Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Dragonfly ❯ Chapter 04 ( Chapter 4 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
By: siberianknight 
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Romance / Sci-fi | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 04.07.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 8.2K | Visits: 260 | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Fantasy / Romance / Sci-fi | Type: Yaoi | Uploaded On: 04.07.2008 | Pages: 4 | Words: 8.2K | Visits: 260 | Status: Completed
Author's Notes: Well, it took me a while, but many things have happened in the time since I posted chapter three. I've got a new job, which was eating up a lot of my time, but for now isn't anymore. I hope everyone enjoys this chapter, since it is a transitional one, but something good does happen at the end. :)
Warnings: None
Chapter Status: COMPLETE
--Important announcement!--
I am going to complete this story before I post the rest of the chapters. I'm not certain how long it will take me, but if you are interested in knowing how far along I am go to my livejournal (it's under siberianknight) and look for my update posts. If you want to friend me I'm cool with that, but I just wanted everyone to know that I'm not giving up on the story. It'll just be a few months before you see me posting this story again.
Thank you all for your support!
-- Siberianknight :)
Duo entered the cargo bay of his ship just behind Cloud and Quatre who was almost literally holding his breath with anticipation of discovering what lay within the two aforementioned books. No sooner had the large door’s seal hissed as the bay was pressurized in preparation for take-off did the young blonde turn on Duo. “Okay, you can’t forget your promise.”
“Quatre,” Duo drawled with a lazy roll of his eyes. “Are you saying that the book is more important than him?” Quatre’s green-blue eyes followed the path of Duo’s pointing finger and saw Trowa standing near Cloud, arms thrown wide in invitation. Quatre ran toward his love and snuggled close against the base of Trowa’s lean neck as they held one another.
“Hey Captain! Is it okay for me to tell Miller to get goin’?” Duo glanced up to find Howard leaning over the railing next to the stairs which led down to the cargo bay.
“Sure. Set a course for Palin.”
“Roger!” The bushy gray mane of Duo’s first mate disappeared quickly as he dashed toward the bridge.
“Duo, I think we really should sit down and discuss what’s going on. There couldn’t be a better chance.” The captain gave a brief nod as he watched Trowa and Quatre walk hand in hand up the stairs. A wave of loneliness swept over him at that moment. It hadn’t been so long since he had last felt such sadness and he knew already that there was no cure for it. He had hoped at one point that entering into a relationship would heal at least some of the pain, but in fact it had only made it more pronounced. The weight of Cloud’s hand on his shoulder pulled him from his inward reflections and he reminded himself that he wasn’t completely alone. He did still have his friends and of course his ship, Dragonfly.
The two men walked companionably up the wide stairs and down the short catwalk to the hatch which led into the main part of the ship. It was there that Cloud turned to Duo with a somber expression upon his face. “I was wondering Duo – do I get my old room, or is someone else occupying it now?”
“No one’s been in it since you and Honor left to get married. Why?” Cloud averted his gaze as Duo’s eyes met his own. “Why?” Duo asked suspiciously.
“There were some of her things in there. We left them behind thinking that we were coming back. When I left, I didn’t take them with me. That was all.” Cloud bent over low to clear the hatch’s oval frame. Duo stood quietly watching him as the pain within his heart began to grow once more. Perhaps the doctor had a good point, maybe they should examine the books and try to figure out what was going on. That way no one else would have to suffer the way he and Duo had, but there was a hesitance within him that he couldn’t explain. Perhaps it was just from the fear of the unknown.
Mentally shrugging off the doubts inside his mind, the captain traversed the narrow passageway until it opened up into the common area. It was there that he found Howard; three other crew members; as well as Cloud, Trowa, and Quatre sitting around the dining table. “We’ve got the book ready. We were just waitin’ for you.” Howard rose from his seat and placed a strong but age worn hand on his captain’s shoulder. “We all know how difficult this is, kiddo. But it needs to be done.”
“I know. That’s one of the reasons we’re going to Palin. I wanna speak with Sky about this mess. Also so Cloud can get his things, he’s going to be our doctor once more.”
Howard’s bushy brows drew together, concern clearly marked upon his leathery face. “Are you sure you’re okay with that?”
“I forgave him, Howard. We’re okay now.” He patted his first mate’s shoulder reassuringly, but Howard cast one last skeptical glance in Duo’s direction before he regained his seat. The captain turned to face the small gathering as he addressed the group. “I realize that you all know what we’re going to be talking about. Every one of you has been aboard this ship since before my sister’s death. That’s why you’re sitting here. I want you all to swear that what we discuss today will not leave this room.” A chorus of ‘aye’s’ and ‘yes’s’ followed in Duo’s brief pause. “Good. As you already know, my father was an explorer as well as being a businessman. His ability to lead was why he was chosen to be the voice for the Freedomists. I always assumed that these books were about his time in the revolt, but I may be wrong.
“These are why he, my mother, my sister, and others were targeted and killed. Quatre and I were attacked while on Spring Valley and I want to know why.” Duo reached out and picked up the book which had been in his care since he was a boy. His stomach felt as if a million butterflies had just spawned and were all trying to escape at once. Was this really such a good idea? What if something terrible was written inside the book? He slowly began to open it when WuFei’s voice stopped him.
“I don’t think you should open that.”
Cloud rose to his feet and faced the Chinese man who was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed arrogantly against his chest. “Why not?!”
“Because, I’m afraid it’ll set things into motion that you’re not ready to deal with. A wise man wouldn’t meddle. You’re family paid the price and now you’re ready to start that cycle once more. Destroy it -- both of them. And make sure that the underworld knows you’ve done so. I’m sure that’s what the good Professor told your father with his final breath.”
Duo’s eyes drifted slowly back to the leather bound text which was gripped in his left hand. His father had never told him what lay within the book, nor had he really cared at the time. Duo had been terrified of what was happening and only wanted to know that everything was going to be alright. “WuFei, you seem awfully well informed for someone who is just simply catching a ride with us.”
“I suppose I do sound that way. The name on the binding was all I needed to see. He was the son of an early explorer, and one whom I’m familiar with through stories which have been passed down within my family.
“I realize that doesn’t exactly explain my fears, but just trust me … you should not open that.” All eyes fell on the cover where a name was embossed in a rich red ink. It was somewhat faded, but the letters were still legible. It read, ‘Professor Frederick G. Lewis.’
“I’m not familiar with his name,” Cloud stated with a slight growl as his annoyance began to bubble close to the surface and threatened to turn to anger at any moment.
“That’s because you’re not from Isis. His name wouldn’t be well known to those of Sonas or any of the planets in SSG for that matter.”
“I’m opening it,” Duo stated with conviction. He wasn’t going to listen to someone who was just a passenger upon his ship. WuFei couldn’t possibly know anymore than the young Miller did about the book which lay before him, and if he did then he should give more than just a vague warning. As Duo slowly pushed open the book, WuFei’s hand grabbed tightly onto his lean wrist.
“I’ll tell you once more, opening that will create more problems than I believe you are capable of dealing with. Do – not – open – it.” Duo shook off the other man’s hand and continued to open the book. “I warned you. Don’t expect me to help when trouble comes your way.” With that last prediction, WuFei left the room as quietly as he had entered.
“That man has some serious problems,” Cloud remarked softly as he gazed over Duo’s shoulder at the first page of what appeared to be a man’s journal.
‘It was early December when we were forced to make an emergency landing due to a forceful attack by the budding Alliance. If we are not careful, the rogue police force that is supposedly out for the greater good will get the better of all of us. Not just those who live in and around Earth. I am not wholly surprised that their reach has made it to this sector of SSB, but I will admit to being shocked by their use of force to keep us away from exactly what we are unsure of.
I hope that this journal will help others understand what the Alliance truly is and what they are hiding from us all. My men and I have decided to explore the surrounding areas to see if this was what they were fighting so hard to protect from our eyes. The following is an account of our journey and discoveries.’
Duo turned the page to find it blank. Once more the page was turned, but this time the writing was illegible. “What the hell?” He began to flip through the pages with an ever increasing agitation as he wondered why he couldn’t figure out what type of language the man had written in.
“It must be code.” Trowa remarked from his position next to Duo.
“The other book!” Cloud rushed away from the table and disappeared through the doorway which led to the crew cabins. After a few moments he returned clutching an identical leather bound journal in his hand. “Maybe this will help.” He set it down and allowed Duo to open it. Scrawled in bold yet elegant writing on the first page was the name, Ian C. Maxwell. “This was all Honor and I ever looked at. The moment she saw your father’s name she slammed the book closed and told me that we probably should just leave it alone. I’m not sure what came over her, but she was shaking the same way you are right now.”
Duo’s blue eyes flashed with annoyance at Cloud’s keen observation. He was shaking, but he didn’t know why. So this was his father’s own journal, why did that make him so nervous and why did he suddenly have this strong urge to close the book and forget everything? He glanced around the table everyone’s eyes upon him. They were all waiting, and they deserved to know why these books were so important. The only way to find any answers to his family’s deaths lay within those two books, so why did he hesitate?
“If you want I’ll look in it,” Trowa gently offered.
“No. This is my family’s curse so to speak. I need to do this myself.” Duo chuckled uneasily as his attention returned to his father’s journal. He slowly turned the page to find a note addressed to himself and his sister.
‘To Honor and Duer,
If you find yourselves reading this journal, I beg you to not let anyone know of its existence, or what it contains within. It is vital that you keep your silence. I love you both too much to possibly lose you over this matter.
That being said, I want you to know that this is a journal of my time served as the leader of the Sonas’ division of the Freedomists faction as well as a translation of the great explorer Frederick G. Lewis’s journal. He wrote in code so it was rather difficult for me to translate, but I was determined and it gave me something to take my mind off the fighting.
Love always,
Your father’
A lump began to grow within Duo’s throat as he stared at the familiar handwriting. So was it true, was his family killed over these two books? A deeply seeded determination formed within him and he quickly turned the page to begin reading. As his eyes rested upon the first sentence of script a chill ran down his spine and he could have sworn he heard someone whisper in his ear to stop. He shook off the feeling and began to read on. Without warning the book was torn from his hands and flung angrily across the room to land spine up and the pages crinkled against the floor. “Did you guys just see that?” Duo asked rather calmly for someone who had just had an object ripped from his hands by an unseen force. Several soft grunts and shaky nods answered him as he rose to fetch the book from its resting place.
Duo froze in his tracks as a soft shimmer within the doorway leading to the captain’s quarters appeared. As he gazed at the pale glow, there was a warm sensation which wrapped around his heart and a strong urging to let the matter of the books go. The shimmer had a nearly imperceptible figure, one that he wasn’t certain but he thought it could possibly be, “Honor.” Cloud’s whisper broke through the silence within the room like a thunder bolt. The light faded quickly when Cloud spoke. “Wait!” He rushed over to the doorway and looked around trying to find some trace that there had been something there. Duo watched him, his heart aching for his friend. “Sh-she was here, right? That was her – I’m not seeing things, am I?” His green hazel eyes were overly bright with a thin sheen of unshed tears. Duo wasn’t sure what to say to him, so he stood quietly carefully avoiding eye contact. It was Trowa who moved to comfort the doctor, but was pushed away unwanted. “I’m fine. Just fine, damn it.” Cloud hid his face behind a lean hand as he left for his room.
“I think we should stop for now. Why don’t you fix dinner Quatre?” Trowa rested his hand on the blonde’s shoulder who was gazing with a quizzical expression at Duo. “As for you Duo, I think you should take both the books to your cabin and keep them there … securely.” The captain nodded without really thinking about what Trowa had said. He was too busy trying to interpret what had just happened. Logically it was all ridiculous, yet he and Cloud had both seen her standing in the doorway. Was she there warning him? He was having a hard time believing that, but still something had been in the doorway.
Duo’s sleep over the next few days was a restless one. His mind couldn’t let go of the ghostly image of his sister standing in the doorway. Sometimes his mind could see her face clearly and there would be a look of fear in her eyes, but then other times it would be as it had been in that moment, a clouded blur. On the night before they arrived in Palin’s orbit, Duo gave up on trying to sleep and reached for his father’s journal. He thumbed through the pages not really reading any of the script upon the slightly aged paper. Should he read them, or listen to his gut? That simple question was really what was keeping him awake at night, not the dreams of Honor but a question which could potentially bring harm to those around him.
He set the book back in his safe and locked it. A soft warmth wrapped around him and there was a faint scent of daffodils in the air as he turned to gaze at the empty room. Laughter escaped through his lips as he realized that he must just be sleep deprived. Apparently it hadn’t been enough that he had possibly seen his sister’s ghost now he could smell her perfume. Duo left his cabin for the common area in search of food. Perhaps once he had a full stomach he’d be able to sleep.
As he entered the large area he discovered that he was not alone. WuFei was sitting quietly at the table, his jet black eyes gazing curiously at Duo. “Have you been stupid enough to read any of the journals?”
“No,” Duo answered annoyed that he was going to have to eat in his room to get away from his ‘know-it-all’ passenger.
“I realize that you lost your family because of the journal, but it just isn’t worth it to –”
Duo froze in his actions of placing soup into a pot. He couldn’t take this anymore, just what was his game? “How do you know that something bad will happen?!”
“I – let’s just say that I am well educated on the adventures of Professor Lewis.” WuFei rose from his seat as the captain strode angrily toward him. Duo stood a good half a foot taller than him, but the Chinese man wasn’t so easily intimidated.
“Look, I’m tired of this strange run-around you’ve given me since we first decided to read that damned book. I want you to be straight with me. Why the hell don’t you want us to read it!?” Duo watched WuFei closely hoping to glean some information from his expression, but the other man was excellent at concealing his true emotions from others.
“Since you can’t take me on my word, I will give you this much – the information within that book could bring about a second war. One that will bring pain and suffering to a great many people. I only wish to prevent that.”
“So my reading that will cause a war. That makes no sense, Chang!”
“As long as you don’t tell anyone that you have that book, or what is contained within it … you may read it.”
“Glad to have your permission,” Duo spat out, his tone heavy with sarcasm.
“You’re welcome.” WuFei turned from the captain and made his way toward the crew quarters. Without turning around he asked just before he disappeared through the doorway, “I do have your word?”
“Absolutely, and I’ve never broken it.” The young Asian disappeared through the portal and Duo returned quietly to his cooking, the book now weighing heavily on his mind. As soon as his soup was heated he poured it into a bowl and headed back to his quarters. Despite the possible warning from his sister’s ghost, he was going to read it no matter what.
After finishing his meal, Duo returned to his cot and reclined with the book open in his lap. His father had still been a respected leader within the Freedomists’ ranks when Duo was young, but the moment his mother had told Ian of her pregnancy he had quit active duty. However, Duo could clearly remember the secret calls that he had to keep quiet about and the numerous strangers who would disappear with his father for hours at a time locked up within the family’s Study. Looking back now Duo knew for a fact that his father had never truly given up his position within the Freedomists, and he now held a book which contained information about his father before he was born. He hoped that it could shed a bit of light on the activities that Ian had been involved in, but most of all he hoped that it would paint a clearer picture of just why his family had been killed. It was with a small ounce of apprehension that Duo turned the first page once more and began to read his father’s writing.
2225.04.06
I have decided to keep a journal of the actions taken by myself and my comrades during this harrowing time. We, the Freedomists, have finally managed to band together and stand up to the Alliance’s corruption. Too long have we suffered under their absolute and near tyrannical rule. Soon our governments shall be back within our hands and not those who enjoy helping the elite and ignoring the common people.
Our first meeting will be tomorrow in my family farm’s barn. I’m worried about my mother’s wellbeing and so I have sent her to stay with her sister in Greykirk, she knows nothing about what I am about to do. I pray for luck and guidance tonight in the hopes that we will be successful with few casualties.
2225.04.10
Our meeting went as planned and I met men much older than myself with far more experience. I’ve learned quite a bit from them, but I still feel uneasy about leading such a large group of men. I’m not sure why I’ve been elected as leader, but that was the final decision.
There was one interesting man amongst the people who came to the meeting. He refused to tell me his name, but asked me to call him ‘doctor.’ ‘Doc’ sat down with me and we had a long discussion about my feelings and my knowledge of the Alliance. Apparently I met whatever requirements he was looking for because he began to tell me a curious story about one of the early terraformed planets in SSB, Isis.
Duo paused in his reading the moment his eyes landed on the word, Isis. That was where WuFei was headed, was that the reason he had been so adamantly against everyone reading the journals? “Is there a secret on that planet? The Alliance wasn’t even around yet. What the hell could be so special about Isis?” Curiosity pricked, Duo plunged forward with his reading.
Doc informed me that the people on the planet were ‘special,’ sadly I still don’t understand what he meant by that. But he did tell me that if the Alliance found out anything about it, they would immediately act on it. Before he left, he gave me a journal with very strange writing inside it. I honestly don’t understand it, but he told me that I am the one to figure it out. I’m not sure what he meant by that, it almost sounded like a prophecy of some sort, but I don’t believe that foretold fortunes and predetermined fate are the way life works. I believe that one carves out his own destiny and future. I promised him that I would look into making an attempt to translate the text, but in truth I’ll probably never open it again.
Tomorrow I leave for our new base. There we’ll begin our formal battle tactics. I hope that I’m as good at drawing up a battle plan as I am playing chess.
The buzz of the intercom forced Duo to set the book aside and rise from his bed. When he pressed the glowing red button, Howard’s voice crackled through the small speaker. “Capt’n we’re only five minutes from Palin, you should probably get up here.”
“Yeah,” Duo sighed as he glanced over his shoulder at his father’s journal. The two pages he had read had told him very little about his father. Truthfully the only thing that was weighing on his mind was the mentioning of Isis and its people. Duo tossed around the idea of questioning WuFei as he made his way up to the bridge. Asking him to explain would likely turn into an exercise of extreme patience. He knew that Chang wouldn’t reveal anything that Duo hadn’t worked for, especially since the answer lay within his father’s journal; however, the man had to have some knowledge of the big secret. He was from Isis after all.
“I went ahead and made the approach announcement to the checkpoint, I hope you don’t mind.” Duo smiled at Howard as he assured him that he was glad he had done so. “You said we were here so Cloud could get his things. I can’t remember now, but was there anything else you needed to do here?”
“I –” Duo paused trying to remember the other reason he had wanted to stop on Palin. Try as he might the answer just wouldn’t come to him. There was nothing really there except for fancy shops and high class citizens, so why had the idea that he needed to stop there slipped into his mind? Had he wanted to speak with Sky? Sadly, he just couldn’t remember.
“You what?” Howard asked after the young man had stood silent for some time.
Duo shrugged and gave a good natured grin to his old friend. “Can’t remember now. Must not have been that important.” The first mate nodded then turned to Miller who was sitting before the navigation panel.
“Easy does it Miller. We can’t afford suspicion.”
“Yes sir.” Duo stood watch as they easily passed the checkpoint and ventured on to enter the atmosphere of the planet and land. No sooner than they had touched down did the engine sputter and stop.
“What was that?” Duo glanced from Miller to Howard and then the instrument panel which had gone completely dark.
“Um, my guess would be – out of gas?”
“We’re not out of gas you idiot,” Howard swatted at Miller’s arm as he chastised him. “Must be electrical. I’ll go see Trowa – you take that doctor friend of yours and get his things. Don’t worry, I can handle this,” he added as Duo’s face scrunched up with concern.
“It’s not that, I just don’t understand why she just died.”
“Everything breaks once and a while. And usually it doesn’t warn you. Just go on … and um – take your time.” Howard disappeared down the ladder with a bright grin that Duo didn’t entirely trust. Dragonfly was probably seriously wounded and Howard knew it but wasn’t telling. Just what they needed, a delay. He made his way down to the common area where Cloud was waiting on him.
“What’s wrong with the ship?”
“Don’t ask,” Duo answered rather grumpily. He turned and walked on ahead of his friend whose long stride easily caught up with him.
“I guess we’re going to be here for a little while, huh?”
“Seems that way.” Upon exiting the ship Cloud grabbed Duo’s arm to prevent him from walking on.
“What’s wrong?”
Duo’s blue eyes turned to glare into Cloud’s green-hazel eyes. The concern which Cloud felt for him was etched into every plane of the man’s face, but instead of comforting Duo it only made him mad. “I’m pissed off that my ship is broken.”
“Sorry,” Cloud shook his head in aggravation and stomped on ahead of Duo. Somehow he had the feeling that this trip to his apartment was going to be very long one.
The two hired a cab and rode in silence for the majority of the journey. High rise buildings rose to block out the late afternoon sun and cast a heavy shadow over the busy sidewalks. Cloud had lived in one of the largest cities on Palin in the hopes of making himself so busy he never had time to think about his late wife. He chuckled softly as he thought about how that hadn’t worked very well. The only thing it had accomplished was to give him something to do instead of laying awake in bed unable to sleep.
“What?” Duo’s annoyed tone caused Cloud’s face to break out in a self-loathing smile.
“I was just thinking that you can’t run from memories no matter how hard you try.” Duo grunted softly then turned to stare blankly out the window once more until a thought entered his mind.
“I never asked, why were you on Spring Valley?”
“Looking for you.” Duo turned a surprised face to Cloud. “I began to worry about you when they turned my apartment and office inside out.”
“I’m not a kid anymore Cloud. I can take care of myself.”
“Don’t get so defensive. I know you can. It’s just I wanted to warn you, and make sure that nothing had happened to you. You are my brother-in-law after all.”
“Yeah I know. Thanks,” Cloud chuckled at Duo’s mumbled appreciation. They arrived at their destination just a few moments later and Cloud was quick and efficient in gathering his belongings and then returning to the awaiting cab. “They said to take our time.”
“I know, but I’m sure you’re dying to get back and see what’s wrong with her.” Duo smiled at Cloud as the two climbed inside the car once more to head back to the Dragonfly.
“You know me too well,” Duo commented cheerfully once they were on their way.
“Not really … but the urge to return quickly is written all over your face.”
“Is it now? Are you sure it’s not something else?”
“Okay fine, you have gas then.” The two began to laugh until their sides hurt even though the comment hadn’t been very funny. It was just that finally the tension between the two men had fully lifted. They had survived a day together without killing the other and when Cloud had mentioned something about the past neither had fallen into a sullen state. Some progress in their healing was starting to show, and hopefully soon they would behave the way they had before.
The two men continued to joke and talk easily on their return trip, but when the taxi came to a stop just outside the spaceport Duo’s stomach began to knot up with tension and there was a funny tingling sensation on the back of his neck. He paused in his action of retrieving one of Cloud’s bags from the trunk and turned to gaze at the gates which led inside the port. It was that same feeling he had gotten while on the transport shuttle to Spring Valley. Someone was watching him, but he couldn’t see who it was. The port was fairly busy, but as he scanned the crowd he didn’t see any familiar faces nor anyone who was pointedly looking at him. “What’s wrong?” Cloud asked from just behind him.
“Not sure, but I think someone’s watching me.” Cloud joined in the scanning of the crowd, but like Duo he saw no one who was gazing directly at them.
“I don’t see anyone.”
“I know, that’s what’s bugging me. This happened once before while I was on the shuttle to Spring Valley.” Duo shrugged and resumed lifting the bags out and onto a trolley. “It doesn’t matter, if someone’s there, someone’s there. I’ll fight whoever I need to.”
“Don’t do anything too reckless. I really don’t feel like patching you up again.” Duo smiled over his shoulder at the doctor.
“Fine then, I’ll just use you as a shield.”
“What makes you think I’m going to be anywhere nearby?”
“Because, you like a good fight just as much as I do. It’s in your Scottish blood.”
“Ah, well. You’re probably right.” The two laughed as they walked companionably back to the Dragonfly.
Immediately after Duo got on-board, he sought out Howard to ask him what was wrong with the ship. When he saw the look on his first mate’s face, his heart sank. “She’s broken isn’t she?”
“Well … I’d like to say yes, but the thing is – she’s not. All the diagnostics come back fine. Everything is in working condition, but she won’t run. We’re stuck until Trowa and Quatre can figure out what’s wrong with her, because I sure as hell couldn’t.”
“Great. I’ll go let our passenger know. I guess he won’t be willing to pay more – do you think?”
“I wouldn’t push it Duo.” Howard’s voice followed Duo as he left in search of his passenger.
WuFei was sitting at the dining table, a steaming hot cup of black coffee before him. “I told you that this ship has a strong spirit. You won’t figure out what’s wrong with her by looking at data through a computer. If you want to know what’s wrong with her, just ask.” His dark eyes turned to gaze at Duo with a sharpness that sent shivers down his spine. “Most people treat machines as things. They work better for you if treated more like a living creature.”
“Are you telling me that I’ve mistreated my ship?!” Duo could feel his temper rising over the other man’s arrogance. “Look, this is my ship and I’ll treat her the way I see fit! We’ll find out what’s wrong our way because I’m captain and what I say goes.” WuFei shrugged and then rather nonchalantly returned to sipping his coffee. “Asshole,” Duo mumbled as he strode angrily past him.
A week and a half passed and there was still no luck with the Dragonfly. Even with the combined brain power of Trowa, Quatre, Duo, and Howard there was still not even the smallest clue as to what was ailing the Dragonfly. Duo and Cloud were sitting in lawn chairs on the loading dock for the cargo bay taking it easy since there was no point in toiling every minute of the day anymore. Howard had gone into the city to see if he could find someone who might be willing to help for a reasonable price. Cloud had laughed heartily over the old man’s optimism since the city of Harriston was a rather expensive place.
“So Cloud, how the hell did you afford living here?”
“I’m a doctor … I make quite a bit of money.”
“Mind sharing?” Duo asked as he lifted his sunglasses with a lazy forefinger.
“If you need it.” Cloud turned his head to face his friend who had sat up and removed his sunglasses. The look upon Duo’s face was no longer playful, but quite serious. “How badly do you need it?”
“Very. The passenger we have on board will give me just enough to pay most of the crew, but not Howard or Trowa. I just barely have enough to keep the kitchen stocked.” This revelation caused Cloud to sit up as well.
“Duo, where’d all your family’s money go to?”
“If I touch it, they’ll know where we are. I’m not stupid Cloud … we tried that once before and they found us. I know you saw that scar on Honor’s side.”
“She wouldn’t talk about it. She just said that it was from an accident when she was younger.”
“Yeah, well … they nearly killed her. It was thanks to that boy named Heero. If he hadn’t shown up both myself and Honor would have died then.”
“And your dad’s journal would be in their possession.”
“Exactly.”
“Speaking of which, what’s in it?” Duo rose and walked to the edge of the platform. He stood there toying with his sunglasses and staring unseeing out across the paddock.
“I – promised not to tell. And after reading the first few pages I can sort of understand. I’ll let you know everything when the time comes.” He glanced back to see Cloud nod and settle back against the lawn chair once more. Duo returned to looking at the paddock in which one other ship had docked just the day prior. It was rather small, but quite new ship. He had yet to see the owner, but didn’t really care since he didn’t feel much like pretending to be friendly with a stranger at the moment. Duo slid his sunglasses back onto his face and was turning back to his chair when the hatch on the other ship opened. His stomach instantly knotted up and his eyes became fixated on the widening opening on the other ship. Part of him was thinking that he should go inside the Dragonfly immediately so that he wouldn’t have to talk to his new ‘neighbors,’ but the other was much stronger and kept him glued to the spot.
The heavy hatch dropped onto the ground revealing a set of short stairs which a young man with messy chocolate brown hair was beginning to descend. Duo slowly lowered his sunglasses as his heart began to beat heavily within his chest; he could feel his mouth hanging open but lacked the cognitive ability to close it. Before him was the very person whom he and Cloud had just been discussing. The man who had saved his life once and then spared it the second time. Instead of walking back inside the ship, Duo found himself descending his own ship’s stairs and then coming face to face with the other man.
Heero stared into the blue eyes which had haunted his dreams with some surprise. He hadn’t expected it to be quite so easy to find the elusive Captain Maxwell, but there he was before him. They stood quietly gazing at each other, each searching for something within the other’s eyes. A loud cough pulled the two men away from their intense contemplation of the other. Doctor J was standing next to Heero leaning heavily upon his cane and a bright smile was dancing across his wrinkled face. “Well, well. It looks like we found him, Heero. Amazing. You look just like your father did when he was your age … except – you have your mother’s hair.”
“That better not have been a joke, old man.” Duo took a step toward Doctor J, but the old man began to shake all over with laughter.
“Your mother had beautiful hair, I was merely stating a fact. Don’t be so sensitive, Duer.”
Duo paused, his eyes widening in shock. Just who was this old man? “The name is Duo. No one’s called me Duer since I was little.”
“Because little Honor couldn’t say it, correct?” Duo’s stomach felt as if it were trying to flop out of his body. This man knew too much. Out of desperation, Duo turned to face Heero who was watching the old man with a blank expression. He was absolutely no help. “I knew your father quite well, Duo. Do not fear me, I only want to help you – as does this young man, who thinks that he is on a mission to figure out whether or not he can kill you. But I already know the answer.” Both Duo and Heero’s brows creased in confusion as they listened to Doctor J speak. “I do, but sadly I would be meddling if I told you.” Duo rolled his eyes and fought back the urge to punch the old man, while Heero began to glare fiercely at him.
“I think I vaguely remember my father mentioning a strange old man. You must be who he was talking about.” Doctor J’s laughter sounded more like the crack of a whip than actual humor. Duo opened his mouth to speak when the sound of Howard’s voice drifted to his ears.
“Duo! Trouble!”
“Damn! Duo, it’s the Alliance.” Cloud had run down to join his friend and was staring with a wild-eyed expression at the running figure of Howard who was closely followed by none other than Zechs Marquise.
“Damnit,” Duo turned and presented a smile to Heero and Doctor J. “We’ll have to finish this conversation later. If I were you I’d get outta here quickly.” Cloud and Duo raced back into the cargo bay. The doctor ran up the stairs to tell Trowa that it was now or never to get the ship off the ground, while the captain rushed over to the hatch operator. He had just placed his hand over the button which closed the hatch when he noticed that Heero had climbed on-board and was walking toward him. “What!?” He demanded rather shrilly. “We’re kinda in the middle of a crisis right now!”
“I can help.”
“Huh?!” Duo’s hand dropped off the instrument panel as he blinked in a confused manner. “O—okay, I guess.” Heero nodded and disappeared after Cloud. Duo mentally shook himself to clear the confusion from his mind. Howard was slowly climbing the stairs and he could see the procession of Alliance members lead by the saucy Zechs just feet behind him. “Get your ass on-board, Howard!” Duo slammed his fist against the button which caused the hatch doors to begin closing. He rushed over to Howard and pulled him aboard just as the doors moved into a position which prevented Zechs and his men from getting on-board. The ship jerked as the turbines began to spin in preparation for lift-off. Howard and Duo looked at each other as bright smiles burst onto their faces. “Let’s get the hell outta here!”
Zechs stared up at the Dragonfly as she rose gracefully into the sky. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, but you’ll not get what you’re looking for.” Doctor J smiled in a knowing manner at the young lieutenant. “You should just let them be and go back to your boss. Tell him that Duo Maxwell can take care of himself.”
First Lieutenant Marquise stared blankly down at the old man for a few seconds and then slowly a sly smirk began to grow on his dangerously perfect face. “Do you like chocolate old man?”
“I do, but it depends on who gives it to me. I wouldn’t take a piece from someone with a smile like yours any day. But, I suppose you want to know what all I know … fine then, lead the way. I’ll not hold back.”
-----------
TBC
Gundam Wing belongs to Hajime Yadate, Yoshiyuki Tomino, and Bandai
geovisit();
Warnings: None
Chapter Status: COMPLETE
I am going to complete this story before I post the rest of the chapters. I'm not certain how long it will take me, but if you are interested in knowing how far along I am go to my livejournal (it's under siberianknight) and look for my update posts. If you want to friend me I'm cool with that, but I just wanted everyone to know that I'm not giving up on the story. It'll just be a few months before you see me posting this story again.
Thank you all for your support!
-- Siberianknight :)
Duo entered the cargo bay of his ship just behind Cloud and Quatre who was almost literally holding his breath with anticipation of discovering what lay within the two aforementioned books. No sooner had the large door’s seal hissed as the bay was pressurized in preparation for take-off did the young blonde turn on Duo. “Okay, you can’t forget your promise.”
“Quatre,” Duo drawled with a lazy roll of his eyes. “Are you saying that the book is more important than him?” Quatre’s green-blue eyes followed the path of Duo’s pointing finger and saw Trowa standing near Cloud, arms thrown wide in invitation. Quatre ran toward his love and snuggled close against the base of Trowa’s lean neck as they held one another.
“Hey Captain! Is it okay for me to tell Miller to get goin’?” Duo glanced up to find Howard leaning over the railing next to the stairs which led down to the cargo bay.
“Sure. Set a course for Palin.”
“Roger!” The bushy gray mane of Duo’s first mate disappeared quickly as he dashed toward the bridge.
“Duo, I think we really should sit down and discuss what’s going on. There couldn’t be a better chance.” The captain gave a brief nod as he watched Trowa and Quatre walk hand in hand up the stairs. A wave of loneliness swept over him at that moment. It hadn’t been so long since he had last felt such sadness and he knew already that there was no cure for it. He had hoped at one point that entering into a relationship would heal at least some of the pain, but in fact it had only made it more pronounced. The weight of Cloud’s hand on his shoulder pulled him from his inward reflections and he reminded himself that he wasn’t completely alone. He did still have his friends and of course his ship, Dragonfly.
The two men walked companionably up the wide stairs and down the short catwalk to the hatch which led into the main part of the ship. It was there that Cloud turned to Duo with a somber expression upon his face. “I was wondering Duo – do I get my old room, or is someone else occupying it now?”
“No one’s been in it since you and Honor left to get married. Why?” Cloud averted his gaze as Duo’s eyes met his own. “Why?” Duo asked suspiciously.
“There were some of her things in there. We left them behind thinking that we were coming back. When I left, I didn’t take them with me. That was all.” Cloud bent over low to clear the hatch’s oval frame. Duo stood quietly watching him as the pain within his heart began to grow once more. Perhaps the doctor had a good point, maybe they should examine the books and try to figure out what was going on. That way no one else would have to suffer the way he and Duo had, but there was a hesitance within him that he couldn’t explain. Perhaps it was just from the fear of the unknown.
Mentally shrugging off the doubts inside his mind, the captain traversed the narrow passageway until it opened up into the common area. It was there that he found Howard; three other crew members; as well as Cloud, Trowa, and Quatre sitting around the dining table. “We’ve got the book ready. We were just waitin’ for you.” Howard rose from his seat and placed a strong but age worn hand on his captain’s shoulder. “We all know how difficult this is, kiddo. But it needs to be done.”
“I know. That’s one of the reasons we’re going to Palin. I wanna speak with Sky about this mess. Also so Cloud can get his things, he’s going to be our doctor once more.”
Howard’s bushy brows drew together, concern clearly marked upon his leathery face. “Are you sure you’re okay with that?”
“I forgave him, Howard. We’re okay now.” He patted his first mate’s shoulder reassuringly, but Howard cast one last skeptical glance in Duo’s direction before he regained his seat. The captain turned to face the small gathering as he addressed the group. “I realize that you all know what we’re going to be talking about. Every one of you has been aboard this ship since before my sister’s death. That’s why you’re sitting here. I want you all to swear that what we discuss today will not leave this room.” A chorus of ‘aye’s’ and ‘yes’s’ followed in Duo’s brief pause. “Good. As you already know, my father was an explorer as well as being a businessman. His ability to lead was why he was chosen to be the voice for the Freedomists. I always assumed that these books were about his time in the revolt, but I may be wrong.
“These are why he, my mother, my sister, and others were targeted and killed. Quatre and I were attacked while on Spring Valley and I want to know why.” Duo reached out and picked up the book which had been in his care since he was a boy. His stomach felt as if a million butterflies had just spawned and were all trying to escape at once. Was this really such a good idea? What if something terrible was written inside the book? He slowly began to open it when WuFei’s voice stopped him.
“I don’t think you should open that.”
Cloud rose to his feet and faced the Chinese man who was leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed arrogantly against his chest. “Why not?!”
“Because, I’m afraid it’ll set things into motion that you’re not ready to deal with. A wise man wouldn’t meddle. You’re family paid the price and now you’re ready to start that cycle once more. Destroy it -- both of them. And make sure that the underworld knows you’ve done so. I’m sure that’s what the good Professor told your father with his final breath.”
Duo’s eyes drifted slowly back to the leather bound text which was gripped in his left hand. His father had never told him what lay within the book, nor had he really cared at the time. Duo had been terrified of what was happening and only wanted to know that everything was going to be alright. “WuFei, you seem awfully well informed for someone who is just simply catching a ride with us.”
“I suppose I do sound that way. The name on the binding was all I needed to see. He was the son of an early explorer, and one whom I’m familiar with through stories which have been passed down within my family.
“I realize that doesn’t exactly explain my fears, but just trust me … you should not open that.” All eyes fell on the cover where a name was embossed in a rich red ink. It was somewhat faded, but the letters were still legible. It read, ‘Professor Frederick G. Lewis.’
“I’m not familiar with his name,” Cloud stated with a slight growl as his annoyance began to bubble close to the surface and threatened to turn to anger at any moment.
“That’s because you’re not from Isis. His name wouldn’t be well known to those of Sonas or any of the planets in SSG for that matter.”
“I’m opening it,” Duo stated with conviction. He wasn’t going to listen to someone who was just a passenger upon his ship. WuFei couldn’t possibly know anymore than the young Miller did about the book which lay before him, and if he did then he should give more than just a vague warning. As Duo slowly pushed open the book, WuFei’s hand grabbed tightly onto his lean wrist.
“I’ll tell you once more, opening that will create more problems than I believe you are capable of dealing with. Do – not – open – it.” Duo shook off the other man’s hand and continued to open the book. “I warned you. Don’t expect me to help when trouble comes your way.” With that last prediction, WuFei left the room as quietly as he had entered.
“That man has some serious problems,” Cloud remarked softly as he gazed over Duo’s shoulder at the first page of what appeared to be a man’s journal.
‘It was early December when we were forced to make an emergency landing due to a forceful attack by the budding Alliance. If we are not careful, the rogue police force that is supposedly out for the greater good will get the better of all of us. Not just those who live in and around Earth. I am not wholly surprised that their reach has made it to this sector of SSB, but I will admit to being shocked by their use of force to keep us away from exactly what we are unsure of.
I hope that this journal will help others understand what the Alliance truly is and what they are hiding from us all. My men and I have decided to explore the surrounding areas to see if this was what they were fighting so hard to protect from our eyes. The following is an account of our journey and discoveries.’
Duo turned the page to find it blank. Once more the page was turned, but this time the writing was illegible. “What the hell?” He began to flip through the pages with an ever increasing agitation as he wondered why he couldn’t figure out what type of language the man had written in.
“It must be code.” Trowa remarked from his position next to Duo.
“The other book!” Cloud rushed away from the table and disappeared through the doorway which led to the crew cabins. After a few moments he returned clutching an identical leather bound journal in his hand. “Maybe this will help.” He set it down and allowed Duo to open it. Scrawled in bold yet elegant writing on the first page was the name, Ian C. Maxwell. “This was all Honor and I ever looked at. The moment she saw your father’s name she slammed the book closed and told me that we probably should just leave it alone. I’m not sure what came over her, but she was shaking the same way you are right now.”
Duo’s blue eyes flashed with annoyance at Cloud’s keen observation. He was shaking, but he didn’t know why. So this was his father’s own journal, why did that make him so nervous and why did he suddenly have this strong urge to close the book and forget everything? He glanced around the table everyone’s eyes upon him. They were all waiting, and they deserved to know why these books were so important. The only way to find any answers to his family’s deaths lay within those two books, so why did he hesitate?
“If you want I’ll look in it,” Trowa gently offered.
“No. This is my family’s curse so to speak. I need to do this myself.” Duo chuckled uneasily as his attention returned to his father’s journal. He slowly turned the page to find a note addressed to himself and his sister.
‘To Honor and Duer,
If you find yourselves reading this journal, I beg you to not let anyone know of its existence, or what it contains within. It is vital that you keep your silence. I love you both too much to possibly lose you over this matter.
That being said, I want you to know that this is a journal of my time served as the leader of the Sonas’ division of the Freedomists faction as well as a translation of the great explorer Frederick G. Lewis’s journal. He wrote in code so it was rather difficult for me to translate, but I was determined and it gave me something to take my mind off the fighting.
Love always,
Your father’
A lump began to grow within Duo’s throat as he stared at the familiar handwriting. So was it true, was his family killed over these two books? A deeply seeded determination formed within him and he quickly turned the page to begin reading. As his eyes rested upon the first sentence of script a chill ran down his spine and he could have sworn he heard someone whisper in his ear to stop. He shook off the feeling and began to read on. Without warning the book was torn from his hands and flung angrily across the room to land spine up and the pages crinkled against the floor. “Did you guys just see that?” Duo asked rather calmly for someone who had just had an object ripped from his hands by an unseen force. Several soft grunts and shaky nods answered him as he rose to fetch the book from its resting place.
Duo froze in his tracks as a soft shimmer within the doorway leading to the captain’s quarters appeared. As he gazed at the pale glow, there was a warm sensation which wrapped around his heart and a strong urging to let the matter of the books go. The shimmer had a nearly imperceptible figure, one that he wasn’t certain but he thought it could possibly be, “Honor.” Cloud’s whisper broke through the silence within the room like a thunder bolt. The light faded quickly when Cloud spoke. “Wait!” He rushed over to the doorway and looked around trying to find some trace that there had been something there. Duo watched him, his heart aching for his friend. “Sh-she was here, right? That was her – I’m not seeing things, am I?” His green hazel eyes were overly bright with a thin sheen of unshed tears. Duo wasn’t sure what to say to him, so he stood quietly carefully avoiding eye contact. It was Trowa who moved to comfort the doctor, but was pushed away unwanted. “I’m fine. Just fine, damn it.” Cloud hid his face behind a lean hand as he left for his room.
“I think we should stop for now. Why don’t you fix dinner Quatre?” Trowa rested his hand on the blonde’s shoulder who was gazing with a quizzical expression at Duo. “As for you Duo, I think you should take both the books to your cabin and keep them there … securely.” The captain nodded without really thinking about what Trowa had said. He was too busy trying to interpret what had just happened. Logically it was all ridiculous, yet he and Cloud had both seen her standing in the doorway. Was she there warning him? He was having a hard time believing that, but still something had been in the doorway.
Duo’s sleep over the next few days was a restless one. His mind couldn’t let go of the ghostly image of his sister standing in the doorway. Sometimes his mind could see her face clearly and there would be a look of fear in her eyes, but then other times it would be as it had been in that moment, a clouded blur. On the night before they arrived in Palin’s orbit, Duo gave up on trying to sleep and reached for his father’s journal. He thumbed through the pages not really reading any of the script upon the slightly aged paper. Should he read them, or listen to his gut? That simple question was really what was keeping him awake at night, not the dreams of Honor but a question which could potentially bring harm to those around him.
He set the book back in his safe and locked it. A soft warmth wrapped around him and there was a faint scent of daffodils in the air as he turned to gaze at the empty room. Laughter escaped through his lips as he realized that he must just be sleep deprived. Apparently it hadn’t been enough that he had possibly seen his sister’s ghost now he could smell her perfume. Duo left his cabin for the common area in search of food. Perhaps once he had a full stomach he’d be able to sleep.
As he entered the large area he discovered that he was not alone. WuFei was sitting quietly at the table, his jet black eyes gazing curiously at Duo. “Have you been stupid enough to read any of the journals?”
“No,” Duo answered annoyed that he was going to have to eat in his room to get away from his ‘know-it-all’ passenger.
“I realize that you lost your family because of the journal, but it just isn’t worth it to –”
Duo froze in his actions of placing soup into a pot. He couldn’t take this anymore, just what was his game? “How do you know that something bad will happen?!”
“I – let’s just say that I am well educated on the adventures of Professor Lewis.” WuFei rose from his seat as the captain strode angrily toward him. Duo stood a good half a foot taller than him, but the Chinese man wasn’t so easily intimidated.
“Look, I’m tired of this strange run-around you’ve given me since we first decided to read that damned book. I want you to be straight with me. Why the hell don’t you want us to read it!?” Duo watched WuFei closely hoping to glean some information from his expression, but the other man was excellent at concealing his true emotions from others.
“Since you can’t take me on my word, I will give you this much – the information within that book could bring about a second war. One that will bring pain and suffering to a great many people. I only wish to prevent that.”
“So my reading that will cause a war. That makes no sense, Chang!”
“As long as you don’t tell anyone that you have that book, or what is contained within it … you may read it.”
“Glad to have your permission,” Duo spat out, his tone heavy with sarcasm.
“You’re welcome.” WuFei turned from the captain and made his way toward the crew quarters. Without turning around he asked just before he disappeared through the doorway, “I do have your word?”
“Absolutely, and I’ve never broken it.” The young Asian disappeared through the portal and Duo returned quietly to his cooking, the book now weighing heavily on his mind. As soon as his soup was heated he poured it into a bowl and headed back to his quarters. Despite the possible warning from his sister’s ghost, he was going to read it no matter what.
After finishing his meal, Duo returned to his cot and reclined with the book open in his lap. His father had still been a respected leader within the Freedomists’ ranks when Duo was young, but the moment his mother had told Ian of her pregnancy he had quit active duty. However, Duo could clearly remember the secret calls that he had to keep quiet about and the numerous strangers who would disappear with his father for hours at a time locked up within the family’s Study. Looking back now Duo knew for a fact that his father had never truly given up his position within the Freedomists, and he now held a book which contained information about his father before he was born. He hoped that it could shed a bit of light on the activities that Ian had been involved in, but most of all he hoped that it would paint a clearer picture of just why his family had been killed. It was with a small ounce of apprehension that Duo turned the first page once more and began to read his father’s writing.
2225.04.06
I have decided to keep a journal of the actions taken by myself and my comrades during this harrowing time. We, the Freedomists, have finally managed to band together and stand up to the Alliance’s corruption. Too long have we suffered under their absolute and near tyrannical rule. Soon our governments shall be back within our hands and not those who enjoy helping the elite and ignoring the common people.
Our first meeting will be tomorrow in my family farm’s barn. I’m worried about my mother’s wellbeing and so I have sent her to stay with her sister in Greykirk, she knows nothing about what I am about to do. I pray for luck and guidance tonight in the hopes that we will be successful with few casualties.
2225.04.10
Our meeting went as planned and I met men much older than myself with far more experience. I’ve learned quite a bit from them, but I still feel uneasy about leading such a large group of men. I’m not sure why I’ve been elected as leader, but that was the final decision.
There was one interesting man amongst the people who came to the meeting. He refused to tell me his name, but asked me to call him ‘doctor.’ ‘Doc’ sat down with me and we had a long discussion about my feelings and my knowledge of the Alliance. Apparently I met whatever requirements he was looking for because he began to tell me a curious story about one of the early terraformed planets in SSB, Isis.
Duo paused in his reading the moment his eyes landed on the word, Isis. That was where WuFei was headed, was that the reason he had been so adamantly against everyone reading the journals? “Is there a secret on that planet? The Alliance wasn’t even around yet. What the hell could be so special about Isis?” Curiosity pricked, Duo plunged forward with his reading.
Doc informed me that the people on the planet were ‘special,’ sadly I still don’t understand what he meant by that. But he did tell me that if the Alliance found out anything about it, they would immediately act on it. Before he left, he gave me a journal with very strange writing inside it. I honestly don’t understand it, but he told me that I am the one to figure it out. I’m not sure what he meant by that, it almost sounded like a prophecy of some sort, but I don’t believe that foretold fortunes and predetermined fate are the way life works. I believe that one carves out his own destiny and future. I promised him that I would look into making an attempt to translate the text, but in truth I’ll probably never open it again.
Tomorrow I leave for our new base. There we’ll begin our formal battle tactics. I hope that I’m as good at drawing up a battle plan as I am playing chess.
The buzz of the intercom forced Duo to set the book aside and rise from his bed. When he pressed the glowing red button, Howard’s voice crackled through the small speaker. “Capt’n we’re only five minutes from Palin, you should probably get up here.”
“Yeah,” Duo sighed as he glanced over his shoulder at his father’s journal. The two pages he had read had told him very little about his father. Truthfully the only thing that was weighing on his mind was the mentioning of Isis and its people. Duo tossed around the idea of questioning WuFei as he made his way up to the bridge. Asking him to explain would likely turn into an exercise of extreme patience. He knew that Chang wouldn’t reveal anything that Duo hadn’t worked for, especially since the answer lay within his father’s journal; however, the man had to have some knowledge of the big secret. He was from Isis after all.
“I went ahead and made the approach announcement to the checkpoint, I hope you don’t mind.” Duo smiled at Howard as he assured him that he was glad he had done so. “You said we were here so Cloud could get his things. I can’t remember now, but was there anything else you needed to do here?”
“I –” Duo paused trying to remember the other reason he had wanted to stop on Palin. Try as he might the answer just wouldn’t come to him. There was nothing really there except for fancy shops and high class citizens, so why had the idea that he needed to stop there slipped into his mind? Had he wanted to speak with Sky? Sadly, he just couldn’t remember.
“You what?” Howard asked after the young man had stood silent for some time.
Duo shrugged and gave a good natured grin to his old friend. “Can’t remember now. Must not have been that important.” The first mate nodded then turned to Miller who was sitting before the navigation panel.
“Easy does it Miller. We can’t afford suspicion.”
“Yes sir.” Duo stood watch as they easily passed the checkpoint and ventured on to enter the atmosphere of the planet and land. No sooner than they had touched down did the engine sputter and stop.
“What was that?” Duo glanced from Miller to Howard and then the instrument panel which had gone completely dark.
“Um, my guess would be – out of gas?”
“We’re not out of gas you idiot,” Howard swatted at Miller’s arm as he chastised him. “Must be electrical. I’ll go see Trowa – you take that doctor friend of yours and get his things. Don’t worry, I can handle this,” he added as Duo’s face scrunched up with concern.
“It’s not that, I just don’t understand why she just died.”
“Everything breaks once and a while. And usually it doesn’t warn you. Just go on … and um – take your time.” Howard disappeared down the ladder with a bright grin that Duo didn’t entirely trust. Dragonfly was probably seriously wounded and Howard knew it but wasn’t telling. Just what they needed, a delay. He made his way down to the common area where Cloud was waiting on him.
“What’s wrong with the ship?”
“Don’t ask,” Duo answered rather grumpily. He turned and walked on ahead of his friend whose long stride easily caught up with him.
“I guess we’re going to be here for a little while, huh?”
“Seems that way.” Upon exiting the ship Cloud grabbed Duo’s arm to prevent him from walking on.
“What’s wrong?”
Duo’s blue eyes turned to glare into Cloud’s green-hazel eyes. The concern which Cloud felt for him was etched into every plane of the man’s face, but instead of comforting Duo it only made him mad. “I’m pissed off that my ship is broken.”
“Sorry,” Cloud shook his head in aggravation and stomped on ahead of Duo. Somehow he had the feeling that this trip to his apartment was going to be very long one.
The two hired a cab and rode in silence for the majority of the journey. High rise buildings rose to block out the late afternoon sun and cast a heavy shadow over the busy sidewalks. Cloud had lived in one of the largest cities on Palin in the hopes of making himself so busy he never had time to think about his late wife. He chuckled softly as he thought about how that hadn’t worked very well. The only thing it had accomplished was to give him something to do instead of laying awake in bed unable to sleep.
“What?” Duo’s annoyed tone caused Cloud’s face to break out in a self-loathing smile.
“I was just thinking that you can’t run from memories no matter how hard you try.” Duo grunted softly then turned to stare blankly out the window once more until a thought entered his mind.
“I never asked, why were you on Spring Valley?”
“Looking for you.” Duo turned a surprised face to Cloud. “I began to worry about you when they turned my apartment and office inside out.”
“I’m not a kid anymore Cloud. I can take care of myself.”
“Don’t get so defensive. I know you can. It’s just I wanted to warn you, and make sure that nothing had happened to you. You are my brother-in-law after all.”
“Yeah I know. Thanks,” Cloud chuckled at Duo’s mumbled appreciation. They arrived at their destination just a few moments later and Cloud was quick and efficient in gathering his belongings and then returning to the awaiting cab. “They said to take our time.”
“I know, but I’m sure you’re dying to get back and see what’s wrong with her.” Duo smiled at Cloud as the two climbed inside the car once more to head back to the Dragonfly.
“You know me too well,” Duo commented cheerfully once they were on their way.
“Not really … but the urge to return quickly is written all over your face.”
“Is it now? Are you sure it’s not something else?”
“Okay fine, you have gas then.” The two began to laugh until their sides hurt even though the comment hadn’t been very funny. It was just that finally the tension between the two men had fully lifted. They had survived a day together without killing the other and when Cloud had mentioned something about the past neither had fallen into a sullen state. Some progress in their healing was starting to show, and hopefully soon they would behave the way they had before.
The two men continued to joke and talk easily on their return trip, but when the taxi came to a stop just outside the spaceport Duo’s stomach began to knot up with tension and there was a funny tingling sensation on the back of his neck. He paused in his action of retrieving one of Cloud’s bags from the trunk and turned to gaze at the gates which led inside the port. It was that same feeling he had gotten while on the transport shuttle to Spring Valley. Someone was watching him, but he couldn’t see who it was. The port was fairly busy, but as he scanned the crowd he didn’t see any familiar faces nor anyone who was pointedly looking at him. “What’s wrong?” Cloud asked from just behind him.
“Not sure, but I think someone’s watching me.” Cloud joined in the scanning of the crowd, but like Duo he saw no one who was gazing directly at them.
“I don’t see anyone.”
“I know, that’s what’s bugging me. This happened once before while I was on the shuttle to Spring Valley.” Duo shrugged and resumed lifting the bags out and onto a trolley. “It doesn’t matter, if someone’s there, someone’s there. I’ll fight whoever I need to.”
“Don’t do anything too reckless. I really don’t feel like patching you up again.” Duo smiled over his shoulder at the doctor.
“Fine then, I’ll just use you as a shield.”
“What makes you think I’m going to be anywhere nearby?”
“Because, you like a good fight just as much as I do. It’s in your Scottish blood.”
“Ah, well. You’re probably right.” The two laughed as they walked companionably back to the Dragonfly.
Immediately after Duo got on-board, he sought out Howard to ask him what was wrong with the ship. When he saw the look on his first mate’s face, his heart sank. “She’s broken isn’t she?”
“Well … I’d like to say yes, but the thing is – she’s not. All the diagnostics come back fine. Everything is in working condition, but she won’t run. We’re stuck until Trowa and Quatre can figure out what’s wrong with her, because I sure as hell couldn’t.”
“Great. I’ll go let our passenger know. I guess he won’t be willing to pay more – do you think?”
“I wouldn’t push it Duo.” Howard’s voice followed Duo as he left in search of his passenger.
WuFei was sitting at the dining table, a steaming hot cup of black coffee before him. “I told you that this ship has a strong spirit. You won’t figure out what’s wrong with her by looking at data through a computer. If you want to know what’s wrong with her, just ask.” His dark eyes turned to gaze at Duo with a sharpness that sent shivers down his spine. “Most people treat machines as things. They work better for you if treated more like a living creature.”
“Are you telling me that I’ve mistreated my ship?!” Duo could feel his temper rising over the other man’s arrogance. “Look, this is my ship and I’ll treat her the way I see fit! We’ll find out what’s wrong our way because I’m captain and what I say goes.” WuFei shrugged and then rather nonchalantly returned to sipping his coffee. “Asshole,” Duo mumbled as he strode angrily past him.
A week and a half passed and there was still no luck with the Dragonfly. Even with the combined brain power of Trowa, Quatre, Duo, and Howard there was still not even the smallest clue as to what was ailing the Dragonfly. Duo and Cloud were sitting in lawn chairs on the loading dock for the cargo bay taking it easy since there was no point in toiling every minute of the day anymore. Howard had gone into the city to see if he could find someone who might be willing to help for a reasonable price. Cloud had laughed heartily over the old man’s optimism since the city of Harriston was a rather expensive place.
“So Cloud, how the hell did you afford living here?”
“I’m a doctor … I make quite a bit of money.”
“Mind sharing?” Duo asked as he lifted his sunglasses with a lazy forefinger.
“If you need it.” Cloud turned his head to face his friend who had sat up and removed his sunglasses. The look upon Duo’s face was no longer playful, but quite serious. “How badly do you need it?”
“Very. The passenger we have on board will give me just enough to pay most of the crew, but not Howard or Trowa. I just barely have enough to keep the kitchen stocked.” This revelation caused Cloud to sit up as well.
“Duo, where’d all your family’s money go to?”
“If I touch it, they’ll know where we are. I’m not stupid Cloud … we tried that once before and they found us. I know you saw that scar on Honor’s side.”
“She wouldn’t talk about it. She just said that it was from an accident when she was younger.”
“Yeah, well … they nearly killed her. It was thanks to that boy named Heero. If he hadn’t shown up both myself and Honor would have died then.”
“And your dad’s journal would be in their possession.”
“Exactly.”
“Speaking of which, what’s in it?” Duo rose and walked to the edge of the platform. He stood there toying with his sunglasses and staring unseeing out across the paddock.
“I – promised not to tell. And after reading the first few pages I can sort of understand. I’ll let you know everything when the time comes.” He glanced back to see Cloud nod and settle back against the lawn chair once more. Duo returned to looking at the paddock in which one other ship had docked just the day prior. It was rather small, but quite new ship. He had yet to see the owner, but didn’t really care since he didn’t feel much like pretending to be friendly with a stranger at the moment. Duo slid his sunglasses back onto his face and was turning back to his chair when the hatch on the other ship opened. His stomach instantly knotted up and his eyes became fixated on the widening opening on the other ship. Part of him was thinking that he should go inside the Dragonfly immediately so that he wouldn’t have to talk to his new ‘neighbors,’ but the other was much stronger and kept him glued to the spot.
The heavy hatch dropped onto the ground revealing a set of short stairs which a young man with messy chocolate brown hair was beginning to descend. Duo slowly lowered his sunglasses as his heart began to beat heavily within his chest; he could feel his mouth hanging open but lacked the cognitive ability to close it. Before him was the very person whom he and Cloud had just been discussing. The man who had saved his life once and then spared it the second time. Instead of walking back inside the ship, Duo found himself descending his own ship’s stairs and then coming face to face with the other man.
Heero stared into the blue eyes which had haunted his dreams with some surprise. He hadn’t expected it to be quite so easy to find the elusive Captain Maxwell, but there he was before him. They stood quietly gazing at each other, each searching for something within the other’s eyes. A loud cough pulled the two men away from their intense contemplation of the other. Doctor J was standing next to Heero leaning heavily upon his cane and a bright smile was dancing across his wrinkled face. “Well, well. It looks like we found him, Heero. Amazing. You look just like your father did when he was your age … except – you have your mother’s hair.”
“That better not have been a joke, old man.” Duo took a step toward Doctor J, but the old man began to shake all over with laughter.
“Your mother had beautiful hair, I was merely stating a fact. Don’t be so sensitive, Duer.”
Duo paused, his eyes widening in shock. Just who was this old man? “The name is Duo. No one’s called me Duer since I was little.”
“Because little Honor couldn’t say it, correct?” Duo’s stomach felt as if it were trying to flop out of his body. This man knew too much. Out of desperation, Duo turned to face Heero who was watching the old man with a blank expression. He was absolutely no help. “I knew your father quite well, Duo. Do not fear me, I only want to help you – as does this young man, who thinks that he is on a mission to figure out whether or not he can kill you. But I already know the answer.” Both Duo and Heero’s brows creased in confusion as they listened to Doctor J speak. “I do, but sadly I would be meddling if I told you.” Duo rolled his eyes and fought back the urge to punch the old man, while Heero began to glare fiercely at him.
“I think I vaguely remember my father mentioning a strange old man. You must be who he was talking about.” Doctor J’s laughter sounded more like the crack of a whip than actual humor. Duo opened his mouth to speak when the sound of Howard’s voice drifted to his ears.
“Duo! Trouble!”
“Damn! Duo, it’s the Alliance.” Cloud had run down to join his friend and was staring with a wild-eyed expression at the running figure of Howard who was closely followed by none other than Zechs Marquise.
“Damnit,” Duo turned and presented a smile to Heero and Doctor J. “We’ll have to finish this conversation later. If I were you I’d get outta here quickly.” Cloud and Duo raced back into the cargo bay. The doctor ran up the stairs to tell Trowa that it was now or never to get the ship off the ground, while the captain rushed over to the hatch operator. He had just placed his hand over the button which closed the hatch when he noticed that Heero had climbed on-board and was walking toward him. “What!?” He demanded rather shrilly. “We’re kinda in the middle of a crisis right now!”
“I can help.”
“Huh?!” Duo’s hand dropped off the instrument panel as he blinked in a confused manner. “O—okay, I guess.” Heero nodded and disappeared after Cloud. Duo mentally shook himself to clear the confusion from his mind. Howard was slowly climbing the stairs and he could see the procession of Alliance members lead by the saucy Zechs just feet behind him. “Get your ass on-board, Howard!” Duo slammed his fist against the button which caused the hatch doors to begin closing. He rushed over to Howard and pulled him aboard just as the doors moved into a position which prevented Zechs and his men from getting on-board. The ship jerked as the turbines began to spin in preparation for lift-off. Howard and Duo looked at each other as bright smiles burst onto their faces. “Let’s get the hell outta here!”
Zechs stared up at the Dragonfly as she rose gracefully into the sky. “I’m sure I don’t need to tell you, but you’ll not get what you’re looking for.” Doctor J smiled in a knowing manner at the young lieutenant. “You should just let them be and go back to your boss. Tell him that Duo Maxwell can take care of himself.”
First Lieutenant Marquise stared blankly down at the old man for a few seconds and then slowly a sly smirk began to grow on his dangerously perfect face. “Do you like chocolate old man?”
“I do, but it depends on who gives it to me. I wouldn’t take a piece from someone with a smile like yours any day. But, I suppose you want to know what all I know … fine then, lead the way. I’ll not hold back.”
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TBC