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This is my first fic submission on this site, so I hope you like it. It's a Final Fantasy VI fic done in a rather "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" style. (Or as close as I could get to it.) Please feel free to be brutally honest in your criticism. (I want to do the best job of it that I can, even if it means scrapping it.)

***Please note that this fic does contain language that may be offensive to some readers and discretion is advised.***

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"If you're thirsty, life gives you crackers; if you're hungry, it gives you pants."

Part I: Section 9



"What an angelic voice." I think to myself as the lovely Celes Chere sings an enchanting melody on the brightly lit stage. Every sensual note gliding softly through my head. Her lips caressing every syllable of every word. It's hard to believe someone would put a hit out on her. But it has to be important, else we at Section 9 wouldn't have been called. At one time we were an elite public security unit, specializing in covert operations and information warfare. However, we revamped after the incident with the criminal organization, known as "The Empire", to more of a "special police" entity. But, who would want to harm such a beautiful creature? Those crystal-blue eyes. Her flowing golden hair... Get it together Cole. Dammit, you can't let personal feelings interfere with your mission.

"Hey, Locke. You still with me?" a gruff voice asks from behind me.

"Oh, sorry Sabin. Guess I'm a little distracted... " I mutter.

"You've got a lot of brain noise lately. It's a wonder you can think at all." Sabin laughs, as he slaps my back.

"Ow! Watch it, you lunk-head!" I laugh back.

"Cole. Figaro. We just received an update on the Chere hit. They've planted an explosive somewhere in that club. Garamonde's checking it now, but hasn't found it yet. I want Figaro to search manually. Meanwhile, I want Cole to get everyone out. NOW!" a voice commands from inside my head.

"On it Major." Sabin responds before charging through the crowd.

"So much for the wonderful performance... " I mutter.

Without thinking, I instinctively jump up onto the stage.

"Everybody! We're sorry for the inconvenience, but we must request that everyone vacate the building quickly and orderly."

It's no surprise that no one moves. Fine, do it the hard way. I reach into my pocket and pull out my badge.

"Public Security. Section 9! Everyone, get the hell out NOW!"

Now they react. All but one. Wait, he's reaching into his coat.

"SHIT!" I yell as I pull out my .44 Magnum.

But before I can pull the trigger, the man slumps over. Dead.

"You're getting slow, Cole." a voice grumbles from my right.

"Shadow. Thank God." I exhale deeply.

"What're you waiting for, another shooter? Get Chere outta here now!" Shadow barks.

"Right. On it." I reply, as I grab hold of her arm and lead her to the transport.




"New girlfriend?" a man snickers from inside.

"Shut up Gabbiani." I growl.

"All work and no play... " Setzer grins.

God, that guy can be an ass when he puts his mind to it.

"Just get ready to pull out." I glare at him.

"You don't hafta tell me." Setzer laughs.

"Bomb disabled. Hostiles cleared. Let's get the hell outta here." Sabin laughs, Shadow right behind.

"Hold onto your shorts." Setzer laughs as the ship surges to life.

"Dammit! We're under fire." Sabin curses, looking out the window, "Shadow! Take 'em out!"

"On it yesterday." Shadow sighs, pulling out his prized Callisto R-67. Very high-end sniper unit consisting of a .50 calibre barrel, roughly three feet long that "floats" separately from the main body, allowing the barrel to vibrate freely, making each shot exactly the same as the last, to improve accuracy. The main body of the unit comes up over the barrel about six inches, without touching it, for structural stability. The scope on top has, of course, an enhanced zoom feature allowing the average user to see for roughly three miles ahead of them. That combined with his innate skill, and Shadow could shoot out a nosehair from ten miles.

"Damn! Armed Suits? What the hell? Major. You seeing this?"

"Guys! We're in trouble! They've hit the Starboard turbine! Shit! We're going down!" Setzer curses.

"Major! We're gonna need backup pronto!" Sabin growls.

"I'm currently en route to your position. Hold tight." Terra says coolly.

She's not actually a 'major' per se. It's just something of a nickname seeing as how she's sorta the defacto leader of the group.

"What's going on?" Celes whispers from behind me. I almost forgot she was there.

"Don't worry. Just a minor change in plans. You'll be just fine. I promise. Remember, we're Section 9. We handle this kinda thing all the time" I reassure her.

Truth is, I have no idea what's going on. Why in the nine Hells are these guys so intent on killing a singer. Jeez, this makes no sense. Why would they call in Lambda-Class Armed Suits just for one girl? I mean, bipedal assault suits armed with twin, arm-mounted, .50 cal MGs and three inches of high-grade armor plating, seems a little extreme for the capture of just one civilian. No point wondering now, they have and that's all that matters right now. We'll sort this out when we report back to Magus. If we report back. My thoughts are rudely interrupted by a sudden impact. The Eagle has landed...




Celes lies motionless on my back. I check her vitals. She's all right. Just out cold. Good. Back to the task at hand. The attackers waste no time. In mere moments we find ourselves in one helluva gunfight. Shadow opts for his Callisto, while Sabin mans the .86 Calibre Gatling turret. Of course, my preference is my .44 Mag. She's an old revolver, but still works like the day she was built. After about three minutes, I see a figure running across the roof in thermo-optic camouflage, a specialized stealth system that all-but hides the user from view to the naked eye by projecting the view behind the wearer in real-time, making them seem transparent. Must be the Major. Thank God. Hopefully we've got enough firepower to deal with three Lambda-Classes. No sooner does this thought enter my head, than I see Terra unload a volley of KG-96 RPGs; which, as the name might imply, are rocket-propelled grenades loaded with 96 kilograms of explosives. Very flashy. She must be pretty pissed. One of those can take out a tank. Needless to say our attackers fare no better. After about a minute of eerie silence, Sabin turns on his thermo-optics and checks outside.

"Clean... Well as clean as a battleground gets." Sabin smirks. Nothing but hunks of charred metal remain of our assailants. The seven-foot frames of the, formerly humanoid, assault suits have been reduced to cinders.

"Major. Don't you think that might have been a bit... Heavy-handed? Now we don't have anyone to interrogate." I ask.

"No need. Garamonde hacked their cyberbrains while we were in transit. We got all we need out of them. A new transport is on its way to pick you guys up. Just sit tight until they get here." Terra replies, again reminding me of how easy it is to gain information on people, what with cyberbrains - essentially the central nervous system, enhanced with cybernetic components, allowing for increased capabilities in data analysis and what-have-you, as well as remote communication - being relatively easy to hack into, given the necessary level of skill. Of course, they can also make finding information rather difficult, what with the possibility of a target committing cyberbrain suicide, where the subject forcibly overloads and shorts-out their own cyberbrain, reducing them to a comatose state and simultaneously irreparably damaging any information they might have had.

I need a drink.




"Major, what's your report?" Magus asks.

"It turns out the attackers from today were a dead end. Simply hired guns told to kill the singer. Nothing else could be discerned. Even the identity of the one who contacted them is unknown. All we know is that it was a male, probably between 35 and 50. That's as far as we could tell." Terra replies.

"It must be someone with access to Lambdas. By the firepower they were boasting, I'd say they were from the Custom line started three years ago. And they're only built in one place." I begin.

"Arrow Industries..." Terra ponders.

"Major. Take Cole and investigate Arrow. Get records of anyone who's obtained their suits in the past three years. I don't care how you get the info. Just get it." Magus grumbles.

"Roger." Terra replies.

"Got it." I reply in turn.

So much for that drink.




We arrive at Arrow Industries about half an hour later. God the place is huge. Not to mention the security. Three guard towers heavily armored and armed with .88 Calibre MGs firing incendiary rounds. Three ground guard posts with 125 cm of solid Tungsten-Titanium alloy. Solid. No windows. Domed roof. A veritable fortress. For good reason. If someone breaks into this place, we'd have one hell of a time stopping them. Magus must've let them know we were coming since the guards seemed so happy to let us through. Let the sarcasm be stricken from the record...

"We're here to see the CEO. We have an appointment." Terra tells the receptionist.

"Ah, Miss Branford and Mr. Cole. Come right this way." The receptionist smiles as she leads us to the elevator.

"Stay alert Cole. This could be a setup." Terra tells me through the brain-link, a special net-based connection accessed by way of our cyberbrains, allowing for a more private conversation.

"The thought occurred to me as well." I reply.

We reach the top floor and head down to the CEO's office.

"Miss Arrowny? You have visitor." the receptionist chimes through the door.

"Enter." a voice replies from inside.

We enter the room, but I don't see the CEO anywhere... Just a little girl... Wait, that can't- My thoughts are again interrupted.

"Good day. I am Miss Relm Arrowny. President, founder and CEO of Arrow Industries. What can I do for you?" The girl asks.

"All right Arrowny, you can drop the act. You know why we're here, so cut the crap." Terra tells her, point blank, her hands gripping the corners of Arrowny's desk, "We have reason to believe you've been selling weapons to terrorists."

"My weapons are like little works of art. I refuse to sell them to anyone... vulgar. You can check the records if you like, you won't find anything, but you can trudge through them all you want. But make it quick, I actually have more important things to take care of than wasting my time here. Not that you dolts have any idea how to do anything but waste people's time..." Relm spits, no longer playing the polite game.

"You may, or may not, be aware that a hit was placed on a singer, Celes Chere, a few days ago. If we find out you were involved in any way, you'll fry." Terra begins.

"Threats, Branford? Come on, you really think I'd have anything to do with that!? While I am aware of this, Branford, what reason do you think I could possibly have to get involved in that crap? Look, I don't have anything to hide, so just check the records and get out. I have stuff to do." Arrowny replies.

"Obnoxious brat..." I grumble, as soon as we leave the office, on our way to the elevators.

We board the elevator bound for Level 6.

"Major. Cyan already extracted all records from the past three years. I thought I'd save you the trouble of searching through their posied-up garbage. The Level 6 archives contain nothing but budget reports. I wouldn't take Arrowny off our list yet. But we can't act until we have solid proof of their involvement." Sabin informs us.

"Good work. Garamonde. Send the information on to Section 9 headquarters. Gau. Gogo. Sift through the information and see if you smell a rat." Terra begins.

"On it." Gau replies. A skinny kid, with wild hair and who once suffered from a noticeable speech disorder, you wouldn't know it to look at him, but Gau is an expert in information analysis. The kid can take any information given to him and break it down to discern what's really going on, the very reason we recruited him. It's actually how he rid himself of his own disorder. The kid watched the others speaking over and over, breaking down our actions into simpler actions, until he could do it himself. The point being, Gau is very good at what he does: Taking information, breaking it down and making it useful.

"Shadow. Figaro. Keep a close watch on Arrow. I doubt we've finished with them yet." Terra continues.

"Roger." Sabin replies.

"Got it." Shadow answers.

"Right. Cole, let's get out of here and report back to Magus." Terra finishes.

"Right." I reply.




"Something doesn't seem right. Let's say Arrow did sell criminals armed suits. Why? And that still doesn't tell us why they were after a performer. Sure she's famous, but there's got to be more to it than that. For that matter, how did Arrowny know about the hit? That wasn't released to anyone outside Section 9!" I ponder.

"Chere is in a secure room within Section 9. No one in, no one out. Just in case, perhaps you should ask her a few questions. Maybe something will come to light." Terra finally responds.

"Got it." I reply.

"Meanwhile I'm going to give my report to the Chief." Terra finishes before coming to a stop in the Section 9 car park.

"Chere is on the third floor. Safe room G-89." Terra tells me through the brain-link, can't be too cautious.

"Got it." I reply before getting into a separate elevator.

"God. What the Hell is going on here?" I mutter just before the door opens on the third floor. "Let's see... This' it." I sigh as I walk into the security checkpoint for room G-89.

"Name." The guard asks.

"Cole. Locke." I reply, calmly. This's only the thousandth time I've run this drill. It gets to be a bit monotonous after a while.

"Business?" The guard asks.

"I'm here to see Miss Chere." I respond.

"Check complete. It's Cole." The other guard tells the first. Again, can't be too careful these days.

After the guards ascertain that I wasn't followed, they allow me through. There she is. Sitting on the bed along the side of the room.

"Miss Chere?" I ask as I enter.

"Oh. You're the one from the club. I didn't get your name." She replies.

"It's Cole. Locke Cole." I respond, pulling up a chair. I don't need her getting tense. It might cause a lapse in her judgment. You never know. "I'm just here to ask a few questions. That's all." I tell her.

"All right." she says.

"Okay. First, do you have any idea as to who might be after you, and why?" I ask. No point beating around the bush, or so the old saying goes.

"I honestly have no idea." she tells me.

"None? Were you on any juries? Witness to a crime? Anything at all might help." I tell her.

"No... Nothing of the sort. Honestly, I have no idea why someone is after me!" I can see she's getting upset.

"It's alright." I tell her, putting my hand on her shoulder to reassure her.

"Cole." Terra says through the link.

"Yes Major?" I ask. "You're being assigned to protect the singer. We discovered her father was a member of the Vector Mafia. He sold them out to the police and disappeared three days later. They most likely think he told her something that could hurt them." Terra explains.

"But she just told me she doesn't know anything. Brain scans showed nothing. She's clean." I replied.

"Be that as it may, they're after the girl so I'm putting you in charge of her safety until this case closes." Terra commands.

"All right. So that means she's being released?" I ask.

"That's correct." Terra replies.

"All right. I'm on it." I reply. "Looks like you get to go. But I'll be in charge of your security until this case is solved, Miss Chere." I tell the singer.

"Please, just Celes." She smiles.

"Uh... Right. Celes." I reply.




"So you'll be my protection?" Celes asks.

"That's right. Now. I guess our first order is getting you relocated." I tell her.

"All right." Celes smiles.

Wow. She's absolutely stunning when she smiles. The way her eyes light up- Focus Cole. Focus. She's just a beautiful woman that you've been ordered to protect.

Shit.

"We should probably get moving. Do you have any safe houses or relatives no one knows about?" I ask.

"No. None." She tells me.

"No problem. I have a safe house not too far from here. If that's all right with you." I tell her.

"That would be perfect." Celes smiles.

"Right. Let's get going." I reply.

We enter the elevator I arrived in, heading for the car park. I have to admire her ability to look calm at a time like this. As if nothing in the world were wrong. She's very strong given the circumstances, but I can tell she's scared. Who wouldn't be? Well, maybe the Major. But she's a stone anyway. I don't think she even knows what fear is.

"What's so funny?" Celes asks.

"Huh? Oh. It's nothing." I tell her. Crap. I must've started chuckling to myself without realizing. Stupid. Oh well. Ah. We're at the car park. My car's at lot...

"Son of a bitch... " I mutter as I see all my tires.

Slashed.

"Major. We may have a problem here." I tell Terra, placing my hand on my Magnum.

"What is it?" Terra asks.

"I just arrived at the car park. All my tires have been slashed. By the looks of it, I'd say it happened within the past two hours. They may still be here." I explain.

"Right. Get back inside the building, quickly. Be careful." Terra replies.

"Got it." I reply. "We're going to have to go back inside the building for a moment. Don't worry. It's probably nothing." I whisper to Celes.

"All right." She whispers back.

I hear the sound of metal hitting pavement. I turn around and.

"ARGH!" I yell out loud, while yelling "I'm hit!" through the link as I fire at the assailant, blowing off his shooting arm.

He takes off running. As he flees I manage to blow out his right leg as Sabin comes right outta left field and plows the attacker in the face. Thank God.

"Bastard!" Sabin yells as the assailant's head ricochets off a cement column, knocking him unconscious.

He'll feel like hell when he wakes up. Sabin walks over to the perp and grabs him by the neck.

"I think he broke." Sabin jokes, with a look of false remorse on his face, as he tosses the man to the ground.

The man's left arm and right leg are shattered and his head is severely cracked, but still intact. My left shoulder is bleeding pretty badly as I'm loaded into the medical transport. It's days like this that I hate being Bio.

"We'll keep the girl at Section 9 until you're clear. Everyone else is assigned, so we need you to protect her." Terra tells me.




I'm released from the hospital in a matter of a day. Guess it missed all the major arteries so the bleeding was easy to control. Can't use my left arm for a couple of days though.

"Ready Locke?" Sabin asks as I leave the room.

"Let's get going." I reply.

We soon arrive at Section 9 HQ. I get out and Sabin squeals off to his assignment.

"Round two." I mutter as I enter the elevator.

Again I go through the drill with the guards. Again it's completely uneventful. What else is new?

"Shall we try this again?" I laugh as I enter Celes' room.

"Officer Cole! Are you all right?" Celes asks.

"I'm fine. And please, just Locke." I laugh.

"Right. Locke." Celes smiles, "Shall we get going?"

"Right." I reply as I lead her back to the car park.

This time my tires are fine.

"I'm just going to check the car. It won't take long." I tell Celes, making sure she stays close.

I find nothing. No bombs. No hidden traps. Clean.

"Cole." Terra begins.

"Major?" I ask.

"We've just finished the interrogation on the guy that shot you." Terra continues.

"And?" I ask.

"It seems Arrow hired him to shut both of you up. He figured your relic of a weapon wouldn't do much damage. However he hadn't counted on your modifications to the firing mechanism. When its effects were made obvious to him, he ran. Otherwise, you'd both be dead. We've scanned his brain thoroughly and it seems the CEO met with this guy in person to have you both eliminated. Figaro and Shadow have taken Arrow's CEO and all its employees into special custody. Can't be too careful. We're sifting through them all to see if we get any solid connections." Terra finishes.

"Right. Man, the Chief's not going to like this. I mean, his own granddaughter..." I reply.

"Regardless, it'll take some time. And Chere isn't out of danger yet. Don't let her out of your sight. Got it?" Terra orders.

"Understood." I answer.




We finally arrive at my safe house. Thank God the only people who know about this place are myself and the Major. Well Celes knows now, but that's beside the point.

"Can I get you anything? Drink? Something to eat?" I offer.

"Just a glass of water would be fine, please." Celes smiles.

"Got it." I reply as I make my way into the kitchen.

So what do I do now? Do we just wall up in here until this all ends? Damn this is nerve-wracking. Let's see... Arrow hired someone to kill Celes and myself. Arrow's weapons were used in the attack yesterday. Celes' father was ex-Vector Mafia. He's since disappeared. Where's the connection. What does Arrow want from this? What's in it for them? No point burning myself out over it, I guess.

"Here you go."

"Thank you."

"Cole." Terra calls.

"Major?" I reply.

"We've received reports of several vehicles heading in your direction. Thermal scans indicate five men in each. Armed to the teeth. Get outta of there NOW!"

No sooner does she finish than the windows shatter.

"Shit! Too late!" I yell through the link.

"I'm sending Backup. Hold on!" Terra replies, calmly. How the Hell can she be so calm right now.

Twenty armed men pour in through the broken windows. So we were followed. I run for Celes and push her into the secret escape route. They won't find her there. Once one person enters, no more can enter until I give a specific genetic print. Gotta get to the armory. A hurricane of bullets whiz past me as I run for my gun chamber. They must not be too concerned with me. Their aim sucks.

"Thank God. Now, it's time to kick some ass." I glower as I grab my Kalashnikov AK-47 and a P-90 Assault Rifle. Hey, not all my weapons are antiques.

At any rate, they're not getting Celes without a fight. Bastards. I take cover behind my bar counter. Five of them enter the room.

"Unleash Hell." I whisper to myself as I pepper them with the Kalashnikov. Five down.

Running into the main room, I feel a sudden impact and everything goes black.




"Where the Hell?" I mutter, still groggy.

I find myself tied securely to a chair in a dimly lit room. A lone spotlight dangles overhead giving occasional light. I feel like I'm in an old movie from the 1930's.

"Hmm. He finally wakes." A voice muses.

"That voice... Governor Gestahl. So I'm in Vector am I?" I reason.

"Very good. I expected no less from Section 9." Gestahl laughs.

"So, to what do I owe this honor?" I growl.

"Ah, yes. I'll cut to the chase. Where did you hide Chere?" Gestahl growls.

So they couldn't find her. Good. The Major probably recovered her.

"Go to Hell." I reply.

Way to go Cole. Now you're in for it.

"Tough guy, huh?" Gestahl muses, "Well, no matter. We'll just work that out of you. Biggs. Wedge. Enlighten him."

Shit.

After hours being on the ass end of an ass kicking, I've had enough. Too bad they didn't tie my legs. Idiots. Just before Wedge can resume his fun, I quickly spring up and break the chair over his head. He's out. Using the ropes on my wrists, I manage to strangle Biggs into unconsciousness.

"Now to get free... " I whisper to myself as I grab Biggs' knife, which he used quite liberally on my sides - just missing the vitals - and cut away the ropes.

"Simple." I quietly laugh, bringing intense pain to my sides. "Major. You there?" I ask through the link.

"Cole? Thank God. Where the Hell are you?" Terra asks.

"Dunno. Somewhere in Vector." I reply, "Listen Major. Those guys that hit my safe house. They're Gestahl's men."

"How do you know?" Terra asks.

"Because Gestahl was just here trying to get me to tell him where Celes is." I tell her.

"This is more serious than we thought. Hmm. At any rate, I'm bringing in the heavy support to extract you. Sit tight." Terra replies.

"What about Celes?" I ask.

"Don't worry. We recovered her shortly after they left with you. She's back in a safe room in Section 9." Terra explains.

"Good. That's one less thing." I exhale deeply, bringing even more pain to my sides.

"Your brain activity just jumped significantly. What's going on?" Terra asks.

"Nothing. Just a few mementos from my interrogators." I cringe.




After what seems like hours, I suddenly hear footsteps coming from down the hall. I brace myself for a struggle, knife in hand. The door opens to reveal the Major.

"Thank God you're here." I mutter before succumbing to the blood-loss.




I awake several days later.

"Major?" I ask, groggy.

"About time you woke up. You've been out for three days. It's funny, weren't we in the opposite places the first time we met?" Terra laughs.

I never heard the Major... jovial? It's kinda scary.

"Oh yeah, back in the Empire days. That was before you joined Section 9." I recall.

"Right. They were just small-time crooks at the time, just stealing from a young girl. They'd chased me into an alley, when you showed up." Terra scoffs.

"Heh. You were just a confused kid at the time, still trying to figure out matters of the heart. Funny how this job changes people..." I smirk.

"Yeah, you used to be smart. What happened? You never used to let this sort of thing happen. I think you've gone soft." Terra laughs.

I decide this would be a good time to change the subject.

"What's happened since I've been out?" I ask.

"We took your interrogators into custody for some interrogations of our own. After about seven minutes with Shadow they sang like canaries. Based on that, we managed to remove Gestahl from the governor's seat. It also turns out that one of Vector's own generals, Leo Cristophe, found some details about Gestahl's aide, Kefka Palazzo, but we've been unable to locate him. Our efforts with the Arrow company staff yielded some interesting results. It turns out nearly 50% of the people working there were helping out the Vector Mafia. Other than that, nothing new has developed. By the way, you have another visitor." Terra finishes before stepping out of the room.

"Locke?" a voice asks from my right. I look over to see Celes.

"Celes. You're safe. Good. Sorry about what happened." I tell her.

"Sorry? You saved my life. Who knows what might've happened had they found me. I'm just sorry you got so seriously injured on my account." Celes replies.

"Bah. It's what I do. Besides I couldn't just let them take you." I laugh.

It still hurts a bit when I laugh, or breathe deeply for that matter, but I'll live.

"Some bodyguard I am. Two days on the job. Four in the hospital. Maybe I'm the one who needs protection." I laugh. Celes laughs as well.

Even her laugh is captivating. God damn it! Pull yourself together Cole. This woman's beauty is gonna get you killed if you keep this up.

"All right Cole. The doctor says you'll have to stay here for another day or two. Just until they can be sure the internal wounds won't open up again. I tell you, you came damn close to death." Terra tells me.

"Just lucky, I guess." I mutter.

"Sabin is taking Chere back to HQ until you return." Terra explains.

"Why exactly was I in charge of her protection. Wouldn't it have been better to keep her inside Section 9 until the end?" I ask.

"Simple. If you want to catch a shark, you need the right bait." Terra smirks.

"You mean you were using her as bait, knowing I'd play the hero and save her from harm!" I burst, bringing another small jolt of pain to my sides.

"Essentially. Yes." Terra smirks again. I hate it when she does that.

"So now what? When I recover, am I back on 'Meat Shield' duty?" I fume.

"Perceptive." Terra sighs.

"Shit." I mutter.

"I'm heading back to HQ to follow up on Cristophe's information. If he's right, Palazzo might be involved in this whole affair." Terra explains before walking out the door.

Some days I hate this job.




"Great... So I'm laid up here for two more days. Chances are, only to wind up here again, if I'm lucky."

In the midst of my internal monologue, I hear strange sounds from outside my room. Grinding sounds? But no one's scheduled any construction on this building for two months. Damn. Without a second thought, I roll off of my bed and grab my gun. The Major must have brought it in. Good thinking. No sooner do I grab my gun, than three armed men enter the room. Two more break through the wall.

" ...The Hell!?" I growl as I turn the bed on its side for cover.

Five against one. Better make each shot count. As the two wall breakers enter, I manage to eliminate them before they get a shot off. The other three take up positions around the room. Think Cole. Think. What would the Major do? I think back to the Transport incident. Too bad I don't have a KG-96. Even if I did, it wouldn't do much good. Hmm. Four shots left. No extra ammo. Against God knows what. I'm flexible. After the three attackers stop to reload, I pop up and shoot down the two by the door. My bed's right next to the door and the last shooter is near the rear wall. This doesn't take a rocket scientist. I get low and run out the door. Before the other guy even realizes what just happened, I'm out of the ward. I hear him coming from behind. I take cover around the corner. As he comes by, I line up and...




That's five down.

"Major." I call.

"Cole?" Terra responds.

"Five armed men just came into the hospital. After me. They've all been taken care of, but I think it's time I get out of this damn hospital." I mutter.

"Got it. Gabbiani's on the way." Terra replies.

Moments later Setzer arrives.

"You just can't help but get your stupid ass kicked, can you? Although, I sincerely hope I never see you in any of my casinos. You've got the most insane luck I've ever seen. You must have a horseshoe stuffed up your-" Setzer begins.

"Shut up and drive." I glower, cutting him short.

God, what's with that guy lately?




We soon arrive at Section 9.

"Garamonde performed a remote hack on the men who attacked you." Terra begins.

"And?" I ask.

"Nothing. It seems they committed cyberbrain suicide just after you shot them." Terra replies.

"Damn." I grumble.

"Not so fast." Terra stops me.

"Huh?" I ask.

"Did you even look at the weapons they were issued?" she asks.

"Sorry, but I was a little bit preoccupied with the whole 'staying alive' thing." I mutter.

"They were carrying Sweigger M-4 Urban Assault-Class Rifles." Terra tells me, "You know, the assault rifles with the dual clips under the barrel, receding hand-grips for added protection, compact muzzle, forty-round clip-"

"I know what a Sweigger looks like!" I burst.

"That's right, you used to be the traveling thief. You've probably seen every weapon- every thing there is to see..." Terra muses.

"I resent that. Thief is such an ugly word." I shrug. She knows I don't like bringing up my past doings.

"You still prefer "treasurehunter", right?" Terra smirks, cynically.

"Whatever. It doesn't matter anymore, seeing as how I'm not in that line of work anymore..." I sigh, trying to brush it off with a casual shrug, but after all these years working together, I know she can see right through it, "Anyway, what's your point?"

"Sweiggers are only used in one Territory. Vector. They're used by the Vector Military Units. Exclusively." Terra tells me.

"So if Gestahl isn't the only one involved in Vector..." I begin.

"Palazzo." Terra finishes.

"We need proof." I sigh.

"Way ahead of you." Terra Begins, "Remember that data we pulled from Arrow?"

"Yeah?" I reply.

"Guess whose name we found several times on that list." Terra says.

"Palazzo?" I venture.

"Exactly. Gogo and Gau did some digging. There's no record of those transactions ever officially taking place. In other words, they were sold illegally, under the table." Terra explains.

"So Arrow was selling arms illegally to the Vector Territory. Where are you going with this?" I ask.

"Gestahl may have been in power, but Palazzo was calling the shots. It turns out Palazzo was heading up the Vector Mafia and using that to pressure Gestahl into doing whatever he says. Gestahl didn't even know his own aide was doing it. Gestahl was then pressured to send men in to capture you and Chere. Hence your brief stint in Vector." Terra elaborates, "Palazzo was also using the Mafia to blackmail Arrow into selling them Lambda-Class suits. At this time, Palazzo possesses over seventy-five Lambda-Class suits. All illegally."

"How did you get this?" I ask.

"I pieced it together from the information gleaned from Arrow's documents, Arrow company testimonies and the recent facts tying Vector into this." Terra explains.

"So what do we do now?" I ask.

"You said it in the hospital." Terra jokes.

"Shit." I mutter.

I hate being a Meat Shield.




Once again I enter the elevator for the third floor. Odd. The door took longer to close than usual. About 1.5 seconds longer. I enter the guard checkpoint and run the usual drill. This time, before they open the door to Chere's room, I turn around and fire three rounds behind me. Bingo.

"What the Hell!?" one guard yells.

A Vector Mafia goon drops to the floor.

"Major. We have a problem. I just found a Vector Mafia thug trying to get to Chere." I alert Terra.

"Damn. Sabin. Shadow. Perform a thorough sweep of the entire building. Garamonde. Check all thermal and infrared cameras for anyone in thermo-optic camouflage." Terra orders, without waiting for response, "Gau. Gogo. Prepare to evacuate any civilians in the building. Gabbiani. Prep a transport for immediate departure. Cole. Get Chere the Hell outta there!"

"On it." I reply, as I rush through the door to Celes, "Come on. We have to get the Hell outta here."

"What's going on?" Celes asks, a bit shaken, "I heard gunshots."

"Vector. We're to get you out. Stay close to me, all right?" I tell her. She simply nods. We waste no time making our escape. I decide to take Celes to the only safe place I can think of. For security's sake, I can't tell you where it is.




When we arrive she pulls one right outta left field.

"Locke?" Celes asks.

"Yeah?" I reply.

"What did Setzer mean that day when he said, 'new girlfriend'?" she asks.

"Huh? Oh... He was just being a wiseass. He can be an okay guy; he's just been in a bad mood lately." I begin.

"I see." Celes smirks, quizzically.

"Anyway, that's neither here nor there. Right now we have to make sure you stay safe. I'll be damned if I let them hurt you." I tell her, changing the subject.

"Cole." Terra calls.

"Major?" I ask.

"We just finished our search of the building." Terra begins.

"And?" I ask.

"You've got to get out of there. NOW! We found three others and after questioning, one let slip that there's a bomb planted where you are right now." Terra continues.

"But how!?" I gape.

"Seems while you were unconscious in the hospital, someone hacked your brain. They know all your most likely hiding places. You've got to move." Terra finishes.

"Right." I reply. "We have to go. Quickly." I tell Celes, as I lead her out of the building.




Mere moments after we exit, the building goes up in flames.

"Thank God." I exhale deeply, "But this' starting to really piss me off!" "Major." I call.

"Cole?" Terra responds.

"Just out of curiosity, what the Hell is the government doing about this mess? I mean with Vector involved, this goes way beyond a local skirmish." I ask.

"There's nothing Governor Figaro can do. It turns out the Ruling Party doesn't think illegal arms are a big enough threat to take any large-scale action against. Until we can show that Palazzo poses a national threat, we're on our own." Terra replies.

"Damn!" I mutter, "So what's our next course of action?"

"You need to find somewhere to hide Chere that they don't know about." Terra replies.

"Hmmm... I've got an idea." I reply.

"Then what are you waiting for? Get moving!" Terra snaps back.

"Got it. I'm gone." I reply, "All right. Celes, I've got one more Ace in the hole."

"What's the plan?" She asks.

"Same as before. We've got to get you somewhere safe. I can only think of one place they wouldn't think to find us." I smirk.




Two hours later, we arrive.

"Where are we?" Celes asks.

"We're at an old friend's house. In Vector." I smirk.

"But-" Celes begins.

"Don't worry. This' the kinda thing they would never expect. It's just too obvious. Plus, the guy whose safehouse we'll be using isn't so much of a friend as a guy who owes me a favor." I explain, "Since I don't even know where his safehouse is, they'd never get that info through a brain hack."

"I get it now." Celes replies.

"Hey. There's a reason I'm in Section 9." I laugh, as we walk into an apartment building.

I knock on the door and an old man steps out.

"Yes? Oh! It's you Locke. How are things? Who's your friend? New girlfriend? It's good to see you getting out after losing Rachel so tragically."

"What's with the twenty questions?" I laugh, "Look. Arvis, this' Celes-" I begin.

"The singer!?" Arvis gapes.

"Yeah. I've been instructed to protect her. But they know all my hiding spots. I came to you, hoping you could help." I explain.

"What can I do for you?" Arvis asks.

"Would we be able to use your safehouse?" I ask.

"I'm hurt you'd even ask! Of course! I couldn't let something ill befall such a beautiful young lady. Especially if she's the love of someone I owe my life to!" Arvis jeers.

"Har, har." I mutter.

"I can't take you there, but I can give you directions to the safehouse." Arvis whispers as he hands me a small paper bag, "For the road."

"Thanks. I owe you one." I reply.

"Think nothing of it. I could never repay my debt to you, old friend. Safe travels." Arvis says, shaking my hand, "Come by more often. I'll make coffee."

"Metal filter?" I ask.

"Nothing else." Arvis replies, before returning to his apartment.

"What was that all about?" Celes asks when we get back into the car.

"He was saying that the Mafia has set up a gridnet on one of his safehouses. But the old guy has more than even they could ever find, so he gave me a map to a very secure spot." I explain as I pull out the bottle of wine from the paper bag.

On the bottom are directions to the safehouse.

"How did you know?" Celes gapes.

"He was speaking in code. Just some old tricks we used back when we were both with the Police Department. He was three days from retirement when Gestahl's boys ambushed us in a drug raid. They ran off after putting about nineteen rounds into him, and about four into me. I called for backup, while using everything I could find to keep him from bleeding to death. Afterwards we were awarded the Merit Award for valor. Since then he insists that he owes me his life. At any rate, we're here." I explain as we arrive at our destination.

A small cabin in the countryside. However, on the inside the building is a veritable fortress. I can't go into specifics for security reasons, but rest assured, it's solid.




"Are you sure we're safe?" Celes asks.

"Don't worry. See Arvis has a lot of security features to these places. For one, the only reason we got in at all was that he remotely entered a code while we were on the road. Now that we're in, no one else can enter until the code is entered again. But it changes every time it's used. Basically, this place is a rock. He's one paranoid geezer." I explain.

"That's good. But you know. I have to be honest." Celes begins, "Even with all this security, the only thing that makes me feel truly safe is knowing that you're here with me."

Either she's saying what I think she's saying, or I'm losing it.

"Just being with you, I know everything will be all right." Celes continues, "It's strange. But before I met you, I was never sure if I'd live to see tomorrow. Celebrity status puts you in the crosshairs of a lot of weird people. Then my manager told me I was targeted for an assassination and that Section 9 would be protecting me. At first I thought it would just be a bunch of mindless goons that really cared nothing for me. Then I met you. You've shown me that there's someone who cares, not because of what I am, but who I am."

Saying this, she smiles and wraps her arms around my waist. She's right. I guess in my own mind, I thought of her as more than just a client. She has everything going for her. Beauty, personality- Dammit Locke. Focus! You've got to stay on your toes... Who'm I kidding? Locke old boy, you're neck-deep in love.

"Locke. I don't know how to say this. I'm not sure I understand it either. But what I do know, is that I love you." Celes whispers.

"I love you too." I whisper back.

I won't go into what happens next. I'll just leave that to your imagination. Hey, I'm a gentleman, and gentlemen don't "kiss and tell". What I will tell you is that I figure this to be the right time to switch off the communication function and brain-activity monitor.




The next morning, I reactivate the functions I’d shut off last night. Celes is still asleep. Even now, she still looks absolutely angelic. You're hopeless Cole. At any rate, I quietly go about making some coffee. Metal filters always bring out the best flavor.

"Morning." Celes smiles.

"Mornin', what do you like with your coffee?" I ask as I pour about a half-ounce of gin into my mug.

"Just sugar, please." Celes replies, sliding gracefully into a chair.

"Here you go," I say, sliding the mug down to her.

How can I be so casual right now? For all I know, there could be an army bearing down on our asses right now! Then again, if that were the case, the Major wouldn't hesitate to tell me. Besides, I guess it's best to stay a bit relaxed. 'Fear is the emotion of control, but a calm spirit cannot be broken.' I can't recall who first said that, but they're right.

"How are you feeling?" I ask.

"Just fantastic." she muses, "Thanks for asking."

"Cole." Terra breaks in.

"Major?" I reply, almost spilling my coffee for shock.

"Garamonde just finished his examination of the satellite images of your last two hiding spots, just before they were attacked." Terra begins.

"And?" I ask.

"Both cases were Vector Mafia." Terra continues.

"Hmm..., " I ponder, "What's our next course of action?"

"You and Chere are to stay put. Shadow and Figaro are heading for Vector to locate Palazzo. Gau and Gogo are compiling our case to the government. Garamonde is checking all of Vector's records to see if he can find out where Palazzo buggered off to. I'm going to follow up on a couple leads I came across." Terra replied.

"All right." I reply.

You know, it's funny. Even with all the time I've been with Section 9, I've never once seen this Garamonde guy. I'm not quite entirely sure he even exists. But that's neither here nor there.




"Looks like we just have to wall up in here for now." I tell Celes.

"I see. Locke, what Arvis said, is that what Setzer meant by 'new girlfriend'? He was talking about that Rachel girl, wasn't he?" I knew this would happen as soon as Arvis opened his mouth. I guess there's no avoiding it now...

"Yeah," I sigh, "That's right..."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up any painful memories." Celes apologizes.

"No. It's all right. You couldn't have known about that anyway..." I explain.

"Thanks. But, if you don't mind my asking, what happened?" Celes asks.

Saw that coming too...

"Well. It all happened back when I was with the South Figaro Police Department. Rachel and I were an item. A fact that ended up costing her her life..." I begin."

"I'm sorry, I-" Celes begins.

"No, it's okay," I continue, "As I was saying, I was working on a particularly high profile case, against the former organized crime syndicate, 'the Empire'. I'd already made some arrests and was getting really close to taking the whole organization down. But I guess I was getting a little too close. I came home one day to find she'd been shot, as a way of getting back at me. Ever since then, I've blamed myself for not being able to protect her. For the longest time I was unable to think about anything but how I'd failed her. I couldn't eat. Couldn't sleep. I couldn't even do my job. I was stuck beating myself up over something that, I realize now, was beyond my control... But thanks to you, I've finally been able to understand that I can't keep beating myself up over that. You've helped me to remember what it means to appreciate life, and the living. If I hadn't met you, I'd still be spending every waking moment agonizing over my past failures. Thank you."

"So I guess we've both helped each other in ways we didn't even realize... I guess you could say we were meant to meet each other." Celes smiles.

"I guess you're right. Here I thought I was supposed to be the one helping you, but it turns out you've helped me just as much..." I laugh. I have to admit, it felt good to get that off my shoulders. I'm glad I don't have to bear that burden anymore. And I have Celes to thank for that.

"Yeah. Well, if it's all the same to you, I'm going to go take a shower." Celes replies.

"Sure. I'm going to check on a few things anyway." I reply before she heads out of the kitchen.

For some unknown reason, I check to cameras by the doors and in front of the bathrooms. I don't know why, no one can get in, but no one can get out either, until I contact Arvis. Maybe I'm just paranoid. My paranoia goes unfounded. Maybe some deep, dark part of me suspects Celes, but that's crazy. We scanned her brain with a 'fine-toothed comb'. She's completely innocent. Now, to get down to business. Let's see. Palazzo was using the Mafia to pressure both Gestahl and Arrow into doing whatever he wanted. Both had no idea he was involved. Arrow sent men out to silence Celes and I. Probably on behalf of the Mafia. I was attacked by Vector soldiers... in the hospital. Leo Cristophe is the General in Vector. Nothing goes without his.... SHIT!!

"Major!" I call through the link, with great urgency in my voice.

"Cole?" Terra replies.

"What's the status on Cristophe?" I ask.

"What are you getting at?" She asks.

"Leo's the General of the Vector Territory Military Organization. Vector Military units were sent to kill me in the hospital. Maybe I'm just paranoid, but-" I begin.

"I see what you're driving at, but we've already ascertained that that attack was not an order from Cristophe. It turns out, Palazzo used his influence to pressure Gestahl into commanding that attack directly." Terra explains.

"Oh." I sigh.

Scratch that.




About an hour later, Celes emerges from the bathroom. Even in casual clothes, she exudes a beauty to rival goddesses and angels. What the Hell am I doing with someone so gorgeous? God! Get ahold of yourself Cole! You still have a job to do. Protecting this woman means you've got to stay alert. Do some detective work. Do something to take your mind off of how beautiful she is! Get your stupid ass in gear!

"Locke?" Celes asks, snapping me back to reality.

"Huh?" I reply, shaking my head.

"Are you alright? You look awfully intense." Celes smiles.

"Sorry. Just lost in thought." I laugh. Celes just smiles.

In the midst of our light moment, I hear something.

"Do you hear that?" Celes asks.

"Hmm." I reply.

Okay, so I'm not losing it. It sounds familiar.

"Come this way. I'm not sure what that sound is, but I'm not taking any chances." I tell her, staying as calm as possible.

She obliges. The most obvious thing to do is to check the security cameras.

"Damn." I mutter, as I see the screens.

They've all been knocked out. All but one. Through it I see seven armed men and- "Oh my God." I gape. Three Lambdas.

"We gotta get outta here pronto!" I tell Celes.

"Right." she replies, a bit shaken, but very collected, given the circumstances.

"Major." I call.

"Cole?" Terra replies.

"We have a problem. Seven armed men are tunneling through the walls at our location. They've got three Lambdas, Custom Line, with them." I report.

"We've got a lock on your location. I'm on my way. Figaro and Shadow will arrive A.S.A.P." Terra replies.

Thank God. I lead Celes to a special sub-bunker in the bottom floor of the safe house, telling her not to open the door until a member of Section 9 arrives to give her the okay, unless an emergency arises and the bunker is compromised. I'm not letting them get her without a fight. The Major should be here soon. But until then, I'm all that's between them and Celes. I grab my .44, a P-90 and my Kalashnikov. "Let's do this." I mutter, as I wait on the other side of the wall, behind some debris scattered over the floor. Moments later, the wall caves. And so it begins.




It seems the seven I saw through the camera were displayed on purpose to give us a false sense of security. Just as I thought. The three Lambdas wait outside to ensure no one gets out. Meanwhile around thirty armed men flood into the safe house. Without hesitation, I unload a full clip of Kalashnikov fire into the throng. Shit. They've got some kinda heavy armor on. No matter, my associate, Mr. P, will make short work of that. I smile to myself as I unload a full clip, approximately 50 rounds of P-90 fire, into those same men, watching with satisfaction as nine of them fall over, dead. That's all fine and well, but I can't hold out like this much longer. No sooner does this thought enter my head than I see a glimmer of hope. Actually, it's a KG-96. Major. She always knows how to make an entrance. The three Lambdas are instantly reduced to scrap. That's one less concern. But now they've brought more friends. An additional seventy-some men come seemingly outta nowhere.

"This just isn't my God damn day." I mutter to myself.




After about an hour of holding them off, we've managed to whittle them down to about half, but our ammo is nearly nonexistent. The Major is positioned right across the hall from where I am. I'll have to resort to my .44 is this keeps up, and I'm not sure it can even dent the body armor these clowns have on. Wait. What's that in the Major's hand? I think this' the time to duck. Less than a second after I take cover, the Major launches three fragmentation grenades. Razor-sharp pieces of shrapnel fly everywhere, tearing through anything they come into contact with. It goes without saying that our attackers not only don't see it coming, but are utterly unprepared to defend against it. For what seems like an eternity, I hear nothing. Then-

"Cole."

"Major?" I reply.

"I'm going to check outside. Cover me." Terra orders, motioning to the hole in the wall.

"Got it." I respond.

I ready my .44 and we make our way, slowly, to the opening. Nothing. The Major steps cautiously outside. Then out of nowhere, a giant metal arm blindsides the Major, sending her skidding up the hill.

"Holy Shit!" I gape.

That's a Gamma-Class. They're identical to the Lambda, with four times the firepower, three times the ammo capacity and double the size. There's only a handful of them in the world. And we get to go up against one. Damn, this really isn't my day. And it just might be my last.

"Cole." Terra mutters.

"M-Major?" I stammer.

"Get to Chere. Make sure she's all right. You're completely Bio. You wouldn't stand a chance against this bastard. I'll take care of it! Go!" Terra growls.

Now I'm sure she's pissed. I just hurry to where I had Celes go into hiding.

"Celes?" I ask.

"Locke! Is everything all right?" Celes asks. Good she's safe.

"Just stay there," I tell her, "The battle's almost over."

At least it's the truth.

"All right." She replies.

I make my way back to where the Major is fighting just in time to see the metallic monster grab her by the arm and swing her around so fiercely, her arm actually gives in to metal fatigue and shatters. This is not good. Helplessly, I can only watch as the Gamma kicks her around like a soccer ball. Suddenly, it stops the kicking and slowly starts stepping down on her head. "Shit!" I can only gape in horror. There's not a damn thing I can do. Even my .44 has no effect on Gammas. Suddenly I hear a loud bang and the Gamma topples over. That was a Callisto.




If ever there was a time for Shadow to be on the mark, this was it. I look over the fallen Gamma to see a van with its rear doors wide open to reveal Shadow inside, and Sabin running out. Sabin offers Terra a hand. She simply pushes him aside, with an absolutely feral look of her face.

She glares over at Shadow and yells, "Hey Shadow! Fork over that weapon, NOW!!"

Shadow wastes no time handing his Callisto over. It's obvious she's pissed off. Chambering a round, she fires at the Gamma's face plate, denting it in about 3cm. Click. Bam. Click. Bam. Over and over until there's nearly nothing left to speak of the front armor. The pilot has broken into tears at this point. Can't say I blame the guy. Sometimes the Major even scares me, and we're on okay terms. After three minutes the poor man's had enough. He surrenders, but the face plate is so damaged, it won't open. The only way to free him now is to shoot it off. Funny how that worked out. Thus again, the Major resumes shooting the Hell outta the Gamma. Four minutes and about a hundred and ten rounds later, the pilot is hauled out of the Gamma, bound and incarcerated, with whoever happened to survive.

"All clear." Sabin reports after checking the area thoroughly.

"I'll go retrieve Celes." I tell the Major.

"Right. We'll sift through these idiots and see if anything interesting develops," Terra begins, "Garamonde. Pull whatever data you can from the Gamma's logs. Gogo. Gau. Interrogate the pilot when he arrives. Figaro. Make sure the pilot co-operates and keep him from committing cyberbrain suicide. Shadow. Escort Cole and Chere to Section 9. I've got some unfinished business."

This post has been edited by Tetsuken on 31st May 2007 00:13

--------------------

"If you're thirsty, life gives you crackers; if you're hungry, it gives you pants."

(Part I: Continued...)



"Celes?" I ask when I arrive at the sub-bunker.

"Locke?" Celes replies, "Is it over?"

"For now." I tell her as she opens the door.

"I'm glad you're all right." She exhales deeply.

"ME? It's my job to do stupid things like this. I'm just glad you're safe." I laugh.

"So what now?" Celes asks, "I mean this place was supposed to be a veritable fortress. But if they can get in here... "

"Hmm. How did they find out? The only other person on this planet who knows about it is... Arvis. THAT BASTARD!!" I yell.

"What's wrong?" Celes asks.

"Arvis sold us out. I should have seen it coming. When he gave us the directions, he made a point of shaking my hand. He was marking me for the setup. They waited until we thought we were safe, then-" I begin.

"They moved in for the kill." Terra finishes.

"Major?" I gape, nearly jumping out of my skin.

"So much for old friends. We'll send a team in to collect Arvis for-" Terra begins.

"No. I'm doing this myself. I'm going to make sure that bastard knows the meaning of regret." I glower.

"Whatever you say. Just don't put Chere in danger." Terra reminds me.

"Is there actually any place we could call safe?" I joke.

"My safe house." a voice says through the link.

"Garamonde. Good thinking." Terra replies.

"Does this mean I finally get to meet our wonder hacker?" I laugh.

"That is correct." Cyan laughs.

That's all I know about the guy.
Name: Cyan Garamonde.
Job: Hacker extraordinaire for Section 9. Occasionally talks in a mildly antiquated fashion. They say he used to perform numerous field operations and security jobs, but a serious injury put an end to that.

That's it.




After about an hour of travel, we arrive. Not a bad setup for a safehouse. Again, specifics are on a "need-to-know" basis, but I can say that this Garamonde fellow must feel pretty safe here. Not to mention comfortable.

"Please, enter." a voice says through the intercom.

We step inside, but I don't see anyone here.

"I am upstairs." The voice continues.

Upon reaching the top, I see only one door. I open it and finally come face to face with our hacker. Cyan Garamonde.

"Cyan, I presume?" I ask.

"That is correct." he replies.

I notice several empty bottles of Jager on a table. Man likes liquor, but it must be on account of that injury. He seems stable enough. By the looks of it, those bottles are a day or two old anyhow.

"Welcome to my humble abode; my castle, if you will. You two shall stay in the basement level, if it is all the same to you?" Cyan explains.

Polite fellow.

"Sure." I reply, "And thanks for all this. I mean wherever we go, we seem to invite trouble. So I'm sorry in advance."

"Worry not. I am more than prepared for the sort of trouble that tends to accompany you." Cyan laughs.

I make my way downstairs and lead Celes to where we'll stay. Roomy.

"Celes?" I begin.

"Yes Locke?" Celes replies.

"I'm just letting you know that I'm heading to Vector to retrieve Arvis. Cyan will protect you until I get back. Will you be all right?" I explain.

"I'll be fine. Just please, come back soon." Celes smiles.

"I promise." I reply.

Soon I make my way towards Vector. Arvis is going to wish he never heard the name Locke Cole.




I arrive two hours later. "Here we are." I mutter as I make my way up the stairs to Arvis' apartment. Seeing as how I still have to follow procedure, I knock on the door. No answer. So be it. After getting a good start, I charge the door. The old thing is reduced to splinters. There he is. Can't believe the old bastard slept through that. Wait. He's not sleeping.

"SHIT!" I curse.

He committed cyberbrain suicide.

"Son of a BITCH!" I yell, kicking over the dead body.

Wait. The sound it made when it hit the ground. That's not normal.

"Oh God!" I gasp as I see the timer: 00:02... 00:01... 00:00.




Part II: Barrage



"An explosion?" I mutter to myself.

It came from Vector's Southern District. That's where Locke went. Hope the guy's all right.

"Figaro." Terra says from behind me.

"Major?" I ask.

"I'm assigning you to protect Chere." Terra replies.

"But isn't that-" I begin.

"Cole's job? Correct. However, I'm afraid that explosion from a few minutes ago-" Terra begins.

"Yeah?" I ask, getting a bit concerned.

"It came from Arvis' apartment. Cole's last known location. As much as I hate to say it. He's dead." Terra finishes.

"Better not tell Chere that." I sigh, "I noticed she was getting kinda fond of the guy."

"That's your call. You'll be her new bodyguard from now on." Terra explains before walking out the door, probably on her way to switch into a new prosthetic body. The one she's in right now's had it.

Jeez, how'd they get their hands on a Gamma anyhow? Dammit. Why'd you have to go and get yourself killed? You idiot. If Celes finds out, she'll... Damn, how do I explain the fact that I'm taking over!? DAMMIT LOCKE!! But at least as a 'Meat Shield', as Locke often put it, there's less worry since my body's not made of flesh and bone. Thank God for modern prosthetic bodies. At any rate, I better get to Cyan's safe house.




I don't really have much time to ponder these matters, as I soon arrive at Cyan's safe house. Upon entering the building, I run straight into Chere. Damn.

"Oh. Mr. Figaro, how are you?" She asks.

"Enh. All right I guess. And please, just call me Sabin. I'm just here to let you know, I'll be taking over for your security. Locke was.... " I begin. Think of something. Think of something. "Reassigned." I say at last. I don't think she's buying it...

"You don't have to lie to me... " she begins, "He's gone. Isn't he?"

How could she have known?

I take a deep breath and tell her the truth. Afterwards, there's a long silence. She's trying to stay calm, but I can see this' eating her up inside.

"I'm really sorry Miss Chere." I say at last.

"It's all right. But, I can't believe he's really gone." Celes replies, choking back tears.

"Hey. Don't worry. If it's any consolation, I'll personally make sure Hell becomes a welcome relief for the bastard who did this," I tell her, burying my fist in my palm. I better keep my calm though.

I can feel myself getting more and more pissed off the more I think about it.

"Thank you Sabin. If it's all the same to you, I'd kinda like to be alone for a moment." Celes sighs.

"No problem. I'll be right outside if you need me." I tell her. I step out the door.




"Cyan." I start.

"Sabin?" Cyan replies.

"Do you have any info on any of Locke's findings? Anything he might have found out that we didn't?" I ask.

"I do have the records of the last thing he was recorded to have seen." Cyan replies, "I shall send you the feed now."

"Right." I reply.

Let's see. Prosthetic body. Evidence of cyberbrain suicide. Wait. That's a bomb. Huh? That's an unusual timer to put on a bomb. Hell, most bombs these days don't even use clock timers. Even digital units. Something's not right here. That's pretty old-fashioned by today’s standards... Or... Maybe that's what they want us to think. They could be trying to implicate Arvis as the killer because he's dead and, quite frankly, it's hard to incarcerate a corpse. But who?

"Major." I ask.

"Figaro?" Terra replies.

"Have you searched over Locke's last recorded images?" I ask.

"I was just in the process of doing so." she responds.

"I'll save you the trouble. There's evidence that Arvis committed cyberbrain suicide prior to Locke's visit. On top of that, someone planted a bomb on Arvis' corpse. They used an old digital clock timer for the trigger. It's too obvious. They're trying to make us believe Arvis did it. Since we can't very well imprison a dead guy, the real killer gets off scot-free." I explain.

"But Arvis didn't own any old digital clocks. Gogo and Gau checked his apartment. Not even fragments. Just those used in the bomb and that was only put together within the past few hours. Just before Locke was killed. Too late after Arvis' suicide to implicate him." Terra explains.

"Just out of morbid curiosity... Did they... " I begin.

"That's what I about to call and tell you. When Gau searched the rubble, only one body was found. We haven't been able to identify it yet. But we do know it was a male. Bio." Terra replies.

"That doesn't mean anything. We both know Arvis was Bio as well. Damn." I curse.

"I'll get back to you when we find out." Terra replies.

"So what do I tell Chere? Do I tell her Locke might be alive after all?" I ask.

"I wouldn't get her hopes up." Terra responds, "In her state, if we find out it is Cole, she'll likely do something drastic."

"SHIT! I forgot! She's been alone in that room this whole time." I curse, "I'll wait for the results Major. I better check on Chere."

I knock on the door to the room. No answer. Dammit. I open the door and find Chere lying on the bed. Damn, damn, damn. Wait. Thank God. It's faint, but I can hear her breathing. Good. She must have just fallen asleep. False alarm.




"Figaro." Terra calls.

"Major?" I ask.

"Gau just finished the analysis on the body." Terra begins.

"And?" I ask.

"The body was between 50 and 75 years of age." Terra explains.

"That's nearly double Locke's age." I laugh.

"Don't get too excited." Terra sighs.

"Huh?" I gape. "Another body was found just outside the building. It was probably thrown free from the explosion." Terra continues.

"Why didn't they find it earlier?" I ask.

"They found it a few hours after finding the first body. After examining the new body, they found it to be a male. Bio. Between 20 and 30 years of age." Terra finishes.

"Has the brain been scanned for signs of use?" I ask.

"We're just waiting on those results now." Terra responds.

Damn.

"So we can confirm the first body was Arvis. And the second is yet to be identified, but most likely Locke." I summarize.

"Precisely." Terra replies.

"Major." Gau cuts in.

"Gau?" Terra replies.

"We just finished checking the brain for signs of use." Gau continues.

"And?" Terra asks.




Today it's official.

"Locke Cole. Age: 25. Nov 4, 2827 - May 3, 2853."

That's how it reads. Behind me I can hear the armed forces firing off the traditional "21-Gun Salute". More prominently, I can hear the bitter tears of a young woman. Celes. Many people have shown up. Everyone from Section 9 is here. Even the Chief, Strago Magus. My brother, the "Honorable" Governor Figaro shows his face as well. If only our God Damn Ruling Party had acted sooner. But no. It took the death of a good friend to put a fire under their lazy asses. Dammit. I swear to God, when I get ahold of the Ass-Backwards Bastard that did this...

"Calm down Sabin." Terra says from my right, "You look like you're about to explode."

"I am." I growl, "Damn useless government. A man survives more terrorist attacks than I care to remember and they don't do shit until one kills him. What kinda God Damn justice is that? And they still have no damn idea where the Hell Palazzo is!"

"While I understand where you're coming from, our Ruling Party hasn't been sitting idle, Figaro," Strago comes in from out of nowhere, "Remember, your brother is the one who lobbied for the formation of our group to begin with. The only reason they were slow to take any action is due to the Neutral Defense Act. They couldn't do anything until our adversaries intentions were made out to be clearly hostile. Had you not opted for a more "hands on" approach, leaving your brother to run for governor, you'd know this."

"Look who's talking," I reply, forcing a smirk, "You did something very similar, just the other way around. There once was a time when you, yourself, saw active duty. They once called you the 'Tracker', since you were so good at emulating your targets movements, catching them usually after only a short chase. Then you got old and opted for a more political role."

"Watch it Figaro. Remember who controls your paycheck. Besides, I may be old, but I'm far from feeble. I can still keep up with whelps like you." Strago grumbles.

He's not kidding either. I heard from people in his home town, Thamasa, that he used to be one of the best hunters around. That's probably why he was so good at what he did. Even now I hear he can still keep up with even the youngest and strongest in that area. He only retired from active duty due to age restrictions. Of course, these don't apply to the more political roles, so he was able to stay on as our political liaison and Chief of Command, as it were. Much like how Locke took on the role of "unofficial liaison" between my brother and his old precinct.

"I'll keep that in mind..." I shrug, having reminded myself of the situation at hand.

"It is all right. We will find those responsible for this. Don't worry." I can hear Cyan comforting Celes a few feet away.

Locke had no family. No will. But Magus managed to pull a few strings. All of Locke's things are the property of Section 9. Celes is entitled to a Widow's Benefit. Even though they weren't married. Everyone could tell they loved each other. Poor girl. I pull out a flask of gin and take a few quick swigs before I go up to say my piece. Everyone from Section 9 has to say a few words about Locke, and I'm up first.

Tradition.

"Locke... Was an excellent teammate. An asset in combat. And a great investigator. But more than that... He was our friend. Our brother. I think I speak for all of us at Section 9 when I say 'Losing Locke, we lost a part of us.' I think I also speak for all of us when I say 'We will NOT rest until we see justice served. The kind of justice Locke died trying to protect.' Thank you." I close, returning to my spot.

One by one, everyone says their piece. Good words on all counts, but that still doesn't make up for the fact that one of ours died and the government sat on their fat asses. But it's getting late and we all must head home. Tomorrow Locke. Tomorrow we'll get your revenge. I swear.




"Any new developments on Locke's killer?" I ask Cyan, between sips of my coffee.

All this time I thought Locke was crazy, but metal filters really do bring out the best flavor. Funny, the things you remember about someone when they're no longer around.

"Not much as of yet. But here is something you might find to your interest." Cyan replies.

"What am I looking at?" I ask.

"This is the satellite feed from a security camera in the Albrook harbor. Look carefully at the bottom right corner. Do you see it?" Cyan explains.

"Is that-" I gape.

"Indeed. It's Palazzo." Cyan grins, taking a shot of Jager. I guess the injury's acting up again.

"How old is this feed?" I ask.

"'Tis about two and a half hours old." Cyan replies.

"So he should still be within three hundred miles of Albrook." I ponder.

"What do you think Major?" Cyan asks.

"Hmmm." Terra muses, "Gabbiani. Take Shadow and tail Palazzo. Don't let him know you're following him, but make damn sure he doesn't get away."

"Wait! I should be on this!" I growl, "Locke-"

"Is - was not your responsibility. Your job is to make sure Chere stays safe, no more. Understood?" Terra swiftly cuts me off.

"Dammit! I'm going to get some air." I mutter.




Once outside, I pull out one of my cigarettes, light up, and take a nice long drag. Funny, I used to do work as a professional martial artist and always hated the things, but working in this line of work can be quite nerve-wracking and now they seem to calm me down.

"Those things'll kill you, you know." a voice says from my right.

"Who're you!?" I ask, whirling around to see my unexpected guest.

"No one, really." The man replies.

Strange, he's wearing a hooded shirt, pulled up over his face. In MAY?

"Aren't you warm with that on? Jeez. You must be suffocating." I laugh.

"Not really. The fabric breathes, so I'm alright." The stranger replies.

"Okaaay. But I have to tell you. It's kinda odd approaching a Public Security officer, with your face concealed. It makes you kinda suspicious." I tell him.

"I've nothing to hide." The stranger begins, "I just don't like showing people my face."

"One of those types, huh?" I sigh, taking another long drag from my cig.

"You can laugh. But at least I don't have to smell the repulsiveness of your cigarette." the stranger retorts.

"Then why don't you just walk away?" I ask.

"Because you seem to have a lot on your mind. I was just curious." the stranger replies.

"Not that's it's any of your business, but I'm working on a case right now." I sigh.

"I see. Of what nature?" he asks.

"A friend of mine was murdered two days ago. I'm going to find his killer no matter the cost." I glower, almost crushing my cig.

"Even if it costs you your life?" he asks.

"What do you-" He's gone?

I put out my cig and walk back inside.




"Cyan." I ask.

"Yes, Sabin?" Cyan replies.

"Can you bring up the camera feed from the front entrance to Section 9? Standard and then infrared." I ask.

"Not a problem. For what purpose, might I ask?" He asks.

"Something odd just happened." I reply.

"Here you are." Cyan replies.

"Good. Thanks." I tell him.

I see myself walk out and light up. Nothing odd there. What the... It doesn't show anyone there? But then... Who was I talking to?

"Okay. Now the Infrared." I tell Cyan.

"Understood." Cyan replies.

Again, I see myself go outside. I take the drag from my cig. Again, there's nobody else.

"What the Hell?" I gape.

"What's wrong?" Cyan asks.

"When I was out having my smoke, some guy came up and started talking to me. But the cameras show no one. Weird." I sigh.

"Perhaps someone hacked your eyes." Cyan suggests.

"But that wouldn't explain why I could hear him." I reply.

"What did he say?" Cyan asks.

I replay the entire conversation.

"Hmm. That is odd, in and of itself." Cyan ponders, "Wait one moment. I'll try running that feed again. This time, I will use a Medusa Decoder."

Cyan plays the footage again, using the Medusa Decoder, a program designed to "freeze" hacking attempts within images in order to reveal what might really be taking place, not just what someone might want you to see. This time the figure appears.

"That's the guy." I say.

"I figured as much." Cyan laughs.

"Let's just see where he buggered off to." I ponder.

We watch as the stranger walks away from the building and towards...

"Del Norte Enterprises." Cyan ponders.

"We should check it out." I say.

"No. You've got to protect Chere. I will check out Norte." Terra says from behind me.

"Fine. Have it your way. Wait! Why're you so interested in this little mystery?" I ask.

"Simple. This person obviously wants us to see something. Otherwise they wouldn't have behaved in this manner. Think about it. If they'd just came out and showed us who they were and made no effort to conceal themselves, we'd have no reason to go there. But they did make the effort. They intentionally piqued our suspicions." Terra observes.

"Then, what makes you so sure it's not a trap?" I ask.

"I'm not. But we have to see for ourselves, or else we'll never know." Terra smirks.

"Look. I already lost my patrol partner. I'm not losing you too. I'll go. You look after Chere. My chassis is built more for unpleasant surprises." I reason.

"Have it your way." Terra shrugs.




An hour later, I enter Del Norte Enterprises, which for simplicity's sake, I'll just call 'DNE'. DNE produces vaccines for rare diseases such as Cyberbrain Sclerosis, a rare, most often fatal, and presently incurable disease caused by the hardening of the brain's tissue due to the process used in cyberization. Right now, the place is a bit lax in business. Not many people go in and out anyway, but I only see the receptionist when I walk in. Hmm. Wait. There he is! The stranger. Let's end this. I show the receptionist my badge and tell her I'm here on official business. I then follow the stranger, not picking up my pace much. Just enough to keep him in sight. The stranger walks for what seems like an eternity, then stops suddenly.

"Here we are." the stranger says, through the link.

He must be hiding from everyone but myself. That means the Major might have been right. But what did he mean, "Here we are?" There's nothing here but-

"Good Lord! What is this?" I gape.

Several people are arranged in large tubes. How far back did we go? What the Hell is all this?

"You!" I glower, "You know something you're not telling! Spill it!"

"So you're not as dumb as you look." The stranger prods.

"Watch it pal. You're really working my last reserved nerve." I grumble.

"This is DNE's Research Facility. Where they perform their secret Magi-Tech weapons program for Palazzo,” The stranger responds, "They use the living tissue of the people you see here to generate a biological weapon, capable of destruction on a national, even global scale."

"How do you know this?" I ask, "I need proof."

"Here's all the proof you need," The stranger says, handing me a disc, "Shame though. I was really hoping to meet 'The Major'."

"How do you-” He’s gone again. Or maybe just hiding.

This is just starting to piss me off.




Regardless, I immediately return to Section 9.

"What did you find out?" Terra asks.

"We're about to find out." I reply, sliding the disc into the terminal.

On it is a collection of evidence; records, documents, confidential reports. All implicating DNE's research in illegal weapons. So that guy was telling the truth.

"This is interesting." Terra muses.

"That reminds me. Before the bugger pulled his Houdini act, he said something I found odd. He called you 'Major'. We all know that's only something we call you at Section 9." I report.

"So you think the stranger could be someone from the inside? Or someone with connections to Section 9?" Terra asks.

"What if-" Celes begins.

"Where'd she come from?" I ask.

"I've been here this entire time." Celes sighs.

She's still depressed over Locke now she's obviously got her hopes up that our mystery man is Locke.

"Look, I know it's hard to accept, but we all know that that body had to be Locke. It had his memories. No, I'm afraid it's just not possible,” I shrug, trying to keep my cool, "Anyway. Have there been any developments on Palazzo?"

"Nada." Gau shrugs.

"We followed him for hours, but lost him when he went to... DNE: Vector." Shadow says, coolly, but I can tell he's annoyed.

"I say we end this. Now!" I grumble.

"Agreed. Garamonde. Keep tabs on Palazzo. I don't want him to so much as cough without our knowledge. Gau. Gogo. Take this data to the Ruling Party, then arrest the DNE staff. Setzer. Prepare a transport for immediate departure to Vector. Chere. You'll have to wait in a safe room for the time being. Figaro. Shadow. You're with me. Let's go meet with Palazzo." Terra orders.

"Let's kick some ass." I grin.




Soon we're on our way to Vector. It’s about time. It's payback time Palazzo. After an hour of travel, we land at Vector International Airport. It's go time. We all activate our thermo-optics and storm into the DNE Building. According to Garamonde, the bastard's still in here. After searching the place thoroughly, we hit the last room.

"I'll go in first. Cover me." I say through the link.

"No can do. You're too big. We wouldn't be able to cover you. I'll go in first." Terra replies.

"Suit yourself." I tell her.

Terra goes in first and I follow, while Shadow covers us from just outside the door. When we get inside, we're in for a shock.

"So glad you could make it, friends. Now the fun can begin." Palazzo cackles.

"What the Hell!?" I gape.

He can see us. That sucks ass.

"That's right. Your thermo-optics are useless here. This building is laced with Infrared cameras. I could see you the entire time." Palazzo laughs.

"Give up Palazzo! You're under arrest for Possession of illegal arms, operation and support of an illegal organization and for the murder of an officer of the law." Terra orders Palazzo, gun aimed straight at his head.

"You seem to think you're in a position to bargain. Uwe hee hee hee hee." Palazzo cackles, "How drole."

"What the Hell are you going on about!?" I growl.

"See this pretty little button. I press this and we see just how potent DNE's new Magi-Tech weapon really is." Palazzo laughs, "Well played Branford. But in the end, I win."

"You're sick Palazzo!" Terra glowers.

"I'm hurt. I thought you of all people would understand. We're not that different, you and I." Palazzo laughs.

"We're nothing alike!" Terra yells.

"Aren't we? We both seek order. To rid the world of the criminal element. I however, have realized that, so long as man walks upon this world, there will always be chaos. But the end... The end comes beyond chaos!" Palazzo laughs, insanely

"I won't let you-" Terra begins.

"You've no choice. If you shoot me, I'll land on the trigger. Damning you all to Hell!" Palazzo cackles on.

"You sick, twisted bastard!" I yell.

"I'm getting bored. It's time to en- " Palazzo begins before we all hear a loud bang and see his hand explode into fragments.

Palazzo spins around to look behind him. He gets halfway before we see a hole open up through his temple. Palazzo falls over.

Dead.

"Shadow?" I ask.

"Not me." Shadow says, "Couldn't get a clear shot."

Palazzo's body slumps to the floor to reveal his assailant. Behind Palazzo, stands a ghost. Holding a smoking .44.




Part III: The Final Act



"Cole!?" Terra gapes.

Wow. That's the first time I've ever seen the Major astounded. Maybe even confused. Can't say I blame her though. I was 'dead'.

"But... How!?" Sabin just stares, slack-jawed.

"Perhaps I should explain, once we get back to Section 9." I laugh.

"That would be a start." Terra stares at me with a quizzical look.

It's almost as if she's not entirely sure I'm standing right in front of her.

Shadow simply stands with his head slightly cocked to one side, as we walk out of the room where Palazzo lay dead. If I could see his face, his expression would probably be priceless. Then again, he has about the same emotional range as the Major. I wonder if he even cried when his mother died. No, he probably just shrugged it off... Cold.

"I'll explain later." I sigh.




We all arrive at Section 9 an hour later. As is to be expected, everyone is dumbfounded.

"But. You're dead!" Gau gapes, Gogo mimicking him.

It's just something Gogo does. It's the reason we hired him, really. He's good at mimicking anything his eyes catch. That's why we usually pair him with Gau for information analysis. We just get him to do whatever Gau does. It gets things done twice as fast as Gau could alone.

"I have to be having a nightmare." Setzer stares, occasionally rubbing his eyes in disbelief.

"No dream. I'm standing right in front of you." I smirk.

"So it all went just as planned." Cyan confirms.

"Yep." I smirk.

"Wait a minute. 'Planned'!?" Terra frowns.

"Perhaps you should explain it, Locke." Cyan smiles.

"Right. You see, I figured we wouldn't be able to pin Palazzo if he knew there was someone getting close. I figured he'd be the kind of idiot to go ahead once he felt he had even a slight advantage. The only way to do that was for the person investigating him the closest to disappear. Me. I originally planned to do this alone, but lacked the expertise to make my supposed 'death' work. That's where Cyan came in. I didn't tell anyone else because I knew, the fewer people in on it, the better. After making sure you all thought I was pushing up daisies, I disguised myself as the hooded man you met before. I had to hide my identity, otherwise my cover would have been compromised. While I was hopping from safehouse to safehouse, I managed to find evidence implicating DNE as a player in all of this. It was quite unexpected, but I figured I'd have to act fast." I begin.

"But that... We all SAW you dead!" Sabin gapes.

"Please. All you saw was a Bio male. Age 25. Who happened to have my memories. Think about it. It's not impossible to simply transplant memories into a different brain. But wait, there's more. The fact is, you never actually saw me go into Arvis' place at all." I smirk, knowing that would all-but cause their minds to collapse.




"What!?" Sabin blasts.

"It's true. Remember, Cyan was the one checking the satellite footage and he was in on it. Cyan, perhaps you should show them the footage, with a Medusa." I laugh.

"As you wish." Cyan replies, spinning around to face his terminal.

We all watch the footage. Again, my car pulls up, but I don't get out this time. Instead, a delivery van pulls in and a young man steps out with a package for Arvis.

"There's your Bio male. In actuality, that was simply a prosthetic body implanted with my memories. The van was one I'd borrowed for a cover operation a few years back. I never went in at all. Remember, I worked with Arvis for years. I know all of his tricks. Right now Arvis is in my car, sporting a nice little neural impulse inhibitor. Just to ensure he doesn't feel the urge to take a walk. On the subject of Arvis, I suppose you're all wondering about that other bio body you found. That was Arvis' pathetic attempt at throwing us off. It seems he forgot that I know all of his tricks. He basically pulled the same trick I did, implanting his memories in an unused prosthetic body. He then had the body commit cyberbrain suicide just before assembling and implanting that bomb." I finish.

"Well done Locke. How would you like your old job back?" Terra laughs.

"When can I start?" I laugh.

"Right now. It seems there's a young woman in a safe room you need to meet with. Report back when you're done." Terra jokes.

"Understood." I reply.

I guess it's about time to tell Celes. I hope she forgives me. This must have been pretty hard to take. Then again, what she's about to see just might make her doubt her own sanity.




I make my way to the third floor one more time. Again I run the course with the guards. Terra explained while I was in transit, so they wouldn't think they were seeing some kinda ghost.

"Celes." I say as I enter the room.

"Locke? But... I don't... You were... " She faints and I catch her before she hits the floor, laying her on the bed.

I guess it was too much. Minutes later, she wakes up.

"You with me?" I smirk.

"Am I dead? What's going on?" Celes asks, confused.

I explain everything. "I'm sorry I couldn't tell you. I wanted too, really. But..." I begin.

"I understand Locke. I'm just glad you're still alive after all. I never want to lose you again. You mean too much to me." Celes' eyes begin to tear up.

"You mean a lot to me too, Celes. I promise, I'm going to stay with you. Celes. I got to thinking while I was 'dead'. I realized just how important you are to me. Celes, I have something to ask you," I begin, taking her hands in mine, "Celes. Will you-"




Two months have passed since that day. Celes and I are together. I still work for Section 9. Palazzo, Arrow, DNE and the Vector Mafia are a thing of the past. General Leo Cristophe now leads to Vector Territory. Relations with other Territories have gone a lot smoother since. These days, I'm assigned less life-threatening missions, seeing as how I'm a family man now. Celes is pregnant with our child. Sabin still won't let me hear the end of it, constantly calling me 'Pops', even though he's two years older than I am. Setzer has become a lot less of a jerk. Since his casinos have been doing a lot better as of late, his mood has improved quite a bit. Now he's back to the carefree swindler with a penchant for opera and beautiful women, he used to be. Suits me just fine. Magus is still a little pissed at Cyan and I for conducting an operation without his knowledge. At least the Major understands. Nonetheless, we all did receive an increase in pay after this one. It's not every day you shut down a corrupt government, an expansive mafia syndicate and two arms dealing, corporate juggernauts in one go.

"Cole." Terra says from behind me.

"Major?" I reply.

"Come on, we've got work to do." Terra replies.

"Right." I sigh, rising from my chair.

"Gabbiani. Ready the Transport." Terra commands.

"On it." Setzer replies.

"Figaro. Assemble the others with a Class: A-3 Load-out." Terra orders.

"Got it." Sabin replies.

"Garamonde. Find as much information on the target as possible. Leave nothing unturned" Terra continues.

"Already underway." Cyan replies.

"Cole. Let's go." Terra finishes.

"Right." I reply.

Everything is back to normal. Well, for the most part. But there's no time to ponder things past. We've got a huge task ahead of us.

God, I love this job.



THE END... ?

This post has been edited by Tetsuken on 1st June 2007 03:00

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"If you're thirsty, life gives you crackers; if you're hungry, it gives you pants."

Well, i like writing but hell i'm probably not that good at it. This is the first fanfic i have read through on this site and i loved it.

Critisisms? Nothing that i'm able to elaborate up to a degree where it could be made useful to you.

As someone that has watched Ghost in the Shell off and on, I was pleasantly surprised by the title. Some various things I noticed while reading through:

Imagery: you tend to name things rather than describe them. What's a Lambda-Class Armed Suit? Callisto R-67? .44 Mag? Is that a big gun?

Assumed canon knowledge: normally not a big deal, this is fan-fiction after all. However, between references to cyberbrains, references to Section 9, thermo-optic camouflage, random 'links'.... I'm getting overwhelmed. Have you made any changes to these things? Are they just the canon entities? You replaced the main cast already... who knows what else you might have done?

Characters: you took quite some time fitting the FF6 cast to Section 9. The result is both good and bad. Most look like they could fit the role at a cursory glance: Locke as the human detective, Terra as the cold, detached semi-human, Strago as the old commander...

Then I look a little closer. The relationships are nothing like FF6. You fit the people and maybe their base personalities, but not much more than that. If I did a search and replace for all of the FF6 names and replaced it with the originals, the story would stand and remain perfectly fine GITS fan-fiction.

Take Locke's explanation of this AU's Rachel. Honestly now, that's not him even after the Phoenix Cave and frankly, Setzer's jealousy and long-lasting grudge doesn't fit either.

Anyways, this is pretty negative. You're a fine author though, the pacing is quick and gripping, dialogue flows well and you easily meet technical standards. The premise just needs some deeper thought. It could be made to work. Stuff like Arvis' relationship with Locke was well-done; that's exactly the sort of paralleled friendship needed for the main-cast. Arvis and Locke worked together in the past as Returners, and in this world they're old police colleagues. I look forward to seeing other works by you.

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Visions of Peace - Four Generals, One Empire, and the Returners caught in the middle.

Thanks for your input. After reading it over again, I see what you mean. Currently I'm working on over-hauling this and I should have a new, hopefully better, version up at some point. Although it will likely take a little while since college sort of takes precedence... I've got a lot on my plate right now so it will take a while to get around to any extensive editing and such. But when I do get it up, I hope it'll be an improvement on its current incarnation.

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"If you're thirsty, life gives you crackers; if you're hungry, it gives you pants."

Ya know, I enjoyed this, it was a welcome departure from the usual Fanfics, and a good crossover idea too.

For criticisms sake:

Some of the characters don't fit, I mean, Locke as the Bio detective was great, and Terra and the Major do have that same aloof quality to them. But, there were some I couldn't get, Like Cyan, and Shadow. Maybe this is due to my lackof knowledge in the source material (GITS).

Overall, though I like the way it was executed and the story itself was well written, with a good pace to it.

Keep it up!

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This is a webcomic and gaming blog where I rant about nonsense. Enjoy.

I was a soldier, now I just play one in video games.

I liked it. The changes to characters are okay by me since thats making it more original but i think your improved version will be even better.

Ive always wanted to see ghost in the shell. I played a game on playstation that i think was based on it and it was kind of fun but i cant find it anywhere.

Wow... I finally got around to revising this, and it 'only' took four months to do it. Well, at any rate, here it is, the modified version of "Fantasy in the Shell". I hope this incarnation is an improvement over the last, and I hope it's an enjoyable read.

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"If you're thirsty, life gives you crackers; if you're hungry, it gives you pants."

This was an awesome story. If you madeit into somewhat of a comic or short movie that be better, but overall its awesome

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Kefka's Message of the week: Get off your couch noobs and get my new game Dissidia 012