Chapter IV

Ruled by Secrecy

Repress and restrain

Steal the pressure and the pain

Wash the blood off your hands

This time she won't understand

Change in the air

And they'll hide everywhere

No one knows who's in control

You're working so hard

And you're never in charge

Your death creates success

Rebuild and suppress

Change in the air

And they'll hide everywhere

No one knows who's in control

Change in the air

And they'll hide everywhere

And no one knows who's in control

Quatre sat next to Heero's hospital bed, reading aloud from the newspaper. Heero quietly tolerated it, but paid little attention. His thoughts were on the mystery at hand; who committed this cowardly attempt to take Relena's life? And, most of all, how could he find and eliminate them? True, pacifism must be respected in this hunt, but Preventers only followed it to an extent. The total abandonment of arms would not be possible to stop fighting, as black market weapons would always be sold. The best way to keep the peace seemed to be encouraging a weaponless society that only brought them out in emergency situations, but never to control defenseless civilians.

Heero kept all of these thoughts to himself as Quatre read on enthusiastically. Heero tuned in for a brief second; Quatre was chatting about a charity ball that had taken place recently. He seemed particularly interested in a feature story on him and Relena, then quieted as soon as Heero looked at him.

"What was that?"

"Oh, um... nothing."

Heero pulled the paper out of Quatre's hands to see a photo of a smiling Relena on Quatre's arm, walking down a red carpet. Heero could feel jealously rise up inside him, but said nothing and merely handed the paper back to Quatre.

"Nice picture," Heero mumbled, folding his arms over his chest and turning away.

"Look, Heero, it's not what you think—" Quatre began uneasily, but Heero held up his hand to cut him off.

"It's nothing."

Quatre hung his head, unsure of what to say or do next that would not evoke the Perfect Soldier's wrath. Before either of them had a chance to say anything more, Quatre's communicator sounded off.

"Quatre here."

"Desert Prince, you're needed at the tent. We'll provide the camel. Over and out." Trowa ended the brief conversation.

"That's your code?" Heero grumbled. "Kinda obvious." Quatre opened his mouth to say something, but Heero didn't let him speak. "You'd better get down to HQ," he continued. "Sounds urgent."

Quatre merely nodded and hurried out of the room, not wanting to face Heero Yuy again for the rest of the day, if possible. Once Quatre was out of sight, Heero picked up the newspaper article and reexamined the picture, trying to analyze the expression on Relena's face. She did look happy with him. They even seemed suited for each other; they were both public figures devoted to peace. Their union could even unite the colonies and earth.

With a low growl, Heero tossed the paper across the room. Why was he jealous? It wasn't like he had any claim over Relena; as far as he was concerned, she could date whomever she pleased. He had never made any real commitment to her, or her to him. And yet… Heero recalled the brief tender moment they had shared on her hospital bed; it was the closest he had ever been to anyone. He could still feel her lips trembling as they met his, but the kiss was broken before they could fully connect. Heero closed his eyes, pushing the thought out of his mind. Idiot, he chided himself. She'll never love you...

Duo smiled at Relena over the cards in his hand. "Your move, Princess."

Relena cocked a delicate brow and made her move, which turned out to be a mistake. Duo laughed and collected the cookies they had piled between the two of them.

"You lose again! You're terrible at poker," Duo teased.

Relena giggled in spite of herself. "Oh, well. I did try, you know."

"I know." Duo winked. "You just need me to teach you some tricks, that's all. Come on, let's start over."

In spite of Duo's coaching, Relena still found herself losing. Again, Duo collected all of the "winnings."

"Good thing this isn't strip poker, or you'd be feeling a draft!" He laughed gleefully.

Relena blushed. "I already am. These hospital gowns aren't exactly insulated, you know."

Duo laughed, clutching at his stomach. Relena began to laugh, too, and soon neither of them could stop. The joke didn't even seem that funny anymore, but Duo had a gift at making people feel at ease in upsetting situations, which Relena was beginning to appreciate. A dark, lonely figure watched them from the doorway. Relena sensed his presence and looked up.

Heero.

Their eyes locked from across the room, and Heero began walking toward her. He tried to ignore resentful feelings toward Duo, who had obviously been flirting with Relena. Was she flirting back? Heero's thoughts raced, once again remembering yesterday's brief kiss. What are you doing to me, Relena? He decided to forget about it; none of it mattered anyway. The only important thing was the mission at hand—keeping Relena safe. He could worry about her romances some other time. For now, he carefully sat down beside her on the bed.

"You seem to be feeling better," he said pointedly.

"I am," she said softly, looking into his deep blue eyes. "How are you feeling?"

"Just fine." With that, Heero stood to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm going to go see if there's any decent food here, other than the cardboard-like substance that keeps being sent to my room. Do you want anything?"

Duo's eyes widened, and he leaned over to whisper to Relena, "Am I hearing things, or did Mr. Stoic just crack a joke?" Relena stifled a giggle.

"Hn," was all Heero said in reply. Then he turned his heel and began to head out the door.

"Wait, Heero," Relena's voice stopped him. "Are you sure you should be doing all this walking around just yet? We were both in a serious accident yesterday."

"I'm telling you, I'm fine."

"I don't know, buddy," Duo spoke up. "You were hurt pretty bad. You're gonna have those scars for a long time."

Heero just smirked. "You have no idea," he said in his monotone. "I've never shown this to anyone, but…" He walked back into the room. "If you can keep a secret…"

He looked pointedly at Duo.

"What?" Duo whimpered. "You don't think you can trust us?"

"I know I can trust Relena with anything… You, on the other hand…"

"Whatever it is, your secret's safe with me!" Duo cried. "I swear on the grave of Deathscythe!"

That was good enough for Heero. This was something he'd felt compelled to share anyway, so Duo didn't really need to convince him; he just enjoyed watching his braided friend squirm.

Heero sat back down on Relena's bed and slowly undid the bloody gauze that was wrapped tightly around his chest. Relena gasped when she saw the results. Heero couldn't help but smile a bit at her reaction.

"Surprised?" He asked cryptically.

"Amazing..." Relena reached her hand out to touch him, but drew it back self-consciously.

"It's okay," Heero said. He took her hand and guided it along the area on his chest where, just yesterday, a gaping wound had been. Now, to Relena's shock, absolutely no trace of the injury remained—not even a little scar.

"How did you...?" Relena was bewildered. "You were almost killed! But now… no one would be able to tell!"

Heero just shrugged. Duo, who had been stunned into silence, finally let out a weak laugh. "I'm telling you; this guy just ain't human." Heero gave him a funny look, but Duo continued. "What are you, anyway—some kind of robot?" Duo chuckled at his own joke, then stopped when he realized no one was laughing with him.

Heero looked the other way. "I don't know," he said under his breath. Relena's eyes widened as she read the emotions on his face, something only she seemed capable of doing. She could see his fear. Hurt. Doubt. "I really don't know..." With that, Heero rose and went back out the door, his shoulders sagging.

Duo glanced at Relena worriedly. "Um… what did I say?" Relena just glared at him.

"We can't let him leave like that," Relena implored Duo. "Not after he opened up to us the way he did."

"You're right," Duo nodded. "Hey, Heero!"

The Perfect Soldier turned around to see Duo smiling at him.

"Why don't you sit and stay a while? You can play with us." He held up the deck of cards.

Heero raised an eyebrow. "Play?" It was as if the word did not exist in his
vocabulary.

"Yes, Heero, please stay with me," Relena said eagerly.

Heero looked at them for a long moment. They really wanted to include him? This was strange. Strange, but... Heero walked back to his friends. He felt that he somehow needed this human connection. Duo grinned and shuffled the deck of cards.

At the Preventer headquarters, Quatre and Trowa were discussing the latest developments on the case.

"I contacted Duo just before you got here. Sally has decided it would be better for us to leave tonight, rather than wait until morning. The situation just became more urgent."

Quatre looked surprised. "Why? What happened?"

Trowa gave a small shrug. "Something about a mobile suit factory they found near the LX colony. It's probably just left over from the Mariemaia incident. It shouldn't be anything to worry about. I'll take care of it right away."

Quatre nodded. "Good thing. We wouldn't want the enemy getting a hold of that... Whoever they are."

"Well, one of our suspects is headed to that area as we speak. That's why the situation has become so crucial."

Quatre shook his head. "This is terrible, Trowa. I hope he's innocent."

Trowa looked pensive, rubbing a hand over his chin. "And I hope he's the one."

"What? Why?"

"Because. That would make the manhunt a lot easier. At least we'd know who to look for. If this isn't our guy, we're back to stage one."

Quatre sighed. "You're right. I just pray this can be resolved quickly."

Trowa gave his friend a small smile. "Then keep on praying… We'll need it."

Quatre nodded. "How can the rest of us be helping while you guys are gone?"

"I'm not sure. Talk to Sally or Une. I assume that you'll just go back to the hospital to look over Relena, since Heero's condition is still unstable."

"Yeah…" Quatre got a peculiar look on his face, which did not get past Trowa.

"What's going on between you and Heero, Quatre?"

"Oh, nothing," Quatre said flippantly.

"You're not fooling anyone, the way you look at Relena. I think it's unwise of you to pursue anything further with her. You know how Heero feels..."

Quatre snapped his head up. "What do you mean? He doesn't seem to feel anything at all." Trowa was taken aback; it was a harsh remark coming from anyone, but Trowa was astonished to hear it from Quatre.

"You know you don't mean that."

"Yes, I do! Heero doesn't…" Quatre hesitated. "He doesn't deserve her."

Trowa raised his eyebrows but said nothing.

"Don't you see the way he treats her?" Quatre's face was reddening with agitation.

"Yes, actually, I do. He has risked his life for her many times and—"

"Only to amend for all the times he tried to kill her!"

"Quatre… Heero has no memories of ever having a family or anyone who loved him. In that way, I identify with him." Trowa paused to let his words sink in before continuing. "Relena is the only person he feels connected to. You know she cares for him deeply. Heero cares for her as well, but does not know how to reflect that to her. That is why you need to give him the time to learn to express those feelings. If you don't, and continue to try to be with Relena, it will be a betrayal on your part."

Quatre sat in silence for a moment, absorbing Trowa's words. He let out a low sigh.

"What was I thinking? Heero is my friend; I owe him my life! The least I can do is help him get together with Relena." With that, Quatre smiled, thanked Trowa, and headed back to the hospital. For some reason, as Trowa watched his friend leaved, he felt a sense of foreboding. He could only hope that Quatre had meant what he said.

Trowa and Duo departed later that night, and Quatre stayed with Heero and Relena as planned. Heero wasn't thrilled about that; as far as he was concerned, there was no need for Quatre as a bodyguard. If anything were to happen, Heero was confident that he would be more than capable of protecting Relena. The doctors, however, saw things differently. They were amazed that Heero's injuries were miraculously healed and wanted to keep him one more night to run a series of tests. Heero was unwilling, but eventually complied. He was a little curious about it himself.

While the doctor was testing a sample of Heero's blood, Heero decided to check on Relena again before going to his room to sleep. As he approached the room, he heard laughter drifting beneath the closed doorway. He recognized Relena's light giggle mingling with Quatre's. Heero glowered and trudged to his room. How long would things be this way? It's not like you're a likeable, charming and social guy or anything. You're completely wrong for her. Heero once again tried to block the negative thoughts. I don't care. I just don't care. Heero climbed in his bed for what turned into a fitful night's sleep.

When Heero awoke the next morning, he saw Quatre stretched out on a chair with a light blanket covering him. Heero was perplexed. He slept in here? He frowned. Why?

Quatre woke up a few minutes later, and turned to smile at Heero. "Good morning. Did you sleep okay?"

Heero just glared at him, then turned over in his bed with a grunt.

Quatre sighed. He hated having a strain with any of his friends. He decided he should get to the point before the conflict between them deepened.

"Look, Heero, if this is about Relena, I—"

"I don't want to talk about it." Heero refused to even turn around.

"Heero, really, I don't want you to think that—"

"What did I just say? I don't want to talk about it. Just leave me alone."

"Okay," Quatre sighed and got up to look out the window, getting a clear view of the New York skyline. Heero ventured a glance in his direction. It was hard, but he formed his next words carefully.

"You...can...uh..."

Quatre turned to face him. "Yes?"

"You... can have... Relena."

Quatre's eyes widened. "What? What do you mean?" Quatre lowered his voice. "I thought you... loved her."

Heero forced himself to shake his head. "I could care less. You're better suited for her anyway."

Quatre shook his head. "I don't believe you."

"Believe me," Heero growled, trying to disguise the pain in his voice. He spoke through gritted teeth, slowly punctuating each word. "I…don't…care."

Quatre approached him. "Before today, I wouldn't have doubted you. But now... I can see that you're wrong. I know how much you care for her, Heero. And frankly, I-I value our friendship more than this."

Heero cocked a brow. "You're lying."

Quatre swallowed hard. "No, I mean it. You've done a lot for me. I couldn't simply overlook that and try to steal your girl." He gave Heero a tiny smile.

Heero actually found himself smiling back. "All right. But..." He turned away from Quatre. "I think she likes you better anyway."

"Me? You're kidding."

"No."

"You're wrong."

"I'm not."

"You are. You should see her when she talks about you; her whole face lights up."

Heero gave him a sidelong glance. "I see you've been paying close attention to her face."

Quatre blushed. "No offense, but it's hard not to. She's very beautiful."

"I know."

The two former pilots matched gazes.

"She loves you, Heero."

Heero looked doubtful.

"I mean it! Go talk to her now."

Heero drew in a breath. "No, I shouldn't…"

"Go! Hurry, before you lose the nerve."

"It's not a question of nerve—I have that. I was a Gundam pilot, after all." Heero paused, but Quatre waited for him to continue. It was not often that anyone had a heart to heart with Heero Yuy. "It's...these feelings. I just don't understand..."

"Talk to Relena. Spend time with her. You'll begin to understand everything." Quatre looked at Heero intently. "She's an orphan too, you know. She faced the terrors of war as an innocent civilian but rose against it. I think she empathizes with you. You really should talk with her."

A resolved look crossed Heero's face. "I'll go." He looked at his blond friend, who was smiling encouragingly. "Uh... thanks, Quatre."

"No problem. Hey, if you can stop a colony from crashing into Earth, I think you can handle this whole Relena thing." Heero chuckled lightly at the remark, leaving Quatre stunned. I actually made him laugh. Incredible! He peered at Heero more closely. I think... He's changing.

Duo was enjoying a nap aboard the shuttle on its way to the L2 colony. At least his dreams were unaffected by the frightening events of late. His thoughts were of Hilde, and getting to see his home again. Then he remembered his mission. Duo awoke with a groan.

Trowa glanced over at him, his eyebrows raised. "Are you all right?"

"I'm good." Duo rubbed the back of his head. "Are we there yet?"

"Just about." Trowa answered. "I'd say another hour or so at our current velocity."

"Well, that's not so bad. Got any more munchies while we wait?"

"I think you finished it all."

"Aw, man!" Duo pouted, and Trowa rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "I guess I should pack more next time, eh?" Duo yawned and stretched.

"Hopefully, there won't be a next time," Trowa murmured.

"Amen to that," Duo agreed.

An hour and a half later, Trowa prepared to drop Duo off at L2. "Is Hilde meeting you?" He asked his braided friend.

"Yup. She'll be a sight for sore eyes, that's for sure."

Trowa nodded. "Then I guess I'll depart. I'm going to drop in on Cathy on the way, so I have to hurry to get to LX in time."

"Good luck, man." Duo clapped his friend on the back. "Contact me as soon as you can."

"I will. Goodbye, Duo." With that, Trowa stepped back into the shuttle and headed to L3.

Duo walked around the spaceport, looking for Hilde. His stomach growled, and he remembered how hungry he was an hour ago. With that, he went off in search for food. When he reached the nearest concession stand, he found a smiling Hilde waiting for him.

"I thought I'd find you here first!" She grinned and gave Duo a big hug.

"Hey, babe," Duo laughed. "You hungry?"

Hilde slugged him on the shoulder, then looped her arm through his and began leading him toward the fast food line. The two instantly began to chatter and catch up on old times.

"How's the scrap shop going?" He asked her.

"Well, we've been getting a lot of old parts lately. I don't know what to do with them all! We could really use your help again, you know."

"I know, everyone needs me." Duo winked at her, and Hilde rolled her eyes.

"Get over yourself, Duo! I'm actually thinking of closing shop for good."

"Really? Is it that bad?"

"Well, no one has any use for spare parts anymore, especially with all the diplomats pushing to outlaw weapons. I mean, I know that's a great idea, and in an ideal world it would work, but… I don't know."

"What is it, Hilde?"

"Well, I just don't know how I feel about all this. I mean, the Gundams were a symbol of the colonies' freedom, but now they're gone. I don't always feel very safe without them. What if the new nation being established just controls the colonies again? We'd be totally defenseless!"

Duo turned to face her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Hey," he said softly, "Relena is one of the people advocating for the weapons ban, and she's our friend. You can trust her, Hilde. She wouldn't let something like that happen ever again."

"I know, Duo, but it's still so... scary. Especially with what's happening now. And," she lowered her voice, conscious of the people around them, "what you're here to do."

"I'm just here to make sure you and everyone else on the colony is safe," Duo said loud enough for only Hilde to hear. "There's nothing to be afraid of... I promise."

Hilde smiled. "Okay, Duo...Thanks." She gave him another hug.

Duo accepted it gladly, caressing Hilde's back with his hands. He breathed in her soft scent and smiled, looking at his familiar surroundings.

"Man, is it good to be home..."

As Trowa stepped into the circus camp, the smell of popcorn and caged animals struck his senses. The familiar big top tent was above him, like a hot air balloon ready to ascend to the endless sky. This was Trowa's home. He hadn't been standing there for long when he heard a low growl coming from a nearby cage. He approached it to see his old lion friend. Trowa smiled and reached out to stroke its fur.

"Trowa!" Before he could even look up, he felt Catherine tackle him with a fierce hug. "I've missed you! What are you doing here, anyway?"

Trowa smiled and hugged her back. He was about to state his reason for the visit, when Catherine began to drag him into the tent excitedly.

"Oh, Trowa! Everyone's going to be so happy to see you! Come on, I—" Catherine stopped when she saw the expression on Trowa's face. She balled her fists at her sides and glared at him. "Don't tell me you can't stay."

"I'm sorry, Cathy. I wish I could, but--"

"Is this another mission? I thought you were through with those Gundam people!"

"True, we are through with Gundams, but I'm a Preventer now. My assignment is at another colony, so I thought I should drop by to see you again."

Catherine's eyes filled with tears. "I understand, but I wish you could stay. I've missed you, and I worry about you a lot. You're like my little brother."

"I know, Cathy. And you are my sister. This will always be my family. If I can, I'll stop by again on my way back. I have to leave very soon, however, as this mission is pivotal."

"Is it very dangerous, Trowa?"

"I can't be sure just yet. I have to survey the area first to determine that. I don't think it's anything out of the ordinary."

Catherine sighed and shook her head. "That's just what I'm afraid of, Trowa—your idea of ordinary is my idea of a catastrophe!"

"It will be all right, Cathy."

"Promise me you'll come back safely."

"I'll try."

"And promise to come back and see me soon!"

Trowa smiled. "I will. When is the troupe coming to New York?"

"Soon, I hope. Our earth tour is in the spring."

"I'll look forward to it."

After a little while longer, the surrogate brother and sister parted reluctantly, a tearful Catherine waving goodbye as Trowa's shuttle sped on to outer space.

On the LX colony, Jason surveyed the underground hangar with a smug look on his face. No one had been able to detect the storage area for forbidden mobile suits, thanks to a high-tech cloaking device. He had just enough Leos and Virgos to get the job done. I'll bet old Nathan isn't having this much luck! As much as Jason disliked his partner, he knew they both needed to be successful in their missions. Even though mine is much more important! He checked his watch and grinned. It's almost time... I get wait to get my hands on that Yuy.

Two days after the terrorist attack, Relena and Heero were permitted to leave the hospital. Heero's injuries were completely healed, and Relena was feeling much better herself, although she was no Perfect Soldier. That day the two of them gathered with the remaining Preventers inside the headquarters' main control room to discuss the further actions they should take. Among them were Quatre, Wufei, Sally, Une, Zechs and Noin. Relena sat on the couch resting with Noin at her side, providing an amiable discussion. Zechs suddenly rose from where he was seated, his eyes focused on something across the room. Relena watched as her brother approached Heero, who stood with his back toward everyone else. As Zechs neared him, Heero stiffened. He was one person he did not feel like speaking to.

"What do you want?" Heero asked without turning around.

"I prefer to speak to your face."

Heero grimaced and turned to face him. Zechs stepped forward. "I believe I owe you an apology. I was out of line the other day. I know you tried to protect Relena..."

"I accept," Heero said with a nod.

Zechs nodded back and returned to his seat by Noin.

Relena smiled in Heero's direction. He could feel her eyes on him, so he turned to meet her blue-green gaze with his piercing blue eyes. Relena could feel her heart beat faster with just this single look. Remembering what he and Quatre had talked about the day before, Heero began walking steadily toward her.

Before he could reach her, Sally commanded everyone's attention. "There's an incoming message from colony L2."

"Is it Duo?" Quatre asked.

"No, it's—"

"Hello, Preventers," a man's lean face appeared on the screen.

"Who are you, and what is your business?" Une inquired.

"The name's Jason, and I have a proposition for you." He paused deliberately to survey the anxiety on the Preventers' faces.

"Get on with it," Heero scowled.

"Heero Yuy!" The man said genially. "I see you've recovered from your... accident." Then his toned changed. "We'd like you to come to L2."

"Who's we?"

"That's for you to find out!"

"Why should I come?"

"Because if you don't, we'll destroy the colony!"

There was a collective gasp in the control room.

Heero and Jason began a stare down. Finally, Jason snapped, "Well, are you coming or not!"

"How do I know that once I get there, you won't destroy the colony anyway?"

"You'll just have to take that chance, won't you?" Jason grinned wickedly. "Personally, I can't wait to blow this place to smithereens, but I'll at least wait until you get here."

Heero stared straight ahead for another minute, much to Jason's annoyance.

"Well? I need an answer here, or I'll—"

"I'll be there."

Jason smiled menacingly and leaned back in his chair. "Good. I look forward to seeing you." With a laugh, he cut off the connection.

As soon as Heero turned away from the screen, the others began to talk him out of stepping into this trap. He refused to listen and asked Sally to prepare a shuttle for him. Then he began to exit the room.

"Wait, Heero."

Heero turned to see Wufei behind him.

"I'm going with you."

"No. He only told me to come."

"But I need to fight them! They've violated our sense of justice!"

"I'll take care of them. Trust me. Besides, Duo is already there. I'm sure he's
already had a good start."

Wufei nodded his agreement and stepped back. "This confirms it, then."

"Confirms what?" Quatre asked.

"Adrian Guilermo is guilty. Jason is one of his men."

"Adrian?" Relena looked up. "Really?"

"Yes, really," Wufei snapped. "Anyone can act like a pacifist. The man is a snake, Relena."

Relena shook her head in disbelief. "He visited me in the hospital yesterday... brought me flowers..."

"I'm telling you, he's the one!"

"Figures." Heero said. "I never trusted him." On that note, Heero turned his heel to leave. Relena sprung from her seat and beat Heero to the doorway, blocking it with her arms. Heero glared at her, and moved to step around her.

"Heero..." Relena held him in place with her firm gaze. "You can't just... leave like this."

Heero lowered his eyes, his expression changing. How could one girl weaken him so much? "I have to go, Relena. I don't have a choice."

"I know," she said softly. "But I don't want you to."

"Relena..."

"I wish you didn't have to fight again. This is supposed to be a new era, yet my fellow pacifists are trying to wage war on the new unified nation. I wanted so badly to create a peaceful world to live in so you and the other pilots would never have to fight again. I…I feel I've failed you..."

Heero grasped her shoulders. "Don't say that, Relena. You have no control over what others will do. There will always be someone who doesn't want peace, and we'll have to deal with them, and sometimes fight again. But that shouldn't make you give up your dream."

Relena tried to blink back the tears she felt forming in her eyes; she hated having Heero see her cry. "Heero... Be careful."

He leaned forward and gently caught a tear with his finger before it could fall. "I'm never careful."

Relena smiled. "Will you try to come back safely, then?"

"If that's what you want."

That seemed to satisfy Relena, for now. She took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.

"All right, then..." They were standing so close together, Relena resisted the urge to embrace him. She was afraid of how he might react, unaware that Heero was thinking the same as her. Their gazes were locked, and they were each losing themselves in one another's eyes.

"Goodbye, Heero," Relena finally whispered.

Heero brought his face close to hers, their lips mere inches apart. "This isn't goodbye."

Relena brightened. "Then promise... to come back to me."

Heero blinked at her words, surprised at the personal implication. She... wants me to live... for her. Heero gingerly brought his hand up to caress Relena's face. "You have my word."

Relena breathed in, and Heero was gone. She was left standing in the doorway alone, watching his figure disappear down the corridor. She felt a little empty inside; she felt that she had been so close to reaching something, only to have it snatched away. She was afraid of what those people wanted with Heero. Were they the terrorists who attacked the UN the other day? Wufei seemed to think so. Whoever they were, Relena was angry; because of them, Heero would have to fight again.

Her brother came over to her and collected her in a warm embrace. "Are you all right, Relena?"

"I will be. I'm… worried."

"Understandable. But Heero can take care of himself."

"I know he can," she whispered, "I know." After giving Zechs a tight squeeze, Relena rejoined the rest of the group. "Well," she addressed them all. "What are you planning to do?"

"I'm going after Guilermo!" Wufei sheathed his Katana blade and fastened it at his side.

"That's fine," Sally said. "Find out all you can."

With a grunt, Wufei rushed out of the room, eager to defend justice. Une approached Relena gently. "Relena, you should stay here tonight; it's dangerous to go back to your hotel. We have a room for you next to Quatre, so let him look out for you."

Relena nodded her agreement. "Thank you for you help." Une just smiled in response, then led Relena to her room for the night. Zechs and Noin took nearby rooms as well, all so they might be able to keep the Vice Foreign Minister safe. Une and Sally continued to work in the control room, going over the data Trowa and Wufei had found on Adrian and his cronies.

During all of this, Victor Stone was seeking to fulfill his mission: kill Relena Darlian. He planned to do so as soon as he figured out which room she would be in. He had already checked the hospital to find Relena had been allowed to leave; she had checked out of the hotel as well. Her connection with Heero Yuy led him to the Preventer headquarters. Victor assumed Relena would be staying with Heero, until he got the message that Heero had left for space. Two other Preventers were in space, so that left only a handful of people to protect Relena. They shouldn't be so hard to intercept. That night, Victor stalked outside of the Preventer building, waiting to make his move.

Relena hugged her brother goodnight after promising both him and Quatre that she wouldn't hesitate to wake them if she needed anything. She was still feeling weak from the other day, which was logical. Her injuries still appeared serious, but the doctors felt she would do best to rest "at home." However, Relena was not planning on returning home until this situation cleared up and the terrorists were caught, no matter how long it took. Relena carefully slipped beneath the crisp, cool sheets and lay awake, thinking of Heero. She opened the window shade slightly to glimpse the night sky, wondering if she would see Heero on his "shooting star." Then Relena remembered that she was in the city that never slept, where the city lights outshone the sky. With a sigh, Relena shut the shade and climbed back into bed. Within minutes, she drifted into a dreamless sleep.

Unknown to Relena, Victor stood below with his night binoculars. "I've found you, Darlian," he sneered. With that, he began his ascent to her window. Relena never heard the window to her room open—Victor used a special device to pry it open soundlessly, even though it had been securely locked. Likewise, she couldn't hear the floorboards creaking as the assailant approached her bedside. Quatre, however, lay awake in the next room, wondering what Relena was doing up; he knew she'd been exhausted, and it had sounded like she'd gone straight to bed. It sounded to Quatre like someone was lurking around; Relena would have no need to walk across her room stealthily. He wasn't going to take any chances, so he quickly leapt out of bed and opened the door to Relena's room. He found himself face to face with Victor Stone, who was pointing a gun at the sleeping Relena.

"No!" Quatre flew at him and the two began to struggle for the gun. Relena awoke with a start. When she saw what was happening, she let out a scream for her brother; before Zechs could reach the room, the gun went off. The sound of it rang horrifically in the small room. Relena watched in stunned slow motion as Quatre fell to the floor, his body limp. Her legs felt like lead; she couldn't run fast enough to his side. Zechs arrived just in time to apprehend Victor and wrestle the gun away, but the damage had already been done. Relena was safe, but only because Quatre had taken the bullet meant for her.

Zechs went with Relena to bring Quatre to the hospital, where he was placed in intensive care. After a few hours of waiting and hearing nothing new of their friend's unstable condition, Zechs escorted his weary sister back to the Preventer building, where he kept a much closer eye on her. Relena was awake the rest of the night, praying earnestly for Quatre's life.