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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" 22)
"Just want to be thorough," Trowa replied, nodding. "Thanks for allowing the check. I'll escort him down to the construction bay now." "Sure, see you down there later," Nikol responded. [What was *that* all about? And where did Colonel Une get to...?] He turned away, already distracted. Trowa suppressed a smirk. [Heero should be more than finished with the call,] he mused, noting with a glance that there were no more blinking lights on the communications panel as that station's officer sighed and returned his attention to it. [Wonder if he got to talk to Quatre...] After returning to the spare office where he'd left Heero, Trowa rapped smartly on the door then opened it and entered. Heero stood facing away from him, motionless, arms relaxed at his sides. "Hey, Heero," Trowa murmured, closing the door behind him. "Everything okay?" [Composure restored,] Heero was thinking. [I hope. That... took me by surprise. I didn't expect to feel that much...] He turned slowly around. "Everything's fine, Trowa. Zechs wasn't angry, though I believe he probably had had to be calmed down a lot since he heard about Duo. It seems that Treize has done his usual smooth talking." "Figures," Trowa replied with a small grin. "Well, it's good to hear he's not halfway here already to rescue his Dancer. That could get... complicated." Heero met Trowa's glance finally, looking deep into the green eyes. "Trowa, Quatre told me to tell you... that he believes in you." "Yeah?" Trowa said, one eyebrow going up in interest. "My kitten's quite the guy himself." Then he grew solemn. "I know he's worried about me." "He... he said he believed in me, too." [I hope it's all right to tell him that... I do not want Trowa thinking... eh...] "That's so like him," Trowa chuckled, not at all reacting like Heero was fearing he might. "Well, I completely agree with him, so that's cool." "Trowa?" Heero inquired, stunned. "It's true," Trowa replied, and came nearer to lay a hand on the other's shoulder. "You're a pretty amazing guy, Heero. I'm really glad I know you." "T...Trowa," Heero murmured, then ducked his head, not knowing what to say. [I... I don't deserve this from him... not after that fantasy I had about... about Quatre... damn...] Then he straightened abruptly and moved away so that Trowa's hand on his shoulder fell. "We've delayed too long - we really should get down there, Trowa," he added, gesturing toward the door. "Sure thing," Trowa agreed, and indicated Heero should lead him out. As they departed together down the hallway, Trowa thought, [He still doesn't take praise well, does he?]
Sally Po stopped Zechs and Treize before they could leave the bridge. She glanced beyond them to Quatre, who gave her a nod. "Sally..." Zechs sighed. "We're not going to chase off anywhere, we promise." "No, you're going to Conference Room A," she responded, giving them a sidelong smile. "We need to meet," Quatre explained, Noin at his side. "All of us." "I'll mind the store," Howard added, waving at them. "Go, get your business done!" A handful of minutes later, Quatre, Noin, Sally, Zechs, and Treize had set down together around the conference room table after picking up their usual refreshment in the nearby break room. Noin had grabbed an extra carafe of coffee as well. It could be a long meeting. "I'm not sure I should be here," Treize murmured, glancing away. "Nonsense," Sally retorted good-naturedly. "Keep Treize Khushrenada out of a meeting of the GAIA leadership committee? What's the fun in that?" That got a little smile out of the former OZ leader. "Very well." "This is about our plans for OZ, I take it?" Zechs asked. "Yes," Quatre replied. "We need to take stock of our resources and decide how best to use them... and when. I know a big concern we all have is the split in OZ and how that's going to affect their attempts to win over the colonies. Now that the former Earthsphere Alliance is squarely in our corner and we have the backing of the L4 cluster, and presumably the L2 people are moving in that direction as well, we need to decide what to do about OZ. I think the time for action is growing near." "Taking stock of our resources..." Zechs glanced over at Treize, who glanced back with a guilty _expression. "ALL of our resources... Right, Treize?" "Oh, no, don't tell me you two have something new up your sleeve?" Sally replied with a sigh. "I mean you've got your new Gundam and that's pretty impressive, and Zechs now has his new Tallgeese II, but is there something else?" Treize sighed and regarded Zechs wryly. "When did our roles get reversed, Zechs? Didn't you used to be the rebel?" Zechs grinned a bit wickedly at him. "Oh, come on, you've asked for this, Treize. Now take your medicine like a good boy. Tell them." "You're scaring us, Zechs, what is it?" Noin asked, looking from one to the other. "We can handle anything you tell us, Treize," Quatre replied, a devilish glint in his eye, a little smile on his face. "I mean, after all you've done, how could it be worse?" Unspoken was "worse" - The Tsuberov assassination. "Well, you have a point, there, Quatre," Treize murmured. "All right. I survived telling Zechs, so I suppose I'll do all right by the rest of you as well. I have developed the Zero System. For Zechs to use with Tallgeese II should the need arise." In the stunned silence that followed, he took a deep breath, then added, "I believe strongly that Trant Clark, the leader of the OZ Aft Faction, may have developed the Zero System, which is why he has been searching for Gundam pilots... in order to test it." "Wufei...!" Sally breathed, a look of horror on her face. "Yes, probably," Treize admitted. "And it seems reasonable that Duo and Heero might also have been targets for capture, only the other faction got Duo first, although for an entirely different reason - to be a test pilot for their new mobile suit, Mercurius." "Why wouldn't you use the Zero System on Epyon, Treize?" Quatre asked, no less horrified that the dread Zero System had been developed despite all caution against it. In light of Treize's theory about Trant, it seemed pointless to berate the former OZ commander-in-chief for defying the committee's wishes yet again. Treize's _expression froze, revealing a hint of pain as he tried to maintain his composure. "Because I tested it. The Zero System showed me my death. That is what will happen if I were to use it in battle with Epyon." No one said anything for a full minute after that terrible admission. Then Zechs murmured slowly, "I will test it on Tallgeese II. It's the only way we can determine whether we can use it at all. For all we know, it's completely unusable, which means Trant won't be able to master it either. He may not regardless. I do not think he is capable of coercing Wufei or anyone else to fight with it against us." "No, Wufei would never..." Treize was quick to put in, "He may not have joined this alliance, but Wufei would never go against us, of that I am sure." [Or against me... not any longer... I don't think. I can't possibly think that...] "Zechs, that sounds dangerous," Noin murmured. "Treize, can you give us any more particulars about your test flight with the Zero? Will you share your data with Zechs at least so he knows what to expect?" Treize did not answer right away. His experience with the Zero System had been deeply troubling and more than anything else in his life had taught him how selfish and arrogant he'd been. His inability to control the Zero had both frightened and disappointed him, but at the same time, convinced him that others could tame this beast. Zechs... Milliardo, his oldest friend, his one protégé had outshone his former leader as a pilot, having become a legend in OZ, the Lightning Count. His subordinates in OZ had lauded and feared him - Treize Khushrenada, but they admired and looked up to Zechs Merquise in an almost worshipful manner. And, perhaps also at least one of the Gundam pilots had that magical quality of fierce focus and determination to also tame the Zero System. Heero Yuy... certainly. Of the others, he simply did not know them well enough to make a judgment, even his Wufei. [Ah, Wufei, what *would* you do with the Zero?] he mused sadly to himself. [What would it tell you about your self... your past, your future...] "Treize," Zechs murmured quietly, prompting him. Treize straightened minutely. "I will share my data, yes." "That's very important," Sally replied, respectful of the man's obvious reluctance to talk about the experience. "It well could happen that the only thing that can defeat a mobile suit with the Zero System... is another mobile suit with that system." "Yes." Treize glanced over at Zechs. "I recall that the Tallgeese gave you a run for your money when you first flew that. Expect the Tallgeese Zero to be about ten times worse." "Thanks for the pep talk," Zechs retorted with a wry look. "So," Quatre continued, bringing the topic back to the reason for their meeting, "we wait to see what the two factions do... Heero and Trowa will continue to monitor that and report to us... and when one or the other make a move, then we can react? Is that what everyone sees happening?" "It depends," Sally sighed, "on what faction moves first, and what that move is." "We need to talk to Heero and Trowa again soon," Noin spoke up. "Perhaps they can tell us how the Fore Faction is doing. Trowa hasn't really said much other than how Colonel Une has been acting." "As long as Lady Une remains in command and in reasonable control of her mental faculties," Treize murmured, "that faction will not make a move against the other. I know her second well - Lieutenant Nikol. He's a hothead, but devoted to her. Although I believe he was originally a proponent of the mobile dolls, I think it well may be that he's shifted his thinking because of the threat from Trant. We'll need to know what his mindset is now." "What about using the Earthsphere Alliance to force their hand?" Zechs offered. "I left Lance there to effect their transition into GAIA, but I can see using them to nudge the two OZ factions into taking a stand." "I don't know," Sally sighed. "That sounds pretty risky, and I know they must have had some losses in that skirmish... minimized, of course, Zechs, by the involvement of you and the White Tauruses with you. I'm not sorry you got involved in that, not by a long shot. They were clearly hungry to jump into our arms." Zechs shook his head, sighing also. "I could not let them fight OZ alone. They were willing to be sacrificed to show the colonies the dark side of OZ. That was needless. It hasn't mattered that OZ now knows we're in outer space. They are held in check at the moment by their civil war, but that surely cannot last." "Zechs, I think you should test the Zero to be ready," Quatre said solemnly. "This, too, is a great risk, but I think you have the very best chance of any of us pilots to master the Zero." Zechs looked uncertain and had started to shake his head when Treize beside him laid a hand on his arm. "Milliardo, the Zero makes one into the ultimate warrior, completely focused on eliminating one's enemy. Trant Clark is not capable of seeing what it has to show with the clarity and determination of a Gundam pilot... but you do. Your reflexes are already legendary. Make one more legend for us, my friend." Momentarily Zechs closed his eyes. [Duo... I do this only for the future we dream of sharing together. I will keep focused on you, on that peace... and perhaps I can master the Zero after all. You... are my only hope for that... my Dancer...] He opened his eyes and took a deep breath. "I will test it."
Down in the construction bay of Barge, the five Gundam scientists were not in the least surprised to see Heero Yuy approach them in the company of Trowa Barton. "Eh, are you causing trouble yet?" Dr. J asked him, peering at him, clacking the artificial mechanism together that had replaced his left hand. "Of course," Heero retorted, going immediately to the computer station. Professor G peered up at Trowa, who stood at ease, silent as ever. "Hey, you - Barton... did I hear that a Gundam pilot was captured and is held prisoner here on Barge?" Trowa glanced over, cool and unconcerned. "Yeah, Duo Maxwell. He'll be testing the Mercurius." "Really!" The scientists all cackled together over that. "Three Gundam pilots aboard Barge! Sounds like it's about to get fun around here!" Off to the side, Master O held up a handful of wires and nodded; the implication was that he'd dismantled yet another listening device in the laboratory area. They seemed to appear once a day, but no OZ soldier ever inquired why they needed such frequent replacing. Regardless, the scientists, Heero, and Trowa all breathed easier, knowing they could speak freely. "It all depends on the Aft Faction," Trowa retorted. "Things may not be much fun when they get going. They're going to try to take over the rest of Barge, or make a bigger move in the colonies. Could go either way." "We haven't heard anything," Instructor H commented, followed by chuckling from his colleagues. Heero and Trowa frowned. "Right. What have you heard?" Heero asked. "Oh, nothing much," Dr. J responded. "Just that they're quite pleased with themselves over... something." "Whom have you heard this from?" Trowa demanded. Dr. J made more clacking sounds with his hand tool. "And just who did you think taught young Heero Yuy here all his hacking skills, eh?" Then he laughed a bit insanely. "You hacked into the Aft Faction's computers from here?" Heero asked incredulously, then snorted. "Figures. Well, you saved me the trouble of doing just that." "You won't get much," J countered. Heero looked offended. "You're wrong." He flexed his fingers, then started typing rapidly on the computer console before him. Now the scientists just looked extremely pleased with themselves, and Trowa rolled his eyes. [Some things never change...] Five minutes later, Heero punched a final button and then waved at the screen. "No problem," he declared. "Amazing," Professor G said, impressed. "So, tell us what's going on over there?" Heero ran a series of searches, poking around in the Aft Faction database system. Unfortunately, he came up empty. "Nothing to see... odd. It's as if they aren't recording orders... not writing them down. Nothing in writing, actually. Although... surprise... data on Gundam pilots. Hm." "Yeah?" Trowa spoke up, interested. "So what do they say?" Heero made a noise that almost sounded like a chuckle. "Pilot 01 -name, unknown. Deceased, Siberia campaign. Pilot 02 - name, unknown. Mentally unstable, calls himself 'God of Death'. Thinks extremely highly of self." "Well, he does," Professor G cackled, setting off another round of titters. Heero and Trowa exchanged a knowing glance, both almost cracking a smile. [Duo...] They knew that Duo's legendary zaniness was largely his personal method of handling the stresses of battle... and it was a quality both of the more reticent Gundam pilots secretly envied. "Ahem," Heero cleared his throat and continued. "Pilot 03, name unknown, utterly fearless and unemotional in battle. Almost an automaton. Suspected to be a drug user." "What?" Trowa almost laughed out loud. "Sounds true to form to me," Doktor S murmured, then winked when Trowa gaped at him. "You're too cool, Trowa!" "Pilot 04," Heero continued. "Name unknown. Alliance with Middle-eastern terrorist organization suspected. The least aggressive of all five pilots. Nothing to worry about." "Hn," Trowa muttered. "Someday they'll be surprised by my Quatre. Serves 'em right, underestimating any Gundam pilot." Instructor H blinked at the rather possessive statement from the normally reserved Heavyarms pilot. But he did not comment. "Pilot 05, name unknown," Heero murmured. "Ties with rebels in China suspected. Ruthless, coldhearted killer. Contemptuous of females. Highly dangerous." "Whoa," Trowa commented. "That's pretty harsh, even for Wufei. Though I know Noin had a bad run-in with him. He didn't seem so bad when we met him in Antarctica, however." "Listen to this," Heero added. "A note on the bottom of this file -it says 'all Gundam pilots known to be dangerous, but they are suspected of being very young and hence can likely be very malleable with the right influence. Recommend constraining under custody as soon as possible.' So that could mean they want to capture Gundam pilots to keep them from causing trouble for them." His glance slid over to Trowa, who looked back, then coolly gave him a smirk. Heero snorted, pleased as well to be so regarded by the other faction. "Well, they fear us, and that's good. But I can't see anything of their plans." "What about Wufei?" Trowa asked. "Can you find out where he's being held?" "Let me see..." Heero worked the keys for a while, then sighed and shook his head. "Well, there's no official detention sector, as that was on the Fore half of Barge, so it's possible he could be locked in a storage hold or something. Most of the Aft section is storage, laboratories, additional launch bays. I imagine they've been able to duplicate the rest of the functional areas - save the bridge - by now." Trowa frowned, looking concerned. "The closer one gets to the demarcation line on Barge between the two sections, the more paranoid the guard personnel are. I haven't been able to get close to it. There's a sealed door, I believe, but the security is very heavy. I don't see how anyone could get from one section to the other." "Hmmm..." Heero muttered. [A task I might have to take up... in my spare time.] As Heero could not find anything more of interest on the computer, their attention all turned next to the new mobile suits. "Functional," Heero commented after Dr. J explained the differences between the two suits. "So, that's how you have been able to stay alive, is that it?" The scientists shared a mutual cackle. "You pilots are going to steal them anyway," Dr. J replied cheerfully. "Why not make you really good ones?" "Right," Trowa sighed. "Well, though Heero has already seen the design files for these, he might as well take a closer look. Come on, Heero..." He gestured toward the Mercurius. In the shadows a figure withdrew, having heard some very interesting things. Stealthily he retraced his steps back to a secret entrance to the Aft section, slipping unnoticed through the unremarkable door. [Trant's going to like this,] the man mused to himself. [Gundam Pilot Duo Maxwell is in custody. I wonder which one that is? Those other two... eh, I can nab any one I want, any time I'm ready...] He chuckled to himself and went to report to his superior. (tbc)
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