Hi!

Wow, my fifth chapter already! I'm on a roll!

I hope you like it, and I currently happen on be on my sixth and going through all the former ones - in case I rushed some parts. I think I might have, considering how fast I'm going. I mean, the lab scene wasn't too detailed. I saw it so clearly in my head, but for some reason I couldn't figure out how to describe it that well...

In case any of you were wondering, it's not a Duo/Makoto(Leila). I know they're the next popular couple aside from Mako/Trowa, but somehow I see Duo with Ami or Hotaru. I don't know why. I just think those two pairs would look so cute. He'd be so protective of them. Plus, I think Trowa and Mako would be better as siblings, or relatives. Brown hair, greeny eyes, tall -

Which reminds me! Makoto's only 5'5! Or that's what two sites say. I've never met a 5'5 person. It's either 5'4 or 5'6. But that's not tall! That's average-ish! But I think people are shorter in Japan, because we had some exchange students come over to our school - and they were all shorter the ME. Me, who is 5'1!!! (And a midget. Which is probably why I made Mako one. Suffer the pains of midgethood! See what it feels like! Tall people die!). Plus they were in Year 10, which is way older than I am. So that might explain it.

I have made a resolution to write a rant like this for all my chapters. I don't know why. I think it's just a fun thing to do, and I can respond to my reviews here too! So that's good. As long as it doesn't annoy people.

Back to couples. I'm curious about a Mako/Wufei, but I've always been a Rei/Wufei fan. I mean, the perfect couple! How can it not be a good relationship when they try to kill each other every other day! I think Rei would show him a thing or two about weak onnas (picture Rei with gigantic head chasing tiny Wufei with her broom)!

I've seen some Mako/Quatre 's, but it's really rare, so I haven't read enough to consider how they're compatible. Whenever I picture them, I see a brother/sister sort of thing (with Makoto completely invading Quatre's large kitchens).

You guessed it! If I'm adding romance into this (I haven't been able to yet, but I'll give it a try!) it's probably going to be a Mako/Heero. I think they'd be good together. I mean, first she wouldn't freak out if he pointed a gun at her. She'd probably get angry and knock him out. And I think she'd be able to look after him. I mean, goodness knows he can't look after himself. And I think Heero would respect her. They'd make a good team, and they'd be good friends too. Plus, I think she could get past his inability to speak quite easily. I can see this perfect mental picture of Mako and Heero lying down an a hill, hands behind their heads, quiet, with an occassional comment from Mako. Or I could just be a hopeless romantic. You tell me.

I'm sorry if there's no action yet. It's mainly talk and details for the moment. But don't worry, Mako-chan's getting her gundam soon enough! And then we get to see it in action! You'll be impressed. I was quite original with her weapons. And her fighting style...

That's my rant for today!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing or Sailor Moon, or any concepts or characters from either anime.

Merry Christmas all, and enjoy the next chapter!

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CHAPTER 5

This was perfect. Apart from the fact that Kino Makoto, over a span of two days, managed to die, be reborn, get chucked into a war, become Leila Meiou, start the process of going through puberty, and get enrolled into a school filled with delinquents, she had just come face to face with the biggest delinquent of all.

Her ex-boyfriend.

Strangely enough, it was one of the few times in her life, where she honestly didn't know what course of action to take.

Help! What do I do? What would the others do if they were me?

Well firstly, I'd step back and let him and his friends pass, a mini child-like version of Ami commented from the back of her mind.

Sock him! Another voice demanded. You smash that pretty face in NOW!

Rei! Ami scolded. You can't just use violence! That's awful!

Damn it, Makoto!

Leila now, Ami corrected.

And I don't give a shit! YOU LIFT UP THAT HAND AND -

"Oh...Mako-chan, hehe..." Duo trailed off.

Mako-CHAN??? How dare he! Chibi-Rei shoved aside chibi-Ami, who flailed off to the side. Her head expanded to fit Leila's inner eye. YOU KICK HIS LITTLE ASS RIGHT NOW!!! The demonic expression on her face - that of one infuriated - was unmistakable.

Leila wasn't certain she was doing the right thing, or the sanest thing.

But Hino Rei was a VERY strong personality. She lifted up a hand -

And paused as Ami sneaked up behind Rei and squashed her with what looked like the hugest world encyclopedia possible. Chibi-Ami then very casually stepped on the hand sticking out from underneath the book - about the only part of chibi-Rei uncovered.

Something was wrong. Mizuno Ami did NOT bludgeon people with world encyclopedias.

Now use the hand Rei made you raise to push off from the doorway, she instructed. And step back. I'm trying to make sure you don't make an idiot of yourself. Revenge only brings pain.

But, Leila objected, I really...She push herself off the doorframe, stepping back to let Duo pass. He and his friends gave her uneasy looks as they cautiously stepped in.

No buts. He has four friends with guns. Kill him later.

Then, Leila noticed -

"Quatre?! What the HELL-" She broke off. Being too preoccupied earlier to realise the implications of Quatre's presence, and even Duo's, they suddenly sunk in with all the subtlety of a freight train. "Mum," she said finally, as the said person fidgeted. "Is he -"

ALL the pilots visibly relaxed as Leila's unnerving eyes slid off them. Then tensed right up again.

"Yes, sweety," Madam P sighed. "He's a pilot. Now sit down and listen to the mission briefing."

Leila glanced at them then sat down. She didn't look again.

Quatre glanced at Heero. Huh?

"Wait a minute," Wufei objected. "You're just going to let this onna sit in?! This is a private meeting."

"Yes, Wufei. She may be able to contribute. Now, everyone's up to date?" All nodded.

"Except me." Leila pointed out. "But I don't need to be."

Setsuna frowned. "You sure?"

"Well, I'm not exactly official, so I'm just sitting in for fun, aren't I?" Leila said mildly.

"Well, as far as my sources can tell, there have been four of the attacks we know about, the majority held in confidentiality by both sides. All four times, those forces moved in and loosely positioned themselves before attacking. They always moved from the 'outside' as you call it, which leads us to believe, that, for the moment, they have not established any bases from which to attack from on Earth or any of the colonies."

"So they must be on the colonies." Trowa said.

"Impossible." Surprisingly enough, it was Leila. "If energy signatures can identify those things, then mum would have found them if they were on any of the colonies or Earth."

Especially if she got Ami-chan on the job. Chibi-Minako said proudly.

I'm not that good, Ami fended off rather shyly.

Yes you are, Leila told her.

"I know it's probably stupid, but they can't establish their own colony in the Outer system, right?" Everyone was looking at her oddly. Outer? Oh crap. I screwed. There is no Outer System. Hasn't been for the last millennium. Going on like she hadn't noticed anything, "So could they have some sort of space base or mothership or something? That's about all I can think of."

There was total silence. That sounds like something outside of a computer game, she realised, even as it sunk in how ridiculous that sounded.

There was a snigger. "You don't know what you're getting into," Duo told her smugly.

"Shut the hell up, Maxwell." Leila said icily. Just because she couldn't hurt him didn't mean she should talk to him civilly. She was still a dumpee. And she didn't like it one little bit.

I knew it. Ami said disapprovingly. You're always so stubborn.

"So you two have met before." Setsuna smiled. "I though it might be him, Makoto, but I wasn't too sure."

"Yeah. He's the jerk who dumped me." She waved the matter aside. "Go on. I'm curious. I want to know what you do for a living, mummy."

The doctor refused to acknowledge that.

"Milliardo, you are aware that the next attack is possibly directed at your sister?"

"No. Tell me."

"It is unconfirmed as of yet..." A communicator beeped on P's waist. Taking it out, she frowned, listening to the voice on the other end. Heero saw Leila jump, startled, before focusing intently on the equipment in P's hand.

"Really, Ami-chan." P said, before meeting Leila's eyes. "Thank you. Your scanners confirmed it? Good."

A pause. "I know you're concerned, but I have it handled." The other voice was louder. "There are other parties in the room, Ami. One of them my daughter. I've told you about her? No? I haven't? Please keep your voice down."

There was silence as she listened. "You won't be able to. Your resources are stretched as it is with...concerns of your own." She sighed, rather irritably. "I don't have time for this. I'll come by with a proper explanation later. Have you double checked the energy signatures? Are there any familiar ones?"

Her lips tightened. "Jadeite hmm?" She looked directly at Leila once more, eyebrow raised. "Well. About time he unfroze himself. I have it under control. No. No. For the last TIME- No, I'm just irritated. Stop being an idiot and let me handle it. Good? Good." She flicked something on it, before looking up at Leila.

"Well, Milliardo. It's just been confirmed. Various unidentified units - resembling mobile dolls, despite irregular energy signatures, have been loosely maneuvering into place alongside the predesignated course for Relena's official shuttle back to Earth. It looks like Her Majesty is the next target. Now the question is what we do about it."

"We kick their ass." Milliardo said. "What else can we do?"

"It's not as simple as that. You of all people should know that." She explained. "Of course we kick their ass. But the question will be brought forward - how were we aware of the attack? Who do we represent? If we say the colonies, Earth will accuse the colonies of pulling this off as a tactic to gain trust and divert suspicion. If Earth, the same thing could be said. And we can't say both, because both sides will believe that's a whole lot of -"

"So basically politics is screwing everything up?" Leila interrupted. "Milliardo was saying something like that for where we set up operations too."

P glanced at him. "Despite the fact he was not permitted to give out such information, I will dismiss it. Simply, yes. We can basically do the logical thing, or politics."

"Relena or politics, basically." Hilde pointed out.

I wonder what Ami would do. Or Minako. She's was always better at the diplomatic stuff. Leila thought, as she tried to envision her old friend in her mind.

Well, if it's Relena or politics, I'd go for both. Minako said brightly in her mind, successfully Chibi-fied.

How the hell can we do that?

Minako and Ami exchanged exasperated glances.

The objective of the enemy is to shatter the relations between Earth and the colonies, correct? Ami prompted.

I guess so.

Then say it, baka! Minako said cheerfully.

"Um, mum?" Leila interrupted. "I know pretty much crap all about this stuff, but the short-term objective of the enemy is to break the relations between Earth and the colonies, right?"

I feel like I'm plagiarizing, she complained to Chibi-Ami, who blinked intelligently back.

But you're not. We're just figments of your imagination made to preserve the memories of your friends and guide you with their type of advice whenever you're lonely.

You mean I'm insane.

Something like that.

"What makes you say that?" The doctor asked, eyebrow raised.

"Well, they're basically placing us in a position where we can do three things - two courses of different types of action, which then results in repercussions. Or we could do nothing, which allows the enemy free rein. They're obviously hoping we do the latter, which is why they're placing us in this position in the first place. Of course, you have to take in to account they probably don't know we've premeditated the attack." She mused out loud. "So this is a long-term plan to destroy the relations, and advance their own cause or objective."

You worked that all out on your own. I knew you had potential! Ami told her, proud.

Yeah, Rei said. You aren't that much of an idiot.

Oh, Mako was always the best strategist in the Silver Millenium, Minako said brightly. But she wouldn't remember that.

"That's true enough. But unfortunately, it doesn't help. We only have those three courses to take." Setsuna pointed out.

"Yes and no," She objected. "It brings things into objective, yes, but it diverts us from our own objective."

"And what's that?" Her new mother challenged.

"If the objective of the enemy is to take down the Colonies and Earth by firstly breaking up the relations between the two, our objective would be to stop htem by preserving that relationship. However, that slows down the threat. It doesn't stop it. So instead of simply preserving our relations, we have to strengthen them."

Though I don't know how we do that, she commented to Ami.

Well, Ami mused. If politics affects war so deeply, it is plausible that war should be able to affect politics. The lightning attacks can be used as a reason for Earth and the Colonies to stand together. She paused. But I don't know how we could pull something like that off. That's up to you. I was never good with violence and wars. Youma I can deal with.

"Not bad for a newbie." Setsuna commented. "So what do you suggest we do about the ambush then, missy?"

"We can't escort the shuttle; that's irregular procedure. And we can't pop out of nowhere. Kami knows what the press would make of that." She pointed out.

"Exactly. We've worked this out to the end, sweety."

"I guess." She said, deflated. "And don't call me sweety."

"Whatever, sweety."

Trowa glanced at Quatre, impressed. If nothing, she was bright.

"Of course, that's assuming that it's us who take on these things." Leila said thoughtfully. "Give me a minute, mum. I think..."

Sometimes you're an idiot, Mako-chan. Minako said annoyed.

Hey, I fight and I cook. This wasn't in the job description! Leila objected.

Look, the colonies and Earth can make a combined task force to investigate this, can't they? So that way they both know they're getting the same info as each other and neither's holding back any.

She thought that over...And that's not all it'll do! You're a genius, Minako! I love you!

"Okay. How about this. The colonies detected an unidentified task force loosely lining the pre-designated shuttle path of a colony shuttle carrying special cargo - the Queen of Earth. They're suspicious, but if it's not the official Earth military, who is it?"

Setsuna regarded her. "You're suggesting a joint investigation force by Earth and the Colonies?"

"Why not? An equal amount of personnel from each side. You'd have to split them up into different areas, so our people - colony personal - would have to directly interact with and work alongside Earth people."

"It's perfect." Noin said, thinking it over. "The political view means joint trust. They'd have to equally depend on each other. And the personal experience of each soldier provides a great point of view to the media, so you've got normal people hooked. You'll have joint good will between both parties - not just politically, but between the peoples themselves."

"And, of course," Leila inserted, "The gundams would be present, as an independent party ultimately directing the operation. So you don't have any leadership disputes, and we can be presented as official representatives of an individual organisation."

Which, despite our symbolic value to the colonies, we are. Ami prompted.

"Which, despite our symbolic value to the colonies, we are." Leila repeated. "Think about it. And, well, as for the setting up operations, that's easy. Or at least in my books," she defended. "But I don't know all the facts, so..."

"Not bad," Trowa approved. "You sure you've never done anything like this?"

"Not in this lifetime." She told him. It was the truth. She didn't know about her last one. "Not bad for an ignorant brat huh, Maxwell?"

So she shouldn't do that.

But she couldn't help it.

She wasn't an angel, after all.

"So what do you think about operations?" Quatre said hastily.

"Oh that. You set up base on the colonies."

"Forgive her." Madam P said to the others. "She can be a bit pig-headed, no matter how enlightened at times."

"Oh, back off. Hilde said you have to choose between Relena and politics, basically. Politics signifying the politics which best serves the colonies interests, right? Relena or Politics, Earth or colonies."

"Well, yeah." Hilde said, arms crossed reflectively.

"Why choose? Relena and politics. It's been done before in history. Earth uses the colonies as bases from which to launch their forces, as it's obvious the threat is from the 'outside' and that it would need to get through the colonies to get to Earth. Right?"

"That's nice and all," Wufei pointed out. "But this is about that stupid onna."

"Well, the colonies are at most risk, aren't they? They've got their best officers and people out there, on the bases. It's only logical for the Queen of Earth and her staff to stay on the colonies as representatives of Earth forces, to help with morale, and to show their respect and trust for the colonies by sending their most important people." Leila smiled. "You guys were talking about moving to Relena, but I thought it was most logical Relena move to us."

And she did too. I was looking at all the complicated things, I never thought of it simply like that. Ami said to Minako, apologetically.

Don't worry. It just means she shows promise. Minako told her. We'll make a brain of her yet I tell you.

Hey! Leila objected, before focusing her attention on her mother. It was fun working that out - if she didn't know it was for real. But there was something else...

Did Setsuna mention Jadeite? Rei asked softly. Jadeite had been her former lover in the Silver Millennium - before he'd betrayed them and joined the dark kingdom.

We never knew if he died or not. Ami pointed out. There was that last battle with him, and then he disappeared.

Leila had never met Jadeite, but of all the generals, she remembered it was him that Usagi and Rei hated the most. Probably because the others had shown more humanity than he had - they'd learned to love. Rei of course feared him for more than just that. He'd betrayed her specifically. It was probably instinctual on her part.

She ignored the animated conversation around her, sinking instead into her own thoughts. Her own love was supposed to have been Nephrite, but in his new life he'd chosen to fall for Naru, a human girl and Usagi's best friend. He'd died protecting her. Rei and the others had seen him die.

No one knew what had happened to Zoisite - it was Leila's own opinion that Beryl had killed him herself. No one really wanted to believe that, but Makoto herself had no doubts as to what kind of queen Beryl was. Rei had agreed with her.

And Kunzite had been killed by Minako. Strange...of all of them she'd thought it would be Usagi who was strong enough to take him on, but instead it had been his former lover.

Had Beryl killed Jadeite? But if he was here, then she hadn't. Unless, of course, someone had raised him from the dead. That meant that possibly all the generals had come back though...

But bringing back from the dead needed strong magic. Usagi needed the Ginzuishou... which meant that unless there was a very powerful, evil badass out there, that Jadeite and possibly Zoisite were out there, on the loose, doing Kami knows what with a youma enhanced fleet at his or their disposal.

It had been a long time since the generals had made their mark. Almost two years. The senshi had grown stronger, and if it was just those two, they probably wouldn't have been a problem with the Outers now on the team.

But the senshi had always defeated the enemy, as a team. No matter how much more powerful or cunning or decisive the enemy was, they'd always worked together to defeat them. As a team, they were invincible.

And there was only Leila, and possibly Setsuna here. Setsina wouldn't fight; she could only guide most of the time. And Leila couldn't use her powers out in space, not in a gundam - or any space suit. She couldn't take on Jadeite alone. And certainly not his handy little fleet. And if Zoisite was with him...

Calm youself. You're not dead yet. You've grown stronger too, remember. And your new powers have started to manifest. She told herself. True, she'd never used them, but the knowledge was there. And Setsuna must have thought there was a chance at least, or otherwise she wouldn't have brought her here in the first place.

No matter what advantages he had, Jadeite was playing on her terms, using human technology and military equipment. Even youma-enhanced mobile dolls were still mobile dolls.

And the colonies' greatest pilots were sitting in the same room as her, focusing on the same enemy.

That had to be an advantage.

Even if it meant she had to live with Maxwell.