Pairings: Heero/Duo, Quatre/Trowa

Comments: I came up with this one at work!

Warnings: not quite sure yet

The Blank conspiracy 01

Operation BC: Mission Report #01

Operation BC, or Blank Conspiracy, has begun. Infiltration has been completed. Our team, consisting of Trowa and myself, has finally broken through the terminal and has located several files through the secret government operation from a group called OZ. However, before we could fully process all of the information, they learned about our breech and locked us out. But we now know what our next mission will be.

Under Colonel Une's command, we are to head to Colony L2 to search for the missing person on a file we found. This person is our main objective. The status and name are unknown, but we do have two clues to go by. One such clue is that the target will have the numbers 02 tattooed to their back. The other clue is that they will have a golden cross around their neck. We could not find out a gender for the target which only makes it that much harder. However with our team consisting of Trowa, Wufei, Quatre, and myself, we will be in control of this operation and will have no problems appending the target. We leave at exactly 04:00:00 hours for L2. End Mission Report.

Time: 12:00:00 hours (one day later)

Their little shabby base wasn't too bad on the eyes, but it wasn't about the looks that Heero was here. He was here on a mission, a mission to find a certain somebody that held a lot of information that they wanted and needed to bring OZ down, if they could even locate them. Like the report said, they found a lead, a connection to OZ that they didn't have before. The name for the target was unknown as well as its gender but, at the very least, they did know the target had the numbers 02 targeted on its back and a golden cross around the neck. And unless they could strip everyone down on L2 that had a golden cross to see if they had the number 02 on their back, they weren't going to have an easy time of this. Not that it was impossible, just very difficult. And that's just going on the assumption that the target was still even on L2.

"Let's start setting up."

Wufei scowled walking carefully around the rundown building, making sure he didn't happen to find a spot with loose boarding that could cause him to fall through to the second level of their three story apartment. "Couldn't have picked a better place than this, could you Quatre?"

"For the situation we're following," Quatre explained looking over at him from where he'd been looking up at the ceiling where a drop of water fell to the ground, "our best chance of capturing the target would be to search the lower class areas."

"If the target is on the run," Heero interrupted, taking over the explaining, "they'll be looking to hide out in places no one in their right mind would go."

"They probably won't have any money to use," Trowa said.

"Besides that," Heero continued, finding a desk up against the wall that he was inspecting for major damage, "We don't want to draw any attention to ourselves. If we do, it's likely the target will be on the run and on the alert. If that happens, we may never find him or her again."

"So when do we start the operation?"

"Tonight at exactly…." Heero looked down at his watch as he said, "22:00:00 hours. We'll split up to cover more ground. Remember, we're looking for someone with a golden cross."

"Adding that to our other information, the target may be an avert churchgoer," Quatre said.

"Or a stripper," Wufei added with a scowl.

"Then Wufei can search the strip joints. Trowa, check the bars. And Quatre," Heero looked over at the innocent blond giving him a nod. "You can check out the churches. Try not to stand out but ask around for any information you can find, or any suspicious attitudes that might clue in on someone knowing something." He sat down on the bed, pulling out his laptop, not quite ready to trust the desk by the wall. That and he could sit a lot more comfortably on the bed anyway, despite the messed up springs and the torn, ragged sheets. "I'll stay here and see if I can't find any more information on #02. For now," he said looking over at them, "outside of this room, we will use the codenames."

"Everyone, please make sure you have your earpieces." Quatre smiled at everyone as he pulled out his own, sticking it in his ear as he gave a nod of reassurance. "If you find anything at all, contact the others."

"Or contact me and I'll come look into it," Heero said starting to type up information on the laptop. "Let's focus on setting things up right now and getting ready."

"Well we might as well get dinner then."

"There's probably nothing else around but all that greasy junk," Wufei said frowning as he started setting things up in his little area. "But whatever, we won't be function at all if we don't at least eat something."

"Whatever you do, be ready by 22:00:00 hours. That's when we leave."

Dear Diary,

Today has been a pretty good day. I've been helping Father Maxwell and Sister Helen out with the orphanage. The little monsters have been ripping and running all over the place! But they're all good kids at heart. So far I haven't had any problems with that…other issue. As long as it doesn't happen again, they'll never find me. Anyway, I better head downstairs. The kids will be meeting the adopting parents soon. I don't like seeing them leave, but I do want to see them happy with a family. I love each and everyone one of them. Anyway, I better get downstairs and meet some of the lucky future parents before we start. Bye for now.

Duo Maxwell

Time: 19:00:00 hours

Duo started down the steps of the orphanage, which was really more a church then anything. Actually, it really was a church, an old one that still held all of its holy glory despite the peeling, fading paint covering the walls. The kids seemed to love it too, just happy for the warm bed and the food that was provide, not that there was very much to go around. But they did make due with what they had. A lot of times, they were lucky to get a good deal of donations for the church. It was nice to know that people are there still existed that actually gave a lick about others.

Even if there aren't that many of them.

"Duo!" The braided boy heard his name and looked over seeing Father Maxwell standing over with a mangling of other people. Everyone was chattering with each other and having a good enough time, a good sign to Duo that some kids would be getting lucky tonight. He was dressed as his best, or at least what Sister Helen considered his best. He wore a white shirt underneath his black long sleeve shirt and a pair of long black jeans that were at least presentable enough for the others. Hell, it wasn't like he was trying to get adopted himself. He was kind of a special case anyway.

Most of his clothes had holes in them, and almost all of them were starting to get small on him. And let's not even go into the shorts now! Anyway, when it came to clothes, his official function church clothes were the best quality, and that'd be the clothes he was wearing right now. "I need you to tell Sister Helen to go ahead and bring the kids out," Father Maxwell said smiling as he reached a hand down ruffling Duo's hair a bit.

"Will do," Duo said grinning as he gave him a quick salute before heading off. Father Maxwell and Sister Helen…he had no doubt in his mind that if it hadn't been for them, he would have lost his will to live. Instead, they were there to help give him a second chance and now…now he was the perfect 18-year-old.

Sister Helen was just finishing pulling on the shirt to the last child before she looked over and saw him. "Duo!" Her face seemed to light up then, probably no more than his did as he smiled brightly. She was like the mother he never had…and in his heart…he felt she was his mother. "I take it he must be ready."

"Yep," Duo said chuckling as he walked over ruffling the kids hairs as ran over to him surrounding him, each one chattering about something that was probably not all that important. "Looks like some more lucky kids will be finding themselves a new home."

"Hopefully, all of them will," Sister Helen said smiling as she looked at all the kids. "Just tell him I'll be there shortly." She frowned for a second, as if realizing just how many kids there were to keep an eye on. And trust him, there were a lot. There had to be about fifty of them in all. That's just way too many kids! But Duo wouldn't get rid of any one of them. They were all dear to him in their own ways that made them irreplaceable. "Actually, why don't you help me with the little ones?"

"Anything for you, Sister Helen," Duo said smiling as he kissed her cheek.

"Such the charmer," Sister giggled as she rubbed her cheek. "You've been nothing but a big help ever since you came to join us."

"I like doing my best," he said fixing the clothing on some of the kids and helping to clean them up. "How long has it been?"

"Four wonderful years." She couldn't help pulling Duo close as she hugged him gently. "You're like an angel that's come from the heavens to help us. Not only that, but you bring such good fortune. Money seems to just come out of no where to help us at the most needful of times. Thank you, Duo."

He couldn't help the blush on his cheeks as she kissed his forehead. What could he say? She was Sister Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world to him. But it didn't help that all the kids said eww at the small kiss on his cheek. Hey, he didn't do that to them when they got their goodnight kiss. Maybe he should start making it a habit. "You're welcome."

"May God bless you forever," she said touching the silver cross he had around his neck and giving a quick prayer before grinning. "Now, let's go out there and give these little monsters some good homes!"

Time: 24:00:00 hours

This was the thirteenth church Quatre had been to since he started his portion of the mission. So far he'd had no luck in finding the target with the golden cross or any signs of him. And since it was so late now, he really didn't think he'd have any look in finding a church that was even open at this hour. That's why he was a little surprised when he happened on the huge church in the middle of this dark town with the lights still brightly turned on. He walked up to the church, tugging on it gently to feel the door giving away and allowing him entry inside.

The place seemed even bigger inside and well lit do to the amount of candles set up in each window of the church. Why a church didn't just use electric lights, he wasn't sure. But it gave off a rather unearthly effect to the place. Is this what they meant by the sacred grounds being special?

"Ah…I see people are seeking blessings from the lord even at this nightly hour," the man said smiling and giving a wink of his eyes as he started over for one of those windows with the candles. "I was just getting ready to close up the church for the night and blow out all the candles, but I can never turn away someone seeking help." He smiled as he stopped by the candle, using the little tin piece to smother the small flame dancing on top of each candle. "Tell me, are you here looking to adopt a precious child this night?"

So it's an orphanage.

"Actually…." Quatre said starting to walk further into the church, into the warmth of the building and the cheerful man's inviting smile. "I was looking for someone. I thought maybe you could help me."

"Well, I can't say I'd be of much help to you, stranger, but…" the man said, the same guy who must be the father of the church by the looks of it, "I still seek to help those who need it."

Quatre blinked, surprised at how easily the man wanted to help him. He almost didn't even come to this place considering that almost all the other churches were either closed or closing and didn't want to be bothered with helping a stranger this late at night. "Oh well…" He frowned slightly, not realizing how hard it would be to describe someone he'd never seen before. "I don't have anything else to go by but…that this person will has a golden cross around his neck. And," he added before he could be interrupted, "the number 02 tattooed on his back."

Whether it was something Quatre said or not, the man seemed to change, his face darkening the more Quatre kept talking. It became instantly obvious to Quatre that the man knew something about the person he was talking about. "Do you know where I can find this person?"

"I haven't heard or seen anyone following that description," man said, the candle smothering device going still in his hand before he forced himself to continue. "It's pretty dark out, stranger, and I wouldn't want anything harming the children." The old man set the device down as he turned looking at Quatre, a cold hard look in his eyes, no longer looking like that sweet old man from just before. "I think it'd be nice if you left so I can lock up."

"Wait, but-"

"No one here has a cross of that color," came the cold voice, a big difference from the overly sweet voice he'd heard not even seconds before. The words must have slipped out by accident, cause Quatre felt a panic and saw the priest's eyes widen before he turned back to the candles.

"O-Oh." Quatre was startled by the insistence of the man. Why was he acting like this? What was he trying to protect?

Of course! The target must be somewhere in this building! If not, then he must know who it is!

"But sir, if you'll let me have a mome-"

"I said for you to leave!" The father turned advancing on him, looking like he was prepared to push him out if necessary. "If you've come here to cause through for our small family or to harm these children, then you are not allowed here."

"But wait, I'm not here to-"

"Out with you, heathen!"

"Father, I think we need some more…oh." The pretty violet eyed boy with the long braid paused at the door, apparently just realizing that something was up. It was obviously not the time to continue trying to reason with the priest with others around. "Sorry, I didn't know you were talking to someone."

"It's ok, Duo," The Father said, smiling at the younger male as if he hadn't been about ready to chew off Quatre's head. He seemed nervous now, rubbing the sweat from his forehead as he did his best to keep that fake smile on his face. "Our guest was just leaving. Weren't you, good sir?" Quatre blinked at the dirty look he was given before he swallowed giving a quick smile.

"Uh…y-yeah…." Quatre bowed his head slightly, though his eyes were drawn to the glint of light shining off the silver cross around the braided boy's neck. "Sorry to brother you all. I'll be going now." The boy looked like he wanted to say something, but Quatre turned leaving out of the church, feeling the priest's eyes burning into the back of his head. He'd apparently followed cause as soon as Quatre stepped out, the door was slammed and barred shut not permitting him entry inside.

Well that didn't go so well.

Sighing, Quatre walked off deciding this was a good time to contact Heero and tell him what happened. It was possible that this was the place. Lucky number 13. Well it was a better start than nothing at all. But it wasn't just that, something about that boy…and that dullness of his cross was screaming something to him. Something to do with that and the fact that he was easily able to pick up on what people felt being that it was a special ability of his.

Time: 12:15:00 hours

Duo frowned watching Quatre, his eyes quickly shifting to Father Maxwell, the other's back still turned to him where he'd slammed and locked the door. He seemed to be stressing out, his shoulders looking tense still from the confrontation. He didn't exactly know what happened, but he had a feeling it wasn't good…and that it problem involved him in some way.

"What was that just now?" Duo asked. Father Maxwell sighed and finally turning around to look at him, his eyes saddening slightly.

"I think someone was looking for you," he said frowning a bit as he started walking over to Duo. "I don't think the painted cross will fool them much longer." Father Maxwell sighed again, stopping in front of Duo and resting a hand on top of his head. "Maybe I let my guard up too soon. I think he's suspicious of us but I was a little nervous. If only I had stayed calm, he probably wouldn't have thought anything of it. I'm…sorry Duo."

"Hey, it's ok," Duo said smiling a bit as he reached out gently hugging him. "Don't worry about it. But….I think I better go hide out for a while…just in case."

Father Maxwell gave him a little smile, apparently trying to reassure him even though the sadness in his eyes didn't go anywhere. "It would be for the best, just to be safe. Make sure to wait a couple of hours before leaving. And try not to come back for a week or two at most. And remember to take plenty of food with you and clothes for changing. And if you have any problems-"

"Calm down, old man," Duo said chuckling a bit before he smirked. "You're talking about me, remember? I'm a natural pro when it comes to survival on the streets. Besides, the kids need the food more than me. I'll just stay at Hilde's for a while."

"Just be careful, my child," Father Maxwell said, finally letting him go.

"I will," Duo said hugging him back, feeling the need to be reassured. The last thing he wanted was to be captured by those guys again. He didn't want to be put through that ever again. "Thanks, and take care of the kids for me, OK?"

"Zero," Quatre said getting through to Heero on his earpiece. "I think we might have something here."

"Good," Heero said, his fingers being heard moving on the laptop as he spoke. It was obvious he hadn't moved from his spot since the mission started. "Stay put and keep an on the target. I'll tell the others know then head out there myself."

"I think he might be the one," Quatre said, his eyes staying focused on the church in front of him. He was standing against the wall of one of the buildings surrounding the church. "When I mentioned the golden cross, a feeling of suspicion filled my heart. I think he's trying to protect someone. Either that or he is the target himself but…" Quatre frowned a bit. "That boy, the guy with the long braid…something's telling me deep inside that he's the target. He's the one we're after…." Even though his heart told him that, he was still surprised by the silver cross around his neck. Maybe OZ had been wrong about the golden cross? But then why did that guy freak out about it? It got even worse when he said something about the tattoo marking. If they could see the guy's back, then maybe….

"If that's true, then the target will be trying to leave the house. Make sure you keep your eyes and ears open until we arrive."

"Alright," Quatre said, watching as the last of the lights in the church windows cut off. "I'll contact you if anything changes."

"I'll be there in about ten minutes flat. Be careful. If you see anything danger, vacate the area until we get there and can make up a plan. Zero, signing off."

"Alright then, Sandrock signing off."

TBC….