Title: Spring Flowers
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Wu Fei + Relena
Notes: Challenge 16. #50 in the Baby Series. Takes place a few minutes after Strong People.
Spoilers: None
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.
Many thanks to Dulin for her work as beta
Spring Flowers
"Wu Fei, if not step into his rightful place, how then would you have him occupy his time?"
"He is a man of many talents, and has skills that should not be ignored. He is a qualified engineer. He makes an adequate living redesigning mobile suits into useful purposes, and designing unique configurations that improve efficiency and safety on the Mars Colony. He has collaborated on modifications to the Moon Base …"
"I know all of that, Fei. That's not what I meant."
He scowled. "Then what did you mean?"
"Those skills you can find in a dozen other well-educated men with military backgrounds. Milliardo is rather more unique than that."
"He is himself. Uniquely himself, and he brings to his designs facets clearly recognizable and superior to the work of others."
"It is a pathetic use for such brilliance. Rather like a moment of sunlight peeking through a spring storm. That brilliance needs to be recognized and permitted to shine."
//More metaphors. This woman is impossible.// "You liken your brother to a gap in the clouds?"
"Oh no. He's the sun on a cloudy day, bright and golden, but hidden from view behind clouds of deceit, treachery and ignorance. He's never been allowed to shine in all of his glory. You know how bright the sun is after a spring storm? That brightness is what we should be seeing … what the world needs to see in Milliardo. That warming glow that awakens the spring bulbs to flourish and flower in such profusion. Meadows and gardens full to bursting with colour and life. That is what we could have if we can just blow those clouds away."
"He is feared. Hated. You place him in a dangerous position."
"I trust you and others like you to keep him safe. There is always the danger of storms darkening the sun, but the storm never lasts and the sun shines brighter than ever with its passing. As King he will have more protection than he has as Zechs Merquise. Diplomatic immunity can be a wondrous thing, Fei. Think about it. As the hereditary sovereign of a country there is very little action that can be taken against him. He would have greater freedom of movement, greater influence to introduce reforms, and access to better resources. He would become an automatic member of the House of Representatives, and no one in the assembly can gainsay his right to sit there. He would be a very visible reminder of the past."
"You offer him a two edged sword. To use such a blade is to guarantee wounds."
"But I offer him a future where he can make a difference. He would stagnate. I'm trying to keep him alive and active."
"He wishes to be forgotten."
"Sometimes that can be a bad thing. The peace must never be unattended. Rather like tending that garden of spring flowers. It needs care and attention from the gardener who turned the first sod."
End
Karina Robertson 2005
