AN- Alright peeps, here goes. I have spent the past three months trying work up the courage to write and post this. ANY reviews that you can give me are welcome. I'll take anything from shameless flattery to helpful suggestions (most preferred) to flames. To be honest with you, I'm not exactly sure where this story is headed, but if I get at least a few helpful reviews, then I'll do my best to finish it.
- things in "these" are spoken
- things in 'these' are thought
*DISCLAIMER – I don't own any of the characters and I am making no profit off of this fic*
Untitled
(any suggestions for a title would be greatly welcomed)
The only sound she could hear was that of her own labored breath ringing in her ears. Her feet pounded on the hard and unforgiving earth, but she had long ago lost any feeling in them. It was better that way, no feeling meant no pain – a law that had become constant for her in the past years. She had no idea how far she had run, or how much farther she must go before she was truly out of danger. Or perhaps she would never reach that destination where she was utterly and completely safe. Yes, she was quite sure that no such place existed. Then why was she running? If there was no ultimate goal then what was the use of trying to move towards it? You might as well try to capture a dream.
It was these dismal thoughts that she was concentrating on when earth suddenly seemed to pitch forward. The next coherent observation that crossed her mind was that she was lying on the ground and seemed unable to get back up. Oh well, this spot seemed as good as any to rest upon. She did so want to close her eyes and sleep.
*~*~*~*
"I want to know how those assassins got into the building! You said the security was air tight and yet four armed men were able to waltz right in and open fire!" Deep brown eyes flashed with fire, as they focused on the unfortunate Director of Security. Or, Ex – Director of Security to be more accurate.
"Colonel Une, the weapons that we confiscated from the suspects were made of a highly advanced hybrid of metal that we have never seen before, and was there for undetectable by our sensors. We had no way to know that the suspects were armed."
"The security department is the most highly funded department of the Preventers organization. You have been given vast amounts of resources, labor, and intelligence at your disposal so you could prevent such surprises in terrorist technology. You dare tell me that you had no way of detecting the weaponry."
The young man hung his head, and with obvious remorse responded with a simple "Yes, mam."
"Dismissed. I'm sure that you are aware of the fact that you shall not be returning to your post tomorrow."
He gave a final salute and exited the room. As the great oak doors shut behind him, Une collapsed into the plush leather office chair. Placing her elbows on the desk, hands folded together and forehead resting on her intertwined fingers, it almost looked as if she was praying. Almost.
The intercom beeped, startling the wearied woman out of her meditation. She half-heartedly reached out a hand to activate the microphone.
"What is it, Shelly?"
Her secretary responded, "Sorry to disturb you, Colonel, but the press is asking for a statement from you. Shall I tell them to leave or are you ready to give them some information."
"I have one prepared in writing, please send someone up to retrieve it."
"Yes, mam."
While she was waiting, Une read over the brief letter for the thousandth time. It stated the facts of the previous night, and did not bother to soften the blow with understatements or fancy language. It was the truth, plain and ugly. But it was better to have a well-informed population then one who had rose colored lenses strapped over their eyes.
It read:
Citizens of the United Earth Sphere Alliance,
The events of the night of Saturday, March 15 are as follows-
Vice Foreign Minister, Relena Dorlin
, was attending a charity banquet along with other dignitaries when at around 10:27, four armed men entered the building posing as guests. They were able to get various types of weaponry, including guns and grenades, past all security check points. Three of the terrorists proceeded to the center of the stage where they at once began firing. Preventer agents were able to gun down all three assassins within 30 seconds of the start of the attack. While this was occurring, another terrorist agent cornered Ms. Dorlin at gunpoint and forced her to leave the building with him via a first floor balcony. The abductor was never apprehended, and at this time the whereabouts of Ms. Dorlin are unknown. The casualties of this attack are listed as L-1 Colony Resource Rep. Dr. Mark De'Virre,…………. Others are in the hospital recovering. Rest assured that the Preventers will find the root of these attacks, and quickly and efficiently wipe them out.Sincerely,
Colonel Une
*~*~*~*
Duo's attention was separated form the TV screen as the petit form in his arms began to tremble. He silently caressed her hair, trying desperately to think of something to say to comfort his companion.
"D….do….do you think….do you think that she's….ok?" Hilde's voice cracked on the word 'ok', coming out as a high pitched whimper.
"Lena's a big girl babe, I'm sure…… I'm sure that she'll be fine.
The words were hollow even to himself, sounding like nothing more then an empty echo of hope.
Hilde just nodded, willing to accept even the most feeble offerings at a happy resolution.
*~*~*~*
The entire company talked of nothing else, and Cathy was tired of listening to the depressing tale of the massacre. Desperate, she retreated to a secluded spot behind the lion cages, and curling into a protective little ball, allowed herself to mourn for the missing friend and the lost souls. That's where Trowa found her. Truth be told, he was also looking for an escape, but after happening upon his grieving sister, decided to put aside his sorrow for the moment so that he could pacify her.
*~*~*~*
Quatra burred his pale face into his hands, willing the images of the slaughter that had just been displayed on the television to leave his tortured mind. Racking his brain, he tried to think of something, anything, he could do to resolve this dilemma. Money, political power, resources, all of them were at his disposal but he couldn't think of any productive use he could put them to. It was driving him crazy, that blood could be shed, and one of his best friends could be in such danger, but he could have neither stopped the events from occurring nor rectify the damage.
*~*~*~*
Wufei sat, silent and unmoving, glaring at his coffee mug. He really should have been concentrating on the small mountain of paperwork that at present littered his desk, but it went unnoticed. The Preventers badge that rested near by had once been a symbol of pride and honor to him, but now it carried nothing but shame. It displayed the wearer as being part of the incompetent force that was too weak to protect the leaders of peace. At least, that's how he saw it.
Sally walked into the office, but due to her partner's unwavering concentration on his beverage, she was able to stand behind him undetected for several minutes. Deciding that the poor coffee had received enough punishment for one day, she quietly cleared her throat.
"Ahem." No answer.
"Ahem!"
"COUGH, COUGH."
At this rather aggressive display of vocalization, Wufei whipped around and answered with an annoyed "What do you want."
"Nice to see you too," the blond answered icily. "I came to offer you a position on the search and recover team that will be mobilized in two hours to locate and retrieve Ms. Dorlin.
"Accepted."
"What a surprise."
*~*~*~*
The locks surrounding the Preventers data system were nothing short of pathetic. True, his extensive hacking skills did give him an advantage over the rest of the population, but still. If he could get in, then it was possible for someone with military intentions to access the data as well. 'It's laxity like this that got us into trouble in the first place.'
The man skimmed through the information, noting the extensive search that was being organized to locate Dorlin. 'At least they have their priorities straight.' A brief mental debate commenced in is mind, trying to decide whether he should work with the Preventers as an agent as he sometimes did, or act alone. In the past, his dealings with the organization had been to help track down weapons stores, investigate potential threats to peace, mundane things like that. This situation was different though. Peace had not only been threatened, it had been kidnapped as well. The annoying red tape that came with aiding the Preventers would only get in his way on this operation. By acting alone he would have a better success rate. Mission Accepted.