"I can't believe we were duped! How could have we been so stupid?!"

"Don't beat yourself up over it Zone…we had to try you know…" Luna was making an attempt to comfort the spikey haired man, but he was hysterical.

"Look at us Luna! We've accomplished nothing!"

"I wouldn't say that sir!" Watts came running into the room. "I've got some new info. Yeah, it's true that the monster president was meant to throw the resistance groups off, but it's also true that the real president is here!"

Luna had renewed hope in her eyes. "Is that really true Watts?"

"Yes! The folks at Timber are talking about it now And the reason he's here in the first place is because he plans on going to the Timber TV Station. The security is no joke."

"Huh?" Luna was confused all over again. "Why would he go to Timber? They can broadcast just fine from Galbadia…"

"I think I know why…" Amber walked into the room, a darker expression on her face.

"Amber! How are Jackson and Amy?" Luna asked, clearly worried.

"They're fine…a few bruises and some mental scarring…" Amber shivered a bit at the thought of the maggots. "…but they're fine."

Luna sighed in relief. "Oh thank goodness."

"Yeah, don't worry. They're built tough…"

"Amber," Zone said quietly. "What were you trying to say earlier?"

"I was referring to the Dollet Communication Tower. You remember that Galbadia invaded Dollet just recently? Well it was for that tower."

"But why?"

"Because it can transmit and receive radio waves. The tower had been abandoned for a long time, but the Galbadians got it up and running."

"…oh! I get it now!" It was like a light bulb came on inside Zone's head. "Timber's TV station is the only one that's able to handle over the air broadcasts!"

Amber nodded. "Yeah, other stations use HD cable, which can only support broadcasts that are held online. They plan on using those radio waves to transmit images without the need for cable."

"Tch, I'd say that's ingenious if I didn't hate them so much…" Zone mumbled.

Luna crossed her arms as she looked out the window. "This must be a big thing right? I mean…if Galbadia took the trouble to do all of this…then what is it that they're announcing?"

"Pffft, doubt it's going to be something like LOVE AND PEACE!!!...to good to be true isn't it?" An exhausted looking Amy walked into the room, with an equally worn out Jackson close behind her. They had both changed out of their uniforms and into civilian clothes.

"Man, we barely even got those," Jackson said, looking disappointed. "Made me feel all professional too."

Amy pointed an accusing finger at Amber. "You! You go change too!"

Their squad leader stared at the two of them disinterestedly, annoying Amy even more.

"Grrr, Amber!"

"Yeah, come on boss," Jackson whined. "You'll stick out like a sore thumb in a SeeD uniform anyway."

Amber thought about it for a moment. Jackson made a valid point. Galbadian soldiers were crawling all over the place in Timber. And the majority of them would attack SeeD on sight. They were definitely better off blending in. At least for the time being.

"Fine, you guys win, I'll go change." She turned to look at Zone and Watts. "Any of guys have some extra clothes I can use?"

"Sure thing. Head on towards the back again. It's the second to last door to your left. We use it as a kind of storage area, so there's bound to be some old clothes in there. Feel free to get anything you need."

"Yeah, thanks."

"That's what you get for not packing an extra set of clothes!"

"Shut it Amy." Amber playfully shoved the silly woman as Jackson laughed. "At least I didn't get slimed. Maybe one of those maggots crawled right into your ear and you didn't even notice."

"GROSSNESS!! YOU JERK!!"

"Heh…"

"Alright Amy, leave Amber alone," Jackson said. "We have to keep up to date."

"Yeah, yeah. So what's up you guys? Did jerkface tell you anything? Luna?"

"Huh? O-oh right…" Luna felt slightly embarrassed for getting caught spacing out. She had been eyeing the trio's interactions with each other. They were very close. Particularly Amber and Amy. She wondered if…maybe they-

"Yo! Earth to Luna!" Zone was waving a hand in her face at this point.

"Ah! Sorry!" Luna buried her face in her hands, trying in vain to hide her growing blush.

"Wow, you're super red Luna! You don't have a fever do you?!" Watts placed his hand on her forehead. "You seem normal enough…"

Luna backed away in a rush. Watts really wasn't helping. "I'm fine, r-really!" She stammered out. The young woman was able to catch a glimpse of Amy and Jackson's expressions out of the corner of her eye. They looked just as confused as Zone and Watts.

"Come on…l-let's just tell these two what they missed. Please?"

__________

Once Amber came back, Jackson and Amy were all caught up.

"Did they tell you what I said?"

"Yeah! About the Dollet Communication Tower and everything! Sneaky bastards…" Amy waved a fist in the air.

"So what now Amber?" Jackson questioned. "Things have just gotten more complicated."

Amber smirked. "Don't they always?" Her smirk faded into a frown when she noticed the three resistance fighters huddled in a corner, talking in hushed whispers. "…what are they doing?"

Jackson just shrugged." They said they were having a strategy meeting. Luna thinks that they might announce Timber's independence or something like that…"

"Why the hell would a dictator ever do something like that?" Amber's frown deepened, if that was even possible. They were being far too optimistic about this. It was too much.

"Hey, it doesn't hurt to have a little hope you grumpy person!" Amy scolded. She didn't like Amber's tone.

"Hope is one thing. The impossible is another. Someone like Deling just wants more and more. He'd never just give something away." Amber was getting frustrated. She needed to make sure of one thing first before she went ahead with anymore of their 'plans.' The last one didn't get them anywhere.

Amber quietly kneeled down next to the three unsuspecting rebels. She lightly tapped Luna on the shoulder, catching her attention right away.

"Oh, Amber! I didn't even hear you come in! Perfect timing too, because we've come up with another plan!"

"…I've been here a while now. Listen Luna, there's something I need to see."

"What is it?"

"I'd like to see the contract for our Garden. I want to look over the terms and conditions."

"Huh? Oh…uh, sure…here you go!" Luna wasn't exactly sure what it was, but she could feel a shift in Amber's mood. It was subtle, but…her tone seemed sharper. Harsher.

Amber's eyes quickly scanned over the paper. Jackson and Amy looked over her shoulders.

"What does it say grumpy?" Amy was secretly considering glasses. The print was so small.

"It says that 'Party A hereby acknowledges the Forest Owls (hereafter referred to as Party B) as-"

"What's with all the 'Party' stuff? Headmaster Cid couldn't have just put it in simpler terms?" The words seem to be getting longer further down…" Jackson just wanted the orders straight up.

"Here you go! Sorry about that!" Luna handed Amber another sheet of paper. "I know that one was bit confusing, so Cid gave us another one. He really is super nice!"

The trio read through this one together, but it was the final statement that got their attention.

"Our contract with them last until Timber's independence?! Huh?!" Amy pulled at her hair. "That could take ages!"

"…I wasn't expecting Headmaster Cid to loan us out for this long…" Jackson could practically feel the white hairs sprouting on his head.

"Hey! No complaining you two! You're paid professionals!" Luna wagged a finger at the two surprised SeeDs. She realized, however, that the leader was being awfully quiet.

Luna eyed Amber closely. The tomboy hadn't moved from her spot…and she didn't seem to be blinking either. In fact, gauging how she felt about the situation was actually quite difficult because her face was just…blank.

"Um…Amber?" Luna was a little reluctant to approach her. "Are you…alright?"

The mercenary stood up without warning, causing the smaller woman to let out a squeak. Amber handed her back the contract.

"Jackson, Amy…we'll continue on as we have. Do whatever they say…"

Luna heard her spout that line before, and it was starting to bother her. It was so…mechanical..

"Okay, so what's the plan?" Amber addressed Zone and Watts. She refused to look at Luna right now.

"Well, gathering more info is our specialty sir! So that's what we'll be doing!" Watts said, sweat dipping from his brow. He was nervous.

"You guys, on the other hand, will be taking our lovely Luna here to the TV station!" Zone grinned.

"What kind of plan is that Zone?" Amy was suspicious. "Didn't Watts mention it was heavily guarded?"

Luna just smiled. "Well, we'll just see once we get there!"

"…that's your plan?" Amber was unimpressed.

"Didn't you just say that you were going to follow orders?"

"Right…"

"Then let's go!"

__________

"The TV station is located behind a building called Timber Maniacs! Good luck everyone! Take care of Luna!" Watts waved to the group as they left the train.

"Thanks Watts. You and Zone take care okay? We'll meet up later!" Luna yelled.

"Thanks Luna! Gotta go! The Galbadian soldiers will becoming soon!" And with that the doors to their base closed, and the train sped away, leaving the group of four on the platform.

"Well," Luna started. "If you guys don't mind, I'll lead the way. I know Timber better…and none of the local trains run anymore, so we'll have to talk to the place."

"Timber Maniacs right? Whatever happened to that magazine anyway?" Amy wondered. "I used to read them all the time."

Luna cast her eyes to the ground. "Galbadia shut it down…said it was a dangerous influence on young minds." Her fists balled up at her sides. "They're always taking everything from us. One by one."

"All the more reason they need to be stopped," Amber responded. "We should get going."

"Yeah…yeah, okay."

__________

"Well, we're here." Luna had stopped in front of an old, dilapidated building. It stood out from the others due to its very obvious age. The houses next to it looked new, or at least remodeled.

"The TV station is still a long ways away, but like Watts said, it's right behind Timber Maniacs if we just keep going."

"You kids looking for something? You've been standing in front of that building for a while now…" A middle aged woman wearing an apron stopped to see if she could help them.

Amber spoke first. "Well, since the trains are not running, we just fig-"

"Actually," Luna interrupted. "Is there a shorter way to the TV station?"

"Let's see," The woman said thoughtfully. "You see that house over there? It's mine. We used to use the back alley all the time back in the day. Now there's a pub built there, but you may still be able to use it."

"Thank you so much ma'am!"

"No problem Luna." The woman gave a knowing smile to her before heading inside her house.

"What was that all about? Did you know her or something?" Jackson asked curiously.

"Yeah! She's a resistance member too. She's the leader of the Silver Foxes. Almost every citizen in Timber is part of the resistance. But, lately though, the only ones who are active are the Timber Owls…Galbadia is really cracking down hard, so the groups have been trying to lay low."

"Hm…"

"…is there something on your mind Amber?" Luna really wanted to know. The soldier had been acting strangely since they left the train. Jackson and Amy didn't pay much attention to it, but it was slowly getting to Luna…

"Forget about it."

"…fine." Luna angrily marched off. "Just follow me then!"

"What's her problem?" Jackson whispered to Amy.

Amy couldn't help laughing. "Our leader."

__________

"Heh, that country bumpkin was too easy of a target. Had a really nice watch though. Look at this!"

"Hey man, ease up a little would ya? The entire city hates us enough as it is."

"Ah, relax! What can they do to us?"

"I'm telling you that-argh!"

"Huh?! Who-ugh!"

When the foursome had arrived in front of the pub, two Galbadian soldiers had come out talking about what one of them just snatched off a civilian. An already irritated Amber got the drop on them and knocked them both out swiftly. She then noticed one of the soldiers had a gold watch in his hands.

"We should probably return this," Amber picked up the watch, examining it. "Looks expensive too."

"Maybe the owner is still inside the pub! Let's go!" Amy ran on inside, leaving the other three behind.

"Well, better make sure she hasn't run into anyone…" Jackson went after the energetic girl.

Amber silently followed after him, holding the door open for an equally silent Luna. "…after you."

"…thank you…" Luna accepted the small gesture of kindness, albeit hesitantly.

Inside, a drunken man lying against the opposite doorway was complaining.

"I can't take this anymore! Came from Dollet to escape that ing mess and look what happens. Those G-soldiers are everywhere!! Bunch of glorified thieves is what they are…" The man eventually broke down sobbing.

One of the waitresses agreed with the man, adding, "Now we're even more screwed since the resistance tried to kidnap the president. Thanks to them, the G-soldiers are even more paranoid now!"

"That's not true!" Luna shouted.

The patrons inside the pub glanced at the girl for her sudden outburst. Some were glaring, while others just went back to their drinks.

"Hey man, I know you haven't been in Timber for very long, but the resistance are fighting for a better future. They're trying their best. Galbadia is the one at fault. Them, and that dictator they call a president…" It was the bartender who spoke. He looked worn out, with bags under his eyes. He must have been dealing with the drunken man for quite some time now.

"Tch, right…" The drunkard snorted.

"Hey…I think this belongs to you…" Amber addressed the drunk man. "We need to get through."

"Buzz off kid! I-hey, wait a sec! That's my watch! How'd you get this?" He looked positively elated, any traces of anger disappearing.

"…found it." Amber didn't really want to give him all the details. He didn't need to know…

"Wow, those soldiers are dumber than they look…" The man mumbled to himself. "Thanks kid, I appreciate this…here, you wanted to enter the back alley right?...uh, let me just move out of your way…hey bartender! Help me out here would ya!"

The bartender sighed deeply, but obliged. He went over, and helped the drunkard stand up, guiding him to a table instead.

"Thanks." Amber said.

"Nah kid. Thank YOU." He passed out on the table not a minute later.

The group of four made their way to the back alley. A short distance away, they could see a staircase leading up to a television screen. But there was nothing on it other than static. "That's it!" Luna said excitedly. "The TV station is right around the corner from here!"

The group stopped in front of the outdoor TV.

"They're going to need to fix the problem with this before they can broadcast anything." Jackson shielded his eyes as he looked at the screen. "Pretty bright too…"

"Everyone!"

"Oh, Watts!" Luna looked surprised to see the yellow vested man running up the stairs. "You're okay! Do you have any new info?"

"Sure do! The president's inside the studio prepping right now. But…there are a LOT more guards than I previously mentioned…there's no way you'd be able to just run inside."

"I see…thank you Watts."

"No problem Luna!" Watts ran back down the stairway, likely to go gather more intelligence.

"Okay," Luna sighed tiredly. "We need to come up with a new plan then!"

Amber's head snapped in her direction, her eyes somehow darker. "Hold on…that was your big plan? To just storm the place?" The soldier could feel Amy and Jackson pulling at her sleeves, like they were worried she was going to do something.

"Well, yeah! You guys can handle yourselves in a fight right? But now that they've upped the guard…hmm, well, if the president leaves, maybe his soldiers will leave too. Then we can do our own broadcast! It might help to influence people right? We need as many people as we can helping out! It's…not a great plan, but it's better than standing around doing nothing…right?"

"……"

"….Amber?"

At this point, Jackson and Amy had turned around, looking like they were trying to mind their own business.

"…don't worry about us. We'll fight your enemies if you just give us the go ahead." Amber's answer was the same as it always was. "That's our duty."

"That's what you always go and say." Luna stepped closer towards the soldier. "Even if you don't agree…and I know you don't." She was in Amber's face now. "Is that really all? Must be easy…just following orders like that…"

Amber was livid. Absolutely livid. And it was showing, she could tell, despite her best efforts to maintain her composure. "You can call it whatever the hell you want. Our job is to help you guys fulfill your goal…no matter how much I doubt that you'll ever be able to." There, she said it. It was out in the open now.

Luna looked flabbergasted and genuinely hurt. She really wasn't expecting that kind of response from the quiet mercenary. "How can you even say that?!"

"……"

"Tell me! The least you can do is finish it!"

"……"

"Well?! What's on your mind?"

"…you really want to know? Then here it is…are you guys taking this seriously at all? The three of you just plop down on the floor to discuss strategy, only to come out with some half-baked plan. On top of that, you need our input on the matter when you have to make a decision. It's completely unorganized. How the hell am I supposed to feel working for a group like that?"

Amber felt two different sets of arms pulling her away. She looked back, and seeing the worried looks Amy and Jackson were giving her, Amber decided to just leave it at that.

"That was way too harsh chief," whispered Jackson. "I know she's a bit naïve, but…come on."

"Yeah," Amy agreed. "She wasn't raised in a Garden like we were…give her a break."

"You know what…"

There it was again.

When Amber looked towards Luna again she saw it. She was only able to catch a glimpse of it the night of the ball….that subtle fire behind her soft gaze. But that was then. This is now.

The high intensity emotions that were surging up throughout the day had been brought to the forefront. Luna's eyes were wild and defiant, blazing as she stared down the soldier without fear. Tears were beginning to form at the edges of her eyes, but she pushed on.

"Maybe this was all a big mistake. When you first got here, I thought everything would be just fine from now on. Guess I was wrong…it's not that easy…you wouldn't understand our situation. It's not like you're one of us…just cancel the plan for now. We'll regroup later…" Her voice was trembling now. "This isn't a game to us, it never was! We've always been serious…so serious that it's painful to breathe!"

She turned to run as her bravery diminished and the tears threatened to spill from her eyes. Luna had practically mowed Amy down in her desperate attempt to get away. She wanted to put as much distance between herself and the SeeDs as much as possible.

Especially Amber.

__________

Notes: I REALLY needed to work on this to keep my mind off the damn election...it's so nerve-wracking to think about.

So...enjoy....I might start on Chapter 8 now. Good grief...