Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 74 ( Chapter 74 )

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

Wufei, Trowa and Quatre begin their exploration of the satellite and make some interesting discoveries. Duo has a plan to get himself out of Barton's clutches.

Anime/Manga: Gundam Wing Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Drama / Hentai / Romance / Suspense / Angst | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 03.02.2010 | Pages: 9 | Words: 8.8K | Visits: 251 | Status: Work In Progress

“Family Ties”

January 2007 ShenLong

Chapter 74

[Preventer Shuttle 221]

Trowa was unable to bring the shuttle in any closer to confirm Quatre's sighting without running the risk of being discovered. “I recommend we land as planned and then proceed with an investigation on foot,” he said.

“Understood and agreed,” Wufei replied. “I'll leave you in control to proceed whilst I contact headquarters and inform them of our suspicions and actions.”

“The coordinates should be on screen for you now,” Quatre stated as he finished typing into his navigational system.

“Thank you.” Trowa's eyes constantly flicked between the monitor, gauges and the visual, checking he was on course for the predesignated landing spot. With a skill born of years of piloting, Trowa guided the shuttle in and made a perfect landing, hardly disturbing the dust on the satellite surface which was just as well. Should anyone have been outside the structures or monitoring the surface, it would have looked quite suspicious should a few 'puffs' of dirt and dust suddenly rise up from the surface with nothing visible to be making them.

Running through the shut down sequence, Trowa powered down the shuttle. Once all was secure, he left the pilot seat to join the other two who had already gone to get into their suits.

Whilst Trowa pulled his suit on, Wufei made contact with headquarters. “Preventer communications, this is Agent Fire, do you read?”

It took a few moments for the signal to reach the communications department, the line having a few bursts of static before a voice came back. “Agent Fire, this is Agent Sky. We read you.”

“Sky, the team has landed safely on the target. We have suspicion that there are occupants present as what we suspect is a shuttle has been spotted. Team is about to leave shuttle to investigate further.”

“Copy that Agent Fire. Team to perform recon as per mission specs and report any findings. Contact must be made within the two hour limit as previously informed.”

“Roger that. Team is leaving the shuttle now. Please inform the Commander of current situation.”

“Will pass on the information. Commander will no doubt be present when you next call in.”

“Thank you, Sky. Fire out.”

“Good luck, gentlemen. I will be constantly monitoring this frequency and awaiting your next call in. Sky out.”

Wufei checked he had his small communicator on him and met up with the other two by the main hatch. “I have informed headquarters of our arrival and suspicions regarding what appears to be a shuttle in the hangar. We have two hours before we need to call in again. Synchronize watches.”

The three checked their watches were all set the same then put their helmets on and checked the life support systems were working properly on their respective suits. Despite having done all the checks before, one could never have too many checks when space was concerned. It could mean the difference between life and death.

Satisfied that all was working properly, the last check was their communications system. Wufei was pleased to note that he could hear the other two quite clearly. “All set?”

Trowa checked his systems and nodded. Quatre similarly did a quick peruse of his systems and gave Wufei the nod.

With a copy of the blue prints of the satellite structures on a small palm top, Wufei opened the inner hatch door and stepped inside. Trowa and Quatre followed. The door was closed, Wufei allowing the pressure to equalize with that of the outside before opening the outer shuttle hatch. Taking a look around first and noting there was nothing at all to see, Wufei led the way down the ramp, pausing at the bottom to secure the hatch, retract the ramp and check he could pick up the shuttle on his palm top.

“We will head for the hangar first and check out that suspected shuttle. From there we will move into the domes, aiming for what was the mining crews' quarters and see what we can find. Everyone clear?”

Both Quatre and Trowa nodded.

“Then move out, agents.”

* * *

[Satellite XRB 23]

“I don't know,” Duric said and shook his head. “It all sounds too simple, too easy.”

“Exactly why it will probably work. I'm betting that Barton hasn't even thought about this satellite and the effect the Firecell will have on it. At least, that's what I'm hoping. If the Firecell is released and does take control over all computer systems, then the computers on this satellite will also be affected.”

“He wouldn't be that stupid not to realize his own systems will be screwed too.”

“Chances are, he will have some measures in place, but I'm betting there will be a window of time in there between the Firecell crashing the systems and then taking them over.”

“How much of a window?”

“That I don't know for sure. It will probably only be a slim chance, but it should be enough. We will need to move quickly to jam the door before the system kicks back in.”

“And what if it doesn't affect it at all?”

Duo sighed. “Then we haven't lost anything, we will still be in the same position as we are now.” Duo had thought it was a pretty clear idea and explanation. Once Barton released his Firecell all the computer systems would shut down briefly before the new system took over - at least he assumed Barton had a back up in place, either that or this satellite's systems had already been programmed to remain functional regardless of the Firecell. Once the system shut down, it would mean the door lock to their `cell' would release and it was Duo's intention to jam the thing open before the system came back on again and relocked the door. It would be a slim time frame and no second chances.

“Assuming you are correct and the system does fry leaving the door open, what then? Barton has his men all over this satellite. Aside from that, should you be lucky enough to avoid detection, how the fuck are you going to get off this lump of rock?”

“Simple. These guys have to have some form of transport on this satellite. They brought us here by shuttle, they have to be getting their supplies brought in by shuttle so I'm betting there's a shuttle stashed somewhere.”

“And you're just going to waltz right in there and take the shuttle out from under their noses without anyone being any the wiser,” Duric sneered.

“No one said you had to come along.”

“Well, excuse me for pointing out the logic,” came the sarcastic reply. “Just what do you propose to do if there is no shuttle, or you can't get to it?”

“There's always the mobile suits.”

“Sure. I can just see them allowing you to take one of them.”

“Feel free to remain here and rot, I'm going to take my chances.”

“And you're not leaving me behind.”

Duo remained silent. He had no intention of taking Duric with him - or leaving him behind to rat him out.

* * *

[Satellite XRB 23 Surface]

The gravity on the satellite's surface wasn't a lot and the three agents were careful not to kick up too much dust or shoot themselves too far ahead. Slowly but surely they made their way to the hangar and slipped inside. Wufei scanned the area with a gadget that would locate any form of heat and alert them to the possibility of people being in the vicinity.

The sensor came back clear, Wufei turning to the other two and speaking softly. “According to the reading there are no life forms other than ourselves currently present.”

“Roger that.” Trowa moved slightly ahead, checking the immediate area. “Quatre, you were right. It is a shuttle.”

The other two joined Trowa and stared ahead at the bulk of a shuttle. The hatch was covered by a sealed gangway, similar to those used in airports when boarding aircraft, the gangway connecting the shuttle to the main hangar area. The hangar floor was deserted as Wufei had been told by the sensor.

The three moved closer to the shuttle, remaining in the shadows where possible and blending in with the surroundings.

“You think this might be one of the shuttles that disappeared from communications with L2 control?” Quatre asked Trowa.

“Highly possible,” Trowa replied. “Unable to confirm without contacting L2 and confirming the shuttle's registration number.”

“Make a note of it. Preventer may be able to assist when we contact them,” Wufei cut in.

“Roger that.” Trowa managed to activate the small camera inside his helmet and took a picture of the shuttle's registration number.

“How do we get in?” Quatre asked.

Wufei brought up the blueprints on the palm top. “Over there,” he said and pointed deeper into the hangar. “There should be a de-pressurization point on the right hand side of the dome wall.”

The trio proceeded through the hangar and to the back, locating the door Wufei had spoken about. The immediate area was scanned with both sensor and eyes and deemed clear. The three entered the small room and closed the door, waiting for the pressure to equalize. Once it had, the door lock on the main entry released. The three looked at each other.

“Keep your weapons handy and do not remove your helmets until we have confirmed the viability of the life support systems,” Wufei ordered and then stepped out into what appeared to be the main control room for the hangar.

A scan around showed no one in the immediate area. Wufei checked the sensors for life support and found it up and running efficiently. “All indications are that life support systems are fully functional,” he informed the other two. “I will remove my helmet first.”

The other two nodded and waited.

Carefully, Wufei released the catches a soft hiss of air escaping. Twisting the helmet, he removed it and took a shallow, tentative breath. “It's a little stale, but quite capable of sustaining life.”

With Wufei giving the all clear, both Quatre and Trowa removed their respective helmets. Having adjusted to the stale air, Trowa found a safe spot to hide their helmets and also their air tanks. With weapons drawn and ready, they followed Wufei into the domes of the satellite.

* * *

[Preventer Headquarters]

“Agent Day?”

“Yes?” Heero growled.

“Ah, Commander Une asked me to tell you to report to her office.”

Heero's head jerked up. “Why?”

The young agent looked rather nervous. “She didn't say why, sir. Just to tell you she requires your presence in her office as soon as possible.”

“Fine. Just give me a moment.” Heero turned back to the console and checked the program. It was still converting and would continue to run for some time yet. Satisfied he could leave the program for now, he got up and stretched his arms above his head sighing when he felt his spine pop.

The agent turned and began to walk back through the section that housed the main computers for Preventers. From time to time he shot a glance from the corner of his eye at Heero who walked beside him. Heero noticed the shift of eyes and tried to ignore it. After suffering through it for several minutes, they stepped into the elevator and Heero lost his patience.

“Why do you keep glancing at me?” Heero asked in his blunt tone.

The agent swallowed nervously, obviously a touch upset that he'd been caught out. “I - I'm sorry, sir. I didn't mean to. I - is it true that you were once a Gundam Pilot? That you were the one that saved the earth from the falling piece of the Libra?”

Heero sighed inwardly and closed his eyes for a brief moment before replying. “Yes, it's true I was a Gundam Pilot. Yes, I shot the piece of Libra from the atmosphere, but I was not alone in that endeavor. There are another four who are just as responsible for achieving the peace as I am.”

“Oh, wow.” The agent looked a little 'star struck'.

Heero rolled his eyes. He hated this sort of hero worship - next thing the agent would be asking for his autograph.

“Could I have your autograph please?”

Heero resisted the urge to 'omae o korosu'.

“Ah, Agent Day. You may go right in, the Commander is expecting you,” the secretary informed him as he entered Une's office.

The young agent had left him at the door and scampered off to wherever it was he was supposed to be. No doubt he would be showing off to his fellow agents and bragging about his meeting with the ex-Gundam Pilot. Nodding to the secretary, Heero knocked once and then opened the door to Une's office.

“Ah, Heero,” Une greeted as the agent stepped inside. “Please, take a seat.”

Heero scowled but did as requested. “You wished to see me?”

“Yes. Agent Sky has been in touch with the shuttle. The team has landed and were preparing to investigate the satellite. Agent Fire is due to contact us again within two hours of speaking with Sky. That two hours is almost up. I plan on being in the communications room when the contact is made and I assume you would also care to be present?”

Heero sat up a little straighter. “Hai, I would,” Heero replied.

“Good. I suggest we leave now, just in case Fire calls in early.” Une stood and made her way around the desk. Heero also stood and followed his commander out of the office and to the communications section.

* * *

[Satellite XRB 23]

The three agents had made their way deeper into the satellite's dome, managing to avoid detection so far. It was currently the night cycle on the satellite and therefore by the laws of averages, most people should be asleep. They had come across a few people and found a hiding place so they hadn't been spotted.

They hadn't learnt a whole lot either.

They had found the large, processing plant Trowa had informed them of back on earth in the earlier stages of their investigations. Upon inspection, they could see it had been in use very recently; strange when the satellite was supposed to have ceased function some time ago.

Further investigation had yielded a little more. Without full laboratory analysis they couldn't determine the exact composition of the metals that had been smelted down, but the majority would appear to be a type of steel, the type that had been used in mobile suit production.

At this stage though, they had yet to find any concrete evidence of the presence of mobile suits.

Continuing along another corridor, Wufei spotted a room which held several computers - a deserted room. After double checking that all was clear, the three slipped into the room.

“Barton, see if you can hack your way into the database and get some information. Winner, remain by the door and keep watch,” Wufei ordered.

Both nodding, Quatre returned to the door whilst Trowa slipped into a seat and brought up the computer system.

“Let's see if we can find out what secrets you are keeping.” Cracking his knuckles, Trowa set to work.

Whilst both agents were occupied with their tasks, Wufei scouted out the rest of the room, seeing if he could find anything at all to help them in their quest.

“I'm in,” came Trowa's soft voice.

Wufei immediately went back to his side. “What's in there?”

Trowa began to sift through several filing systems. “How much time do we have?”

Checking his watch, Wufei replied, “Thirty minutes.”

“Not enough to go through it all.” Trowa grunted and shifted, eyes looking around.

“There's some sticks over there,” Quatre said from his position at the door and pointed to a desk across from Trowa.

Wufei quickly retrieved a couple. “Here.” He passed them to Trowa.

“Thanks.” Trowa began to download all he could from the computer onto the first stick.

“How long?”

“About another five minutes.”

It was the longest five minutes in all three agents' lives.

“Done.” Trowa removed the stick and slipped it into one of the pockets in his suit. Powering down the computer, he erased all evidence of his being there and joined the other two at the door.

“All clear,” Quatre announced and the three slipped back out into the corridor and began to make their way back to the shuttle hangar area and their suit helmets.

They made it back to the Preventer shuttle with ten minutes to spare.

Shucking out of his helmet, Wufei took in a deep lungful of air. “That's better,” he said.

Pulling the sticks from his pocket, Trowa began to strip out of his suit. “I'm going to put this into the computer and see what I can find.”

“I'll join you in a moment,' Wufei replied as he began to strip out of his suit.

“I guess I'll go put all these suits back and check them over,” Quatre stated.

“Thank you, that would be appreciated,” Wufei replied for them both as Trowa had already departed.

“No problem. I'll join you both shortly.” Picking up the two suits, Quatre headed for the rear of the shuttle whilst Wufei aimed for the cockpit.

* * *

[Main Dome. Satellite XRB 23]

In what had once been the recreation area for the managers of the satellite when it was being mined, Barton sat back and twirled the stem of his wine glass. He admired the deep, red color of the wine before taking a sip and sighing in appreciation.

Sitting around him and similarly partaking of the wine were Wainright, Richards and Zaheer.

“By this time tomorrow we will be in control of the earth and all the colonies,” Barton stated quietly.

“Serves them all right too,” Wainright muttered.

Richards opted to remain silent.

“How do you plan to make them realize you are serious and can do what it is you say you can?” asked Wainright.

“That is the easy part,” Barton smirked.

Zaheer grunted and sat back into the chair, a knowing smile on his face.

“I shall broadcast to them all, let them know who I am and what I want. Then I will release the Firecell. It should take about four or five minutes to fully invade all the systems and give me complete control.”

“That's quick,” stated Richards.

“Yes, it is; but it will have to be. Although there's nothing they can do about it anyway,” Barton chuckled. “Once I have complete control I will show them all just how dependent on me they really are.”

“You're not going to shut down the life support systems on the colonies, are you?” Richards asked, a small knot of fear growing in his stomach. He'd originally come from L3 and still had many friends living there.

“No, I'm not that cold hearted,” Barton snapped. “No, something a little more subtle I think.”

Richards breathed a small sigh of relief.

Barton drained his glass and set it down on the small table beside his seat. “I think I will retire for the evening. Gentlemen, I will see you all in the morning.” Barton turned and left.

The other three remained for a few more minutes, each locked in their own thoughts before also finishing their wine and retiring for the night.

* * *

[Preventer Shuttle 221]

Plugging the stick into the shuttle's computer, Trowa began to search through the mass of data, files and programs, discarding most as he skimmed through. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, but he'd know when he found it.

Glancing up from underneath his bang, he grunted in acknowledgment as Wufei entered.

“Anything?”

“No. Nothing as yet.”

“I'm putting the call through to headquarters.” Wufei grabbed his head set and pushed a few buttons on the console. “Preventer headquarters, this is Agent Fire. Do you copy?”

The line was quiet for a moment, then a soft hum of white noise appeared in the background. Seconds later the line crackled and the tinny voice of an agent came down the line.

“This is Agent Sky of Preventer communications. We read you Fire.”

“Agent Fire, this is Mother Earth, please report on your findings to date.”

Both Wufei and Trowa quirked an eyebrow at each other. Trowa shrugged and returned to his perusal of the files.

“Ah, Mother Earth. Mission is going according to plan at present moment. We have landed without detection and remain cloaked. First infiltration has shown a shuttle in residence inside the hangar area. Unable to confirm at this point if the shuttle was one from the L2 port that disappeared from L2 control's radars and communications. Request that Preventer investigate on our behalf.” Wufei paused and looked to Trowa.

“I have photographs of the registration number. I'll get Quatre to bring the camera back with him.” Trowa reached for the internal comm switch and managed to contact Quatre who was still in the rear of the shuttle checking over the space suits. “He's bringing it up now.”

“I'll have a team look into the shuttle. Do you have the registration number?” asked Une.

“Winner is bringing it now,” Wufei confirmed.

“Chang?”

“Yuy?”

“Any sign of Duo?” Heero's voice held an edge to it, an edge of a man only barely hanging on to his sanity.

“Ah, not as of yet. We haven't infiltrated all that far yet.”

Heero felt his heart drop out of his chest and turned away from the bench they were sat at with the Preventer equipment.

“What have you managed to find so far?” Une snapped, taking everyone's attention away from Heero and giving the man a few minutes to gather himself back together.

Wufei proceeded to give Une the run down on what they had located thus far. Yes, the satellite was occupied, yes it had been used very recently for what they suspected was production of mobile suit parts...

Quatre stepped in and gave the picture of the shuttle's number to Wufei who passed it on to Une. The commander promised to have it looked into and get back to them with the result as soon as possible.

A soft gasp from Trowa cut the conversation, both Wufei and Quatre turning to the green eyed man.

“What is it, Barton?” Wufei demanded.

Trowa couldn't quite believe what he was seeing and checked again. The figures hadn't changed. He gave a gasp and found himself the center of attention. Hearing Wufei's voice, he turned to look at the Chinese agent. “I think you should take a look.”

“Excuse me one moment, Commander.” Wufei shifted to look over Barton's shoulder. “By Nataku!”

“Oh, Allah.”

“Ah, fuck.”

“Agent Fire?! What the hell is going on?!”

Wufei quickly composed himself. “Sorry about that, Commander. Whilst we were infiltrating Barton downloaded all the files he could from one of the main computers and he's going through that data now. It would appear that an earlier assumption is now correct.”

“Chang, quit talking in riddles. What has Agent Air discovered?” Une growled.

“Apologies, Commander. Agent Air has discovered that there are approximately two hundred and eighty-five mobile suits on this satellite.”

“Could you repeat that?” Une's voice was a little hoarse.

“According to the files Agent Air has hacked, there are approximately two hundred and eighty-five mobile suits on this satellite,” Wufei repeated.

“Chang?” Trowa's voice was soft yet demanded an immediate response.

“Yes?”

“I think I've located Duo...”

~ * ~

tbc...