Chasing Time
by heaven'sgirl
Standard disclaimer applies. Any names used in this story (that are not in the canon GW timeline) are fictional; they were randomly chosen for the purpose of this fanfiction.
Chapter VI: John Hall's History
[ December 6, AC 199 ]
It didn't take long for Preventer backup agents and a team of crime scene investigators to arrive at John Hall's location. While Heero, Wufei, and Zechs stayed within the premises of the house, Noin, Sally, and Duo entered the house with protective gear as they followed the CSIs in the room.
"He poisoned himself," stated Zechs as the others entered the room. The body of John Hall was slumped forward on his desk chair; a whole box of vials similar to the one that was meant for Quatre was located on his desk. The doctor's laptop was also on the table, the screen showing a blueprint of what appeared to be the laboratory in Luxembourg.
"With Toxin X?" asked Sally. Zechs, Heero, and Wufei nodded simultaneously.
"Maybe he knew that we were onto him," Duo concluded. "It was the end of the line, so poisoning himself was the best way out."
The six of them exited the room to give more space for the crime scene investigators. Walking to their van, the group removed their protective gear while Noin contacted the others back at HQ to provide them with the update.
Back at the control center, Une, Relena, Trowa, and Quatre were listening to Noin's information via speaker. "We found a box full of vials similar to the one that was used to try to poison Quatre. As per your request, the vials will be brought and secured in the laboratory in Luxembourg."
"Good. We'll shift the investigation on tracking down his accomplices, including Agent Greene," said Une.
"What about John Hall?"
"Preventers will run a full autopsy on him before we give him back to his family."
Relena looked at Une. "He has a family?"
"According to his profile, he has a wife but no children," answered Trowa.
Relena nodded. "I want to visit her."
Everybody looked at her in surprise. "What?"
"I want to visit his widow," Relena stated patiently. "Maybe she can help us understand more about her husband's state of mind. And we need to help her cope with her loss, despite her husband's wrongdoings."
"If you're set on doing this, then you'll have to bring some of us with you," said Quatre. "Some people do harmful things when they are very hurt."
"I'll inform Heero and Zechs to accompany you," Noin said from the other line.
"I'd appreciate that. Thank you, Noin."
Une ended the communication and gave them a weak smile. "I'm going to have a meeting with ESUN representatives at noon tomorrow to give them an update on this investigation. Then I want a short debrief with our team here, at 1400 hours."
"Finally, we've solved the case," Quatre said with a smile.
"All we have to do now is capture Greene, Stephen Holt, and the DSD mole," reminded Trowa.
"Yes. I'll be assigning Agent Rogers and his team to do that," Une said. "Our group needs a small bit of respite, don't you think?"
"If I may be so bold, Commander Une," started Trowa, "With ESUN compromised and Agent Greene working for John Hall, we might as well treat Preventers as compromised. We don't know who we can trust but each other. I would suggest some of us in the group track down Greene and the other accomplice."
Quatre agreed. "Trowa's right, Miss Une. You needn't worry about us. We agreed to help you, and that's what we'll do."
Une smiled, raising her hands in mock surrender. "Can't argue with that."
[ December 7, AC 199 ]
"You mean to tell us that someone who used to work for DSD is the main perpetrator of the murders?" exclaimed the ESUN President, Ian Vogel.
Une nodded. "John Hall, yes."
"What's his reason?"
"As a result of the Disarmament Edict, the DSD's chemical and biological weapons laboratories were shut down. John Hall was one of the main pioneers of that project and clearly did not support the outcome of the Edict. It's the most likely reason, sir."
Vogel put a hand on his chin. "Since that madman is out of the picture, what are the Preventers' next steps to avoid such issues?"
The look the President gave her made Une slightly uncomfortable. She felt like Vogel was just daring her to say something wrong that would embarrass not only her but her reputation and that of the Preventers. "I have the best people tracking down John Hall's accomplices, including the DSD spy."
"Yes, I do hope your team can successfully do that in a short time. I trust your judgment, Miss Une. I do hope you won't disappoint."
"Yes, sir."
"Which leads us to our next topic: preventative measures."
Une looked at the meeting agenda and saw nothing about the topic. "Sir?"
Vogel cleared his throat. "Not a week ago, my cabinet and I had a meeting regarding the DSD's ambition to expand their projects. As you may remember, the cabinet shut that idea down in favor of putting more funds to Miss Darlian's AH Project."
Une stiffened. A suspicion was already forming in her head. "Yes, I do remember that quite clearly."
"Due to the serious implications of your investigation, and the high probability that mass panic will occur once we release the details, I think it is best to bring up that idea again."
Her suspicions were correct. "You mean…?"
"That for the meantime, I think it is necessary to give the go signal and provide proper funding for the DSD's expansion project, for an indefinite time. We want to be a step ahead of any potential threats, especially those of the biological and chemical kinds."
Except for Une, every high-ranking representative in the room was murmuring in agreement, some even nodding their heads quite dramatically.
Une wasn't sure on how she should feel about the news. While she understood the decision to reorganize ESUN's preventive measures against weapons of various kinds, she knew that such a decision would significantly affect other projects dependent on ESUN funds.
Une became tense. The next words of the president seemed to fade as she became lost in her thoughts, slowly realizing which big project would surely be affected by this change of events.
When Une returned from the ESUN office building (conveniently located across Preventers HQ), she found her team congregated in the conference room. The only one absent in the room was Relena, who was attending a scheduled briefing with the ESUN Treasury Department.
"I hope you bring good news," stated Sally.
"Well, it depends on how you look at it," said Une.
Noin crossed her arms. "That's not very reassuring."
Une sighed. "The cabinet will be releasing the new details of our investigation to the public. Just imagine what the public's reaction will be."
"Pandemonium," replied Zechs.
"Yes, people will be afraid," continued Une. "The fact that the poison was delivered in such a subtle way will surely cause fear. It's possible that they will question the ESUN and Preventers' abilities to defend their people. The masses will want better protection. And it's because of that same possibility that ESUN has decided to expand the DSD by creating a new division under it that focuses on chemical and biological defenses."
"That's a load of crap," uttered Zechs. All eyes were on him. He gestured with his hand. "That's against the Disarmament Edict. The productions of weapons of any kind are prohibited."
"Zechs, this is for defensive purposes…" Quatre started, although he sounded unsure and suspicious as well.
"Are you implying that this defense project is really a weapons production?" asked Noin.
Heero caught on to what Zechs was trying to say. "The DSD is planning to reopen weapons manufacturing under the guise of an expanding defensive project."
"That's my theory," said Zechs.
"ESUN wouldn't allow that," Wufei tried to reassure them.
"Think about it: there is a mole in the DSD. This turn of events clearly benefited that department. Some people from the DSD have been pushing for this expansion for a very long time," Heero added.
"I do not have the power to overturn the cabinet's decision. It's done," stated Une. "Be on your guard. This investigation isn't over yet. There are still three people on the loose, and they need to be taken into custody."
Duo winked and saluted Une. "We're already on it, Commander."
Une sat down at the table and gestured for the others to do the same. "Listen, I share Zechs's theory. We cannot let what we suspect be known to others outside this circle."
"She's right," declared Heero. "We have to be more vigilant. We cannot trust just anybody… not until this investigation is over."
"How will we know if the investigation is over?" asked Quatre, voicing out the concern of many in the room. "How will we know when everybody involved in this are finally in custody?"
"When there won't be any more people pushing for this so-called defense project once the ESUN stops supporting it," answered Heero.
The rest of the group – most of whom were slouched in exhaustion and unease – straightened their posture as they absorbed Heero's words.
Trowa spoke up. "So our next move is to find Greene, Holt, and the mole."
"Then somehow persuade the ESUN to stop financing this 'defense project' to out whoever else might be involved?" asked Duo.
Heero nodded. "That's the plan."
"The successful completion of our affordable housing projects in Belgium, Spain, the L1, L2, and L4 colonies encouraged our team to expand the AH Project. Our focus now is to build affordable homes for the L3 and L5 colonies and three more Earth nations – in Morocco, Brazil, and Japan.
This upcoming project is estimated to take three years to complete; the plan is for the housing to be finished by springtime of AC 203. We hope that the success of our initial projects has paved the way for expanding our mission of providing affordable homes for individuals and families in need of them."
Relena made eye contact with each representative of the ESUN Board of Treasury and the president's main cabinet, including the interim Vice President Kate Hess, whom Relena just met before the meeting started. Looking at her now, knowing that Grace Pruitt used to be in that position, made Relena's heart ache.
"Miss Relena, on behalf of the department and the whole ESUN, we are delighted and truly proud of your project's accomplishments. The AH Project has gone beyond our expectations, and the people of Earth and the Colonies are receiving the help they deserve. We couldn't be prouder to have you as the head of this project," stated the smiling Matthew Price, the Secretary of ESUN Treasury Department.
Relena smiled in gratitude, but Price's change in demeanor from smiling to smug-looking told her he wasn't quite finished with his mini-speech. She felt her stomach churn in anticipation, but she remained silent.
"However, with the recent deaths of our fellow ESUN colleagues, and the revelation that they were poisoned by somebody who used to work for us, the Treasury Department has decided to reallocate the grants from the AH Project to the DSD's defense project. They have plans of reopening some of our laboratories to expand defensive research, such as finding an antidote for Toxin X. We cannot risk any more deaths when some of John Hall's accomplices are still on the loose."
Relena was in quiet shock. "You're reopening laboratories?"
"Yes, hence the reallocation of funds," explained Price in a slightly haughty tone, treating Relena like she was just a little girl. "Miss Darlian, think about it. The masses are in a panic right now because of these deaths… wouldn't you think that our priority right now is to maintain order and assure our people that we have the best defense against madmen like John Hall?"
"That is reasonable, but you must understand that the AH Project depends on these funds as well. If you remove them, we will have to halt all of our future projects. Many people depend on these affordable homes. There must be something we could do to keep some funds to this project."
"Miss Darlian, the AH Project is not our current priority."
Relena looked at the other representatives of the presidential candidate to try to appeal to the rest of them. "We cannot just abandon this project – too many people depend on them. We must find a way to support both projects."
"Miss Darlian!" Matthew Price stood up, slamming his hands on the desk. "Must I remind you that you are no longer a high ranking ESUN official? We chose you to oversee and be the face of this project, but that does not mean you have all the power to decide where ESUN's funds go."
Interim VP Kate Hess held a hand to calm the Secretary. "Miss Darlian, rest assured that the AH Project will not be abandoned completely. But the ESUN cabinet, with the complete support of President Vogel, is prioritizing our defense project due to the latest events. We just released the details to the public, and unfortunately, that has affected our organization's character."
Price was still standing up when he said the next words, "We have new enemies to fight, so we need to be more prepared. We need to be a step ahead of such despicable people."
Relena nodded slowly, still in disbelief from their decision and from Price's outburst about her position. She felt her throat tighten. "If that is what the board has decided, then I have no choice but to halt our projects."
The meeting ended on an unusually somber mood. Most of the attendees purposely avoided making eye contact with Relena, except when they bade her farewell. Chris Marley (1), Relena's personal assistant and friend, approached Relena and placed a comforting hand on Relena's folded ones.
"Thank you for all your help, Chris," Relena said, gathering all of her documents.
"Chin up, Miss Relena," Chris said. "I'm sure we'll figure something out."
Relena gave her a small smile. "We will."
Relena stayed inside while everybody filed out of the room. Relena walked towards the windows and looked outside. So lost was she with her thoughts that she didn't notice another presence in the room until it was next to her.
Relena smiled wistfully, her eyes never leaving the view from the windows. "Hi, Heero."
"Everybody else left. We should get going, too." Heero followed her train of sight.
"The Treasury decided to halt the AH Project; their decision is completely supported by the presidential cabinet," she explained, her eyes following a flock of birds flying by. "Because of the current situation, they want to increase the funding for the DSD for their defensive projects."
"Une shared that information with the group. Vogel told her the cabinet's decision."
She looked at him then. "Heero, why are you still here?" At his silence, she continued, "John Hall is gone; there isn't any reason for you to stay here and protect me."
Before Heero could come up with an answer, his cell phone rang. "Yuy."
"Heero, I've sent you the coordinates for Mrs. Hall's house. It's located in Anderlecht. Sally has already contacted Mrs. Hall to let her know about your visit."
"We'll be on our way."
"Sally gave her the details about John Hall's crimes. No need to overwhelm her with too many questions today."
"Agreed."
"You know how to contact us when anything happens."
"Thanks, Duo." Heero then turned to Relena who left her spot from the windows, busy stuffing her papers in her satchel. She looked at him expectantly.
"This investigation isn't over yet," Heero replied to her earlier question. She smiled and nodded wordlessly, allowing Heero to lead her to his car.
The ride to their destination was a quiet one. While Relena busied herself reorganizing her paperwork, Heero was pondering his answer earlier. He was there to protect Relena while the investigation was still ongoing, but that was only part of the reason why he's staying.
Heero glanced at an unsuspecting Relena and felt a familiar emotion well up deep within his chest. It was a feeling he always had ever since Relena came into his life. He wasn't sure what to call it, but it didn't matter because the feeling never bothered him. He felt a sense of purpose when he was by her side – a fact that he kept only to himself.
He felt foolish for not being more forward with her; he wasn't raised to be emotionally straightforward. He was taught not to let emotions overrule his logic…
"The only way to live a good life is to act on your emotions."
The words echoed in his head. It was the same words that his mentor Odin had given him and the same words Heero himself gave to Trowa. Heero knew these words were true. If he hadn't followed those words, who knew how different his life would be like…
"I think it's time for you to figure out how you want her to be in your life, and you in hers."
Heero spared a glance at Relena again and managed a small smile. When the time was right, Heero would tell her the whole truth.
Right after the meeting with their group that morning, Une, Sally, and Wufei were in an escorted vehicle on their way to the home of scientist Samuel West in the town of Wiltz (2), a two-hour drive from Brussels.
Une was ordered by President Vogel to pick up West from his home and escort him back to the ESUN building in Brussels that same day for the official announcement of his appointment that was scheduled to be broadcast that afternoon. Already the head of the Luxembourg laboratory, the ESUN cabinet found it fitting that Samuel West be chosen as the head pioneer of the DSD's newest endeavor.
Sally watched Une lower her head in thought, absentmindedly tapping on the sealed envelope that contained the documents. "It's interesting how quickly things turned out," commented Sally. "Within 24 hours, the ESUN cabinet already had a plan after the results of our investigation."
"It only confirms what Dorothy Catalonia told Heero and Relena," said Wufei. "The DSD mole is playing a big role in this investigation – he has a lot of influence in the DSD and the ESUN cabinet. Whatever his plan is, it's working."
Une suddenly raised her head. "What if John Hall wasn't the mastermind? What if the DSD mole is the one playing the role of puppet master?"
"Then we're still in a lot of trouble," whispered Sally.
Wufei was frustrated and for a good reason. "I do not like how this whole thing has turned out. John Hall is dead, two accomplices are on the loose, and another is our unidentified mole."
When they arrived at West's residence, the three companions were greeted by a middle-aged woman with auburn hair and kind, green eyes. For someone who came from an affluent family, she was dressed in modest and simple clothes. She introduced herself as Mary West, Samuel's wife.
"My husband is running a bit late from the laboratory, I'm afraid," she explained, ushering them to a quaint living room that had a large window overlooking a colorful garden. The three guests noticed that Mary's hands were shaking as she slowly carried a tray of teacups; Wufei offered to carry the tray for her.
Mary shyly sat down across from them and massaged her still-trembling hands. She felt the need to explain her situation to her guests. "A few years ago, I had a brain injury after a terrible highway accident. It's affected my motor skills, but they've improved after a few years."
"And she has improved," a new voice spoke behind Une, Sally, and Wufei. Samuel West was shrugging off his jacket, smiling at his house guests as he sat next to his wife, giving her a kiss on the temple. "Tending the garden seemed to help."
West then turned his attention to Une. "I'm guessing you'll be my escort today?"
"Yes," replied Une. "The announcement is scheduled to be at 1500 hours today at the ESUN building in Brussels."
West let out a nervous chuckle. "Wow, it's all happening so fast…"
Within a half hour, West, Une, Sally, and Wufei were already on their way back to Brussels. Une made eye contact with their VIP. "Dr. West, there was another reason why we came to your residence today."
West looked her, his whole demeanor showing he was intent on listening. Une took that as her cue and continued, "We want to ask what your affiliation was with the late Dr. John Hall."
A sad look crossed West's features as he began his explanation. "John was my mentor for many years. He was a great teacher and an even better scientist. Science and research were his passions; he lived and breathed them."
"Did you notice any signs that alarmed you to his later strange behaviors?" asked Sally.
"John has always been an odd individual, but he wasn't unkind. He was the one who helped me pay off my wife's treatments after her accident – I was penniless back then. He treated Mary and me as if we were his own children for he did not have any of his own."
Wufei, who had taken out a recorder when West started telling his story, narrowed his eyes at West. "Tell us more about Toxin X."
"Toxin X was John's biggest research project. John had always wanted to be a step ahead – to prevent things before they even happened." West paused, looking out the tinted windows. "Toxin X was a chemical he invented, believing that it could be used as a powerful deterrent. He presented it to the ESUN, but by then, Miss Darlian's Disarmament Edict was passed. As we all know, that disallowed weapons of mass destruction that included chemical agents. So, John's Toxin X was seen as a weapon and not for defensive purposes.
"John became more aloof after that. He spent most of his time in his office and laboratories and even went without sleep for some days. He became withdrawn – he avoided his closest colleagues and me. Not long after that, he had quit his position as head of the Luxembourg laboratory and quit his ties with his work. I haven't seen him since.
"And now we're back to the time when Dr. Hall was still a scientist and the defense project was still a big deal," West concluded. "I do not condone what John did to your friends, but in a way, he proved to us that he was right. If we were more open to the potential of his defense project, we would have been able to save the victims."
Wufei's anger was rising. "I don't think we would have been able to save them. There were no warnings – not until the last few minutes when the symptoms manifested. You're wrong, Mr. West."
Sally placed a hand on Wufei's shoulder, trying to calm the young man. West, realizing Wufei's point, slouched in his posture, feeling embarrassed. "I… I'm sorry. You're right. There is nothing that can justify what John did."
"No, there isn't," agreed Une.
"I promise you, my friends, that I will not repeat John's mistake," West stated, smiling at them. "I'm here to help the Earth Sphere maintain the peace and security for the people."
"Any news on Ben Anderson and his condition?" Relena asked as Heero took a left turn. They were less than 5 minutes away to their destination.
Heero glanced at his GPS and accelerated the car. "Your brother and Noin received news that he's woken up not too long ago. They're prepping a security detail to escort him to Preventers HQ for questioning."
Relena nodded in understanding. "I hope he can help us find Holt and Agent Greene."
"Relena, there is no need to call him 'agent' anymore. His actions against you proved he's no real Preventer."
"Heero, I don't believe he's truly evil. He's been in my security detail for two years and has even taken a bullet for me in one occasion. Maybe… just maybe… he's doing this because he was forced to and not really because he wants to hurt me," reasoned Relena.
Heero fought back the urge to smile as he absorbed Relena's kind words. It was one of the many reasons why Heero believed her to be a much better person than many people, including himself. She exhibited the strength to try to see the good in people. Relena had the enormous capacity to forgive and give second chances. Heero witnessed that when Relena forgave her assistant Chris (3) when she was revealed to have been a part of the scheme to kidnap Relena. Relena's kindness did not discriminate.
"It's possible," Heero finally said as he parked their car in front of Mrs. Hall's house. "But that doesn't mean we won't let him off easily."
"I understand," Relena said, putting on her coat.
The two of them were greeted by a pair of Preventer agents who were assigned to secure the Hall residence. When they walked in the house, John Hall's widow was already waiting for them in the seating area, a melancholy look on her face.
"Mrs. Hall, I'm truly sorry for your loss," said Relena, approaching the widow and covering the woman's hands with her own. Relena and Mrs. Hall sat on one of the couches together, Relena's hands never leaving the older woman's.
"Call me Lydia," Hall's wife said. She gazed at Heero who remained standing near the doorway. Relena motioned for him to sit across from them.
"It's not true what they're saying about my husband," Lydia blurted out. "My husband may have been 'strange' in many people's standards, but he is not an evil man like your Preventer colleagues make him out."
"Ma'am, we believe he is connected to the deaths of three ESUN officials and a Preventer agent," explained Heero, looking at Relena and silently asking her if he was saying the right thing. At her small nod, Heero continued, "We also have reason to suspect that he's involved in the attempted kidnapping on Relena."
Lydia's eyes were wide as saucers as she stared at Relena, searching her eyes for her confirmation. At Relena's hurt look and slow nod, Lydia shook her head violently. "No, that cannot be right."
"Ma'am, we understand that you're-" Heero started, but the older woman cut him off with a point of her finger.
Lydia raised her voice. "Whatever they're telling you, they're wrong!"
"Lydia, please tell us what we don't know," a calm Relena told her, urging the other woman to return to her seat.
"He's not a villain," Lydia said.
"His history as a researcher for the DSD and some of his works that were questioned by the ESUN are plausible reasons for his motives," Heero carried on with his explanation.
"No, he's being framed," stated Lydia. "Someone used him as their scapegoat. My husband is many things, but he's not a murderer. He became a scientist because he wanted to help people and keep the peace, not cause chaos and panic."
Relena and Heero looked at each other, both knowing what the other is thinking. The anguish and desperation in her words were enough to tell them she was not lying.
"Lydia, please help us understand," pleaded Relena, the hysterical woman seating next to her was making her worry.
"If you believe that your husband was framed, then help us prove that," Heero added. If what Hall's wife was saying is true, then they desperately needed to get to the bottom of this investigation full of unexpected twists and turns.
"He called me a few days ago before you found him on his desk," Lydia answered, her voice lowering and becoming calmer now that her guests weren't pressing on the belief that her husband was a lunatic and a conspiring murderer. "He hasn't been going home for a while because he thought somebody was following him."
"When did this start?" asked Heero.
"A few weeks ago, when he tried to get a hold of someone he knew from ESUN."
"Do you know who that might be?"
"Webb. Dennis Webb."
Heero didn't want to bombard the obviously emotionally-unstable woman too many questions, but he had a gut feeling that they were running out of time. "Did John say why he needed to contact Webb?"
"Webb was a big supporter of John when he was working for the DSD," replied Lydia. "John wanted to give him a warning."
Two loud thuds shook the room they were in. On instinct, Heero rushed to Relena's side and used his body to shield Relena and Lydia as a worried but composed Relena spoke in hushed tones to calm the panic-stricken woman. All three of them looked at the closed front doors where the source of the noise came from.
In an instant, Heero locked the door and peered in the curtain-covered windows to see both Preventer agents down – unconscious but alive. He returned to his protective stance in front of the two women.
Heero grabbed his radio and contacted Duo, Trowa, and Quatre who were stationed in the underground command center. "We need backup, now."
"On our way."
Heero scanned the room for any potential escape routes. Fortunately, Hall's living room windows were mostly concealed by dark-colored curtains. Signaling the women to stay quiet, Heero pointed at the doorway behind them, which Heero correctly surmised as a hallway that led to the kitchen.
He realized a little too late that the moment they stepped into the hallway, a large window exposed them to their unseen attacker. In the blink of an eye, the unmistakable red laser dot from a firearm pointed to their direction.
A bullet made its way to Lydia Hall's heart.
Notes:
(1) Chris from Blind Target; I didn't want to make too many new characters, so I gave someone who is familiar to many GW followers the role as Relena's personal assistant/secretary.
(2) Wiltz: a town in the Oesling region of Luxembourg
(3) A scene from GW: Blind Target manga.
A/N: We're halfway to the end!
- I've made a few corrections/additions to previous chapters, such as including dates!
- Ian Vogel is a different president than the one we saw at Endless Waltz. For the purpose of my story (and possible sequels), one term for an ESUN president is 4. So within our story, Vogel has been president starting Fall of AC 199 (his predecessor served from Fall, AC 195 – Fall, AC 199).
Special thanks to: Cyn Finnegan, Shiny Wurmple, Squeakin, Chell, Grey02, Lady-Rinoa14, Princess Mko, Kasugano Midori-chan, Evageliman, Pynka, dootadoot, Yumi90, justwildbeat-rhythmemotion, aliamaxwellgw87, and all the guests who left reviews! You all rock!
Please stay tuned for Chapter 7: Ambush.
Yours truly, HG
Edited: 2/11/18