Depending on how I feel about a story, I may either write really fast or very slow. Oh, anyone here that's a fan of Command & Conquer, you should check out my story Tiberian Eve. My other stories in that series are kind of messed up right now so wait until I'm done with Eve. And if anyone's an EVA fan, go see my works.

In Pursuit of Love

Chapter 1: Answer

Heero dialed Relena's private number and not surprisingly got the answering machine.

"The answer is yes, Relena."

He hung up and sat down. Whatever had possessed him to say yes to Relena's proposal was gone and now he was forced to deal with the consequences. Sure, he would probably be around Relena more, but still. It would mean some loss of freedom, though perhaps it would be worth it.

"Relena Peacecraft. Or shall I call you Darlian?" he asked himself.

Suddenly Duo appeared in his room.

"Hey man! How did the date go?"

"Relena invited us to a party the government is holding," Heero replied, not really answering the question.

"Party? And who exactly is us?"

"You, me, and Hilde if she wants to go."

"I'll ask, but she'll probably want to go. But come on, spill. How was the date."

"It was enjoyable."

"Finally! You admit it! So, now are you glad you took my advice?"

Heero looked up at Duo with an interesting glare. Duo drew back.

"What?"

"You only teased me about it. I don't really recall you advising me."

"Oh come now, can't you take a joke?"

"Very well. I should have taken her on a date earlier."

"See? So when's the party?"

"At the end of the week. It's formal."

"Formal? Hmm, do I have anything for that? On second thought, does Hilde?"

"The colony supplied all of us with some money. Buying one for her shouldn't be a problem."

"And you speak truth again. Well, I'll see you later."

Heero nodded and sat back into the couch. His life was certainly taking a turn again.

============================================================================

"Mr. Winner!"

Quatre stopped and looked back. A man ran up to him and handed him a letter.

"Someone from Earth sent you this."

"Oh? Is it from Ms Noin?"

"No. I actually don't know who this is from."

Quatre opened the envelope and took out the letter. He was rather surprised at who exactly had sent him the letter.

"Dorothy Catalonia? Thanks."

The man nodded and returned to whatever he had been doing before. Quatre started reading the letter.

I'll be coming to the colony soon and wish to see you. If you are willing to see me, please come to the spaceport at gate A-8 at 10:30 today."

"Today? That's pretty short notice. What time is it? 9:30. I can get there on time."

"Mr. Winner, you have a phone call on line 2."

"I'll take it on my cell."

Quatre pulled out his cell phone and answered.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Winner, it's Senator Noventa."

"Oh, hello."

Sylvia Noventa, the granddaughter of the pacifist Marshal Noventa that originally controlled the United Earth Sphere Alliance, had accepted the lose of her grandfather and had moved on to become a very influential young woman. She was a starch supporter of Relena and a friend of hers. She also kept Quatre informed about decisions the Senate made.

"I thought you should know. The Senate Defense Committee has been meeting with a man calling himself Leon Stryker. From the rumors I've heard, he is asking permission to develop and build a prototype mobile suit of some kind."

"What? But why!" Quatre asked, horrified.

"I don't know. Something about testing the full potential of mobile suits. But whoever he is, he's starting to sway the Committee. They might actually authorize it."

"This can't be allowed to happen. Is there any way to block such a move?"

"I'm working on it. I'm going to talk to Relena about this at the dinner party on Saturday. You should come too."

"I can't. I have a meeting with representatives from the Mars Expedition. Remember that I'm funding them."

"Oh yeah. Okay. I'll keep you informed about the developments."

"Thanks for calling me," Quatre said, "Goodbye."

"Bye."

Quatre hung up and took some time to contemplate this new development. Why would anyone want to disrupt the peace by building a mobile suit? Few remained and most of them were for civilian uses only. True some had fallen into the hands of the terrorist organization known as the Peacemakers, but otherwise they weren't used for military purposes anymore.

The drive to the spaceport was short and he ended up waiting for a while before Dorothy's flight landed. She hadn't really changed much, except having grown up. Dorothy walked up to Quatre and stood before the young man she had run through once.

"Hello Quatre. How have you been?"

"Fine. What brings you to the colonies?"

The two started walking and Dorothy flashed a folder.

"I thought you should see this," she said, "All I'm going to say is that it's important and something you should be aware about."

Quatre suddenly had a hunch. "Does it have anything to do with the Defense Committee?"

Dorothy looked at him in surprise but then smiled. "I guess I shouldn't have tried to outguess you. What do you know?"

"Not much. All I do know is a man named Leon Stryker wants to build some kind of mobile suit."

"Not just any mobile suit," said Dorothy, "He has already started designing and planning it."

"What?"

"Have you ever heard of the Stryker Corporations? They do a lot of research in neurology, advanced metallurgy, high energy physics, and a few other fields. There are rumors of some kind of breakthrough regarding the processing of gundanium alloy, some way to make it stronger and yet also lighter."

"What? Then that would allow the construction of some kind of super- Gundam."

"Theoretically yes. The technology is there to design and build mobile suits, but the funding is another matter. For a private organization to build a mobile suit, much less a Gundam, without selling it, is very expensive and without much point."

"So why would this Stryker want to?" Quatre asked.

"I do not know," Dorothy answered, "However, what I do know is here."

The two got into Quatre's car and they drove back to his company headquarters. As they went, Dorothy opened the folder and handed Quatre some photos.

"These were taken somewhere in Nevada," she said, "That was a state of the former United States. These transports are all carrying gundanium alloy. However, it is these pictures that I think you'll be interested in."

Dorothy handed a few more to Quatre and he gasped.

"That's a Virgo. When was this taken?"

"They're about a month old," said Dorothy, "I do not know where he would have acquired a Virgo but he does have one. He also has a few other things that you might find interesting."

Quatre flipped through the pictures and found himself even more disturbed.

"These are the old wrecks from our Gundams," he said, "How could he have gotten hold of them?"

"I do not know. But they're almost useless except for the fact that these scraps are gundanium alloy. He might attempt to reprocess them, but I think he's after more."

"Where are Zero's wings?" Quatre asked, coming to a picture of the wreck.

"That's a good question. Parts of the wing survived so there isn't any reason he couldn't have gotten hold of them, unless they were destroyed before he could buy them."

"Do you mind if I keep these pictures?" Quatre asked.

"Go ahead. But I suggest you only show them to the other pilots and maybe Relena. Don't do anything foolish. Stryker Corporation is powerful and very influential."

"Very well. Thank you for your help. If there's anything I can do to pay you back."

"I know where to call," said Dorothy, "I must return to Earth now. Good luck dealing with this, Quatre. I do not envy your position."

"Neither do I."

============================================================================

"Mr. Stryker. The Committee has reviewed your request but we are still having trouble fully understanding what motive you might have to want to build a Gundam."

Stryker sighed. All politicians were like this. Why couldn't they ever accept something at face-value? Well, this time it was a good thing for them that they didn't, but bad for him as well.

"Primarily for testing new technology," Stryker replied, "The technology behind mobile suits have advanced drastically since the end of the Gundam War and the Christmas Coup. You must understand that this mobile suit is not for military use. However, my company has developed a number of new technologies and building a mobile suit would allow us to test more of them in one project."

"Yes but the expenses involved," said a committee member, "You cannot expect the government to actually fund such a project. We do not have the money for this."

"I do not expect the government to fund the entire project," said Stryker, "If the government was willing to provide even ten percent of the funding, the project can proceed."

"We still are skeptical about the need to construct a mobile suit," said the committee head, "Mobile suits are symbols of war. Why should we invest in something that will most likely not be needed?"

"I do not expect it to be needed," said Stryker, "However, the data we gain from testing so many new technologies will be very useful and profitable. The primary reason, I remind the committee, as to why my corporation wants to build a mobile suit is for testing these new technologies. A mobile suit provides a unique challenge to many of these technologies and that way we can push them to their limit."

The committee members looked at one another, each wanting someone else to speak first. Finally the committee head nodded.

"I see. You have our permission to begin this project, but funding is another issue we will have to discuss later."

"Thank you Senators," said Stryker, "You will not regret making this decision."

"We had better not," one of them warned.

Stryker walked out of the room and met with his assistant, Colonel Victoria Hardy.

"Did they approve?" she asked.

"Yes. Project: Eagle will begin immediately."

Victoria nodded and escorted her boss to his car. She then got into the driver's seat and the two headed towards the spaceport. Stryker would soon be on his way back to his primary research and development lab in Nevada.

============================================================================

Heero disliked the formal suit Relena had forced him to wear. It wasn't exactly uncomfortable, it just wasn't that flexible if he ran into trouble. He had a pistol hidden under his suit and could draw it within two seconds of danger showing up. However, that might not be fast enough. He stayed behind Relena as she greeted the many guests. When the next guest walked in, Heero's eyes narrowed.

"Senator Noventa, it's a pleasure to see you again," Relena greeted.

"Same here Minister Darlian," Sylvia replied, "Mr. Yuy. We meet again."

Heero merely nodded. Sylvia walked past him, giving him a look in the process, and went into the main hall.

"Nervous?" Relena asked.

"No."

She smiled and turned to see who was next.

"Hey beautiful, what's up?"

"Duo, this is a formal dinner. Be more polite!" Hilde snapped.

"Okay, okay," Duo relented, "Hey Relena. I see you finally caught Heero."

Hilde frowned. That was hardly better. Relena smiled though and waved them through.

"Stay out of trouble," she added for Duo's sake.

The next man that walked in caused Relena to frown.

"Mr. Stryker."

"Ms. Darlian," he said coolly, "A pleasure to finally meet you in person."

"Likewise," Relena answered, equally cool, "I hope you enjoy the evening."

"I believe I will."

Stryker walked in with Victoria right behind him. Heero eyed the two and tried to evaluate them. Why was Relena worried about him?

"There are rumors about him trying to get permission to build a mobile suit," Relena answered Heero's unspoken question. "I don't know if they're true but I do know he's trouble."

Permission to build a mobile suit? That was indeed trouble, Heero thought.

"Relena. A pleasure to meet you here."

This was another familiar voice. Heero looked over and saw Dorothy walk in.

"Hello Dorothy. I'm surprised you showed."

"Why wouldn't I? Good food and good company and maybe a little action. What else does one need at a party?"

Relena smiled as Dorothy walked in. She still hadn't changed. After a few more minutes most of the guests had arrived and Relena and Heero walked in. Dorothy had already started chatting with Stryker and Sylvia was listening to them both. Relena walked over with Heero in toll. Stryker had just finished saying something when they joined the three.

"Ah, Ms Darlian. I was just speaking with your friends about the rumors regarding my proposal."

"You mean the one about the mobile suit?" Relena said, "I hope those aren't true."

"But they are," said Stryker, "and I have the permission of the Defense Committee to go forward."

"The United Earth Nations specifically states that no mobile suits can be built," said Relena.

Stryker smiled. "The UEN government stated that no combat mobile suits can be built. Mine is to test several new technologies that have just emerged in a unique way. Besides, if some of the technology pans out, the Preventers might be using some of the equipment. And there are also commercial aspects to the technologies being tested."

"You are making a mistake."

Stryker's eyes went to Heero. The smile disappeared.

"Ah. You must be Heero Yuy. I can understand why you would hold such a strong opinion regarding mobile suits, but I assure you. I know what I am doing."

"Really? Does that mean you plan something with the mobile suit?" Heero asked.

"If I didn't have a plan, it would be pointless to even build a mobile suit, wouldn't you agree?"

"All too well."

The smile returned.

"Well, I hope all of you enjoy the party. I know I will," Stryker said and chuckled as he walked away.

"He's very confident," said Sylvia, "I wonder why?"

"He has the approval of the Defense Committee," Dorothy reminded the others, "I wonder how he pulled that off?"

"Stryker may turn out to be very dangerous," Heero noted.

"Huh?" the others said.

"You heard him. He has a plan and he's willing to execute it. One does not need a mobile suit to execute some simple plan. Therefore there is a grander scheme."

"I think I agree," said Dorothy, "Perhaps I'll be able to find out what it is."

Dorothy glided away and followed Stryker, leaving Relena with Sylvia.

"I hear the Senate is finally approving the funds for full terraforming of Mars," said Sylvia, "You must be proud."

"Yes I am. I was surprised that my brother actually went with the first expedition force. I hear they've had a lot of success."

"Really? Well, I hope to see the changes take place in my lifetime."

"As do I," Relena agreed, "Heero, can you grab some food for us?"

Heero nodded and walked off. As Relena's bodyguard, this would probably be all that he would be doing. There wasn't that many threats these days as most terrorist organizations were pretty quiet. He ran into Duo and Hilde at the buffet table.

"Hey Heero. Nice party heh?"

"Duo, behave," Hilde scolded.

"Don't worry. We were invited by Relena so we must be okay," Duo said with a wink, "So Heero, you finally got a job. I hear you landed guard duty for Relena too. Now you actually to spend more time with her."

"That is true," said Hilde, "How is Relena anyways?"

"Stressed," Heero replied.

Hilde had expected more of an answer but Duo poked her.

"Don't expect him to tell you much," he said, "He's the perfect soldier and those don't let out too much information."

"Oh."

Duo chuckled and got himself another sausage.

"This is nice food though," he said, "I wonder if I'll eat this good anytime soon."

"Duo! You did not just insult my cooking!" Hilde screamed at him.

"No, I just insulted mine," said Duo, "Which is why you never let me cook!"

Hilde raised an eyebrow. "I'll buy that excuse this time."

"Well, there're lots of people to talk to," said Duo, "Hey, there's Relena."

Heero got the food and followed Duo and Hilde over to Relena. She was still talking with Sylvia.

"Hi Relena," Hilde greeted.

"Hilde, Duo. It's been a while."

"Indeed. Anything interesting going on these days?"

"Sorry but it's mostly classified," said Relena.

"Since when has classification stopped us?" Duo said, "The only thing that's done is make us dig deeper!"

"Good point," said Relena, "but right now I can't share it with you yet. It's probably going to involve you soon anyways."

"Hello Heero."

The group looked over and saw Sally and Wufei standing before them.

"It's nice to see all of you again," Sally greeted.

"Aw man," said Duo, "So where's the fourth horseman?"

"Trowa stays out of sight these days," said Sally, "What brings all of you here?"

"This is a party," said Duo, "When was there a party that you went to that I wasn't at?"

"Anything that was political," Sally answered.

"Humph. Are you also here because of Stryker?"

"Stryker?" said Hilde, "Who's he?"

"Stryker, hmm, name sounds familiar," said Duo, "I got it! Doesn't he own Stryker Corporations?"

"Yes," said Sally, "and there have been many interesting rumors regarding his company."

Duo's eyes went wide. Apparently he had heard them too.

"Man, why can't they just leave everything the way it is!" he complained, "I assume it's about the mobile suits?"

"Mobile suits?" Hilde asked nervously, "I thought the government forbade the construction of combat mobile suits."

"Well since all of you already know," said Relena, "We might be too late to stop the project from starting."

"I hadn't thought politicians can move so quickly," said Sally, "They already approved it?"

"Yes," said Relena, "I just learned of it a few minutes ago."

"Perhaps we should go take a look," Duo suggested.

Hilde whacked him on the back of the head.

"No you don't. Let the government handle this for once, alright? Besides, who knows. Maybe everything will pan out."

"Actually, that might not be a bad idea," said Relena, "We could suggest an inspection team be sent to see exactly what he is doing."

"And the Preventers should do it," said Sylvia, "Of course, I'm pretty sure the two of you would agree."

Wufei said nothing but Sally nodded.

"We can handle a simple inspection. Right Wufei?"

"Of course."

"The only question is will Stryker show you what you want to see, or what he wants you to see?" said Relena, "If he does have an ulterior motive, he isn't going to show all his cards just yet."

"Well, we'll worry about it when it actually gets to that," said Duo, "It's a party, so let's party!"

Hilde, Relena, and Sylvia laughed at Duo's behavior. Finally they too decided to lighten up. He was right after all, it was just a party.

"What do you think?" Wufei asked Heero.

"There may be another way."

"And only a year after the attempted Barton Coup. How pathetic."

End of Chapter 1

Z98