Chapter 6

It's months later, and now the two of them have several more clients, including a business entrepreneur that needs brand new tech installed in his restaurant. While at first Relena is hesitant to accept his offer, since she can't really see any advantages to helping him, Dorothy is the one who introduced him. Dorothy's recommendation is invaluable, and when Relena realizes that the man's opening up a rather high-class restaurant that very important people will no-doubt visit and relax in, she and Heero gladly take him up on his offer. He's becoming more influential by the day, and is very indebted to them.

The real coup is their first client from the colonies. She's a business owner from L3 who wants some rather questionable shipments to be guarded while in transit. Relena assures her that their security team will handle everything, and Heero does. She flies the shipments herself, and that means she has plenty of time to inspect their contents and acquire proof of their existence. There's nothing truly awful inside, just items being shipped without going through customs so that they aren't taxed, which Relena really can't blame the woman for. Still, she'll tell her friends how reliable their business is, and then they'll get more offers from colonials.

It's the week after they take her on as a client that Quatre calls them. "Heero. Relena. How are you both doing?"

Relena smiles. She's genuinely happy to see Quatre's face on the vid screen, and she can tell that Heero is too. "Just fine," she answers.

"We've been busy lately," Heero adds. "And you?"

The look Quatre gives them is faintly sheepish. "Very busy, yes."

Being a fellow workaholic, Relena has no doubt that even on the rare days when Quatre might have some free time, he probably also has a few side projects to occupy his time with. He likely takes a vacation about as often as she or Heero does. "I'm glad that you have some time now to chat with friends, then," Relena says truthfully, even as she's politely hinting for Quatre to tell them what he's calling about.

Heero's much more blunt. She just shoots him a look, and asks, "What's this about, Quatre?"

Quatre sits back and sighs, but he's smiling at them. "I could just be calling to be social," he chides, but not seriously. Seeing their dual looks of disbelief, he laughs. "Okay, okay." Quatre leans forward suddenly, and just like that, he's all business. "What are the two of you up to?"

Relena is only surprised that he hasn't asked them that question months ago. Heero snorts. "You must have some idea of the answer already, or you wouldn't be asking," Heero points out.

True enough. Quatre nods in agreement. "Yes, but I want to hear what you two think you're doing."

Does he really believe that they're in over their heads? No, Relena doesn't think so. Quatre would never underestimate her or Heero like that.

There's no real reason to keep Quatre in the dark. In fact, it would be immensely helpful to have him unequivocally support their growing business. Glancing over at Heero, Relena can tell that she's fine with Quatre being told the truth. Considering that he's one of the few people Heero trusts completely, that's not surprising.

With that in mind, Relena looks Quatre square in the eyes, and says, "We're building up enough influence and power so that no one can get in our way when we move to unify all of humanity."

Relena's a little disappointed that Quatre manages to keep his expression neutral, though she's amused to note that he doesn't have an immediate response ready. Heero casually leans back against the desk beside Relena and crosses her arms, both of them waiting. Eventually, after a few long seconds of silence, Quatre sighs heavily, and his face loses its impassive mask.

"That's a little more ambitious than I thought you were aiming for," he admits. "But I agree that it's unfortunately necessary. The way things are going now, we're headed for another war, and sooner rather than later." Then, surprisingly, he chuckles. "If nothing else, you two will give everyone something else to worry about."

Heero smirks. "You want to help?"

"Do you need my help?" Quatre retorts, smiling.

Relena shakes her head. "No, we don't. Heero and I can manage by ourselves for now. Eventually, though, we're going to be conducting a lot more business in the colonies, and anyone that can put in a good word for us with their business associates would be appreciated."

"I understand," Quatre reassures them both. "I'll help out in any way that I can, you both know that." He'll help because they're old friends, and because he agrees with their plans, and because it's better for his company to take an active interest now in what Relena and Heero are up to, as opposed to waiting a few years before investing in them.

"Thanks," Heero replies. She pauses, then flatly says, "You called us today because you're bored, didn't you."

The insightful comment makes Quatre's grin turn sheepish again. "Terribly," he admits. "This is the most interesting conversation I think I've had with anyone all year."

Relena can relate. "Feel free to get in touch with Dorothy, if you'd like. She's helping us, too." The slightly pained spasm that crosses Quatre's face is hilarious.

"I think not," he answers dryly. Quatre abruptly changes the topic. "Heero, you should talk to Wufei about this, you know."

Heero raises an eyebrow. "Do you think that he'll agree with our plan?"

Quatre shrugs. "I think Wufei won't disagree, per se, and he'll have contacts that I don't." Contacts within the branch offices of Preventers on the various colonies, he means.

Relena has to admit that it's a good idea. She nods. "We'll do that," she assures him.

"Good." They hear a sudden knock coming from Quatre's end of the call, and he turns his head towards the sound. "I'm afraid that I'm out of time for the moment," he says, and he looks truly regretful. Relena knows that Quatre would much rather discuss their plans some more than take care of whatever matter his assistant is calling to his attention.

Heero leans forward. "We understand," she says, clearly not bothered by the interruption. "Have fun."

Relena's almost positive that she sees Quatre pout briefly. "I'm sure I won't," he admits. "Please tell Wufei that I say hello, and that I'll try to talk with him again soon." And with that, Quatre signs off.

"I'm glad he called," Heero says into the new silence.

Relena agrees. "I've been wondering when he would, actually," she confesses.

Heero shrugs. "He was probably waiting for a free spot in his schedule, or he wanted to see if we'd contact him first."

"Ah." That sounds like Quatre. "He didn't really seem all that shocked by the plan."

"Of course he's not," Heero agrees. "It's just about the only thing that might save us all."

Relena laughs, startled. "So, no pressure, right?"

"You'll be able to pull it off," Heero says. "Even Quatre agrees, or he would have said something just now."

Her voice is confident, and Heero's belief in Relena is reassuring. Yes, she can do this. She has to. She's already started down the path of no return.