Gundam Wing is not owned by me
Chapter 8
"Self-sacrifice enables us to sacrifice other people without blushing"
~ George Bernard Shaw
The Summit. It was a spectacle of political gathering as never seen before. A massive convention with thousands of representatives from all over the Earth Sphere and the Colonies in attendance, they were there for the sole purpose of solving the coming crisis. It was taking place in a huge arena that had been cleared out for the occasion. It was set up like a forum with long rows of designated seating crowding towards the center, where the throng of representative to be placed. In the midst of this crowd, seated in the specified seat of the Preventers, Zechs sat with a sense of bewilderment. The happening was so monumental it was almost overwhelming. The thought of being overwhelmed by such a multitude made him feel as though he was getting old. It wasn't the actual closed space that bothered him. He was an ace mobile suit pilot; confined space was never a problem for him. It was the closeness of people that made him feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. The person he was sitting next to made it worse. He felt more uncomfortable in this spot than if he was in the thick of the swarm.
The crisis that had created the necessity for this meeting was intensifying. The unemployment rate was rising dramatically, and the government could not compensate from of the lack of support left by the withdrawal of CMPC Industrial. This meeting was for the gathering of information and determining what the exact status of the Unified Nation was. There would also be an exchanging and implementing of new ideas to help stave off the dreadful effects that the depression would bring.
"It is all very fragile, hard to believe. We feared and worked to prevent war, and seemed to have forgotten that disaster can come from other areas as well." Lady Une said thoughtful, barley heard above the din of politicians coming and going. Zechs, sitting beside her at the Chief Preventers chair, straining to make out her words. He leaned closer to hear better and caught a scent of jasmine that he found he didn't approve of.
"What was that Commander?" The noise on the forum floor made it so difficult to hold conversation. Zechs hated being here, this was not his type of work. Though it could have been worse. He had been lucky enough to be assigned to the floor with his commander. Some of his fellow Preventers, such as Wufei and Gabriel had been assigned to security positions. The vast number of political leaders in one place at one time posed a huge security threat, especially in light of the recent Singapore attack. The Preventers were there in force to deal with that issue.
"I was just commenting on the fragility of the nation. Perhaps we have focused so much on staying out of conflict that we have created conflict." He saw that her eyes were focused on the expanse of people getting themselves into place. The event promised to be stressful and this was a pause for breath before the entire congregation plunged into heated discussion.
Zechs didn't answer her, his mind not wanting to dwell on such things. He did hear her sigh and ease back in her chair the way Treize used to when he was left waiting. The meeting was about to come to order. Relena could be seen on the opposite side of the arena taking her place among the Colony representatives. Her expression was serious and it was obvious from across the arena floor. She did smile when she saw her brother's watchful eye and they exchanged a wave. Then his eyes turned back to his commander. The one he felt obligated to protect from the advances of Gabriel Khushrenada. Treize would have wanted him to keep an eye on her.
See that my lady stays out of trouble won't you Zechs? Treize was odd when it came to all things. Zechs remembered, in the beginning, he had been more obsessive than odd when it came to his attractive second in command, though it wasn't likely that she knew anything about it. Perhaps she did, he didn't know either way.
He remembered, when first he had seen her on the Lunar Base when he had appeared as Milliardo Peacecraft of the Cinq Kingdom, how surprised he was by her…. How lovely she appeared.
"What are you thinking about Zechs?"
He didn't want to answer; they were treacherous thoughts that he didn't want to even make himself aware that he was thinking. Quickly, he lied.
"I was thinking about the patch you gave me, the Mercury mission. Where did you find it?" He took a chance and looked at her. Still all he could think of was Gabriel and his hatred for him. That sentiment had increased over the past weeks.
Anne smiled slightly and kept her eyes on the forum floor. Zechs watched her out of the corner of his eye; determined not to look at her completely or else he might remember her in that fond way that he had experienced once. The memory could be tempered with others that featured her as a cold and callous adjunct that spared no one. Now however, she seemed more the former than the latter. Still, she was all too aware of things that she should be oblivious to her. Treize must have awakened her to that talent, or perhaps she was already in possession of it. Perhaps that was why she was chosen as his second and not Zechs. The risk that she had become too much like Treize and might read his face was there in his mind. He didn't want her to look at him.
There was a growing desire, every time he was around Lady Une, to have his mask back firmly in place. She had Treize's penetrating gaze. The mask would make him feel secure as it had I the old days. He feared that she would look long and hard in his eyes and learn of his sins. His failure to protect his lover, his abandonment of his child, all the things that lay heavy upon his heart. It puzzled him how much he didn't want her to know of those things.
Lady Une leaned her head to the side and again he caught the scent of jasmine from her hair. It made him curse her internally and force his mind's eye to conjure the image of Elizabeth. At length she spoke, causing Zechs to remember his question. He had become lost for a moment and forgot that she was answering his query.
"I never give away my sources. Let us say I am proficient at finding old artifacts of the space program."
"And the old television sitcoms? I suppose those are stemmed from a love of the Space Program as well?" His smile was critical as he spoke. It was just a jest that poked fun at her odd collection habits. Her laughter sounded like a bell ringing out above the loud crowd swarming to and fro.
" That is merely an old fondness. Treize would be so very disappointed to know of my secret passion for sitcom paraphernalia. Though I believe he might have enjoyed some of the British comedy." She looked at him, and he desperately wanted the mask back now.
"What about you Zechs, have you ever seen Monty Python's Flying Circus?" It was a silly question, of course he hadn't. "Well then I insist that you see it. It is high time we pulled you out from that deep and complex rock you have hid yourself under."
He was stunned by her forwardness. She was not observing any form of decorum with respect to his lack of society. Being part of any social network that was not work-related was not his specialty. In fact, it made him nervous. Zechs was not a man who feared much, but when it came to making friends, he was less than courageous about it.
There had only been Noin and Treize. Noin because she was fascinated by him and refused to leave his side. Treize for reasons unknown. Milliardo had never had a friendship that was made by his own effort. Strangely, where he thought he should be cross with Anne for practically poking at his anti-social behavior, he was instead intrigued. She had opened a window that would allow them to speak freely with one another. He had a question that he had wanted answered by her. Zechs was prepared to turn this little window into a door, or maybe even a hole in the wall. Did you love Treize? He knew the answer to the inverse, did Treize love her. Now he wanted to know the other end. Forgetting that if he looked at her without his mask she would see right through him, he turned to face her and meet her gaze.
The look on his face must have appeared austere, for she looked suddenly timid. Zechs smiled quickly to put her at ease. He wasn't angry and he didn't want her thinking he was. The smiled didn't seem to change her demeanor and she quickly faced forward again with downcast eyes. Was she even looking at him, or passed him. He was about to turn and look behind him when the President's voice rang out.
" ORDER! WE CALL THIS SUMMIT MEETING TO ORDER!"
Nothing could be said now, the meeting was coming to order and attention would have to be paid. Though he wondered what had made her so withdrawn suddenly. He decided to put it out of his mind and focus on the issues entering the floor.
* * * * * *
Five hours and the damn finally broke. The conduct of the representatives had been civil to a fault and the discussions had been absolutely pointless. With so much polite procedure nothing was accomplished but the simple exchange of formality. When finally people began to get tired of the back and forth diplomacy, the meeting ceased looking ceremonial and the heated emotions began to yield some products. Voices were now raised and the room was now hot. Zechs had long since taken off his jacket and Lady Une was fanning herself with one of the many papers laid out before them. Several times now the Preventers had come under heated fire for the Singapore incident, of which little had been discovered still.
"Thus far our resources are indicating that the incident was the result of terrorists from Northern Malaysia." Lady Une had explained, but with precious little known about the incident, her words carried little sway to the peace-hard-liners that occupied the opposite side of the floor with Minister Darlian. Aside from that the Preventers had had no trouble in interjecting their advice and opinions during the course of the contention.
"How do you account for the rapid decline of the eastern economy and the relative stability of the western economy?" one representative from Nepal spoke out.
"Yes the Isle and Western Europe are not showing any signs of decline other than recession damage."
President Heeley interrupted with a bang of the gavel. Zechs was so disinterested it was amusing. He actually laughed quietly to himself when he decided that the only person, who would more miserable in this position that he was, would be Heero Yuy.
"Perhaps the Representative from the Isle would be so good as to share with us some of the reasoning behind the stable Isle economy." Heeley looked down at his seating chart for the name of the representative.
" Representing Isle big business, Miss Aria Delizabane."
Zechs head shot up at the name. Whatever his last thought might have been was suddenly thrown aside at the mention of the name he had not heard in five years, but had thought about everyday since then. His eyes searched frantically, and at length found her, sitting not far away from him with a large entourage of Isle men behind her. He could tell who they were by the black uniforms. She was just as she had always appeared. Her red hair was worn loose and flowing this time, the front strands pulled back and clipped to her head. Zechs found himself still astonished at the brilliant red luster of her hair. Again she wore the uniform, which again puzzled Zechs as it had the first time he had seen her the night Elizabeth Foster had been born.
Elizabeth Foster! He would at last have some news of her!
"We of the Isle can explain our fortunate circumstances quite easily President Heeley. There is high consumer turnout and low inflation. The recession did not scare my people into hoarding their riches in fear of some large economic crisis. They instead understood the natural pattern of economy and continued to spend their wages."
Aria Delizabane delivered her small summary in such a condescending tone that agitated murmurs were heard immediately after she had finished. Zechs looked about him and saw the look of spite on the faces of their fellow representatives. Aria looked satisfied with the outcome as she turned and nodded to the man who occupied the seat beside her. It took Zechs a moment to recall the face of Mathius Delizabane, who he remembered only in the instant before he nearly beat him to death at Elizabeth's doorstep. It made Zechs angry to see him here. Beside him, Anne shifted uncomfortably in her chair. He covered his look of exasperation as best he could before she saw it and questioned him.
"Are you suggesting that the Isle Economy is not connected with the world economy Miss Delizabane." Someone spoke up in a harsh voice. Aria was undeterred by the undercurrent of hostility being projected at her.
"The Isle is self sufficient, to the point where we can even afford to aid our neighboring countries in the Rhineland without strain on our own resources. We have been clever enough to avoid the fear that has gripped the consumers of the world and caused this massive depression. Stagflation and unemployment have been averted by having an educated population that is well informed on the true situation in government and the market."
"You are saying that this depression is the fault of the government?"
"You did nothing to reassure your people, but continued to endlessly squabbled between your political parties in a struggle for power. How confidence in the government can the populace have after four different presidents during one term?" No one had anything immdiate to say about that fact. Zechs could see that it was beyond gratifying to Aria.
"The people of this world seem only to be insecure about wars. They want their peace and prosperity to be eternal. But we cannot have our cake and eat it too. Wars create excellent economic growth do they not? So in sacrificing war you have also sacrificed periods of perpetual economic growth. Peace comes at a price, and that price is the burden of a stagnating economy. Perhaps you should have thought of that before you all rushed into this policy of eternal peace. It plays out well on paper, but then again, so did Communism. I don't believe I need to remind you what happened there."
The convention was outraged. Not only had she spoken down to them, now she was criticizing the entire instituted government. There were now yells and shouts that echoed across the floor, none of which could be made out. Finally after a few moments of bedlam, It was Relena whose voice broke through the noise.
"I think it is rather unfair of you to speak in such a way to this assembly Miss Delizabane. After all, the Isle is part of the ESUN just like everyone else."
"Not by our choice Miss Darlian." Relena was taken aback by the comment and the underlining rudeness of using Miss instead of Minister when addressing her.
"I am not sure what you mean Miss Delizabane, didn't the Isle vote for the institution of the new government like everyone else?"
"The Isle has had no say in what goes on in this world since it was taken over by the Alliance eight years ago. We are a conquered people who have passed from one ruler to another. From the Alliance, to OZ, to the World Nation, to The ESUN, we have been given no choice. There is a history of foreign rule being created in the Isle, and even your name is among those on the list. Former Queen of the World, who thought that she was acting in the interest of all humanity when she took away our national borders and declared us one nation. I suppose it didn't matter that you had taken away our national freedom to determine our own path as a two thousand-year-old country. You had a lovely little dream of peace. I hope the sacrifice of our national liberty was worth this peaceful depression."
"You and your country do not consider yourselves citizens of the ESUN?" Relena was about to lose her cool. Zechs could see it coming from the distance between them. Aria looked on her with unfettered disdain.
"We are the children of the Grand Design. Citizens of the British Isle as we has been for thousands of years. That is our nation. The ESUN is but a bothersome and loud neighbor to us. We are not part of it." She paused for a beat before punctuating her statement harshly "And I know we are not the only ones who feel that way."
"HOW DARE YOU?" Voices from all over where screaming at her in outrage. She had just scandalized the entire government right to their faces. Behind Aria, Mathius looked around in excitement and the other Isle citizens shouted encouragement to their leader. Relena and Aria continued to stare each other down.
"The floor is still mine is it not Miss Darlian?"
"It is."
"Very well then. Under the rules of this convention I would like to make a motion. Since I am an official representative to this meeting it is in my right to do so. The motion I am about to make is for the benefit of your entire nation, so that you may see the folly of some of your choices. The stability of government is directly related to the stability of the people. The system of proportional representation you have chosen is probably the worst choice you have made. But then again it all fits into the little dream of peace doesn't it? Well, My motion will at least make someone happy." Aria shot an arrogant smile to the Proletarian- Socialists who occupied one side of the convention.
"I move for a vote of No Confidence in the leadership of President Heeley and the Libertarian-Socialist party."
The forum practically exploded with outrage and action. Before Zechs knew what was happening the motion was seconded by one of the Proletarian-Socialists. The entire convention was in uproar. In the midst of the clamor, Zechs saw Aria start walking quietly away from the floor. He rushed up from his chair to catch her. Regardless of what just went on, he had to speak to her about his daughter. Unfortunately things around him looked as though they were about to turn violent as he continued his advance the departing Lady Delizabane.
"I nominate Vice Foreign Minister Darlian for the Presidency!" Voices were now calling out nominations before the vote had even taken place. Heeley was attempting to keep some semblance of order by bagging his gavel. He was red-faced and obviously upset, and having little effect on controlling the uproar.
"I nominate Chief Commander Une for the position." Zechs glanced back at Anne who was astonished at the cry for her nomination.
"Yes nominate her! And you will have another DICTATOR, Another KHUSHRENADA!" The yell came from Mathius and Zechs' instincts went on alert. Hostility was breaking through and it was being escalated by the outcries of the Isle representatives. People were being flung angrily out of their seats and falling onto the forum floor. Zechs' eyes took in the situation as quickly as he could. Aria had now disappeared into the crowd. People where now beginning to push, shove and cry out names. The Isle assemblage was advancing upon the Preventer table.
"Preventer Une!"
"Darlian!"
"DAMN THEM BOTH." There was a scream and Zechs turned to see Anne trying to fend off one of the Isle men who was pulling on her hair and pushing her down. Men where launching themselves at each other. Things began to blur with riotous confusion. Still, Zechs could make out the swarm of black uniforms that were pressent in the thick of each fray. The event had turned into a riot within moments. Zechs took out his communicator.
"Gabriel Get your people up here right away, we have a major situation!"
"Roger that."
Zechs was now pushing to get back to the table where the strongest fighting was taking place. The Isle had instigated the entire melee and now they were escalating it by attacking the Chief Preventer. She was being overwhelmed by several men who were striking violently at her. She was down on the ground by the time Zechs reached her. He drew his gun and fired it in the air. The noise caused the entire convention to fall to their knees in fear. It was enough time for him to strike at the men who were accosting Lady Une. They had inflicted some damage. Her left cheek was bleeding and she seemed to be limping. People had begun to panic after the shots were fired and were now fleeing the arena. Zechs took no chances with Anne's present condition and lifted her off the ground quickly. She weighed nothing to him and was little burden. Frantically Zechs looked over the crowd for his sister and caught a glimpse of her being led out protectively by members of Heeley's administration.
It was barley thirty seconds before Gabriel, Wufei, and legions of other Preventers under their command appeared on the scene and immediately began to take control of the situation. There was fighting and tackling as Preventers chased and attacked agitators in the crowd. The Isle men fought like wild animals who would not be subdued. They needed his assistance, yet he could not find a suitable place to put his trembling commanding officer. She was telling him to put her down, that she could take care of herself. He knew that was crap, she would be attacked the moment he put her down. She was strong but not that strong.
"I don't care how tough you are you can't fend off fifty Isle rioters!"
"Give her to me." Zechs turned around to see an unexpected sight. It was Trowa Barton, and he was holding out his arms to take Zechs' charge away from him. He stared at Trowa for what seemed a long time as the riot grew around them. His face was as calm as usual. Zechs debated for a moment, but decided he had little choice.
"Take her home." He said it sharply as he passed an objectionable Anne over to the younger man. Trowa nodded and ignored Anne's protests. Without looking at Zechs again he proceeded towards the running crowd and was soon lost in it with her.
Zechs turned back to the riot and saw that it had diminished somewhat. Gabriel was still fighting, as was Wufei.
"Come on! You wanna Fuck with me?" Gabriel yelled at a rather large man that was ready to engage him. He was clearly in his element. Zechs found it almost amusing to see the exhilarate Preventer egging the rioters on, waiting for them to challenge. Gabriel had no trouble in taking down anyone who challenged him. Zechs made a quick note to be careful about fighting him. Wufei was less boisterous about combat as he quietly dispatched all attackers with quick martial combat. Zechs joined the fray and found a target immediately.
In the center, being completely left alone and smiling malignantly at him, was Mathius. Zechs charged him without delay and pummeled him with blows. He had been a major contributor to the current violence. Zechs made himself remember the attack on Elizabeth. He could hear her crying in his mind and it made his blows harder. Mathius' cries of pain after every strike were punctuated with sadistic laugh that caused Zechs' skin to crawl. He stopped and Mathius lifted his head and smiled breathlessly at him, his teeth red with blood. In one quick movement he spit the blood in Zechs face and tried to squirm away.
The sensation of dread that swept over him was too great, he had to let him go and get the man away from him. Once released Mathius dashed away and out of sight, laughing mockingly. Mathius's cried could still be heard as he ran.
"KHUSHRENADA'S BITCH FOR PRESIDENT!" The riot was subdued less than two minutes later.
"Good work Wind." Gabriel slapped Zechs on the back. A fight always invigorated Gabriel to a jovial point. He was nice to everyone after battle. Zechs ignored him, his mind now heavy with a terrible burden. Mad people. They were out of their minds, and the Delizabanes were the ringleaders.
My god, what kind of people have I left my daughter with?
* * * * *
Lists of terms and places:
Eldest Child: the oldest living child in the Delizabane main lineage. Whoever holds this title has complete leadership over the family.
Grand Design: The name used when referring to the lost American Nation. Sometimes called "The Nation".
The Isle: Formerly known as the United Kingdom. The Isle is the British Isle territory.
The Rhineland: A vast expanse of Western Europe mostly pertaining to the lands through which the Rhine River flows. During the war, the Rhineland's territories were expanded greatly by the Isle forces.
Stagflation: The term used to denote inflation that is instituted when the economy ceases to grow.
Hegemony: A state in which a Nation is recognized as the most powerful in Economic and military force.
Libertarian-Socialist Party: The current executive administration's party headed by Fadden Heeley. They are the exact opposite of the Proletarian-Socialists and their greatest political rivals.
Character Guide
The Delizabane Family and Associates
Merrick Delizabane: The former Patriarch of the Delizabane Family and father of the four children of the Delizabane main lineage: Analicia, Aria, Mathius, Shireen. A very severe and sometimes cruel man, he forced his children to become soldiers when they were very young. At the start of the Rhineland war, his two oldest children Analicia and Aria were sent to command positions with their cousin Kateline. Merrick was assassinated after the Isle's Rhineland defeat.
Victoria Delizabane : Mother of Analicia and Aria, died of illness two years after the birth of Aria.
Aria Delizabane: (Expedition Storm) The current Eldest Child and ruler of the Delizabane Family. Daughter of Merrick Delizabane. She was taken Prisoner during the Rhineland war when trying to keep the Alliance out of Western Europe and the British Isle. Now she is the most powerful person in the Isle.
Analicia Delizabane (Leecy)( The First Lady of War): The original Eldest Child of the Delizabane family, Leecy was the older sister and second mother to her younger sister Aria. Known to be both extremely intelligent and defiant, Leecy led the Rhineland Army to most of its victories during the war. But lost critical battles when the Alliance Specials became involved. Analicia was captured and executed by the Alliance at the end of the war.
Kateline Delizabane: (The Huntress) The oldest living Delizabane and cousin of the Aria Delizabane. Kateline is inherently mad and given to murderous rages. Since she is not part of the main Delizabane lineage, she can never be the Eldest Child, but is still bound to serve.
Mathius Delizabane: Only son of Merrick Delizabane and the twin brother of Shireen. He is the youngest of the Delizabane main lineage. After his father was assassinated he was taken and raised by his cousin Kateline and thus bears similar resentments. He carries a disdain for the current Eldest Child Aria, and an absolute hatred for the memory of Analicia, whom he never knew.
Shireen Delizabane: The twin sister of Mathius. A very weak young woman with little courage to stand up to her oppressive and abusive family.
Bram Wickfield: The chief advisor to the Delizabane family and former tutor of Analicia and Aria. A stoic and proud man of vast intellect, he was paralyzed from the waste down following a fire arms accident.
Itzhak Liebman: Loyal chief steward to Mathius Delizabane.
Mrs. Collins: Chief house keeper for the Delizabane Manor.
Elizabeth Langstaff: Former secretary to Aria Delizabane, Elizabeth saved Milliardo Peacecraft after his defeat to Heero Yuy at the end of the first Eve War. She died from complications after giving birth to Milliardo's daughter.
Elizabeth Foster Peacecraft: Daughter of Milliardo Peacecraft and Elizabeth Langstaff. Currently being raised in the Isle by the Delizabane family
Mikail Khydarian: a young Serbian assassin under the employ of the Delizabane family.
Other OC 's
Gabriel Khushrenada: Younger brother of Treize Khushrenada and uncle of Mariemaia Khushrenada Barton.
Fadden Heeley: Current President of the Earth Sphere Unified Nation, leader of the Majority party (Libertarian-Socialists)
Helen St. Downey: Chief economic advisor to ESUN President Heeley.
Celine Osprey: An economist working for the Agency for Economic Development.
Sudara Okami: Linguistic prodigy and Quatre Winner's current girlfriend.
