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"The Agency: Meeting of Souls "Written By: Karina Pairings 13x6 [eventual], 5xS, 3x4, Others undecided at this time. Warnings: Extreme Alternate Universe setting. Unbetaed, Aussie spelling and grammar, not much else in the early chapters though it will involve murder, stalking and possibly some colourful language down the track. Some Out Of Character depictions are unavoidable considering the alternate universe setting. Rating: M [In Australia that would be mature adult 15+] Not sure with the new rating system about international ratings. Rated for violence and language and adult concepts. Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing. That's about as plain as you could say it. Summary: The world took a very different turn with the acknowledgement of psychic abilities and training of select psychic individuals enlisted in elite fields such as law enforcement and politics. A grading system for the strength of psionic abilities was developed and those who were the top of the elite have been dubbed Prime Talents and are highly sought after. Elite institutions have been developed to mark, train and employ individuals with useable psionic talents. The colonies of canon Gundam Wing do exist in this fic and were constructed before the psionic system was founded. With the advent of psionics in open use in society younger people are appearing in positions of power as they are awakening to their abilities earlier and are highly trained in their fields of expertise. //…// Thoughts
Chapter Nineteen “If it is wanting a man you are, then meat on your bones you should put, and a smile on your face you should smile. No man is wanting a stick to embrace and a prune to kiss. Past is past, let it lie in the past you should. This is place of work not grudges, and in a position of responsibility you are. Gabriella is thinking acting like it you are not, and you should be.” Treize winced, struggling to keep all expression from his face. If Gabriella chanced to look in his direction he did not want to be drawn into her tirade. “Be pretty, let your hair out of these earphones you wear. This would be letting sounds of real world in, and things you would learn. You are woman of substance, not little girl whining in corner. Be woman. Elders have their place in life and respect them you should, but when they get senile to point of idiocy it is in pine box they belong. Decrepit windbags of over long year’s not living life should not be living through the youngsters who follow them.” Gabriella was in full bloom. No amount o f money or promises could make him draw her attention until she had wound herself down, and at the moment she was only winding up. He might have made his peace with Anne Une the night before… at least he thought they had made peace… but he was not inclined to place himself between his self appointed, erstwhile Guardian, and the target of her ire. He had already had his lecture, and was not inclined to experience another. “Know you not what a contract is? Is this bit of paper Gabriella is waving under your nose.” Une almost went cross eyed as a sheaf of papers was thrust in pudgy fingers into her face, stopping just short of her nostrils. “Is this bit of paper says you are not to overtax the resources of your Prime. Is this bit of paper says Gabriella can pin your arse to wall and throw darts at.” Said contract was shaken forcefully with each word. Experience had taught him when to back off and sit quietly in a corner; much like a little boy reprimanded for a minor indiscretion. Nor was he alone seeking shelter and anonymity in his safe corner of the office. His designated safe zone was occupied by Sally Po, who watched the Romany Prime with wide eyes, and no small amount of what he thought might be awed amusement. “Is she always like this?” Sally whispered, flinching from another grand gesture of the short chubby arms. At this point in time the object of Gabriella’s lecture, Anne Une, was looking incredibly like a little girl caught with her hand in the cookie jar. The Prime had begun with a run down of Une’s pedigree and the curs marring her bloodline. From there she had progressed to a detailed dissertation on the past performances of the Une family elders, in sufficient detail to make even Treize wonder who had performed the research Gabriella obviously drew on. The Romany Prime had pointedly informed the entire office how unfortunate it was the telekinetic in charge of the Agency’s Operations section thought it appropriate to emulate some of those ancestors. The Prime had commented on Une’s deplorable conduct in holding on to the grudge over something as piffling unimportant as an aborted breeding contract. Gabriella had thence chosen to start in on Une’s ‘inability’ to snare a man to warm her bed. Treize was fairly sure the flourishing of the contract was an indication the lecture would now progress to the contractual obligations meant to be under discussion, and Une’s personal life, or lack there of; mauled as it was, would now be left alone. “Like this?” Treize blinked. Turning to the woman beside him he shook his head slowly, and made small hand motions clearly signalling a request she lower her volume. He was unwilling to attract Gabriella’s attention, and when he answered he did so in a whisper, hoping the Doctor would be wise enough to do the same… or better still, be silent. Silence was so much safer. “You have no idea. She is only warming up, and I am afraid your husband may need more than a little tender loving care by the time Gabriella is through with him. Pray you never see her upset.” It was the Doctor’s turn to blink, which she followed with a wide eyed look at Gabriella who, short as she was physically, towered over the seated Operations Director. Une was slowly sinking in her chair, eyes wide and full lips slightly parted in shock. “This is not upset?” Treize smirked, unable to help himself. “Good heavens, no. At the present time Gabriella is mildly annoyed she has been called upon by the other seven Primes to sort out this piffling triviality. I should be strong enough in my abilities, and hardened by life sufficiently, to dictate my terms to my employer; and ensure all conditions of said contract are adhered to. By now, given the consideration my contract has received I should have walked off the job, and sued the Agency to within an inch of bankruptcy. Had I done so, I would have saved Gabriella the trouble of appearing for more than a social call to see the new Prime candidate.” “Mildly annoyed.” Sally breathed. She blinked, glancing between the two Primes. He could almost see the wheels turning in her mind as she chewed over his commentary. Nor was he disappointed in her when she zeroed in on his main concern. “She is here to see Marquise?” “Why else would she be here? I am nothing more than a convenient excuse for her to stick her arched Romany nose into the business. She will be logged on Marquises record as a Prime with a marked interest, and thereafter have an excuse to ride herd on him as she rides herd on me. I’m her Naughty Boy, you see. It was Gabriella who ‘sorted me out’, as she so quaintly calls bringing order and sanity into my life. She took my family to task over my career choices, and my sexuality. I believe a number of Great Uncles and Aunts still leave town if they are fortunate enough to be forewarned Gabriella is to make an appearance.” Given the known history of the Kushrenada family the Doctor looked at the Gypsy Prime with new respect. It was no mean feat to set a Kushrenada on their heels, and to set them running deserved admiration. “From what I have heard of him, which I admit is not a great deal, I would think him to be a little on the shy side. How is he going to stand up to her?” The doctor shook her blonde head slowly. “The reports suggest he is somewhat on the reclusive side at the University; certainly reserved. You’ve met him. Will he cope?” Treize fought against the urge to giggle hysterically. How unbecoming such a reaction would be, and he needed to gain greater control of himself. It was proving to be an unsettling morning, and he was still a little off centre from the night before. Gabriella was not helping his equilibrium, but he would simply have to hold himself together. Hysterically laughing, or weeping, would serve only to have him committed. “Will HE cope with HER? My Dear Sally, I can’t cope with Gabriella. I honestly don’t think anyone can. You sort of…” He searched desperately for words adequate to the task of describing dealing with the woman, and failed miserably. “You get used to her. Sort of. After a while. Well... You learn to survive.” Sally considered the Prime seated beside her, before looking to where the Prime was leaning over the wide desk, her short stature requiring she stand on her toes and lean her hands on the desk to do so. She was engaged in lecturing Une on what sounded suspiciously like every clause in the contract, which periodically was waved for emphasis on some obscure point. She was frankly astonished on those occasions the Prime did not fall flat on her face on the desk, so stretched over the desk was she. For such a small woman she had incredible reach on her, Sally mused. “You said in your initial report he struck you as being shy.” Treize inclined his head, acknowledging the report he had submitted on the case to date. “Indeed, however I believe I called him ‘reserved’. I am of the opinion even your husband would come up with the same verdict.” “That does not bode well for his meeting with her. She would dominate him, for all of their size disparity.” Treize fought down a snide comment, reminding himself of his station; he should be above such common behaviour, and the proximity of Gabriella reminded him he was not suicidal. She would certainly not appreciate his stifled commentary on the relationship between her physical size and her weight, weighed against her personality. “In fairness to her, Gabriella generally knows how to approach a person to attain the best result on the initial meeting. She has an infallible instinct to know exactly how much a person can take of her… caring.” He winced and hoped the woman was not paying attention to them. He dared not look for fear of finding those all knowing dark eyes on him. “It is my hope she will take one look at Mr. Marquise
and want to mother him.” He flinched at a particularly vicious
rustle of the paper held less than an inch beneath Une’s nose.
“Mind you, Gabriella’s mothering can be taken to extremes,
and appear far worse than what you are witnessing now.” The dark eyes, to his abject horror, were firmly centred on him, and Treize nodded vigorously, clamping his jaw closed. Heaven forbid she should have brought some of that foul concoction with her. Sally sniggered quietly beside him and dark eyes shifted to pin her to her chair. Treize was delighted to see her smile disappear, and in his opinion Sally could do a creditable imitation of a lemming staring down a hawk. There was something in that dark eyed gaze that promised she did not want to be the object of Gabriella’s scathing wit. The huge office space outside Une’s office was conspicuously silent in the lull within the Directors office. No murmur of voices from beyond the walls suggested the people working there had either bolted for the safety of another floor; which in his opinion would have been an immensely sensible thing to do; or they were glued to their seats, with mouths agape in silent amazement at the events taking place. The Operations Director herself was low in her seat, widened eyes centred on the old woman still leaning over her desk. Out of sight of the witnesses to her reprimand, her hands were clenched on the base of her seat in a bid to stop herself from sliding further. Another half an inch and she was sure she would slither off the chair and vanish beneath her desk. How unbecoming that would be for one in her position, and her fingers were white with the effort to maintain her seat. The focus of the Prime had shifted to Kushrenada and Po, witnesses to the confrontation, and she was not inclined to have it shift back to her. If fortune smiled Gabriella would be distracted by Sally and Kushrenada, and she could take the opportunity to recover her aplomb. With the focus shifted she hoped the lecture would also be concluded. She was uncertain how much more she could take without dissolving into tears; how unforgivable that would be, or into hysterical giggling; equally as horrifying, as it held the potential to inflame the temper of the Prime to new heights. Gabriella straightened and with great dignity glared at Treize one more time; to be certain he knew his place. He delighted her and he really was a bright boy, she reflected. His only failing in her view was his willingness to give of himself, and his unique talents, to the point he endangered himself. After her appearance at the Agency she expected those who worked with him would have more respect for his needs. He was too nice, her Naughty Boy, and he should have taken them to task before her interference was required. One final glare to ensure both male and female were suitably cowed, and Gabriella turned back to the Operation’s Director with a fierce glare. Noting the woman flinch with the return of her attention, the Romany Prime was content, and decided she had made her point. If there was no improvement in her protégé’s working conditions in forthcoming weeks, she still had a few notes she could ‘discuss’ concerning his contract at a later time. All in all, Gabriella was thoroughly enjoying her morning. “Gabriella has decided to be magnanimous.” The contract was placed on the desk with a resounding thumped and she pinned the younger woman with a glare, just in case she assumed she might be able to relax. “You should be honoured Gabriella does not demand you be demoted for this abuse. Continue to work here you will, and Primes will not sue for breach of contractual obligations, per say, the health requirements for a Prime.” For added effect to drive her judgement home, the Romany Prime leaned over the desk, her entire body straining to hover over the Director in the manner of a bird of Prey; ready to stoop for the kill. “Consider yourself fortunate Gabriella is in magnanimous mood you should. Expect Gabriella to be so magnanimous if there is a next time, you should not.” A final glare with bright dark eyes and the Prime straightened. “Matter rests here for now.” Turning from Une the Prime considered the pair seated on the far side of the room, both watching her warily. She was impressed by the blonde Doctor, who was not cowering from her. She was pleased to sense Sally Po was radiating an aura of respect. It was gratifying to know at least one person in the building showed suitable respect for her position. “You with big blue eyes will take me to smokeless dragon, and Gabriella will scale his measly hide. It is understanding I am, you wish to breed with this dragon of small stature?” Wide eyed at being singled out Sally hesitated before nodding, wondering how the woman could be so intimidating. She was uncertain if she should be sitting or standing and those black eyes were glittering with wry amusement. Undoubtedly the Prime was reading her emotions like a book, and Sally could only wish she was similarly gifted; it would enable her to keep certain patients in line. “Wondering I am, if certain you are this is good idea? Offspring might be small, smokeless and have large mouth?” Une made a wheezing noise, smothered quickly under the dark eyes, and she slid a little further under the offered safety of her desk. Lips pressed firmly together the Director did her best to appear innocent, and held her breath until the Prime turned back to Sally. The Doctor appeared speechless, gaping at the older woman in disbelief, and Treize sat with his back ramrod straight with a carefully blank face. Gabriella motioned imperiously to the door. “Haste, haste. Gabriella has much to be doing this day. Naughty Boy, you will be remaining and reminding underweight Operations Officer of obligations in contract set out in small letters. Ah, perhaps this is the problem you are needing eyes tested?” The dark eyes settled on Une who stared back.” Needing new glasses? Whatever, get fixed.” The Prime ignored the seated woman’s obvious relief when she turned away, and Une inched herself up in her chair, careful not to be obvious and draw Gabriella’s attention once more. “This evening you will be taking Gabriella to the school of much money and greater egos, so I may meet with this number loving boy who needs to be cared for as only Gabriella is capable.” Treize nodded once, decisively, not inclined to attract another lecture, and silently apologising to Zechs Marquise for revealing his existence to the Primes. Gabriella had admitted wanting to mother another young male, and there would be no defeating her. They could be united in their mutual horror in future years, if nothing else came of their association. He blinked, watching as Gabnriella stood there, waiting, and it was precious seconds before he realized what she was waiting for. Horrified he nudged Sally, who seemed to be locked in a trance. Startled the Doctor looked at him, breaking eye contact with Gabriella who smirked at him when Sally looked at him, and rolled her eyes with a soft ‘tsk’. Inclining his head urgently to the door he flicked his gaze at the Prime and then back to the Doctor, who followed his look and jerked herself to her feet. “Oh. Yes. Of course, this way.” Only when the indomitable Gabriella had hustled Sally out of the office, and the door had closed behind them, did he dare to relax. A strangled sound from the desk drew his attention to find Une, her hands firmly pressed to her mouth, muffled noises escaping her. He was uncertain if it was sobs or laughter, and he looked to the office door in horror, expecting Gabriella to reappear. His attempt to caution her was silenced by a familiar voice from the outer office area. “Hussy be returning your chest to its natural configuration; and be using tissues for dripping nose, not false bosoms. Flash this falseness at my Naughty Boy again, and Gabriella will bare you to the scrutiny of all, that they may see what pimples adorn your chest.” Trieze stared at the door, sapphire eyes wide and jaw dropped in disbelief, and looked in panic at Une, who was making the most alarming noises behind her hands. He knew only too well there was nothing wrong with Gabriella’s hearing, and he could well imagine the horror that would break over their heads if Une was heard to be laughing. “For Gods sake, Une, have you no sense of self preservation? Don’t let her hear you!” He hissed the warning, waving at her ineffectually to be silent. “It would be more than your life is worth if she hears you laughing.” Her brown eyes danced with mischief, as she took delight in his obvious panic. After her dressing down by the Prime it was good to see someone else afraid of the woman. It was unfortunate the harder she tried to control herself, the harder it was to stop. The Agency Prime shooting panicked glances at the door only added to her loss of composure. “Will you shut up!” Treize hissed at her. “Do you want her coming through that door, and this time in a real temper? I assure you, you have seen nothing yet.” Treize, she supposed, had already suffered his lecture from the Prime, and she could not blame him for fearing to draw the woman’s ire. He still had most of the day ahead of him in Gabriella’s company. With a superior effort she stifled her amusement, and regained sufficient control of herself to have the Agency Prime relaxing again. “Is she always like that?” “Frequently.” He sighed. “She has a heart of gold, the mouth of a fish wife, and a right hook you don’t wish to be on the wrong side of.” One delicate eyebrow arched, and she wondered when Treize had had occasion to witness, or be on the receiving end, of that right hook. If there was one thing Une was sure of, it was that keeping company with the woman would never be boring. Frightening, certainly, entertaining, undoubtedly, but boring, no. She suspected you might never know exactly where you stood with Gabriella. “I never suspected you kept such entertaining company, Mr Kushrenada.” She murmured, demure in appearance, though her brown eyes twinkled with suppressed amusement. “Tell me, are the other Primes in your field as entertaining as Gabriella, and as… unique?” Rising gracefully to his feet Treize picked up his chair and moved it close to the desk, settling himself once more. The smile that had melted many a young noblewoman’s heart flashed into existence, like a lighthouse on a dark night. “Some of them are worse.” He smirked. Une rolled her eyes, wondering if he was exaggerating, and deciding she really did not want to know. She had been told Prime rated empaths and telepaths could be a little ‘odd’, and that the rarer few graced with Prime level, or near Prime status with combined talents, could be considered exceedingly strange. Eccentric, she had been told, did not begin to describe some of them. She had thought those evaluations exaggerated, after all, the Agency Prime was sane enough. “After meeting Gabriella I would suggest you not leave her alone with… how did she term him?” Une pursed her lips. “The number. How did she come up with calling him… Oh wait, Zechs. Yes, of course. Six.” Treize sighed. “Exactly, and I am hoping that is only an interim designation. Gabriella is inclined to evaluate a person and there after identify you with a potentially insulting, and almost always embarrassing, nickname. I’m afraid I must inform you of the possibility you may be stuck with a title as ignominious as Skinny Employer Lady.” Lady Une sighed, rubbing the bridge of her nose. “At least I’m not to be designated as a Smokeless Dragon.” Treize could not refrain from grinning, thinking of his partners flaming embarrassment, should Gabriella saddle him with such a title for the duration of their working relationship. Chang Wu Fei would be furious, but Treize had never known anyone to stand up against the Romany Prime over something as piffling as a nickname. “I feel exhausted after that, and it is not even midday. Since you know her reasonably well, how long do you estimate she will subject Chang to her unique brand of punishment?” “As long as she sees fit.” Treize shuddered delicately. “I suggest you refrain from interfering, and just allow her to wind down. I have seen her take half the morning to tell one of the Primes what she thought of him and his ‘loose habits’. Interference tends to make her even more eloquent. This is nothing compared to the trouble she took to review the family history of Great Aunt Richenda, when she had the audacity to protest I would not be studying under Great Uncle Bartholomew the genteel arts of the politically aware. Great Aunt Richenda made the unfortunate decision of protesting to Gabriella personally.” Une’s lower lip twitched, before slowly curving into a smile. “Richenda Catalonia?” “The one and only.” Treize confirmed with a soft snicker. “Could the world survive two of her?” “Oh, I wish I could have witnessed that. I have had the misfortune of being on the receiving end of Dame Catalonia’s temper and sarcasm. The woman, I swear, is evil incarnate.” “Yes, she is rather a frightening old harridan, but she was cowed by Gabriella in all of five minutes flat. After I recovered my senses from witnessing the confrontation, Gabriella informed me, with considerable pride, it is the Romany Blood that gives her the edge.” Une sighed. “I do wish I had been present, it would have been memorable.” Taking a deep breath Une inclined her head to the Prime. “I think, before we go any further with this case, I need to apologise. For the past.” Treize met brown eyes and after a moment shook his head slightly. He was willing to let the past lie, and if Une was ready to take that step, he would not make it difficult for her. “It’s not necessary. I believe Gabriella has the right of it; we are all in need of a good shake up. We should not permit the past to affect our working relationship.” Une inclined her head, understanding. “True, but I feel I needed to apologize, regardless. I know it was a long time ago, and it is done, but… I’m sorry. Can we not start afresh, as though there is no past history between us?” “It would be my pleasure to start over.” ————————————————————————- Chang Wu Fei entered the Chief of Operations office with all the dignity of a dog cringing from the scolding of an irate master. Beneath the eyes of those attending the briefing, he slid into the one vacant chair before Une’s desk and, without comment, dropped his head onto the desk. His shuddering breath was sufficient to say a thousand words. He did not care who was present at the briefing, or what they thought of his appearance. His only concern was the horrendous woman was not in the room. With Gabriella occupied somewhere else, any where was good, his much abused ears, and severely beaten ego, might have a chance to recover. “I trust Prime Gabriella has been suitably distracted for the moment?” Une murmured, shuffling the reports spread out before her. “I trust we may begin the briefing without fear of disruption?” Sally, looking worn but oddly amused, closed the door behind her, and walked around the desk, motioning Treize to remain seated as she chose to perch herself on the edge of the desk. His manners were impeccable, and she knew he was affronted she chose to sit where she did. She had an ulterior motive, of course. From her position she could keep a watch out for Gabriella’s return, and she would have a greater chance of making a hasty getaway. “Prime Gabriella is currently enjoying a tour of the facilities available to the Agency’s investigators. From the last report she has thus far cowered the first two floors, and was making inroads on the Second. Word has been received she will conclude her tour in the Medical Centre, where I am to have her Naughty Boy awaiting her, or she will come looking for us.” Treize sighed at the ‘Naughty Boy’ but remained mute. As if he would dare to be anywhere other than where Gabriella expected to find him. “Heaven and my Ancestors forbid.” Chang whispered. “I never wish to cross her path again.” “Then I seriously advise you to keep your big mouth shut, and you should be safe.” Sally tartly commented, with all of the immunity of the man’s partner in life granting her safety from reprisal. Not that Wu Fei looked in any condition to take her to task. Chang’s head lifted from the desk, dark hair falling over his face, and his onyx eyes sought, and held, the sapphire gaze of his working partner. “I apologise. From the bottom of my heart, and on my Ancestors honour, I offer my sincere apologies. I overstepped the marks of good manners, and have brought shame upon my clan and myself.” Treize resisted the urge to sigh and curse Gabriella. The woman knew what she was doing, of that he had no doubt. She would have gauged exactly her effect on Wu Fei, and the depth of the apology she determined fitted the crime. “It’s alright Wu Fei. I’m just sorry Gabriella arrived today. I had hoped to deal with the matter myself. Discretely. Apology accepted.” “I’m not sorry she turned up.” Sally murmured, unrepentant, and flashed a sunny smile at her husband. “I’ve told you often enough to watch your mouth, it would get you in trouble.” “Save me, she thinks the demon is wonderful.” Chang dropped his head to the desk again with a decided thud. “I shall have no peace within my own home.” “It’s my home too, and it’s about time you remembered it.” Was the tart rejoinder Sally glanced at Une. “Gabriella meant one hour, by the way, so we need to begin. I’ll not have her tongue aimed at me considering the damage it can do, and I’m sure Treize has no desire to be the recipient of another lecture.” Heero grunted softly from his seat on the far side of Treize. He had heard enough about the formidable Prime to know he personally could do without earning her notice. He was not about to admit there were warnings circulating about the ESUN Security Centre the Prime had arrived in the city. She was due to visit the Centre the next day, and he wondered if it had anything to do with the shake up she was causing at the Agency. He had never had the dubious pleasure of making the woman’s acquaintance, and given the reaction of these people he wished to keep it that way. He had spoken to a number of colleagues, who had had the misfortune to meet the woman under less than desirable circumstances. She appeared to have immunity from any repercussions the liberal use of her tongue unleashed on the world at large. He was planning to be absent from the Centre during her visit, to be assured he did not draw her eye. Une shuffled her papers one more time, casting an eye around the small group assembled. Heero, Sally, the Prime and Chang comprised the group she had assigned to this case. This was a chance for them to evaluate the current data, and postulate on their next move. They were all aware the case was not as straight forward as the Agency had been led to believe, from the ESUN’s Security Services initial report. Drawing a deep breath she inclined her head to Heero. “If you would begin, Mr. Yuy.” Heero straightened in his chair and placed a folder on the desk in front of him, though he did not open it. “The autopsy report on the victim gives the cause of death as heart failure. The heart showed massive bruising, which the pathologist suggested might be caused by a constricting field stopping the heart from pumping. The post mortem revealed he was in remarkably good physical condition, and there is sufficient evidence to suggest exposure to abusive psychokinetic potential elsewhere on his body. The pathologist in charge of the post mortem determined kinetic energy is the most likely reason for the cause of death.” Chang nodded slightly. “I assumed his heart would have been constricted. Quick and clean, leaving no blood or traces, until a post mortem examination reveals it.” Heero inclined his head slightly before continuing. Chang was the kinetic of the group, and would know exactly what kind of force had been brought to bare, to snuff out the life of the man. “In light of the evidence of the cause of death, and the massive damage done to the skeleton of the victim to fit the man into the refrigerator, the death is now officially listed as murder, by an unknown individual with a high psychokinetic potential.” “All of which we suspected.” Chang sighed, sitting erect in his seat, back ramrod straight. He was affronted any kinetic would use their gift for murder. It was dishonourable to use kinetics against those not likewise gifted, who had no defense against the invisible tendrils of a thought. You would not see that thought invading your body, nor would you feel anything until invisible fingers closed around your heart and squeezed, killing in a few agonizing seconds. “Suspicions are one thing. At least now we have confirmation we are dealing with a kinetic of considerable talent.” Treize offered. “A kinetic talent causing a death is something we can not take lightly. Given the means of the kill, and the damage done to the suite, I think there is little doubt what we are dealing with. This is not just a kinetic going off the deep end, intentionally or accidentally causing a death. This killer is not merely a kinetic, but a psi with burgeoning multiple talents. An emergent super psi, if you will. It is my belief the perpetrator will only get stronger, and more unstable with time. We need to find, and stop him, as quickly as possible.” Sally, the Medical Officer amongst them, nodded gravely. “Agreed. A berserk high level psychic on a killing rampage is not something I want to contemplate, and if he has killed once, he would have little compunction about killing again.” “Are you certain our perpetrator is male?” Une queried, leafing through the report folder on her desk. “I feel I can say beyond a doubt the psychic impression I sensed belonged to a male. I would venture to narrow the field down to a young male, perhaps no older than nineteen, considering the development of psychic potential. He may be as young as fourteen or fifteen, but I believe him to be older than that. It will be necessary for me to sense the room once more, and I will also require another, more formal interview, with Catherine Bloom. The young woman knows far more than she herself knows, and quite frankly I am surprised she is alive. The victim was killed quickly and neatly, but Catherine Bloom survived her encounter with an intruder in that suite, with nothing more to show for it than a modified memory. An extremely well executed memory modification, given the ad hoc nature of the process required in a limited time frame. Not only did he modify her memory, but he penetrated a high level Psi shielding device, designed specifically to protect her against such intrusion. That kind of work, that type of intricacy, takes power, but it also takes finesse not to leave her a vegetable” Sally stirred, glancing at Une. “It would have been very easy to injure her brain, to leave her in a vegetive state. Memory modification is usually performed under controlled conditions; and never with an active mind shield in effect.” Une drew out a piece of blank paper and scribble some hasty notes, considering the short list for a moment, before she straightened and looked at Treize. “You believe the killer to be a stalker enamoured of one of the three young males occupying the suite?” Treize inclined his head slightly. “I do.” “You believe his infatuation may lie, not with the Winner heir, but with one or the other of the other two. You think this because?” “His target may be Quatre Winner, but we can not discount the other two young men. They are all good looking, each is brilliant in their own way, and they all, it appears, are interested in men as sexual partners. The Stalker may be aware of this orientation.” “So the question is, has the killer a desire for sexual relations with one of them, or is he one of the really sick ones to get his jollies by killing the object of his infatuation, so that no other may soil his perfection.” Sally murmured. Treize inclined his head to her, unfazed by her comment. “It may come to that. Whether he will turn on his target if he feels his advances are spurned remains to be seen, but it is my hope we shall have him identified, and dealt with, before it comes to that.” “You further believe the perpetrator to be an emergent psi. A high level of telepathy, to explain his ability to effect this memory modification you say you found in Catherine Bloom. Given what you sensed, how highly would you place this telepathic ability in comparison to a Prime Telepath’s capabilities? I need an evaluation on his kinetic potential as well, in relation to the capabilities of a Prime Kinetic.” “Given the damage done to the suite, I would estimate his abilities in excess of my own, when measured in raw strength.” Wu Fei frowned at his hands. “There was a great deal of kinetic strength used in demolishing the rooms, but there may have been more strength than skill. I doubt this individual has much in the way of finesse about him. We may need a Prime Kinetic to bring him down, if such action is required.” “Treize?” Une looked to her Prime. “I concur with Wu Fei’s estimation of his kinetic potential. It may take one or two Primes, or a Prime backed by a couple of higher level Kinetics, to bring him under control. Kinetic strength is not my forte. I am of no use to you there, but I would hope it would not be necessary for such a showdown to take place.” He met the eyes of his Operations Director and inclined his head a little, indicating the wide window behind her desk. “Such a battle of strengths has the potential to be damaging to property and people. In this instance, it has the potential to cause massive disruption, in that there are other Psi abilities involved. The memory modification needs more investigation, but is suggestive of near Prime levels, and I suspect there is little in the way of training behind his skills. He may have access to a library, where he could read summaries, and theories, on the practical application of Psi gifts, but that is no substitute for professional tuition.” “Well, Tsuberov has enough libraries for it to be fairly easy for him to read up on the subject.” Une murmured. “We can hope he is limited to kinetic and telepathic abilities. The more abilities he opens, the thinner his sanity will be, as he tries to cope with his own potential. Without knowing more of the target himself, I can not venture an accurate assessment of his telepathic potential. I am hoping he does not develop a strong empathic link to partner his telepathic potential. We will need to locate him with all speed, as he is a danger to everyone in his immediate vicinity, not merely to himself. If he becomes frustrated with his fascination with one of the three men, he will be walking a thin line. Anything could be sufficient to set him off, and then there may be no choice in what we do with him.” “If you don’t mind my asking for greater detail, what is it that gives you cause to think the Stalker is not after Winner?” Heero queried. Treize met Heero’s gaze and inclined his head slightly, considering the other man. “He may well be targeting Winner. I am not suggesting he is not, but following my interview with Trowa Barton, whom I know reasonably well, and who knows each of the three men involved; I believe we would be making an unforgivable assumption to consider only Winner as the target. Trowa had more than one point to make on the three. Perhaps the biggest danger is in the Stalkers frustration to approach the one he desires. These three young men give me the impression of having formed unique bonds. They are a unit, almost linked at the hip. Given the diversity of their backgrounds one would not expect there to be a close association between them, and their ages are not exactly the same. They have formed a link, a bond if you will, which is not mere friendship. This link surpasses their individual backgrounds and ages, and the Stalker would find that a threat.” Yuy had been listening closely and was nodding, willing to accept the Prime’s assessment was accurate and he had made a valid point. Sally was making notes, as was Une, both women seemingly undisturbed by his assessment. “I will agree Quatre Winner has the highest profile of the three, but I think we have to give the other two their due. Winner is not the only one with looks, or with talent enough to draw attention.” “Point.” Sally conceded Treize’s point. “Both Maxwell and Marquise are more than good looking, and both of them have outstanding abilities.” “Maxwell has a pet project, which has the potential to have repercussions across the entire ESUN. If he carries this project through to completion he stands to be a very wealthy man.” Wu Fei straightened his spine, looking more like his usual self, though the strain of his meeting with Gabriella was visible in the tension about his eyes. “His telekinetic abilities suggest he will likely attain a level nine ranking, perhaps even advance sufficiently to attain the Prime ranking. It is undecided at this time, but he has the potential.” “There is no chance he might somehow be involved in the damage done to the suite? He is a high level telekinetic.” Sally murmured, reading through her notes. “He was off planet when our John Doe was killed.” Une reminded her. “Ah, yes. Sorry. However, it has been known for kinetics on a subconscious level to unleash their potential in times of stress. Is it not possible he might have perpetrated the damages done to the suite while asleep? I would think they would have been exhausted, and stressed, after their sojourn in the Colonies.” “Perhaps he is the target of the Stalker?” Heero mused. “The killer might be called, attracted, to a talent similar to his own.” “Maxwell is clever, and has an invention that could make him wealthy enough to rival Winner.” Une mused. “He is a talented psychic and good looking. Yes, there is a lot there that might attract attention.” “It was not the flavour of Duo Maxwell I detected in the suite, and yes, I have been close enough to Maxwell to gain a reading on him.” Treize informed them. “While he may be the target of the Stalker, he is not the perpetrator of the damage to the suite.” “Well, then, to Marquise. He certainly is no slouch in the looks department, and we all know his is going to make Prime ranking, not only in Telepathy, but in Empathy as well. A rare dual talent Prime.” Sally consulted her notes. “No listing for a kinetic ability, so I guess that rules him out as having anything to do with the damage to the suite. He is more likely to be the victim than the perpetrator. Academically he’s not brilliant, but he’s certainly not dumb either.” “Actually, given his past and his level of education, he has done well to attain the scores he has achieved at Tsuberov.” Treize murmured. “It was a large step to come from almost street kid and orphanage, to being placed at so prestigious an institution.” “Point.” Sally murmured. “His I.Q. test certainly suggested he should have had better scores.” “Facts and figures are one dimensional.” Treize murmured. “They are a guide line, nothing more. If a person does not choose to apply himself, then he will not do well, despite his potential.” Une murmured. “I heard that lecture often enough from my grandfather when I was young.” “Quite.” Treize agreed. “Heero, just what evidence did your agents find in their investigation, to clearly define the target as being Quatre Winner?” Heero scowled, not looking at ease before he straightened his spine. “I have gone over the original investigation reports in light of the suggestion made. Those preliminary investigations, as far as I can see, do not give sufficiently clear evidence for my liking to designate Winner as the target. A response team was sent in at the request of the Tsuberov Institute to investigate the incident. I was not assigned to the investigation until the morning you were brought in, and my briefing stated Winner had been determined to be at threat. From what I have read, I would venture to guess it was the University investigation team which determined the target to be Winner.” “Damn.” Une settled back in her seat, running her gaze over her notes and tapping the pen absently against her teeth. “That opens up the field a little, and I don’t like it one bit. There is no clear evidence the target is Winner. One confirmed Prime class psychic, the heir to the Winner fortune who is also, I believe, a potential Prime empath, and a Sweeper prodigy who might be Prime material as a kinetic. Each of them special enough, in a variety of ways, to draw attention.” “Trowa knows them all, and understood it immediately.” Treize murmured. “He may have been hoping I would assure him it might not be Quatre who was in danger, since he has a personal interest in Winner. I think he is friendly enough with the other two, to be concerned they might be the target.” “This Trowa Barton.” Sally met the Primes gaze. “Your report says he agreed to you placing a limitation trigger within his mind, to stop him from accidentally letting the investigation slip. How well do you know him that he would agree so readily to such an action being taken?” “I placed a ‘suggestion’ and false memories to cover our time together, after his willing consent was given. Should he be probed there will be memories found to explain our time together. He is cousin to my daughter, so we discussed family matters.” “Marquise and Winner both have the potential to scan him.” Chang mused. “It was a sound move, to maintain the low profile the University requested for this case. I do not see how they will maintain secrecy given the manner in which this case is growing” “I was thinking more along the lines of a chance probe by the Stalker, actually.” Treize murmured. “Both Winner and Marquise have been trained not to casually probe another person. The perpetrator, however, is another matter entirely.” He did not mention, and none of the team saw fit to comment, on the likelihood of young telepaths experimenting on their own. It had been done before, and none of them were naïve enough to think it did not occur at Tsuberov. “You say Barton is a Medium?” Une leaned forward in her chair and met her Primes gaze. “He claims to have actually seen the body in the empty fridge.” “Yes.” Wu Fei offered the confirmation, his eyes drifting to the door, as though he was afraid it might open at any second, and his tormentor might be standing there. “From his reaction I would say his claim is legitimate.” “Trowa was not initially tagged as a Medium; however preliminary results from the tests I arranged should prove the ability is viable. Besides, I saw through his ‘eyes’ the body.” “Then that is an avenue we need to pursue. The refrigerator can not be returned to the University until that deceased’s spirit is released.” Une mused. “It would scare the bejesus out of a young Medium talent, if it chanced to be placed in their rooms. We could use what ever information the victim himself could give us, to assist in hunting down his killer. If the spirit is still there, and has not moved on, then knowing something about this field I would venture to guess he has unfinished business holding him. That business, given the nature of his death, may give us some insight as to why he was in the suite.” “Who do you have in mind to perform the reading?” Sally queried, glancing up from her notes. Une pressed her palms together, fingers interlocked, and considered the situation for a long moment, before she looked up at her team. “Considering Quatre Winner’s involvement, and now the interest of the Prime’s in your field in Mr. Marquise, Treize, I think it would pay for us to call in the best.” “Noin?” Sally queried, quirking an eyebrow. “Isn’t she on loan to a murder enquiry now?” “Yes, Noin.” Une straightened in her seat. “The Agency loaned her services to the American Federal Investigation Bureau. From memory she was assisting the New York Police Department interviewing a serial killer’s victims, in a bid to identify the perpetrator. I don’t know exactly what progress has been made, if any, or how near they are to resolving the case, but I will endeavour to garner her services for a few days, a week at most. When the meeting concludes I will make a few calls. If Noin is unavailable we may need to request assistance from another of the Prime level Mediums. I think Emeries might be in Europe, and he has assisted us before, when we were caught short handed. He would be closer than Noin, if he is available, but I would prefer our own Prime agent if at all possible.” Treize settled back in his seat, feeling immeasurably better. They were making progress, and his team mates were seriously considering the idea the Winner heir might not be the victim here. His meeting with Trowa had borne fruit, and he was not about to look a gift horse in the mouth, though he could kick himself for not having questioned the details in the initial briefing. Until he could be certain of the exact level of risk all three were subject to, he wanted all of them protected. “I will place a call to the University Security Office, notifying them to increase security on all three students. I want them watched until we know who is stalking the grounds.” Une glanced at the clock on her desk and looked up; meeting her Primes gaze with a sweet smile that immediately raised his hackles. “How long does it take you to get down to the Medical Centre?” Sally straightened with a jerk and made shooing gestures at the Prime. “Come on. I plan on being there waiting for her to arrive. There is no way I am going to be the recipient of a lecture from Gabriella because you were tardy.” Chang observed his wife with amused dark eyes as she hustled the smirking Prime out of the office. “ Smart woman.” “Indeed, Smokeless Dragon of Little Size.” Une murmured. Yuy smirked at the glare Chang subjected his superior to. Une merely looked back, amused, knowing they belonged to a unique club, the ‘we have survived Gabriella’ club. “How long do you estimate it will take for Noin to arrive, if she is free?” Yuy queried. “If she is free, I could get her on a sub orbital shuttle, and it would take only a matter of three or four hours for her to arrive. If, of course, being the important word there.” Une flipped closed one of the folders spread before her. “I shall endeavour to have her in the city within a day. Well, gentlemen, we have work to do. I want you both back at the University; go back over the suite and the grounds as many times as you need to, but find me something we can use. Interview the students who were staying in the adjacent suites again. Someone must have heard something, or seen something, that we can use. Find it.” t.b.c. |
