Zenith [Earth bound] (8:35 a.m.)

"And no one's seen her?" Yume shrieked. She jumped down the second floor bridge and landed softly on her feet. "We didn't leave her behind did we?"

Zero shook her head. "Of course we didn't. I was talking to her earlier before we lifted off." She crossed her arms. "Besides, she couldn't have gotten far."

"What do you mean?" Yume growled. "There are so many places where she could hide and possibly fall out and still be stranded on that damn colony! Heero's going to have puppies if he can't find Kirin!"

Shin and Duo appeared at the doorway. Shin was looking very unhappy as well. "Nothing. Where the hell could she have gone? This place isn't big enough to dig a hole and bury herself! We're in space for crying out loud!"

Quatre entered through the second-floor bridge. "I've checked all the cargo rooms. Nothing."

Trowa crossed into the room, crossing his arms across his chest. "The guest rooms have been checked. She's not in there either."

"Woman! Where are you?" Wufei growled as he came behind Shin and Duo. "I did not want to spend my time looking for you! I have better things to do!"

"Great." Zero sighed. "My crew aren't really the type to look for missing persons. But I'm curious. What would Heero say about this?"

"I've found her."

Zero snapped her head up to the bridge and saw Heero holding Kirin, sleeping, in his arms. "That was fast. Where was she?"

"In the engine room." Heero replied. He shifted Kirin's weight in his arms. "She was in the space between the generator and the jet propulsion system. Any closer to it and she would've died."

Yume, not caring whether Kirin was asleep or in her brother's arms, smacked Kirin atop her head. With a jerk Kirin was thrashing in Heero's arms before a stern command told her to stop. Kirin looked at Heero for a full minute before turning her head and glaring at Yume. "What was that for?!"

"You could've died in that generator!" Yume cried. "If you did, then I'd never apologize for yelling at you and Heero would never forgive me for yelling at you and then Shin would be mad because I yelled at you and I didn't apologize before you died!"

"Ok." Kirin eyed Heero then settled her feet onto the floor. "For one thing...I'm not dead, am I?"

"Well, no..." Yume crossed her arms.

"And second..." Kirin managed a grin. "You're forgiven."

"I..." Yume narrowed her eyes at Kirin for a long moment before grinning. She turned to her brother and smiled. "Happy? I've apologized to her!"

Heero, to what it sounded like to everyone else, gave a groan. If every thing was going to be solved in such an unorganized manner, he would've sat Yume down with Kirin and have them talk about it. Then again, he was never one to apologize unless he really meant it.

"Well, now that everything's settled..." said Shin. She turned to Kirin. "What are we going to do once we get to Earth?"

Kirin, who was playing with a torn piece of her jacket, looked up innocently. "Oh, well, first I'm going to kill Relena." She turned to Heero who looked like he was going to protest. "Unless you want to do it? After all, we wouldn't be here if it weren't for her! She paid someone to find me and she gave my location to Lee who not almost killed all of you, but almost killed me! Do you actually think I'm going to let her get away with that, Heero?"

"Hn." Heero crossed his arms. Her logic was reasonable enough. "Do what you want. I'll support your decision."

"Ooh, that sounds like a commitment!" Yume teased.

"Yume..." Kirin sighed. "Heero and I aren't getting married! At least...uh..." She was glad no one could tell she was blushing.

Heero, however, was now the focus of attention. He glared at everyone until they averted their eyes. How dare Yume bring up something so personal? He was going to have a brother-sister talk with her soon. And one point he'd make sure she'd learn was to never discuss his personal life!

"And second..." Kirin continued. "We'll find the first abandoned factory and begin construction."

"Construction, Kirin?" Quatre asked. "I have several large factories on Earth. I'm sure I can afford one or two of them. What do you need them for?"

Kirin took a deep breath before answering. "We have three Gundams among us. I'm going to have to remodel them and get new parts to repair them. And did I mention that the papers I told Heero to hide were the blueprints of several Gundams models?"

Heero's arms dropped to his sides. Gundams. New Gundams? It seemed too good to be true. But Gundanium was scarce...

Kirin smiled. "The primary metallic alloy I'll be using is Gundanium. I've saved enough in a secret stash to cover the repairs but added with the Titanium alloy that I've managed to scrounge up, the Gundams' defense would be twice as powerful. But I'll need your help. We have at least a month or two for everything to be in order."

"What's the rush?" asked Trowa. "Creating a Gundam takes at least six months to a year."

"Yes, well...I doubt Lee is going to sit back and wait for a war to come. He's more than likely planning something now, planning a little more for later, and planning just to spite me. To tell the truth, this will be the first time I've started production on these new models but you can ask Yume and Shin...give me a month and I'll give you an army." Kirin said sweetly.

Yume and Shin nodded. "Took about three weeks straight to finish our Gundams. Another two to input the system, weapons, and any tune-ups. Within the month, she was done."

"A Gundam for all of us?" asked Duo.

"Well, there's only five I've managed to finish." Kirin replied. "If I stayed on the colony longer, I could've had six or more. But I think five is good."

"I see how it is." said Zero. "You think 'cause I'm a pirate that I can't pilot a Gundam?"

"Zero, a Gundam is completely different from a ship. Personally, I don't think you can handle the ZERO system. You'd have to train with me for a few months in order for you to bypass the psychological aspects of it." Kirin explained.

"Sounds complicated." Zero sighed, seeing the worried look on Quatre's face. "I guess I'll stay here on the ship, backing you guys up."

"Good." said Kirin. Her face then lighted up. "Actually...there is something that you might be able to pilot. Not right now, but later on."

"Really." Zero felt a little left out. She want to pilot a Gundam, too, but seeing as only a handful of them could pilot the machines and actually stay mentally intact, that took guts. She only had her ship and her treasure. She wasn't going to trade sanity for everything she worked so hard for. "Ok, then, come to me when the time comes."

"All right." Kirin turned to Heero. "Heero, can you get the blueprints for me? While we wait to re-enter Earth, we'll look at the prints. Quatre, can you really get us a factory to work at?"

"Of course, Kirin." replied the Arab. "Whatever else you need you can just ask."
"Thank you." Kirin clasped her hands together. She watched from the corner of her eye, she saw Heero leave the bridge. "I heard something disturbing before we left. That's why I needed to be alone and that's why I'm starting this production."

"Shouldn't we wait for Heero?" asked Duo. "I think he'd want to hear this."

"I'll tell him later." Kirin said softly. "Here's what I heard: Lee is planning an operation called Chaos. He's sending a shuttle full of those soldiers, the ones that look like me, to each of the Colonies. If I'm right, Lee will be inputting the data from last night's event and making them stronger and more ruthless. They'll probably send workers to the Colonies, too. The reason is, is that they will create a cannon and point it directly at Earth. While that's happening, Lee will be creating a decoy, sending mobile suits and dolls to take Earth's mind off the Colonies and start an offensive rally. Once the cannon is finished, the Colonies will be moved and centered at Earth. That's all I've managed to get. I don't know if it's just another ploy or if its a real operation. All I know is that it bothers me and I have to be prepared for whatever happens. I don't know when it will happen, but it's safe to start now."

"And why aren't we telling, Heero?" asked Yume. "I think he would've loved to input his two cents in."

"Because I have another job for him to do and I think he'd do a better job if he wasn't caught up in this predicament." said Kirin. She quieted just as she heard the automatic doors open. Smiling, she turned to face Heero. "Oh, Heero, you're my hero!"

Heero stared at Kirin as if he had never saw her before. Why was she acting so sweet all of a sudden? He decided not to pursue it any further. This was one of many facets of Kirin's emotions. He wasn't going to argue with it nor was he going to try and go around it. He'd accept her and all the other crap she'd bring down on him. He set the papers in front of Kirin. "I took the liberty of looking through them first."

"Are you going to tell me that you've found a model that suits you?" Kirin sat down on the floor and spread the papers all around her. "Let me guess, you've decided on Zeitgeist, haven't you?"

Besides the attraction to the appearance of the Gundam, the notes written to the side of the blueprints caught his eye. Zeitgeist was suppose to be the new model for Archangel once she upgraded it. Seeing as she didn't have time, amongst all the missions she had been on, she had just decided to make it a new model. The assumed power levels Kirin had written on the sides made it seem that Zeitgeist was a machine not to be taken lightly. Once it was built, it could possibly surpass his coveted Wing Zero. "Will it have the ZERO System?"

"Of course. They all will-" Kirin suddenly noticed the paled looks of the other pilots. "I take it you guys don't like the ZERO system?"

"Not many memorable experiences with it, Kirin." said Quatre. "Let's just say, we can do well without it."

"Oh." Kirin looked at Yume and Shin. "We'll have to work with them on that."

"Work with us on what?" asked Wufei. "The last time I used that damned ZERO system-"

"Believe me, once you get used to it, it'll become your best friend in space and on the battlefield." said Kirin. "How do you think Shin and Yume get used to it?"

"Well that's them." said Wufei. "I'm not going to let you get me back into that cockpit."

"There's always a way to beat the system, Wufei. You're a Gundam pilot, for crying out loud! It does have a weakness."

Wufei crossed his arms and leaned close to Kirin. "You are not putting me in a cockpit with that dishonorable system! I refuse!"

Kirin sighed. "Fine. Act like a big baby. At least give it one more try. We'll try a simulation on my cockpit and if you can't wind your finger around it, then I'll get you out of there."

Wufei turned away indignantly. For one thing, he wasn't a big baby. He was just very adamant about being cooped up in a small space with that deceiving System. And for another thing...he doubted a system like that had a weakness. Unless the one who piloted it was its weakness... "Fine."

"Huh?" Kirin looked up. "What happened?"

"I'll do it. But only once!" Wufei snapped. He turned on his heel and stormed over to a wall and leaned against it.

"Huh." Kirin shook her head. "Okay, Heero wants Zeitgeist-"

"What's that mean?" asked Duo. "Zeitgeist? Where the hell is it from anyway?"

"I read it in a dictionary while I was creating the blueprints for it. It's an old word from Germany meaning the moral, characteristic, or spirit of the time of a certain era or period. I just thought it sounded pretty." replied Kirin. She ignored Yume and Shin's snickers. "Okay, so I'm not a genius at naming things. Most of the names of these new Gundam models are from Greek Mythology. I was into history back then, so sue me!"

"I keep forgetting," said Shin. "Kirin is younger than us and she tends to stay in school longer."

Kirin narrowed her eyes at Shin. "I'm not that much younger than Yume! Besides, at least I'm not...OLD."

"What?" Shin growled.

Kirin crawled onto her hands and knees and hid behind Heero's legs. "You heard me. You're turning the big two-oh this year, aren't you?"

"Ah! Shut up!" Shin cried. "I am not old!"

"Enough." Heero snapped. "Now is not the time to be playing."

Kirin looked up at Heero. She never realized how tall he was until that moment. She got to her knees and wrapped her arms around Heero's lower abdomen. "You're not mad at me, are you, Heero?"

Heero shook his head. He wish he could scream, but knowing if he did, he'd scare Kirin and it would seem that he was upset with her. "Of course not. Can we continue?"

"Okay." Kirin snuggled into Heero's stomach quickly enough to leave his mouth gaping slightly. That was one sensation he wasn't going to forget so soon. She pulled away and sat down on the floor again. "Ok. There are four more up for grabs. There's Gundam Anubis; in ancient Egypt he was the God of the Dead. It has a electro-scrambler and hyper-jammers. Then there's Hyperion, named for one of the Greek Titans. This Gundam has massive firepower. What I mean is, is that this is a walking artillery base. If it was in an actual battle, it could out last at least three to four legions of mobile dolls with at least a few more rounds to spare with some stray grenades. Prometheus is also the name of a Greek Titan who was a benefactor and friend to humanity. Not much on attacking but defensive-wise, it's tough to get beaten down. And lastly is Nemesis, who was a Greek Goddess of divine justice and whatnot, who is more of a balanced Gundam. Equal offensive and defensive capabilities. Believe me, when they're all up and running, you'll thank me for them."

"So," said Duo. "When do we start?"

"Well, once we get everything cleared with Quatre's family and I get the parts..." Kirin's eyes wandered over to an open door. She quickly stood and crossed her arms. "You're finally awake."

The young girl standing in the doorway was the center of many scorned stares. Not one could she see that welcomed her. Tears filled her eyes. Once again she was the center of ridicule and hate. She wasn't such a bad person. She was obedient. She did as she was told. Was that such a crime? She let her head hang low, locks of hair falling over her face and covering her tear-stained cheeks. This was what it was always like when she revealed her true self. She wasn't proud of it. It was something she just had to do. "I-I'm..."

"Forgiven."

Ayako lifted up her head slowly and met with a pair of comforting gold eyes. She hadn't realized that Kirin was actually holding her up. Had she heard right? She didn't even apologize yet and already...

"We're all on the same ship, right?" asked Kirin.

Ayako could only nod her head. She had a feeling a metaphor was coming up. She gazed at the other persons in the room. They seemed surprised at Kirin's action.

"Then I guess we're all following the same course, huh? We're all heading to Earth?" Kirin asked her.

"Y-yeah..." was it a metaphor? Ayako felt a little awkward, being held up by a young woman who naturally towered over her.

"Ok, then. Welcome aboard." Kirin gave her a hug. "Don't mind anyone, we're just a little knocked up. Give us a few hours and we'll be like family to you!"

And where was the metaphor in there? She could've sworn Kirin was building up to a metaphor. Unless she missed it completely. That couldn't be it. She was taught how to listen for hints in any conversation. But this one...it was like...

"Don't worry." said Kirin. She was smiling. "I confuse a lot of people. Ask Heero."

Ayako's blue eyes flicked to Heero who had a dark, menacing look on his face. "I...I'll pass."

"So, Ayako." said Kirin. She sat her on the ground with her. The papers were pushed aside as the two girls sat. "What are you going to do now?"

"I don't know." said Ayako. "I'm still a little unbalanced."

"That's perfectly understandable." Kirin said. She looked up and smiled at Heero. "Do you think we can give her a job?"

"Doing what?" asked Heero. He still wasn't going to forget, or forgive, what Ayako had done to them. "We can just shoot-"

"Heero!" Kirin scowled at him. She looked at Shin, Yume, then at Quatre. "What do you think, Quatre?"

"She's a pretty good spy." said Quatre.

"Good thinking, Quatre." Kirin crossed her arms over her chest as she leaned over the Gundam blueprints. "I'll be too busy with this to do anything else. I've got all points covered...what am I missing?" She turned her head and looked at Ayako. "Do you think you're up to it?"

"Up to what?" asked Ayako, noticing that she was starting to shake. She clasped her hands together and looked around the room again. It seemed to be getting bigger and bigger all around her.

"We're planning a retaliation against Lee. I'll be busy with these little puppies and everyone else is going to be helping out. I have to admit I forgot about you, but now that I think of it, I need you. Are you up to it?"

"Retaliation against Lee?" Ayako asked. She shrugged. "I'll do whatever you want me to do."

"Actually, I have two jobs for you. Ready?" Kirin snapped her fingers in front of Ayako's face. "I want you to listen carefully, Ayako. It's very important."

"Ok, I'm listening." Ayako sighed.

"You are to follow Relena Peacecraft. Find out what she does every morning, what she eats, what she wears, what she likes, what she hates, and why she's obsessing over Heero-" Heero gave a small growl which resulted in a hysterical giggle from Kirin. "Yes, I want to know that, too. I also want to know who she hangs around with, where, what time, and also, WHY. I'm giving you a week. Once you report back to me, I want you to follow her again. Tell me what she does if it's different from her normal schedule. That'll stand until I give you your second orders."

"My second orders?"

"Yes." Kirin leaned in closer to Ayako so that not even Heero could hear. "I told everyone else of Operation: Chaos. Have you heard of it?"

"Yeah. Everyone on the Colony was informed of it." replied Ayako, in a similar whisper.

"Ok. I haven't told Heero, yet. It's best that his mission be separate from the others. This has to be perfect, ok? We're on a strict time schedule and its best that no one gets in the way of anyone else, so I want you to be especially careful. If you get in trouble, I don't know if I'll be able to help you, if not, you're on you're on, but if I can help, you know I'll be there, alright?"

"Alright."

Kirin leaned back and smiled at Heero again. "Girl talk."

"Hn." He didn't like it when Kirin kept secrets from him. Not to mention lie to him and try to brush him off. He stared at Ayako. He was going to find out what they were talking about. Oh, yes...he'd definitely find out.

"All right, then. I guess we've got all the primary points covered." Kirin stood and waved the papers at the four remaining pilots. "Have you all decided on which Gundams you want or do you want to think it over?"

"Can we see the blueprints?" asked Quatre.

"Of course." Kirin handed Quatre the blueprints. "When you're done with them give them to either myself or Heero."

Quatre took the blueprints carefully and turned to Trowa and Wufei who surrounded him. "These are magnificent, Kirin."

"Thank you. Call me once we've gone to Earth, all right?" Kirin turned to leave the bridge.

"Kirin." Heero called. Where was she going now? First she's keeping a secret from him, now she was going to hide from him. Again.

Kirin stopped and put a hand on her hip. "I'm going to the top deck, Heero. In fact, why don't you come with me? We have to talk."

Yume wolf whistled, nudging Shin in the side. "Heero's going to the 'top' deck with Kirin to 'talk.' Pretty vague, isn't it, Shin?"

Shin caught onto Yume's hints. She ignored Kirin's glare. "Yeah. They're probably going to discuss who's the better 'pilot.'"

Heero ignored Yume and Shin's teasing and took Kirin's elbow as he passed. "Let them think what they want."

Kirin scowled at Yume and Shin one last time before being pulled away by Heero. As soon as the automatic doors closed, Yume, Shin, and Duo burst into hysterical laughter.

For the time being, everything was back to normal.

[Earth] Peacecraft Estate 9:03 a.m.

Relena Peacecraft tapped her fingers on the cold, glass table in her formal sitting room, waiting for Mark to make his report. For two days straight there had been no activity at Kirin's safe house. She didn't mean for everything to turn out so badly. All she wanted was to see Heero, to talk to him, to possibly coax him back to live with her at her large estate. Oh, and the other pilots, too. If they wanted to.

For two days she had worried for the well being of Heero...and the others. She didn't care too much for Kirin's associates, they were all against her. But that day...two days ago...it was a horrible experience she never wanted to deal with again! By now Kirin might be dead and Heero might be in an absolute rage. The other pilots might as well be mindless zombies since they followed every one of Heero's command.

Pagan entered the room silently, still bearing the cut over his eye. He set down a porcelain tea pitcher and two accommodating cups. He placed the sugar and honey on either side of the pitcher and turned to Relena before he left the room. "Mr. Macbeth is at the door. Shall I serve breakfast in here, Miss Relena?"

"Yes, thank you, Pagan." said Relena. She sighed then fidgeted. Within her shoulder cast was a very inconspicuous spot where it was irritatingly itchy. She whimpered slightly, wanting to scratch the itch but knew very well she couldn't. She turned, seeing a glimpse of black in her white and pink sitting room. "Good morning, Mr. Macbeth. Is there any news?"

Mark dropped into the chair opposite her and shook his head. "I've staked the house day and night. No one's home. The furniture has been moved in, electricity, water, and gas are working. The vehicles are still there. No one's come back in two days. I don't know if they'll be back. 'If' is the key word."

Relena bit her lower lip. If she hadn't been so eager to see Heero. If only she hadn't been so impatient and so naive. If only...if only Kirin Shido hadn't showed up and ruined everything between herself and Heero. Damn that woman!

"Miss Peacecraft?"

Relena had been clenching her fists tight enough that they were beginning to look white. She laughed nervously and unclenched her fists. She forced herself to relax and turned to Mark. "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

Mark was halfway out of his seat. "I have a friend who has access to files in Space transportation. Maybe they just left space for a few days to let things cool down here? I'm sure nothing bad has happened to them."

Relena smiled, feeling some tension leave her. That's right, she just needed some positive reinforcement. Nothing bad happened to Heero or the other pilots. The three girls she could care less about. She waved a hand over the tea. "Let's have breakfast first before you go. I wouldn't want to seem inhospitable."

Mark sat down slowly. "All right then. But, if I may, can I ask you a question?"

"Yes, of course." Relena lifted her cup, filled with hot tea, and began to sip.

"Why are you worried about Heero Yuy?"

Relena choked and spit her tea back into her cup. She stared at Mark as tea droplets dribbled down her chin. "Excuse me?"

"A few moments ago you were muttering. You said you were worried about Heero and Kirin had ruined 'everything' between you two. I thought you said Kirin killed your lover?"

She had said that out loud? Relena remembered a few days ago when she had said it. Now if only she could somehow manipulate him to believe her lie. "Yes, she did kill my lover." Make the lie seem like an old wound. "But it was almost a year ago. I met Heero shortly afterwards and I guess I fell in love with him."

Mark sat back in his chair. "Really. When we spoke, you looked as if it was recent. If that wasn't the case, you would've asked me to look for Kirin months ago. And besides..." Mark leaned over the table. "A year ago I saw Kirin with her two friends at a weapons convention. They're usually in Space and its rare that Kirin and her friends go to Earth unless absolutely necessary."

"Are you calling me a liar?" Relena accused him. She forced her eyes to began tearing up. "I lost a loved one-"

"I'm sure. You lost your father years ago and your mother just last year from a car crash. I don't think Kirin would go out of her way to spite you. She'd have to know you first." Mark stood and grabbed the tea. He swallowed the lukewarm contents and wiped his mouth with the back of his arm. "Nice story, Peacecraft. I almost believed you. I want my money, now, if you don't mind."

Relena sat with her mouth gaping wide open. "I...uh..."

"I said five now and five later. I don't care about the other five. I want the money I asked for now." said Mark. He'd be damned if he stayed there any longer than he had to. If it was one thing to be lied to it was another thing to be used. He hated both.

"I'll wire it to your account within the day." Relena said softly.

"Good, 'cause between me and Kirin, Kirin wouldn't hesitate to kill you. I'd at least give you a head start. I'll be checking my account every hour, then. If not, I'm coming back here with Kirin and we'll have a field day with you. With or without the cast." Mark growled. He stormed out of the sitting room, causing the teacups to rattle as he passed.

Moments later the front door slammed and Pagan rushed into the room. "I heard the commotion, Miss Relena. What happened?"

Relena had been threatened by one man and was probably condemned by another. What was she to do now? She began to cry.

"Miss Relena?" Pagan patted her good shoulder. "Is there anything I can do?"

"Yes." sobbed Relena. "Get me out of here."

Pagan looked at his surroundings. "Where do you want to go, Miss Relena?"

"Away from here. Out of this house. Everyone seems to be after me." she cried. "I want to leave!"

"A-all right, Miss Relena." Pagan called for the other attendants. Soon the sitting room was filled with cleaning maids, cooks, and security. "Miss Peacecraft will be leaving the estate for a few days. The location will be withheld but I will make calls from day to day to check on the condition of the estate. We'll begin packing and we'll leave within the hour. Is that understood?"

The attendants all nodded their heads and left the room in a hushed silence. Pagan waited a moment longer before going behind Relena and pushing her out of the room. "Is there any particular place you want to go, Miss Peacecraft?"

Of course there was. She wanted to see Heero. She'd settle for the closest place near him. She looked at Pagan and he already knew her answer. She turned away just as another itch resurfaced, but instead of her shoulder, it was her leg.

Pagan sighed. She wanted to be near Heero. What was it about him that attracter her to him? If he remembered correctly, Kirin was caught in Heero's room. What did it take for Relena to realize that Heero wasn't interested? Obviously he was more preoccupied with Kirin. He shook his head sadly. He knew if Relena continued in this manner, it would eventually lead to heartache.

[Space] Zenith 9:30 a.m.

"You wanted to talk." said Heero Yuy. He gave the empty, upper deck a cursory glance. He turned to Kirin who dropped to the floor and rolled onto her back. She pointed up and smiled contentedly as she gazed into the star field.

The star field, as it named implied, was a field of stars and small, insignificant planets. Ranging from largely burning balls of gas to space junk that reflected off the sun's light, one couldn't tell one true star from a the section of a shuttle piece. It was eerily serene, stars floating past, twinkling in different lights and passing so close as to brush Zenith. Heading back to Earth where they would prepare for the first phase of Kirin's plan.

"Down to business as always, Heero?" Kirin asked. She beckoned with her finger and patted the space beside her. "Sit with me, Heero. I don't like it when I have to look up too far to speak to you."

Heero obliged and sat, cross-legged on the floor. "What-"

Kirin took his arm and pulled him closer. He collapsed to his side, almost growling at Kirin when she put her head on his shoulder. "Let's just stay like this for a little while. Ok, Heero?"

Heero's tense body relaxed enough to get the sensation of Kirin's silky head accustomed to the position of his body. He gave a final sigh and lay flat on his back, staring up at the clear dome that was the upper deck. "Talk."

Kirin muffled a small giggle and began tracing his collar bone with her left hand. "I have a mission for you, Heero. But, I don't know if you'll like it."

"Tell me." Heero demanded. Whether he liked it or not wasn't the idea, a mission was a mission and he'd do it with great vigor.

Kirin sighed as her hand traveled down his chest and circled his lower abdomen. "Mark is working for Relena. I admit he's not up to par with your skills, but he's competent enough to follow orders and do what is needed. I have another friend, somewhere in Ireland who makes up for all of Mark's bad qualities. I'm not going into them right now, but the three of you are going to have to work together."

Aside from having Kirin's fingers petting his stomach and her voice that brought pleasurable chills down his spine, something was bothering him about this little mission Kirin was setting up for him. "What are you saying, Kirin?"

Kirin's hand snaked under his green tank top and began caressing his abdomen in a slow, tantalizing motion with her nails. She smiled when she felt his body tense instead of relax. "This mission, whether you choose to accept or not, is to sabotage Lee's plan. Lee's planning on sending the engineered soldiers to the surrounding Colonies, Heero. If I'm right, which in some cases, I wish I weren't, he's putting into effect parts of Operation: Meteor. Once the colonies are filled with his soldiers, he'll deliver an ultimatum to Earth. If they agree, the colonies will stay intact, if they don't, the colonies will fall on Earth."

"How am I to sabotage them?" Heero asked. His anger was starting to rise. Operation: Meteor was a failure the first time, the second time, it was almost successful, and the third time...the third time might just be the one that succeeds.

"Do whatever you can, Heero." Kirin said thoughtfully. "You'll be gone for a majority of the time, though. I won't be able to see you since I'll be working, too."

Not see Kirin? Now he knew why she was being so intimate with him. The hand on his stomach had stopped moving, but the sensation of her nails running over his stomach worked overtime on his senses. He shifted and regretted it. Her hand moved away and rested on his chest.

"Heero." Kirin sat up and looked towards him. "How long have we known each other?"

Heero blinked. He counted the first day he met her, the days they spent together on Earth, and the time including now, it would be almost a week. Six days to be exact. But for the sake of reasoning, it was a week. "I believe a week."

Kirin nodded softly. A week with Heero. Hard to believe they had been together for a whole week of hell. They had saved each other from their fates. Resolved into joining together to fight those who went against them, they only had each other in the world. Oh, added that Yume is Heero's sister. In terms to a relationship like theirs...it was a wonder that they weren't already killed. Maybe their instincts were better than those around them? Maybe a relationship like theirs could exist? Kirin took a blind leap and straddled Heero. Before he could jump up, she put a pale finger to his lips. "Wait, Heero, before you say anything, ok? Just let me look at you."

Heero forced himself to relax. He had never gotten into a position like this before. A woman such as Kirin being dominant was, in a sense, terrifying, yet...strangely enticing. He watched her as her hands reached for his face, running her hands through his hair and leaning close to look into his blue eyes. He felt her smile even as she brushed a feather-light kiss across his eyes. Was the thought of not seeing him for awhile affect her that much? His breath hitched as she planted another light-kiss on the corner of his mouth. She was being so sweet and tender, it was driving him to the brink of madness. "Kirin..."

"Not yet, Heero. Don't say anything, yet..." she whispered in his ear. Her lips traveled down his cheek and found the hollow of his neck. Leaving nothing untouched, she brought her teeth onto the sensitive flesh, creating a powerful stirring in his groin. His arms shot around her, trying to figure out why she was driving him crazy and why he didn't respond in the same fashion.

His slow seduction was torture. He knew he never experienced anything like this before, knew that if he wanted to lose the only part of him intact, he'd want to give it to someone that mattered. And Kirin, technically she was a virgin, too, but being violated when she was young did make things a little complicated. Did she really want this? With him of all people?

He hadn't realized he was helping remove Kirin's clothes until the sound of the zipper reached his ears. Like a mindless zombie, he watched the material fold to the floor and Kirin's pale flesh beckon to him. He felt her lips brush his collar bone, her hands moved under his shirt; she became silent when his own hands moved over her neck and down her back. She smiled as he brought her closer and kissed her, a gesture that he wasn't famously known for. His shirt was discarded, thrown into a dark crevice of the secured upper deck, while Kirin still remained appropriately dressed. That was soon going to change.

He lifted her up gently, still amazed how light she was- or maybe he was just too strong?- and watched as she quickly removed the rest of her bodysuit. Wearing only a pair of underwear and an alluring bra, he set her down again and waited as she began another seductive onslaught.

Kirin watched Heero warily, making sure that what he wanted was the same as hers. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, savoring the feel and the taste as she dipped her tongue into his mouth. She heard a small moan come from the back of his throat and knew he was ready to go one step beyond. She pulled her arms back and guided his hands to the latch of her bra while her hands reached for the zipper of his pants. Free from the feminine restraint, she allowed Heero to look at her, see her in her most vulnerable aspect. She was almost afraid that he'd faint. She knew just by the total lack of participation on his part, that he was new at this. She, however, had experience-though all were bad, with men who took advantage of her. But she did know how to give and take.

This wasn't like him at all. He looked into Kirin's eyes and saw her staring intently at him. He was a man, he had needs and this was one of them. If he brought himself to touch her, would he be able to restrain himself if there was a next time? It was bad enough he was a naturally possessive man, but when he took her, heart, mind, soul, and body...would their lives ever be the same again? Her hands took his and brought them to her breasts, permitting him to have a feel for them, have his senses remember the sensation of his hands on her flesh. He was completely inexperienced in this notion and he knew that Kirin knew that. He was grateful that they were going at a slow pace. He probably wouldn't function properly if anything went beyond the pace she had set for them.

His hands began caressing her breasts. It filled the palm of his hand, soft and ripe at the same time. It was his turn to be daring. He dipped his head closer, kissing just below the valley of her breasts. She gasped softly, never once thinking Heero could- or would- do such a thing. He pulled her closer, having complete access to her breasts and in another instant, had one soft nipple in his mouth. He suckled gently, remembering the same technique used in a movie he had once watched.

He hated remembering that he learned it from a movie Duo had brought home once. Duo insisted they all watch it and once they were gathered around with popcorn and refreshments, the video began to play and it was none other than a porno-film. Quatre had become upset and banned Duo from renting videos. Wufei had a nosebleed, Trowa had choked on kernel of popcorn, and Heero had expertly turned away while still keeping one eye on the screen. Relena, on the other hand, who had come in just when another scene between a man and three women were involved in sexual intercourse, had screamed and fainted. As usual, Duo laughed and ran from the other pilots. Another tasteless joke done by Duo 'The Braided Idiot' Maxwell.

Kirin gasped softly, tossing her head back and arching her body against Heero's. Her hands ran through his hair. She shut her eyes and bit her lips as her body began to react in ways she never knew it could. The sensation on one breast stopped. She almost groaned in disappointment when the sensation started up again on her other breast. She would have never thought that she could be able to bring out the primal side of Heero Yuy. It was the eighth wonder of the world that had surfaced.

Distracted, Kirin had forgotten about the task of removing Heero's pants. As Heero worked her into a sexual frenzy, her hands stumbled upon the pair of tight jeans Heero was so fond of wearing. The bulge in his pants gave the indication he was ready.

Kirin tugged at her underwear and watched as Heero's hands moved to help her. She wiggled out of the last feminine restraint and sat before Heero, knowing that she was fully naked in front of him and wanting him all the same. Before she moved, her hands came to his pants and undid them, tugging them free while Heero put his gun in a safe place; the same gun he possessed that always seemed to stay out of sight.

Her eyes turned to the erect organ, glistening in the faint starlight. She involuntarily swallowed hard, hoping that her body was prepared for such a permitted intrusion. Pushing aside any fear, knowing that Heero would never, ever hurt her, she moved onto Heero and lowered herself onto his member. Gasping at the filling sensation, Kirin knew she bit her lip too hard for she tasted blood and Heero's lips. She turned to him, clutching him greedily, letting her body adjust to Heero's size. After a moment, she began to rise and fall to a steady rhythm of their breathing. Her body began asking for more, wanting to take Heero as far as she could. She shifted slightly, feeling his blunted tip push against her core. She realized Heero was learning a lot from her as his tongue brushed inside her mouth, creating an intense wave of pleasure roll through her. She moaned as Heero jerked forward, hitting her on the inside unexpectedly.

His body was gaining adrenaline even as they moved as one. His body was ruling his mind and his judgment and all he wanted was to feel Kirin, taste her, hold her, be a part of her, anything that would claim her as his. His hands moved to her hips, an anchor for his hands so that when he thought the time was right, he'd take another chance and prove to her what he had learned. He saw her face, her eyes, clouded with pleasure and lust, her mouth, waiting for him to devour it, her body, aching for him and needing him. He wasn't going to let Kirin have all the glory. His hands gripped her hips and in a lifting motion, he lifted her up for a moment then brought her down again, creating a loud groan of ecstasy. He repeated the action, enjoying the sound he was creating come from his lover.

Her body was bombarded by sensations she thought she no longer had. Her heart pounded with each thrust, her mind was beginning to sharpen only to turn to dust once they were finished. Her body instinctively went taut, gripping Heero's organ like a glove. She heard him groan softly, not as loud as she, but knew he was also on the verge of his peak. Her arms wrapped around his back, nails digging downwards. He was sweaty and growing tired, but his stamina was still going on strong. Her legs wrapped around his waist while she threw her head back in pleasure.

Kirin's hips began to buckle as Heero's labored breathing came hot in her ears. The peak came slow but hard, spreading the awareness from where they were joined. It rolled through them both as their bodies throbbed and relaxed. Kirin leaned into Heero's sweaty embrace and nuzzled into his neck. She continued clutching him as if her life depended on it. She was too spent to move and too much of a haze to say anything. Of all the men that she had ever known, Heero was a considerate lover. He had taken the initiative to ensure her peak without thinking of his own. But knowing that, Kirin had also been considerate of him. She knew how to give and take.

They both sat in the darkened deck, holding each other and reminiscing of what they shared. Kirin's fingers played over Heero's back, traveling up to touch the edges of his hair down to the base of his spine. She sighed heavily, contentedly, a new sound that made Heero secretly smile. Heero's arms enveloped Kirin's waist and held her there. He rested his head on her shoulder, linking his hands with hers. He would rather die in her arms than face the world outside.

"I'm sorry. You wanted to say something earlier." Kirin whispered softly. "What was it?"

Broken from his reverie, Heero lifted his head and gazed into the twinkling pools of gold. His hand reached up and smoothed back the silver tresses that fell over her face. The thought escaped him. Looking at her in all her...naked...glory, it had a profound effect on him. He was speechless, his mind was a blank, and his heart felt as if it were trying to escape him. He was grateful for her patience. He only wondered if she could wait a little longer before he revealed his one and only secret. But he had to take into consideration Kirin's feelings. Would she reply in kind to him or turn him away?

"Heero?" Kirin touched his face with her hand. "Is something wrong?"

"No." Heero shook his head softly. "There's nothing wrong."

"Didn't you want to say something?" she began feeling guilty. Instead of a healthy relationship of talking and getting to know one another, she had skipped all of that and dove immediately into physical attraction and intimacy. She vowed from that point on she'd take things slow. Not so slow as to make herself trip, but slow enough that she and Heero were both comfortable.

"It can wait." Heero replied softly. And it could. He was just beginning to sort out his feelings for her. Now was too soon. It could wait. He hoped it could wait. To him, time, energy, and Kirin, were worth waiting for.

Kirin simply nodded and moved her arms to envelope around his neck. "Can we stay here a while? I'm a little tired."

Heero shifted his weight from her and lay beside her. They faced each other, limbs still entwined with one another. He pulled Kirin closer to his embrace, covering her bare essentials with his arms. He waited until she shut her eyes. She belonged to him, body, mind, and soul. He hesitantly closed his eyes, dreading the moment when he had to return to reality.

Reality wasn't so bad...as long as Kirin was with him.