Note: As always, thanks to Kaeru Shisho for working on this with me, and to everyone has been kind enough to review.

Soldiers Passing By:

Zechs turned away from the TV screen to stare at me. 'So, when you and Quatre were having your little tete a tete yesterday, did he happen to mention he was plotting a global revolution?'

'Ah, no. It never came up.'

OK, I'd come up with quite a few theories for why Quat was behaving so weirdly, but this hadn't been one of them.

'I don't understand,' Relena said. She'd been saying that quite a lot.

Wufei and Zechs, like me, were glued to the screen. Dorothy was muttering darkly to herself and Lady Diana Alston, the ambassador's wife was still trying to call her husband in Sanque. No luck; the satellites had been down for hours.

The news was on a loop, replaying every twenty minutes exactly. She'd had lots of opportunities in the last two hours to tell us she didn't understand. 'Is this some sort of insane practical joke?'

The guy on screen was repeating what he'd been saying a few times every hour. A prominent citizen of L4 – zoom to a photo of Quat looking pale and grief-stricken – had been attacked on L4 soil; his fiancée, a young woman from an illustrious L4 family, and his loyal bodyguards had been brutally slain, and Mr. Winner himself had been forcibly abducted.

New evidence had come to light that these atrocities had been perpetrated by agents of the ESUN, angered at Mr. Winner's opposition to new laws being passed on Earth.

'Surely, surely, no one can possibly believe this nonsense!' Relena's sudden exclamation was pitched slightly higher than Dorothy's.

'If the Preventers had done this, he'd never have escaped,' Dorothy, more prosaically, added.

'This is Quatre we're talking about,' I chipped in. 'And he did get away from Une and co at the hospital.'

The camera zoomed off Quat, and switched to some nice sunrise-over-the-desert scenes, interspersed with happy L4 shots of little kids handing flowers to the soldiers of the new L4 nation. Peacekeepers, they were called officially, but someone had trained these guys. And fitted them out in shiny uniforms with the latest weaponry. According to an earlier press release, they were all volunteers, who had come forward to safeguard their colony from possible foreign aggression.

Whatever.

Zechs gave an exasperated little hiss and changed channels. Not that it made much difference; all the TV channels were pretty much showing the same recycled stuff. This one was showing the newly proclaimed L4's government. Quat was there; he wasn't joining in the stirring rhetoric or the glorious promises, but he was there.

'We, the citizens of L4, do this day declare our formal secession from the totalitarian government of the Earth Sphere United Nations. Our ancestors left Earth to make a new home among the stars, many years ago, to escape repression and persecution. Now, we, the descendants of those brave pioneers, find ourselves as second class citizens in this new world of ours. We have attempted to co-operate with this regime, and it has come to nothing. We shall return to the ways of our forefathers, of the desert from whence we originally came.'

Some old guy, the sort who plays the wise old patriarch in the movies, was getting to give his spiel about how their ancestors had left Earth to escape from intolerance and persecution and find a place where they could live in freedom among the stars. It was very poetic, even translated from the original Arabic.

Even if most of those guys had probably never seen more sand in their lives than in their kids' sandboxes.

'There's no possible way L4 can do this,' Zechs stated. 'Earth and the Colonies need each other. Even if they wanted independence, they couldn't be self-sufficient. The ESUN wouldn't permit it.'

'And how will they prevent it?' It was kind of hard, from his voice, to guess how Wufei felt about all this, but I had a pretty good idea. 'Will they choose to declare war on people who ask only to choose their own destinies?'

'Of course not! They will declare embargoes; even if they've been stockpiling supplies here, they'll run out eventually.'

'So what will happen?' I demanded, exchanging glances with Wufei. 'They'll starve out a group of peaceful people who only want to be left alone? The other Colonies – other countries on Earth – will never stand for that.'

'But they can't just – do this!' Relena declared. 'It's ridiculous, as Milliardo says.'

'Ridiculous, yes.' Wufei was suddenly on his feet. 'Really, how dare these presumptuous colonists have the temerity to want to choose their own paths? The Alliance would have known how to deal with them, wouldn't they? Excuse me. I think I've heard enough.'

'Wufei, I didn't mean..' Relena jumped up to follow him, and Zechs pulled her back.

Shit. Shit shit shit.

I eventually found him on the roof, studying the chaos that was going on outside, with the help of a map and binoculars. For a 'peaceful revolution' there was a whole lot of activity. Armoured cars on the streets, fires breaking out here and there, gunfire. According to the news, there had been some opposition to the news that L4 was now a free nation, not from the good citizens of L4, of course, but from disaffected foreign elements. People were being urged to stay indoors until the Peacekeepers calmed things down. Foreign-owned businesses and embassies had guards posted outside 'for their own protection'.

'She doesn't understand, 'Fei.'

'I know. Duo, she's a member of the ESUN ministry. If anyone should understand, she should. And her country was occupied by the Alliance for years. Her own parents were killed when their country was overthrown; her brother spent years trying to free Sanque. Why can't she realise that other people want independence?'

'I don't think she really gets that the colonies are countries – nations – in their own right. She still thinks they belong to Earth, that the people think of Earth as their real home.'

'We didn't,' Wufei said softly. 'We remembered China, of course, but L5 was home, the place we'd created out of nothing, a place to be free.'

I nodded, sliding one arm around his shoulders. He hardly ever talked about his home colony. I knew it hurt. I hoped Zechs was giving his brainless little sister a serious tongue-lashing, for bringing up those memories.

'I can't believe he's a part of this. Not Quatre.'

'Me neither. Why didn't he tell us, Duo?'

'Maybe he thought we'd disapprove. I dunno. I don't get it, do you? Zechsy was right about L4 not being able to survive alone. Apart from anything else, they'll run out of water.'

'There are ways to produce it.'

'Costs a fortune,' I said absently. 'None of this makes any sense.' Quatre might have been the idealistic dreamer out of the five of us, but he had a strong layer of practicality as well. I couldn't see why he'd get involved with something that was pretty obviously doomed to failure. And he would never do this sort of thing; in principle, he approved of the ESUN, he just had issues with some of their tactics. 'Why'd he choose to get involved with something this damn stupid?'

Wufei shook his head. 'Either he knows something we don't, or he's not doing it from choice.'

That was nearly the scariest thing of all. Anyone who could force Quatre Winner to do something against his will was…freaking terrifying. Underneath his exquisite manners, he'd always had a stubborn streak stronger than Gundanium.

'I just don't get this,' I muttered, apparently channelling Relena. Say you don't understand something often enough, and maybe you will. 'Who the hell can benefit from a revolution that's doomed from the very start?'

'Shit!' We both jumped at the explosion; far enough away not to cause any impact for us; near enough to hurt our ears.

'Gas tank, I think.' Wufei rubbed his ears. 'Gods. So, this is what a revolution looks like.'

'Guess so. As for who's benefiting, someone paid for those Peacekeeper guys' shiny new uniforms and weaponry. And apparently had the resources to shut down all satellite transmissions from an entire colony. I'm betting that someone's expecting to get some sort of a return of their investment. Shit, I don't know, 'Fei. What d'you think of all this? Really?'

'It can never work,' he said instantly. 'Earth will never allow it. Apart from needing the L4 resources, if L4 secedes, it's setting a precedent. There are countries on Earth that don't have much love for the ESUN, to say nothing of the other Colonies. If the ESUN starts to disintegrate, it's setting the stage for another war. They can't permit that.'

'They can't attack a colony that's committed no acts of aggression.'

He shrugged. 'None of the colonies are self-sufficient. They can't have stockpiled indefinite supplies; all Earth has to do is impose sanctions and wait.'

'And let people starve? Women, kids? They can't.'

'They'll probably allow in some basics to prevent that. Stalemate.' Wufei tucked a stray strand of hair behind one ear. 'Duo, this doesn't make any sense.

I swallowed. 'What if the other Colonies followed suit? Hypothetically?'

From his sharp in-drawn breath, I guessed he hadn't thought of that. 'Do you think it's possible?'

'L1's always had the closest ties to Earth. Probably not. L3? I think they might; half of the place is owned by L4 businesses, as far as I know. They could pressure them to join.'

'L2?'

'Don't know, don't care. I bet if the ESUN took any measures against L4, the other colonies wouldn't just sit by, though.' I gave the tuft of my braid a thoughtful little nibble. 'God, I don't get this.'

I jumped up, binoculars in hand, at a sudden burst of gunfire. 'So much for a peaceful revolution, like that guy on the news said.'

Wufei produced a small smile. 'That's an oxymoron, anyway.' He glanced down at his map. 'It's the US embassy.'

'How many blocks away?'

'Ten. Shit! Relena so shouldn't be here right now.'

'I don't think there's any way we can fight our way out.'

I nodded; I'd thought about it.' There just weren't enough of us. 'Times like this, you really miss having a Gundam, right?'

'Indeed.' His gaze moved suddenly downwards to the embassy gates. 'I think we have company.'

He was right; one of the armoured cars that had been cruising past in a convoy swung to a stop by our gates.

'I'm going down to see what's what. Coming?'

'I'll just be a minute.'

Zechs caught up with me before I hit the stairs.

'Is he all right?'

'Yeah, he's calmed down a bit. You're probably safe to go up and not have your head taken off.'

He nodded. 'Thank you. Duo, I have to talk to you first. We need to get Relena out of here.'

'Yeah.' I'd realised this from the start; no way could we hand Relena over to a bunch of anti-ESUN fanatics. 'You've got a plan?'

'I think so. Jack just called me; he's at the shuttle port. He's got a ship.'

'They said on the news that they've grounded flights.'

'Officially. It's rather chaotic, apparently. There are still some flights coming in and they've already started flying out non-citizens.'

'Already?' I whistled. 'Sheesh, that was damn fast.' Like it had all been really. So very perfectly planned.

On the news, they were presenting as some sort of spontaneous uprising, but there was no way that was true.

'Right. So what's the deal? How do we get everyone out?'

'We don't.' He held up one hand to keep me quiet. 'We can't. It's not possible. They're patrolling the streets; there's no way we can get so many people to the port. Two people, moving fast, might be able to do it. There is traffic on the street; they can't close the city down entirely.'

'That'll be me then. There's a couple of motorbikes in the garage, right? So I get her to the port and Jack flies her out.'

'No.' He shook his head, fine blond strands of hair stirring against his cheek. 'I want you to do it. You're the finest pilot I know.' He grinned lopsidedly. 'Well, since I'm not in any shape to fly, and Wufei won't leave me, and Heero and Trowa aren't here.'

I snorted. 'Thanks for the compliment. Not. But I'm not leaving you guys. Or the kids. I'm responsible for them.'

'As a Sanque citizen,' he informed me, 'you are responsible for the welfare of your princess above all else.'

'You're pulling rank on me? Fuck off! Zechs, I'm not cutting out on you guys.'

'You have to,' he said urgently. 'Duo, please. She's my little sister; the only family I have left. And you're the only person I would trust to do this.'

'Ah, shit, Merquise' I groaned. 'Why did you have to pull that 'I trust you' card?' I put up a few more token protests, but he had me. It was what Heero would have wanted, anyway. Rule one; Protect the Princess at all costs. Even if it means abandoning your friends. 'Right. When?'

'As soon as possible. You know we have a visitor?'

I nodded. 'Where is he?'

'In the library, with Diana. Apparently he has a list of everyone currently living in the embassy; he wanted to check it with her. Then, he wants to talk to all of us.'

'OK. So…now? You want me to grab her and get the hell out of Dodge?' Already, I was seeing the city map in my head, working out routes. Feeling the adrenalin surge. Along with the sheer excitement that I was going to be flying again.

'As soon as…' the library door opened, and the embassy butler looked out. 'Prince Miliardo, Her Excellency wishes to see you and Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Chang as soon as possible.

The guy turned out to be called Captain Amir. Blue eyes looked out of a swarthy face; taking in everything. He was dressed up in a nice three piece linen suit, but he was military.

He was polite though, bowing to Relena, apologising for the inconvenience, as if he'd come to make amends for a problem with the cable or something, and then making polite chit-chat as we all sat down again.

'Now. I'm sure this is highly unpleasant for all of you, so I'll try not to disturb you for any longer than necessary. As I'm sure you've heard on the news, we are currently evacuating all people on this colony who are not residents of L4. We are giving priority to embassy staff. Can you be ready to leave in the next hour?'

'So soon?'

He nodded. 'It's for your own safety, Princess. We have reason to believe that the ESUN is planning to blockade all flights into and out of the colony, and I'm sure you would prefer to return home rather than remain here indefinitely.'

'All the embassy personnel?' Diana pressed. I didn't know if there was some sort of handbook for ambassadors' wives to follow in the event of revolutions breaking out before afternoon tea was served. If there wasn't, Lady Diana Alston could have written the thing. She'd been amazing.

'Certainly. We are trying to evacuate all non-L4 natives and return them home before the ESUN , I see you have two Preventer agents on the premises.'

Diana nodded. 'Commander Une's orders. They are protection for Prince Milliardo.'

Amir sniffed. 'Indeed. The prince may be safer without such protection. They will be taken to the Preventers Headquarters. Your Excellency, there are three young children also on the list of embassy guests.'

'My husband's young cousins. They are spending part of their Easter holiday with us.' That had been one of the first things we'd done when this had all started; made up three quick passports for the kids.

He made a tick on his clipboard, nodding. 'In that case, I am sorry they will return to Sanque with such poor memories of their holiday.'

Wufei and I glanced at each other. It was really going to be this easy? It didn't make sense. Oh, not the kids; they weren't important, but shit, they were really going to let us all go? The most perfect bunch of hostages that ever was; an ambassador's wife who had distant connections to royalty, an ESUN minister who also happened to be the ruler of a country, and her brother. And two ex- Gundam Pilots.

If nothing else, Wufei and I were always newsworthy.

'I wish to go to Florence,' Relena informed him imperiously. 'To the ESUN Headquarters.'

Amir accorded her a brief bow. 'Forgive me, Princess, but we are under orders for all non-residents to return to their home countries. I can certainly arrange for you to take a connecting flight to Italy as soon as you land in Sanque.'

Relena deflated, almost visibly. It's kind of hard to be rude to someone who's doing their best to help you out. 'That would be most kind.'

'Not at all. Your Highness has provided a shining beacon of pacifism to the universe for many years. I very much hope you will one day return as an honoured guest of the Independent Nation of L4.' He bowed politely and then turned to Wufei.

'Mr. Chang. An honour to meet you. As I've already said, we are expediting all foreigners' return to their home countries. However, since this is not an option in your case, I assume you will wish to return to Sanque with Prince Milliardo?'

'That would be acceptable, yes.' He gave me a quick glance; I could see he was just as confused as I was. Whatever we'd expected, it wasn't this determined politeness.

'And may I add, that our new leaders very much regret the fact that you and His Highness were assaulted on our colony? You may be assured that the perpetrators will be found and brought to justice.' He smiled, giving those flashy white teeth another outing. 'I hope you will not find it insolent if I offer my personal congratulations on your recent engagement.'

'I thought your culture disapproved of our relationship,' Zechs said coldly.

'Some of our elders do, yes, as I believe is also the case in many countries on Earth.' He gave another little bow; damned irritating habit, but a good way to hide your expression at inconvenient moments.

'Mr. Maxwell.' He did more gushy stuff about it being an honour, holding out one hand, which I ignored. Smarmy git. I wasn't going to touch him with a barge pole. It didn't discomfit him at all; he just smiled thinly. No teeth this time. 'I'm afraid you will have to say goodbye to your friends for a short time, sir. We have a shuttle leaving for L2 very soon.'

'No.' It came from two people. Wufei, of course, who followed it up with a protestation that I was also a citizen of Sanque, and Dorothy, which was a bit of a surprise.

Not that I was paying too much attention.

Not with the voice in my head clamouring out its own chorus of no.