Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 85 ( Chapter 85 )

“Family Ties”

 

January 2007 ShenLong

 

Chapter 85

 

[Preventer Shuttle 221]

 

Trowa returned with the stick and slipped it into the computer terminal. Within seconds he had the blueprints for the mining satellite up on the screen. Everyone else crowded around and took in the layout.

 

“Does any of this look familiar to you, Duo?” Quatre asked.

 

“Trowa, do you mind if I take over?” Duo questioned.

 

“By all means.” Trowa moved to the side and allowed Duo to take the seat and mouse. The long haired man quickly scanned through the blueprints, bringing some areas into larger frame, then checking others. Behind him, the others watched, none really familiar with all that was being displayed.

 

Finally, Duo went back to the basic blueprint and began to speak. “From what I can recall, this is what they are using as the prison section here.” He pointed to a section on the blueprint. “The main control room should be here, the mobile suits are being kept in this large dome over here.”

 

“Une was quite clear in her orders that we take Barton alive, locate this professor and reverse the Firecell,” Wufei reiterated.

 

“We know that, Wuffers, but it's not going to be long before Barton knows I'm gone and he's gonna have patrols all over the place looking for me. Also, with the ESUN board refusing to stand down they are playing right into his hands. He will send his troops to earth along with the mobile suits and take over completely. Given what Une has said is currently happening on earth, I think it would be safe to say Barton will dispatch those troops and suits somewhere in the next twenty-four to forty-eight hours.” Duo gave the assembled group a quick look over to see how his statement was being received. “If we are to destroy those suits, and trust me, we need to, we have to do it now.”

 

Trowa looked at the blueprints again. “It won't be easy trying to get from the shuttle station through the domes to the one where the suits are being stored, plus I'm betting they would have people guarding the place.”

 

“I never said it would be easy,” Duo replied.

 

“Then there's the fact that there are civilians in there too,” Quatre said. “It's one thing to try and destroy those suits, but we don't want to hurt innocent people in the process.”

 

“We also need to figure out where Barton is most likely to be and where the professor is being held,” Heero put in.

 

“Barton is generally in the control room. Sometimes he checks out the suits, but not very often now that they are complete and programmed,” Duo replied. “The professor is generally in the control room too.”

 

“Then I suggest we need to work out a way to infiltrate and get to that control room. If we can take Barton down and what you say of the professor being there too is true, then Yuy and this professor can reverse the Firecell whilst we take Barton into custody,” Wufei stated.

 

“That's quite feasible,” Quatre said.

 

“And what if Barton manages to alert his army or pilots for the suits?”

 

“Then we're gonna find ourselves in a big pile of crap,” Trowa muttered.

 

“Gentlemen, if I may be allowed to speak?”

 

All five former Gundam pilots turned to Zechs, the mistrust still evident in their eyes.

 

“What is it, Zechs?” Duo growled.

 

“I may have a solution to your problem.”

 

“How so?” Trowa asked, the caution clear in his voice.

 

“It would be easier for me to show you.”

 

“Stop talking in riddles, Merquise and get to the point,” Wufei snapped.

 

Heero knew what Zechs was planning on revealing and kept his mouth shut as to that. He thought it would be quite amusing to see the looks on his fellow pilots' faces when they saw what they carried in the cargo hold of the transport shuttle.

 

“I will need for you all to accompany me back to the transport shuttle,” Zechs replied calmly.

 

“I don't think so. We have a crisis here on our hands in case you'd forgotten and we need to work out a viable plan...”

 

“Chang!” Heero cut the Chinese man off. “I think you should listen to Zechs and come across to the transport shuttle.”

 

Wufei was a little miffed at being cut off, but he had to admit, his curiosity was getting the better of him and if Yuy insisted they go, then it must be something worth their while and might just assist them as Merquise had said. “Fine,” he sniffed.

 

“Let's move,” Zechs said and left the mess room to prepare to return to the transport shuttle.

 

The rest of the group followed, Heero and Duo bringing up the rear. Duo wrapped his arm around Heero's waist, the Japanese man reciprocating.

 

“You know what Zechs has in mind?” Duo questioned.

 

“Hai, I do,” Heero replied and gave his lover a soft smile.

 

“Aren't you going to share?”

 

Heero shook his head. “It's a surprise.”

 

Duo pouted. “No fair.”

 

“I'm sure you will like this surprise,” Heero said softly and placed a tender kiss to Duo's cheek.

 

Duo's arm tightened around Heero's waist and he leaned a little closer to whisper, “God how I want just a few minutes alone with you.”

 

“You have no idea how much I've missed you,” Heero replied.

 

“Trust me, Heero. I do. I've missed you so much too. The hardest part was not knowing if Keitaro and Nurse Brown were okay, if I would ever see you again, hold you, kiss you, make love to you...”

 

Heero groaned and brought his lips to Duo's, kissing his husband deeply. “Once this is over, we are going to take a long vacation, you, me and Keitaro. Just the three of us.”

 

“Ah.” Duo knew he had to tell Heero that he was most likely pregnant again, but wasn't sure how best to broach the topic - or when.

 

“Something wrong, Duo?” Heero asked when his husband didn't respond with his usual enthusiasm.

 

Duo was saved from answering as they had reached the pressurization chamber where Quatre was holding out a suit for Duo.

 

“I'll talk to you and explain things later,” Duo excused and gratefully took the suit and began to put it on.

 

Heero frowned but let it slide, for now.

 

Once everyone was suited up, helmets in place, they stepped into the chamber and then once the pressure had equalized, out to the satellite surface and across to the Transport shuttle.

 

* * *

 

[Satellite XRB 23 Control Room]

 

Zaheer made his way quickly through the corridors of the dome and towards the control room. He wasn't happy at all with the current situation and vowed there would be severe reprimands for those who had failed to do their job properly. Reaching the control room, Zaheer took a deep breath and prepared himself for the wrath he knew would come once he informed Barton of the escape.

 

Stepping back into the control room, Zaheer looked around and spotted his boss to the left of the room, staring intently at a view screen. Quickly, he moved across to let Barton know he was back.

 

“Ah, Zaheer,” Barton greeted. “Take a look.” Barton indicated the view screen and moved aside for the larger man to take a peek.

 

The screen showed a scene from somewhere on earth. Zaheer couldn't say for sure, but it looked a little like what people used to call `The States'. People were rioting, running wild through the streets; some in fear, others in anger.

 

“I have ordered the shuttles to be made ready to transport the army to the earth. The suits will follow shortly after,” Barton informed the other man.

 

“How soon before you send them?” Zaheer questioned.

 

“Probably in the next twelve hours. I want to make sure the citizens know who is responsible for their current predicament. I'm hoping they will also convince the ESUN board to step down.”

 

“I see.”

 

Barton turned to the other man. “You don't seem to be very enthusiastic, Zaheer. This is what we've worked so hard for these past few years; it's all starting to come to fruition now.”

 

“I'm afraid we have a bit of a problem,” Zaheer said.

 

“Problem?” Barton's eyes narrowed.

 

“There has been an escape from the prison section.”

“Who?” Barton demanded.

 

“Duric and Maxwell.” Zaheer braced himself.

 

“How the fuck did that happen?!” Barton yelled.

 

Zaheer winced. “From what I can gather, when the Firecell was released all our systems went down for a minute or two until the new system kicked in - that included the locks on the cell doors.”

 

“Well that's just fucking marvelous!” Barton sneered. “Where the hell were the guards? Why didn't they stop them?”

 

The guards weren't aware that the locks would be disengaged for a short period and thus were not patrolling at the time.”

 

“Probably all inside their control room playing cards,” Barton snapped. “I hope you have their names as I intend to discipline them all over this.”

 

“Of course,” Zaheer replied.

 

“Fuck! Maxwell on the loose somewhere; that is not good,” Barton said and shook his head. “He needs to be located and returned to the prison. Once he is I'll make an example of him, show the others what happens to those who disobey me.” Barton knew that an ex Gundam pilot on the loose was not in his best interests.

 

“I have a patrol out now looking for him,” Zaheer stated.

 

“What about the other one? And how did you find out about the escape?”

 

Zaheer filled Barton in on what had happened. “I believe that Maxwell has help from someone. If what the soldier told me is true, and I have no reason to doubt his story, the patrol that had arrested Maxwell and Duric were attacked by persons unknown.”

 

“We have traitors in the camp?”

 

“I don't know,” Zaheer replied honestly.

 

“It would have to be. If someone had tried to approach or land on the satellite we would know about it. The radar would have picked them up.” Barton turned to one of the techs. “Simons!”

 

“Yes, sir?”

 

“You've been monitoring the radar. Has there been any ships approach or attempt to land here?”

 

“There have been a couple of transport ships pass by but that is all. I've not had anything approach or anything request permission to land, sir,” Simons replied.

 

Barton returned his gaze to Zaheer. “This is going to be a major problem. Double the guard on the mobile suits, have extra guards posted in the shuttle bay area and put out more patrols. Maxwell has to be located as quickly as possible; and the traitors that have helped him.”

 

“Yes, sir. I'll get on to it right away.”

 

“Good. I'll go ahead and get the army assembled and ready to dispatch. The suit pilots can also prepare for dispatch. The sooner we get them on earth the quicker we can take over and the less chance of Maxwell and his traitors sabotaging our plans.”

 

“Report back here to me once you have all that underway, Zaheer.”

 

“Of course.” Zaheer took his leave to organize the extra patrols.

 

Barton turned back to the screen to think for a moment. Turning sharply, he sought out Craven. “Craven! Notify the army to begin assembling and prepare for deployment. Also notify the mobile suit pilots they are to get ready for flight. The suits will leave shortly after the army.”

 

Yes, sir.” Craven bent to his task.

 

Barton returned to his observation of the earth riots. Across the other side of the control room, Professor Hawkins gave a small smirk.

 

* * *

 

[Preventer Headquarters]

 

“Commander?”

 

Une looked up to see Felicity standing in the door way. “Yes?”

 

“I have a compiled list of what is functioning and what isn't like you asked,” Felicity stated and walked into the office to place a folder on Une's desk.

 

“Thank you, Felicity.” Une picked up the folder and with a grim expression on her face, opened it and began to read. Felicity quietly left the office.

 

The more Une read, the worse things seemed to become. The communications and shuttles were not affected by the Firecell, thanks to Day's foresight. The program had been running flat out in converting the files for the entire Preventer network - however there just hadn't been enough time. A large part of the data base was inaccessible, thanks to the Firecell, but Copper had managed to convert some files. Case files and research had been protected and part of the system the medical wing used; but that was all.

 

Never had Une felt so helpless.

 

With Barton having taken out the power grids and communications grids, there was now way she could contact any of the senators on the ESUN board. To go out there now would be suicide given the angry response of the citizens. Une had to know how the senators were coping though and with her mind made up, she stood and left the office.

 

Four agents looked up as the Commander entered the communications section. She moved towards the consoles and sat down, composing herself.

 

The agents all looked to one another but held their silence. Once they had known that the Firecell was going to be deployed, Une had left instructions with Sky and Sun to contact all agents and brief them on the situation. All agents that were not currently involved with an assignment were to report back to Headquarters. It was for their own safety and protection as well as being on hand for Une to utilize their skills in whatever capacity she needed to as the situation dictated.

 

“Commander?” Forrest asked. “Is there something we can do for you?”

 

“I hope so, Forrest.” Une gave a sigh then turned to the four agents. “I need you to check and see which agents are currently on bodyguard duty with any of the senators.”

 

“Yes, ma'am. We will get right on it.” Forrest turned to Oak. “You and I can do this and leave Sky and Sun to continue monitoring the systems.”

 

Oak nodded and sat himself down in front of a console, typing away as he slipped the head set on. Forrest joined him whilst Sun and Sky returned to their own monitoring of the airwaves and their agents out on assignments.

 

Several minutes passed with just the occasional whisper being passed amongst the agents and the odd communication between base and a field agent. Eventually, Forrest removed his head set and console, walking to where the Commander still sat, seemingly in a world of her own.

 

“Commander?”

 

Une looked up. “You have some information for me, Forrest?”

 

“Yes, Commander. We have located and contacted those agents currently on bodyguard duty. There are a total of six out in the field here on earth and all have confirmed the senators they are looking after are safe, although there is a lot of rioting and demands for blood. At this stage they are scattered around various locations and the agents are not sure just how long they can keep their respective senator safe from the mobs. We are still checking on the agents assigned to senators on the colonies.”

 

“That leaves five senators out there on their own,” Une stated.

 

“Don't you mean eight, Commander?”

 

Une shook her head. “No need to check on Senator Peacecraft, she's here at Preventer headquarters. Likewise, senators Richards and Wainright are off planet and we have reason to believe they are a part of Barton's plan. Forrest, I need you to locate where those remaining unprotected senators are and allocate an agent to each one of them. There should be enough agents still out there in the field to cover this assignment.”

 

“I'll get right on it, Commander.”

 

“Thank you.” Une rubbed her tired eyes. “I'll return to my office. Let me know of your progress as soon as you have any information. Also, if either of the shuttles 121 or 221 should make contact let me know immediately.”

 

“As you wish, Commander.”

 

Une left the agents to carry out the tasks set to them and returned to her office. Her mind drifted to what her agents currently out on that satellite were doing. If they were having any luck in infiltrating and locating Barton and bringing this nightmare to an end. All she could do was pray and hope.

 

* * *

[Preventer Transport Shuttle 221]

 

The five ex pilots and Zechs stepped out of the pressurization chamber and into the transport shuttle. Removing their helmets and placing them to one side of the chamber, Wufei was the first to speak.

 

“Where is this solution you seem to think you have?” he demanded.

 

“Gentlemen, if you will please follow me.” Zechs took up the lead and exited the small area, stepping into a corridor and making his way through the shuttle. Behind him, the remaining agents fell into step.

 

“I hope you brought some ammo and C4 with you,” Duo muttered. “A couple of rocket launchers wouldn't go astray either. We really need to be armed more than we are to take out those suits and Barton's army. ”

 

“Trust me when I say that what we have brought will be more than enough to take down Barton,” Heero replied in his cryptic tone.

 

Duo just snorted, he was getting a little fed up with all the riddles and time was running out.

 

Quatre couldn't sense any animosity coming from Zechs, just a calm, inner peace. The man seemed genuine in his desire to assist them and if what Heero said about him being in the Black Ops was true then Une must trust him. He allowed his empathy to seep forward again and the results he felt were pretty much what he'd expected.

 

Wufei was a turmoil of curiosity and anger. Heero was calm but on the edge. Trowa? His partner remained calm but curious, preferring to give Zechs the benefit of the doubt for now. Duo's emotions were bouncing around all over the place. The man was confused, annoyed and determined to have his revenge; but there was a touch of anxiety there too. Quatre retreated and put up his shields. All this emotion was giving him a serious headache.

 

The group arrived at the cargo hold, Zechs stopping outside the doors and turning to face the agents. “On the other side of these doors is something I trust you will use wisely to bring about the arrest of Barton and an end to his reign of terror. Once you have had the opportunity to look for yourselves, I will answer any and all questions.”

 

The group looked even more confused but were prepared to wait and see.

 

Zechs pushed the button to open the doors to the cargo hold and stepped back.

 

As soon as the doors were open, Wufei was inside, closely followed by Trowa, Quatre and Duo. Heero waited until they were all inside before stepping in too and joining his lover.

 

The four agents moved inside the cargo hold and stopped dead in their tracks.

 

“By Nataku,” Wufei whispered.

 

“Oh, Allah,” came Quatre's soft voice.

 

Trowa simply blinked and stared, his voice completely deserting him.

 

Duo paused, took in the sight before him and then summed it all up. “Well fuck me. We needed a miracle and now we have one.”

 

Heero moved to stand behind his husband, arms encircling the slim waist, chin resting on Duo's shoulder. “I told you you would like the surprise.”

 

“Not that I'm complaining or anything, but... How the hell did you get your hands on the Gundams?” Duo questioned.

 

“I'd like to know the answer to that too,” Wufei stated.

 

“We saw them destroyed,” Quatre said.

 

Trowa remained speechless.

 

“It's a long story, one I will give you the condensed version of shortly,” Zechs said with a smile. “For now, I suggest you take a look at the mecha.”

 

Not needing to be told twice, the four pilots clambered down the series of catwalks to their respective Gundams.

 

* * *

 

[Satellite XRB 23 Control Room]

 

Having organized several patrols and given them quadrants to check for the missing prisoner and those that were assisting him, Zaheer returned to the control room and his boss.

 

“Ah, Zaheer. Have you completed your tasks?” Barton questioned.

 

“Yes, sir. I have patrols out scouring every inch of the satellite. The guard on the mobile suits has been doubled and extra guards are in place in the shuttle port,” Zaheer confirmed. “Don't worry, it's only a matter of time before Maxwell is located and captured.”

 

“You had better be right, Zaheer,” Barton snapped. “We've come too far to have this ruined now.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Barton returned his gaze to the screen and the chaos happening. A cruel smile adorned his lips as he sat down in his chair. “I think it's time we gave the citizens a little more to contemplate,” he said.

 

“Sir?” Zaheer questioned.

 

“Craven?”

 

“Yes, sir?”

“Take control of the transport sector and the banking sector.”

 

“Yes, sir. What exactly do you want me to do with them?”

 

“Shut them down.”

 

“Ah. Right away, sir.”

 

Zaheer looked to his boss. “Shut them down?”

 

“Yes, Zaheer. Now, come and watch what happens when the economy crashes and the transport sector has no control at all over their grids.”

 

Zaheer moved a little closer and watched over his boss' shoulder. The carnage was unbelievable.

 

With the transport sector closed off, it became a game of life and death. Aircraft and shuttles alike had no contact with the base crews, the instruments were no longer working and they were in effect, completely helpless. With the traffic lights all out, vehicles collided. The train system was in the same boat as the aircraft; with no communication, signals not working and their instruments all off line, they were sitting ducks.

 

The economy sector crashed heavily. With Barton having taken it over the stock market was wiped out, trading between the countries destroyed and the currency brought to its knees. Money no longer had any value.

 

The people continued to riot, demanding that the ESUN board step down. Looting became prevalent and many people were forced to arm themselves to protect what was theirs and their very lives.

 

The entire human race was reverting back to its basic, animalistic ways.

 

Survival of the fittest.

 

Barton rubbed his hands together in glee as he watched the carnage increase.

 

After a while of watching the human race destroying itself, Barton decided enough was enough. “Craven?”

 

“Yes, sir?”

 

“Contact the shuttle fleet and have them prepare to mobilize. Also, contact the army sector and have the troops report to the shuttle bay area ready for boarding the shuttles.”

 

“On it now, sir.”

 

“I want all mobile suit pilots to report to the suit bay and prepare to leave for earth.”

 

“As you wish.”

 

“Have the shuttles fly here to the base in the next ten minutes.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Barton sat back with a satisfied smile on his face. “Now comes the time to reap, gentlemen.”

 

* * *

 

[Preventer Transport Shuttle 221]

 

The pilots were all busy checking out their suits and reacquainting themselves with their Gundams when an alarm began to sound.

 

“That's the perimeter alarm,” Zechs said. “Something is approaching.”

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...