"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
~/.../~ Telepathy

"The Agency: Meeting of Souls "

Chapter Nine

Zechs decided he would give anything to be standing in a steaming hot shower with water streaming through his hair. The long day had begun with the crowded L4 terminal and the accompanying delay over the unscheduled acquisition of students for the flight. The cramped confines of the shuttle and the noise of the students whose behaviour had been less than exemplary teamed with the duration of the flight had combined to give him a headache. He knew the headache was the result of tension and stressed shields and the arrival at a more crowded and noisy terminal on Earth had done nothing to ease his discomfort.

The journey from L4 had left him tired, aching in every muscle and exhausted, feeling as though he had been rolling in dirt and for some reason space travel always left his hair dry and frizzy. He resisted the urge to run his fingers through his mane, knowing just the feel of it would make his skin crawl. Nothing short of a good long scrub with shampoo and at least a five minute session with conditioner would restore it to its proper glory.

All he had to do was fight off Maxwell for the first use of the shower.

//It’s not even as though the terminals, be they on the colonies or on Earth and the space shuttles are dirty. I don’t understand why I always feel this way. I know why I ache, the damn seats are too small and close together to be comfortable and I never have liked being crowded. Maybe I need to work more on my shields but faulty shields would not frizz the hair. //

He found he was twisting a heavy lock of pale hair around a finger and resisted the urge to sigh, dropping the lock hastily. Sighing would accomplish nothing other than to draw the attention of a particular professor Zechs would much prefer to avoid. Overall the trip had been a good break away from the University and he had had the opportunity to see some interesting and in some cases rather exotic sights. He had never had the opportunity to go abroad or even leave the city before this trip and the colonies, particularly Quatre’s L4 home, had been an eye opener and given him a wider view of the Earth Sphere.

Unfortunately having seen something now of the colonies and having spoken to high positioned Psi’s Zechs had begun to wonder what awaited him following graduation.

//I wonder where I will be sent after I graduate? It’s all very well for them to be indignant on my behalf but I don’t know if I can legally object to where ever it is decided I will be contracted. The Dean sounded apologetic about not consulting with me over the prospective contract but when all is said and done he has no say. The final say belongs to the Question Mark and the Dean has to do what he decides. If Duo and Quatre are right I should have a few months to consider options which means I should be given information within the next two months on interested parties. I’m not sure what would happen if I refused to accept whatever contracts they decided I should consider. Or what would happen if I was told I was to accept a particular contract and no other option was given to me. My schedule should include detailed discussion on contracts but so far there has been nothing mentioned. Quatre and Duo are right. In theory I do have rights and I should stand up for them but would that bastard who pays my way take any notice? //

He had learned the hard way, within days of arriving at Tsuberov, there was one set of rules for the rich and famous, such as Quatre and for those with high powered commercial backing such as Duo. He, the lowly orphanage import was in another class entirely and much, much lower on the food chain. Minnows, after all, did not eat sharks and he was more in the league of plankton than being classed as a fish of any substance.

His Question Mark, the unknown body who pulled his strings and ran his life as he, or she, saw fit… He didn’t even know his guardians gender. His early questions had been ignored, his curiosity unsated and eventually he had stopped asking questions. It had been made plain it was not considered necessary for him to know so much as the name of his sponsor. What was expected of him was for him to excel at his studies, in particular his Psi training and to forget his past and the freedoms he had known. He was a Tsuberov student and had standards to meet.

//Why do I feel as though I’m being watched? //

It was not so unusual a feeling though somehow this felt subtly different. Zechs was all too aware certain Masters and Professors at the institute were less than enamoured of his presence. Street kids, even talented ones were considered a lower class citizen by those hyped by their own importance. Low class citizens were not to be trusted and must be observed lest they feel inclined to trespass on sacred ground or acquire that which did not lawfully belong to them.

Being watched was something he should be accustomed to but it still bothered him. Technically he was not even a street kid as he had not lived on the streets for any length of time nor on a permanent basis. He had constantly escaped the supervision of his supervisors at the Orphanage and visited less reputable areas of the city. As he had grown older he had found it easier to escape their control despite the measures they had taken to contain him to the limits of the grounds initially and later within the main buildings of the establishment. Having talents of the mind had been an advantage for him against which the staff had been almost helpless.

He was not even sure why he had sought to escape the orphanage. They had cared well for him and he had never received particularly cruel discipline for indiscretions, even when he had returned time and again to the streets. Somehow they had always managed to find him and return him within days. Then the representatives from the University had arrived and everything had changed, including his ability to outwit his keepers and escape at will.

Yes, he could feel eyes on him, he was not mistaken. The sensation was too familiar to mistake though he rather felt these eyes were less judgemental. Odd. His imagination was no doubt running rampant with that judgement. He might even be imagining the attention as none of the students or Masters present appeared to be paying him any particular attention. There was usually one or two of the disapproving sort to be found amongst the teaching staff who always found fault. He could be sitting quietly in a corner and paying no mind to anyone around him but it seemed as soon as he was noticed he was targeted for accusations.

//I suppose I’m exaggerating a bit. I’ve been able to escape their attention more often than not over the last two years. Ah, God, why do we have to stand around like this? I want a shower and something to eat. I just want to go to bed. Why are we stuck out here? //

He tried not to glower at the group of students gathered around Master Evens. That worthy was detailing classes for the next day and arguing with one of the students who objected to the last minute changes. Could they not at least have been permitted to reach their rooms before revised schedules came up in conversation?

It was, of course, typically efficient Tsuberov. Secure the students as a captive audience, give them their work placements and only then allow them to relax. They were not even to be permitted a single day to settle back into the dormitories before commencing classes.

The small huddle of students closest to the doors picked up their hand luggage and followed the Master into the building. Zechs could not be sorry to see Professor Havers out of his sight as the man was one of the few who thought anything out of the ordinary had his name stamped all over it. He appeared to be a personal insult on the Professors glowing credentials and was not permitted to forget his lowly station, be it in the man’s class or in a more informal setting. Some people were naturally antagonistic and he had no doubts he and Havers would never see eye to eye.

//Not that I can say I have found a single student unfortunate enough to be in his classes who actually likes the man. He’s a weed. Unfortunately he’s a damn learned weed and knows what he’s talking about, at least in theory. I think he would be in trouble if he ever had to survive outside of a University environment though. He has no real concept of life beyond books. He would not last a day in the back streets of the city. //

Duo had informed him Havers had given instruction for them to wait to one side as there was a problem with their suite and they would be settled once the other students were taken care of. The Professor had not lowered himself to speak to him of course, which was probably just as well given his current rather cranky state of mind. He would probably have had the poor grace to tell the man where he could shove his ‘await our pleasure’ and gain a detention and sanctions before classes even began.

Why should he expect anything to be different on this occasion in comparison to his past? After all, it was not as though he was the only one stuck out on the doorstep awaiting the professor’s notice. Duo was beside him and Quatre had the joys of the Dean in his face again, no doubt espousing the virtues of a private suite or rooming with a better grade of student.

//Move into another suite, Mr. Winner. We have a private one available or perhaps sharing a suite would be suitable with the heir to this or that fortune. Move in with your own class, there is no need to slum it with the dross of the earth.// He almost smirked at the thought but to do so would undoubtedly draw unwelcome eyes to him.

Zechs had initially been placed in a two bed dormitory suite but he and his room mate had not exactly grown to appreciate each others company. By the second year he had been resident in his own room and the only one available had been a three bed dormitory suite. None of his fellow students had volunteered to room with him and considering his attitude the previous year the powers that be had decided to permit him to remain alone. Then Duo had arrived and he had found himself with a room mate and no one had been more surprised than Zechs when they had gotten on so well. He had heard enough whispers about space flotsam and street debris going hand in hand to ignore comments and be thankful Duo considered him good company.

The Dean had been scandalized when Quatre had found them fascinating and requested to be moved from his private suite to room with he and Duo. Requested? No, Zechs would be honest and admit Quatre had not asked but informed the Dean the move was to be made post haste. The Dean’s entreaties to The Winner on L4 had surprisingly been refused and Quatre had moved in. After having met his father, Zechs found Quatre reminded him of The Winner, and he had found the man to be more than impressive. Winner had a presence about him impossible to miss and people practically fell over their own feet to be of service to him.

//After meeting his father I can see why Quatre is the way he is. All that power and despite it both of them are actually nice people. Headstrong, obstinate, overly informed, dynamically charismatic… but nice. They are not at all what I expected.//

Experience had taught him some days it was best not to be noticed, especially when everything he did seemed to be construed to be an insult to the glory of the University. When Zechs had met The Winner he had felt it best to disappear from sight and mind lest he do something to insult the man and bring down the wrath of the University on his head. He had known he would never hear the end of it should a complaint be made against him. Oddly it had not been exactly easy to escape that worthy’s notice and he had spent a surprising amount of time in The Winner’s company. Duo had had private time with the man also and he assumed the Winner went out of his way to personally ensure his guests comfort.

Zechs had, of course, been on his best behaviour and he doubted even the worst of the University Masters could have found fault. At the University Institute, no mater how hard he tried, he never seemed able to meet their exacting standards. He had long ago decided his efforts would always be considered a failure so why bother? He maintained sufficient civility and manners to keep all but the most rabid of the Masters off his back and avoid frequent visits to the Deans office. When away from the overseeing eye of the Masters and in polite company, he was more careful to exercise due civility and mind his manners. Most of the Masters seemed to have accepted the status quo though there were some who demanded absolute perfection of him.

//No one is perfect, not even Quatre Winner and certainly not me. If they want more out of me they can go jump off the nearest cliff. I have only a few more months to go and then I’m out of here. //

Though if leaving the University for gainful employment was to be an improvement or not remained to be seen. No contract offers presented to him was worrying enough and the lack of scheduling to discuss even theoretical contractual obligations was more disturbing.

“Hey. It’s okay.” Maxwell lightly touched his arm, the feather touch of one who knew Zechs preferred not to be touched. The skilled neutral touch of a person with Psi training. “Lighten up, Zechs. I don’t know what you are thinking but you look as though you are about to deck someone. It’s okay.”

Zechs shook his head slightly, blue eyes flicking to the Dean and Quatre now standing near the door though the Dean had as yet made no effort to draw Quatre within the building.

“Do you ever get tired of being looked down on? At least on the streets everyone is honest about where they stand in relation to a pile of shit.”

Duo winced and flicked a quick glance around afraid they would be overheard and not eager to begin the term with disciplinary action. “Lighten up, will you? Do you want to sit more elocution lessons? Let any of the Masters or Professors catch you talking like a gutter rat again and you will find yourself resitting the full course of language studies.”

He could not contain the shudder at the thought. “Do you mind? Having to deal with dancing lessons is going to be bad enough. I thought I’d finished with all this idiocy. Stand this way, walk that way, don’t talk like that, head up, raise your chin more, pull your shoulders back, don’t use such common terminology and remember your r’s… I thought they had decided they had succeeded in making me presentable for polite society. I thought the consensus was no silver spoon would ever fit in my mouth, not even an imitation one.”

Duo chuckled and shook his head. “Yeah, well some of us are just too aware of how the world really works. Stuffed if I can figure out how those snobs talk like that.” He rotated his left shoulder trying to relieve an ache that really needed a good long soak in hot water to find relief. “What’s wrong with learning how to dance?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” a soft grumble.

“Fine.” Duo had the grace not to smirk or snigger at his friend’s discomfort.

For a few minutes they stood in silence watching as another group of students were escorted into the dormitory building. Quatre and the Dean had departed too and Duo began to scowl when a security guard deposited his duffle bag at his feet. It was almost dark and the air was cooling off rapidly.

“I need to do a quick tour of the area. The Master should be back any minute so don’t go anywhere, okay?”

Neither Zechs nor Duo had any problems with the man so both acknowledged him with brief nods. Both had had occasion to run into him in the course of his professional duties and he had always been fair in his treatment of them. It was not the security staff or even most of the service staff at the University who were a problem for either young man. Most were honest with the students and did not pretend to be more than they were. The Security contingent had treated Zechs well, even when returning him to the office from his attempts to depart the grounds in his first year. None of them had seemed to blame him for desiring to escape the strictures surrounding him.

Neither spoke, each nursing their own private aches and pains and debating how best to secure the shower for their own use first. Duo even considered sharing but decided the cubicle was just too small for two and the hot water was going to feel better on his aching muscles if he could lounge comfortably. The sun had set now and the night air, while not uncomfortable was still rapidly cooling and there was no sign of the Master returning.

Duo nudged his duffle bag with a booted toe and sighed, his fingers drumming an irritated beat against his thigh. “How much longer are we going to be made to wait? I was looking forward to a decent shower and an early night.”

“It could be worse.” At Duo’s disbelieving look Zechs grinned. “I don’t think Quatre is going to take too kindly to the Deans plans to tuck him safely into bed.”

A snigger escaped the shorter youth and he flicked a glance at the open doors. “I’d love to see him try. This is getting way past a joke, Zechs. Maybe he had a private message from Quatre’s Dad?”

Zechs appeared to be attempting to study the ends of a lock of hair in the poor lighting. “I think it far more likely the Dean is trying to convince him to move out again.”

“You are probably right.” Duo agreed. “Come on, come on, people. We are the only ones still standing here for Gods sake and I know I’m in trouble when Zechs starts looking at his split ends.”

“Hey!” Zechs growled at him, dropping the lock of hair and thankful the lighting was poor enough to hide a blush. “I don’t have split ends.”

The low lighting illuminating the driveway and entry steps to the building emphasized how dark the grounds were. Marquise growled low as a security guard strolled past, his booted feet crunching loudly on the loose stones of the parking area. The man nodded briefly to them, checked his watch and moved on.

“This is past a fucking joke.” Duo snarled and bent to pick up his duffle bag, straightening with an angry glance at the open doors. “Come on.”

“Planning on joining me in language studies, are you?” Zechs murmured considering his own battered duffle where it lay by his feet though he made no move to pick it up.

“If I have to. I’ve had enough of waiting. I will be lodging an official complaint with the University and sending correspondence accordingly to the Sweepers. This is not good enough.”

Zechs nudged his duffle gently with his boot toe and sighed. He had no doubts no one would listen to any complaint he lodged but maybe Duo would have more luck. In the past his Sweeper guardians had proven to be willing to listen to Duo’s concerns though they had not always agreed with his views. At least Duo could be assured of a fair hearing.

“Well, I wish you luck getting anyone to acknowledge unfair treatment for peasants.”

“Peasants, Marquise? I don’t see any of those around here.”

Duo made no effort to hide his unhappy scowl or his surprise as he spun to find the Security Chief approaching them. Curiously the man was able to move silently over the stony surface unlike the guard who had previously walked by them. Otto had on more than one occasion surprised him at less than opportune moments.

“Who else but peasants are left on the doorstep hoping to gather crumbs from the rich and famous?” His eyes flashed with his temper and he made no effort to hide it from the Security Chief. He was not of a mind to back down, even to Otto after having stood on the doorstep so long.

Otto sighed softly and mounted the steps to consider both young men with narrowed eyes. After a moment he motioned toward the door. “Would you mind explaining why you are out here and not in your suite?”

Duo hissed, eyes narrowing as he glared at the man and he bared his teeth in a feral grin.

“Because we were told to keep our common arses…” Marquise snapped his mouth shut as Otto frowned at him.

“Would you mind using language appropriate to your position as Tsuberov students, please.”

Duo growled softly but decided it would be better not to aggravate the man. He wanted a hot shower and something to eat before falling into bed and fighting on the doorstep would accomplish nothing. Otto had proven himself to be a fair minded man in the past and it was even possible, if they could get him on side, they could make some trouble for the Masters who had left them standing on the doorstep. He was not feeling particularly forgiving at the moment and a little payback against those who considered themselves to be superior might be nice.

“We were politely requested to wait here as there was a problem with the suite. A Master would be along to escort us and give us our updated study roster and required material list for tomorrow. That was more than a half hour ago when there was still such a thing as daylight.”

Otto sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly unamused. Duo could almost hear him counting to ten to contain what might have been a curse. He could count the number of times on one hand Otto had used an expletive in front of a student.

“I see. Come with me and I’ll walk you up. I’ll find what has happened to your revised schedules later and see that you are given them. I’ll make a point of having a note of explanation at your classes should you be missing required study material tomorrow.”

Duo arched an eyebrow in surprise. He had not expected Otto to go so far as to ensure they were not blamed for being ill prepared for classes. It went someway toward mollifying him for being left on the doorstep but he still intended to complain and forward the complaint to his guardians.

“You’ll walk us up? Are we incapable of finding our way up a couple of flights of stairs now?” Zechs snatched his battered bag up and scowled. “I think we are capable of finding our own way to a room we have used for years.”

“I have no doubt you could but you will find yourself locked out of the suite. Unfortunately you will be unable to use that suite for a week or three due to unavoidable circumstances. Were you not informed there have been some major plumbing problems?”

Both Duo and Zechs looked suitably blank and Otto sighed and shook his head, motioning for them to precede him. He was far from amused at finding the two young men still waiting on the steps and he would be following up the matter. Given the current circumstances this breach in security was unforgivable. He had a fair idea who was responsible and he would enjoy seeing that worthy squirm.

“Plumbing problems?” Duo arched an eyebrow. “There was nothing wrong with the plumbing before we left.”

Otto waved aside the comment. “Once the problem is rectified the walls will require some repair work. Another suite has been readied for you so you will not need to deal with interruptions or be inconvenienced at this stage of the term, particularly you, Marquise.”

Duo tossed his bag over his shoulder and nudged Zechs, getting him moving and followed him into the foyer. Otto followed close on his heels and passed them, heading for the stairs and seeming not to be inclined to chat further. The Sweeper prodigy could not help considering that silence a challenge.

“The Dean has finally managed to get Quatre into another suite, hey? They’ve been trying long enough.”

Otto resisted the urge to wince, displaying none of his reaction to goad Maxwell into running away at the mouth, a habit that had earned him the name ‘Motor Mouth’ on more than one occasion. None of the students in the upper years at Tsuberov were blind to the displeasure of the staff at Quatre Winner’s choice of room mates.

“I believe you will find Mr. Winner will still be rooming with you.”

Duo snorted and rolled his eyes, trying to keep his temper under control. He was tired and more than a little cranky and was exercising far less caution with his tongue than he normally observed. He was not accustomed to being left on a doorstep and while Zechs was giving the appearance of simply accepting it he was not so brow beaten by fate nor intending to be. Someone would learn the enmity of Duo Maxwell was something you did not want to earn.

“Hey Otto, what’s it like to be a respected member of society who isn’t walked on every five minutes?”

The Security Chief actually stopped mid way up the stairs and turned to glare at the smaller slender youth. Zechs could almost hear him counting to ten to contain his response to something more in line with the standards of the university. It made him feel a little better that Otto had come close to losing his control. It might even mean Otto would be having words with the responsible parties.

“Your brand of humour is infamous Mr. Maxwell and I strongly suggest you refrain from exercise it in my hearing. When it was determined repairs to the plumbing could not be effected speedily I had my staff transfer your belongings and study materials to your new rooms. I have assigned you rooms in the same relative position to your former suite though on a lower floor.” He glanced at his watch and sighed, his scowl deepening. “The cafeteria is closed so its no use you trying to make it there or sending for something to be delivered to your rooms. Why don’t I call out and order you some pizza? It will only take a few minutes for it to arrive and I believe you all have early starts in the morning?”

The offer by the security chief to allow a pizza delivery from outside the school cafeteria was more than a little shocking. The diet of the students was rigidly monitored and their calorie intakes noted on a daily basis. To balance their work load with their energy levels was considered a vital component of teaching proper use of their Psi talents. Psi abilities used calories comparable with physical activity and each student had a set regime to follow to maintain prime working standards.

“Yeah, whatever.” Dou grumbled, toying with the end of his braid, aware he was being less than gracious to the man who was responsible for them no longer standing on the doorstep. “Sorry man. It’s been a long day and it has not exactly been a great homecoming.”

“I can imagine you never expected to find yourself standing on the doorstep. I can also assure you it has been something of a trying day for everyone at the university.” Otto paused and subjected each young man to an intense scrutiny before he motioned them closer. “I doubt any of the Masters or senior students who arrived before you would think to tell you so I may as well explain to you what else has happened. No doubt the rumour mill will have already exaggerated the detail out of all proportion.”

“Gossip?” Duo looked surprised and then interested, smirking at his companion and sidling a little closer to the Security Chief. “Hey Zechs, this is cool. We get the official word before the gossip for a change. Great, heh?”

Otto resisted the urge to pinch the bridge of his nose and grind his teeth. He was known to do that with increasing frequency when Duo Maxwell was in the vicinity. The Sweeper prodigy was graced with near insatiable curiosity and seemed to have made it his mission in life to get under Otto’s skin.

“Maxwell, do you have to be so…” Otto sighed contemplated the hand rail for a moment and continued. “Of course you do. You would not be Duo Maxwell if you did not. There will be rumours flying about the student body, particularly the younger and more impressionable, not to mention imaginative students by morning, so listen up. There was a death on the grounds during last night.”

“Someone carked it? Wow.” Duo turned serious as he caught the expression on Otto’s face. “So what happened?”

“There are no gang wars involved and no lovers tryst gone wrong, nothing outlandish or world shattering, okay? I know how you kids like to blow things out of proportion and by morning the rumour mill would have churned this around until it hardly resembles the facts.”

“Who died and how?” Zechs queried.

“Who it was does not concern you and I can assure you it was not a fellow student. The next of kin need to be notified and their permission granted before we can publicly release information concerning the death, particularly his identity. I am sure you both can understand the protocol of these situations. Somebody fell down some stairs and broke his neck. That’s it. No little green men from Mars, no midnight assignations, nothing more. It was simply an unfortunate accident.”

Duo looked considerably deflated. “That’s all?”

Otto inclined his head and motioned toward the last of the steps ahead of them. “Yes, Mr Maxwell, that’s all.”

Duo considered the revelation of a death on Tsuberov’s grounds for all of a few seconds and plumbing problems forcing them out of their usual suite and he found himself wondering if the two events might not be linked. He was blessed with a fertile imagination and was not afraid to exercise it.

“Bummer. I thought maybe there might have been some excitement around here for a change.”

Otto stepped onto the first floor landing and eyed the younger man intently. “Your version of excitement is not necessarily good for the university and I will thank you not to encourage the younger students in outlandish speculations.”

“So who was it?”

“As I have already informed you, the next of kin must give consent for us to release details that include the identity of the body. In other words, Mr. Maxwell, it is of no concern to you. There is an investigation into the matter as it needs to be determined what an unauthorized person was doing where they should not have been. Outside investigators have been brought in so you will most likely notice new people on the grounds for a day or two as these things can be notoriously long winded. I will thank you to keep your attention and curiosity where it belongs, aimed squarely on your studies. Mr. Marquise, you are quiet, nothing to say?”

Zechs glanced at the security chief and shrugged as they turned toward the staircase leading up to the second floor of the building. Otto was looking expectantly at him and Duo was grinning like a lunatic, pleased to have annoyed the Security Chief.

“What’s to say? A man is dead and we have been told to keep our curious and inferior noses out of it.”

“Marquise!” Otto glared at the blonde but snapped his mouth shut on any further comment.

Duo pursed his lips and remained silent, not wishing to set off a tirade and deciding he had pushed enough. There was most likely nothing in the matter to concern him or Zechs but if he could have signalled his friend he would have asked him to peek at the man’s thoughts. They might have learned something interesting about the death, such as if the plumbing problems in their suite and the death were related. He liked to read a good who-done-it though he was not exactly enamoured of the idea of a death occurring in their suite.

Otto shook his head and in silence increased their pace up the flight of stairs and to the second floor landing, motioning to the students to precede him along the hall.

“I will order the pizza while you have a look around the suite. The layout is identical to the layout of your old rooms and I had your personal belongings placed in your bedrooms. Let me know if anything was missed.”

Otto followed after the pair as they walked briskly noting the tired slump of the blonde’s shoulders and the oddly cheeky sway of the chestnut braid across a tight derrière. He halted both before a door like too many others and stepped to the far side of the electronic lock quickly punching in a code before glancing at Duo and motioning toward the thumb pad.

“Right and then left thumb please.”

Duo, always interested in security features of a mechanical nature, eyed the lock with slightly widened eyes before raising an eyebrow and looking to Otto. He pressed his right thumb to the pad and inclined his head to the lock.

“That’s a mark five.”

“Indeed, Mr. Maxwell, it is a mark five. Your left thumb print please.”

Duo pressed his thumb to the sensor pad which beeped. “Yeah but…”

“Get real, Duo. Quatre, remember? Only the best will do.” Zechs sighed.

Otto refrained from making a comment and motioned Zechs to apply his digits to the sensor in his turn. The lock beeped and Otto typed an authorization code into the device then glanced at the blonde.

“You can now enter and leave at will and access authorized functions of the lock.” Otto tripped the door sensor and motioned Zechs to enter the room. “After you, gentlemen.”

Zechs stepped through the doorway though Duo still stared at the lock as though he could not quiet believe he was seeing what was so plainly in front of him.

“Mr. Marquise what do you think you are doing?”

Duo growled but Otto was around him and in the room beyond before he could move, his presence effectively silencing the unmistakable voice of Professor Simon Havers. The room seemed to have an ominous silence as Duo slipped into the lounge suite to find Quatre sitting on the couch with a set and rather stony expression on his face. The Dean was just rising from the couch and looked far from amused and Professor Havers had a thin hand wrapped around Zechs Marquise’s right wrist.

“Professor Havers.” Otto’s voice was neutral but his eyes were plainly on the two men closest to the door. “Do you have a problem, Sir?”

“A private conversation…”

“I hardly think entering a room warrants such a reaction, Professor. Please.” The Dean nodded briefly in greeting to Otto and pointedly looked at the Professor who removed his hand.

Duo could see the finger marks of the Professor linger around Zechs’s wrist and glowered at the man with agitated blue/violet eyes. The Professor seemed to ignore the displeasure of Otto and made no commentary to the Dean, merely stepped back from the door.

Otto moved past Zechs and placed his large frame between the blonde and the Professor before glancing at the Dean. “I escorted the students to the suite since their listed escort seemed otherwise occupied.”

Professor Havers bristled visibly at Otto, almost sneering until he noted the frown deepening on the Dean’s face.

“I am sure there must have been an unavoidable delay for which there will be a sound reason given. Where have you gentlemen been all this time?”

“Outside, on the steps of the dormitory, Sir.” Otto responded before either Duo or Zechs could and motioned Duo further into the room, guiding Zechs past him with a finger pressed lightly to his forearm. “Get settled in, please, while I arrange for a meal to be delivered.”

Both students were more than happy to place half the room and a few pieces of solid furniture between them and the Professor who was subjecting Otto to a look that would surely shrivel a lesser man. Quatre took the opportunity to step behind the Dean and crossed the room to join his dorm mates, effectively drawing the Dean’s attention away from the Professor and the Security Chief.

“I believe I have made my preferences clear, Sir. My father quite liked my friends when he met them and has no problems with my continuing to share the suite.” The perfect diplomats smile curved his lips and he inclined his head to the Dean. “If you would excuse us, we should really settle in.”

“Of course, Mr. Winner. I hope you all will find the suite as acceptable and as comfortable as your former rooms. I trust you will put your best efforts into the coming term.” The Dean turned back to the Professor and motioned toward the door. “After you, Professor Havers.”

Quatre bit back the comment he was certain he would be every bit as comfortable as he had been in the old suite and merely nodded politely and the Dean paused beside Otto.

“Run a final security check, if you would please Otto. I want everything secure for the night and perhaps you should see about having a pizza or perhaps Chinese delivered to the main gates for the boys? I believe it a little late for the cafeteria to still be offering services. We shall square the matter with the dieticians tomorrow.”

“Indeed, Sir.” Otto murmured. “I will ensure the security locks are in place and the students have an evening meal. Ah, Professor Havers, I believe you have the adjusted rosters and study lists for both Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Marquise?”

The Dean watched in growing frosty silence as Havers produced a sheaf of papers and deposited them on the breakfast bar before stalking out of the suite.

“See the Professor’s details are removed from the lock, Otto.” The Dean sighed and stepped out of the room.

“With the greatest pleasure.” Otto murmured and turned to make the necessary adjustments to the security protocols

“Have you any idea how inappropriate it is to have Winner in the same room as such common dross?” Havers voice carried clearly into the room.

Otto jabbed a finger almost viciously into the lock key, closing the door on any further conversation between the Dean and the Professor. // It would appear Marquise knows certain people better than most. Peasants, he said and in light of what I just heard I can’t argue with him. You slimy little toad, if I have my way you will finally be relieved of your place here. If disciplinary action is not taken against you I may have no other option but to step in and pull a few stings.//

He could feel the weight of eyes on him and when he turned from changing the lock codes to exclude the Professor he found all three young men watching him. Otto inclined his head slightly and motioned imperiously toward their bedrooms.

“Go and make yourselves comfortable. The pizza will be here soon enough.”

Quatre flashed him a brilliant smile and a wave of warmth reached him, the glow of the high level empaths pleasure. With a nudge at the shoulder of Zechs and a push at Maxwell towards his room Quatre turned and vanished into his bedroom. After a moment Zechs turned with a low sigh and entered his room and only then did Duo move, retreating to his room with a brief nod for the Security Chief.

//Havers and the few like him are making things unnecessarily difficult. If I can have Havers made an example of things may settle down for the term and Marquise might lift his scores a little. Prejudices such as the Professors have no place in this society where your ability is more important to most people than your bloodlines. Not that there is anything wrong with any of their bloodlines.//

He efficiently saw to the ordering of pizza and notified the main gates to expect the delivery and while the students unpacked and made themselves comfortable he ran a security check on the suite. Given the suspicions of the investigators he paid particular attention to the small door opening into the garbage collection well. Satisfied no one would be entering through that access he turned his attention to the windows.

//It will not take long for Maxwell to realise the windows and garbage door are now guarded with a laser trip system and level five security lock. His damnably insatiable curiosity will have him wondering but hopefully he has sense enough to not worry the other two, particularly Marquise. That one needs to get his scores sorted unless he wants another year here. //

The lasers crossing all entry points to the suite would trigger a silent alarm in the security building should the beams be interrupted and his men could be in the suite in minutes. The monitors would never be unattended and only select individuals were cleared to access the level five security codes. He checked the log of cleared personnel on the master security panel and satisfied settled to await the pizza delivery.

He really should have expected Maxwell to show interest in the lock. To cover the situation he would need to see a few other level five systems installed in the dormitory block. Maxwell would think it less odd if there were other systems in evidence and he would slate the senior dorms for a full security upgrade. Maxwell was known to be found dabbling in computer systems he had no right to venture into so should he find the entry he would be less inclined to allow his imagination to run rampant.

//He’s a smart brat, that one. I can well understand why the Sweepers are hopeful of his future success.//

The door chime drew his attention away from the sounds of movement in the other suites where the students were sorting out their personal belongings to suit themselves. The security guard saluted his chief and handed over two boxes of pizza before hastily returning to his duties. Otto tripped the lock and carried the pizza to the kitchen.

“Mr. Winner!” Otto called placing the boxes on the breakfast bar. “Your evening meal has arrived. Sorry for the inconvenience of having to swap rooms but it could not be helped. I’ll lock the door on my way out.”

Quatre appeared in his bedroom doorway dressed casually in track pants and an old rather ratty looking T shirt. “Thank you for the help, Otto. It was much appreciated.”

“Not a problem. Have a good night.”

Finally alone in the suite all three students gathered around the breakfast bar and proceeded to stare at the pizza boxes. Otto had locked down the security system and Quatre gave his dorm mates the security codes as he chose a slice of pizza from the first box.

Zechs was staring unhappily at a limp lock of blonde hair and hardly seemed interested in the details of the system or having something to eat. For his part Duo was burning with curiosity as to why the upgraded system was considered necessary though he was quick to snag himself the largest slice of pizza in the box.

“So what do you think has been going on since we left? The Dean said there are major plumbing repairs required. Do we honestly believe that excuse or is something else going on?” Quatre queried. “I kept sensing intense unease and alarm from the Dean and Havers was just unpleasant, as usual. That man tends to swamp out most emotion with his slimy presence but I gather the Dean was not exactly lying but certainly skirting the truth.”

“A dead body found in the stairwell behind our suite is more likely the cause of the upgraded security.” Zechs eyed the first pizza for a long moment and then examined the second offering before choosing a slice. “Otto has already told us someone was found dead on the grounds and suggested we pay no attention to the rumor mill tomorrow.”

“A body? I see.” Quatre glanced around the suite and then watched as Zechs picked bits of olive from his pizza and set them on the side of the box. “Except for the colour scheme and the mirror imaging it could be the same suite.”

Duo scooped the discarded bits of olives up from the box and practically inhaled them. “So… Do you think Otto was telling us the truth? This place has a level five security system on it and before we left level four was the max. You know it surprises me he bothered to tell us anything.” Maxwell glanced from Zechs to Quatre and shrugged.

“The Dean mentioned nothing to me about bodies, only plumbing problems. No doubt he is concerned about fallout from parents if word gets around they have had a death on the grounds. I would expect Otto’s version to be a bit more realistic.”

“Well, they are not going to be able to keep it quiet forever. Otto said there are investigators from outside the University security detail involved in the death. He said they will not be releasing details until the next of kin have been notified. I doubt they will reveal much until the investigation is concluded and the University is proven not to be at fault in the death.”

Quatre considered the pizza, picking a second slice and shrugged. “Maybe what he said was the truth. We all know what the rumor mill around here is like and irate or fearful parents could panic. I would think he was trying to avoid some of the fuss by hoping we might be able to quiet the worst of the rumors. He’s sneaky like that, getting others to do some of the work for him. It’s true enough the younger students have been known to blow things way out of proportion. If it’s widely known there is a body everyone will be curious and want to see where the body was found.”

“Given I don’t honestly believe there is anything wrong with the plumbing I’d say the body was in the dorm and somewhere near our suite.” Zechs murmured around a mouth full of pizza.

“Well, the service stairwell is a restricted area and Otto knows only too well how good you are with locks Duo. Maybe his thinking is more along the lines of if you know some of the facts already you might be less inclined to investigate. Breaking into crime scenes is frowned on.” Quatre smiled sweetly knowing how Duo loved a challenge.

Duo shrugged wondering how long it would take him to learn the most intimate details of a level five security system. The investigators would most likely have upgraded the crime scenes security to keep the curious away and he could not resist a challenge.

“Maybe. You could be right, but if he thinks that will stop me…”

Quatre arched an eyebrow and projected an irritated field in Duo’s direction. “No trouble the first night back, please.”

“Oh fine.” Duo helped himself to his third slice and nudged the blonde beside him. “What did you get from him, Zechs, anything interesting?”

“Not a thing. I think he must have undergone an implant upgrade or he has learned a great deal on effective shield use in a small amount of time. All I could pick up was an infernal rumbling I’ve not encountered before. It’s different to the old system he was using.”

“Rats. No help there then. Did you pick up anything from the Dean or that asshole Havers?”

“I wasn’t really in the room long enough to try and you know the Dean has an implant. Why a natural telepath bothers with those still makes me wonder.”

“He’s only a level three send and receiving telepath.” Quatre murmured. “Way down on the register. Emotionally he was agitated and uncomfortable about me being here, but there is really nothing unusual about that, especially if there is a body involved.”

“We had nothing to do with that and having met your dad he does not strike me as the sort to freak if he did find out.” Duo returned. “Did you get anything at all from the Dean, Zechs?”

“Not a lot. Sometimes he leaks despite the implant. I’m tired though so I didn’t push. I did tap into something but I’m not sure it has anything to do with the body so much as the investigator. He seemed concerned, displeased really about someone who has been called in. At least I think that was what I read and there was something about a refrigerator.”

“A fridge?” Duo straightened on his stool and stared at the telepathic empath in surprise.

“Just a glimpse of one. Hell, maybe there was no milk for his breakfast cereal this morning. How am I supposed to know? I’d be in deep shit if they find out I tap into their thoughts sometimes.”

“They should expect a certain amount of leakage and curiosity in an institute of this kind. Human nature being what it is.” Quatre grinned. “What about Havers?”

“Do you mind? I was not going to dabble in the oily bastards thoughts. I’d never feel clean again.”

“Point.” Quatre acknowledged. “I guess we will have to be content for the moment with what we know. A body in the stairwell is more than most of the student body would know. I have to wonder how it got there and who it was.”

“Who, what, where, why and how.” Zechs muttered, resting his head on his arms against the breakfast bars cool surface. “That’s the investigators code, isn’t it?”

“I think when is supposed to be in there somewhere.” Duo murmured. “We will be dealing with tighter security for sure until they finish their investigation. As if there was not enough security to deal with before. You’re not eating Zechs.”

The older youth sighed and straightened slowly, pressing a hand into the small of his back. “I’m tired, that’s all. Just stewing over being left outside for so long it puts you in your place.”

Quatre scowled, glancing between the two. “You guys were really outside on the doorstep all that time?”

“Leave it Quatre.” Zechs murmured. “It’s just not worth the bother.”

Duo snorted and picked the olives off a piece of pizza, eating them before handing the slice to Zechs.

“Like hell I’ll be leaving it. I’ll have a complaint ready and lodged before first class and a copy of it will be on its way to the Sweeper Councilor handling my case. You don’t turf me out of my room and leave me standing on a doorstep after dark without an explanation and expect me to take it kindly. You also don’t call me common dross and expect to get away with it either.”

t.b.c.

Karina Robertson 2006

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Master Evens [Professor Carl Evens]: Tsuberov University. Master of Physics ad Mathematics Department. Non Psychic. Fitted wit a Neural Net implant. [62 years of age]

Professor Simon Havers: Professor at Tsuberov University. Non Psychic. Fitted with a Neural Implant. [58 years of age]

Dean Alexander Hargraves: Dean at Tsuberov University and Parapsychic Institute. Neural Implant. Sending / Receiving Telepath Level 3

Chapter 10

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