Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 59 ( Chapter 59 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Forensics has positive ID's on Nolen and his group which gives the guys a little more to work with. Duo and the others are about to meet Barton and discover what it is he's up to.

Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance / Suspense / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 06.27.2009 | Pages: 8 | Words: 8.1K | Visits: 274 | Status: Work In Progress

“Family Ties”

January 2007 ShenLong

Chapter 59

It didn't take Zaheer long to get information from Farrow. The computer nerd was only too happy to answer all of Zaheer's questions as best he could if it meant he wasn't going to be injured. With the information gathered, Zaheer turned to Duric and closed the distance between them. Standing before Duric, Zaheer looked at the man and then turned his attention to Duo as well.

“I'm pretty certain you two can add to this information,” he said in a cold tone.

“I've already told you all I know,” Duo sneered. “If you're going to work him over, can you at least leave him alive? You've already killed two of my other kidnappers and I'd at least like the pleasure of killing him for what he did to me.”

Zaheer snorted. “Cocky bastard, aren't you?”

Duo shrugged.

“Maybe I should start with you, see if you are telling the truth.” Zaheer moved a little closer to Duo and then paused for a second, a shiver running down his spine. Purple eyes gazed back at him, steady and calm, but they held an unholy spark in them. Zaheer shook himself mentally and raised his fist.

The blow caught Duo on the side of the head and sent his senses reeling. Once his eyeballs had stopped jumping around and could focus again, he found Zaheer's nose just inches from his own.

“Now, let's start at the beginning, shall we? How did you meet these other two?”

* * *

“You have a positive ID?” Heero repeated.

“Yes, yes we do,” Summer stated. “If you would follow me, please?”

Heero and Wufei followed Summer through and into a small office where the agent moved the mouse on his computer and then turned the screen for the agents to see the images he was about to bring up.

“The John Doe brought in has been positively identified as one Anthony Nolen, resident of L2 and former rebel soldier during the war.”

Heero and Wufei looked at the image of the man on the screen. Even though the vid phone messages that had come through to Une when the terrorists were demanding the funding for L2 be increased had been slightly distorted, there was no mistaking the match.

“And the others? We only found the one body at the residence and can confirm there were at least three more involved from the information Nurse Brown has given us,” Heero stated.

“We managed to get enough DNA and fingerprints from the residence and articles to confirm there were four other people besides this Nolen, the nurse, baby and Agent Night.”

“Four?” Wufei questioned. “We have reason to believe there were only three others there.”

“There were fingerprints and other evidence to the contrary, agent. Here...” Summer clicked on a couple of links and brought up four thumbnails, each a smaller picture of their suspects.

“The first,” Summer clicked to enlarge a thumbnail, “Is a fellow by the name of Andrew Duric. He worked with Nolen in the rebel forces, his specialty was weapons. This one...” another picture opened up, “is a Paul Murphy. Again, he was a rebel soldier. This one,” another picture was displayed, “A fellow by the name of Colin Farrow. He's into computer stuff, although communications was more his area of expertise with the rebels. The last one,” another picture opened and revealed a familiar face, ”His name is Martin Cropp, a computer whizz and was responsible for hacking files and intelligence for the rebel faction.”

“Cropp?” Heero took another look at the picture and ran it through his mind. “He's the guy that was silenced along with the security guard at the ESUN. He was hacking into the database to find those missing funds.”

Several pieces of the puzzle all slotted into place, but Heero knew there was more - much more. He needed to think, needed somewhere quiet without distractions and preferably a computer for at least an hour where he could sort through his theories and check the facts.

“Chang, I need to sort a couple of things out. I'll be in my office.”

“Okay,” Wufei replied. “I'll finish up here and join you shortly.”

Heero nodded and left, his mind whirling with thoughts.

* * *

“I don't think you're going to get anything further from them,” Young commented. “I'm pretty certain they're all telling the truth.”

Zaheer grunted and turned away, wiping his knuckles on a handkerchief.

Farrow was pretty much unscathed, a couple of bruises and that was all. But then he'd been only too willing to answer all of Zaheer's questions. The other two weren't quite so lucky. Duo sported a black eye and split lip to go with his twisted ankle and bruised ribs. Duric was the worst; broken nose, black eyes, split lip, missing tooth and a couple of broken ribs.

Zaheer had his answers though.

“I'll go report to Barton.” He took a look back at the prisoners. “Leave them here for a while, they're not going anywhere.”

“Okay. I need the bathroom so I'll return in a minute to watch them.”

“I'll send one of the others to relieve you shortly. I'll find out what Barton wants doing with them.”

Young nodded and the pair left the room.

Duo groaned and slumped in his seat, his fingers automatically going for the knots in the ropes that bound his hands behind his back and the chair, unfortunately, they had been tied with a precision that would take him some time to get undone and right now he didn't have that much time. Duric was breathing heavily and only barely able to see out of his swollen eyes. Despite his condition he did his best to talk.

Turning to Farrow, he addressed the computer tech first. “Asshole,” he muttered. “I've got a good mind to beat the living crap out of you.”

Farrow lowered his eyes. “I, I can't take violence,” he whispered. “I'm not a soldier.”

“No, you're not,” Duric sneered. “And thanks to you they know exactly what we were after. It wouldn't surprise me if we all end up dead.” He turned his attention to Duo and left Farrow contemplating his words. “And you, “

“You can shut the fuck up,” Duo snarled. “You honestly think that what you lot were up to is going to make much difference to whatever it is these lot have planned? That shit head was right; you're a bunch of amateurs compared to these people.”

“Why you sniveling...”

“Just shut up and listen. I don't know what it is these guys are planning, but I can sense it's something big. We need to stay alive, and as much as I loathe to say it, we need to work together.”

“Why should we fucking help you?”

“Because I'm the best chance you have of remaining alive and getting out of here.” Duo neglected to add that he wanted Duric alive so he could have the pleasure of killing him himself for all he'd done.

With a sigh, Duric admitted defeat. “Okay.”

“Good, now listen up. It's obvious this lot is planning something big. Two of those assholes that came with us from earth are ESUN senators, and if I'm right, they're the ones responsible for the missing funding. You guys upset their apple cart by sending Cropp in to hack the data base for information. This group is intent on something much bigger than what you lot wanted. They have police hierarchy on their payroll, that would explain a few things, then there's the missing funding, this facility, that army and at the end of it there's Dekim Barton.”

“Dekim who?”

“Barton,” Duo replied.

“And who the fuck is he?”

“Trust me, you really don't want to know; besides, it's quite involved and would take longer than we have now to explain.”

“If I'm to work with you I need to know what the fuck it is I'm getting into,” snapped Duric.

“I'll tell you, just not now. Young will be back in a second. For now, play along with them, keep your ears open and your mouth shut.”

The sound of approaching footsteps silenced them, Young returning to keep watch whilst their fate was decided.

* * *

“You have information for me, Zaheer?” Barton turned around from where he was studying the colony blueprints.

“Some, but not much.”

“What did you find out?”

Zaheer repeated to Dekim just what he'd managed to get from the prisoners.

“So, they were telling the truth then?”

“It would appear so.”

“Hmm.” Dekim stroked his chin. “I don't think they will be much to worry about then. Although, that one that says he was kidnapped by them. I have a feeling I've seen his face somewhere before.”

“Sir? What would you like me to do with them?”

“The one that says he's a computer tech, I can use him on the project. The other two...” Dekim thought for a moment. “If that kidnapped one really did assassinate the ambassadors as he says, then I could use those skills. Let them live for now. Offer them a choice. They can join the project, or be eliminated.”

Zaheer nodded. “I'll tell them now.” Turning, Zaheer left.

“Where have I seen you before?” Dekim mused. Something tickled at the back of his memory but he couldn't draw the elusive thought forward. Dismissing it for the moment, he returned to his blue prints.

* * *

“Yuy? What's going on in that head of yours?” Wufei asked as he entered Heero's office, finished with his meeting with Summer.

Yuy looked up and motioned for Wufei to take a seat. Once the other agent was comfortable, Yuy began to explain. “We know these terrorists were demanding extra funding and using Duo to assassinate the ambassadors in order to gain that funding. We also know that two of the ESUN senators were involved in siphoning off rebuilding funds, specifically from L2. Those funds were deposited into a bank account under the name of Barton and then used to purchase armaments. Both senators are now missing, so is Duo and three of the terrorists. What we don't know is who these other people are and where those armaments have gone and what is planned for them.”

“Your point being?”

“I have a hunch that the senators, these other people and the armaments are all connected together. If we can find out, track where the armaments have gone, I'm sure we will find Duo and the other terrorists; not to mention the answers to our other questions.”

“I happen to agree with you there. But you checked the shuttles, ports and the like yourself and didn't find anything,” Wufei reminded Heero.

“Hai, I did. I think it might be time to back track.”

“Back track?”

“Hai. Trace the armaments to their purchase points, go pay a visit to the suppliers and see if we can't discover where they were delivered to.”

Wufei considered this for a moment. “Okay. I suggest we take this to Une and let her know what we want to do. I'm sure she will clear it.”

“Wufei, there's more.”

“More?”

“You remember our investigation into Cropp's murder? How Duo said it was done by an outsider?”

“Yes. I also remember we haven't closed that case yet. We haven't got enough evidence to go any further at this point.”

“That's correct. Chang, I think I know why we can't get any further in that investigation.”

Wufei was getting impatient. “Then tell me,” he demanded.

“I called the precinct back to speak with Detective White, he was the man in charge of the police investigation.”

“And?”

“He's unavailable.”

Wufei quirked an eyebrow.

“It seems he's taken a vacation. They wouldn't tell me where he's gone or for how long.”

“The police are entitled to some time off too, Yuy. They don't give out their location details for a reason. They're like us in a lot of ways, I'll bet there's many people who would hold a grudge against them and given the opportunity, wouldn't hesitate to take them down.”

Heero couldn't refute that. It was well known that when you worked in law enforcement, police or Preventer, there was always someone who bore a grudge. “I know, but Wufei, I asked to speak to the police chief, I wanted to see if they'd had any new developments and I was told he was also on vacation. In fact, both the detective and the chief have taken their vacations at the same time.”

“How do you know that?” Wufei stared intently at Heero. A smirk played over the Japanese man's mouth. “Please tell me you didn't?”

Heero lowered his eyes, his smirk growing wider.

“You fucking well did, didn't you?” Wufei's eyes blazed. “Yuy, you of all people should know you can't just go hacking into any system when you feel like it. What if you're caught?”

“I wasn't.”

“Yuy,” Chang's voice held a dangerous edge to it.

“Chang, you might be my superior officer here, but that's my husband out there, my possibly pregnant husband, and I will do anything and everything within my power to find him and bring him home safe.”

Heero's eyes blazed fiercely with determination and Wufei knew it was time to back off. “If you do get caught, you're on your own.”

Heero nodded. “I have a gut feeling that these police officers are caught up in this racket too. It's too coincidental that Wainright, Richards, Duo, these other three terrorists and the two police officers should all disappear on the same day.”

“Let's go see Une. I think if we can trace these missing armaments then we will have a good chance of finding Duo and the rest of these people.”

Yuy stood and grabbed his jacket, following Chang out of the office and to speak with Une.

* * *

Une listened to her agents as they brought her up to speed with their thoughts, hunches and request for further investigation. Having heard it all, she agreed with the agents that it may uncover something new if they were to go back to the list of armaments, track the suppliers and see if they could get anything more from them.

When Une heard about the police officers also taking vacation, she couldn't help but agree with Heero, it did sound very suspicious and whilst that might be the case, they didn't have solid evidence to back it up - it was all purely circumstantial and speculation. She could really feel for the man, it was frustrating the way the law worked at times.

“Agents Air and Space should be returning any time soon. They have been out to the residences of the missing senators and from the brief contact I've had with them, they haven't managed to obtain any further information from the house staff at either residence. They have confiscated equipment though which may contain something to help us in our inquiries. I have asked them to take the materials to the labs when they return and I'd like for all four of you to take a look and see if you can find anything,” Une informed them.

“Okay,” Heero replied. “I'd like to get started on these suppliers as soon as possible though.”

“Chang, you and Yuy continue on with that part of the investigation. I'll have Barton and Winner begin on the other when they get back.”

“Arigato.”

“Heero?”

“Hai?”

“I'm having Summer print out pictures of the terrorists that are missing, Duo too. I want to circulate them around, send them to all the police departments' worldwide, the colonies too, post them anywhere and everywhere we can think of. It may just give us a break in this case.”

Heero thought on that for a moment before nodding. “I agree, commander, however,” he paused for a moment. “However, I don't know about the police. If my hunch is right about the chief and detective we have no idea how deep any possible corruption could go within the police force. It might be restricted to this precinct only, but then it could go further. If it does go further then I feel it may hamper our investigations.”

Heero had a valid point, Wufei mused.

Une also seemed to think Heero had raised a good point and thought for a moment. “What if we circulate the pictures through other channels and leave the police out of it?”

“How do you mean?” Wufei asked.

“Posters, Internet, maybe the media. That way many of the public will see the photos and I guess the police will too, but at least any corrupt officers won't be able to act without attracting suspicion.”

“That could work. Then if anyone has seen any of them we can follow up the leads and hopefully locate them.” Heero knew they were probably grasping at straws and whilst he was still uneasy regarding the police department, what Une said made good sense.

“Fine. I'll let Summer know to go ahead and get the pictures printed. I'll speak with a couple of the news stations and see if we can get a bit of 'air' time for the pictures too.”

“Thank you. Is that all, commander?” Wufei asked as he stood to leave.

“For now,” Une replied. “Keep me informed on where you are and what you're doing.”

“Of course.” Wufei turned and led the way out of the commander's office, Yuy right behind him.

* * *

“How are you feeling, Margaret?” Sally asked as she entered the nurse's room with Keitaro in her arms.

“Bored, fed up, want to get out of here,” the nurse replied with a raise of her eyebrow. “Ah, I see you've brought my little man to see me.”

Sally gave a laugh and sat herself down on the side of the bed, handing Keitaro over to the nanny's waiting arms. “I thought you'd be going stir crazy by now. I hope Keitaro will be able to amuse you for while.”

“Of course.” Nurse Brown settled the child in a sitting position in her lap, her good arm around the child's back to support him. “How's my boy?” the nurse cooed.

Keitaro's face had lit up into a wide grin when he saw his nanny. He gurgled happily as he sat with her, eyes wandering around and taking in everything around him. He spotted the cast on the nanny's wrist and arm and immediately focused on it. Chubby fingers came forth and he tried to grasp the hard plaster.

“I'm afraid it's not a toy, Keitaro,” the nurse chuckled.

“How is it feeling?”

“Not too bad.”

“I want to do a few tests with you, see if we can gauge how much feeling you have lost or regained.”

“Fine with me.”

Sally proceeded to do her tests, getting the nurse to flex her fingers, pressing on the tip of each finger with a sharp, then a blunt object. As Sally was conducting her tests, Keitaro busied himself in still trying to grab hold of the plaster cast.

Tests done, Sally smiled to the nurse. “I'm pleased to tell you that it seems you have only minimal nerve damage. There's a slight loss of sensitivity in a couple of those fingers, but not enough to affect you in your daily life. We will know more about any strength loss once the bones have healed and the cast comes off.”

“That's good news then,” replied Margaret. “Now, when can I get out of here and go home?”

Shaking her head, Sally sat once more. “Not for a day at least. If all is still well tomorrow, I'll look at releasing you.”

“I'll hold you to that.”

“Of that I have no doubt.”

* * *

Duo and the others didn't get another chance to discuss their current situation, Young had returned and was relieved after a short while by Tewson. Duo's mind was still working on figuring out what Dekim Barton could possibly be up to with all those men, what were they training for and what was going to become of them?”

After what Duo figured had been about an hour since Zaheer had left, the burly man returned. He nodded to Tewson and stepped up to face the three.

“I've been speaking with the boss and it seems he has a proposition for you.”

Duric didn't really care all that much right then, Farrow wasn't sure what to think and Duo cocked his head, interested to see what this new turn in events could be.

“You all have skills he can use on the project. He is offering each of you the opportunity to join this project.”

“Really? And what is the alternative?” Duric snarled.

Zaheer turned to look at the man. “I thought that would be obvious even to a man of your intelligence. Join the project or be eliminated.”

“Hmm... I might just have to think this over,” Duo said, tone slightly sarcastic. “Join a project or die. Guess there really ain't much in the way of options or negotiations there.”

“If I had my way I'd just shoot you all now and be done with it,” Zaheer snapped.

“I'll join,” Farrow whispered, Duric shot him a glare and Farrow lowered his eyes.

“In that case, I suppose I will too,” Duo stated and shrugged his shoulder as best he could. “Not as if I'm doing much else right now.”

“And you?” Zaheer glared at Duric.

“Fine, whatever, I'm in.”

Zaheer turned to Tewson. “Go get Matthews, I'll need the pair of you to escort these three to Barton.”

Tewson nodded and went to fetch Matthews, leaving Zaheer alone with the three.

Turning his icy gaze to the three he let it be known he would much prefer not to have the three around, but he had no choice, Barton had given his orders and Zaheer would obey. “I warn you all now, put a foot out of place and I will shoot first and ask questions later.”

With Tewson returning seconds later with Matthews, the three were untied and escorted to meet with Barton and discover exactly what they would be doing and what the project was.

~ * ~

tbc...