Title: Play The Game

Author: Karina

Rating: PG

Pairing: Wu Fei + Sally

Notes: Challenge 12 . #36 in the Baby Series. Takes place immediately after Obstructing Justice.

Spoilers: None

Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.

Thanks to Dulin for her work as beta.

Play The Game

"Justice? Where is the justice in using a child as a tool for power hungry bastards out for all they can get?"

Sally was confused by Chang. He was not acting in a manner that she normally equated with the L5 firebrand. True they all had to grow up, but this Chang was not the man she had known. Perhaps Duo Maxwell had had valid concerns when he had approached her.

"Some things in life aren't pretty, Chang but if you are to remain as security for Zechs then you are going to need to understand. First up, he's Royalty. That means he will never have privacy, never have a life out of the public eye and his smallest action will be scrutinised. Royalty live in a gold fish bowl and smile even if they want to scream. Second the man has a reputation that will see everyone terrified of him. Feared Royalty is worse than adored Royalty. He will always be a target for every crackpot out there, and it's our job to see that he is a hard target to nail."

"Do you think I do not understand my job?"

"As a matter of fact, yes, I'm beginning to think you have a conflict of interest."

"I am a Preventer! When have I given you cause to doubt my dedication to my duty?"

"If you want to be a part of the team, Chang, you have to learn to play. He doesn't like it but he knows he has to play the game, and politics is a dirty game. Power games stink but they exist, and he knows that he and Stephen are pawns."

"He is no pawn but a King in the game. Despite what you think I know well that it is a dangerous game being played here. I know that both of them are caught up in a power struggle, and I know that it is not only them we need be concerned about. Relena too is involved."

"…Yes. Yes, she is involved and her position threatened by Stephen's birth. We do not need contention for a throne complicating the political scene in Sanc. Too many people in important places have their eye on Sanc to have this kind of power struggle become public."

"As I recall it was not Zechs who made the decision to return to Sanc. I believe he was unconscious at the time. Nor should he crawl under a rock and play dead because certain people wish only his sister be worthy of note."

Sally sighed. "You've got a problem, Chang. Get it sorted."

"What do you see as my problem?"

"I'll speak with the Minister. Your emotions are getting in the way of your intelligence. Much as you might like to protect them from life you are not going to be able to. They are Royalty and you are going to have to accept everything that means. Is that black and white enough for you?"

End

Karina Robertson 2005