Title: Heritage Values
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Wu Fei + The Elder
Notes: Challenge 201. Baby Series 4 #59. Takes place approximately 10 hours following Demonic Wings.
Spoilers: None
Warnings:
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: Heritage Values
"I have a week before I resume my official duties as a member of the King's Court. It is a position of no little complexity and of some importance, compounded by the simple truth that Milliardo is not the easiest man on Earth to deal with. He is not a trusting soul, but over time I believe there has developed a certain level of trust between us. It is not a trust I am inclined to abuse. I will not be neglecting those who have come to Sanc to place their trust in me, but I will maintain my position in the court."
"And what might your plans in the long term for the Clan entail? To be integrated, absorbed into the general population of Sanc?"
"After a fashion. It is my intention we become a part of this country, adding our heritage to the culture of Sanc."
"We will be swallowed and be nothing."
Wu Fei shook his head slowly, not minding the Elder's negativity, knowing he was shaken after his meeting with Milliardo the previous day. Milliardo could make quite the impression when he wished, and the Elder had been notably quiet following their talk, giving Wu Fei a quiet night.
"We have much to give and we have much to learn. These people are survivors, they appreciate heritage values, appreciating that we are all the sum of our past. I respectfully request you make a tour of the Heritage and Cultural Museum complex on the eastern side of New Port City. You and any concerned about losing what we are."
"And this will demonstrate what? They know the value of museums?"
He sighed. "It may just surprise you... And I think it might pay for you to accompany the court on its progress to the highlands in a few weeks time."
"A holiday? You expect..."
"There will be nothing relaxing about the trip. It is the traditional progress made every decade into the high country. During this progress the King is available to all and sundry who dwell within the forests. They bring their concerns to him; requests for assistance, financial concerns and matters requiring judgement. The greening of the mountains and the maintenance of the forests is a matter of national importance, and has been sorely neglected over too long a period of time. Unfortunately the former King was of a more modern mindset and neglected certain 'green' concerns in favour of pursuing his drive for world peace. Milliardo's outlook is more traditional and he has vetoed a number of proposed developments that threatened the environment. He is playing a complicated game between the developments Sanc needs and maintaining the forests."
"What purpose would my presence serve?"
"You would observe, for yourself, the results of a mixed cultural background living in harmony. Sanc is marked as a backwater, old fashioned country. There is a reason for that. You know little of these people and I respectfully request you do not judge them recklessly."
End
Karina Robertson 2012