Disclaimer: Same as always. But you already knew that.
Chap. 35
As Romefeller continues to battle with the Trieze Faction, members from the few countries not yet conquered by their brutal assaults meet together to discuss what to do. But the meeting's organizer, Relena Peacecraft, had her own ideas.
"Romefeller is continuing to grow in power." one of the representative exclaimed. "Pretty soon, they will come after us as well."
Another representative suggested, "We could put up defensives, but against their Sol-Tekka Dolls, they wouldn't be very effective."
The others began to murmur among themselves until Relena called their attention. When they quieted down, Relena began...
"That is why I called this meeting. I propose that instead of trying any aggressive action, we should look for a more peaceful solution. We shouldn't appear to Romefeller as a threat. That way, they would have no need to attack us in any way."
The group murmured to themselves again and one of them spoke up, "But is that really the best thing to do? Given Romefeller's dominance, would they merely stop with their conquest?"
"We must stop all battles against each other." Relena answered. "We can not repeat the mistakes of the past and quarrel among each other. A peaceful co-existence would be in the best interest of all people. To that end, the Sank Kingdom will support any nation that wants to accept this path. And also, I will be attending a meeting with Romefeller to discuss these ideas as well. Humanity must look to a new path now. The path of pacifism."
The group was silent through her speech and began to talk amongst each other again. Finally...
"Hm. It sounds quite reasonable."
"I agree. We'll try it your way, Ms. Relena. It sounds quite intriguing." said another.
The group of leaders spoke with each other once again, only in positive tones. As they did, the representative nearest to her whispered, "You idea is quite the bold statement."
Relena simply turned to the elder man and whispered back, "I'm just following my father's footsteps. But I will need all your help."
The man nodded, "We'll do our best."
Relena nodded, but wasn't relaxed. She knew that Romefeller wouldn't be as accepting of her ideals as they were. But she still had to try. She had to continue strong, for everyone.
************
Beach, unknown
The sunset-lit beach glistened beautifully as the sun lowered into the horizon. On this beach, two figures were seated by the trees. One was sitting alone while the other was tossing a stick outward. Two dogs appeared to fetch the stick and bring it back. Taking the stick back, Heero paused to take a look at his friend, who was simply sitting there, looking out into the sea. The dogs, seeing that Heero wouldn't throw the stick anytime soon, scampered over to Quatre. Quatre blinked and looked at the two pups while they sat before him, panting and wagging their tails.
"Dogs instinctively know kind people." Heero said
Quatre merely stared back at the little dogs, which were still waiting for a response from him, "But is it really necessary in war? In battle?"
Hero simply turned outward, "No. But it is necessary."
Quatre's mood lightened a bit and he reached out the pet the dogs. "But I'm still am unsure. Should we even fight?"
Heero didn't turn to him, "This is battle. This is war. To fight is what it means to be a tekkaman. I will continue to fight."
"I see."
He knew what Heero said was true. But still, was this all there was? They don't even really know who their real enemy is anymore. But Heero seemed so sure. The soul of outer space told him that. As well as that they returned to Earth for a different reason, one that he just didn't see yet. He still felt lost about his place in things now. He's been like that ever since Trowa...
*********
Outside the Sank Kingdom
A golden limousine cruised toward the beautiful city. But before it reached it, the car stopped and the door opened. A young girl stepped out and looked at it. She was blond, with extremely long hair and strange forked eyebrows. Her clear blue eyes scanned the small town before turning to the opposite direction. A distance away, she was able to make out a few Virgo carriers shipping off toward some unknown direction. At this the girl frowned.
"Aw, how disappointing. They should attack the Sank Kingdom instead."
*************
Beach, unknown
The smoldering remains of the Radham still smoked when Noin arrived. The sliced carcasses and parts instantly told her that her target was there.
'They were here alright.' She took a closer look and then turned outward toward the sea. 'And seeing the damage, they couldn't have gotten too far. It's a long stretch, but it's all I've got for now.'
Suddenly, Noin's instincts went on full alert. She quickly reeled around and pulled her gun out and held it up. By the time she was finished, she realized that the person that came up behind her had done the same.
"Who might you be?"
"Sally Po."
The two of them continued to hold their guns on each other.
"I take it you're looking for the gundams as well." Sally continued.
"Sally Po. I've heard of you." Noin responded. "You've done your share of damage in the old OZ days."
Sally narrowed her eyes a bit, "I guess I should be flattered. Now why don't you tell me who you are?"
"Noin. Special agent of the Sank Kingdom."
Sally blinked, "Sank Kingdom? Well, I am surprised. Why are you searching for the gundams?"
Noin began to relax a bit, but she didn't lower her weapon, "To protect the Sank Kingdom. It's only a matter of time before Romefeller decides to attack."
Sally relaxed as well, "Well, seeing that we have similar goals, I suppose these aren't necessary then." Both women lowered their weapon and put them away. Sally looked out into the horizon briefly.
Noin stood next to her, "You just missed them. They should be some distance away from here by now."
Sally nodded, "Yeah I know. And we don't know which way they may have gone." She then turned to Noin, "So I guess the first one to find them wins."
Noin turned to see Sally's smirk and gave one of her own, "Heh, fine by me. You're on."
A beep emitted out of Sally's com and she picked it up. Seeing that it was a coded message she pulled out a com-link and opened the message.
"Sally. It's Fera. I finished my mission and will return to Earth shortly. Meet me at rendouzous point 2389. I'm bringing company. See ya."
Sally puts away the com-link and turns back to Noin, "Well it looks like you get a head start."
"Perhaps well meet again."
Sally turned to leave, "At this point, I'd probably count on it. See you around, agent Noin."
*************
Sank Kingdom...
Relena sat at a wide desk at the end of her meeting room. After she had completed her discussions with the countries representatives, she returned to meet with the applicants of her new teaching regime. The next student was arriving now, a representative of Romefeller. Needless to say, this caused Relena's butler/adviser Pagan to worry.
"Do you think it is wise to allow someone from Romefeller to reside here? This new student may merely be a spy."
Relena answered, "It is the best way for Romefeller to learn our policies. They asked for this so I will allow it."
Pagan nodded, accepting her decision and walked away. Just then, the doors snapped open, revealing the long-haired girl from before. The girl walked up to the table and gave a small curtsey.
"Greetings, Ms. Relena. I am Dorothy Catalona. Representative of the Romefeller Foundation."
Relena stood and repeated Dorothy's action, "Welcome to the Sank Kingdom, Ms. Catalona."
"Thank you for welcoming me into your world." Dorothy then gave a dark smirk as she looked out one of the windows. "Such a lovely world. It would be such a shame for it to be destroyed, wouldn't you say? I wonder what you would do should that ever happen?"
If Relena was disturbed by her curt words, she gave no evidence of it, "I believe that the thought of such conflict can be prevented through peace and communication."
Dorothy turned halfway, the smirk still on her face, "Is that so? And what if it were the Radham? I don't think they will stand by and let you talk to them about pacifism."
Relena frowned slightly, "If it were possible, I would. But that problem is not the major issue now."
Dorothy now turned fully toward Relena and brushed a lock of hair away, "Hm. Well, I hope you understand. I'm a big supporter of war. In fact, it is my passion." She folded her arms before her, "Now that you know this, would you still let me stay here?"
Relena stepped up to her and locked gazes with Dorothy, "Yes. This is just a place to talk. The fact that we disagree only shows that communication is needed."
Dorothy's smirk remained unchanged, "Well, you certainly have courage. I admire that, Ms. Relena." Dorothy made a slight hand gesture. "So we'll 'talk' tomorrow."
Relena nodded, "Yes. Good day, Ms. Catalona."
Dorothy bowed again and left the room. As she did, she examined was she saw in Relena those first few minutes. The way she spoke those words were through and without fear. As if there was more to this than a simple belief. As if there was actual power to Relena. But Dorothy would just have to wait and see. As she walked down the hall, another student passed by her. Dorothy's eyes just managed to catch the insignia on the person's jacket.
'A Space Knight.' she smirked again. 'My, we are picking up quite the class, aren't we?'
The next student entered and Relena looked up to greet her. But at the sight of her, Relena blinked hard.
"Ms. Francious? What are you doing here?"
Yumi strode up to Relena, "I've been sent to enroll in your classes as well." Her face grew a bit worried, "That is not a problem, is it?"
Relena shook her head slightly, "No. But I never expected to see a Space Knight here, much less see you again."
Yumi looked down nervously for a moment, "Well, I wish it was just that, but there's more. I'm also here under orders to protect the Sank Kingdom from Radham attack."
"All by yourself?"
Yumi shook her head, "I'm here with my pilot Hayato as well. But you're right. It's not much. But the Chief thought it would be best to send me."
"Are you sure that the Space Knights won't need you for something more important?" Relena asked.
"Ms. Relena. This is important."
Relena absorbed Yumi's words. She was sincere and Yumi didn't seem like the type to outright lie. There was no reason to. But Relena wasn't sure what the presence of a Space Knight would do. But then again, she has someone from Romefeller participating as well. This may be more beneficial.
"Well, I'm glad that you're here." Relena said with a smile. "I'll see you tomorrow with the other students then, Yumi."
Yumi gave a quick bow and wave, "Okay. Bye."
***********
Unknown
"Awaken."
Within a dark chamber, a single object began to pulsate. Not much at first, but slowly it began to beat faster, like a heart. Around it, dim-flashing lights seemed to resonate along with it. A slick sound creaked from within and a spurting sound shot out. The object exploded and burst like a water balloon and a single figure dropped out of it into the darkness. The figure seemed humanoid, but not at all human in itself. The dark figure arose from the ground and stood erect. Red eyes shone from the creature as it looked upward.
"You will be the first." A voice echoed throughout the chamber. "Deal with them as you see fit. But do not kill them yet. I want them to suffer first."
The creature bowed its head in response. "As you wish, my master."
***********
Outside Sank Kingdom...
Dorothy had driven out of the peaceful kingdom and back to where she had seen the carriers. More were lifting off and they flew in another direction, this time flying right over her head.
"Hurry!" Dorothy cried aloud. "Unleash the dogs of war upon the Sank Kingdom!"
-----------------------
Heero and Quatre continue their battle with Romefeller, but their place in the battlefield seems to diminish with Romefeller's increasing forces. Quatre learns about the Sank Kingdom and rushes to tell Heero about it. But during another battle, Heero's time expires once again. Next on Gundam Tekkaman: Ray of Light; Seed of Darkness