Here it is, my first multi-chapter fic with a very slightly rewritten introduction. Thanks for all the interest in this story, even though it pales in comparison to some others. Sorry about any mistakes in here. I like to write in the early early morning, like 0100, even though I'm pretty sleepy. Nighttime is so good for creativity...

NOTE - This chapter does not introduce the any major characters from the show. They will be in the next chapter.

Disclaimer - I don't own Gundam SEED/SEED DESTINY. I don't know of any other way to say that more clearly. Do you?

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Prologue
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A voice inquired from the darkness, "Mr. Samuel Mathews?"

"Yes?" answered the man. He appeared to be in his mid-thirties and had just walked out of his garage. Behind him was a brand new yellow Lotus and several other expensive luxury sports cars. His house lay off in the distance and the entire residence was walled and gated. Samuel wondered how this man got through what was supposed to be a top of the line security system.

"IRS. Could we talk inside?" A gust of wind drove the rain harder as a flash of lightning silhouetted a dim figure.

"Yeah, hold on a moment." He turned to close the garage door and a sudden pain exploded from the back of his skull.

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He regained conciousness with a start and tried to move. His torso and feet were bound with duct tape to a high-backed chair appropriated from his dining room. His wrists, however, were taped securely to the table in front. Only one of the overhead lights was turned on and it shone directly on the awake and, now, raging blonde. The same man from earlier stood just outside of the spotlight's range.

"You can't do this to me," Samuel tried to shout, but it came out as a whisper from behind a gag. "I've got friends in the government. They'll hunt you down. You'll never get away with this. You... You... You..."

The man just stared at the heap of seething filth before replying coldly, "Me? Oh, I will get away with this, believe me. Your friends will be following you in due time. I am the judge, the jury, and the executioner." He paused momentarily, then continued in a menacing voice, "Welcome to hell. Shall we begin?"

Slowly, he unsheathed a knife from behind his back.

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Orb Times
Another Victim Found
By Walter Rather

Orb is once again rocked by the latest killing in a string of murders these past few months. The dead body found in the mountains yesterday afternoon was positively identified as Samuel Mathews, age thirty five. Last seen with his girlfriend Melissa Bright last Friday, authorities were alerted when Mathews failed to appear Tuesday at Morgenroete, where he works as a senior production manager. His home showed no sign of forced entry when officers went to investigate.

One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the recent murders share several striking similarities. Most prominent is a small slip of paper left at every crime scene. On it, are the letters "MSS" and the Chinese character for death. It is not known why the piece of paper is left at the scene and forensic examination has yielded nothing. The letters are always also written in red on a nearby surface. Other connections include signs of severe torture, death by either blade or gunshot wounds, and a stark lack of other evidence at the scene. This, he said, points to an individual familiar with forensic procedures, perhaps one with military or police training. Another disturbing link is that all the victims were working for or were former employees of Morgenroete and other military subcontractors. Morgenroete has not yet released a statement on yesterday's discovery.

Public confidence as been shaken by the serial killer, dubbed "the MSS killer." The mystery surrounding this murderer and the National Police's inability to achieve a breakthrough has concerned many people. The National Police has stated that they "have assigned this case a top priority."

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"Hey, what the hell did you paint this with? That doesn't look like spray paint," a young man asked, inspecting the black and white newspaper photo closely. It featured the caption, "Photograph by Miriallia Haw." As he examined the photo, he played with the end of his dark brown braid. A cup of steaming coffee rested on the cluttered table in front of him. Located in the edges of the capital's central business district, the apartment was on the twenty first floor and overlooked the sea. Morning light streamed through the window, illuminating the front page.

"I used his blood and a rolled up magazine," his taller brother replied as he stalked in and began making a cup of Earl Grey. "The can was empty because you used it all practising and didn't bother get another one."

"Sorry about that, but you used his blood?" he asked again, just to confirm.

"Well, I sure as hell wasn't going to use my blood, was I? Plus, it sends a message that can't be done using Crayons."

"True." Curiosity satisfied, he moved on the next important topic, "So, what's for breakfast?"

Peering into the near-empty refrigerator, the Asian just sighed, "Looks like we're having cereal bars again. Remind me to buy some more food later."
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There it is, the prologue of the story. Interesting? Now, please review or YOU may be next in line for... termination. Thanks!

redshirt