5.Slinky Moustache and company return:
The effect of that serene figure holding a rose on the pilots was quite remarkable: Heero had managed to compile a thousand 'Perfect Soldier' glares into one, a glare capable of evaporating Gundanium (exaggeration? Maybe, but he's Heero anyway...), while Duo was close to having a Shinigami glare of his own; Trowa turned a stony white; Quatre glared with narrowed laser blue eyes at a point beyond Treize's shoulder. Unsurprisingly, Wu Fei's reaction at seeing the enemy he had 'killed' standing before him was easily the most notable.
"WHAT is HE doing HERE?" he finally yelled, positively spitting with rage.
"I guess you should ask them," said Quatre dryly, indicating the figures that emerged out of darkness. Their attention was momentarily riveted as it became clear who they were. Duo clapped a hand to his forehead,
"Crap, the entire company's here..."
And Duo was right. The pilots stared at their trainers, Doctors J, G, S, H and O (in order of the pilots, I think). But between Doctor H and the Arabian cousins, the air seemed to crackle with suppressed rage.
"We meet again, Quatre," said the professor at last. He got two scowls from the elder Winners; their younger relative huffed and went to stand by Samra, who had come in at some point.
Silence reigned again, though it was not because of lack of words or things to do. Rather, it was lack of decision shown by the more expressive members of the group. Wu Fei wasn't able to decide which was the greater injustice – Treize, Rama's affair, the scientists or Maxwell standing right beside him? – in order to launch a full-forced rant. Shingami did not have the ability of entertaining six people at the same time with death, and he was having a hard time adjusting his priorities. As for Heero, the mere question of what type of bomb to use in annihilating the unwanted figures before him was the sole obstacle.
It was a few minutes before Quatre moved past Treize to one of the dark corners. He started the computer systems and turned round, eyeing the Doctors expectantly. H (I'm dropping the titles, they're not worth it) nodded and went to the screen, beginning the long-awaited explanation.
"It is a group made up of the remnants of White Fang and Romefeller, under the name of the Warhorses. The attacks on the sub-colonies of L4 weren't the first, other places on Earth were also attacked, but they were kept secret. Their objective, apparently, is to build an army of their own, so they are looking for resources.
"During the past months, they used the period of peace after the destruction of Libra to commence their plans. Currently they have bases all over the colonies."
"But how come no one noticed?" asked Heero.
"No one suspected that the 'Researching Satellites' were actually mobile suits hangars," answered J.
Pressing a few buttons, H brought out a 3-D map of the numerous bases occupied by the Warhorses. They were small, but the sheer number of them was stunning.
"Are they all armed?" said Trowa.
"No, their exploit on L4 was not completely successful. Their plan was hampered by the Maganacs' interference," replied H. "But they will prove themselves a danger to peace soon if not stopped."
"How do they know where to look for Gundanium alloy?" questioned Wu Fei. The scientists seemed impressed by his question, but Quatre's gaze darkened suddenly in realization.
"He's one of you, isn't he?" he asked abruptly.
"An assistant, actually," said H after a while. "We thought he was dead after we were captured by OZ during the Mercurius and Vayete project, but it seems we were wrong to assume so."
"Yeah, like Quinze," muttered Quatre darkly. "How much does he know?"
"Ronald was Doctor H's assistant," explained G. "he knew that Sandrock was built on L4, and that's why he attacked those sub-colonies, in pursuit of Gundanium."
"You built weapons OUTSIDE the lab?" interrupted Samra. "We had an agreement to continue funding! No weapons outside the satellite!"
"There is no such thing as an agreement in war, my dear girl, and you know that," said H irritably.
"All I know is that you're a dishonorable piece of scum," she growled and went outside, taking Rama with her.
"So you have known about this for some time?" said Quatre, deciding not to continue his sister's argument.
"Yes, and we built our defenses to repel the Warhorses." J showed them a plan of the defense army, though it was nothing in comparison with the armies of the Eve Wars.
Quatre did not seem satisfied, and the reason was about to come out. His next words dropped a bomb in the place.
"Then why are you rebuilding the Gundams?"
The room went deathly silent, though Treize was ready to swear that the pilots were emitting steam. He, however, was merely the audience, and from the way this...uh...'conversation' was progressing, he rather preferred it to stay that way.
"Because it transpired that their power was greater than what we anticipated," replied J in a monotone.
"So you want us to go and kick their butt?" supplied Duo in a forcedly calm voice.
"Eventually, yes, but not now," said G in a maddeningly patient air, as if he was teaching a headstrong toddler that one plus one equals two.
"And why is that so?" Wu Fei was currently turning a dangerous shade of red.
It was Treize who answered. His quiet, aristocratic manner served to infuriate the Chinese even more, but his words were the last straw.
"Because they have Lady Une."
--end of chapter five—
Author's disclaimer: Gundam Wing and its characters are not mine. All I own is this little piece of ranting shown above.
Author's notes:
Sorry for the long wait. I guess this chapter was shorter than the usual, but there was a little problem in my plans. Can anyone tell I hate those scientists? Stupid people. As for what Mr. Kushrenada is doing here, you'll know in the next chapter. Probably, it will have some fruit. A hint? Large, green skin, red flesh inside with a lot of little black seeds. Nice in summer... Enjoy!
As for including Quinze... In the version I watched of GW, Quinze said something about being one of the Doctors during their encounter on Peacemillion. I think it was episode 49: The Everlasting Winter.
To all those who read or reviewed, thanks! Please drop a review.
Free Skylark. 8 August 2004.