Fortunately he didn't have to wait long. Seconds later the first of Duncan's students began to arrive; this would have been to his relief is Syrus hadn't... [i]Say goodbye to my Christmas bonus.[/i] He tried not to look the other man in the eye, unsure of how he would take what was surely in his eyes a brazen display of insubordination and disrespect. For a moment the man was silent and Duncan dared to hope... But of course, it was not to be. [b]'Do you know who I am boy?'[/b] The old man's voice was quiet but icy cold and the odd twitch betrayed his mounting outrage. Duncan stepped forward, hoping to preempt an explosion. [b]'Syrus, please. Have some respect for the Head Instructor. This gentleman is both my superior and the man who bankrolls your tuition.'[/b] His eyes bored into the student's as Duncan fervently prayed that Syrus would comply. The Head Instructor was a vicious barstard and if he didn't defuse this situation... Well, sufficed to say he would never set foot in a classroom again. [b]'I apologise for my student's ignorance sir. Syrus here is one of my newest students; I believe that you have read his dossier?'[/b] As he spoke, all smiles and respect, one arm shot out and grabbed Syrus's wrist. Duncan squeezed, not too hard but hopefully enough to get his point across. [i]Both our arses are on the line here kid, don't do anything stupid![/i]

Thankfully the others turned up soon after and as the group grew, the Head Instructor's indignation subsided. Duncan, relieved and grateful, gave each of his students an encouraging grin as he returned their salutes; their level of deference wasn't exactly required, but it was a nice touch. [b]'Well, we're almost all here. Just missing Marx, wherever he got...'[/b] He paused mid-sentence as another student jogged over to the group, a rather plain young man with a bundled pole slung over one shoulder. [b]'And there's the little git right now. You're almost late Marx. Step it up.'[/b] The boy smiled apologetically and saluted the Instructor, fumbling with his package as he did. [b]'Sorry Instructor; I couldn't find my tie and then my shoes were, uh... Kein Marx, reporting for the SeeD test, sir!'[/b] While Marx's air of good-natured incompetence drew a paternal smile from Duncan, the Head Instructor gave him the sort of look one might give something the dog dragged in. Regardless, with everyone assembled he stepped forward to brief the group.

[b]'Ahem. As you may know, I am Head Instructor Maithwaite Corvo, chief tactical officer of Balamb Garden. I plan our missions, dictate the curriculum and oversee the business side of things. In other words, I run everything you see before you.'[/b] He took a moment to let that seep in, before setting off toward the main entrance, beckoning the group to follow. Corvo set a fast pace, talking as he went. [b]'Now to the business at hand. Lerwick will give you your orders later but for now I will outline the situation. Fourteen hours ago, the Galbadian Army launched an unprovoked invasion on the Dukedom of Dollet. Unsurprisingly the defenders were massacred; those few that survive have set up a last line of defense along Lapin Beach.'[/b] Duncan cast a worried eye around the students, gauging their reactions to the news. At least one of them was a Dollet native with family there; this test would be especially taxing for her. Corvo continued, unsympathetic to the would-be SeeD's feelings. [b]'We were contracted for deployment four hours ago, with the stated goal of liberating the city and cutting the Galbadian supply lines. Dollet knows that it cannot win a land war, even with our help. But perhaps we can maul the Galbadians badly enough that parliament can negotiate fair terms for surrender.'[/b] Corvo stopped short just outside the main gates, cutting a regal silhouette against the midday sky. At his signal, a pair of small airships dipped down out of the air to land before them. Each could hold perhaps four people, hanging out the open side doors. After admiring the view for a moment, Corvo turned back to the group. [b]'And this is the horse you shall ride in on. Now, go to Dollet and kill every soldier you see; no half measures.'[/b] And with that Corvo strode back into the grounds, coattails trailing behind dramatically. Silence reigned for a few moments and when he was certain that Corvo was out of earshot, Duncan heaved a sigh of relief. [b]'God, I hate that guy. Well, as he said we're going to Dollet. I'll brief you on the birds, but does anyone have any questions first?'[/b]