- Chimera of Life -

Story Four: Uneasy Alliances

Chapter Four

by Heartfire

***

"Those women wouldn't be able to find their comb in their bags, let alone a damn compound. Stupid onnas." He couldn't seem to stop his comments. He's just too frustrated with everything!

Green eyes flared with burning fire. "I'm gonna kill him!" Ping muttered under her breath, a hand on her holster, ready to pounce on the Preventer troops who were just behind a couple of trees away. It was just coincidental that their paths ran into each other. Just coincidental, but hell! His latest comment to his second-in-command – the fifth one in fact! - about them being 'weak onnas' was just making her blood boil!

A couple of her girls grabbed both her arms and started to drag her away.

"Let me go! Dammit! I want to slit his throat!" She had enough of his glares from the other side of the stream. Had enough of his sneers, his high eyebrows, degrading look, holier than thou attitude! They're the ones who'd been hiking through tropical mountains in East, West, Southeast Asia for the past months, facing all dangers his boys hadn't met and they came out of each of those dangers alive and successful!

"Ping! Get a hold of yourself! It won't do if you bite on him now. He'd just sneer at you some more."

Ping tried her best to get out of her friends' grasp. Her heels were making a trail, and her buttocks kept on hitting protruding rocks!

"You have to beat him in his own game."

"Besides, we know we're good. That's all we need to know. We don't need his opinion."

"And we're going to show it to them. We'll be given a chance."

"Just be patient. I think he's the only one in that group with that attitude anyway."

Ping closed her eyes. 'Be patient. Be patient.' She took a deep breath and let it out while at the same time, tried to think of the time when she had left Wufei high and dry for words. Yes… that helped. "I'm okay. Let go."

Her troop looked at her.

"I said I'm okay! Let me go- Now!" She suddenly found herself staring at the blue skies above, the back of her head aching. "Gee. Thanks. You could have let me down gently." She started rubbing her head as she glared at the grinning faces of her friends.

"You know… If he wasn't such an ass, I'd say he was cute."

Ping stared at one of her girls. "You've got weird tastes, Miondy."

Miondy winked. "Yes. I know."

Everyone rolled their eyes.

"Come on… it's getting dark. We have to get back to the camp." Ping pushed herself up, brushed away some of the soil and leaves on her body then started walking while the others followed.

"Christine, I want you to contact headquarters tonight and tell them of our progress."

"Of course, Ping. I'm on it."

"And I want to have a talk with McGregor."

…

Ping ran inside the tent, right behind Dawn and saw the whole communications equipment in pieces. "Okay, what's the problem?"

Christine and Erica looked at her.

"That's what we're trying to-"

"Figure out, and it's getting on my nerves!"

Ping bit her lower lip to stop the sigh that wanted to escape from her lips as she walked towards the table. She was no mech genius but she does know some stuff… though there hadn't been anything Erica couldn't fix before.

"I wash my hands off it. I'm going to go out and punch the bag. Anyone going with me?!" Erica's fiery brown eyes made everyone shake their head. "Fine. You know where to find me. Maybe by the time I cool off, I'll see the prob."

"Yeah… In a week or so." Helen sighed as she dropped on the ground as soon as Erica was out of earshot. "She's the one who holds the longest grudge, how'd you expect her to fix that?"

Ping shook her head. "Don't worry, she knows her duties. I would advice that you all be nice to her though. You know that she's one of the best."

A grumble of agreements came. It wasn't surprising since all of them were tired already.

"We still have our radio. Use that later Christine." Ping looked at the parts once again then shook her head. "Anyone have any ideas?"

They looked at each other then shook their heads.

"Uhm… the boys?"

Ping's suddenly flaring eyes darted to Samantha who flinched instantly. "Sam, if you're joking, I advise you to shut up."

Dawn took a step towards the cringing Samantha while Christine moved to Ping. Always the mediators in the group, the two gave a meaningful look to each other, one not lost to Ping.

"Dawn, Christine… You both know me well enough…" The warning was there, but the two didn't heed it.

"And you know both of us well enough, too." Dawn said as she placed a hand on Sam's shoulder.

"Well enough to know that we will say what's on our mind." Christine added as Ping looked at her. They know that they were playing with fire right now, completely disobeying an indirect order from their commanding officer. Ping just hates that.

Dawn nodded. "Ping, Sam is right. We might need to ask for outside help. Erica wasn't able to do it… the other camp might have ideas."

She knew she was being bullheaded but- "In your dreams."

"Ping." Christine's voice was the tone of reason as she moved in front of Ping and stood there. "You've always done the best for our team. I know that deep down, in that sensible, realistic mind of yours, you know that it's much better to go and ask. Your pride is being a hindrance right now and that's not at all like you…"

Ping tried her best to act as if she didn't understand, but her expressive sea green eyes showed too much, and her sense of duty bound her. "I will not go there…" She walked to the nearest chair and sat. "But if anybody wants to ask for their help, I won't stop her."

She kept her eyes settled on the transmitter while around her, the girls looked at each other until Christine tapped her right hand to her chest and the others nodded. Christine flipped her straight, long black hair, walked in front of Ping then saluted.

"Permission to be excused, ma'am."

Ping nodded half-heartedly, still staring at the table. She heard the light flutter of the tent as Christine left then silence encompassed them. Her heart thudded against her chest, painfully reminding her that she was being unreasonable… that she was letting her friend take the bull by its horns… that what Christine was doing was supposed to be her duty. With that last thought, a frustrated growl left her and she stood up.

"Clean up." Then she left the tent and checked Christine's position. Her friend was walking quite slowly. "Christy!" Her friend didn't turn… Either she was too deep in her thoughts, or she needs to talk louder. Ping decided to call her code. "Kuriko!"

Christine stopped and turned, delighted to see Ping walking towards her. She waited until the grimacing blonde reached her and nodded. "Hey, Minxie Lady."

Ping just wrinkled her pert nose. "You know what? Just be happy I'm your commanding officer, or you'd be back at the base, demoted."

Christine's Asian eyes smiled. "I know."

With one last sigh, Ping combed her finger through her thick mass of curly, blonde hair that glinted with the moonbeams and moved ahead. "Let's go."

"Right behind you, Colonel."

Hackett was not the first to see them walking towards their camp, but he was the only one ready to face a slightly angry commander, disappointed that they still hadn't found what they have looking for.

Wufei heard the soft swish as someone walked inside his tent.

"Permission to speak, sir!"

He nodded absently as he stared at the map on his table. They've covered the whole sector north east of their camp. But it was small compared to the whole, separated Southern India.

"Colonel Rossi is moving to the front, sir."

At the sound of her name, he nearly broke the pencil in half. Why that reaction? He wasn't sure… And why was it that he could feel… excitement? For his answer, Wufei just grunted as he straightened and turned to his second. "Announce them inside when they get here."

"Yes sir." Hacket saluted and walked out, leaving Wufei staring at his pencil.

He wasn't sure why he took his hair out of its band, combed it quickly with his hands and re-tied it then straightened some of his things on the makeshift table he was using, but he was sitting on a chair by the time Hackett came in and announced their visitor's arrival.

"Colonel Rossi, sir!"

"Send her in." Wufei felt the urge to act bored, and he did.

From outside, Ping motioned for Christine to stay then she walked inside just as Rene held the tent open for her then dropped the flap and stood on guard, forcing his eyes not to look at Christine who was busy trying to look uninterested.

Inside, Wufei stood just as Ping came in. "Colonel Rossi."

The high and mighty air she had seen before hit her once again, and she tilted her chin higher in response. "Commander Chang."

"This is an unexpected visit." The light from the portable glow sent soft glints springing from her golden curls and Wufei found himself staring at her hair.

"I came to ask you…" Ping's jaw locked as she battled whether or not to ask him. When his right eyebrow arrogantly rose in question, she nearly wounded herself with the way her fingernails dug into her palm. She must do this… She will take this on just as she had done previously, with grace and good manners. Slowly, a painful smile appeared on her lips though her eyes were as cold as outer space.

"You came to ask me, what, Colonel Rossi?" Wufei prompted. Here it was… He knew they couldn't do anything by themselves.

'Don't force me!' Her mind screamed as she tried her best to work her jaw. "I came… to ask… for your… help."

The last words were said through gritted teeth but Wufei heard it and the supercilious smirk that he gave her made Ping want to murder him right there and then.

He knew it. He just knew they couldn't survive! "Where do you need help with, Colonel Rossi?" Wufei crossed his arms over his chest, proud that they finally succumbed. He's gonna use this until the mission is over, just like the way they wear their clothes.

Ping was the epitome of anger. "The WARC malfunctioned. My technicians were not able to locate the source, and since you would probably need the machine for visual contacts, I wish to extend the responsibilities to you."

Wufei nodded that arrogant nod of his as he grabbed his cap off a chair and walked to the entrance. He must admit, knowing how much she disliked his camp but still having the nerve to ask for help, well… it was, a bit admirable. With his face in its usual scornful mask, he flipped open the tent flap. "Let's go and find out what the problem is."

Ping walked out of the tent as proudly as she could. She didn't even meet Christine's questioning eyes as she stared straight ahead.

"Hackett." He nodded as Rene stood in full attention. "Get Blaksher."

"Yes sir!" Rene turned and jogged to Josh's tent to jar the man out of his break. "Josh! The Commander wants you."

At those words, Josh was out of his bed and was running out of his tent in his camouflage pants, plain white shirt, and untied boots.

"Blaksher, sir!"

Ping watched as Wufei barely gave the new man a glance and motioned with his hand.

"Come with me."

"Yes sir!"

Wufei turned to Ping and gave her an inquiring look. With her chin held high, she led the way.

A few minutes later, Erica and Josh could only stare over the dismantled machine.

"Are you sure you modified the use for the relay diodes' negative polarity switching?" Josh asked as he tapped the transistor.

"Yes. I've already done that." Erica muttered as she curled her hands around the table edge. Does this guy actually think that she doesn't know what she's doing?

"Let's try to put this together again." Josh whispered as he glanced at Erica.

She shrugged. "Fine."

Wufei stood on the other side of the table while Ping stood at the opposite end. The whole table was between them as Josh and Erica worked diligently to put the radio together again.

"Don't forget. Headphone audio controls are on the left side and the transmitter selection controls are on the right." Erica muttered as she pointed at the parts.

"Got it." Josh grinned. Girl knows her radios well. "The red and green LEDs are located on the left and right sides of the DX right? Just like the classic convention for visuals?"

Erica nodded as she smiled at Josh, rather sweetly. Wufei glared at his man while Ping mentally goaded Erica to flirt.

"Where's the keyer and footswitch plug?" Josh asked as he tried to look for the parts. When he felt a tap on his shoulder, the things he was looking for were on Erica's palm.

"I'll plug them into the jacks at the rear panel."

Josh almost laughed but he accidentally looked behind him and Wufei made him swallow his smile. "Er… good… How about the digital voice keyer?"

"Already configured and done with."

"Okay. Great!"

In no time at all, the two had the radio the way it was before… and still not working.

"Well… and I thought two heads were better than one." Ping grumbled as she stood behind Erica.

Erica just sighed while Josh gave a helpless look towards his commanding officer.

Wufei pressed his fists against his hips. They should find out what's wrong… They should! "Let me see that." He knew some things about radios… but other than the needed facts, he's not into them.

Ping raised her eyebrow while the two subordinates got out of his way. She wished with all her might that he wouldn't find the solution.

Wufei looked at the radio as if he knew what he was doing when, at that moment, his mind was drawing a blank! "Have you… checked the batteries?"

Ping nearly fell down on the ground at the suggestion. What? Did he think them that stupid?!

"Batteries?" The two subordinates quipped from the other side.

"I didn't check it." Josh said as he rubbed his head while Erica frowned in deep thought.

"Uh… considering that there isn't anything wrong with the hardware…"

She couldn't believe her ears! Ping shifted her inquiring green eyes to Erica, who wouldn't look at her. Wufei couldn't be right… He couldn't be! "Erica, bring a new battery for the radio and let's try Commander Chang's simple suggestion."

The way she said 'simple' made him churn. He just hoped that he was right… Then she's going to eat her words.

They waited until Erica came back. Josh installed the new battery and Wufei turned it on.

The screen flickered green.

Ping grabbed the table. 'No!'

Wufei's lips tilted to one side victoriously. 'Yes!'

Josh and Erica looked at each other and shook their heads. All the technicalities understood and the only thing missing were batteries!?

The two commandants' eyes met and sizzled with a deadly promise-

"Ping! The bentos are…" The two women who came inside the tent from the other end, stopped. A stick fell from the bundle in their arms as they felt the unmistakable tension in the air.

'Lydia! Miondy! Why now?!' She scolded them in her mind. All right… it's not their fault that they had been out the whole day to finish the bentos so they really do not know what was happening… but damn! What perfect timing!

"Uh… Colonel Rossi…" Lydia started as she slowly bent down to retrieve the sticks, only to have the others slip from her arms.

Ping grimaced inwardly while Erica and Miondy helped Lydia. Wufei, on the other hand, was wondering how Rossi acquired the name Ping… He never really noticed it before, though he was aware of her full name.

"I know, Whitten. You finished the bentos." How she was able to say that without screaming, she had no clue. Her team finally had everything in order and faced her once again while Wufei crossed his arms over his chest.

"We… we just wanted to see if you think that these were good enough… Colonel Rossi." Miondy walked a few steps forward and stopped between Ping and Wufei.

"Why don't you let Commander Chang take a look at it?" The sarcastic comment left her lips before she could stop it. Her eyes widened but Miondy had already taken heed her suggestion and was now facing Wufei.

Wufei stopped his train of thoughts then looked at the sticks and picked one out. He knew that she didn't really mean for anyone to hear what she had said, but everyone did hear. Her sarcastic tone couldn't make his victory wan, though. "Coarse…" He noticed the different width and sizes to accommodate everyone before he picked one up then held it out in front of him, critically eyeing it. "Light and balanced." He placed the stick back on Miondy's bundle. "It's useable."

Ping was sure she saw a hint of interest in those bleak, black eyes when the bento sticks came in… And she's usually not wrong when it comes to reading people… So, why not invite him along? 

The sweet taste of revenge sent her careening back to life and Wufei, who happened to glance at her direction for no reason, saw a dangerously wide smile… Her green eyes held a look of… hidden mischief? But ever competitive, as his nature was, he placed it aside. 'Bring it on…'

"Commander Chang…" Ping started as she tilted her head just an inch to give a haughty look. "I'm sure you will honor us with a quick demonstration at our monthly practice, tomorrow."

Wufei frowned and was about to counterattack with some witty reply that he has yet to come up with, but she spoke again.

"We will provide your bento, and just so you wouldn't feel embarrassed in front of so many people, I will pair with you." She looked at Josh. "The whole Preventer's platoon are invited. Refreshments and entertainment are on the house." Ping gave a cursory glance at Wufei's direction and saw him steaming. 'Oh… yes…'

Wufei's eyes were like thin arcs… One could almost not see them with the way they were dangerously narrowed. She was asking for it… bad. Fine… He'll play her childish game. "When and where, Colonel Rossi?"

…

He could feel the excitement emitting from his men as they stood in front of him. The sparkle in their eyes and the different straightness of their backs, not to mention that he could smell the distinct scent of aftershave colognes…

"The usual rules will be followed. Understood?!"

Wufei saw a slight droop from his men and he nearly smiled. The anticipation was still there… and he's got to be on his guard… "Move out!"

…

"Is everything ready?" Ping's voice shouted as she clapped her hands. She looked around the teams and waited until each one gave their ok signal.

Food was easy to find. Right now, the fruits and games they acquired, plus the provisions in their supply tent, was beautifully arranged on top of overlapped, gigantic banana leaves on the ground. It looked like a picnic.

Entertainment was also easy to do so her troops weren't really mad at her sudden decision… they were actually excited! For the first time since they left the IA compound in Central Asia, they looked as if in uniform. Everyone was wearing camouflage, makeshift shorts and white shirts, attractively decorated with a knot just slightly above their navel, and exotic flowers adorned their hair. The thick green grass was like the finest carpet, so they didn't bother to wear their boots. Besides, they've already checked for sharp objects around the area three days before.

The sun was well overhead when Ping glanced westward, where the Preventer's camp was. And sure enough-

"Here comes the cavalry…" A slow smile lighted her face while her troops filed in.

…

His lips pursed and a dark scowl appeared on his face as he caught sight of the place. It looked like… Trouble.

"This is going be a long… day…" Wufei muttered to himself as he forced his feet not to falter when the lines of women appeared in view… and right in the middle- Ping Galeana Rossi.

He stopped just a meter away from Rossi, the humid weather causing him to sweat profusely.

"Commander Chang… Preventers. Welcome."

Wufei just grunted. What could he say?! He doesn't want to be here?

Ping smiled wider. "My team started a tradition, a year ago, to leave one day of the month to something akin to the Alliance Goodwill Games. It was a day to relieve our frustrations, stress, and to show one's skills through physical workouts."

Wufei's eyebrow shot up. Not once had he seen these girls get up early and jog around their compound… Not once did he ever see them do exercise… How do they expect to do this?

"We usually have two teams, but through unanimous consent, my troop wished to change the rules today."

Wufei frowned. He just walked into a trap… He could feel it.

Ping's smile shone like the blinding sun. "They would like to have an Intelligence Alliance versus Preventers game."

A trap. 'I knew it! I knew it! I knew it!' And yet, he still went ahead to get caught… His men heard the challenge. He could already feel their surprised looks. Too bad- "We don't fight women."

Ping's smile nearly disappeared, but she caught herself. "This is not a challenge or a fight. There are no winners or losers. This is just a… demonstration…"

Wufei gritted his teeth… 'Demonstration my ass.'

Ping walked closer to Wufei, and in a low voice, just for them to hear, she gave her delivering blow. "Unless of course if… you're afraid your men might lose…" She pushed the right button… She knew it the moment his charcoal eyes glinted.

He was so used to doing things his way… alone. If he were alone, he'd just leave her. Sure, he has a team with him every now and then for Relena's sake, but not like this… not a platoon under his command until a mission is over. This was different from solo missions or one-day surveillance… and he wasn't sure what to do… For the first time in his life, he turned around and faced his men to ask… their opinion. "Well?"

For a moment nobody moved, too surprised with their commander's question, then, one by one, they nodded. Wufei felt a surge of excitement. He turned, and a smirk played on his lips as he met Rossi's proud smile, then he nodded.

She let the warm feeling of satisfaction course through her veins. "We will start with food, then entertainment, and finally, the demonstrations."

…

'It was wrong for those women to dance like that in front of the men.' The thought left Wufei grimacing as he stared at the 'demonstration' in front. It was just plain wrong. The dance was a cross between a hula, interpretative dance, and… well… whatever. He couldn't blame his men for drooling… and then after they offered and seduced, Rossi announced the game. Now, an hour later, they were down to the last subordinates.

Fine. So his men lost the first two battles because they were a bit… dare he say it? Overconfident and they misjudged the women's strengths- not to mention that they were still in their fantasies somewhere… But they also won here and there… Right now they were tied and Hackett was in the circle with that Asian looking girl.

He had her pinned and Wufei found himself mentally rooting for the man.

Inside the circle, Rene was half glad that his commander couldn't see his face. "I'm sorry."

Christine smiled sweetly as she brought her knee up, shifted her weight and had Rene pinned on his back before he knew it. "Nah… I don't hurt easily." She noticed another white flag on her side. "Another point for me."

Ping clapped her hands and half the crowd groaned while the other half cheered.

"Time's up!"

Christine and Rene slowly moved away from each other, shook hands then went back to their sides of the table. She was given a winner's welcome while Rene was given pats on the back and silent, but cheerful consolation.

Wufei checked his troop once again, then Rossi's. Nobody had been hurt throughout the five minute 'demonstrations.' Probably some bruises by tomorrow, but other than that, no broken bones and no actual physical contact. They stopped their blows before it touched the bodies… The rules were that simple. Also, not stopping anytime, except when down, within the allotted five minutes for the kids, and ten minutes for the commanding officers. Now, it's time for-

Anticipating charcoal eyes met headstrong green and then she nodded. The signal.

"Do you wish to use the bento, Commander Chang?"

The chatter died down at Ping's question.

Wufei just grunted as he nodded.  It seemed that she wouldn't give him any other choice.

The same girl who had dropped the sticks the previous night walked between them and Ping quickly chose her bento. Wufei eyed them carefully, took his time before he selected and by the time he looked up, Ping was already inside the circle with an impatient look on her face.

'Why the heck am I doing this?!' The thought occurred as he stepped within the stone lining. Something flashed in front of his eyes. Memories… Merian with a broomstick and doing her forms under the soft glow of moonlight…

"Commander Chang? Shall we begin?" Patience, she tried to tell herself, but she couldn't wait!

He doesn't know how well she thought herself skilled with this weaponry, nor did she know how confident he was of his expertise. He wouldn't hurt her… No. He'll just bruise her ego… Yes…

They bowed then began. Ping's hands clutched the wood that fit in her palm, with her arms bent and eyes narrowed.  Wufei only brought the wood in front of his face, perpendicular to the ground. Simple, but his feet were already in position for attack, defense, or retreat- that he will not do.

She knew, somehow, that he would not be the first to strike, probably because of what he said about not fighting women? So, even before he chose his bento, she had already decided to start it off… Funny. She's unusually calm.

"HA!" She attacked him and he stopped her, just as she knew he would. So they played.

Wufei's eyebrow rose. She was certainly aggressive. Mentally, he checked his distance from the stones and found himself too close for comfort. Without thinking, he stopped one more of her attack, brought her stick down, then the next thing everyone knew, he had gracefully jumped over Ping's head.

Confused and surprised, Ping suddenly felt her feet swept from under her and she found herself facing the clear blue sky.

Mischievously, he leaned down and gave her an innocent look. "Already down, Colonel Rossi?"

Anger fueled her as she quickly jumped up and faced the smirking Wufei.  She'll make this up to him.

Their bentos clunked with each encounter. Wufei found an opening and he couldn't stop himself as he went for it. He didn't even see Ping's smile as she anticipated his move, sidestepped just as he was near and then closed her arm and hand over his bento to secure it against her hip while her own swung and stopped just a breath away from the nape of his neck.

"Aren't you happy that these are sticks instead of swords, Commander Chang?"

Wufei mentally cursed as he tried to move his bento… but he knew her move well enough. It was one of the oldest tricks… and he fell for it. Damn her.

With a low chuckle, just for him to hear, she let his stick go.

He assessed her stance quickly, expertly. Judged the stormy green eyes and clamped small chin, and saw that she was ready for him… Ready that was unlike… any he had ever seen in a woman. She had the aura of someone to be reckoned with… of a fighter, like himself. Merian, too, was a fighter… but she had always thought and teased him to be soft and feeble. The woman in front of him knew his strength, age, and skill but was ready to face it. The thought left him inspired. Excited.

When their bentos locked, Ping frowned at the interest in his eyes. Something had changed, and the realization that he finally accepted her as- at least- near to his equal, seeped through her anger. She smiled, not at all like the previous, calculated smile full of hate and ice, but this time, that of appeal. "Shall we give them something to talk about, Commander?"

Wufei nearly grinned like an idiot. Oh he'd like that. "If you're up to it, Colonel."

They fought now, as warriors should. With grace, skill, and passion. With interest at how each other would block, defend, and attack… coupled with the desire to win.

He was on the attack and she was ready to block when the well-walked upon grass, already mushy and gooey, made her slip. A gasp left her lips. Wufei himself was surprised at the sudden fall.

A bit groggy, Ping scissored her legs and caught him unawares. Wufei tried to catch his balance. Instead, he fell on top of her.

Ping's breath was snuffed from her lungs in a swoosh. "Geeze! You're heavy!"

Wufei glared down at her. "This is your fault." He hates it when he loses his balance!

With a grunt, Ping surprised him and Wufei found himself under her, bento against his neck. "There. That's better." She likes this position.

Her inner thigh was against his cheek. His upper torso, secured under her legs… and if he looked down from her face, he would be in direct contact with her… uh…  Something bubbled in him… a thrill that made him angry and… afraid at the same time.

He moved quickly and she found herself under him, once again. This time, slightly ready for his weight, she found it… nice…

How come he never noticed that she had a sprinkle of freckles over the bridge of her little nose?

His bento was in the same position she had on him a little while ago- against her neck. Thinking quickly, she lifted her free hand, and then pushed her weight. This time, they rolled on the grass, their bentos in an aggressive x between each other while their legs tangled suggestively. It was starting to be like… playing-

"CHANG!"

"PING GALEANA ROSSI!"

The two stopped in mid-roll at the all too familiar voices of… Lady Une and William McGregor…