Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Worlds ❯ Business as Usual ( Chapter 8 )

December 31, A.C.199 - January 1, A.C. 200

BRUSSELS, 00:12

The gang was all together: the six pilots and the ladies, including Relena, Hilde, Catherine, Dorothy, Sally, Lucrezia, as well as Une and Mariemeia. Lucretius was also there but had fallen asleep. They had just rung in the new year. Right after the clock struck, Milliardo, Heero, and Duo each gave their respective girl a deep kiss on the lips, although Duo and Hilde outdid the other couples. Quatre also gave Dorothy a light kiss, which she returned with a deeper one. The others just smiled (including Wufei) as they watched the couples lip-lock.

"Well," Une started. "It sure seems as if romance is in the air." She turned to the newly engaged couples. "And extra congratulations to you four. So, have either of you set dates yet?"

"Well, not quite," Relena said, "Although, we are all looking toward the end of the school year. So, probably late spring or early summer."

"Relena will likely have her wedding first," Hilde said with a smile. "Her family has more resources to put a wedding together, plus she has probably been planning this for years."

Relena made a slight glare at Hilde while everyone laughed, which quickly faded as she joined in.

Une raised a toast. "Well, good luck to you just the same. It is a sign of prosperous future." She looked around the room at the still single persons. "I guess it is only a matter of time until you others get hitched. May it be soon." She then drank, and the others followed in suit.

As Relena drank, she took a long look at Une and a had a thought. She whispered something to Hilde. She then put down her glass. "I think I will go pick out a nice movie to watch or some music to listen to. Lu, Dorothy, will you help me? Mariemeia, we will need your help to find things." The two ladies and one girl followed her out of the room.

After a while Hilde got up. "I just remembered something I have to check on in the kitchen, Sally, Catherine will you help me?"

"Sure," they said.

"I will help, too," Une said and started forward.

"No, that's alright," Hilde said quickly, "We three can handle it."

Une just sat there bewildered as Trowa noted, "Hmm; they seem to be planning something."

"Who knows what those crazy ladies are up too?" Wufei said.

"Maybe they want to do something special for New Year's," Duo said.

"Yeah; I wonder what," Quatre said. "I wonder what special things people could do for New Year's."

Just then Mariemeia ran in with some music discs with a broad smile on her face and handed them to Une. "Pop these in, Anna. I'll go get the treats." She the ran for the kitchen while Une and the men remained speechless.

CASABLANCA, 23:24

Several former Alliance members and others were together for a party. The party had a band up on a stage. The band included: Andrej Devät on the drums, Herson Labingisa and Jak Shonngwe each on the trumpet, and Nahtahn Muòilaon the trombone. Mladenka Cxetiri and a very young woman escorted Niloufar Dow, and several other Alliance personnel out into the gardens. Several minutes later, after it was clear that Cxetiri and the others were gone, Labingisa put down his trumpet, bent down to open one of his cases and pulled out a small semi-automatic rifle with a suppressor. The other brass players did as well. They each opened fire from the bandstand on everyone left in the hall, delivering only one muffled, fatal shot into each person. After everyone on the floor was out of commission, Devät then went over to one of his "spare" bass drums and opened the cap that was hidden on it and then proceeded to pour out a flammable liquid over the floor. Meanwhile, the others proceeded to light the tablecloths with lighters.

Labingisa lit a cigarette as the others got ready to leave. "That's a wrap," he said, tossing his cigarette into the flammable liquid. They left as flames engulfed the hall.

COLONY L4, 03:15

The celebrators were driving home from the party. Many used to be with OZ. None of them were aware of the time released poison that was spiked in the punch, not even those who were slipped the antidote and were on their way to another meeting. Those without the antidote and were driving passed out at the wheel. Those who were not killed in a crash died soon after.

BUENOS AIRES, 02:35

The man lied on the bed with Manina Szescdziesiat on top of him. She seductively put on a glove, reached down to her garter, and pulled out a stiletto which stabbed and twisted into his throat.1

January 16, A.C. 200

COLONY L1, 22:56

Three men were walking down a downtown street when a med-height young woman came out of an alleyway. She had long, white, wavy hair that spread across her back. She also had pale white skin and dark lifeless eyes. "Hey, hey little lady," one of them said. "Are you lost?"

"No," she replied with a soft but lifeless voice. "Are you Jack Runner, who is trying to revive White Fang?"

Their eyes widened. "How did you know about that?" one of them asked angrily.

"That will suffice." She quickly pulled out a rod about forty centimeters long. In one quick motion, she pointed it at the man on her left and hit a switch. The rod telescoped one hundred and twenty centimeters with a semi-circle shaped razor sharp blade on the end. The blade hit the man squarely in the throat, making a deep cut. She then swung the blade to the right, slitting the throat of the man in the middle and letting it stick deep in the throat of the man on her right. She let each man collapse to the ground. She retracted the blade and left.

January 22, A.C. 200

SOUTH OF DENVER, 13:21

Shopedi and Huit drove the semi along the interstate. "So how do you think the Broncos are doing this year?" Shopedi asked, noticing a billboard about the team.

"I don't usually pay much attention to football, but as far as I can see, they have a pretty good chance," Huit said. "So where do you want to go for lunch?"

"Word is that there is this stop on the north side of town that has best biscuits and gra...wait, isn't that them?" he asked pointing at the dark green sedan in the mirror.

"Why, yes, it is." Huit pulled out a small device. "Ready?"

"Yes. Okay, hold on."

Huit hit a switch on the device. One of the tires of the truck blew. The rig swerved and went sideways to the road. The sedan went under the rig, sheering off the top of the car and all those inside.

February 5, A.C. 200

MOSCOW, 23:45

Seven people were leaving an OZ meeting when they ran into a tall man with pale white skin and black hair. He was also wearing a white suit and dark glasses. "I am Elmaveth. It is now time to fulfill the process of life." He reached behind to his back and drew out a large, dark metallic staff. At the flick of a switch a gleaming blade of a scythe appeared. In one powerful sweep, four people were cut in two. The others were also killed shortly thereafter.

February 12, A. C. 200

PERTH, 19:52

"And get this," one lady said to her associate sitting next to her. "They then told me that it was my last chance to give up on my endeavors and join them. What do you think of that?"

"I think you were right to tell them off," her associate said.

"I think you should have obeyed," said a voice from above.

They looked up just in time to see Samsip drop from the ceiling. As he came down right between them, he grabbed one by the head with his arms and the other with his legs. He twisted his body, breaking their necks. He then leaped to his feet and left.

BRUSSELS, 13:00

"This meeting will now com to order," Une addressed the Preventers who were gathered in the conference room. "Okay, as you all know we have had interesting trek in our investigation of terrorist faction groups. In short, there is good news and debatable-if-it-is-good -or-bad news. We have been able to locate and identify many members of these hostile groups. However, they have all been showing up at morgues. Somebody is knocking them off before we can get to them, not even for more information."

"Is it just one group knocking them off?" Quatre asked.

"Hard to say," Milliardo said. "The techniques of death are so diverse."

"Right," Heero said. "Wass was strangled to death while one of his subordinates was shot in the back of the head."

"And the guy found dead in my salvage yard," Duo said, "was beaten by somebody's bare hands."

"Those guys at the circus were killed with a car bomb," said Trowa.

"And others have literary been butchered," said Wufei.

"And a few others seem to have been auto accidents," Lucrezia commented.

"Yes," Une continued. "That complicates things even more. Some of these deaths seem like accidents, especially where there have been innocent bystanders. It is making it questionable if these are direct attacks against OZ, White Fang, or any of the others."

"Yes," Milliardo said. "That fire in Casablanca killed many who used to be with the Alliance, but also many people who were not."

"But autopsies confirmed that almost everybody in the fire was shot," Quatre commented.

"True," Milliardo said. "That is evidence that it was not an accident, especially since the fire was definitely arson, but it does not prove that the Alliance was the target."

"And besides that," Duo commented, "in the case of Davies and his entourage, L2 authorities have confirmed that four punks were found to have been killed in the exact same manner."

"But if these factions of OZ and the others are the actual targets, " Sally questioned, "then by whom? Could they be killing each other off?"

"Can't be," Wufei commented. "None of these techniques match anything any of them have done."

"Or pretty much anything anyone else has done," Trowa noted.

"Yes," Milliardo said. "That is the main reason local authorities have not questioned us!...much, that is. Speaking of which, they are having a tough time keeping this covered up, especially from the press."

"Understandable," Une said. "If the press got a hold of this, the crap is really going to hit the fan."

NEAR COLOGNE

A van was driving along the Autobahn. In the back, Dow turned to the others. "Sounds like they are suspicious," she said with a smile before returning to communications.

"Of course they are suspicious," noted Huit, "but they have no leads."

"Still, maybe we should slow down," said Labingisa.

"Then they would really get suspicious. Figure someone was on to them. They may even figure they are bugged."

"Besides," noted Shtatë, "We still have a deadline to meet. We will stick to the schedule as planned. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," Labingisa noted. I was just wondering.

Dow turned to them again. "Just got word from Devät, sir. Said he and the new recruits are waiting for us at Amsterdam Spaceport and that our shuttle is also ready to go."

"Good," Shtatë smiled. "Nice to know that more of them are listening."

"How many did we get this time?" Labingisa asked.

"Roughly two hundred and fifty," Huit said.

"Yes, wonderful isn't it?" Shtatë said. "It will be nice to see Peninta again."

"By the way, I wonder who Hiliada is going to send us."

BRUSSELS, 16:30

Mariemeia was swimming in the indoor pool of her home. Une bought the house soon after she took the young girl as her own to help with the Mariemeia's physical therapy. Although Mariemeia could now easily use her legs to their full potential, they still kept the house with the pool. She smiled as she heard Une open the door of the house. She continued swimming as Une came into the room. "Hello, Anna. How was today?"

"From what I can tell you, pretty frustrating." Une said. "We still have little leads or clues of what is going on."

"I wish I could help more."

"You've already done more than your share. I doubt you could do more even if your grandfather relieved more of what was going on."

"Thanks." She got out of the pool. "Oh, there is something I want to discuss with you."

"Really?"

"Yes; I'll meet you in the living room in about fifteen minutes."

"Okay, what is all this about," Une asked.

"Well, I think it is about time you find a man," Marie replied.

"What did you just say?"

"I think you should get in to dating scene, find somebody, and get married."

"Why do you think I should do that.?"

"Well, several reasons actually. First of all, I would like a father figure. The closest thing I had to that was my grandfather, but he was not much of a good influence to say the least. But now I would like a male role model, especially to help me through my teenage years. It is not like that I do not think you are already doing a good job raising me. It is just that I think it would be nice to have a nuclear family, plus to have someone walk me down the aisle when I get married."

"What about Quatre?"

"Quatre?"

"Well, he is practically engage to your cousin, Dorothy. So as your next of kin, he could walk you down the aisle. Why not have him as you father figure?"

She is not going to weasel out of it that easily. "Well, first of all, Quatre has not proposed to Dorothy yet. Furthermore, although, I am sure he would be honored to walk me down the aisle; I think he would like to reserve for his own daughters and myself for whoever marries you and fathers your children."

Une coughed in surprise. "I beg your pardon."

"That's another point. Wouldn't you actually want to have a child of your own? To actually hold the actual product of your womb? To watch that child grow from the very start? Even here I have a few personal reasons. I would love to have a younger sibling to play with."- and to occasionally torment- "By the way, do you know almost a day goes by that some kid a school doesn't pester me about if you are still a virgin or not?"

"Mariemeia!" Une was about to get out of her seat.

"Uh, sorry," Marie said nervously. "You know how fast kids grow up these days. And don't worry. I don't tell them anything. Anyway, I think you should go find somebody."

"But it is just that I was very close to your father, and I...just ...don't...know."

Marie showed concern in her eyes. "I know you still have strong feelings for my father, but it has been four years. And, besides, what do you think Treize would have wanted you to do?" Let's see her get out of that one, she smiled in her mind.

"I guess he would...." Une let out a sigh of resignation, "I guess he would want me to get on with my life and go find someone else. Okay, okay; I will keep an open mind to find someone, but don't go spreading this around, and don't you dare try to set me up with anyone."

"Um, okay," Marie said a little bit nervously.

"Are you hiding something? Wait, did someone help you with this?"

"Uh, yes," Marie admitted. "Actually, it was mainly Relena's idea, and Dorothy, Lu, and others helped, but I still really want you to find someone," she said with sincerity.

Hmm; I knew they were up to something. "Don't worry. I will keep myself available."

"Um, good, because there is a dance on Valentine's Day and you...are...invited," she said nervously. Then she quickly added, "But don't worry. I have made no commitments. We all wanted to ask you first. So, uh, do you want to come?"

Une smiled warmly as she stood up and put her hand on Mariemeia's shoulder. "Yes, I will come. But, do not set anyone with me nor make it public knowledge that I am available."

"Oh, of course; we have to take this slow."

"And I will only dance with gentlemen who ask me and I actually find them good prospects."

"Oh, that goes with out saying."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah, that is pretty much it. Thanks."

"You're welcome," Une turned to leave the room. "Guess I will go pick out a dress."

Mariemeia sat there for a while before jumping to the phone and dialing. "Hello, Relena? Yes! She is on the market."

NEAR AMSTERDAM

"Hmm, interesting," Shtatë said. "Not sure how or if we can use it to our advantage, but interesting."

February 14, A. C. 200

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"Will you guys leave me alone?" Karel said as Bradford Fowler and George Massie followed him down the hall.

"Come on," Brad taunted. "We know you like her."

"And it is Valentine's," George said. "Who else are you going to take?"

"Ha! There are plenty of available desperate women around here, especially in town, such as at Endiku or Seker," Karel said. "So why should I bother going out with her?"

"Why indeed?" said a female voice in front of them. In front of them was Margrthe Femten. Her bold chocolate brown hair came down to her neck, but was opened to show her ears. Beside her was Deborah. Both girls looked at the guys smugly with their arms folded. "Maybe because I want you to take me out to a movie," Margrthe said right in Karel's face.

"A movie?' Karel said nervously.

"Yes. True, all of them are basically government propaganda, but they do have their moments, sort of."

"Well.... I.... uh...."

"Act quick before I pull rank," Deborah said with a smile.

"Uh...Lieutenant Femten, may I treat you to dinner and a movie?"

"And dinner, too?" Margrthe smiled. "Sure. I will go get ready right now. I expect to be picked up in hour, so I suggest you get ready now, too." She squeezed Karel's chin and walked off.

Karel stood there for a moment before saying, "Well, see you guys." He ran off, leaving the other three.

George then leaned on the wall. "So, Debby, which one of us do you want to go with?"

Deborah covered he mouth to muffle her snickers before laughing hysterically as she walked off.

"Come on," Brad said. "There are always the barflies."

HEIDELBERG, 20:30

Heero tightly held his fiancée as they danced. He had danced with her for almost every dance of the entire evening. He was just about as lost in the moment as she was that he almost did not notice something as it caught his eye. Well, I'll be ... He steered his dancing toward Duo and Hilde, who were also dancing practically merged together. "Hey, Duo."

"Huh, what is it, Heero?" This better be important for interrupting the moment, Duo thought.

Heero gestured with his head toward the middle of the ballroom. "Look at that."

Duo turned, not really interested, then did a double-take as he realized what he saw. "Holy cow! Une is here, and she is slow dancing with a man. Who would ever figure she would open up?"

Quatre came over with Dorothy. "Hi, guys, what is up?"

"Check it out. Une is dancing."

"Oh, yeah... wait, you just noticed?" Quatre asked in surprise.

"Well, I guess they have been to busy dancing with their future wives to notice," Dorothy chided.

"Good for them," Hilde said with her head deep into Duo's shoulder. "I wonder how many men she has danced already."

"Wait a minute," Heero said. "You girls didn't really seem that surprised. Is there something you are up to?"

Relena looked up at him and smiled. "Well, we decided to make Une as happy as we are. So, we encouraged her to..."

"Get back in to the market?" Duo inserted.

"Yes, Duo; that is one way of putting it." Hilde said.

"That sure was nice of you, Relena," Heero said as he held her tighter.

Une was just done with a dance as she went over to the punch bowl. She got a drink and a few cookies. She sat down to enjoy the refreshments while she took a breather from all the dancing.

"Well, looks like you have been busy tonight," said a familiar voice

She turned up to see Trowa. "Oh, hello, Trowa. How are you this evening? Do you have a date tonight?"

Trowa sighed as he sat next to her. "Nope. I told the other not to bother this time, but I did dance with various girls, and I see that you have had a number of dance partners."

"Yes. Mariemeia and the ladies have been encouraging me to start dating again. I am just starting off kind of slow."

"Yeah; of course, the guys want me to find somebody."

She leaned forward and smiled as she whispered, "So have you met anybody you like?"

"Afraid not. Although I did enjoy dancing with several of the girls I danced with..." Trowa's voice trailed off to silence.

"None quite did connect. Same here. It may be years before I even meet someone who I could feel as deeply as I do Treize." They sat there in silence fo a while before Une said, "Hey, would you mind treating me to a dance?"

"Right now?" Trowa started nervously. "Or do you want to wait until you are done with your refresh..." Trowa trailed off as they noticed a young woman fair skinned woman with long dark ponytail going down to her knees.

"Excuse me," she said. "May I please have this dance?"

As Trowa looked at Une, she told him, "Go on, I will be right here."

Trowa led the girl on to the dance floor. The danced for a while and eventually ended up near Relena and Heero. "Oh, Miss Relena, it is so nice to meet you," the girl said, breaking away from Trowa and reaching to shake Relena's hands. "I am Tiffiny Epta. I have always looked forward to this."

"Uh, yeah," Relena said nervously, with a large sweat-drop. "But please just call me Relena."

"Um, excuse me; I have an invitation to fulfill," Trowa said slipping away.

"Oh, that is right," Tiffiny continued giddily to Relena. "You don't like to be so formal. Besides, I guess the title "Miss" will not apply for very long, now will it?"

"Um, no; I suppose it will not," Relena said uneasily as she brought herself closer beside Heero.

"I know you are out of the public and political area, at least not as much as before, but still, I have always been fascinated by your philosophical views on pacifism. I hope you do bring them fully to the spotlight."

"Well, actually, my views are changing, evolving really, as I learn more about different politics."

"But you can not give up on your dreams of universal absolute pacifism," Tiffiny demanded, closer to whined.

"Oh, no; I am not giving up. I will just have a better understanding of how to implement it."

"Oh, okay. Well, I will see you later." Tiffiny then took off.

"Well, that was an interesting first meeting," Heero said.

"Yeah," Relena said. "Wonder where Trowa picked her up."

"Hope he doesn't get too involved with her," Hilde said from behind them with Duo at her side.

"How long have you been there?"

"Just a little while, but the conversation was hard to ignore."

"Looks like there is another 'Relena worshiper'," Duo teased.

"Hey, where is Trowa?" Heero asked.

They all looked around until Duo's eye widened and he exclaimed, "Over there!"

They all turned with stunned looks to see Trowa dancing with Lady Une.

ENKIDU CITY, GANYMEDE

"No, really. I escorted Supreme Director Hiliada's shuttle last weekend," George slurred.

"Wow; do you have any other special abilities?" asked the equally drunk, dim-witted big chested blonde he was hitting on.

"Sure. Why don't we go to your place and I'll show you." As they were leaving, he noticed Brad talking to a brunette. They gave each other a thumbs up.

February 18, A.C. 200

NEWARK

"All I am asking is what do you think of her?" Huit asked.

"And I am saying you should not bother with things like that," Shopedi said from the wheel of the old van. "We do have our duties."

"Yes, but if we mingle it would make us less inconspicuous. Besides, it is not like we would go blabbing to them or anything."

"What if I just don't want to."

"Fine; it is just that.... Whoops, hold that thought. There they are." Huit got out of the drivers seat, casually whistled as he picked up the rifle, opened the back door, put three shots into the driver of the car behind them and blew out both of its front tires. He closed the door, put down the rifle, and returned to his seat. "Anyway, I just want your opinion of her, nothing more."

"Oh, all right. Actually, I think she is very attractive, but just not for me."

"Oh."

"I think she might be good for you though."

"Oh; thank you."

February 24, A.C.200

COLONY L5

The OZ loyalist walked along the street. She did not really think much of the other woman who came from the other direction. She did not even notice when the woman quickly drove a spike through her temple as they passed by.

March 3, A.C. 200

COLONY L2

Muòila and Labingisa were driving down a busy road, inconsiderately tossing trash out of their car as they drove, even a grenade into the convertible of a White Fang officer.

March 7, A.C. 200

CHERNOBYL

A group was meeting in an old house.

"Careful, Baxter; I hear factions have been knocked off all over the Earth Sphere," one of Baxter's associates said. "We may be next."

"Maybe we should have taken up their offer," said another.

"Just say on your guard, and we will be okay," Baxter said.

"No," said a cold voice. "You should have taken the offer, and you would have been okay."

The all looked up to see Elmaveth standing in the doorway to the room. They backed up to the wall. While the sight of the man in the white suit with a scythe strapped to his back made his associates uneasy, Baxter just smiled and said, "I have been waiting for you." He reached over to hit a switch next to the window. The wall spun around putting him and his associates outside. They ran away from the house which exploded. Baxter smiled. The man was well inside the house and could not have survived. "See? We can take care of them." They started to walk off when they noticed a figure standing tall on top of a streetlight with his arms folded.

Before any of them could react, Elmaveth leaped down and cut Baxter asunder. He turned to the others. "I decided to let you have another chance to reconsider," he said as he wiped blood off of his blade, "but, if you do not take up the offer in one hour, you will die."

They all nodded in agreement and ran off.

March 18, A.C. 200

NAIROBI

As four factionists walked down the street, a couple who were holding hands and laughing walked right towards the four. They then broke apart, the man going on the quartet's right, the woman on their left. She stuck a knife in one person's heart and shot another in the head with a small pistol. He stabbed one in the neck and injected another with a high toxin. As the couple came around, they took each other by the arm and walk sweetly off as four corpses collapsed.

March 22, A.C. 200

SAPPORO

An old van came in front of the car as they were driving on the busy freeway. The back door opened and a grenade launcher shot a tear gas cartridge through the windshield of the car. The driver panicked and crashed.

March 25, A.C. 200

LAGOS

Huit came behind the Barton Foundation member, reached over to his watch, and pulled out the zip wire.

March 27, A.C. 200

BRUSSELS

"This is getting crazy," Une started. "More factions are showing up dead, and we sill have not any leads of who is killing them."

"Any other information?" asked Heero.

"Yes," said Wufei. "While some members of these factions have wound up dead, others have just disappeared."

"Disappeared?" asked Quatre.

"Yes. They have literally fallen off of the face of the Earth. They are nowhere in the Colonies either."

"Any good news?" Duo whined.

"Perhaps," said Trowa. "I have been able to learn that a unified faction of former OZ and White Fang are preparing for an attack."

"A united faction?" Lucrezia asked.

"Yes; some of them have considered us as a common enemy, but with these factions getting killed off, they are getting desperate. They are going to meet in a few days to discuss organization."

"You have knowledge of where they are going to meet?" Heero asked.

"Generally, but my contacts should let me know where specifically in just a few hours."

"Good," Milliardo said. "We better get to them, not only before they do any damage, but also before whomever gets them first."

ISI HEADQUARTERS, TROS, GANYMEDE

Oh, boy, Scott thought as he went through mountains of reports. That is often what a promotion gives you: more duties and responsibility. "You are the best when it comes to processing stuff from the field," Peninta said. Sometimes I wish he did not even bother. This everyday stuff is so standard and uneventful, I can do it in my sleep. Hello, what is this? Scott studied the data for several minutes before turning to his computer, "Cora,2 I am about to give you a list of personnel. I want you to cross-reference where they have been with each other within the past year. I want to know if they have been meeting at the same place."

[Just a minute. Processing. Here it is, Scott.]

Scott looked at the long lists that were displayed on his screen. That is too often to be coincidences. Better look more into this. He reviewed more past records and personnel files for several more hours, long after most people from the day shift had left. This requires more investigation, and I will do it personally. "Cora, arrange travel and lodging for a trip to Nicholson Regio. There is something I need to check out."

March 31, A.C. 200

SHUTTLE EN ROUTE TO COLONY L3, 16:23

"Hope this works out well," Duo said.

"It should provided our 'competition' doesn't interfere," Wufei said.

"Hope the factionists do not put up much of a fight," Quatre said. "Besides not hurting anyone, we need people to question."

"Which is more than can be said about whomever is killing the others off," said Trowa.

"Think they are vigilantes?" Duo asked.

"If so, they are not caring about bystanders," Heero said.

NEAR ARBELA SULCUS

Scott watched the icy-rocky landscape speed by his window. It was little trouble getting time out of the office. His good record saw to that. He had been due for some time off anyway. However, he was not sure why he was so nervous. As he calmed down, he continued to play in his mind how he would conduct his investigation and what he would do with the results.

COLONY L3, 18:40

In an abandoned warehouse.

"Good evening, Mister Haleson," said the OZ leader.

"Good evening, Jenners."

"Who would ever think it would come to this?"

"Desperate situations need desperate measures."

"Yes; many of our fellow comrades and opponents are disappearing. In fact, to my understanding, we are all that is left."

"Unless you count those who are now with the Preventers."

"I don't. It is still ironic that it would come down to us meeting like this."

"Yes. I f only Quinze and Treize could see us now."

"Well, now let us discuss what to do."

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"Papers," the ISI officer at the desk ordered.

"Of course," Scott, who was also in his ISI uniform, said as he handed them over. "I know the procedure."

The officer examined the papers. "Of course, Captain Fichese. We are expecting you. Your quarters are ready." He handed the papers back and saluted.

"Thank you, Sergeant." Scott returned the salute. "Continue."

COLONY L3, 18:43

The Preventers and the local police drove together through the streets. Inside the lead car, Heero said to the police chief, "Their meeting is supposed to officially start at seven o'clock, but most of them are likely to have already met. Oh, thank you for waiting for us."

"No problem," said the chief. "You guys have most of the information, and we can't risk radio in fear of... crap!"

A long semi ran through the red light coming perpendicularly from the left. The cab crashed in the shop on the other side of the road. The rig was now blocking the entire road. The cop cars crashed into the side of the rig. Fortunately no one was seriously injured, although they were immobilized. As the truck driver explained about his failing brakes, back-up was quickly ordered to pick them up.

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

Dressed in coveralls, Scott walked up to the head maintenance officer. He flashed his ID. "Captain Fichese, ISI. I am here to run an investigation."

"What do you want me to do?" asked the maintenance officer.

"I will be doing maintenance checks. Just confirm it to anyone who asks.

COLONY L3, 18: 45

Words of discussion continued to fly back and forth.

"No, no; an attack like that would prove nothing."

"What do you expect? We have nothing."

"We better think of something quick. Rumor has it that the Preventers know about this meeting and will be here soon."

"Well, maybe we should wait for them."

"And kill them?"

"No; turn ourselves in."

"Well, it beats being dead. What do you think has been happening to the other groups?"

"But them? That will diminish our cause, not to mention our positions. We might as well join with those Socialist Worker guys."

"Yes, you should. It is the only way you can accomplish anything," Shtatë said entering the room along with Huit and Devetdeset, "including living."

"Speak of the Devil," said Haleson.

"Who is that?" asked Jenners.

"The so-called Colonial Socialist Workers Party guy we were talking about."

"Yes, and this is the last chance for you all. Will you forget your meager ambitions and join us?"

Haleson stood up. "No! We are the souls of Space and we..."

"I am tired of that tiresome rhetoric, you arrogant, narrow minded..." Shtatë snarled before calming down. "'No' was all I needed." He turned around to walk away, followed by Huit and Devetdeset. "Go ahead, Elmaveth; do the purity of the human race a favor," he said as he left the building.

"Who was he talking to?" someone asked.

"Me," said a cold voice. They turned to see six pale figures each wearing dark glasses. The one in front continued, "I am Elmaveth." He gestured to a young woman with wavy hair on his left- "This is Lady Shi,"- the male on his right- "Tod," -three others- "and Kerberos. We are the Order of Death." Elmaveth then jumped up and came with his scythe, killing two factionists. Tod fired a harpoon-like weapon into one man's chest, seconds later two smaller tethered harpoons shot out of the man's chest and up into the ceiling. Lady Shi stabbed another with a broad spear in the belly. The spear spread apart as two blades ripped the factionist apart from the inside. The other three knowned as Kererbos, also killed several others acting as one. The carnage commenced too quick and shocking for the factionists to react. Jenners, in shock, looked at Elmaveth with his white suit now half stained red. He looked towards the door hoping the Preventers would come and save his life. Instead, the tip of Elmaveth's scythe stuck in his forehead and stayed in as he was swung about like a rag doll.

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

When Scott was assured he was alone, he checked the clock on the wall, which was analog. Ah. The bug that ISI placed is still there under the hour hand, but they have placed another device there next it to disguise the noise, but let ISI know the bug is still in place. I am impressed. Well, I will place one of my own bugs right under the minute hand and we will see how this works out. There. If they see their own setup still in place, they should not suspect much else.

COLONY L3, 19:13

The Preventers and the local police had finally gotten staked out outside the warehouse after the delay.

"Look like anything is going on in there?" the Chief asked.

"Naw," Duo said. "It is still quiet as since we got here."

"Why is it so dark in there?" Wufei asked. "Could we have missed them?"

"Maybe," Heero said. "We did get here pretty late. Trowa, what do you see?"

Looking through infrared binoculars, Trowa responded, "Nothing. Does not seem to anybody ... wait. I see a faint heat signature. It almost looks like... d***! Come on. Let us go in."

"What? Are they there?" asked Quatre.

"Not in spirit. I am sure of that."

They all went inside. Someone turned the light on and several profanities were expressed as they saw the factionists mutilated with blood and gore strewn everywhere. Several of the corpses were hanging from the ceiling. Several of the cops lost their lunch.

"D*** it!" Duo exclaimed.

The chief got a call on his radio. "What is the status? Need back up?" the person on the dispatch asked.

"No," said the chief. "Not unless they have body bags and strong stomachs."

TROJAN IMPERIAL HQ, TROS, GANYMEDE

"Excellent," Grozny said. "So, the opposition has been eradicated?"

"Yes, sir," Hiliada said. "We are free to commence with 'Operation Feather'."

"If you insist. Lezare, ready the troops. Tysyacha, prepare the transports."

PREVENTERS STATION, COLONY L3

"D*** it, d*** it, d*** it," Duo exclaimed. "They beat us again."

"Whoever they are," Quatre said.

"All we know is it is likely the same guys who have been turning factionists into hamburger," said Wufei.

"Well, guess we will go back home," Heero said.

April 7, A.C. 200

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"They are mobilizing?" asked Sgohi.

"As of today," said Deborah. "Thought it conveniently applicable since it is the anniversary."

"Why not us?" said Pedwar. "We have been training for years."

"They just want the more seasoned troops for this first wave," said Hrand.

"How are we going to warn the Earth Sphere?" asked Margrthe.

"We don't" said Hyaku. ""We can't do much from here anyway. We are still in training."

"We will have to act some other time," Deborah said.

Scott was listening in the room he was staying in. He leaned back from his personal receiver and thought about what he had just heard. So, it is confirmed. They are planning to revolt, even defect. Now, what to do about this? If I report them my career is set. His eyes fell upon the picture of his parents that he brought. His thoughts the went back to them, then to his old girlfriend Mollea, and then to the Cambellites.3 No. He picked up his vintage .34 Magnum and left.

COLONY L4

Shtatë raised a toast to his loyal agents. "Excellent job, everyone. We have successfully completed another step of the conquest of the Solar System."

"And just in time for the silver anniversary for when Odin Lowe determined not only the fate of the entire Earth Sphere, but, unwittingly, the Solar System," Huit added.

"Well, put!" Shtatë continued. "Yes; it was twenty-five years ago when we left the confines of the Jupiter Sphere, and I have received word that 'Operation Feather' has commenced. So we must prepare for our comrades' arrival."

"Any more reports?" Milliardo asked.

"No," said Une. "We were expecting for a factionist group to make a move on the twenty-fifth anniversary of Heero Yuy's death, but it is unlikely that will happen."

"Why not?" asked Noin.

"Simple," said Wufei. "Because they are all dead."

"You mean they got them all?" asked Quatre.

"Apparently," said Une.

"What if whoever has been killing them makes a move?" asked Duo.

"Well, we still have nothing on them, but we are still on high alert. I guess if nothing happens you guys can get back to worrying about other things, like your school work."

"Plus you and Heero can get back to worrying about your wedding plans," Quatre said to Duo.

"By the way," said Duo. "Where is Heero?"

"He said he had to run a quick errand in Marseille," said Trowa.

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"Pass the horseradish," Deborah said. She took it and dipped her matzah in it.

"At least with all these troops moving out there is less attention to be drawn to us," said Terah Shastri.

"Thanks for letting us come to your Seder," Karel said.

"No problem," Deborah replied. "I figure we all need to be spiritually in tuned if we need guidance to..." She trailed off as she sensed someone's presence, as did Hyaku and Sgohi. They all turned to see Scott come into view with his gun drawn.

"Guidance for what? To rebel? "To defect? Good evening. I am Scott Fichese."