|
"Found"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: Alternate reality, angst, romance, hurt/comfort Pairings: 6x2, 3x4 Summary: A conversation in an online chatroom
leads to much more for two enemy pilots.
"Found " 6) After signing off, Zechs backed up from the computer and sat on the edge of the bed, staring at the machine for a moment. [So... what really did just happen? Did I actually have cybersex with this guy with a braid? And why do I feel turned inside out?] An insistent beeping caused him to straighten suddenly. [Is he calling now? No, it's a video call, not audio only... and I'm going to be calling him...] He hastily reached for his mask and put it on, smoothing his hair back as best he could, then responded to the call. To his surprise, the caller was Treize Khushrenada. And the command codes on the computer indicated it was a standard call, not shielded within the OZ network. That meant the exchange was to be professional... in other words, awkward. [Damn.] Zechs straightened. "Good evening, sir," he greeted him. "Zechs, old man, good evening," Treize greeted him with his usual half-smirk. "So, you're holed up at Lake Victoria. Anything interesting going on down there?" Zechs was glad Treize couldn't see his expression. [He's curious... it offends His Excellency to be in the dark about the activities of favored minions... damn. I should have expected that he'd call - he's been worried about me since the apparent destruction of Gundam 01 for those OZ inspectors.] "Yes, sir. This has been an unsettled place for some time since the attack here by a Gundam pilot. And there is the transition from training facility to mobile suit design work. Therefore I've decided this place could use my personal attention for a while." Treize peered at his best friend, nodding slowly. "The attack -yes, I believe your Noin reported that the pilot of 05 was responsible for the attack on the trainee dormitories. Regrettable. But that pilot is a fierce one indeed." [Good, talking about the Gundam pilots is a safe topic...] "I suppose they all are in some way created in the same mold by their colony keepers," Zechs replied smoothly. "At least their number has been reduced by one finally." [And I'll never tell you, Treize, that I strongly believe the pilot of 01 is alive. Or that I'm very glad that he is.] "Yes, fortunate, that," Treize murmured. "Very well. If you think Lake Victoria needs your special touch, then so be it. As you know, I've sent Lady Une to the colonies to attempt to woo them into accepting our governing control while the transition away from Alliance control is completed. I think she will surprise them; I've instructed her to seek out her soft, gentle side. It should be interesting." [Une in the colonies... what the hell is that man thinking? So he does mean to govern the colonies now!] A sense of dread crept into his belly again at the thought of OZ exerting itself in the colonies. And there was another matter - it was common knowledge Treize Khushrenada was in love with Lady Une. It must have been very hard for him to send her off to outer space. Zechs's demeanor relaxed, the tone of his voice sympathetic. "Yes, very," he agreed gently. Then his glance shifted to the clock on the computer. He had a phone call to make in less than fifteen minutes. What if his good friend Treize had only called to talk? He must be lonely without his beloved at his side. "The rebel unrest in the colonies must be rooted out," Treize added, his voice sharpening abruptly. "Those responsible for the Gundams must be executed. Romefeller..." He trailed off, a tinge of discomfort appearing in his expression. Zechs studied his face. "Romefeller?" he prompted, bewildered. [Romefeller's just the financial backer of OZ... Treize doesn't dirty himself in financial matters...] Treize took a deep breath, his glance sliding away. "Romefeller is pushing hard to eliminate the Gundams. If you should encounter any in Africa, Zechs, you must destroy it and its pilot. They're... embarrassing." [Embarrassing to Romefeller, but to you? Or is this just something for you to focus on while you're worried about Une?] Zechs wanted to say that to his friend, but couldn't, not like this. He knew the transmission was monitored by Romefeller. "I see," he replied smoothly, the perfect subordinate. "Of course I'll eliminate any Gundams I find. It is my duty to you and to OZ." [Ironic... I feel utterly no allegience to OZ... and why should I? If not out of gratitude that through OZ I found my revenge... then what? There is nothing truly keeping me here... except Gundam 01 and that poor dead boy... but I can feel he's alive... no, OZ is just an organization, no more. The Gundam pilots have a *cause*... I have none... and that makes them superior to me and all of OZ. Ironic... I have a personal loyalty to Treize but...] The response seemed to satisfy Treize who nodded, the content little smile returning. "I'm glad you're still around, Zechs." Then he paused, and Zechs got the distinct impression that he'd been about to say something else. "Well. I just wanted to see how our Lightning Count was doing." "Very fine, sir, thank you," Zechs replied, feeling a note of dismay that Treize obviously had wanted to talk to him but once again let rank get in the way. He did that much too often, isolating himself at the top. It had been the situation for a few years now as Zechs had risen in rank himself. "Lake Victoria Base will be the better for my attention, I am hoping." "Indeed," Treize replied smirking at an apparent internal joke of his. Perhaps he wondered at Zechs's rather formal manner, but chose not to comment on it. "Good luck, Zechs." "Thank you, sir," Zechs responded, hiding an internal wince under his mask. [Why was I so formal with him? It's just Treize. So what if this is monitored? I've known him my whole life... is he afraid to open up with me now? Because of the chance he's taking with Une in outer space? Perhaps he's wanted to ask me to go there myself and help her... but I can't deceive the colonies like that. Damn.] When he shut down the connection, he immediately took off the hated mask and looked at it. [Why do I still wear it? Why am I going through all this pretense? Do the Gundams keep me in OZ? Is the potential for fighting in glorious duels with those amazing young pilots what holds me where I am? And what of me?] He allowed himself to think again about the man with the braid with whom he'd chatted... and more. [I must pursue this... if I could develop a relationship with such a bright, bold spirit as this, I might gain the personal confidence to change my life, leave this miserable military career at last. Father... you'd like that, I know.] Zechs glanced at the clock. It was time to call BraidBoy.
|
