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"Boot Camp"Written By: Snowdragonct Disclaimer: Don't own any part of Gundam Wing or the characters, more's the pity. This is for fun...no profit involved. Warnings: AU (sort of), yaoi, swearing (lots), some OOC (probably), some violence, references to NCS (especially in later chapters) Pairings: 1+2, 3+4 (to start with) A/N: This is the first time I'm getting up the nerve to post a story...hope it's not too similar to anyone else's (haven't seen one just like it). Candid, kindly-delivered critiques will be greatly appreciated...please don't rip my head off too much? Um, and the old "don't like, don't read" phrase holds true. Oh, and it's fiction, and I don't have a law degree, so there's sure to be some inaccuracies...can we just pretend, please? Thanks in advance. Rating: NC 17 Summary: Four boys in the juvenile justice system
receive a last chance to make something of their futures. Will boot
camp make or break them? And can they ever learn to be a team? "Boot Camp" Chapter Fifty Four: Martial Law Treize Kushrenada had never made a habit of taking things at face value. But Quatre’s convincing performance had him all but salivating over the opportunity to take Duo Maxwell down once and for all. For that reason, he was determined to overlook nothing. He’d analyzed his options, and come to the conclusion he had to take charge of Camp Peacecraft before Maxwell’s escape attempt. He couldn’t allow the MSC officers to prevent him from exacting the revenge owed him. And as far as Kushrenada could tell, Major Merquise was his only serious obstacle; but he was about to take care of that. It was after lights out, at the time Kushrenada normally held his perimeter check. But instead of walking the fence as he usually did, he was meeting in the kennels with his close-knit group of loyal guards. His favorite attack dog was at his side, and he rested one hand on the broad head, caressing the shepherd’s ears. “So with only a few days left to this joke of a ‘boot camp,’ we’re running out of time to discredit the Peacecraft Initiative,” he was saying. “Merquise is all over things,” muttered one of the guards in a sulking tone. “He’s almost as paranoid as Chang was. He’s got troops guarding the obstacle course and the simulator. It’s impossible to sabotage any more of the equipment.” “Those liaison guys hang out wherever the kids are…during exercises, meals, and even around the barracks area,” added another. “I doubt we can get at the recruits either.” “So we won’t try to get at the recruits,” shrugged the warden. “We’ll get at Merquise.” His tawny eyes were alight with malice. “He runs every morning…alone…before the recruits are even awake. No recruits…no liaisons. They’re in the MSC barracks until morning reveille.” “What d’you want us to do to the Major?” “Oh, we’ll kill two birds with one stone,” crooned the warden happily, sliding his hand under the dog’s jaw and scratching its chin. “How easy would it be to pry the padlock off the weapons building with a crowbar stolen from the tool shed? Any inmate could do it, right?” “Sure,” agreed one of the men, smirking nastily. “Well then, it should be simple enough. A break-in at the armory…a missing gun…and our dear Major takes his last morning run.” The men chuckled in agreement. “You want us to lose the gun afterwards? Or leave it to be found?” “Oh, leave it. I want it obvious that he was shot with one of the military weapons…not ours. It’ll save ballistics so much work when they investigate, as I’m sure they will.” The warden leaned back, smiling in satisfaction. “But meanwhile, in the chaos the shooting will create, I’ll take charge and lock the place down. It’ll take them at least a couple of days to replace Merquise.” “And what will that gain us?” asked one man. “Time to cast blame…make accusations. Don’t worry. The publicity caused by a murder right here at camp will be enough to discredit the Initiative.” Not to mention, it would ensure that Kushrenada was in control of things when his favorite delinquent tried to escape. He smiled icily running his hand over the dog’s head again. “Oh, Earl?” he said to the lead dog handler. “How long has it been since these animals had fresh meat?” “Awhile, sir…the budget’s tight.” “Yes, but fresh meat keeps their killer instincts sharp,” the warden pointed out. He waved a hand dismissively. “Don’t worry about it, Earl. I’ll take care of it. Feed ‘em lightly Sunday night, and I’ll see to it they have their fill Monday morning.” While Merquise’s death would create a public scandal, Kushrenada planned to ensure that Maxwell’s would go undetected. After all, you couldn’t have a murder without a body, could you?
Clad in jogging attire, he was busy lacing his running shoes, but paused at the sound of the bell, reaching over to punch the “answer” button. “Merquise here.” The image on the screen was fuzzy, but visible. Colonel Une scowled at her screen and tapped it. “Damned machines!” she grumbled. “I guess this connection will have to do. I’ve got good news, Major.” The blonde man sat up sharply, eyes intent. “About Yuy?” “He’s been cleared. Lowe was murdered in the hospital. The L1 authorities are going ballistic trying to track down the perp.” She smiled wryly. “But the upshot is, you’re getting your Captain and recruit back at the earliest opportunity.” A wide smile graced the handsome face. “You have no idea how many people you’ll make happy today, Colonel.” “Well, one…for starters.” She frowned as the connection flickered. “Dratted machine. Anyhow, I’ve told Chang to take the first flight off L1, and come directly here. I’ll have him call you with his ETA at Camp Peacecraft once he gets in.” “Excellent.” Zechs hastily finished tying his shoes, his half-consumed cup of coffee completely forgotten. “Anything else, Colonel?” “Isn’t that enough?” “You bet it is!” The Major hesitated, recalling Team Wing’s half-executed plan. “I look forward to speaking with Chang. I have some news for him that can’t really wait.” “Anything for me to relay?” “It’s a bit—complicated,” he said apologetically. “Better if I tell him directly.” “I’ll be sure he calls.” “Thank you, Colonel. Merquise out.” He flicked off the phone and stared at the blank screen for a full minute before letting out a jubilant whoop. “I think even Maxwell won’t mind being woken up for this,” he predicted, grabbing his windbreaker and heading out the door. Instead of heading for the track, he turned towards the barracks, and was halfway across the yard before one of the prison guards jogged up, looking flustered and a bit apprehensive. “Major Merquise?” “Yes?” “Um, there was an accident involving one of your recruits…uh, in the showers. The warden said you’d want to know.” “Damn straight,” muttered the MSC officer, wondering which of the boys would have been showering a full hour before reveille, and why one of his soldiers hadn’t come to find him. “Take me to him.” “Sure thing,” said the guard, gesturing Merquise to precede him, and following with a small, unpleasant smirk.
“What the fuck?” Duo gasped, kicking free of the covers and running to the door. “Duo, no!” Quatre cautioned, jumping up to follow him. “Wait! We don’t know what’s going on out there.” He caught his teammate at the door, pulling him back. “You don’t go running out into gunfire without looking first!” Duo paused, finally pulling the door open just a crack and looking out to see soldiers dashing from their barracks towards the shower building. “Well, our soldier boys are all over it,” he said, calming slightly. “We may as well get dressed and go see what’s up.” The boys quickly donned uniforms, and then stepped cautiously out onto the steps, seeing other teams doing the same. “Hey, what’s up?” Duo called to a passing MSC officer. “Someone’s been shot!” replied the man, never breaking stride. Duo rolled his eyes heavenward. “Please let it be Kushrenada,” he whispered. Quatre was frowning, a hand clutching reflexively at his chest. “It’s not,” he said in a hushed voice. “C’mon, Duo…Trowa…” He sprinted from the door, racing across the compound with his teammates at his heels. There was a cluster of soldiers, prison guards, and inmates in the yard beside the showers, gathered around a figure sprawled on the ground. “Merquise!” someone said in a shocked and hushed tone. Duo pushed through the crowd, ending up at Lieutenant Li’s elbow, and cursing aloud at what he saw. His eyes widened in horror at the three bullet holes, and the amount of blood pooling on the officer’s chest. “Shit! Major?” He started forward, but was halted in his tracks. Li had turned, putting an arm out to hold the boy back. “Steady, Maxwell. The doctor’s on her way.” “Is he—?” “We don’t know yet,” came the noncommittal reply. “Just stay back and let them take care of him.” “What happened?” Duo demanded, feeling Quatre and Trowa’s hands trying to pull him back away from the chaotic scene. “Someone shot him,” Li snapped out sternly, turning to face the three boys from Team Wing. “And until we find out the details, you boys would be better off in your barracks!” He gestured to Lieutenant Wolfe, who apparently was the senior ranking officer, as he was the one giving orders now that the Major was incapacitated. “Sir? Can we get the liaisons to escort their teams back to their barracks?” Lieutenant Wolfe nodded, parting the crowd to let Doctor Po in, and yelling at the liaison soldiers to gather their charges and see them safely away. And then Treize Kushrenada was there, ordering his guards to lock down the prison and secure the perimeter. The tall, broad-shouldered man strode into the midst of the people clustered around the fallen officer, demanding answers that no one seemed to have. Then, for just a moment, the warden’s gaze and Duo’s met across the intervening distance, and Kushrenada gave a very slight, very small smile. “Fuck!” Duo swore icily under his breath. He grabbed Trowa’s arm, turning so that his lips were near the other boy’s ear. “Look at K.! He fuckin’ did this!” Trowa obeyed the instructions, surreptitiously glancing at the warden from under his thick bangs, and seeing the triumph written on the man’s face. “Shit, shit, shit!” he hissed in an undertone. Then Carter was there, pushing the boys back away from the gathered crowd. “C’mon, boys…back to the barracks until they get this sorted out.” Quatre turned away first, walking quickly back towards the barracks, his head bowed in concentration and his hands still fisted in the front of his shirt. “Y’okay?” Duo whispered, sidling up next to him. “I don’t know,” Quatre murmured back. “Is this our fault? Is it because we started the whole setup?” “Shit, no!” Duo insisted. “Kushrenada did this.” “But is it because we pushed things?” “No!” Duo said more sharply. “It’s because he’s a sick, twisted bastard.” Trowa had edged in, listening to the quiet conversation, and he nodded in agreement. “The man’s crazy. You can see it in his eyes. I’ve seen lions with that look…and they always needed to be put down.” They had arrived at the barracks by then, and Corporal Carter ushered them inside. “You boys stay put. I’ll be just outside trying to pick up whatever information I can.” He shook his head. “This is utter fucking chaos.” He stepped quickly outside, leaving the three teammates alone. “We better scrap the plan.” Quatre was standing by the window watching soldiers and prison guards running to restore order where there was none. “No!” Duo said sharply. “Duo—someone just shot Major Merquise,” Trowa pointed out. “Someone K. put up to it. He’s gone beyond threats and posturing.” “I don’t care!” Duo insisted. “Goddamn it, Tro’…Quat…we don’t have a choice any more. Right now we’re more or less on our own. No Chang. No Merquise. Nothing between us and that sadistic asshole. He just made the first move, and you can bet he’s got more up his sleeve. If we don’t catch him at something, and soon, no one ever will. He’ll get away with murder…again!” “Merquise might not be—,” Quatre began. “Shut up!” Duo snarled. “Don’t even say it! I fucking saw him, Quatre. He was shot three times. Nobody walks away from that.” He drew a hand across his eyes, trying to still his ragged breathing. “Shit—he was supposed to—. What’ll Chang do when he finds out?” Quatre put a reassuring arm around his friend’s shoulders, pulling him close. He made eye contact with Trowa and gestured for him to join them. “It’ll be okay, Duo. You’re right. We have to go through with the plan and get the evidence against Kushrenada. But it’s gonna be dangerous.” “And being a street rat wasn’t?” Duo muttered skeptically. “We’ve made it through a bunch of dangerous shit here at camp,” Trowa spoke up. “We’ll make it through this.” “All right,” Quatre said resolutely. “Nothing’s changed as far as our overall plans. We still act like the team is at war and Duo’s planning to escape.” He frowned with concern. “I wish Captain Chang and Heero were back. We really need Heero’s hacking skills and Chang’s protection if we’re going to succeed.” “Well we don’t have that luxury,” Duo said flatly. “We have to make do with what we’ve got and try to stay one step ahead of Kushrenada. I can use a different escape route and make him track me down…maybe even be able to lead him a chase and get back inside where we’ll have witnesses if he tries anything.” “If—?” scoffed Trowa. “You know he will.” The green eyes gleamed with concern. “I should follow you to watch your back. I could try to stop him before he hurts you.” “Should we ask Ben and Adam for help?” Quatre threw the question out just as an aside. But Duo shook his head. “We can’t bring them into it. It’s too risky.” He raised his chin stubbornly. “We have a plan, and we’ll stick with it…for better or worse…unless another opportunity presents itself.” “Resourceful as ever,” grinned Quatre, albeit a bit weakly. “Maxwell’s middle name,” Trowa agreed. He went over to the laptop, pulling up some of their data and occupying himself by working on it.
“Fuck it! I can’t take much more of this!” Duo snapped after they’d gone over the review material for their upcoming tests half a dozen times. “We’ll hear something soon,” Quatre predicted, having listened closely to the activity level outside and come to the conclusion order was close to being restored. Sure enough, shortly thereafter, Carter came in, his face somber. “C’mon, boys. Lieutenant Wolfe wants us all in formation.” It was a somber, silent group that filed across the compound and down to the exercise yard to line up in formation, each team at attention behind their liaison. Lieutenant Wolfe was still talking animatedly with Kushrenada and two of the other MSC officers, but none of the boys could overhear any of the conversation. Duo elbowed Quatre. “Notice the prison guards are flanking us?” he whispered. Quatre nodded almost imperceptibly. “I’d say this is part of Kushrenada’s plan.” He wanted to groan at the thought. In fact, it was the warden who walked forward to address the assembled ranks. His tawny eyes were alight with triumph, even as he pasted a stern and regretful expression on his face. “Sometime this morning one or more of you little pukes broke into the armory building, stole a gun, and shot Major Merquise. Until further notice, every one of you is restricted to your barracks when you’re not in class. My guards will be posted along with MSC personnel to ensure your compliance. You’ll be escorted to and from the mess hall, showers, and classes. I will tolerate no breech of security for any reason.” His malicious gaze sought out Duo, who glared back defiantly. “Be aware that while this shooting is being investigated, you’re all suspects, and will be treated accordingly. Don’t step out of line, boys.” He stalked away, his very posture indicating his superior attitude, as if he felt in control and indestructible. Lieutenant Wolfe stepped up then, shaking his head slightly. “Don’t worry, recruits. We’ll get to the bottom of this. Meanwhile, while there will be prison guards posted, you’ll also have your liaison and other MSC personnel watching your backs. We’ll finish the testing as scheduled, though I can’t guarantee the date that graduation will be held.” Duo held up a hand, and when Wolfe nodded, he posed the question on everyone’s mind. “Is the Major—?” He paused, cleared his throat, and continued. “How’s Merquise—sir?” “He was alive when the medical transport took him,” came the careful reply. “We’ve yet to hear from the hospital.” The boy nodded, not reassured in the least. “Any other questions?” “Has there been any word from Captain Chang?” Quatre spoke up. “Not that I know of.” The blonde sighed, glancing at the grave faces of his teammates. They had no way to contact the Captain, and little hope that he’d hear of Merquise’s hospitalization in time to come to their aid. “We’re screwed,” Duo said bitterly. “Not yet, we’re not,” Trowa mumbled back. “We’re just on our own. But we knew that.” The braided boy gave his teammate a wan smile, and then the MSC personnel escorted all the inmates over to the mess hall for a much-needed meal. They’d missed breakfast and very nearly lunch. The meal passed in near silence, with only the faintest of murmurs from where the boys were seated. They were intensely aware of the prison guards stationed at the exits, and the military personnel at the tables with them. It was more like a prison than it had been on the first day when Kushrenada laid down the law to them, and it was a somber group of boys that finished the midday meal and followed their liaisons to their afternoon of testing.
“It’ll be good to see Du—my team again.” “You can say it, you know,” Wufei commented with a smirk. “It’s him you want to see.” “I just want to know he’s all right,” Heero asserted. “You know his track record, and how much the warden hates him.” A frown creased his forehead. “Kushrenada wanted me out of the way, and I can’t help but wonder why.” “Last time I spoke to Merquise, things were fine.” “Hai, but it’s been two days without any communication. Things could have changed.” “We’ll find out from the Colonel. She’s expecting us.” The two men left their gear in the motor pool area, figuring there was no point in carrying it around with them. Colonel Une had said she was going to issue them a vehicle to drive up to Camp Peacecraft, since taking a shuttle would entail a longer wait than the driving time. As they walked the halls of the base, heading for the Colonel’s office, Heero looked around him with interest. “So where are the mobile suits kept?” “Ah. Not here,” Wufei told him. “This is simply a station…used for administrative functions, and as a shuttle port. The mobile suits are kept on the working bases, and at the training facilities.” He smiled at his friend. “You’ll be seeing them soon enough.” “Never thought I would,” Heero confessed with a shrug. “Until I saw you at Camp Peacecraft, I figured the odds were slim to none.” “You’d have excelled regardless of the trainer, Yuy. You know it.” The boy shook his head. “Not necessarily. And I certainly wouldn’t have beaten the murder rap without you at my back.” “Remember all the times you covered for me when we were kids?” Wufei reminded him. “When I snuck out to go to martial arts training, even though my parents didn’t want me learning from the local school? All the times we practiced together, and studied the specs and statistics about mobile suits? I wouldn’t be where I am without having had your help, either. I’d say we’re pretty even.” Heero shrugged, a vague smirk tugging at one side of his mouth. “If you say so, ‘Fei. But I’ll still keep trying to pay you back.” They’d reached Une’s office by then, and knocked on the door. They were admitted by the secretary, who nodded a greeting. “Captain Chang. The Colonel’s been expecting you. Go right in.” They entered the next room where a stern-looking woman sat behind a wide desk, papers stacked across its surface. “Chang! You finally made it. And this must be Yuy?” “Yes, ma’am,” Wufei replied. “Heero Yuy…meet Colonel Une. She’s in charge of coordinating this entire sector, from training and duty station assignments to transport and supply functions.” Heero gave a very proper salute, which the officer returned. “You can both be seated. This won’t take long.” They settled into chairs, and the woman passed a stack of papers to Wufei. “There are your travel orders…your vehicle assignment…and your clearance documents for Cadet Yuy.” She glanced at Heero’s raised eyebrow. “I believe Major Merquise took your enlistment documents back in detention at Camp Peacecraft?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Then you’re officially a cadet at the MSC Academy, although you’ll still have to take exams with your teammates and attend boot camp graduation.” “I’m looking forward to it,” he said firmly. “Aren’t we all?” she said with a smile. “Major Merquise was quite elated when I told him you two were on your way back.” “I’m sure he was,” Wufei replied. “Team Wing has been consistently ranked in first place among the teams, due in large part to Heero’s excellent leadership.” The Japanese boy resisted the temptation to snort skeptically at that statement, and kept his face impassive. “Well then, I suppose it’s advisable to get him back to them with all due haste,” suggested the officer. “I’m eager to get back myself,” Wufei admitted. “I was there at the start, and I certainly want to be there at the end of the camp.” “Just so you know, your graduation ceremony is going to draw a rather illustrious crowd. The entire board of directors of the Peacecraft Foundation is expected to attend.” “Good,” Wufei said firmly. “I hope they’ll see how successful their Initiative has been. More of the recruits qualified than I dared hope would.” “Yes, I’ve seen some of the test scores Merquise has been sending. Very impressive.” She seemed to notice when Heero shifted restlessly on his seat, and a wry smile crossed her face. “I take it after two days in transit you’re both a bit weary of sitting around.” She slid her phone across the desk to Wufei. “I told Merquise I’d have you call to let him know you’d landed and were on your way.” Heero couldn’t resist a smirk. “Y’want some privacy—Captain?” The Chinese man darted him a deadly look. “Certainly not, Yuy. Anything I have to say to the Major can be said right here.” The Colonel seemed a bit confused by the little exchange, but she was busy shifting more papers around on her desk, and didn’t comment. Wufei dialed the office number at the camp, and waited for an answer. But after multiple rings, and no response, he frowned slightly. “I suppose the Major is overseeing the testing,” he guessed. “But usually he’d leave a message to that effect.” “Well, I spoke to him very early this morning,” replied Une. “He was delighted that you were returning, and said he had news to relay to you. But he didn’t want to leave a message with me. He said it was complicated.” Complicated? Heero tensed at the hint of something ominous. “He didn’t specify what it was about?” he asked uneasily. The Colonel shook her head. “Did he seem—concerned?” Wufei asked carefully, a telltale scowl crossing his face. “No.” The eyes behind the round glasses narrowed. “Is there anything I should know, Chang?” “Not that I’m aware of,” Wufei replied. “But you know the warden has been singularly uncooperative.” “Yes, Zechs went on at great length about that moron in some of our previous talks,” she said disdainfully. “I imagine if his news had anything to do with Kushrenada, he’d have mentioned it to me at the time.” “He didn’t say anything about the recruits?” “Just that I’d make a lot of people happy when he shared the news that you two were coming back.” “’Fei, let’s go,” Heero said in an urgent undertone. “I have a bad feeling…” Captain Chang stood up, gathering the papers from Colonel Une. “I think Yuy’s right, ma’am. We should get on our way as quickly as possible. Whatever Merquise had for news, I think I need to know it with all due haste.” “Shall I call the main number at the camp and go through Kushrenada’s secretary? She might be able to track Merquise down even if he’s out conducting training.” “Not necessary,” Wufei said with a wave of his hand. “I’ll just get us on the road post haste and find out what’s going on in person.” “And you’ll fill me in, I hope.” “Of course.” The two men headed out the door, just as the secretary was coming in, and she held it wide for them to pass briskly through. “Colonel,” she said, as the pair disappeared down the hall. “There’s an urgent message that just came in for you. The MSC base hospital in the Alpha Sector. They’d like a call back immediately.” “I’ll get right to it.” In their hurry to be on their way, Wufei and Heero drove out the gate of the base just moments before Une’s frantic call to the guard tower. And considering the rugged terrain into which they were headed, Chang had shut off and packed his cell phone, knowing it would be nearly useless. Thus they headed up to Camp Peacecraft completely unaware of the attack on Major Merquise, and Kushrenada’s subsequent lockdown of the facility.
“Well, that’s odd,” Heero muttered as they pulled up outside the gates. “Looks like the whole compound is lit up. What’s going on?” His stomach tightened apprehensively. “We’ll find out,” Wufei said, waiting impatiently as the gate guard strolled over. He flashed his identification, giving the man a cool, appraising look. “Is there a problem?” “The place is under lockdown,” replied the man, shrugging slightly. “I’ll have to get the warden’s okay to let you in.” “The warden’s—?” Wufei grabbed the man by the collar, glaring into his eyes. “I’m Captain Chang of the Mobile Suit Corps. I’ll answer to Major Merquise...not to that overstuffed shirt Kushrenada.” “Uh, the Major’s not here, sir,” gulped the man, clutching at Wufei’s wrists. “He was taken by medivac this morning.” “Medivac?” Wufei’s eyes widened, and then narrowed dangerously. “Listen, you useless piece of shit. If the Major isn’t here, I’m in charge of this entire camp. I am! Not Kushrenada! You go open that gate, and let me in, or you’ll be standing in an unemployment line by this time tomorrow!” He shoved the man back away from the jeep, watching him scurry to the gate controls. As they were driving through, Heero glanced at Wufei’s white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. “Easy, ‘Fei. Don’t overreact until we know the situation.” “If Kushrenada’s got the place locked down, it means there’s an investigation of some kind, which means there was some sort of foul play involving Zechs.” The tone of his voice when he said the name Zechs made Heero wince slightly in sympathy. “I know you’re worried about him. I’ve been there with Duo plenty of times. I’m there now,” he admitted, glancing around the compound for signs of the other recruits. “Let’s find out what’s happened before we panic, okay?” “Whatever.” Wufei slammed on the brakes and was out of the jeep in an instant, tossing the keys to one of the guards, before walking briskly through the inner gate to the main yard. “Where is everyone?” he demanded of the first uniformed soldier they encountered. It was Corporal Walters, one of the liaison officers, who’d escorted several of the inmates from the mess hall to the latrine for a bathroom break during a very late supper. “Captain Chang! What are you doing back?” He waved a hand carelessly. “Never mind. You’ve heard about the Major?” “What about him?” Wufei asked tensely, glancing around with a scowl. “And where are all my recruits?” “Mostly the mess hall, sir…except for the six I brought over here,” replied the corporal. “Lieutenant Wolfe is in charge since Major Merquise was shot this morning.” “SHOT?!” demanded Wufei. He grabbed Heero’s arm, and set off at a near-run for the mess hall. Quatre walked out of the latrine just in time to see Wufei and Heero striding rapidly across the compound, and his eyes widened. “Heero? Captain Chang?” His smile froze as he noticed their hurry, and sensed the fear and confusion from them. “Shit. They don’t know!” He sprinted after them, but long before he got there, they’d walked up the steps and into the commissary. Since Kushrenada was overseeing the late meal, Duo and Trowa had decided to play up their fake relationship to keep him off balance. At the moment, they were at the end of the food line, and had paused for a kiss that quickly turned into a very authentic-looking makeout session. “Duo?!” The braided boy flinched at the tone, turning to see Heero and Wufei standing just inside the doors. “’Ro?” he said breathlessly, unable to keep a smile from breaking across his face at the unexpected sight of his lover. “What the fuck is this?” Heero demanded, anger and hurt vying for control in the deep blue eyes. Duo suddenly recalled that Trowa’s arms were still around him. “Oh.” He disentangled himself, taking a step towards Heero before he realized the look on his face was real. “Heero? Didn’t Merquise—?” He stopped in mid-sentence as Quatre burst through the doors just behind the officer and their team leader, his expression panicked. Realization began to dawn on Duo. Merquise was supposed to have shared the plan with Wufei and Heero if he got word they were returning. But he hadn’t said anything to Team Wing about it, which meant word had never come—or he’d never had the chance to relay it. “He doesn’t know,” Quatre murmured in horror, his gaze darting from Duo and Trowa to Heero and Wufei, who were still frozen in shock. In the sudden stillness that had fallen over the mess hall, Kushrenada began laughing. Heero spun and headed for the door, and with an anguished cry, Duo ran after him. “Wait, Heero—you don’t understand!” Forgetting about Kushrenada and the plan, he grabbed the other boy’s arm to stop him. Heero spun sharply, slamming him against the wall. “Don’t you ever touch me again, Maxwell!” he snarled with eyes ablaze. “Or I’ll fucking kill you!” Duo gasped to regain the breath that had been knocked out of him on impact, grimacing at Heero’s tight grip on his upper arms. “Heero, please—listen!” Heero slammed him against the wall again, harder, and Duo let out a grunt of pain, followed by a gasped curse. “Goddamnit! I’ll fucking kill you both!” Heero swore, sparing a glance at Trowa, who was still standing where Duo had left him. But when the Japanese boy turned to leave again, Duo staggered away from the wall and caught his arm once more. This time Heero swung, fast and hard, his punch taking Duo squarely in the jaw and sending him stumbling to the side. With a temper and reflexes borne of years of street fighting, Duo shook off the blow and counterattacked, and both boys ended up on the floor, locked in combat. Recruits began to gather, murmuring in curiosity, and Wufei finally shook off his shock. “Carter! Wolfe! Get them apart!” he ordered curtly. He caught Trowa as the auburn-haired boy ran to make a grab for Duo, while Quatre went for Heero. “Both of you stay out of this!” he ordered harshly. “Goddamnit, Lareau! Get me some help over here!” Duo and Heero were dragged apart, both bleeding and bruised, struggling and hurling curses at one another. Captain Chang eyed them up and down, assessing their injuries in a glance. “Take them to the detention building,” he ordered. “Separate cells!” They were dragged bodily away, still trading threats. Wufei turned around, eyeing the boys gathered around the scene of the fight. “I want every team in their barracks now! And I want to know what’s going on, and what happened to Major Merquise.” While soldiers scrambled to obey his orders, Quatre tried approaching the Chinese officer to explain the misunderstanding. But Wufei merely glared and shook his head. “You, too, Winner. Get to your barracks. I’ll talk to you later.” He stalked furiously over to the grinning warden. “Get your fucking guards away from my recruits!” “One of your ‘recruits’ shot your precious Major Merquise, Chang!” he snarled, the smile disappearing into a scowl. “I’ve had to lock the place down until we find the murderer.” “Mur—.” Wufei stopped himself short, trying not to let the feeling of being sucker-punched overwhelm him. Kushrenada used the term “murderer,” which implied that the Major was dead. “I’ll find out who did it,” he promised in an icy tone, onyx eyes fixed on tawny ones. He was no fool, and he knew that whatever it looked like, his recruits were not to blame. “I swear I will.” Kushrenada smiled back. “Good luck, Chang!” He signaled his guards with a jerk of his head, and they walked away from the boys and the MSC troops. Wufei looked at Lieutenant Wolfe. “My office. Now!
I want to know what in Hell went on here!”
tbc... |
