Post edited 4:14 am – October 31, 2015 by dystopia
Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
The rhythmic chugging vibration of the train's engine moved through the railcar and through transference into Roland. He sat quietly, his eyes pearing through the railcar's window at the passing scenery that hurtled by. He was deep in thought, feeling somewhat shellshocked by the events of the day prior and how quickly they could enter combat and then be pulled away from it. His mind was on Dollet, his squad, his few friends. He wondered if the battle still raged on, would SeeD come? ” We reach Galbadia Garden in ten minutes. ” A unfamiliar voice jarred him back to reality, that of a passing officer who had been charged with getting Lyner and he from Dollet to Galbadia with haste. ” Uh yeah alright. ” Roland replied as he turned from the window, sweeping his vision past Lyner who sat across from him towards the voice, to find the officer had already walked on and was addressing another group of soldiers in the seats behind them. ” This is crazy you know, pulled from combat and sent to the Garden for 'commendation' without any real explanation. ” Roland said to Lyner, still trying to grasp the situation at hand.
— OOC Talk: —
9:01 pm November 7, 2015
sanarian
Member
posts 108
2
Across the aisle Lyner sat haphazardly, oblivious to the rest of the world as poured through the latest issue of Weapons Monthly. After everything they had gone through during the siege of Dollet he couldn't simply continue this way; if he did, when SeeD finally decided to take action they wouldn't be ready. It was for that reason alone that he sought to improve–to protect his own life, and the life of his friends. A terrifying memory came to the surface at that thought, the aftermath of that rocket blast, but he ignored it as best he could. That powerless feeling that accompanied it hurt far too much to dwell upon. When his friend finally spoke up, Lyner set the magazine aside and leaned forward in the seat. “I think it's a bit odd, now that you mention it,” Lyner said, pausing for a moment to mull over the thought. “but then I suppose we'll find out what this is all about soon enough, won't we?”
Post edited 1:20 am – November 16, 2015 by dystopia
Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
Roland nodded in agreement to Lyner, turning his head back to the window. The ten minuted pasted quickly, the rhythmic vibration of the train in motion suddenly slowing causing a small g-force on Roland and the other passengers as it slowly came to a halt. Standing, Roland looked around the coach transport seeing the others being ushered towards the nearby doorway which had just been opened allowing the sunlight to penetrate the shadows of the rail-car. It was hot outside, the midday sun hanging high in the azure blue overhead. Roland shielded his eyes as he exited the car, taking great care to watch his step as his eyes adjusted to the glaring light. As his vision steadied he took in the vista of a mostly wide open landscape, the rolling the grass and patches of brown dirt surrounded the small rail platform which stood adjacent to a lone road that curved into the distance. Waiting was a lone troop transport which would take them the rest of the way. ” Alright, everyone on board, Galbadia Garden in only a five minute ride, we'll be there before you know it. ” The officer said as he motioned to the transport, where some of the others were already climbing aboard. ” I've never been to a Garden before, not.. not after what SeeD did. ” Roland started, feeling a uprising anger growing in his core as he recalled the invasion of years past, his original desires to join SeeD, the memories of the war and his lost loved ones. ” I never imagined my first visit would be like this. ” he continued, trying to shrug off his memories as he climbed into the shade of the covered transport.
— OOC Talk: —
8:40 am November 18, 2015
sanarian
Member
posts 108
4
Before he knew it the ten minutes had gone by, and the train began to slow down before finally coming to a full stop. With a sigh Lyner rose to his feet, and took the magazine from the seat before heading for the exit. It was a hot day, and the afternoon sun hung high in the sky. Lyner lifted up his free hand to shield his eyes as he left the train, until his eyes had finally adjusted to the blinding sunlight. A lone troop transport waited to pick them up in order to take them the rest of the way to the Garden. “I've been to the Garden,” Lyner declared in reply as they made their way over to the transport. “during the Battle of the Gardens. Not something I'd want to brag about though.” At the mention of that battle Lyner felt his stomach twist. In the five years since he had tried his best to forget the Battle of the Gardens, but the trip to Galbadia Garden made it impossible to put the thoughts of it out of mind.
Roland felt every bump in the road as the transport carried them to their final destination, Galbadia Garden. He was not wholey surprised when Lyner announced that he had been to Galbadia Garden before, thinking that he had once heard him say that before. ” I remember reading about that battle, a total loss for Galbadia was it not? ” Roland spoke in response, trying to remember the exact number of Galbadia soldiers that had been lost that day; he knew it was a lot. ” Of course with the Headmaster having defected I'm sure they'll be some insight into what SeeD is up to these days, a major victory for us! ” Roland continued, feeling the pride in his nation rising within, a sentiment that carried in his voice. ” Alright soldiers, everyone out. We've arrived. ” The officer spoke over the conversations as the transport slowed the a halt, the breaks crying out an awful screech as they were engaged. Galbadia Garden towered over the landscape around them, the rolling hills of green and brown a vast expanse in all areas but forward. The sweeping curvatures of the architecture refracted the morning light into a dazzling spectrum of colors that streaked down the structures face. Roland looked up in wonder as he exited the transport and started towards the gate that would lead into the inner complex, unaware of the jouney he was about to embark on.
— OOC Talk: —
6:16 pm December 11, 2015
sanarian
Member
posts 108
6
It was a rough ride to Galbadia Garden, but years of military service had only seen Lyner become accustomed to such fare. When his friend began to inquire further about the Battle of the Gardens he let out a sigh, leaned forward in his seat, and began to elaborate on it. “That's about right, but what can you expect from the leadership of an insane Sorceress and a SeeD reject?” It was impossible to hide how bitter he was over that battle, and he made no effort to do so either. “I hope you're right about that.” Lyner offered Roland a weak smile at the mention of the headmaster's defection, but before the conversation could continue any further an officer spoke over them and the transport began to slow down. A grating screech could be heard as they brought the vehicle to a full stop. As he stepped out of the vehicle Lyner was met with a beautiful view: Galbadia Garden towered over them with the morning light cast down upon it. Sunlight was refracted into a dazzling array of colors, which seemed to flow down the vast structure to give it an almost otherworldly beauty. Just a few steps away Roland stared in wonder, seemingly lost to reality. “You're staring,” Lyner announced with a chuckle as he reached out to put a hand on Roland's shoulder. “we should get going, there'll be time to take it all in later.”
Roland nodded as Lyner brought him out of the trance that Galbadia Garden's beauty had fixed him into. His head followed the flowing curves of the structure down as he lowered it to the gateway ahead of them, a long and wide passage which lead them through a turnstile like toll station before they could enter the Garden itself. ” Alright Soldiers, let's get a move on, the brass is waiting for you inside in the assembly hall, best not hold them up any longer. ” The officer said as he stepped in front of the group of soldiers, his arm waving towards the entrance. ” Yes Sir! ” Roland shouted out, as he started down the long causeway. The interior of the Garden was as magnificent as the sweeping architecture of the exterior. The main hub was vaulted several stories high, leading them into a central area which branched off into four spokes, the center floor of this intersection sporting a massive tiled emblem for the Garden itself, glowing in the refracted light from above. ” The assembly hall is upstairs, go straight ahead and take the stairs up, then move around the bowl to there. ” The officer said as he walked into the center of the vaulted room, pointing to the second level which overlooked where they stood.
— OOC Talk: —
8:48 pm December 12, 2015
sanarian
Member
posts 108
8
As they walked his thoughts had begun to drift, as his eyes darted about the corridors frantically. Old memories battered him, and hopes he thought he had long forgotten scratched at the surface. Just being in this place again drudged up old feelings that made him bitter, frustrated, and resentful. Yet at the same time he couldn't help but feel a desire to reach for new heights, to try to change the country he called home, to make it a better place for future generations. When they reached the main hub Lyner came back to reality just in time to hear the officer's direction. For a moment he held back in thought, before he shook his head and followed after Roland. It was ridiculous to consider any attempt to move up in the ranks, at least if his family had any say in the matter.
Roland moved casually through the Garden, passing through the intersection into a long corridor with shimmering metallic walls. To his right a metallic staircase led upwards, Roland followed it. The second story looked out on the intersecting spokes of the first level, he took a moment to lean over the retaining wall and gaze at the activity below, watching as many Galbadian officers and civilian contractors hurried from one spoke to another. ” This is all pretty unreal, I wonder what it is that they are doing here. ” Roland found himself thinking aloud, though he guessed that Lyner would take it as conversation. Distancing himself from the rail he moved around the ring until the doorway for the assembly hall became visible. There was much activity around the door, several other Galbadian soldiers seemed to be waiting there. ” I wonder what they have in there, they pulled me all the way from the D-District Missile base to come here. ” Roland overheard one of the soldiers in conversation. ” This is pretty strange right? ” He leaned close to Lyner as he spoke.
— OOC Talk: —
6:42 am December 17, 2015
sanarian
Member
posts 108
10
They moved along through the intersection until they came to a long corridor. On right side of the passage there was a staircase that led up. Without pause they followed it up to the second level, where Roland took a moment to look out on the intersecting spokes of the Garden's first floor. Lyner casually folded his arms across one another, waiting for his friend before they continued on their way. When the younger man spoke up Lyner wondered the same thing, but found he had little insight to offer on what they might be doing. “I'm not sure myself, but perhaps they plan to mobilize the Garden itself?” As they made their way around the bend the assembly hall doors came into sight, with several other Galbadian soldiers crowded there. There was little doubt that they had received the same strange orders the pair had, and the revelation left him rather unsettled. “Definitely,” Lyner agreed warily, speaking low enough that only Roland would hear. “you have a bad feeling about all this, too?”
Roland cautiously eyed the ten or so other Galbadian soldiers who had come to wait around the entrance to the assembly hall. His eyes glanced from soldier to soldier, noticing exclusively that they all wore the insignia of enlisted men. Most of the men were relatively lowly ranked, only one Sergeant among them, a tall stern man who seemed to command the conversation that was being had as they approached. ” Yeah, this strikes me as pretty odd. I mean being pulled from the front line and sent here, for an assembly? ” Roland responded to Lyner, leaning close and speaking low. ” I guess we'll just have to wait and s— ” He continued before the doorway to the assembly hall opened with a hiss of air revealing a tall officer, his collar shining with the golden leaves of a major. Everyone quickly grew silent. ” No formalities here boys ” He spoke up quickly before they could salute him. ” You fellas head inside now and take a seat close to the front. ” he finished before stepping aside and freeing the passage into the assembly hall. Roland said nothing, simply falling into the natural queue which lead them inside. The assembly hall was large, the vaulted ceiling at least thirty feet overhead. Many rows of stadium seating lead downward where a large stage was cloaked in darkness, though movement could be made out. Roland took note as he moved down the aisle towards the front row that most if not all of the hall was filled with chattering guests, their dress varied from uniforms to casual dress.
— OOC Talk: —
8:47 pm December 18, 2015
sanarian
Member
posts 108
12
Lyner merely offered a nod of agreement: they had been on a live battlefield before this. It was highly unorthodox to recall troops from the front lines, and others from various stations across the continent. Whatever they had in common had likely been the reason for all this, but Lyner couldn't puzzle it out. Once more he searched the crowd over: most of them were just the rank and file, save for the one sergeant, which brought a thought that made Lyner shift uncomfortably. They were all disposable. “Roland, maybe we should–” Lyner started to speak but was cut short as the doors to the assembly hall began to open. An officer stood in the doorway, his collar adorned with the golden leaves of a major. Everyone had gone deathly silent. When the man spoke up Lyner could only grit his teeth in frustration. Even if they weren't observing formalities, they were all obligated to follow the man's orders. Lyner felt his stomach sink as dark thoughts began to nag at him. When they fell into a queue Lyner moved in behind Roland. The assembly hall was massive, with a vaulted ceiling that hung at least thirty feet overhead. On either side of them there were rows of stadium seats filled with guests of varying dress, which brought him some degree of comfort. Perhaps he had been worrying too much?
Roland moved steadily with the line of soldiers who followed the passage between rows of seating downwards towards the front of the assembly hall. He could feel Lyner's presence behind him, though the relative darkness of the hall made it hard to see much aside from what was very near or around the scattered dim lighting fixtures that hung overheard at regular intervals. ” There are a lot of people here for this, whatever this is. ” Roland said in a low voice to Lyner as he slowed briefly, doing his best to keep the queue from bunching up while he whispered to his friend. ” This way men. ” He heard the major's voice again, as the line of soldiers ahead of him began to turn to the left into the from row of the assembly hall where the seats had been left vacant for the special guests. As Roland turned he found his head fixated on the stage which though mostly dark, was more visible at close range. At least ten people were scattered about the area, buzzing like busy bees around a serious of terminals and a tables that were at the rear of the stage behind a large podium. Roland felt for his seat, not breaking concentration on the activities on stage, finding it compelling that many of the worker bees were clad it what most people would consider lab coats.
— OOC Talk: —
12:13 am June 28, 2016
sanarian
Member
posts 108
14
Just behind his friend Lyner also steadily moved along with the line–it was impossible to see very far, or in any notable amount of detail, so he was left with little choice but to go with the flow. A few dim lights offered some solace, but only in the light's immediate area. “A surprising amount of people at that.” Lyner muttered in agreement, as he continued to search the darkness for some sign of what this could be about. At the front row the line turned to the left, where seats had apparently been reserved. On the stage Lyner could just barely make out several people in lab coats, moving about the stage along with a series of terminals, tables, and a large podium. Once Roland had taken a seat Lyner slid into the seat next to it and leaned back in the chair, watching those on the stage with a keen interest.
Roland sat at the edge of his seat, peering at the veiled activity that was taking place on the auditorium stage in front of himself and the others. There seemed to be much discussion going on between what Roland could best make out as scientists, with occasional glances towards the front row where he and Lyner sat. ” Something tells me we might be the mice in this experiment. ” Roland tried to say with humor as he leaned close to Lyner's ear, though his actual concern was also conveyed. ” All right, all right. Everyone calm down, we're going to begin the presentation now. ”The major cut in, sensing the tension rising in the front row. ” I'd like to introduce Dr. Jarin Suntaria, lead researcher on this project which you have all been recommended for. ” The major finished speaking as he outstretched his right arm, palm pointed upwards, as the Doctor walked forward and prepared to address the crowd. ” Thank you Major. Now I'm sure everyone here is curious about why they're here, let me quickly put that to rest. ”The doctor started as his eyes glanced across the front row, making a stop on each of the soldiers briefly. ” It's no secret that SeeD has always had one serious advantage over the Galbadian alliance, that of course being their connection with the Guardian Forces and the junctioning of magic. The power the GFs possess has long been the thorn in our side, soon the finest soldiers in our own ranks will finally match this power, and you will be the first! ”Jarin's voice was growing stronger and more confident with every word as he stood statuesque in the center of the stage preparing to reveal the trump card that would finally bring the Galbadian army onto equal terms with SeeD.
— OOC Talk: —
4:39 pm June 28, 2016
sanarian
Member
posts 108
16
Post edited 11:39 pm – June 28, 2016 by sanarian
A rather fervid discussioned was apparently underway between the gathering on the stage, but from this distance Lyner couldn't hear one whit of what they were talking about. Occasionally they would direct a glance toward the front row, and every time they did it caused Lyner to grow more uncertain of the current situation. “You too?” Lyner asked rhetorically, the tension clear in his voice. Even if their assumptions were correct it wouldn't matter, their was little they could do about it given their military positions. Meanwhile the tension in the auditorium continued to grow, until the Major suddenly cut in and introduced a Doctor Jarin Suntaria. From the introduction he was the lead researcher on the project for which they had all been recommended. Once the Doctor had reached the podium he began to speak, and passed each of them over with a cursory glance. When the man's gaze had fallen upon Lyner he couldn't help but stare daggers at the man. As the doctor explained the project which they were to be a part of Lyner felt as if his stomach were caught in his throat. What this project was for could change everything, yet at the same time Lyner couldn't help but feel that the way Galbadia was now this would only make things worse.
” It's fitting that we find ourselves here at Galbadia Garden, as the defection of the Headmaster and subsequent knowledge gained about SeeD and their inner workings is what lead us to the discovery which will change the way the Galbadian military fights, the way you fight. ” Jarin continued his speech, slowly motioning with a wave of his arm towards those selected now seated in the front row. Roland sat still, listing to every word the doctor spoke, feeling the sense of wonder and his hatred for SeeD welling up inside of him. The young man had long sense wondered about the powers that SeeD possessed, how a small band of them could at times fight an entire battalion of Galbadian infantry. If was Dr. Jarin was saying was true this might finally be their chance to become equal with SeeD's finest. ” Can you believe this?! Think how this could change everything! ” Roland seemed to blurt out towards Lyner, louder than he had intended as his remarks quickly seemed to capture the attention of the Major and the Doctor.
— OOC Talk: —
4:47 pm January 19, 2017
sanarian
Member
posts 108
18
As the doctor's spoke Lyner was drawn into what this new development could mean, captivated by the sheer number of possibilities. No longer would Galbadian troops lose to just a few members of SeeD–they would have troops capable of fighting upon even ground at last, with an enormous advantage in numbers. This was everything that the Galbadian military could ever hope to achieve. Lyner knew from first-hand experience what the powers of a Guardian Force were capable of; a power capable of turning even children into the fiercest of combatants.
At that thought the darker implications rose to forethought–though they might be the enemy, more than a fair share of SeeD little more than children. All that he could see further along the path this would set Galbadia–no, would set him upon was yet another tragedy. Yet even still he couldn't wonder: Even if this road lead to the darkest depths of hell, wouldn't it be worth everything if it would secure a lasting peace under Galbadian rule? “It will change everything.” Unbidden the words came from his mouth, and with them came an uncomfortable revelation: he had long since accepted that his goals would lead him down this path, even if he desperately wished otherwise.
Post edited 1:33 am – January 20, 2017 by dystopia
Chapter 2: Cadence and Cascade
” You, young man in the front. Please come up on stage, perhaps you would like a demonstration of the power that will make you all superior to SeeD. ” Jarin said as he took a step towards Roland, signalling for the soldier to make his way onto the stage. For a moment Roland did not respond, the shock of being called upon after such an outburst had caught him off guard, he looked to Lyner for support and could see the man had felt the same. Shaking off the fear Roland stood and moved across the front row of seats, climbing the short staircase onto the stage where Jarin beckoned him. ” Yes sir! It would be an honor sir! ” Roland replied with a salute. ” Please no need for formalities, simply take a seat. ” Jarin cast off the praise as he motioned towards a mechanical chair, full of sweeping curves, light from the tracking above shimmering off it's polished metallic exterior. ” As I will explain, our process is like the Guardian force though in some ways completely different. It derives from Odine's advancements, using the same areas of the brain with a small mechanical implant to effectively allow our soldiers to wield magic like the Guardian Forces grant SeeD. Now please take a seat, the process only takes a moment. ” Jarin explained as he stood beside the chair. Roland nodded in agreement, feeling a wave of excitement sweeping him upwards as he reach the device and took a seat, looked down into the eyes of Lyner and waited.
— OOC Talk: —
4:10 pm January 20, 2017
sanarian
Member
posts 108
20
When his companion eagerly declared his willingness to participate in the demonstration, Lyner could only shift uncomfortably. Even if this procedure would truly make them superior to SeeD, the fact that Doctor Jarin hadn't announced any risks (or given any real detail as to what the procedure entailed) stuck out like a sore thumb to Lyner. Such apprehension did nothing to spur him into action however; it was Roland's choice, and Lyner was of the same mind as his friend. Only concern for Roland's safety left him with any real concern over this new development, but he pushed the thought out of mind to the best of his ability. This was the best course of action to the benefit of all, so when Roland stared down at him Lyner simply offered his partner a confident grin and hid any worry he might have.
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