"Realizations"
By Isis
Chapter 3
"Is it just me, or is this odd?" Ry asked as the group pulled up in front of the doors of Relena's estate.
Alli shrugged from the back seat, opening her door and getting out. "They must have a reason for meeting here."
"Yeah. Maybe if we're good we can talk to Relena while we're here," Ry added, stepping up to the doors. Pausing he looked at the white double-doors. "Um… do we actually knock?"
Delano rolled his eyes and stepped around him and opened the thing himself, walking in ahead of them. "They've had us monitored since we approached the gate."
The other two followed suit as he led them in and then up the main stairway to Lt. Jameson's office. The three had been requested to come for a meeting after their daily training assignments. There was no word on why exactly, just the message to attend.
Vaguely, Delano wondered if this was a meeting that Miss Relena had called for, since she should typically be home during these hours. But entering the office, Lt. Jameson greeted them alone, and waved them in.
Gathering another couple chairs from the observation room next door, he added them to the room, closing the door between them and the other two officers in the glass walled room. "Please have a seat," he instructed.
Delano immediately felt his gut twist. Only three chairs. That meant that Agent Yuy wasn't coming… or wasn't invited. And with Miss Relena nowhere in sight, he really didn't like the looks of this.
Delano casually sat down as instructed. "Is Agent Yuy not joining us, Sir?" he asked before jumping to conclusions.
The large, red-mustached man walked around to the other side of his desk and took a seat. "No, no need."
Lt. Dave Jameson was still an officer with an assignment in the Vice Minister's security, and he still outranked them. However he was not technically their commanding officer any longer. As such, any official meeting should have included Heero, or more specifically, should have been instigated by Heero as the highest-ranking officer.
"I wanted the chance to talk with you about the Mars trip," he started, adding his hands on top of his desk.
Delano held back the flinch.
"I wanted to say that you did a great job of protecting Miss Relena during all that." He smiled at them, "I knew I had a good team."
The others chuckled and nodded. "It wasn't easy," Ry mumbled.
"I'm sure it wasn't," he nodded. "We never had her in such a… situations before."
The others nodded.
Raising a hand, he fiddled at smoothing his mustache. "I was terribly worried to hear that she had been allowed to go on the supply ship to start with."
"There was no stopping her, Sir," Alli chuckled to herself. Delano gave her a dark glance, but she didn't noticed it.
Jameson also glanced at her. "That's odd. I wouldn't figure Agent Yuy to be the lenient type."
Alli blinked. "Never," she agreed.
Jameson scowled at her. "Then why let her get onboard?"
"We received the OK from Commander Une for her to accompany the ship," Delano added hurriedly before the others could jump in.
The Lieutenant turned a bit to look at him. "Une?"
"Yes, Sir. Agent Po contacted her about Miss Relena's request to go along." Anything to leave Heero out of this….
He raised an eyebrow. "Agent Po did? Where was Yuy?"
"With Miss Relena, of course," he added, trying for all he was worth to appear calm and casual. "Agent Po was the lead on the relief mission, so it was her responsibility to organize us." He paused, taking the chance. "Do you not have access to our reports on the mission, Sir?"
There was a telltale twitch in the man's jaw. "Yes, yes," he waved it off. "But reports never give you the real picture," he muttered.
He turned his chair away from them a little and glanced over his shoulder out the window for just a moment. Delano took the chance to give the other two a very pointed look as they glanced at him with confused expressions.
"I'm worried…" the other man started, not turning back to them. "I don't think it was wise to put Miss Relena in that situation."
The other three stayed quiet. Casting the other two a look, Delano noted that they were both purposefully holding their tongues.
Sucking in a deep breath, Jameson turned back to them. "If I was still leading the team, it would not have happened."
Again he was met with silence until Delano finally took the opportunity. "Miss Relena was instrumental in helping to rebuild the crews' infrastructure. I doubt that they would have been able to do it so easily if…" he tapered off as the older man held up a hand.
"She was put into a confined space with limited protection among explosives, weapons, and a collection of ex-convicts." He looked at each of them pointedly. "There were three other ships that left after the terrorists were caught that she could have been on instead, if she needed to be there."
Again he was met with silence.
Leaning back, he smoothed the mustache again. "Why was she on the first ship to go?" None of them moved to answer him. Seeing that they weren't forthcoming, he pointedly found Alli's eyes. "Honestly, why was she on that ship?"
Going for emotions. He wanted Alli to slip and spit out whatever he wanted to hear.
"Miss Relena felt it was her duty to be there for the workers," Delano answered instead. "We had no way of knowing there was anything more than an innocent accident when we left."
The Lieutenant eyed him again, casting him an odd look as though he was trying to determine something. Probably because he was talking so much. He wasn't known to be the outgoing type. Dang it, the others had to catch on….
"Is there something wrong, Sir?" Ry bluntly asked. Well, they got it at least. Delano resisted the temptation to smack him.
Jameson shifted his focus to the center where Ry sat. Quietly, he eyed each of them. Sighing, he leaned forward on the desk, fidgeting in his seat. "I am very worried over Miss Relena's safety under Agent Yuy."
"Why is that, Sir?" Alli asked before the others could.
He paused again before shaking his head. "I don't think the kid has the good sense to keep himself out of trouble, let alone someone else."
If that wasn't the understatement of the century….
"I want your honest opinions. Was it really Miss Relena's idea to be on that ship?"
"Of course, Sir," Delano answered automatically.
Jameson nodded to him, but then looked pointedly at Ry as the next in line, waiting for an individual answer.
Ry stalled, and Delano mentally cursed. Ry had had the largest problem with Relena going, and he had stated more than once that he believed Heero was largely responsible for why she went at all. If he opened up the argument that Heero had convinced everyone to allow her to go… he didn't know what exactly Jameson was going to do, but it would bring their relationship into question.
"I don't believe that Agent Yuy would do anything against Miss Relena's wishes," he answered.
Jameson's eyes narrowed just slightly. "And her wishes were to get on the ship?"
Ry gazed back at him. "I didn't hear the conversation. I just know that Relena wanted to go."
"That's right," Alli added, drawing the attention her way. "We were informed of our orders after Agents Yuy and Po received permission for her. But I know Miss Relena felt it was absolutely necessary to be on the first ship out."
Delano finally breathed again, swallowing down the panic that crept in. These questions were being geared towards a "dereliction in duty" or a "conflict of interest" case. If Jameson had happened across Heero's past….
No, if Jameson knew that three of the former Gundam pilots had ended up on Mars, he wouldn't be sitting here grilling them for minor details. He'd be in Une's office… or at the newspapers.
"Sir, what is this really about?" Ry asked. Did that man ever think before he opened his mouth?
Jameson finally cracked a smirk, raising one corner of the mustache. "How well have you grown to trust this kid, Noland?" he asked point-blank.
Delano and Alli both turned to watch Ry blink at the Lieutenant a second before shrugging. "Completely, Sir."
Relena happily wandered around the main floor, chatting with Marie for a while and helping to put away a few groceries. She was killing time, waiting for Lt. Dave's meeting with the group to be over. She wanted the chance to ask them to stay for a little while, just to chat, since they were officially off duty.
It had been too long since she'd gotten to just talk with them. And she was still a little worried over the three officers, with regards to Heero. She wanted the chance to sit them all down just for a friendly get-together. The most time she'd squeezed in with them was last week when she conned the three into taking her to Heero's office so that she could at least ensure that his award didn't end up crumpled in a desk drawer somewhere.
And she still hadn't had the pleasure of hearing him comment on the little plant that she had sent to him.
After a few minutes in that office, with nothing but bare, white walls—albeit with a nice view—she'd decided to take a few things into her own hands. Calling a local floral shop, she'd requested a potted plant that would require next to nothing to take care of. When the florist suggested one that you, "…just put in a sunny spot and water once a week," she'd laughed, and told her to please put that on the card. Along with that she'd added, Something not "standard issue" for you. - Relena.
She was beginning to see that she could very easily get herself into trouble if she tried "reintegrating" him to normal society. However, a few little things here and there would do him some good. Besides, she'd restrained herself from having them write that the plant would do better if he talked to it….
Relena tried to hold back the giggle, but failed miserably. And when Marie turned to give her an odd look, she just shook her head and continued adding the cans to the cupboard. The poor cook probably thought she'd lost it.
And maybe she had. All of her work with the Preventers protocols for a Mars regiment were finally on paper, and should be signed for by next week. Her workload that she'd been two weeks behind on was caught up as much as could be expected. She was finally planning out her next trips to the Colonies, and if she was really, really good, she might get a weekend to visit with her mother.
She figured she had a right to be giddy.
Finishing her grocery chores, she sat down at the kitchen's island counter to wait. Lt. Dave had informed her they would be coming, and he said that he would tell the group that she wanted to talk with them before they left again.
The two women chatted quietly for a while before footsteps sounded on the stairway on the other side of the wall from them. Smiling to Marie again, Relena hopped up and rounded out into the main foyer to the foot of the stairs.
Her three officers quietly met her there, seeming rather… somber.
Relena blinked, eyeing over the group. None of them seemed to be in the best spirits although Ry gave her a crooked smile as she made her way over. "Good evening," she greeted. Coming up to them they greeted her back. Waiting a moment she then turned back to check the stairway which was still empty. "Are they not quite through?" she asked, fishing for how long Heero would be.
The three blinked at her before Del answered. "We're finished. Agent Yuy isn't with us."
Relena tried to restrain herself from showing that her heart froze in her chest. "Oh. I wasn't aware of that," she stated simply. Lacing her fingers behind her back she gave them the best smile that she could. "Well, I was actually just wondering if I could bribe you for some company while you were here."
"Anything for the birthday girl," Alli commented, stepping over and wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "We have a few plans to make with you for this week too."
Relena nodded and swallowed, attempting to figure out what was going on.
Delano surprised her by stepping in and looking down at her. "Yes, where can we talk about it?"
From the hidden look in the man's dark eyes Relena knew exactly what he'd just asked. Relaxing a little, she nodded her head to the side. "The East sitting room," she added easily. "Can I get you guys some tea?" Ry and Alli both made a face at her, and she re-thought that. "Hot chocolate?"
"You're getting better at this," Ry smiled.
She returned it, and then she slipped back to the kitchen to ask Marie for the drinks. Returning quickly, she specifically directed them to one of the only rooms in the house that was unmonitored. Specifically for her meetings with security cleared personnel, she hoped she didn't look suspicious. After all, she rarely had visitors, and very few that fell neatly into that category.
If nothing else, Relena herself used the room often enough— for obvious reasons—that it should seem like a normal choice.
But it wasn't the room or the monitors that bothered her. These three individuals held more secrets than she cared to think about. If, for whatever reason, they decided they no longer wanted to keep those secrets….
She couldn't think like that. She had to trust them. She had trusted them, and she would continue to unless proven otherwise.
Ushering them in, she chuckled as Ry patted her on the shoulder when he passed her by. Closing the door, she prayed that she wasn't going to draw attention. Pausing with her hand still on the doorknob, she sucked in a breath. "This room is not monitored by the command center," she stated quietly. Turning towards them, she found Del especially, "If there's something you would like to say, it stays between us."
All three of them sighed, and Del slumped down onto the sofa, Alli beside him, and Ry took one of the chairs facing them. Motioning her over, Ry patted the oversized chair beside him. "Take a load off," he muttered.
Stiffly complying, she sat down, wrapping her feet up under her and waited. Ry and Alli both turned their attention to Del, as he sat, staring blankly at the coffee table between them. Finally noting the silence, he looked up to see all eyes on him and blinked. "I think Lt. Jameson…" he fought for words before failing completely.
"Jameson doesn't like Yuy," Ry stated bluntly. "But I don't have a freaking clue what he plans to do about it."
Relena started, staring openly at him. She'd heard a comment or two since they'd been back, but she'd chalked it up to simple worry from the older man. He was nothing if not concerned for her well-being. But…. "What do you mean?"
"I think Lt. Jameson is looking for a reason to bring Agent Yuy under inquiry," Delano stated quietly.
"Inquiry for what?" Alli beat her to it.
Del took a look around at them all before settling on her. "Anything. He just doesn't trust him with you."
Swallowing, she flicked her eyes over the group. "What did he ask you?"
"How we could let you go to Mars," Ry mumbled. "I think he was a little steamed that Yuy let you go."
Alli nodded. "I don't think you'd have been on that ship if he was still with us."
Relena dropped her eyes to her folded hands in her lap. "Yes, I would have."
"Excuse me?"
She closed her eyes with a smirk. "There's a reason Heero didn't put up a fight with me over going. Lt. Dave might think he'd have prevented me from getting on that ship."
"But we should all know you better than that by now," Ry mumbled, running a hand through his spiky blond hair.
"'Shoot me or open the door'," Alli muttered, giving all of them a good chuckle.
"Heero, Sally, Commander Une—all of them know me better than that. And they all knew that I had… other reasons for wanting to be there as well." Sighing, she finally spit it out, "What did you say?"
"Nothing of any use to him," Del smiled at her. "And I think he got the distinct impression that we wouldn't be forthcoming any time in the future either."
Relena broke out a grateful smile, feeling a small sting at the corners of her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered. Flashing the same smile around to the other two, she sighed. "I know this can't be easy on you, but honestly, thank you."
They all waved her off. "You two deserve it," Ry muttered.
There was a knock at the door and Relena rose to open it for Marie, who carried in a tray of cups. Setting it down, she excused herself again, smiling as Ry all but hugged her for the simple drink.
"Now then!" Alli pronounced as Ry dove into handing out their cups. "What are we going to do about this birthday of yours?"
"Now, I don't agree that the Lieutenant has a right to grill us for info because he doesn't trust Agent Yuy, but… does anyone else feel guilty protecting him?" Alli asked softly as they drove back to Headquarters from Relena's estate.
"Yeah, I didn't really feel right about that either," Ry muttered from the passenger seat.
"We answered honestly," Delano stated simply.
"I don't know. I sure had a lot of things go through my head when he asked if I trust him."
Alli threw herself forward from the back seat. "'Completely, Sir.' Honestly, I could have kissed you for that," she laughed.
"Well there's still hope for that," he cooed, leaned towards her as she squished between the two front seats.
"Figuratively speaking only."
"Do you trust him?" Delano interrupted them.
They both paused and looked at him. When he didn't say anything more they both turned to each other again. "I guess I do," Alli ventured. "I don't have any real reason not to. It's just… kind of creepy."
Ry rolled his eyes. "He's a freaking Gundam pilot and we're acting like we're his best friends."
"…Aren't we?" she asked quietly. "A single accusation about his past and he'd probably be forced into hiding. We're holding his fate, and Agent Chang's as well. If they find one of them, they'll find the other. Not to mention the fact that Commander Une would come under fire for either hiring him when she knew, or not knowing if she lied about it."
Ry sighed, and laid his head back on the seat. "Miss Relena would never forgive us…."
"She'd do anything to keep his secret."
"And her brother's," Ry added pointedly.
"…She knows better than we do," Delano added.
Alli snorted. "You realize that between those two, they probably blew up half of creation."
"They also ended the war." Casting them a quick look, Delano shrugged. "He was a soldier, and he did what he felt he had to. I can come to terms with that, whether I like it or not."
"Miss Relena has," Ry added softly.
Delano sighed. "It'd be against her views if she couldn't."
"So you trust him?" Alli fished.
He nodded, gazing out at the road. "…And I'll protect them both if need be."
"Hn."
"Miss Relena thought it would appear suspicious if she asked you to her office after this, so we decided it would be best if we came to you ourselves."
"…Thank you."
"Congratulations Lt. Dave," Relena smiled as she slipped into his office. A box sat on top of it, being slowly filled with odds and ends from his desk.
"Miss Relena. I didn't realize that you'd heard already," he stated. The expression on his face was one of anything but happiness at the "promotion."
She kept her smile up and stepped inside, coming up in front of the desk. "Yes, Agent Yuy informed me a couple days ago, but told me not to say anything before it was finalized." Stepping around the desk, she walked up in front of the large man. "I can't say that you won't be missed, but the Presidential mansion has to look better on your resume," she chuckled.
"I hate to leave you," he stated.
She blinked up at him. "I will be well looked after," she stated, with more confidence than he probably wanted to hear. "I have the best teams around me, and there is simply no reason to keep an excellent officer like yourself stuck in my house."
The man gave her a bitter look, but continued to pack his things. "I just don't like this."
"What's that?" she asked, pretending not to know.
He glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "I don't especially care for Agent Yuy's style."
She blinked at him. "He has shown every dedication in ensuring my safety." That wasn't a lie. And in truth, he may just save her sanity while he was at it. "I trust him."
That got the other man to turn to look at her. It was a long moment as he searched her face. "Really?"
It wasn't a sarcastic comment; he seemed to want a real answer, and she softened her expression. "Yes." Lt. Dave really—honestly—didn't want anything more than to protect her, and she was grateful to him for that.
The man sighed and finally nodded. "Why not? Kids these days," he muttered.
She smiled fully at him and then stepped up on her toes to give him a quick hug. "I hope your new position will suit you," she said quietly. "Thank you for all you've done for me."
He patted her back a couple times and she released him and turned to leave. "I'm never far away if you need anything," he said after her.
Turning back she nodded. "I know where to find you."
Walking out, she kept the happy smile in place. As she turned away from the office she heard him start to mutter over "these kids" again, and she couldn't help but silently chuckle to herself.
"When you're part of a team, you stand up for your teammates. Your loyalty is to them. You protect them through good and bad, because they'd do the same for you." - Yogi Berra
Edited by: Miss Moony. Thank you.
