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"Endangered"Written By: Artemis Disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are
copyright to Sunrise, Bandai, Sotsu Agency, and associated parties.
I make no money with this fic. Rating: NC 17 Warnings: yaoi lemon, sap Pairings: 6x2, implied 3x4 Summary: The pilots must separate to talk with
various colonies on behalf of GAIA. "Endangered" 11)
Zechs glanced out his shuttle's viewscreen at the massive colony ahead, waiting for instructions for landing. D-120 was the last stronghold - such as it was - of the former United Earthsphere Alliance in outer space. But instead of being a military base of operations like Barge, the Alliance base here was actually only a massive controls and maintenance center for the colony. They had enough to handle in managing the colony's environmental systems. Once, perhaps, they had the personnel to exert more military control, but the base's young commander, son to the late General Septum, had been rather more of a pacifist than his father. Even so, Zechs wasn't sure what kind of a reception he'd get as a former colonel in OZ. When he'd contacted D-120, though, he'd been straightforward, declaring that he was Zechs Merquise - no title - of GAIA. The response was swift; he'd been invited to visit their colony. Of course that could mean either that they were eager to join GAIA - a long shot - or they were eager to exact revenge on Zechs for atrocities against the Alliance, especially the murder of General Onnegel. Zechs, of course, did not share his concerns with Duo. But he had made sure he was plenty armed for his visit. "Merquise, you're clear to land in bay 39," came the word finally. Sighing, Zechs maneuvered the shuttle to land in the designated launch bay. Immediately he felt the return of gravity and sighed again, adjusting as quickly as he could. Though Zechs had frequented the fitness rooms on Peacemillion which had plenty of equipment designed to help a body maintain strength in zero-gravity, his knees were likely to be a bit wobbly for a minute. After securing the shuttle and making a quick call to the three white GAIA Tauruses which had accompanied him - they'd landed as well but would be staying near their mobile suits - Zechs exited, feeling pretty good, steady on his legs. [I'm ready for them... anything...] There was a reception committee waiting for him. He instantly recognized the very tall frame of Gwinter Septum and the smaller, hunched-over figure of the man's grandfather, Maynard Septum. Studying their relaxed expressions as he approached slowly, he decided he might be safe after all. Zechs had already noted the absence of visible sidearms, though the younger Septum wore the Alliance uniform. Gwinter was looking at the Tauruses with respect, then down at the former OZ colonel as he approached. "Zechs Merquise, welcome," he began, extending his hand, offering a small, reserved smile. Zechs shook the man's hand firmly and gave a nod in response. "Thank you, Septum... sorry, I'm afraid I don't know your title now. I've been out of touch with the doings of the United Earthsphere Alliance." "Understandable," Gwinter replied and gestured toward the old man at his side. "I'd like it if you just called me Gwinter. And this is my grandfather." Extending his hand again, Zechs found himself looking down into rather beady brown eyes studying him intently. "Sir, a pleasure," he murmured, wondering what this elder of the Septum family must be thinking of him. Grandfather Septum peered up at the visitor, stunned by the man's youth and appearance. He shook the offered hand. "So this is the famous Lightning Count? I'd never have guessed you were so young. How old are you, boy?" "Grandfather...!" "It's all right." Zechs smiled politely. "I'm a very old nineteen, I'm afraid." "Ha!" The old man waved his hand, dismissing his assessment. "You haven't a clue what old is..." He glanced at his grandson, who was looking rather mortified, then back at their guest. "So, if you're a soldier, what's with the hair, if you don't mind my asking?" "Really, Grandfather," Gwinter muttered, embarrassed. "I don't mind," Zechs responded. "I wear it long to honor the memory of my father." "And he would be?" [Of course they'd ask,] Zechs thought soberly. [But I cannot reveal that a Peacecraft is a member of GAIA, not yet.] He did not reply. Gwinter had had enough. "Please, Grandfather, the poor man just got here. We don't want to scare him away by asking personal questions, do we?" [And it's critical we gain this man's trust!] he thought, wondering again why he'd brought his grandfather to space. But it was true the old man had wisdom and insight aplenty. Grandfather Septum made a noise and nodded. "Please, Zechs, come with us. We'd like to show you our environmental control center," Gwinter continued, gesturing for him to accompany them. After a short tour, Zechs confronted Gwinter somberly. "I confess I didn't know what sort of a reception you'd give a former OZ colonel," he said, studying the angular face of the taller man. "I think we have a great deal to talk about." Gwinter looked relieved. "I quite agree. And I must tell you, Zechs, we've been eager to talk with GAIA." He glanced over to where his grandfather stood gazing out a view portal. On cue, the elder Septum turned and rejoined them. "Come, let's find some coffee." [Eager to talk with GAIA!] Zechs thought, following them, stunned and relieved at the admission. [If only... maybe they can be allies!] The three men sat down over steaming mugs of coffee. "So, Zechs Merquise has joined this group of peacemakers," Grandfather spoke up first. "Quite an about face for you, isn't it? Please forgive me if I seem blunt, but to hear that you of all people were associated with the group that has effectively challenged the Romefeller Foundation on Earth - well, it's quite a shock." Zechs stared at the old man, making a few guesses. "You know about General Onegell, I suppose." "Then that *was* you!" Gwinter exclaimed, but quickly added, "That was justice. I know you were exacting justice for crimes committed against your nation. At least I'm assuming you're from the Sank Kingdom." [He doesn't know who I really am,] Zechs thought, relaxing. "Yes," he replied succinctly... and did not offer further explanation. Grandfather peered at him shrewdly, nodding. "So, raised in a pacifist nation, you nevertheless became a soldier... then took your revenge when you were in a position to do so. Once you'd had your revenge... then you were through with fighting, is that it? You did throw away a rather illustrious career..." "Grandfather..." Gwinter murmured in warning. "I don't consider that I've changed careers at all," Zechs replied confidently. He was glad the elder Septum presented such challenges. It would help them trust him if he answered frankly. "When back among my GAIA colleagues I wear a uniform, though I bear no title. I still have my mobile suit, and if the need becomes great, I will certainly fight for the colonies. For me, it's never been about accumulating power within OZ... I did what I had to in order to be in a position to do what I did. Romefeller and OZ itself made it impossible for me to remain with them, and when the opportunity for our new alliance arose, I grabbed it eagerly." Zechs raised his chin proudly. "Exceptional people who long for peace are who makes up GAIA. We are now in outer space to seek other exceptional people to join our vision. Though we are soldiers and have our own fierce power, we adamantly will not use that power except at need. We are not about offense through military might. We are about offense through reason and hope, gentlemen." Gwinter was already nodding, more relieved with each word from this man's mouth. "A new way of looking at pacifism, perhaps? When the mighty stay their hand in order to negotiate, the Earthsphere is looking at a new future for peace indeed!" Even Grandfather was nodding, impressed. Zechs smiled. [I can't believe the Alliance in space will ally with us,] he thought with irony. [Or that I'd even be here talking to them... but times have indeed changed...]
"Oh, I ate too much," Duo complained as they exited the burger stand. He massaged his stomach as though that would somehow make more room for the burger and fries he had gobbled down. "Heh, that was a good burger!" Wilkes said, chuckling at Duo. "Thanks for paying, Heero, you really didn't have to do that." "My pleasure," Heero murmured, but half of his attention was diverted from his companions as they began to walk down the street. [There he is again,] he thought, noting that a man was following them a good hundred feet back, a man with reddish, sandy hair. He thought he'd seen someone like that just before they'd entered the little diner. Duo and Wilkes had shared the bulk of the conversation over lunch and continued to do so now, chattering on about Earth and comic books. "I could sure use a nap," Duo said, yawning. The big meal was catching up to him fast. "Yeah, I should be heading home," Wilkes said. "I'll catch you guys later, okay?" "Sure. We'll probably see ya' at the meeting... oh, I need to arrange that, don't I?" Duo asked, scratching his head. After Wilkes said good-bye and headed off in another direction, Duo noticed that Heero had been distracted, making only a little grunting sound as their new friend had departed. "What ya' thinking about?" he asked, jabbing him gently in the ribs with his elbow. "Our shadow," Heero whispered, maintaining his gaze straight ahead as they walked. "But don't look or he'll know. We've been followed since leaving the meeting." "Huh?" Duo asked, tempted to turn around and have a gander, but he resisted the urge. He searched his memory of the last hour, but couldn't recall noticing anyone tailing them. [Why wasn't I more observant?] he wondered and then immediately guessed. [I've been counting on Heero to watch our backs. I've been slacking off!] "So..." Duo continued, kicking a stone off the sidewalk as they walked. "What ya' wanna do about it?" "Well, the problem is that he could be a curious colonial and a potential ally," Heero replied, his mind turning over the possibilities. "But I kinda doubt it. Most likely it's someone from the L2 colony organization who happened to stumble across that meeting. Probably noticed everyone going in. They'll want to know if the rebels we met with are going to use violence against OZ and mess up their deal with them. Or... it could even be an OZ spy, but I didn't think they went in for the undercover stuff. I could be wrong." As they walked, he was careful to keep his pace relaxed. [No need to spook the guy just yet...] Duo tucked his hands inside his jacket pockets and then leaned into Heero, nudging him playfully with his shoulder. He thought he might be pressing his luck being this chummy with his friend, but at least they'd look relaxed to their watcher. "I think we should lose this joker," Duo said, itching for some action. "What's he look like?" Though startled by Duo's playful bumping, Heero strictly maintained his composure, knowing they were watched. "Sandy hair, kinda reddish, dark coat, sunglasses," he responded. He looked aside and caught Duo glancing in shop windows, hoping to spot the man. "You want to lose him? Sure, but you're in the lead here, remember. You know the area, so I'll follow you. Just don't let him know we know. He could be useful later." They were only six blocks from their rented room, and Duo knew they certainly didn't want this guy following them that far. "Yeah, okay, here's the plan," he said, thinking quickly. "We duck inside the next shop... cut through to the alley... and then duck back inside a shop on the other side. That'll put us one block over from here. If he's bent on following us, then we'll go to plan B." "Got it," Heero murmured, trusting Duo's instincts in matters of stealth to make them disappear. In just a few steps they were inside the next shop. To their shock it was a women's lingerie shop, but Duo didn't let that stop his plan. He looked over his shoulder at Heero and snickered as they wound their way through silk and lace night gowns, bras and... panties. Duo's eyes widened at that display and then he blushed. One of the saleswomen tried to intercept them. "May I help you boys with something?" she asked in a suspicious tone. "No, thanks, ma'am," Duo said, and continued to make a bee-line through the shop. Just as planned, they found their way to the alley and quickly cut across kitty-corner to the back door of another shop. This time it was a rare bookseller and the elderly proprietor chased them out... which was fine, since they were in a hurry anyway. As they exited the shop, Duo took a breath. "I think we lost him... but let's be sure," he said and then headed off across the street. They stood next to a newspaper stand, watching the bookshop, and sure enough, not thirty seconds after they had come out, their "shadow" appeared. "Damn, he is determined," Duo said, and quickly turned tail, trusting that Heero would be right behind him. "Let's try that again," he suggested as they turned a corner onto a much more active business district. This time they slipped into a crowded department store. Duo moved quickly and precisely between the shoppers, as if running a slalom. He was sure he could put distance between them and the watcher, but to his horror, as they exited the back of the store, they nearly ran smack into the man! [How'd he do that?!] Duo wondered. Acting fast he made a quick about face and headed back inside. Now they'd need to find another exit, but Duo needed time to think. Just then an elevator going to the other floors of the store opened to his right. [That's it,] he thought and made his way over. Once the elevator emptied, Duo found himself pushed along with the crowd to get on. It wasn't until the doors closed behind him that he realized Heero was no longer with him. "Shit!" he said in frustration, and then "sorry," when a few of the other riders glared at him. The next few minutes were spent trying to get back down to the first floor. Duo squeezed his way off the elevator at its first stop on the third floor and then darted out to find the stairs. He leapt down four and five at a time until he got to the bottom and then ran back out in search of Heero. [What should I do?] he wondered as he scanned the crowd, unsuccessfully. At this point, he couldn't be sure that Heero was okay, that the watcher hadn't nabbed his friend. So he decided the only thing he could do was to head back to their room. If Heero was there then everything was all right... if not. Well, then Duo had a real problem.
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