Title: Sustainable Living
Author: Karina
Rating: PG
Pairing: Wu Fei + The Elder
Notes: Challenge 201. Baby Series 4 #60. Takes place following Heritage Values.
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: Sustainable Living
"I understood Sanc was making a push toward modernisation. Refusing development is not the way to succeed."
Wu Fei rolled his tea cup between his hands slowly, staring thoughtfully into the green tea. Beyond the conservatory showers softened the snow, allowing patches of the green beneath to peek through. It was a sign of imminent spring and it was not imagination the air held a freshness, a touch of warmth. The conservatory was a warm wash of green foliage and a luxury Milliardo had insisted be installed in the former military base. Its future use as a hotel had been the excuse, but Wu Fei was not inclined to care about the 'why'. He was comfortable in this glasshouse, though he had not been particularly appreciative of plants in general.
"Construction for the sake of construction is not desired. A great deal of practical discussion ranging from economic benefits to environmental impact takes place. Sanc lost its forests once and they suffered for it. They are not inclined to make the same mistake twice. The mountains need the blanket of trees and the high meadows. In some areas there are villages and farmsteads that have not changed for centuries."
"Why not modernise them? Production would increase; their personal wealth would improve."
"And the land would be laid waste. The soil is thin, poor and conditions are harsh. Out there, it is all about sustainable living. They do not like being forced into the modern age and they are not afraid to tell you that. Developers are keen on entering the high country for all the wrong reasons, but Milliardo thinks he has found a solution to developing certain areas and keeping the highlands pristine; relatively untouched. They do not wish to strip the soil, poor as it is, from the mountains. That was done in the past and it was a difficult recovery. Lesson learned and not forgotten."
"And you would have the clan settle in those mountains? None are farmers used to a hard climate."
Dark eyes focused on the old man. "I do not intention the Clan lurk in the highlands. I am waiting for Milliardo to decide on the estates he intends to settle on me. Rumour suggests I may find myself the master of the Green Manor, and if that is the Ducal Seat assigned me, then we may construct the primary residence for the Clan there. There are other options, but I wish to delay the decision until I learn the manner of the land settlement my investiture as Duke will present. Closer to the city may be a better option. As you have said, none of our people are familiar with living on the land. I intend to accept the offer made by the Heritage and Cultural Museum. I intend our future to be a hybrid of old and new, but I do not wish to lose all that is traditional. Much belongs in the museum complex; you will understand when you see it."
End
Karina Robertson 2012