Chapter 2 - The Peace They Made
AC 205 - February 14
"Father Maxwell!"
Duo cringed behind his desk. It was St. Valentine's Day, and he had already married five couples during throughout the morning and early afternoon.
"Can't they wait until June?" he called back. "Oi.this isn't a Las Vegas chapel you know."
"No, Father." the nun replied. "Timmy wants to see you."
The door was opened, and in raced a young six year old boy. Duo stood up to meet him, but the boy leapt into his arms and knocked him back into his chair. He straightened himself up, and the boy settled himself on his lap.
"What brings you here young man?" he asked good-naturedly.
"The big grandpa clock in the hall shouted three times!" the boy exclaimed. "I know, because I was standing there and I have really good ears! So that means its 3 o'clock!"
"Very good, Timmy!" Duo said, tousling the boy's hair. "Now, go play. Father has some work to do."
"But you promised!" the boy stubbornly said, tugging at the sleeve of his black cassock. "You said you will play with us at 3 o'clock!"
"Timmy." Dou began, his voice sounding of mock sternness. "I still have work to do. And bills to pay! You kids eat a lot you know."
Timmy's eyes began to brim with tears. "But.but.you promised!!"
Duo smiled in resignation. There was no beating a child's tears. "Oh, alright."
The child jumped off his lap and happily led him to the playground. Duo allowed himself to be led, sheepishly smiling at Sister Martha as he was led out. The middle-aged nun shook her head and proceeded to tidy up Father Maxwell's messy office.
When Duo stepped into the backyard playground of the parish church, he was awaited by several young and eager faces. He spent the rest of the afternoon playing games with his young wards, like dodge ball and hide and seek. Of course, he usually ended up being the one to throw the ball or the one who has to seek. The children laughed and shouted whenever they were found or hit, and after the last game they all dog-piled on him.
After tickling all the children off of him, Father Duo gathered them all around for story time. He sat on a mound of scrap metal in the middle of the playground, and the children sat attentively around him. Then, he told them the story of Gideon, how a small token force of Israelites overcame an army several times their strength. The children loved the story, constantly asking questions and interrupting Father Duo's storytelling.
"I want to be a warrior someday!" one of the young boys said.
"So eat your vegetables and go to sleep early to grow up big and strong," Duo said, getting up.
At that moment, Sister Martha came out of the back door and called the children to clean up before supper. All the children dutifully lined up and filed inside. One little girl was left behind.
"What is it Jenny?" Duo asked. The girl splayed her arms open, her blue eyes dancing with glee. He obliged her and lifted her up. She wrapped her short arms around his neck and clung tightly.
"I love you, Father Duo!" she exclaimed, her blue eyes dancing playfully. Then, she kissed his nose and nuzzled on his neck. Duo couldn't help but smile.
Jenny, like Timmy and the other children, were orphans of war. All of them had parents who were soldiers or rebels, and the war had robbed them of everything that they had. He knew how it felt to lose everything to war. He was an orphan once, too.
Upon the destruction of his Gundam Deathscythe, he dropped his involvement in the war. He abdicated from military responsibilities, despite some tempting offers. At first, he sought to content himself with the Sweepers, salvaging scrap metal for the use of making weaponry. But when the Preventers were disbanded to be replaced by a Federation military, the Sweepers saw less use and were largely disbanded. Those that remained now rely on government contracts. Duo found that life wanting, and began to search for more meaning to his existence. Eventually, he would leave his home with Hilde Schbeicker and joined St. Michael Seminary on L2. He lied about his age, and managed to get ordained at a young age of 22. He asked permission from his bishop to establish a church in the same place where Maxwell church once stood. His memories were strong there, and he felt compelled to continue the ministry of the priest who raised him. He managed to scrap some funds together and established a new church building on the site of the old one, the Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned. He reburied Father Maxwell and Sister Helen nearby, and opened an orphanage for war children. He was raised within the Maxwell church's orphanage, and now he wanted to return the favor.
For two and a half years, he raised the children of war. He found most of them in the scrap yards, trying to survive on their own. He sheltered the lost children in the church, and raised them as if they were his own children. The kids, in turn, looked up to him as they would a real father. Several of the boys he made altar boys, and the choir was filled with his little girls. He was also their teacher, and he had already taught most of them how to read. The children helped him with the maintenance of the church, as well as with some of the parish work. They were like one large family. And Duo loved it. He loved every single one of them.
Duo was about to go inside when he noticed a lone figure standing just outside the back gate. He walked toward the person, and as he got nearer, he realized that it was Hilde standing by the gate.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, somewhat surprised.
"Hello to you, too," she said. "Is this how you greet old friends?"
"I'm sorry," he replied. "I wasn't expecting any visitors, that's all."
"I always thought you'd be good with kids," she said, noting the child in Duo's arms. "Too bad it wasn't with ours."
The child in Duo's arms looked strangely at Hilde. "Father, who is the strange lady with the blue hair?"
"She's just an old friend," he replied, letting her down. "Now run along inside and have dinner with the others."
"Promise you'll tell me another bedtime story later?"
"I promise sweetie."
The girl happily ran to the door and went inside the church building. Duo unlatched the back gate and opened it for Hilde and asked her to come inside. They both sat on the playground's swing set.
"So, I'm just an old friend now." Hilde said. "After all that we've been through."
"What am I supposed to do?" Duo asked, a hint of laughter in his voice. "Tell the child that I spent the late part of my teens living with you as though we were married? Should I throw in all those nights we fornicated as well?"
Hilde smirked. "So, its fornicating now, e? Who do you think initiated it all the time? It's a wonder they even let you in the seminary."
"Let's just say that I spent more time in Confession than in any other part of formation," Duo said, smiling. "After all, St. Augustine was a worse case than I was, and look what happened to him."
"But he was a lot smarter," Hilde said, smiling back. "I was just kidding. I knew all along that you'd be a good priest. The kids love you."
"How long were you watching?"
"Since you started that story of yours."
Duo laughed. "As you can tell, I'm not much of a story teller!"
"That little girl certainly thought the world of your stories." Hilde said.
"I know. She's a sweetheart," Duo said.
"How do you keep this place running?" Hilde asked. "You didn't steal, did you?"
"Of course not. It all comes from donations and the money I get from the diocese," Duo replied. "I've mastered the art of begging."
"From whom?" she asked.
"From rich people," he replied. "Minister Peacecraft has donated quite an amount. So has MP Winner. Heck, Relena even came here once and had her picture taken with the kids. Quatre is quite a regular. Many kids call him uncle."
"Sounds like a regular party!" she said. "How about Wufei? I heard he's got it made."
"Nah," he said. "You know Wufei. 'Church is for weaklings!', 'Church is for women!' and all that jazz. Besides, I don't think scholars earn that much."
"Wufei a scholar." she said. "Who would have thought, after the stint with the Preventers and all."
"Yeah," he said. "You'd think he'd go with the Army or Space Fleet like Sally did. I guess he's content endangering political correctness at L5 State University. But enough about our friends. What about you? I haven't seen or heard from you in nearly four years. How has life been for you?"
"Well, things changed when you left," she replied, her voice growing soft. "For one thing, I was depressed for two years. I eventually left the Sweepers and lost the house to the bank. All that thanks to you."
"I'm sorry," he said, casting his eyes downward. "I know I should have told you. But I thought you wouldn't understand. You always laughed whenever I talked about my calling. And.I didn't want to say goodbye."
"To tell you the truth." she began, pulling out a gun. ".I cam here to shoot you. But when I saw you again, I didn't know whether to be happy or angry. Then, I saw you take that child in your arms.I decided that I didn't stand a chance against what you have here. This was that you always wanted. And I didn't have a right to get in the way. I was about to leave when you saw me."
Tears began to run down her cheeks, but Duo gently brushed them aside. The gentleness of his touch brought back a thousand memories, and Hilde could no longer hold back. She dropped her gun as Duo took her into his arms, letting her pour her tears out on his shoulder.
"I love you Duo." she said, sobbing softly. "I guess I just had to say that after so long."
"After all we've been through, you'll always have a place in my heart," he replied.
"But.."
"But my life is here," he continued. "God wants me here. Shinigami is gone. All that is left is me, Father Duo Maxwell. And I'm happy being a priest."
"I understand," she said, wiping her tears away. "Damn that Pope of yours for enforcing that ancient celibacy rule."
Duo gave her a mock glare, and she smiled again.
"Sorry. I was just kidding. I'm sure he's a great guy."
"Yes he is," Duo said, beaming proudly. "I was ordained in Rome you know."
"Even with the collar, you're still full of BS." Hilde said, laughing.
She got up and headed for the gate. Duo laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Why don't you join me and the kids for dinner?" Duo asked. "We're having their favorite, alphabet soup and hotdogs."
"Nah. But thanks anyway," she replied. "I only came here to see you. Closure and all that, if you know what I mean."
"Yeah, and to shoot me as well." It was his turn to laugh.
"Yeah, that too." Hilde picked up her gun and holstered it.
"So, where are you going now?" he asked.
"Oh yeah, I never did get around to that part, did I?" she said. "After leaving our old home, I joined the Gray Wolves. I've been with them since."
"Gray Wolves?" Duo tried to recall where he had heard that name before. "Aren't they another one of those merc groups the government is trying to destroy?"
"We're not mercs!" Hilde retorted. "That's just government propaganda. We're revolutionaries! People have already forgotten what the Earth Sphere Unified Nation once was. We haven't. Then, they go around making deals with aliens."
"Oooookaaaay." he said. "No need to get that Teutonic temper of yours roused here. I'm not Big Brother."
"I thought you loved hearing my Gotterdamerung," Hilde said, feigning insult.
"What? I was never into BDSM!" Duo exclaimed with false drama. Hilde slapped him on the shoulder, and soon they were both laughing.
"I really have to go now," Hilde said, walking out the gate. Duo followed her. "Good bye Duo."
"Will you be coming back?" he asked.
"I don't know," she replied. "But who knows? Maybe I might even come to hear you celebrate Mass one day."
Duo watched her back as she walked away. "I'll be waiting."
Hilde looked back at him. "Oh, I almost forgot. Happy Valentine's Day."
~~~
Lt. Col. Heero Yuy walked into the heavily-fortified UFNAF Headquarters. He was stopped at the entrance by three soldiers and a security mobile suit.
"Identification and Business, sir?" the sergeant asked.
"Lt. Col. Heero Yuy, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 99th Special Forces Regiment, 7th Ranger Division," Heero replied curtly. "I'm here to see General Marquise."
The sergeant pulled out a retinal scanning device and scanned Heero's eye. Then, he saluted and let him in.
Heero proceeded up a turbo lift and reached the front door of General Marquise's office. The Electronic Secretary detected his presence and once more asked for identification. He stepped in front of another retinal scanning device and had his ID confirmed. A force field lifted and the door slid sideward.
Heero walked into General Marquise's office. He was seated behind his desk, rolling a circular, metallic object in his hand. Heero promptly saluted.
"Sir, reporting for duty. Sir."
"You are early Lt. Col. Yuy," General Marquise said after returning the salute. "Judging from the entry records, you still designate yourself as commander of the 2nd SFR of the Ranger division. I do know you realize that you lost command of that unit when you were first shifted to Lt. Commander."
"Sir, I have not yet been officially assigned to any other Army unit. As I understand, the shift to Lt. Commander was supposed to be a secretive and temporary move. Sir." Heero replied.
"We'll get to that," General Marquise said. "But as of now, you are a ghost soldier. You have no unit, and do not exist until designated one. Even under the table, some sense of protocol must be observed."
"Who is their new commander, sir? Would I be allowed to at least address my men?" Heero asked, a small note of anxiety appearing in his voice. General Marquise gave him a look of surprise.
"Any general would find it normal for reassigned commanders to miss their old posts," he said. "Even when they see you. But none of them know your past. Only I do. And I do find it strange that you suddenly miss commanding in the Special Forces."
"Sir, my apologies. It won't happen again. Sir."
"No, no, no.." General Marquise said. "You misunderstand. It is a sign of a good commander to be so well-integrated into his unit. So united would he be to his unit that being in absence of it can make him miss being amongst his men. I'm actually happy seeing you adjust like this. When I thought the Perfect Soldier could not get any more perfect, he matures into the Perfect Commander. You have a gift, Lt. Col. Yuy. I suggest you not lose it. A human being.."
"..but a soldier first, sir." Heero finished for him.
"Perfect.." General Marquise said, smiling. "Oh, and the man's name is Major Haley. Don't worry, your boys are in good hands."
"Do you know what this is?" General Marquise asked, showing him the grenade- sized object he was holding.
"It's an ionic charge, sir," Heero replied. "That is an S72-HIC, or Homing Ionic Charge. Also knows as 'hics', or 'mobile suit mashers'. Standard infantry armament. Launched by hand only, and thrown like a grenade. Auto- attach mechanism makes for secure hold on any Mobile Suit surface, and homing device combined with quick propulsion upon being thrown allow it to home in and attach itself even on Mobile Suits flying at top speed. Issues a powerful ionic blast. One ionic charge is enough to destroy a single mobile suit. Delay between activation and detonation is ten seconds, but will detonate once attach mechanism is secure. Programmed to attach to and destroy mobile suits only, which are identified by embedded Smart Scan technology. Sir."
"Yes." the general said. "The now-famous ionic charge. Invented by the Preventers shortly after the Gundams were destroyed. It is ironic, really."
He stood up. "The Preventers invented this thing to protect their ground operatives from mobile suit attacks. However, the Preventers themselves relied on Mobile Suits to conduct their warfare. When the secret for the ionic charge leaked out, every rogue nation on Earth began developing it. Soon, the Preventers found themselves losing hundreds of Mobile Suit battalions to armies of infantry. No Mobile Suit that hovered too close to the ground was safe. The economics worked in the enemies' favor too. One $200 ionic charge is enough to destroy a million-dollar Mobile Suit."
"The point to this story is." the general began. ".is that war can be decided even by the smallest of things. This tiny contraption changed the face of warfare forever. Now, the Federation Army has phased out the use of Mobile Suits for ground warfare. Mobile Suits are now only used for artillery bombardment, or air support from above the range of the charges. Only occasionally will they will act as Mechanized Infantry supporting columns of hover tanks and regular ground infantry. But their main line of service is now relegated to space, aerial and underwater naval warfare, where the ionic charge is irrelevant. Terrestrial War is now won by fighting men once more, not by mobile suits. That is why you spent more time fighting on the ground rather than piloting a mobile suit. I see it has done you good, made you a commander and an even better soldier than before. Now you know that old military maxim better."
"Sir, it is the men and not the machines that win the war. Sir," Heero said.
"Good. Now for your assignment." General Marquise pulled some papers from his desk and gave it to him, along with a set of necessary insignia. "Give this to Colonel Devereaux, and he'll place you near the target. He already knows of the mission, this is just to make it official. I'm sorry for the month-long delay. We have to make it seem legitimate. I know long delays as a ghost soldier can take its toll on a commander without a unit."
Before Heero left the office, General Marquise said to him, "And always remember.even the smallest things."
".can decide a war," Heero finished. "I understand sir."
~~~
The digital clock on the bedside desk showed 12 am. Trowa Barton zipped up his dark leather jacket and silently exited his trailer. He looked around, and seeing that nobody was there he sneaked out into the animal containment area Once more, he looked around.
Coast is clear.he thought.
He was about to exit the circus grounds, when he heard soft footfalls behind him. He quickly drew his gun from the holster within his jacket and aimed at the source of the sound. There was someone there, obscured in shadow.
"Come out of the dark." he commanded, flipping the safety off the gun.
"Don't shoot." cried a soft feminine voice. "Its just me."
"Catherine.." Trowa holstered put the safety back and holstered his gun as she approached him.
"Are you sneaking off again?" Catherine asked, placing her hands on her hips. "Where are you going off to?"
"None of your business," he replied curtly. "And what about you? Why were you following me? And in your nightgown too? Its cold out."
"You sneaked out last night too," she said. "Here I am, worried sick about you, and you have the gall to be irritated. How long have you been sneaking out anyway?"
Trowa's features softened as he removed his jacket. He draped it over Catherine's shoulders and led her back to her trailer. Once inside, Catherine sat on her bed and gave Trowa his jacket back. She stared at him in the eyes, trying to read him.
"It's the Gray Wolves again, isn't it?" she asked. Trowa looked away.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"I read your diary," she replied. She expected him to be angry upon hearing that, but he never showed any sign of anger. He was calm as a crouched tiger. "I'm sorry."
"I don't mind," he said. It was Catherine anyway. He couldn't get mad at her. But there were some things she should just stay out of. "But I do not wish to talk about the Gray Wolves."
"Why do you have to get involved with those people?" she asked. "You'll hurt yourself again. They're dangerous! What if the government catches up with them? What if you get killed?"
"You worry too much," he said, turning the knob of the door. "If you want to know why I am doing this, feel free to read my diary again."
"Trowa.." Catherine reached for his shoulder. "I'm sorry."
"Its okay. You know I can't stay mad at you," he said, placing his hand over hers. "Just let me go and do this."
"But why?"
"You wouldn't understand."
Trowa opened the door and let himself out, closing the door behind him. Catherine slumped to the floor, a lone tear running down her cheek. Why don't you ever listen to me, you bastard.
Trowa made his way outside the circus. He found his motorcycle and sped away to the Gray Wolves' HQ hidden in the heart of L3. But his mind was elsewhere.
One year after the war of 197, he joined a mercenary group that called itself the Iron Hand. For two years, he joined them in their travels, working from one warlord to another. In Germany, the Iron Hand became part of a private army that wiped out an entire battalion of Preventer mobile suits. In South America, he and the rest of the Iron Hand helped smuggle narcotics into Mexico. For two years, this continued, and Trowa believed he would be a mercenary for the rest of his life.
But that would change. In the year 200, while working for a contractor on L3, the Iron Hand found itself in a pitched firefight with a company of Marines from the newly-formed UFNAF. It was their first encounter with a well-trained light infantry, and with their mobile suit mashers useless, they were ill-prepared. The Iron Hand was wiped out, and only Trowa managed to escape. He sustained bullet wounds on his arm and chest, and had lost much blood. He had been walking around aimlessly, until he saw the bright top of a circus tent rising above the canopy of trees. He stumbled into the circus grounds and fell unconscious.
When he came to, he found a familiar face staring back at him. Catherine had found him lying in a pool of his own blood. It was then he remembered why he had gravitated to the circus. He had spent a year there, restless, before joining the Iron Hand. Catherine nursed him back to health, and he spent the better part of four years performing in the circus as an acrobat.
Four years of peace was too much for Trowa. He had spent four years doing nothing. He was also angry for what happened to his comrades, but he never showed it. He also missed the soldier's life. But he never told anyone, not even Catherine. When the news of the Wakari treaty came out, he sensed that storm clouds might be brewing in the horizon. It was then he first heard of the Gray Wolves.
The Independent Sovereignty Army (ISA), otherwise known as the Gray Wolves, was a revolutionary movement that formed a year after the Federation was formed. But it never blossomed until news of dealings with the Wakari filled its ranks with dissident citizens, nationalists and anti-Federation anarchists. They were lead by a charismatic leader, one whom Trowa thought dead years ago. The leader personally contacted him after watching one of the shows, and Trowa found himself unable to refuse her. After all, it was a way out of his predicament.
There was still Catherine to deal with. He knew she was a peaceful person, someone who would frown upon him joining another armed group. During the four years he was with the circus, she was always very mothering and very protective of him. He had been a universal soldier and Gundam pilot on par with the likes of Heero Yuy, but she acted as if he was no more than four years old. However, her comforting presence helped him weather the nightmares. She was like a sister to him, and he knew it would break her heart to see him engage in his old ways. That was why he went out of his way to keep his involvement a secret. But now the secret was out.
I'm sorry Catherine.he thought. But I have to do this.
Along the way, he spotted a rose bush by the roadside. He stopped and cut off one of the flowers with his Swiss knife. He placed it in his jacket and zoomed off.
A few minutes later, he reached a small enclave hidden by rocks on a mountain. He brushed aside some dangling vines to uncover a small control panel barely visible to the eye. He pressed a button, and an electronic voice prompted him for the password.
"You don't need a weatherman to tell you where the wind blows," Trowa said. The voice confirmed the password, and a huge boulder moved to reveal a slide door. The door opened, and he stepped inside. He walked down a hall and entered a turbo lift. The lift sped downwards toward the core of the ISA base, a network of tunnels carved into the belly of a mountain. The turbo lift stopped, and Trowa got off.
"Ah, its you Barton!" said a man who was cleaning his weapon. "The boss is looking for you."
"Ok. Where is she, Giro?" Trowa asked.
"In the firing range."
Trowa headed for the firing range. He entered a large door at the end of the hall. Inside, he saw a lone woman firing rounds at several moving targets. Her face was set with determination. Her golden locks were tied back into a ponytail, which swayed whenever she fired a shot. Her white tank top was drenched in sweat. It seems as if she had been in there for hours.
"Your score is 490 out of 500," the EVA announced after she finished her round. She was too focused to notice him standing there. As she reloaded, Trowa took his place in the next cubicle. He pulled out his gun, made a quick ammo check, and pushed a button on the panel beside him.
"Target Round initiated. Indicate difficulty level."
Trowa pushed the button labeled '10', the highest level. The targets in front of him began to move at high speed. He quickly raised his gun and began firing. Three targets appeared simultaneously.all three were hit. Targets fell by the dozen every second, only letting up to give the shooter ample time to reload. The round ended in a minute and a half.
"Your score is 500 out of 500." Trowa reloaded his gun, not caring for the score.
"Nice shooting."
Trowa turned around, and saw that the woman had been watching him. "It was nothing," he said.
"Is this how you impress women?" she asked, smiling. "Trying to get one up on them?"
"I can't help it if I'm good," he answered, hit by a rare moment of bravado.
"Trowa? Showing off?" she said, laughing. "Now I've seen everything!"
Trowa got back to being serious. "You needed to see me, Ms. Une?"
"You know never to call me that," she said. "Midii would be fine."
"I know," he said. "But you're my superior now."
"Protocol be damned." she said. "Anyway, let's go talk in my office."
Midii Une's office was a cluttered room with a desk and chair in the middle. Time for decoration was never available, and the supplies were rare. But it still had an air of dignity worthy of any military officer.
"There is a mission I'd like you to take," she said, sitting down. "As usual, its dangerous and reserved for only the best of my operatives."
"Where is Hilde?" Trowa asked. Hilde was a regular mission partner. She had been in the organization longer than he, and had been the only other familiar face when he first joined. They have been constant mission partners ever since.
"She asked for a short leave," Midii replied. "I think she said something about some business to take care of on L2."
"Ok," Trowa said. "What's the mission?"
"Our spies have intercepted information that a Wakari transport ship delivering military technology is scheduled to arrive on Earth two days from now." she said. "Obviously, we don't want the Federation to get more new toys to hunt us with. I want you to destroy that transport ship and kill all the Wakari in it. That way, it will look like the military has sabotaged the treaty. By the way, you can take anybody you like with you as mission partner."
"No thanks," he said. "I'll do it alone."
As Trowa was about to leave, he remembered something. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot."
He took out the rose from his jacket pocket and laid it on Midii Une's table. She picked it up and took in it's fragrance. "What's this for?" she asked.
"It's a little late, but I figured you spent the evening alone." Trowa turned to leave. "Happy Valentine's Day, Midii."
~~~
AC 205 - February 14
"Father Maxwell!"
Duo cringed behind his desk. It was St. Valentine's Day, and he had already married five couples during throughout the morning and early afternoon.
"Can't they wait until June?" he called back. "Oi.this isn't a Las Vegas chapel you know."
"No, Father." the nun replied. "Timmy wants to see you."
The door was opened, and in raced a young six year old boy. Duo stood up to meet him, but the boy leapt into his arms and knocked him back into his chair. He straightened himself up, and the boy settled himself on his lap.
"What brings you here young man?" he asked good-naturedly.
"The big grandpa clock in the hall shouted three times!" the boy exclaimed. "I know, because I was standing there and I have really good ears! So that means its 3 o'clock!"
"Very good, Timmy!" Duo said, tousling the boy's hair. "Now, go play. Father has some work to do."
"But you promised!" the boy stubbornly said, tugging at the sleeve of his black cassock. "You said you will play with us at 3 o'clock!"
"Timmy." Dou began, his voice sounding of mock sternness. "I still have work to do. And bills to pay! You kids eat a lot you know."
Timmy's eyes began to brim with tears. "But.but.you promised!!"
Duo smiled in resignation. There was no beating a child's tears. "Oh, alright."
The child jumped off his lap and happily led him to the playground. Duo allowed himself to be led, sheepishly smiling at Sister Martha as he was led out. The middle-aged nun shook her head and proceeded to tidy up Father Maxwell's messy office.
When Duo stepped into the backyard playground of the parish church, he was awaited by several young and eager faces. He spent the rest of the afternoon playing games with his young wards, like dodge ball and hide and seek. Of course, he usually ended up being the one to throw the ball or the one who has to seek. The children laughed and shouted whenever they were found or hit, and after the last game they all dog-piled on him.
After tickling all the children off of him, Father Duo gathered them all around for story time. He sat on a mound of scrap metal in the middle of the playground, and the children sat attentively around him. Then, he told them the story of Gideon, how a small token force of Israelites overcame an army several times their strength. The children loved the story, constantly asking questions and interrupting Father Duo's storytelling.
"I want to be a warrior someday!" one of the young boys said.
"So eat your vegetables and go to sleep early to grow up big and strong," Duo said, getting up.
At that moment, Sister Martha came out of the back door and called the children to clean up before supper. All the children dutifully lined up and filed inside. One little girl was left behind.
"What is it Jenny?" Duo asked. The girl splayed her arms open, her blue eyes dancing with glee. He obliged her and lifted her up. She wrapped her short arms around his neck and clung tightly.
"I love you, Father Duo!" she exclaimed, her blue eyes dancing playfully. Then, she kissed his nose and nuzzled on his neck. Duo couldn't help but smile.
Jenny, like Timmy and the other children, were orphans of war. All of them had parents who were soldiers or rebels, and the war had robbed them of everything that they had. He knew how it felt to lose everything to war. He was an orphan once, too.
Upon the destruction of his Gundam Deathscythe, he dropped his involvement in the war. He abdicated from military responsibilities, despite some tempting offers. At first, he sought to content himself with the Sweepers, salvaging scrap metal for the use of making weaponry. But when the Preventers were disbanded to be replaced by a Federation military, the Sweepers saw less use and were largely disbanded. Those that remained now rely on government contracts. Duo found that life wanting, and began to search for more meaning to his existence. Eventually, he would leave his home with Hilde Schbeicker and joined St. Michael Seminary on L2. He lied about his age, and managed to get ordained at a young age of 22. He asked permission from his bishop to establish a church in the same place where Maxwell church once stood. His memories were strong there, and he felt compelled to continue the ministry of the priest who raised him. He managed to scrap some funds together and established a new church building on the site of the old one, the Church of Our Lady of the Abandoned. He reburied Father Maxwell and Sister Helen nearby, and opened an orphanage for war children. He was raised within the Maxwell church's orphanage, and now he wanted to return the favor.
For two and a half years, he raised the children of war. He found most of them in the scrap yards, trying to survive on their own. He sheltered the lost children in the church, and raised them as if they were his own children. The kids, in turn, looked up to him as they would a real father. Several of the boys he made altar boys, and the choir was filled with his little girls. He was also their teacher, and he had already taught most of them how to read. The children helped him with the maintenance of the church, as well as with some of the parish work. They were like one large family. And Duo loved it. He loved every single one of them.
Duo was about to go inside when he noticed a lone figure standing just outside the back gate. He walked toward the person, and as he got nearer, he realized that it was Hilde standing by the gate.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, somewhat surprised.
"Hello to you, too," she said. "Is this how you greet old friends?"
"I'm sorry," he replied. "I wasn't expecting any visitors, that's all."
"I always thought you'd be good with kids," she said, noting the child in Duo's arms. "Too bad it wasn't with ours."
The child in Duo's arms looked strangely at Hilde. "Father, who is the strange lady with the blue hair?"
"She's just an old friend," he replied, letting her down. "Now run along inside and have dinner with the others."
"Promise you'll tell me another bedtime story later?"
"I promise sweetie."
The girl happily ran to the door and went inside the church building. Duo unlatched the back gate and opened it for Hilde and asked her to come inside. They both sat on the playground's swing set.
"So, I'm just an old friend now." Hilde said. "After all that we've been through."
"What am I supposed to do?" Duo asked, a hint of laughter in his voice. "Tell the child that I spent the late part of my teens living with you as though we were married? Should I throw in all those nights we fornicated as well?"
Hilde smirked. "So, its fornicating now, e? Who do you think initiated it all the time? It's a wonder they even let you in the seminary."
"Let's just say that I spent more time in Confession than in any other part of formation," Duo said, smiling. "After all, St. Augustine was a worse case than I was, and look what happened to him."
"But he was a lot smarter," Hilde said, smiling back. "I was just kidding. I knew all along that you'd be a good priest. The kids love you."
"How long were you watching?"
"Since you started that story of yours."
Duo laughed. "As you can tell, I'm not much of a story teller!"
"That little girl certainly thought the world of your stories." Hilde said.
"I know. She's a sweetheart," Duo said.
"How do you keep this place running?" Hilde asked. "You didn't steal, did you?"
"Of course not. It all comes from donations and the money I get from the diocese," Duo replied. "I've mastered the art of begging."
"From whom?" she asked.
"From rich people," he replied. "Minister Peacecraft has donated quite an amount. So has MP Winner. Heck, Relena even came here once and had her picture taken with the kids. Quatre is quite a regular. Many kids call him uncle."
"Sounds like a regular party!" she said. "How about Wufei? I heard he's got it made."
"Nah," he said. "You know Wufei. 'Church is for weaklings!', 'Church is for women!' and all that jazz. Besides, I don't think scholars earn that much."
"Wufei a scholar." she said. "Who would have thought, after the stint with the Preventers and all."
"Yeah," he said. "You'd think he'd go with the Army or Space Fleet like Sally did. I guess he's content endangering political correctness at L5 State University. But enough about our friends. What about you? I haven't seen or heard from you in nearly four years. How has life been for you?"
"Well, things changed when you left," she replied, her voice growing soft. "For one thing, I was depressed for two years. I eventually left the Sweepers and lost the house to the bank. All that thanks to you."
"I'm sorry," he said, casting his eyes downward. "I know I should have told you. But I thought you wouldn't understand. You always laughed whenever I talked about my calling. And.I didn't want to say goodbye."
"To tell you the truth." she began, pulling out a gun. ".I cam here to shoot you. But when I saw you again, I didn't know whether to be happy or angry. Then, I saw you take that child in your arms.I decided that I didn't stand a chance against what you have here. This was that you always wanted. And I didn't have a right to get in the way. I was about to leave when you saw me."
Tears began to run down her cheeks, but Duo gently brushed them aside. The gentleness of his touch brought back a thousand memories, and Hilde could no longer hold back. She dropped her gun as Duo took her into his arms, letting her pour her tears out on his shoulder.
"I love you Duo." she said, sobbing softly. "I guess I just had to say that after so long."
"After all we've been through, you'll always have a place in my heart," he replied.
"But.."
"But my life is here," he continued. "God wants me here. Shinigami is gone. All that is left is me, Father Duo Maxwell. And I'm happy being a priest."
"I understand," she said, wiping her tears away. "Damn that Pope of yours for enforcing that ancient celibacy rule."
Duo gave her a mock glare, and she smiled again.
"Sorry. I was just kidding. I'm sure he's a great guy."
"Yes he is," Duo said, beaming proudly. "I was ordained in Rome you know."
"Even with the collar, you're still full of BS." Hilde said, laughing.
She got up and headed for the gate. Duo laid a hand on her shoulder.
"Why don't you join me and the kids for dinner?" Duo asked. "We're having their favorite, alphabet soup and hotdogs."
"Nah. But thanks anyway," she replied. "I only came here to see you. Closure and all that, if you know what I mean."
"Yeah, and to shoot me as well." It was his turn to laugh.
"Yeah, that too." Hilde picked up her gun and holstered it.
"So, where are you going now?" he asked.
"Oh yeah, I never did get around to that part, did I?" she said. "After leaving our old home, I joined the Gray Wolves. I've been with them since."
"Gray Wolves?" Duo tried to recall where he had heard that name before. "Aren't they another one of those merc groups the government is trying to destroy?"
"We're not mercs!" Hilde retorted. "That's just government propaganda. We're revolutionaries! People have already forgotten what the Earth Sphere Unified Nation once was. We haven't. Then, they go around making deals with aliens."
"Oooookaaaay." he said. "No need to get that Teutonic temper of yours roused here. I'm not Big Brother."
"I thought you loved hearing my Gotterdamerung," Hilde said, feigning insult.
"What? I was never into BDSM!" Duo exclaimed with false drama. Hilde slapped him on the shoulder, and soon they were both laughing.
"I really have to go now," Hilde said, walking out the gate. Duo followed her. "Good bye Duo."
"Will you be coming back?" he asked.
"I don't know," she replied. "But who knows? Maybe I might even come to hear you celebrate Mass one day."
Duo watched her back as she walked away. "I'll be waiting."
Hilde looked back at him. "Oh, I almost forgot. Happy Valentine's Day."
~~~
Lt. Col. Heero Yuy walked into the heavily-fortified UFNAF Headquarters. He was stopped at the entrance by three soldiers and a security mobile suit.
"Identification and Business, sir?" the sergeant asked.
"Lt. Col. Heero Yuy, Commanding Officer, 2nd Battalion, 99th Special Forces Regiment, 7th Ranger Division," Heero replied curtly. "I'm here to see General Marquise."
The sergeant pulled out a retinal scanning device and scanned Heero's eye. Then, he saluted and let him in.
Heero proceeded up a turbo lift and reached the front door of General Marquise's office. The Electronic Secretary detected his presence and once more asked for identification. He stepped in front of another retinal scanning device and had his ID confirmed. A force field lifted and the door slid sideward.
Heero walked into General Marquise's office. He was seated behind his desk, rolling a circular, metallic object in his hand. Heero promptly saluted.
"Sir, reporting for duty. Sir."
"You are early Lt. Col. Yuy," General Marquise said after returning the salute. "Judging from the entry records, you still designate yourself as commander of the 2nd SFR of the Ranger division. I do know you realize that you lost command of that unit when you were first shifted to Lt. Commander."
"Sir, I have not yet been officially assigned to any other Army unit. As I understand, the shift to Lt. Commander was supposed to be a secretive and temporary move. Sir." Heero replied.
"We'll get to that," General Marquise said. "But as of now, you are a ghost soldier. You have no unit, and do not exist until designated one. Even under the table, some sense of protocol must be observed."
"Who is their new commander, sir? Would I be allowed to at least address my men?" Heero asked, a small note of anxiety appearing in his voice. General Marquise gave him a look of surprise.
"Any general would find it normal for reassigned commanders to miss their old posts," he said. "Even when they see you. But none of them know your past. Only I do. And I do find it strange that you suddenly miss commanding in the Special Forces."
"Sir, my apologies. It won't happen again. Sir."
"No, no, no.." General Marquise said. "You misunderstand. It is a sign of a good commander to be so well-integrated into his unit. So united would he be to his unit that being in absence of it can make him miss being amongst his men. I'm actually happy seeing you adjust like this. When I thought the Perfect Soldier could not get any more perfect, he matures into the Perfect Commander. You have a gift, Lt. Col. Yuy. I suggest you not lose it. A human being.."
"..but a soldier first, sir." Heero finished for him.
"Perfect.." General Marquise said, smiling. "Oh, and the man's name is Major Haley. Don't worry, your boys are in good hands."
"Do you know what this is?" General Marquise asked, showing him the grenade- sized object he was holding.
"It's an ionic charge, sir," Heero replied. "That is an S72-HIC, or Homing Ionic Charge. Also knows as 'hics', or 'mobile suit mashers'. Standard infantry armament. Launched by hand only, and thrown like a grenade. Auto- attach mechanism makes for secure hold on any Mobile Suit surface, and homing device combined with quick propulsion upon being thrown allow it to home in and attach itself even on Mobile Suits flying at top speed. Issues a powerful ionic blast. One ionic charge is enough to destroy a single mobile suit. Delay between activation and detonation is ten seconds, but will detonate once attach mechanism is secure. Programmed to attach to and destroy mobile suits only, which are identified by embedded Smart Scan technology. Sir."
"Yes." the general said. "The now-famous ionic charge. Invented by the Preventers shortly after the Gundams were destroyed. It is ironic, really."
He stood up. "The Preventers invented this thing to protect their ground operatives from mobile suit attacks. However, the Preventers themselves relied on Mobile Suits to conduct their warfare. When the secret for the ionic charge leaked out, every rogue nation on Earth began developing it. Soon, the Preventers found themselves losing hundreds of Mobile Suit battalions to armies of infantry. No Mobile Suit that hovered too close to the ground was safe. The economics worked in the enemies' favor too. One $200 ionic charge is enough to destroy a million-dollar Mobile Suit."
"The point to this story is." the general began. ".is that war can be decided even by the smallest of things. This tiny contraption changed the face of warfare forever. Now, the Federation Army has phased out the use of Mobile Suits for ground warfare. Mobile Suits are now only used for artillery bombardment, or air support from above the range of the charges. Only occasionally will they will act as Mechanized Infantry supporting columns of hover tanks and regular ground infantry. But their main line of service is now relegated to space, aerial and underwater naval warfare, where the ionic charge is irrelevant. Terrestrial War is now won by fighting men once more, not by mobile suits. That is why you spent more time fighting on the ground rather than piloting a mobile suit. I see it has done you good, made you a commander and an even better soldier than before. Now you know that old military maxim better."
"Sir, it is the men and not the machines that win the war. Sir," Heero said.
"Good. Now for your assignment." General Marquise pulled some papers from his desk and gave it to him, along with a set of necessary insignia. "Give this to Colonel Devereaux, and he'll place you near the target. He already knows of the mission, this is just to make it official. I'm sorry for the month-long delay. We have to make it seem legitimate. I know long delays as a ghost soldier can take its toll on a commander without a unit."
Before Heero left the office, General Marquise said to him, "And always remember.even the smallest things."
".can decide a war," Heero finished. "I understand sir."
~~~
The digital clock on the bedside desk showed 12 am. Trowa Barton zipped up his dark leather jacket and silently exited his trailer. He looked around, and seeing that nobody was there he sneaked out into the animal containment area Once more, he looked around.
Coast is clear.he thought.
He was about to exit the circus grounds, when he heard soft footfalls behind him. He quickly drew his gun from the holster within his jacket and aimed at the source of the sound. There was someone there, obscured in shadow.
"Come out of the dark." he commanded, flipping the safety off the gun.
"Don't shoot." cried a soft feminine voice. "Its just me."
"Catherine.." Trowa holstered put the safety back and holstered his gun as she approached him.
"Are you sneaking off again?" Catherine asked, placing her hands on her hips. "Where are you going off to?"
"None of your business," he replied curtly. "And what about you? Why were you following me? And in your nightgown too? Its cold out."
"You sneaked out last night too," she said. "Here I am, worried sick about you, and you have the gall to be irritated. How long have you been sneaking out anyway?"
Trowa's features softened as he removed his jacket. He draped it over Catherine's shoulders and led her back to her trailer. Once inside, Catherine sat on her bed and gave Trowa his jacket back. She stared at him in the eyes, trying to read him.
"It's the Gray Wolves again, isn't it?" she asked. Trowa looked away.
"How do you know?" he asked.
"I read your diary," she replied. She expected him to be angry upon hearing that, but he never showed any sign of anger. He was calm as a crouched tiger. "I'm sorry."
"I don't mind," he said. It was Catherine anyway. He couldn't get mad at her. But there were some things she should just stay out of. "But I do not wish to talk about the Gray Wolves."
"Why do you have to get involved with those people?" she asked. "You'll hurt yourself again. They're dangerous! What if the government catches up with them? What if you get killed?"
"You worry too much," he said, turning the knob of the door. "If you want to know why I am doing this, feel free to read my diary again."
"Trowa.." Catherine reached for his shoulder. "I'm sorry."
"Its okay. You know I can't stay mad at you," he said, placing his hand over hers. "Just let me go and do this."
"But why?"
"You wouldn't understand."
Trowa opened the door and let himself out, closing the door behind him. Catherine slumped to the floor, a lone tear running down her cheek. Why don't you ever listen to me, you bastard.
Trowa made his way outside the circus. He found his motorcycle and sped away to the Gray Wolves' HQ hidden in the heart of L3. But his mind was elsewhere.
One year after the war of 197, he joined a mercenary group that called itself the Iron Hand. For two years, he joined them in their travels, working from one warlord to another. In Germany, the Iron Hand became part of a private army that wiped out an entire battalion of Preventer mobile suits. In South America, he and the rest of the Iron Hand helped smuggle narcotics into Mexico. For two years, this continued, and Trowa believed he would be a mercenary for the rest of his life.
But that would change. In the year 200, while working for a contractor on L3, the Iron Hand found itself in a pitched firefight with a company of Marines from the newly-formed UFNAF. It was their first encounter with a well-trained light infantry, and with their mobile suit mashers useless, they were ill-prepared. The Iron Hand was wiped out, and only Trowa managed to escape. He sustained bullet wounds on his arm and chest, and had lost much blood. He had been walking around aimlessly, until he saw the bright top of a circus tent rising above the canopy of trees. He stumbled into the circus grounds and fell unconscious.
When he came to, he found a familiar face staring back at him. Catherine had found him lying in a pool of his own blood. It was then he remembered why he had gravitated to the circus. He had spent a year there, restless, before joining the Iron Hand. Catherine nursed him back to health, and he spent the better part of four years performing in the circus as an acrobat.
Four years of peace was too much for Trowa. He had spent four years doing nothing. He was also angry for what happened to his comrades, but he never showed it. He also missed the soldier's life. But he never told anyone, not even Catherine. When the news of the Wakari treaty came out, he sensed that storm clouds might be brewing in the horizon. It was then he first heard of the Gray Wolves.
The Independent Sovereignty Army (ISA), otherwise known as the Gray Wolves, was a revolutionary movement that formed a year after the Federation was formed. But it never blossomed until news of dealings with the Wakari filled its ranks with dissident citizens, nationalists and anti-Federation anarchists. They were lead by a charismatic leader, one whom Trowa thought dead years ago. The leader personally contacted him after watching one of the shows, and Trowa found himself unable to refuse her. After all, it was a way out of his predicament.
There was still Catherine to deal with. He knew she was a peaceful person, someone who would frown upon him joining another armed group. During the four years he was with the circus, she was always very mothering and very protective of him. He had been a universal soldier and Gundam pilot on par with the likes of Heero Yuy, but she acted as if he was no more than four years old. However, her comforting presence helped him weather the nightmares. She was like a sister to him, and he knew it would break her heart to see him engage in his old ways. That was why he went out of his way to keep his involvement a secret. But now the secret was out.
I'm sorry Catherine.he thought. But I have to do this.
Along the way, he spotted a rose bush by the roadside. He stopped and cut off one of the flowers with his Swiss knife. He placed it in his jacket and zoomed off.
A few minutes later, he reached a small enclave hidden by rocks on a mountain. He brushed aside some dangling vines to uncover a small control panel barely visible to the eye. He pressed a button, and an electronic voice prompted him for the password.
"You don't need a weatherman to tell you where the wind blows," Trowa said. The voice confirmed the password, and a huge boulder moved to reveal a slide door. The door opened, and he stepped inside. He walked down a hall and entered a turbo lift. The lift sped downwards toward the core of the ISA base, a network of tunnels carved into the belly of a mountain. The turbo lift stopped, and Trowa got off.
"Ah, its you Barton!" said a man who was cleaning his weapon. "The boss is looking for you."
"Ok. Where is she, Giro?" Trowa asked.
"In the firing range."
Trowa headed for the firing range. He entered a large door at the end of the hall. Inside, he saw a lone woman firing rounds at several moving targets. Her face was set with determination. Her golden locks were tied back into a ponytail, which swayed whenever she fired a shot. Her white tank top was drenched in sweat. It seems as if she had been in there for hours.
"Your score is 490 out of 500," the EVA announced after she finished her round. She was too focused to notice him standing there. As she reloaded, Trowa took his place in the next cubicle. He pulled out his gun, made a quick ammo check, and pushed a button on the panel beside him.
"Target Round initiated. Indicate difficulty level."
Trowa pushed the button labeled '10', the highest level. The targets in front of him began to move at high speed. He quickly raised his gun and began firing. Three targets appeared simultaneously.all three were hit. Targets fell by the dozen every second, only letting up to give the shooter ample time to reload. The round ended in a minute and a half.
"Your score is 500 out of 500." Trowa reloaded his gun, not caring for the score.
"Nice shooting."
Trowa turned around, and saw that the woman had been watching him. "It was nothing," he said.
"Is this how you impress women?" she asked, smiling. "Trying to get one up on them?"
"I can't help it if I'm good," he answered, hit by a rare moment of bravado.
"Trowa? Showing off?" she said, laughing. "Now I've seen everything!"
Trowa got back to being serious. "You needed to see me, Ms. Une?"
"You know never to call me that," she said. "Midii would be fine."
"I know," he said. "But you're my superior now."
"Protocol be damned." she said. "Anyway, let's go talk in my office."
Midii Une's office was a cluttered room with a desk and chair in the middle. Time for decoration was never available, and the supplies were rare. But it still had an air of dignity worthy of any military officer.
"There is a mission I'd like you to take," she said, sitting down. "As usual, its dangerous and reserved for only the best of my operatives."
"Where is Hilde?" Trowa asked. Hilde was a regular mission partner. She had been in the organization longer than he, and had been the only other familiar face when he first joined. They have been constant mission partners ever since.
"She asked for a short leave," Midii replied. "I think she said something about some business to take care of on L2."
"Ok," Trowa said. "What's the mission?"
"Our spies have intercepted information that a Wakari transport ship delivering military technology is scheduled to arrive on Earth two days from now." she said. "Obviously, we don't want the Federation to get more new toys to hunt us with. I want you to destroy that transport ship and kill all the Wakari in it. That way, it will look like the military has sabotaged the treaty. By the way, you can take anybody you like with you as mission partner."
"No thanks," he said. "I'll do it alone."
As Trowa was about to leave, he remembered something. "Oh yeah, I almost forgot."
He took out the rose from his jacket pocket and laid it on Midii Une's table. She picked it up and took in it's fragrance. "What's this for?" she asked.
"It's a little late, but I figured you spent the evening alone." Trowa turned to leave. "Happy Valentine's Day, Midii."
~~~
