[Action Log] [Heads of State Meeting]

[tntoverlords.livejournal.com]

[Regent Cid stands up to address the heads of state who have turned up for the meeting. It's a slightly different group to the one that met previously - some new faces have appeared, while others are sadly missing.]

Regent Cid
Greetings, friends. First I have to thank you all for coming to this meeting today.
There are some who are not here through no fault of their own... Zidane... Lord Larsa...
Let's keep them in our minds as we talk, because the coming and going of both Sky People and natives is at the heart of all the issues in Gaia today.

[And Cid is thinking of Eiko as he says this. People around the table may notice that he is more subdued than usual.]

Regent Cid
Now, to begin! First of all, can I ask what progress has been made with the cities on the Forgotten Continent that were attacked by Lufene's army? How is the recovery going?

Edge
[Still frustrated over the destruction, Edge subdues his temper] It's going slow in Alfitaria, but the people are in high spirits.

Cecil
[Cecil glances to Ceodore to make sure he's attentive before he speaks.] Troia is recovering well, I am pleased to say. The town should be fully rebuilt within a few months.

Ceodore
[Oh he's paying attention and nods. Not his place to speak up unless someone asks him to.]

Ursula
[Ursula, likewise attentive, nods at Cecil's assessment. She remains quiet for now.]

Regent Cid
[Cid nods at Cecil.] I'm glad to hear it. You've recently returned to govern, haven't you? What is the mood of the people?

Cecil
Yes, I have. They seem surprised I am changed, but Ceodore and Ursula performed admirably in my absence. They are optimistic about Troia's future.

Ondore
[Marquis Ondore finally speaks.] Do the people of Troia feel safe, Lord Harvey?

Ursula
[Ursula smiles at Cecil's compliment, pleased to have done her part.]

Celes
[Celes shifts, understanding that worry. Safety is, after all, very important in a time like this. IT's a wonder to her that any can feel safe at all after what's happened.]

Cecil
[Cecil nods.] Troia is by nature a peaceful nation, but we are doing all we can to ensure the defence of the people.

Edge
Don't worry Cecil, We've got your backs.

Ashe
[Ashe inclines her head toward Edge, nodding before she speaks.] Might I enquire as to the reason why Alfitaria's progress is slow? Are you lacking in supplies?

Edge
[Edge goes over it in his head, noting the extensive destruction in his HUGE city.] We can use just about anything: carpenters, cooks, tents, construction materials, and rations are slim. [In other words, it's simply the size of the job.]

Ondore
However, does fear also play a role in this slow recovery in Alfitaria?

Regent Cid
...I think that fear plays a role everywhere, Marquis.
We live in an uncertain world now, and until the problem is fixed, all we can do is make the best of it.

Ondore
Most certainly true, but if I may explain my reason for asking this...

Edge
[Hrmpf] My people aren't scared. Angry yes, but not scared.

Ondore
Is that so? [He's almost humored by that.]

Ashe
[Directed to Edge] With the winter having brought turbulent seas, many of the sailors of Warjilis are seeking alternate forms of income until they are able to make sail once more. Be it men and materials you require, my husband and I can arrange for both to be assigned to you, for as long as you need. [Rasler nods.]

Regent Cid
[Cid nods.] And that is why I've gathered you here. I'm sure there are things we can all do to help each other. A question for all of you: What resources do you need, and what resources do you have to offer? Where there's a will, there's a way. Let's find a way.

Edge
[A grin comes across Edge's face, responding to Ashe.] That's great. We can work out the details later.

Regent Cid
Lindblum, for example, has the finest air fleet known to man. [Yes, Cid is extremely proud of this.]
The fleet has expanded lately, but we are always in need of more engineers.
And for those cities that require quick aid, we can dispatch airships wherever they're needed.

Ondore
Pouring more money into this dilemma shall only render us in further debt, wouldn't it? If the economy itself has slowed because of the people's low morale, then wouldn't it be best to boost that morale first?

Squall
That's not going to be easy.

Regent Cid
Winterfest helped with both - but you can't have Winterfest every day.

Ondore
True, however, when Lufene attacks again, not if, but WHEN she does, the people will return to clenching their gil and being distrustful of those who govern them.

If we do not send a message to the public that we have this dilemma under control, then they won't meet us half way and spark a revival in the global economy.
We have to let the people know that we can and will be able to protect them.

Regent Cid
Lufene... yes, I was coming to that.
Not only her, but Kuja has returned too - and Zidane has gone...

Ceodore
[Ceodore pipes up from where he's been listening quietly.] Kuja?

Ondore
Exactly my point. The people don't feel safe knowing these inbred fools are running amok.

Cecil
[Cecil nods. He remembers Kuja all too well.] Are the members of the council also aware of the return of a man named Sephiroth?

Celes
[Celes just sighs a little bit.] Sephiroth once sat among us, if memory serves.

Ondore
[Ondore glances over towards Cecil.] Sephiroth?

Regent Cid
Sephiroth? Yes, of course. He used to govern Wutai, and it's my hope he may do so again.

Ondore
Indeed, he has sat amongst us...

While there were a few who were anxious to sling mud at him, Sephiroth proved his worth during his role as acting governor in Wutai.

Regent Cid
[He coughs hastily.] Although Lady Kisaragi has been doing a fine job herself.
Why do you bring up Sephiroth, Cecil? I'm afraid it was a little too soon to invite him here...

Ondore
[Ondore isn't going to say anything about Lady Kisaragi and her take of governing right now.]

Cecil
[Cecil glances over to Squall, then back at the other members of the council.] Kuja and Sephiroth were once allies, and he was a far different man from the Sephiroth you all seem to be familiar with.

Ursula
[Ursula glances over to Cecil, troubled. Allies?]

Squall
[Squall nods] I don't know if you've heard about the Void. But Sephiroth... fought for Chaos.

Ondore
[Ondore just stares at Cecil now.] ...What?

Celes
[Celes' eyebrows rise. She makes note to ask Terra about this.]

Regent Cid
[This story isn't actually new to Cid. He just listens for now.]

Ashe
[Ashe looks sceptical - how can a man allied with Kuja be considered worthy of governing a Gaian state?]

Ondore
[Ondore is wondering exactly the same, but no one upon the council would lie about anything so serious.]

Cecil
I spoke with him briefly on the Sky Phones, and he is different from the Sephiroth I recall. I do not think he currently poses a threat, but we should be wary of him, regardless.

Celes
[quietly] Stranger people have been aided by their own reformation.

Ondore
Such a strong accusation...

Regent Cid
The Sephiroth I knew would never side with Kuja. Even Kuja saw the error of his ways once.
The question is: is the returned Sephiroth the one we know, or the one you know?

Ashe
You speak almost as though he were two people within one.

Squall
[Squall just sort of shrugs] I didn't speak to him.

Cecil
I hope he is the one you know. I will not accuse him before he has had a chance to prove himself here, but consider it a warning. He was once our enemy in the Void.

Regent Cid
[Cid nods.] All right. But Lufene and Kuja - we know that they do post a threat.

Celes
Maybe it's a matter of timelines. Some of us have less than savory pasts. Maybe the same could be said of him.
[she falls silent quickly, though]

Regent Cid
Something needs to be done about them, before either strike again if we can.

Ondore
[Celes just given Ondore something to think about.]

Regent Cid
The one good thing is I don't think they're working together.
Gaia help us if they do.

Cecil
The same could be said for many of us. [Pause.] What do we know of Lufene and Kuja's current activities?

Regent Cid
Both were last seen in Alexandria.
The last message Kuja posted on the network was a very clear threat too.

Ondore
Kuja has made such messages before in the past. It seems he enjoys his time in the spotlight regardless of the stage.

Regent Cid
He's a show-off, yes.
But he also knows how to keep a low profile.
We don't know where either of them is right now.

Celes
[She just shifts again, thinking of her own past. If any were to question her here or after the meeting about it, she won't hide anything. For now, she;s listening carefully, but keeping silent.]

Edward
[After listening for a majority of the meeting, Edward decides to chime in at last.] Is...there a chance that Kuja isn't *on* Gaia?

Regent Cid
His last message was on the 13th. Unless he vanished in the past couple of days... no.
Luck would be a fine thing if all our enemies disappeared and our allies stayed!

Squall
That depends on where they go.

Edward
But where could they go?
The planet, Terra, it is a wasteland but even there...they can hide.
If they are residing on Gaia, then where could they be hiding at?
Not at a town, I assume

Squall
[He nods] Right. And if we can't see them, who know what they could be doing.

Edward
That's why I suggest we start looking for them instead of allowing them to find US.

Cecil
Terra? They are capable of hiding on another planet?

Edward
[Edward nods.] I remember during my adventure to Terra, that we found Lufene and Garland hiding there.
So...it must be possible.

Regent Cid
But if they are to attack Gaia, they must be on Gaia.

Ashe
Yet we have no way of knowing when, or where, they are likely to appear. Unless...
[She clasps her hands.] Unless we were to attempt to lure them out, provoke them into showing themselves.

Celes
[Celes glances at Ashe. That's a fair point, but they'd need to be sure they're ready for such an occurrence.]

Puck
[And this is the point where a rat kid strolls in. He's wearing an eye patch, guys. Some of you may recognise him. And yes, he is literally a rat, tail and all. He plonks himself next to Celes.] Hey, lady.
[He looks around at everyone else.] You old guys got any ideas yet?

Ceodore
[On the verge of blurting out a question, Ceodore stops and gapes at the rat child that just waltzes in.]

Squall
[(...Old?)]

Celes
[Celes will just stare at him.]

Ursula
[Ursula can't help it; she stares at the rat person. By now, she's heard of Burmecians, but never has seen one in person.]

Puck
Bet you ain't, have ya?

Ondore
[Marquis Ondore glances over towards the rat with a look of mild annoyance.]

Celes
[And her stare is about on par with a glare.]

Ashe
[And another glare right here.]

Regent Cid
...Ah, everyone. May I introduce Prince Puck.

Celes
[...this kid's a prince?!]

Edward
[Edward looks terribly confused, but he doesn't seem to care about being called "old"] He hails from Burmecia, doesn't he?

Puck
[Puck nods.] That's right, girlie.

Ashe
[Well, he certainly doesn't have the manners of a prince!]

Cecil
[Cecil just smiles.] Has his highness come to join us in our discussion?

Edward
[BLINK, BLINK]...Girlie?

Celes
[...if she could move and not appear rude, she'd be doing so right about now.]

Puck
[Ignoring Edward, Puck grins at Cecil.] Yup. And don't call me your highness, call me Puck.

Cecil
Ah. My apologies, then, Puck.

Ondore
[The Marquis is already rubbing his temples.] Can we please return to the conversation at hand?

Puck
Now, the chick over there is right. You gotta lure 'em out. Set a trap.
[He means Ashe.]

Ashe
[Chick?! Watch her pale at this impertinence.]

Puck
And for a trap, you need bait. Get what I'm saying?

Squall
[(Set a trap? With what?)]

Celes
Are you volunteering? [Goddesses, will he just shut up already?]

Edge
[Edge grins. He'd love to be so frank with the woman here.]

Puck
Me? Nah. Not my problem.

Edward
You can lure a bee with honey better than with molasses, but what sort of 'honey' do we possess that will lure them out?

Squall
[Squall sighs] It's going to have to be something they want.

Regent Cid
Hmm. Would they want to meet each other?
[He glances at Ashe as he says this for the first time. Thinking of the note that fooled them both...]

Puck
[Puck is leaning back with his feet on the table, by the way.]

Celes
[Celes is trying to lean as far away without looking like she is -.-]

Ashe
[She meets Cid's glance for the briefest of moments - just perhaps some good could come of it...] You mean... we could trick them into believing one wishes to meet the other?

Squall
[Squall is mostly linefacing, but when isn't he?]

Regent Cid
Possibly.
It's either draw them out somehow or wait for them to make the first move.

Edward
[Edward is trying to remain pleasant even after that...comment.]

Ondore
I say we draw the knaves out but should we risk the crystals to do so?

Regent Cid
...It'd be risky. I wouldn't want to lose them.

Squall
I agree. We might end up needing them.

Cecil
I agree with the Regent. The crystals are too precious to gamble in such a way.

Ondore
[A sigh escaped Ondore.] Then I suppose we have something else to offer here...

Edge
[Edge agrees with Cecil.]

Regent Cid
Hmm?

Ceodore
I thought that crazy lady didn't want hers anyway. [Ceodore's pretty sure he heard that.]

Ondore
Crazy lady? Ah, yes Lufene.

Regent Cid
Squall, I hear your people are good at subterfuge? Is that right?
Oh, and Celes - how is Edgar getting on with his work on the Sky Phones?

Squall
[He nods] We're trained in a wide variety of things, including subterfuge, yes. We'd do better blending in on our own world though, if that's what you were asking.

Regent Cid
I was thinking about hacking their phones, actually... They both have one.

Celes
It's coming as well as can be expected. I haven't checked in on him recently, but none have exploded in my face for a few months.

Regent Cid
And all the phones have a GPS.

Squall
[Squall nods] We'd need time, but we could certainly do that.

Ondore
That's a blessing, is it not? [He doesn't want his phone exploding on him anytime soon.]

Edge
What about Cid Shido?

Celes
[She smirks juuust a little] Yes. Having singed hair wasn't very fun.

Regent Cid
What about him? I believe he went to Goug...

Edge
He was handly with my technology, he's probably handy with the phones too.

Regent Cid
True enough. Squall, can I ask you to co-ordinate this? Consider it a paid assignment for SeeD. Unless anyone else would like to volunteer?
If we can use the phones to track them down, that'll give us a big advantage.

Squall
[He nods] I can have it started by tomorrow.

Puck
[Puck looks at him sceptically.] Does that guy know what he's doin'?

Regent Cid
Ahem.
Well, now that's sorted...

Squall
[Squall narrows his eyes at Puck] We're trained in both the use of computer systems as well as hacking into them. I started with SeeD before I was ten. I know what I'm doing.

Regent Cid
I want to update you on the search for Garland.

Edward
[Edward perks up a bit.] Oh, an update?

Regent Cid
Well, not so much an update as a summary for those of you who may not know... As far as we know, Garland can be found in a place called the Chaos Shrine.
But to get to it, we need four elemental crystals.
We currently have two, the Wind Crystal and the Fire Crystal.

So I want to remind you that we're still looking for the Earth and Water Crystal. It's vital that they don't fall into the wrong hands!

Ondore
That is what the Warrior of Light told me during our last conversation. He claims that the crystals magically appear within Gaia, leaving us with little to do other than wait for them.

Cecil
Is there any indication of where and when they will appear?

Regent Cid
[Cid shakes his head.] Not that I know of.
If anyone has any ideas for finding them, I'm all ears...

Celes
Might I suggest that we organize a team who would be ready at a moment's notice to retrieve them when they're heard of or spotted?

Puck
You've gotta keep your ears on the street. Nine times outta ten, that's where these things turn up.

Celes
Might be a job for Locke, then...

Ondore
My informants shall keep me involved with any matters involving these crystals...

Regent Cid
You must also be sure that all informants are trustworthy.

Ashe
[Ashe is quiet, thinking of how the Dawn Shard just appeared in Ursula's bag.] We should also monitor the auction house, should one appear there.

Puck
You know where the auction house gets its loot from?

Ondore
That much is true, Regent. [Ondore nods.]
[Wait, the auction house...? The Marquis glances over towards Puck.]

Puck
The one in Treno, they employ all sorts of shady characters.
The auctioneer used to be tight with Kuja too.
Bet all you royal types didn't know that.

Ashe
Then... how are we to know if a crystal should find its way there, only to be handed directly to Kuja?

Puck
I said used. Keep up, lady. Who knows if they're still friends.
Someone should keep an eye on 'em anyway. But I guess Mr Trained in Computer Systems is gonna handle that.

Ondore
That certainly changes my outlook on the auction house... [Especially since he has spent a fortune there trying it win all those rare items.]

Regent Cid
Ahem, well... Any more questions on Garland or the crystals before we move on?

Ceodore
[Ceodore's engaged in staring at the rat-prince. He doesn't even like to -think- what his parents would do if he -thought- about behaving like that. So rude!]

Regent Cid
All right. Moving on...

Ursula
[If Ursula is annoyed by the rat prince's behavior, she doesn't show it. But then, she's careful to remain neutral in demeanor overall. She perks up at mention of the crystals, but if there is nothing else.....]

Regent Cid
The last item I want to talk about is the Lunatic Pandora. I've heard it can be used as a weapon. Is this true?

Celes
[Celes does not like to think about another weapon lying around, especially one as large as that thing is.]

Squall
On its own, no. What it does is trigger a Lunar Cry - a massive influx of monsters. At home, it called them from the moon. I don't know what it would do here.
However, it can't be triggered just anywhere. In needs to... to resonate with a place, I think.

Regent Cid
At the moment, it's still sitting over Madain Sari. It's stopped all the building work there - no-one will go near it.
So it's too dangerous to have it moved?

Edge
[Edge's ears perk up at mention of the moon.]

Ceodore
Uh, from the moon?

Squall
[He shakes his head] It can be moved. But you need to be inside it to move it. And yes. The moon.

Puck
Monsters from the moon? Pfft.

Squall
[He is well aware of how odd it sounds]

Edward
An influx of monsters...? [Don't mind Edward, he's remembering the day he rushed out there to save Ursula and the others from the undead horde.] The moon, eh? So...

Ursula
[Ursula frowns in thought. More moon issues...does it ever end?]

Puck
I'm outta here. Laters! [And he scurries away, but not before flicking Celes with his tail.]

Cecil
[That pings Cecil.] It isn't as unlikely as you think. One of the moons from my world was also home to many monsters.

Edward
How exactly does this happen? Is there a trigger within the device...?

Ceodore
[Ceodore nods in agreement with his father. The moon is crawling with them.]

Celes
[Celes has to work hard not to show that she realizes she's just been... tail-whapped... an insult for sure.]

Squall
I don't know all the details. If Seifer were here, I could ask him, but the last time I saw it used was at Ultimecia's whim.

Regent Cid
But you say it resonates with a particular place. Obviously, not Madain Sari. But is there any way someone could figure out where?

Squall
I'm not sure. I could look into what the Garden has on the Lunar Cry, though?

Regent Cid
[Cid nods.] That would be useful!
For the moment, it's best left where it is, I suppose.

Edward
[Edward has a really bad feeling about the Lunatic Pandora. Almost like a premonition of some kind. The poor bard looks very worried right now.]

Cecil
[Cecil looks in deep thought. It almost sounds like Lunarian technology...]

Regent Cid
All right... Is there anything else that anyone would like to discuss?

No?

Cecil
On the idea raised earlier of having a team on standby to fetch the crystals, should they appear...
May I suggest the Warrior of Light, and whoever is willing to assist him for the task?

Regent Cid
[Cid nods.] Good idea. Do you want to put it to him?

Celes
I would volunteer for the task.

Ursula
I would volunteer as well, if need be.

Ceodore
I'll help. [What else is the kid going to do, really?]

Cecil
I will. I know he will be willing; he is wholly devoted to defeating Garland.

Regent Cid
Thank you, Cecil, and to everyone volunteering. I think we'll need all the help we can get.

Ah... Now there is also the matter of governing Narshe... Now that Lord Larsa has taken his leave of us...
Any volunteers?

Cecil
Did he not appoint a successor, should this happen?

Regent Cid
I'm afraid I'm not sure, though Captain Basch may be there in his stead for now.

This was all very recent, but I intend to find out what is going on in Narshe as soon as I can.
[Cid has kind of been distracted by Zidane and Eiko's disappearance, unfortunately...]

Ondore
If needed, I shall take up this task. [Although, Ondore isn't truly looking forward to do that. After all, Narshe seems to be a hotbed for all sorts of trouble.]

Ceodore
Ursula could do it.

Ursula
[Ursula glances sharply to Ceodore, not expecting that.]

Regent Cid
...Ursula?

Cecil
[Cecil raises an eyebrow at his son. Volunteering her before volunteering himself?] Only if Ursula would be willing, Ceodore.

Ondore
[The Marquis takes one quick glance from Ceodore, then turn to Usrula with a smile.] Then is she willing, I ask?

Ursula
Ah...if there is need, and this Captain Basch has no desire to succeed Lord Larsa, I would do what is requested of me.

Edge
[Edge is shocked. One of the kids running a country?]

Regent Cid
[Hey, Larsa was a kid... Cid smiles at Ursula.] No pressure, my dear!

Ceodore
[Back to Cecil more than anything, although the sharp look isn't helping.] She did a good job in Troia.

Ondore
Very well, it seems that we may have found Narshe's new governess.

Cecil
And you did, as well, Ceodore. [He looks at Ursula.] Thank you. Yang would be proud of you for assuming responsibility once again.

Celes
[Celes glances at Ursula and makes note to check up on Narshe at some point]

Ursula
[She nods to Regent Cid.] I understand. [She smiles, pleased at Cecil's words.] Thank you, sire.

Regent Cid
I'm sure both Cecil and Ondore can offer you guidance. And me too, of course.

Edge
[Celes won't be the only one checking up on Narshe]

Cecil
[Cecil nods in agreement.] I was only a few years older than Ursula when I assumed rule of my kingdom. I am sure she will do well, even if she is young.

Ceodore
[And -there- is the reason why Ceodore didn't volunteer himself. Ongoing comparisons to his father wear on him.]

Regent Cid
Good!

Edward
[Not at all against the thought of Ursula assuming rule over Narshe, Edward silently wonders why Ceodore didn't volunteer himself. The Damcyan Prince may have to speak on this a little later...]

Regent Cid
Anything else?

Ondore
I do believe that is all, Cid.

Regent Cid
[Cid nods and stands up again.] Very well!
Thank you all for coming.
I now declare this meeting concluded.
[And he bows, offering a smile to everyone there - Cid is gallant, however miserable he's currently feeling.]