Disclaimer: I don't own gw. My original characters are Eirene, Stan, Jane, Medea, and Freya.

Note: Like last chapter and probably for the rest of this story, thoughts are in italics; "speech" is still surrounded by quotes.

Special thanks to:
Noisulli - {as for the specifics of brainwashing, um yeah well this was my idea ^^" He's kept in the dark and COMPLETELY isolated from EVERYTHING with only his thoughts to accompany him and no feelings. For anyone, sooner or later that's gonna drive them mad or get them to basically stop thinking. If a person stops thinking about stuff long enough, he loses his memories. (I know it doesn't really work but it was the best I could come up with ^^""")}
and
Chibi Mi-chan
for you input! ^^

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The Sixth Pilot

Part 15: Chance Meeting

"Alita Maxwell! Would you please tell me what's going on?" Jane hissed loudly at her friend across the table.

Eirene put on a smile that was obviously fake. "Jane. Don't be so loud. People are going to stare."

Jane's eyes narrowed but she lowered her voice to a harsh whisper. "Stop avoiding my question Alita. Every time I ask you what's wrong you tell me it's nothing. But I can see the worry in your eyes Alita! You've been COMPLETELY out of it and stressed for a WHOLE WEEK! If you REALLY consider me your friend, why won't you let me help you?" She stopped, out of breath.

Eirene didn't say anything and looked down at her plate. She could feel Jane's eyes glaring at her. She picked up her drink and put it down again. Could she tell Jane? Is she trustworthy? Eirene looked at her friend. She decided that she couldn't lie to her anymore. She lowered her voice to a bare whisper. Weary of curious eavesdroppers. "Will you promise to keep this a secret?"

Jane nodded, her eyes serious.

Eirene signed and hoped that she has made the right choice. "All right, well..."

---

Heero's attention shifted to the pair sitting in the booth next to his. Maxwell? Alita? The name is a bit TOO coincidental. He pulled his hat lower and leaned back with his paper in his hand, pretending to read it. His ears strained to hear their conversation. It had dropped to a low whisper that he couldn't discern the words of. He wished that he could take a look at this Alita Maxwell, but as his booth had been deeper in the restaurant than theirs, the only way he could get a glance is if he left the restaurant. He can't do that. If she's who he thinks she is, he mustn't let her see him. Not until he can find out what side she's on.

The humming of the whispers beside him stopped. There was silence for a moment. Then, the one who had started the conversation whispered, a bit too loudly, "So how are you going to rescue him?"

Heero smiled. For now, she's on his side.

---

Eirene shot a warning glance at her friend and looked around. No one seemed to be paying attention. She relaxed somewhat. "Jane, let's talk about this later, this is not a good place to talk." She glanced at her watch. "We'd better go. The lunch hour is almost over."

Jane started and cursed to herself. "Listen Alita, I have to pick up a package at the post office for Charlie. You go ahead, I'll meet you back at the office alright?"

Eirene nodded at her friend. "Well, you go ahead then, I'll pay the bill." Before her friend could argue, Eirene called the waiter over and gave him her credit card. Jane flashed a thankful smile at her and hurried out of the restaurant.

Eirene took a sip of her drink and sat back. Now that she had Jane's help, it should be easier to find out where they're keeping Duo. In the past few days, she had resorted to tracking Medea and Freya's locations. Freya was easy to find but Medea has been elusive. Hopefully, when she finds out where Medea is, she'll find Duo.

---

Heero put down his newspaper and walked over to the remaining girl. She was in deep thought and didn't notice him. He looked carefully at her. She didn't look like Eirene at all. But then, with the help of an expert, it isn't hard to disguise oneself. He cleared his throat to get her attention.

She looked up at him and he smiled inwardly. She had not been quick enough to hide her look of recognition and surprise.

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Ha ha ha. I'm supposed to be writing my college application essay (due in 5 days) right now but I just couldn't resist the temptation to write something else! ^^ Anyways, hope you liked. If you liked, please review, if you didn't, review 'neways! ^^

~Kira