Companions of a Kind – Enemies or Allies?
Zechs stood straight as the transporter beamed him onto Companion. He was ready for his eyes to adjust to the dim light but when he fully solid again he found the transporter room not the way he had last seen it.
Bright balls of light hovered magically in every corner and in the center of the ceiling, leaving none of bright purple walls unlit. The area was still set up the same, on his left ran the short walk way to the top of Engineering while to his right the purple turned into a blinding pattern of tidied hands that had transformed the old dark and efficient bridge into an active almost over whelming sight. Although on a closer look the controls them selves were still in their orderly panels.
"Welcome to the Companion," Quatre said, a smile on his lips. Zechs returned the smile slightly.
"We are thankful that you are willing to host this meeting," A soft female voice said behind him. Zechs slightly turned to acknowledge his sisters comment. Relena was her name. She was a short petite girl with long brown blond hair tied back with a braided half pony tail. Here long pink dress covered her young not fully developed from and brought out the bright blue of her eyes.
"I don't know why we wouldn't," The cold voice of the Chinese youth stated. Relena blinked but Zechs stepped in before his sister could continue her game. Relena was smart, too smart for her own good. Unfortunately her ideals didn't quite mix with her older brothers and it seemed the only reason she traveled with him was to some day convince him to stop fighting.
"I see you have made some changes to the ship. I trust that security remains just as tight. Please, show us to the council chambers so we can get started," Zechs asked and confirmed at the same time.
"Wufei, please show our guests to the meeting room. The Federation has yet to come aboard but OZ is already there," Quatre ordered smoothly. Although it was clearly an order, it was hard for Zechs to not feel as if it was a request, but the Chinese acted on his orders and soon Zechs and his party of three were walking down the hall.
"Noin, please keep an eye on my sister. She is very important," Zechs affirmed. Noin has insisted on coming, her reasoning was that in the hands of the Shiroy's new owners security wasn't as tight and being the head of security it was her job to keep Zechs safe. Zech's glanced at Noin as she gave him a tight 'yes sir'.
She was tall, coming up just below his chin. Her black hair, almost purple in the lights of the ship, was cropped short, her bangs covering half of her face. Although her expression was stern, her face looked kind. Even under the tight collared uniform that all White Fang personal were required to wear, except him of course. The tight old fashioned navy blue top was accompanied by black loose, but not bunchy pants and black boots. All White Fang personal were required to carry a phaser and a human English style fencing sword.
"Companion is not meant to accommodate this many people, so the meeting room is a little small," Wufei stated as the door hissed opened in front of him. The walls of the meeting room were much more tastefully painted that the bright walls of the corridors that Zechs had been in, however they were still bright in comparison to the black and metal colors the entire ship had been the last time he had been on it. For a moment he wondered where Cassandra was and if she would have cared if her ship had been painted... it was her child after all. Built, wired and controlled completely by her for at least the last 10 years.
"Zechs Merquise? Or are you Milliardo Peacecraft today... no mask I see," Treize purred. Zechs narrowed his eyes at the commander sitting at ease in a padded chair. To Treize's left was a brown haired woman, her hair up in two braided pig tails and curled into buns. Like Noin she wore a uniform, only this one was of OZ. The pants were white instead of black and the top dark red instead of navy blue. Lady Une's piercing cold brown eyes narrowed at Zechs and he positioned himself across from Treize and sat.
"Do not banter with me, Treize. Until my hands are free of blood I can not return to the Peacecraft ways. Mask or no, I will be Zechs Merquise for much time to come," Zech's stated coldly. He turned his attention to the two at the table he didn't recognize.
"Hey! I'm Duo and this is Trowa," The braided youth said happily waving his arms in the air in indication who he was talking about. "I already know two of you, but who might the lovely ladies be?"
"Introductions can wait," Wufei said before anyone could answer. Zech noticed with curiosity that the white crystal on the staff Wufei had strapped to his back was glowing. On closer inspection Duo and Trowa also had staffs, but there were placed in holes in the arms of the chairs they were sitting in.
"The crystal on your stick is glowing," Relena stated, clearly wanting an answer. Wufei nodded but didn't leave his position at the door.
"Fei, that was a question," Duo stated, putting his hands behind his head. Zech's watched with mild curiosity as Wufie's face turned a slight shad of red and his cold eyes turned onto the braided boy, no longer the cold black but sparking with fire... along with the red crystal on his staff. But before the situation could escalate the door hissed opened and all eyes turned to it as Quatre led a man, a klingon and a woman into the room.
The two males were in the black cotton star fleet uniforms, phasers at their waist. While the woman was in a skin tight light blue uniform that showed off her cleavage and weaponless body.
"Good now we are all here," Quatre said as he motioned to Duo and Trowa. With a soft joke from Duo, which Zechs could not hear, the two vacated their chairs and took up posts on opposite sides of the room, leaving just enough chairs for the Federation and two more. Quatre and Wufei sat as well.
"We should start with introductions around the table. My name is Quatre, caption of this vessel and next to me is Wufei," Quatre said, his voice was calm and sweet, the epitome of the perfect diplomat. Zech's cleared his throat and quickly introduced his sister and chief of security. To his left were the three from the federation, Caption Picard, Commander Worf and Councilor Troy and across from him was Treize and Lady Une. The woman stank of deceit and treachery, her round glasses seemed to try and hide the cunning wit in her eyes.
"If you don't mind my asking," Councilor Troy asked before anything could get started. "But where is Heero?"
"Heero is taking care of some things, he will join us in time," Quatre explained. "Now I guess we should bring everyone up to speed on what exactly has appeared in the neutral zone and then what we have asked the Federation and then what OZ and White Fang would like to do."
There was the briefest of pauses, and Zechs's eyes were pulled to Duo for a moment as the white crystal on his staff glowed. Then his eyes moved to Wufei has he stood and began explaining about the Voidus and the magic with in it. Zech's was fascinated, the power that each of the young men had was more than most star ships!
"The Federation was the first to find us, hence the first we tried to get help from," Quatre took back over with out even a pause. "The planets of the Voidus are not united and so in return for the your help all that can be offered is the Companions alliance and possible future help as the planets start to get used to the idea of joining together."
"So you are looking for charity to protect you home planets. And you would die defending them alone?" Treize asked.
"If need be, but do not take the Companion's alliance lightly. We have much to offer," Wufei stated.
"Care to share?" Lady Une asked.
"Actually until we have seen everyone's cards, we will not throw in our own," Wufei stated.
"And you think that anyone would be willing to make an alliance with what they don't know about?" Lady Une asked in disbelief.
"No, but those that are worthy will get the information they need," Wufei stated.
"And do you, young man, decide who is worthy or not?" Treize asked smoothly.
"I judge, and that is important for you to remember. Everyone must fight with there own sense of integrity... but those who wish to work together must have something in common," Wufei said harshly.
"But in order to be a good soldier one must follow orders unconditionally," Treize purred.
"That is not the way to train men! Those who can not think for themselves will die, and justice will not be served," Wufei responded heatedly. Zech's leaned back slightly and watched as Treize and Wufie's banter continued. He could tell his old friend was starting to get heated, although Treize's outwardly posture would not give it away.
"But those who can think for themselves can and will mutiny at some point," Treize said, he sat up and folded his hands on the table; brown eyes staring intently into black.
"If a leader it truly just than he should not have to worry, for the soldiers will be able to see and understand the reasons behind the orders," Wufei responded, also sitting up in his seat.
"But even then, they may not agree. Look at your planets. I am assuming they are educated and think for themselves, yet they can not see help when it turns itself over to them," Treize argued. Wufei's face turned red and his hand immediately went to his katana hilt.
"You dare bring my planet into this!" Wufei stated, his voice raised in cold challenge.
"Is it not a valid argument?" Treize asked, his hand going for his own sword. To say Zech's was surprised would be an understatement; Trieze never threatened violence during rhetorical banter.
"Boys..." Councilor Troy started but before she could finish the door behind them hissed opened and suddenly Treize and Wufei both gasped as their swords, sheaths and all, were ripped from their waist and floated into the grasps of the young man that had just walked in.
Zech's sucked in a breath of air as he looked the young man. Soldier screamed from every pour in the youth's body. His legs were slightly parted, as if ready to fight, while his arms hung loosely at his sides, ready to pull out either the staff on his back or the multitude of concealed weapons Zech's would bet his life were hidden in the tight jeans and tank top. Wufei and Treize's swords hung in the air off to the youth's right, just in reach if he needed them. The dirty yellow glow from the staff outlined his thick rumpled brown hair and accented his emotionless face.
"He-man! You're late!" Duo said reprimanding and breaking the silence.
"Hn," Heero's cold voice grunted. With out another word Heero walked across the room to take up a position behind Quatre and Wufei, the weapons still floating at his side. There was an awkward silence, which was accompanied by a strange frown from Quatre. Finally the young blond looked up.
"You're weapons will be given back to you when you leave the ship," Quatre stated. "We should get back on track, I am sorry I let that persist."
"It's not your fault," Relena stated. Zech's looked at his sister, whose eyes were pinned to the young man who just walked in. "Who is it that just joined us?"
"His name is Heero," Quatre said politely. "Now, as to the current situation..." Zechs listened attentively as Quatre began explaining the details. The few time he glanced at his sister her eyes were still glued to Heero, Zechs suddenly felt very bad for the man. Not only was his sister cunning but amazingly spoiled... she always got what she wanted.
"Every thing you say has a form of hast in it," Caption Picard suddenly interrupted.
"Yes, that is true," Quatre agreed. "There is not much time before an evil force attack us. I don't know the specifics, but they do not want an alliance... the just want ownership ...which is the reason we left time space in the first place.
"I didn't see any signs of any kind of force," Noin stated.
"They are still to far off for technology to find," Quatre responded.
"So then it's a type of magic?" Lady Une asked.
"No, I have empathy. My uchuu no kokoro can sense ill intent," Quatre stated.
"And you get none of that from anyone in the room?" Relena asked surprised, her attention turning to Quatre for the first time sense Heero walked in.
"Why would I? Despite claims made otherwise Treize and Zechs both seem like decent people, with the means to help us and the will," Quatre stated.
"Both captions are very honorable and have never betrayed or lied," Wufei added. Relena looked like she wanted to argue.
"Relena, please mind your place. This is not the time to argue your ideals," Zechs said to stop her.
"But, brother, true peace can only be achieved by true pacifism," Relena said, her eyes growing bright at her passionate subject came to hand. Zechs did not miss her glance Heero's way, or Heero's blank seeming disinterest with the world around him.
"I will not disagree with that Relena; it should be what we all strive for. But until all sides strive for the same thing, it would just be stupid to not defend ourselves," Quatre said, his voice gaining some heat as well.
"So what exactly is coming?" Commander Worf asked, bringing Quatre back onto subject.
"I don't know, I just know the feelings," Quatre said helplessly.
"He-man, does Ghosty have any info that should be added here?" Duo suddenly stuck in. Zech's blinked... well Quatre had said that Duo was a necromancer, but wasn't He-man one of Duo's nick names for Heero? As if hearing his thoughts all of the mages heads turned to Heero.
"Fleet of Cardassians and Romulans, 75 star fighters, one week away," Heero dead panned.
"Oh and this just wasn't important enough to inform us?" Duo said sarcastically, his hands once again flying into the air. Heero cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at Duo.
"It had been entered into the main computer," Heero dead panned.
"He-baby, we really need to talk about your people skills," Duo mumbled. Zech's raised an eye brow. Did his sister have some competition or did Duo call everyone Baby?
"Could some one please explain what is going on?" Caption Picard interrupted Zech's thoughts and Duo's mumbling.
"The bad feeling I was getting, its source is a fleet of Cardassians and Romulans are on there way," Quatre stated.
"Do you have proof of this?" Zech's asked. He glanced at Noin, but her face remained as it was. Quatre on the other hand looked over at Heero, slightly frowning.
"I'm sorry, I can't not ask about this. Who has Heero been communicating with and how?" Councilor Troy stuck in. Heero narrowed his eyes at the councilor.
"Friend," Heero dead panned.
"I'm sorry but I don't know you kids well enough to trust your judgment. I'm going to need more information from you," Caption Picard stated.
"Kids?" Duo asked, his voice a mixture of disbelief and anger.
"It is hard to believe what we are hearing is coming out of the mouth of young men who look no more than 16," Treize said with more fineness'.
"You will doubt our word because of our looks?" Wufei added his voice a similar tone to Duo's.
"We just need more information..." Zechs started.
"We have given you all the information we have!" Quatre interrupted before Zechs could finish. Zech glanced around, has hand moving toward his phasor. The situation was starting to get heated. Of the five mages Heero seemed to be the only one with a truly cool head. Qautre was distressed by not violent, however with his distress the tallest of them, Trowa, had become defensive his hand grasping the staff on his back, ready to draw it out.
Wufei and Duo were both openly angry, the red on Wufie's staff blazing while the area around Duo seemed to have grown a little darker. Trieze was in his usual calm, however, Lady Une might as well have her phasor out it was so clear she was ready to draw it. Commander Worf had moved to a standing position, his hand hovering over his phasor while Noin had done the same. Tension filled in the air and all it would take was one more wrong word and the room would turn into a mini battle field.
Then suddenly Quatre's face turned into that unconscious frown and not a second later every weapon in the room was suddenly ripped from its owners grasp, except the mages staffs.
"Cassandra sends her regards to both captions that know her and wants everyone in the room to have full confidence in Quatre and his mages," Heero's voice dead panned as the phasors and swords were added to the swords already floating behind him. "Duo, calm down and come over here," Heero ordered. The tension remained for a moment and then as if it was Duo's decision it ended as Duo moved to stand next to Heero.
"So Cassandra is on board," Zech's stated. He folded his hands together in front of him, a small smile on his lips. "White Fang will help the voidus."
"Hum, interesting. It has been a long time sense I have worked with you Zechs," Treize started. "The Federation and other space alliances have gotten complacent and lax in these past years. I hope you prove to be a more interesting act."
All eyes in the room turned to Caption Picard. He looked back at them.
"I need time to think about the situation," Caption Picard finally stated.
"Fine, hale me when you have made your decision," Quatre stated. It was a clear dismissal and Zech's watched as Trowa escorted the Federation out of the room.
"This will prove to be interesting," Zechs mused. And something interesting is always worth fighting for.
mtc
Zechs stood straight as the transporter beamed him onto Companion. He was ready for his eyes to adjust to the dim light but when he fully solid again he found the transporter room not the way he had last seen it.
Bright balls of light hovered magically in every corner and in the center of the ceiling, leaving none of bright purple walls unlit. The area was still set up the same, on his left ran the short walk way to the top of Engineering while to his right the purple turned into a blinding pattern of tidied hands that had transformed the old dark and efficient bridge into an active almost over whelming sight. Although on a closer look the controls them selves were still in their orderly panels.
"Welcome to the Companion," Quatre said, a smile on his lips. Zechs returned the smile slightly.
"We are thankful that you are willing to host this meeting," A soft female voice said behind him. Zechs slightly turned to acknowledge his sisters comment. Relena was her name. She was a short petite girl with long brown blond hair tied back with a braided half pony tail. Here long pink dress covered her young not fully developed from and brought out the bright blue of her eyes.
"I don't know why we wouldn't," The cold voice of the Chinese youth stated. Relena blinked but Zechs stepped in before his sister could continue her game. Relena was smart, too smart for her own good. Unfortunately her ideals didn't quite mix with her older brothers and it seemed the only reason she traveled with him was to some day convince him to stop fighting.
"I see you have made some changes to the ship. I trust that security remains just as tight. Please, show us to the council chambers so we can get started," Zechs asked and confirmed at the same time.
"Wufei, please show our guests to the meeting room. The Federation has yet to come aboard but OZ is already there," Quatre ordered smoothly. Although it was clearly an order, it was hard for Zechs to not feel as if it was a request, but the Chinese acted on his orders and soon Zechs and his party of three were walking down the hall.
"Noin, please keep an eye on my sister. She is very important," Zechs affirmed. Noin has insisted on coming, her reasoning was that in the hands of the Shiroy's new owners security wasn't as tight and being the head of security it was her job to keep Zechs safe. Zech's glanced at Noin as she gave him a tight 'yes sir'.
She was tall, coming up just below his chin. Her black hair, almost purple in the lights of the ship, was cropped short, her bangs covering half of her face. Although her expression was stern, her face looked kind. Even under the tight collared uniform that all White Fang personal were required to wear, except him of course. The tight old fashioned navy blue top was accompanied by black loose, but not bunchy pants and black boots. All White Fang personal were required to carry a phaser and a human English style fencing sword.
"Companion is not meant to accommodate this many people, so the meeting room is a little small," Wufei stated as the door hissed opened in front of him. The walls of the meeting room were much more tastefully painted that the bright walls of the corridors that Zechs had been in, however they were still bright in comparison to the black and metal colors the entire ship had been the last time he had been on it. For a moment he wondered where Cassandra was and if she would have cared if her ship had been painted... it was her child after all. Built, wired and controlled completely by her for at least the last 10 years.
"Zechs Merquise? Or are you Milliardo Peacecraft today... no mask I see," Treize purred. Zechs narrowed his eyes at the commander sitting at ease in a padded chair. To Treize's left was a brown haired woman, her hair up in two braided pig tails and curled into buns. Like Noin she wore a uniform, only this one was of OZ. The pants were white instead of black and the top dark red instead of navy blue. Lady Une's piercing cold brown eyes narrowed at Zechs and he positioned himself across from Treize and sat.
"Do not banter with me, Treize. Until my hands are free of blood I can not return to the Peacecraft ways. Mask or no, I will be Zechs Merquise for much time to come," Zech's stated coldly. He turned his attention to the two at the table he didn't recognize.
"Hey! I'm Duo and this is Trowa," The braided youth said happily waving his arms in the air in indication who he was talking about. "I already know two of you, but who might the lovely ladies be?"
"Introductions can wait," Wufei said before anyone could answer. Zech noticed with curiosity that the white crystal on the staff Wufei had strapped to his back was glowing. On closer inspection Duo and Trowa also had staffs, but there were placed in holes in the arms of the chairs they were sitting in.
"The crystal on your stick is glowing," Relena stated, clearly wanting an answer. Wufei nodded but didn't leave his position at the door.
"Fei, that was a question," Duo stated, putting his hands behind his head. Zech's watched with mild curiosity as Wufie's face turned a slight shad of red and his cold eyes turned onto the braided boy, no longer the cold black but sparking with fire... along with the red crystal on his staff. But before the situation could escalate the door hissed opened and all eyes turned to it as Quatre led a man, a klingon and a woman into the room.
The two males were in the black cotton star fleet uniforms, phasers at their waist. While the woman was in a skin tight light blue uniform that showed off her cleavage and weaponless body.
"Good now we are all here," Quatre said as he motioned to Duo and Trowa. With a soft joke from Duo, which Zechs could not hear, the two vacated their chairs and took up posts on opposite sides of the room, leaving just enough chairs for the Federation and two more. Quatre and Wufei sat as well.
"We should start with introductions around the table. My name is Quatre, caption of this vessel and next to me is Wufei," Quatre said, his voice was calm and sweet, the epitome of the perfect diplomat. Zech's cleared his throat and quickly introduced his sister and chief of security. To his left were the three from the federation, Caption Picard, Commander Worf and Councilor Troy and across from him was Treize and Lady Une. The woman stank of deceit and treachery, her round glasses seemed to try and hide the cunning wit in her eyes.
"If you don't mind my asking," Councilor Troy asked before anything could get started. "But where is Heero?"
"Heero is taking care of some things, he will join us in time," Quatre explained. "Now I guess we should bring everyone up to speed on what exactly has appeared in the neutral zone and then what we have asked the Federation and then what OZ and White Fang would like to do."
There was the briefest of pauses, and Zechs's eyes were pulled to Duo for a moment as the white crystal on his staff glowed. Then his eyes moved to Wufei has he stood and began explaining about the Voidus and the magic with in it. Zech's was fascinated, the power that each of the young men had was more than most star ships!
"The Federation was the first to find us, hence the first we tried to get help from," Quatre took back over with out even a pause. "The planets of the Voidus are not united and so in return for the your help all that can be offered is the Companions alliance and possible future help as the planets start to get used to the idea of joining together."
"So you are looking for charity to protect you home planets. And you would die defending them alone?" Treize asked.
"If need be, but do not take the Companion's alliance lightly. We have much to offer," Wufei stated.
"Care to share?" Lady Une asked.
"Actually until we have seen everyone's cards, we will not throw in our own," Wufei stated.
"And you think that anyone would be willing to make an alliance with what they don't know about?" Lady Une asked in disbelief.
"No, but those that are worthy will get the information they need," Wufei stated.
"And do you, young man, decide who is worthy or not?" Treize asked smoothly.
"I judge, and that is important for you to remember. Everyone must fight with there own sense of integrity... but those who wish to work together must have something in common," Wufei said harshly.
"But in order to be a good soldier one must follow orders unconditionally," Treize purred.
"That is not the way to train men! Those who can not think for themselves will die, and justice will not be served," Wufei responded heatedly. Zech's leaned back slightly and watched as Treize and Wufie's banter continued. He could tell his old friend was starting to get heated, although Treize's outwardly posture would not give it away.
"But those who can think for themselves can and will mutiny at some point," Treize said, he sat up and folded his hands on the table; brown eyes staring intently into black.
"If a leader it truly just than he should not have to worry, for the soldiers will be able to see and understand the reasons behind the orders," Wufei responded, also sitting up in his seat.
"But even then, they may not agree. Look at your planets. I am assuming they are educated and think for themselves, yet they can not see help when it turns itself over to them," Treize argued. Wufei's face turned red and his hand immediately went to his katana hilt.
"You dare bring my planet into this!" Wufei stated, his voice raised in cold challenge.
"Is it not a valid argument?" Treize asked, his hand going for his own sword. To say Zech's was surprised would be an understatement; Trieze never threatened violence during rhetorical banter.
"Boys..." Councilor Troy started but before she could finish the door behind them hissed opened and suddenly Treize and Wufei both gasped as their swords, sheaths and all, were ripped from their waist and floated into the grasps of the young man that had just walked in.
Zech's sucked in a breath of air as he looked the young man. Soldier screamed from every pour in the youth's body. His legs were slightly parted, as if ready to fight, while his arms hung loosely at his sides, ready to pull out either the staff on his back or the multitude of concealed weapons Zech's would bet his life were hidden in the tight jeans and tank top. Wufei and Treize's swords hung in the air off to the youth's right, just in reach if he needed them. The dirty yellow glow from the staff outlined his thick rumpled brown hair and accented his emotionless face.
"He-man! You're late!" Duo said reprimanding and breaking the silence.
"Hn," Heero's cold voice grunted. With out another word Heero walked across the room to take up a position behind Quatre and Wufei, the weapons still floating at his side. There was an awkward silence, which was accompanied by a strange frown from Quatre. Finally the young blond looked up.
"You're weapons will be given back to you when you leave the ship," Quatre stated. "We should get back on track, I am sorry I let that persist."
"It's not your fault," Relena stated. Zech's looked at his sister, whose eyes were pinned to the young man who just walked in. "Who is it that just joined us?"
"His name is Heero," Quatre said politely. "Now, as to the current situation..." Zechs listened attentively as Quatre began explaining the details. The few time he glanced at his sister her eyes were still glued to Heero, Zechs suddenly felt very bad for the man. Not only was his sister cunning but amazingly spoiled... she always got what she wanted.
"Every thing you say has a form of hast in it," Caption Picard suddenly interrupted.
"Yes, that is true," Quatre agreed. "There is not much time before an evil force attack us. I don't know the specifics, but they do not want an alliance... the just want ownership ...which is the reason we left time space in the first place.
"I didn't see any signs of any kind of force," Noin stated.
"They are still to far off for technology to find," Quatre responded.
"So then it's a type of magic?" Lady Une asked.
"No, I have empathy. My uchuu no kokoro can sense ill intent," Quatre stated.
"And you get none of that from anyone in the room?" Relena asked surprised, her attention turning to Quatre for the first time sense Heero walked in.
"Why would I? Despite claims made otherwise Treize and Zechs both seem like decent people, with the means to help us and the will," Quatre stated.
"Both captions are very honorable and have never betrayed or lied," Wufei added. Relena looked like she wanted to argue.
"Relena, please mind your place. This is not the time to argue your ideals," Zechs said to stop her.
"But, brother, true peace can only be achieved by true pacifism," Relena said, her eyes growing bright at her passionate subject came to hand. Zechs did not miss her glance Heero's way, or Heero's blank seeming disinterest with the world around him.
"I will not disagree with that Relena; it should be what we all strive for. But until all sides strive for the same thing, it would just be stupid to not defend ourselves," Quatre said, his voice gaining some heat as well.
"So what exactly is coming?" Commander Worf asked, bringing Quatre back onto subject.
"I don't know, I just know the feelings," Quatre said helplessly.
"He-man, does Ghosty have any info that should be added here?" Duo suddenly stuck in. Zech's blinked... well Quatre had said that Duo was a necromancer, but wasn't He-man one of Duo's nick names for Heero? As if hearing his thoughts all of the mages heads turned to Heero.
"Fleet of Cardassians and Romulans, 75 star fighters, one week away," Heero dead panned.
"Oh and this just wasn't important enough to inform us?" Duo said sarcastically, his hands once again flying into the air. Heero cocked his head and narrowed his eyes at Duo.
"It had been entered into the main computer," Heero dead panned.
"He-baby, we really need to talk about your people skills," Duo mumbled. Zech's raised an eye brow. Did his sister have some competition or did Duo call everyone Baby?
"Could some one please explain what is going on?" Caption Picard interrupted Zech's thoughts and Duo's mumbling.
"The bad feeling I was getting, its source is a fleet of Cardassians and Romulans are on there way," Quatre stated.
"Do you have proof of this?" Zech's asked. He glanced at Noin, but her face remained as it was. Quatre on the other hand looked over at Heero, slightly frowning.
"I'm sorry, I can't not ask about this. Who has Heero been communicating with and how?" Councilor Troy stuck in. Heero narrowed his eyes at the councilor.
"Friend," Heero dead panned.
"I'm sorry but I don't know you kids well enough to trust your judgment. I'm going to need more information from you," Caption Picard stated.
"Kids?" Duo asked, his voice a mixture of disbelief and anger.
"It is hard to believe what we are hearing is coming out of the mouth of young men who look no more than 16," Treize said with more fineness'.
"You will doubt our word because of our looks?" Wufei added his voice a similar tone to Duo's.
"We just need more information..." Zechs started.
"We have given you all the information we have!" Quatre interrupted before Zechs could finish. Zech glanced around, has hand moving toward his phasor. The situation was starting to get heated. Of the five mages Heero seemed to be the only one with a truly cool head. Qautre was distressed by not violent, however with his distress the tallest of them, Trowa, had become defensive his hand grasping the staff on his back, ready to draw it out.
Wufei and Duo were both openly angry, the red on Wufie's staff blazing while the area around Duo seemed to have grown a little darker. Trieze was in his usual calm, however, Lady Une might as well have her phasor out it was so clear she was ready to draw it. Commander Worf had moved to a standing position, his hand hovering over his phasor while Noin had done the same. Tension filled in the air and all it would take was one more wrong word and the room would turn into a mini battle field.
Then suddenly Quatre's face turned into that unconscious frown and not a second later every weapon in the room was suddenly ripped from its owners grasp, except the mages staffs.
"Cassandra sends her regards to both captions that know her and wants everyone in the room to have full confidence in Quatre and his mages," Heero's voice dead panned as the phasors and swords were added to the swords already floating behind him. "Duo, calm down and come over here," Heero ordered. The tension remained for a moment and then as if it was Duo's decision it ended as Duo moved to stand next to Heero.
"So Cassandra is on board," Zech's stated. He folded his hands together in front of him, a small smile on his lips. "White Fang will help the voidus."
"Hum, interesting. It has been a long time sense I have worked with you Zechs," Treize started. "The Federation and other space alliances have gotten complacent and lax in these past years. I hope you prove to be a more interesting act."
All eyes in the room turned to Caption Picard. He looked back at them.
"I need time to think about the situation," Caption Picard finally stated.
"Fine, hale me when you have made your decision," Quatre stated. It was a clear dismissal and Zech's watched as Trowa escorted the Federation out of the room.
"This will prove to be interesting," Zechs mused. And something interesting is always worth fighting for.
mtc