Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Family Ties ❯ Chapter 108 ( Chapter 108 )

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

“Family Ties”

January 2007 ShenLong

Chapter 108

[Preventer Headquarters]

Once Une had made her call to Sally, she left her office, informing Felicity she would be in the communications section if she was needed. With a purpose to her stride she made her way quickly through the building. She had a lot to organize.

Noting Sky at one of the transmitters, she walked in the agent’s direction. “Sky, I need to contact the shuttle port,” she stated as she entered the communications room.

Sky scrambled in his seat, moving to the side and passing over a head set to the Commander. “Right away, ma’am,” he replied and set to the task.

Forest and Oak made themselves scarce, Sun continuing to monitor on the other radio and casting glances across at his partner and their Commander from time to time.

“Captain Storm, I have Commander Une here. She wishes to speak with you.” Sky turned to the Commander. “Captain Storm is ready to receive, ma’am.”

“Thank you, Sky.” Une turned to the unit and closed her eyes. “Storm, I have a shuttle coming in, code red. The ETA is somewhere in the next five to six hours. They will need priority clearance and all assistance”

“I see, Commander,” replied Storm. “May I ask what the problem is and which shuttle?”

“It’s Preventer Shuttle PA 221, returning from the satellite and carrying a critically injured agent along with other injured agents.”

Storm caught his breath for a moment. “I will have all services on stand by and priority clearance for them to land. I will need the shuttle’s transmission frequency for contact once they are on approach to the atmosphere.”

“I will have all that sent through to you in due course, Storm.”

“Roger that, Commander.”

“There’s more, Storm. I will need a helicopter fueled and ready to transport the injured to Preventer headquarters. Doctor Sally Po will be arriving at the shuttle port prior to the shuttle’s landing and will travel back here on the chopper with the injured.”

“Copy that, Commander. I’ll get right on to it.”

“Thank you, Storm. I will have all the necessary information sent through as soon as I can and also let you know when to expect Doctor Po.”

“No problem, Commander. Will there be anything else?”

“Not at this stage, Storm. Commander out.”

“Storm, out.”

Une leaned back in her chair and blinked her tired eyes.

“Are you okay, Commander?” asked Sky, his tone a touch worried.

“Nothing that several hours of sleep wouldn’t fix,” Une muttered. She gave the agent a  rare, soft look. “I’m okay, Sky. I’ll be a hell of a lot better though once this is all finished.”

“Amen to that,” Sky smiled in return.

“Okay, sympathy time is over. I need to contact Mercury and let him know of the latest developments. I’ll also need to try and get in touch with the agents remaining on the satellite.”

“I’ll get Oak to try and raise the agents on the satellite if you wish, Commander?”

“Thanks, Sky. Can you get me Mercury first though?”

“Right on it, Commander.”

* * *

[Mansion]

Margaret joined Sally by the front door just short of the ten minutes she’d been given. Sally took the child from the nurse and carried him out to the car where Harim was busy tightening the straps to the baby seat.

“All done, Miss Po,” Harim said as he backed his body out from the back seat.

“Thank you, Harim,” Sally replied and began the task of settling the infant into his seat and strapping him in.

Margaret opened the opposite door and placed the child’s bag on the floor before getting into the passenger seat and putting her seat belt on.

“I’ll go open the gates for you,” Harim said.

“Thanks. One of us will be in touch when we have any news, Harim,” Sally informed the man as she took her place behind the wheel.

“That would be appreciated, Miss Po. Please, take care and look after Master Duo and Master Heero.”

“I’ll do everything I can to make sure they both return in good health.”

The Maguanac nodded and left to open the secure gates. He was worried, Sally having given him what little facts she had and they hadn’t painted a very good picture. Harim, along with the other Maguanacs had met all the Gundam pilots at some stage during the war, but Master Duo always held a soft spot in their hearts. All the Maguanacs would protect Master Duo to their dying breath if they had to, just as they would for Master Quatre or any of the other ex-pilots; but Master Duo was something special to them all.

Harim frowned and sent a silent prayer to Allah that the young man would be okay.

Sally started the car and drove down the sweeping drive to the gates. They were still in the process of opening and she had to wait a minute before they were wide enough for the car to pass through. Once on the road she headed for Preventer headquarters, eyes alert for any sign of unrest.

When she got to the main highway without incident, she spoke to Margaret. “Could you get my cell out of my bag and call Une for me please? I need to let her know when we should be arriving.”

“No problem.” Margaret fished around until she located the cell phone.

“It’s on speed dial, press two,” Sally said when she noticed the nurse frowning at the item as she tried to locate the Commander’s number.

“Ah.” Margaret did as requested. The phone connected and Margaret listened to the sound of it ringing; after a few rings, it was answered.

“Sally, how long until you’re here?” came Une’s voice.

“Commander Une, it’s Margaret Brown, Sally is driving right now.”

“Ah, sorry about that, Margaret.”

“No problem. We are on our way and we should be arriving at Headquarters in...” Margaret looked to Sally.

Glancing at the clock set in the dashboard, Sally did a few mental calculations. “ETA twenty-five minutes, give or take five or ten.”

“Sally says about twenty-five minutes, give or take five or ten, Commander,” Margaret stated, relaying Sally’s words.

“Thank you. Could you please ask Sally to come directly to my office when she gets here and I will brief her further. If I’ve not already spoken with the agents currently on the returning shuttle, I can do so whilst Sally is with me.”

“I will pass that information on, Commander. Is there anything else?”

“Not at the moment. Margaret, I take it you are aware of the status?”

“Yes, yes I am, Commander and I want you to know that I fully intend to be present to assist Doctor Po in any  capacity that I can.”

Noting the firmness of the tone, Une couldn’t help but chuckle. “I’m sure Sally will be more than grateful for your help, especially with Agent Night.”  Une didn't need to say anything further, both the Commander and the nurse knew exactly what was meant with those words.

“We will see you shortly, Commander.”

“Roger that. Stay safe. Bye.” Une disconnected the call.

Margaret popped the cell back into Sally’s bag and relayed Une’s side of the conversation to Sally, the doctor having heard Margaret's side.

“I’m glad Une doesn’t have a problem with you coming in to assist me, I don’t think I could handle Duo’s injuries by myself and I really don’t fancy having one of the other agents or medical staff assisting, especially as I’m going to have to check and see if Duo is pregnant again.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” The nurse was silent for a moment, her mind ticking over. Finally, she spoke her thoughts. “How do you think he will cope with another pregnancy this soon after having had Keitaro?”

Sally didn’t reply right away, her mind was working overtime with all the possible scenarios. At last she spoke, her tone serious. “In a woman it wouldn’t be quite so bad, but in Duo’s case there are a lot of unknown variables. His body is still stressed from carrying Keitaro, the wound from the delivery, whilst healed, is still weak. I’m not even going to contemplate how his womb would cope. I suggest we wait and see what the ultra sound shows up, then we can consider all the other elements to this.”

Nurse Brown nodded. She could understand exactly where the doctor was coming from. This would be a case of checking everything first, then deciding on a plan of action. Before settling back into her seat, she checked Keitaro, the youngster had fallen asleep in  his baby seat. Smiling to herself at the innocent looking babe, the nurse turned her attention back to the passing landscape.

* * *

[Satellite XRB 23]

“I think that’s all of them,” Quatre announced as he set the lock on the cell door.

“One way to be sure,” replied Zechs. Quatre raised an eyebrow. Zechs expanded on his words. “I’ll run a heat scan over the Dome from the shuttle. It will pick up on any heat source within the Dome. We can then use the process of elimination to see if we have missed anyone or not.”
“Smart thinking,” Quatre replied. “Don’t forget we have to pick up the two senators and there are a couple of goons Duo left tied up somewhere as well.”
“Do you know where?”

“Yeah, Duo did pass on the sections. I’ve got them noted down.”

“Okay. I’d suggest we head back to the shuttle then and scan the Dome.”

“We need to take Wing and Deathscythe back to the shuttle and secure them too,” Quatre reminded the other agent.

“Shit! I’d forgotten about those two. I hope you know the codes to get into them,” Zechs said as he moved off through the corridors in the direction of the hangar.

“As long as neither Heero nor Duo has changed them then I do know the codes,” Quatre replied, jogging a little to keep up with the taller agent.

Zechs grunted and continued on his way. As they traversed through the Dome, Zechs thought about Barton and the other prisoners. It hadn’t taken much to secure them all; none were willing to put up a fight, not after Une’s broadcast of Barton’s speech. Zechs would be very surprised if Barton had anyone left who gave a shit about him; other than to kill him that was.

Barton had been placed in a cell by himself, more for his own protection than anything else. Besides, Zechs didn’t want Barton dead before they got him back to Preventer; aside from having a very annoyed Commander after them if that were to happen, they’d also have one very pissed off Yuy as well and in Zechs’ book, Yuy was by far the worst of the two evils.

Barton had received minimal first aid, just enough to insure he would remain alive, but not enough to remove the pain of his injuries. That pain would serve to remind the man of the pain he’d caused others and the pain he was yet to experience.

The hangar lay up ahead, the two agents entering within minutes. Quickly locating their space helmets, they put them on and passed through the depressurization chamber.

Quatre approached the two Gundams, the mecha standing silent but threatening. “Which would you care to pilot back?” he asked Zechs.

“I’ll take Wing if that’s okay. I’ve piloted it before so I’m familiar with it. I’ve never been inside Deathscythe,” Zechs replied.

“I don’t think Duo would forgive you either if you put so much as a scratch on his beloved ‘Scythe,” chuckled Quatre as he approached the white and blue mecha. “Give me a moment, please,” he said and quickly ascended Wing via the cable. Once standing by the cockpit, Quatre punched in a code to the small keypad, the hatch hissing open within seconds. Grinning to himself, Quatre allowed the cable to lower him back down. “All yours,”  he said.

“Thank you,” Zechs replied and taking the cable, rose into the air and to the cockpit of Wing.

Quatre moved to Deathscythe, riding the cable and punching in the code once he was by the hatch. The hatch swung open, Quatre climbing inside and sealing it again. He quickly brought the mecha fully on line and opened up the communications port. “You okay in there, Wind?”

It had only taken a moment for Zechs to familiarize himself with the suit’s controls and he soon had the power building up. Quatre’s face appeared on the small vid screen, Zechs answering the blonde. “Everything is fine. All controls are on line and I'm ready to move out when you are,” he replied.

“Okay, follow me.” Quatre grasped the controls and Deathscythe began to walk from inside the hangar. Once  Wing had also moved outside, the pair powered up the thrusters and gently guided the suits back to the shuttle. The cargo bay doors were opened and the mecha took their places inside the shuttle’s belly alongside the other three Gundams.

The bay doors closed, sealing the shuttle and re-pressurizing the hold. Both Zechs and Quatre powered the Gundam’s down, turning all systems off line and leaving the suits to ‘sleep’. Sealing the hatches, Zechs aimed for the exit, Quatre taking a last look over all five suits and feeling his heart tug when he looked at the damage done to Heavyarms. With a deep breath, he turned and followed Zechs from within the hold, Zechs sealing the doors and securing them with a code that was known only to him and a couple of others.

“Let’s head for the cockpit and run the scan, then we can contact Headquarters and fill them in on our status. We might be able to get an update on the others too,” Zechs stated and turned to go to the cockpit.

“I’m right behind you,” Quatre said.

It didn’t take long for Zechs to bring up the program and scan the Dome. Various heat sources showed up on the screen and the pair were able to separate those sources that were the machinery currently keeping the Dome running from the human element. The bulk were in the cells, a few, smaller pockets scattered here and there which both Zechs and Quatre were able to identify as being other prisoners they’d secured.

Satisfied that they had everyone accounted for, it was time to contact headquarters.

* * *

[Shuttle 221]

Sitting in the medical bay, Hawkins glanced around him, eyes coming back to rest on Heero and the young man currently lying in a critical condition on the small bed. He could see the fear, the worry etched into every line of the chocolate haired man’s body. “I sincerely hope he will be all right,” Hawkins said softly.

Heero grunted softly in reply.

“He’s a remarkable young man. I don’t think Barton would have been able to be stopped if it wasn’t for him.” Hawkins paused before continuing. “When I first met him in the control room, I wasn’t sure which side he was on. Barton had him programing those mobile dolls and training the pilots. It wasn’t until I spoke with him in the bathroom that I began to understand a little better. He asked me to help him come up with a code or something he could slip into the programing that wouldn’t be detected. I’m glad I decided to go with my instincts and trust him. I only wish I could have met and known him under different circumstances, he’s got a brilliant mind on him and a true sense of justice.”

“He’s the kindest person I know,” Heero said softly, eyes never leaving Duo’s unconscious form.

“Yes, he is. He doesn't deserve this,” Hawkins said.

“No, he doesn’t, and I’m going to try and make sure nothing like this ever happens to him ever again.”

“Is he... Are you two...?” Hawkins wasn’t a prude by any means, but he couldn’t find the words he wanted to ask the question. Heero saved him from embarrassing himself though.

“He’s my lover, my partner, my husband. He’s my heart and soul, my entire world. If I lose him, my life isn’t worth living.”

The words were whispered, Hawkins only barely catching them; but he understood completely. He placed a hand on Heero’s shoulder and gently squeezed. “A love like this is hard to find. I hope you two live a very long life together.”

Heero didn’t reply, he didn’t need to.

Hawkins sat back in his chair and let his eyes slip shut. The nightmare was almost over.

*

“Preventer Headquarters, this is Shuttle 221. Do you read?” Wufei said and waited for a reply. Beside him, Trowa sat with his own head set on.

“Shuttle 221, this is Preventer Headquarters. Agent Sun here, I copy you loud and clear.”

“Sun, this is Fire. Is the Commander available? I wish to brief her on the current status.”

“Commander is in the other room. One moment and I’ll get her, Fire.”

“Thank you.” Wufei looked to Trowa who tilted his head.

“Fire, what news do you have for me?” Une asked a moment later.

“Shuttle is still on course and our ETA with the shuttle port is four hours. We should break through the atmosphere at 23:00 hours providing we catch the window.”

“Roger that, Fire. I will let Storm know the times shortly. I have briefed Storm on the situation and there will be a chopper waiting at the port with Sally Po on board to transport you all directly to Headquarters. As you get closer to Earth, Sky or Sun will send you the frequency for the shuttle port and they will assist in bringing you home.”

“Thank you, Commander.”

“What is the status of the agents on board?” Une questioned. “Sally will be arriving here at Headquarters very shortly and it would be helpful if I can let her know what to expect so she can have the appropriate medical facilities prepped and ready.”

“Commander, it’s Air here,” Trowa said, taking over the conversation from Wufei. “I have examined all on board and treated what I could.  Agent Night is the most serious and requires expert help as soon as possible.”

“Air, please give me the basics,” Une replied, her tone clearly stating that she was not alone and therefore Trowa wasn’t to make any reference to Duo’s possible pregnant state.

“Agent Night has a bullet crease to the upper arm and one to the hip; he also has cracked ribs and a sprained ankle. There are minor contusions and bruising, but his main problem is the knife embedded in his abdomen. His blood pressure is slightly high but stable and I don’t think there is any internal bleeding at this point in time. I have made no attempt to remove the knife as I have no clue if it has damaged any vital organs or blood vessels.”

“Wise move, Air. The others?”

“Agent Day also has a bullet crease to his biceps and several contusions – none of which are life threatening. Agent Fire...”

Wufei scowled.

“Agent Fire has bruising, minor contusions and a deep laceration to the scalp; which I have cleaned up as much as possible but it may require stitching. The professor has multiple bruising, some contusions and a bullet wound to the shoulder.“

“And?”

Trowa could hear the raising of the Commander’s eyebrow. “All persons vitals are currently stable but only minor pain relief has been given at this stage as I don’t know what Sally intends to do.”

“Agent Air... What is your status?” Une growled.

“Operational.”

Before the Commander could speak, Wufei jumped in. If he had to suffer, then Barton could too. “Air has a strained shoulder, laceration to the head and a possible broken ankle.”

“And he says he’s operational,” Une muttered.

“Air has also been treated as best we can, Commander; although I wouldn’t recommend giving him any morphine,” Wufei stated. Trowa scowled.

“Why...? No, don't bother answering that, I don’t want to know. Fire, Air, I will pass all this information on to Sally as soon as she gets here. Continue on course for now, I’ll have Sun contact you with the shuttle port frequency shortly. Once you have that I expect you to contact Storm at the port. I will be in touch again soon as Sally will probably want to talk to you, Air.”

“Commander, have you heard anything more from the satellite?” asked Trowa.

“Not as yet. Oak should be checking in with them soon though.”

“Roger that.”

“Thank you, agents. Stay safe. Une out.”

“Shuttle 221, out.” Wufei pushed the button and removed his head set. Turning to Barton he gave the man a nod. “I think we should check on the others then see if we can’t get some rest. I’ll take first watch.”

“Sounds good to me, Wufei.”

The pair went back towards the medical bay to let Heero know what was going on.

* * *

[Satellite XRB 23 – Shuttle 121]

Zechs and Quatre sat down in the cockpit, both slipping on head sets. Just as Zechs was about to contact Headquarters, the communication’s light lit up and a familiar voice came over the unit.

“Agents Wind or Space, this is Agent Oak at Preventer communications, do you copy?”

“Looks like they beat us to it,” Quatre grinned.

Zechs gave an amused smile and answered. “Agent Oak, this is Wind. We copy you loud and clear.”

“Good. Commander requires an update on the status there.”

“Roger that. Barton and all his men have been detained and secured. We have run a heat scan over the Dome and cannot locate any further persons than those in confinement.”

“That’s good news, Wind. Commander has been in touch with Mercury and the clean up crew has been briefed on your situation. Those shuttles should be arriving in another two or three hours. I have given Mercury your frequency and he will be in touch when the shuttles are roughly an hour away to discuss approach and will be the best place for the shuttles to be situated once they have landed.”

“Sounds good to me, Oak.”

“Commander wishes to know if shuttle 121 is secure.”

Wind translated that into ‘Une want’s to know if the Gundams are safely locked down.’ “Inform the Commander that the shuttle is safe and secure.”

“Roger that, Wind.”

“What would the Commander have us do whilst waiting for the back up shuttles?” asked Zechs.

“Commander says to relax and rest.”

“Agent Oak, this is Space here. If there’s nothing more we can do here I wish to head back to Earth. My partner, Agent Air was wounded along with several other agents that are now on their way back and I request permission to leave and join them.”

“One moment, Space. I’ll have to contact the Commander on that, she’s currently in her office.”
“No problem, I’ll hold,” Quatre replied with a snicker. Zechs rolled his eyes.

Oak paged the Commander and explained what Quatre wanted, Une giving permission. “Agent Air?”

“Still here, Oak.”

“Commander says you may leave if you wish, but she doesn’t see how you’re going to get back here to Earth. You’ll have to wait for either shuttle 121 to be repaired or come back on one of the other shuttles when they’re done up there.”

“Ah, I think I can get back before then,” Quatre replied cryptically.

“Well, if you can I don't see why not, the Commander has given you the all clear.”

“Just leave it to me, Oak. I’ll contact you again and fill you in.”

“Thank you. Is there anything else, Agents?”

“Nothing at this stage,” Zechs replied.

“Good luck. Oak out.”
“Shuttle 121, out.”  

With the connection cut, Zechs turned to Quatre. “And just how do you propose to get back to Earth?” he asked, curious to know what Quatre had planned.

“It’s quite simple, my dear Zechs. I’ll put out a call and see what Winner shuttles are in the vicinity and get one to stop by and pick me up,” Quatre replied, a little smug.

“Just like hailing a cab or catching a bus,” Zechs muttered. “I should have known.”

Quatre smirked. “Sometimes it’s good to be me,” he snickered.

Zechs just shook his head.

“Mind if I borrow the radio?”

“Feel free,” Zechs replied and leaned back in his seat, stretching his arms out above himself. “I think I might head aft and find a cabin to take a nap in. Let me know if you manage to hitch a ride.”

“Will do.”

* * *
[Inside Duo’s Abdomen]

A gentle thrum passed continuously through the fluid surrounding the fetus; it was a sound and vibration all in one and did soothe the tiny being. Unaware of what was transpiring outside its safe world, the small babe moved a little in the fluid.

The body was perfectly formed, translucent skin covering the body, tiny fingers and toes fully developed whilst the remainder of the internal organs were in their various stages of development. Still dependent on its mother for the nutrients required to complete its development, the fetus was used to receiving other elements in the exchange from time to time.

Mostly, these other elements had no ill effect on the child, and the human body, in its wisdom, was very good at filtering out harmful items from the exchange. But there were some things even the body had no control over.

Unknowing of the injured state of its mother, the first sign the fetus had that anything was wrong was when the blood supply began to slow a touch and the exchange of vital gasses diminished. Whilst it wasn’t significant enough to harm the developing child, it did have a mild effect.

The fetus slowed in its activities, not enough energy was reaching it for it to be  as active as normal and what nutrients it did get were being channeled into its developing body. Combined with the hormones its mother’s body was releasing to combat the injuries and the fetus was being overwhelmed one moment and then left feeling drained and exhausted the next.

It was all too much for the babe to handle; shoving a tiny thumb into the small mouth, the fetus curled in on itself and went to sleep.

~ * ~

tbc...


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