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. [b]'My thanks, Caithlyn..? I'm sure you know what business we're on, our partners were very thorough with their, uh... research.'[/b] 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. [b]'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.'[/b] 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... [b]'I'd like to reach the rendezvous before the others, to make sure everything is prepared. Could you take us there, safest route?'[/b]

[hr]

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. [i]Still haven't fixed the facade then...[/i] 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. [b]'Papers.'[/b], the guard wheezed athsmatically. After a long and rather hostile silence, he looked up. [b]'I said show me your- Wait.... Nah. [i]Naaaaaah.[/i] You's ain't who I think you is, are ya?'[/b] Taking a deep, bracing breath to clear away the irritation, Duncan nodded stiffly. [b]'Just open the damn gate old man. I want to get this over with...'[/b] The soldier cackled, leering with his one good eye from one visitor to the next. [b]'Never thought you'd bring a girl home boy, let alone two! You sly fucker, you...'[/b] Despite the ribbing tone, the soldier keyed the gate controls. [b]'He's waiting for ya. Conference room.'[/b] 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. [b]'No prizes for guessing, but this is the Lerwick Estate. In my defence, none of this was my idea.'[/b] He grimaced awkwardly. [b]'My father is... well... Don't take him at face value. No matter how charming he seems, [i]do not[/i] lower your guard around him.'[/b] 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. [b]'Duncan, you little rascal you!'[/b] Suppressing a deep shudder, he led the way in to the conference room.