Chapter 3 - New Seeds
AC 205 - February 15
The sun was already shining brightly when Catherine woke up. She had slept heavily the previous night, and was woken when a chirping bird came in through her open window and perched on her shoulder. As she got out of bed, she noticed something on her nightstand that wasn't there the night before. It was a small vase filled with yellow daisies, her favorite flower. Her face lit up as she took the vase and smelled the flowers, the scent of flowers freshly-picked. Whoever left it there picked it up just that morning. She looked around and noticed a card lying on the nightstand where the vase was. She picked it up and read it.
**** Dear Catherine,
Sorry about last night. Didn't mean to upset you. Hope you're no longer mad at me for taking off.
Trowa Barton
****
Catherine smiled and headed out to find her morning intruder. She found him among the lions, feeding them their ration of meat. She ran up to him and hugged him tightly from behind.
Trowa had been busy all morning, preparing his things. The mission he had been given was of very short notice, and he had to leave that night. He had to find several pieces of equipment necessary for the run. But there were some things that weighed heavily in his mind.
Should I really trust her now.he thought. After what she did so long ago?
Trowa never truly forgot. He and Midii Une had met before. They had been very good friends. He had loved her. She had betrayed him. Ever since that day, he had thought her dead. Yet, so much has happened in the last ten years. She had betrayed him because her family needed her. She was their only financial lifeline, their only hope for survival. He had seen betrayal occur for much more petty reasons than that. In his heart, he had considered her dead. But as the years went by, she had slowly resurrected. Now, he had come to accept human failings as a given factor every time. Somehow, he felt that at least, he understood why she did it.
Then, she returned. Like the nighttime breeze she came back into his life. He saw her on the bleachers, watching him perform. Those old eyes, too old for her youthful face, watched forlorn behind the mask of a cheering crowd. After the performance, she met him outside the tent. She had laughed at his clown suit, and talked as if the past never happened. When he did remind her, she simply told him that she understood what had to be done. She spent the night with him, catching up on old times. Though it was never said, she had conveyed her remorse in his eyes and he had forgiven her. It was then that he accepted her invitation.
When he joined, he was despised as the young commander's favorite. Hilde was the only friendly face among the hardened revolutionaries, and he welcomed her company. She took him under her wing, and they became frequent mission partners. Of course, he became tired of her blabbering about Duo, but he lived with it. It was Midii Une who made his stay an easier one. She bossed her men around like a hardened slave driver, but she had been easy on him. Away from prying eyes, her affections returned. Wistful gazes, small smiles and whispered sweetness were all she could give under the harsh glare of the guerilla life. He accepted them gladly. But it was then that his doubt returned. He returned her affection, yet he found himself hard-pressed to let his guard down. It was hard to trust her again. He never spoke of his doubts, and even now he prayed that they would go away.
Trowa was jolted out of his reverie when Catherine hugged him from behind. She kissed his cheek and lay her head on his shoulder.
"Thanks for the flowers," she said. "And.you're forgiven. I don't care if you're a rebel. Just don't leave me, ok?"
He eased off her embrace and quickly fed the last of the meat to the lions. Then, he turned to her. "If that's the case, I'm sorry to disappoint you."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm leaving tonight, for Earth," he said. "I have more things to do. Excuse me."
"Trowa.its for the Gray Wolves isn't it?" she asked, her voice resigned. "Will you be coming back?"
"I'll be back," he said. "The circus is still my home."
"I'll be here.waiting." she said, forcing a smile, holding back her disappointment. "Just don't get yourself hurt. And come back in one piece."
~~~
"I don't care if you have to call in an entire battalion! Just make sure security detail for the emissary ship is doubled!!"
Relena put down the phone and leaned back, sighing in frustration. It seemed to her that the military was always going out of its way to irritate her. Ever since they lost in their bid to stop the treaty, the military has been constant wrench in her plans. The military handles all personal security of the members of the World Parliament. Tactical Security Squadron Eagle was the unit assigned to protect Ministers. The squadron was under the Army, which means that they ultimately report to her brother. She had already requested a change in bodyguard five times. She caught the last one assigned to her snooping around her desk, and she gave him hell for it. She knew who put the man up to it, yet she still had to follow protocol. And now, the military was giving excuses not to show up at the first big transaction within the treaty; new technology for Space Fleet in exchange for free entry of Wakari ships in Earth's outer Colonies. Despite the fact that the benefits were for them, the Federation military still acted in subtle hostility.
"Spoiled brats." Relena muttered to herself. "They get new technology and don't even bother to protect the gift-givers."
She got up from her desk and headed for the office comfort room. She turned on the sink faucet and splashed water on her face, gently rubbing her skin. She felt tired, as if she had been carrying a heavy load all day. She looked into the mirror. She looked tired as well. Her sleeves were rolled up, and her white blouse wrinkled with the first two buttons unclasped. Her hair was still in a loose ponytail, although several locks were already out of place. She had eye bags beginning to form. Her eyes also looked tired and sleepy. She looked like some regular office worker at the end of the day. And it was only 11 am.
Maybe I should think of retirement, she thought. Nah.
~~~
Heero entered Colonel Devereaux's office in the World Parliament Building's top floor. He handed his papers over to the tall, heavyset colonel and waited as the man browsed through the documentation.
"Everything seems in order," the colonel said, looking up at him. "I see you're already in formal military dress. That's good. These politicians want their bodyguards looking as pompous as they are. I know it's a bit uncomfortable at first, especially since formal dress does not give an option to conceal your sidearm. But you'll get used to it."
"Yes, sir," Heero said.
"I'm sure you know who you're assigned to," the colonel said. "After all, General Marquise himself sent you here. But to make it formal, you're assigned to Minister Peacecraft, the Bitch of Brussels herself. She is a bodyguard's worse nightmare, since she hates the military. She's gonna be extra bitchy too, after catching Lt. Col. Dixon examining her files."
Colonel Devereaux pulled an ear piece out of his desk drawer and tossed it to Heero. "Put that on, and keep it open. Commands are often passed through those. Minister Peacecraft's code name is Iron Rose. Oh, and security squadrons wear purple berets Lt. Col. Yuy, not black ones. Were you with the Rangers?"
Heero nodded. The colonel smiled.
"Ah, the elite infantry." he said. "What unit were you in?"
"I commanded 2nd Battalion in the 99th SFR of the 7th Ranger, sir," Heero replied.
The colonel's face lit up in recognition. "Ah, now I remember why your name seemed so familiar! Mad Dog Heero Yuy himself! I have a brother in 2nd battalion, and he couldn't stop talking about you and that bayonet charge in LZ Flashpoint."
Heero knew the man's brother. Captain Devereaux was CO of F company under his battalion. He had been with the unit since Africa. Now, Heero found it ironic to be under the command of his brother.
"Sir, I would like to keep my beret." Heero said.
"I guess it wouldn't harm our rotation too much." The colonel said. "A war hero deserves to make little requests like that. Just make sure the insignia of Eagle is pinned on you, so we don't mistake you for some Army boyfriend of hers or whatnot." He snorted. "As if that dyke would even try to get one, ha ha ha ha! Errm, sorry Yuy."
Heero put on the ear piece and checked the insignia on his lapel and beret. Then he saluted the colonel and was told to proceed to his target.
~~~
"Minister Peacecraft, the replacement is here..."
Relena sighed. "Send him in."
Relena heard the door slide open and the approach of heavy footsteps. She looked up from her paperwork. At first glance, she saw the formal military dress typical of all her bodyguards. But it was just a quick glance, and her attention returned to the papers in front of her.
"Are you just going to stand there?" she asked, not bothering to look up.
"Relena.its me."
Relena nearly dropped her pen. That voice.
She looked up, seeing his face this time. Her eyes widened in recognition. The piercing blue eyes, the hardened face, the strand of brown hair poking from under his beret.it was him alright.
"Heero."
He dropped some papers on her desk. "Yes. I'm your new bodyguard."
She felt a sudden rush of self-consciousness. She remembered how she looked in the mirror. She didn't bother fixing herself up, she wouldn't be meeting with anybody important anyway. And never in a million years would she doll herself up for a military bodyguard.
However, she hadn't expected Heero to be that bodyguard. They hadn't talked in months. For some reason, he seemed to avoid her. She had expected him to come at Christmas, but he never showed up. A call to the base said he had left for an undisclosed location. It would've been the first time they could have spent time together ever since she was elected Minister of External Affairs. And he decided to spend that time elsewhere, doing something other than being with her. She was mad at him for not being there, so mad that she had rehearsed the tongue-lashing she was to give him once they met again. And now, all that seemed to be lost on her.
"Heero.I-I don't look very presentable." she stammered, breaking eye contact. As if he couldn't notice.
"That is irrelevant." Heero said. "Besides, I've seen you in far less than a messy blouse."
Relena broke into a smile as she blushed. She looked up at him again and saw a small smile form on his hardened face.
"I'm sorry for not coming for Christmas," he said. "Duty called."
"So, does "duty" call now as well?" she asked. "I-I am sorry, of course it does."
"No, I asked for this assignment," he replied. "After all, I need to make it up to you. It is a high-priority task."
She found comfort in his attempts at wit. Having to say several sentences of small talk was already a nuisance to Heero, and she found his efforts somewhat amusing. And, he was smiling too, something about as common as a solar eclipse.
"So, now you have to be wherever I am, right?" she asked, knowing how her previous bodyguards stuck to her like leeches.
"I suppose so."
"Does that mean you'll be sticking around for lunch?"
~~~
AC205 - February 16
Heero stood next to Relena as they awaited the arrival of the Wakari transport vessel in King George Air Base, a large air base that doubled as a landing port for Space Fleet. They were notified that the space craft was due in an hour, and all the delegates, led by Relena, were waiting eagerly near the landing pad. The marching band was making last minute preparations, the press was setting up equipment and the honor guard was already lined up. The night itself was cold, but the anticipation of for the first act of bilateral cooperation with an alien species helped people ignore the cold. However, Relena was shivering in the cool air. The fabric of the coat she was wearing was too thin.
"Are you cold, Relena?" Heero asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Relena said. "I thought wearing something bulky would make me look a bit boorish to the Wakari. But now I wish I brought a parka."
"I'm sure the Wakari would understand," Heero said, unbuttoning his long military overcoat. "After all, they don't tolerate the cold as well as we do."
Heero took off his overcoat and wrapped it around Relena's shoulders, buttoning it up to her neck. She stopped shivering as she pulled tightly on the coat.
"Are you going to be okay, Heero?" she asked, noting his formal uniform.
"If the honor guard can handle it, so can I," he replied, returning to position.
"Thank you," she said. She gently leaned on him and rested her head on his shoulder. "You're such a gentleman."
"Are you still cold Relena?" he asked, his voice catching in his throat as he felt her hair on his cheek. He tentatively placed an arm around her shoulder.
"No. I'm alright."
"Isn't this inappropriate?" Heero shot a glance behind him. "People might see. We're in front."
"They'll just think I'm dizzy and you're helping me up," she said. "Besides, I could care less what they think. What about you?"
"I'm a soldier, Relena," he replied. "I'm supposed to."
"Doesn't this remind you of Africa?" she said. "Beautiful night.bright stars."
"And less people," he added.
"What have we here?" said a voice from behind the two.
Heero and Relena quickly jerked apart. Relena briskly straightened the overcoat and fixed herself up. Heero stood straight, saluted and shouted, "Officer on deck!" Every single soldier on the field was immediately at attention.
"What are you doing here, brother?" Relena asked, slightly annoyed.
"As you were!" Zechs shouted, putting the soldiers at ease. "Why sister, is that how you would treat the military's representative?"
"I would be in a better mood had your boys allotted more soldiers for security," she said.
Zechs gave his sister a sarcastic smile and turned his attention to Heero. He signaled for Heero to follow him. Once out of earshot from Relena, Zechs talked in hushed tones.
"Intelligence reports say this event might get hit," he said. "Might be the Gray Wolves. No other terrorist group has the capacity or the audacity to strike an event this big. So be on the lookout."
"Yes, sir."
The two men heard a high-pitched drone coming from the sky. They looked up and saw a space vessel. The markings indicated that it was the Wakari transport vessel they had been waiting for. Quickly, they returned to their respective positions.
The ship landed, and the rear cargo bay door opened. A ramp slid forward, and out came a uniformed Wakari officer. He was dressed in decorative body armor, with his golden laser rifle slung over his shoulder and a heat saber on his waist. His face was tattooed, and his horn was encrusted in jewels. He raised his hand in salutation.
"Greetings, Humans!" he said. "I am Mir (Sir) Jagar Mirtrand, of the family Mirtrand. I come bearing the gifts of our treaty."
Relena came forward to greet him as the honor guard proceeded to a salutary position. Heero followed one step back. Relena stopped and looked up at the Wakari officer, who towered over her by at least a foot and a half. She extended her hand.
"I am Relena Peacecraft, Minister of External Affairs," Relena said. "On behalf of Earth and the United Federation of Nations, I would like to welcome you to our planet. It's a pleasure to have a Wakari nobleman among us, although I was informed it would be Ridek who would be personally delivering the items."
"Ah, you are that human female Kan Ber'kul was talking about," Jagar said, taking her hand. "Our Shino Kan is rather busy with military matters. However, I am of the position of Dai Kan, or secondary General if you will. I hope my prestige would be good enough for such a historic moment."
Heero looked quizzically at Relena. Ridek? She is on a first name basis with a general working for a powerful potential enemy. How reckless!
"I didn't intend to demean your position," Relena said, blushing. "It's just that."
"Kan Ber'kul made the deal, he should be the one to see it through," the alien said. "We have the same sentiment in our culture. However, Mir Ridek sends his regrets and apologies."
The Wakari general released Relena's hand and offered the crook of his arm. She obliged and wrapped her arm around his. He escorted her down the red carpet, reviewing the honor guard along the way. Heero, in his usual manner, was one step behind.
"Greetings," Zechs said, meeting Jagar and Relena halfway. "I am General Zechs Marquise, Commander of the UFN Army and Supreme Adjutant of the UFN Armed Forces. Our own Supreme Commander, General Anderson, is busy. Like your own superior, he is unable to join in this historic event. I am his second-in-command."
"A man of my own rank," Jagar said, smiling as they shook hands. "It is a pleasure to meet a fellow warrior."
After the formalities, Jagar shouted a command in his own language towards the ship. Two Wakari officers responded, coming out pushing a huge, wheeled crate.
"General, we studied the flaws of your "Super Stream" technology," Jagar said. "In this crate is such an engine with all its flaws corrected, as well as schematics for replication. As your cultural exchange people have told you, we have long been a space-faring species. Your space-bending technology is not too different from ours when we first started. Putting it up to speed with our own expertise was not a problem."
Meanwhile, within the shadows of one of the hangars, Trowa watched the event unfold. He quickly put on the uniform of the dead soldier beside him and resumed watching through night vision goggles. The exchange was already happening. By that time tomorrow, the first part of the free trade agreement would be signed. He knew he had to disrupt the exchange now.
He picked up his duffel bag and dashed silently, under the cover of shadow, toward a tree standing between the hangar and the cockpit of the Wakari vessel. He saw no soldiers nearby. Judging from the radio transmissions the dead soldier's com device was receiving, they were patrolling the perimeter he had breached an hour ago. But the Wakari pilot was alert.
Trowa straightened the overcoat of the uniform and tried his best to hide the duffel bag under it. Then, he walked slowly, looking around as if on patrol. He saluted the Wakari pilot, who waved from his cockpit as if to acknowledge him. Trowa walked slightly to the side, then sneaked under the cockpit where the pilot could not see. He took out the duffel bag and silently unloaded its contents. He stuck the C4 explosives under the cockpit and on the vessel's lower hull. He then attached the triggering mechanism. He held the tiny detonator in his hand and crawled out from underneath the cockpit.
Trowa walked away to some distance. Then, he threw away the awkward soldier's cap and pressed on the detonator. A huge explosion followed, shaking the ground as the people were thrown backward. The entire front of the vessel was destroyed, killing the Wakari pilot and two crew members. Satisfied, he placed the detonator in his pocket and walked away.
Heero and Jagar immediately recovered from the blast. While Heero was reorienting himself, Jagar spotted a lone soldier calmly walking away while others headed towards the burning ship.
"Over there!" he said, taking his laser rifle. He pressed something and a scope popped out. He took careful aim and fired. The beam hit the disguised terrorist in the shoulder. Then, he slung his rifle again as he helped Relena up. He looked at Heero and snarled. "Quick, after that bomber!"
Heero saw the man Jagar shot. He was trying to get up. Heero quickly set on him like a tiger upon fallen prey. He drew his sidearm as he steadily closed the distance between himself and the terrorist. The fallen man was already up on his feet, and was trying to run away. Heero fired his gun, but the man barely managed to avoid getting hit. The wound slowed him down though, so Heero managed to catch up. He stopped a few feet from the terrorist and raised his gun again.
"Stop, if you value your life." Heero commanded.
The man raised his hands and turned around. Heero was shocked to find out who it was, but managed to show no change in emotion as he kept his gun trained at the man's head.
"Trowa?" Heero said. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Heero?" Trowa said, his voice slightly giving away his own surprise. "What are you doing in a military uniform?"
"Its been a long time, old friend," Heero said, in his deadpan manner. "You're under military arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and shall be used in the military courts.I'm sure you know the drill."
"And what would you do if I resist?" Trowa asked.
Heero smirked. "Omae o korosu."
With a swift motion, Trowa drew a gun from his breast holster and fired. The bullet knocked the gun out of Heero's hands. Before Trowa could blink, Heero rushed at him and gave him a hard kick to the chest. His gun flew out of his hands as he hit the ground. He quickly got up and blocked a kick aimed for his head and punched Heero in the jaw. Heero anticipated the next punch and blocked it, then sent Trowa flying with an uppercut. He rushed at him, but Trowa brought his foot up and kicked Heero back. Trowa got up and rushed at Heero and tried to hit him with a flying roundhouse, but Heero dodged and sent him slamming to the fence with a palm strike to the chest.
Realizing his chance to escape, Trowa climbed up the fence and ran. Heero pursued, but Trowa already had a good head start as Heero dropped from the fence. Trowa ran for the bushes and found the motorcycle he hid there. He immediately started it up and sped away before Heero could catch him.
Heero returned to one of the hangars where the people were herded in as soldiers and firemen rushed to put out the fire engulfing the Wakari ship. Inside, he saw Relena repeating a hundred apologies to the Wakari general. However, Jagar didn't look very angry. He placed a hand on Relena's shoulder to stop her, then looked at Heero.
"Did you get him?" he asked.
"No," Heero replied. "He got away. He had some transportation nearby."
"Damn.glak nasul!" he cursed. "The Shino Kan will not be very happy. But we anticipated this. First contact is never easy on a people new to this kind of business. Just make sure you catch whoever did this, and make him pay for killing my men!"
He turned to Relena, who was still distraught. "I'm sure our superiors will understand. This was random act of violence, nothing more. A simple act of vengeance against the fool who did this and they will be appeased."
"We have a saying amongst my people," Jagar continued as Relena calmed down. "When looking at a solar eclipse, take note of the sun's corona. Look, most of the technology for the exchange was saved from the blast. And tomorrow, Empirius Garwind VI's representative and the Alpha Centauri envoy will come to sign the first part of the free trade pact."
Relena left the Wakari general to be treated by medics and found her brother dispatching more troops to help put out the fire and sift through the wreckage. She pulled him aside, staring daggers at him.
"This would not have happened if you had taken the time to increase security!" Relena said angrily. "You and your incompetent army!"
"He was lucky enough to be able to slip through," Zechs said. "I doubt any of your high and mighty friends could have come up with a better plan."
"And that terrorist was in a soldier's uniform!" Relena hissed. "I wouldn't be surprised if the Army was responsible for this!"
"Now you go too far!" Zechs said, his turn to be angry. "We may disagree with your ass-kissing, but we would never sabotage a treaty!"
Heero slumped to the floor. "Siblings."
~~~
"We interrupt this program for this breaking news story."
Wufei looked up from his work. His favorite game show was on, and he liked to listen to it while he worked. The breaking news was annoying to him.
"What is it this time?" Wufei growled and got up to get himself more coffee.
He walked across the empty teacher's lounge to get to the coffee machine. It was already late in the evening, and Wufei was always the last of the faculty to leave. It was an old habit, something he developed while still in the Preventers.
Wufei had been a scholar and a tenured professor for four years. He taught history, philosophy and sociology, and was considered one of the foremost experts on Colonial Studies. It took a while to settle into a teaching job, but he eventually got used to the peaceful life. He had predicted the fall of the Preventers with the leakage of the ionic charge technology, and managed to get an honorable discharge before the Preventers were disbanded by the new world government. Now, he had lain his sword aside, and contented himself poring over books and research as well as writing philosophical treatises on justice. He had been a scholar before Meiran's death, and rescinding back to that life proved easier than he expected.
The news of the terrorist attack reached Wufei's ears. He grabbed his coffee and returned to his desk facing the lounge television. He found himself growing curious. He had been a member of one of the several cultural exchanges with the Wakari, and had seen the culture. He found the martial culture among the Wakari interesting, and wrote favorably of Wakari justice. He had also takes to reading some of their philosophy. He was also one of the signatories on a favorable report on Wakari society, one used extensively to justify the current treaty during the Parliamentary debates.
"Damn those terrorists." he muttered. ".those baka don't know a good thing if it bit them in the nose. Same with that idiot Zechs. I wouldn't be surprised if the military and the bombers were in league."
Wufei's thoughts were interrupted when the lounge buzzer sounded. He got up and headed for the reception area.
"I'll be out in a few, Mac, don't worry." he shouted, addressing the custodian. But when he got to the reception area, he didn't find the janitor. Instead, he found a student pressing the buzzer on the secretary's table.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Wufei asked angrily. "Students are not allowed to use the buzzer!"
"I-I'm sorry Mr. Chang, it's just that.that." the student stammered. "There's no secretary."
Wufei stepped into the reception area. "Never mind your excuses. What's the problem this time?"
The student reached for her bag and slumped back into her wheelchair. She searched it for a moment as Wufei tapped his foot. She eventually found the file she was looking for. She pulled out a folder and handed it to Wufei.
"You said that the deadline was until seven tonight." she said. "So, I thought I'd just hand in my paper on the origin of the Colonies."
Wufei looked at his watch. "I said the deadline was seven. My watch says 7:02, Ms. Khrushrenada. This paper is late!"
"I'm sorry, sir," she said.
"The best you can expect is a C," Wufei said sternly. "And I'm not feeling too generous tonight."
"But sir.my GPA."
"You should have thought about that before missing my class for the sixth time this semester," Wufei said. "Your paper is also late. Next time, think before going on one of your little reminiscing "trips". I swear, that is one of the most bizarre excuses I've ever heard."
Wufei headed back to the lounge, not noticing the lone tear running down his student's cheek.
~~~
AC 205 - February 15
The sun was already shining brightly when Catherine woke up. She had slept heavily the previous night, and was woken when a chirping bird came in through her open window and perched on her shoulder. As she got out of bed, she noticed something on her nightstand that wasn't there the night before. It was a small vase filled with yellow daisies, her favorite flower. Her face lit up as she took the vase and smelled the flowers, the scent of flowers freshly-picked. Whoever left it there picked it up just that morning. She looked around and noticed a card lying on the nightstand where the vase was. She picked it up and read it.
**** Dear Catherine,
Sorry about last night. Didn't mean to upset you. Hope you're no longer mad at me for taking off.
Trowa Barton
****
Catherine smiled and headed out to find her morning intruder. She found him among the lions, feeding them their ration of meat. She ran up to him and hugged him tightly from behind.
Trowa had been busy all morning, preparing his things. The mission he had been given was of very short notice, and he had to leave that night. He had to find several pieces of equipment necessary for the run. But there were some things that weighed heavily in his mind.
Should I really trust her now.he thought. After what she did so long ago?
Trowa never truly forgot. He and Midii Une had met before. They had been very good friends. He had loved her. She had betrayed him. Ever since that day, he had thought her dead. Yet, so much has happened in the last ten years. She had betrayed him because her family needed her. She was their only financial lifeline, their only hope for survival. He had seen betrayal occur for much more petty reasons than that. In his heart, he had considered her dead. But as the years went by, she had slowly resurrected. Now, he had come to accept human failings as a given factor every time. Somehow, he felt that at least, he understood why she did it.
Then, she returned. Like the nighttime breeze she came back into his life. He saw her on the bleachers, watching him perform. Those old eyes, too old for her youthful face, watched forlorn behind the mask of a cheering crowd. After the performance, she met him outside the tent. She had laughed at his clown suit, and talked as if the past never happened. When he did remind her, she simply told him that she understood what had to be done. She spent the night with him, catching up on old times. Though it was never said, she had conveyed her remorse in his eyes and he had forgiven her. It was then that he accepted her invitation.
When he joined, he was despised as the young commander's favorite. Hilde was the only friendly face among the hardened revolutionaries, and he welcomed her company. She took him under her wing, and they became frequent mission partners. Of course, he became tired of her blabbering about Duo, but he lived with it. It was Midii Une who made his stay an easier one. She bossed her men around like a hardened slave driver, but she had been easy on him. Away from prying eyes, her affections returned. Wistful gazes, small smiles and whispered sweetness were all she could give under the harsh glare of the guerilla life. He accepted them gladly. But it was then that his doubt returned. He returned her affection, yet he found himself hard-pressed to let his guard down. It was hard to trust her again. He never spoke of his doubts, and even now he prayed that they would go away.
Trowa was jolted out of his reverie when Catherine hugged him from behind. She kissed his cheek and lay her head on his shoulder.
"Thanks for the flowers," she said. "And.you're forgiven. I don't care if you're a rebel. Just don't leave me, ok?"
He eased off her embrace and quickly fed the last of the meat to the lions. Then, he turned to her. "If that's the case, I'm sorry to disappoint you."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm leaving tonight, for Earth," he said. "I have more things to do. Excuse me."
"Trowa.its for the Gray Wolves isn't it?" she asked, her voice resigned. "Will you be coming back?"
"I'll be back," he said. "The circus is still my home."
"I'll be here.waiting." she said, forcing a smile, holding back her disappointment. "Just don't get yourself hurt. And come back in one piece."
~~~
"I don't care if you have to call in an entire battalion! Just make sure security detail for the emissary ship is doubled!!"
Relena put down the phone and leaned back, sighing in frustration. It seemed to her that the military was always going out of its way to irritate her. Ever since they lost in their bid to stop the treaty, the military has been constant wrench in her plans. The military handles all personal security of the members of the World Parliament. Tactical Security Squadron Eagle was the unit assigned to protect Ministers. The squadron was under the Army, which means that they ultimately report to her brother. She had already requested a change in bodyguard five times. She caught the last one assigned to her snooping around her desk, and she gave him hell for it. She knew who put the man up to it, yet she still had to follow protocol. And now, the military was giving excuses not to show up at the first big transaction within the treaty; new technology for Space Fleet in exchange for free entry of Wakari ships in Earth's outer Colonies. Despite the fact that the benefits were for them, the Federation military still acted in subtle hostility.
"Spoiled brats." Relena muttered to herself. "They get new technology and don't even bother to protect the gift-givers."
She got up from her desk and headed for the office comfort room. She turned on the sink faucet and splashed water on her face, gently rubbing her skin. She felt tired, as if she had been carrying a heavy load all day. She looked into the mirror. She looked tired as well. Her sleeves were rolled up, and her white blouse wrinkled with the first two buttons unclasped. Her hair was still in a loose ponytail, although several locks were already out of place. She had eye bags beginning to form. Her eyes also looked tired and sleepy. She looked like some regular office worker at the end of the day. And it was only 11 am.
Maybe I should think of retirement, she thought. Nah.
~~~
Heero entered Colonel Devereaux's office in the World Parliament Building's top floor. He handed his papers over to the tall, heavyset colonel and waited as the man browsed through the documentation.
"Everything seems in order," the colonel said, looking up at him. "I see you're already in formal military dress. That's good. These politicians want their bodyguards looking as pompous as they are. I know it's a bit uncomfortable at first, especially since formal dress does not give an option to conceal your sidearm. But you'll get used to it."
"Yes, sir," Heero said.
"I'm sure you know who you're assigned to," the colonel said. "After all, General Marquise himself sent you here. But to make it formal, you're assigned to Minister Peacecraft, the Bitch of Brussels herself. She is a bodyguard's worse nightmare, since she hates the military. She's gonna be extra bitchy too, after catching Lt. Col. Dixon examining her files."
Colonel Devereaux pulled an ear piece out of his desk drawer and tossed it to Heero. "Put that on, and keep it open. Commands are often passed through those. Minister Peacecraft's code name is Iron Rose. Oh, and security squadrons wear purple berets Lt. Col. Yuy, not black ones. Were you with the Rangers?"
Heero nodded. The colonel smiled.
"Ah, the elite infantry." he said. "What unit were you in?"
"I commanded 2nd Battalion in the 99th SFR of the 7th Ranger, sir," Heero replied.
The colonel's face lit up in recognition. "Ah, now I remember why your name seemed so familiar! Mad Dog Heero Yuy himself! I have a brother in 2nd battalion, and he couldn't stop talking about you and that bayonet charge in LZ Flashpoint."
Heero knew the man's brother. Captain Devereaux was CO of F company under his battalion. He had been with the unit since Africa. Now, Heero found it ironic to be under the command of his brother.
"Sir, I would like to keep my beret." Heero said.
"I guess it wouldn't harm our rotation too much." The colonel said. "A war hero deserves to make little requests like that. Just make sure the insignia of Eagle is pinned on you, so we don't mistake you for some Army boyfriend of hers or whatnot." He snorted. "As if that dyke would even try to get one, ha ha ha ha! Errm, sorry Yuy."
Heero put on the ear piece and checked the insignia on his lapel and beret. Then he saluted the colonel and was told to proceed to his target.
~~~
"Minister Peacecraft, the replacement is here..."
Relena sighed. "Send him in."
Relena heard the door slide open and the approach of heavy footsteps. She looked up from her paperwork. At first glance, she saw the formal military dress typical of all her bodyguards. But it was just a quick glance, and her attention returned to the papers in front of her.
"Are you just going to stand there?" she asked, not bothering to look up.
"Relena.its me."
Relena nearly dropped her pen. That voice.
She looked up, seeing his face this time. Her eyes widened in recognition. The piercing blue eyes, the hardened face, the strand of brown hair poking from under his beret.it was him alright.
"Heero."
He dropped some papers on her desk. "Yes. I'm your new bodyguard."
She felt a sudden rush of self-consciousness. She remembered how she looked in the mirror. She didn't bother fixing herself up, she wouldn't be meeting with anybody important anyway. And never in a million years would she doll herself up for a military bodyguard.
However, she hadn't expected Heero to be that bodyguard. They hadn't talked in months. For some reason, he seemed to avoid her. She had expected him to come at Christmas, but he never showed up. A call to the base said he had left for an undisclosed location. It would've been the first time they could have spent time together ever since she was elected Minister of External Affairs. And he decided to spend that time elsewhere, doing something other than being with her. She was mad at him for not being there, so mad that she had rehearsed the tongue-lashing she was to give him once they met again. And now, all that seemed to be lost on her.
"Heero.I-I don't look very presentable." she stammered, breaking eye contact. As if he couldn't notice.
"That is irrelevant." Heero said. "Besides, I've seen you in far less than a messy blouse."
Relena broke into a smile as she blushed. She looked up at him again and saw a small smile form on his hardened face.
"I'm sorry for not coming for Christmas," he said. "Duty called."
"So, does "duty" call now as well?" she asked. "I-I am sorry, of course it does."
"No, I asked for this assignment," he replied. "After all, I need to make it up to you. It is a high-priority task."
She found comfort in his attempts at wit. Having to say several sentences of small talk was already a nuisance to Heero, and she found his efforts somewhat amusing. And, he was smiling too, something about as common as a solar eclipse.
"So, now you have to be wherever I am, right?" she asked, knowing how her previous bodyguards stuck to her like leeches.
"I suppose so."
"Does that mean you'll be sticking around for lunch?"
~~~
AC205 - February 16
Heero stood next to Relena as they awaited the arrival of the Wakari transport vessel in King George Air Base, a large air base that doubled as a landing port for Space Fleet. They were notified that the space craft was due in an hour, and all the delegates, led by Relena, were waiting eagerly near the landing pad. The marching band was making last minute preparations, the press was setting up equipment and the honor guard was already lined up. The night itself was cold, but the anticipation of for the first act of bilateral cooperation with an alien species helped people ignore the cold. However, Relena was shivering in the cool air. The fabric of the coat she was wearing was too thin.
"Are you cold, Relena?" Heero asked.
"Isn't it obvious?" Relena said. "I thought wearing something bulky would make me look a bit boorish to the Wakari. But now I wish I brought a parka."
"I'm sure the Wakari would understand," Heero said, unbuttoning his long military overcoat. "After all, they don't tolerate the cold as well as we do."
Heero took off his overcoat and wrapped it around Relena's shoulders, buttoning it up to her neck. She stopped shivering as she pulled tightly on the coat.
"Are you going to be okay, Heero?" she asked, noting his formal uniform.
"If the honor guard can handle it, so can I," he replied, returning to position.
"Thank you," she said. She gently leaned on him and rested her head on his shoulder. "You're such a gentleman."
"Are you still cold Relena?" he asked, his voice catching in his throat as he felt her hair on his cheek. He tentatively placed an arm around her shoulder.
"No. I'm alright."
"Isn't this inappropriate?" Heero shot a glance behind him. "People might see. We're in front."
"They'll just think I'm dizzy and you're helping me up," she said. "Besides, I could care less what they think. What about you?"
"I'm a soldier, Relena," he replied. "I'm supposed to."
"Doesn't this remind you of Africa?" she said. "Beautiful night.bright stars."
"And less people," he added.
"What have we here?" said a voice from behind the two.
Heero and Relena quickly jerked apart. Relena briskly straightened the overcoat and fixed herself up. Heero stood straight, saluted and shouted, "Officer on deck!" Every single soldier on the field was immediately at attention.
"What are you doing here, brother?" Relena asked, slightly annoyed.
"As you were!" Zechs shouted, putting the soldiers at ease. "Why sister, is that how you would treat the military's representative?"
"I would be in a better mood had your boys allotted more soldiers for security," she said.
Zechs gave his sister a sarcastic smile and turned his attention to Heero. He signaled for Heero to follow him. Once out of earshot from Relena, Zechs talked in hushed tones.
"Intelligence reports say this event might get hit," he said. "Might be the Gray Wolves. No other terrorist group has the capacity or the audacity to strike an event this big. So be on the lookout."
"Yes, sir."
The two men heard a high-pitched drone coming from the sky. They looked up and saw a space vessel. The markings indicated that it was the Wakari transport vessel they had been waiting for. Quickly, they returned to their respective positions.
The ship landed, and the rear cargo bay door opened. A ramp slid forward, and out came a uniformed Wakari officer. He was dressed in decorative body armor, with his golden laser rifle slung over his shoulder and a heat saber on his waist. His face was tattooed, and his horn was encrusted in jewels. He raised his hand in salutation.
"Greetings, Humans!" he said. "I am Mir (Sir) Jagar Mirtrand, of the family Mirtrand. I come bearing the gifts of our treaty."
Relena came forward to greet him as the honor guard proceeded to a salutary position. Heero followed one step back. Relena stopped and looked up at the Wakari officer, who towered over her by at least a foot and a half. She extended her hand.
"I am Relena Peacecraft, Minister of External Affairs," Relena said. "On behalf of Earth and the United Federation of Nations, I would like to welcome you to our planet. It's a pleasure to have a Wakari nobleman among us, although I was informed it would be Ridek who would be personally delivering the items."
"Ah, you are that human female Kan Ber'kul was talking about," Jagar said, taking her hand. "Our Shino Kan is rather busy with military matters. However, I am of the position of Dai Kan, or secondary General if you will. I hope my prestige would be good enough for such a historic moment."
Heero looked quizzically at Relena. Ridek? She is on a first name basis with a general working for a powerful potential enemy. How reckless!
"I didn't intend to demean your position," Relena said, blushing. "It's just that."
"Kan Ber'kul made the deal, he should be the one to see it through," the alien said. "We have the same sentiment in our culture. However, Mir Ridek sends his regrets and apologies."
The Wakari general released Relena's hand and offered the crook of his arm. She obliged and wrapped her arm around his. He escorted her down the red carpet, reviewing the honor guard along the way. Heero, in his usual manner, was one step behind.
"Greetings," Zechs said, meeting Jagar and Relena halfway. "I am General Zechs Marquise, Commander of the UFN Army and Supreme Adjutant of the UFN Armed Forces. Our own Supreme Commander, General Anderson, is busy. Like your own superior, he is unable to join in this historic event. I am his second-in-command."
"A man of my own rank," Jagar said, smiling as they shook hands. "It is a pleasure to meet a fellow warrior."
After the formalities, Jagar shouted a command in his own language towards the ship. Two Wakari officers responded, coming out pushing a huge, wheeled crate.
"General, we studied the flaws of your "Super Stream" technology," Jagar said. "In this crate is such an engine with all its flaws corrected, as well as schematics for replication. As your cultural exchange people have told you, we have long been a space-faring species. Your space-bending technology is not too different from ours when we first started. Putting it up to speed with our own expertise was not a problem."
Meanwhile, within the shadows of one of the hangars, Trowa watched the event unfold. He quickly put on the uniform of the dead soldier beside him and resumed watching through night vision goggles. The exchange was already happening. By that time tomorrow, the first part of the free trade agreement would be signed. He knew he had to disrupt the exchange now.
He picked up his duffel bag and dashed silently, under the cover of shadow, toward a tree standing between the hangar and the cockpit of the Wakari vessel. He saw no soldiers nearby. Judging from the radio transmissions the dead soldier's com device was receiving, they were patrolling the perimeter he had breached an hour ago. But the Wakari pilot was alert.
Trowa straightened the overcoat of the uniform and tried his best to hide the duffel bag under it. Then, he walked slowly, looking around as if on patrol. He saluted the Wakari pilot, who waved from his cockpit as if to acknowledge him. Trowa walked slightly to the side, then sneaked under the cockpit where the pilot could not see. He took out the duffel bag and silently unloaded its contents. He stuck the C4 explosives under the cockpit and on the vessel's lower hull. He then attached the triggering mechanism. He held the tiny detonator in his hand and crawled out from underneath the cockpit.
Trowa walked away to some distance. Then, he threw away the awkward soldier's cap and pressed on the detonator. A huge explosion followed, shaking the ground as the people were thrown backward. The entire front of the vessel was destroyed, killing the Wakari pilot and two crew members. Satisfied, he placed the detonator in his pocket and walked away.
Heero and Jagar immediately recovered from the blast. While Heero was reorienting himself, Jagar spotted a lone soldier calmly walking away while others headed towards the burning ship.
"Over there!" he said, taking his laser rifle. He pressed something and a scope popped out. He took careful aim and fired. The beam hit the disguised terrorist in the shoulder. Then, he slung his rifle again as he helped Relena up. He looked at Heero and snarled. "Quick, after that bomber!"
Heero saw the man Jagar shot. He was trying to get up. Heero quickly set on him like a tiger upon fallen prey. He drew his sidearm as he steadily closed the distance between himself and the terrorist. The fallen man was already up on his feet, and was trying to run away. Heero fired his gun, but the man barely managed to avoid getting hit. The wound slowed him down though, so Heero managed to catch up. He stopped a few feet from the terrorist and raised his gun again.
"Stop, if you value your life." Heero commanded.
The man raised his hands and turned around. Heero was shocked to find out who it was, but managed to show no change in emotion as he kept his gun trained at the man's head.
"Trowa?" Heero said. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Heero?" Trowa said, his voice slightly giving away his own surprise. "What are you doing in a military uniform?"
"Its been a long time, old friend," Heero said, in his deadpan manner. "You're under military arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and shall be used in the military courts.I'm sure you know the drill."
"And what would you do if I resist?" Trowa asked.
Heero smirked. "Omae o korosu."
With a swift motion, Trowa drew a gun from his breast holster and fired. The bullet knocked the gun out of Heero's hands. Before Trowa could blink, Heero rushed at him and gave him a hard kick to the chest. His gun flew out of his hands as he hit the ground. He quickly got up and blocked a kick aimed for his head and punched Heero in the jaw. Heero anticipated the next punch and blocked it, then sent Trowa flying with an uppercut. He rushed at him, but Trowa brought his foot up and kicked Heero back. Trowa got up and rushed at Heero and tried to hit him with a flying roundhouse, but Heero dodged and sent him slamming to the fence with a palm strike to the chest.
Realizing his chance to escape, Trowa climbed up the fence and ran. Heero pursued, but Trowa already had a good head start as Heero dropped from the fence. Trowa ran for the bushes and found the motorcycle he hid there. He immediately started it up and sped away before Heero could catch him.
Heero returned to one of the hangars where the people were herded in as soldiers and firemen rushed to put out the fire engulfing the Wakari ship. Inside, he saw Relena repeating a hundred apologies to the Wakari general. However, Jagar didn't look very angry. He placed a hand on Relena's shoulder to stop her, then looked at Heero.
"Did you get him?" he asked.
"No," Heero replied. "He got away. He had some transportation nearby."
"Damn.glak nasul!" he cursed. "The Shino Kan will not be very happy. But we anticipated this. First contact is never easy on a people new to this kind of business. Just make sure you catch whoever did this, and make him pay for killing my men!"
He turned to Relena, who was still distraught. "I'm sure our superiors will understand. This was random act of violence, nothing more. A simple act of vengeance against the fool who did this and they will be appeased."
"We have a saying amongst my people," Jagar continued as Relena calmed down. "When looking at a solar eclipse, take note of the sun's corona. Look, most of the technology for the exchange was saved from the blast. And tomorrow, Empirius Garwind VI's representative and the Alpha Centauri envoy will come to sign the first part of the free trade pact."
Relena left the Wakari general to be treated by medics and found her brother dispatching more troops to help put out the fire and sift through the wreckage. She pulled him aside, staring daggers at him.
"This would not have happened if you had taken the time to increase security!" Relena said angrily. "You and your incompetent army!"
"He was lucky enough to be able to slip through," Zechs said. "I doubt any of your high and mighty friends could have come up with a better plan."
"And that terrorist was in a soldier's uniform!" Relena hissed. "I wouldn't be surprised if the Army was responsible for this!"
"Now you go too far!" Zechs said, his turn to be angry. "We may disagree with your ass-kissing, but we would never sabotage a treaty!"
Heero slumped to the floor. "Siblings."
~~~
"We interrupt this program for this breaking news story."
Wufei looked up from his work. His favorite game show was on, and he liked to listen to it while he worked. The breaking news was annoying to him.
"What is it this time?" Wufei growled and got up to get himself more coffee.
He walked across the empty teacher's lounge to get to the coffee machine. It was already late in the evening, and Wufei was always the last of the faculty to leave. It was an old habit, something he developed while still in the Preventers.
Wufei had been a scholar and a tenured professor for four years. He taught history, philosophy and sociology, and was considered one of the foremost experts on Colonial Studies. It took a while to settle into a teaching job, but he eventually got used to the peaceful life. He had predicted the fall of the Preventers with the leakage of the ionic charge technology, and managed to get an honorable discharge before the Preventers were disbanded by the new world government. Now, he had lain his sword aside, and contented himself poring over books and research as well as writing philosophical treatises on justice. He had been a scholar before Meiran's death, and rescinding back to that life proved easier than he expected.
The news of the terrorist attack reached Wufei's ears. He grabbed his coffee and returned to his desk facing the lounge television. He found himself growing curious. He had been a member of one of the several cultural exchanges with the Wakari, and had seen the culture. He found the martial culture among the Wakari interesting, and wrote favorably of Wakari justice. He had also takes to reading some of their philosophy. He was also one of the signatories on a favorable report on Wakari society, one used extensively to justify the current treaty during the Parliamentary debates.
"Damn those terrorists." he muttered. ".those baka don't know a good thing if it bit them in the nose. Same with that idiot Zechs. I wouldn't be surprised if the military and the bombers were in league."
Wufei's thoughts were interrupted when the lounge buzzer sounded. He got up and headed for the reception area.
"I'll be out in a few, Mac, don't worry." he shouted, addressing the custodian. But when he got to the reception area, he didn't find the janitor. Instead, he found a student pressing the buzzer on the secretary's table.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Wufei asked angrily. "Students are not allowed to use the buzzer!"
"I-I'm sorry Mr. Chang, it's just that.that." the student stammered. "There's no secretary."
Wufei stepped into the reception area. "Never mind your excuses. What's the problem this time?"
The student reached for her bag and slumped back into her wheelchair. She searched it for a moment as Wufei tapped his foot. She eventually found the file she was looking for. She pulled out a folder and handed it to Wufei.
"You said that the deadline was until seven tonight." she said. "So, I thought I'd just hand in my paper on the origin of the Colonies."
Wufei looked at his watch. "I said the deadline was seven. My watch says 7:02, Ms. Khrushrenada. This paper is late!"
"I'm sorry, sir," she said.
"The best you can expect is a C," Wufei said sternly. "And I'm not feeling too generous tonight."
"But sir.my GPA."
"You should have thought about that before missing my class for the sixth time this semester," Wufei said. "Your paper is also late. Next time, think before going on one of your little reminiscing "trips". I swear, that is one of the most bizarre excuses I've ever heard."
Wufei headed back to the lounge, not noticing the lone tear running down his student's cheek.
~~~
