[Announcement] [BBS]

[commanderzabala]

[The PA blips on with its usual merry chimes.]

Good morning, all cadets, staff, and SeeDs.

Thanks to all of your efforts, Balamb Garden is now effectively functional once again. While we still have a lot of minor cleanup to do, we are now at full structural integrity and mobility. We continue to monitor the status of our equipment.

For this reason, any cadets who undertake the standard mission "Sub-Basement Patrol and Repair" within the next two weeks will be given an additional 1000G on successful mission completion. This same offer applies to the standard mission, "Centra Machinery Maintenance", and in addition the SeeD supervising the mission will be awarded a rank increase.

After compiling the reports from the attack on Garden as well as the mission debriefings, we can only conclude that the nations of Galbadia and Esthar, as well as other unknown parties, are making a concerted effort to acquire and use offworld technology and items to advance their own interests. Therefore, I would ask any person who has any information about the... giant sword... which immobilized Garden... to provide it to me in person or through private message as soon as possible.

Please be aware that I will also be making a study of the most qualified SeeDs and Instructors over the next few weeks, with an eye to appointing a SeeD Lieutenant Commander. Those of you who are interested in this position are strongly encouraged to start polishing your list of accomplishments and skills.

That is all, Garden.

Instructor Lina Inverse, please report to my office at your convenience.

[Shortly after this announcement has gone out, it is transcribed and posted on the BBS, if anyone chooses to discuss it there,.]

Comments

[Action]

[dragonspooker]

[As she approached the office, Lina found just a little bit of anxiety welling up - was this her getting called for another mission so soon? Or to discuss how things went on the last one...? Or was it something else entirely? She wasn't sure what to expect, as she'd been busy helping out with cleanup and repairs since she got back.

Once she arrived at the office, she knocks twice, then opens the door after a slight pause.]

You called, chie--Commander?

[commanderzabala]

Please, come in.

[The Commander looks up from her paperwork to indicate the chair on the other side of her desk. As Lina enters, she shifts aside some of the folders to bring a few others to the fore.]

[dragonspooker]

[Just a one-on-one, then. Still odd, but it seems like there's less reason to question the visit, given that.

Lina strides in and takes the offered seat, folding one leg over the other. Her arms also fold, though her expression remains mostly neutral.]

[commanderzabala]

In reviewing the files of the SeeDs here, I noticed in yours that you're capable not only in casting magical spells, but in theory and even creation of them, to a certain extent.

[It takes some effort to hide her distaste at the idea of direct magic, but she succeeds well enough. It's her own prejudice, after all, and not one that Lina deserves to endure. Rather, she gives Lina a moment to confirm or comment as she will.]

[dragonspooker]

[Oho, so this is about her strengths! That gets her to relax a bit, and even feel a little cocky about the meeting. She nods in confirmation to the Commander.]

Oh, yes - it's not something I've done often, but I'm certainly capable of doing it.

[commanderzabala]

That puts you ahead of most. Our recent battles have made it clear that -- as dangerous a path as it is -- if we're not prepared for offworld creatures or magic, we are most likely going to lose a major battle sooner rather than later.

Therefore, I would like to appoint you as a magical researcher for Garden.

[dragonspooker]

[For a few moments, Lina just stares at Zabala and blinks.

Then she grins widely, like a kid that just got handed the keys to a candy store.]

Wha--really? Wow, I-

[She's all to used to no one taking her skill seriously, so there's a brief bit of disbelief before her ego catches up.]

Ahem--well, I certainly won't let you down, Commander.

[Of course, with brimming confidence comes guile.] ...though I'm curious, does this come with a pay raise, or perhaps a separate research budget? After all, particular spell component materials can get expensive, especially when you get into trying experimental things that might take several attempts to get things right...

[If this means she can work on her own little pet projects and not have to use her own wages on it, then all the better!]

[commanderzabala]

There will be an increase of one Rank for you immediately, and an additional one after your first significant breakthrough or project completion. In addition, you're authorized to add up to three additional members to your research team, one of whom may be a cadet if you find a particularly promising one. They will also receive a Rank increase on your first breakthrough or project completion.

Beyond that, if you have more substantial expenses, we'll talk.

[dragonspooker]

[That grin remains, and a very pleased chuckle follows it.] Good, good. Don't know if the assistants would be necessary, but having the option is good.

[Admittedly, having someone on-hand who is more familiar with this world's magic would be useful...]

[commanderzabala]

There are a number of worlds out there with vastly different magical techniques, and some of their practitioners are here. You'd be wise to study them at least a little.

[She makes a few notations on a piece of paper, then slides the formal appointment letter across the desk.]

[dragonspooker]

Yes, yes, of course.

[Lina grins as she signs the paper to make things all official-like. There's a pretty big flourish to how she does it.]

Just need to figure out the direction I want to go in first, you know, ahah.

[commanderzabala]

[She accepts the paper back, glances over it briefly, then adds it to a pile.]

If you need any assistance or resources, do let me know. I can't promise miracles, but I certainly promise all reasonable efforts.