Six Down

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Do you mean to tell me that they got another one? Lord Une demanded.

My apologies, sir. I am aware that this makes a fourth.

Yes, a fourth. First Attila, then Napoleon, then Kojiro, and now Caesar, all destroyed.

There was a bleeping sound, and a red light flashed. Lord Une pressed a button, and a picture came up, with another soldier in the middle.

Sir! This is Noventa Base. 01, 04, and 05 are attacking!

~~~

Wufei really won't like this, Quatre said.

Well, he wasn't going to use it, so I just took it, Vingte said. She shot an arm out and crushed one of the dolls. It isn't —unh! — quite what I'm used to, but it's a lot better.

Some of the dolls started fighting for the Gundams, against the rest. What are they doing? Heero asked.

D'arcy's voice came over to everyone, but no picture appeared. Don't worry. It's just a slight change in the programming. These were originally at another base, and we left them behind as a little present. Unfortunately for Lord Une, their first reaction to a Gundam is now to protect it. They'll be blown apart pretty soon, but it should give you a little breather. There was a little click as the recorder came to the end of it's message.

~~~

Back in Lord Une's office, another screen came up, also with a soldier. Sir, this is Septum Base. We are currently being attacked by 02, 03, and 06. They've got support from some of our dolls! They — Unnnngh! The soldier went flying and the screen blanked out as the center was demolished.

A burst of flame went straight towards Noventa Base's center, and pretty soon the other screen was blank too.

Another two gone! Lord Une said.

Yes, sir. That makes six.



~~~

Wufei was waiting with a frown when Vingte climbed down from Altron's cockpit. She walked towards him, and he slapped at her. She blocked his arm. Don't worry, she said. I've trained as a MechWarrior for most my life. It's not harmed. By the way, I compliment you on your machine. It's better than what I usually have. She pushed his arm aside, and walked by. She stopped and looked back over her shoulder. Thanks for the loan, Wufei. I'm much obliged.

~~~

Later that day, in a high-rise city, Wind and Noin were meeting in an alley.

I'm glad you didn't let those Gundams be destroyed, Zechs, Noin said.

Please, Noin. I'm Wind now.

Wind.

Something thumped Wind on the back, and he staggered. There was a distinctly feminine giggle.

Sorry, Wind, D'arcy said. I didn't mean to hit you that hard.

Wind turned around. D'arcy, what are you doing here?

I thought you'd like a little information that won't get out to the general public. Lord Une's lost six bases. And everyone — Heero, Relena, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, The Maguanac Corps, and two others — is staying at my camp. You know where we are. She brushed by him as if she'd just accidentally hit him and was just apologizing. Then she spoilt the effect by pushing Noin into Wind's arms. You two really ought to get together. Who knows what the next day will bring? And your relationship is one-of a-kind.

Wind's arms were still around Noin. he began.

D'arcy interrupted him again. You know, her first name is Lucrezia. She ran off.

You don't have to call me anything you don't want to, Noin said.

Noin, when all this is over, will you

Of course. You didn't have to ask.

Wind's face relaxed into a smile, and he kissed her softly. Then they went their separate ways.

~~~

A couple of weeks later, everyone was still where they had been, although Lord Une lost a few more bases.

Quatre saw Akilah leaning against the side of her tent. It was right across from his, and because of that, despite her antagonism, the two had become friends. Although her wolfish nature still startled him, it was something that always kept him on his toes, so he never got bored. Right now he had something to say to her, so he screwed up his courage and went forward.

She turned to look at him and raised a brow.

D'arcy hasn't said much, but I can guess. Do you think I killed your parents?
She nodded.

I can show you proof, if you like that I didn't.

She shook her head. Don't bother, she said.

D'arcy came up to them. She glanced quickly at Quatre, then said, Akilah, I've found out who piloted that mobile suit.

Both Quatre's and Akilah's eyes widened, and they looked quickly at each other before looking at D'arcy.

The mobile suit was an imitation. It's called Model 04A. The man who piloted it was killed in the last battle. Your parents seem to have been spies. Lord Une wanted to get rid of them, and made arrangements so that anyone seeing the incident would think that the Gundams had been responsible. Sandrock was just the easiest to imitate.

Thank you, D'arcy, Akilah said.

Yes, thank you.

D'arcy glanced from one face to another, and lowered her head to hide her smile. Well, I've got to go talk to Duo. Be seeing you. She walked away.
Quatre extended his hand, and Akilah placed hers in it. He squeezed her hand slightly, and they went to join the others, hand-in-hand.