The following is a report of findings regarding listed individuals having possible negative effects on the proposed building of an additional Garden in Winhill. All facts were gathered using appropriate action and resources as well as a non-invasion of privacy and non-abuse of personal rights. Witness to interview legality was Instructor Zell Dincht, SeeD Rank 22. Interviews performed by Special Security Officer Priscilla Regal, SeeD Rank 10.
Interview One: Sargent Raimond Gadd, ret.; Demolition Expert; 'Sorceress War' Veteran; Multiple commendations as follows: 'Bravery Above and Beyond' (awarded twice), 'Injured Performing Outside the Line of Duty' (three time award), 'Presidential Commendation for Honor & Bravery behind Enemy Lines'.
Sgt. Gadd entered the interview easily and at full attention, answering all questions succinctly and with appropriate attention to detail. When questioned multiple times on specific facts, answers remained the same and no irritation or aggravation was present. Background investigation revealed detailed records of awards and corresponding reason/action for same. Personnel manifests of assigned military company and photographs on file as identification correlate with presented facts. Presented dates of engagements and retreats also correlate with facts on record, dutifully notarized by military intelligence. This interviewer is so then convinced Sgt. Gadd is an actual war veteran seeing many years of service and acting in the best interests of his command and political persuasion.
When questioned on benefits and negatives of a Garden installation in Winhill, Sgt. Gadd's answers continued to be succinct and appropriate to his experience and expertise. Sgt. Gadd commends President Laguna Loire for recommendation of installation and benefits said installation would encourage; i.e. economy, due to increase in population and awareness of location. Singular negative concern worthy of note was Sgt. Gadd's certainty that Garden installation would increase negative activity in area due to same increased attention. Point taken and noted; recommended to be addressed by Special Security Division Lead, Seifer Almasy, SeeD Rank 20.
Sgt. Gadd volunteered services to construction of facility as well as enrollment into SeeD forces held within same; enrollment request noted and to be addressed by Special Security Division Lead, Seifer Almasy, SeeD Rank 20.
Interview Two: Timothi Rasmusen; Surveyor; No special commendations or recommendations; No negative reports or actions on file.
Background investigation revealed inconsistencies as follows:
1. No birth history secondary to verified fire within Infant Care Ward of Deling City General Hospital. Resulting in unverifiable DNA and footprint.
2. Unable to verify spousal illness secondary to primary care physician's death due to heart failure. Records on file show significant proof as to spousal illness; Diagnosis consistent with cancerous growth of the lung. Due to primary care physician's inability to verify, this interviewer is hesitant to view diagnosis as fact based solely on records present. Spouse not available for questioning secondary to last stated primary care physician recommendation of attending specialty clinic in Esthar. Clinic existence verified. Spousal attendance unverified secondary to lack of time to await response.
3. Mr. Rasmusen's Surveyor Certification verified. Previous employment unable to be verified secondary to dissolution of company and seizure of records by Revenue Services.
Amount of inconsistencies within background investigation added to initial suspicion. Mr. Rasmusen's responses to questions certifying surveyor certification, spousal illness, and personal view on installment of Garden were well-voiced with initial hesitations and believable pauses and grammatical errors within statements. Mr. Rasmusen volunteered information of previous conflicts during college with individuals whom tended toward radical behavior and fanatical activities. Provided names and last-known places of residence (see enclosed).
Due to overwhelming number of inconsistencies, which deliberately place Mr. Rasmusen under suspicion, further investigation is warranted. Investigation to involve questioning of spouse, once response is received from clinic in Esthar, and questioning of listed individuals. Investigation request to be addressed by Special Security Division Lead, Seifer Almasy, SeeD Rank 20.
Interview Three: Brock Talgenet; Foreman; Criminal record as follows: 'Aggravated Assault', 30 days in solitary confinement. Pertinent History: Mr. Talgenet suffered the loss of two brothers and a niece in the war against Galbadia. Pertinent Behavioral Observations: Mr. Talgenet presented with a hostile attitude toward both this interviewer and Instructor Dincht. Mr. Talgenet refused to cooperate with this interview until Instructor Dincht revealed our base of operations to be Balamb Garden. After this revelation of information, Mr. Talgenet offered thanks for the defense against Galbadia at Dollet as well as presenting a more cooperative attitude toward this interviewer's questions.
Background Investigation revealed nothing of note until loss of family life in Galbadian War. Mr. Talgenet's work record consisted of perfect attendance, high marks on employer reviews, and several letters of recommendations from various business establishments (see enclosed).
Mr. Talgenet initiated the interview with questions of this interviewer regarding standing within Garden Network, Garden plans for proposed facility, update on Galbadian hostilities, and status of President Deling. This interviewer answered proposed questions with de-classified information, using offered answers to gain trust and credibility and to ensure truthful answers and cooperation from Mr. Talgenet. As Mr. Talgenet's questions were answered, hostilities lessened and spontaneous offerings of intelligence were noted.
Mr. Talgenet confessed to plotting possible sabotage of Garden construction had Galbadia Garden been found to be initiator of proposal. This interviewer offered Intel as to Commander Squall's placement as Lead Commander of Garden Network and President Laguna Loire as initiator of proposal. Mr. Talgenet received intel with favorable change in attitude while offering congratulations to the Commander and assurances of participation with installation of the facility.
While assurances seemed genuine and alteration in attitudes appeared sincere, this interviewer believes continued surveillance is warranted due to unique approach necessary for interview success.
Interviews Four and Five were unable to be performed due to non-appearance of landowners in question. Personal delivery of appointment cards was not completed in either case. Recommend further investigation by Security Detail Special Forces. Recommendation forwarded to and to be addressed by Special Security Division Lead, Seifer Almasy, SeeD Rank 20.
This concludes this investigative report.
Priscilla Regal, SSO-10
Special Security Officer - SeeD Rank 10
"There." I peeked at Zell from under my lashes as I straightened the short report. We were in the cafeteria having dinner, only just back from Winhill. "What did you think? Did it sound okay?"
"'Priscilla'?" Zell asked, grinning.
I cringed slightly and tucked the report into its cover again.
"Since when?"
"Since forever," I confessed reluctantly. I lifted my gaze to fully meet his. "Zell, please. I hate 'Priscilla'."
"What? How come? It's not that bad. It's kinda sexy... in a... nerdy way."
I grimaced. "Exactly."
Zell laughed and lightly tugged my ponytail. "Okay, okay. I won't. I promise." He motioned to the report. "Sounds good. I just wish we coulda blasted those landowners."
I nodded and set the report aside. "I know. I feel as if we left Winhill before everything was done."
"Well don't stress on it, Meg. I'm sure Seifer'll blast their ass when the time comes. Who knows? Maybe the minute he sees this report he'll send someone out undercover."
I smiled. "I hope Marshal gets told."
"Marshal? Beita-Dawg at Galbadia?" Zell asked. "How come?"
I silently giggled as I stretched my arms out in front of me. "He loves working undercover. Makes him feel all important and sneaky." I wrinkled my nose. "He's so funny. You should have heard how excited he was with the whole 'hacker' thing. What a goofus."
Zell laughed. "Yeah. Marshal digs that stuff; just like Fujin with that interrogation crap. Rough stuff sounds fun to them."
I grimaced and shook my head. "I'll take my computer wars any day of the week."
"Damn straight," he agreed vigorously. "Nothing dangerous for you."
I giggled. "Zell, you don't have to agree that enthusiastically. What if I want to have some adventure? Don't tell me you won't let me have one."
But I knew I wouldn't miss it. I really did like my desk job. And as long as Zell worked at the same Garden as me, I was in mortal heaven.
"Hell no!" Zell said, serious. "I'll just make sure I go along with ya to make sure everything's on the up and up. Like in Winhill. No more crap like your field exam."
I smiled at him as the warm fuzzies had a field day. "That's okay then."
Zell grinned his usual boyish charm, immediately making me forget anything but him and us and how great it felt to be a couple.
Even after what had happened in Winhill.
Zell stood and gently tugged me to my feet. "They're playing some kind of action flick in the Quad. You wanna go?"
I nodded. "Okay. It feels like forever since we saw a movie together."
Seeing movies with Zell was fun, sometimes more than others. Depending on the movie. Zell had a tendency of getting very involved with the characters. As in he would shout out possibilities of action as if he expected them to follow his orders. He didn't do it so much anymore now that a couple of the people had told him to keep it down or not watch the movie, but he whispered to me what he thought the people should do.
Most of them were really good ideas... of course, I'm just a little biased.
Zell gave my hand a squeeze. "Heads up," he said quietly.
I looked up to see Seifer approaching, expression as serious as ever. My stomach hiccuped and slithered.
"Yo, Seifer," Zell greeted as he gave my hand another squeeze. "'Sup?"
"Welcome back," Seifer stated blandly. He held out his hand. "Report."
"Geez, Seifer. We were on our way." Zell took the report from me and handed it to him.
Seifer took the report and flipped through the pages, nodding absently as I bit my lip and wondered if it was alright or if I'd missed something. Zell gave my hand several squeezes, all of which I returned. I was a worry-wart when it came to my reports. And those reports to Fujin and Seifer were the worst, worry-wise that is. Zell knew it.
Seifer looked up, his hard stare burning a hole clear through my head as I continued to study the pattern of the floor. "Good. Meet me in my office tomorrow morning for a complete debrief." I peeked up in time to see Seifer glare at Zell. "Debrief is an immediate, Dincht."
"So is giving Sally time to eat and chill-out so she can debrief."
"That isn't your call."
Zell's hand tightened slightly on mine. Zell... I sent him a sidelong peek. It's okay...
Zell briefly clenched his jaw. "We only got here 20 minutes ago. And like I said: we were on our way."
Seifer held Zell's gaze for a moment before looking to me. "Regal, next time report immediately. Whether that report only involves informing me of your arrival back to Garden, I don't care. You report."
I slightly nodded, still staring at the floor.
"Only warning. Next time it goes in your record. Understood?"
My stomach tightened as I nodded again. "Yes, sir," I said quietly. "I'm sorry."
Seifer looked again to Zell. "Dincht?"
Zell's hand tightened on mine again. "Yeah. Screwed up. Sorry."
Seifer turned and strode away.
I sighed deep as I relaxed against Zell. "Sorry, sweetie. I knew I--"
"Not your fault. I'm the ranking officer. I know the 'do's and 'don't's." Zell released a quick breath and then pulled me close against him. "Come on, kitten. Let's go snuggle and watch that movie."
» § «
I swallowed hard as I clenched and unclenched my fists. The debrief was over, thank goodness, and Zell had left to class. Seifer had left, too, but only to get Fujin. Me? I was still trapped in Seifer's office.
This morning Zell and I had walked around the Training Center talking about those few days in Winhill - the professional aspect of it - and touching base about our different perspectives. Zell had made the suggestion, saying that he hoped it would help me with the debrief later that morning.
It had. And it would probably even help with the further meeting with Seifer and Fujin about to happen. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. It's no big deal, Sally. Sheesh. But Fujin scared me. Maybe because I didn't think she saw me as anything but a librarian. Maybe because I knew that she knew she scared me. Fujin didn't respect me because of it. And that... well... It kind of made me feel miserable.
I heard Fujin's recognizable steady step and looked over my shoulder. Here we go, I sighed as I stood. I faced her and saluted. "Fujin. Ma'am."
"REGAL."
She moved to stand beside me, standing at attention while facing Seifer's desk. I turned and did the same, even though I wanted to ask her what I could do to make her respect me. Or at least ask her how to make her see me as more than a librarian.
Seifer entered and closed the door behind him, moving to his desk after he'd lowered and closed the blinds. "At ease."
He motioned to the chairs. I sat. Fujin didn't. She only continued to stare above Seifer's head, hands clasped tightly behind her back. I watched her, all the while wishing I could stand up to Seifer as easily as she did. What I wouldn't have given for a fraction of Fujin's spine.
Seifer smirked as he watched her. "Fujin, you might want to sit your ass in the chair for this."
She arched an eyebrow but still declined. Wow.
Seifer presented Fujin my typed and bound report. She took it and read the heading and byline before flipping through the pages and skimming the information inside. My insides twisted up as I watched and waited, wondering if the report was good enough to show her I could do this job.
Fujin looked up and met Seifer's gaze.
"Guess where you're being sent?" he asked, still smirking.
Fujin pressed her lips together.
"Marshal will be meeting you at the dock in Balamb."
I blinked in surprise and focused on Seifer's face. Already? But I just turned in the report! Seifer must have set everything up while Zell and I were enjoying the movie. That made me feel guilty. Seifer never stopped doing his job. He never took a day off. Never took a vacation. It was Garden or nothing; for both him and Fujin.
"From there, you will take a small transport to Winhill and pick up where Regal left off," Seifer continued.
"WHY?"
Fujin didn't sound happy, and I couldn't understand why. Winhill was a great place. How could someone not like it?
"'Why' what?" Seifer asked.
"MARSHAL."
I blinked again and moved my gaze to Fujin's profile. What's wrong with Marshal? Seifer leaned back in his chair, kicking his feet up onto the desk as he crossed his arms. The action drew my attention, but not before I noticed that Fujin tensed up even more than usual.
"Regal, tell Fujin why."
My stomach slithered to the bottom of my feet and disappeared. "Y-Yes, sir." I cleared my throat and faced Fujin. Fujin only kept glaring at Seifer, who continued to smirk. You can do this, Sally. Come on. This is your chance! "Anytime someone from one of the Gardens visits, suspicions rise and cooperation plummets. When Zell and I were in plain clothes and walking around the town as if we were visitors, people were more relaxed. They actually came outdoors and talked to us about things. Nothing worthy of report or suspicion, but they still talked to us. If--"
"That's enough, Regal." Seifer's lips twitched upward a little higher. "You and Marshal will be going undercover. Your back story is with Marshal. Understood?"
Fujin didn't say anything. She only gave a curt nod.
"Good. Regal, dismissed."
I stood and saluted. Then I stealthily left the office, closing the door after me with a sigh of relief and a whispered "Good job."
» § «
My computer chirped with notification of an incoming message over the secure web-cam - our newest toy approved by Seifer. I clicked the accept at the ID: TOP_DAWG.
I smiled as Marshal's face came up. "Hi, Marshal."
Marshal was sitting back in his chair with his feet on his desk and his hands behind his head. "Hey, Sally. Good going on the report. Nice."
I flushed. "Thanks."
"Sure." He sat up and motioned to me. "What you reported about that Brock guy, the foreman?, that really got me thinking. Can you give me any info about how the locals reacted to you two? Was it like this foreman?"
"Actually, I just told Seifer and Fujin about that. The people were kind of close-mouthed when Zell and I were dressed in uniform. I don't get why, though. I don't remember Garden ever doing anything to them."
"And when you were in plain clothes?"
My flush returned. "Well, when Zell and I were in plain clothes we..." I cleared my throat. "We acted a lot different, too, so the people talked to us about things. Festivals. The best places to see. The flower fields. Places for sale. Things like that." I smiled and did a soft giggle. "They love to gossip like Zell does. It was so much fun to listen."
Marshal laughed. "I bet. Dincht loves talking as much as Selphie. You listening to him is just going to make it worse."
"Marshal," I scolded.
Marshal laughed harder.
"Marshal," I complained. "I'm going to hang up on you."
Marshal waved his hand as he stanched the laughter and released a few long and deep breaths. "Sorry."
"Yeah right."
"Really, Sally. Anyway, about Winhill, so you and Zell dinking around like a couple really got them to open up?"
I nodded. "Yeah. It was so awesome. There are a lot of nice people around there. Especially the reception clerk at the inn. He's a sweetie." Too bad Zell and I didn't trust ourselves enough to make use of the tree-fort. That would've been fun. "Too bad you have to go on a mission. It would be a really nice place to go on a vacation."
Marshal absently nodded, and I recognized the thoughtful look on his face.
I slightly smiled. "I better get back to work, Marshal. You can buzz me again if you have more questions."
"Huh? Oh! Right." He smiled. "Thanks a lot, Sally. I appreciate it."
"You're welcome."
Marshal logged off and I shook my head with another smile and a soft giggle. What a goofus. But I liked him all the more for it.
» § «
"Hey, Sally?"
I looked up and to the left, giving a blink of surprise when a very morose and uncertain Marshal headed toward me. It had been two weeks since he and Fujin had gone undercover to Winhill. The fastest and most... relaxing two weeks of my life. They had single-handedly stopped an arms ring that had been shipping stolen missiles - and other Garden equipment - to fanatics and rebels all around the world.
And I found out that Marshal's 'baby' sister had been raped and murdered by the same men three years ago.
When Marshal and Fujin had come back, everyone could see they had been beaten up pretty bad. Apparently the men had become suspicious of Marshal and Fujin's presence due to surveillance equipment installed in their room and a power-outage (caused by Marshal's security handheld) shortly after their arrival. They'd also recognized Marshal from the murder of his sister.
But I had noticed a deeper change in Fujin. She still didn't talk very much, and she was just as strict and foreboding as I remembered, but there was... something different. I'd heard a rumor that she didn't go by the name Fujin anymore. There hadn't been any kind of announcement, and she hadn't corrected any of us when we called her that, but still.
"Hi, Marshal. How are you?"
He gave a slight shrug and sent Fujin's office a sidelong glance as he passed it to stand at my desk. "Okay."
I watched him with growing concern. I had known Marshal for a couple years, and I had never seen him like this. "Marshal? Did you need something?"
Marshal cleared his throat and looked down at a soft package in his hands. I followed his gaze and arched an eyebrow with curiosity.
"Is Ahn-- I mean, is Fujin in her office?"
I blinked. "Um... Yeah. Did you need me to see if she's busy?" Normally I wouldn't volunteer to do anything of the kind, but his expression reminded me of... mine.
Before.
I stood and gestured toward Fujin's office. "Come on. I'll go check."
Marshal shook his head and adjusted his footing. He presented me the package. "If you could just give this to her, I would really appreciate it."
I slowly took the package. "Sure, Marshal."
Marshal slightly smiled. "Thanks, Sally."
I lowered my gaze to the package and the simple 'To Ahndra; From Marshal' as I stepped toward her office. Ahndra? I softly smiled. It was a gorgeous name, and I could see her as that. Now especially. There was a... softness to her face that hadn't been there before her days in Winhill with Marshal. How romantic...
I knocked and felt my knees go weak when Fujin looked up from her desk and the report she looked over. I hated disturbing her, but something told me this was important. Very important.
Fujin paused a moment before motioning me in, watching me as I stepped forward. She then motioned to the chair in front of her desk. I shook my head while softly saying "That's okay. I just needed to deliver this," and presenting her the package.
Fujin accepted it and looked at the 'From' with a clear change in expression. I softly smiled again and turned to exit her office. I recognized the expression as well as anything. Something had happened in Winhill for Fujin and Marshal the same as it had happened for Zell and me. Something good. Something that I believe she needed more than anything.
Marshal straightened from where he leaned against my desk. I smiled wider as I stepped toward him. "I haven't had a chance to talk to you about everything that happened in Winhill. Do you think you and Zell and me could get together tonight?"
Marshal glanced behind me to Fujin's office. "Uh... Sure, Sally. That would be great."
My lips twitched. "Great. If you could hang around, we could take off to Balamb right after work. I'll let Zell know right now."
And I passed to my desk to do just that, hoping that Marshal would take the opportunity to go to Fujin's office and say 'hi'. Go on, Marshal. Do it. Shoo. Shoo. Sure enough, a few moments later I heard his steps move toward her office. I restrained a giggle and sat at my desk, enjoying the shiver when I heard Fujin's office door click shut.
I brought up an instant messenger window and typed in Zell's ID. I couldn't wait to tell him. But when his response to my 'Guess what?' came up... I couldn't do it. It would have been worse than spreading a lie about someone. Why? Because, well, this was Fujin. If she wanted everyone to know, she would have said something. So would Marshal. I sat back in my chair and lightly worried my lower lip. How would Fujin ever respect me if I didn't respect her privacy?
I typed a simple 'I invited Marshal to dinner.' Your secret is safe with me, Fujin.
» § «
If you want to read about the mission in Winhill with Fujin and Marshal, read Few Words