Disclaimer: All Gundam Wing characters and references belong to their respective owners. The song Road to Peace © Cecilia J. It was used in this story with the best of intentions. Story elements © Hideki LaShae. No money was gained in the writing of this story.
Dedicated to the pacifist people and to everyone who said that a woman could do a man's job.
The Road to Peace
Part One – The Key to Salvation
The year is After Colony 219.
Previously this evening, Thomas Yuy and Grace Barton were wed. After the reception, Cecilia received an ominous phone call from the man she had once called her husband.
***
I follow the road to peace.
Heero Yuy walks into the rose garden at midnight. He still wears his white tuxedo with his golden bowtie and cummerbund, but the gold crown he wore to the wedding is nowhere to be found. His unruly dark brown hair doesn't hide his Prussian blue eyes. He sets down the radio he carries in his hands and turns it on.
Cecilia turns towards Heero. Her waist-long brown hair falls gracefully down her back. She wears a floor-length forget-me-not blue dress. It's a sleeveless dress with a low oval neckline. The dress hugs her chest, but it flares out at her waist for ease of movement. Her white pumps peak out beneath the hem of her dress. Her gray eyes look desperately at Heero. She raises her right arm and points a gun at Heero. Her face is completely straight and devoid of emotion. "I will kill you."
"You must do what you must. If you kill me now, it would cause a great commotion. I'm sure that's what you want. You did promise me a dance. Will you go back on your word now? Would you care to dance?" Heero bows to Cecilia.
Cecilia raises her skirt a little and places her gun in a sheath on her calf. She curtseys to Heero.
Heero pulls Cecilia to a respectable distance, and they dance together.
Three songs start and end as Heero and Cecilia dance together, completely lost in each other's eyes.
When the fourth song ends, Cecilia pulls herself away from Heero. She draws out her gun once again and aims it at Heero. "I'm sorry it has to be this way, Heero. The anti-pacifists say it's time for you to die. I have to obey their orders. I never intended this, but I must kill you now."
"I'm not afraid to die." Heero stands firmly and watches Cecilia's hand shiver slightly. If he tried, he could easily strip the gun from her hand.
"What's wrong? I can't do it! What's wrong with me?" exclaims Cecilia as her gun hand shakes even more, "After my husband left me, I didn't think I would ever love again. I didn't think it was possible! I didn't want to love again. But something happened along the way after I met you. I don't know when and I don't know why, but for some reason I let you in. I love you, Heero!" She points the gun to her temple and she pulls the trigger. Her entire body jerks. She falls to the ground, and the gun clatters on the stone walkway as it leaves her hand.
I won't fight this war anymore.
"Please, Cecilia. Don't run away from me," says Heero kneeling beside her. He pulls her body into his arms.
"Why aren't I dead?" asks Cecilia.
"I found your gun. I emptied the clip. I wasn't going to lose another woman that I love!" exclaims Heero, "I love you!"
"Love? You can't love me. I've deceived you. Everything I've done here has been a lie. I'm a spy for the anti-pacifists! They sent me here so I could ruin everything!" exclaims Cecilia trying to pull herself out of Heero's arms.
"Was everything a lie?" asks Heero looking at Cecilia sadly.
Cecilia stares into Heero's Prussian blue eyes. "No… not everything. I couldn't fake how I feel about you. That kiss I gave you. That kiss was real. I simply couldn't fake how I feel about you! Oh, Heero, I love you! I don't want to help the anti-pacifists! I never wanted that, but they've trapped me! I should go… I should leave! I don't belong here anymore!"
"No!" commands Heero, "You're going to come with me!" He releases Cecilia and stands up. He helps her to her feet, and he lifts the radio.
Cecilia lifts her gun and passes it to Heero.
Heero pulls Cecilia into the house and up to his room. He sets the radio and the gun on the dresser. Then he pulls Cecilia into his arms and kisses her feverishly. "I love you, Cecilia."
"Oh, Heero," says Cecilia as he unzips the back of her dress.
Heero slides the dress off Cecilia's shoulders and lowers it to the floor. "How did they trap you? Is it because they have your daughter?"
Cecilia closes her eyes and turns her face away as Heero takes off his jacket, tie, and cummerbund. She whispers quietly, "Yes. They kidnapped my daughter, Rebecca…"
"I know, but why don't you tell me everything, Cecilia?" asks Heero. He takes his shirt off quickly.
Cecilia turns her back to Heero. She kicks off her white pumps, and she pulls her gun sheath off. She tosses the holster to the side. "I was married. I told you that before. My husband abandoned me. The anti-pacifists kidnapped my daughter. They threatened to kill her if I didn't do as they said. For the longest time I believed she was dead… until I got a phone call earlier today!"
Heero removes his shoes, socks, and his pants. Then he moves up to Cecilia and unclasps her bra. He pulls her to him and slides her underwear down her legs. He kisses her neck and asks, "Is there any reason why we shouldn't do this?"
"I just tried to kill you, Heero!" exclaims Cecilia. She spins around in Heero's arms. "I lied to you! I tried to kill you! You don't want to do this!"
"But you couldn't do it, Cecilia! Your love for me was too strong! Your love stopped you from killing me and forced you to turn the gun on yourself!" exclaims Heero, "I do want this! Do you?"
"I do want this! But I haven't done this in over twenty years!" exclaims Cecilia kissing Heero fervently, "I won't be good at it, Heero! But I… I do want this… I w-w-want you! I love you, Heero!" She pulls her bra the rest of the way off and slides Heero's underwear down his legs.
"Stay with me." Heero lifts Cecilia and carries her to his bed. He lies her down gently. He climbs on top of her and starts kissing her.
"I will only stay if you're sure that's what you want," says Cecilia.
"I want you to stay," says Heero, "I want you to be my lover!"
"Then that's just what I'll be, Heero," says Cecilia running her hands through his dark hair.
Heero smiles before he locks her lips into a passionate kiss.
***
Cecilia opens her eyes and looks over at Heero. She sits up and slides from the bed.
Heero grabs Cecilia's hand and pulls her back into bed. He wraps his arms around her and kisses her lips.
"Heero? I thought you were still asleep," says Cecilia.
"I woke up about a minute before you did," says Heero, "but where did you think you're going?"
"To my room," says Cecilia.
"I'm not ready to let you go, Cecilia," says Heero, "Stay with me. Make love to me."
"Heero… all you had to do was ask," says Cecilia kissing Heero quickly, "I am yours for as long as you want me. They can no longer hold my daughter over me. She's not my Rebecca anymore." She smiles.
Heero smiles and pulls the blankets up over both of their heads.
***
The Sanc Kingdom leads the way
In honor of the Peacecraft name.
"Okay, Zechs. Be sure to fax me those reports, and I'll look at them as soon as I can." Reiya Peacecraft, the yin to her sister's yang, is the older twin. Her short midnight black hair complements her blue eyes.
"Will do, Rei," says Zechs Peacecraft. His long blond hair falls gracefully over his shoulders. His blue eyes look at his sisters.
"We need to go now, Rei," says Nariya Peacecraft. Her brown eyes twinkle with joy. Her blond hair is braided on both sides of her head. "Or we'll be late for our flight."
"Yes, of course, Lena," says Reiya, "You're right." She lifts her bag and flings the strap over her shoulder.
Nariya pulls Zechs into her arms and hugs him warmly. She whispers to him, "Take care of Hannah, but do try to remember one thing. She's too young in both body and mind for you to make love to her. Let her come to you when she's ready."
"I know, Lena," says Zechs pulling away from her embrace, "Rei and Lena. Heero did pick cute nicknames for you!"
"After Aunt Relena," says Nariya. She lifts her bag.
"Well, good-bye, Z," says Reiya, "I'll be back home as soon as the other Foreign Ministers finish lecturing me on my official duties. I kinda got thrown into this job unprepared!"
"What about you, Nariya?" asks Zechs.
"I'll be back in mid-May… after school breaks for summer. I'll be interning at the hospital over the summer," says Nariya, "Good-bye, Zechs."
"See you then," says Zechs.
Nariya and Reiya run out the front door and jump into their rental car.
***
"Are you two heading off to your honeymoon soon?" asks Hilde Maxwell pouring up some orange juice. Her midnight black hair is cut boyishly. Her blue eyes look over the young couple.
"Yes. We'll be leaving right after we eat, Hilde," says Thomas Yuy taking one of the glasses. His disheveled dark brown hair hangs over his blue eyes. He smiles at the woman he just married.
"Uncle Quatre got his friends to be our body guards," says Grace Barton Yuy. She smiles as she puts some pancakes onto a plate. "We're going to be with the Maganac Corps on our honeymoon!"
"I bet they were all too happy to help," says Hilde.
Grace's long blond hair hangs loosely. Her blue eyes reflect the light and shine happily. She slides some sausages onto the plate and passes it to Thomas. "I'm a little anxious to go. Uncle Quatre is taking us to the airport."
"Yes, some of them are meeting us at the airport, and then we're flying to their home," says Thomas pulling Grace into his lap. He kisses her quickly.
"I hope you have a good time with them," says Hilde. She makes up another plate and sets it in front of Grace, "Eat up you two!"
"Thank you, Hilde!" Grace smiles.
Duo Maxwell walks into the dining room. His blue eyes look at Hilde lovingly. His chestnut brown braid falls down to his waist. He moves to Hilde's side and wraps his arms around her. "I love you, Hilde."
"I know, Duo," says Hilde relaxing in his arms, "I love you too. What about Jason and Hannah?"
"Well, of course I love them!" exclaims Duo.
"I mean… are they coming down for breakfast?" asks Hilde.
"Hannah's still asleep," says Duo, "but Jason will be down in a minute."
"Fix yourself a plate. I'll go wake Hannah," says Hannah kissing her husband quickly. She moves out of Duo's arms and walks out the door. She heads towards the staircase.
"Morning, Mom!" calls Jason Maxwell running down the stairs. His chestnut brown hair is pulled back into a short braid to accentuate his blue eyes.
"Good morning, Jason," says Hilde, "Breakfast is on the table. I'll get Hannah and bring her down."
"Okay, Mom! I'll see you when you come down," says Jason. His stomach growls loudly. "I… uh… guess I'm kinda hungry!"
"Go eat! Don't forget to say good-bye to Grace and Thomas before they leave on their honeymoon!" exclaims Hilde.
"I will, Mom!" exclaims Jason hurrying towards the dining room.
Hilde hurries up the stairs and goes to Hannah's room. She knocks on the door and opens it. She walks in. "Hannah?"
Hannah Maxwell lies in bed cuddling up to her teddy bear. Her chestnut brown hair covers her face in a tangled mess.
Hilde walks up beside Hannah. She brushes her daughter's hair back and shakes her gently. "Come on, Hannah. Wake up!"
Hannah opens her eyelids to reveal her blue eyes. She smiles. "Is it morning already, Mom?"
"Yes, Hannah," says Hilde smiling, "It is morning. I'll help you get ready for breakfast. You can take a nap later if you need to."
Hannah climbs out of bed and stumbles into her bathroom still half asleep.
***
Herangelia Yuy knocks on the door to Quatre and Wufei's room. Her unruly blond hair spikes at odd angles, and her Prussian blue eyes stare at the door in anticipation.
The door opens to reveal Chang Wufei. His slicked back black hair is bound in a ponytail at the base of his neck. He wears a solid black suit that complements his slanted black eyes. "Hello, Herangelia. Are we late?"
"Grace and Thomas are getting ready to leave. They need their escort!" exclaims Herangelia smiling.
"We're ready," says Quatre Winner gently pushing Wufei out the door. His neat blond hair is short around his boyish face. His blue eyes shine happily. He wears a matching black suit. "What about Heero and Trowa? Are they ready?"
"Jeffrey went to check on them," says Herangelia smiling happily, "I'm supposed to take you two downstairs!"
Quatre puts his black baseball cap on and tucks his dark sunglasses into his jacket pocket.
Wufei pulls his black cap on. "Then let's go!"
Herangelia starts towards the staircase with Wufei and Quatre.
***
Heero walks out into the hallway and closes the door tightly. He leans against the door and sighs with satisfaction.
Jeffrey Yuy walks down the hall. His unruly blond hair and blue eyes make him look like an amalgamation between his father and mother. "Hey, Dad!"
Heero wears a black suit and a black baseball cap pressing down his dark brown hair. His Prussian blue eyes look at his youngest son happily. "Hello, Jeffrey."
"Thomas and Grace are getting ready to leave," says Jeffrey, "I came to get you and Trowa."
"I'm ready so let's go get Trowa," says Heero. He leads the way down the hall towards Trowa's room.
Trowa Barton walks out of the room just as Jeffrey reaches up to knock on the door. He wears a black suit just like Heero's. His black baseball cap covers his brown hair, but it does nothing to hide his gentle green eyes. "Is everyone ready?"
"I'm pretty sure we all are," says Heero.
"Herangelia's getting Quatre and Wufei," says Jeffrey, "We're all supposed to meet downstairs."
"I'm glad the Maganac Corps agreed to protect them," says Trowa as he starts to walk with Heero and Jeffrey, "They will have more than enough protection now."
"It was either they go with the Maganac Corp or they stay here," says Heero, "We've been having too much trouble with Peacecraft Security. I think there's a leak somewhere giving information to the anti-pacifists. I don't trust any of them with our children."
"I think they made the right choice," says Trowa chuckling.
"I don't blame them for wanting a little privacy," says Jeffrey smiling, "I'd rather have forty bodyguards than be interrupted by my family on my honeymoon!"
Heero laughs.
They hurry downstairs and meet up with Quatre, Wufei, and Herangelia.
Grace and Thomas walk in from outside holding each other's hands.
"Are we ready to go?" asks Thomas, "Our bags are in the limo!"
Quatre, Trowa, Wufei, and Heero put on their dark sunglasses. They all nod.
"Well, let's go," says Quatre, "to the airport!"
"See you when you get back, Grace, Thomas!" exclaims Herangelia.
Jeffrey pats Thomas on the back. He smiles.
"We'll be back before you know it," says Grace.
Thomas and Grace leave with Heero, Quatre, Trowa, and Wufei. They get into the limo and head towards the airport.
***
I follow the ways of peace.
Cecilia sits in Heero's office waiting.
A young maid passes by the open door. She looks in. "Oh, there you are, Miss Cecilia. A package just arrived for you."
Cecilia stands up and walks to the door. She takes the package from the maid. "Thank you, Kanoi. Is there anything else?"
"No, Miss Cecilia. Is there something wrong?" asks Kanoi.
"No. Not at all," says Cecilia, "I'm just awaiting an important call. Thank you, Kanoi."
Kanoi nods and walks away.
Cecilia closes the door and locks it. She takes the package to the desk and sits down.
The phone rings.
Cecilia turns on the vid-phone. "Peacecraft Manor. Cecilia speaking."
"Nice to see you again, Cecilia," says the man. His shoulder-length bleached hair falls over his ebony eyes. He wears black jeans and a black tank top. "Oh, I see you got the package I sent you. When they say overnight, they really mean it! But you haven't opened it yet! Cecilia, I'm hurt!"
"If I ever get my hands on you, Solong, you'll be hurt a lot worse!" exclaims Cecilia.
"Open your package, my wife," says the man.
"I'm not your wife!" exclaims Cecilia, "But if you really want me to open this box, then I will." She opens the top drawer of Heero's desk and pulls out a knife. She cuts the tape on the box.
"I didn't hear any news about Heero's death. How did you kill him?" asks the man.
Cecilia pulls the box open. "Do you think I would obey you just to save a woman who you claim is my daughter? That scar isn't proof of anything! You could have easily duplicated it!"
"So you didn't kill him? What did you do? Sleep with him instead?" asks the man, "You slut!"
"Call me what you will, you bastard," says Cecilia pulling back the newspapers. She calmly pulls out a severed hand and looks over it. She recognizes the scar at once, but the expression on her face doesn't change. "Oh, Solong! You sent me a severed hand! I'm touched!"
The man looks flustered. "And I… I should have known better than to think a little thing like a severed hand would upset you. Take a close look at that hand."
Cecilia looks at the hand intently. "And? It belongs to your friend, Becky. So?"
"Well, if you don't do what we ask now… Becky, who I swear is your daughter, will be a suicide bomber. She'll bring the Winner Resource Satellite down to Earth. And the colonies will be coming down with it!" exclaims the man, "I don't think your conscious could handle so many deaths."
"You know nothing about my conscious, Solong!" exclaims Cecilia.
"Well… we want the Gundam! I didn't get it and you didn't get it! That leaves two people. I'm sure the pilots you live with know where the other Gundam is," says the man, "Look in that box again. You'll find a communicator. Once you have the Gundam, use it to call us. Then we'll tell you where to bring it. If you don't contact us in one week, all the colonies will be destroyed! That is sure to cause a war! Don't you think? So many innocents killed at once! A war will be the next step!"
"I hate you anti-pacifist bastards!" exclaims Cecilia, "I have nothing more to say to you!" She reaches over and turns the vid-phone off. She digs the cylindrical communicator out of the box and tosses the hand into the box with disgust. She slips the communicator into her pocket and closes the box. She takes the box back to her room.
***
Herangelia waits patiently in front of the doors reading a book.
The doors open.
Quatre, Heero, Wufei, and Trowa walk in.
"Herangelia? What are you doing out here?" asks Heero.
"Wouldn't it be more comfortable to be reading in the living room?" asks Wufei.
Herangelia closes her book and gets up from her chair. "I would be more comfortable in the living room," she says quietly, "but I'm playing messenger today! I have a letter for you."
"For which one of us?" asks Trowa.
"All of you… the Gundam pilots," says Herangelia pulling an envelope from between the pages of her book. She holds it out at arm's length. "I think you should get Duo and read it together."
"We will," says Quatre taking the envelope from Herangelia.
"There's no postmark on that letter," says Wufei looking at the envelope in his husband's hand, "Where did it come from?"
"It was dropped on our doorstep," says Herangelia, "I don't know where it came from!"
"The security tape will tell us who delivered it," says Heero, "We'll check it out later."
"But first, let's get Duo and read this note," says Trowa.
Heero nods.
"I'm going to go finish my book in my room," says Herangelia. She lifts her chair and starts to move it back to the wall where it normally rests.
"Do you know where Duo is?" asks Trowa.
"He was going to watch a movie with Jason, Hannah, and Hilde in the living room," says Herangelia. She settles the chair into place. Then she heads up the stairs with her book.
Quatre walks into the living room. He sees Duo cuddling with Hilde on a couch. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but could I borrow Duo, Hilde?"
"Go on, Duo," says Hilde.
Duo kisses Hilde before walking out with Quatre. "What's up, Quatre?"
"We got a message," says Heero, "Let's go up to my office and take a look at it."
"A message?" asks Duo, "To us?"
"Addresses to the Gundam Pilots," says Wufei.
The five men, who in their youth were the five Gundam pilots, head up the stairs to Heero's office. They all sit down amongst the chairs and couches.
Five Gundams fight to save the world
Hoping that we can find peace.
Quatre opens the envelope and pulls out the piece of paper inside. He reads out loud, "To the Gundam pilots… Trowa Barton, Chang Wufei, Duo Maxwell, Quatre Raberba Winner, Heero Yuy… the time for total pacifism is now over. The anti-pacifists have done too much to try to start a war, and they have plans to do even more, greater damage. They plan to destroy all of the colonies. Meet me in the fifth floor parlor at two p.m. I have my ways of getting in unnoticed. Come dressed for the occasion. See you soon… Number Zero Seven."
Duo looks at his watch. "It's one-thirty now."
"Well then. A half hour on the fifth floor!" exclaims Trowa standing, "I suppose we should change into something more fitting of us Gundam pilots!"
Everyone nods, and they hurry off to their rooms to change into more comfortable attire.
***
Hey Duo, oh my Duo
How could you hide a Gundam here?
Duo walks towards the closed door to the parlor on the fifth floor. He proudly wears his loose-fitting black pants and black shirt. He wears a red turtleneck beneath the black shirt. On his feet, he wears his dark hiking boots.
Quatre boy, oh my Quatre
Your Gundam helped you fight for peace.
Quatre walks up to the door. He nods to Duo. He wears his brown dress pants and a pale pink dress shirt. He also wears a black belt, dark brown dress shoes, and a purple vest.
Oh Trowa, oh my Trowa
Would you get your Gundam right now?
Trowa runs quietly up to his friends. He wears pale jeans and a black mock-turtleneck with white sneakers.
Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei
You never would refuse a fight.
Wufei hurries up to the door. He wears his dark gray tank top and white Chinese-style pants. He wears his black belt, Chinese slippers, and his dark gray wristbands.
Yes Heero, oh my Heero
Did you die with your Gundam boy?
Heero walks up to his four best friends. He wears faded blue jeans with a black tank top, a dark blue denim jacket, and white sneakers.
The five ex-Gundam pilots nod to each other. If they hadn't been twenty years older, they would look exactly as they had when they still piloted their Gundams.
Quatre opens the door, and all five men walk into the room. They see their unidentified host standing with its back to them.
"Identify yourselves."
"Trowa Barton."
"Duo Maxwell."
"Quatre Raberba Winner."
"Chang Wufei."
"Heero Yuy."
The visitor turns towards the five men. She wears hip-hugger, black denim Capri pants and a blood red vest that is laced up tightly in the front to conform to her body and hold her breasts firmly in place. She wears a black leather jacket and black Mary Janes.
The woman's waist length brown braid is made up only of the hair from the center back of her head. The rest of her hair has been cut evenly with her cheekbones. She wears a black baseball cap and wide-rimmed black sunglasses with dark lenses.
"J?" asks Trowa.
"I'm honored that you remember me, Solo Maxwell… oh, wait! You're calling yourself Trowa Barton again," says the woman, "I apologize." She draws her gun and points it at Heero. "This time Heero, I know it's loaded. I just checked the clip again as I was waiting for you."
"Cecilia?" asks Heero.
Cecilia, oh Cecilia
Do you want to pilot it now?
The woman takes off her cap and tosses it aside. She puts her gun in her waistband and pulls off her sunglasses. She smiles. "I couldn't kill you last night, and I can't do it now, Heero… My name is Cecilia J. I am the daughter of Doctor J, one of the Gundam creators. I never told you this before because that was part of my mission statement."
"What is going on?" asks Duo.
"The anti-pacifists want me to deliver a Gundam to them," says Cecilia.
"The Gundams have been destroyed!" exclaims Wufei.
"You really don't know, do you?" asks Cecilia, "Well, I suppose you wouldn't. You haven't even learned half of what I know about all of you."
"What do you know about us that we don't know?" asks Quatre with wide eyes.
"All right, Quatre. We will start with you. Your mother died the same year that you were born, correct?" asks Cecilia nodding her head, "But did you know that she died giving birth to you? Your father never told you because he didn't want you to blame yourself for her death! Your mother loved your father so much that she had to carry a child for him even though she knew she would die in delivery! You are not the test tube child you believe yourself to be. Only your sisters were born that way!"
"What?" asks Quatre in shock. He backs up into Wufei's arms. "That's not true! It can't be true!"
Wufei wraps his arms around Quatre. "How do you know this? Do you have any proof that your words are true?"
"Sitting on my bed is the diary of Catherine Winner," says Cecilia, "I had a feeling you wouldn't believe me. Just as I knew your father wouldn't tell you the truth. It's too bad Iria never got that chance. Believe me, she wanted you to know. I stole your mother's diary from her. It will tell you the truth. If you don't believe me, believe her words!"
Quatre stares at Cecilia in complete shock.
"That is why you only have one younger sister. One last child to honor the love your father had for your mother," says Cecilia.
Quatre turns around in Wufei's arms and buries his face in his husband's chest.
"Trowa Barton, I have no definite proof of what I'm about to tell you, but a simple DNA test should be able to confirm it," says Cecilia turning towards Trowa.
Trowa stands firmly and sets his jaw waiting for the bomb to drop.
"In After Colony Year 181, the Bloom family was a part of the circus. There was a mother, father, and two children… Catherine and Triton. During an air raid, they were separated. The parents were confirmed kills, but the children went missing. Catherine met up with her circus again, but Triton was practically a baby at the time," says Cecilia, "I don't think he could even walk. No Name was first spotted around that name. You have a burn mark on your back, don't you, Trowa? Where did you get it?"
"I don't know. Not in my battles. I got it before I could remember," says Trowa, "Do you actually mean that Cathie could be my family, my real sister?"
"Yes. I have the medical files and the coroner's report for the Bloom family on my bed in case you're interested in pursuing this," says Cecilia.
"There's no need. Cathie is my sister," says Trowa, "I may once have been Triton Bloom, but now I am Trowa Barton… forever."
Cecilia nods. "I knew you would feel that way."
"What do you know about me, Cecilia J?" asks Wufei, "I want you to tell me something that only I know!"
"Then allow me to tell you about Nataku," says Cecilia, "In Chinese mythology, Nataku is a being created in the Kunlun Mountains. This being took on human form by combining spiritual energy and blood." She turns to face Wufei as he holds Quatre tightly.
"A lot of people know that," says Wufei. He caresses Quatre's hair trying to comfort him.
"But that was only one of three incarnations of Nataku, Wufei," says Cecilia, "Everyone here knows that the third Nataku was your Shenlong Gundam. But do they know the woman that was the second?"
"I know about her," says Quatre regaining his composure and taking a step away from Wufei. He turns to face Cecilia. "We haven't told the others."
"Well, then, Wufei, allow me to tell them about your wife, Long Meilan. You were married to her at fourteen. She was the strongest in her clan. She called herself Nataku," says Cecilia, "Before you consummated your marriage, she died in an attempt to save the Shenlong Gundam… as well as something of rather importance to you."
"Wife?" asks Duo with wide eyes.
"I also know that there was a field of flowers, a rather large field where a young intellect would go on many a day with a thick book. He would sit beneath a large tree and read works by great men such as Aristotle and Homer, usually in Latin. This young man would also head out on occasion with a very special book, a book that was hollowed out in the center so that he could hide a comic book within. He didn't want anyone to know that he would read the comic book about a high school Judo champion. He didn't want anyone to know that he was interested in comic books," says Cecilia looking at Wufei as he turns a ghostly white before her eyes, "but he was. He would take his comic book every month, hidden within the hollowed book, out to the field and he would read it. He would even try to perform some of the maneuvers that he saw in the comic… oh, I'm sorry! They're called mangas, aren't they? The Japanese comics are mangas? Whereas English and American versions are called comic books."
Wufei nods and holds Quatre even closer to him. He looks at Cecilia with wide eyes. "No one ever knew that I was reading manga! No one! They always thought that I was reading…"
"The Odyssey. Yes, I know," says Cecilia nodding slightly, "And you did… You read the Odyssey in both English and Latin. More interesting in Latin, you thought. No one ever knew that you had three copies of The Odyssey, one that was in English, one in Latin, and one that was just a ruse for your manga addiction."
"I was never addicted!" exclaims Wufei releasing Quatre and glaring at the woman before him.
"Then why do you still read manga when no one is watching?" asks Cecilia.
Wufei's cheeks redden and he turns towards Quatre again, pulling his husband back into his arms and holding him tenderly. "How do you know so much about us?"
"That's what I was trained to do," says Cecilia, "I'll explain more of that later. I'll answer all your questions… in my own time."
"So what do you know about me and Heero?" asks Duo.
"Heero first?" asks Cecilia. She leans against the back of a chair. "Let's begin with Relena… no, not Relena. Let's start earlier. A.C. 188. Before you had a name. You went to colony X-18999 with a man called Odin Lowe, who by the way murdered the original Heero Yuy. You made an attack on Trieze while Odin went in to set explosives at the Main Command Center. Odin died, and you completed his mission. It was because of your attack that Trieze met Leia Barton and produced Mariemaia Kushrenada."
"You never know if some fool is going to change the future," says Heero nodding his head, "I remember that battle."
"You met Doctor J not long after," says Cecilia.
Heero nods again.
"You came to Earth, didn't you? In 191? You went to St. Gabriel Academy. You saw Relena but she never told you her name, and you never really spoke to anyone. You left without a word."
"No one can prove that I came to Earth before Operation Meteor. What makes you think it was me?" asks Heero.
Cecilia smiles. "Besides my heart? Dad told me… Doctor J told me about sending you on that mission."
"I was there," says Heero smiling.
"Now, Cecilia. Tell me something I don't know about myself," says Duo.
"Your Grandmother has been trying to find you… Your mother and father died in the war. Your father was a soldier. Your mother died alongside him," says Cecilia, "You were discovered by a rescue worker in her arms. She shielded you from the blast with her own body. It's her mother that has been trying to find you ever since. She knows you're alive. I've made sure that she knows that. Her name and address are in my journal on my dresser. The very last page."
"What were my parents names?" asks Duo.
"Monica and Nicholas Robertson, and your Grandmother is Penelope Blake. Now, Duo. Right now, I need to tell you all something very important!" exclaims Cecilia looking at her watch, "We'll be getting company soon. Duo, do you remember back as a young war orphan living on the streets?"
"Yes." Duo nods.
"Before you had a name. You met another boy, another orphan. He introduced himself to you as Solo. Then he asked you who you were," says Cecilia.
"And I said Duo," says Duo.
"Right! If he was one war orphan, you were the second war orphan. Do you also remember the last thing you said to him?" asks Cecilia.
"No…"
"You said 'So long, Solo.' Then you went on your way. He realized that all his life people had been saying so long to him," says Cecilia, "So as you were at the Maxwell Church, he was becoming Solo Solong."
There comes a brisk knocking on the door.
"That would be another guest… another Gundam pilot," says Cecilia. She calls loudly, "Come in!"
"Another Gundam pilot?" asks Heero.
"There were only five Gundams! And the pilots are all here!" exclaims Quatre.
The door opens, and Herangelia walks into the room. She closes the door. She walks towards the group.
"Herangelia?" asks Trowa, "She can't be a Gundam pilot! What are you talking about, Cecilia?"
Herangelia wears pale blue Capri jeans and a tight white tank top with white sneakers. Around her head she's tied a gold bandanna that draws attention to her short, unruly blond hair. "We'll explain everything. Please… sit down."
Everyone pulls chairs into a circle and they sit down.
"Like I said earlier, my name is Cecilia J. I was a war orphan too. My name was Woman. After my parents died, that's what everyone called me… Woman. I met up with Doctor J, and he offered me a home. When anyone asked he claimed that I was his daughter," says Cecilia, "but my name was still Woman. Three other war orphans came to live with us, and we all started training together. The best one of us would gain control of Gundam Zero Six."
"Wait! Stop right there!" exclaims Wufei, "There were more than five Gundams?"
"You signed your note Zero Seven. Were there seven Gundams?" asks Quatre.
"Yes. There were seven Gundams in all," says Cecilia, "Doctor J made Gundam Zero One, Zero Six, and Zero Seven."
"Seven Gundams?" asks Trowa with wide eyes.
"Why didn't we ever see the other two?" asks Duo.
"Later," says Herangelia. "We'll explain that later."
"Cecilia, continue with your story. You will answer our questions later," says Heero.
Cecilia nods. "Four of us were training together. There was me, a girl named Lonely Alone…"
"Like the song," says Herangelia.
There's one that will destroy them all.
"A boy called Orphan, and Solo Solong," says Cecilia, "None of us knew it at the time, but Lonely and I were both being trained harder than the boys. We were being trained to become the Gundam pilots… you five Gundam pilots. When it came time, Orphan was given the sixth Gundam and his mission. His mission was not to help in Operation Meteor but to destroy the Gundams when they were no longer necessary. He was given the codename Spirit Demon. He never used his Gundam because you all destroyed yours on your own. I'm afraid my dad didn't think you had that much strength."
"He underestimated us," says Heero.
There's one to save everything.
"He did. Then he gave me the codename Cecilia J, after his biological daughter who had been killed in the war, and he gave me the seventh Gundam. My mission was to make sure that the five Gundam pilots survived the assault by Spirit Demon. I was to use my Gundam to help create a new peace," explains Cecilia, "Lonely and Solo never knew that both me and Orphan had been selected as pilots. After I hid my Gundam in a secure location and the war ended, I met up with Solo again… Much to my stupidity I married him. I got pregnant, and he left me. When our daughter was two, she was kidnapped by the anti-pacifist faction that Solo had joined."
"Solo? An anti-pacifist?" asks Duo, "He must have really changed since I met him."
"He has changed," says Cecilia looking away from them sadly, "When I knew him… he wanted peace more than anyone. He only wanted the Gundam to help peace along. I knew he had changed the last time I saw him. If I hadn't underestimated his intelligence then, I would have killed him. If I had been a few seconds earlier, maybe I could have saved my Queen…"
"Relena!" exclaims Heero.
"Mom!" exclaims Herangelia standing up quickly and knocking her chair over, "What? He killed her?"
Cecilia stands and stares at Herangelia. She nods her head. "Solo Solong killed Queen Relena Peacecraft Yuy."
Herangelia looks at Cecilia with a steely expression. She slaps Cecilia before she pulls her chair upright. "How dare you! You should have told me if you had known who killed my mother! Why didn't you, you stupid bitch!"
"Herangelia! Watch your language!" snaps Heero.
"I didn't tell you, Herangelia, because I knew exactly what you would do! You would run off half-cocked and probably get yourself lost on the way to Moscow! And if you did manage to make it to my old hometown, you'd certainly get lost on your way to my pad!" exclaims Cecilia, "And you would have run off before I could have even found out if that's where my backstabbing ex-husband was staying!"
Herangelia pulls a gun from the back of her pants and aims it at Cecilia.
Cecilia kneels in front of Herangelia and holds her hands behind her back. "Eleven years ago, I swore a pledge to Relena that I would avenge her. You cannot… You must not kill Solo! If you wish to kill me, go ahead, but understand this… You will be leaving the name of Peacecraft behind, and you will truly be the last of that line."
Herangelia aims the gun directly at Cecilia's forehead. Her hand doesn't quiver at all as she pulls the trigger.
"Herangelia! Cecilia!" exclaims Heero with wide eyes.
Cecilia falls backwards onto the floor. "I never store your gun with a bullet in the chamber, Herangelia."
"I know," says Herangelia, "I was counting on it." She tucks her gun into the back of her pants and sits down. "I'm not just a Yuy. I'm a Peacecraft. I'm also Relena Darlian. I can't kill. You… I could never kill you, Cecilia… You were telling us about Solo."
Cecilia sits up and looks at Herangelia. "You okay, hon?"
Herangelia nods as Cecilia stands.
"Solo called me here last night. He wanted me to kill Heero, but I didn't do it. I couldn't do it," says Cecilia pulling the cylindrical communicator from her pocket, "He sent me a package today. He called me today as well. In that stupid package were this communicator… and the severed hand of my daughter…"
"He cut off your daughter's hand!" interrupts Trowa angrily, "What kind of a bastard would do that?"
"I know. I had the worst taste in men when I was younger!" exclaims Cecilia, "But my daughter isn't important! She's lived with the anti-pacifists too long! She agrees with them! She's willing to sacrifice her life for them and their cause! And what's worse is she plans to take down the Winner Resource Satellite!"
"What?" asks Quatre.
"If I don't get the remaining Gundam, Zero Six, to them, the anti-pacifists are going to have my daughter take out the Winner Resource Satellite! And they will crash the colonies onto Earth or each other, whichever they can manage. They are certain that you know the location of number six," says Cecilia, "and they have given me one week to contact them saying I have it!"
"Those bastards!" yells Wufei jumping up furiously, "How can they use the colonies like that?"
Heero clenches his fists angrily.
"What are we going to do about this, Cecilia?" asks Herangelia.
"You certainly can't give them a Gundam! Even if we knew where Six was, we couldn't give it to them!" exclaims Quatre.
"But we can't let them destroy the colonies either!" exclaims Duo.
"They want a fight. Maybe it's time we gave it to them," says Heero.
We follow the road to peace.
"Dad? We can't fight! We're pacifists!" exclaims Herangelia looking at Heero with wide eyes.
"I've tried. I've tried to rule the Sanc Kingdom in peace," says Heero, "but sometimes you need to fight. Some things are worth protecting at all costs."
"Then maybe it's time for the Gundam to return," says Cecilia, "My Gundam… the Gundam that I've been secretly training Herangelia to operate… the Gundam Salvation."
"Salvation?" asks Quatre. He shakes his head and chuckles. "You write all your songs about your life, don't you?"
Cecilia chuckles.
"Are we going to use the Gundam then?" asks Trowa.
"Can you contact the pilot of Zero Six?" asks Heero.
Cecilia nods. She moves to the wall and turns on a large screen vid-phone. She dials a number.
The screen flares to life, and a man's face appears. The man has pale red hair falling loosely to his shoulders. His green eyes look at the screen inquisitively. He smiles. "Hello. Spirit Demon here."
"Hey, Spirit Demon. It's Cecilia J. It's been awhile, brother," says Cecilia smiling.
"Too long. Who's that with you?" asks Spirit.
Everyone stands up and joins Cecilia in front of the vid-screen.
"Everyone, this is Spirit Demon, pilot of Zero Six," says Cecilia. She sets her hands on Herangelia's shoulders and adds, "This little precious angel is my replacement, Relena Darlian."
"Too old to continue as the pilot of Zero Seven?" asks Spirit.
Cecilia nods. "This is Heero Yuy, Chang Wufei, Quatre Winner, Duo Maxwell, and Trowa Barton. The five Gundam pilots."
"It's time for salvation then, I assume," says Spirit, "Why now?"
"Solo Solong has joined the anti-pacifist movement," says Duo, "He's going to destroy the colonies if he doesn't get your Gundam."
Spirit loses his smile in a second. "I'm not giving up the Gundam! Gundam Destruction was given to me! I'm not going to give it to a bunch of punks!"
"We're not asking you to. We're asking you to use it," says Heero, "They don't know about Gundam Salvation, so we set up an ambush for them. Instead of getting one Gundam, they get two."
"Cecilia, do you agree with this plan of his?" asks Spirit.
"I trust Heero with my life, Spirit, and I would agree to do anything he asked," says Cecilia.
"Let's do it… on one condition. When this is done, Destruction and Salvation will be destroyed," says Spirit nodding his head.
Cecilia nods.
"Deal!" exclaims Herangelia smiling.
"Send Destruction the co-ordinates of where you want to meet. Triple encoded… as usual! I'll see you all later!" exclaims Spirit.
"Later, Spirit!" exclaims Cecilia. She turns the phone off. "Well, I think we have a trip to go on. We'll get Salvation and then call my bastard ex-husband!"
"Are you all right, Cecilia?" asks Heero pulling her into his arms.
"Heero… I don't plan on coming back from this mission. When the Gundam Salvation is destroyed, I'll be destroyed too," says Cecilia wrapping her arms around Heero's neck and pulling herself tightly to him.
"No! You can't die! I am not going to lose another woman that I love!" exclaims Heero.
"Love?" asks Duo grinning.
Heero kisses Cecilia's lips. "I can't lose you!"
Cecilia nods. "Salvation is in New York."
"I can fly us over in the GX-32," says Herangelia. She pulls the locket out from beneath her shirt. "I'm the key to salvation, so let's go save the world!"
"We have to tell everyone we're going first," says Trowa.
And that is the way of our world
The dove will fly under wing
All along on our road to peace.
Cecilia searches through the tiny parts of the communicator.
"Is this it?" asks Herangelia using a pair of tweezers to lift a small transmitter.
"I don't want to take this with us if it's also a tracking devise," says Cecilia.
"Why do you care?" asks Heero walking into the room, "Gundam Salvation will be destroyed when this is done."
"Yeah… I guess I forgot," says Cecilia putting everything back together and sliding the casing in place.
"We're all ready to go," says Heero before kissing Cecilia, "What about you?"
Cecilia pulls Heero to her and whispers into his ear, "I'm ready for a little something else right now, but that can wait. We can leave if you'd like."
"Come on then! Let's go get the Gundam!" exclaims Heero.
Herangelia runs out followed closely by Heero and Cecilia. They meet the other four ex-Gundam pilots and head to the mini-van.
Everyone goes to an old airport and climbs into a very unique plane.
"This is the GX-32," says Herangelia taking a seat in the pilot's chair, "It flies just like a Gundam… or so I'm told!"
"Then I will fly us there!" exclaims Wufei, "Move over. You can co-pilot!"
Herangelia moves to the copilot's seat and buckles herself in.
Wufei sits down in the pilot's seat and fastens his harness.
Cecilia takes a seat beside Heero as Quatre and Trowa sit down together.
Duo takes the navigator's seat and starts looking at the screen in front of him. "This is a nice plane!"
"Thank you, Duo! I built it!" exclaims Cecilia smiling, "Now, Herangelia. You need to type in the access code."
"What's the code?" asks Herangelia.
"It's lonely alone. The entire phrase," says Cecilia, "It's lonely alone."
Herangelia types on the console beside her. "Got it! Controls activated!"
"She's all yours, Wufei! Try not to dent her!" exclaims Cecilia leaning into Heero's arms, "I love you, Heero."
"I know, Cecilia. I love you too," says Heero.
"It'll be late when we get to New York," says Quatre, "We should rest the night before we go get the Gundam Salvation."
"Just what I was thinking," says Heero looking into Cecilia's gray eyes.
"So how long have you two been hiding your relationship?" asks Duo with a sly grin.
Wufei starts the plane down the runway and into a graceful takeoff.
"Last night, I had every intention of killing Heero," says Cecilia, "but we confessed our feelings to each other instead."
"You move fast, Heero," says Trowa.
"I'd say he moves slow!" exclaims Herangelia, "He could have told her he loves her a long time ago! And I don't see why Cecilia didn't tell him at my fifth birthday party!"
Cecilia's cheeks start to redden. "So I was weak. I couldn't tell him how I felt about him back then."
"I must have been weak too," says Heero pulling Cecilia further into his arms.
Herangelia looks back at Heero and Cecilia, and she smiles. She turns her attention back to her instruments.
"Herangelia? Does it bother you that your father's dating again?" asks Wufei.
"Nope! I think it's about time he started dating again!" exclaims Herangelia, "That's what I told Cecilia when she asked me if she could date him!"
"You asked my daughter for her permission to date me?" asks Heero.
"No! I asked all your children!" exclaims Cecilia, "They all said it was okay. If they hadn't, I couldn't let you touch me! Jeffrey was actually quite eager for me to date you. He almost insisted I move into your room with you!"
"Reminds me of when you asked me for permission to date Ania," whispers Quatre to Trowa.
Trowa smiles and nods.
***
The sunlight pours through the hotel room window.
Cecilia rolls out of Heero's arms and starts to put her clothes on.
"Are you in a hurry, Cecilia?" asks Heero sitting up and touching her bare back.
"Spirit was right. Why now? I should have destroyed Salvation a long time ago," says Cecilia falling backwards into Heero's lap, "Then he could have destroyed Destruction!"
"It wasn't your fault, Cecilia. You kept Salvation because you believed the world would need it. They would have made this threat eventually," says Heero setting his arm across Cecilia's chest.
Cecilia sits up and kisses Heero. "We must stop the fighting! I can't do it alone, Heero! I'll need you and the other Gundam pilots!"
Heero holds Cecilia to him. "Get dressed, honey! We'll get the others. We'll all help you!"
Heero and Cecilia put their clothes on and head out to meet the others for a pleasant brunch.
Cecilia leads her friends to a large, cavernous room beneath the city.
"What is this place?" asks Herangelia quietly. Her voice reverberates on the walls and she jumps.
"It used to be a shelter a long time ago. All the entrances were sealed off. I had to crack open the one we used to get in here," says Cecilia walking towards the large mobile suit that kneels in the room. She stands before it and holds up her right hand towards the head. She nearly shouts, "I need salvation! I need your help!"
Cecilia's voice echoes all around her as a single light spotlights her. She climbs into the cockpit. "Come on up, everyone! There's plenty of room!"
Heero climbs up into the cockpit and helps Herangelia who follows behind him.
Trowa, Duo, Quatre, and Wufei hurry into the mobile suit's cockpit.
"This is unlike any mobile suit I've been in!" exclaims Quatre looking around at the vast cockpit.
There are six seats along the back wall with tray-like consoles beside them.
The pilot's seat sits forward with a half-circle computer console around it.
Intruder alert! Please enter pass code! comes a computerized voice.
"Duo, don't help me with this," says Cecilia, "Got it?"
"Uh… yeah… I guess," says Duo.
"Let's sit down," says Herangelia moving to one of the six seats along the back.
The five former Gundam pilots sit down as Cecilia stands behind the pilot's seat.
"Total pacifism is just the start. The road to peace is worth every step. We have no need of weapons. We can have peace instead of war," says Cecilia. She closes her eyes and sings, "I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace. I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye."
The lights around the cockpit start to glow.
"I follow the ways of peace. I won't fight this war anymore. I follow the road to peace. There's no reason to fight again. The Sanc Kingdom leads the way in honor of the Peacecraft name with hopes of a brighter day all along on our road to peace," sings Cecilia, "We follow the road to peace. Five Gundams fight to save the world hoping that we can find peace. There's one that will destroy them all. There's one to save everything and that is the way of our world. The dove will fly under wing all along on our road to peace."
The computer screen in front of the pilot's seat turns itself on.
"Yes Heero, oh my Heero. Did you die with your Gundam boy? Yes Heero, oh my Heero. Whatever will happen to you? Oh Trowa, oh my Trowa. Would you get your Gundam right now? Oh Trowa, on my Trowa. Will you come on this road to peace?" sings Cecilia, "Quatre boy, oh my Quatre. Your Gundam helped you fight for peace. Quatre boy, oh my Quatre. Do you think it can help us now? Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei. You never would refuse a fight. Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei. Will you follow this road to peace?"
Strange symbols start scrolling up on the screen in front of the pilot's seat.
"Hey Duo, yeah my Duo! How could you hide a Gundam here? Hey Duo, yeah my Duo! Will you ever stop this fighting? Cecilia, oh Cecilia. Do you want to pilot it now? Cecilia, my Cecilia. Do you follow our road to peace?" sings Cecilia, "Yeah Spirit, oh my Spirit. Does your heart still wish to destroy? Yeah Spirit, oh my Spirit. Does Gundam Destruction survive? Oh Spirit of Salvation. Are you the angel we will need? Oh Spirit of Salvation. Do you follow our road to peace?"
Cecilia opens her eyes and walks around to sit in the pilot's seat. She spins the pilot's seat around to face her friends.
Heero smiles at Cecilia.
"Oh Solo, Solong Solo. We're living solitary lives. Oh Solo, Solong Solo. Gundam pilots must work alone. Oh Solo, Solong Solo. In peacetime we've found each other. We don't have to work solo as long as there is no more war," sings Cecilia, "I travel along the road to peace. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going on this road to peace. I've said hello and I'll say good-bye to the Gundam of Salvation on this road to peace. So I say good-bye!"
Pass code confirmed. Welcome pilot, comes the computerized voice, Please identify yourselves.
"In order of Gundam number, guys," says Cecilia leaning back in her chair.
Yes Heero, oh my Heero
What ever will happen to you?
Heero looks to Cecilia as she mouthes out his commands. "Heero Yuy, pilot Zero One, Wing Gundam."
Hey Duo, yeah my Duo
Will you ever stop this fighting?
"Duo Maxwell, pilot Zero Two, Gundam Deathscythe," says Duo.
Oh Trowa, oh my Trowa
Will you come on this road to peace?
"Trowa Barton, pilot Zero Three, Gundam Heavyarms," says Trowa.
Quatre boy, oh my Quatre
Do you think it can help us now?
"Quatre Raberba Winner, pilot Zero Four, Gundam Sandrock," says Quatre.
Hey Wufei, oh my Wufei
Will you follow this road to peace?
"Chang Wufei, pilot Zero Five, Shenlong Gundam," says Wufei.
Cecilia, my Cecilia
Do you follow our road to peace?
"Cecilia J, pilot Zero Seven, Gundam Salvation," says Cecilia. She nods to Herangelia.
"Relena Darlian, neo-pilot Zero Seven, Gundam Salvation, replacement pilot," says Herangelia.
Welcome, Gundam pilots. Welcome back, Cecilia, says the computer, Please fasten your harnesses.
Everyone straps themselves into their seats with the harnesses.
Cecilia turns towards the monitors again. She types onto the forward console and takes the controls. She strains against the controls as the Gundam stands.
Unauthorized pilot! Unauthorized pilot! Alert! Alert! sounds the computerized voice.
Bolts of electricity course through Cecilia's body from the Gundam's control panels.
Cecilia screams. "Voice… command… recognition… override…! Cease… function!"
The electricity flow stops as the computer says, Voice analysis confirmed. Pilot Cecilia J. Voice command controls now engaged.
Cecilia un-harnesses herself and stands. She falls to the floor shaking.
"Cecilia!" exclaims Quatre quickly un-harnessing himself. He lunges towards Cecilia and pulls her into his arms.
"Cecilia!" exclaims Heero tearing away his harness. He kneels beside Quatre and Cecilia.
"I'm okay… really. It didn't hurt that much. I just need a moment," says Cecilia.
"What did the computer mean? Unauthorized pilot?" asks Duo.
"We thought you were the pilot for this Gundam," says Wufei.
"I am!" exclaims Cecilia fiercely standing up. She places her left hand on a palm reader. "DNA scan! Now!"
DNA scan implemented. Identity confirmed. Cecilia J, says the computer.
Cecilia pulls her hand away from the palm reader, and her forefinger drips a few drops of blood. "Deactivate internal defensive weapons!"
Internal defensive systems shut down, says the computer.
Cecilia stands in front of the pilot's seat and grabs the controls.
Unauthorized pilot! exclaims the computer.
Cecilia quickly releases the controls.
"What's going on?" asks Trowa.
"Dammit! I was hoping I was wrong!" exclaims Cecilia, "Salvation requires a young pilot! I was still fifteen when I gained control of her! I planned to use and destroy her before I was twenty. Because of the partial A.I. system she has… She needs the strength and vitality of a young pilot. I was hoping I could still pilot her, but I can't. I am still her pilot, but she'll no longer respond to me! She can't respond to me! I'm not strong enough for her anymore!"
Herangelia un-harnesses herself. "If she needs a young pilot, then she needs me! What do I need to do?"
"We'll make you the primary pilot, Herangelia… Relena!" exclaims Cecilia pulling the girl into her embrace. She whispers a few words directly into the youngster's ear. She backs away and pulls out the communicator. She pushes the button. "Solo, I have your Gundam. Where do you want me to bring it?"
I knew you would get it, Cecilia, baby. Bring the Gundam to our old house outside of Moscow, comes the voice on the other end, I'll talk to you when you arrive, wife.
"And not a moment sooner. I'm not your wife," says Cecilia crushing the communicator in her hand. She tosses it down a small chute. She types the coordinates onto the screen. Then she sends an encoded message to Gundam Destruction. She points to the screen. "Relena… this is where you'll meet Spirit and above that are the coordinates for where you'll meet Solo. Understand?"
"Crystal clear!" exclaims Herangelia giving Cecilia a thumbs up.
"Heero! Don't let her forget!" exclaims Cecilia, "I'll be unable to help her after she becomes the pilot." She pulls Heero to his feet and kisses him passionately.
Quatre returns to his seat.
Heero nods to Cecilia and sits down again.
"Pilot transfer program engage!" exclaims Cecilia, "Cecilia J, final command protocol!"
"Relena Darlian, primary command protocol!" exclaims Herangelia.
Password, says the computer.
"It's lonely alone," says Cecilia.
"You're not alone," says Herangelia.
"Cecilia J, end pilot program," says Cecilia.
"Relena Darlian, begin pilot program," says Herangelia, "Complete pilot transfer program!"
Pilot transfer program completed. Good-bye, Cecilia. Thank you, says the computer, Welcome, Relena.
I've said hello and I'll say good-bye
To the Gundam of Salvation
On this road to peace.
"Good-bye, Salvation," says Cecilia moving to stand directly behind the pilot's chair. She takes off her black leather jacket and tosses it to Herangelia. "In case you get cold. Now say 'Activate internal chamber'."
"Activate internal chamber?" asks Herangelia, "What does that do?"
Internal chamber activated, says the computer as a glass tubes comes up through the floor to surround Cecilia.
The floor beneath Cecilia opens up.
Cecilia screams as she falls through the opening.
The floor closes and the glass tube slides back down into the floor.
"What the hell just happened?" asks Heero angrily, "Salvation, where'd she go?"
Cecilia has entered the power generator chamber. She has now become the conduit which would allow me to self-destruct, says the computer.
"How do we get her back, Salvation?" asks Duo quickly.
Analyzing all known data. Unable to answer at this time, says the computer.
"We'll find a way to get her out later," says Wufei, "Can she be hurt in there?"
The only way to be injured in the power generator chamber is to self-destruct, says the computer.
"Manual override," says Herangelia, "We have a mission to accomplish. Let's do it! Computer… Salvation, continue your analysis! I want you to find a way to get her out!"
Command accepted, says the computer, Multi-tasking in progress. Artificial intelligence split.
"Let's go. Are you sure you can handle this, Herangelia?" asks Trowa.
"I can handle this," says Herangelia sitting in the pilot's seat and harnessing herself in, "But for this mission, call me Relena. It's the codename I picked. Dad was named after a dead pacifist. Trowa, you took the name of another. I'll take the name of a third pacifist. My mother. Just until we destroy Salvation."
"We understand," says Wufei.
Quatre and Heero harness themselves in again as Herangelia works the controls to move the large Gundam.
So I say good-bye.