Chapter 6

Near the edge of the desert, under the cover of a thick patch of trees, Quatre, Duo, and Lista, still in their mobile suits, hid from the overhead planes circling the premises, undoubtedly searching for the remaining Gundams.

"Those idiots must not be using any kind of actual tracking," Duo said with a scoff. "Not that I'm complaining. The last thing we need is for OZ to find us after what happened."

"There's a fairly large sandstorm on the way," Quatre spoke up. "We can use that to cross the desert undetected. Do you still want to join us?"

"Yeah, I do," Duo said, lowering his head with furrowed brows. He gritted his teeth. "I could use some sympathy."

Quatre nodded in agreement, his expression saddening. "I need time to think, as well." He turned his attention to Lista's Leo when she failed to chime in. "Lista? Are you all right?"

She perked her head up, her face red and tearstained. She sniffled loudly and cleared her throat, hoping to hide any indication she'd been sobbing to herself in the silence. She couldn't get Heero out of her head. "Yeah, I'm all right. I'd still like to stick with the two of you, if that's okay." She snapped a hand against her mouth to muffle another sob. "I don't have anywhere else to go, anyway. With any luck, they'll consider me killed or missing."

"Of course," Quatre said with a small, considerate smile. "I would very much like for you to join us. There's plenty of room for you to seek refuge, as well."

Lista wiped her eyes of their wetness; she could feel they were swollen from crying. The image of Heero's self-detonation was still fresh and hot in her mind. She was silently thankful she didn't have to be alone. "Thank you. I appreciate that."

She heard Duo sigh loudly. "Yeah, it's not like you have any other options like, I don't know, just drop the damn mobile suit and go live a normal life. Of course you have to be involved where it's dangerous for you."

Lista chuckled tearfully, the sarcasm in his voice a welcome distraction to her guilt and sorrow. "You'll exhaust yourself with this argument, Duo. I'm not a helpless little girl."

Duo opened his mouth to rebuke, still uncomfortable about her involvement, when Rashid's deep voice interrupted. "Master Quatre, our radars confirm that the sandstorm has hit the desert and should be approaching our location in less than a minute."

Quatre nodded. "All right. It looks as though the search planes have moved on. We'll be able to use the sandstorm as cover to cross. Let's get moving."

Sandrock, Deathscythe, and Lista's Leo moved from under the protective foliage of green, meeting with the other 40 Maguanac Corps members who had been hiding nearby. They watched the line of the sandstorm's force closing in on them with every step, until the wind and sand swarmed around them, whistling loudly.

"Man, I can't see a thing in this sandstorm! What could be out here?" Duo asked. He squinted his eyes. He couldn't see anything further than about five feet in front of him.

"There's a Middle Eastern military base unaffiliated with the Alliance or OZ. We can take refuge there," Quatre replied.

Duo's brow cocked in curiosity. "A base?"

Rashid stopped ahead of everyone else, his suit's arm raising up. Several of the soldiers chimed in with the all-clear, and a soft rumbling shimmied through the earth beneath their feet.

"It's an underground base?" Duo spoke up, surprised. A large door lifted from underneath the several feet of sand, spilling down around it and revealing a dark, deep tunnel that burrowed deep into the earth.

Sandrock was the first to step forward. "Let's go."

After docking all of the suits, Quatre exited Sandrock to meet with the towering Rashid and an older, rotund, short man, Commander Sadaul.

"Good of you to come, Quatre," he said, opening his arms with a hearty smile.

Quatre nodded, putting on his best – and fake – smile. "It's been a while, Commander Sadaul."

Sadaul patted his hand on the young boy's shoulder. "The missions have been taxing since you arrived on Earth."

"I owe the Maguanac Corps for all their help. How can I thank you?" Quatre asked, bowing down to him in gratitude.

Sadaul shook his head with a robust chuckle. "It was their personal decision. They wanted to help you. I agreed with them."

Quatre straightened himself and lowered his head, his smile fading quickly. "If we had more strength, we could've done more damage to OZ."

Sadaul's smile disappeared, exchanging for an aggravated frown. "That troublesome OZ! A sensible person wouldn't use the Colonies as a shield! It's despicable!"

"We're to blame for not stopping them," Quatre said, his voice quieter, as the guilt continued to flood him.

"Yeah, we're totally to blame," Duo chimed in as he and Lista approached the threesome. Duo's face contorted in a scowl, while Lista lowered her head, hoping to hide the red and puffiness around her eyes.

Sadaul shook his head. "Oh, no, Quatre. No one would blame you. There was little to be done." He patted the boy's back. "You seem exhausted. We'll talk more after you and your friends have had a chance to rest." He nodded to Duo and Lista and turned on his heel, walking away with his arms folded behind his back.

Rashid moved next to Quatre. "Master Quatre, we'll get started with the mobile suit repairs right away."

Quatre nodded. "Yeah, thanks." He paused for a moment, his eyes moving towards the Gundams and Lista's Leo. "Oh, and, Rashid…"

"Yes, I know," Rashid said knowingly, giving the young master a single firm nod in understanding. "We'll repair and reload both Gundams and the Leo suit." He moved away, beginning to shout orders to the Maguanac soldiers.

Quatre turned to Duo and Lista as they came to a stop before him. "Is that okay?"

Duo shrugged his shoulders. "Hey, it's fine by me. I just appreciate your help."

Lista nodded in response. "Yes, I agree. I'm very grateful."

Quatre smiled. "Forgive me. I haven't introduced myself. I'm Quatre Raberba Winner."

Duo's eyes snapped wide. "Hold the phone. Winner? You're the Winner family heir? The influential and financial power of the Arabic Nations? That Winner?" When Quatre only lowered his head slightly in embarrassment, Duo couldn't help but chuckle. "No wonder everyone looks up to you around this place."

"Our family is all pacifists. I disinherited myself to come out here," Quatre said, a small blush creeping up on his cheeks.

Duo looked at him, surprised and admittedly intrigued. "Yeah? It takes all types, I guess." He jabbed his thumb into his chest. "Well, I'm Duo. Duo Maxwell. I might run and hide, but I never tell a lie. That's me in a nutshell."

Lista stepped forward and bowed her head to Quatre. "Thank you for letting us stay here. I really appreciate it." She straightened and smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet you formally, Quatre."

Quatre nodded, chuckling. "Yes, I agree. Although I must say that not many people would be so eager to situate themselves in the middle of this war as you have."

"My stubbornness knows no bounds, I guess," Lista said with a shrug. "And really, there's no going back for me now. I don't think there's much left of the Alliance. Most of the soldiers have turned themselves over to OZ in an effort to take you all down. I've heard some escaped when OZ infiltrated the Alliance bases. But I'm not running, not like that." A smile curled over her lips. "I think you guys are going to be the saving grace for both the Earth Sphere and the Colonies. Anything I can do to help, I'm there."

Duo smirked, wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "Gotta say, it doesn't sound like you've changed much, Lissy. I always wondered how you turned out." His expression suddenly darkened. "But to be part of the military? You couldn't get out of that?"

Lista turned away from him, immediately pushing down the emotions trying to clamber their way to the surface. "That's a conversation for another day, Duo. I think we have more pressing matters."

Noticing the tension in her shoulders, Quatre stepped forward, smile widening, in an effort to steer the conversation in another direction. "Well, at any rate, I think you're very brave, Lista. Not many people would be quite so willing to do what you did. I would like to thank you for deciding to help us. I think having you will be beneficial."

"Thank you, Quatre," Lista said, her smile shy. She couldn't ignore the stab of insecurity in the pit of her stomach. She suddenly felt very self-conscious. "I hope I can be of some help to you and your cause. As far as I'm concerned, it's my cause now, too. I want to see OZ go down. And if I have a hand in that, all the better."

Rashid approached the threesome, turning to Quatre. "Master Quatre, we're clear to move to the surface."

Quatre nodded, smiling. "Thank you, Rashid." He turned to Duo and Lista. "Please follow me."

Duo and Lista followed Quatre and Rashid to the nearby elevator, where they rode up several stories in silence. The doors opened to darkness, and Rashid moved forward, inputting a six-digit code into the small control panel on the wall. It beeped in confirmation, and the door slid to the side, revealing they were inside a normal-looking residential home. Lista and Duo exchanged curious glances with one another as Quatre and Rashid moved towards the front doorway, draped in colorful beads. Boisterous music and laughter poured in from the outside.

Rashid moved out of the way, silently motioning for them to go before him. Duo moved the tinkling beads away, and the unrelenting heat and light of the desert sun blasted him in the face. They were now inside a town, and the citizens were feasting and dancing happily, colorful ribbons strewn from home to home. "Wow! A festival!"

Rashid came to his side, fists propped on his waist. "They're celebrating the return of us 40 Maguanac soldiers. The nation opposes the Alliance military and defends itself. The Maguanac are the front-line troops."

Duo crossed his arms over his chest, watching as some of the soldiers were given bouquets of exotic flowers and led away, smiling and laughing. "They are? You're more like heroes than front-line soldiers."

"It's nice to see a nation so happy and celebratory," Lista spoke up, moving to the other side of Rashid. "Not many countries can say the same." She lowered her head, somber. "I've seen so many cities and nations ravaged and torn apart by this war. It's disheartening."

She felt a strong comforting hand on her shoulder, prompting her to look up into the softening face of Rashid. Her frown melted into a solaced smile. "Seeing your nation united reassures me I'm doing the right thing. It's a good sign that we may be going in the right direction."

Duo nodded. "This nation is unified and is gonna stick it out to the end."

Quatre took a step forward, his expression unreadable. "What's your impression of us?"

Duo was silent for a moment, pensive, as questions seemed to clutter his head. "There's a lot I wanna talk to you about. Got some time, Quatre?"

"Of course. I've got questions, myself," Quatre said with a nod. He turned to Rashid and Lista. "Do you two mind if we steal away for a moment?"

Rashid shook his head. "Not at all, Master Quatre. I'll make my rounds to ensure there is still no sign of OZ." He looked down at Lista, who stood with her hands clasped in front of herself. "Perhaps Miss Lista would like to join me."

Lista smiled and nodded. "Of course. Whatever I can do to help you for being so accommodating." She moved to Duo and Quatre, resting her hands on their shoulders. "I hope the two of you are able to find the answers you need with each other." She pulled away, her hands dropping from their arms, and moved towards Rashid. The tall man led her away, Lista insisting his formal address of her was not needed.

Quatre turned his attention back to Duo. "Follow me. We can talk alone inside here." He led Duo back into the home and pulled down a hidden ladder from the ceiling. The two of them climbed up into the second-story bedroom. Quatre moved to the boarded, closed window, propping it open with a piece of wood. The sounds of the festival leaked into the hot, drafty room.

Duo leaned against the wall next to the window, arms back across his chest. "So, there's five, right?"

Quatre turned to face him, nodding. "That's right. Just the five of us that met at New Edwards."

"I came here from the Colonies," Duo said, watching as Quatre took a seat on the single-sized bed.

"I did, as well. The five of us are very similar, don't you think? Our mobile suits and our missions. Not to mention our goal to destroy OZ," Quatre replied.

Duo could practically see the puzzle pieces beginning to fall together. "OZ destroyed peace in the Colonies. This mission is revenge. I've been fighting under those orders."

Quatre nodded in agreement. "Me, too. That's when I was given the mobile suit."

"Same here." Duo paused for a moment, shaking his head at the irony. "'Don't worry about the Colonies," Duo recited under his breath.

"'Destroy them first. That's your responsibility,'" Quatre added, causing Duo to look at him with a scoff.

"Just the same," he said.

Quatre nodded. "Yeah, word for word."

Duo's face fell, a scowl washing over him. "I've always fought believing I'd be better off dead than live under OZ's rule."

"Me, too," Quatre agreed. He closed his eyes, emotion building up. "But to kill yourself…"

Duo nodded once as Quatre faded off. "Heero ended up doing it. He took his life."

"The Colonies have no intention of fighting," Quatre said, his eyes connecting with Duo's. "The Colonies can't be sacrificed. Your friend was the perfect role model."

Duo scoffed, shaking his head again. "I never would've imagined that Heero was so stubborn."

Quatre pushed himself from the bed, moving over to the window to watch the partygoers as they laughed, drank, and ate happily with the Maguanac soldiers. "The Colonies were a clear target once the Gundams got going."

Duo released his arms, letting them fall to his side. "Yeah, and I got a feeling things are gonna get worse before they get better."

Rashid and Lista walked through the town square, Lista watching as the townspeople continued to dance and sing in merriment, clanging glasses of beer and wine together in toasts of good fortune and peace.

"I don't think I've ever seen anyone truly happy like everyone here," Lista said, in awe. "I never thought I would while this war was going on."

"It's important to be in positive spirits and be thankful for everything we can during these dark times," Rashid said, his arms folded casually behind his back. "It gives everyone hope that peace is on the horizon."

Lista stopped in her tracks, her smile fading slowly. Rashid turned to face her, studying her. "The horizon is so far away, though."

A deep chuckle rumbled against his chest. "Your outlook can make all the difference, Miss Lista. Wouldn't you rather it be positivity and hope that you spread to others than negativity and despair?"

Lista stared at him for a moment, taking in his sage words. She turned her attention back to the townspeople as some formed small groups, interlocking their arms into a circle, dancing, singing, and laughing happily with the festive, upbeat music. "This celebration seems to help spread that hope."

"We like to celebrate both the small and momentous occasions," Rashid replied, his staid expression shifting into a content smile. "There's no reason not to."

Lista turned to him, nodding happily in agreement. "I will do my best to spread that same hope."

As Rashid motioned for her to continue walking, Abdul came to a quick stop in front of them, gasping for air. "Captain! Come to headquarters! OZ's mobile suit troops are coming!"

Rashid scowled. "We're coming." He turned to Lista. "Come with me, Miss Lista. You may be of some use to us."

Lista nodded and said nothing, following Rashid and Abdul to the headquarters stationed underneath the city, where Commander Sadaul stood waiting for them, his eyes affixed on the large radar screen.

"Take a look at this, Rashid," Sadaul said as Rashid and Lista flanked him on either side to study the radar. Several dots moved towards their marked location.

"Looks like their reconnoiter troops," Rashid said, his frown hardening.

"If we start fighting here, the civilians will get involved," Lista spoke up as she leaned over the control panel to point at the bleeping dots on the screen. "It looks like there are enough troops to do some heavy damage to the city if they found out the Gundams and Maguanacs are here. Civilian casualties would be high."

Sadaul shook his head and turned around to Abdul, who stood silent behind the threesome. "Keep on guard but send the soldiers underground." Abdul saluted him and rushed out. He turned to a soldier seated at a communications monitor. "Notify Quatre to stay where he is until we've informed him it's clear."

"Commander Sadaul, what would you like me to do, Sir?" Lista asked, causing him and Rashid to both turn their attention towards her. "Anything I can do to help."

Sadaul smiled and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You can stay right here, my dear. Your status among the Alliance and OZ has not yet been identified. It would be best for you to stay out of sight, for your own protection. You can assist Rashid here while I greet the soldiers. We have cameras monitoring the city. Keep a steady eye."

Lista nodded, snapping her hand up in a salute, and Sadaul walked towards the elevators to the surface of the city. She moved to a set of unattended monitors, watching as the OZ soldiers moved into the now quiet city. Sadaul granted them refuge for a short time to replenish their supplies and share their food and water.

Her eyes moved to another monitor, watching as a group of three soldiers, two carrying a wooden crate, moved to the side of a building and placed it down on the ground. The third soldier lifted the top, and Lista's eyes squared as the soldier pushed a button, closed the lid, and they rushed away. As her eyes darted to the other monitors, she saw it happening through the city.

"Son of a bitch," Lista hissed. She spun over her shoulder to Rashid, who manned the main monitors. "Rashid, we have a problem. OZ is leaving crates throughout the city. It looks like they're explosives."

Rashid cursed under his breath, his hands curling into fists on the control panel. He watched carefully as Sadaul bid farewell to the commander of the OZ troops. The soldiers left the city limits, and Sadaul looked up in the direction of one of the cameras, nodding once.

"Confirmation that the last carrier has departed, Sir," one of the soldiers said.

Rashid nodded and grabbed his microphone. "All right. OZ has left. Check those boxes!" He shoved it away and turned around. "Miss Lista, come with me."

Rashid and Lista now stood in the city, where Ahmed was knelt in front of one of the crates, now open, running a scanner over the top control panel.

Ahmed shook his head and turned to Rashid. "We can't move it. It's set so any movement will trigger it."

Rashid opened his mouth to respond when Quatre and Duo rushed to their side.

"Rashid, Lista, what's the matter?" Quatre asked worriedly, eyes traveling quickly over the equipment in front of the wooden box.

"OZ played dumb. Meanwhile, they were setting 20 bombs across town!" Ahmed said as he came to his feet.

Quatre's eyes widened, a sick feeling dropping in the pit of his stomach. "What?"

"Well, if they're time bombs, we just need to trash them all," Duo spoke up.

Lista shook her head. "They're designed so we can't move them."

"They've narrowed our troops' location down to this town, which means they're going to force us to surface. They've set the bombs to go off at 12:00 midnight," Rashid informed.

"They must think a nighttime battle will be in their favor," Lista replied, folding her arms under her breasts. She scoffed. "Or they think we're going to surrender before then."

Quatre shook his head. "Aren't the Gundams causing this problem?"

Duo nodded, snapping his fingers at the realization. "That's right! They must be after us."

"They've probably been watching this town for a while," Rashid said. He fell silent for a moment before turning to Ahmed. "Gather everyone underground. Surrender is not an option. We'll need to go on the offensive and get the civilians evacuated before nightfall."

Ahmed nodded and gathered his equipment before rushing off. Rashid turned to Quatre, Duo, and Lista. "Our priority is to ensure the safety of the civilians. But we won't let OZ push us around. At midnight, we fight."

Standing on a high platform underground, the Maguanac soldiers and civilians all huddled beneath, Rashid stood tall and firm. Quatre and Sadaul stood to his right, Duo and Lista to his left.

"Everyone, listen up! OZ has discovered this town and will be attacking. I doubt if we'll be able to deceive them any further. Therefore, we'll aim at one area of their besieging line and resist while helping the civilians escape!" Rashid bellowed, his voice echoing against the steel walls. "And one other honorable duty remains. We must allow the two Gundams to escape."

Quatre perked his head up to Rashid, eyes wide, as the Maguanac leader continued. "The Gundams are heroes that arrived on Earth to destroy OZ! Because of OZ's scheming, the Gundams can't fight this battle. But there will be a day when the Gundams will save us all! Be thankful that you can return the favor in advance! Do you understand?!"

As the thunderous cheers below roared and threatened to shake the heavy walls, Quatre felt Sadaul's hand squeeze his shoulder comfortingly, which only seemed to exacerbate his guilt. His eyes moved to Duo and Lista, watching as Duo held a similar expression of disdain and Lista, as well, attempted to comfort him.

Although Quatre felt the pressure of Rashid's words that the Gundams would put a stop to this war, he made himself an inward promise that he would not make the Maguanac leader a liar.

Rashid, Lista, and Duo stood in the docking bay in front of a mobile suit carrier while Quatre prepared to load Sandrock. Lista's Leo and Deathscythe had already been loaded.

"Take this to the north gate, where Abdul's waiting," Rashid ordered. "He'll let you know when you're clear to take off. We'll provide the distraction."

Duo nodded, hands balled into tight fists at his sides. "Thank you. Sorry I can't do anything in return." He hung his head, clenching his teeth. "I'm so ashamed, I could die."

Two women of the village approached him then, each holding a bouquet of brightly colored flowers. Duo took them with a sheepish smile. "For me?"

"The Gundams are our heroes. Never forget that," Rashid reminded him firmly as the women rushed off. "I know we'll fight together again someday. For the future."

Duo stared at the flowers in his hands, mulling the older man's words. He closed his eyes with a sigh and nodded, saying nothing.

Rashid turned to Lista, looking down warmly upon the young woman. "Miss Lista, I hope when the time comes, you will be by our side on the battlefield. All of us will have to back up the Gundams and see OZ come to an end."

Lista nodded. "I would like nothing more than to fight by your side." She bowed before him. "Thank you again for everything, Rashid. And please extend my gratitude to Commander Sadaul, as well. You both have been so accommodating and hospitable. I don't know how to thank you."

Unable to control his smile, Rashid folded his arms over his chest. "Accompanying the Gundam pilots and keeping up their spirits will be plenty thanks." Lista stood up straight, looking up at the much taller man. "We all have a part to play. Just remember yours, Miss Lista."

Lista nodded and looked to Duo, who was yelling up at Quatre and waving the flowers at him. "Yes." I'll keep you both safe. Somehow.

Quatre and Lista sat in the cockpit of the carrier, now idling in the north gate and waiting until Abdul gave them the word that they could depart. Duo was in the hangar of the carrier, sitting in the cockpit of Deathscythe.

Lista flipped a few switches and checked the gauges again, impatient and fidgeting as they waited for Abdul's okay. Quatre watched her curiously as she double- and triple-checked everything.

He cleared his throat lightly, swiveling his chair towards her. "Lista?"

She snapped her head up in his direction, suddenly at attention. "Yes?"

He flashed her a warm, comforting smile. "It's all right. You don't have to be so worried. I know everything will work out all right in the end." His smile faded into one of melancholy, his eyes lowering into his lap. "And I know you're sad about what's happened to Heero."

Lista flinched slightly, trying to cover her upset. She swallowed against the dryness in her throat and looked ahead at the closed gate doors. "I will never believe that there wasn't an alternative for him. None of you should ever feel as if you have to sacrifice your lives, and especially not like that." She turned back to him, choking down the coming of tears. "You're all trying to do the right thing. You shouldn't have to take such drastic and…permanent measures."

"I don't disagree with you," Quatre replied, his voice soft. "I can only hope that new paths will make themselves known to us sometime in the near future. But with the Colonies on OZ's radar, we can't fight. There are too many innocent people there that would get caught in the crossfires. I won't allow that to happen."

Lista listened to this passion and determination in his voice and felt an eerie calm swim through her. "I think all of you Gundam pilots have that mindset. And that is why OZ fears you. It's not just the destructive overall firepower your Gundams have. It's your skills, your drive to keep the Colonies safe from them." She lowered her head, her hands now curled into fists in her lap. "But every time you make a mockery of them, I'm afraid they'll continue to take drastic measures."

Quatre studied her for a moment, mindful of the tightening of her fists, the wrinkles forming on her face. He didn't dare admit he shared the same concerns. He opened his mouth and took a breath, prepared to offer reassurance – to both himself as well as her – when the communications line beeped loudly, jarring them both back to reality.

"Master Quatre, you're all clear to depart," Abdul's voice spoke up. "I'll cover you."

Nodding, Quatre turned back to the controls, flipping ignition switches. "Right. Thank you, Abdul. And be careful."

"You, too, Master."

Lista grabbed a walkie and pushed a button to transmit into the hold. "Duo, we have the all-clear from Abdul. Prepare for takeoff." Placing the walkie back into its receiver, Lista flipped switches on her overhead, and the engines revved beneath them. "All gauges are a go. Navigation is set. Radars are set."

Quatre nodded and watched as the doors slid open before them, sand and wind swirling around the carrier. They moved forward, crawling from the underground confines of the base, watching the gunfire from OZ's Tragos troops and the Maguanacs. Stifling his guilt, he pushed the throttle and tugged back on the yoke, propelling them off the ground.

Lista scanned the radars and peeked out the side window at the battle below. "It looks like we're clear."

"Hey, guys?"

At the sound of Duo's voice, Lista and Quatre looked to one another before Quatre answered back. "Yes?"

Duo replied, his voice thick with remorse. "Could you circle the sky just once? I can't help them now. But I wanna do something."

Quatre and Lista exchanged a look, both smiling and nodding in agreement. Quatre responded. "Sure thing."

Lista moved to the control panel and pushed several buttons. "Opening the cargo hold doors now."

Quatre turned the aircraft back towards the battle, and the two of them watched on the monitor as Deathscythe took a large beam cannon and fired at several groups of Tragos troops surrounding the Maguanacs.

Sand and debris kicked up in the air, but Lista took a quick look at her radar, indicating Duo had wiped out more than half of the remaining troops. She turned to Quatre and nodded. She shut the back doors and Quatre shifted the craft back towards their heading, setting it on auto-pilot.

He looked out the window back at his allies on the ground, watching their cover flares spark against the sand in a small sparkle of light as they flew off. He sighed deeply, a silent vow in the corner of his mind to return the favor. "See you again, Maguanac Corps. And thank you."