Chapter Nine: Sidelined

Chapter Nine: Sidelined

"You will not be a part of the battle, Naryn," Zechs told her as the group sat at a conference table.
"What? You need me," she replied, more than a little stunned.
"Not at the expense of your health. Your ribs need more time to heal."
"I'll be fine."
"You can't fight injured. It does the time no good."
"You told me that this team would need every one of the Gundams to fight. ShadowSong is important to our success. It has to be all or nothing."
"Naryn, I will not risk one life needlessly just to see victory. I will pilot Tallgeese along with the team. You will be our backup support."
"But, Zechs..."
"It's final, Naryn."

She rose and stormed out of the room, headed into the hanger. She sat on the tip of ShadowSong's large foot, her anger boiling inside. How could he do that in front of the guys, she wondered. Now, she had lost any credibility with them she had gained. It wasn't fair!

"Naryn," she heard her name called softly and saw Wufei round the Gundam's leg from behind.
"Yeah?"
"Please don't be angry. Zechs is only trying to do what is right. He would tell any of us the same."
"Would he, Wufei? Would you listen anyway?"
"I've never been seriously injured while piloting Nataku. Yet, I know what it's like to not be able to fight."
"Really?"
"Yes. I dueled with Treze Kushrenada and he beat me. I was crushed. I was raised a warrior by my clan and I couldn't defeat this one man."
"What did you do?"
"I felt I was unworthy to pilot Nataku and tried to leave it behind. Eventually, a friend taught me to see that it is not the blade that makes a warrior, but their heart."
"You fought again."
"You have a great heart, Naryn. You fight for what is right and true. Your convictions make you strong. A warrior."
"Thanks, Wufei. I guess this time, I will have to leave the fighting to you," she smiled.
"Yes, another day will come," he left with that.

He returned to the conference room and took his seat again. Heero looked to him and he nodded in return. Naryn was OK. Zechs was continuing his briefing on the alien threat.

"They have one main ship and two smaller cruisers that their fighters come from. Problem is, their forces will greatly outnumber ours."
"So, if we hit the cruisers and close off their docking bays, we can put a significant dent in that number," Duo said.
"Correct. That's one objective. The other is to destroy the beam cannon of the main ship. It's nowhere near the capacity of Libra's weapon, but it would take out any Gundam rather efficiently."
"The fastest suits will work on shutting it down. The rest will cover them by closing off the bays," Heero replied.
"That's our strategy then. They were found spying on us, so I'm guessing that it won't be long now before they arrive. Be prepared," he said sternly and dismissed.

* * *

Naryn stood out on the balcony, watching the clouds drift over the moon. It was late, but she couldn't sleep. There was this feeling that the enemy was very near and something would happen very soon. She was also disappointed that she would not be able to aid in the fight.

She had found Heero's dresscoat and slipped it on over her nightgown before heading outside. It was too big, but there was a sense of security in wearing it. It was as if he was holding her in his arms, sheltering her from the cruel reality about to strike. They definitely had something together. She dared to hope that they would pursue it after the fighting ended. Her feelings were an altogether unusual thing. She didn't know why she felt that strongly about Heero. She didn't know him until a couple of days ago. Miss Noin's description didn't even begin to cover the complexity of that man. All she knew was that when he warmed up, Heero was amazing.

The door behind her opened and she looked to see Duo wander up to the railing beside her.

"Kinda late to be out here, isn't it," he asked and she smiled somberly.
"I couldn't sleep knowing they were out there so close by."
"The aliens? Who would have ever thought we would have to fight another species?"
"Obviously, it was not discussed at the time of disarmament."
"Yeah, the human race can be a bit shortsighted at times."
"At least they have more than just two for their defense."
"Hey, Zechs and yourself gave it your best shot. There wasn't much you could do then and there is no sense dwelling on it. Besides, you have the God of Death on your side now! We'll kick their tails!"

She laughed and rested her head on his shoulder as he wrapped an arm around her backside. She was trying to have a pity party and Duo wouldn't let her. She was in a way thankful for that.

"You know, Heero really likes you. I've never seen him so emotional with anyone, including Relena."
"I kinda like him too. He's a nice guy once you get him to warm up a bit."
"I know he can be harsh, but that is only because he was raised that way. The guy is 24 years old and finally realizing that it's OK to show some feelings."
"He doesn't say much, but when he does, it's wonderfully expressive."
"Yeah, he talks all right. Not very much, but when he does...most people get the ideal."
" I think that I'm falling in love with him, Duo."
"Well, that's great. He needs that. You, on the other hand, need to get some sleep."
"I suppose I should. Good night," she said and left him to wander back inside. Along the way, she placed Heero's coat back where she had found it. Next to his sleeping form on the couch.