Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Worlds ❯ Cat and Mouse ( Chapter 12 )

LOKI PATERA, IO, January 2, A.C. 201

"You have news, Scoban?"

"Yes, sir. Trojan forces have secured Venezuela and much of the surrounding area."

"Did any of the fleet stay behind?"

"No, sir; they all are returning. Yes, I am afraid it is going to be a while before there are regular runs between here and the Earth Sphere."

"Just make sure we have a good supply from areas such as Columbia and Brazil ready by then."

"Don't worry, sir. Already, plans are being set up to ensure we have business arrangements with the locals very soon."

THE TROJAN FLEET, January 3, A.C. 201

The fleet continued toward Venus to use its gravity to slingshot back to Jupiter. With the attack on Earth now behind them, they could now get on to other matters. A small shuttlecraft left one cruiser known as the Knightstar to the Caligula. After her shuttle was safe in the Caligula's hanger, Commodore Venen was escorted to the conference room where Tysyacha and Tusen were waiting.

Soon Tysyacha stood and said while shuffling some papers, "This court-martial is now in session for the charges of Vice Admiral Alexandria Tusen against Commodore Victoria Venen on grounds of insubordination."

COLONY L1

"What is the meaning of this, Shtatë?" Tekvsmeti demanded. Åttio, Visim, and Satrah nodded in support.

"I apologize for the excessive attack on the space traffic around the Colonies. I have learned that this is very much due to a certain overzealous Admiral Tusen. Don't worry. I already wired a formal complaint to the proper authorities."

TIS CALIGULA

Tusen and Venen waited outside the conference room while the High Command were making their judgment.

"So, what are you trying to prove, Alexandria?" Venen asked. "I think this goes back to our rivalry. You have had it for me ever since we were in the naval academy."

Tusen snorted. "Why would I have it in for you? I have always been your superior . . . "

"Excuse me, sirs," said a young corporal entering the room. "We are ready to reconvene." He led them into the conference room.

Soon Tysyacha spoke up. "Now, before I give our final decision, it seems that some other evidence has come to light." He turned to Hiliada. "Supreme Director."

"Thank you," Hiliada said. He held up a computer pad. "I was sent this complaint by Shtatë. It seems that he and many of our fellow Party members in the Colonies are upset at your behavior, Tusen. Are you aware that you could have killed many sympathizers to the Party's cause? True, many of them may have been merchants or others who benefit at the expense of the workers, but still it seems that Venen may have shown some merit after all."

"What are you saying?" Tusen blurted out. "Are you saying that I . . ."

"Never mind that," Tysyacha said. "After all, you are not the one on trial. It is just that Venen will be given a lighter sentence. Therefore, it has been decided that Commodore Venen will be reassigned to patrol the Uranian sector."

COLONY L2, January 5, A.C. 201, 08:30

From the spaceport, Heero, Duo, Trowa, and Wufei watched the Winner spacecraft leave.

"Well, there they go," Duo said.

"Think it was a good idea to have them be armed?" Trowa asked. "They may give wrong idea if someone finds those old Maganac suits."

"They are going into unknown, possibly hostile territory," Wufei said. "They should have a way to defend themselves."

"Still, I do hope they don't get in any skirmishes. We have seen what we are up against."

"I am not sure if I am too impressed with their abilities," Wufei said. "They preyed on the weak. They would have a much harder change against real fighters such as Quatre and Zechs"

"I am not sure I find comfort in that," Heero said.

TIS CALIGULA, January 7, A.C. 201

Tusen walked into Tysyacha's office. "You wanted to see me, sir?"

"Yes. I have a special mission for you. As you know, Winner and Peacecraft are on their way to Jupiter."

"Yes. They are also secretly armed." She smiled. "You want me stop them?"

"Not quite. I want you to take a battle group and intercept and attack them. However, I want you to simply cripple them. Your orders are explicit: leave everyone alive. Can you handle that?"

He noticed her make a scowl. "Don't tell me you are still upset about our decision about Venen. You are one of our best military tacticians. I know you can handle this."

She then smiled. "Yes, sir. We must show that we truly have control of life as well as death over anyone we choose. Just give me the details so I can plan out an attack."

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

Osiem was working some MF units when Scott Fichese came in. They kept their voices low even though the sounds of machinery were drowning out most sounds.

"So, you have those components put together yet?" Fichese asked.

"Yeah, Fichese. They are even boxed and ready to go to be delivered to those Gundam pilots," Osiem said with a smile.

"Think they will like them?"

"They'd better. It was a fair task building them undercover. Feh, and those scientists though they were very sly building the Gundams under OZ's nose. True, the components are smaller, but ISI is much better in security. Still, it was enjoyable making them. Cxetiri really outdid herself in doing a thorough examination. Her data helped considerably, particularly due to the specifications for each of the individual pilots. So again, they'd better appreciate the attempts I went through to custom them."

"I hope you didn't copy her info too closely. She is still there, and she knows the specs on the Gundams better than the pilots do. She might be able to use that against these completed mechs."

"Don't worry. Not only did I take that in consideration, I also used some personal creativity, along with Sera, in not only the components, but all the mechs we are taking. We each take much pride in our work," he ended with a wink.

WINNER INTERPLANETARY CRAFT, January 9, A.C. 201

Dorothy entered the room she and Quatre shared to find him studying. "Got your nose in the books already? The semester has barely started."

"Yeah," he responded. "Might as well get started. Good thing we were able to take our courses as distance learning and telecast so we don't fall to behind in our education."

"I have been working on our presentation. Hope this trip works out, especially due to how long this trip is going to take."

He looked at her and held her hand. "Well, in any case, I am glad to spend it with you."

"Speaking of having somebody, how is Milliardo doing?"

"He spends a lot of time with the Maganacs, so I guess he is doing okay. I hope his family is doing okay without him."

"Relena said that Pargan will help out, plus she and Heero will also visit often. Still, it is a shame he is not with his children, particularly his infant daughter. We both know that having two parents is something that should not be taken for granted "

"Well, he is taking this mission seriously. He feels that if it can ensure that his children don't have to grow up with war it will be worth it."

January 10, A.C. 201

PREVENTER HEADQUARTERS, BRUSSELS

Heero, Duo, Trowa, Wufei, Une, and Sally looked over a map of southeastern Europe. Since satellite images could only tell so much, they were planning to get into Kumkale, called New Troy by the new occupants, and gather information, i.e., spy.

"Any idea how we can get in there? They have pretty much secured the entire coastline," Duo said.

"We can't land very near the actual mainland Turkish coast, but they haven't secured most of the islands," Heero said. He pointed to a mid-sized island on the map. "Here, Bozca Ada. We should be able be transported to there, then use a small raft to stealthily land on the mainland."

"And then, trek on foot from there?" Wufei said.

"Maybe at first; it is fairly mountainous there," Trowa said. "But, we may be able to steal transportation. It is fairly simple though . . . "

ISI HEADQUARTERS, KUMKALE (NEW TROY)

"... we just follow the coastline north." Trowa's voice continued as Shtatë, Huit, and other ISI officers looked at the transmitted image that let them look down from above the table.

"Those mountains might give us some cover," Sally said.

"They may also make it easy to pick you off; so, be careful," Une said.

"Don't worry, onnas," Wufei said. "They are yet to deal with us. This shouldn't be too hard."

Shtatë turned away from the screen. "Better contact Jedan," he said calmly.

January 10, A.C. 201

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"So, are you sure that is still the best time for us to leave?" Hyaku asked.

"Yes," said Fichese. "Pevarzek will be in a meeting at that time. He has kept security very lax for much of the time, but he will beef it up when the fleet returns."

"What for?" Deborah said with a smile. "Is he afraid that someone is going to make a move against him?"

"Actually, he doesn't want it to look like he has been slacking for the past few weeks."

"You mean we have only two days to leave, and then we will be only two days ahead of the entire fleet?" Kessan said.

"That pretty much sums it up," Fichese said.

"That's crazy! We can't possibly make it."

"What's with you?" Pedwar asked. "You've been antsy to go for years, and now you are getting cold feet."

"The stealth capabilities and speed of the Enforcer should give us a huge advantage over the fleet," Deborah emphasized. "Besides, Pedwar is right. We have been waiting for years for this opportunity. We can't pass this up."

"Plus, I already have the course plotted out," said a young African woman. "And, this is our best window."

"You're sure, Tshelela?" asked Kessan.

"Yes."

"Okay, let's iron out the final details."

Good, Hrand is more cooperative, Deborah thought. Still, we will be cutting it close, and there is still so much to do.

ENKIDU CITY, GANYMEDE

"No, really, babe. It is a very important and dangerous mission, and I may never come back," Brad told the dim-witted, big-chested girl he was hitting on (or was it George hitting on the girl, as if it makes any difference).

THE TROJAN FLEET

While most of the fleet continued on to Jupiter, three ships did several hard maneuvers to change course.

WESTERN COAST OF TURKEY

January 12, A.C. 201, 23:45

Heero, Duo, Trowa, and Wufei had just landed on the shore. They got out of the rubber raft they used and started to scout out the area. They had moved onto a ridge some ways in land when Duo asked Heero, "See anything?"

Heero looked through his night goggles. "Nothing yet. Wait, there!" he said silently. "There are a number of rovers and trucks up the hill. They are coming this way." The four young men quickly hid themselves amid the rocks.

The vehicles approached and stopped less than fifty meters away from the former pilots. Nobody got out of the cars. They just sat there for about fifteen minutes. Then spotlights came on and shone on the four Preventers. An officer stood up from his command car. "Excuse me, are you boys lost?"

* * *

January 13, A.C. 201,

ISI HEADQUARTERS, TROS, GANYMEDE

Scott closed up his computer at his desk. CORA was like a laptop with a thin screen but was about the size of a small briefcase due to its huge memory (about 550 terabytes). He walked out of the offices into the hallway. He entered the empty elevator and let out a sigh. This is it. Point of no return. He couldn't help but to feel a little bit nervous. If they were not able to pull this off and were caught, he would suffer the worst punishment. The others would most likely be sent to remote prison camps or tortured to death. He shuddered to think what would happen to him. Due to his position in ISI, his treachery would be considered the most severe. The doors of the lift opened, and he continued onto the spaceport.

TROS SPACEPORT, GANYMEDE

Kessan and his platoon in full gear marched through the hanger bay, escorting a very large container transport.

"What is going on here?" asked the security officer.

Kessan saluted. "Captain Kessan. Engineer Osiem requested these components to be transferred to the Enforcer." He handed the officer a few papers.

"I wasn't notified." 1 He examined the papers.

"Sorry, sir. It seems that ISI has broken the chain of command."

The officer grumbled as he handed the papers back. "Well, everything seems to check out. Go ahead and load it up."

"Hi, Jack," Scott said as he boarded the shuttle.

"Hi, Scott," the pilot, Lieutenant Jack Cóig, called back with a slight drawl.

"I just noticed Hrand back there. Are we all loaded up?"

"Yep. Just waiting for take off. Rabin and the others are standing by. Prepare to launch."

GANYMEDE SHIPYARD

"What is the matter?" the traffic control officer asked over the telecom.

"The reaction is going out of control. It could go critical to meltdown," Osiem said back.

"What should we do?" the officer said back hysterically.

"First, we have to evacuate all nonessential personnel, then we can move the Enforcer away from the shipyard so that the damage won't spread anywhere else."

"But, we may have to notify Pevarzek."

"We may not have time to wait."

"Okay, we'll start the evacuations, but then notify Pevarzek in the meantime."

"Fine."

"Colonel Pevarzek."

"What is it? I'm in a meeting. Can it wait?"

"Not really, sir."

"Very well. What is it?" After he was told, Pevarzek responded impatiently, "Fine, fine. Evacuate the ship and move it away." He turned off the com and turned back to his ISI subordinates. "Now where did we leave off?"

"I've got an idea," Osiem said, "that might work. I'm going to evacuate all the plasma in the reactor. Now, with us clear of the spaceport, that should minimize any damage and save the ship."

"Good," responded the control center. "How long should it take?"

"Just a few minutes."

Deborah, along with her squadron, escorted Cóig's shuttle. "What was that? I can't hear you. Must be some . . . " Deborah allowed static to consume her transmission. There really was static due to the jammer Terah made. They purposely made static so that they could ignore the orders to stay clear of Enforcer. Since they had radio silence, she hoped her squadron could land without too much trouble. She also thought that the command center would not think it was too odd following a ship that was moving away from the shipyard.

"I repeat," the traffic controller said over the com, "there is an immediate danger. Please, stay clear of the Enforcer."

The officer on duty, Lieutenant Commander Norman Zestig, came up. "Still can't get a hold of them?"

"No, sir."

"Hmm. Keep a watch on them."

"Wait, sir, they are landing!"

"Everyone accounted for?" Osiem asked.

"Affirmative," Deborah said, still seated in her Sagittarius now secured in the Enforcer's hanger. "Ready when you are."

"In position," Tshelela said.

"Okay," Osiem said. "Stay in your seats. Here we go!"

"Damn!" Zestig said. "Contact Pevarzek. I don't care if he is in a meeting. Red alert! Scramble all available craft, now! Stop that ship.2"

Osiem's voice came over the comm. "Evacuating plasma, now."

"NO!"

With the superconductor magnets going full force, a magnetic field measuring at thousands of Tesla was produced sending the plasma out the exhaust with such a force, that the Enforcer accelerated at more than seventy-five meters per second squared. Deborah and the rest of her squadron, as well as those on the shuttle, felt them selves being pressed into their seats.

"They are accelerating too fast," the controller said. "We can't catch up to them."

"Where are they headed?" Zestig asked.

"Hard to tell due to Enforcer's stealth capabilities, but it seems that according to the ion trail, they are headed for Europa."

"Contact Europa to have them intercept."

"Yes, sir."

Pevarzek came into the control center. "What is the meaning of this?" he snarled. "How dare you interrupt my meeting . . . "

"You mean your meeting to cover up your sloppy security measures," Zestig shot back. "The Enforcer is being stolen."

"That's impossible," Pevarzek said. "My security forces and I . . . "

"Did nothing," Zestig said.

The Enforcer continued on its plotted course. It passed by Europa and Io, using their gravity as well as Jupiter's to accelerate it further. Within about an hour and a half of leaving the shipyard, it was leaving the Jovian Sphere at one million four hundred and thirty thousand kilometers per hour, well surpassing the fifty-nine point fifty-six kilometers per second needed for escape velocity from Jupiter. It was about this point that their acceleration dropped to about seven point four meters per second square. Due to their swiftness and stealth capabilities, they were able to evade and intercepting forces, despite advanced warning.

"Okay, we are clear," Tshelela called from the bridge. "You may freely move around the craft."

Deborah and the others eagerly got out of their smaller crafts. Deborah, Scott, and a few others made their way to the bridge. Sera stayed behind in the hanger to do a little bit of maintenance.

"Bang-up job," Deborah commented to Osiem from the bridge.

"Thanks," Oseim returned from the ships internal comm. "The reactor is doing great now."

"Hey, check it out," Pedwar said pointing to a group of distant lights on the large view screen.

"I'll be damned," Margrthe said. "It's the fleet. We got out there just in time."

"Actually we are a few days ahead of them," Tshelela said, "but point well taken."

Scott looked up from CORA, which was connected to the Enforcer's computer system. With Terah's help, they were able to hack into the entire network. "Ready to change registry."

"Excellent," Deborah said. "From now on, this shall now be the Liberator."

TIS CALIGULA

To say the least when the high command we notified they we none too pleased.

"How could we let this happen?" Hiliada exclaimed. "We always prided ourselves on not slipping up like those of the Earth Sphere, yet we still have incompetence in our ranks."

"Obviously, Pevarzek, thought that would never happen, so he got careless," Grozny said.

"This is a disgrace to ISI. He will pay dearly for this. I will find suitable punishment for this." Hiliada turned to Tysyacha. "As well as Zestig, with your help."

"Of course," Tysyacha concurred. "After all, he also shares some of the blame. I suppose now we have to redeploy the fleet. Damn. We can't do much of another strike against the Earth Sphere with our entire fleet scattered about the Solar System. And it is going to be hard to look for our most advanced craft what with its speed and stealth."

"Although, it may be best to search the entire Solar System, it may be best to concentrate on Earth and Mars since that is most likely where they will head for. We know who the individuals we are dealing, so I will tell my agents there to look for them."

"What about our land forces,"

TIS TIBERIUS

"Message coming in, Admiral," the comm. officer said to Tusen. "Your eyes only."

"Give it to me," Tusen said. The message came up on her personal screen. She scowled at what she read. "Slight change of plans."

"We aren't going to attack?" asked the ship's captain, Kent Settanta.

"No, we will attack Winner as planned, but we are then to return to Earth. Get me in touch with Captain Shalosh."

BRADBURG, CHRYSE PLANITIA, MARS

"You wanted to see me? Chief Director Tizenkilenc," asked ISI Colonel Archibald Nayntsn.

"Yes, get a team together," Tizenkilenc said. "Seems that we have to look for some people."

ISI HEADQUARTERS, KUMKALE (NEW TROY)

"Damn it!" Shtatë said. He calmed down a bit. He turned to Dow. "Contact all our agents in the Colonies, tell them to keep a look out for the Enforcer."

"Shall we tell Jedan and Sautján? Or for that matter, Cvetrpadsmit."

"Not as yet. So make sure Sepuluh and Enampuluh keep their lips tight for the time being, but we will tell the military that Tusen will make a hasty return."

January 14, A.C. 201

PREVENTER HEADQUARTERS, BRUSSELS,

The boys were returned by regular Trojan soldiers (ISI kept a low profile). Actually, they were just taken to the southeastern border near Mesopotamia and literally dropped off in the desert to walk home or at least the next unoccupied village. But not any to be knocked down and stay down, Heero and the others were preparing another espionage mission.

"Man, that was humiliating," Duo said.

"It did seem like they were expecting us," Trowa noted.

"Maybe," Heero said, "then again, it probably was not such a wise idea to try to infiltrate that close to their main stronghold. Too strongly defended."

"Perhaps, we should start lower and work our way up," Une said.

"Such as where?" Wufei asked.

"How about here in South America," Trowa said pointing at a map, "near the Columbian-Venezuela border?"

"Why there?" Sally asked.

"We've noticed that the security seems extremely thin," Une started with her finger on the map, "particularly around San Cristóbal and Cucuta. Even though both cities and the surrounding area are occupied, there seems to be some traffic continuing to and from the unoccupied outlying areas."

"You mean as if nothing has happened," Wufei asked.

"Well, not quite," Trowa said. "Traffic and trade is still restricted to a point, but not as much as in other occupied areas, such as Turkey or northern Japan."

"Sounds great," Duo said. "Let's work out our plan and go."

WELLESVILLE, SINAI PLANUM, MARS

"Good day, Mister and Mrs. Tanaka," Tizenkilenc said as the couple opened the door. He had two ISI officers flanking him. "I have a few questions to ask about your son."

LA DONJUANA, COLUMBIA

In a restaurant, men were having discussion while having drinks. "Let me get this right, Kaksteist. The former Gundam pilots are coming here? They know about the lax security here?"

"Yes, Totkhmeti," Sergeant Kaksteist and we are just to be aware them and let them 'take advantage of the situation.' Brigadier Ormotsi himself made that clear. And that you and I in particular are to continue with our previous orders."

"But what if the Preventers discover who we are?" Corporal Totkhmeti whispered.

"Then they will just assume we are scouting or the like. It may throw them of our alternate objective, which I doubt very much they will notice at all. They never paid much attention to this kind of stuff during the Eve Wars, so I doubt they will start now."

"Right, they think too much along the lines of military," Totkhmeti said with a smile of relief.

"Yes, besides, remember, with Tusen's forces returning so soon, Ormotsi wants to ensure that a shipment can be ready to send to Sejuta." He leaned in closer as he said, "And although he may be hundred of millions of kilometers away, I fear Sejuta much more that I do the Gundams."

WINNER INTERPLANETARY CRAFT, January 15, A.C. 201, 18:45 UST

Quatre was playing chess with Dorothy when Milliardo entered the room they were in.

Quatre looked over at Milliardo as he moved his queen. "So you have your presentation ready?"

"Yes," an exhausted Milliardo responded, "I ironed out the last few details a few minutes ago. How about you two?"

"I finished up my first draft a few hours ago."

"I finished mine yesterday," Dorothy said as she moved a pawn. "By the way, Quatre, did you finish the Economics assignment you were working on?"

"I finished that two days ago. I also finished all my other assignments and wired them off. I even worked a little bit ahead so that I am actually three weeks ahead of the class." His knight took her pawn.

"I am only one week ahead because I don't get too ahead of the lectures and miss some notes that might not be in the book." Her bishop took his knight.

"Well, that is why I only save those assignments and not wire---"

Abdul's voice came on the intercom. "Master Quatre. We are detecting several craft."

"Can you identify them?" Milliardo asked.

"Well, they seem to be similar to those Trojan craft that attacked Earth, but they are approaching at an alarming speed, about three times ours. The will over take us within two hours."

"Overtake?"

"Yes, they are basically on our tail."

TIS TIBERIUS

Tusen smiled at what she heard from the surveillance device. "They seem to be aware of our presence.3 Commence deceleration at two Gees."

WINNER INTERPLANETARY CRAFT, 20:30 UST

"They're still decelerating," said Rashid.

"I don't get it," Dorothy said. "It would seem like they are going to escort us, but even at the rate they are decelerating, they will still pass us in less than an hour."

"I don't like this," Milliardo said. "They have to be up . . . wait!"

They all looked in astonishment as Trojans increased their deceleration to more than five Gees.

TIS TIBERIUS, 20:35 UST

Tusen and her crew endured the stress as they were pressed into their seats. The helm's man looked at his heads up display. "Our velocity is just about one thousand kilometers per hour above Winner. In five . . . four . . . three . . . two . . . one."

"Cruise!" Tusen ordered. As the Tiberius and its fellow craft came to constant speed, Tusen ordered again, "Launch Mobile Dolls."

WINNER INTERPLANETARY CRAFT

If that is supposed to be an escort," Rashid said, "it doesn't look very friendly."

"I agree," Quatre said. "Let's get to our suits and get ready to launch if they make a move."

"Agreed," Milliardo said. "Let's go."

As the men headed off, Quatre looked back at Dorothy. He gave her a quick kiss before heading out.

Hmm, Tusen thought. They are being cautious. I would expect this of them. They want to avoid provoking us by holding back until there is an actual threat. Guess we can play along by making the first move. "Ensign, command five of the Dolls to attack nonessential areas of Winner's craft."

"Yes, ma'am."

The bridge crew watched as the Dolls, which were programmed with the schematics of Winner's craft as well as the Maganac suits fired at the craft doing significant although not life threatening damage, Soon Quatre, Milliardo, and the others launched.

Tusen smiled. Hook, line, and sinker. "Now have the Dolls engage the suits, but remember our orders, only disable them, no causalities. You getting this, Commander Pymthek?"

"Yes, Captain," came a voice from the comm. "Indeed, I must say that I am generally impressed. The Maganacs are putting up a good fight, but Winner and Peacecraft are standing out."

"So you do have them identified?"

"Yes, I do. As I am sure, you do as well."

"Their fighting styles truly are unique. Then you are ready to launch."

"Yes, ma'am."

"Then prepare to launch."

Quatre had just shot his last Doll. "Man, that was exhausting."

"I'll have to agree. Those had to be Dolls due to their behavior although they were significantly better than those used by OZ."

"Yes, they were faster and were able to evade better and were able to get in more hits. "

"True. Everyone was hit somewhere and to some degree. Three of the Maganacs are out of commission. It was a miracle that no one was killed."

"I know, and forgive me for saying this but that is something that is bothering me. It seems too much like a miracle."

"You think they are toying with us?"

"Like a ca---- heads up here come more."

Commander Krzystof Pymthek led his squadron of Sagittari towards the Earth craft. "Prepare to engage. Chaplak, Disset, you take care of Winner. I'll take care of Peacecraft. The rest of you engage the Maganac of your choice. Lead them away from the main craft. Remember, but remember, no kills." He then adjusted his frequency to match Milliardo's. "Good day, Mister Zechs."

"Who are you?" demanded Milliardo.

"I am Commander Krzystof Pymthek, leader of the Excalibur Squadron."

"Why are you attacking us?"

"Under orders, of course. Although, I will admit, I am engaging you personally to try my fencing ability against yours."

"I do hope you know who are up against." Milliardo fired up his beam saber.

"I do. Unfortunately, you can't say the same." Pymthek's beam saber also came to life, but its beam was much thinner and sharper.

"Notable, very notable," Disset said as he and Chaplak were swarming around Quatre. "Even against the two of us, this Gundam pilot is actually holding his own. Suppose if it were just one of us against him, he would actually win?"

"Not necessarily," responded Chaplak. "After all, we are just playing with him. If we actually were trying to kill him, he would be dead by now. Just same be on you guard and . . . look out!"

Quatre sent his heaters flying. One of them hit Disset's Sagittarius in the leg.

"Disset, are you okay?" Chaplak called out.

"Yes, but I am out of the fight. Think I'll limp over to the sniper point." Disset switched to fighter mode and slowly took off.

"Okay, I should be able to hold off Winner."

Quatre's voice came on the open comm. "Please stop. I don't want to hurt anyone. I don't . . . " He trailed off. He wasn't sure what he was talking about. He had been fighting these two since the second wave began and he got in a hit by sheer luck. In the meanwhile, all the other Maganacs had been knocked out of commission. And Milliardo's confrontation had been a constant stalemate. He was surprised to hear Pymthek's voice.

"Very well. I suppose it is time to bring this encounter to a close." Pymthek was now holding his beam saber in his Sagittarius's right hand against Milliardo's saber. "Sorry to do this, but it is the best way to end this." A cable shot out of the Sagittarius' wrist and wrapped the forearms of the two mechs together. He tossed the beamsaber to the left hand and before Milliardo could react, cut off Milliardo's mech's right arm. "Ta ta." He took off heading for the main craft. "All available pilots. Cover me," he said on a secured channel. He brought up the schematics on Winner's craft on his computer. With his beamsaber, he cut near the stern of the craft. With almost surgical skill, he cut off the section with the engines and the main reactor.

As Quatre watched in horror, he expected to see the entire craft, with Dorothy inside, explode. But instead, the detached section just floated away, as the lights flickered off.

"What do you think of that," Pymthek said over an open frequency. "I would say that would take more control than what you did to Barge, Mister Peacecraft."

"Or for that matter, Mister Winner," Disset said, now in another position, "let's see you do this to a colony." His Sagittarius pulled out a beam rifle that fired a pencil thin beam. Also using the schematics, he shot through the main life support center, knocking it out of commission, but leaving surrounding components intact. He took a few other critical shots, before turning on a secured channel. "How's that, Admiral?"

"Excellent work, all of you," Tusen replied. "This objective is complete. All pilots return."

"You heard her," Pymthek told his squadron. He then spoke on the open frequency. "Don't usually fight and run, but perhaps we will meet again. Ta, ta."

Quatre, Milliardo, and the others watched helplessly as the Trojan Sagittari flew back to the now departing cruisers. Within seconds after the last mech landed, the cruisers accelerated rapidly, laving the emissaries from the Earth Sphere behind. It was after few moments of silence before Quatre remembered about Dorothy. He tried to tune in with his comm. "Dorothy, Dorothy! Are you okay?"

"Yes, I am okay," came a static filled signal. "However, although, the craft's cabins are intact, several other systems, such as life support, the main power, and the hatches. We have no way to change velocity or to even recycle the air."

"I am afraid the same is for us," Milliardo said joining on the channel. "They knew exactly where to hit us, with pinpoint accuracy to kill us but to just disable us."

"Actually," Rashid said, "they may have actually killed us. Without full life support, we should last a few days at best, and that's if our reserves hold out."

"And, without the hatches working, we are stuck right out here in the open," Quatre said. He looked at Dorothy's image on the screen. "And we can't even spend our last moments together. After Milliardo and Rashid decided, to leave the couple alone, Quatre continued. "I am sorry to have gotten you in this mess, Dorothy."

"It's all right, Quatre," she responded. "Although, I wish you could be closer at my side."

"Me, too."

TIS TIBERIUS, 20:55 UST

The Trojan battle group now continued on towards Jupiter. Tusen had her voice patched though the entire battle group. "Well done." She then talked to the captain of the Nero. "Captain Shalosh. While we head back to Earth, you will return to get Winner and the others. Oh, and remember, to keep a look out for the Enforcer."

AROUND WINNER INTERPLANETARY CRAFT, 22:00 UST

"I am going to try sending a distress signal," Quatre said.

"What good will that do?" Abdul said. "No one will be able to get to us in time."

"I know, but it is better than nothing, and at least those at home will know what happened to us." He adjusted the frequency and the power. "This is Quatre . . . "

* * *

TIS TIBERIUS, (several light-seconds away)

". . .Winner . . . "

How amusing, Tusen thought. They are actually crawling back to the hand that hit them. They truly are now at our mercy.

LIBERATOR

Hafdah Pilarczyk looked up from the communications panel. "Hey, guys! Check this out."

Karel came up with Sheba on his shoulder. "What have you got?"

As Hafdah played Winners's voice, Deborah came up followed by Hrand. After hearing the message, Deborah turned to Tshelela, "Change our course so we can pick them up."

"What?" Hrand said. "Are you nuts? The Trojans are obviously looking for us. This is going to give them more of a head start than they already have. Besides, why should we help them."

"I'll give you three reasons. One: Always respond to an SOS, law of the sea you know; two: we want their alliance any way, and three: I am in command and I said so!"

ISI HEADQUARTERS, TROS, GANYMEDE

"This is an absolute disgrace to the security service,4 Hiliada said to Pevarzek.

Pevarzek swallowed. "Yes, sir, and I am willing to take my punishment." He went for his sidearm and raised it to his temple.

"Put that away."

"Sir?"

"Your crime is not worthy of death."

Pevarzek sighed with relief as he holstered his gun. "It's not sir?"

"No. You are simply going to be transferred"--he passed--- "to research outpost 459-Epsilon in the Oort Cloud."

Pevarzek's eyes widened. "Are you sure, sir?" It may have been designated as a mere transfer, he knew that being sent to a spot some five billion kilometers from any of the planets could mean only one thing: exile.

"You don't have a problem with that, do you?5"

"No, sir."

"Now, Venen can take you to Uranus where you should be able to make a connection. Pack your things quickly; she leaves soon."

PREVENTER HEADQUARTERS, BRUSSELS

"Have the boys been notified?" Sally asked.

"No," responded Une. "We have maintained radio silence since they arrived in Bogotá."

"How about Relena and Lucrezia?"

"Not yet. I wanted to wait for your help to tell them."

NEAR MONTERREY, COLUMBIA, January 16, A.C. 201, 15:26

The convoy in trucks drove on the road towards the Columbia-Venezuelan border. Totkhmeti and Kaksteist were driving the third truck. "Hey, look at this," Totkhmeti said as he gestured to a small display that showed that someone was underneath.

"He like to stick with the classics," Kaksteist remarked.

"So now what?"

"Now we just go on to the checkpoint and show this to the sentries as they 'search' our truck."

"But what if they find . . . ?"

"Stop worrying. Look, if they know one of the Preventers is aboard, they will simply do a light search to show the boys we follow protocol, but not too heavy that would make them nervous or know we are allowing them to infiltrate. After all, we are playing with their confidence. So actually with that boy there, we are less likely to be discovered."

TROJAN HEADQUARTERS, SAN CRISTÓBAL, 15:35

" So, the convoy just passed the first check point?" Brigadier Ormotsi asked his head of Army security, Major Vijftig.

"Yes, sir," Vijftig responded, "and the Preventers are with them."

Shalosh then turned to the ISI officer who was also in his office. "Well, Captain Pyatnadtsyat, it shouldn't be long. And, I assure you that you will have our full cooperation."

"Thank you," Pyatnadtsyat said right before he left.

"I can't but a help feel uneasy with him and Shtatë's other agents here," Ormotsi said when he and Vijftig were alone.

"I'll keep my eyes on them, but remember, the more we cooperate, the less likely our little operation will be discovered."

"Good. Oh. Make sure to tell Kaksteist and Totkhmeti to report to me as soon as possible."

January 17, A.C. 201, 02:13

Duo stealthily crept through the empty hallway toward the monitoring station. Since the Trojans simply occupied a former Alliance base, it was easy to access the layout. Duo got near the room. He peered inside. There was only one man at the station. He crept up slowly behind the man. Just then a phone rang. Duo froze.

The man picked up the phone with his right hand and sleepily answered. "What is it? ... No, nothing to report that is not to be expected, and sorry for not reporting at the top of the hour. Bye." He hung the phone up and returned to his humdrum work looking at the monitors as he drummed his right fingers under the console. After Duo crept another three meters closer, Lieutenant Mekkino Niutiu swiveled around in his chair and pointed a pistol at Duo's forehead. "That's far enough, Mister Maxwell."

Duo froze at the man as three more guards came from behind with handguns. He slowly put up his hands.

02:20

Five stories up, Trowa was carefully working along a suspended communications cable like a tight rope. He had not heard any alarms, so he assumed Duo was okay. He figured he should be able to get into the command center without much trouble. He balanced his way along the cable about two more meters before he froze. The cable had become tighter due to extra weight. He also felt step-like vibrations through the cable. They stopped before he turned around to find now Lieutenant Devetdeset standing on the cable with his hands at his side.

Devetdeset smiled at the acrobat. "Hello, Mister . . . now you go by 'Barton,' right? Oh, well. Please, come quietly with me."

Trowa looked down toward a nearby window of the building he was heading toward. He rebounded of the cable to leap for the window. He also intended to shake his opponent off the cable.

However, Devetdeset was mainly just annoyed as he maintained his balance. He reached for a weighted cable attached to his belt with his right hand. He sent out the weighted end so that it wrapped around Trowa's legs as he was sailing toward the window. Holding on to the other end, Devetdeset allowed Trowa's slowing momentum to pull him off the cable as Trowa fell short of the window. As they were both falling, Devetdeset used his left arm to wrap another cable around the communications cable and he held on as he and Trowa (attached to the cable in his right hand) slowed down to the ground. Before the upside-down Trowa hit his head on the ground, Devetdeset let go of the cable in his left hand and whipped up Trowa above him. Devetdeset landed on his feet as he grabbed Trowa by the collar. "I did offer for you to come quietly." He manacled Trowa and carried him off.

02:23

Vijftig crept through the darkened motor pool. He approached Kaksteist and Totkhmeti's truck. He opened got in the back and felt along the side panel. He felt small screws. He pulled out a screwdriver to free up the one of the segmented panels. He peered in behind the false wall with his flashlight to see the packages of white powder. He quietly replaced the panel as he sensed the presence of another person. He stealthily left the secured truck to investigate.

Wufei was skulking outside the motor pool paying close attention to munitions.

"Excuse me, did you lose something?" a female voice asked.

He looked up to see Natalia Kymmenen with a gun trained on him with a flashlight in the other hand. He snorted as he got up with his hands raised. "Another woman soldier."

"No, actually, I am not a soldier. I am far above that."

"Considering you are a woman can't be too far."

"In your dreams."

He tried to kick a rock toward her to distract her, but he failed to see her effortlessly dodge it, before feeling a prick hit the back of his neck. He fell forward groggily and was soon unconscious.

"Sorry, Kymmenen," Vijftig said, putting away his dart guns. "I am sure you wanted to show off how capable a female ISI agent can be."

"It is okay. Let him live in his fantasy for a little bit longer."

02:36

Heero snuck through the darkened hangar. This is easy. Too easy. Why aren't there any security lights? He could barely see the Sagittari and other fighters. He had even stumbled into a few objects due to it being so dark. He didn't hear any footsteps or even any breathing before he heard . . .

"Okay, Yuy," Pyatnadtsyat said in the pitch black. "All your other comrades are now in custody. So, you best just surrender now for the time being."

Heero stayed silent but listened toward the voice.

"Don't bother trying anything. I can see you just fine. My superior eyesight gives me a strong advantage over you."

"Too bad your mouth gave me the advantage." Heero went for his gun and fire toward the sound.

Pyatnadtsyat not only saw Heero go for the gun, aim, and fire, but he even saw the bullet travel as he dodged to move it. With his own 9mm in his right hand, he shot Heero in the forearm making him drop his firearm. He came up behind the cringing Heero. He pulled out a baton in his left hand and cracked Heero on the back of the skull. He manacled Heero's hands behind his back. He placed a pair of shades over his eyes as he lifted Heero up. He then spoke into a radio. "Okay, come in."

The blow on the back of the head made Heero see stars in the darkness. Then, he was blinded as the hanger lights came on. Through bleary eyes, he saw what seemed to be a whole platoon surrounding him.

Pyatnadtsyat stood before the four manacled, guarded former Gundam pilots. He let out a sigh and shook his head. "What are we going to do with you boys?" He said like a disappointed parent. "Well, my superiors are working things out with yours. Hopefully, we can work this out so it doesn't turn into a big political fiasco. However, I am afraid you will have to be detained for the time being."

WINNER INTERPLANETARY CRAFT, January 18, A.C. 201

Quatre wasn't sure how long he could last. The air in his suit was beginning to fail and become more and more carbonized. The lack of food and water were also taking their toll. The same would be for the others. At least Dorothy had more resources in the craft's cabin. He barely heard a signal come over the comm.

"Hello? Anyone on this channel?" came a female voice.

"Hello?" Quatre responded. He also heard the others respond.

"Good," came back the female voice. "We got your SOS. Standby for pick up."

"Wait," asked Milliardo. "Who are you? Are you . . . ?"

"Sorry, we want to keep the chatter down to a minimal, but call me Ruwach."

"But what about those on board?" Quatre asked. "The airlocks are inoperable."

"Don't worry. We can take care of it. Can't we, Cowboy?"

"Sure enough," came a male drawl. "We can just get a team in pressure suits to go outside and connect the shuttle to the craft with a plastic tunnel and, if necessary, cut through the bulkhead."

"Okay, gang, let's go."

LIBERATOR

The Sagittari carried the damaged mechs into the hanger bay. The rescuers didn't say much to the rescued as they hurried around to other duties. They did point out to where they can be reunited with the others. Quatre was happy to see Dorothy alive and well to say the least. They hugged each other for a long time.

Soon, a young, very well built woman with light olive skin and a dark ponytail walked up to them. She offered her hand to Quatre. "Ahalan. Kaifa Halok?"

Quatre was a little bit caught off guard. "Uh. Bikair, shokran. You know Arabic?"

"A little, but I primary speak Hebrew. Well, everyone should be accounted for; am I right?"

"Yes, so would you mind answering . . . " Quatre started to say.

"Good," she turned to some other personnel. "Show them to their seats." She started to head toward a ladder.

"Wait," Milliardo demanded. "Will you please slow down and answer a few questions and explain a few things?"

"I'd love to," she called back down as she climbed up, "but one: the people who attacked you will likely return, plus two: they are also looking for due to us stealing this ship, equals three: we have no time waste to get the h*** out of Dodge. Don't worry. I will fill you in later." She disappeared up an above hatch.

Deborah came onto the bridge. "Thanks, for getting us here in time, Tshelela."

"I told you it was faster to head on toward Mars and use its gravity to slingshot us back out," Tshelela responded. "I even got a new course to get us back by slingshotting around Ceres. It's not much gravity, but it should be enough."

"But first we have to throw them off course." She activated the intercom. "Osiem, you have those decoys readied?"

"Yes, ma'am," the engineer called back. "I take it we are ready to go."

"Yes, let's get the heck out of here."

Out of the Liberator, several small drones came out. Each one activated its engines as well as the Liberator itself. Each went in a different direction at a slow acceleration of only about five meters per second squared, leaving behind an ion trail of equal density. After traveling for a few million kilometers, the crew figured they were far enough away they decide it was time increase acceleration.

"Okay," a crew hand told Quatre and Dorothy as they strapped in plush seats, "just lean back while we increase our acceleration. These sensors attached to you will let us know if you are receiving too much stress in your journey." As they leaned back in their seats, the hand brought up a LCD screen attached to the side of the seat. "Here, before we take off, you can choose your choice of songs or movies to enjoy while you remain seated. Believe you won't be able to do much else."

"Attention, all hands," came a voice over the PA. "Maximum accretion in thirty seconds."

"Whoops. Got to get strapped in my self. Later." The crew hand went off.

Dorothy decided to comply and adjust her console. Soon she heard a countdown. When it reached zero she felt herself being pressed in her seat as the Liberator went up to seventy-five meters per second square. Eventually she blacked out.

She felt a tickle of whiskers and a soft nose as she woke up. She opened her eyes to find herself looking at the pointy nose and large front teeth of a large rodent.

Karel and Margrthe were chatting when they heard Dorothy cry "Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek." Sheba came running into the room followed by Dorothy who was followed by Quatre, Milliardo, and the Maganacs.

Karel knelt down and extended his arm to allow Sheba to run up onto his shoulder. "Aww, Sheba. Did those weird eyebrows scare you?" he said, petting the rat, ignoring Dorothy's scowl.

"Good, they are up," Margrthe said. "I'll go get Debs." She left the room.

Karel looked at the Earth people with Sheba still on his shoulder. "Wow, you guys were out for a real long time. I can understand her, but why were you guys zonked out. I mean I would think as pilots you would be used to taking those many G's."

"Well," Quatre said, "I will admit we don't usually endure them for . . . how long?"

"Two hours," Karel said now feeding Sheba. "But you were out nine."

"Ah," Milliardo said, "We while we were floating out there we didn't get much sleep. Didn't dare to with fear of never waking up"

"Will admit it was nice to get some sleep," Abdul said. "Probably would have gotten some more if the Missus didn't wake us up."

"Well, don't worry. We'll find some bunks for you. You can also use facilities to get cleaned up and use changes of clothes we salvaged from your ship."

"Thank you," Milliardo said. "But more than anything right now I want some answers, such as who are you people?"

"Of course, Mister Peacecraft," came a familiar voice. They turned to see the poneytailed woman, this time not dressed in a flight suit, but a khaki dress uniform. She saluted smartly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Colonel Deborah Rabin of the Martian Republican Army."