Title: New Speeches, Same Theme

Author: Karina

Rating: PG

Pairing: Duo + Wu Fei

Notes: Challenge 208. Baby Series 4 #80. Takes place approximately 23 hours following Why.

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: New Speeches, Same Theme

"We are the fortunate ones. The survivors. It is up to us to restore what was lost, repair that which was damaged and stride forward, creating a newer, better Sanc with each step we take. Surviving is not the end, but the beginning..."

"Well, he has a point there, but how often is it going to be rehashed? New speakers, new speeches, but still the same theme." Duo stretched slowly, glaring at the television and turning the volume down until the politicians voice could be barely heard.

Wu Fei observed the proceedings with a tilt to his lips, clearly amused. "It is the way it is. New elections mean we shall be hearing a great deal of 'survivor' and 'moving forward' speeches."

"Yeah, don't I know it. Guess I'm more fortunate than you, given I don't need to work so closely with the political side of Sanc."

Chang inclined his head slightly. He was looking forward to returning to his work as the King's Liaison to Parliament. He took the grandstanding and politicising with a grain of salt, and did not let it bother him. It was part and parcel of dealing with politicians and the vagaries of the political lifestyle. The announcement of the election date had sparked a sudden flurry of campaigning amidst the politicians, both old and new, keen to either remain in, or enter for the first time, the hallowed halls of Parliament.

There would doubtlessly be a few new faces in the halls, new backsides on the Members seats, but all in all, there would be little in the way of change. He was accustomed to it and whilst he had never actually desired to try his hand at a politician's life, he never-the-less found himself living it. He was The Chang. He had submitted to the hereditary role and he accepted what would come with it.

But there were some aspects of life as The Chang he was not inclined to accept at all, namely the need to marry and provide an heir or three for the severely depleted clan. He was waiting for the Elder to broach the subject, and not looking forward to the interview when it presented. He did not feel particularly like following in his ancestors footsteps, obedient to the dictates of the office. He had already informed his Clan that things would change and he would not back away from those changes.

They occupied his room, Duo having joined after sundown for a change, and he was glad of the company. He performed his duties, watched over his Clan and continued discussions with their representatives. It was late, the halls and rooms of the former barracks silent and dark. But the insomniacs club was awake, as always, and Duo had been filling him in on the days activities at the palace.

His friend was fortunate to have the freedom to be his own person and not be tied by fate to the lives of others dependent on him.

End

Karina Robertson 2013