Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 86 ( Chapter 86 )

"Family Ties"

 

January 2007 ShenLong

 

Chapter 86

 

[Preventer Shuttle 221]

 

Hearing the alarm going off, Zechs was immediately heading for the cockpit. The other four pilots scrambled out of their mecha and back up the stairs to the catwalk and Heero to find out what was up.

 

"The perimeter alarm is sounding," Heero advised. "Something must be approaching."

 

"Any idea what?" Duo asked as the five made their way through the shuttle to the cockpit and Zechs.

 

"No. Zechs was heading up to check."

 

Moments later, the five arrived at the cockpit to hear several curse words coming out of said cockpit.

 

"Oh, I never knew Zechs had such colorful language," Duo snickered.

 

"It must be something serious to have him cursing like that," Quatre said, a blush tingeing his cheeks as the words continued to flow.

 

Leaving the others to speculate, Heero entered the cockpit. Zechs looked up as Heero entered, a frown on his face.

 

"What is it?" Heero asked.

 

“Take a look,” Zechs replied and pointed to the radar.

 

“Fucking hell!”

 

“Yeah, that's pretty much what I thought,” Zechs replied grimly.

 

“This is not good, not good at all,” Heero muttered.

 

“What's not goo - oh shit.” Duo stuck his head into the cockpit, eyes immediately picking up on the radar.

 

The radar showed several objects approaching - rather fast.

 

“Incoming shuttles,” Zechs announced as he checked the computer scanners.

 

“Shit! Barton must have called them in to pick up the troops and take them to earth,” Duo said.

 

The other three agents stuck their heads inside the shuttle cockpit to find out what was going on and caught the tail end of the conversation.

 

“Well, that's just fine and dandy. What the fuck are we gonna do now?” Trowa asked.

 

“We have to move,” Heero stated.

 

“No shit.” Duo replied.

 

“If we stay here, the incoming shuttles will crash into us,” Zechs said.

 

“Once this shuttle moves it will become visible to the incoming shuttles and Barton,” Duo warned.

 

“We need to get back to the other shuttle and move it as well,” Wufei stated.

 

“Pity we can't move the two of them together and keep them both cloaked,” Quatre muttered.

 

“Barton is going to know there's more than one shuttle once the transport shuttle becomes visible,” Duo said. “And there's no way we can hope to infiltrate the base now, not with all his troops waiting inside the shuttle bay area.”

 

“Gentlemen, what are we going to do? Time is running out here,” Zechs stated.

 

“Well, we knew Barton would discover us eventually, might as well be now,” Heero muttered. “I'd suggest Chang goes back to the other shuttle and keeps it cloaked. We need to move this one now. Once we're out of the way, Chang can maneuver the other shuttle away from the bay. Barton will know we're here once we start to move, but it will still take him a short while to mobilize any resistance. Whilst Zechs and Chang move the shuttles, the rest of us head for our Gundams, that way we can be ready to defend the shuttles and take Barton down.”

 

“I'd suggest touching the shuttles again once they're moved so both are cloaked; it might buy us a bit more time and confuse Barton,” Quatre suggested.

 

“Good idea, Winner,” Wufei replied.

 

“Are we all agreed `cause I need to move.” Zechs questioned again, his patience starting to wear a little thin.

 

“Hai, we're agreed,” Heero replied. “Chang, get back to the other shuttle. Trowa, Quatre and Duo, you three come with me to the Gundams If we need to deploy, open the cargo bay doors as quickly as you can, Zechs.”

 

“No problem,” Zechs replied and started the fire up sequence for the shuttle engines.

 

Wufei was quick to put on his mask and after stepping through the pressurization chamber, high tailed it back to the other shuttle. Once on board, he immediately opened the communications line and began his own engine fire up sequence. “Shuttle 121 to shuttle 221, do you copy?”

 

“Shuttle 221 here, we copy.”

 

“Engines are going through start up sequence now. You can move whenever you wish,” Wufei said as he flipped a few switches and turned several dials.

 

“Roger that,” Zechs replied. “Engines are on idle, will engage minimum power to move away. Engaging now.” Zechs pushed a couple of buttons and took a firm hold of the yoke. “Shuttle 221 moving away, now.” Easing the yoke forward, the transport shuttle began to roll across the surface of the satellite, blowing small clouds of dust behind her. Once the wing tip left that of the other shuttle, the big ship shimmered and became visible again.

 

“By Nataku, I hope we can pull this off,” Wufei whispered and then eased his own yoke forward to set the shuttle moving.

 

* * *

 

[Satellite XRB 23 Control Room]

 

“The shuttles are on their way, sir,” Craven informed Barton.

 

“Good. How long until they're here?”

 

Craven turned back to his screen for a moment. “About fifteen minutes, sir.”

 

“Thank you. Zaheer?”

 

The large man stepped to Barton's side. “Yes?”

 

“Are the troops in the shuttle bay area and ready to board?”

 

“Yes, sir. All troops are fully kitted up and awaiting the shuttles' arrival.”

 

Barton rubbed his hands together and gave an evil smile. “Not long to go now, Zaheer. Have the troops been briefed?”

 

“Yes, sir. Once the army reaches earth, the troops will locate and eliminate the remaining ESUN senators. They will then move to the ESUN headquarters and secure it for your arrival and take over,” Zaheer replied.

 

“The mobile suits?”

 

“The pilots are all preparing the suits as we speak. Once the shuttles have left, the suits will follow and act as backup for the army. If there's any resistance they will be able to crush it fairly rapidly.”

 

“Don't you just love it when a plan comes together?” Barton snickered.

 

Zaheer opted not to reply.

 

Simons glanced at his radar screen then turned to his computer, only to return his attention to the radar. His eyes had registered something not quite right there. He looked again, noting the eight `blips' on screen that signaled the incoming shuttles - then there was a single `blip'. Simons scratched his head and watched as the radar line swept around again.

 

Same thing. Eight blips then a solitary blip.

 

“Sir?” Simons tried to get the attention of either Craven or Barton.

 

Craven snapped his head around to the young tech. “What is it?”

 

“I think you should take a look at this.”

 

With a long suffering sigh, Craven got up from his chair and walked over to the tech. “What seems to be the problem?”

 

“Watch the screen, sir.” Both sets of eyes tracked the line as it circled the dial again. “There, see that?” Simons said.

 

Once again the eight blips and the solitary one appeared on the screen.

 

Craven scratched his head. “What the hell is it?”

 

“I don't know, sir.”

 

“Sit tight, I'll get Barton.”

 

“Yes, sir.”

 

Craven moved swiftly across the control room to where Barton stood in conversation with Zaheer. He waited patiently for a break in the conversation where he could interrupt with minimum risk to his health. Finally, he got that break. “Mr Barton, sir?”

 

Annoyed at having his discussion interrupted, Barton turned to look at the tech. “What is it?” he snapped.

 

“I think you should come and take a look at the radar screen.”

 

Barton gave a roll of his eyes. “Incompetent fools. Can't even monitor a radar and incoming shuttles without someone to hold their hand,” he muttered.

 

Zaheer remained silent and followed the two men.

 

“What is it that's got your blood pressure rising?” Barton sneered.

 

“There, look on the screen, sir,” Craven replied and pointed to the radar. Simons moved slightly to the side to allow the others a better view of the screen.

 

“Yes, it's a radar, one that's tracking the incoming - “

 

“You see it?” Craven asked, his excitement rising a touch.

 

Barton squinted. “Those are the troop shuttles?” he questioned, pointing to where the eight blips had shown up on the screen.

 

“Yes, they are. They are coming in to land as we speak,” Craven replied.

 

“Then what the hell is this other blip?”

 

“I don't know, sir.”

 

“Craven, activate the cameras on the outer domes and shuttle port. Have the images put onto the larger screen.” Barton ordered.

 

“Right away, sir.” Craven returned to his own console and began to type in the commands to bring the cameras on line.

 

The view screen fuzzed as the cameras booted up, then they began to relay the images from outside the satellite domes and shuttle port.

 

Barton scanned each of the images. “Bring the one on the shuttle port up to full screen,” he demanded.

 

The other views disappeared, leaving a large image on the screen of the shuttles coming in to land.

 

“Have the camera swing around to the left, that's roughly where the other blip was,” Barton said.

 

Craven did his best to manipulate the camera, the small instrument taking a moment before the gears kicked in and the camera began to turn.

 

* * *

 

[Preventer Transport Shuttle 221 & Shuttle 121]

 

Zechs rolled the large craft across the satellite surface, moving as fast as he dared. He wasn't sure how long he had before he would become visible to the incoming shuttles. He knew Wufei was moving the other shuttle, but as it was still cloaked, he could only guess as to its location. He hoped Chang was keeping an eye on him as the last thing they needed was to collide.

 

“Shuttle 221 this is shuttle 121, do you copy?”

 

“Shuttle 221 here, I copy loud and clear, Chang.”

 

“Continue to move forward another ten meters then shut down the engines. I'll come in beside you and hopefully get the wing tips to touch again.”

 

“Roger that.” Zechs monitored the control panel, checking his direction, speed and distance. Once he'd traveled the requested distance, he brought the shuttle to a stop. “Shuttle 221 in position.”

 

“Copy that, 221. Power down engines and remain where you are. I'm coming in on your starboard side and will endeavor to get the wings touching again.”

 

“Acknowledged. Shuttle 221 powering down.”

 

Wufei could see the transport shuttle ahead and carefully eased the yoke to the side and then back again. The big craft rumbled along, inching closer to the larger shuttle. Wufei was aware of the other shuttles rapidly approaching and knew they would be in visual range very shortly. He needed to get close to the other shuttle and cloak it as quickly as possible.

 

The sweat began to trickle down his spine as his eyes focused completely on lining up the two shuttles.

 

Zechs sat still and silent in the pilot's seat. He had no clue where the other shuttle was and had to trust Wufei. He couldn't help feeling like a sitting duck though. “Cargo bay, this is the cockpit. Do you copy?”

 

Down in the cargo bay, the four remaining pilots had opened the hatches to their respective Gundams and were busy going through the pre-flight checks. All four felt a stirring of emotion as they sat in the familiar seats, hands gripping controls like they were an extension of themselves.

 

The com system crackled and Zechs' voice came over the unit.

 

“Cargo bay, this is the cockpit. Do you copy?”

 

“Cockpit, this is the cargo bay, we copy. What's going on, Zechs?” Heero asked as the other three left their suits and gathered around him.

 

“Shuttle has been relocated successfully. Chang is moments behind us and will be maneuvering into position on our starboard side to attempt to bring the wing tips back into alignment and touch again.”

 

“Roger that. Any sign from the domes or port that we have been detected?” Heero asked.

 

“None that I can see. The other shuttles are several minutes away from landing and whilst we may show up on their radar, they won't have a visual on us for a little while. I'm hoping that by then, Wufei will be in position and the shuttle cloaked again.”

 

“I still don't think it will be long before someone picks up on our presence.”

 

“I agree. There's no way they could have missed us on their radar screens,” Zechs replied.

 

“Hn. We will remain in the cargo hold. The Gundams are all ready for deployment if we need to. Keep us informed of what is happening, Zechs.” Heero replied.

 

“Will do. Cockpit out.”

 

“Cargo bay, out.” Heero turned to the other three. “I'd suggest we all get strapped in and ready to go should the need arise.”

 

“Sounds good to me,” Duo replied. “I'm more than ready for a little payback.”

 

Heero's eyes softened and he pulled Duo closer to him, enveloping his lover in a warm hug. “If we do have to fight, promise me you will stay safe?”

 

“Oh, Heero. You know as well as I do that there's no promises in war. All I can do is be as careful as I can, and trust me, I have every reason to be careful and stay alive.”

 

Heero frowned a touch at the slightly cryptic words, but then dismissed them. He knew Duo loved both him and their son and would be doing all he could to stay alive for them. “And I will try to do the same for you,” he said softly, pressing a kiss to Duo's temple.

 

“Love you, Heero,” Duo whispered and leaned in to brush his lips over Heero's.

 

“Love you too, Duo,” Heero responded and taking his partner's lips, reciprocated, only deepening the kiss and pouring his heart and soul into it.

 

“Aren't they sweet? Quatre sighed, a smile on his face as he watched the pair from a short distance away.

 

Beside him, Trowa's eyes were watching the pair, agreeing with his husband that the pair were indeed, sweet together. “Yes, they may be sweet, but you're even sweeter,” he said and pulled Quatre to him.

 

Quatre happily snuggled against his partner's chest. “Stay safe out there,” Quatre whispered.

 

“You too, my love, you too,” Trowa returned.

 

After a few moments of silence, Heero broke the peace and quiet. “I think we should all check our weapon status and be prepared to leave.”

 

“Sure thing, Heero.” Releasing his lover, Duo made his way back to Deathscythe, the others following along behind.

 

*

 

“Almost there,” Wufei muttered, his eyes fixated on the craft ahead and to the side of him, face crinkled in concentration.

 

He checked the instrument panel again, noting the figures on the computer screen. He pushed the yoke a touch, the thrusters giving a small burst at the same time and brought the wing tip around. Punching in a few commands, Wufei waited for the computer to do its calculations and display the results on the screen.

 

Noting the figures, he maneuvered the yoke, steering the large craft and bringing it closer to the transport shuttle. He could see the wing tips and slowly but surely edged closer.

 

The computer informed him he was about to `collide' with the other craft and he eased back a touch. Drawing a deep breath and steadying his hand, Wufei crept forward and then, the wings touched and the transport shuttle began to shimmer and then fade from view.

 

Zechs felt the small nudge as the other shuttle connected with the transport and he heaved a sigh of relief. “Shuttle 121, this is shuttle 221, has contact been made?”

 

“This is shuttle 121, contact made and cloaking established,” Wufei replied.

 

“Thank you.”

 

“No problem. I'll finish powering down and then rejoin you over there.”

 

“Roger that. Let me know when you're heading over and I'll have the pressurization chamber ready to go.”

 

“Will do.” Wufei turned his attention back to the console and began his check of the systems as they began to shut down.

 

Happy that all was okay, Wufei headed back to the pressurization chamber, grabbing his mask and donning it on the way.

 

* * *

[Satellite XRB 23 Control Room]

 

Barton, Craven and Zaheer all watched the screen with undivided attention. The camera was a little rusty as it hadn't been used in quite some time other than to look straight ahead so the mechanics were not in pristine condition and it took a short while to get it to actually move. Once it did, it began to scan over the immediate area, sending those pictures back to the computer and ultimately the screen that Barton was studying.

 

So far there had been nothing to see.

 

“I don't think there's anything out there,” Craven began to mutter.

 

“Then how do you explain that blip?” Zaheer asked.

 

“Could be anything, a rock, some scrap metal left over from the satellite's processing days?” Craven replied.

 

Zaheer snorted. “If it was then surely it would have shown up on the radar before?”

 

“Maybe,” Craven replied absently.

 

The camera continued on its sweep of the outside area. As it turned a little further so it picked up on a shimmering object. One minute the outline of something large was there; the next it was gone.

 

“Stop it there!” Barton demanded.

 

Immediately, Craven halted the camera and turned his attention to the screen.

 

“What is it?” Zaheer asked. He'd snapped his attention back to the screen the moment Barton had spoken, but he couldn't see anything.

 

Barton frowned. “There was something there, I know there was. I saw it,” he stated.

 

Simons checked the radar again. The eight blips showed up - then, nothing.

 

“Are you sure?” Zaheer questioned.

 

“Of course I'm sure,” Barton snapped. “I'm not senile yet,” he growled.

 

Zaheer opted to remain silent on that one.

 

“Well, there's nothing there now that I can see,” Craven stated. “I'll pan the camera around a little more just to be sure.” The tech turned back to the computer and typed in the commands. The camera began to sweep the area again.

 

“Sir?” Simons asked to any of the three that would respond to him.

 

“What is it now?” snarled Barton.

 

Simons visibly paled and shrank back into his seat. “The blip that was on the radar? It's no longer there.”

 

“What?!” Barton stormed over to the tech and the radar screen.

 

“Ah, there are the shuttle blips,” Simons stated and pointed to where six blips were now showing up on the radar.

 

“I thought there were eight shuttles,” Zaheer said.

 

“There are,” Simons replied.

 

“Then how come only six are showing up?”

 

“The other two have landed and are in the bay area for the troops to embark.”

 

“Ah. I see.” Zaheer scratched his chin and turned back to Barton. “It could just be a glitch in the radar, or maybe one of the shuttles got a little lost on the approach to the shuttle bay,” he said.

 

Barton remained silent for a moment as he contemplated Zaheer's words.“That could be true,” he said slowly. “However, I'm not convinced that there's nothing out there.”

 

“The camera didn't show anything,” Craven stated.

 

“I know I saw something,” Barton hissed.

 

Craven wasn't all that sure that the boss wasn't losing his sanity. “If you say so, sir.”

 

Barton gave the tech a disdainful look. “I'd watch my mouth if I were you, Craven. You're not irreplaceable.”

 

Craven swallowed - hard and nodded his head. Turning back to the console and screen, he did another scan around with the camera, deciding to keep his thoughts to himself in future.

 

“Note down the coordinates,” Barton ordered. Turning to Zaheer, he announced, “I want a couple of the suits to go outside the dome and check those coordinates. If there's nothing there then I'll accept that I need to get my eyes checked.”

 

“As you wish, sir,” Zaheer said and once he had the coordinates, he left the control room to contact the suit hangar and have a couple of pilots go out to check.

 

Barton tuned back to the console. “How is the troop loading going?” he questioned.

 

“Only four more shuttles to load, sir,” Craven replied.

 

“Good. The others?”

 

“They are all loaded and have left for earth, sir.”

 

Barton gave an evil smirk. “The dawn of the new era is about to begin.”

 

* * *

 

[Preventer Shuttle 221]

 

Wufei made it back to the transport shuttle without detection and once he'd re-pressurized, he entered the main body of the shuttle to be greeted by Zechs; the other four pilots a few moments behind him.

 

“Do you think we evaded detection?” Zechs asked.

 

“Not sure but the cloaking is working again, the shuttles cannot be seen,” Wufei replied.

 

“I guess if we have been spotted, we will know about it somewhere in the next half hour,” Quatre said.

 

“What about the other shuttles?” Trowa asked.

 

“I'm betting they're loading up with the troops for earth,” said Duo. “It's all a part of Barton's master plan.”

 

“Should we try to stop them?” asked Zechs.

 

“It's a little late for that,” Wufei sneered. “Half of them have already left, besides, the Commander has given us strict instructions we are to apprehend Barton and bring him in alive.”

 

“I'd suggest we contact Une and let her know of the incoming. I doubt that Preventer or anyone else for that matter will be able to detect them given the Firecell,” Heero said.

 

“Good point,” Wufei conceded.

 

“I'll put in the call If you like,” Zechs said and went to move off to the cockpit.

 

The rest of the group agreed and followed Zechs back. They had only gone a few meters when the shuttle's alarms began to go off.

 

“What is it?” Heero asked as the group broke into a sprint for the cockpit.

 

“Not sure,” Zechs replied. “It's the perimeter alarms again so something is approaching.”

 

“I thought we'd managed to get far enough out of the way of the shuttles?” Quatre stated.

 

“We have,” Zechs replied. “Oh fuck!”

 

“What is it?” Heero demanded and looked over Zechs' shoulder. “Shit!”

 

“Are you two going to share or are we going to have to play twenty questions?” Duo asked, the sarcasm clear in his voice.

 

“Gentlemen, we have incoming mobile suits,” Zechs stated quietly.

 

~ * ~

 

tbc...