Author's Note: L2-V08744 is a colony in the series (Duo is from there); however, L1-X031 is a colony I made up. The only reference to L1 colonies is that Heero Yuy is from that area. No definite colony names are used, so I made up my own.


Chapter 1b: Standing Ovation

Wind and Noin guided the delegates around. There was much to show; the red visage of Mars welcomed all who walked down the satellite's halls. From the glass walls on, every structure and pathway worked towards a vibrant park in a circular pattern, with the sleeping quarters at its core. Relena used each moment to bring the group together, especially Representative Dieci of L2-V08744 and Ms. Romail of L1-X031; the stout man and the sour woman remained convinced of corrupt intention.

Ms. Romail wandered to a stone bench, and the assembly settled in around her, some standing, some sitting on other nearby benches. "This is a project for the World Nation, is it not? Doesn't that mean the colonies get its leftovers?"

"Not at all." Relena spread her arms. "Everyone will vote on their preferred territory in a manner befitting our new way. There is no need for apprehension or unease or bickering. Every human being is equal now, regardless of location."

The delegates clapped.

"But how can we be assured of this equality?" Dieci pointed at Wind. "Earth has its Preventers to ensure we keep its ways. Can we really claim impartiality if each separate colony does not have a Preventer force as well?"

"Representative Dieci, all the colonies, including yours, voted on that matter seven years ago. Am I to understand your colony has changed its position on the subject?"

"I am simply voicing the doubts of my people."

"Your concern is not unreasonable, but Prosperity will show its own truth in time. Just give me a year and the project will be revealed as good and just."

All rose and applauded even louder this time.

Dieci scoffed and walked away; Romail followed.

"It seems there are still those who chafe under the reign of peace," Wind said to Relena as the delegates talked amongst themselves.

"Its power those two want." Quatre sat where Ms. Romail once did. "Shaking up the peace would allow them to dethrone your pacifist notions and replace your authority with their own, Miss Relena."

"We can't judge them yet, Quatre. Perhaps they are truly worried for the people of their colonies."

"Do you really believe that, Relena?" Wind stared at her, gaze intent and cold. "Or can it be that those two want nothing more than to have a standing ovation, too?"

After a few more hours of touring Satellite I, the group came to the sleeping area. The corridor was basic, but the interior of each room was elaborately furnished and uniquely designed. As people dispersed, doors shutting left and right, Wind, Fire, Wufei, and Sally met up with Quatre and Relena.

"We should keep an eye on Dieci and Romail?"

Relena shook her head. "No, Wufei. That would only further their suspicions, and we cannot afford that right now."

"Be careful." Wind embraced his sister. It was the second time he had done that in her entire life. The first was before he threatened to destroy Earth in the colonies' defense. "Noin, let's go."

"Right. If you need anything, Miss Relana, Quatre, just page us." The two walked off towards the monitor room.

Sally motioned for Wufei and her to leave, but Quatre stopped them. "Have you heard any news from Trowa or Duo?"

She nodded. "Trowa's still with his circus, going from Earth to colonies every year. He even took over the business after the manager passed last year. Duo works as a mechanic on Dieci's colony and is actually doing very well for himself. Hilde and him had a boy not too long ago. They named him Solo. Supposedly she's pregnant again, but I haven't confirmed that with either of them."

"What about Heero?"

Everyone looked at Relena, whose hands were clasped together in front of her as if she waited for the war to end all over again.

"We don't know."

"I see. Thank you for informing me, Sally. I am going to sleep now. I hope to see all of you in the morning." Relena bowed and retired, the door shutting behind her.

Quatre watched her go and sighed. "I wonder if Heero keeps up with Miss Relena at all."

"Knowing him, he is probably a lot closer than we think." Wufei, arms crossed, smiled.

"I suppose. Well, I am glad to see you two again, but I must sleep. Tomorrow is going to be a very important. Goodnight, Miss Sally, Wufei." Quatre entered the room. "Oh," he turned back, "congratulations on your marriage. Miss Relena told me on the way here." He bowed and locked the door behind him. Rashid, who had silently followed Quatre at a distance, waited outside.

Nodding to the tall Arab, Wufei and Sally entered the room next to Quatre's.

"You're hurt that Duo will have two children we haven't had any yet." Wufei stared at Sally as she got into her sleepwear and climbed next to him.

"Yes." She kissed his cheek. "But I understand why you don't want children, Wufei. We're both still very young," she leaned back into the bed, taking him with her, "and I've got nothing but time."