Chapter 5: The Cold Kiss Goodbye
When Middie parted from Milliardo.
"You both could come back to Luxembourg with me," Lady Une offered as her bags were being stored away in one of Treize's cars.
"It's gone too far for me, Colonel," Noin said, shaking Lady Une's hand. "It has been nice to see you again. I'll let you two say goodbye." Noin walked off back to the Sanq Kingdom Palace.
"How about you, Trowa? You're still listed as an OZ Specials soldier with a clean record. No one would know. It could be just between us," Lady Une said.
"My place is with the other Gundam pilots. They need me and you need to support Treize right now. It's our destinies," Trowa said.
"I do need to go back to Mr Treize," Lady Une said. She took a step towards Trowa, raised on her tiptoes, and pressed her lips to his left cheek. "Goodbye, Trowa. I do hope it's our destiny to meet again off of a battlefield."
"Me too... Ann," Trowa said. She gasped slightly, hearing her name for the first time from his lips. She nodded and slipped into the back seat of the car. It took off as Noin rejoined Trowa.
"I'm sorry I yelled at you last night," she said.
"I still feel horrible. I won't be doing that any time soon," Trowa said, referring to his massive hangover.
"Just don't let Sally know. She'll fillet me," Noin said. "You know I was just mad at someone else, right?"
"He broke up with you," Trowa said.
"It's official. He claims I abandoned him. I should have been there for him," she said. Trowa shook his head.
"Sometimes we need to back away from the people we love and let them sort things out by themselves. When I meet Middie again, she'll have things straightened out in her life and we'll be able to form a relationship," Trowa said.
"You're that confident in her? Even after all the ugly things she said to you?" Noin asked. Trowa had related the whole conversation over a quick breakfast.
"If she lives through this, she'll come back to me," Trowa said. "I know it because of the way she reacted when I accused her of being empty. I could tell she was emotional."
"Oh Trowa," Noin said as a pink limousine pulled up beside them. Trowa put their bags in the trunk after helping Noin into the backseat. He admired the sunrise for the last time, propping on the opened back door.
"It's so lovely, but space is a wondrous thing. How long will it be before I see the sun again?" Trowa mused.
"Trowa?" she asked.
"Coming, Miss Noin." He slid in beside her and signaled Pagan he was ready.
Middie filed her nails and looked up at the young girl. She had shown up the moment Milliardo had left to prepare for the day's questioning. Dorothy sat across the table from her and smiled.
"Let me guess," Middie preempted Dorothy with a caustic tone. "You want some deal. I sell out every spy ring I'm affiliated with and you let me live thirty years in a jail rather than put me in front of a firing squad. Don't you know, the firing squad is much easier to face then a betrayed spy ring. Don't waste our time."
"I hate people like you. You harm soldiers without giving them a fair chance. You think manipulation is some art form. Betrayal is like a drug for you that gives you some high. When are you going to sell out the Colonel, or does screwing him make you feel empowered?" Dorthy said with heavy venom.
"You are a little simpleton. You can't even catch me dead bang in front of the world because you can't use my own job against me. I should have let you get shot, but they might put someone competent on the prosecution. Leave me alone," Middie said as she selected her outfit. She didn't give the seething girl one look.
"I'll see you dead!" Dorthy screamed with clenched fists. Hints of tears glinted under her eyes.
"More dangerous people than you have made that threat," Middie said. She only turned when she heard the door slam shut; she started to breath again. Insane people where always the hardest to bluff.
"We will hear the closing statements now," Relena said, nodding towards Dorothy. She stood and faced the stadium that was closed and under heavy guard.
Yesterday's questioning of Middie had gone in Dorothy's favor until Milliardo got clever. Dorothy was prosecuting Middie on the fact that she was an ESA agent selling secrets. He pointed out that Dorothy's whole case was bogus because the White Fang, which Dorthy had no unsealed proof of, were the only people who could purchase Middie's information. All Dorothy had offered was von Velum's testimony. That ended up being shoddy at best. As far as Milliardo could tell, most of Romefeller thought the White Fang was a fable or irrelevant.
"Ladies and Gentlemen of Romefeller. We have found a snake in our Garden of Eden. Mister Peacecraft would have you look at one silly point, but think about this. She was still working for our detriment. Whether it be for the Alliance or White Fang should not matter.'
"The danger presented to us is too great to ignore or forgive. What would we be saying to either organization? It would send clear signs that we are not willing to defend ourselves. Without defending ourselves, how can we say to the world that we can defend them? Our abilities to provide for the Earth and her colonies should come under serious scrutiny. I wouldn't blame the Earth citizens for losing faith in us.'
"I know the penalty under the law for high treason is harsh. I feel horrible that this poor girl got caught up into a world not of her making, but like any adult she must be held accountable for her actions. I have offered her leniency, however, she refused to give up her allegiances willfully. She knows the consequence, but refused the help of Romefeller's generosity. What are we to do then? We must take the hard stance to preserve our integrity. What are we without our integrity? Thank you," Dorothy finished. There was deafening applause; she accepted it with a curtsy and took her seat after the assembly came to order. Milliardo whistled low.
"Looks like you've brushed up on Treize's speeches. I'm impresses," Milliardo whispered over to Dorothy. She gave him a sly smile.
"I hope I have a chance to impress you again in the future," she answered as he rose for his turn.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been up here defending our enemy for one reason. She will soon no longer be an enemy and we will need her help to defend against the White Fang. The Alliance is almost dead right now. With the dissolution of all countries and nationalities, we are moving towards a united humanity. We must realize that as we move towards it, we need to welcome our former enemies and forgive their trespasses, because threats are still out there.'
"With everything Romefeller has to worry about, this should be a low priority. Instead, we spend our time debating whether or not to execute this girl for acts she committed in the name of a dying organization. The Alliance is dying. How can she harm us? By selling us out to the White Fang. Will she do this? No. She despises them. She wishes to see them gone, but how if she is cut loose in the world with no one to turn to? We need to be flexible and show our mercy lest we design more enemies for ourselves.'
"If not for a twist of fate she would be working for us. Loving us. Soon she will need a home and she will have invaluable skills Romefeller will need. Let her rejoin us and take back her rightful heritage.'
"If that isn't enough. Please remember Miss Catalonia maintained that she killed Duke von Velum, but has not offered any shred of evidence other than a jealous boy's testimony. That is the fact. I thank you for your time," Milliardo finished. Stunned silence greeted Milliardo. He walked over to Middie and sat beside her as Queen Relena rose.
"Thank you, Miss Catalonia and Colonel Peacecraft. We will hand down the verdict tonight at nine in the evening," Relena said.
Relena took her seat and looked down at Middie. The girl-spy looked as if she were bored. Relena couldn't understand how Middie could be so apathetic towards her own life. Maybe it was an act.
After the court came to order, Queen Relena froze. She hadn't been this nervous since Heero had self-detonated his Gundam. She hadn't been this worn out since she dissolved all the world's nations. She knew, now, she was destined take everything from her brother's life and destroy it. She had heard about Milliardo's affair with Middie a while ago. That's why she stood on shaky legs.
"It is the decision for the World Court that Middie Une be taken tomorrow morning from the Sanq Kingdom Palace to be imprisoned at an undisclosed location where she will be scheduled for execution three months from now. Court is adjourned," Relena announced.
"No," Milliardo shouted, standing. He stalked towards Relena. Two guards grabbed his arms. "You can't, Relena! Stop them! She doesn't deserve death!"
The assembly went into an uproar as Middie was grabbed and taken back to her cell. Milliardo released his pent up rage and shove one of his guards towards Dorothy. The other one had his same build, but was barely able to restrain him until several others helped subdued him and put handcuffs on his wrists.
"Don't hurt him," Relena shouted, running from the podium after Milliardo. He was being dragged down a side corridor. They took him to a small study where Relena caught up. His eyes were glazed over with pure, fiery hatred.
"I've always faced everything with calm calculation in my life until I met her, Relena," Milliardo said relaxing. "I'm not in love with her, but she is a vital part of my life right now."
"Take those things off of him," she ordered the nearest guard. They uncuffed Milliardo; he shrugged them off and glared down into Relena's eyes.
"Now I realize something. This has helped me realize something, little sister," Milliardo said, rubbing his wrists. "This Earth is nothing more then a heartless ball of dust. All the people of Earth know how to do is slaughter. I am now an enemy of the Earth. I will put and end to the Earth's ways and I will show you exactly what the name 'Peacecraft' stands for." She gasped as he pushed his way past the OZ soldiers and slammed the door.
Milliardo walked into Middie's room as she packed her small suitcase. All of the dresses Treize's money had bought were folded neatly on the table. She turned and gave him a generous smile.
"Ah, Colonel. Come to help me pack for tomorrow morning?" Middie asked with a smile.
"I'm so sorry, Middie. I will go to Treize. He knows lots of people and how to hurt them. I swear I'll..." She walked over to him and ran her fingers over his lips.
"Never mind. You have done your part. You are a brave and honorable man that I don't want to soil with my tainted ways any longer. I don't want you involved in my life any more," she said softly.
"This is goodbye?" Milliardo asked.
"Not yet. We have ten hours. Let's spend them in a happier way," Middie suggested. He bent over her and claimed her mouth with his. He would respect her space and enjoy the waning time with her even though his mind screamed at him to continue to fight for her.
Milliardo realized that there was a larger battle that would need all of his energy. Heero Yuy waited to duel and his vision with the Gundam Epyon was still hazy. Why couldn't he find his way to the battlefield again? Was he that ruined and scarred?
Lady Une threw a salute when she got to the top of the stone terrace. Treize returned it and looked back at the massive blue and white Gundam being reconstructed out in the courtyard. Lady Une stood beside him and tried to fight the feeling of icy dread mounting in her chest. Every day the Tallgeese Two got closer to completion was another step towards Treize's freedom and outer space.
"Sir, I would like to request once again that I be the pilot for the Tallgeese Two. An important person, such as yourself, should lead the battle from a safe distance," Lady Une said, knowing it would start the same argument that had persisted over the last two days since she got back from Middie's trial.
"And once again, permission denied, Lady. I will pilot the Tallgeese Two while you will lead the battle from a distance. Don't ask again," Treize said.
"I will keep asking, Mister Treize. The future of OZ rests with you," she said.
"Lady, one day you will be responsible for my legacy. You will be the one leading armies against every threat. Step up to your destiny and accept mine," Treize said. They continued to watch the mechanics crawl around the huge Gundam in silence as distant bird songs started. He turned to her suddenly with a slight frown. "I heard the verdict concerning your cousin. I'm truly sorry."
"My home is with you, Mister Treize. I do wish things would have turned out better than they did." Lady Une said and turned to face Treize. "What is it?" she asked seeing a strange expression cross his face. He took her hand and turned back to the Tallgeese Two. She leaned on his arm and gazed at the secret construction.
Trowa floated in front of Gundam Heavyarms and squared his shoulders. His mind was distracted by the announcement of Relena's verdict he had just witnessed. He felt empty as if he was set adrift in space again.
"I heard what happened," Heero Yuy's voice came from the deck floor. Trowa watched Heero push off the ground and come to eye level. "I've been giving it some thought. Perhaps the Zero System could help you regain your memories. Next time you go out to fight take Wing and fight with the Zero System. I will at least show you what you are really seeking."
"I want that. Thank you, Heero," Trowa answered.
"By the way, Cathrine called to see how you were. I told her you were feeling better, but she still doesn't like me," Heero said.
"She'll get over it," Trowa said.
"About Middie, just live by your emotions. It's what I told you in Europe. What do your emotions tell you to do?" Heero asked.
"I'm so numb. Maybe the Zero System will tell me about Middie," Trowa said, swirling around to see Heero's maniacal Gundam. The Wing Zero was born out of Quatre's grief and it had done nothing except blaze a path across space made of tears.
"I believe every Gundam pilot must experience it. Quatre is the only one who will be able to use it effectively. He needs to experience it again so that the five of us can work together effectively," Heero insisted.
"I agree. I'll try talking to him, but he still feels ashamed for what he's done. He feels that he hasn't received Divine forgiveness for destroying space colonies. We have to help him see he is stronger then he thinks," Trowa said, getting Heero's nod.
Milliardo hadn't wanted this morning to come. He and Middie stood in front of the Sanq Kingdom Palace with a black sedan ready to drive her off to prison. She was dressed in a simple plaid skirt and a baby blue turtleneck.
"Here, Colonel," Middie said, handing Milliardo two envelopes. One was labeled 'Nanashi' and the other was labeled 'Ann.' She looked around before she was put into the back of the sedan. "I'll see you again one day, so don't look so sad. Give me a smile." He gave her a forced and tearful smile after he tucked the envelopes away in his thick trench coat. "You are fantastic. Thank you for everything."
"Goodbye, Middie," he said, opening the car door. She gave him a brief kiss on his cheek and slipped into the car. He closed it and stood back.
He glanced in the window before the car drove off. There was an arrogant gleam to her eyes that told Milliardo that the two guards in the front seat were no match for her. He knew she wouldn't be arriving at a penitentiary.
He picked up his own suitcase and looked up at the top of the marble stairs in front of the Sanq Kingdom Palace. Relena stood there with moist cheeks. Again, he had to abandon her. Memories of her as a two year old smeared with dirt came to him. He looked away and started slow heavy steps along the dawn-lit canal. Just like then, he knew he had to abandon her.
Middie washed her hands again and looked at the ticket for a space shuttle headed for the L-3 space colony. Her escape had been bloody, but she wasn't going out like a war criminal even though she was one. It had no style.
She exited the ladies room and walked along the busy concourse towards her flight. Middie now wore a long black skirt and button down shirt. She had no baggage but she hacked into a public computer terminal and arranged for a false id and banking account.
She would be able to get the documents on L-3 and make contact with the underground there. Fighting the White Fang could be a good cause and it may ingratiate herself back into what was left of the ESA. Hopefully, the White Fang would never organize under a leader and would be wiped out as the petty thugs they were.
She looked up to see her flight was boarding. She was the last in line and something about it made her edgy. A last minute passenger came running up behind her; she glanced over her shoulder in spite of her dread. He was tall and gaunt; he was was white blond and had piercing blue eyes. He was the last man Middie wanted to see.
"Hello, Middie," a soft voice with a Russian accent sent a shiver up her spine. She turned around, regretting that she left her switchblade in the sedan. How sloppy.
"Hello, Mr Illya Kuryakin. I guess you've come to disguise the trial with me?" she asked.
"Of course," he said. "Please follow me," he replied.
"After all my efforts towards freedom? You don't think I'll go with you so easily?" she asked with a sneer.
"I've found your youngest brother so I think you'll be joining me. It was rather difficult, but my agent in Greece found him. Look at it this way, you are no worst off following me. You were headed towards your execution anyway," Illya said. Middie glanced around for a way out, but it would only jeopardize the innocent people in front of her. She knew the man was ruthless and would not put up with rebellion. He grabbed her arm and dragged her towards an empty smoking lounge.
She watched Illya lock the lounge door and take a gun with a silencer from his trench coat. She took a deep breath and said, "Don't you want to hear my explanation? Or find out about the White Fang?"
"I have some news for you, Middie. The Earth Sphere Alliance has finally folded and dissolved. This is not for your egregious mistakes lately. This is to tie up loose ends so that you won't be tempted to expose people who wish to remain hidden. Sorry, Middie. You were always my favorite," Illya said. "I hope there are no hard feelings."
"After you ruined my life, now you'll take. I will always hate you for what you made me," she said.
She heard a slight popping sound and her feet went from underneath her. Her handler slipped away. She lay on the white linoleum watching it turn crimson with her own blood. Too late. It was fatal this time. At least her loved ones wouldn't know she was dead; she had gone by an assumed identity at this spaceport.
"This time I can't come in from the cold," she gasp out as the medics arrived. She closed her eyes and surrendered to the numbness invading her.
Milliardo had worked for a week at becoming a morbidly sick alcoholic. He had been kicked out of more bars and blacked out so many times he couldn't keep track of anything. He woke up in the small unfurnished loft and rolled over on the hardwood floor with a thick head. The light coming through the window was gold, orange, and too bright. He sat up slowly and stripped off his shirt after he grabbed for another Wild Turkey whiskey bottle. Five empty ones lined the opposite wall.
He looked over the railing's edge and saw a blurry version of the red, demon-like Gundam Epyon. He had rented this warehouse on the space colony L-2, because of its seclusion and the distance from the Earth.
He had the rest of the month to wallow like this before he had to go find some way to get money. It was the amount of the rent he had pre-paid on on the warehouse. In spite of all of his hardships he had always made due, but he was drawing a blank this time. He had been a soldier for all of his adult life; it felt unnatural to be so unfettered. He had also readopted his identity as Zechs Merquise, because he was unsure of who Milliardo Peacecraft really was.
He poured a shot and hung his head in disgust with the Earth and what it had shaped him into. Milliardo swallowed the drink and stood slowly. He would get cleaned up and see what L-2's bars were like. Picking up the shattered pieces of his life over and over had become too much. Time to throw off the past and start a new his destiny.
The End.
PS- I don't typically care for song fics so I put lyrics at the start or end. This song, and that picture of Zechs drinking whiskey on a hardwood floor, inspired this story.
Portishead - Glory Box
I'm so tired of playing,
Playing with this bow and arrow,
Gonna give my heart away,
Leave it to the other girls to play.
For I've been a temptress too long,
CHORUS:
Oh yeah,
Give me a reason to love you,
Give me a reason to be a woman,
I just want to be a woman
From this time unchained,
We're all looking at a different picture,
Through this new frame of mind,
A thousand flowers could bloom,
Move over and give us some room
CHORUS
So don't you stop being a man,
Just take a little look from outside when you can,
Sow a little tenderness,
No matter if you cry
CHORUS
{Its all I want to be, a woman},
So I just want to be a woman,
For this is the beginning of forever and ever,
Its time to move over now,
(So I want to be)
{Back to start again and fades}