"Scared? I thought you were nearly dead!" Mei responded hysterically, her face betraying the hurt and worry she had carried with her the past 24 hours. "I mean...they said you wouldn't wake up for at least a few weeks, maybe a lot more. I thought that I'd never-"

Mei stopped herself mid-sentence, shaking her head vigorously to break herself out of her emotional state before focusing quickly on Kein, in an attempt to regain her professional composure. "Umm, Mr Marx, sir? I heard that Mr Duncan and the others have already made their way to the station. I wanted to inform him that the Faction would like me to accompany the team, as a representative of our cause. It was supposed to be Tyler, but..." Her gaze drifted over to where her unconscious brother was resting. "I will be going in his stead. I hope that won't be a problem?"

"Not as far as I'm concerned," Kein shrugged, following Mei's gaze over to her brother before giving her a warm smile. "We'll do everything we can for him, that I can promise. And your name is Mei, right? We haven't been properly introduced." Kein extended his hand in a friendly gesture. "I'm Kein. Nice to meet you."

"Oh! Nice to meet you too!" Mei smiled, giving Kein's hand a quick shake before glancing over at Syrus. "Umm...I'm really glad you're okay, too, you know? You wouldn't believe how worried I was..."

Deciding not to elaborate further, she looked over at both SeeD's with a determined glint in her eye. "Well then. We have a train to catch!"

---

With a rather insistent Syrus accompanying them, Mei, Kein and a couple of other SeeD stragglers joined them on their way towards the train station. Fortunately, the train was still on the platform, meaning that they would be able to board the same train as Duncan and the others, or at least they would have assumed, until they were rudely halted at the barriers by two stern faced Galbadian soldiers.

"Tickets and identification, please." One of them spoke in a lazy drawl, his lips curving with relish as he looked over the small ragtag group. "New security measures. Can't be too careful."

"Yeah, what with them rumours of SeeD terrorist activity..." The other one grumbled in agreement, outstretching a hand to receive their papers. "Under strict orders, you see."

"Umm..." Mei's expression grew tentative as she looked over at the others. Would their IDs be covered for such a scenario? Galbadian security checks were pretty thorough.

Fortunately, she didn't have to find out as she managed to catch the eye of a man in a purple uniform, her eyes giving him a subtle signal towards the checkpoint. The man responded with a curt nod and a stretch off the part of wall they were leaning on, before approaching the two soldiers with ease.

"No need for this faffing about. They're with me."

Both soldiers straightned and gave the purple soldier a look of utter disbelief. "You what?"

"You can't just-"

"You question my authority?" The higher classed soldier cut them to the quick with a note of consternation. "They're certainly not going to like hearing about this you know..."

"Uh! Right! Right you are, sir!" The guards replied hastily, fumbling with the sensor panel on the gates before the barrier snapped wide open for Mei and co. "Straight through, please!"

"Thanks," Mei mouthed at the man in purple before gesturing the others to follow her. Behind them, they could hear the guards swearing about 'bloody purples' and 'might as well be signposts for all it matters.' It was all Mei could do not to giggle aloud at their bitter remarks as she lead the way towards the train, but not before being stopped by Kein.

"What was that all about?" He asked in bemusement, looking back at the enigmatic man in purple, who had seemingly chosen to return to his lazy spot on the wall. "A contact?"

"Something like that," Mei shrugged her shoulders, a secretive smile forming on her lips as she chose not to honour any more of Kein's questions by simply sliding the train doors open for them to enter the car. Next order of business was rendezvousing with the others, but hey, at least they made it.

Having collected the tickets, and gotten to the train they needed to go on, Heloise stopped to double check she had everything she either wanted or needed. Once she was satisfied, she nudged the others onto the train, finding a compartment for them all. She kept her gear with her.

She wasn't sure on Selena, but what could she say to hector? Sorry, you know I don't like people? Yeah, because thought wouldn't make her sound like a total jerk. So, for now, she would try and be friendly.

However that worked. SShe glanced out the window, at the people milling about on the station, biting her lip in thought. And then she stumbled onto a question, "So, how did you come to be with Hector?" She didn't expect any real answer, but it was better then staying silent.

Syrus had followed and done everything that Mei had asked and kept quiet. He knew that opening his mouth right now wouldn't be the best thing in the world. Finally that had made it to the train and were now in. "What do we now? I would assume meet the others but I don't have a clue where that would be." Syrus looked around and shook his head at all that he had missed and who knew when it might happen again. He had hoped that the last time this had happened would be the last but appearently it wasn't. He slammed his fist into the train car wall. He had left Mei alone..well not alone alone but..straighten up Syrus..pull yourself together and get your head out of your ass. Is what Duncan would say. "Since you two have had contact with Duncan and I seem to be missing a comm then I guess it's in your hands what we do." He said before he turned back around to face Mei and Kein.

"Yeah, yeah, you just want fun. Honestly, I'm going to be doomed to pick up after you forever if you keep doing "Fun" things. Just like the hot sauce incident. Had to haul your butt our of that tavern fast, didn't I?" Heloise shook her head, looking over to Selena.

Hector raised his hands to defend himself, "Hey, how was I supposed to know he would Figure out I chugged tomato juice instead of Hot Sauce? That Trick normally works. Also didn't know he had it in with the local soldiers. Bad things happen and you roll with the punches. We DID make it out of there alive that is what counts." He sighed with a smile. "And a great story from it."

Selena looked at Hector with an amused inquisitive look. Didn't matter she knew him growing up he still was full of surprises. Hector glanced back at Heliose as she added.

"I don't....like embarrassing people." She gave a shrug, "I find my personality if often enough to get people to dislike me, so why given them more reason to?"

Selena was a bit taken back at her honesty. "I.. Guess I can see your point. But From what I see I don't see how they would dislike you." She said with a smile.

He shook his head, She was a hard one to get to know, like pulling nails to get to know her at first. But he always loved a challenge, and he was glad he stuck with it. "She's just a quiet one Didn't speak more than four words for two days when we first met, not a lot of people are comfortable trying to figure out how to break the ice with quiet ones." Glancing back with a smile, "That hot sauce incident sure got you talking after."

"Beyond everything else, I don't really wish to spend time explaining why you were caught stealing tickets" She said to him, as if nothing had happened.

Looking forward again and sighing, he mumbled under his breath, "Just one time...can't live it down..."

--------

After getting on the train and into the compartment. Hector watched as Heliose had a inner conflict with herself, He smiled slightly and folded his arms and glanced out the window, trying to keep his eyes open for Duncan. At this point is when Heliose then tried to be friendly, and asked Selena how she came to be with Hector.

Selena sat up straight and her cheeks flushed just a hair. She then stammered, " I..I... We..." she glanced to Hector while pointing a finger at him then herself then back to him with flustered look. All the while Hector giving a small smile. "We arnt- together." She said pushing her two forefingers together at the tips. " We just grew up together in Balamb, and in the Garden. I just happen to work with him often." She said quickly trying bring her self to calm again, instantly finding something super interesting in the chair beside her.

Hector had his head cocked to the side with his lip touching the side of his forefinger, Obviously in thought. He knew she liked him, and he her but when ever he tried to act she pushed him away. making him think it was nothing, but every once in a while this happens. At this point Shaddow made his way over to Heliose and laid down next to her, minding his own business.

"As she said, we grew up together all our lives, and since because of that we work often together because we work so well together." At that he poked her shoulder playfully at which was slapped at by Selena with uncanny speed. " Despite all that time still can't get her sometimes" He said with a chuckle.

At which he paused as he smelled a familiar scent, A nasty scent that only one person he knew would ever enjoy it. He was slightly confused, because he believed he had a good view point of the platform. "It would seem, Duncan and his team are on the train already. Funny, I figured we would be first."

Heloise watched them both. She could see, right away, that Selena liked Hector, the girl flustered, by what Heloise had considered a very simple question. Obviously the two had known each other for a long time, and for now, that was good enough for Heloise.

As Shaddow joined her, she petted him, before leaning forward to Selena. "You may not be together, but it's clear you like Hector" Her tone might have been slightly bitter, but she sighed softly, and leaned back looking up at the ceiling of the train car. Heloise...didn't know why she had said that. She didn't want to comprehend why, didn't want to untangle the whole mess that was herself.

As Hector stated that Duncan and his team were already on board, and that he thought they would have been first, she rolled her eyes, "You were slightly late. and there was the whole "Yay, we're working together" thing" She pointed out, with mild amusement, but that faded, as she sighed once more.

Duncan was getting a bit worried as time rolled on and kept glancing nervously up the aisle whenever a new passenger boarded the train. Most of the team was here now, thank God, but he had yet to spot Hector. Admittedly, in his current... disguise, Foxy was unlikely to recognise him and might have slipped Duncan's eye, but nevertheless he ought to have been here by now. The arrival of Mei and Kein was a relief, but the third SeeD they had in tow was most certainly not expected. The cigarette fell from Duncan's slender fingers and he staggered over to the doorway in shock. 'Syrus..? Holy fuck boy, I thought you were-! Damn it's good to see you up.' All protocol or even logic forgotten, he leapt forward to gather the redhead up in a crushing bear hug, only to find that his currently female arms didn't fit all the way around. 'Since when did your chest get so broad..?' He gave Syrus a lascivious wink, no doubt adding to the poor boy's confusion. 'To clarify, Duncan. Big tits, but Duncan. Don't ask.' After a few moments playing the flirty foreigner, he stepped back and assumed some semblance of professionalism. 'Good of you guys to drop by. Spread out along the car for the moment and remember to get off when I do.' With that he walked back to his sentry point by the window, determined to spot their newest addition before he did something stupid.

Thankfully it didn't take long. Halfway through a second cigarette, Duncan noticed a trio of suspicious looking characters loitering on the platform, led by the one and only Foxy Bingo. His eyes narrowed suspiciously. The radio message had mentioned a support team so it was reasonable to conclude that Hector had brought backup, but he didn't recognise either of the women. He toyed with the idea of them being call-girls to act as cover, a not-uncharacteristic ploy for Foxy, but in the end took the gamble that they were at SeeDs. Probably not a good risk to take. 'Hey Foxy!', he called, hanging out of the open train door with a faux pouty face. 'I thought I was the only woman in your life...' Duncan made a point of squeezing his temporary breasts together with his arms, milking the unique situation for all it's comedic worth. Assuming Hector would catch on based purely on the use of that nickname was another gamble, but their window of opportunity was rapidly closing.

---

It took time to get everyone situated and up to date (especially with his current abnormal femininity), but by the time the train pulled in at South Station DC, the team was aware of the important bits. Good thing too, as there was little time to socialise. Duncan led the way off the train and out of the station, walking a good few kilometres away before stopping to let the team regroup. As he was waiting for the first to catch up, he felt a queer sensation flutter in his chest... a sucking, draining sort of feeling... With the sneaking suspicious that he knew what was happening, Duncan dove into a bush and began shedding his tightening clothes, those borrowed from various female SeeDs. The change was over in a under a minute and when the others arrived, he was back to his normal self by the roadside, smoking a fat cigar with a renewed appreciation for the feeling of having a something dangling between his legs...

Syrus didn't know what to do or think as Duncan with big tits hugged him. "I umm ummm I..." Then the flirting began. "Umm sir I mean.." He scratched his head but shook it off as Duncan told him what told him and the others what to do. Syrus took a seat in the back and sat there as they road the train. He caught bits of what he had missed and still wished he hadn't blacked out but he would have to move forward. He caught himself staring at Mei a couple of times but figured at this point that if Duncan was going to fire him from the job for maybe wanting to get close with a contact then he could go right ahead...hell he missed half this damn mission anyway and was for sure not getting paid for it. His thoughts drifted off and he regained his composure right after he noticed Female Duncan getting up and moving off the train. He got up and staggered around a bit as he got off the train and headed in the same direction as Duncan. He then looked at Duncan funny as he dove into the bushes and then back out as a man this time. WHAT THE FUCK HAD HAPPENED!? He screamed in his own head. It was the only thing that he hadn't been filled in on, but he wasn't going to ask. Syrus then went took the cigar from Duncan took a long drag on it and then handed it back to him. "Sorry sir. I needed that." Was all he said before just standing there next to Duncan to find out what else might be going on.

Jericho had waited until two minutes to the train leaving the station before climbing on and scouting out all the various seating compartments until he found the one with Shecun in it. Taking a seat in the one across from his/her's compartment, he gets comfortable and folds his arms, one hand slipping into his jacket and resting on the grip for his pistol while he pretended to sleep. He sat like this for the entirety of the train ride, always listening for some kind of trouble to pop up but it never did.

When they reached South Station DC, Jericho stood with a stretch and a forced yawn, making it look like he'd actually been asleep, before following the rest of the team off the train and waiting to get his luggage. While he waited, he noted that Shecun walked a ways ahead of the group, probably because she had everything that she needed. After about twenty minutes, he finally got his one bag, which contained the broken down scythe in it among his other belongings. He set out ahead of the others, humming to himself as he walked.

It took about twenty minutes to catch up to their team leader, and he arrived just behind Syrus, who'd made a remarkable recovery, and noted that Duncan was once more male. Damn, and I had more jokes to throw at him too.

Without any answer from Ramses, Xerox sighed. Guess his pissed about being a girl or something. Doesn't mean his gotta ignore me.
Nevertheless, Xerox continued to work on his spanner and hilt, until it was time to go. He noticed along the way, that Mei and Kein had come along ... and brought Syrus. Holy shit! How is he standing there now? Pretty damn amazing considering the hit he took.

The person who was crying seemed to be alright now, and then asked Rue what was going to happen now. Rue shrugged and then continued to write down, "I don't know. I wasn't paying much attention. Ask Duncan, he ... she would know more." As Rue finished writing, it seemed that it was time to depart. Rue waved to the person before returning to Xerox.

"Hey Rue, what were you doing?" Xeorx asked Rue, who replied in his usual cries. The Moomba's cries alerted a few of the other passengers/SeeDS realizing there was a Moomba around. They were wondering how did he get in, and what he was doing there. Xerox replied "Oh, someone was crying? I see. Don't know why they were and they didn't explain. Oh well. It's fine. I'm sure it was personal, so you need to wait to get closer to them. Like how close we are. Oh, can you hold this?" Rue nodded and started to help Xerox.

---

Getting off at the station, Xerox took the chance to speak to Syrus. "Good to see you back in action. Man, taking a hit like that, and recovering overnight, that's pretty incredible." Xerox was still a girl, so Syrus may have been confused as to who the 'girl' was. Rue was next to Xerox though, so, maybe, something clicked. S/he wasn't sure whether Syrus could figure it out, but waited for a moment to see if he could guess. "At least there's three of us from the graduating class still here ..." Xerox's words trailed off, realizing he hadn't seen Eika for a while. "Uh... talk to you later actually." s/he said running to catch up to Duncan.

Xerox looked at Duncan ... it was Duncan, not Shecan. It seemed the effects could wear off earlier than predicted. "Hey, um... where's Eika gone?" S/he asked him.

Mei Song

Upon entering the train compartment, the last thing Mei had expected was for a beautiful, bespectacled woman to approach Syrus and embrace him so fondly. Outrage spread across Mei's normally peppy features and she opened her mouth to spout her disapproval, but the busty young lady had quickly interjected that she was in fact Duncan, but with rather large...enhancements. The anger that had risen quickly changed to that of utter confusion as the ex-instructor adopted a more cool, professional manner as he talked to the group about disembarking. The situation diffused for now, Mei decided to spend the remainder of the journey looking out the window at the sprawling valleys and forests that they passed.

Whilst keeping a close eye on Syrus, of course.

---

Eventually, the train screeched to a halt, and the group of SeeD started to spill out from the slid-open doors. Mei followed the herd, her eyebrows shooting up as Duncan suddenly dove into the bushes conspicuously. "Mr...?"

In a matter of seconds, Duncan appeared back from the shrubbery, his male form regained and a cigarette in his mouth. This is just downright bizarre... were her thoughts as Syrus walked over and engaged in conversation with the other male. Was SeeD always like this? She always imagined them to be cool and hardened from the endless struggles of battle. Perhaps she had romanticized them a little too much. They were mostly teenagers after all.

"Deling City, here we come!" Mei chirped, a sudden burst of energy overtaking her as she took the lead of the group with a skip in her step.

This would be the place where things would finally start to be put in motion.

---

"Woooow..."

After the long taxi journey from the station, Mei was quick to get out and stretch her legs, her eyes lighting up joyously at the streams of traffic, the blaring lights, the smell of petrol and food in the air...

"It's been so long since I've been to DC..." Mei murmured dreamily to no one in particular. "I think I was about 4 or 5 then. Tyler got us hopelessly lost and all he would do was cry and cry until someone finally helped us find our parents." A fond smile lifted her lips at that moment, before she turned back to the others. "Look, I know we have a job to do here, but surely it would be okay to have a little look around first, right?" Her question was aimed at Duncan in particular, since he seemed to carry the most authority of the group at present.

---

Asa Fiore

"This is worse than being in a battlezone..."

Ace leaned against the wall, looking disdainfully at the dancers quarrelling about the sequence of their routine. Honestly the whole parade for the Galbadian President was completely in bad taste, especially so soon after wiping Dollet off the map. Asa herself had met Mr Vinzer Deling a few times, and every time, she had been left with a sour taste in her mouth. It was like the man was so disconnected with reality that all he could see was how much land he hadn't painted red yet.

If her efforts had been purely for servicing that man, Ace would have quit the army years ago, but her own agenda was far too important to risk over a few...moral issues. So, she would have to suck it up and perform her duty.

Even if it meant guarding a completely obnoxious and expensive ceremony.

"Man...looks like the President is going all out this year, huh..." A fellow soldier whispered over to her with a slight shake of his head. "Honestly I'd rather be home with my girl, but what can you do? Can't trust SeeD not to interfere after their exploits in Timber..."

Ah yes...Ace had heard about what had happened in Timber. A siege of the Galbadian Headquarters and a kidnapping of a high rank Galbadian Major. Of course this meant that SeeD could very well be privy to classified information now, which is why security had increased tenfold around the city. The wiser move would have been to cancel the nonsensical parade, but Deling was having none of it.

Typical.

"Wiggs was quite the powerhouse too. Heard it wasn't an easy fight," the other soldier gossiped further. "I mean, wasn't he, you know, enhanced?"

"Most likely," was Ace's response, her gaze fixed dully on one of the dancers as she tried to choreograph the sway of her hips with the others. "That's what tends to happen the higher you climb. You get promoted...with all the perks."

And you lose whatever humanity you had left. Unfolding her arms, Ace turned to her fellow guard. "I want everyone to be extra cautious for the parade tomorrow. The enemy has shown no signs of getting out of our way so far, so neither should we."

"Normally I would just say it'll be a snoozefest, but you're probably right..." he sighed, looking back at the dancing girls appreciatively. "Hmm...which one would you go for, Lieutenant?"

"All of them," she answered plainly, eliciting a whistle from her comrade as she returned to her copy of Weapons Monthly.

Heloise petted Shadow for a moment before leaning forward to Selena. "You may not be together, but it's clear you like Hector" Selena was taken back at Heloise tone and quickly looked to Hector to see what his reaction was, which wasn't much... either he didn't hear it or he did and was just sparing her a look of 'oh REally?' she could tell now why she said people usually dislike her. But her and Hector were good friends it seemed... if Hector didn't like someone you usually can tell in an instant. So she had to be nice if she got to know her better.

As Hector stated that Duncan and his team were already on board,"You were slightly late. and there was the whole "Yay, we're working together" thing" She pointed out, with mild amusement.

Hector groaned as he stood up and said, "Even so, I figured they would be after us. But oh well. " He was about to go find the source of the smell when he heard another Female call out to him "Hey Foxy!" He stood up a little straighter and a confused look came on his face. It was the same voice on the radio, he had a good ear for pinning voices, but he obviously didn't know what she looked like. As he quickly scanned the faces of the platform and then saw the only girl looking right at him hanging out of the open train door with a faux pouty face. 'I thought I was the only woman in your life...' Temporary squeezing her breasts together with her arms.

Now he was Really confused. He could understand the girl knowing his nickname because of the radio conversation, but to say that!? He quickly tried to rack the girls face from his memory, Obviously she knew him but only two other girls knew his nickname...one was probably still in Trabia right now, and not as well as endowed and the other was defiantly a red head.... and she was smoking....and she did look very familiar.

A few moments with a blank expression on his face with Selena coming up behind him asking, "Um..Who is that?" Despite saying she wasn't interested earlier she did sound a little defensive. At which he would of pointed out at the moment but with this disturbing thought coming into his head, He almost puked a little as the identity of the person in front of him hit him with a lighting bolt force. Shaking his head as he let out "Aw hell no..."

He made his way over to the same car, not worried with being seen together with the group because they were not being looked for. Selena was still confused and as he was sure Heliose was as well. But as soon as they were close enough to her he said, to the new girl, "Damn Duncan, I knew you were in touch with your feminine side but I never thought you would go all out to get surgery." He said with a smile as he gave a rough pat on the back...couldn't bare to hug her...him.

-------------
Soon they were updated on what happened on the mission....and the night before. which had brought them up to DC, after getting off and seeing Duncan jump into the Bushes and come back out as his normal self. He said one more time. "You will never live this down Bud. If only I had a camera..." At which he noticed everyone in the group now together...or that he could gather since some were still the other gender. Some he didn't meet on the train so he introduced himself, "Hello everyone... Name is Hector, This here is Selena and Heliose. We are here to back you all up.

At which he heard one of the girls mention exploring the city first, from what he could gather, she wasn't a SeeD.

Heloise could tell quite easily that Selena now saw why Heloise wasn't liked by many people, and she sighed softly. She did feel bad, at least about the tone she had used, and surprisingly about embarrassing the girl in front of Hector, who at least had the good grace to pretending he hadn't heard. Heloise didn't even know why she had said it. Normally, she would have just rolled her eyes, and minded her own business. So what was different now? Heloise didn't want to think about that, and she sighed again, leaning back in the chair, and looking out the window.

She looked up as Hector started to act a little odd, but then again, it was hector. He was always odd. But, she supposed, that was his charm. She rose, stretching slightly, making sure she had all her gear, stepping up behind Hector, with Selena, wondering what was going on as well. She kept her expression blank, and just thought how annoying it was that she was exxpected to work with more people. Hector was fine, she could work with Hector easily, and, she supposed, if Selena could put up with her, then Heloise could put up with Selena.

Heloise snorted suddenly with amusement, as she figured out what was going on. He may be in touch with his feminine side, but there are always hints no matter a persons disguise. A way of walking, a sense of...anything. You just have to watch, although most people don't, she thought to herself, a guy will always be a guy, even if they are wearing a girls body. It was odd to see Hector so...freaked out. She chuckled softly to herself, and followed when they headed to where ever they were going.

As they got updated, Heloise struggled to put two and two together, only having half the story, but figured out that this as why they were here. She smiled to herself, amused greatly, when Duncan returned as his normal self, proving that her own observations had been right. She didn't say anything when they were introduced, not particularly interested in speaking and getting to know more people. And the less she talked, the less any one would have a chance to despise her, and maybe Heloise could just simply do the job, without any dramas.

She was uncomfortable, and she stayed close to Hector, deciding that was better then being close to others. At least she knew hector.

Rachel was in DC for more than 3 weeks now, deep undercover and gathering information. She had finished her last mission and was now awaiting the arrival of the main group of SeeDs for the next mission. This one seemed to be a big one and what more some of the new arrivals were going to be looked out for by the military. Good thing was that because of her last mission she already had a base of operations within DC. Thus all she really needed to do was to join with the arriving SeeDs and share the information she already had gathered on the parade. The whole place was full of activity because of it. More over with the constant practice for this insane parade, she already had the whole route of the procession. Disguised as a regular everyday person, walking to work and back, she already even had most the patrol schedule. They seemed to have been increasing the security, but in the end there still was a limit to what they could do given the nature of the event.

Dressed in a disguise, she was waiting on train station. Right now she was wearing a blond wig with a long white dress, glasses and some appropriate make up. She was also wearing what appeared to be a wedding ring as part of the disguise. She was right now playing the part of a woman waiting for her man to return. With all the activity around the parade it wasn’t uncommon for soldiers to be returned to DC to strengthen the security. In fact taking a look around, she saw many women wearing wedding rings, waiting at the station. They all were waiting for even the briefest possibility to meet their loved ones… It was just how the world was. ‘Ahh finally’ she thought once she saw the disembarking passengers. It wasn’t hard to spot the group of SeeDs especially when she knew some of them personally. Anyways it wasn’t possible to meet them at the station, too many soldiers around. So she quietly followed them within the crowds outside. The group dispersed, but they all seemed to be heading in the same direction. So she gathered they were probably going to meet up some way away from the station. Taking a look around, she decided to follow from distance one of the people she knew well… Hector. Eventually they were all gathered at one place as They were talking Rachel heard one girl say something about exploring. She was finally passing by the group on her way, still playing her in disguise act, as she was approaching by the side, she had a sad expression, her legs were slightly dragging to add to the feeling of sadness and grief she wanted to convey, and in her arms she held what appeared to be a small letter. Once she just about passed the group, she stopped and looked at the group.”What are you standing all here for? Whole DC is patrolled right now. We need to get out of the open before someone starts to question what’s your group is doing here."Rachel stated, finally dropping the mourning wife act. Didn't these guys realize some of them were looked out for?

Gracelyn dozed off nearly the entire ride of the train, only waking when it was time to get off of possibly the worst train ride she had ever had. Seriously, she hated it. Looking around for Jericho she soloed him out, making a beeline straight for him. She noted that halfway through the ride she had her old self back. No more shitty dick, just her good ol' funbags. She grabbed Jericho by the soldier and looked straight at him.

"Hey. Let's grab something to eat. I'm starved and i'm sure you aren't much better. Even if you are I want something to eat so let's go grab something okay? No bother You're coming along."

She grabbed him by the shoulders and dragged him along into the town. She waved to the rest of the group.

"Toodles folks. Have fun with whatever we're geting something to eat. Bye."

It took time to work the crick out his neck, but upon setting foot in his ancestral home, Duncan forgot all about the cramped taxi into the city. A deep sense of nostalgia took him as he feasted his eyes on the iconic Galbadian skyline and he took a deep breath, revelling in the dank, vaguely polluted smell of the big city. Home... of a sort. He even felt a twinge of patriotism at the sight of the steel and black Republican sigil floating high over the city on tethered blimps. No-one did pomp and ceremony quite like a Galbadian and no Galbadian did it quite like Vinzer Deling, curse the old bastard. But all the good memories in the world couldn't make up for the bad ones and Duncan knew that before this night was out, a lot of them would come back to bite him in the arse. A voice dragged him from the bittersweet nostalgia. 'Well, nothing's happening tonight so to speak, so... well, I don't see why not.' Considering where the team had been allocated lodgings for the night, he was rather keen to stay out as long as possible. He brightened considerably. 'Yeah, don't have to be there early or anything. Alright then. We'll all need to meet up at...' He trailed off as a figure walked a little too close to the group; female, young, could be anyone. Dear Jane recipient, perhaps? His eyebrows furrowed when she suddenly addressed the team. Possibly Garden trained? Another support SeeD? Fucking Corvo, throwing SeeDs at him willy nilly. Was it too much to ask to stick to those he was purposely picked for this mission? He sighed and signalled to the woman to wait for a moment as he turned to the others. 'Disperse in twos and threes. Reassemble between 2100 and 2300 at Imperial Heights, Mansion 47. The guard will ask for your ID numbers; refuse and say you're union inspectors. He'll understand.'

With that he linked his arm in with Eika's and gave the new woman a pointed look. 'Would you mind accompanying us, Miss..? I haven't been to DC since I was twelve, so I'm a bit behind on the times.' He wove the odd Garden identification phrases into his words as he spoke, just in case. By this point he was sure that the woman was either a SeeD or a Faction operative, but he couldn't let her go without being 100% certain. Duncan didn't go too far from the others as he tested the waters though, duly aware that they might recognise her where he did not; there were so many bloody young SeeDs nowadays that he had long since given up keeping track.

Jericho didn't even get a chance to speak as Gracelyn shot off everything she had to say in rapid succession. He even began to actually protest several times, but it seemed the bald headed woman was determined. As he was dragged away, he barely caught what Duncan said. "2200, Imperial Heights, Mansion 47. Got it boss! Oof" He vanished around the corner with his drinking partner as good as dragging him. After a couple more seconds, he managed to pull himself free and stop her.

"OK, first and foremost, we are NOT getting drunk on the job. And I'm sure you don't want a repeat of last night." He snickered at his joke and readied himself for the inevitable repercussions of it. "With that said, we don't know where to get food in this place. Where were you going to go?"

Xerox followed Duncan and the others, still a female. It was a wonder why he was still a female. The effects varied quiet a bit it seemed. Duncan and Gracelyn had already turned back, it seemed the estimate was off by about 12 hours. So he should turn back by the end of the day ... hopefully. Duncan had announced the plans, but as he was speaking he stopped, and was staring at another woman. Xerox had figured out the situation, and was about to kid about the fact that Duncan was already staring at the ladies, when he noticed who it was Duncan had seen. Rachel? It was the Cold Angel. The girl, who grew up in Trabia Garden, just as he did, from a young age. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't mind talking to her, but the problem was .... his current form. If she caught him, there was likely to be a long winded lecture afterwards.

Waiting impatiently, which was rare for Xerox, for Duncan to finish explaining where and when we would be meeting up. Hearing where it was, Imperial Heights, Mansion 47, Xerox tried to grab Rue to lift onto his ... her actually, still a her, shoulder. What Xerox didn't account for, was the change in his ... stats. S/he had less strength in this form, and it was tougher to lift Rue. If Rachel saw Rue, she would probably figure out that Xerox was here. With a change of plan, Xerox tried to run from the area with Rue. Hopefully this transformation wears off by then. All he could do was hope. Hope neither Rue nor him/her were spotted and that the transformation would wear off.

Rachel’s eyes narrowed as she saw a suspiciously familiar girl to pull away a certain well known to her moomba, after their orders to disperse were given. Still with her eyes narrowed she followed the girl for a few more seconds.’ I see… so that’s what has been going on here.’ Racher thought and turned towards Duncan. After taking a momentary look around to be sure no one was close enough to hear, Rachel replied.” Name is Rachel Zoran, but please call my by my new name Caithlyn Zara, while we are outside. I don't want my cover to be blown before the mission ends.” She said, with a slight smile.” I can help you with that. I’ve been living here for a while now, I know my way around DC already.”

“You two, here is a set of fake IDs. There is a patrol that we will cross in about 8 minute if we go along this road.” Rachel said, pulling out two sets of fake IDs, and giving them to Duncan and the girl.” Once we reach the safe house prepared for the mission, I will gave you the detailed schedule and routes of all patrols and the parade... everything I've gahtered so far.” She said, and stood on the other side of the man.

The first words out of Gracelyn's mouth were quite expected.

"Oh fffffffffffffuckin come on why can't we drink though? Are you turning into a sober boring ass? Because that's what you sound like right now. You're acting like more of an ass then I am Jericho. A few drinks never hurt anyone, especially us. We'll be just ffffiiiiiiiine."

Gracelyn looked around. There were no visible food joints from what she could see, but perhaps she was just blind and couldn't see them.

"Hell if I know. I was just starving and wanted some good food. You lead the way to find it, Mr. prissy sober boy."

Duncan walked in silence for a while, digesting Rachel's words. So far she had said little to convince him of her loyalties, but on the other hand her conduct hadn't tripped any mental alarms bells. If she was a SeeD, then he would peg her as Trabian or perhaps trained in the field; Galbadian SeeDs were notorious for their information security and Balamb had Head Instructor Corvo breathing down everyone's necks. The IDs were good though, even down to wear and tear on the papers to make them look used. There wasn't much choice, but trusting her was the best bet. 'My thanks, Caithlyn..? I'm sure you know what business we're on, our partners were very thorough with their, uh... research.' The SeeD walked with a casual swagger, subtly watching a pair of DC citizens as they passed. Once out of earshot, his tone turned more professional. 'So then. Patrols. Aside form the one ahead, how many have you mapped between here and Imperial Heights? For the record, Duncan and Eika. We'll have a proper introduction later.' Increased security had been expected, but a single incident would have disastrous consequences for the plan; in hindsight perhaps he should have gone with Syrus, just to keep him from doing anything daft... 'I'd like to reach the rendezvous before the others, to make sure everything is prepared. Could you take us there, safest route?'

---

It didn't take long for the three of them to reach the Heights, though there had been a few tense moments with overzealous patrolmen. Mansion 47 was a particularly large and opulent building, set aside as all in the road were in its own little cul-de-sac. For Duncan, it was not a welcome sight. Still haven't fixed the facade then... he thought dryly, desperate for any distraction from the meeting ahead. They approached the outer gate, manned by an elderly and very bored looking Galbadian soldier. He was sitting on an old deck chair and tabbing through random videos on a tablet, giving the impression of one who has worked a very dull job for a very long time. 'Papers.', the guard wheezed athsmatically. After a long and rather hostile silence, he looked up. 'I said show me your- Wait.... Nah. Naaaaaah. You's ain't who I think you is, are ya?' Taking a deep, bracing breath to clear away the irritation, Duncan nodded stiffly. 'Just open the damn gate old man. I want to get this over with...' The soldier cackled, leering with his one good eye from one visitor to the next. 'Never thought you'd bring a girl home boy, let alone two! You sly fucker, you...' Despite the ribbing tone, the soldier keyed the gate controls. 'He's waiting for ya. Conference room.' Duncan strode passed, ignoring him with every fibre of his being. As they approached the main entrance he slowed and turned to address the others. 'No prizes for guessing, but this is the Lerwick Estate. In my defence, none of this was my idea.' He grimaced awkwardly. 'My father is... well... Don't take him at face value. No matter how charming he seems, do not lower your guard around him.' He didn't go into details, partly out of shame and partly because listing the crimes of Field Marshal Constantine Lerwick would take far too long. With a final strained sigh, he thumbed the genetic thumb panel and the door swung open. An amiable voice called out from within. 'Duncan, you little rascal you!' Suppressing a deep shudder, he led the way in to the conference room.