A/N: I Don't Own Gundam Wing.
Ch.3 Gathering Powers
"We've set up a surveillance grid in some areas of the house too but not enough that it would breech their privacy. Similar to the guest house you stayed in during your visit to the ENA."
"Through as always," Relena smiled. "Did you manage to put a surveillance grid outside though? You said you were having trouble stretching it to a larger area."
"Yes, it took a little longer but I managed to set it up, now not only is it stabilized enough to handle the weather but also stretches as far as your home," Trowa pulled up another slide showing her the layout. "We'll be able to detect any unauthorized personnel on your property from a five miles radius, even if they're hiding away in the forest. We will also keep a close eye on anyone that has had any sniper training, just in case."
"I'm glad to see my research was of some use to you, thank you Trowa," Relena nodded gratefully. "But I'm afraid I must bother you with another task."
"It's alright, It's my job to do whatever I can to help you," he put away his tablet. They were driving to the airport to greet Treize and his group, the only light they had were the amber street lights that passed them along the way.
"Zechs and Noin have agreed to stay with me while I greet Treize and his company. It's a move I believe will make for more conversations and limit any awkward silences. So I'm hoping you will be able to attend my greeting of Chang Wufei and his party with the same purpose in mind. Although I know you might find these dealings utterly dull so I won't force you to go if you don't want to."
"I'm sure I can manage, besides if things get too lively I can always pretend I was part of your security detail instead of a participant in the welcoming committee," he gave her a slight smile and she laughed. If Relena hadn't known him she wouldn't have noticed his smile at all, or caught his sarcasm.
She may know how to read peoples body and facial languages, but she always had to be her sharpest around Trowa. His ability to blend into any environment was remarkable to her. It's what made him the best infiltrator in their group in her opinion. Relena had seen his talent in action during numerous occasions. Yet despite his aptness of being a double agent Relena knew he was just as loyal to her as the other Cheveyos were.
"I owe you, we should be meeting Wufei in the afternoon. I'll leave thirty minutes earlier than Zechs and Noin so I can make it in time to see you and Sally before our they land. Anything you want to do between then and now is up to you," Relena saw that they were pulling into the small private airport.
"I'll make sure to take advantage of the four hours I have then," he eyed a jet that was at a far distance, undoubtedly Treize's. Their car came to a halt and Connor got out from the front passenger seat and opened Relena's door, but before she got out she turned to Trowa one last time.
"I swear Trowa we have to do something with that sarcasm of yours," she chuckled and he did too for a short moment.
"Good luck Catori."
"Thanks but I try not to depend on it too much. Otherwise I would be dead by now old friend," she said before closing the door. Relena and Connor walked steadily towards the entrance of the airport, assessing their surroundings for any signs that could possibly become a problem and finding none.
The place was surrounded by dutiful Nashadii troops awaiting the arrival of their guests and any other orders Relena might give. The private airport wasn't built to fit royalty standards. It was built to serve its purpose, land any aircrafts safely, be a sturdy place for immediate take off, and nothing more.
However her brother and sister in-law were pretty adamant in putting some effort into making it more presentable. So walking into the airport for the first time since her dear brother and sister's renovations she had to admit she admired their hard work. It still wasn't lavish but it was modest.
The floors were now marble instead of concrete, along with the walls that were dark beige. The overhead lights were small orbs the size of soccer balls bunched together to take the shape of chandeliers.
No, this was not glamorous but it was cozy enough, so in Relena's perception it was perfect for the occasion.
"This came out better than I expected." Relena looked over at Noin as she made her way to them.
"Well your landscaper is a gifted man," Noin smiled. "We should hurry, Treize's jet is about to land." She guided the two towards the glass door exit and once again the early morning engulfed Relena's lungs, she loved that smell.
"You're late," said Zechs as they approached him.
"Really brother? I'm on time," she countered.
"Of all the times you're not diligent it's today." Zechs grumbled.
Connor and Noin remained silent, allowing the two siblings to bicker.
"Hey I got that 'diligence' from you, I know when not to concern myself over things that I've already taken care of," said Relena, though it was obvious she wasn't trying to fight with him.
Zechs began to protest but Relena silenced him, "Oh just drop it," raising her voice a little due to the jets landing progress.
As the jet came to a standstill few members of the Nashadii came out and pushed a stairway and aligned it to the door panel. The turbines finally come to a stop and the small hiss of the jet's door panel open. A few men, whom Relena identified as the guards, came down the steps first. They were followed by the grand duchess Dorothy Catalonia appearing quite awake and dressed stylishly as she always was, sporting her all too familiar smirk.
Then Lady Une and Treize proceeded. The two of them gave off an aura of command despite their relaxed postures. Relena caught a figure of a man standing a respectful distance from behind them that, she knew, would be Heero.
He had changed from the last time she had seen him, taller if she guessed correctly and leaner. He was slightly tanner but she attributed that to his trips with Treize. Even his clothing remained the same, casual enough to pass as a civilian yet polite enough for their current occasion. Heero was surveying his surroundings and then glanced at her for a moment before returning his attention back to Treize.
'Good to see you too,' she smiled.
She focused back to the royal couple, who made it down the steps together while Une continued to hold on to Treize's arm. They seemed fine but even from the few yards that separated them Relena could see that their travels had taken their tolls. Treize and his group had been traveling before they were scheduled to arrive here and his last trip being at the Burkina Faso Conference, trying to strengthen their influence in Africa. However out of everyone in their group it appeared only Dorothy and Heero seemed to be truly alert.
Relena strode towards them as Une released his arm so he could greet her.
"It's good to finally see you after so long Treize. I hope everything's well with you and your family," Relena said as she shook his hand.
"Yes we have been doing well since you've last visited our capital, thank you for asking. Perhaps after this trip is done you could come visit our home again when you have time," he released her hand.
"If time permits but for now we'll just focus on your stay here," she looked behind her shoulder, "I would like you to meet my brother Zechs and his wife Noin," the two of them nodded in greeting. "I'm sure you remember the head of my guard Connor."
"It's an honor to meet you both, the family resemblance is strong, especially in the eyes." said Treize.
"Well people do say if she were taller and grew out her hair she would look more like me," Zechs smirked at her, Treize chuckled.
He then looked over to Connor which wasn't too hard since he was taller than his commander in chief. "It's also good to see you're still dutifully by your Catori's side after so long Mr. Connor."
"Lord Treize," Connor respectfully inclined his head.
Treize laughed, "And still a man of little words."
"I'm sure you and your company may want some time to relax. We will take you all to your guest home and have breakfast there if that's alright with all of you," Relena looked at all of them.
"Not at all, it would be a good way to catch up after all these years," said Lady Une.
Treize's subordinates had their luggage loaded into the SUV's Relena had stationed there earlier quickly and were already headed to the guest house which was only a few miles away from the private airport. Relena decided to go separately from Treize and Une, claiming there wasn't a lot of room and that she wanted to let the royal couple to have some time to get to know her brother and her sister in-law.
However Dorothy did accompany her while Connor drove up front in her car.
"You know you could have invited Mr. Yuy with us Catori. I'm sure you two have a lot to catch up on," Dorothy smiled.
"Should have figured your objectives wouldn't have changed after this long," said Relena.
"Oh come now you know I'm teasing," Dorothy waved her hand nonchalantly.
"Just like the time your 'teasing' cost a media rave between my supposed engagement and possible elopement with Mr. Yuy," she responded. Although now Relena could actually see the purpose and humor of the situation Dorothy had caused back then. But that didn't mean she had to let her know that.
"You know well enough that was for popularity sake. Our people began to see you as an actual human being instead of the notorious rebel leader turned ruler."
"True enough and inadvertently it also allowed me to announce my intentions of putting off marriage."
Dorothy scowled slightly while Relena looked to her satisfied. She knew it was Dorothy's biggest curiosity to find out about her love life. Denying her interest in having one only convinced the young Duchess that she may be carrying out a secret affair.
"Dorothy before we carry on, has anything changed?" her tone serious.
"Nothing that I have not told you already," Dorothy confirmed knowing what Relena was asking.
"Treize is fully intent on just building some relations with your country. He's not completely out to win your favor over the Chang's but he at least wants to know that you won't completely side with them either."
"That much I figured out. Our growth has attracted other nations after all and I know those two don't like competition," Relena said. She looked outside for a moment and noticed the landscape slowly be overcome by the forest. They would be arriving to their destination soon.
"That's what he wants to verify as well. You're taking in refugees from other nations. Along with your continued support of aiding some developing nations build their economies. Normally neither the ENA nor the Chang Empire would bat an eye. But if there's anyone that can break a stalemate between these world powers right now it's States," Dorothy scrutinized her perfectly manicured nails.
"And because of these actions they think I want to become another world power like they are by gaining the support from other nations," Relena shook her head.
"As far as I know Relena, Treize just wants to assure that you're the neutral country you claim you are. And that you are only aiding other countries out of kindness and not because you're plotting to become a superpower yourself."
"The Chang's may be following those lines as well. But we'll just have to wait and see. Thank you Dorothy for your help."
"Of course, although even with my help we should all expect for things to get… a little interesting," Dorothy grinned.
"When aren't they?" Relena smirked as they pulled up to the guest homes drive way.
It was a three story house, not including the basement. Relena figured this would be large enough for Treize's company to enjoy. Although it did appear modest from the outside the main focus of man power had been the landscaping and interior designing.
Now those efforts were being very much appreciated by their guests, especially the garden and the large stone garden pond in the back yard.
"Well those are lovely," Dorothy gestured to the lavender trees still blooming.
"They're one of my favorite trees. I thought you would all enjoy them too," Relena said as she got out of the car.
Treize was lead inside by Zechs followed closely by Heero, while Une and Noin stood outside and admired the Sombreuil roses climbing a gazebo nearby.
To Relena's relief everyone spent a good amount of time admiring the gardens and enjoying the outside. They started their breakfast late because their conversations consumed most of their time, they were common pleasantries, until Dorothy decided to tell a story she had hoped would not be mentioned again.
"And that's what happened," Dorothy concluded.
Relena couldn't help but feel a little self-conscience, it didn't help that everyone was staring.
"Well that would explain why you came back with a slight limp. I told you I wasn't imagining it," Une turned to Treize.
"I should be furious knowing that you put the Catori at risk Dorothy. But it would be pointless now," Treize said, appearing more amused than surprised. He had never expected Dorothy to be the typical noble woman like the others back at the ENA since they were children.
"I wasn't even aware there were any bull rings nearby. How did you two manage to get back in time for the ball?" Une looked at them quizzically.
"I have learned a great deal throughout my life Mrs. Une. However I will say this, we did run into a couple of obstacles," Relena took another bite of her pancakes, a stoic guard's face flashing across her mind.
"Oh yes dear Heero almost sniffed us out but we managed to avoid him with a little help from Mr. Connor," Dorothy turned to look at Connor. "A shame you couldn't have joined us though."
"It's alright," he said before drinking. He glanced at his watch and got Relena's attention. His look told her it was time to go.
'Already?' her eyes inquired and he nodded.
So she finished off what little food remained on her plate and stood. "I'm afraid it's time for me to go everyone," she said apologetically. "I will join you all for dinner this evening. Until then I hope you all get some much needed rest."
Treize stood and shook her hand once more and Lady gave her a warm embrace wishing her a safe trip. As planned Zechs and Noin would remain with them for a while longer and then leave so they could regroup before the big dinner.
As Connor and Relena neared the front door, she peripheral vision caught a figure toward them. Looking at the person straight on she finally made it out to be Heero. She hadn't even hear him approaching and if she hadn't spotted him she would have kept moving. Connor looked back at her as soon as he noticed she wasn't following anymore.
"Go start the car I'll be out quickly," she told him. Connor merely nodded and also inclined his head at Heero while stepping out the door. Once they were alone, Relena tried to figure out why exactly she had sent Connor away. Or why she even wanted to be alone with Heero Yuy.
"Have you been doing well?" she finally blurted out, trying to ease away the silence between them.
"Yes," he said curtly.
She smiled there wasn't much else to say. Perhaps internally she just wanted to let him know that this was not entirely political for her. She still saw him as a close friend and planned to treat him as such. Relena stepped towards him and held out her hand. Heero stared at it before grasping it in his own.
"It was good to see you," she said sincerely. To which he merely nodded, but as he was letting go she held his hand more firmly. He looked down at her questioningly.
Relena hesitated but she knew she had to at least tell him. "I want to finish our last fight," her voice low.
He didn't react immediately to her confession, Relena wondered if she had stunned him. She let of his hand and stepped away to head for the door, "Just let me know if you're interested," she said over her shoulder. And without another word she opened and closed the front door behind her, striding to the car ahead of her. Once she put on her seatbelt did Connor start driving. Her talk with Heero may have been short but it had cost her a few minutes that she could have been on the road. They were going to have to cut it close.
"Are you sure about this?" Connor asked.
Her lips curled into a half smile, "No," she answered. "But I honestly I do want to finish this fight." She leaned back against her chair. "It was pointless but before we were discovered we kept track of wins and losses. We're tied." She took off her heels giving her feet a momentary rest. "Now I want to see if I can beat him after all this time."
A/N: It has been a Long time since I've updated this story. I have to admit I ran into some writers block and couldn't get into finishing anything. Not this or Alternate S. This is possibly due to me recovering from this pass semester and Maymester. I definitely needed some time to rest and enjoy reading other material. It helps that I have a little bit more time now too. Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, review if you please! :)