Gundam Wing: Lady Gundam
Written By: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimers see prologue
Chapter 7: The Treize Assassination
Night had fallen on the New Edwards Base. For the first time ever, all six Gundams stood together. Six warriors with a great deal in common had come together, but it was by no means a happy meeting. Only minutes before, the moment of their greatest victory had been transformed into their deepest despair with the revelation that the destroyed transport had been occupied, not by OZ's leaders, but by the heads of the Alliance military. Now, they had to deal with the consequences of their horrific mistake. In Lady Gundam's cockpit, tears streamed from Relena's eyes.
You knew about this! Relena suddenly lashed out at Wufei as he got back inside his Gundam's cockpit and closed the hatch You could have warned us! You could have prevented this tragedy! WHY DIDN'T YOU!?
I don't have to answer to you, woman. Or are you just a girl? Wufei responded But I would think my answer would be obvious: If I had broadcast what I had discovered, OZ would have picked it up, and locked onto my location. I could not put myself and Nataku at risk like that, especially since you likely would not have believed me and attacked anyway.
[We have your pilot's excuse, Shenlong,] Lady Gundam transmitted directly to Shenlong Gundam's AI [But what is yours? Our communications with each other cannot be faked. I would have believed you and reported the information to Relena.]
[It is not my place to cover for your deficiencies.] Shenlong replied arrogantly [Such a signal, though OZ would not have the capability to decrypt it, would still give away my position if it were of sufficient strength to reach you, and if you were to respond in kind, your position would have been compromised as well.]
[The mission was compromised from the start. Better for you to have warned us and for all of us to have bugged out, than to allow us to make this horrible mistake.]
[Were the rest of you and your pilots as intelligent and diligent as Wufei and I, this would not have happened. You are to blame, not I.]
Lady Gundam sent an electronic sound of exasperation through the comlink then ended the conversation.
I'm going to grab a carrier and go after Treize. Wufei announced You can stay or go. I don't care.
So saying, Wufei guided Shenlong Gundam into motion, once again. Trowa nudged Gundam Heavyarms into motion to follow him. The other four Gundams stayed where they were, their pilots overcome with grief over their shared mistake.
Gundam Heavyarms and Shenlong Gundam didn't get far before they came under fire from a squad of machine-gun-armed Leo model mobile suits and one cannon-equipped Tragos model mobile suit. Both Gundams took cover behind some rubble from one of the many explosions that had occurred during the battle. During a momentary pause in the volley, Gundam Heavyarms came out from behind its cover and opened fire with its beam gatling, riddling the enemy mobile suits with bullets right before they exploded.
Shenlong Gundam ran to the hangar the mobile suits had been guarding and punched the doors where they met, making a hole in them, and then pushed one of the doors open while Gundam Heavyarms pushed the other door in the opposite direction. In the darkness of the hangar interior, the Gundam pilots could see several mobile suit carriers and a forest of red laser beams running vertically between the floor and ceiling.
Explosive devices, with infrared sensors. Trowa noted the readings on his sensor panel
[This model detonates 0.35 seconds after the infrared beam is interrupted.] Shenlong reported to Wufei
That won't stop me! Wufei responded I'm going after Treize!
With reckless abandon, Shenlong Gundam ran into the hangar, explosions going off in the ceiling with each beam broken. A few moments after Shenlong Gundam began its mad dash, Gundam Heavyarms followed. Each Gundam got inside the cargo bay of a separate carrier and their pilots jumped out, running to the respective cockpits. The hangar was consumed in flames from the explosions, but the carriers' armor held long enough for Trowa and Wufei to fly them out of what was left of the hangar and into the air.
Meanwhile, the other four Gundams still stood motionless where their comrades had left them.
Treize Khushrenada was using us like a buncha puppets. Duo said flatly
We totally screwed up this entire mission. Quatre agreed
I should've seen it coming. Relena wept This is my fault. I was so hungry for blood that I didn't think. Tears continued to stream from Relena's eyes as Heero growled angrily
Let's go after Treize! Duo suggested We can still catch up with him!
That's not wise! Quatre cautioned
Hasn't there been enough death today!? Relena shouted into her radio
Stay out of my way! Duo snarled You want me to shoot you two?
[Be calm, my bright soul.] Deathscythe spoke to Duo
Our missions have always focused on attacking when they least expect it, but the enemy clearly has the advantage now. Quatre explained calmly
Duo gave an exasperated grunt and pulled the trigger for Deathscythe's vulcans, but only a puff of air came out of the head-mounted weapons.
[I am out of vulcan ammunition, my bright soul.] Deathscythe reported redundantly
I see what you're saying, kid. Duo spoke into his radio right before an alarm bleeped
[We are under attack once more!]
Just then, some Leos started firing at the gathered Gundams. Gundam Deathscythe and Gundam Sandrock raised their shields to block some of the bullets while Wing Gundam and Lady Gundam stood motionless.
So we didn't get them all. Duo smiled at the thought of resuming combat
[The minions of evil are legion.] Deathscythe commented [There will always be some left to lay my blessing upon, no matter how many I give my blessing to beforehand.]
Either way, let's get outta here! Quatre ordered
Duo agreed as Gundam Sandrock, Gundam Deathscythe, and Lady Gundam started moving out of the line of fire, but Wing Gundam remained motionless Hey kid! Look out, you'll get shot!
[Why does he not defend himself?] Sandrock wondered aloud
A shot struck Wing Gundam on the left shoulder, causing the mobile suit to stagger back a step, but it made no other move.
Don't just stand there! Duo yelled, but Heero seemed to not hear him
We have to protect him! Relena declared as Lady Gundam fired a beam from her right Buster Gauntlet that destroyed several Leos
Gundam Deathscythe charged several Leos and started slicing them up with its beam scythe while Lady Gundam drew her beam sabers and also attacked. Gundam Sandrock used its shield to block some bullets that were headed for Wing Gundam.
So how long do you expect us to look after you? Duo asked Heero after he finished off the last Leo in the group he had attacked
Your friend's just gone through a little too much, it seems. Quatre said
C'mon! Snap out of it! Relena ordered right before a Tragos fired both cannons at Wing Gundam, which took a direct hit and was knocked to the ground Relena cried out, fearing for Heero's well being
Heero! I know you can hear me! a voice issued from the speakers of the base PA system, which was miraculously still working Listen to me Heero! Wing Gundam started to rise
Heero. So his name's Heero. Duo smiled, both because Wing Gundam was moving again and because he finally knew the enigmatic boy's name.
That voice... Relena breathed Could it be?
Detonation devices on the base's large missiles were activated a few minutes ago. OZ is planning to blow the entire base apart in order to kill you Gundam pilots. The voice of Sally Po gave a warning
I've confirmed that. Quatre transmitted as data scrolled across his screen Apparently there are 47 large missiles situated at the New Edwards Base.
Oh my god! Relena gasped, for she had been calling up data at the same time as Quatre, and she didn't like what she saw They're insane! Those are nuclear missiles!
And if they were to all explode at once, it would instantly wipe out a radius of about 300 kilometers.
I'm not sticking around! Duo declared Let's blow this place right now!
[Yes, before it blows us.] Deathscythe heartily agreed with his pilot
There's ten minutes before it blows up! Quatre countered We can't possibly get away safely, now.
You would be able to cover that distance in time, but please grant me my one last wish. Deactivate the missiles, Heero.
Relena started tapping keys, bringing up the location of the missile silos, but just as the information appeared on her screen, Wing Gundam transformed into Bird Mode and flew into the air.
Hey! Heero you coward! How can you leave us!? Duo yelled in anger
You're wrong, he isn't trying to run away. Quatre countered
He's heading straight for the missile silos. Relena agreed
Missile base location confirmed, Heero reported after about half a minute Proceeding to enter the base.
What's that guy trying to prove? Duo wondered aloud
Roger that Heero, I'm gonna stake my life on you. Quatre transmitted
Good luck Heero. Relena said softly, then spoke a bit louder We're going to need carriers to get out of here and back to our respective bases.
You two take care of that, Quatre ordered While I clear the runway.
Sounds like a plan. Duo transmitted back
Gundam Deathscythe and Lady Gundam headed for the hangars while Gundam Sandrock drew its heat shotels as it strode towards the runway.
Be careful Duo. Relena warned as she pulled her black ski mask on, once again Because of the missiles, New Edwards is a high security base. When an alert is sounded, it arms the booby traps on the hangars. You can't just rip open the hangar doors with your Gundam or the traps will lock active with no way to disarm them.
So, what do you suggest, Miss Know-it-all? Duo responded sarcastically
A little electronic lockpicking will get the doors open just fine, with no booby traps to worry about. Considering that bit of electronic mayhem you caused when you were breaking Heero out of the Alliance Medical Facility, you shouldn't have any problem bypassing the codes.
As they each reached one of the hangars, Relena and Duo dropped out of their respective Gundams' cockpits and ran to the panels next to the doors. Relena pulled a small device out of her pouch and plugged it into the panel where the electronic key would normally be inserted. After pressing a button to activate the device, lights on it flashed for a few seconds before it beeped and the doors started to roll open. A few seconds later, the door to Duo's hangar started to roll open as well, some wires hanging out of the now open panel. The boy flashed Relena a thumbs up before each went into their respective hangars.
Each of them taxied a carrier out of the hangar, then went in for another one. Meanwhile, Quatre was fighting OZ mobile suits and transmitting vital data to Heero, who was by now inside the missile complex.
The detonation device has been activated on the largest missile, the model three-zero-four. Quatre read off information to Heero It's set up so that model three-zero-four's explosion will trigger the explosion of all the other missiles. Hurry! To the model three-zero-four control room!
As Quatre fired Gundam Sandrock's pair of missiles at some Leos on the runway, Duo glanced out the window of the carrier he was taxiing and noticed something.
Hey girlie, Duo purposely avoided using Relena's name because of the possibility that the channel might be monitored Looks like we've got some duplication of effort here. We only need three carriers.
Relena transmitted back We need all four. You've forgotten about Heero.
She's right, Quatre agreed His mobile suit is probably low on fuel. The runway'll be clear in a minute.
You two are totally confident that he's gonna succeed, aren't ya? Duo commented
No doubt. Relena added I've seen what he can do, and so have you.
It's all up to you now. Duo said Go for it, Heero.
He's got a 10% chance of success, Quatre announced But that guy can do it for sure.
I think, for Heero, a 10% chance of success is a cakewalk. Relena declared
Runway's clear. Are all the carriers ready?
I've got two ready to go.
And I've got another two revved and ready to fly. Duo added
Then it's time for us to go. Quatre declared as Gundam Sandrock walked to one of the carriers Duo had prepared.
You guys go now, if you want, Relena responded But I'm waiting for Heero.
Until we meet again, then.
Until then.
Relena got back inside Lady Gundam and exited the carrier. She watched Duo and Quatre's carriers take off and soar off into the sky. Shortly thereafter, when the time for the missiles' detonation came and went with no explosion, Relena smiled.
Good work, Heero. she whispered
A few minutes later, Relena was fighting a fresh squad of Leos on the runway and had gotten tired of waiting for Heero to contact her, so she decided to contact him.
Heero, what's taking you so long? Relena transmitted as she fired Lady Gundam's missiles to take out two enemy mobile suits I'm keeping the runway clear so we can get out of here.
I'm on my way back. Heero responded after about half a minute
Lady Gundam had just finished slicing apart the last of the attacking Leos with her beam sabers when Relena saw Wing Gundam on the radar and started heading back towards the carriers. She reached them just as Wing Gundam landed in mobile suit mode.
Two carriers, no waiting. Relena quipped I'll let you pick which one you want.
Wing Gundam silently walked over to one of the carriers and went inside. Lady Gundam went inside the other one and they both taxied onto the runway before taking off. As they flew side by side for a little while, Relena waved to Heero through the window, but he made no sign of having noticed her gesture.
Once the remains of the New Edwards base were far behind them, Heero altered his course slightly, causing his carrier to slowly widen the distance between it and Relena's carrier, until they could no longer see each other, and Relena was alone with her thoughts.
Meanwhile, the mobile suit carriers piloted by Trowa and Wufei were approaching the OZ fleet which Colonel Treize and Lady Une had fled to. Each of the Gundam pilot's pressed the Comm Request button on their respective radio panel, causing the carriers to automatically send their preloaded identity information, that of Aries carriers from the 505 Support Troops. About 15 seconds later, they received a response.
This is Big Nose, please begin communication. Came the voice of the radio operator on the lead OZ ship
Ignoring the radio, Wufei aimed his carrier at a destroyer and ran out of the cockpit, jumping inside his Gundam before the carrier struck the ship and exploded. As Shenlong Gundam rose out of the wreckage, Trowa's carrier on the lead ship in much the same way as Wufei's had, Gundam Heavyarms walking out of the flames. As Leos came out to attack, the red Gundam opened fire on them with its beam gatling. In less than a minute, twenty Leos had been destroyed and Trowa showed no sign of stopping.
[Wufei, when we arrived, a cruise ship was part of this fleet.] Shenlong reported [That ship is now sailing away from the others. I estimate a high probability that Treize Khushrenada is on that ship.]
Must be this one. Wufei agreed But first thing's first.
Wufei activated Shenlong Gundam's dragon fang and it extended to crash through the bridge of the ship he was on, causing it to explode. With the ship he was on neutralized, Wufei activated the vernier engines in Shenlong Gundam's backpack and the mobile suit soared over the water towards another destroyer. One of the gun turrets fired at the approaching Gundam, but the rounds either missed or bounced off the mobile suit's Gundanium armor before Shenlong Gundam stepped on the turret, destroying it.
Destination reached. Wufei smiled Here I go, Nataku. Suddenly, the radar bleeped
[Mobile suit approaching fast by air.] Shenlong warned [Modified Leo-type]
Shenlong Gundam turned to face the flying Leo and was hit headlong with a literal flying tackle, slamming it into the side of the ship, the Leo's powerful thrusters actually moving the whole ship before they turned off and it stood over the fallen Gundam. The Leo jettisoned the thruster backpack as a stunned Wufei struggled to shake off the impact. The Leo drew and ignited its violet beam saber.
Hmpf. Don't be so sure of yourself, Gundam. Lady Une said contemptuously You're not getting one step closer to that ship!
[The Leo's IFF indicates that its pilot is Lt. Colonel Lady Une.] Shenlong reported [A ruthless combatant. She may be as close to a worthy opponent as we shall ever face.]
Nobody can stop me, Wufei responded as he got Shenlong Gundam to its feet Even you!
Shenlong Gundam drew and ignited its beam glaive and spun it around in a fluid motion before swinging it at Lady Une's Leo, which blocked the strike with its shoulder-mounted shield. Shenlong Gundam raised the beam glaive over its head and swung downward, but the Leo dodged to the left. Lady Une's Leo lunged forward and hit Shenlong Gundam in the side of the head with its elbow, then swung its beam saber. However, Shenlong Gundam caught the Leo's wrist, halting the attack.
I wasn't expecting this much resistance. Lady Une commented as the two mobile suits struggled against each other But it's game over now. YOU DIE!
[One cannot fault her passion for battle.] Shenlong commented [Though she seems to have too much of it.]
Stupid move, getting emotional. Wufei noted
Shenlong Gundam's grip on the Leo's wrist tightened, crushing through the armor and then ripping off most of the right arm. Lady Une's Leo punched Shenlong Gundam in the chest with its intact left fist, but the attack had no effect.
Step aside, Wufei ordered You can see for yourself that you'll never beat me.
I never knew Gundams were so powerful. Lady Une muttered I want him dead! Just then, the cruise ship sailed closer to the destroyer the two mobile suits were fighting on, sounding its foghorn Mr. Treize?
Looks like your superior wants to fight with me. Wufei deduced Fine by me. I'll stop him in his tracks.
[Wufei,] Shenlong interrupted after a few seconds [I am picking up a transmission on another frequency between the mobile suit and the cruise ship. Essentially, she is being told to stand down. Treize Khushrenada apparently believes he can handle us, himself.]
His mistake, Nataku.
[Indeed.]
Shenlong Gundam's backpack verniers ignited, and it flew to the top deck of the cruise ship. Turning slightly, the Gundam's optics showed Treize sitting in a chair in a windowed suite. As Wufei watched, Treize rose to his feet, showing no fear. Wufei zoomed in to get a close-up of the OZ leader.
So you're Treize, you better be my guy.
[Identity confirmed: OZ leader, Colonel Treize Khushrenada.] Shenlong reported after a moment
Wufei raised Shenlong Gundam's right arm and activated its dragon fang. A moment later, he fired it through the windows. The dragon fang struck well to Treize's left. The OZ leader stood impassively as dust and debris blew past him, the dragon fang having missed him entirely. Treize tapped the sword he held on his palm, making a soft clinking sound.
[I do believe he is challenging you to personal combat.] Shenlong observed
I'll gladly accept. Wufei said as he grabbed his katana from where it was normally secured inside the Gundam's cockpit
With a touch of a button, the cockpit opened and Wufei scampered across the extended arm and into Treize's suite. Both brandished their swords.
My name is Wufei. Wufei identified himself
I'm Treize Khushrenada. Treize reciprocated
The tips of their swords touched with a clang, and the duel was on. The two swords clashed. Wufei attacked again and again, but each time, Treize blocked his strike with apparent ease. Wufei leaped into the air and rebounded off the wall behind him, slicing downward with his blade, but Treize dodged aside and put the edge of his sword to Wufei's neck as the Gundam pilot crouched after his landing. Wufei knew he had been beaten.
The duel is mine. Treize declared calmly
Kill me. Wufei begged for death as he stood up, but Treize removed his blade from Wufei's neck and turned away, instead.
It was a good fight.
If you don't kill me right now, I'll keep on coming back until I get you, Treize.
That sounds interesting, I hope we can battle again.
With an angry yell, Wufei buried the end of his sword in the floor and then jumped up onto the extended dragon fang, before running back up his Gundam's arm and getting back into the cockpit. Shenlong Gundam pulled its dragon fang free of the ship and retracted it, the arm no longer looking like a dragon. The Gundam then walked off the deck of the ship and plunged into the sea below. Debris from numerous Cancer-model mobile suits was scattered all through the water, evidence of what Trowa and Gundam Heavyarms had been doing while Wufei and Shenlong Gundam went after Treize.
[I take it the battle did not go as planned, Wufei?] Shenlong asked cautiously, but Wufei failed to answer [Wufei? Are you injured?] Again, silence. [Wufei, why do you not answer me? Heavyarms's pilot is attempting to make contact. Should you not respond?] Still, there was no answer from Wufei [Wufei, are you injured in such a way that you are unable to speak? If so, raise my right arm.]
Wufei said nothing and did nothing. Shenlong continued attempting to get its pilot to speak until its feet touched the sea floor and Wufei set his Gundam walking along the bottom. As he journeyed at the bottom of the sea, a part of Wufei's brain noted occasional flashes of static on the monitor image of his surroundings, but each lasted only a second or two.
Hours later, a lone mobile suit carrier landed in the wilderness of the JAP area. After a few minutes, Lady Gundam emerged and walked into the forest, both conserving fuel and making sure she would not be picked up on radar. As Relena guided Lady Gundam through the forest towards her secret hiding place, she had a good deal of time alone with herself and her Gundam.
I can't believe how wrong everything went. Relena muttered How could Dr. Z have made such a big mistake?
[No one is perfect, Relena.] Lady Gundam answered [But even when the mission took a decidedly horrid turn, you were able to continue to fight as a warrior should.]
I'm NOT a warrior! Relena suddenly shouted as she burst into tears I'm just a killer! Dr. Z sent the mission, but I carried it out! It's my fault those men are dead! Men who were trying to make peace!
[Relena, it's not your fault. You had no way of knowing it was a trick. If it's anyone's fault, besides OZ, it's mine. Shenlong correlated data to see the trick in time to warn its pilot, but I didn't. If I had, I might have been able to warn you in time.]
That disaster wasn't your fault.
[Then it wasn't yours either, Relena. OZ orchestrated the deaths of the Alliance military leaders, and we shall make them pay for tricking us in such a way.]
If I feel this bad, Relena said as she wiped away her tears Imagine how Heero must feel, having struck the actual blow.
[His apparent catatonia in the heat of battle would seem to be a good indicator, but it seems he was successfully snapped out of it by the impending catastrophe.]
Yeah. It seems like he does best when the pressure's on. Thanks for helping me get my head back on straight. Relena smiled as she piloted Lady Gundam into the cave and stood her against the wall.
[It was my duty and my pleasure.]
I'll be back later to refuel you and reload your ammunition. Right now, I need to go let Renee know that I'm OK.
[Until later then, Relena.]
Relena opened the cockpit and got out. She stood gazing at Lady Gundam for a moment before she got on her motorcycle, then rode it out of the cave and back to her house. Relena entered the house without incident and walked up to her room. She found Renee sitting on her bed.
Hello Renee. Relena said softly
Renee spoke with equal volume as she stood up What happened?
They tricked us. Tears started to flow from Relena's eyes, once again OZ tricked us, all of us... except for that jerk who decided not to warn the rest of us.
No, and he's not a jerk. I shared a carrier with him and the other boy I told you about on the way there. The jerk I'm talking about is the pilot of a Gundam named Shenlong. He knew OZ had set us up to kill the leaders of the Alliance military, but didn't tell the rest of us until after Heero had already destroyed the transport. The IFF transponder said it was an OZ transport carrying VIPs! We thought they were the OZ leaders! We fouled up so badly! We played right into OZ's hands! Tears poured from Relena's eyes as she and Renee hugged, Relena drawing strength from the girl who was, in all ways except the biological, her twin sister
It's alright, Relena. Renee said softly You made a mistake. You're only human.
I let my blood thirst control me. Relena wept I wanted so badly to avenge father's death, and now I have innocent blood on my hands.
So find a balance. Fight OZ, but think before you attack. Make sure your target is who and what you think it is, and only then act.
I will, I promise. No more innocents will die by my hands.
I know. You're not a cold-blooded killer, you're a warrior.
As they embraced, some of Relena's tears fell upon Renee's shoulder and she felt very lucky to have a sister that was so understanding. Relena silently made a vow to make sure to not be tricked again, and to make OZ pay for its many misdeeds.
End of chapter 7
OK, two and a half months since the last update. Sorry about that guys. Sometimes I get stuck on one fic(got stuck on Chichi the Warrior for a while) and don't think to work on another(like this one) Anyway, Heero's actions inside the missile base, and Trowa's fighting the mobile suits on the ship and underwater, were the same as in the series, so I didn't bother to focus on them, instead showing what the others were doing. I'm gonna try to get the next chapter out a little faster than this one, honest!
Written By: Jumper Prime
For Disclaimers see prologue
Chapter 7: The Treize Assassination
Night had fallen on the New Edwards Base. For the first time ever, all six Gundams stood together. Six warriors with a great deal in common had come together, but it was by no means a happy meeting. Only minutes before, the moment of their greatest victory had been transformed into their deepest despair with the revelation that the destroyed transport had been occupied, not by OZ's leaders, but by the heads of the Alliance military. Now, they had to deal with the consequences of their horrific mistake. In Lady Gundam's cockpit, tears streamed from Relena's eyes.
You knew about this! Relena suddenly lashed out at Wufei as he got back inside his Gundam's cockpit and closed the hatch You could have warned us! You could have prevented this tragedy! WHY DIDN'T YOU!?
I don't have to answer to you, woman. Or are you just a girl? Wufei responded But I would think my answer would be obvious: If I had broadcast what I had discovered, OZ would have picked it up, and locked onto my location. I could not put myself and Nataku at risk like that, especially since you likely would not have believed me and attacked anyway.
[We have your pilot's excuse, Shenlong,] Lady Gundam transmitted directly to Shenlong Gundam's AI [But what is yours? Our communications with each other cannot be faked. I would have believed you and reported the information to Relena.]
[It is not my place to cover for your deficiencies.] Shenlong replied arrogantly [Such a signal, though OZ would not have the capability to decrypt it, would still give away my position if it were of sufficient strength to reach you, and if you were to respond in kind, your position would have been compromised as well.]
[The mission was compromised from the start. Better for you to have warned us and for all of us to have bugged out, than to allow us to make this horrible mistake.]
[Were the rest of you and your pilots as intelligent and diligent as Wufei and I, this would not have happened. You are to blame, not I.]
Lady Gundam sent an electronic sound of exasperation through the comlink then ended the conversation.
I'm going to grab a carrier and go after Treize. Wufei announced You can stay or go. I don't care.
So saying, Wufei guided Shenlong Gundam into motion, once again. Trowa nudged Gundam Heavyarms into motion to follow him. The other four Gundams stayed where they were, their pilots overcome with grief over their shared mistake.
Gundam Heavyarms and Shenlong Gundam didn't get far before they came under fire from a squad of machine-gun-armed Leo model mobile suits and one cannon-equipped Tragos model mobile suit. Both Gundams took cover behind some rubble from one of the many explosions that had occurred during the battle. During a momentary pause in the volley, Gundam Heavyarms came out from behind its cover and opened fire with its beam gatling, riddling the enemy mobile suits with bullets right before they exploded.
Shenlong Gundam ran to the hangar the mobile suits had been guarding and punched the doors where they met, making a hole in them, and then pushed one of the doors open while Gundam Heavyarms pushed the other door in the opposite direction. In the darkness of the hangar interior, the Gundam pilots could see several mobile suit carriers and a forest of red laser beams running vertically between the floor and ceiling.
Explosive devices, with infrared sensors. Trowa noted the readings on his sensor panel
[This model detonates 0.35 seconds after the infrared beam is interrupted.] Shenlong reported to Wufei
That won't stop me! Wufei responded I'm going after Treize!
With reckless abandon, Shenlong Gundam ran into the hangar, explosions going off in the ceiling with each beam broken. A few moments after Shenlong Gundam began its mad dash, Gundam Heavyarms followed. Each Gundam got inside the cargo bay of a separate carrier and their pilots jumped out, running to the respective cockpits. The hangar was consumed in flames from the explosions, but the carriers' armor held long enough for Trowa and Wufei to fly them out of what was left of the hangar and into the air.
Meanwhile, the other four Gundams still stood motionless where their comrades had left them.
Treize Khushrenada was using us like a buncha puppets. Duo said flatly
We totally screwed up this entire mission. Quatre agreed
I should've seen it coming. Relena wept This is my fault. I was so hungry for blood that I didn't think. Tears continued to stream from Relena's eyes as Heero growled angrily
Let's go after Treize! Duo suggested We can still catch up with him!
That's not wise! Quatre cautioned
Hasn't there been enough death today!? Relena shouted into her radio
Stay out of my way! Duo snarled You want me to shoot you two?
[Be calm, my bright soul.] Deathscythe spoke to Duo
Our missions have always focused on attacking when they least expect it, but the enemy clearly has the advantage now. Quatre explained calmly
Duo gave an exasperated grunt and pulled the trigger for Deathscythe's vulcans, but only a puff of air came out of the head-mounted weapons.
[I am out of vulcan ammunition, my bright soul.] Deathscythe reported redundantly
I see what you're saying, kid. Duo spoke into his radio right before an alarm bleeped
[We are under attack once more!]
Just then, some Leos started firing at the gathered Gundams. Gundam Deathscythe and Gundam Sandrock raised their shields to block some of the bullets while Wing Gundam and Lady Gundam stood motionless.
So we didn't get them all. Duo smiled at the thought of resuming combat
[The minions of evil are legion.] Deathscythe commented [There will always be some left to lay my blessing upon, no matter how many I give my blessing to beforehand.]
Either way, let's get outta here! Quatre ordered
Duo agreed as Gundam Sandrock, Gundam Deathscythe, and Lady Gundam started moving out of the line of fire, but Wing Gundam remained motionless Hey kid! Look out, you'll get shot!
[Why does he not defend himself?] Sandrock wondered aloud
A shot struck Wing Gundam on the left shoulder, causing the mobile suit to stagger back a step, but it made no other move.
Don't just stand there! Duo yelled, but Heero seemed to not hear him
We have to protect him! Relena declared as Lady Gundam fired a beam from her right Buster Gauntlet that destroyed several Leos
Gundam Deathscythe charged several Leos and started slicing them up with its beam scythe while Lady Gundam drew her beam sabers and also attacked. Gundam Sandrock used its shield to block some bullets that were headed for Wing Gundam.
So how long do you expect us to look after you? Duo asked Heero after he finished off the last Leo in the group he had attacked
Your friend's just gone through a little too much, it seems. Quatre said
C'mon! Snap out of it! Relena ordered right before a Tragos fired both cannons at Wing Gundam, which took a direct hit and was knocked to the ground Relena cried out, fearing for Heero's well being
Heero! I know you can hear me! a voice issued from the speakers of the base PA system, which was miraculously still working Listen to me Heero! Wing Gundam started to rise
Heero. So his name's Heero. Duo smiled, both because Wing Gundam was moving again and because he finally knew the enigmatic boy's name.
That voice... Relena breathed Could it be?
Detonation devices on the base's large missiles were activated a few minutes ago. OZ is planning to blow the entire base apart in order to kill you Gundam pilots. The voice of Sally Po gave a warning
I've confirmed that. Quatre transmitted as data scrolled across his screen Apparently there are 47 large missiles situated at the New Edwards Base.
Oh my god! Relena gasped, for she had been calling up data at the same time as Quatre, and she didn't like what she saw They're insane! Those are nuclear missiles!
And if they were to all explode at once, it would instantly wipe out a radius of about 300 kilometers.
I'm not sticking around! Duo declared Let's blow this place right now!
[Yes, before it blows us.] Deathscythe heartily agreed with his pilot
There's ten minutes before it blows up! Quatre countered We can't possibly get away safely, now.
You would be able to cover that distance in time, but please grant me my one last wish. Deactivate the missiles, Heero.
Relena started tapping keys, bringing up the location of the missile silos, but just as the information appeared on her screen, Wing Gundam transformed into Bird Mode and flew into the air.
Hey! Heero you coward! How can you leave us!? Duo yelled in anger
You're wrong, he isn't trying to run away. Quatre countered
He's heading straight for the missile silos. Relena agreed
Missile base location confirmed, Heero reported after about half a minute Proceeding to enter the base.
What's that guy trying to prove? Duo wondered aloud
Roger that Heero, I'm gonna stake my life on you. Quatre transmitted
Good luck Heero. Relena said softly, then spoke a bit louder We're going to need carriers to get out of here and back to our respective bases.
You two take care of that, Quatre ordered While I clear the runway.
Sounds like a plan. Duo transmitted back
Gundam Deathscythe and Lady Gundam headed for the hangars while Gundam Sandrock drew its heat shotels as it strode towards the runway.
Be careful Duo. Relena warned as she pulled her black ski mask on, once again Because of the missiles, New Edwards is a high security base. When an alert is sounded, it arms the booby traps on the hangars. You can't just rip open the hangar doors with your Gundam or the traps will lock active with no way to disarm them.
So, what do you suggest, Miss Know-it-all? Duo responded sarcastically
A little electronic lockpicking will get the doors open just fine, with no booby traps to worry about. Considering that bit of electronic mayhem you caused when you were breaking Heero out of the Alliance Medical Facility, you shouldn't have any problem bypassing the codes.
As they each reached one of the hangars, Relena and Duo dropped out of their respective Gundams' cockpits and ran to the panels next to the doors. Relena pulled a small device out of her pouch and plugged it into the panel where the electronic key would normally be inserted. After pressing a button to activate the device, lights on it flashed for a few seconds before it beeped and the doors started to roll open. A few seconds later, the door to Duo's hangar started to roll open as well, some wires hanging out of the now open panel. The boy flashed Relena a thumbs up before each went into their respective hangars.
Each of them taxied a carrier out of the hangar, then went in for another one. Meanwhile, Quatre was fighting OZ mobile suits and transmitting vital data to Heero, who was by now inside the missile complex.
The detonation device has been activated on the largest missile, the model three-zero-four. Quatre read off information to Heero It's set up so that model three-zero-four's explosion will trigger the explosion of all the other missiles. Hurry! To the model three-zero-four control room!
As Quatre fired Gundam Sandrock's pair of missiles at some Leos on the runway, Duo glanced out the window of the carrier he was taxiing and noticed something.
Hey girlie, Duo purposely avoided using Relena's name because of the possibility that the channel might be monitored Looks like we've got some duplication of effort here. We only need three carriers.
Relena transmitted back We need all four. You've forgotten about Heero.
She's right, Quatre agreed His mobile suit is probably low on fuel. The runway'll be clear in a minute.
You two are totally confident that he's gonna succeed, aren't ya? Duo commented
No doubt. Relena added I've seen what he can do, and so have you.
It's all up to you now. Duo said Go for it, Heero.
He's got a 10% chance of success, Quatre announced But that guy can do it for sure.
I think, for Heero, a 10% chance of success is a cakewalk. Relena declared
Runway's clear. Are all the carriers ready?
I've got two ready to go.
And I've got another two revved and ready to fly. Duo added
Then it's time for us to go. Quatre declared as Gundam Sandrock walked to one of the carriers Duo had prepared.
You guys go now, if you want, Relena responded But I'm waiting for Heero.
Until we meet again, then.
Until then.
Relena got back inside Lady Gundam and exited the carrier. She watched Duo and Quatre's carriers take off and soar off into the sky. Shortly thereafter, when the time for the missiles' detonation came and went with no explosion, Relena smiled.
Good work, Heero. she whispered
A few minutes later, Relena was fighting a fresh squad of Leos on the runway and had gotten tired of waiting for Heero to contact her, so she decided to contact him.
Heero, what's taking you so long? Relena transmitted as she fired Lady Gundam's missiles to take out two enemy mobile suits I'm keeping the runway clear so we can get out of here.
I'm on my way back. Heero responded after about half a minute
Lady Gundam had just finished slicing apart the last of the attacking Leos with her beam sabers when Relena saw Wing Gundam on the radar and started heading back towards the carriers. She reached them just as Wing Gundam landed in mobile suit mode.
Two carriers, no waiting. Relena quipped I'll let you pick which one you want.
Wing Gundam silently walked over to one of the carriers and went inside. Lady Gundam went inside the other one and they both taxied onto the runway before taking off. As they flew side by side for a little while, Relena waved to Heero through the window, but he made no sign of having noticed her gesture.
Once the remains of the New Edwards base were far behind them, Heero altered his course slightly, causing his carrier to slowly widen the distance between it and Relena's carrier, until they could no longer see each other, and Relena was alone with her thoughts.
Meanwhile, the mobile suit carriers piloted by Trowa and Wufei were approaching the OZ fleet which Colonel Treize and Lady Une had fled to. Each of the Gundam pilot's pressed the Comm Request button on their respective radio panel, causing the carriers to automatically send their preloaded identity information, that of Aries carriers from the 505 Support Troops. About 15 seconds later, they received a response.
This is Big Nose, please begin communication. Came the voice of the radio operator on the lead OZ ship
Ignoring the radio, Wufei aimed his carrier at a destroyer and ran out of the cockpit, jumping inside his Gundam before the carrier struck the ship and exploded. As Shenlong Gundam rose out of the wreckage, Trowa's carrier on the lead ship in much the same way as Wufei's had, Gundam Heavyarms walking out of the flames. As Leos came out to attack, the red Gundam opened fire on them with its beam gatling. In less than a minute, twenty Leos had been destroyed and Trowa showed no sign of stopping.
[Wufei, when we arrived, a cruise ship was part of this fleet.] Shenlong reported [That ship is now sailing away from the others. I estimate a high probability that Treize Khushrenada is on that ship.]
Must be this one. Wufei agreed But first thing's first.
Wufei activated Shenlong Gundam's dragon fang and it extended to crash through the bridge of the ship he was on, causing it to explode. With the ship he was on neutralized, Wufei activated the vernier engines in Shenlong Gundam's backpack and the mobile suit soared over the water towards another destroyer. One of the gun turrets fired at the approaching Gundam, but the rounds either missed or bounced off the mobile suit's Gundanium armor before Shenlong Gundam stepped on the turret, destroying it.
Destination reached. Wufei smiled Here I go, Nataku. Suddenly, the radar bleeped
[Mobile suit approaching fast by air.] Shenlong warned [Modified Leo-type]
Shenlong Gundam turned to face the flying Leo and was hit headlong with a literal flying tackle, slamming it into the side of the ship, the Leo's powerful thrusters actually moving the whole ship before they turned off and it stood over the fallen Gundam. The Leo jettisoned the thruster backpack as a stunned Wufei struggled to shake off the impact. The Leo drew and ignited its violet beam saber.
Hmpf. Don't be so sure of yourself, Gundam. Lady Une said contemptuously You're not getting one step closer to that ship!
[The Leo's IFF indicates that its pilot is Lt. Colonel Lady Une.] Shenlong reported [A ruthless combatant. She may be as close to a worthy opponent as we shall ever face.]
Nobody can stop me, Wufei responded as he got Shenlong Gundam to its feet Even you!
Shenlong Gundam drew and ignited its beam glaive and spun it around in a fluid motion before swinging it at Lady Une's Leo, which blocked the strike with its shoulder-mounted shield. Shenlong Gundam raised the beam glaive over its head and swung downward, but the Leo dodged to the left. Lady Une's Leo lunged forward and hit Shenlong Gundam in the side of the head with its elbow, then swung its beam saber. However, Shenlong Gundam caught the Leo's wrist, halting the attack.
I wasn't expecting this much resistance. Lady Une commented as the two mobile suits struggled against each other But it's game over now. YOU DIE!
[One cannot fault her passion for battle.] Shenlong commented [Though she seems to have too much of it.]
Stupid move, getting emotional. Wufei noted
Shenlong Gundam's grip on the Leo's wrist tightened, crushing through the armor and then ripping off most of the right arm. Lady Une's Leo punched Shenlong Gundam in the chest with its intact left fist, but the attack had no effect.
Step aside, Wufei ordered You can see for yourself that you'll never beat me.
I never knew Gundams were so powerful. Lady Une muttered I want him dead! Just then, the cruise ship sailed closer to the destroyer the two mobile suits were fighting on, sounding its foghorn Mr. Treize?
Looks like your superior wants to fight with me. Wufei deduced Fine by me. I'll stop him in his tracks.
[Wufei,] Shenlong interrupted after a few seconds [I am picking up a transmission on another frequency between the mobile suit and the cruise ship. Essentially, she is being told to stand down. Treize Khushrenada apparently believes he can handle us, himself.]
His mistake, Nataku.
[Indeed.]
Shenlong Gundam's backpack verniers ignited, and it flew to the top deck of the cruise ship. Turning slightly, the Gundam's optics showed Treize sitting in a chair in a windowed suite. As Wufei watched, Treize rose to his feet, showing no fear. Wufei zoomed in to get a close-up of the OZ leader.
So you're Treize, you better be my guy.
[Identity confirmed: OZ leader, Colonel Treize Khushrenada.] Shenlong reported after a moment
Wufei raised Shenlong Gundam's right arm and activated its dragon fang. A moment later, he fired it through the windows. The dragon fang struck well to Treize's left. The OZ leader stood impassively as dust and debris blew past him, the dragon fang having missed him entirely. Treize tapped the sword he held on his palm, making a soft clinking sound.
[I do believe he is challenging you to personal combat.] Shenlong observed
I'll gladly accept. Wufei said as he grabbed his katana from where it was normally secured inside the Gundam's cockpit
With a touch of a button, the cockpit opened and Wufei scampered across the extended arm and into Treize's suite. Both brandished their swords.
My name is Wufei. Wufei identified himself
I'm Treize Khushrenada. Treize reciprocated
The tips of their swords touched with a clang, and the duel was on. The two swords clashed. Wufei attacked again and again, but each time, Treize blocked his strike with apparent ease. Wufei leaped into the air and rebounded off the wall behind him, slicing downward with his blade, but Treize dodged aside and put the edge of his sword to Wufei's neck as the Gundam pilot crouched after his landing. Wufei knew he had been beaten.
The duel is mine. Treize declared calmly
Kill me. Wufei begged for death as he stood up, but Treize removed his blade from Wufei's neck and turned away, instead.
It was a good fight.
If you don't kill me right now, I'll keep on coming back until I get you, Treize.
That sounds interesting, I hope we can battle again.
With an angry yell, Wufei buried the end of his sword in the floor and then jumped up onto the extended dragon fang, before running back up his Gundam's arm and getting back into the cockpit. Shenlong Gundam pulled its dragon fang free of the ship and retracted it, the arm no longer looking like a dragon. The Gundam then walked off the deck of the ship and plunged into the sea below. Debris from numerous Cancer-model mobile suits was scattered all through the water, evidence of what Trowa and Gundam Heavyarms had been doing while Wufei and Shenlong Gundam went after Treize.
[I take it the battle did not go as planned, Wufei?] Shenlong asked cautiously, but Wufei failed to answer [Wufei? Are you injured?] Again, silence. [Wufei, why do you not answer me? Heavyarms's pilot is attempting to make contact. Should you not respond?] Still, there was no answer from Wufei [Wufei, are you injured in such a way that you are unable to speak? If so, raise my right arm.]
Wufei said nothing and did nothing. Shenlong continued attempting to get its pilot to speak until its feet touched the sea floor and Wufei set his Gundam walking along the bottom. As he journeyed at the bottom of the sea, a part of Wufei's brain noted occasional flashes of static on the monitor image of his surroundings, but each lasted only a second or two.
Hours later, a lone mobile suit carrier landed in the wilderness of the JAP area. After a few minutes, Lady Gundam emerged and walked into the forest, both conserving fuel and making sure she would not be picked up on radar. As Relena guided Lady Gundam through the forest towards her secret hiding place, she had a good deal of time alone with herself and her Gundam.
I can't believe how wrong everything went. Relena muttered How could Dr. Z have made such a big mistake?
[No one is perfect, Relena.] Lady Gundam answered [But even when the mission took a decidedly horrid turn, you were able to continue to fight as a warrior should.]
I'm NOT a warrior! Relena suddenly shouted as she burst into tears I'm just a killer! Dr. Z sent the mission, but I carried it out! It's my fault those men are dead! Men who were trying to make peace!
[Relena, it's not your fault. You had no way of knowing it was a trick. If it's anyone's fault, besides OZ, it's mine. Shenlong correlated data to see the trick in time to warn its pilot, but I didn't. If I had, I might have been able to warn you in time.]
That disaster wasn't your fault.
[Then it wasn't yours either, Relena. OZ orchestrated the deaths of the Alliance military leaders, and we shall make them pay for tricking us in such a way.]
If I feel this bad, Relena said as she wiped away her tears Imagine how Heero must feel, having struck the actual blow.
[His apparent catatonia in the heat of battle would seem to be a good indicator, but it seems he was successfully snapped out of it by the impending catastrophe.]
Yeah. It seems like he does best when the pressure's on. Thanks for helping me get my head back on straight. Relena smiled as she piloted Lady Gundam into the cave and stood her against the wall.
[It was my duty and my pleasure.]
I'll be back later to refuel you and reload your ammunition. Right now, I need to go let Renee know that I'm OK.
[Until later then, Relena.]
Relena opened the cockpit and got out. She stood gazing at Lady Gundam for a moment before she got on her motorcycle, then rode it out of the cave and back to her house. Relena entered the house without incident and walked up to her room. She found Renee sitting on her bed.
Hello Renee. Relena said softly
Renee spoke with equal volume as she stood up What happened?
They tricked us. Tears started to flow from Relena's eyes, once again OZ tricked us, all of us... except for that jerk who decided not to warn the rest of us.
No, and he's not a jerk. I shared a carrier with him and the other boy I told you about on the way there. The jerk I'm talking about is the pilot of a Gundam named Shenlong. He knew OZ had set us up to kill the leaders of the Alliance military, but didn't tell the rest of us until after Heero had already destroyed the transport. The IFF transponder said it was an OZ transport carrying VIPs! We thought they were the OZ leaders! We fouled up so badly! We played right into OZ's hands! Tears poured from Relena's eyes as she and Renee hugged, Relena drawing strength from the girl who was, in all ways except the biological, her twin sister
It's alright, Relena. Renee said softly You made a mistake. You're only human.
I let my blood thirst control me. Relena wept I wanted so badly to avenge father's death, and now I have innocent blood on my hands.
So find a balance. Fight OZ, but think before you attack. Make sure your target is who and what you think it is, and only then act.
I will, I promise. No more innocents will die by my hands.
I know. You're not a cold-blooded killer, you're a warrior.
As they embraced, some of Relena's tears fell upon Renee's shoulder and she felt very lucky to have a sister that was so understanding. Relena silently made a vow to make sure to not be tricked again, and to make OZ pay for its many misdeeds.
End of chapter 7
OK, two and a half months since the last update. Sorry about that guys. Sometimes I get stuck on one fic(got stuck on Chichi the Warrior for a while) and don't think to work on another(like this one) Anyway, Heero's actions inside the missile base, and Trowa's fighting the mobile suits on the ship and underwater, were the same as in the series, so I didn't bother to focus on them, instead showing what the others were doing. I'm gonna try to get the next chapter out a little faster than this one, honest!