A/N: Damn school.

December 1st, 1777, Philadelphia

Relena had gotten into Philadelphia in October without much trouble. Fortunately for her, the sentries guarding the road she had taken were rather on the dim side and were easy enough to goad into letting her in. Currently, Relena was trying to help out the Patriot cause as an unofficial intelligence agent for the Continental Army. Sure, it was very, very risky, and she could be executed if ever discovered (she had her gender to thank for changing 'would' to 'could'), but she could not live with just sitting down and watching from the sidelines. If she wanted independence, she would have to work for it like everyone else.

Relena's routine usually meant attending balls of high society Tories, to try and angle her way into some British secrets. In addition to some of the Tories being privy to such knowledge, many British officers were at these gatherings, and while it sickened her to dance and mingle with these men, the cause required it.

In a way, she felt that she was betraying Heero by bantering and flirting with the redcoats. While she and Heero still had no official relationship, she felt herself getting more and more attached with their exchange of letters, and hoped that he was too.

That was why it pained her so much that for the time being, she had had to keep her correspondence to a minimum and stop writing him. She had written him one last letter from Virginia before she left, informing him of her desire to help out in someway in Philadelphia. She could not read his response; Relena only hoped that he wasn't losing interest in her as a result of the lull in their communications. Of course this was typical, she could not even communicate with her own family either. All of this was because she could not be seen corresponding with soldiers in the Continental Army, as it was hard enough to make people in Philadelphia believe she was a Tory, what with being Thomas Jefferson- the author of the Declaration's niece and all. However, Relena was quite good with words and was managing to do a good job. Her uncle Thomas may have been on to something about the statesman thing- or at least she would make a hell of a politician, a trait she seemed to share with her uncle.

Currently, Relena was going over her instructions for the evening with her superior, Major John Clark, the leader of Washington's intelligence network in the city. He was at first skeptical of her, but soon realized Relena's devotion and the capabilities a well-to-do woman like herself could bring to bare.

"Now Relena, General Howe is going to be at this ball tonight." Major Clark said to her as she was getting ready in her townhouse.

"You've told me at least twenty times." Relena smiled back at him in the mirror as she was fiddling with her hair. "You're gonna want me to try to speak with him, I assume?"

"Not necessarily, I just want you to hang around and pick up some clues as to his next move."

"If he makes a next move, I've heard the rumors you know. He could have captured the army at Brooklyn Heights last year and this thing could have been over then if he hadn't hesitated. Some in England are questioning his ability to execute the war. A few say he doesn't even want to."

Major Clark chuckled. "You do know your way around, Relena. He's from a very prestigious Whig(1) family in England, it really wouldn't surprise me. However, I think he's going to try to make one last move before the onset of dead winter. Our intelligence is pointing in that direction; and I just have a feeling in my gut."

"Well then, I'll do my best. I'm ready now." Relena stood up and turned toward him.

"You look absolutely breathtaking." He grinned.

Relena blushed and looked down at the dress she wore. It was a lavender color made of smooth satin, it also happened to show a liberal amount of cleavage.

"Remember though, I really want you to speak to Howe's aide-de-camp, a Mr. Arthur Harris. Charm him; perhaps get him to drink a few shots of liquor. Then see what you can find out."

"I understand you. Where will you be?"

"Don't worry; I'll be hanging around the premises. Just don't go looking for me. With that dress, Mr. Harris will fall right into your fingers." He grinned again.

"So, are we sure we're going for the right lead?"

The major's face suddenly got serious. "Yes, according to my other agents, Harris has a thing for having drinks with attractive ladies like yourself, and is known to be quite the talker when he's had enough to dilute the senses. Go there, mingle, get him to drink, and see what he knows." He relayed to her again.

Relena nodded as she was led outside by the major.

"Whoever he is, he's a lucky man." Major Clark said to her as he watched her get in her carriage.

"Wh…what?"

Major Clark chuckled again. "Don't pretend I don't notice. It's quite obvious that you are interested in someone with the way you've been turning down other men at those balls, except when it's absolutely necessary. Again, he's a lucky man, now, get on over there, I'll be around." With that he closed the door for the stupefied Relena.

At the ball, Relena found her target and grudgingly asked him to dance, which he quickly agreed to. After complementing him on his military prowess, she goaded him to the bar to have a few drinks.

"Thank you for that wonderful dance, Mr. Harris." She put on her best fake smile.

The British officer smiled at her as he took a sip of his alcoholic beverage. "Any time you need a dance partner, I'm always available."

Relena put on a fake polite giggle. "So what is it like being Lord Howe's aide?" Relena asked as she insisted he take another drink, this time with her sipping some fine wine.

"Every day is a new challenge in His Majesty's Army." He said with a smile. "Lord Howe is a great patron for me, and I only hope I have been a good assistant to him. There is still much more to do." He took another sip of whiskey. "Especially before the year ends."

That got Relena's attention. She now knew that Major Clark's prediction was confirmed. Relena tried to keep her cool. She observed Howe at the other end of the room, talking to several ladies. She continued her flattery and questions about what soldiering under General Howe was like- starting with simplicity like what camp life was like and continuing onward through drill, discipline, and even military tactics and strategy. She was slowly, but surely creeping toward sensitive information as Mr. Garter continued to drink and laugh at her flattery.

"I'll tell you now, we're gonna get those rebels. The campaign season has not quite ended yet." He said in slurred speech, clearly he was on the verge of drunkenness by this point. Relena coyly slipped Harris another drink to push him over the edge. He fell for the bait.

"So." Relena said a few minutes later. "How would you go on getting those troublesome rebels?"

"We're gonna get them before it's too cold to campaign." He gave a snide smile. "They're camped at a place called White Marsh. Lord General Howe is planning to go and get e'm." Relena's eyes widened a bit but the British aristocrat did not notice, as he was clearly drunk now.

Relena continued to banter with him, trying not to arouse suspicion as she had to get this information out of the building. She impatiently waited. The way she got out was definitely a surprise- filled with irony considering what was about to come.

Relena never thought she would be happy to see Britain's chief military commander in North America, but this war made for strange circumstances.

It seemed General William Howe had come to retrieve his intoxicated aide. Relena exchanged pleasantries with Howe and watched as the two officers walked off into the night.

Relena left as soon as was possible without arousing suspicion. She wove her way through the streets of Philadelphia, avoiding British patrols and eventually reached the designated rendezvous point with Major Clark.

"There's no doubt." She said to him later that night. "Howe is planning an attack. We have to get this information to General Washington at once!"

"Well then, we must come up with a plan." He responded. "Did he give you a date?"

"Unfortunately, no."

"Damn." Major Clark muttered. "Going out now would arouse too much suspicion. We'll have to do it tomorrow night."

"And how would we go about doing that?" Relena asked with some skepticism.

"I have an agent who could probably get past the city guards and out to Continental lines.

She has quite a bit of experience. You see, she used to ride through the backwoods of Massachusetts running messages and other sorts of things during the reign of the Intolerable Acts before the war. I'll have her meet with you at dusk tomorrow, give her all of the information that you gave me."

"Very well then, I'll be waiting in my townhouse."

With that, Relena excused herself and retired for the night.

December 2nd, 1777, Philadelphia

Relena paced around the parlor of her townhouse with growing impatience. She desperately wanted to get this information out already. She had written it down in a code that Washington would understand, according to Clark. Relena looked out her window at the sky that had become a dark pink, signaling that the last vestiges of daylight would be over momentarily. Her thoughts were broken by a rhythmic tapping on her front door. This rhythm indicated that the person on the outside was a member of the Patriot intelligence network.

On the other side of the door was a woman who was slightly shorter than her with short black hair and blue eyes that were similar to her own.

"You must be Miss Peacecraft."

"Yes, please come in." Relena said as she sidestepped. "What is your name?" Relena asked as she closed the door and the woman hung up her coat.

"Hilde Maxwell." She smiled. "I arrived in Philadelphia not too long ago on the

recommendation by some of the Committees of Safety(2) in Massachusetts. Apparently they wanted my continued resourcefulness as a pseudo-intelligence operative. They also probably have confidence in me because I'm married to one of the Gundam Dragoons." She chuckled.

Relena's eyes widened. "Wait…so you know one of the Gundam Dragoons too?"

Hilde laughed. "Know…I just said I was married to one of them. Are you acquainted with one of them too?"

Relena smiled lightly and came to her senses. "Yes…with their commanding officer, Major Heero Yuy."

"Ah, so you are a relation of the commander's? Duo certainly has described him a lot. The gallant soldier that wants absolutely no prestige yet continues to do actions that warrant such."

Relena giggled. "Yes, that's Heero for you."

The teapot in Relena's kitchen began to whistle. "Come. We can discuss the intelligence over tea if you like."

"I would like that, thank you." Hilde nodded.

Relena's explanation of the intelligence and cipher code she wrote in was clear to Hilde. "You really should be on your way." Relena said. "It's getting late and Howe can attack at any moment."

"You're right." She smiled. "White Marsh is around 13 miles from here, and I still have to sneak past the British guards. But I've done stuff just like this in the backwoods of Massachusetts before the war, and I know I'm doing this to help Duo and the Gundams!"

"You can do it, you seem strong enough to me. I on the other hand probably can't do anything at all to help them out." Relena sighed.

"You've done more than enough. If it wasn't for you we wouldn't have gotten this information in the first place!" Hilde encouraged. "Hey, why not come with me, you want to see Major Yuy don't you?"

Relena's eyes sparkled, but she quickly lowered her head. "No, I have to stay here, I'll only burden you."

"Well then I'll be on my way." Hilde smiled and got up. "Take care of yourself."

"You too."

Hilde put on her coat and left. Relena heard her horse galloping down the street. She was a pleasant woman, Relena thought. She seemed like she could be a very good friend, despite the difference between Hilde's working class upbringing and Relena's aristocratic one.

Heero…she missed him terribly. She looked over the letters the two of them exchanged. She once again hoped that Heero hadn't lost interest in her. She desperately hoped that the British occupation of Philadelphia would be over soon so she could begin their communications again. Perhaps this Hilde would give Heero the message that she hoped to see him soon, that was all she could hope for at the moment.

Hilde slowed her horse down as she approached the city limits. She would have to watch the guards very closely to find a venue to get through. According to her observations last night, the guard would be changing in a matter of minutes. Hilde goaded her horse into a shadowy area and tried to keep it as quiet as possible.

The redcoats marched toward a doorway, and conferred with the redcoats that were coming to take their place. A few held lighted torches.

"Now's as good a time as ever." Hilde muttered. She then spurred her horse into a full gallop, whizzing past the city guards in no time.

"Hey you! Stop!" One of them shouted.

A few of the redcoats lifted their muskets and fired. Fortunately for Hilde, she was way out of the normal 100-yard effectiveness range by then. Hilde continued to push the horse as far and fast as she could. Soon the guards would be chasing after her, and she still had to avoid the redcoats that would be patrolling the area between the armies.

This was going to be a long night.

Hilde made sure to keep near the tree lines to help block out any light the moon would be shining upon her. She continued to move quickly.

"THERE HE IS! GET HIM!" She heard somebody shout.

Hilde chuckled for a second. In the darkness and under her coat, they obviously couldn't tell that 'he' was a 'she.' Hilde's face turned serious and she spurred the horse to move faster.

A few minutes later, Hilde was confident that she lost the men from the city inside the woods. She continued along her present course for several more minutes and then moved back slightly into the open. She slowed her horse to a canter to allow it some rest. She smiled at the mare. Its name was Taurus and she was Deathscythe's sister.

"Don't worry girl, I won't let the redcoats get to you." She smiled and gave the mare a pat on the head.

As she strode through the cold night air, Hilde stopped as she heard rustling.

"Damn." She muttered under her breath. Hilde spurred Taurus back to the woods and to a stop.

A British patrol was coming by. Hilde kept as still as possible, and attempted to do the same with Taurus. She swore her heart threatened to burst out of her chest at the rate it was beating. The patrol was almost gone…just a bit longer.

Then a crack in the woods startled Taurus.

"What was that?" One of the men on patrol asked.

"Dammit!" Hilde muttered under her breath. "Here goes nothing." She then cracked Taurus into a gallop.

"After him!" The officer in charge of the patrol yelled.

Hilde continued to speed away. She had about 1.5 miles to go. "Just a little more…" Hilde grunted through clenched teeth. She had to get there. If she was caught she would probably be dead, and she'd be greatly endangering Relena as well. A bang came from behind her. Soon, Hilde's arm was set aflame and had a trail of blood running down it. Hilde knew her arm was grazed by a bullet.

"So you shoot women now too, do you?!" Hilde yelled back at them.

The patrolmen were clearly shocked upon hearing a female voice, but continued their pursuit nonetheless.

"Just a little further…" Hilde grunted. "There's no way I'll let you stop me!" She growled.

A British officer almost caught up with her and took a swipe with his saber at her arm. Hilde moved it just in time, but not before it was slightly grazed. It was the same arm the bullet grazed earlier. Hilde grunted in pain as she spurred her horse onward, clearly seeing the campfires of the Continental Army now.

Hilde looked on in horror as the man with the saber caught up to her side and raised the blade in the air. Suddenly, he fell from his horse, clutching his chest as it bled. Hilde looked toward where the shot came from- and saw her husband with deep-strewn anger on his face. Several other patrolmen went down soon after, and then she watched a man with light brown hair and one visible green eye slam his saber into a patrolmen's chest. The last one went down to a pistol shot by a man with the most unruly head of hair she had ever seen that was riding a white horse. That must be the commander- Major Yuy. She thought.

She caught the man's stormy Prussian eyes but was interrupted by her husband, who had just rode up to her on his Deathscythe.

"Hilde! What are you doing here?! Are you crazy?!" He shouted angrily.

Hilde laughed for a while, still clutching her arm. "I…brought you guys this." She pulled out the paper. "You have to get this to General Washington immediately…Howe is planning to attack…"

"I'll take it." Heero volunteered. He took the paper and rode off, signaling the others to follow, as he knew that the two spouses were having a certain husband and wife moment.

"But why? Why'd you do it?!" Duo demanded.

"Because…I wanted to Duo."

"…You're stupid fool!"

"I figured you'd say something like that…" She smiled

"Sir." Heero said with a salute.

"Major, is something the matter?" General George Washington asked with confused eyes. Clearly, he was not expecting anyone in his quarters for the evening.

"Howe is planning to attack our encampment." Heero said, handing the letter to George.

"How reliable is this?" He asked before opening the note.

"Very." Heero stated in monotone.

"Hmmm…" He muttered in thought. "I'll go over this, retire for the evening, Major."

"Sir." Heero said with a salute and then left.

"What's going on, Heero?" Trowa asked as Heero approached the Gundam's portion of the camp.

"Washington is going over the report as we speak." Heero sat down.

"Stupid woman." Wufei muttered. "But still, very brave. That's as close to a warrior as a woman can ever get."

"She gonna be all right?" Trowa asked.

"Yeah…she'll be fine. Just a few wounds to her left arm. Hilde's a tough girl. Heero." Duo said to him as he was about to enter his tent.

"What?"

"Relena Peacecraft is in Philadelphia."

"She is?" Heero asked in a lighter tone. 'So she made it after all, incredible.' Heero thought to himself.

"Yeah, Hilde met her there. In fact, it was Relena who got this intelligence in the first place."

Heero's eyes widened, but then narrowed again. 'I guess that's why she hasn't written me, and here I was beginning to think she lost interest.' Heero thought in relief. The only reason they didn't talk was because it may have blown her cover. "Gundams." He said, getting back on track. "I want you to be well-rested, we'll be facing Howe soon."

The Dragoons agreed and went to sleep.

December 7th, 1777

Howe was again attacking, this time trying to turn the left flank. General George Washington was more than ready however, and sent out Colonel Daniel Morgan's riflemen(3), along with the Gundam Dragoons and the Maryland Militia.

The Militia provided a nice distraction as the riflemen got into position. Colonel Morgan signaled for Heero to ride around and flank the British.

"Let's just hope the militia can hold up." Trowa said next to Heero.

"Hn. Wufei, take a squad and wheel right. Trowa, go command the left."

They both nodded and rode off.

"Duo." Heero said to the man behind him. "Take out the officers with extreme prejudice."

Duo nodded with a grin on his face.

Several of the redcoats went down in the distance, Heero could see that Morgan's Riflemen were beginning their attack and covering the militia.

"Fire at will." Heero stated coldly. The Gundams dismounted from their horses and opened fire. Heero got to work, shooting one redcoat, than another with both chambers of his Buster Rifle, and reloaded.

Trowa rapidly got two shots off with his Kentucky rifles and then focused on reloading just one.

Duo hit a British officer and then reloaded.

Wufei commanded a coordinated volley of fire on his end of things, with a whole patch of redcoats going down on the other end.

The British attempted a bayonet charge on the militia but then began to retreat under the withering fire by Morgan's Riflemen and the Gundam Dragoons. They had orders from General Washington not to pursue.

After the series of skirmishes that became known as the Battle of White Marsh, Major Heero Yuy led his men to the selected winter quarters of the Continental Army at a place called Valley Forge.

1. The political party in England that was opposed to Britain going to war with its American colonies.

2. These were established during the start of the war usually had control over many areas of public defense and welfare- in affect mirroring a provisional government.

3. The famed rifle regiment (11th Virginia) that made itself known during the war, especially at Saratoga.

A/N: I'll try to get the next chapter out within the next couple of weeks, but I have a lot of shit to do before the end of the semester…so no guarantees. At any rate, I would appreciate more reviews, they're free y'know. /