The Pirate's Soldier

by operation meteor

Heero's career as a Preventers operative takes a strange turn when he gets caught up in a fight between a Juraian royal and a notorious space pirate. As the two alien beauties settle in with him on Earth and more soon follow, the former Gundam pilot soon finds himself to be the target of their affections, with a certain lovely outlaw at the front of the pack! M for some language.

32. Chapter 32

Author's Notes: Hello there! Decided to make this chapter a bit longer than I'd originally planned. Seeing as it's the calm before the next big battle, I wanted to take a little extra time and showcase the group as a whole, although Heero does admittedly get heavy focus in the first half. The chapter following this one is going to be the start of a few action-heavy ones, and the battles are only going to grow bigger from here on out since we're approaching the endgame.

Enjoy!

Chapter Thirty-Two: No Need For A Moment To Breathe!

No stranger to emotional turmoil, Ryoko found herself beset simultaneously by relief and wrath as she watched the Yotaka's chief medical officer examine Heero. The former was simple enough; Heero was safely back with her now, and showed every sign of bouncing back strong from his captivity. So, where did the latter stem from?

The scars Heero's medical examination had revealed.

Ryoko was intimately familiar with Heero's body; she knew every scar on him, which was no small amount given the dangerous life he led. Seeing as she loved the rough-and-tumble existence, getting to see and feel those scars whenever she and Heero got some precious private time was usually nothing short of a turn-on for Ryoko. They were proof of how tough her man was, and she loved him even more for it. No, it was the new scars on him that incited the smoldering rage within Ryoko now.

Scars that had clearly been dealt by energy blades.

It took every bit of restraint Ryoko possessed to keep from flying off the handle. She wasn't holding herself back just for Heero's sake, either. After all, not only was Mihoshi present as well, fretting over Heero even as he and the doctor repeatedly assured her that the new scars looked worse than the wounds had actually been, but Ayeka had retrieved Sasami from the room Washu had left her in and brought her to the ship's medical bay as well, and now the crown princess was pacing restlessly back and forth between Sasami's bed and Heero's. Ryoko was reluctant to do anything that might disturb the younger princess's slumber, even though Washu, presently sitting next to Sasami's bed, had already stated that the girl would be firmly out cold for quite some time no matter how much of a ruckus got raised in her presence. Even so, she repeatedly clenched and unclenched her fists, a silent vow running on repeat in her head.

Ragyō would pay dearly for harming Heero, even if Ryoko had to hound her to the ends of the universe for that retribution.

Won't have to go that far, she told herself, resisting the urge for a bloodthirsty smile, since you're going to the same place. When you find her in the third repository, that bitch is all yours.

The chief medical officer, a tall Juraian woman with brown eyes and whose greying black hair was tied up in a simple bun, briefly consulted the tablet screen in her hand before addressing Heero. "Well, Your Highness, I'm pleased to say that you appear to have suffered no lasting harm in captivity. Granted, those new scars of yours will be with you permanently unless you elect to undergo surgery, but they will cause you no more hindrance than those you possessed prior to this affair."

Heero shrugged. "I'll live with them."

"Yet another transgression that Kagato must answer for!" Ayeka seethed, "Not only does he abduct a Royal, but he and his sister then harm you further! His breaches of etiquette and simple decency know no bounds!"

Heero shook his head. "I wouldn't worry too much about it, Ayeka. Actually, I ought to thank them. Well, thank Ragyō specifically; the fights that I got these scars in made me stronger."

Ryoko saw Washu perk up a bit at that. "Stronger? How so?"

"Refining my technique, for starters," Heero answered, "and helping me summon another pair of Light Hawk Wings."

Washu's eyes widened before she smiled. "Really, now? That puts you at six, then… excellent. Kagato's stunt backfired on him."

"Don't get too excited," Heero continued, "Turns out my number only equals Ragyō's, and Kagato's is superior."

Ayeka blinked several times. "Lord Heero… could you say that again, please? I don't believe I heard you right."

Heero let out a weary exhalation. "No, you did. Ragyō has six Light Hawk Wings, and Kagato has eight. I saw them myself."

Ryoko's head snapped back. "What? Why the hell haven't they used them before?"

"An ace in the hole," Washu mused aloud, "and one that would stand out to the throne even amidst Kagato's present treachery. That they felt comfortable revealing them to you now does not bode well for us."

"Uhm… I'm a little confused," Mihoshi confessed, "Heero had four Light Hawk Wings before, but now has six, while Ragyō has six, and Kagato has eight? How many Light Hawk Wings can a Juraian Royal have?"

"I can still only generate three," Ayeka lamented, "and I'm a member of the main Royal line. If cadet branch Royals can generate more… when word of this gets out, it will only bolster Kagato's cause. No Royal, main line or cadet branch, has generated eight Light Hawk Wings in millennia."

"Even Yosho in his prime couldn't summon that many," Washu remarked, "To answer your question, Mihoshi, eight is the highest that any Juraian, main or cadet branch, has been recorded wielding. Tsunami, when she's not limited by a host, can generate ten. That is also the number that Kagato undoubtedly aspires to wield… and it's the number that Heero must learn to wield."

Heero shook his head. "I've only just become able to summon six, and controlling that many in battle's tricky. Not impossible, but I need more time to learn. I can't imagine controlling eight, let alone ten."

Washu looked at him in sympathy. "I know it seems like I'm asking a lot of you… and I am. What's more, you have precious little time to achieve it, unlike Kagato. Unfortunately, that's just the situation we're in. I'm not demanding you do it now, though. Your top priority presently is rest and recuperation. Frankly, you don't have nearly as much time for even that as I'd like."

Heero closed his eyes for a moment before sighing. "I'll make do."

"You should get started on that now," the chief medical officer advised, "It will be several hours before we rendezvous with the Suzume. Physically, you seem fine for the most part, but I would like to keep you here under observation until you transfer to the carrier. Please, try to get some sleep in that time; stasis-induced slumber is a poor substitute for the real thing."

Heero nodded. "Understood."

"We'll clear out," Washu said, looking at the others and gesturing towards the door, "All of us."

Ryoko bristled. "No."

Ayeka let out an exasperated breath. "Lord Heero is as safe as he can be right now, Ryoko. Our presence here is not required for his protection."

Mihoshi fidgeted anxiously. "Still…"

Ryoko heard Washu smile and chuckle softly, and she felt her face flush slightly. Ryoko had just gotten her lover back, and Mihoshi was reunited with her fiancé; it was no surprise that the two of them were reluctant to leave Heero's side.

Heero looked up at the two of them. "It's alright. You two need to get some rest as well. Once we reach the carrier, we'll be off to link up with the fleet, and then comes the third repository. You've just finished one operation, and another's coming up. Both of you, go get some sleep. Please."

Ryoko and Mihoshi looked at each other, and the former pirate could tell that Heero's fiancé was just as tempted as her to deny his request. However, they relented out of respect for his wishes, and each leaned down to give the young prince an affectionate kiss on the cheek.

"Fine," Ryoko said with a wink, "but only because you asked nicely."

"Sleep well, Heero," Mihoshi added, "We'll come back real soon."

Heero smiled as he looked back and forth between them both. "I'll be looking forward to it."

He then turned to Ayeka, who was looking down anxiously at her younger sister. "That goes for you as well, Ayeka. Sasami's safe and needs her rest, and so do you. If she wakes up and finds out that you've worn yourself out worrying about her, she won't be happy."

Ayeka sighed in reluctance. "I suppose you're right. Rest well, Lord Heero. I'll return to check on you and Sasami later."

"Same here," Washu chimed in, "Glad to have you back, Heero."

Ryoko glanced over her shoulder one last time at her lover as she reached the doorway, unable to keep from smiling again as he laid down and shut his eyes. What she wouldn't give to be spending the night here with him instead of going off to sleep alone…

Rest up, Heero, she thought, and when you're released from here with a clean bill of health, Mihoshi and I will give you a real welcome back!

….

As she and her companions filed out of the medical bay, Washu cast one last look towards the two patients. Her gaze lingered on the unconscious Sasami, and Washu's mind began to wander.

If you want to properly introduce yourself to our candidate…

…now's the time, Tsunami.

….

"Heero. Heero. Please, wake up."

It was a voice that dimly echoed in Heero's mind, one that was simultaneously new yet strangely familiar. In the blackness of his slumber, that voice became associated with a pulsing pinprick of sea-green light, with sparks flying from it after every word. The voice was gentle and soft, yet it possessed a clear note of urgency.

"Forgive me. I know you need rest, but we must speak. I don't know when we'll get another chance. Heero, please, wake up."

A sudden cool sensation began spreading from his forehead, as if someone had poured water from a mountain spring on him. Heero's eyelids fluttered open, and the first thing he saw was a pale arm outstretched over him, a slender hand on his head. That limb was connected to a woman wreathed in an aura of sea-green light, just like the pinprick from before. The woman appeared at first glance to be perhaps in her twenties, but Heero had learned quite some time ago not to make age assumptions when he wasn't dealing with humans. She possessed long teal hair that was tied neatly into twin-tails that fell gracefully behind her head, and that hairstyle struck Heero as rather familiar.

Propping himself up on his elbows, he blinked several times as he studied the blue and pink-robed, white-cloaked glowing woman standing at his bedside. "Sasami? No, wait… Tsunami?"

The woman's red eyes positively beamed as she smiled at him. "Yes, it is I. I'm so pleased to see that you've been safely returned to us, Heero! Forgive me for not contacting you sooner like this. Frankly, it is long past time for you and I to talk."

Looking past the goddess, Heero saw Sasami's resting form engulfed in the same sea-green light that was emanating from Tsunami, and his eyes narrowed in worry. "Is this going to impact Sasami? I know using your power even slightly can take a toll on her."

Tsunami turned looked towards her host for a moment before shaking her head and returning to meet Heero's gaze. "She'll only require a little longer to rest than before, nothing more. I do appreciate your concern for her, Heero. As does Sasami. She's been nothing but grateful ever since she came into your custody on Earth, and she thinks the world of you for all that you've done on her behalf."

Heero allowed a small smile to creep forth. "She's been nothing but a joy to have around. She has a way of making life so much brighter, not to mention that she made managing the safehouse a lot easier. I just wish she didn't have to get dragged into this mess."

"There's nowhere else she would rather be right now than here," Tsunami assured him, "Knowing that she had the power to help save you, if only indirectly, means she's willing to brave any danger."

Heero let out a weary exhalation. "She should be far from danger. Someone like her isn't meant for these kinds of situations."

Tsunami inclined her head. "While I would concur heartily, she does not see things as you and I do. Sasami understands that combat operations are not where she belongs, but she could never forgive herself if she stayed away from danger while the rest of you risk your lives. Until this affair is over, she is determined to stay with you all, no matter what danger you plunge into."

"I know," Heero murmured, "She's brave… just like her sister."

"A compliment that I know would mean the world to her," Tsunami said, "I wish that I could share my memories of this conversation with her later, but I'm afraid that's not how things work with us. Our merging is a slow process, so it will be quite some time yet before she has free access to my memories, let alone my power."

Heero nodded. "I see."

Tsunami looked down, as if ashamed. "I'm sure it must strike you as maddening that Washu and I limit ourselves like this while Tokimi acts directly. I truly do wish that there was more I could do to aid you openly. However, if my power was allowed to run rampant, the potential consequences for the galaxy could be apocalyptic. Believe me when I say that this is not hyperbole in the slightest."

"Washu's already said as much," Heero replied, "I understand why you two restrain yourselves. I might wish that we got a bit more of your power backing us up, but I'm fully on board with not causing rends in the fabric of reality."

Tsunami smiled proudly. "As if I needed any further proof that Washu and I were right about you. Heero… you really are the one that we've been looking for. I have absolutely no doubt about it now."

Heero turned away and shook his head. "I wouldn't be so confident. I know Sasami's out of it, but… you were able to hear what I told Washu earlier, weren't you?"

"Regarding Kagato's Light Hawk Wing count, you mean?" Tsunami ventured.

"That would be it," Heero confirmed, "He has eight, while I'm at six. Going by that alone, I'd say the odds are good that Tokimi's right, not you and Washu."

Tsunami shook her head as she sat on the side of Heero's bed. "Kagato is incredibly powerful, and I will not underestimate him. However, going by him having eight Light Hawk Wings while taking no other factors into consideration is a mistake. He has been training and refining his powers for thousands of years, whereas you have only had the luxury of a few months. That you've accomplished in that brief period what Kagato took millennia to do is nothing short of astounding, Heero. Frankly, I would consider the evidence supporting you as the one we Chousin have sought to be much stronger than that of Kagato. You've already closed the gap to an incredible degree, and I have no doubt that you can achieve parity with him, and then surpass him. Surpass all of us."

Heero rubbed his forehead as he tried to come to grips with the full implications of her words. "You know, it all sounds crazy. Just a few months ago, I was a nobody as far as the galaxy went. Nothing more than a peacekeeping agent trying to do his job on a remote world. Now I'm supposedly someone who possesses the potential to surpass the beings who created the universe? It's complete insanity."

Tsunami reached over to place a hand on his shoulder, and Heero was struck by a wave of soothing energy, as if a cool and gentle spring breeze was washing over him. "I know that it sounds outlandish, to put it mildly. I also know that it's an incredible burden, one that you should not have to bear. Yet it is yours all the same… and, as cruel as it may sound, I am genuinely grateful that you're the one who bears it. Of all the beings in the galaxy, you may well be the only one that I would trust with such power."

Heero averted his gaze, hellish images from his past playing out in his mind. "If you knew what I did before we met, you wouldn't be saying that."

He felt her weight on the bed shift, and when he looked back up at her, Heero was taken aback by the sight of the goddess moving to embrace him. Although she was manifesting as a projection, there was still a very real sense of presence as she enveloped him in her arms. No physical weight or mass, but the balm that was her energy immersed him in its own fashion. To Heero, it felt akin to stepping into a bath… although in this case, it might've been more accurate to say that the bath had come to him.

"I've sensed a shadow over you from the moment we met," she whispered in his ear, "Sasami couldn't grasp it for what it was, but I could perceive it. Given your occupation when we all came into your life, and the skills you've demonstrated, it wasn't difficult to surmise that what you'd experienced in your not-too-distant past was haunting you still. You never ventured too deeply into the details of the war you fought before, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we wanted to respect the wall you placed between us and your past. Even so… none of us would wish for you to continue suffering because of it. If it weighs on you so dearly, will you not let us share the burden?"

Heero was silent, prompting the goddess to reach down and caress his cheek. "I am no soldier, Heero, but I have been around for a very long time. The galaxy is no stranger to the horrors of war, and I am far from unacquainted with its tragedies. Whatever sins you believe you have committed, I can assure you that I have seen them and worse. You may believe that your past actions are unforgivable, but I do not see some remorseless war criminal before me. In you, I see a young man who was forced to grow up quickly under circumstances that he should not have been made to suffer. If you have yet to forgive yourself for whatever crimes you claim responsibility for, then can you let those closest to you help you find it? I promise you, Heero, that I, Ryoko, Mihoshi, Sasami, and everyone else who's been so fortunate to befriend you would do anything to grant you absolution and peace."

He finally looked up at her again, eliciting a smile from Tsunami. "What… what would I need to do?"

She brushed her fingers through his hair. "No more than you feel you're capable of. Whatever weighs upon you the most, whatever past tragedy haunts you the most… if you can share that with us, then we can help you. It's the least that we can do in return for all that you've done for us."

After a moment's pause, Heero took a deep breath. "Washu… she hacked my records back on Earth. I'll need to find out just how thorough those files were. Preventers would at least know some things about my past… though not all."

Tsunami nodded. "Knowing Washu, I doubt she left any stone unturned. Speak to her, see what she knows. Would I be wrong in assuming you want her to present that information to the others?"

"It's better if it comes from someone else that they trust," Heero explained, "A third party who can present the evidence as it is."

Tsunami sighed. "You treat this as if it's a prosecution. It is not, Heero. This is meant to be closure and healing, not an indictment. Besides, if anyone knows about carrying sins with them, it's Washu. She would sympathize with you more than you might think. After all, we're in the process of dealing with her greatest sin, one that she readily acknowledges."

Heero couldn't argue with that. "Fair. I guess it's good to know that no matter what horrible things you've done, there's always someone who's done worse."

Tsunami shook her head. "It's not about who's done worse, Heero. It's about how we move forward. Washu's trying to do that, and I believe you are, too."

Heero mulled it over for a moment before nodding. "I suppose we are. I'll speak with her later… and figure things out from there. Ryoko and Mihoshi… at the very least, I want them to know. They deserve to know the truth about who they're marrying… all of it."

He was surprised to hear Tsunami giggle at that. "So you do plan to marry both of them, then. You really are embracing your heritage!"

Heero allowed himself a small smile. "Yeah. Still, can you keep that to yourself for now?"

The goddess winked. "My lips are sealed."

She then pulled away from him, though she remained seated on the bed. "While I dearly want you to find peace with your past, you surely understand that's not why I'm before you now. Aside from wanting to properly introduce myself to you, there's another matter we must discuss. It concerns Tokimi."

"We'll almost certainly be facing her as part of Kagato's retinue at the third repository," Heero remarked, "That'll make for a difficult battle, even with Washu's countermeasures."

"Washu's weapons will be a minor inconvenience for her at best," Tsunami replied, "The real countermeasure, Heero, is you. Tokimi may not be backing you as her candidate, unlike Washu and myself, but I know she respects your capabilities. She will not underestimate you when you meet in combat, and you would be wise to show her the same respect."

"I wouldn't give her anything less," Heero confirmed, "I've seen what she can do."

Tsunami shook her head. "What you saw on Seniwa barely even qualifies as a hint of her capabilities. Out of us three Chousin, she is the deadliest in direct combat. Combined with the fact that she will all but certainly face you alongside Kagato and his sister, there is only one conclusion that can be drawn. As you stand now, Heero, you are outmatched."

"I won't be fighting them alone," Heero pointed out.

Tsunami nodded. "That's true, but your friends will all be hard pressed. As Kagato is now acting openly with his proper military resources, it's prudent to assume that whatever escort he brings into the third repository will be significantly more formidable than what you've faced before. I do not doubt the capabilities of Lord Yosho, Ryoko, or the rest of your friends, but surely you'll admit that my concern is justified."

Heero inclined his head. "No arguments here. If you have any solutions, I'm listening."

Tsunami took a deep breath. "I do have one… but you're not going to like it."

Heero held her gaze. "I'll be the judge of that. Let's hear it."

"Very well, then," Tsunami said, "As a member of Jurai's Royal Family, your present powers are most closely aligned with my own out of us three Chousin. You know how Washu has been amplifying Ryoko's powers with the gems? Since Ryoko is her creation, she is the best possible candidate for such support. The same principle applies between you and I."

Heero leaned forward in keen interest. "You have something that can amplify my power?"

"Broadly, though as you humans say, the devil is in the details," Tsunami answered, "I don't have gems or any other sort of physical instrument through which I can augment your strength. Rather, the augmentation I would be providing you is of a much more personal nature. I can temporarily merge a fraction of my essence with yours, allowing you to tap into my power while simultaneously furthering the growth of your own. In doing so, you would be able close the gap between yourself and Kagato, and even be able to face down Tokimi to a standstill."

Heero's brow furrowed. "What's the catch?"

Tsunami closed her eyes for a moment before exhaling heavily. "Proximity. I can only accomplish such a transfer if I am close to you… and that would necessitate my host being close to you."

"How close?" asked Heero.

Tsunami hesitated for a moment. "As long as you have your Master Key activated, I can use that as a conduit to link with you, but I need to be able to detect it. The furthest I can extend that detection range without risking lasting harm to Sasami would require me to be within the same star system as you."

"The same system where a fleet battle will be taking place," Heero said, "Not a chance."

Tsunami leaned forward, her desperation clear. "Heero, I understand and appreciate your desire to keep Sasami far from danger, but I beg of you, please allow this. It's the only chance we presently have of facing Tokimi and her candidate on even ground!"

"Sasami's already put her life on the line one too many times in this conflict," Heero insisted, "I won't have her do so again."

"Then you would gamble the galaxy's future on standing against Kagato and Tokimi with your present strength," Tsunami argued, her expression now as firm as steel, "The future of Earth, if that drives my point home. I know you're no stranger to taking risks, Heero, but are you willing to wager your very homeworld here? What about the lives of those who will be fighting alongside you? What about your Royal Guard and fiancé? Will you leave their lives to chance?"

It was blunt, but Heero could not deny the effectiveness. Tsunami's gentle and serene nature may have been genuine, but it also belied a willingness to be ruthless when need arose.

"That was low," he eventually growled.

"If it puts things in proper perspective, I will strike as many low blows with you as I must," Tsunami declared, "I like to think of myself as the most benevolent among the Chousin, Heero, but even I can play dirty."

Heero leaned back in the bed, his gaze falling. "Clearly."

She then shifted towards him, a hand falling on his shoulder, and he looked up to see her smiling again. "Heero, you're a very caring young man, despite the hard front you put on for others. I don't like using the compassion of others against them. Truly, I don't."

Heero took a deep breath. "I believe you. That you'd do it nonetheless shows just how seriously you're taking this. Given my responsibility, I should be doing the same."

He looked over at Sasami's slumbering form. "Still… I don't like the idea of placing Sasami in danger without her consent. This isn't a call that I have the right to make on my own."

"I can appreciate the sentiment, but I'm afraid our window for that will be limited," Tsunami replied, "By my calculations, the earliest Sasami is likely to awaken is just before this ship makes its rendezvous with the Suzume, and that's on the optimistic side. She could be out longer, meaning the only other window is while the Suzume is traveling to link up with the fleet for the third repository operation. You know Sasami, Heero; she will not hesitate to jump into danger for the sake of her friends. By contrast, those who love her dearly would not risk her lightly. Ayeka and Funaho are but two who will bitterly oppose this, and we do not have time for spirited debate."

"You're forgetting that I'm bitterly opposed to this," Heero deadpanned.

Tsunami shook her head. "On an emotional level, perhaps, but you and I both know that you're practical when it comes to the mission. You need the power boost that I'm offering, for both the mission's sake and that of those you hold dear. You may not like this, Heero, but I feel confident in saying that you'll still go along with it. What other choice do you have?"

Heero hated admitting defeat, but Tsunami had him here, and there was no point in arguing otherwise. "None, unfortunately. I'm not looking forward to bringing this up with the others."

Tsunami smiled sympathetically. "I don't envy you the task of persuading them. I wish I could help, but I'm already pushing the envelope with how long I can project myself like this before causing Sasami serious harm."

"Then we should wrap this up quickly," Heero suggested.

Tsunami nodded. "Yes. Before we do so, there's something else you need to know concerning the power transfer. It won't just be purely energy that you'll be receiving from me. It will also be… well, me."

It took Heero a moment to grasp the deeper meaning. "You mean a portion of you will be inside me, like you are with Sasami."

"On a smaller scale, yes," Tsunami confirmed, "An aspect of myself, part of my persona, will be in your mind. My thoughts will be intertwined with yours."

The goddess then looked down, appearing ashamed. "I… I would not undertake such an intrusion lightly. Nevertheless, a full disclosure is in order. Though I will not be seeking to deliberately access your memories or innermost feelings, whatever comes to the surface in the heat of battle, I will see. There's simply no avoiding it. Rest assured that I will hold no judgement, and whatever I encounter within your mind will remain purely between us. I give you my word on that."

"Appreciated," said Heero.

"There is another complication," Tsunami added, "Although you're presently a better conduit for my power than Sasami, you have a similar problem; there's only so much of my strength that you can use before it will threaten your health. When your own power grows, that weakness will recede, but for this mission it is very much a concern."

"In other words, you're saying there's a time limit on how long I can use your power before I wind up like her," Heero surmised, gesturing at the slumbering princess.

"To a lesser extent," Tsunami amended, "I don't think you'd require as much of a recovery time as her."

"How long would I be able to channel your power?" Heero asked.

Tsunami studied him keenly. "With you, it's difficult to be precise. Going by your current strength combined with the energy you'll already be exerting in battle before adding mine to the mix… my best guess is around twenty minutes. Even that might be overly optimistic."

"Then the timing's crucial," Heero noted, "The only time I'd need your power would be in an encounter with Kagato, Tokimi, and the rest. Use it too early, and we burn our trump card."

Tsunami inclined her head. "Precisely."

A concerning thought then entered Heero's mind. "Wait a moment… how would you even know when to do the transfer? It can't be at the start of the mission; fighting through the repository's outer defenses alone will take more than twenty minutes. Sasami will be either on one of the capital ships or the Yagami; your host won't be physically present with the ground team. There's the potential for communications interference, so how would I signal to you that it's time for the transfer?"

Tsunami smiled. "I've been giving that some thought, and I have a simple solution. As long as Sasami is in the same star system as you, detecting your Juraian energy is a relatively easy task for me. I can sense its ebb and flow, especially when you begin using your Light Hawk Wings. The more Light Hawk Wings you use, the stronger your energy signature becomes. Six is the maximum that you can currently wield, and as you've only just recently awakened your latest pair, using your full amount is a rather taxing experience, yes?"

Heero nodded. "It is, though I think the process of coordinating them all is the hardest part, not sustaining them. Still, it's tiring. I'd only use the full amount in an encounter with Kagato's entourage."

"That's what I'm counting on," Tsunami explained, "There is a very noticeable energy difference between summoning four Light Hawk Wings and six. Being able to tell that difference is how I will know when the time is right to do the transfer."

"Alright, then," Heero said, "When I hit my limit… how bad will it be? Would I completely lose consciousness like Sasami?"

Tsunami was quiet for a moment. "I… I don't know. You're more resilient than her, so it's possible that you'll remain conscious. That's not a guarantee, though. Regardless, severe fatigue will be unavoidable… and you will be vulnerable."

"Then it's all or nothing," Heero remarked, "Either I triumph with your power, or I lose."

"It'll be enough for you to hold the line," Tsunami pushed back, "As long as you and the others can hold out until Washu gets the data, that's all we need. When the repository initiates its self-destruct sequence, Kagato and the others will prioritize their escape, just like in the past. Ryoko's more than strong enough to carry you out without being slowed down."

"Assuming she isn't wounded and needs someone to carry her out," Heero pointed out, "There's a lot of 'ifs' in this plan, Tsunami."

"That's unavoidable," Tsunami replied, her form beginning to flicker, "No aspect of this plan is without risk, Heero. Everything's a gamble, which I understand you're hardly a stranger to."

"Only when it comes to ridiculously high stakes," Heero deadpanned.

"And the stakes could not possibly be higher than they are now," Tsunami concurred, the flickering becoming more pronounced, "I wish we could chat longer, but I'm that afraid our time is up for now. Fortune willing, we'll have a chance to speak again before this is all over."

Heero graced her with a small smile. "I'd like that."

Tsunami smiled and bowed as she began to fade. "As would I. It was a pleasure finally getting to meet you as myself, Heero. No matter what peril lies ahead, know that my support for you will never waver. Washu and I have placed our faith in you for a reason. We believe in you, Heero. If you cannot believe in yourself, then believe in those of us who know who you are… and who will follow you to the ends of the universe."

….

April 8th, A.C. 199

Leaning back in the chair, Nagi reached over to scratch Ken-Ohki's chin. "How much longer do you think they'll keep us waiting, partner?"

"Meow," Ken-Ohki murmured, purring as her fingers worked their magic.

Nagi chuckle. "Yeah. Who gambled on who, eh?"

Things had been tense ever since she'd thrown her lot in with Heero's ragtag band. After the stealth ship had left the Kiryūin system, Nagi and Ken-Ohki had been taken to a spare cabin and been told in no uncertain terms not to leave it without permission. The accommodations were halfway decent as far as military quarters went, but while it might not have officially been a cell, not being allowed to exit at will certainly gave it that feel. Matters had improved only slightly when the stealth ship reached the carrier Suzume, where Nagi and Ken-Ohki had first been moved to relatively nicer quarters which had a pair of armed guards standing outside at all times before being escorted an hour later to what was clearly an interrogation room. That was where the bounty hunter and her living starship had been for roughly an hour since, sitting behind a table waiting for someone to fill the seat on the other side.

When the door finally slid open, Nagi expected to see either a familiar face like Heero or Kiyone. Instead, she was greeted by the sight of none other than First Empress Funaho herself strolling inside.

The Juraian Royal smiled as the door shut behind her. "My apologies for keeping you waiting. I'm afraid my schedule's been quite hectic as of late. It's an honor to finally meet you, Nagi. You have quite the reputation."

"It's good advertising," the bounty hunter quipped as the First Empress sat down across from her, "No guards with you? You know I wasn't disarmed, right?"

"By the request of my great-grandson," Funaho confirmed matter-of-factly, "My security personnel are hardly thrilled with the arrangement, but I see no reason to worry. You're a smart woman, Nagi. Surely you can calculate your odds of escaping your present circumstances should you try anything."

"I've always had a good head for numbers," Nagi deadpanned.

Funaho smirked. "That's good, because I have some numbers of my own in mind."

Nagi stiffened ever so slightly; now they were getting down to business. "The good or bad kind?"

"Should you prove cooperative and your intel checks out, the very good kind," Funaho answered, "Otherwise… well, you don't need me to elaborate on that point, right?"

Nagi nodded. "Right."

Funaho's smile was pleasant enough, but her steely gaze was all Naji needed to know that the time for pleasantries was over. "I must admit, it was quite surprising for my great-grandson to speak so highly of a party to his abduction. It's quite fortunate for you that I am the one he entrusted these negotiations to. You see, as Jurai's Minister of Intelligence, I tend to lean towards the more pragmatic side of things. Other members of my family lack my… let's call it flexibility. I'm quite pleased that my great-grandson inherited that quality. You should be, too."

"I very much am," Nagi confirmed.

"Good, because even I have my limits," Funaho replied, her expression darkening, "and you have already come dangerously close to them. You've attacked Juraian Royalty on multiple occasions, are complicit in the destruction of a Galaxy Police task force, aided and abetted in a rogue cadet branch Royal's conspiracy against the throne, and most recently assaulted the heiress of my strongest ally in the Seniwa Domain during the abduction of the Empire's newest prince. My great-grandson asks that all the aforementioned crimes be overlooked in exchange for your cooperation. I am willing to do so… if you can convince me that it's worthwhile."

Nagi took a deep breath. "Heero told you what I have to offer, right?"

Funaho nodded. "He did. You must understand, though, that I would require more than simply your word on matters such as these. Intelligence on the enemy's fleet, and a list of traitors within the Imperial nobility? What do you have to back up those claims with?"

Nagi slowly raised both hands, then gestured downwards with her right. "If I may?"

Funaho inclined her head. "Go on."

Nagi reached down towards her belt. Her hand might have gone beneath the table, but the bounty hunter was no fool; the First Empress could not see her hand, but the Juraians surely had hidden cameras with the interrogation room to make up for such an obvious blind spot. If they thought for a moment she was grabbing a weapon, they'd make that suspicion known in very short order.

After cautiously moving her hand so any of those hidden cameras would be certain that she wasn't going for a weapon, she brought it back up, revealing a small data drive pinched between her fingers. "All my evidence is in this."

"Data hacked directly from Kagato's estate network, I presume," Funaho said, her eyes narrowing, "I'm curious as to why you have it in the first place, let alone the details of how. Your reputation is that of a consummate professional, one that does not pry into her clients' affairs beyond what she needs to know for the job at hand. Pilfering such data would be damaging to that well-cultivated reputation should it become widely known. Why put your prized work image at such risk?"

"With most clients, I wouldn't take such measures," Nagi explained, "However, experience has taught me the hard way that some clients require an insurance policy when dealing with them. Having valuable data that you can threaten them with tends to keep them from reneging on a contract."

"All well and good," Funaho conceded, "but why would you need such measures with Kagato? You wouldn't have worked for him as long as you have if he had a tendency of breaking contracts. Given the performance you've put in on his behalf, I imagine he's paid each of his contracts with you in full up until now."

Nagi inclined her head. "He pays promptly, which I do like in my clients."

"Which only goes to emphasize my point," Funaho pressed, "In taking such valuable data and risking him detecting the security breach, you jeopardized the most lucrative revenue stream someone in your profession could ever hope for. Why would a businesswoman such as yourself make that decision?"

Nagi took a deep breath. "I get the feeling that most businesswomen don't deal with clients who have galactic-conqueror ambitions."

"That didn't stop you from taking previous contracts with Kagato," Funaho pointed out, "Only after completing the job to abduct my great-grandson are you now turning on him. I still require an answer as to why before we go further."

Nagi took a moment to carefully consider her words. "I have a code. When I take a contract, I complete it. Delivering Heero to Kagato was my latest contract, and I completed it. I was free to do what I wished afterwards. As for why I did what I did… I guess you could say that I was convinced to reevaluate my position and who I'd been working for."

Funaho smiled knowingly. "Convinced by your target, of all people."

Nagi chuckled. "Yeah. That prince of yours might not realize it, but he's got some strange charisma about him. Helps that he and I have a few things in common."

"I would be curious to know what Heero would have in common with someone like you," Funaho remarked, "but that curiosity can be satisfied at another time. My great-grandson took a leap of faith with you, and it seems to have paid off. In doing so, he's delivered me a great opportunity, but I'm the sort who believes in verification."

Nagi held out the data drive in her open palm. "All the verification you need is there. Take it and run the data. It won't take long to prove its worth."

Funaho eyed her hand. "You offer it now? We've yet to finalize a deal."

"As you said, Heero took a leap of faith with me," Nagi replied, her eyes narrowing in challenge, "I'll take one with his bloodline. You're his biological ancestor, right? Show me that you can live up to the standard that your prince sets."

"That's exactly what I'm going to do," Funaho confirmed as she took the data drive before rising, "Wait here. I won't be gone too long."

….

'Won't be gone too long' turned out to be a little over two hours, but Funaho felt that the delay was acceptable. Returning to the interrogation room, she was pleased to see Nagi just lounging in her chair, scratching Ken-Ohki's belly as he rolled around on the table. The moment Funaho entered, the bounty hunter straightened up while her adorable living starship hopped right back up onto her shoulder without missing a beat.

"My apologies for the delay," Funaho said as she took her seat.

Nagi shrugged. "Wasn't as long as I figured it'd be. You really got all that data cross-checked so quickly?"

"Not all of it," Funaho replied, "but enough to verify what I needed for these negotiations. My staff works exceptionally fast. I imagine they'll have the rest catalogued and checked before the day's out."

"What's all that mean for me, then?" Nagi asked.

Funaho smiled. "It means that we can do business. Much of what you provided regarding traitors among the nobility lines up with what my operatives have been investigating for quite some time now, but having third-party corroboration is invaluable. Likewise, a good chunk of the information you gave regarding Kagato's available forces matches our present estimates, though I won't deny that some of the data in that drive was new to us. That suffices as a starting point."

Nagi raised an eyebrow. "A starting point?"

Funaho cleared her throat. "Allow me a clarification. If you simply wish to negotiate for a pardon from Jurai, Seniwa, and the Galaxy Police, then the data you've provided is enough for me to secure all three. None of the involved parties may necessarily be happy with such a deal, but the data's sufficiently valuable, so they'll still grant the request despite grumbling about it. I would like to take a step further, though."

Nagi leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "What would that step involve?"

Funaho grinned deviously. "It would involve making you even wealthier than you already are… and I understand that your current financial assets are quite substantial. No harm in further padding the nest egg though, right? I imagine a secure retirement for someone whose made as many enemies as yourself is an expensive proposition."

"I have protective measures lined up," Nagi replied neutrally, "and more than enough cash to support them."

"Wouldn't you rather have a bit extra?" Funaho pressed, "Even if your security expenses are covered, I imagine you'd want to enjoy the finer things in life once you settle in. You've certainly put in the work for it."

Nagi folded her arms. "And how would I be earning that extra bit?"

Funaho clasped her fingers together. "How would you feel about a bodyguard contract?"

….

"Oh, hell no!" Ryoko roared when Funaho broke the news.

When the First Empress had summoned Heero's ragtag band of friends and comrades to the carrier's conference room for an impromptu meeting, Ryoko hadn't known what to expect. If it had been a planning session for the third repository raid, they would've been called to the vessel's briefing room. Whatever possibilities had been running through Ryoko's mind, though, Funaho announcing none other than Nagi joining them as nothing less than a bodyguard for Heero was certainly not one of them.

Ryoko was not the only one caught completely flatfooted by the announcement. Ayeka, Mihoshi, and pretty much everyone else seemed utterly floored by the notion, and justifiably so. This was a woman who had fought against them multiple times in the service of Kagato, and had played a critical role in Heero's abduction. In fact, what struck Ryoko as perhaps the most bizarre aspect of this whole affair was that Heero himself appeared to be one of the few individuals in the room comfortable with Funaho's ludicrous proclamation.

Clenching her robes, Ayeka was glaring daggers at the bounty hunter. "Lady Funaho, this is surely a jest. One that is in horrific taste, I might add!"

"It's the height of absurdity," Azaka remarked.

"Are we now partaking in farce?" Kamidake wondered aloud, "With all due respect, Your Highness, have you taken leave of your senses?"

Funaho arched an eyebrow at the Guardians. "I don't recall your programming being so bold. Be mindful of your position."

"Respectfully, First Empress, they have every right to question this," Kiyone countered, arms folded as she glowered at Nagi.

Mihoshi was looking nervously back and forth between the bounty hunter and Heero. "I know she helped us back at the mansion, but… she's the reason why we had to go there in the first place. I don't know about this…"

Funaho gave Mihoshi a sympathetic look. "Your apprehension's understandable, Mihoshi, as is that of everyone else. However, the contract's already been finalized."

Ryoko bristled as she saw Nagi chuckle and smirk at Heero. "You're one hell of a moneymaker for me. I'll be getting paid fifty percent more to defend you for the rest of this pseudo-war than I earned from abducting you. Almost feels like I should be offering you a cut at this point. What do you say? Five percent finder's fee? You landed me this job!"

"I'm royalty, so money's not a major concern for me now," Heero remarked with a shrug, "You've already proven that your skills are worth the high price tag. Do this job as well as you did the ones you took on for Kagato, and the contracted sum's yours in full."

Nagi smiled. "You really know how to incentivize people. Ever thought of going into business?"

Heero shook his head. "Not really my thing."

"Shame," Nagi said, "You'd probably be good at it. Your workers would be loyal, at least."

"I don't like this," Hilde muttered, "Don't like it one damn bit."

"No kidding," Duo chimed in as he looked at Heero, "Buddy, I know you have a way with the ladies, but I think you're pushing your luck here."

"What guarantee do we have that Kagato simply won't buy her out?" Trowa asked, eyeing the bounty hunter with justified suspicion, "He could bribe her right in the middle of combat and turn her against us."

Now it was Nagi's turn to glare. "I've already agreed to the contract. When I take a contract, I never break it. Just ask the First Empress or the Galaxy Police."

"It's true," Kiyone reluctantly conceded, "I've seen the Galaxy Police's bounty hunter registration and tracking database, including Nagi's record. She draws in the high-profile clientele for a reason; when she takes a contract, she always completes it."

"It's just good business practice," Nagi added, "My clients pay top credit for reliability, and no other bounty hunter can match my track record in that department."

"You broke one with Kagato to rescue my grandson," Yosho countered, "Not that I don't appreciate the gesture, but it does undermine your claim somewhat."

Nagi shook her head. "You're wrong. My contract with Kagato was to abduct Heero and bring him to White Coven, and I fulfilled that contract in full. I hadn't taken on a new contract with him when you lot raided the estate, so I've broken nothing. You can accuse me of many things, old man, but contract violation's not one of them."

Yosho gave her a studious look. "Interesting… you abide by a code, then. Not what I'm used to seeing in members of your profession. No offense."

Nagi shrugged. "None taken. Sounds like you've only encountered the dumb hunters. The smart ones, the ones who actually survive long-term in this line of work, understand the real value in adhering to the contract. It's not just about the money; it's about establishing and maintaining your credibility."

Yosho nodded. "I see."

"Then if you're already on a new contract with us, we don't have to worry," Wufei summarized, "It'll be good to have your skillset available."

"Not to mention Ken-Ohki's firepower," Washu remarked, "Him and Ryo-Ohki working together will make fighting through the third repository's defenses a bit easier."

"I'm sure you're just thrilled about that," Ryoko muttered as she shot a scowl at her living starship, who was playfully pawing at Ken-Ohki in the middle of the conference room's wide circular table.

"Meow!" Ryo-Ohki yelped with delight as Ken-Ohki began rubbing against her.

"The deal's been finalized, which means she's with us going forward," Heero declared, "I understand this isn't something you're all thrilled with, but we need all the help we can get. Better to have Nagi on our payroll than Kagato's."

Mihoshi gripped Heero's left arm as she cast a wary look at the bounty hunter. "Heero… are you sure about this?"

Heero reached over to place a comforting hand on his fiancé's shoulder. "I am, Mihoshi. I know you're afraid, and that's okay. I need you to trust me on this, though."

Ryoko saw Nagi then give Mihoshi a surprisingly gentle smile. "I'm sorry that I hurt you during the Seniwa job. I needed you out of the way so I could complete the contract, and I didn't want to do any lasting harm. The shock whip was just the quickest way for me to knock you out. How's your neck?"

Mihoshi gulped as she reflexively massaged her throat. "Better."

Nagi nodded. "Good. I'm sure you're not thrilled about this, but look at things another way; this time, my whip's pointed at your enemies, not you."

"And if she does turn that whip, or any other weapon, on you," Heero added, a hint of menace creeping into his tone as he stared down the bounty hunter, "it'll be the last mistake she ever makes."

Nagi chuckled. "You're not one for beating around the bush."

"I prefer we each know where the other stands," Heero replied, "It keeps things simple."

"I'd rather she stand on the other side of the galaxy," Ryoko grumbled.

Heero glanced at her. "Ryoko…"

Ryoko took a deep breath to calm herself before giving Heero a reluctant smile. "I know, I know; we can't really be picky in who helps us out now… and she's at least got the moves where they count. I really don't like this, but I'll play ball."

She saw her lover let out a very small sigh of relief. "Thank you."

Ryoko could not resist shooting Nagi one last glare. "Still, if she so much as twitches the wrong way, she's mine."

Nagi smiled confidently. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

An awkward silence fell over the room, with Heero clearing his throat and turning to Funaho a moment later. "I appreciate you hammering out a contract with her so quickly."

Funaho inclined her head. "You're quite welcome."

Now it was Heero's turn for a deep breath. "Unfortunately… I'm afraid that I have to make another request… one that none of you are going to like."

Funaho eyed him warily. "And that would be?"

Ryoko and everyone else turned to Heero as he delivered his next words carefully. "While I was resting in the Yotaka's infirmary, I had an unexpected visitor. It was Tsunami."

Funaho's head snapped back. "You're serious?"

"Completely," Heero confirmed.

"Is that why Sasami's required additional rest?" Ayeka inquired, "Tsunami was communing with you during your recuperation?"

Heero nodded. "Yeah. For what it's worth, Sasami should be fully recovered from that pretty soon. However… we're going to need her in the coming operation."

Funaho's gaze turned harder than steel. "And why would that be?"

As briefly as he could manage, Heero laid out Tsunami's proposal to the First Empress and the others. A very uncomfortable silence fell over the conference room once he finished, and Ryoko found herself looking uneasily back and forth between Heero, Funaho, and Ayeka. Heero's reasoning made sense, and Ryoko wanted him to have every possible advantage in the coming battle. Even so, she could very much sympathize with those who no doubt wanted Sasami to remain far away from the action… which was pretty much everyone.

Heero, if you really think this is necessary, then I'll back you, she thought, but I don't like it. Then again, I doubt you like it, either.

Surprisingly enough, it wound up being Duo, not any of the Juraians, to break the silence. "This is completely nuts. Heero… don't get me wrong here. I believe what you're saying, I really do. You're crazy, but you wouldn't make something like this up. Even so… I know Juraians are a bit weird when it comes to age… no offense to present company… but mentally, Sasami's still a damn kid. Doesn't matter if she has a goddess sharing her head. This doesn't sit right."

Heero let out a weary sigh. "Duo, I'm hardly a fan of this idea either. Believe me, I was quite opposed to this when Tsunami first suggested it. However… the stakes are just too high. It's not just going to be Kagato, his sister and the other usual enemies we'll be facing this time. Tokimi herself is likely to be with their ground team."

"And she's no lightweight," Ryoko remarked, her forehead throbbing in painful memory, "I know that better than most of you. Trust me, I don't like putting Sasami in any kind of danger…"

"But there is no other option here," Funaho quietly finished for her.

Ryoko and the others all turned to the First Empress in shock, with Ayeka looking downright flabbergasted as the crown princess struggled for words. "Lady Funaho… this…you cannot… Sasami…"

Funaho took a deep breath. "Tell me something, Ayeka; what do you think will happen to our family if Kagato prevails? Do you think he will be satisfied with just our abdication from the throne? As long as the main line remains, even if it goes into exile, it will always be perceived as a threat to his power. A threat to Kagato would seek to vanquish permanently at some point."

"It's dynastic politics 101," Quatre reluctantly concurred, "He might offer you exile, even let you take it for a time, but anyone who becomes dissatisfied with his rule would see your family as a potential symbol to rally behind. It wouldn't matter if Kagato possessed the Array; there are worlds within the Empire he wouldn't be able to threaten with it without potentially compromising his hold on power. Earth's history has plenty of examples with previously-dethroned royalty coming back to make a challenge for the throne, whether willingly or by someone else's design. I'm sure the wider galaxy's history has its similar share of examples, and Kagato would likely know of some."

Funaho nodded. "Well put. As much as I personally may detest the idea of having Sasami anywhere near harm's way, the simple truth of the matter is that until Kagato is put down, she's already in danger. If she has the power to help us end this crisis, then we cannot afford to turn it down."

"But Sasami at least deserves a choice in the matter!" Ayeka protested, "It's not our place to decide this on her behalf!"

"There's still time before we rendezvous with the fleet," Washu pointed out, "More than enough for Sasami to fully awaken and have the situation explained to her. She'll have her say, Ayeka."

Funaho smiled sadly. "I think we both already know what her choice will be. You know the lengths she went to last time when she wanted to help."

Ayeka's shoulders sagged as she let out a defeated exhalation. "I do."

"Heero, you said she doesn't need to be with the ground team for this to work, right?" Trowa inquired.

"Correct," Heero confirmed, "As long as she's in the same star system as us, Tsunami said that should be sufficient."

"We'll keep her as safe as we can aboard the Yagami," Kiyone vowed.

"Count on it!" Mihoshi chirped with a confident smile.

Hilde sighed. "I wish it didn't have to come to this."

"Pretty sure we're all with you there," Duo remarked as he put an arm around his wife, "It's a crap situation, so all we can do is make the most of it."

"If you're worried about Sasami's safety," Nagi cut in, "I have a suggestion; let me take her aboard Ken-Ohki instead."

Ayeka glared daggers at the bounty hunter. "And just why would we put her aboard your ship rather than the Yagami when the latter has served perfectly well before?"

"Because Ken-Ohki can take hits that the Yagami can't," Nagi countered, turning to Washu and nodding, "Ask your resident mad scientist if you don't believe me."

Washu inclined her head. "She's right. Ryo-Ohki and Ken-Ohki may be smaller than the Yagami in their ship forms, but size isn't everything. Those two are incredibly resilient; I designed them to be that way. Put either of them in a slugging match with the Yagami, and it wouldn't be the Yagami coming out on top."

"The put her aboard Ryo-Ohki instead," Ryoko argued, scowling at her rival, "She's just as tough as Ken-Ohki."

"But she's piloted by you," Nagi shot back, "and I've seen you fly; you're far more reckless than I. The daring serves you well most of the time, but not when there's a passenger who needs protection. I keep my moves clean and tight."

"You won't be flying Ken-Ohki for the whole engagement, though," Heero pointed out, "You'll be joining the infiltration team. What happens to Sasami when you're no longer piloting Ken-Ohki?"

Nagi smiled. "Ken-Ohki's a good boy; if I tell him to find a good hiding place and sit tight, he will."

"The third repository is situated within a planetary ring system," Washu noted, "Plenty of places there for a ship the size of Ken-Ohki or Ryo-Ohki to take cover behind and wait for the withdrawal order."

"And while Ken-Ohki's laying low, Ryo-Ohki can continue working with the Yagami to keep our escape route clear," Heero added, "It's not a bad idea."

Ryoko grimaced and shook her head. "Heero… this is still Nagi we're talking about here. It's one thing for you to trust her with your life, but now Sasami's too?"

"My contract's more than just to protect Heero," Nagi added, "I'm to follow his orders in operations. If those orders include having Ken-Ohki keep Sasami safe, then I'll make sure Ken-Ohki follows them to the letter. No guarantees in battle, of course, but Ken-Ohki's good at surviving tough spots. Aren't you, boy?"

"Meow!" the pale cabbit cheered.

Ayeka clenched her robes anxiously as she looked back and forth between Heero and Nagi. "Lord Heero… do you truly trust Nagi and Ken-Ohki with my sister's safety?"

Ryoko saw Heero slowly nod. "As long as she's under contract with us, I do."

Ayeka was silent for a long moment before letting out a resigned sigh. "If that is so… then I will abide. Still…"

The crown princess of Jurai fixed Nagi with a harsh gaze. "If anything happens to Sasami while she's under your care… rest assured that you will answer for it if it is the last thing I do."

Nagi simply shrugged off the threat. "If you say so."

Wufei awkwardly cleared his throat. "No offense, but if this whole thing with Sasami's sorted out, then we have bigger fish to fry. Is our plan for dealing with the repository's outer defenses still the same. Duo infiltrates and marks targets, then we strike with our fighters to open gaps for the fleet to operate in?"

"If Kagato's forces are already on the way, they might do that job for us," Quatre pointed out.

"It's not something we should bet on," Yosho countered, "Just because Kagato now has a lead on us doesn't mean he'll be doing us any favors. He could decide to have his armada lay in wait just outside the system until we've done the heavy lifting, then jump in."

"I wouldn't put it past him," Washu said, "It'd be a smart move. Our forces likely outnumber his, so having us attrit ourselves against the repository's outer defenses works in his favor."

Funaho nodded. "Admiral Fukunaga and her colleagues have that as one of the enemy's anticipated strategies. It's why she plans on positioning multiple battle groups outside the system at various points; they'll be standing by as reserves, ready to jump in and catch Kagato in the rear should his forces come in behind us."

"Does that include Seniwa's fleet?" Heero asked.

Funaho smiled. "Elements of it, yes. They're quite proficient when it comes to sudden and hard-hitting strikes."

"As many pirate fleets have found out the fun way," Kiyone deadpanned.

"All this assumes that Kagato simply doesn't strike from a different angle than us," Trowa noted, "We're taking a tactical approach designed to neutralize the heaviest of the outer defenses through fighter strikes before our warships jump in, but Kagato could simply decide to make a full press through another part of the planetary ring system. He'd take heavier losses than us as a result, but he'd likely progress faster as a tradeoff."

"That just means we'll have to be on top of our game and work fast," Duo said with a grin, "Good thing we're at our best under pressure."

"I certainly hope so," Funaho remarked, "because the fate of the very galaxy rests on all your shoulders. If that's not pressure, then I don't know what is. For now, what you all need to do is get as much rest as possible. Once you rendezvous with the fleet, travel time to the third repository will be roughly 50 hours. Make sure you're at full strength by the time you arrive. Consider that my last order."

Ayeka blinked in confusion. "Last?"

Funaho smiled. "Once we link up with the fleet, I'll be taking a shuttle back to Jurai. I've been away from the capital long enough already, and there are matters of state that I must attend to. The operation to seize the third repository's data is a military affair, so it's best if I step out of the way and let the professionals do their work. I'm expecting to see you all again when it's over, so be careful out there. Consider this meeting adjourned."

As everyone began to rise, Ryoko saw Heero turn towards her mother. "Washu, that matter we discussed earlier… is everything ready?"

Washu nodded, and Ryoko suddenly felt worried as she saw the sympathetic look in her eyes. "It is, but I have to ask again, Heero; are you sure this is what you want? No one's going to require it of you, least of all myself."

"It is," Heero firmly confirmed.

Washu let out a resigned sigh. "Then come with me to the lab. Bring Mihoshi and Ryoko with you."

Ryoko looked at Heero in mounting concern. "Heero, what's going on?"

"Is everything okay?" Mihoshi asked nervously.

Heero looked back and forth between the two of them, his gaze lingering just a tad longer on Ryoko. "Both of you… if you're going to be spending the rest of your lives with me… there are some things you deserve to know. Things that I should've told you a long time ago."

….

"Is everything ready?" Washu asked her artificial assistant as Heero, Ryoko, and Mihoshi waited in the background.

The blue holographic fairy that was AIDA nodded. "All the relevant data you uncovered during your hack of Preventer's systems is compiled and prepared for presentation."

Washu winced as she glanced at Heero; she would've preferred if AIDA had phrased how she had acquired the data in question a bit more diplomatically. "Right. Hey, uhm… your superiors will let that slide when we save the galaxy, right?"

"I'm sure they can be convinced to overlook it," Heero replied, "Besides, it's not as though you've gone public with the information you took. If the data remains contained, there won't be an issue."

Washu sighed with relief. "That's good to know."

She saw Ryoko and Mihoshi looking around anxiously, with Heero's Royal Guard being the first to voice their mutual unease. "Hey, Heero… what exactly did you bring us here for?"

"We didn't do anything wrong, did we?" Mihoshi asked nervously.

Heero shook his head, giving both women a small smile. "No, far from it. I just… I've been putting this off for far too long."

"What are you talking about?" Ryoko pressed.

Heero took a deep breath, and Washu could tell that he was struggling to get his thoughts in order. "The two of you… and the others… the image you've had of me since we met… it's incomplete. If our futures are going to be intertwined, then I want you both to know exactly who you're getting with me. You already know the good… so it's time for you to learn the bad."

"But you're not bad!" Mihoshi protested, reaching out to take his hand, "Heero, you're one of the kindest people I've ever met!"

"She's right," Ryoko insisted, "Look, Heero, I know that your job with Preventer means that you've had to do some things you don't like to talk about, but I've seen you in action. You took me on that mission back on Earth, remember? You and I saved innocents lives! That's the kind of work you do; you protect innocents and take out those who threaten them."

"You're like the Galaxy Police," Mihoshi added, "Well, more like one of our special operatives than a patrol officer like me and Kiyone, but still. You're one of the good guys."

Heero shook his head. "That's who I was trying to be when I met all of you. That's who you've known. However… that's not who I once was."

Washu's heart privately ached. Thanks to her hack of Preventers files and some additional digging she'd done while on Earth, she knew what Heero was preferring to, and it pained her deeply to see him being so harsh with himself. He'd been so young, was still so young; it wasn't fair for him to define himself by his past mistakes.

That was part of why Washu had agreed to play along here. While she was loathe to take Heero back through what she was certain were his worst memories, it was clear that the young man needed some form of closure if he was to move forward. If he was to share his life with two women who wanted nothing more than his happiness, then he needed to believe that he genuinely deserved that happiness. Washu would do anything in her power to bring him to that realization.

She took a deep breath before nodding at AIDA. Her assistant wasted no time in activating the screen behind Washu, and a picture soon appeared. It was the image of a young man, one in his mid-teens.

A younger version of the man who Washu sought to help, both for the sake of the galaxy and his own.

….

Anxious yet intrigued, Ryoko watched as Heero's face was soon joined by those of four other young men on the screen, all just as familiar to her and Mihoshi by now; Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei. Physically, there wasn't much of a difference between their appearances in the photos Ryoko saw on the screen versus how they were now, yet there was something about them that spoke volumes of what they'd experienced in the few years between when she'd met them and when these pictures were taken.

I figured they all went through hell, she thought, I mean, Heero's never liked talking much about their war, so it had to have been ugly. Seeing them like this compared to how they are now, though… they must've really gone through the wringer.

She expected Heero to speak, but instead it was Washu who took the lead. "We all know the government that rules Heero's homeworld and space colonies as the Earth Sphere Unified Nation, but it wasn't always so. For a long time, Earth and the colonies were ruled by the United Earth Sphere Alliance. Although that body was officially formed with the intent of maintaining a lasting peace on Earth, putting an end to humanity's long history of wars, in practice things didn't really work out that way. The 'peace' was enforced by a massive standing army, and it didn't take long for the Alliance to adopt a brute force approach to peacekeeping."

Ryoko saw Washu turn to Heero, and the nod he gave prompted her to continue. "However dicey things might've been on Earth itself, the space colonies got it far worse. The Alliance's Earth-based government saw the colonies' inhabitants as nothing more than a massive labor pool to draw upon, especially in lucrative yet incredibly dangerous industries such as the construction of new colonies and Lunar facilities or asteroid mining. Working conditions were often brutal, and the colonists were regularly compelled to take shifts far longer than what would be considered healthy. To make matters worse, so much of the fruit from the colonists' hard work was used to strengthen the Alliance's military rather than making the lives of the colonists better. The colonists took all the risks, while humanity on Earth reaped the rewards. Naturally, this quickly led to the buildup of resentment. When the colonists inevitably organized for independence, the Alliance began a military occupation. Armed resistance groups sprang up, but the only impact they had was to convince the Alliance to extend their occupation indefinitely. From then on out, the colonists were forced to live under harsh military rule."

"And that's why Heero and his friends rebelled," Ryoko interjected, "We already know this, Washu. They were living under a brutal regime, and they fought back for their freedom. Nothing wrong with that."

"Right," Mihoshi chirped, "I mean, as a member of the Galaxy Police, I'm supposed to enforce laws, and acts of rebellion are considered illegal, but… against a government like that, what else were Heero and his friends supposed to do?"

"It's not a question of legality," Heero countered, "It's of means."

Washu took a deep breath. "Right. According to the data I hacked from Preventer, a wealthy group called the Barton Foundation eventually began bankrolling and organizing a more militant resistance movement… and they developed an extreme plan to strike back at the Earth Alliance."

The images of Heero and his four friends then moved to the top of screen, and below each face appeared a new picture. In each new picture was a unique humanoid machine, all of them clearly meant for war.

"Using a new alloy that could only be created in outer space called Gundanium," Washu continued, "five scientists working under the Barton Foundation developed new model mobile suits to allow the colonists to take the fight to the Earth Alliance. Collectively known as Gundams, these machines were far beyond the Earth Alliance's current mobile suits. Possessing advanced capabilities, incredible firepower, and tough armor, they would allow their pilots to dominate their battlefields. Heero and his friends were the ones to eventually fly them. In a plan called Operation: Meteor, they took the five Gundams to Earth and began attacking Earth Alliance bases."

Ryoko whistled before turning to Heero and smiling. "You five took on the world? That's badass, Heero! Wish I'd come to Earth sooner; I would've been happy to help you boys out!"

"It's against galactic law for outsiders to interfere in the conflicts of a civilization that hasn't achieved first contact!" Mihoshi protested.

Ryoko folded her arms and rolled her eyes. "Mihoshi, I was still a pirate back then. I didn't give a damn about galactic law! Still don't… mostly, anyway."

"You really should start caring about it," Mihoshi argued, "I don't want to arrest you, Ryoko. That'd be really awkward, and I like you."

Ryoko blinked and cleared her throat before smiling sheepishly at her friend. "Oh… uhm, thanks. I like you too, so… well, I'll try not to break any big laws around you. Does that work?"

Mihoshi smiled. "I think so."

Washu cleared her throat like an exasperated teacher addressing her students. "That's real touching and all, but can you two please try to focus?"

"Oh, sorry!" Mihoshi chirped.

Ryoko winced as she glanced at Heero, remembering why he had brought them here. "Right… my bad. Sorry, Heero."

For his part, Heero simply shrugged. "It's fine."

He then turned to Washu, and Ryoko felt a chill creep down her spine as she saw his expression darken. "The five of us descended to Earth, disguising our Gundams as shooting stars, to carry out Operation: Meteor. However, that wasn't the original plan. Tell them what Operation: Meteor was supposed to be, Washu."

"Supposed to be?" Mihoshi repeated anxiously.

Ryoko looked back and forth between Washu and her lover. "Heero…"

Washu took a deep breath. "Those who came up with Operation: Meteor had a much more radical plan in mind than what was ultimately executed. The original scheme… involved dropping an entire colony onto Earth."

Silence fell over the room as the full weight of Washu's words sunk in. Ryoko would hardly consider herself to have inherited her 'mother's' brains, but one didn't need to be a genius capable of creating galaxy-threatening superweapons to comprehend the sort of nightmare scenario she'd just described. Ryoko, Mihoshi, and the others had all gotten very good looks at the colonies orbiting Earth during their time there. They'd seen just how massive those floating habitats were, and it wasn't hard at all to imagine just what kind of devastation would be unleashed should one fall to Earth.

Mihoshi was the first to speak, her voice barely more than a horrified whisper. "Why?"

"The ecological and humanitarian catastrophe unleashed by such a cataclysmic event would've plunged the world into chaos," Washu somberly explained, "Operation: Meteor's planners envisioned the five Gundams striking in that chaos, destroying any remaining Alliance forces, and paving the way for a takeover by the colonial revolutionaries of the entire government. From that point on, the colonies would dominate the Earth Sphere, not any government on Earth itself. There was also… another reason for crafting such a cruel and ruthless plan."

"What reason?" Ryoko asked, almost dreading the answer.

It was Heero, his voice so cold it chilled her to the bone, that gave it. "Revenge."

Washu let out a heavy exhalation. "Yes."

The image on the screen soon shifted, revealing a dark-haired man with pale skin and blue eyes. He had a cool air about him, one that struck Ryoko as strangely familiar. It took her a moment to place it, but when she did, her eyes widened in shock.

"Heero?" she whispered.

"Off by one generation," Washu remarked, "This is one of the few photos I could find in Preventer's database of Odin Lowe, the man whose single bullet set this all into motion… and Heero's biological father."

The screen then shifted again, with Odin Lowe's image moving to the right. Two other people then showed up. The image of the man in the center image appeared to be that of a businessman or politician based on the suit he was wearing, and he seemed to be getting close to middle age going by a few hints of grey Ryoko could see in his brown hair, along with some subtle but still noticeable stress lines in his face. The man in the image to the right was decidedly older, at least if his silvery mustache and much more prominently wrinkled face were anything to go by.

"The man in the middle is the original Heero Yuy," Washu elaborated, "and the one to the right is Dekim Barton, once his top aide and head of the Barton Foundation. The original Heero Yuy was an advocate for independence of the space colonies on peaceful terms. He outright refused to condone any violent resistance to the Alliance's occupation, instead leading a political protest movement under the ideals of total pacifism. His teachings and speeches won him admiration and renown not only in the colonies, but even on Earth itself. Although his movement never fired so much as a single shot in anger against the Alliance, the sheer charisma and moral authority Heero Yuy commanded made him the single greatest threat to their occupation in the government's eyes. As a result, on April 7th, A.C. 175, the Alliance had Heero Yuy assassinated through the then-secret organization known as OZ, with Odin Lowe being the operative who carried out the hit. The death of such an iconic figure radicalized the colonial liberation movement, and perhaps none were more deeply impacted than Dekim Barton. In his rage and desire for vengeance, he abandoned the ideals of his mentor and friend… and conceived the original Operation: Meteor."

"But Heero would never have wanted that!" Mihoshi cried out, looking frantically back and forth between the image of the original and the young man who'd been given his name, "Neither of them would… right?"

Heero firmly shook his head. "I didn't, and while I never met the man, I'm pretty sure that the original Heero Yuy would've been horrified by the idea. However, in the wake of the assassination, the general outcry from the colonies means Dekim would've had plenty of support for his more extreme option."

"That would've turned Earth into a complete wasteland," Ryoko said, "and Earth didn't look like that while we were there. I'm assuming someone threw a wrench into that plan, right?"

She saw Washu smile proudly at Heero. "Several people, actually. Heero, and his friends that we've all come to know and love, rebelled against the plan. They deliberately jumped the gun by launching their Gundams before a colony drop could be set up, forcing the Barton Foundation to shelve the plan. The space colonies' rebellion was still on, and it was still bloody, but thanks to our favorite host and his friends, the world was spared much worse."

Ryoko grinned. "Knew it. Come one, Heero; you can't have thought that we would've believed you'd go along with such a plan? You're way too much of a good guy for that!"

"You're a hero, just like your name!" Mihoshi chirped.

Ryoko's heart fell when she saw Heero shake his head before fixing Washu with a grim stare. "Easy for you to say that with what you know now. However, it was our fault… no, my fault… that the war went on as long as it did. Tell them, Washu. Tell them how I took humanity's best chance for peace and murdered it."

Mihoshi blinked in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

Ryoko was likewise baffled. "Heero, it sounds like you did the opposite. You and your friends saved the world."

"From the nightmare of experiencing the real Operation: Meteor, yes," Heero countered, his gaze still locked on Washu, "but not from the long and brutal war they suffered in its place. Tell them, Washu."

Washu took a deep breath. "Heero, the incident you're talking about… I know why you blame yourself, but it wasn't wholly your fault. You surely understand that by now, don't you?"

"Tell them," Heero reiterated, his tone allowing no room for argument.

Washu looked at him for a quiet moment before inclining her head. "As you wish."

The screen changed again, the images of the previous three men being replaced by one new figure. It was a man who appeared well into middle-age if his gray hair and goatee were anything to go by, yet even through a simple photo he still exuded a commanding presence. Then again, his uniform, which suggested to Ryoko a high and prestigious rank, probably helped with that.

"This is Field Marshal Alexander Noventa," Washu explained, "Leader of the Earth Alliance when the Gundams descended to Earth and began their operations, he's something of a unique figure in the organization's history. While his predecessors and the government as a whole were fully committed to the heavy-handed militarism which the Alliance by that point was well-known for, Noventa was a member of a small yet influential and growing reformist faction. His long career with the Alliance had helped him see what so many of his colleagues could not; that indefinite military occupation of the colonies would result in nothing but an infinite series of conflicts. At this point in his tenure, he had finally secured enough sway over the organization to announce a new policy of demilitarization and dialogue with the colonies. He understood that continuing the previously established policy of military control was an exercise in futility, and he was looking for a path to change. He was exactly the sort of man that Earth and the colonies alike had been waiting for; an authority figure who was prepared to radically depart from the bloody status quo and give true diplomacy a chance."

Ryoko had a bad feeling about this. "But if the war went on, then something went wrong with his plans for diplomacy, right?"

"Yeah," Heero confirmed, his gaze falling, "and that 'something' was me."

"What do you mean?" Mihoshi asked, concern for her fiancé clear in her eyes.

"Alliance leadership convened for a summit at New Edwards base," Heero replied, "Marshal Noventa, along with other key members of the reformist faction, were in attendance. The summit's purpose was to officially announce the new demilitarization policy and begin steps towards its implementation, along with making new overtures towards the colonies to start peace negotiations. However, Treize Khushrenada, the leader of OZ, had other ideas. He leaked information stating that the meeting at New Edwards was actually a conference of top OZ leadership figures. As OZ was essentially ruling the Earth Sphere in the shadows using the Alliance as its public face, they were the real target of our campaign. The chance to strike a decapitating blow against them was a temptation that I couldn't ignore."

Ryoko's heart sank as she realized where this was going. "Oh, no. Heero…"

She saw him grimace as his self-recriminations began. "I should've known better. I should've realized the leak was too good to be true, should've sought corroboration from another source. Instead, I flew right into Treize's trap… and condemned the world to a long war."

"It wasn't just you, though," Washu gently pointed out, "Your fellow Gundam pilots also took the bait."

"Four of us did," Heero bitterly corrected her, "Wufei did the proper investigation that the rest of didn't, and he figured out the truth. By the time he arrived to warn us of the deception, though… it was already too late."

"What… what happened?" Mihoshi tentatively asked.

"The top brass at New Edwards rushed to evacuate as we launched our attack," Heero elaborated, "Treize managed to get Noventa and the other reformists all on the same shuttle. A shuttle with OZ markings, not the traditional Alliance ones. When I saw go to take off, I went for it… and destroyed it. No one aboard survived. I thought I'd accomplished my mission; that OZ's leaders were dead, and that the organization itself would now fall into chaos. Of course, it was right after that when Wufei showed up and told me what I'd really done. So, the war went on, and OZ used the opportunity to come out in the open and take power over the world. They sold it as freeing the Earth Sphere from a corrupt and incompetent regime, but in reality, it was just them finally discarding their puppets and showing everyone who truly ruled. If I hadn't killed Noventa and the others, Treize would've never been able to pull off OZ's subsequent coup. He played me perfectly, and the world was forced to suffer a much longer war than it would've had Noventa lived and been able to implement his new policies. All the death and suffering that occurred from that day onward… it was all my fault."

"But you were tricked!" Mihoshi protested, "If you'd known who was really on that shuttle, you wouldn't have attacked!"

"She's right," Ryoko added, "Look, Heero, you made a mistake. None of what happened there was what you wanted."

Heero closed his eyes, and Ryoko caught a slight tremble run through hi. "That doesn't matter. As a soldier, it was my job to make sure I was acting on valid intel. If I'd taken more time before launching the operation, I could've found something that revealed OZ's deception. Just a bit of caution on my part, taking an extra step like Wufei did, could've helped me blow Treize's scheme wide open. Instead, I assassinated the Earth Sphere's best chance for peacefully resolving the conflict with the colonies. There wouldn't be another chance for peace until countless more lives were already lost."

He then opened his eyes and let out a weary exhalation, along with a rueful chuckle. "I did with a beam saber strike what my father did with a bullet. It seems changing history for the worst runs in my family's veins. The soldier who took the name of the famous pacifist doomed the world to more war. Fate really does have a sense of ironic humor… I hate it."

Washu took a deep breath. "For what it's worth, Heero… I think if it hadn't been you, it would've been one of the others. If you'd taken the extra time to gather more intel like Wufei did, you would've arrived late, just like him. That still leaves Duo, Trowa, and Quatre launching the attack without that vital intel. History would simply have recorded one of them as Noventa's assassin rather than you."

Heero shook his head. "Doesn't matter. I'm the one who did it."

"Only because Treize leaked faulty intel," Washu argued, "Leaving aside what you should've done with that intel, Treize was the one who edited the releases so that they made it seem like the New Edwards meeting was a conference of top OZ officials rather than Alliance leadership. In the overall scheme, I would consider him the true culprit. You were just the weapon."

"I'm sure everyone who died in the fighting after that finds the distinction comforting," Heero deadpanned.

Ryoko could not take it anymore, and she seized Heero by the arm. "Alright, that's enough! What are you trying to do with all of this, Heero? If you think I'm going to have second thoughts about you over all of this, you're dead wrong. Remember who you're dealing with here; I was one of the galaxy's most notorious pirates before you got me that pardon. You? You were a soldier fighting a war against a tyrannical government, and you made mistakes while doing it. That doesn't change a damn thing as far as I'm concerned. You're still the same good guy I fell in love with, so stop beating yourself up over stuff you messed up years before we even met!"

"She's right, Heero!" Mihoshi insisted, taking a hold of him as well, "None of this changes who you are to us. You just made mistakes, and we've all done that."

Heero was quiet for a moment, looking at the two of them before turning back to Washu. "There's more."

Washu shook her head. "Respectfully, I disagree. Your actions during the remainder of your war show that you took the lessons from the Noventa disaster to heart. You weren't perfect, but you were trying, Heero. Even other mistakes, like what happened when you piloted Epyon, ultimately took you down the path that brought you to the time and place you needed to be in to save the world during the final battle. I'm not going to make you relive them just so you can keep beating yourself up over what you did wrong, because they shouldn't detract from what you did right. In the end, Heero, you fought for what you believed was the good of not just the colonies, but the world… and you won. The Earth Sphere Unified Nation owes its very survival to what you accomplished both in the final campaign of the war and during the Mariemaia Rebellion a year later. It's thanks to you and your friends that your world enjoys the peace that we all experienced during our stay there. Your actions changed the world, Heero, and despite the stumbles and setbacks both you and the world experienced, they ended up creating the peace that men like your namesake worked so hard for."

"If you're going to leave those out, then fine," Heero replied, "However… there's one before Operation: Meteor that they need to know about."

Washu looked confused for a moment before something appeared to click. "Oh… that one. Well, the thing is… if it's the one I'm thinking of, Heero, the data Preventers was able to find in Alliance and OZ archives wasn't enough to confirm your involvement. The closest thing to proof is a security camera image, and the quality isn't great."

"It's the one you're thinking of," Heero confirmed, his voice lowering to barely more than a whisper, "Proof be damned."

Ryoko watched as the screen shifted again, splitting into four new images. The first, in the top left, was that of a massive wheel-like construct; one of the many colonies built around Earth. The top right image appeared to be a sprawling military base, at least if the assembled mobile suits, control tower, hangars, and other facilities were anything to go by. In the lower left, the third image displayed what appeared to be a residential block just across the street from the base. Finally, in the lower right, the fourth image was of notably lower quality than the other three, showing a rather blurred figure leaping over a high fence.

A figure that appeared to have brown hair, and was wearing a green tank top and dark blue shorts.

"Heero…" Ryoko murmured; the image was grainy, but her instincts instantly told her who it was.

"So young…" Mihoshi whispered.

"The Alliance didn't have the best cameras watching this place," Washu remarked, "Either that or they were way behind on maintenance. Even with my capabilities, I couldn't do all that much to enhance the image. Still… I had a feeling this was you. Guess I was right."

"You were," Heero confirmed, his voice now hauntingly soft, "Now tell them what happened."

Ryoko's concern was only amplified when she saw Washu's expression change, looking almost like a mother trying to comfort her child. "Heero… that night… I know you didn't mean for it to go the way it did. It's clear to me what your target was. That it wound up going beyond wasn't what you intended."

"It doesn't matter what I intended," Heero shot back ruefully, "All that matters is what happened."

"What are you two talking about now?" Mihoshi asked in trepidation.

Focusing on Heero, Ryoko could see small tremors going through his arms, which did nothing to ease her fears. "Hey… maybe we should take a break. Come back at this tomorrow?"

Heero firmly shot her down. "No. You're learning this today. Washu, tell them."

Washu sighed heavily in resignation. "As you wish."

The red-headed scientist took a deep breath before continuing. "A.C. 194… one year prior to the Gundams' descent to Earth. The colony you see here is located at the L1 Lagrange Point. Designated as H-16499, it had previously been one of the most active centers of colonial resistance to the Alliance's military rule within the L1 cluster. By this point in time, most of the insurgent groups had been crushed or were forced into hiding, but the Alliance still maintained a formidable garrison in case of future uprisings. All past attempts by resistance groups to attack the base in any meaningful capacity had been thoroughly repulsed, and with the surviving insurgents on the colony in a drastically weakened state, the garrison's security posture had become somewhat relaxed. That turned out to be a fatal mistake."

Three of the images changed. The top two still showed the base, but now it was consumed by fire and smoke. Meanwhile, the bottom left had shifted to the charred remains of buildings, and Ryoko was horrified to realize that it was the ruins of the residential block previously displayed.

"One night, multiple explosions detonated within the base," Washu elaborated, "Key storage facilities, hangars, command and control infrastructure, and mobile suits were the attack's primary targets. Those targets were all successfully destroyed. However… the explosives used in the attack were so powerful that the results went beyond the intended targets. An entire mobile suit was blown clear of the base and into the residential block. Debris went far and wide, with multiple fires breaking out in the surrounding region. None of the colonial insurgent groups claimed responsibility for the attack, and no suspect was ever found."

"The group responsible wasn't about to advertise itself, given it was preparing for Operation: Meteor," Heero explained, his gaze fixed on the blasted residential block, "As for the suspect… he was too much of a coward to come forward and take responsibility for what he'd done."

Washu folded her arms and fixed Heero with a firm look. "Or he was horrified at what he'd done and in a state of shock, and sought another path to atone for his mistake."

"You're assuming a lot," Heero muttered.

"I am, but I'm not hearing you say that I'm wrong," Washu pointed countered before her expression softened, "because you know that I'm right, Heero. None of us knew you back then, but we know you now. I won't speak for the others on details, but as for myself… the young man I've come to know and cherish would never have unleashed such carnage on civilians knowingly. It's the same as what happened with Noventa; a tragic mistake. Do you deny it?"

Heero was quiet for a long moment. "No, but…"

"But nothing," Washu interrupted, stepping forward before reaching out to take his hand, "Heero, you can't keep carrying this around. It's one thing to accept responsibility for the consequences of our actions, mistakes or otherwise, and from where I'm standing, you've more than done that. You appreciate the gravity of your actions, what they cost people, and it's clear to me that you've done everything in your power since then to learn from those mistakes so that they don't happen again. Your record during the war might not have been perfect, but you were at least trying to be someone better than who you were before… and if you ask me, that's enough. It's far more than many even try to be."

"Even so, that doesn't do my victims any good," Heero replied, his voice barely more than a whisper.

"Neither does continually punishing yourself in your mind for what happened to them," Washu countered, "Believe me, you're not the only one who has experience with that. While this isn't something I'd like to brag about, when you look at it objectively, our respective innocent lives body counts aren't anywhere close in comparison. What you've been doing to yourself for Noventa, those colonists, and everyone else you feel needlessly suffered and died thanks to your actions, I've done to myself for entire worlds worth of people. If anyone here has an idea as to what you put yourself through, I feel pretty damn confident in saying that it's me."

"I might be a close second," Ryoko chimed in, reaching out to gently cup Heero's chin and guide his gaze towards hers, "Heero, you cut me a lot of slack when you learned who I was, and that meant everything to me. My crimes… it wasn't just money or goods that I stole. When I went after my targets, I wasn't exactly careful or precise. I didn't go out of my way to target innocents, but… well, I also wasn't all that concerned with who got in my way. Think about the security guards who were protecting what I typically went after. They were just people doing their jobs watching over stuff, not soldiers or thugs oppressing people. Those poor bastards were just working for a paycheck, and I didn't hesitate to take the out if they were in my way. Sure, they were armed, but against my powers it wouldn't even count as a fight. Unlike you, I couldn't be bothered to dwell on it… even though I really should've. You at least understood the full weight of the lives you took and tried to better yourself afterwards. I… well, I didn't try to change at all until I met you. Didn't pause to reflect or reform… and just drank when any uncomfortable memories came up. You faced what you did head-on, while I looked away. That says a lot about you, Heero… and it's just one more reason why I love you."

She saw the faintest hint of a smile appear on his face, but it quickly vanished as Heero then turned towards who was by far the most innocent member of their private gathering. "What do you think, Mihoshi?"

While Ryoko's opinion of Mihoshi had markedly improved since they had come to their arrangement for sharing Heero, she was still worried about how she'd react to all they'd just heard. Sweetheart she might be, but Mihoshi was still a cop, and even Ryoko was smart enough to understand that what Heero had just admitted to about his involvement in the base bombing met the definition of terrorism. Even if the target had been a military one, it didn't change the fact that civilians had gotten caught up in the devastation, and Heero had been acting as an insurgent, not a soldier under a recognized flag. Then again, Heero had basically been an insurgent through his whole war, and so far, Mihoshi had proven to be quite understanding about that.

So, it was with great relief Ryoko saw Mihoshi reach out and take Heero into her arms. "I think Ryoko and Washu are right, Heero. What happened… I wish it hadn't, but you made a mistake, and it's one that you've been trying to make up for ever since. It doesn't change anything about you… and I'm proud of you for being honest with us about it."

"Honest only long after we all got to know each other," Heero pointed out.

Mihoshi shook her head and only held him tighter in response. "You never lied to us, Heero. You just didn't tell us everything, and that's okay. You've been looking after us all this time; after all we put you through, none of us had the right to pry into your past. I'm just glad that you trust me enough to tell me about it now."

"Then… you're really okay with all this?" Heero tentatively asked, "Knowing what you do now… you still want to go through with everything? The arranged marriage, fighting Kagato together…"

Mihoshi cut him off with a bold gesture Ryoko hadn't been expecting; by planting a firm kiss on his lips, then winking when she released him. "Yes, Heero. The marriage, stopping Kagato; I want to do all of it with you."

Heero was silent for a moment as he looked at the three women surrounding him before Ryoko saw him break out in a small smile. "All of you… thank you."

Washu smiled in return. "You don't need to thank us for this, Heero. If there's anything in our power that can help you, we'll do it. We don't want anything in return… save for you to find the peace and happiness that your early life denied you."

"You're fighting to save the galaxy now, so I think you deserve that much," Ryoko added with a smirk, "and a whole lot more!"

"If there's anything else in your past that bothers you, then we want to help you deal with it," Mihoshi said, "Just as we want to support you in everything that we'll have to face in the future. After all, we know that you'd do the same for us."

"They're right, Heero," Washu said, "Let the past be the past. Learn from it, but don't let it consume you. You're not fighting for that, but for the future. One that will be all the brighter once Kagato's ambitions have been put to rest."

"Speaking of rest," Heero remarked, "We should probably turn in soon. The fleet rendezvous isn't far off, and then we'll be at the third repository before we know it."

"About that," Ryoko interjected, looking back and forth between Heero and Mihoshi, "Hey, uhm, Heero? I know you and I've been sharing a room since we hooked up, but… well, I think it's time for Mihoshi to join us."

Mihoshi's dark-skinned face flushed a deep shade of red. "Wait… really?"

Ryoko rolled her eyes. "Girl, you're his fiancé now. This was coming sooner or later, and don't pretend like you didn't know it. We might as well start getting used to the new arrangement now. Besides…"

"Besides what?" Heero asked warily.

Ryoko grinned as she eyed up her prince and his bride-to-be. "I think it's about time that Mihoshi learned just she can look forward to in her married life, if you know what I mean."

Ryoko did not think Mihoshi's blush could get any deeper, but she was very much proven wrong as the blonde cop's face did its best impression of a tomato. "Oh… I, uhm… well, we just got Heero back. Shouldn't we be focused on letting him recover?"

Ryoko was about to tear at her hair in frustration when Heero took her hand, the handsome soldier now looking more like an earnest yet awkward teenage boy. "Mihoshi… I had enough time in the infirmary to heal. Also… I think Ryoko's right. The three of us… well, we might as well use this opportunity to start… seeing what works between us all. Wait… is that the right way to put it?"

Washu started to chuckle, and to Ryoko, it looked like her mother was trying very hard to keep herself from dissolving into a fit of outright laughter. "Oh, you three… just… just go… and try not to break the bed!"

Ryoko smirked deviously as she took both Heero and Mihoshi by their hands and led them towards the exit. "No promises!"

….

With two beautiful women on his arms, Heero knew he was drawing more than the occasional envious look from the Juraian crewmembers the trio passed by on the way to their quarters. He could not care less. After revealing the worst of his past and knowing that Mihoshi and Ryoko still accepted and wanted him regardless, all his other worries just seemed to melt away.

One of those worries did return, though, when the trio rounded a corner and Heero saw none other than Nagi standing outside the door to his quarters. He was not concerned about the bounty hunter herself; she had already signed the new contract, so her loyalty for the duration of that contract was assured. Rather, Heero's concerns were directed towards Ryoko, who immediately tensed up upon spotting Nagi. Mihoshi was likewise uneasy, and Heero saw her hand drift towards her sidearm before she stopped herself.

"What are you doing here?" Ryoko growled.

Nagi shrugged. "My job. I have to protect your prince now, remember? I've been given quarters next to yours on that ship, and per my contract with First Empress Funaho, that arrangement will remain the same whenever we transfer to a new ship. Figured I'd wait here until you showed up so I could let you know."

Mihoshi looked around. "Where's Ken-Ohki?"

Nagi rolled her eyes and gestured down the corridor. "Off fooling around with Ryo-Ohki. I don't think we'll be seeing those two for a bit."

"I swear, I don't know where she gets her crappy taste in guys from," Ryoko muttered.

Heero was relieved to see that Mihoshi, at least, was now relaxing a bit, if her subsequent giggle was anything to go by. "Oh, I think they're cute together! Hey, do you think they'll have kittens? Wait… would they be called kittens or something else?"

"She better not go getting herself knocked up right now," Ryoko grumbled, "At least save that for after we've saved the galaxy."

Nagi eyed the trio. "Do as I say, not as I do?"

Ryoko glowered at the bounty hunter, though Heero caught more than a hint of red in her face. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Nagi smirked. "I'm about more than just work, Ryoko. I'm just as much of a woman as you… so I can tell when another's in the mood, if you know what I mean."

Heero felt Ryoko's grip on his arm tighten possessively, and his Royal Guard flashed Nagi a smug smile. "Jealous?"

Nagi folded her arms, her smirk growing as she winked at Heero. "Maybe… or maybe I'm just wondering if lover boy here has room for one more. What do you say, Your Highness? Care to take full advantage of the terms of my contract? Unlike these two, I could show you a classy time under the covers."

Heero simply shook his head. "I'll pass, thanks."

He was mildly amused to see Ryoko and Mihoshi both stick their tongues out at the bounty hunter. As for Nagi herself, she simply chuckled and shook her head.

"Shame," she said, looking him up and down, "I bet you're one hell of a ride."

Ryoko grinned as she pulled both Heero and Mihoshi towards the door to their quarters. "Oh, you have no idea… and you never will, bitch!"

Nagi waved a hand dismissively before heading over to the room next door. "Whatever. I'm hitting the hay. Try to keep it down, will ya?"

Ryoko rolled her eyes as Nagi entered her room before turning and winking at Heero and Mihoshi. "Don't listen to her. We'll make as much damn noise as we want! Ain't that right, Mihoshi?"

Once again, the blonde cop was blushing furiously. "Uhm… well…."

"Oh, don't play coy, you," Ryoko cut her off, "Hey, Heero? Let's make her sing, shall we?"

Heero couldn't help but chuckle before turning to Mihoshi. "Only if she wants to."

Mihoshi looked down for a moment, and when she raised her gaze again, she was smiling through the deep red flush in her face like an embarrassed schoolgirl. "I… I really want to."

"Then sing, you will," Heero replied as the door to their quarters slid open.

The trio stepped inside, with the door sliding shut behind them…

…and a joyous serenade soon commenced.

….

April 9th, A.C. 199

Being under the direct command of a Juraian prince came with more than a handful of perks, as Trowa had learned over the course of the mission so far. One of those perks was being treated as a VIP aboard any Juraian warship, which meant he had access to the Suzume's officers' lounge. Having just completed a simulation exercise with the others, Trowa was now taking advantage of that access to enjoy his break in a well-appointed and quiet room. None of his friends or any Juraian officers were present; it was just him, his glass of ice-cold water, and the holoprojector along the wall. The display was showing a simply background of stars and the void; as the ship was currently at FTL, the viewport was shut to avoid giving occupants a view of the swirling multicolor vista that spacer's superstition claimed could drive those that beheld it mad.

Spacer's urban legend or not, this ship's crew is clearly taking no chances, Trowa mused, I guess I can't blame them.

Idly taking a sip of water, he heard the lounge door slide open behind him, followed by a familiar, albeit nervous, female voice. "Hi, Trowa… can I join you?"

Standing up and turning around, he saw a certain teal-haired Juraian princess. "Sasami… shouldn't you still be resting?"

Sasami shook her head. "I've rested long enough. Washu says it's fine if I get some exercise."

Trowa was still concerned. "Are you feeling okay?"

Sasami inclined her head and smiled. "I'm fine, but thank you for asking."

She drew near, and Trowa gestured at the spot on the couch next to him. "I came here for some peace, but I wouldn't mind your company."

"I feel like you're the one who should be resting," Sasami noted as she came over and sat down to his right, "You, Heero, the others… you all have the dangerous jobs."

Trowa shrugged. "It's nothing we're not used to. Don't worry; we'll be more than ready for when the fighting starts."

Sasami fidgeted anxiously. "I guess so. You… did this sort of thing a lot back on your homeworld, didn't you?"

"Basically," Trowa admitted, "We used different weapons and were fighting different enemies, but there's still the same feel to it. It's war, which is what we grew up in, even if it's not an officially declared one."

"That's… not fair," Sasami murmured.

Trowa blinked. "What do you mean?"

She looked up at him, her expression striking Trowa as remarkably mature and somber given just how young Sasami physically appeared. "I grew up in peace, but you didn't. You had to fight on your own world, against your own people… and now you're fighting again, this time to help my people. You're fighting in a new war that started because of what my family did. You, Heero, and the rest of your friends… you should be enjoying the peace that your world now has. Instead, you got drawn into my world's war."

Trowa considered it before nodding. "I guess that's one way to look at it, and it's not wrong. However, you're forgetting something; none of us are here against our will. This was our choice, Sasami, and we'll see it through to the end."

Sasami still seemed unconvinced. "Do you… regret it?"

"Depends on what you mean," Trowa answered, "Do I regret that Jurai's internal politics are threatening everyone in the galaxy? Sure. Do I regret that my friends and I decided to intervene? No."

"But you could get hurt or… or killed!" Sasami protested, and Trowa was shocked to see that she was suddenly fighting back tears, "All because of something that your world had nothing to do with! All because of Kagato and my family…"

He saw her clenching at her robes as she looked down. "I… I don't want anything to happen to you… or everyone else. I don't want you to be in danger because of my family."

Trowa hesitated for a moment before reaching over to put what he hoped was a comforting arm around the princess. "I know you don't want that, Sasami. I think the others do, too. None of this is your fault. We all know the risks we're taking. Whatever happens to us before this is all over… it's not on you, Sasami. We're here because we picked this mission, and we always complete our missions, no matter what."

She leaned into him, pressing her head against his shoulder. "It's still not fair… not to you. I'm sorry."

Trowa gently patted her on the head, causing her to look up and see his small smile. "It's alright, Sasami. Not much about our lives has been fair, but we've all made the most of it. We still are. If there's a silver lining to all of this, it's that we're getting to see the wider galaxy and meet incredible new people. All that we're learning here will help our world down the line, especially when the time comes for official contact between our government and yours. We'll get through this crisis, Sasami, and things will look a lot better once we're past it."

Sasami returned his smile. "I hope so."

The princess then yawned, prompting fresh concern from Trowa. "Maybe you should head back to your room and rest a bit more. Looks like you could use it."

"I don't want to go back," Sasami mumbled as she buried her head in his chest, "I want to stay here with you."

Trowa thought about forcing the issue, but given just how distressed she had been earlier, he didn't have the heart to send her away. "Well… if you want to rest here, then that's different."

He could have sworn a brief hint of red came to Sasami's face as she looked up at him. "I'd… really like that."

She repositioned herself, laying down on the couch and resting her head in Trowa's lap. "Hey, Trowa?"

"Yeah?" he said.

Sasami reached up to briefly run her fingers through the bangs that fell across the right side of his face. "You're a good guy. Thank you."

Trowa's smile grew just a little bit. "Don't mention it. Now, get some rest, otherwise I'll throw you over my shoulder and carry you back to your room."

Sasami giggled. "Oh, alright."

As she shut her eyes, a thought occurred to the former Gundam pilot. "Sasami… did you know I would be in here?"

"I asked Washu to find you," the princess explained, "I think she hacked the ship's security systems to do it."

"Hope that doesn't cause any trouble," Trowa muttered.

"I'm sure… it'll be fine," Sasami murmured in between yawns.

Mere seconds later, she was out like a light.

….

As a light carrier, the Suzume might not have possessed the same degree of crew comforts as larger fleet carriers like the Ōtaka, but her designers had still labored to install as much as they could manage within the smaller hull. Among other things, this included a modest gym, with not only all the usual exercise equipment but also an open area for sparring. It was this latter feature that Heero and Yosho were currently taking advantage of, the azure blades of their respective Master Keys clashing rapidly and repeatedly with each other while members of both their entourage and the light carrier's crew looked on.

"Good to see that your period of confinement hasn't slowed you down," the shrine keeper remarked as he parried a thrust from his grandson.

"I was only stuck in stasis for the last part of it," Heero reminded him as he fell back under Yosho's counterattack, "Ragyō kept me busy in the ring when Kagato wasn't talking my ear off."

Yosho chuckled as Heero deflected a sequence of slashes from him. "Of course, she did. She's never happier than when she gets the chance to cross blades with a skilled opponent."

Redirecting his grandfather's next strike, Heero retook the initiative with a staccato burst of thrusts aimed at Yosho's legs, and began driving him back across the ring. "According to her, we have you to thank for that. If she'd never seen your bladework, she never would've taken up the art herself. We'd have one less skilled enemy to worry about."

Yosho sighed while defending himself from Heero's onslaught. "I knew her watching my sparring matches with Kagato had an impact on her. Had I known they would inspire her to become such a deadly fighter… well, it's too late now. I suppose she's hungering for a match with me?"

Heero shook his head while continuing to press the assault. "No, she's content to leave you to her brother now. Turns out I'm the one she wants to fight."

Yosho smirked, and it looked to Heero like the old man was fighting hard behind the barrier of blue light that was his sword to keep from breaking out into a fit of laughter. "You really do have a way with the ladies."

"Lucky me," Heero deadpanned.

"She better not be getting any ideas!" Ryoko barked, "She'll be answering to me!"

Standing behind Heero's Royal Guard, Nagi snorted and shook her head. "And me, since I'm stuck guarding you now. She's going to be a pain in the ass to deal with."

Ryoko folded her arms and smirked smugly at the bounty hunter. "You knew what you were getting yourself into when you took the contract. Too late to back out now!"

"Oh, dear…" Mihoshi fretted as she looked back and forth between Ryoko and Nagi, "Please don't start fighting again."

Heero was mildly worried about that himself, but his concerns appeared to be misplaced; despite the banter, Ryoko and Nagi were both focused on the duel. More so than Heero himself, in fact, for his moment of distraction allowed Yosho to slip in a counterattack, and the wily old shrine keeper wasted no time in retaking the initiative.

Yosho shook his head as he flowed seamlessly through a sequence of graceful slashes. "Sloppy. You should know better."

Heero's only response was the slight narrowing of his eyes as he redoubled his defensive efforts. Altering his stance, he took on a form that would've been far more at home back in that fancy private school he'd gone to with Relena as part of his cover during the early days of Operation: Meteor than it would be in a Juraian context, presenting only a narrow side profile to Yosho as he parried his grandfather's last strike and riposted. His counterattack nearly hit Yosho's left shoulder, with only the old man's finely-honed instincts and superb technique saving him.

"That's more like it," Yosho praised with a small yet proud smile while blocking Heero's strike, "Got your head back in the game, eh?"

"Never left it," Heero growled.

The pace of their strikes, deflections, and counters rapidly intensified, and Heero guessed that the match wouldn't last much longer. With a fencer's precision and speed, he made a series of darting strikes, and Yosho redirected them with only the narrowest possible margins. Heero then feinted high with the final strike in his sequence before suddenly ducking and going low, the humming blue blade of his Master Key now going for Yosho's left leg. Yet his grandfather did not panic, instead simply twisting his wrist to angle his sword downwards to swat the strike away before twisting it again to bring it back up, with the point coming to rest mere centimeters from Heero's neck.

"Close," Yosho remarked, his eyes gleaming from both satisfaction and the light of their respective energy swords, "but not close enough."

Heero deactivated his Master Key as scattered applause broke out from the crowd of onlookers. "Not quite. Well played."

"You did well," Yosho said as he extinguished his blade, "Your technique grows with each match. Best to call it here for today. Wouldn't do for us to wear each other out before the real battle begins, right?"

Heero nodded. "Works for me."

"Good job, Heero!" Ryoko cheered as she came over and put an arm around him, "You almost had him!"

"Are you okay?" Mihoshi asked, looking him up and down.

Heero shook his head, though he found her concern touching. "No need to worry, Mihoshi. You saw the fight; you know how precise Grandfather is with his blade."

"Clearly runs in the family," Nagi noted, giving both me an approving nod, "Glad I don't have to fight you two anymore."

"So, what now?" asked Ryoko, "Grab a bite and chill?"

"I could go for a snack," Mihoshi muttered as an audible growl echoed from her stomach.

Yosho cleared his throat. "If it's alright with you young ladies, I'd like to borrow my grandson for a bit."

Heero's Royal Guard, fiancé, and newly-hired bodyguard all turned to him, prompting a nod. "Feel free to relax for a while. I'll come find you later."

He followed his grandfather out of the gym. "Where we heading?"

"The Yagami," Yosho answered, "I think the old house in the cargo bay will suit our purposes."

Heero shook his head. "I'd still really like to know how Washu managed to pull that off. Every time I ask, I just get her usual 'I'm the greatest scientist in the universe' spiel."

A soft laugh slipped through Yosho's lips. "Ah, she really hasn't changed a bit."

Passing quickly through the carrier's corridors and the umbilical connecting the warship to the considerably smaller Galaxy Police patrol cruiser, it did not take the two of them long to reach their destination. Instead of heading inside the house, Yosho simply gestured towards the front porch, and the two of them sat down on the edge.

"Almost enough to remind you of simpler times, right?" his grandfather prodded.

Heero looked over his shoulder at the house, fond memories of those crazy yet happy days back on Earth in the countryside with his eccentric gaggle of housemates floating through his mind. "With everything that's happened… it feels like a lifetime's gone by since then. It's only been a few months, right?"

Yosho nodded. "Time becomes something of a tricky thing for us Juraian Royals. Especially once we forge bonds with our Royal Trees, and our aging really begins to slow. You'll see what I mean eventually."

Heero raised an eyebrow. "Is that why you wanted to see me? Are we going to have the lifespan talk?"

Yosho looked somewhat taken aback. "Lifespan talk? Where did you pick up that term from?"

Heero shrugged. "Ayeka brought it up after the bonding ceremony with my Royal Tree. I guess all Juraian Royals get that talk at some point."

"Well, she's not wrong," Yosho conceded, "and I suppose it is something you need to have with a qualified Royal eventually. You're still incredibly young by our standards, so the impact of bonding with a Royal Tree won't make itself immediately felt beyond your Master Key. In time, though…"

Heero watched as his grandfather's expression became melancholic. "Many in the galaxy envy our longevity. I can understand why, but… when you forge strong friendships with incredible people, only to see time claim them one by one while you linger on… you learn why the fables of your youth caution against seeking eternal life."

"Juraians aren't immortal," Heero pointed out.

"I know that far better than you," Yosho said, "Even so, once we've bonded with Royal Trees, our potential lifespans become so long that other beings consider us as close to immortal as one can get. The lessons from tales concerning the cost of overly long lives remain applicable."

Heero then saw a pitying look come to Yosho's eyes. "I know it all seems so far away now, but the day will come when you'll have to reap the bitter fruits of our extended lifespan. The only advice that I can give is this; make the most of the time you have with your friends and loved ones, Heero. Preserve their memory, for in the end, eventually it will be all you have of them."

Heero slowly nodded. "I will."

A few seconds of quiet passed before Yosho cleared his throat. "As important as it might be, the 'lifespan talk' wasn't actually what I wanted to speak to you about. Rather, it's the confrontation that we're heading for."

Heero leaned forward slightly. "Kagato, you mean."

"Yes," Yosho answered, "You said he can use eight Light Hawk Wings, right?"

"That's what he revealed to me," Heero replied, "but he could've been displaying less than what he's actually capable of generating. Never hurts to have your enemy underestimate you, after all."

Yosho shook his head. "No, but I don't believe misdirection was Kagato's intent here. If he showed eight, it's because eight is his current limit."

Heero was skeptical. "What makes you so sure?"

Yosho snorted. "Kagato's ego. It's the reason why he displayed eight to you. If he could generate more, he would've been flaunting them for you. Eight is bad enough for us, and he knows it."

"Because no Royal of the main line can currently create that many, right?" Heero said.

"Exactly," Yosho confirmed, "Just as you heard from us earlier. That number was beyond me even during my prime, and those youthful days of mine are long gone. Like it or not, you really have become our only hope."

Heero did not buy it. "He's not invincible, no many how many Light Hawk Wings he can generate. All we have to do is find or create an opening in his defenses, and we can get shots through."

Yosho sighed in exasperation. "You're still thinking of this problem in military terms."

"That's because Kagato can best be dealt with that way," Heero shot back, "He has his fleet, and we have ours. He has his ground team, and we have ours. His Light Hawk Wings are tools in his arsenal, just as they are for us. The problem is one of proper force application; military terms are perfect because this is war, declared or otherwise."

"For dealing with Kagato's warships and soldiers, perhaps," Yosho conceded, "but not the man himself. In fact, to think of him as just another man to target with rifles or grenades is to make a colossal mistake. Conventional weaponry will not bring him down. Not with the power he now commands."

"That's not going to stop me or my friends from taking our best shots at it," Heero declared.

Yosho smiled wryly. "I know. They'll make a valiant effort at it, and do better than most, I'd wager. Even so, this is no mere war; it's a contest between the candidates of the Chousin. Ultimately, the decisive clash comes down to the two of you. Even I am just a pillar of support, nothing more. Your latest revelation regarding Kagato's powers has made that abundantly clear."

"Don't count yourself short," Heero pushed back, "He still considers you a major threat. Back when we were talking at his estate, he kept bringing you up every chance he got."

Yosho chuckled before his expression became grim. "Did he, now? I suppose I should be flattered that he still holds my talents in such high esteem. Even so, I won't let flattery blind me to facts. Our past contests have been of pure swordsmanship, but it's clear now that he only engaged me on those terms because he was masking his true strength. When he dropped that mask with you, he surely must have considered that it meant I'd eventually learn the truth. In the next clash, he will hold nothing back."

Heero suspected he knew where this was going. "If you don't think that you can hold out against him, now's the time to tell me. We can work together to counter him."

"That would be ideal," Yosho remarked, "save for the fact that you will almost certainly be the center of attention for Tokimi, and likely Ragyō as well. Like it or not, Heero, you'll have your hands full."

"The others can support you," Heero argued, "If Kagato's not going to oblige you with a contest of swordsmanship alone, then we're under no obligation to respect his desire to face you one-on-one. I can have my friends backing you with supporting fire. Even if you don't think it's good against Kagato, they can at least help you keep him at bay until I can deal with my enemies and join them."

"And if it takes too long?" Yosho asked, "You know just as well as I do that no plan survives first contact with the enemy."

"If this repository is anything like the first two, then we're essentially playing for time," Heero countered, "We don't have to decisively defeat Kagato here, even if that'd be preferrable. All we need is to hold his group back while Washu accesses the repository's data, and then keep them away from her as we make our escape. Our true mission is to find the Array's control center and destroy the whole thing. We do that, and the threat Kagato poses is diminished. I'm sure the emperor would prefer we kill his rival for power outright, and if we get the chance then we definitely should, but it would help to keep our real mission objectives in mind here. Getting the repository's data and destroying the Array is the main goal, which means defeating Kagato in open combat is a secondary objective. For now, it's enough to simply hold him back and deny him his prize."

Yosho shook his head. "Again, your mindset is that of a soldier. It serves you well, Heero, but it's also blinding you to a fundamental truth."

Heero's eyes narrowed. "And what truth is that?"

"That this war is about far more than stopping Kagato from seizing the Array and the throne," Kagato answered, "This is ultimately a divine contest. It's about you and Kagato fighting to determine who is the rightful heir to the beings who created our very universe. As long as that contest remains unresolved, the war does not end."

Heero sighed bitterly. "Divine contest… if it's really between me and Kagato, then why do so many other people have to fight and die because of it?"

Yosho shrugged in resignation. "That's how these affairs always play out. Ask Washu, or even Tsunami, and they will readily admit that their schemes inevitably involve the deaths of many beings. Tokimi would likewise be blunt in her assessment. The three of them might be acting in the manner that they each believe is best for the galaxy, but they won't deny the costs involved to those of us who live in their creation. You must become accustomed to that mindset."

Heero vehemently shook his head. "I know what Washu and Tsunami believe about me, but… who they claim I really am… that isn't someone I want to be."

Yosho reached over to place a hand on his shoulder. "I know."

There was a brief period of silence before Heero spoke. "So… how does this end, if simply denying Kagato the Array isn't it?"

"I suspect you already know," Yosho replied grimly, "It ends when you and Kagato have decisively proven which of you truly holds the power that the Chousin claim you do. In other words, Heero, it ends when either you or Kagato is standing over the other's corpse."

"And if Washu, Tsunami, and Tokimi are all wrong?" Heero bitterly shot back, "Then everyone who falls in this conflict will have done so for nothing."

"For what it's worth, I do not believe that they're wrong," Yosho said, "It is one of you two; what I've seen from both of you has been proof enough. Kagato's brilliance and power has placed him near the pinnacle of the Empire's elite despite him only being a cadet branch Royal, while the growth of your abilities over the past few months is unprecedented in Jurai's long history. No, Heero, it is either you or Kagato. Of that, I have no doubt."

"I'm sure that's comforting to everyone who's fallen on both sides of this war so far," Heero grumbled.

Yosho's expression became resolute. "At this point, all we can do is carry on and fight so that those who fell did not do so in vain. You know your duty, Heero; defeat Kagato and destroy the Array. End the threat he poses to Jurai and the wider galaxy… and then use your power to ensure that another threat like him cannot arise again. I know you started this mission simply with the intent of completing it and returning to Earth, but surely you understand by now that the latter can no longer happen. Your engagement to Mihoshi alone means you are now bound to both Jurai and Seniwa; your future and theirs are intertwined."

Heero nodded, his lips slowly forming a small and bittersweet smile. "You know… for a while, I was imagining another scenario. After all this was over… I could just run off with Ryoko. See the wider galaxy with her, and… and just be me. No longer being a Preventer operative, and not worrying about my status as a prince of Jurai. Just me, Ryoko, and Ryo-Ohki flying through the stars, visiting worlds… being free. Free from duty… and from having to kill anymore."

He closed his eyes as a memory passed through his mind. "Do you remember the Mariemaia Rebellion?"

When he opened his eyes, he saw Yosho incline his head. "I watched it play out on the news. I was afraid that it presaged the world returning to an age of war. Thankfully, it did not turn out that way… and now I understand that you and your friends are to thank for that."

"At the very end of it," Heero continued, "I entered the executive bunker to save Relena. When I got there, the man who'd been using Mariemaia as a puppet and public figurehead for the rebellion, Dekim Barton, had already been killed by a subordinate. It was all over… and just before I passed out, I told Relena that I would never kill anyone ever again. I truly believed that I didn't have to anymore."

His shoulders then slumped. "Then I went to work for Preventer, to preserve the peace that so many had died for… and my words to her became a lie."

He saw his grandfather's expression soften. "You're tired of it all, aren't you? The weight of all the death and misery you saw in your wars… and what you saw as you protected the Earth Sphere's peace from the shadows."

"I am," Heero confessed, "After Ryoko and the rest of you came into my life… for the first time in maybe ever, I could see a future for myself beyond what I'd know before. Even after we started this new mission, I still had hope for that future. That when this was all done, I could take a step back and… maybe find out who I could be beyond a soldier. Beyond duty. That time in the safehouse back on Earth… sure, it was a mission, but it started to feel like something different. It felt like… like life. What life's supposed to be."

He then shook his head. "I'm not making any sense, am I?"

Yosho smiled broadly. "On the contrary; you're making plenty of sense. I understand your sentiments better than you might think. Care to guess why?"

Heero pondered it for a moment. "When Kagato attacked you and forced you to crash land on Earth… in a way, he freed you. Funaho took root, and you couldn't restore her to space-worthy condition, so you were stuck on Earth. Given what you experienced in the Imperial Civil War, and Juraian Royal court life… you must've found it to be a reprieve."

"Oh, yes," Yosho confirmed, "One that I hadn't realized until then I'd been seeking for a very long time. Without the means to leave, I had no choice but to take on a new life and blend in with the locals. It had its challenges; even in the remote region where I'd wound up, there were still people, and I had to periodically move away so they did not realize I was living far beyond their lifespans. Still, once I got used to my new living arrangements, I found them to be quite enjoyable. I was in a quiet place, far removed from conflicts and strife in both the wider galaxy and on Earth. Even the greatest of humanity's conflicts that took place in my time did not intrude upon my mountain haven. I finally had time and space to think, to breathe… paradoxical though it may seem, I found my 'exile' on Earth to be a most liberating experience."

Heero nodded. "I can imagine. Even though it was a Preventer mission, and the girls definitely kept me busy, staying at that safehouse tucked away in the countryside was a breath of fresh air. In more ways than one. I wouldn't have minded my assignment out there becoming permanent, to be honest."

Yosho chuckled knowingly. "I can't blame you for that. Your experience in war is now combined with having a taste of Royal politics. The tranquil simplicity of life in a secluded place can be more luxurious than the palace itself for people like you and me."

Heero couldn't help but smirk. "I always thought my distaste for politics came from the war, but now I'm wondering if I inherited it from you."

"I'm almost certain that you did," Yosho remarked, "Your mother sounded quite relieved when I told her what kind of bullet she'd dodged in being born on Earth rather than in the Imperial capital. She was hardly a fan of politics herself… though that didn't stop her from ending up working for the government."

Heero saw his grandfather smile in a bittersweet manner, and he realized that this was an opportunity to ask something he had wanted to know for some time now. "My mother… Achika… what was she like?"

Yosho's smile grew. "She was an incredible young woman. Warm-hearted, with kind words for everyone she met. Gentle and patient, very slow to anger… though whenever some fool managed the feat of inciting her wrath, they quickly learned to regret that mistake. Very clever, too. She was such a bright child growing up that she hardly ever needed my help with her homework assignments. Top of her class when it came to grades; very diligent in her studies. Quite athletic, too. In junior high and high school, she joined the track and field teams. I had the pleasure of attending several of their contests with rival schools, and she always put in a superb performance."

The shrine keeper then let out a heavy sigh. "I encouraged her to follow her passions, to embrace what she excelled at… but, looking back, perhaps it would've been better if I'd impressed upon her the value of flying beneath the radar. Her excellent marks in academics combined with her athletic abilities naturally made her a top candidate for prestigious regional universities, something I was quite proud of at the time. However, in standing out from her peers, she drew attention that I deeply wish she hadn't."

"From OZ, you mean," Heero ventured.

Yosho nodded, his shoulders slightly sagging. "Yes. Naturally, they had eyes and ears in the top colleges of the Earth Sphere, always scouting for talent. In her, they saw great potential. I don't know the details of whatever offer they made her, but it must've been an enticing one. She seemed to enjoy quite a comfortable life when she wasn't involved in an operation."

"OZ never lacked for cash," Heero noted, "Helped that they were being bankrolled by the Romefeller Foundation. With that kind of money behind them, recruiting top talent would've been easy."

Yosho grunted. "No doubt."

There was a moment's pause before Heero spoke again. "Do you know why she became an operative? She sounds like a very compassionate person… the sort that would have difficulty with what OZ would ask of someone in that position."

Yosho glumly shook his head. "Seeing as she never told me the truth of her employment, I can only speculate. She spoke of wanting to make a difference in the world, and the Earth Sphere was certainly beset with its share of challenges. If I had to guess, she must've believed that joining OZ would give her a chance to make a meaningful impact."

Heero closed his eyes. "She joined them to help make the world safer… only for them to eventually turn on her."

Yosho nodded. "Yes… although, given the lengths she went to hide you from them, perhaps it's more accurate to say that she turned on them. At the very least, she feared for your future if they got their hands on you. That's the only reason I can think of for her having your biological father take you into his care. Even if she didn't end up marrying him, it's clear to me that she trusted him. I'm glad that trust was not misplaced… even if I'm sure she didn't want you to grow up experiencing war."

Heero opened his eyes a moment later, struggling to put his thoughts into words. "War… against the government that she served. Would… would she have been ashamed at my choice?"

Yosho shook his head and smiled again. "No, Heero. Far from it. You fought back against the organization that she sought to save you from. I cannot say for certain what her thoughts would've been about the war between the Earth Sphere's rulers and the space colony revolutionaries that you fought for… but I know she would've been proud of you. After all, you and your friends made the kind of difference that she sought to make. The twists and turns of your war eventually brought peace, lasting peace, to Earth and the colonies. Yes, there was that scare with the Mariemaia Rebellion, and there remain trouble spots and bad actors that threaten the peace, but your service with Preventer kept them in check. If she could see you now, there's no doubt in my mind that she'd admire who you've become."

Heero felt his lips curl into a small smile of his own. "In fighting against OZ, I guess you could say that I was avenging her without even realizing it. OZ was right about my potential… I guess it's fitting that I used it against them."

"I would certainly say so," Yosho concurred.

There was a few seconds' pause before Heero spoke again. "What do you think she'd say about all this? Us fighting against Kagato, I mean?"

"Seeing as we're racing to stop him from claiming a weapon that can threaten all life in the galaxy," Yosho replied, "I think it's safe to say that she'd be all for helping us in any way she could."

Heero's smile grew just a bit. "I'd like to think so. I just wish I could've known her. Whenever I try thinking back to when I was young, I… I can't find any memories of her. Her face, her voice… it's all blank. I would've liked to see her, speak with her… just once."

There was a long silence from Yosho. "I would like for you to have that opportunity as well. I wish…"

His voice trailed off, and Heero eyed him curiously. There was an odd look in the old man's eyes, and Heero couldn't figure out what it meant.

Then the shrine keeper got up and stretched. "Well, we should both probably turn in for the day. We still have a fair bit of travel time ahead, but we'll be at the third repository before we know it. Best we rest up."

Heero was somewhat taken aback by how abruptly Yosho was ending things, but he could not argue with his grandfather's point. "I suppose so."

As Heero rose alongside him, Yosho gave him one last, gentle smile. "Heero… no matter how things play out when we finally reach the third repository and confront Kagato, know this; you are everything Achika ever wanted in a son, and I in a grandson. No… you're so much more than either of us could ever have imagined. If the fate of the galaxy must be in someone's hands, I take great comfort in them being yours."

….

Sitting behind the desk in the office at the back of her lab, Washu slumped back in her chair as she listened to her old friend finish speaking. She greatly sympathized with what Yosho wanted, but implementation was going to be another matter altogether.

She blew out a long breath when the old prince wrapped up. "I'm not sure what you want me to say. You know better than most what I can and can't do. I'm brilliant, and I've never been shy about 'tooting my own horn' as the humans put it, but I know my limits. I can't bring back the dead, Yosho."

"I know," Yosho replied, "and I'm not asking you to. All I'm asking is if there's any way you can give him some means of seeing her, even if it's just the illusion of her."

"She was your daughter," Washu remarked, "You surely took photos of her, right?"

Yosho nodded. "I did. Most of them are back at the shrine, but I did bring a few with me. I would like to show them to him at some point. Even so, old photos can only do so much. With what I've seen you do over the years, I know you can give him far more."

Washu closed her eyes as she considered options. "Well… I'd be lying if I said that there was nothing I could do. Memory dives to recreate a past experience you shared with her that he could then watch, for instance. That'd be the most plausible route, I think… but it would involve intrusion, old friend."

"I can accept that, for his sake," Yosho declared without hesitation.

She opened her eyes as another idea occurred. "There's another, but… it comes with significantly higher risks. Still… it'd be more than just recreation. It'd be like they actually met as mother and son. However, the potential consequences…"

"I think I know where your mind's going on that one," Yosho interjected, his eyes narrowing, "If I'm right, then it's an option that should be shelved. At least until after this mess with Kagato is put to bed… and perhaps permanently. As much as I might want for them to know each other, even briefly, there are lines that shouldn't be crossed. You ought to know that better than most by now."

"But doesn't he deserve more than to just be a spectator?" Washu pressed, "Yes, he could hear her voice, see what she looked like, how she acted, but only in the context of her being with you. He'd see you two interacting as father and daughter, and while I'm sure it'd mean the world to him to have even that much of her… shouldn't he have the chance to know her as his mother, Yosho?"

Yosho winced. "It's not that I don't want to give him that chance. It's the repercussions of what you're suggesting that concern me… apparently far more than they do you."

Washu sighed. "You're right. We're already cleaning up one of my messes; it'd be stupid to add another on top of it. I'll play it safe, then. It won't give him what he deserves, but… well, it'll at least be something."

She looked anxiously at her friend. "Still… you sure about this? We go this way, and it means I'll be seeing everything in your head. Even if that's not what I end up showing Heero, you'll still have it exposed to me."

Yosho chuckled. "It's a small price to pay. Besides, you're the only one who'd see anything scandalous, and we both know you've done way worse."

Washu smirked wryly. "Yeah, I guess that's true. Alright, then. We don't have too much time, so let's get to work."

….

While the carrier's gym had largely emptied of occupants as 'day' aboard the Suzume had ended, it was not completely deserted. Two figures now stood in the sparring ring where Heero and Yosho had previously engaged in their spirited bouts; Ayeka and Quatre. The former had her fingers steepled before her, concentrating on maintaining the three Light Hawk Wings spinning before her, while the latter was holding a blade like the one Washu had provided Wufei, complete with the orange energy emanating along the edge courtesy of the emitters. While Ayeka was a picture of Royal composure, Quatre looked rather uneasy.

"You're sure about this?" the blond young man asked, "What if your Light Hawk Wings vanish right in the middle of it? You're already pushing yourself pretty hard here."

Ayeka forced a smile. "I believe I'm good for at least one more session. Besides, if I fail, I have no doubt in your abilities, Quatre. You'll keep your blade from striking me."

Quatre took a deep breath. "I'll do my best. I had fencer training, but still… when you've committed to a strike, it's hard to pull back at the last second."

"I don't doubt that," Ayeka replied, "but still, I must get as much practice as I can while my strength remains. We don't have much time, after all. Please, begin."

Quatre nodded. "Alright, but the moment you feel like you can't maintain your energy, tell me."

Ayeka inclined her head. "Of course."

With that, Quatre sprang forward, initiating a wide sweep that Ayeka swiftly deflected with one of the Light Hawk Wings while keeping the other two much closer in. A follow-up strike from her opponent was parried by slightly adjusting the angle of that same Wing, before Ayeka replied by sending a second Light Hawk Wing forward in a thrust attack that forced Quatre to side-step and momentarily pull back.

Her companion smiled as he altered his stance, presenting a narrow side profile. "So far, so good."

"I'd like to think so," Ayeka muttered, hoping Quatre saw her confident smile rather than the sweat which was rapidly accruing upon her brow.

While it was tempting to press her advantage, Ayeka knew that would ultimately be to her detriment. She could maintain the Light Hawk Wings longer if she utilized them in a purely defensive role, which would be her task during the coming operation. In fact, she'd be forced to do so; it would be the only way she could wield both the Light Hawk Wings and her regular barrier simultaneously. It was hoped that she wouldn't have to call upon the former at all, but given just how powerful they knew their opposition was, Ayeka knew it wasn't wise to simply hope for the best.

So, she pulled her Light Hawk Wings back, keeping the first two close while positioning the third slightly forward as her first line of defense. Quatre quickly attacked, unleashing a sequence of slashes mixed with thrusts as he attempted to break through Ayeka's protection. She was able to deflect his initial offensive, but in his follow-up, he suddenly feinted right before slipping around her outermost Light Hawk Wing by going right, forcing Ayeka to fend him off with the two inner sheets of energy.

Much better than before, Ayeka thought as she repulsed Quatre's advance, I'm really getting the hang of this.

Unfortunately, her bolstered confidence took a dip as she felt her legs begin to shake. She knew what it was; the first sign that her strength was fading. Taking a step back, she held up her right hand, and Quatre immediately lowered his blade. Ayeka released the breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, and the three Light Hawk Wings dissipated a moment later.

"I thought I could go longer," she bemoaned, "Damn it all!"

"Hey, ease up a bit," Quatre replied as he deactivated and sheathed his blade, "That was our fourth round. You did well to go that many."

Ayeka shook her head. "Not well enough. The best I could do was the second round, and I only maintained my Light Hawk Wings for a few minutes longer than I did just now."

Quatre reached out to take her hand. "There's still time to improve further before we reach the third repository. Don't let this get you down, Ayeka. You're making progress, even if you don't feel like you are."

Ayeka took a deep breath to calm herself before managing a small smile. "Well… if you say I am, then who am I to argue? Even so, I do wish that progress was more substantial."

"Just take it one step at a time," Quatre advised, "That's all any of us can do."

Ayeka inclined her head. "Yes, I suppose you're right."

She then stretched her arms over her head while trying and failing to stifle a yawn. "Goodness, I must've exerted myself a bit more than I thought."

"Why don't we grab something from the mess and take it back to my room?" Quatre suggested, "I wouldn't mind a quiet night in with you."

"That sounds lovely," Ayeka replied, looping her arm through his and granting him a light kiss on the cheek, "Shall we?"

As they left the gym and made their way through the carrier's corridors, Ayeka was struck by her own boldness. While Royals could take paramours as they pleased, it generally was not custom for a princess to display such public affection towards a man who was not her spouse. Yet here Ayeka was, strolling through a warship on a human's arm, in full view of the vessel's crew, and she did not give a damn as to what anyone thought. She was simply happy to be in the company of such a splendid young man, and she even enjoyed showing him off in front of others. Going by the looks the two of them had gotten from more than a few of the carrier's female crew members, it was clear they thought Ayeka had scored quite the prize.

Oh, they have no idea, Ayeka thought, her face flushing with heat as she recalled her first night together with Quatre, I imagine the Empire's women, at least those with the means to travel, will start flocking to Earth once relations are properly established in search of men like Lord Heero and Quatre. I certainly wouldn't blame them for it.

Reaching the mess a few minutes later, they dished up with simple meals of rice, meat, vegetables, and tea before taking their trays back to Quatre's quarters. Settling down on the bed, Ayeka let herself lean against her companion, resting her head on his right shoulder and briefly closing her eyes.

Quatre reached over to lay a hand atop her leg. "Long day, eh?"

"Quite so," Ayeka concurred, allowing weariness to creep into her voice, "Training, the strategy sessions, keeping an eye on Sasami… it's nice to have a bit of idle time after all that."

"And the First Empress told us all to rest up before she departed," Quatre remarked, "We really should be taking her advice."

"There's time enough for that," Ayeka said before taking a sip of her tea, "I couldn't forgive myself if I did not do all that I can to prepare for the coming battle. Compared to you, Lord Heero and the others, my role in our strategy is relatively passive."

"It's still an important one," Quatre pointed out, "We'll be counting on your barriers while making our way through the third repository, not to mention protecting the data room while Washu gets the information we need. Defense is just as vital as offense, after all."

"I suppose that's true," Ayeka conceded, "When I see you, Lord Heero, and the others take on more aggressive roles in our battles, I confess to chafing at being forced to playing support. I understand that my powers lend themselves well to defense, but… well, it is irksome that I must hang back while you and the others take on all the risk. And…"

Quatre raised an eyebrow as her voice trailed off. "And what?"

Ayeka looked down in embarrassment. "Well, this will sound petty, but… as crown princess of Jurai, I'm not used to playing second fiddle, as that charming human expression goes. It's a rather humbling experience."

She was relieved to see Quatre smile in understanding. "I don't think it's petty. You're used to taking the lead, at least in situations that don't involve the Emperor himself or the Empresses. Having to take a back seat can't be easy, even when you know that your powers make you ideal for defense rather than offense."

"It's not," Ayeka confessed with a smile, "but, for the sake of our mission, I'm doing my best to adapt."

"That's all anyone can ask," Quatre reassured her, "and I think you're doing just fine."

They spent the next few minutes enjoying their food and drink in contented silence before Ayeka spoke again. "This business with Nagi… I don't wish to question Lord Heero or Lady Funaho, and yet…"

"You're still wondering if they've lost their minds in bringing her onboard?" Quatre finished for her.

Ayeka blew out a heavy exhalation. "I am. She's been our enemy since this crisis began, and now we're supposed to accept her as an ally? I understand that necessity can make for strange alliances, but this strikes me as quite a risky partnership."

Quatre shrugged. "Heero seems to trust her now. He's always had a good read on people in the past, so if he's willing to accept her help now, that's good enough for me."

Ayeka eyed him in concern. "Not to question your judgement, or that of Lord Heero, but you seem awfully casual about working alongside someone who's proven to be a dangerous foe. Is this a byproduct of what you experienced in your war?"

"Partially," Quatre admitted, "but it's also simple business. You heard Nagi; she lives and dies by her commitment to a contract. She's made keeping her word a core part of her reputation, and it's how she consistently lands jobs with high-profile clients. Her latest contract with Kagato was to abduct Heero, she fulfilled it, and then she helped us rescue him when she wasn't bound by an agreement. Now that she's signed a new contract with the First Empress to protect and help Heero for the rest of this crisis, she's locked in with us."

Ayeka's eyes narrowed. "You're placing a lot a faith in her honor. Bounty hunters are simply a certain flavor of mercenary, and history's full of instances where mercenaries break their contracts for a higher bid from the opposing side."

"Earth's history has plenty of examples, too," Quatre noted, "However, I don't think Nagi's cut from the same cloth. She seems to take her professional code seriously. Besides, you heard her in the meeting; she's getting paid more in her new contract with us than Kagato paid for her to abduct Heero. Combine that with the heat she'd draw down on her for breaking this contract, and she has a pretty strong incentive to honor her word."

Ayeka nodded, though she remained somewhat uneasy. "True. Even so… I cannot bring myself to trust her fully."

Quatre paused for a moment. "Is this really about Nagi, or about the fact that she'll have Sasami in her ship during the battle?"

Ayeka's shoulders slumped. "Both… though the latter worries me more."

"That's natural," Quatre said, "Still, Sasami's always insisted on helping us however she can, and you've seen how far she's willing to go. She snuck away from home to be present for the second repository raid, and she's determined to come along for this one, too. At least her being aboard Ken-Ohki means she's inside a sturdier vessel than the Yagami. She won't be free of danger, but she'll have protection."

"I know, but still… it shouldn't come to this," Ayeka protested as she ran fingers through her hair, "To trust a former foe with Sasami's safety… how can the others, even Lady Funaho, so easily accept this?"

Quatre shook his head. "I don't think it's necessarily easy so much as it is simply necessary. We all know the stakes involved here, and we can't afford to turn down any advantage. I don't really understand the details about how Sasami or Tsunami can augment Heero's powers when he fights Kagato or Tokimi, but Heero sounded certain that her presence would be crucial to success. You know he wouldn't put Sasami in any kind of danger lightly. No one's really happy about her being anywhere near this battle, let alone entrusting her safety to Nagi and Ken-Ohki. It's just making the best out of a bad situation. You have to do that a lot in war."

Ayeka sighed in resignation. "I suppose you would understand that better than I. I don't envy your experience in such matters."

Quatre put his arm around her. "Well, at least I can use that experience to help you."

Ayeka smiled and closed her eyes as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Yes… and I shall be eternally grateful to you for that."

….

In addition to the gymnasium, the carrier Suzume possessed a small firing range. It typically only saw use by the ship's complement of Imperial Marines, along with last-minute appearances by crewmembers looking to practice for their sidearm requalification. As such, it could be found empty often, or nearly so. Tonight, it was the latter, with the range having only two current users, and neither of them were Juraian.

As the latest set of shot-up targets were brought forward courtesy of a ceiling-mounted magnetic rail system, Kiyone smiled as she admired the tight grouping of scorched holes in hers. "Good."

Taking a step back, she peered around the thin barrier between her station and Wufei's, whistling when she saw a similarly tight shot grouping in his target. "Nice!"

Having lowered his sidearm, Wufei's brow furrowed as he studied his handiwork. "Could've done better."

Kiyone arched an eyebrow. "Seriously? That would've given you a top marksmanship score at the Galaxy Police Academy."

"I didn't train to be cop," Wufei quipped, "I was trained to take on the iron fist of our world's old regime, and my shooting should reflect it. I think my aim's slipping."

Kiyone shrugged. "Well, good thing we're here practicing, then. Ready for another round?"

Wufei nodded. "Do the honors?"

Kiyone smirked as she slapped the red button on the right side of her station. "You bet!"

Their old targets slid back along the rails before being taken out of sight for disposal. New targets descended into view a few seconds later, and the range was soon filled with the orange light of plasma bolts and the sounds of the weapons firing them. After Kiyone and Wufei had each let off a dozen shots, a klaxon blared, and the pair lowered their weapons.

The freshly perforated targets were brought forward, and Kiyone scowled as she saw a slightly looser grouping in hers. "Hmm… I might've been a bit too quick on those last few shots."

She stepped back and leaned over to the right once more, her eyes widening as she saw a grouping so tight in Wufei's target that it almost looked like his bolts had all gone through the exact same hole, with only the slightest distortions in the scorched opening as signs of imperfection. "Whoa…"

Wufei's response was a confident smile and nod as he feasted his eyes upon his handiwork. "That's more like it."

"You set some really high standards for yourself," Kiyone noted.

"Didn't have a choice," Wufei replied, "With the odds that me and the others were up against, it was become the best or die. No middle ground."

"Not all that different from our situation now," Kiyone pointed out.

"I guess not," Wufei concurred before his voice trailed off, "Although…"

Kiyone tilted her head quizzically. "Although what?"

She was surprised to see his smile grow just a bit as he met her gaze. "We have a lot more help this time around."

Kiyone smiled in return. "Happy to be part of it."

She then saw his expression become serious. "Just don't get reckless."

Kiyone blinked. "Where's this coming from?"

"What we're flying into," Wufei answered, "We've been attending the same briefings, haven't we? Yagami is a much easier target for the third repository's outer defenses than something like my fighter."

"Hey, you've seen me fly," Kiyone countered, "I got the Yagami through the first and second repositories in one piece, didn't I?"

"You did," Wufei conceded, "but this one's going to be nastier than the other two. Even after that, we still have that gate Washu mentioned and the Array's control center. I'm betting those will be even tougher nuts to crack."

Kiyone eyed him intently. "Are you worried about me?"

Wufei turned away and slapped the red button on the side of his station, sending their shot-up targets away and summoning new ones, pointedly avoiding answering her question. Kiyone's brow furrowed as she ducked back into her station and took aim; she was not about to let this go.

Another dozen shots and a freshly spent target later, she then leaned over to the right again. "Hey, Wufei!"

He did not turn to face her, instead letting out a heavy sigh. "Look… all I'm saying is… be careful."

"I'd say the same to you," Kiyone shot back, "You're going to be flying and part of the ground team. If anything, I feel like I'm the one who should be worrying about you."

"I didn't say I was worrying," Wufei grumbled.

Kiyone rolled her eyes. "Oh, cut the tough guy act, will you? There's nothing wrong with admitting it."

Wufei was quiet for a moment as he looked downrange. "Would you admit it?"

"Sure," Kiyone readily replied, "I'm supposed to a cop working the beat, but this whole mess has me flying into warzones. I had training for it, sure, but it's not what I usually deal with for a living. So, yeah, I'm worried. I'd be even more worried if you weren't worried."

She was taken aback to hear Wufei chuckle. "Yeah, I guess that's fair."

Holstering her sidearm, she walked around into Wufei's station and put a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, look at me."

He did so, and Kiyone leaned forward to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. "I've got no plans on going down out there. Not without a fight."

Wufei blinked, perhaps surprised by her boldness, but he eventually nodded and smiled. "Same here. Even so… watch your back out there. Once the rest of us land inside the repository, you and Mihoshi will be on your own."

"Not completely true," Kiyone pointed out with what she hoped looked like a confident smirk, "We'll still have Ryo-Ohki with us, and she packs a punch."

"She does," Wufei conceded.

He reached for the red button to reset the targets, but Kiyone stopped him. "I think we've done enough target practice for the evening. Want to grab a drink before calling it a night?"

Wufei hesitated for a second before inclining his head. "I'd like that."

….

Pulling herself out of the thruster, Hilde wiped the sweat from her brow and looked over her shoulder. "Everything checks out."

Behind her stood Duo, who was grinning ear-to-ear as he passed her a wet cloth. "Thanks. Systems checks were good earlier, but I do like seeing you get down and dirty!"

Hilde rolled her eyes as she accepted the cloth and began wiping down her hands and arms. "Of course, you do."

"Hey, I mean that as a compliment!" Duo protested.

Hilde chuckled before leaning over to peck him on the cheek. "I know."

Duo looked past her at his fighter and whistled. "Honestly, I'm amazed that you've got the internals all figured out. I'm still having trouble making heads and tails of all that fancy tech Washu's got in that baby."

Hilde shrugged. "Well, she gave me the specs, and AIDA's been teaching me the basics. Still can't say I've got it all completely figured out; so much of that tech's light years at least beyond what we've seen back on Earth or in the colonies. I have a rough working knowledge of what to look for in there now, but I wouldn't call myself an expert."

Duo put his arm around her. "Hey, you've got more of it figured out than I do. I'd say you deserve credit."

Hilde leaned into him before smirking deviously. "You know I'm getting grease all over you now, right?"

Duo chuckled. "Wouldn't have it any other way."

The two of them stood together in contented silence for a few minutes before Hilde spoke again. "Feels crazy, you know? Wasn't all that long ago you and I were just running the junkyard. Now look at us."

Duo nodded. "Fighting an undeclared war to save the galaxy from an insane aristocrat… didn't have that on my 199 Bingo card."

"Since when do you play Bingo?" Hilde quipped.

"Hey, I tried at that one party you took me to!" Duo pointed out.

"And fell asleep half an hour into it," Hilde countered.

"Not my fault it's such a boring game!" Duo protested.

Hilde reached up to pinch him. "Our clients enjoyed it, and I had to play along to keep their business while you were snoring."

"And that's why you're one who runs the shop and makes the big bucks," Duo declared with a grin, "I'd just run it into the ground."

Hilde looked at him in silence for a moment before she broke down into a fit of laughter. Holding her close, Duo heartily joined in, and the couple's chortling echoed through the hangar. Thoughts of the battle they were flying towards faded into the background. For now, they were simply husband and wife dreaming of home, and that was all they wanted.

….

Befitting Kagato's vision of overthrowing the traditional Juraian order, the vessel he'd chosen as his flagship for the coming clash at the third repository was a radical departure from established Imperial designs. While most Juraian warships typically possessed an outer façade of wood that belied the incredible power and technology beneath while paying respect to the source of Jurai's might, the dreadnought Unmei no Shinka abandoned any such pretense of homage to the Royal Trees. An ovoid-shaped hull with a rounded bow and flared out stern, its gleaming metallic surface was more reminiscent of vessels from the Seniwa Domain than any Juraian warship. At a length of four kilometers, she was the pride of the Kiryūin shipyards, with potent overlapping shield generators capable of enduring broadsides from even the Emperor's personal dreadnought. Banks of heavy plasma cannons lined her sides, while an array of point-defense guns provided a formidable backstop should any smaller craft get through her fighter screen.

As the great behemoth and her accompanying armada flew through the netherworld of FTL, her master was presently making use of a private training ground that had been installed in the dreadnought specifically for him and his sister. Kagato had the emerald blade of his Key angled across his torso, and he was currently engaged in a spirited defense as his sister unleashed a whirlwind of slashes from her twin ivory energy swords. Neither were employing their Light Hawk Wings; Ragyō had insisted on testing Kagato in pure technique. While an uninformed viewer might believe that was simply because Ragyō could not match Kagato in the number of Light Hawk Wings and wanted a more favorable contest, he knew that was far from the truth. Even in bouts where both combatants summoned their Light Hawk Wings, Kagato could hardly win easily against his sister; her swordsmanship alone more than compensated for the number disparity. Rather, her intent was to continually push him towards developing all of his skills rather than simply relying on his innate power as a candidate of the Chousin.

As he fell back under his sister's assault, Kagato couldn't help but note a change in her demeanor compared to past sparring matches. "Is it just me, or do you seem a bit more enthusiastic today?"

Ragyō chuckled as she pressed the attack with rapidly alternating high and low strikes that kept Kagato constantly on his toes. "When do I not bring enthusiasm to a fight?"

Kagato smirked while working his blade furiously to keep any of her attacks from landing. "Never. Even so, you seem in particularly high spirits. In fact, I daresay higher spirits with each passing day."

"With each passing day, the battle grows closer," Ragyō remarked as Kagato parried her latest thrusts before countering with a wide swing that forced her to leap back, giving him a rare opportunity to take the initiative, "You know how I get with the promise of an imminent fight."

"True," Kagato conceded as he threw himself into a series of powerful two-handed strikes, each of which was deftly deflected by his sister with a dancer's grace, "Still, I would be remiss if I did not point out that your mood's been most elevated ever since we got word of our guest's escape."

Now Ragyō outright laughed while fending off his attacks. "Of course! The coming battle would be so boring without him."

Kagato's eyes narrowed. "You sound as if you were hoping for his escape."

"Because I was," Ragyō declared with a cheeky grin as she sidestepped an overhand strike from him before retaking the initiative, launching a sequence of whirling slashes that caused Kagato to swiftly fall back across the ring, "It would've been such a waste for a foe like him to languish in stasis while we took the repository, or for you to grow tired of negotiations and kill him. As far as I'm concerned, his escape was the best possible outcome."

Kagato's brow twitched as his sight was nearly blinded by the multitude of brilliant flashes from her twin white blades rapidly impacting his green one. "I would hardly discard him as callously as you make it seem. Have I shown myself to be nothing if not a patient man in executing our designs?"

"No," his sister admitted, "but I know you, brother. Better than anyone else in this galaxy. It was only your sentimentality towards his grandfather that kept Heero alive, and that would not have lasted indefinitely. Do you deny it?"

"I suppose I cannot," Kagato replied while blocking each blow from her intensifying assault, "but at that point, he would still be useful as a hostage. I would not so hastily eliminate any potential leverage against his family."

Ragyō did not answer verbally, content to let her blades do the talking. She threw herself into a series of blindingly-quick thrusts, alternating between aiming at Kagato's legs and gut to throw him for a loop. While he managed to keep his sister at bay, he knew Ragyō well enough to realize that she was ramping up for the duel's climax.

"Should I be worried?" he mused aloud while frantically deflecting and redirecting her strikes, "Our new prince seems to occupy an inordinate amount of space in your thoughts as of late. You appear to have grown quite fond of him."

Ragyō smiled and laughed heartily without letting up her offensive in the slightest. "Jealous, brother?"

Kagato brushed her teasing off. "Hardly. I simply wonder if your interest in him exerts an undue influence. It wouldn't do for those feelings to intrude at a critical moment."

"You mean you wonder if I have it in me to kill him when the time comes," Ragyō surmised as she switched her tactics, now leaping and twirling around him as she assaulted Kagato with whirling slashes, "Oh, brother, have you forgotten who I am? Just because I enjoyed playing with him in the ring doesn't mean I'll treat him any less seriously as a foe. Quite the contrary; I think I understand the threat he poses even better than you do now."

Kagato smirked. "Bold words, sister."

Ragyō grinned in challenge. "I would offer nothing less."

Detecting a slight overextension after one of her swings, Kagato pounced, bringing his sword down hard in a powerful strike. Unfortunately, Ragyō had baited him, and she immediately flipped around her left blade to swat his sword to the side before thrusting her right blade forward, the shaft of ivory light coming to rest a millimeter above his throat.

"Sloppy, brother," Ragyō chastised, "Yosho wouldn't have fallen for that… and neither would his grandson."

Kagato waited for Ragyō to lower and extinguish her blades before doing the same, clipping the Key to his belt and bowing. "Well played."

Ragyō eyed him sternly. "It's a good thing you'll no longer be concealing your Light Hawk Wings. You'll need them to cover the deficiencies in your technique."

"I held my own and then some using just the blade in the other battles with Yosho and his entourage," Kagato pointed out, "I only lost to you because your swordsmanship far outshines theirs. When it comes to pure technique, my dear sister, you have no equal."

Ragyō firmly shook her head. "You're mistaken, brother. One is already rising to meet me."

Kagato folded his arms. "I'll freely admit that Yosho's grandson has shown remarkable growth in a short amount of time, but his skills do not match yours. He makes a worthy effort, yet he still falls short."

Ragyō gave him a disapproving look. "Perhaps your negotiations with him should've taken place in the ring, then. That would've disabused you of such a foolish notion."

Kagato arched an eyebrow. "Foolish? Me?"

"If you underestimate him after all we've seen him do over such a brief timespan?" his sister shot back, "Absolutely."

She then spun on her heels and headed for the exit. "I need a bath before turning in. Mind your pride, brother, lest it be your undoing."

Kagato took her words to heart, though he couldn't resist getting in a parting jab. "Fallen for him, have you? I do hope not, sister; I'd hate to break your heart when my blade goes through his chest."

Ragyō simply laughed. "Take your best shot! Who knows? Maybe you'll give him a good warmup before I can claim a dance!"

….

April 10th, A.C. 199

"How's it look?" Heero asked as he made sure his helmet was secured.

"Final systems check shows green across the board," Eva announced as her holographic pixy form materialized in the air before him, doing a little twirl before smiling and curtseying, "Have I ever let you down?"

"Not once," Heero replied.

The AI's avatar floated closer to him, leaning forwards as if trying to peer through his helmet visor. "I know you were given a clean bill of health, and I'm not detecting any abnormalities in your vitals. Still, I must ask; do you feel up for this?"

Heero nodded. "I do."

The blue fairy shook her head and let out a theatrical sigh. "Men... always putting on the tough guy act for us ladies."

"It's not an act," Heero declared, "Getting back in the cockpit's just what the doctor ordered."

Eva rolled her eyes before smiling again. "I doubt that, but I take your meaning. Still, if you feel anything's off, tell me so I can take over. You know you can count on my piloting subroutines to keep this fighter out of harm's way."

"Of course," Heero acknowledged, "Speaking of your piloting, are you ready for your new role?"

"You mean playing escort for Ken-Ohki after you enter the third repository?" Eva asked, "I've been fine-tuning my programming to account for defensive flying. Rest assured, Heero; I'll do everything in my power to protect Sasami."

Heero inclined his head. "I know you will."

His console buzzed a moment later, and a female voice came over the cockpit speakers. "Prince Yuy, this Suzume Fighter Control; we've dropped out of lightspeed. Your squadron has launch priority. You're clear for takeoff."

"Copy that," Heero acknowledged, "Eve One, moving for takeoff."

The combined fleet had not actually arrived at the third repository's star system. Instead, the plan was for the assorted carrier groups to exit lightspeed just outside of the system. After launching fighters capable of FTL travel, those fighters would then jump into the system itself and begin targeting the repository's outer defenses, with top priority going to the heavy anti-ship cannons. Duo would be taking the lead; his craft's stealth capabilities made him invaluable for target designation. Once a 'beachhead' had been established, the heavier fleet units would begin jumping in, with reserve battle groups staying outside the system until Kagato's forces made their presence known.

With Seniwa backing us up, Heero thought as his fighter cleared the carrier's hangar, we should have more than enough firepower to counter whatever Kagato can bring to the table.

I hope.

As the distance grew between his craft and the Suzume, the rest of Eve Squadron began forming up around him. Heero was on point, naturally, with the rest of the fighters creating a rough V-shaped formation. Yagami was behind the wedge, while Ryo-Ohki was positioned above and slightly behind Heero's craft. Meanwhile, Ken-Ohki was hanging back with Yagami, taking up position below the crimson patrol cruiser.

"Final check," Heero announced over the squadron tactical channel, "Status report."

"Eve Two, ready to go!" Duo eagerly declared.

"Eve Three, all green," Trowa reported.

"Eve Four, all systems go," Quatre said.

"Eve Five, standing by," Wufei chimed in.

"Eve Six, good to go!" Ryoko declared, "Let's kick some ass!"

"Eve Seven, showing green across the board," Kiyone said.

"We have your back, Heero!" Mihoshi chirped.

"Eve Eight, all good," Nagi added, "My VIP's got a message for you; be careful.

"Roger that," Heero acknowledged as his fingers danced across the console, "Lock in jump coordinates and stand by for clearance from Control. Eve Two goes first, then we follow once he signals. Cannons marked by him are the top priority targets."

Fighters spilled out from the Suzume and the rest of the carriers, filling space with the tiny blue-white pinpricks of their thruster fire as they assembled into their respective formations. Eventually, the commencement signal came, and Duo's fighter became an extended streak of blue-white light before vanishing entirely.

The battle for the third repository was about to begin.

Preview for next time!

Duo: Alright, it's party time!

Wufei: About time we had a straight up fight.

Trowa: A big one, too.

Quatre: It's a full-on fleet battle, so watch the crossfire!

Ayeka: Nagi, so help me, if something happens to Sasami…

Nagi: Worry about yourself, princess.

Sasami: I'll be fine, Ayeka!

Kiyone: Washu, one of these days, can you invent stuff that doesn't try to kill us or mess up the space-time continuum?

Mihoshi: I'm getting really tired of being shot at by your drones!

Washu: Yeah, uhm… sorry.

Ryoko: Quit your whining and focus. Ryo-Ohki, time to cut loose!

Ryo-Ohki: Meow!

Heero: Kagato… when will you show yourself?

Kagato: Fear not, my fellow candidate; we'll have our contest soon enough, but not before I've settled things with an old friend. Are you ready, Yosho?

Yosho: As if I have a choice.

Tsunami: Next time in Chapter Thirty-Three: No Need For An All-Out Assault! Tokimi, is all this bloodshed worth it?

Tokimi: You and Washu should already know; there is no evolution without pain.

Author's Notes: Consider this chapter a slightly late birthday present from me to you. Turned 35 a few days ago. Man, wish someone had told me that your thirties is when the depression and existential dread really starts to hit. If I couldn't lose myself in fantasy worlds, I'd probably go crazy. Then again, I'm pretty sure I've had more than a few screws loose for a long while now. On the bright side, I treated myself to an anime Blu-Ray purchase; got Ya Boy Kongming! to ease my woes. If you haven't checked it out, I highly recommend doing so, it's a series with a premise so out there that it really shouldn't work, yet it does in splendidly fun and silly fashion! Oh, what I wouldn't give to be capable of writing a fever dream like this. Pretty sure I'd sell my soul for that level of deranged talent!

Hope you all enjoyed the chapter. Feel free to review, stay safe, and I'll see you all next time!