Hold The Press

Lois McMaster Bujold: The dead cannot cry out for justice; it is a duty of the living to do so for them.

Relena Peacecraft and Quatre Raberba Winner stood in a press room at Winner Enterprises Inc. in Germany. Relena had adorned herself as the innocent Queen of Sanc and Quatre looked ever inch the Winner heir. They stood firm and calm in front of several of the biggest names in the media.

"We have called this conference to speak of my friend and ally Dorothy Catalonia," Quatre Winner spoke out, silencing the idle chit-chat immediately. "Miss Catalonia is being imprisoned merely because she is cousin to Treize Khushrenada. She has done nothing wrong other than the mistakes that many made during the first war. Miss Catalonia inspired me to be stronger during that war and if it weren't for her the Vice-Foreign Minister would not be standing here. She has saved many lives and shown many of us that we can go beyond what we think we are capable of. It is an outrage to demean her sacrifices so."

Relena stepped up to the podium next. Quatre could see that all eyes were on her, everyone was amazed at how calm and sad Relena could look in a single glance. She had that power and that was precisely why Quatre felt confidant to leave the press conference in her hands.

"Dorothy is my friend," Relena began. "She saved my life many times during the first war and also during this latest attempt to bring back war. Dorothy is loyal friend and I owe her my life. She dedicated herself to my ideals of peace and I believe she should be given a second chance."

'Well said Relena,' Quatre thought with relief. 'You were always good at placating the people and appealing to them.'

"Relena will be here to answer any questions you have but unfortunately I have some work to attend to," Quatre said with an apologetic smile as he stepped away from the stage.

He went with Rashid and Abdul out the side door directly after his announcement. Quatre was tired. He had been working non stop since Duo had disappeared, keeping the Preventers from guessing what was going on and not telling even Trowa what was bothering him. He had known the American would leave right away, there was little left for him to stay behind for.

"Master Quatre," Rashid spoke up as they walked through a deserted hallway to a private elevator. "You have to prepare for the Mesner meeting for tomorrow and Jaffa informed me that you are to have an early day today. Your sister believes you are working too hard."

Jaffa, the second eldest of his remaining sisters would think something like that. She was one of the few though who would actually do something about his overworking himself though, and she was right to. Quatre had not slept for over thirty hours and the last decent meal he had eaten was a breakfast muffin if such an item could be considered a meal. Going home early was a treat that he would indulge in for today. Working for over three weeks straight did strange things to his mind and his temper.

Quatre went through his files on Mesner for three hours, memorizing and storing away items he could bring up in the meeting that would help his cause. He liked to be over prepared for business meetings with other people and potential partnerships. Quatre had expanded WEI in the past years so now he owned a few mines and a large ship yard on the coast of Egypt. He hoped to partner with Mesner or buy them out and expand further into the mining industry. Resource satellites were all well and good but he wanted more and not for the money. Everywhere he expanded he opened new jobs to the local people and brought with him technology and medical care. He wanted people to be productive and have a good life.

A soft knock came at his office door a few hours later. Abdul walked in without waiting for permission, having been ordered by Jaffa to come and pry him away from his work for the rest of the day if necessary. He loved Jaffa and the rest of his sisters, but he only knew a few of them. Most of his sisters were far older than him and when he had been growing up only eight of them had been around the house.

"Master Quatre," Abdul said standing just inside his office. "It's time to go now."

"Just a few more minutes," He mumbled under his breath as he scanned the paper before him.

"Master Quatre, there is a Mr. Marks waiting for you at your home," Abdul continued. "He says that he is an old friend of yours and that you were expecting him."

'Marks,' Quatre thought frantically going through his memorized list of names. 'I don't know any Marks, unless –'

"Oh yes," Quatre stood with a smile closing the folders and stacking them on his desk. "Mr. Marks. I remember now. How soon until we arrive home Abdul?"

"Fifteen minutes," Abdul calculated after a quick glance at the clock.

Quatre nodded and grabbed his jacket from the coat rack. He unrolled his sleeves and smoothed out the wrinkles before slipping into the dark blue jacket. He buttoned a single button and walked out of his office, followed by Abdul.

His clothes were all tailored specifically to him. Every stitch was carefully planned and the styles were elegant and unique. It seemed so long ago since he had worn regular clothing, even though it was only a month ago at most. It would be good to relax later on if he had the chance.

Abdul drove Quatre back to the house, Rashid sitting up front as the designated bodyguard should anything happen. Even after the end of the first war the Maguanacs had refused to leave his service so he kept them on as drivers, mechanics, assistants and bodyguards. They still maintained their old base in the desert where most of the families lived. Quatre found it a true expression of loyalty that they were willing to stay on but as Rashid had told him, even without pay they would stay with him, he was their leader now. After that there were no further arguments about getting them to leave his service.

They pulled into the circular driveway stopping right in front of the stairs. Quatre hopped out of the car and was up the stairs before Rashid for once. He opened his own door and walked in through the hallway to his study where he knew Mr. Marks would be waiting for him.

"Hello Quatre," His voice came from the corner. "Come in and close the door."

Without protest he followed Marks' orders.

"Duo?" Quatre smiled as he flung off his jacket. "Mr. Marks isn't very original."

"I was going for believable," Duo shrugged stepping out of the corner. "And its Shinigami now, but when we're alone you can call me Duo."

"So you did it," Quatre swallowed unbuttoning his cuffs. "I knew you would but everything came together so quickly. I didn't expect you to be back after only one month."

"I take my work seriously Q-man," Duo grinned taking a seat. "Besides, they needed some direction. My network encompasses the Colonies and the one on earth is still forming but it's coming along rapidly. For example I know that this morning Relena Peacecraft and Quatre Winner dined on croissants, muffins, fruit and tea and coffee. And I know that you only picked at your muffin."

"That's eerie Duo," Quatre shook his head sitting in a nearby chair. "I never thought you'd be that thorough. Who do you have on the inside of my staff?"

"Trade secrets," Duo touched the side of his nose. "And I never said they worked for you, did I? Money and other things go a long way and telling someone what two people had for breakfast doesn't seem like trade secrets now does it?"

"So, what's going on?" Quatre asked with a slightly smile.

"Heero Yuy has been found," Duo smirked at Quatre's smiled. "Currently he's in Argentina. I'll keep tabs on him but for now I'm keeping my distance. Heero's a tricky person to follow. He's paranoid but not a danger to any civilians."

"That's good," Quatre sighed. "I was worried about him. What else?"

"Dorothy Catalonia's hearing is in the works," Duo played with the end of his braid. "Her lawyer is going to see her soon. I suggest getting someone on the inside of the prison guards in her private prison, I can give you some names. Some people want the death penalty for her and if she gets convicted under that I will break her out Q-man. I may not have known her but if they can do this to Dorothy they can do it to us."

"They wouldn't right now," Quatre nodded. "But I can see what you mean. So long as we have Relena that probably won't happen but I'd just as soon not see it come to pass."

"Une has hired an old aide of hers, Lt. Anders," Duo went on. "He's trustworthy and good. Zechs is having some minor problems with Noin. And I went and saw Hilde, she's with us. So far things seem pretty stable but I haven't gotten any word yet on the new colony outposts."

"I expected as much with the newer ones," Quatre ran a hand through his blond locks. "There aren't many people living there yet and the communications and shuttle paths are still being worked out."

Duo merely nodded his agreement. Quatre took the time to study his friend a little more closely. He could see the sharp edges of Duo's face even more clearly than before, his eyes were bright but dark. Mentally he chastised himself for allowing a friend to take on his job, allowing another to sacrifice themselves for the greater good.

"Don't sweat it Q-man," Duo shook his head, bangs falling slightly into his eyes. "I'm fine. Besides I would have done this with or without your insistence. At least this way a better tactician gets to see the pieces and put them together."

Duo stood and his long black trench coat swirled briefly around his legs. For the first time Quatre really took in Duo's clothing. It was expensive looking, tailored and obviously not something a destitute person would be wearing. Still his clothing appeared to be on the outside no different than anything else that a poor teenage boy would wear after working hard for it. Duo always did have the flair for blending in with his surroundings better than anyone else he knew.

"Just be careful," Quatre finally spoke.

Duo nodded. He stood after a few moments of silence with a half smile on his face. Quatre would not look at him right away and Duo sensed that the blond Arabian was taking his self-imposed transformation to heart.

"See you around Quatre," Duo said moving to an open window. "And I'll be careful, always am."

Quatre looked out of the corner of his eye and watched as Duo slipped out through the window. He sighed and stood after a few more minutes, shutting and locking Duo's escape route. He should have known better than to ask him to live in his past but they all had to confront their roots eventually.

"Master Quatre?" Rashid said from the doorway. "Your press conference is being aired now. Abdul is taping it for you to study later."

"Thank you Rashid," Quatre turned to the large bodyguard. "Do you know of anyone who would make a good prison guard? I think it would be a good idea for Miss Dorothy to have someone looking out for her best interests on the inside."

"I'll look into it Master Quatre," Rashid offered. "For now I think it's time for you to think about having some dinner. The press releases can wait a little longer before requiring your attention."

The Winner heir nodded in agreement and followed the large Magunac out of the study.