cardclubking submitted:
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“Are you serious, Squall?”
Quistis wasn’t one to start a conversation in such a blunt way, but it was easier to deal with Squall like that. Rather than caring for pointless courtesy and small talk, he would go straight to the point – and after knowing each other for a lifetime, some things simply didn’t seem to matter.
That’s why she didn’t see any problem in going to the commander’s office with no notice at all, a worried look on her face and a thin cardboard folder on her hand. The dossier on the mission she had just been assigned for, along with Irvine and Squall himself.
As soon as she entered the room, the blonde rushed to Squall’s desk, not even bothering to sit down. Opening the folder to look for the mission briefing, she started exposing her thoughts. “I’m in no position to object to orders, but… Speaking off the records?” Her blue eyes finally rose to meet his. “I believe this man who wants to hire our services is only looking for a shortcut for the spotlight.”
She pursed her lips at the somewhat suspicious look Squall gave her. Well, at least he was paying attention. “Come on, reason with me! We’re talking about three rank A SeeDs, one of them being the commander of Balamb Garden himself. That’s more than half of the contingent that fought three sorceresses. Don’t you think it’s a bit too much for such a simple mission?”
“… Yes, I know. We can’t refuse a good wage, the Garden needs the funds.” The SeeD rolled her eyes, almost reciting the words. Even with all the publicity and support they got after the end of the war, most of the income had been spent on repairing all the damage done to the structures and the personnel.
She finally took a sit, hands resting on her knees. A deep sigh announced her resignation. “I hear he’s offering a considerable amount of money. Is it true?”
Squall watched as Quistis entered - if not stormed inside - his office. A cardboard folder in her hand, the mission briefing extended before him, she started to complain - if not rant - about the upcoming mission.
She had been assigned, along with Irvine and Squall himself, to investigate the disappearances in a nearby place. It was some sort of old palace, and some people even dared say it was haunted.
Squall raised his eyebrow slightly as Quistis suggested whoever had hired the three of them for this mission could only be looking for a shortcut for spotlight. With a sigh, he started talking.
“Quistis, I am the one who requested this mission. Personally.” Squall said, his eyes now frowning upon his old teacher and now SeeD companion.
He got up from his chair.
“I inherited the old palace. I… honestly I don’t even know how this happened. Supposedly an old uncle died and left it to me. Except… I never knew I had anyone like that.” Squall explained, crossing his arms. “The whole thing seemed a bit suspicious. But I decided to go. You and Irvine will help me search the area, as according to the locals there have been disappearances nearby. If it is safe, I will use the place as a local SeeD Headquarters. That’s why I need you and Irvine there. You, Quistis, are the most experienced unity I have when it comes down to classes. You can investigate if the place can hold classes and if it is a proper environment for the Garden’s teachers. And Irvine is the best when it comes down to training centers, specially related to fire arms. I need his expertise in searching the area for a possible training ground. That’s why I decided you two should come with me.”
He smiled a bit. “That being said, I shouldn’t have to explain myself to you Miss Trepe. Next time read the mission chart more carefully and check your facts before complaining to me, deal?”
