ttw7

Thicker than Water
seven


Late last night, somewhere between the moon and colony point L2, a large space battleship was destroyed, announced a newscaster.

Relena had spend yet another day trapped inside, and was up at the crack of dawn. She laid back on her bed and switched the smaller television off with the remote. Tossing her arm over her eyes, she took a deep, assuring breath, and wished there was something she could do, for once. Something she could do to prevent war, instead cause it.

Are you awake, Miss Relena?

She didn't answer, and rolled onto her side amidst the quilts and tangled sheets. Outside on the adjoining balcony she could see earth's wildlife at its best. A bright red cardinal cheeping in a branch, a squirrel chattering to itself. Dorothy poked into her room, wearing an apron. The scent of breakfast invaded the room like a hoard of angry Huns.

Would you like something to eat? I made eggs and bacon.

That hit a string in the piano, for sure. Although her head was pounding and she felt less than good about herself, Relena dragged herself into the kitchen to eat with Dorothy. It was inconvenient enough that she and Dorothy were polar opposites, but Relena had also made a complete fool of herself in front of one of her greatest opponents.

___

Sally slid herself back in her chair. Peacemillion exploded last night, she announced, though everyone already knew. And as far as we know, all of the accused terrorists were aboard. Our only clue to Relena's disappearance was in them. I just don't get it.

Sitting on the other side of the room, warming her trembling fingers with a mug of coffee, Noin nodded apathetically, only catching the rough fringes of what her partner had been saying. Zechs is gone too.

Sally sent Noin a look as if she'd just sprouted a head out her ass that proceeded to sing the national anthem, Noin, what about Zechs?

What about Zechs?

All of a sudden, Sally jumped up and grabbed her jacket, and Noin, and hauled it out of their office.

___

I really don't think you need me to help you, buddy.

Heero stared into the camera. I'm sure you could be of some use.

Duo shook his head and peered back at Hilde, who was standing not too far behind him at the sink, wearing one of his t-shirts and a pair of socks. Like I said, you have it under control. Get Wufei to help.

He is.

Then why do you need me?

Hilde looked over her shoulder and waved, then took something from a drawer and tossed Duo a disk. Stick that bad boy in the drive, Duo, and send it to him.

He studied the disk and arched an eyebrow. What is it? You're so devious, I'm actually starting to wonder if I could use you to get rid of some debts I have with the guys.

That's what you get for gambling, Duo, she winked and walked out of the picture in Heero's videophone. Just send him the info on there before I have hack something other than a database.

Duo grimaced and pushed the disk into the phone's drive. Instantly, a folder of files on the terrorists popped up and displayed a list of actions. One included something about a certain lodging facility in Tennessee. Heero took another glance at the info before nodding at Duo and muttering a thank you. In a second's notice, the screen was blank, and Duo was watching Hilde in amazement.

Where did you get that?

I have my ways. She smirked maliciously, You of all people should know that.

To be continued...