa's appearance. All set, he confirmed.

All right! Rinoa clapped her hands in much the same way Zone had done earlier, although it did look slightly better when she did it. Let's — She was cut off by the yipping of a brown, apparently tailless dog who hurried down the stairs to join them. Rinoa immediately abandoned her previous train of thought. Oh, I almost forgot! This is my partner, Angelo! Angelo's really smart; she knows all sorts of tricks!

Nida frowned. Angelo, like that dog in all the Pet Pals mag—

Shut up! Rinoa was defensive. It's a cool name, okay?

Considering her hostility to that observation, Nida decided not to ask why she had given a male name to a female dog.

Rinoa declared, again attempting to gain control of the situation. Let's go! We've got to discuss our plan! And she quickly removed herself into the room that Watts had departed to. Zone, still clutching his stomach, followed.

Zell muttered, shaking his head. These guys really don't seem to have it together.

Nida agreed.