Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Worlds ❯ A Night on the Town ( Chapter 5 )

October 23, A.C. 199

IMPERIAL POLITBURO, TROS, GANYMEDE

"I don't like it," said Mokhtar Sholo, Ganymede's representative of the Universal Socialist Party. "I mean, giving the Earth Sphere six or seven members?! Are you serious? This could tip the scales of power of the Empire and the Party to capitalists and free thinkers, making conquest pointless."

"What do you fear?" asked Indartsu Berrogei of Europa. "The loyalty of Party members from the Earth Sphere?"

"As a matter of fact, yes!"

"What about my loyalty?' said Xadreque Vinte'um of Mars. "Have I not proven my loyalty for these past few years since Mars has been incorporated into the Empire?"

Grozny smiled as he looked over to Vinte'um . Even though his home was conquered, his views matched those of the Party. His political service to the Party, as well as others, had been invaluable.

"Would you prefer that instead the Colonies have one member instead of collectively five?" asked Atsu Naare of Titan.

"Yes, that would be much better," said Sholo.

"That would be unwise and perhaps also counterproductive," said Sagun Satrah of the Trojan Asteroids.

"Why?! The Winner family has had great influence in the Colonies for generations, and they are very capitalistic."

"True. However, most of the Colonies are miners, and it was the miner unions who first founded the Party, in my district, might I add. Furthermore, the Winners have not been that popular. During the time OZ had obtained control, there was much discontent for the Winners. This was partly for their pacifistic stance, but also many felt that the Winners were glutting themselves with the profits. In fact, it is of my understanding that several of these malcontents played a part in Winner's death. Isn't that right, Supreme Director Hiliada?"

Hiliada nodded, "I see you keep up with our official reports. Yes, Shtatë has confirmed all of that."

"So you see, there are worthy candidates for the Party."

"But will there still be after this time of peace? And will there..." Sholo started.

Hiliada cut him off. "Shtatë has fully infiltrated many groups around the Earth Sphere finding many sympathetic to our cause, political as well as military. As a matter of fact, within a few days you will have the pleasure of meeting your fellow Earth party members."

HEIDELBERG

Duo was just getting out of class at the Wissenschaftlich-Theologisches Seminar. He ran to the bus stop with his trademark grin. He was smiling not only because it was an enjoyable seminar. He was happy of how well college life was going in general for everybody.

There were a few concerns of how to take care of security for Relena. It wouldn't look good having secret service type security agents standing around the classes, especially since Relena wanted to keep a low profile and just be one of the girls once again. So it was decided that Preventers would enroll in each of her classes as students. Not just posing as students, but as take classes as actual students with majors, taking advantage of an education just like the former Gundam pilots. Since Dorothy had the same major as Relena, they were often in the same required courses, so they were able to keep tabs on one another. But that was no problem, since she shared classes with Preventers, including: Duo, Heero, Quatre, and others, including Sally, who was working on furthering her medical practice, and Wufei, who, after a bit of arm twisting, decided to pretty much go back being a scholar in philosophy, poetry, and Oriental and Classical Studies.

Unfortunately, Trowa and Cathy chose to stay with the circus. At that, Duo let out a sigh. About the only time the former Gundam pilots got together was for the occasional mission for the Preventers, which was surprisingly rare. At least the Preventers were paying for their education. That brought Duo's smile back as he got on the bus.

Duo dashed out of the bus as it let him out near the apartment that he and Heero shared. He was anxious to get home because of a big date going on tonight. He ran into the building, up the stairs, and opened the door of the apartments to find Heero lying on his bed studying his calculus text. Duo almost laughed. Heero spent almost as much dedication to his studying as he did to his missions. If it weren't for him dating Relena, he would have no social life. More often than not, when Heero and Relena did date, it was as a double date with Duo and Hilde to make sure Heero knew how to act (after all, he was not much of a people person). Tonight was to be no exception.

"Hey, Poindexter, put the book down. We've got to get ready for our date," Duo persisted.

"We've got four hours, Duo," Heero returned with his face still stuck in the book

"Yeah, but it's better that we don't risk getting late for the girls. Besides, we can study while we think about the date."

"How do you figure that?"

"Well, in my case, I can admire God's creation with Hilde's beauty."

"And me?"

"You can calculate the slope of her curves and integrate her measurements,"

"Fine," Heero put down his book and got up, "but I get the shower first. You take forever with that long hair of yours."

OUTSIDE OF PRAGUE

"Trowa, soup's ready," Cathy called out to Trowa's trailer.

Trowa was looking at the mirror doing his hair. "I'll be right there, sis," he called back. He then winced as he said the last word. He remembered during the war when she posed as his sister; he didn't mind too much since it was not really the case. That is until she got in that auto-accident several months ago and needed a blood transfusion. After they crossed matched their blood, it was found out that he actually was her biological brother, Triton, who she thought was killed many years ago. She was delighted, but he had mixed feelings. True it was nice to know that he had a past, or for that matter an actual name, but he didn't want her to be his sister. He wanted to have a more intimate relation with her. He always found her beautiful and attractive. Actually, it kind of hurt when she seemed so happy that he was her brother. Is that all she saw him as? A brother and nothing more?

He sighed. Maybe he should have gone to college with the other Gundam pilots. Even though he did feel obligated to the circus that took him in, he mainly stayed so he could be close to Catherine; that was before he learned she was actually his sister. Well, maybe it was best they did find out before they did get too close. Definitely better before they had kids.

Although Catherine did encourage him to date, it was hard to have a relationship with the circus constantly moving. If he did go to school he would have had a better chance of finding girls, and he wouldn't be moving so much. The others did invite him to activities. He would make more of an effort to find a girl.

His mind drifted way back when he was a young pre-adolescent in a mercenary camp and met that young spy with long wavy blonde hair. She was the only other girl he felt so close to. I wonder where she is? I wonder if there is any other girl I would feel close to.

He turned around and headed for dinner.

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

A squadron of Sagittari1 as fighters made horizontal arresting landings in plane-mode into the docking area. Each fighter took its turn taxing over to the elevator. After getting off the elevator, a fighter would then taxi to its designated spot. Each pilot got out and headed for the locker rooms, which were segregated by gender.

Pedwar Gwynedd and the other male pilots headed for the shower. He got under the shower spray and started to lather up. "So what are our plans now?" he asked, barely above the sound of the shower.

"We just go on with our training until Rabin says otherwise," Tiga Natsir said.

"We've been training for over two years! We are already top of our class. When are we going to make our move?"

"Patience, Pedwar." Karel Devadesát said, "You know our orders are to wait until the Empire makes its move against the Earth Sphere. Besides, we can't do much without a ship."

"But we have to more than just sit back with our only time to talk about our plans in the shower."

"Yeah, Pedwar does have a point," said George Massie . "I mean all of us should be here including the other pilots."

"Uh, George," Tiga said, "the other pilots are girls."

"Like I said, they should be here..." Massie said pointing to the shower tile floor.

"I would figure you would say that, Massie" Tiga said while turning his water off.

"Well, I know that Karel would like Margrthe to be here," Bradford Fowler said with a smile.

Karel scowled as he dried his hair. "Look! Just because Lieutenant Femten and I knew each other in school on Mars and we are both training in a Gemini with her as my gunner does not mean we are an item. Actually, she sometimes gets in my nerves. In any case, Ensign Fowler, why would I want you or Massie drooling over her?" He flung his towel over his shoulder and walked off.

"Testy bugger, isn't he?" George said with a smile that Bradford returned. The others just rolled their eyes.

Margrthe let out a sneeze. "What do you think the guys are talking about, Deborah?" she scoffed.

Deborah let out her ponytail and got under the shower. "If Fowler and Massie are with them, you know what they are talking about."2

HEIDELBERG

Relena was doing the last touches on her hair. She smiled at the thought that she was going on another date with Heero; even though they were basically going steady and dated at least once every two weeks, it was sill nice to know that he really did open and soften up.

Sally, her roommate came up behind her and looked in the mirror. Besides working on her education, Sally was the Preventer assigned to Relena at home. Home being a small cottage on the eastern outskirts of town. Sally smiled. "You look great, Relena. You'll knock Heero's socks off."

Relena got up and straightened out her beige semi-formal dress. She looked at Sally and said with a smile, "Don't I always?" The door bell rang. Right on time. Relena went to the door and opened it.

.

Heero stood there with a blue dress shirt with tan slacks and a navy blue sport coat. He offered his arm, and she took it. They walked to the car where Duo and Hilde were waiting in the back seat. Heero opened the passenger door for her; he then walked around to the driver's seat.

"Maxwell. Reservations for four," Duo said to the maitre de.

"Ah, yes," replied the maitre de. "Follow me." He led them to their table.

It was a very nice restaurant, but not an exclusive black tie establishment. The couples sat down and made their orders. They had light conversation while waiting for their meals. Light conversation continued while they ate casually, even Duo.

Midway into the meal, Hilde nudged Relena, saying, "Let's go the ladies room." Both girls got up and left.

Watching them leave, Duo resumed slowly eating his steak. In a middle of a bite, Duo noticed Heero was smiling and chuckling. Duo finished chewing the meat and swallowing before saying, "Are you finding something amusing, Heero?"

"Yes," Heero replied, "you."

"And, what are you looking at?"

"Well for one thing, a person who is giving himself a chance to breathe while he eats, for a change. You actually swallowed before speaking."

"Yeah, well, I guess I get a lot of practice eating at Hilde's house. Have to make a good impression on the folks, you know. I guess I've gotten used to eating slower. You know, come to think about it, I think the reason that I used to stuff myself is because living on the streets, I never knew when or if I would be having my next meal. I don't have to worry about that much anymore."

"Especially, since you can go mooch off of your girlfriend's folks."

"They always invite me, and it would be rude to reject an invitation wouldn't it?" Duo said with a smile. "Besides Hilde's mother sure can cook, and she is following in her mother's footsteps."

"Hnn. And for a moment it looked like you changed." Heero smirked. "Well, I guess you have a little bit."

"Look who's talking. Do my ears deceive me, or have you been cracking more jokes lately?"

"Jokes?"

"Well, at least, taking a more amusing cheerful aspect on life."

"That comes from rooming with you," Heero lightly grumbled with a hint of sarcasm.

"Some of that comes also from Relena. She always has been the one that brought the humanity out in you."

"I guess the girls have had an effect on each of us."

"That goes without saying." Duo picked up his glass. "You know, Heero, we've done pretty good since we got rid of our Gundams. Got good jobs with the Preventers. Attending a great school with promising majors."

"Don't forget the best part."

"What? We each have a great, knockout, topnotch girlfriend?"

"Of course." Heero said with a managed smile.

The two friends interlocked their arms, glasses in hand, and chinked the glasses together in a toast, and with their arms still interlocked, took a sip.

"Well, I knew that the rumors about Trowa and Quatre were false, but I would never think of you two," a female voice said.

Heero and Duo almost spat up their drinks (Duo through his nose). They turned around to see Dorothy with Quatre attached on to her arm. They straightened up. "It was just something guy friends do, Dorth," Duo said. "Relena and Hilde, our dates, are in the restroom."

"Well, I guess I'll go join them," Dorothy said. "Have fun with the guys, Quatre. I'll be right back." She took off.

"Have a seat until the girls return, Quat." Duo said.

"Thanks, guys," Quatre said as he pulled up a chair.

"So, Quatre,"Duo smiled, "you and Dorothy seem to be getting it off pretty well."

"Well, we have been dating for a while, but I don't think it's been much more than that."

"Word around campus is that you two are an item," Heero said.

"Well, I.... uh," Quatre sweat dropped.

"Hey, Quat" Duo said, "You can tell us. We're your friends.."

"Well, actually I first dated her because I felt a bit sorry for her after all that happened, and I guess I did become fond of her ever since we were back in the Sankt3 Kingdom. But I think I am actually falling in love with her. I'm just not sure if the feeling is mutual,"

"Well, you probably know her better than any other guy." Duo commented. "Of course, Relena might know more. Heero, think you could...."

"No." Heero said.

"Well, Quatre," Duo said cheerfully, "I'm sure Dorothy cares for you since you care for her so much. You're still lucky. Let me tell you that being in love is the best thing ever. By the way, how is Wufei doing?"

"If you are referring to how is his relationship with Sally," Quatre answered, "the answer is purely professional, at most platonic. And I hope you don't have some scheme to get them together."

"Why do you say that?"

"Probably because," Heero interjected, "over that past two years you have gotten us to try five different schemes and none of them have worked."

"Oh right. Well, then, if not Sally, is he seeing anybody? I mean with all the girls on campus..."

"Afraid not," Quatre said, "Sure, some girls are attracted to him, and approach him, but soon as they..."

"...Get to know the anal-retentive Gundam pilot's chauvinistic attitudes," Heero continued, "they get repulsed."

"Yes, that is the case," Quatre sighed, "But I have met many girls who are interested about Trowa."

"Yeah," Duo said, "me too. Now we really have to get that guy settled down with someone. Catherine, too for that matter." Duo checked his watch. "Geeze, what is taking those girls?"

"You know girls," Heero said, "They are probably gabbing away. Especially now the Dorothy is with them."

"Now who is being chauvinistic," Duo said jokingly before taking another bite of his steak.

"<de< It's amazing how Duo controls himself when we make out. He just holds me without his hands exploring.>de> Hilde said beside Relena as they freshened up in the restroom mirror.

"<de< No, exploring? His hands just stay still? >de>" Relena said skeptically in her Sankt dialect.

"<de< Well, no petting any ways.>de>"

"<de< Wants to make sure he's okay with your dad, right? >de>"

"<de< It's not just Dad. Duo is actually working to be a minister.>de>"

"<de< Protestant, no doubt, so he can marry you. Still, it is hard to see him as a minister. Also, it is amazing how your biochemist father can keep the 'God of Death' in line. >de>"

"<de< I guess it is a little more amazing than your brother keeping Heero in line.>de>"

Relena laughed. "<de< Heero still knows that he would be in trouble from Miliardo if he did something to me. >de>"

"<de< Fortunately, the only one who needs to keep Quatre in line is me. >de>" came a Bremen accent from behind.

"<de< Dorothy! How nice to see you!" >de> Relena exclaimed joyfully.

"Danke. Relena," Dorothy replied. "<de< So what is it like when Heero and you make out? >de>"

"<de< How much have you been over hearing, Dorothy? >de>" Hilde asked.

"<de< Just the past few minutes. So, what about Heero? >de>"

"<de< Um, Lena, shouldn't we get back to the guys? >de>"

"<de< They can wait. >de>" Relena said with a smile.

"<de< Okay, then tell us.>de> said a now enthusiastic Hilde.

"<de< Well, ever since Heero came to my school allo those years ago, he always had a string body, but also always had a gentle touch...>de>"

MINSK

Wass stormed down that hallway. The nerve of that guy. Telling me to swear my allegiance to some group that he is being all secret about. Even if they could replace present system, I refuse to be subordinate to them.

He went into the restroom. The were just two men, one at a urinal, the other by the sinks combing his hair in the mirror. Wass walked across toward the room to the stalls. The man at the urinal finished his business and washed his hands at the sink. Wass watched them closely, but the first just washed his hands and the other combed his hair, either seemed oblivious of him. He went on to a stall.

The first man left. The other put his comb away and straightened his clothes. As Wass turned to open the door to a stall, the comber quickly put on pair of back leather gloves. As Wass entered the stall, the man turned around, reached around Wass's head with his right hand to meet his left hand. Reaching his watch, he released a ring and pulled out a thin but strong metal wire, which he pulled against Wass's neck. First he started choking Wass by bringing his hands together behind Wass's head, holding the wire with his gloved fingers as Wass vainly used his ungloved fingers to get the wire off his neck. The attacker then managed to loop one end of the wire around the other, making it possible to tighten the wire around the neck by pulling his arms apart. As Wass struggled, the attacker kicked Wass's leg from under him so that his weight acted on the wire. He continued to choke Wass, until the body went limp and lifeless. He hit a switch on his watch that retracted the wire. He placed the body on the toilet, exited the stall, and shut the door. He then pulled out a switchblade, which he used in the lock's slot to lock the door. Huit then put his switchblade away and left the restroom.

HEIDELBERG

"Well, kissing Dorothy is like..." Quatre thought for a moment, "I guess it's like strong peppermint, warm and steamy but also cold and tingly."

"Wow." Duo's eyes widened.

"Head's up, guys," Heero said, " ichuunoonnas at one o'clock."

They all looked up to see all three girls returning to the table.

Hilde whispered to Dorothy. "<de< Hard to imagine that that bright eyes, innocent looking boy is capable of doing something like that. >de>"

Dorothy giggled back. "<de< About as hard to imagine a boy going for the cloth caressing your ear lobes. >de>"

The three girls giggled and looked back at the guys and giggled again. The boys sweat-dropped as they watched the girls go on. Although each of them did know German quite well, it was still hard to understand the girls, especially when they were laughing so much. Good thing Wufei was not there or he would probably was dumb comments about how women giggle so much or something.

"Uh...want to dance, Dorothy?" Quatre said taking her arm.

"Certainly, Quatre." She wave back to the other girls as he lead her to small dance floor.

"Well, shall we follow suit, Duo?" Hilde asked.

"But I have not finished eating and you have hardly even touched your own...uh..uh..." He noticed her expression going from a cheer to a scowl. Before it was complete, he got up. "What do you say we dance?"

"I would say, 'Nice save.'" She accepted his arm and they went off.

Heero watched them leave. "Hnn; same old Duo. Still has loyalty to his stomach." He then quickly turned to Relena who was standing there waiting for something. He got up, extended his hand, and said, "May I please have this dance, Relena?"

"Of course, Heero." She took his hand and they joined the other two couples.

* * *

NEAR MINSK

The car slowly came to a stop off of the remote dirt road in the forest. In the back seat, Shtatë motioned Panucci and Havas out with his gun. They followed Sergeant Devetdeset out of the back seat of the car with their hands bound behind them. Shtatë followed them; Sergeant Shopedi came out of the drivers seat. They were led a few meters into the woods before Devetdeset forced them to kneel onto the cold, leaf covered ground.

Shtatë straightened his gray ISI uniform. This was one of the very few times Shtatë wore his uniform. He pulled out his side arm and cocked it. "Last chance. You can still join us and be part of the greatest achievement of mankind. Otherwise, you are either our enemies and will have to be dealt with, or you will just be in the way and must be taken out." He pointed the gun at the back the heads of the former White Fang soldiers. "Last chance." He repeated.

"Forget it." Havas said. "I don't know who you really are, and I don't care, but I will not submit to you fanatics who think you can waltz in and tell us how to"- during Havas's rant, Shopedi shot alert and went off- , Havas continued, "conduct a war or how to get rid of our opposition. I served in Oz before going onto White Fang. They were real soldiers. I don't know what you are."

"I am part of an intelligence organization that is in every way superior to anything anybody had anywhere in the Earth Sphere," Shtatë sneered. "And, it seems you had a bit of instability in your loyalty. First the Alliance, then Oz, then White Fang, and now the most pathetic joke of them all."

"I follow only Colonel Wass. He will soon teach you a lesson."

"No, he won't," Huit said as he approached accompanied by Shopedi. "I killed him myself. It was pathetically easy, too."

"Well, what options do you have?" Shtatë asked. " In our organization I offer stability. There will be not splintering as there has been here."

"I found stability with Wass," Havas shot back, "and I'll still follow him before I follow you."

"Very well, then follow him." Shtatë put the muzzle of his gun to the base of Havas's skull and fired.

Panucci saw Havas' body fall forward with a thud, the head with a smoldering bloody hole. It was until then that Panucci noticed that he had been silent during the whole ordeal. Afraid that he would follow suit, he spoke up quickly, "Wait! Let's discuss this!"

"What is there to discuss?" Shtatë asked.

"My services." He said looking back to Shtatë

"Really? What about your loyalty to Wass?" Shtatë said with his gun trained on Panucci.

"He was an incompetent. I was just serving him because it seemed like the best thing at the time, and I hoped to steer the organization in a different direction. Despite my efforts, he still took it down, but even though I don't know who you are, I can see better leadership in you."

"Flattery is actually getting you somewhere. What services do you have to offer?"

"Wass's group would have fallen a long time ago if it was not for me being second in command. I do have more tactical experience that any one in Night Fang. And if what you say is true about Wass being dead, I am the leader now. I give you Night Fang's services and loyalty."

"To do that, you must dissolve its existence and join us totally."

"Yes, of course."

"You can get the other members to join us."

"As their new leader, they will have to."

"And for those that don't? It almost seems as if your comrade would have not have followed you joining us."

"Then uh...uh..uh," Panucci started nervously. Then he straightened up and smiled, "Then they would have to be dealt with in a manner such as Havas."

Shtatë smiled broadly and gave a strong upward jerking motion with his thumb to Devetdeset who gabbed Panucci by his bindings and lifted him to his feet. "Welcome aboard," Shtatë said. "But don't you dare betray us." He holstered his sidearm

"Of course not," Panucci said trying to keep calm.

"Good." Shtatë turned around and started walking. He motioned for Huit to come over. "So how did you kill Wass anyways?"

"Used my zip-wire," Huit said pointing to his watch. "All to easy actually."

Shtatë sighed as they walked to the car. "Although we are still being more creative and diverse in our execution techniques, I think we need help. The Preventers and the other law enforcement groups cannot be allowed to thing that one group is behind knocking off the competition. We may be trained in various techniques, but we cannot risk overspecialization." He walked over to the car. As he and the others got in (except for Huit who came in a separate vehicle), he turned to Cxetir,i who was in the front seat. "Cxetiri, as soon as we get back to base, I want to send a message to Tros."

"Yes, sir."

* * *

HEIDELBERG

The couples finished the last dance. They got their stuff together as the restaurant was closing up.

Hilde looked on as Duo also got the doggie bags together that he requested. Just cannot let food go to waste. I guess some habits are to die hard. That and he did pay for it. She smiled. "Done, Braided Sweetie?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah." Duo moved all the stuff to his right arm, then offered his left to Hilde, which she took. "Ready too go home, my lovely little pixie."

Heero almost rolled his eyes. Oh brother. They are doing the cheesy, tacky endearments. If I hear one more I am gonna...

"Ready to go, Teddy Bear?" Relena said taking his arm.

Heero sweat dropped and blushed with a smirk that eventually turned into a full smile. "Come on, Princess. Let's get you home," he said in a somewhat surrendering tone.

Dorothy waved off to the others with her left arm (her right holding on to Quatre's left). "I'll probably be home by the time you get home, Relena." She then looked a Quatre and danced her fingers on his arm. "Or maybe I won't be home." -- Quatre sweated.-- "In any case, you better knock when you get home." She then took off leading the somewhat nervous Quatre.

Duo smiled back at Heero and headed off to the car with Hilde. Heero followed with Relena.

Quatre was just leaving the apartment Relena shared with Dorothy and Sally when Heero was letting Relena out of the car. He passed them on the walk. He was about to head for his car, when he noticed Duo looking intently on the couple holding something in his hand. He walked up to Duo also noticing that Heero and Relena were in a deep kiss.

When they broke, Duo said, "Ha! Only twenty-four-point-three seconds"

Quatre was close enough to the car to hear this. "Timing their kiss, Duo?

"Yeah. And, I still beat him."

"'Still'?"

"Yeah. I kissed Hilde on her doorstep for thirty-two-point-two seconds. I would have gotten more, but her dad came out. So I was a little bit worried."

"Worried about what?" Heero said walking up.

"Uh. I'll tell you later. Hey, Quat', what were you and Dorth' doing when we were dropping off Hilde?"

"I'll tell you later. Bye." Quatre said quickly before taking off.

Duo chuckled.

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO , GANYMEDE

Lezare walked beside Hiliada. "I am most pleased that Shtatë has made this request. Not only will it ensure that the situation will be well for us when we land my troops and other units next year, but it will also give a few of my units experience."

"Do not forget. Whoever is sent for this will no longer be under your jurisdiction, but under ISI though Shtatë. "

"Except for the Order of Death, who are not really under anyone's jurisdiction," Lezare retorted.

"True, true," Hiliada said with a smile, "but they have agreed to follow Shtatë's ord...no...directions. He will tell them who to kill and when." Hiliada chuckled. "We of ISI maybe very effective, covert killers, but the Plutonians will give those of the Earth Sphere something to really be puzzled about, if not terrified."

"And, I have someone who will be a close second." Lezare said.

"Oh, really? Where?"

"Here." Lezare pointed to a set of double doors with the words "Martial Arts Training Area." Lezare led Hiliada though the doors to another hallway and past several other rooms. The sounds of various melee combat filled the air.

"Yes, I know this area well. Hand-to-hand combat is very well ingrained into ISI's training."

"Not as much as it is integrated into his." Lezare said as they entered one training room. Lezare pointed to one young man engaged in combat with a young pony-tailed lady.

The man had long wavy yet somewhat wiry jet black hair that went down to the small of his back. He had a long red head band tied around his forehead and over his hair. The loose ends of the head band as well as his long hair whipped around as he leaped, dodged, and made attacks.

His movements held Hiliada's attention. It was amazing as the two fought on the mat. The speed was unreal, inhuman. It was apparent that they both had trained in the high-G centrifuges due to how far they were leaping and their strength.

She came at him with her fist flying at about ten punches a second, each one he expertly blocked. She flipped backwards doing half a somersault, stopping in a handstand and sending her legs spinning. He quickly moved forward, moved his left leg intertwine both of her legs and pinning them in place between his left leg and his right. She used her pinned legs to leverage herself up at him with a right hook. He started to twist counter-clock wise on his right leg while bringing his left arm forward blocking her hook. Knowing he was going to block, she was already using her left hand to deliver an uppercut. But seeing this he moved his left hand to the right blocking her right hand, grabbed it, and continued onto block her left. He extended his fingers to grab both of her hands in his one left hand. He then pulled her arms to the left, adding to the momentum he had already started with his twist. He brought his right hand under her. Just before he let go with his left hand and his legs, he gave her a chop to the back of the head. She hit the mat and collapsed.

Hiliada was shocked, and not just for the amazing skill. He had the convenience of there being a chronograph behind the two fighters. The time from her fist attack to her hitting the floor was only four-point-seven seconds, although it was clear that they were fighting for much longer than that. His thoughts turned to the reports of the Gundam pilots and their skills. Then a broad smile grew on his face.

The man walked over to her as she tried to get up, trying to catch her breath. "You are improving dramatically, Lieutenant Rabin. You only have a smidge to go. But perhaps that is enough practice today." He said with his voice cold with a slight sneer.

"Yes," Lezare said, clapping his hands with a broad white smile, "In fact, that is enough for all of you. Hit the showers."

All in the room turned to see the Marshal and were shocked. Many instinctively stood at attention.

"No, no, not now, you are all smelly;" Lezare suddenly became stern, "and, I gave you an order. Dismiss and hit the showers, except you, Captain Sam-sip. Come here. The Supreme Director wants to talk to you."

All the others in the room left. Captain (O-3, army) Lee Sam-sip came forward to the two supreme officers. He wore loose drawstring black pants and matching black shirt. His small Korean eyes were cold and steely. He bowed toward Lezare. "It is an honor, Marshall." He bowed toward to Hiliada. "You too, Supreme Director. What do I have this great honor for?" He said in a somewhat excited but very cold tone.

"Let us say again that that is enough practice for you right now." Hiliada said. "In fact, let us say that instead of practice, it is time to put your skills to actual use."

"Sir, you cannot be talking about the invasion."

"Oh, no. That is still over a year away, but we need help preparing for the invasion. I am very impressed with your skills, and I know that Shtatë can use them to weed out the obstructing vermin of these splinter groups. I trust that you feel you can take on former Oz and White Fang soldiers."

"That would almost be too easy." Sam-sip sneered. "Those pathetic soldiers of the Earth Sphere put too much reliance in technology and guns and those nauseating Mobile Suits. They have no idea what it is like to fight like a true warrior."

"So you feel it is not worth your time and skills."

"I did not say that!" He snarled. He quickly calmed down after realizing whom he was talking to. "It would be a great honor eradicating these cowardly infidels who do not know how fight as true men."

"So you would be interested in aspirations?"

"Yes."

"Good. Prepare your things. You are to leave within thirty hours."

Deborah undid her ponytail and got under the shower. I wonder what ISI wants with San-sip.