MC Falling Into Infinity 06

Part 11: Caught In a Web

As soon as Squall and Zell arrived in Esthar, they were escorted to the presidential office. Laguna Loire was aware of their approach, and had made sure soldiers were waiting for them. If Selphie had been rather suddenly abducted, he did not want to risk the same for his son. The two were still estranged, but there would always be the reminder of blood ties between them. As soon as the door opened and the two were shown inside, Laguna rose from behind his desk, silent in the first awkward moments. Squall looked tired, dark circles under his eyes, yet was as taciturn as always, that permanent frown plastered to his lips. Zell wasn't much better, though he still remained active, not exhausted enough to be able to sit still. He remained standing even as the Commander sat down, waving off formalities with a gloved hand.

"You know why we're here, President Loire. One of our SeeDs may be in danger."

Laguna slowly returned to his seat, refusing to wince at the refusal to call him 'father'. He understood, in reality. What occurred was a long time ago, and now was not the time to explain to Squall why he was left at Edea's. Another day, perhaps. For now, however, he would follow example and stick to formalities, "Yes, my personal guard has searched the city. If she is in Esthar still, she's well hidden. I believe there is more then meets the eye here, however. We're detaining the Galbadian diplomat. You've landed in the midst of a political land mine, Commander Leonhart."

This didn't surprise Squall, though the politics between nations didn't interest him in the slightest. If Galbadia and Esthar wanted a war, fine, let them war with each other. Garden was not going to get involved unless hired out by one side or the other. Tersely, he attempted to get the conversation back on track again, "Unless that has to do with SeeD Tilmitt, Mr. President, we'd like to stay out of politicking."

Laguna sighed, running a hand through his peppered hair. Though clearly into his fifties now, the man still possessed a rugged handsomeness that won him the hearts of many a woman. He could have married by now, some said he should have. There was a reason why he continued to refuse. "Squall, I believe the situation with the diplomat was exactly why Selphie disappeared. I'm surprised an attempt wasn't made on Zell, too. Yesterday, my office was breached, when guards arrived, they captured men that had arrived with the diplomat. They were spies, attempting to infiltrate and steal information regarding our technology and weapon systems. We caught them red handed, all thanks to one little slip up in their sneakery."

Squall still failed to see what this had to do with Selphie's disappearance. This is a political disaster for Galbadia, not a reason to harm the SeeD escort they'd hired. His confusion matched Zell's, who had so far stood there with semi impatience. Talk was for the figureheads of Esthar and Garden, but the spiky haired blonde was itching to do something. Selphie was out there and in a bind, and here they all were talking. "So what's that got to do with Selphie?"

Looking at Zell, Laguna sigh, shaking his head. "Selphie is the pilot, you two. We have experts here who wanted to confer with her, for the flight patterns of those attacking ships seemed far too convenient. They were within range to attack with weaponry that would have blown that Galbadian ship right out of the sky, and instead they attacked with light rail guns to damage the side. Why not silence her, to keep her from confirming our suspicions?"

This was beginning to fit together. The puzzle was far from complete, but Squall and Zell were beginning to see the picture. Galbadia was up to something, and had used SeeD to help meet their ends. So when they didn't cover their tracks well enough, they attempted to remove the problem all together. Zell suddenly felt ill inside, kicking himself for not sticking with her at the shopping arcade. Was she still alive, even? Bouncing on the toes of his shoes, he began the usual shadow boxing, then clenched his fists and ground his teeth, hissing out, "Well we can't just sit here and talk, we gotta do something, we gotta find her."

Squall reached out to put a hand on one of Zell's fists, rubbing at the scar across his nose idly with his free hand, eyes closing. "Zell, stop. We have no idea where Selphie is, or even if she's alive. I care about her as much as you do, but this isn't something we can just rush out and do." Leaning forward, he reopened his eyes and stared intently at Laguna, "What about exits to and from the city. I know your technology, Laguna. Surely you can narrow down suspects."

Zell forced himself to calm down a bit as Squall prompted him to. It wasn't easy, but he inhaled sharply and flexed his hands, standing up straight rather then hunching over in a fighter's stance. He wanted to hear Laguna's reply, after all, and it meant clearing his mind of thoughts about Selphie and her predicament. The president actually smiled at the commander's idea. "I was getting to that, actually. Yes, we do have records of all exits and entrances to the city. No aircraft took off during the time we believe she was taken, except one. An unmarked craft, not affiliated with any country. It was registered as an independent freighter bound for Galbadia. Those who left the city for the plains were all accounted for, majority of them workers for the air station or guards for the Sorceress Memorial. We believe that if she was removed from the city at all, it was aboard that independent ship. Not all of the diplomat's men are accounted for either, two are missing. We've attempted to question her about it, but she is refusing to answer our questions. If you like, I can grant you access to her for your own questions."

Now they were starting to get somewhere. Squall rose, suddenly feeling a little less futile about the whole thing. If they had merely kidnapped Selphie, there was still a chance that she was alive. That fed him and Zell a bit more hope.

"Let's go talk to this diplomat then."

Part 12: Uninvited

Quistis and Irvine slipped along the tunnels beneath the city, occasionally arguing with one another about where they were going. After escaping being surrounded, they'd split ways with Seifer. The blonde had no choice but to trust them now, their presence at the Galbadian Freedom Front's headquarters more then likely outlawed them both with the government. So reluctantly he'd let them go their own way. Harder to catch multiple targets through the maze of tunnels and walkways, and he didn't want to go with them as they headed back to the hotel. He'd even argued with them about it, how risky it was how sure he was that they'd get caught. Unfortunately, all their equipment was back at the hotel, and Quistis was not about to go without at least the laptop. She needed to contact Squall desperately and let him know what was going on in Deling.

Though still occasionally irritated with one another, Irvine was glad Quistis least attempted to be professional and stop harping on him. He gave up trying to lead the two anywhere, content to let her take over, even as they got lost twice and had to retrace their steps four times. She'd been through these tunnels before, back when she and Zell and Selphie had gotten caught in General Caraway's mansion and raced to get back to the arch before the Sorceress' float passed by. That, however, had been awhile ago. So the fact that Irvine was smiling faintly every time they took a wrong turn only irritated her further. It wasn't so much that she felt he was laughing at her either. He had a lovely smile, and she couldn't help but stare at him a few times before she caught herself doing so. Oh Quistis, you have such horrid taste in men. Why do you always fall for the ones taken or not interested? Strangely, she had no reply for that inner voice.

Finally they found themselves at the junction leading up to the main street for Deling's Downtown area. Climbing up through the manhole, Quistis soon realized they'd spent far too long below. It was well after dark, and by the absence of bodies or lights along the street, it was most likely after curfew too. They'd have to move stealthily to avoid the authorities that prowled about for anyone roaming around this late at night. Irvine popped up as soon as she had cleared the way, closing the manhole again as quietly as possible. It seemed so deserted to the pair, almost like a ghost town with a chill breeze winding down the empty street. They stuck to the shadows, attempting to remain as inconspicuous as possible. It was nigh impossible, with no other bodies or crowds to lose themselves in, and so both felt it a miracle when they spotted the hotel just ahead. Safety at last.

Irvine stopped suddenly, Quistis running into him with an irritated little sound. She opened her mouth to chide him when he suddenly whirled around, pulling her into his arms. "Play along," he commanded in a whisper and before she could protest or ask what in the world he was up to, she was stunned into silence by the warmth of his lips against hers. He was kissing her. Her first instinct was to slap him, back away, but to her surprise she fully gave in to his embrace, her instincts taking over even as her mind railed against it. For all her professional demeanor and steely resolve, Quistis Trepe was not at all prepared for something like this. And, worse yet, she wanted it, a flush spreading across her cheeks, her body pressing inward against the cowboy's warmth. This wasn't fair! Was he toying with her? Had he known of her growing affections for him all along and been merely teasing her? At the thought, she started to squirm, pressing her hands against his arms to end this rather sudden and uninvited embrace when the sound of boots scuffling in the distance made her blood run cold. No one was allowed out after curfew, except for the Galbadian police forces who patrolled the streets to make sure everyone was being a good citizen and following the edicts of martial law. If someone else was about, it more then likely meant trouble. Suddenly she fully understood what Irvine was up to. Not that it made any of this easier.

"Hey, you there, stop!"

Irvine released her as the voice broke the stillness of the night. Turning, he began his usual banter, engaging in his subterfuge and smooth talking abilities to get the two out of trouble, hopefully. Quistis merely stood there, far too stunned to even attempt an act. Luckily, the flush to her cheeks and the wide look to her eyes lent to the cowboy's claims of a drunken night at a friend's, the two wandering out without knowing the time. It was a plausible story, but apparently the officer wasn't buying it.

"Well, if you'll come with me, you'll be released in the morning as long as your story checks out. Too much trouble with rebel factions tonight. Now, turn, face the wall, hands behind your heads please."

"I'm afraid we can't do that," Irvine replied, and the shotgun was flicked out from under the duster with the sort of speed that'd put most gunslingers to shame. The officer stared at him blankly for a moment, at least until his mind finally realized how the tables had been turned.

"Now you just be a good boy and stay right there. Quisty, head on in and get our things."

Obediently, Quistis took the opportunity to get away from him, finding the door to the hotel to be locked. She rapped on the door until the desk clerk realized someone was there. Shaking her head, she tried to let the SeeD know that the hotel was closed, at least until it was clear she was not just going away. Unlocking the door, the clerk poked her head out, "It's after curfew, we're closed, I'm sorry but we're not staffed right now to see you to a room."

"I already have a room, just out late, please, let me in," Quistis replied with an exasperated sigh. Well, that the clerk could understand and when the SeeD produced a key as proof, she allowed her into the hotel. Up the elevator to the first floor, she raced back to their room, steadying her shaking hands to get the key in the lock and turn it. Once inside she grabbed only what was utterly necessary. The laptop, and the ammunition bag Irvine had brought along. Pulse ammunition was not something she wanted the enemy getting their hands on. And, she figured the cowboy would want it. The rest of their gear had to be abandoned, she simply didn't have the capacity to carry all of it and remain unencumbered.

Racing back toward the door, she paused, hearing the sound of several feet rushing toward her door, unable to remain stealthy against the tile flooring down the hotel hallways. Something must have happened to Irvine, it was the only explanation for anyone coming this way, especially in large numbers. Hesitant a moment, she considered her options. If Irvine was subdued, for she refused to assume the worst and believe perhaps he was dead, then she either had to save him somehow, or get away. The laptop was a precious item, precious enough that letting the enemy get ahold of it would not only compromise them, but Seifer as well. It was a risk she couldn't take. Sorry, Irvine. I pray you're all right, and I promise I'll come back for you with help.

As they began pounding against the door to her room, she flung open the double doors that lead out to the balcony and with a deep breath, jumped over the rail to the alleyway below. Now she would have to find Seifer's meeting point on her own. She could only pray that the cowboy was all right, but while she held the laptop with all their information and incriminating notes, capture was simply not an option for her. Padding down the alley, she spared a glance over her shoulder only once, seeing the officers standing at the balcony. Then she disappeared back down the manhole, retreating into the gloom and shadows of the winding tunnel systems.

NExT...


	Part 11: Caught In a Web As soon as Squall and Zell arrived in Esthar, they were escorted to the presidential office. Laguna Loire was aware of their approach, and had made sure soldiers were waiting for them. If Selphie had been rather suddenly abducted, he did not want to risk the same for his son. The two were still estranged, but there would always be the reminder of blood ties between them. As soon as the door opened and the two were shown inside, Laguna rose from behind his desk, silent in the first awkward moments. Squall looked tired, dark circles under his eyes, yet was as taciturn as always, that permanent frown plastered to his lips. Zell wasn't much better, though he still remained active, not exhausted enough to be able to sit still. He remained standing even as the Commander sat down, waving off formalities with a gloved hand. "You know why we're here, President Loire. One of our SeeDs may be in danger." Laguna slowly returned to his seat, refusing to wince at the refusal to call him 'father'. He understood, in reality. What occurred was a long time ago, and now was not the time to explain to Squall why he was left at Edea's. Another day, perhaps. For now, however, he would follow example and stick to formalities, "Yes, my personal guard has searched the city. If she is in Esthar still, she's well hidden. I believe there is more then meets the eye here, however. We're detaining the Galbadian diplomat. You've landed in the midst of a political land mine, Commander Leonhart." This didn't surprise Squall, though the politics between nations didn't interest him in the slightest. If Galbadia and Esthar wanted a war, fine, let them war with each other. Garden was not going to get involved unless hired out by one side or the other. Tersely, he attempted to get the conversation back on track again, "Unless that has to do with SeeD Tilmitt, Mr. President, we'd like to stay out of politicking." Laguna sighed, running a hand through his peppered hair. Though clearly into his fifties now, the man still possessed a rugged handsomeness that won him the hearts of many a woman. He could have married by now, some said he should have. There was a reason why he continued to refuse. "Squall, I believe the situation with the diplomat was exactly why Selphie disappeared. I'm surprised an attempt wasn't made on Zell, too. Yesterday, my office was breached, when guards arrived, they captured men that had arrived with the diplomat. They were spies, attempting to infiltrate and steal information regarding our technology and weapon systems. We caught them red handed, all thanks to one little slip up in their sneakery." Squall still failed to see what this had to do with Selphie's disappearance. This is a political disaster for Galbadia, not a reason to harm the SeeD escort they'd hired. His confusion matched Zell's, who had so far stood there with semi impatience. Talk was for the figureheads of Esthar and Garden, but the spiky haired blonde was itching to do something. Selphie was out there and in a bind, and here they all were talking. "So what's that got to do with Selphie?" Looking at Zell, Laguna sigh, shaking his head. "Selphie is the pilot, you two. We have experts here who wanted to confer with her, for the flight patterns of those attacking ships seemed far too convenient. They were within range to attack with weaponry that would have blown that Galbadian ship right out of the sky, and instead they attacked with light rail guns to damage the side. Why not silence her, to keep her from confirming our suspicions?" This was beginning to fit together. The puzzle was far from complete, but Squall and Zell were beginning to see the picture. Galbadia was up to something, and had used SeeD to help meet their ends. So when they didn't cover their tracks well enough, they attempted to remove the problem all together. Zell suddenly felt ill inside, kicking himself for not sticking with her at the shopping arcade. Was she still alive, even? Bouncing on the toes of his shoes, he began the usual shadow boxing, then clenched his fists and ground his teeth, hissing out, "Well we can't just sit here and talk, we gotta do something, we gotta find her." Squall reached out to put a hand on one of Zell's fists, rubbing at the scar across his nose idly with his free hand, eyes closing. "Zell, stop. We have no idea where Selphie is, or even if she's alive. I care about her as much as you do, but this isn't something we can just rush out and do." Leaning forward, he reopened his eyes and stared intently at Laguna, "What about exits to and from the city. I know your technology, Laguna. Surely you can narrow down suspects." Zell forced himself to calm down a bit as Squall prompted him to. It wasn't easy, but he inhaled sharply and flexed his hands, standing up straight rather then hunching over in a fighter's stance. He wanted to hear Laguna's reply, after all, and it meant clearing his mind of thoughts about Selphie and her predicament. The president actually smiled at the commander's idea. "I was getting to that, actually. Yes, we do have records of all exits and entrances to the city. No aircraft took off during the time we believe she was taken, except one. An unmarked craft, not affiliated with any country. It was registered as an independent freighter bound for Galbadia. Those who left the city for the plains were all accounted for, majority of them workers for the air station or guards for the Sorceress Memorial. We believe that if she was removed from the city at all, it was aboard that independent ship. Not all of the diplomat's men are accounted for either, two are missing. We've attempted to question her about it, but she is refusing to answer our questions. If you like, I can grant you access to her for your own questions." Now they were starting to get somewhere. Squall rose, suddenly feeling a little less futile about the whole thing. If they had merely kidnapped Selphie, there was still a chance that she was alive. That fed him and Zell a bit more hope. "Let's go talk to this diplomat then." Part 12: Uninvited Quistis and Irvine slipped along the tunnels beneath the city, occasionally arguing with one another about where they were going. After escaping being surrounded, they'd split ways with Seifer. The blonde had no choice but to trust them now, their presence at the Galbadian Freedom Front's headquarters more then likely outlawed them both with the government. So reluctantly he'd let them go their own way. Harder to catch multiple targets through the maze of tunnels and walkways, and he didn't want to go with them as they headed back to the hotel. He'd even argued with them about it, how risky it was how sure he was that they'd get caught. Unfortunately, all their equipment was back at the hotel, and Quistis was not about to go without at least the laptop. She needed to contact Squall desperately and let him know what was going on in Deling. Though still occasionally irritated with one another, Irvine was glad Quistis least attempted to be professional and stop harping on him. He gave up trying to lead the two anywhere, content to let her take over, even as they got lost twice and had to retrace their steps four times. She'd been through these tunnels before, back when she and Zell and Selphie had gotten caught in General Caraway's mansion and raced to get back to the arch before the Sorceress' float passed by. That, however, had been awhile ago. So the fact that Irvine was smiling faintly every time they took a wrong turn only irritated her further. It wasn't so much that she felt he was laughing at her either. He had a lovely smile, and she couldn't help but stare at him a few times before she caught herself doing so. Oh Quistis, you have such horrid taste in men. Why do you always fall for the ones taken or not interested? Strangely, she had no reply for that inner voice. Finally they found themselves at the junction leading up to the main street for Deling's Downtown area. Climbing up through the manhole, Quistis soon realized they'd spent far too long below. It was well after dark, and by the absence of bodies or lights along the street, it was most likely after curfew too. They'd have to move stealthily to avoid the authorities that prowled about for anyone roaming around this late at night. Irvine popped up as soon as she had cleared the way, closing the manhole again as quietly as possible. It seemed so deserted to the pair, almost like a ghost town with a chill breeze winding down the empty street. They stuck to the shadows, attempting to remain as inconspicuous as possible. It was nigh impossible, with no other bodies or crowds to lose themselves in, and so both felt it a miracle when they spotted the hotel just ahead. Safety at last. Irvine stopped suddenly, Quistis running into him with an irritated little sound. She opened her mouth to chide him when he suddenly whirled around, pulling her into his arms. "Play along," he commanded in a whisper and before she could protest or ask what in the world he was up to, she was stunned into silence by the warmth of his lips against hers. He was kissing her. Her first instinct was to slap him, back away, but to her surprise she fully gave in to his embrace, her instincts taking over even as her mind railed against it. For all her professional demeanor and steely resolve, Quistis Trepe was not at all prepared for something like this. And, worse yet, she wanted it, a flush spreading across her cheeks, her body pressing inward against the cowboy's warmth. This wasn't fair! Was he toying with her? Had he known of her growing affections for him all along and been merely teasing her? At the thought, she started to squirm, pressing her hands against his arms to end this rather sudden and uninvited embrace when the sound of boots scuffling in the distance made her blood run cold. No one was allowed out after curfew, except for the Galbadian police forces who patrolled the streets to make sure everyone was being a good citizen and following the edicts of martial law. If someone else was about, it more then likely meant trouble. Suddenly she fully understood what Irvine was up to. Not that it made any of this easier. "Hey, you there, stop!" Irvine released her as the voice broke the stillness of the night. Turning, he began his usual banter, engaging in his subterfuge and smooth talking abilities to get the two out of trouble, hopefully. Quistis merely stood there, far too stunned to even attempt an act. Luckily, the flush to her cheeks and the wide look to her eyes lent to the cowboy's claims of a drunken night at a friend's, the two wandering out without knowing the time. It was a plausible story, but apparently the officer wasn't buying it. "Well, if you'll come with me, you'll be released in the morning as long as your story checks out. Too much trouble with rebel factions tonight. Now, turn, face the wall, hands behind your heads please." "I'm afraid we can't do that," Irvine replied, and the shotgun was flicked out from under the duster with the sort of speed that'd put most gunslingers to shame. The officer stared at him blankly for a moment, at least until his mind finally realized how the tables had been turned. "Now you just be a good boy and stay right there. Quisty, head on in and get our things." Obediently, Quistis took the opportunity to get away from him, finding the door to the hotel to be locked. She rapped on the door until the desk clerk realized someone was there. Shaking her head, she tried to let the SeeD know that the hotel was closed, at least until it was clear she was not just going away. Unlocking the door, the clerk poked her head out, "It's after curfew, we're closed, I'm sorry but we're not staffed right now to see you to a room." "I already have a room, just out late, please, let me in," Quistis replied with an exasperated sigh. Well, that the clerk could understand and when the SeeD produced a key as proof, she allowed her into the hotel. Up the elevator to the first floor, she raced back to their room, steadying her shaking hands to get the key in the lock and turn it. Once inside she grabbed only what was utterly necessary. The laptop, and the ammunition bag Irvine had brought along. Pulse ammunition was not something she wanted the enemy getting their hands on. And, she figured the cowboy would want it. The rest of their gear had to be abandoned, she simply didn't have the capacity to carry all of it and remain unencumbered. Racing back toward the door, she paused, hearing the sound of several feet rushing toward her door, unable to remain stealthy against the tile flooring down the hotel hallways. Something must have happened to Irvine, it was the only explanation for anyone coming this way, especially in large numbers. Hesitant a moment, she considered her options. If Irvine was subdued, for she refused to assume the worst and believe perhaps he was dead, then she either had to save him somehow, or get away. The laptop was a precious item, precious enough that letting the enemy get ahold of it would not only compromise them, but Seifer as well. It was a risk she couldn't take. Sorry, Irvine. I pray you're all right, and I promise I'll come back for you with help. As they began pounding against the door to her room, she flung open the double doors that lead out to the balcony and with a deep breath, jumped over the rail to the alleyway below. Now she would have to find Seifer's meeting point on her own. She could only pray that the cowboy was all right, but while she held the laptop with all their information and incriminating notes, capture was simply not an option for her. Padding down the alley, she spared a glance over her shoulder only once, seeing the officers standing at the balcony. Then she disappeared back down the manhole, retreating into the gloom and shadows of the winding tunnel systems. NExT...