Disclaimer: The beautiful boys of Gundam are not mine unfortunately.
Checkmate
Chapter 2
Wufei stepped off the transport ship and looked around the large hanger of his home for the next six months. And no more. He saw three soldiers standing at attention to the right and went over to acknowledge them.
"Commander Wufei. Welcome sir. We're here to escort you to Chancellor Peacecraft."
Wufei just nodded and followed the three men, observing how nervous they seemed. As he took a quick look around the hanger he noticed veiled stares and quick glances aimed his way. What the hell is going on here? Did I walk into some sort of trap? He saw a few people staring and whispering and then he understood. The Gundam pilots enjoyed a rather notorious reputation, even after the war. And when people found out you were a Gundam pilot they did one of three things: 1) became as nervous as the people around him now, not sure what manner of creature he really was, 2) patted him on the back and thanked him for his war effort, or 3) pulled a gun and tried to kill him. Since nobody had pulled a gun on him yet he didn't care what they thought, though it was pretty obvious.
It didn't take long to reach the Chancellor's office and Wufei was glad to get rid of his silent escort. One of the guards knocked on the door and Wufei heard a deep voice from the other side acknowledge. The guard opened the door and stepped aside. Wufei entered the office and found Zechs Marquis, clad in his trademark aristocratic garb, sitting behind a large desk with a friendly smile on his face.
"Commander Chang, welcome."
Wufei merely nodded.
"Please, have a seat. I appreciate you getting here so quickly."
"It wasn't my choice."
"I see. Well I apologize if any of this has inconvenienced you, but as I'm sure you are aware, the matter is of some importance."
"Lady Une has informed me that you need me to train a group of soldiers to become your personal security team. I read their files and I can't say I'm impressed. Did you choose these individuals yourself?"
"No, I'm afraid I had no say in the matter."
"Then someone doesn't like you."
Zechs chuckled and sat back. "That's why I called Lady Une for help. I asked for a security expert and she sent you."
"Sir…"
"Call me Milliardo, please. We've met each other often enough to warrant first names I think."
"Chancellor Peacecraft…..I spoke with Lady Une and I know what she expects of me. Why don't you tell me what you expect."
Zechs frowned just a bit at the use of his formal title and name, but then again he knew enough of the former Gundam pilot to understand he was not insulting him. It was his way. Chang Wufei was strict, impersonal, driven.
"I expect you to train the individuals provided to function as a security team you would feel comfortable guarding your own life."
Wufei frowned at the impassive face across from him. "If your security team is so inadequate, what will you do in the meantime?"
"What I've been doing. Relying on the security of the governments and organizations I visit."
"That hasn't proven to be the best idea."
"I have no choice. Until you train the men, I have no security team."
"Don't be foolish!"
"Commander Chang---"
"Until the security team is ready to function on its own, I will act as your bodyguard. I will not have you dying or being kidnapped on my watch."
"I didn't ask for a bodyguard."
Wufei restrained the growl he wanted to let loose. This was why he hadn't wanted the mission. Logic dictated that if Zechs didn't have a proper security team, the 'expert' brought in to train the new team would also serve as a personal bodyguard, which would only further delay his return home. But every time he'd brought it up to Lady Une, she'd nimbly avoided giving an answer.
"We will create a schedule so there is time for the soldiers' training and keeping you alive. Once I meet with the soldiers and get a copy of your itinerary for the next six months, I'll submit a schedule in writing."
Zechs studied the young man across from him. It was obvious he didn't want to be here so either Lady Une forced his hand, or she had something on him. Either way I'm stuck with him. Might as well make the best of it. He can't be all bad….
"I appreciate your enthusiasm Commander Chang. I'll have my schedule sent to the console in your room immediately. I've assigned someone to show you around and get you settled. If you need anything, please do not hesitate to see me."
"Thank you."
KNOCK KNOCK
"Enter."
A soldier entered and saluted. "Ah, Captain Burns. This is Commander Chang."
Wufei stood up and saluted the soldier in greeting, noticing the man's tense features. Great. Is Zechs the only person around here who's not afraid of me? Wufei turned back to Zechs.
"I will stop by tomorrow morning with a schedule Chancellor."
"I will expect you at 0900 hours Commander. Welcome aboard."
Wufei merely bowed to the mischievous smile aimed at him, then left with Captain Burns.
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Wufei grumbled as he strode down the corridor. What pathetic beings! I could train a group of children faster than those soft, weak, sorry excuses for soldiers! He had ended today's training session early today because he knew he was going to kill someone if he was forced to remain in their presence.
The "soldiers" that had been sent to Zechs were as green as the grass in springtime. None of them had any real field experience and whatever base they had been trained at did not believe in discipline. They were soft and out of shape. They were lazy and whiny. Today's training had consisted of a five-mile run followed by some strength training. Then they showered and returned for instruction on security protocols.
Most days followed this pattern. A morning workout and afternoon instruction. Usually the afternoon instruction was bearable. But this afternoon had been especially trying on what little patience he possessed. None of them had any experience in explosives other than launching missiles or grenades. How can you survive as a soldier and not know how to identify, build and/or dismantle explosives? So he'd spent the afternoon teaching the basics of incendiary devices. A subject matter he was taught at the age of thirteen.
Wufei grumbled ancient curses under his breath and as he turned the corner, grateful to see his destination in sight. His quarters. His sanctuary from the hell he found himself in for at least the next six months.
He reached out to enter the security code to his quarters when he heard a familiar voice.
"Commander Chang."
Wufei closed his eyes and took a calming breath before turning to face the owner of the voice. "Chancellor Peacecraft."
"I was wondering if you and I could sit down and discuss a few things."
"Right now?"
"If that's ok. We have a full schedule tomorrow as you know and there are a few things I'd like to clear up before then."
Wufei merely nodded and started in the direction of Zechs' office.
"Commander Chang, where are you going?"
"To your office."
"We can have our discussion in your quarters. It won't take long."
Onyx eyes narrowed and Zechs knew the former Gundam pilot would not budge on this point. Oh well, it was worth a try. "Perhaps my office would be better suited."
Wufei just turned on his heels and kept walking, not caring if Zechs caught up with him or not.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Wufei was desperately trying to maintain his temper. He'd been sitting in Zechs' office listening to the Chancellor explain that some of the soldiers had come to him and complained about their treatment under Wufei's command. Apparently they didn't understand why they had to endure such intense physical training when they were supposed to be learning about security.
"I understand your ideals of a strong mind and body. But perhaps you could pace yourself a little slower so as not to discourage the men. Soldiers learn better from a man they respect."
"I am not here to win any popularity contests. I am here to turn those pathetic excuses for soldiers into an acceptable security team while trying to keep you alive. And if you don't like the way I am doing things, send me back and find someone else because I'll be damned if I'm going to waste the next six months of my life here."
He had made sure not to yell. He had kept his voice even, if acidic. He'd refrained from standing up and glaring at his commanding officer, opting to clench the armrests of the chair so tight his knuckles were white. He was trying to maintain some semblance of a professional attitude. But if his methods were brought into question one more time, he would forgo the professionalism and go straight to outrage.
Zechs listened to the impassioned speech of his newest commander. Against his better judgment, he had decided to talk to Wufei about his men's concerns. He knew the proud, driven and disciplined soldier would, at the very least, bridle at the suggestion of revising his training regiment. But he had to try, right? Any chance at making this a trouble-free mission would be worth the risk. So he had tried.
"I understand Commander Chang. And of course, I will defer to your expertise in the matter. But please understand I had an obligation to speak to you on behalf of the men."
"When you meet with 'the men' make sure to stress that the next time they have a problem with their training, it is advisable to come straight to me. Direct confrontation is honorable."
Wufei stood up to leave with a curt nod but was stopped by Zechs' voice.
"Commander Chang, wait a moment." Zechs stood up and walked over to stand next to the chair Wufei had just vacated. "I would like to consider myself an honorable man. That being said…..Do you really hate it here that much that you wish to leave?"
Wufei gripped the doorknob tightly. This is my chance. If I tell him yes, will he let me go? But I've never failed a mission. And if I quit, I will have failed. A small growl escaped his lips as he spoke through clenched teeth.
"No."
"Good. I'd hate to lose such an exceptional soldier such as yourself."
Wufei opened the door and left without saying anything further. His bad mood was beyond a simple escape to his quarters. He needed to let this anger out. He needed to punch something. He quickly made his way to the training room, prepared to break at least one punching bag. Where's Maxwell when I need him?
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Zechs sat back down at his desk and pondered his new Security Commander. If this keeps up, he's going to become a target for more assassination attempts than me. A smirk played across his face as he sat back in his chair and turned to gaze out the expansive window. Not that anyone would succeed. Wufei's too good for that to happen. I feel sorry for anyone who tries to lay a hand on him.
The former Gundam pilot gazed out at the endless expanse of stars and his smirk faded. So much had changed in the past two years. I used to be a soldier. I was the Lightning Baron, pilot of the Tallgeese and Epyon, defeating anyone who dared get in my way. Now I'm a diplomat. A Peacecraft. Relying on others to protect me. When did I become so weak?
A dark shadow passed over the Chancellor's face. He got up from his chair and strode out of his office and down the hallway, determined to prove he wasn't weak. It didn't take him long to reach the training room and when he entered the expansive room he stopped at the repetitive thumping sound coming from the far side of the room. Wufei.
He silently made his way to the corner and observed the commander giving the punching bag the beating of its life. He was only wearing a pair of workout pants and his body was already covered in sweat. He was close enough to see the intense look of concentration on the commander's face and he wondered when was the last time he had such a look on his own face.
Zechs was entertaining the idea of asking to spar with Wufei when the angered young man sent a powerful leg up and kicked the bag so hard it busted open. Sand came pouring out, pooling on the floor. Zechs suddenly had a strong….need…to spar with the Gundam pilot, but he wasn't stupid. Now was not the time. Wufei was too angry to handle a sparring match. He would probably land me in the hospital with the first kick or punch he landed. Zechs watched the angry young commander move to the next punching bag and his smile widened. Guess I better put in an order for two new punching bags right away. And with that thought, Zechs left Wufei in peace. For now.
To be continued…..