Title: A Wise Man
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Milliardo + The Elder
Notes: Challenge 198. Baby Series 4 #52. Takes place following Power.
Spoilers: None
Warnings: Extended Length
Many thanks to ShenLong Deb for her work betaing this set of fics
Disclaimer: I don't own Gundam Wing or the Characters from the series but the baby is mine.
Title: A Wise Man
He was an astute judge of character, wise to the ways of the world; to the nuances of the ebb and flow of their civilisation. He had laboured long and hard to achieve his post and following the destruction of his home had laboured to keep something of the venerable past alive.
He was not easily impressed, nor easily threatened, but this man... This man one should never make the mistake of dismissing.
It was no wonder the young Chang of Chang found himself drawn in by the man. His personal magnetism was dangerous and unwary souls would quickly be subjugated to his will. Willingly. Happily agreeing with anything he desired to earn the attention of those astonishingly blue eyes.
He had witnessed in the past how dangerous this man's father had proven to be. He could only wonder how hard the son laboured to emulate his sire... Or if he needed to work at all to be the flame that fatally drew in the moths drawn to his dance.
Which of them could be considered the most dangerous, the father or the son?
"I find myself wondering how it was that you lost the war."
Those dangerously intelligent eyes flicked to him, quietly contemplative and fine lips stretched slightly, curving upward into a small, secretive smile. He almost cursed himself for being so blunt, it was dangerous to talk to such a man in this manner, but perhaps it was the best way to deal with the one who was considered to be the most dangerous man on Earth. He had scoffed at the title when he heard it prior to coming to Sanc. Laughed to himself over it... But now...
It was no wonder the ESUN had a watch on Milliardo Peacecraft day and night, peering at every action and reaction made by the man. They were always assessing, always speculating, trying to understand every move he made.
He appeared to have only the reconstruction of the Kingdom as his focus, but already the Elder understood this was only the tip of a very large iceberg. At the least he could say the man was complex and diligent in his responsibilities to a shattered people.
He was the most dangerous kind of Ruler it was possible find. A conscientious, hard working, charismatic, fearless leader. But oh, he was too intelligent to be left to his own devices.
In that respect The Chang should take lessons from him.
And probably was and for some time now. He would need to remember that in dealing with the Chang of Chang.
"Ah, my friend. Sometimes to win one must appear to lose and in losing, in truth, win."
Ancestors! So frank. So open. So... Frighteningly honest.
He had heard the whispers, read the newspapers, both serious journalism and the horrendous tabloids alike. He was quite aware of how the world saw Milliardo Peacecraft, and the man himself seemed to have no problem with being honest. At least not for this interview. But that apparent honesty in itself must be a complex shroud of deception.
A complex man who worked hard at deceiving his observers. In ancient days this man, had he been born in China and of appropriate bloodlines, might have ruled an empire. It seemed shameful that he was at the head of a crumbling ruin of a country.
Should Chang Wu Fei learn from this man then it did not seem so impossible that the Clan could be reborn and once more become a powerhouse. But the dangers of associating with the Peacecraft could far outweigh the rewards gained. A wise man understood when to count his blessings and when it was best to run.
He would need to be vigilant.
End
Karina Robertson 2012