"You missed?" "Nice going T, we're busted now! That was a Gundam Pilot!" "Oh shut up!" T barked, pulling his cap further down over his mop of grey- blue hair, "Look, that kid hasn't got a hope in hell of catching me. I'll get him, and the rest of them, you just watch." The Elder man growled. "I've been watching all night, kiddo, and you haven't impressed me yet," he hissed. The girl laughed. "Never send a kid to do a adult's job, right sir?" she crowed. T shuddered angrily. "Down worry, Liz, I'll show you all," he growled, before turning away. "By the end of the night, you'll be eating your words." Liz smirked. "Don't count on it, boyo," she spat in reply, and then wandered off in another direction. "Now," she whispered to herself, "to find that snotty minister kid."

Wu-fei was avoiding the walls, sweeping through the crowds, back and forth. If he stood still, it would be like drawing a target on his forehead and hoping for the worst. He hadn't got his katana with him. If he had, he wouldn't be nervous, but as it was, he was out of practise and out of weaponry. He spotted Quatre over by the orchestra, tuning a violin. Wu-fei dashed over. "Quatre!" he hissed breathlessly. Quatre frowned with concern. "What's wrong, Wu-fei?" he asked. Wu-fei glanced around quickly, his eyes coming into contact with the youth, eyes darkened by cap shadow, but still glimmering with malice. "We're in danger," he whispered, "there are assassins on the main balconies. I've already been attacked, who knows who they'll get next." Quatre's eyes widened in shock. "Trowa told me you were worried, but I didn't think it was this serious!" He thought for a moment. "The best thing we can do is to act natural. If they know something's up, we're finished. Find Duo, and tell him to take care of Kitty for a while, and you," he said, eyes narrowing in spite, "you keep out of her way, and mine, if you value you're neck." Quatre jabbed him hard with the violin, before turning away to continue tuning. Wu-fei growled inaudibly and looked around. He resisted the temptation to look at the assassin, but he couldn't see Duo anywhere. Usually it was hard to miss him, but tonight he was laying low. Like I should be doing, he thought. Suddenly there was a light tap on his shoulder. He started and spun around. Kitty giggled. "Hey there stranger!" she laughed, "I haven't seen you all evening!" Wu-fei swallowed hard. He hadn't yet seen what she was wearing, and now he was really in trouble. Long lilac gown with glimmering insets sweeping across it, violet stole with the same patterns and dainty silken shoes. The dress curled and swept around her frame beautifully, loosely hanging at the back, with a low cut front, revealing a mole just above her cleavage. He could feel the beads of sweat form on his forehead. Kitty laughed. "You're very quiet this evening," she commented, before laughing again, "oh, do you like my dress? Una made it for me. Isn't it lovely?" She flicked her deadly gaze up to his suit. "That embroidery is lovely! Did you do it yourself?" she broke into giggles again, "I suppose all these formal 'do's are more about fabric and material wealth than the person within the clothes, right?" Wu-fei swallowed hard. "I. suppose so," he choked. Kitty placed a hand on his arm. "Are you alright?" she asked, Wu-fei unable to tell whether or not her concern was sincere, "you seem very, oh I don't know, tight this evening." Wu-fei swallowed again, eyes darting around the room. "I have got to find Duo," he blurted. Kitty frowned. "Aren't you playing Mister-Hard-to-Get this evening!" she said forcefully, "why can't you just stay with me for one little dance, huh?" Wu-fei made a sort of squeaking noise, aware of two cerulean eyes, which were boring into his back. "No, really, I have to go and find Duo. He'll dance with you. I've, er, twisted my ankle." Wu-fei mentally hit himself. "You were walking fine earlier," she protested, pulling a very childish pouty face, "don't you want to dance with me?" Wu-fei squeaked again. "No! Of course not! It's just that. err." he spun around, looking for a diversion, "hey, isn't Quatre playing now?" Kitty clapped. "Oh yes, so he is! Oh he's simply marvellous at the violin, you'll really enjoy his piece, Wu-fei," Kitty turned to where Wu-fei had been, "Wu-fei?" He was gone. She narrowed her gaze. "Don't worry, Mister Chang, I'll have you on the dance floor by the end of the night, don't worry."

"DUO!!!" Wu-fei shrieked as he ran around the first floor corridors, spooking several of the minister's children, necking in the alcoves. "Wha?" Duo exclaimed, looking up from his nap. Wu-fei smacked him over the head. "This is no time to be sleeping!" he bellowed. Duo winced. "Sorry, kay? I didn't have a nap today, and I'm really tired!" Wu-fei's face blanched. "Nap?" he stammered, before breaking out in uncontrollable giggles. Duo's face turned a rather fetching shade of maroon. "Don't diss until you've tried it, Fei!" he protested, be reconfiguring his colouration. Wu-fei sighed. "You have got to keep Kitty occupied," he stated simply. Duo frowned. "Why?" he asked, and then grinned, "Quatre getting on your case again, eh? I told you to stay away, but would you listen?" "I haven't been anywhere near her!" Wu-fei bellowed, causing Duo to sit back to violently that he chair tipped over backwards, "at least, not intentionally. Not that it would matter, because there would be nothing to worry about, anyway." Duo snorted. Wu-fei kicked him sharply. "Owtsies!" Duo complained, getting to his feet, "Ok, Ok, you win! Where is she?" Wu-fei swallowed hard. "In the ballroom, with the assassins." "Assassins!" Duo screeched. Wu-fei groaned. "God, does no one have eyes in their face tonight? Jesus!" Duo laughed shyly. "That bad, huh?" he asked. Wu-fei nodded. "There's a group of about three of them. I'm gonna try and find out what they're planning, but Quatre asked me to get you to keep an eye on Kitty for him. Trowa is extracting information from random orchestra members, apparently, who all seem to be very attractive females," Duo snickered, "and I haven't seen Heero since we got here." "Someone say my name?" came the familiar voice. "Speak of the devil." Wu-fei sighed as Heero came and stood behind him. "No need to be mean, Chang," Heero said quietly. Duo grinned. "When'd you get a sense of humour?" he asked. Heero shrugged. He turned to Wu-fei. "The guy who dropped the knife on you, he goes by the name of T. there are three of them- the leader, a woman called 'Liz', and this T fellow. T's the one we've been worrying about, but Liz has got bigger plans. I think she's carrying a detonator." "You don't think she'll blow up the conference hall, do you?" Duo cut in. Wu-fei shrugged. "These people are pretty desperate if they think destroying a hall full of diplomats is going to anything towards power shifts. It'll just bring on another useless war, and once again those we care about and the loved ones of others will be swept away with the river of blood." Duo sighed, after a pause. "Deep, man, deep." he whispered. Heero tutted. "Deep but true. We can't risk the lives of these innocent people. We'll have to try and stop the assassins before they do too much damage, and if needs be, evacuate. Wu-fei, come with me. Duo, you go get Kitty out of the way and alert Trowa to the plan. I'm gonna need his help. When Quatre's done fiddling about with that infernal Violin of his," Wu-fei sniggered, "get him out of there too. I know he can take care of himself, but who knows, he could be planted with an explosive for all we know, and he is a target. Got that?" Duo nodded. Heero turned and jogged off down the corridor, Wu-fei in tow. Wu-fei cast a glance over his shoulder at Duo, before disappearing around a corner. Duo smiled. "Don't worry, buddy," he whispered, "I'll make sure she's alright."

Duo ran down the steps towards the main hall. He could hear Quatre's performance from here, and the entire audience was silent with wonder. A familiar figure stood at the base of the stairs. "Hey Trowa," Duo sighed, slightly out of breath. Trowa nodded. "The orchestra know nothing," he said plainly, "so I thought I go and join up with Heero and see what he's got planned." Duo nodded. "Heero and Wu-fei are going to head off one of assassins. Maybe you should go after those on the balcony." Trowa nodded. "Does Heero have his link-up on?" he asked. Duo nodded. "Good. And what are you gonna do while we practise heroics?" Duo grinned. "I get to save the girl," he said, winking cheekily, "and of course, pass on info to Quatre." Trowa walked past Duo onto the stairs. "We'll contact you on the link-up and arrange the final departure time," he called as he broke into a jog up the steps. Duo nodded and made his way into the main hall.

Duo entered the main hall with the dying notes of the violin. Quatre drew the bow across the instrument one last time, the sweet tremolo note silencing all, and just as it ended the loud clapping on Duo's shoes on the floor interrupted. Two hundred pairs of eyes glared at Duo. "Geez, sorry!" he exclaimed. The audience turned back to Quatre and applauded him. He made a polite bow before replacing the violin in its stand, and trotting over to Duo. "I sent Wu-fei after you ages ago!" he laughed, "Where have you been?" Duo sighed. "Look, I need to talk to you, so can we go somewhere. ya know, more discreet?" Quatre frowned. "Alright, but it had better be important." The pair walked briskly out of the main hall and into one of the storerooms. Duo hopped up onto an unfolded table and waited for Quatre to lock the door. Quatre turned to face his friend and sighed. "If this is about assassins, I've been informed," he said sharply. Duo frowned. Quatre was enjoying himself way too much. Telling Kitty he was going obviously wasn't in his plans. "Trowa, Wu-fei and Heero have gone after them," he explained, "but Heero wants you to evacuate the building." "What?" Quatre exclaimed, "Why?" Duo rolled his eyes. "One of the assassins is carrying a detonator. Explosives could be planted all around the building. Heck, the invites could all be planted! We need to get everyone out, and fast." Quatre snorted. "That's ridiculous!" he said bluntly, "you expect me to stand up in front of that hall of distinguished guests and tell them to proceed to all exits in a calm manner because they are all explosives? Are you all crazy? I can't do that!" Duo growled. "Oh, so you'd rather sacrifice the lives of hundreds of diplomats and politicians, those fighting to maintain the peace of our worlds, for your damn pride? Grow up Quatre!" Quatre glared at Duo. "Heero and the others are perfectly capable of shutting down the operation without us having to resort to panicking the guests, and don't you get all high and mighty with me! You have no idea what I have been through over the years, trying to maintain a level of influential status. This next stunt we're about to pull could quash my chances of being elected Deputy Minister for the Colonies next autumn! I am already putting a lot on the line for this, Duo; I don't think you can ask a lot more of me." Duo leapt of the desk. "You selfish little brat!" he hissed, "If I knew these were your true colours, you wouldn't have bee invited on this mission." "Oh, and you would make that decision, would you?" Quatre spat back, an angry pink tone flooding his pale cheeks, "If you don't like my choices, then fine. I'm open to criticism, I get it everyday. But don't you ever start thinking that you could ever stop me from doing what was necessary, got that?" Duo shook his head and unlocked the door. "Just evacuate the fucking building, that's all we're asking," he sighed, "we're not asking you to save the world single handedly or anything, geez!" Quatre's flush faded a little as he watched Duo leave the room. "Oh, and one more thing," said Duo's voice from down the corridor, "are you even planning to tell Kitty what's going on?" Quatre groaned. He had been so swept up in the delegations and conversations, he'd completely forgotten to take Kitty aside and tell her. There simply wasn't time now. He sighed. Maybe the others were right. Maybe he should try and evacuate the building.

Kitty swirled her drink with the little novelty umbrella and sighed. She was all alone, wasting this perfect opportunity to show off her dress, and she didn't like it one bit. Someone sat down opposite her. "Hey," he said cheerily, "how's things?" Kitty looked up and smiled. Duo casually tossed his braid over his shoulder. "I'm fine, thank you," she replied, brushing her long fringe out of her eyes, "just a little bored." Duo grinned. "I can help you out with that," he suggested, "wanna dance?" Kitty beamed. "You wouldn't believe it, but that's what I've been waiting all night to do. Let's see if that grace in gym class has rubbed off any on your dancing skills!" Duo and Kitty joined hands and walked confidently out onto the floor, Duo casting his gaze occasionally towards the door, where a sullen figure leant against the wall, head bowed and blonde fringe cascading over his face as he stood in deep thought.

Kitty slumped down into her seat, giggling hysterically. Several of the more distinguished guests glared at her and Duo as they sniggered into their drinks. "You are a disaster!" Kitty finally blurted. Duo laughed. "Hey, maybe if Daddy had paid for me to have dancing lessons I'd be a bit better at it!" he protested. Kitty thumped the table and tears of laughter poured down her cheeks. Duo sighed. The thoughts of the plan filled his mind once more. Quatre should be giving the evacuation order any minute and the others would handle the assassins. Then he'd get Kitty out, and head off to the aircraft carrier and come back to pick up the other pilots. However, the plan was failing miserably. They'd never factored in these assassins to begin with, and now Quatre wasn't cooperating. Duo sympathised with him- he had a lot on his mind, but if he had just told Kitty, this problem could have been avoided. Duo, being a man of complete honesty, had never kept a thing from anyone, even if it meant he got beaten down for it. Quatre, a man of tact, had to use his wit, and his heart to make the decisions of what to keep, and what to reveal, and right now he was shutting himself in an invisible box. Kitty frowned. "God, you guys are acting so weird this evening!" she sighed, "first Heero lashes out at me." "He hit you?!" Duo exclaimed in horror. Several sets of eyes glared, or stared in horror at the pair. "No." Kitty began, a deep blush flooding her cheeks, "he just twisted my arm, something about the hatch on my jet." She drew back her long lilac glove to reveal deep bruising around her slender wrist. Duo shuddered. "I see," he said quietly. Kitty covered up her arm again, and placing her other hand over her injured wrist protectively. "But that's not all," she whispered, leaning a little across the table, "Quatre has been a little up tight and quiet with me. not to mention poor Wu-fei. Speaking of Wu-fei, he's been avoiding me like I was a plague or something, and now you keep going off into strange daydreams, which aren't happy ones like your usual fantasies about ice cream by those looks on you face. I can't say I've noticed much of a change in Trowa, but I don't know him that well. He's only a teaching assistant, though I don't know why, considering he's already got a job in the circus, but he seems to be quite good friends with you. am I blathering?" Duo laughed. "Definitely," he grinned, "but keep doing it, it's interesting." Kitty blushed a little. "Well, all I really want to know is if you can shed some light on this sudden case of mutual PMS you've all got." Duo snorted into his drink again, startling a near by couple. Kitty bit her lip. Duo calmed himself. "Sorry," he stammered, "but I can't really. erm. oh geez!" Kitty's deep blue eyes implored him, their beautiful depths begging for the truth. Duo got up and walked away. "Just ask Quatre. I. I can't tell you!" Duo quickened his pace, and within moments vanished. Kitty stared after him, neck strained to try and follow him, but even she knew that this deep secret was so locked within even Duo's mind that he couldn't tell her. She looked away and smiled. "Who would have thought it?" she whispered to herself, "the bane of my existence becoming one of my best friends. I could get used to that." She raised her gaze once more, catching the eyes of her brother. Quatre stared longingly at her from the other side of the hall for a moment, before being bombarded with teenage admirers wanting to dance. Kitty sighed. She had to get him on his own! She had to know what was wrong!