Chapter 2: The Barristers
When Milliardo and Dorthy faced each other.
"Nice. Did you pick it out?" Middie asked, holding up the gray, ankle-length dress. Milliardo nodded, turning his attention back to the piles of data Middie had collected.
"What's this side note about the son? Hans," he asked, holding up a hard copy from a computer disk. She waved it away and tried on the high heeled shoes.
"He began to change his routine on December the third. He kept leaving around nine in the evening and coming in about three in the morning. He would stay at a night club called The Cosmic Flower and hang around with several other shiftless, rich kids. Stupid name for a night club. Anyway, he would swing by the space port and meet a man named Quinze. They would talk briefly and part ways. He was the one selling to the White Fang, not me," Middie said.
"You remembered 248 pages of notes?" Milliardo asked.
"My life depends on the smallest details. I live and die by them," she answered nonchalantly. She hung the dress off the bed canopy and joined him at the table. "I would be a pretty poor spy if I didn't, no?"
"Okay. Who's this Quinze?" Milliardo asked.
"A White Fang agent. My belief is that he was the one who killed the old Duke. He's the bastard that framed me along with that son, Hans," Middie said.
"Where do I find him?" Milliardo asked smiling. All he had to do was drag these men in front of Relena and they would be in good shape.
"Quinze went back to space after Duke Heinrich was murdered. Hans was conspiring with him so he left until things cooled down. You could try beating the truth out of that spoiled brat, but trying to find Quinze is pointless. He could be on any colony," Middie said.
"You're right. I should pay a visit to the new Duke. Mister Treize would never forgive such a break in etiquette." They both looked at each other and started laughing at Milliardo's caustic tone.
Milliardo extend his hand and shook the new Duke von Vellums's hand. He had dark hair and blue eyes with alabaster skin. The nineteen year old had a sardonic smile. Milliardo had had enough of arrogant people to last him for the rest of his life.
He looked around the young man's shoulder to see Dorothy sitting on a blue sofa. He kept his aggravation from showing and took a seat beside her. After some polite small talk Hans got a hungry gleam to his eyes and leaned towards Milliardo.
"Miss Dorothy and I were discussing the strategy she was going to use against you. She'll be seeking the death penalty for that girl who killed my father," Hans said. Milliardo nodded, not believing the monumental gall. Middie had pegged him right.
"I know for a fact she didn't kill anyone. I'm gathering evidence to that fact," Milliardo said.
"Really, Colonel, just look at this situation. She's a spy decaying Romefeller from the inside," Hans said, taking a chair from across from them. "It would be best for all concerned if she's done away with."
"I don't believe in framing innocent people," Milliardo said.
"Innocent? She's a spy," Dorothy purred. She smiled up at Milliardo. "Don't you see how people like her decay war. They prevent the beauty of battle and stunt war's growth. Humanity must witness pure war. People like Miss Une have earned nothing more then a dog's death with their dualistic ways. It doesn't matter if she really killed the Duke or not, she's still deserves her fate."
"I don't agree, Miss Dorothy. I see this visit was pointless, but it did answer my question. Good day," Milliardo said, standing.
"Send Uncle Treize my love," Dorothy called out. Milliardo cast a withering gaze over his shoulder and left.
He was confident he could trick the young Duke into giving himself up if Dorothy was foolish enough to put him on the stand. He checked his watch and went over his plans to investigate the night club. Someone with that much conceit had surely made enemies.
"You're right. That night club was horrible. So is the young Duke," Milliardo said, pacing back and forth in Middie's cell. "I found out from the bartender that the old Duke was indeed selling information about Romefeller to the White Fang. The son caught on and wanted a piece of the action. He undercut his father just for spite. The problem is that I haven't found proof."
"I thought so," she said, yawning. "So now what? You said that Miss Catalonia is seeking the death penalty."
"Yeah, but I'm not letting that happen. You're tired so get some sleep," Milliardo said as Middie stretched. "You need to look refreshed for tomorrow."
"I'll be ready," she said. Middie took his hand before he left, "Thank you for all your efforts. I really appreciate everything."
Milliardo squeezed her hand and began to notice how absolutely stunning she really was. Her fragrance was overwhelming as she stepped closer. He shook his head to break the building tension.
"Good night, Miss Une," he said. Milliardo took a small step back and quickly kissed the back of her hand.
He fled to the hallway and up the stairs. He found his way to his guest room in the Sanq Kingdom Palace and flung himself on the king sized bed. He rubbed his sweaty palms on his white trousers and tried to banish those large blue-gray eyes from his mind.
So soulful and confident. Middie was open and mysterious at the same time. He had never been so intrigued with a girl since Noin. He wished he and Noin hadn't halted their blooming relationship. He could fight this temptation if he knew that Noin would commit herself to him. Right now she was committed to those Gundam boys and he was left adrift.
Milliardo froze in his tracks at the vision in front of him. The girl's eyes matched the dress perfectly. She wore very little makeup and had left her honey colored hair cascading around her shoulders. Middie stepped into her shoes and smiled up at Milliardo.
"I'm glad you like what you see. It means I've put on a good face," she said. Middie walked over to him. She crooked her finger. He leaned down expecting her to whisper. She brushed her lips against his and took a step back. "For luck," she explained at his stunned expression.
He offered her his arm and lead her upstairs and out of the Sanq Kingdom Palace. They walked to the next building where the trial was to be held. OZ Specials kept back the swelling crowds. Middie gave a slight chuckle and said, "My public adores me, Colonel. Smile and help me enjoy my fifteen minutes."
"Don't seem so smug and cavalier once we're in front of World Court. Confident, yet..."
"Colonel please. I'm a very experienced actress as you're about to witness," she said. They climbed the stairs to the large Greco styled court house. The Grecian theme was carried through in murals, statuettes, and a thirty foot squared atrium in the lobby.
They reached the doors and made their way down the stadium seating to the tables and benches on the left side. Dorothy was already seated with her hands folded in front. She looked pristine in her black court dress. Her cornflower eyes were far away and bathed in euphoria.
"Here ye... here ye, all come to order for the honor of Romefeller. Her majesty Queen Relena Peacecraft presiding," the elderly attendant bellowed, bringing all the Romefeller members to their feet.
A long mahogany table with several wooden chairs carved with grape leaves faced them. Relena took her seat in the middle, while four men and two women arranged themselves on either side of her. Milliardo felt a surge of pride seeing Relena elegantly dressed in white with a delicate diamond studded crown on her head. Memories of their mother brought a smile to his face.
"We'll hear from the Plaintiffs at this time," Relena announced. The assembly took their seats, except for Dorothy. She walked over to the World Court judges and curtsied low.
"With your Highness's kind permission. I am Dorothy Catalonia, heir to the Dermail title. I will be representing the Romefeller Organization in this matter. We are here today because forces cloaked in darkness have moved against our well-being. We must remain vigilant against these threats. People holding out the hand of friendship only to offer us destruction in return must be shown Romefeller's strength. Please take a look at the defendant." The World Court turned to look at Middie; all the cameras swung towards the young French woman.
"She looks charming. A beautiful girl with poise and grace. Underneath the surface lies a deceptive heart. She betrayed the kindly old Duke, who took her in and gave her shelter. When she was finished, she killed him in cold blood and never looked back.'
"Miss Une even had no compunctions about turning her back on her own compatriots at the Earth Sphere Alliance. Don't look at her surface. See beyond it. Colonel Peacecraft will more than like try to cast doubt about the murder charge, but I have a witness to every event she masterminded, the Duke's own grieving son. Please protect yourselves and the Earth from this threat. Make an example of this modern day Mata Harri and send a message that we will not tolerate this treatment. Thank you," Dorthy finished.
Dorothy took her seat to light applause. Milliardo regarded Dorothy. She was going to pull every dirty trick in the book. He had to be careful not to overplay his hand. He rose and bowed towards Relena. Her eyes sparkled brightly. Could she be proud of him as well?
"Your Highness and members of the World Court, I am Colonel Milliardo Peacecraft of the OZ Specials. I'm here on behalf of this girl you see here. This girl at the tender age of twelve was cast into a life she didn't ask for or ever want. She was forced to grow up fast in a dangerous world and make the most of opportunities when they presented themselves.'
"Yes, she admits to working for the Earth Sphere Alliance, however Miss Une didn't commit espionage for the White Fang or assassinate Duke von Velum. I will present data that will prove Miss Une's innocence. She was there to gather information about Romefeller. However, the Duke's business was more complicated and she was targeted by a vicious spy ring that framed her for several things.'
'This girl didn't do the things you accuse her of. Death is not appropriate for her. It's time the Earth put away it's bloodthirsty ways and strain the quality of mercy. She wants no more of this lifestyle. She only wants peace. The same as all of us in this assembly. With the threat of the White Fang on the horizon, we need to bind together with what is left of the Earth Sphere Alliance and defend peace. We are one united humanity now. I ask that Romefeller show its noble side and set this child free. Thank you." Milliardo said.
He repressed his smirk at Dorothy's glare. He leaned over towards Dorthy and whispered, "You should brush up on some of your Uncle's speeches, Miss Dorothy."
"Oh, I will. You can trust that," she whispered back before Relena set down the case law they would examine.
"Oh, Dorothy, I though you had payed attention to my speeches," Treize said, placing a trick of clubs down and discarding a heart. Lady Une had tried her best to keep her mind on rummy. They had the cards spread before them on a table while the news cast came in from a television at the far end of the room. "That's the third trick you've missed, Lady. Keep your mind on the game and trust Milliardo. He's off to a good start."
"Look, Mister Treize. Isn't she lovely?" Lady Une asked. Treize glanced at Middie's video image for a moment.
"On the surface. I'll send Milliardo some more money for a wardrobe and upkeep," Treize said, sitting his cards down. "I prefer women with a different style," Treize said. He handed Lady Une her glasses and gave her a subtle smile.
"Thank you, Mister Treize. You're too generous," Lady Une said.
"You know that I will provide for your well-being so don't worry about your cousin. Lets start a game of hearts," Treize suggested.
"Trowa! How could you forget that?" Duo asked, eyeballing the monitor. "She's so...." Hilde smacked the back of his head so hard it made his eyes spin. "Hey! Boyfriend abuse! You all saw it."
"I didn't see a thing, Duo," Sally Po mocked, discovering that teasing Duo was a great hobby.
"Hush. Relena's speaking," Heero commanded.
Trowa looked over to Noin who gave him a thumbs up. Quatre smiled encouragement. He turned to where Wufei rested in mid-air, seemingly oblivious to his surroundings. Howard tapped Trowa on the shoulder and handed him some warm milk. He quickly figured out that Sally spiked his beverages with sleeping pills because of the lack of dreams and lethargy. He took a big sip and wondered what all was in on it.
"Zechs is off to a good start," Quatre pointed out. "Miss Dorothy is a very confused girl. I hope she doesn't push this to far. She's one for extremes."
"By the way, we have word that Colonel Une has waken out of her coma," Howard said to the group in general. Everyone blew the information off except Trowa. Howard speculated, "I guess she'll show up soon."
"Treize won't let that happen. He needs Colonel Une with him until he's ready for his next move. Exposing her after battle trauma is not a good idea if he's planing on using her effectively against the White Fang," Trowa explained.
"It's why Trowa should stay put as well," Heero said.
Trowa only nodded to Heero's unspoken demand. If only he could take a drop ship. Knowing Heero, everything was rigged to keep him trapped on Peacemillion.
Anyway he had made a promise to Quatre to stay and fight until the end. He could never bring himself to break a promise to the younger boy because of all the faith he put in him. He never wanted to break a promise or betray his friends; it just didn't set well with him for some reason he couldn't remember.
Milliardo looked over his meal for several long minutes and glanced around the table designed to seat thirty. Because of his abdication, he was seated near the foot. In between him and the head of the table were several Romefeller officials of all sorts, mostly ones directly involved with the court case. They were all in guest rooms at the Sanq Kingdom Palace, like him.
His attention was drawn to the head of the table, where he caught Relena staring at him. She blushed and turned back to the idle chatter at her left side. He wanted to leave so he could go over the week's worth of testimony so far, but it would embarrass Relena to break protocol.
Milliardo slipped into a trance and thought over Dorothy's witnesses in his head. So far nothing he couldn't refute. A ground's keeper saw Middie leave the house moments after the old Duke was killed, but he didn't recall seeing anyone else. Dorothy was calling the young Duke to the stand tomorrow and Milliardo needed to keep on his toes. She was a lot trickier than he remembered.
"... and I'm sure the good Colonel will do right by Romefeller in the end." Dermail's bellowing voice broke Milliardo's revere. Everyone's attention was on him now.
"Excuse me, Highness. I'm not feeling so well," Milliardo said, standing up from his practically untouched meal. He didn't feel like playing silly court games any longer.
"Do you need a doctor?" Relena asked. Her cerulean eyes held such concern. He felt guilty for leaving her alone with these sharks, but it wasn't his fault. None of what happened to them during childhood was his fault, but why did he feel such guilt?
"No, Highness, just some rest. Good evening," he excused himself. Relena nodded to him as everyone began to whisper a multitude of gossipy words about the destruction of the Peacecraft monarchy and the two estranged sibling. He began to wander aimlessly around the Sanq Kingdom Palace.
"Colonel Peacecraft?" Milliardo drew up with a start. He realized that he now stood in front two female OZ guards. He was in front of Middie Une's room in the underground prison area.
"Is Miss Une awake?" he asked. One of the guards slipped in and came back out with a nod. Middie was at the table manicuring her nails. "Am I disturbing you?"
"Come in, Colonel and pour us some wine," Middie said. She didn't even look up. He complied and sat across from her. "This must be personal. It's too late for anything formal."
"If you wouldn't mind, I want to ask what you will do when you meet Lady Une again?" Milliardo asked.
"I won't," she said nonchalantly, choosing a pale silver color for her polish.
"Why? Aren't you curious?" he asked her.
"Yes, but so much has happened in my life that I could barely afford her any room. She is a loyal OZ solider and I am a loyal ESA spy. There is no happy reunion for us. Especially now. Like I said, it would be cruel and stupid. We were raised as strangers. Why try to foster something that wasn't destined to be, no? Why all these questions? Has Ann asked after me?" Middie asked.
"Not exactly. I have a similar issue that I can't seem to find my way through," Milliardo explained.
"You and your sister scarcely talk. When you do, you accuse her of destroying what was left of your Peacecraft heritage," Middie said.
"How did you know?" Milliardo asked in utter amazement.
"My talents only go so far. My job is made a lot easier by the fact that OZ soldiers gossip. My guards have begun to include me," Middie said. She blew her nails dry and gave him a winsome smile. "Don't you think she is hurting from making that decision? She never knew she was a Peacecraft or that she had a brother until barely a year ago. She has done the best with what has been left her. Where were you, Colonel? Up in space with the Gundam Tallgeese letting off some testosterone?"
"You're right. I thrust a lot on Relena. Then she chose a different path than what I wanted. I became angry with her and accused her of being immature. The Sanq Kingdom was the last thing I had of my parents. She doesn't remember them, but I do. I know how noble and loving they were. She doesn't even know that I've saved her life over and over again," he said, too mired in his thoughts to continue. Milliardo felt her light touch on his cheek; it brought him back to the present.
"Tell me what went on when your parents were killed," she prompted.
"Relena was two and I was nine when it happened. We were having a family reunion with all of the aunts, uncles and cousins. Everyone remotely related to us by blood. It was supposed to last all weekend. That Friday afternoon, we ran and played around the lake. I got a spanking for pushing one of my cousins in the water," he said, getting a mischievous smirk. Middie chuckled.
"It is hard for me to imagine a big, strong man like you as a child getting a spanking," Middie said. They settled into silence as Milliardo grew somber again.
"That night was the traditional Peacecraft Ball for the adults. All the children were put to bed except me. I was the Heir Apparent so I was allowed to make a showing before I was taken to bed. I held my parents' hands as I we walked around the room. Mother was so elegant. She dressed in green because it was Father's favorite. He looked so strong. I believed my father could stand against anything.'
"They were walking me over towards my nanny when Father crumpled in front of us. Mother screamed and threw herself over me. I felt her shudder violently as these loud cracks happened all around. All my family was running around in panic and I didn't understand the commotion. I was looking at my mother when she rolled off of me. I wondered at the time why she wore such red lipstick.'
"She said one word to me. Relena. I ran upstairs against the sniper fire from the balconies. They were too busy slaughtering the adults to notice me. I went into the nursery and woke her, keeping my hand over her mouth because I could hear them coming to kill the children next. After all, it wouldn't do ESA any good unless we were all dead.'
"I could hear them kill our cousins in the room to our left. I picked her up and ran to the window. I climbed down a tree with her. After I was on the ground I carried her. I ran as hard as I could and kept my eyes alert. We had to sneak past one guard and I was worried Relena would cry because they were beginning to burn part of this Palace. She didn't. I was so proud of my little sister, being so brave and so like our father. She clung to my neck until we hit the forest. It was a moonless night, but a bright beacon hung in the sky. A reflection off of the L-1 space colony guided me towards New Port City," he said.
"You and your sister are so very strong. How long were you in the forest?" Middie asked.
"It was the whole night. Eight hours maybe. She didn't cry once. Neither did I. When we hit the city, I found the orphanage. I cut all of Relena's hair off with my Father's pocketknife and smeared her with dirt. I found some tattered clothing in their donation bin that I dressed her in and threw away her shoes. You see, I realized that they would come for me, and in order for her to live I had to leave her in the orphanage. She cried when I told her to go into the courtyard. She wouldn't quit hugging me. I pushed her down and ran. She was too little to keep up," he said.
"What happened then?" she asked, refilling their glasses.
"A distant cousin that was one year younger than me was killed in that raid. He was transferring to the Junior Military Academy of Luxembourg. That's how I came upon Zechs Merquise's identity," he said. "I found out when I was sixteen that Relena had been adpoted by Darlian and his wife. It was a sealed adoption so she had no idea who she really was."
"And the rest is history? I'm not the one you should share this with if you want to reforge bonds with Miss Relena. Milliardo, don't waste time and let this war tear apart your relationship with her. It will get to be too late, like it is with Ann and me. Not to mention my own brothers. I haven't seen them in years," Middie said and took a long sip of wine. "Go heal your family now."
"I can't. I want to, but if I do, then she might think I'm trying to curry her favor towards you. I don't want any doubts or issues to come into play when I try to talk to her about our family," Milliardo said, giving a soft smile to Middie.
"What is it?" she asked. He took her hands and kissed them lightly several times.
"I killed the man from the Earth Sphere Alliance who ordered my entire family killed and it left me cold, with no relief. Just talking with you has lightened my soul considerably. It's ironic, considering you're from the organization that ordered my family killed. Thank you, Middie," he said.
"They aren't exactly friendly towards me right now. They think I've betrayed them," she said. "So beware, Colonel Peacecraft," Middie said. She drew his hands up with hers. She rested her cheek on their laced fingers and looked up at him. "I am poison to those who are near me too long." He fought off the temptation to kiss her pink lips with a short sip of wine.
"Duke von Velum, you will now testify about the relationship you had with the accused. Please tell the court about it," Dorothy said, pacing in front of Relena's table.
"At first, Father brought her home as a girlfriend. It was obvious what she was doing with him. After several months she began to take an interest in me and so I took her around to the nightclubs," he said.
"If she was your Father's girlfriend, why did you take her out to the discotheques?" Dorthy asked.
"Because I thought she was nice looking. I felt sorry for her being cloistered up all day with my Father. It wasn't long before she was making friends with all the wrong people," Hans, the young Duke, said.
"Please tell us about these people," Dorothy said. She took a long sip of water and tossed her long hair over her shoulder.
"They were members of a group looking for a few of us Romefeller heirs to leak secrets about our parents. Middie was more than willing. She was just with my father for the money, so it didn't take much for her to decide to sell him out," Hans testified.
"Objection! Speculation," Milliardo shouted, bolting out of his chair.
"Overruled," Relena said after her bench partners whispered over their opinions. "Please address this in your cross examination, Colonel Peacecraft."
"Yes, Highness," he said, taking his seat. Middie leaned over to Milliardo and whispered a blissful secret that made him grin. He sat back and let Dorothy finish her smear campaign.
"Colonel, you may examine the witness," Relena said, after Dorothy had taken her seat.
"Do you maintain that you had nothing but the purest intentions towards Miss Une?" Milliardo asked.
"Of course. She was my father's companion. I was just being nice by including her after she badgered me to death. She called Father all sorts of names and squeezed every cent she could from him," the Duke said in puffed up outrage. "What are you implying, Colonel Peacecraft? You know that you could get sanctions for implying that I was trying to sleep with Middie."
"Did I ask if you were sleeping with Miss Une? Why would you jump to that conclusion?" Milliardo asked. A hush fell over the crowd. The young man gaped at Milliardo while Dorothy glared at him.
Milliardo leaned against the witness podium and looked down at the boy. He finally said, "Tell us about December the third of last year. You and Miss Une were at 'The Cosmic Flower' with several people discussing the White Fang. How many drinks did you have that night?"
"I had three drinks. And I don't know what this White Fang is," Hans shouted, face red.
"Your credit receipt said seven," Milliardo said, holding aloft a piece of paper.
"Some of those where for her!" Hans protested.
"One was for her. A brandy. The rest were Screwdrivers. Don't make me put waitresses up here. Now please relate your whole conversation that night. I'm sure it was interesting seeing how you were very inebriated. Didn't you have a guest that you introduced Miss Une to... a man named Quinze?"
"Objection. My client would have been intoxicated. He could have said or done anything," Dorthy shouted out, jumping out of her chair. Milliardo gritted his teeth. He had to introduce Quinze into the conversation.
"Sustained," Relena called out begrudgingly after whispering to the Romefeller nobles beside her.
"Fine. That's all," Milliardo said, sitting down. He'd have to find another way.
"Lady, I'm sure that she doesn't live that lifestyle," Treize said, standing from his seat on the edge of her bed. He was concerned because Ann had been riveted for hours to the screen.
Treize was actually alarmed that this trial was beginning to take a lurid bent beneath Romefeller's standards. He had expect much better things from Dorothy. Yes she was winning, but it was a hollow victory. A victory not honest and worthy of someone related to him. Why didn't Relena take more control? He thought that Milliardo must be too much of a distraction to her.
"I have to make a call. I'll be back within the hour," Treize said, excusing himself.
"I'm sure he's lying," Noin said, patting Trowa's shoulder. The boy had been glued to the broadcast as if his life had depended on ever second. "Milliardo will show that the Duke is a lying little bastard." Trowa nodded and balled up in midair where he floated with closed eyes.
"I don't know that she wasn't with him. I don't know even if she knows I'm alive or if she thinks about me. Why not have him as lover? After all, it's just a job. Spying I mean. What does anything matter? Morals, soul, friendship, body, and trust. None of it matters when you're in our line of work. You're only a puppet at someone's whim who won't even allow you enough respect and dignity to consider yourself human," Trowa said, his voice drenched in bitterness.
"Oh, Trowa. Please try to remember her. It'll put things to rest in your mind All of it does matter. You matter. You told me that you grew very fond of Lady Une. Why?" Noin asked. She floated closer to him.
"Because she showed me respect and tried to nurture me rather than thoughtlessly use me. She would have sacrificed me for Mister Khushrenada's ideals, but she wouldn't have done so in an irreverent manner," Trowa said.
"There must be some more to you than an expendable terrorist and spy. She has not one wit of patience. If she didn't find you to be a quality person she would have just cast you aside. You should try to remember what Middie did to you. It must have been traumatic. Really... if she means so much to you, you have to find a way to forgive her," Noin said, crossing her arms against the chill in the room.
"I think that I could fall in love with her again. I want a chance to forgive the past and start over with her. I just want to be in a peaceful place for once. I think she might be able to give that to me," Trowa said.
"Don't worry, kid. Milliardo has a plan. I can see it from here. He's never let me down yet," Noin said, smiling.
"Miss Dorothy, do you have any more witnesses?" Relena asked.
"No, Miss Relena. I'm finished, but I want to reserve the right to call new witnesses," Dorothy answered with a low curtsy. She had no trouble proving Middie was a spy, but she had trouble casting her as an assassin. At least she had made it look like Middie was a bawdy cocotte, which would hopefully prejudice the jury.
The only problem to her plan was the big-mouthed Duke getting rattled by Milliardo. It seemed that Colonel Peacecraft was willing to get his hands a little dirty. Good.
When he put Middie on the stand, Dorthy would show him exactly how to fight dirty. He was used to open battles and not underhanded combat. She was confidant she would win because this was her turf.
"We'll take a short recess," Relena announced.
"How come you didn't tell me you were sleeping with the old Duke?" Milliardo shouted down at Middie the moment they got into a private side room for a fifteen minute recess.
"I wasn't! It wasn't like that! I was there as his friend and nothing more. Everyone knew that. He just wanted someone to talk to because his son was giving him so many problems," she shouted back in French.
"What did you say?" Milliardo growled. She spoke too fast for him to translate.
"I called you a dirty pig! I did no such thing ever!" Middie said, clenching her fists as angry tears streamed down her cheeks. "You don't believe me?"
"Okay, okay... let's calm down. Did you have a romantic relationship with the old Duke?" Milliardo asked coolly.
"You swine, of course not. I was acting as his friend and nothing more. Besides, if any of you Romefeller people bothered to read his medical file you'll know he couldn't, even if he wanted to. His son knows that. The closest I ever came to any romance in that household was when the son flirted with me," she insisted.
"What did you do to Hans's advances?" Milliardo asked.
"I laughed in his face and told him I only spend time with real men. I crushed his ego and he's ashamed of it. He wants revenge for me rejecting him and ruining his deal with the White Fang," Middie said, calming down.
"Well, I could introduce the old Duke's medical file into record, but is there someone who could testify to you spurring the young Duke?" Milliardo said.
"Yes. Everyone at the nightclub on December the twelfth. I threw my drink at him," she said. They stared at each other for several long moments as the heat from their argument drained away.
"I'm sorry I accused you sleeping with the old Duke. It took me off guard," Milliardo said, taking her hands in his.
"I apologize for getting upset. I shouldn't be surprises at the assumption. I don't want you to think of me as a loose woman. You see, I..."
"No. It's not my business. I don't want to hear about your love life," Milliardo said.
"It's because once we cross that barrier, there's no going back," Middie whispered. He dropped her hands as if he were scorched.
"Come on. Lets get back to the farce," he said, turning his face from her.
"Colonel Peacecraft?" A court reporter stuck her head into the chamber. "A call from Luxembourg."
"Damn it, Treize, leave me the hell alone," he murmured the words he really wanted to say to the General. He picked up the phone extension. "Yes, Treize?... I can't help what your niece does.... Take it up with her... Well I can't very well let that go... I'll do what I can.... Is Lady Une close by?... Okay..."
"Well?" Middie asked after he slammed the princess styled phone on its cradle.
"He wants the sleaze show stopped. It's too undignified for Romefeller. It would seem your cousin is upset," Milliardo said.
"The man calls all the way here to manipulate a court case because Ann doesn't like how it's going? He must really be in love with her," Middie said with a sly smile. Milliardo nodded and led Middie back to the court room.
"I want to introduce Heinrich von Velum's medical records as evidence that Miss Une's relationship with him was platonic. I would like to suppress any further testimony concerning Miss Une's personal life. It's unnecessary and it is taking our focus off the real issue," Milliardo said, holding a hard copy of the old Duke's downloaded medical file.
"I agree, Colonel Peacecraft," Relena said not consulting the rest of the panel. "Let's stay focused on the issues at hand. It's your turn to defend Miss Une."
"Thank you," Milliardo said. "I would like to submit Miss Une's work product into record as well, but I would like it sealed."
"What is the nature of these documents?" Dorothy asked, standing.
"Information about weapons systems being developed by Romefeller. They also show that the original Duke von Velum was truly the one selling secrets to the White Fang."
The audience went alive with hysterical ranting at the accusation that one of their own could have been betraying them. The redheaded man to Relena's left pounded a gavel and stood glaring at Milliardo.
"How dare you, Colonel," the man shouted at Milliardo. "I'll see you court-marshaled for this and found in contempt!"he shouted.
"Objection," Dorothy cried out. "He can't have it both ways. Either her work product gets published or it can't be considered. We have a right to know what kind of treachery Miss Une is involved in."
"The work product is out. We cannot have Romefeller stained with such a scandal at this time," the redheaded man said, usurping Relena's ruling.
"Take your seat, Count Earner, or I will find you in contempt," Relena said, glaring at the man. He looked down at her and acquiesced at the firm expression. "We will review the documents and seal anything that will compromise the integrity of Romefeller. We will adjourn for the next two days. Court is now adjourned."
Milliardo nodded to Relena. She made no acknowledgment as the World Court broke up in a flurry of activity.
To be continued.