Disclaimer: The beautiful boys of Gundam are not mine unfortunately.

Thank you to all who read and or reviewed. This is quickly becoming one of my favorite stories and I appreciate everyone's suggestions in helping me to make up my mind on the pairing and the final outcome.

A special thank you and bow to Celesta SunStar for the very eye-opening review.

Checkmate

Chapter 4

Wufei stood before the door and took a deep breath, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Then he knocked waiting for the familiar,

"Enter."

Wufei opened he door and stepped into the Chancellor's office, closing the door behind him. He made his way to one of the chairs in front of Zechs' desk, waiting for the man to get off the sofa and sit at his desk.

"I'm here to discuss the progress of the security team."

"Ah, yes. They seem to be coming along nicely."

"Aren't you generous with your life?" Wufei looked over at Zechs who just sat there on the sofa, a smirk on his face. Wufei couldn't help but return the gesture. "With the team's lack of what I consider basic skills, I'm afraid my initial timetable will have to be prolonged by two months. I will forward a revised training agenda tomorrow."

Zechs chuckled and got up to sit at his desk, realizing his Security Commander would prefer a more professional set up for their discussion. "You realize not everyone has the skills of a Gundam pilot Commander Chang."

Onyx eyes narrowed at his superior. "I thought we agreed their training was in my hands."

"Absolutely. I just ask that you keep in mind that a Gundam pilot's basic skills are beyond what is expected of other military divisions. You were created for destruction and mayhem and were trained in several disciplines to ensure that you accomplished your goals. Since you were originally supposed to operate separately, you needed to posses all necessary skills, never needing to rely on anyone else. But true military personnel are taught to rely on not only themselves, but their unit as well."

Wufei's jaw clenched. "I was not created. Only one of us suffered that curse. And I was not sent out with the goal of wreaking havoc. My mission was to bring justice to wherever it was needed."

"Then how do you explain Heero Yuy's willingness to accept and carryout any mission given to him?"

At the mention of Heero's name, Wufei stood up, fists clenched at his side, his voice raised in anger. "Do not speak of him as if you knew him! None of us compared to him and I will not listen to some bureaucrat judge him. I expected better out of you Chancellor."

Wufei turned and headed for the door, but Zechs' commanding voice stopped him short.

"Stop!" Zechs came out from behind his desk and slowly approached Wufei still making sure to keep a respectful distance. "I fought him enough to understand how his mind worked. Heero Yuy was a great warrior. He was strong in body, mind and soul. But ultimately he was, just like the rest of you, a pawn in someone else's master plan. The fact that you came together to create peace in this world despite your original purposes, is a testament to your courage and skills as warriors, and as human beings."

Zechs could see Wufei's tense body relax just slightly and so he continued, hoping to salvage his delicate relationship with the reclusive man and help him to see how much he admired him and the rest of his fellow pilots.

"Chang….I apologize if I've offended you, or your comrades. Every time I witnessed one of you in action, or faced you in battle, I was in awe and it drove me to push myself further to become a better pilot." Wufei turned to face Zechs his anger still evident, but he could see it fading. "Ultimately it was my desire to be the best Gundam pilot and defeat Heero that caused my downfall. But I've left that behind and now I have a new purpose: to maintain peace. And I can't do that without your help Chang."

Wufei just stood there, debating the merits of continuing the discussion or just leaving it be, finishing his mission and leaving as quickly as possible. No. If I am to work with this man, we need to understand and respect each other.

"Apology accepted. But I suggest that in the future we do not discuss this matter again. Agreed?"

Zechs smiled and bowed his head, grateful for Wufei's understanding. "Agreed."

Wufei gave a curt nod and turned for the door once again. He was just about to step through the doorway when he heard Zechs' voice again.

"What I said still stands Chang. I am in awe of you."

Wufei was thankful his back was turned to the Chancellor as that telltale tiny jolt ripped through his heart again, causing his cheeks to flush and his eyes to go wide in shock. He just kept retreating, closing the door behind him and quickly making his way down the hallway. Gods cursed man! What kind of game is he playing? And why am I allowing him to affect me? I must focus on my mission. I am the Security Commander in charge of training a task force to protect the Chancellor. Nothing else. Wufei went crashing through the training room doors, heading for the punching bag. He didn't bother to change his clothes; he just stomped right up to the bag and began pummeling the stuffed piece of leather. Mission accepted.

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Zechs sat at his desk and stared at the closed door. He didn't know why he made that last statement and part of him hoped Wufei didn't hear him. The fact that he didn't respond verbally, or slam his door, was a positive indictor for that theory. However, Zechs wasn't about to kid himself. He turned on his video screen and began furiously typing until his goal was accomplished. The screen changed over to a picture of the training room where the former Gundam pilot could be seen taking his frustrations out on the punching bag. Zechs sighed and sat back, watching Wufei kick and punch, each blow to the bag seeming to get harder and harder. He heard me.

Zechs groaned and disconnected the surveillance camera feed. He started typing again, bringing up the starship's order log. Two leather punching bags. There, that should keep him from killing me for a few more weeks at least. He spun around and stared out at the star-speckled blackness of space. Why must you always be so serious Wufei? And I wonder….will you ever see me as anything other than your commanding officer on this mission? Zechs sighed and let his head rest on his hand. Probably not. But on the positive side, even though you did hear my comment, you didn't yell at me, or glare at me or show your obvious anger in any way. I think that's progress. I might have a shot of you treating me as a fellow pilot by the time this is all over. Zechs smiled at the thought. I think I just found my own mission Wufei.

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Wufei had come to the conclusion that Zechs Marquis, or Milliardo Peacecraft as he was calling himself these days, needed to be handled like one Duo Maxwell. Both men said and did whatever they wanted and if they managed to get reactions out of people it was a delightful bonus. And sometimes comments were made to specifically get reactions. Through the years Wufei had become quite accustomed and knew how to handle the personality type.

So once he accepted this truth into his consciousness, his relationship with Zechs evened out and they'd come to an unspoken understanding which enabled them to work together without major incident. They weren't friends, but Wufei was now certain that he wouldn't kill Zechs before the mission ended.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Zechs approached the Security Commander who was speaking to a few soldiers, no doubt cementing the security protocols for the diplomatic summit in two days. He made eye contact with Wufei, who nodded just enough to acknowledge Zechs' silent request.

Zechs occupied himself by reading the bulletins posted on the wall, noting several groups he didn't know existed. Yoga group, poetry group, movie group. Who would have guessed there was such a diverse group of people aboard this ship, he thought with a smirk.

As he turned back around to find something else to occupy his time, he saw Wufei approaching him.

"I didn't interrupt anything, I hope."

"Not at all."

"Good. Because I'm not here on business." Wufei leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, his attention focused on the floor. "I'm here hoping that you like to play chess." Wufei's head shot up and he stared at Zechs with shocked eyes. Zechs couldn't help but chuckle. It was so much fun getting a reaction, any reaction out of his new Security Commander. Although why chess would get such a strong reaction he had no idea. But he definitely wanted to find out. "Well? Do you like to play chess Commander?"

"I haven't played in years. Why do you ask?"

"I haven't been able to find anyone on this ship that likes to play, and is willing to play with me. I was hoping you would break my streak."

Wufei settled back into his suspicious nature, the situation becoming somewhat clear to him now. "Why won't anyone play with you?"

"I win."

Wufei smirked and lowered his head. He hadn't played chess with anyone since…. He shook his head and looked back up at Zechs. He wasn't sure why he was willing to play chess with the platinum blonde after all these years, but his instincts were telling him it was the right decision.

"When."

"Tonight. 1900 hours."

"Where?"

"My quarters."

Your quarters?"

"That's where the chess board is. Are you uncomfortable being in my quarters Chang? I assure you it's tastefully decorated."

Wufei snorted and pushed himself off the wall. "Sure. I'll see you at 1900 hours Chancellor Peacecraft."

"Chang. Will you call me Milliardo, please?"

"How about Zechs?" He saw the shadow pass over the usually pale blue eyes and he wondered what bad connotation that name had for him.

"Hmm. Well, it's better than Chancellor Peacecraft."

"I could always call you Lightning Count."

Zechs laughed, not just at the suggestion, but he was happy to hear Wufei joking with him. He was making progress with his mission.

"I'll see you at 1900 hours Chang."

Wufei watched Zechs walk out the way he came and wondered if his invitation had more to it than just a want to play chess. Then he shook the thought away. What other motives could he possibly have? Wufei walked back towards the training rooms to prepare a demonstration, his mind still occupied by Zechs' seemingly simple request. It could prove to be just the distraction I need from this absurd situation. But….why am I so willing to play chess after all these years? And with Zechs of all people?

To be continued….