Night Wing
By
Jeslyn Nighthawk and Besa-sama
A/N: Things will be rough for awhile as we adjust to the rigors of college life and the fact that we now live in opposite ends of the country.
Disclaimer: We don't own anything. Except for the textbooks which just cost our savings.
Chapter 7
Thierry sat like a coiled spring at the head of an expansive conference table, surrounded by some of the best strategic and political minds currently at his disposal. Though these were people he usually trusted and sometimes respected, and though all of them already knew everything he was telling them, none of them was offering any feasible ideas. "Hands-on management" was becoming positively aggravating. He was just not getting through to these people.
"Look. Our situation is very simple. I have recently lost the services of Relena's entire honor guard." Thierry thought he heard a soft snort at the phrase "honor guard", but as he couldn't determine whom it came from, he continued. "I need new operatives, and I need them now. I cannot relocate anyone at this time, and I have run out of options from my resources in the manor."
Near the far end of the table, Thea Harman winced. She hated it when people were called "resources". As Thierry's eyes scanned the room, each person carefully avoided making eye contact. That only upset him more. Finally, he controlled his voice and spoke, careful to show only annoyance, and not the fierce anxiety and frustration he felt when dealing with matters concerning his adopted daughter.
"All right. We have no choice but to scour the city for new operatives. With the economy as it is, this place is crawling with unemployed butlers and security personnel. Bring me the best. Bring me someone loyal. If you can't do that, get me someone who can be bought. We have no time for delaying and debating! I do not need to remind you of the importance of the upcoming elections, nor of my daughter's importance in securing for us a new and powerful alliance." Seeing his allies and advisors cringe, Thierry relented. He paused for breath, then continued in a softer voice, "Look, I know Relena is impossible. Please remember that she's just a little girl playing princess, and is not yet used to the responsibilities of her position. All I ask is that we deal with this matter swiftly and efficiently, so that we can all get back to work on what matters. We've got the end of the world to deal with, and we don't need to be bogged down in meetings over a simple matter of personnel." At this last, Thierry looked up with a rare smile. Thea looked up at him, wondering at the change that Hannah had wrought in him. His sad, fiery eyes shone with just a touch of hope.
* * * * * * *
A week had passed since this meeting, and now Heero stood outside the Black Rose manor with a rare smile. He and Duo had just been briefed on their new duties as Relena's personal bodyguards. Of course, he had made sure that every other applicant knew that this job was his, and that they would have him to answer to if he didn't get it. Every single one. The tiny smile disappeared as he walked away. His target was Thierry, and by tomorrow morning, he would be working in his house. This was almost too easy.
Unnoticed, a masterpiece of pink, yellow, and gold followed the sun down the sky and slipped behind the horizon with a graceful purple bow.
* * * * * * *
A/N: It's short I know, and entirely written by Besa. I wanted to add some, but mostly was only able to do some beta-reading. This has become decidedly more difficult since we moved to opposite coasts. More to come soon I promise. Please review or I won't post it. I mean this, Besa might, but as I have the next chapter, that might be hard. Anyway thanks for reading. Oh, and we will be moving this to the Night World archive in one week, so if you want to continue reading it, please mark this change.
Ja ne
Jeslyn and Besa