Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Worlds ❯ Unions ( Chapter 9 )

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IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

No! Deborah thought. This cannot be. ISI has found us out. They will interrogate us. They will track our families down. They will kill us all or send us to the camps. It is over. It cannot be.

"I sure hope so," said Scott, "because I want in. I am interested of joining you."

"Huh? What did you say?" Deborah said bewildered.

"I know that you are planning to rebel by going to the Earth Sphere and request their assistance. I have been listening to you personally; in fact, I am the only one who knows. No one else, even in ISI, knows. And again, I want to offer my assistance to you."

"Are you saying that you want to rebel, too?" Sera asked.

"Yes, I do," Scott said.

"Why would you want to go against the Empire, especially ISI?" asked Doksan.

"Maybe because I recognize it for the oppressive Godless monster it is."

"But it could give someone like you anything you want," noted Kaksi.

"Except freedom,2 nor fulfill justice." For that matter, it cannot give me peace of mind. "Actually, it can give me nothing."

"Why should we trust you?" Hrand asked harshly.

Scott holstered his revolver. Then he reached over to his collar and removed his ISI insignia. He held it at arms length and dropped. "I dissolve and allegiance to the Empire or ISI. But, I suppose I cannot give you much more than my word."

"Okay, suppose we do trust you," said Osiem. "What do you have to offer if we let you join?"

"Working at ISI, I have obtained much information about the Earth Sphere, including some on propionate individuals."

"So?" said Dezaoito.

"So, if you ever get to the Earth Sphere, where are you going to go? Who are you going to see? I have so much information on the Earth Sphere it would make your head spin. With me, you will know what to expect, and you can better prepare what to tell them about your plight. Plus, I have access to various places that you may might useful."

"And, what is we don't let you join?" Karel asked. "You'll turn us in?"

"No; you will just not get my help. You will be left on your own to fend for yourselves. On your own getting out of here and to the Earth Sphere."

Deborah came forward. "Okay, excuse us for a moment."

Scott backed to the doorway. "Go ahead; I will just wait here."

Deborah took the others aside. "So, what do you think, guys?"

"You are not actually considering letting him join us, are you?" asked Hrand.

"Well," said Seitek, "We can't kill him."

"Right," said Margrthe. "If ISI finds out that one of their own has disappeared, they will on top of us for sure."

"Well," said Terah, "you have always have been the best judge of character, Deborah."

"Okay, I will check him out," said Deborah. "Come on, Hyaku, Sgohi. You guys help me." She got up, followed by the other two. She went up to Scott and practically put her face right into his as she glared in to his eyes. "Hmm." She looked for about fifteen seconds, until her eyes softened. "He does seem to be the honest type. I don't sense any deceit. How about you guys?"

"I sense that he is a noble man," said Hyaku.

"I sense he does have a bit of a troubled past," said Sgohi. "However, his past guides him to be moral and to right wrongs."

"Okay," said Deborah, " I say he joins. All in favor say 'Aye.'" Practically everyone did. "All opposed say, 'Nay.'" Hrand was about the only one who did. Deborah offered her hand to Scott. "Welcome aboard, Fichese. Care for a Hillel sandwich?" She offered him two pieces of matzah with a mixture of horseradish and fruit salad between them.

Scott smiled as he took the sandwich. "Yes, thank you. Oh, and please, call me 'Scott.'" He went around shaking everyone's hand, including Hrand's. "Hey, no hard feelings."

"Naw; after all, that is what democracy and that type of stuff is all about." Hrand said. "But just so you know, if you turn us in, I will kill you personally."

"I will see to it that you are proved wrong in your suspicions."

MARSEILLE

Heero stood in front of the grave with Relena by his side. He set down a bouquet of flowers in front of the headstone. They stood in silence for a moment before hearing a voice call out, "Heero? Heero Yuy? Is that you?" They turned to see Sylvia Noventa approach the grave. Heero turned to her saying, "Hello, Sylvia."

Sylvia came up to them. "It is you. How long has it been?" Sylvia asked.

"Five years," answered Heero.

"Hello, Sylvia," said Relena offering her hand. "Heero has told me about you. It is very nice to meet you."

Sylvia blinked for a while as she tried to remember the somewhat familiar face in front of her. Then it hit her. "Miss Relena, I presume."

"Yes, that is right," Relena said, "at least for now."

Heero then step in. "Forgive me for not introducing you two to each other. Relena, this is Sylvia Noventa, granddaughter of Marshal Noventa. Sylvia, this is Relena Darlian, formerly Relena Peacecraft of the Sankt Kingdom, and soon be Relena Yuy as my wife," he ended as he took Relena's hand and intertwined with his.

"You two are engaged to one another?" Sylvia asked.

"Yes," Heero said simply.

"That is wonderful," Sylvia said with a smile. She then chuckled slightly, Actually, I somewhat expected you two to wind up as a couple.

Relena's eyes widened. "You did? How come?"

"Well, Relena, when you contacted my grandmother while you were looking for Heero, she could not but notice an unusually strong amount of determination in your efforts. It really seemed to her that you found him attractive. In fact, she said that she let you take Heero's letter because she knew that you would be more likely to deliver it than the postal service." She laughed again.

"Yes; I guess I did," Relena blushed as Heero looked at her.

"Sorry, I did not mean to embarrass you, and you two really do make a good couple."

"Thank you for the compliment. I am not really sure how the public might think of the world's main proponent of pacifism marrying a soldier, much less a Gundam pilot."

"I think most will like it. In fact, I think it is the perfect combination, like yin and yang. In fact, I think the two of you together just might fulfill my grandfather's efforts."

"Really?" asked Heero. "How so?"

"My grandfather was a military man, a soldier, but he was also pushing for demilitarization. Yes, peace. Many think soldiers are for war, but it is they who generally witness the horrors up front. But you see, with you two, the pacifist and the soldier, together you pretty much make up my grandfather."

"Thank you," said Relena.

"So when is the big day?" Sylvia asked.

"Next month. We will be sure to send you an invitation."

"I will be sure to be there." Sylvia smiled

"Well, we better get ready to go." Heero said. He turned to Relena. "You go on ahead, sweetheart. I just want to talk to Sylvia for a moment." He then gave Relena a kiss.

Relena smiled, "Okay, don't take too long."

After Relena was about twenty meters away, when Sylvia turned to Heero. "So, what did you want to talk to me about?"

"I just wanted to thank you for not killing me."

"You're welcome. And, I guess, thank you for giving me an opportunity to kill you, so I myself could realize for myself that it would amount to nothing. In fact, it would have made things worse for everyone."

"Yes; by living I was better able to atone for what I did," -he looked off to Relena,- "especially with some help."

"Can I ask you a question?" Sylvia asked?

"What?"

"Are you happy?"3

"Yes; I am."

"Thanks. Now I am extra glad I did not pull the trigger. Well, unless there is anything else, I think you better rejoin your fiancée."

He nodded and headed off.

April 9, A.C. 200

ISI HEADQUARTERS, TROS, GANYMEDE

"So, Fichese, you say you have nothing to report?" Hiliada asked

"Yes, Supreme Director," Scott said. "My investigation proved to be inconclusive."

"Very well. Dismissed."

Scott saluted, made an about face, and left. As he returned to his quarters, he a slight feeling of anxiety, but he also felt more at peace with himself than he felt in years.

May 15, A.C. 200

BRUSSELS, 15:00

"Well, it has been two weeks since anything," Une said. "No activity by any of the factionists, including them being killed."

"Wonder what, if anything, is going to happen now?" Milliardo wondered.

EDGE OF EARTH SPHERE

A fleet of about five cruisers and forty large transports stealthily entered the Earth Sphere on the Moon's side. They used the Moon's gravity to brake. As they passed between Earth and the Moon, they released the large containers. They then used Earths gravity to exit the Earth Sphere.

May 17, A.C. 200

SANKT KINGDOM; 11:15

"Okay, Zechs, what did you want me for?" Heero had just arrived with Relena as well as Duo and Hilde before Milliardo had asked to see him.

Milliardo tossed him over a fencing suit. "I just wanted to challenge you to one last duel before you take away my sister," he said with a slight growl back by some evident humor.

Heero smiled and went off to change. When he returned, Milliardo was waiting for him in a fencing suit with two foils. Heero easily caught one of the foils as Milliardo tossed it to him. "Do not expect me to go easy on you just because we are on better terms," Heero said as he lowered his mask.

"You know I would never do that," Milliardo said lowering his mask followed by him making a sudden lunge, which Heero quickly dodged, followed by a parry. Milliardo then blocked one of Heero's counter attacks. The duel continued as a practical stalemate for about twenty minutes when Relena along with Noin entered the room.

"What is going on here?," Relena demanded. "Why do you two have to fight? Can't you just get along?"

The two did stop fighting. Heero walked over, lifted his mask, and gave Relena a hug and a kiss. "It is just a friendly gentlemen's duel, Relena."

"And I think you are more than capable of taking care of my sister, Heero," Milliardo said, taking off his mask with a smile.

Duo walked in with Hilde. "Hi, guys, what's up?"

"Oh, Milliardo and Heero were just having a duel for old times sake," Noin said. "So, how are things with you, Duo?"

"Well, now that I am done with my thesis, I can worry about other things," he said while hugging Hilde.

"Oh, what was it on?"

"Religious movements in the early United States."

"Really?" Relena said. "Mine was on ancient Anglo-Saxon law."

"Hey, where are Quatre and Dorothy?" asked Noin.

"Picking up Trowa and Catherine," said Hilde.

BRUSSELS, 14:15

"So, Miss Une, you say that there has been no activity by Oz nor White Fang?" asked Martha Cummings.

"No. There has not been any activity by anyone," Une replied.

"Any explanation why?" asked William Browning.

"Some believe it is because the Gundam pilots have done secret killings," said Bob Crystal.

"Well, those people are mistaken. We have no leads, but we are hard at work in our investigations. Now, no more questions. I have personal matters to attend." She started to leave.

"Oh, Miss Une, National Enquirer. Is it true that you are activating your love life..."

"I said, 'No more questions'!" she yelled leaving the pressroom.

KAMCHATKA, May 18, A.C. 200, 7:15

Shtatë rubbed his eyes as he tried to become awake. He looked out over the volcano's summit at the new dawn. He turned to Huit, who was holding an antenna and a receiver. "Anything yet?"

"Nothing," Huit shook his head then suddenly tensed. "Wait. I got them. Sixty kilometers. Forty-three degrees. They got our signal and are now transmitting."

Shtatë raised a pair of binoculars with an earpiece. He listened to the tone until it was most rapid. Then he saw it: a parachuting container, barley visible. He then saw several more show up. He smiled. "Any reports on detection?" he asked Dow.

Dow looked up from her station, a small radio set on the ground. "None, sir. Unless they are being really silent about it, they have noticed nothing.

Excellent. "Operation Feather" is going as planned. "Looks like they are going to land over there. Come on. We'd better go." Shtatë led them down the mountain to where they left their chopper.

"Operation Feather" was named much as a counter to "Operation Meteor." With "Meteor," the Colonies sent forces to Earth poorly disguised as shooting stars. Governments tried to cover it up, but no one really believed it. If the Gundams wanted secretly land on Earth, they could not have possible done a worse job; even the Wing Gundam was detected and intercepted. The Empire figured it would be much more effective to land forces with as little detection as possible with radar dampening material and by using gigantic parachutes to drift down to Earth as a feather. Each of the 100m x 100m x 60m containers had parachutes that were 800 m x 600m. And each container could hold either several motorized units or a battalion.

SANKT KINGDOM, May 17, A.C. 200, 19:30

Quatre raised his glass. "Here is to the first of us Gundam pilots to get married."

"Here, here" all the males said. They then drank.

"You know," Wufei started, "I always thought that Duo would have been the first to get married."

"Why?" Duo said with a smile. "Because you did not figure Heero would be weak and bond with a woman, did you?"

"Um, yeah," Wufei said embarrassedly. "Something like that."

Heero turned to Wufei. "Well, it took a lot of strength for me to admit that I loved her. And especially since I will admit that am a bit nervous, I will not call going on with this wedding a weakness."

"Right on," said Duo.

Quatre spoke to Heero. "I always saw something between you two ever since I saw her waiting for you at the tarmac."

"I saw something between them even earlier than that," said Duo.

"Well, Duo," Trowa said. "I recall seeing something between you and Hilde ever since you found me at the circus, even though I had amnesia at the time."

"Yeah, she had me take her on a date without me knowing it. By the way, she tried to make me jealous by saying she 'could go for a guy like you' right before I saw you there. Speaking of which, since Hilde is engaged to me, we need to find someone else who could go for you. I guess we could try for you, too, Wufie."

"Don't even bother," Wufei said. "Speaking of which, I am still surprised you are not getting married first."

"Well, although I did propose first, Relena's family had better resources as well as contacts to help prepare a wedding than does Hilde's."

Heero almost snickered, "I think Relena has been making the preparations for years." They all laughed at that.

"I wonder what the girls are doing now?" Quatre said.

KAMCHATKA, May 18, A.C. 200, 8:35

Shtatë and his group approached one of the landed containers. Men were already unloading vehicles and other supplies. Corresponding signals confirmed each other's identity. Shtatë recognized the commanding officer. He approached him and saluted. "Good day, Major General Jure Jedan. Welcome to Earth."

SANKT KINGDOM, May 17, A.C. 200, 19:43

"You actually touched Heero's bare chest?" Dorothy asked.

"Well," Cathy started, "It was just after he self detonated his Gundam, and Trowa had me tend to his wounds. It went no further than that. Incidentally, Relena, I recall when he awoke he called out your name, so I am sure you don't have to worry about anything."

"Yeah, Relena, soon you can look forward to pressing his bare chest against yours," Hilde laughed.

The girls were all in their pajamas having a sleepover style bachelorette party. Relena gave Hilde a whomp with a pillow due to the last remark. "I am surprised you haven't already done that with Duo, uh, I mean accidentally." Relena replied.

"I may have seen him without his shirt lots of times, but he has only seen me twice. We always tried to make sure when some one was in the shower. Mind you this was back when we were living on L2."

"Back when your chest was smaller, right?" Dorothy teased. "So, he may not have seen much anyway."

"Not that much smaller," Hilde snorted. "Speaking of which, what is Quatre's chest like?"

"Hmmf, I have seen about as much as you have when we are swimming or at the baths.4 Oh, I have gotten a little bit closer to see a few hairs..."

"But you would still want to run your hand over what hair he does have, huh?" Hilde teased back.

"Uh, yeah," Dorothy sweated. Dorothy eventually joined in with the girls as the giggled. "So, Cathy, what about Trowa?"

"Don't get started," Cathy said. "Of course, I have seen him without his shirt around the circus as I have tons of other men, so I don't pay much attention. Besides, he is my brother."

"Point taken. Sally?"

"If you are talking about Wufei, I have only seen him a few times near the locker rooms. Besides we are only, um, coworkers."

"Sorry about that, Sally," Relena said with sympathy before having a broad smile. "So, what about you, Une?"

"Well, I have seen Treize bathe plenty of times, but that was when I was my cold hearted personality, who was really interested in stuff like that. Probably the main reason I am still a virgin." She quickly covered her mouth.

"Aha, I knew it," said Marie. "Don't worry. I won't tell."

Lucruzia sighed. "Well, I suppose I am the only one that doesn't apply to."

"Don't worry, Lu," Dorothy said. "That shouldn't be the case in about thirty hours."

Relena raised a glass. "Here, here." The girls the broke out into giggles.

KAMCHATKA, May 18, A.C. 200, 15:38

The prefab structures had just been assembled and camouflaged, either with netting or by being buried within the mountainside. All of the MF's, tanks, carries, and other units and vehicles were now in their respective hangars and garages.

Shtatë accompanied Jedan as they supervised the preparations of the first Trojan Base on Earth. "You seem to be getting settled in very well," Shtatë commented.

"Thank you, but it may be as long as a week before we start training to get used to the Earth's environment. Uh, we will be undetectable, won't we?" Jedan asked.

"You have already done a good job at concealment already. We of ISI will do the rest. We will also send supplies, so your men don't have to risk shopping in town and slip their tongues." That made Jedan laugh. "Well, we must be going now," Shtatë said.

"You are leaving? But we just got here."

"Yes. Due to coincidence, you landed on the same day as a party we were going to, and we are pressed for time. So, see you later. We will keep in touch."

SANKT KINGDOM, May 18 A.C. 200, 15:23

Relena looked out of the bay window over on to Lake Constance5 as her friends helped her put on the last touches of her wedding dress.

"You look beautiful, Relena," Dorothy commented.

"Yeah; I hope my wedding is just as pretty," said Hilde.

"I am sure it will be for all you girls," Mrs. Darlian said entering the room. She hugged Relena as she came over. "I always did look forward to this day. I really do wish your father... I mean my husband was here."

"No, Mother," Relena cried, "I already said that you would always be my parents. You were the ones who raised me. And you will always be our children's grandmother," she ended with a smile.

"Will I still be their uncle?" Milliardo said as he came in with Lucrezia.

"Of course," Relena said.

"Ready for me to give you away?"

"Yes," she said taking his arm. "Let us go."

15:30

Heero was waiting by the altar in the palace's chapel with his best man, Duo. Beside them were the other three Gundam pilots. Heero selected Duo as best man mainly because if it was not for him, he might have actually killed Relena. Duo could not but help to notice how much Heero was sweating. "You okay, Heero? You seem nervous," Duo whispered to him.

"Of course, I am," Heero said back, trying to keep his voice low. "This is it, Duo. Total commitment. Not like some mission I can expect to be over in a few hours or even months. This is a whole lifetime."

The bridal music just started. "Cold feet, eh? Are you sure you still want to go on with it?" Relena came in, looking absolutely gorgeous, walking down the aisle with Milliardo by her side. The sight of her even took Duo's breath away. He quickly looked across the aisle where the Gundam girls were standing as the bridesmaids, focusing on Hilde, who (to him) fortunately looked even more beautiful.

Heero was also taken aback by Relena's appearance. In white, she looked more like the pure hearted goddess he had fallen love with and wanted her in his life more than anything. "Oh, yes, I want to go on with it."

Milliardo guided Relena to be beside Heero. He gave a somewhat pleasant scowl and said, "You'd better take good care of her." He took his place by the other pilots and looked over at his wife serving as the maid-of-honor.

Heero gave his death glare accompanied by a cheerful smile as he took Relena's arm. "Mission accepted."

Relena and Heero stood side by side as the minister started, "Relena Darlian Peacecraft, do you take this man, Heero Yuy, to be your husband to love and to hold, through sickness and health, for richer and poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you two shall live/"

"I do."

"Heero Yuy, do you take this woman, Relena Darlian Peacecraft, to be your wife to love and to hold, through sickness and health, for richer and poorer, for better or for worse for as long as you two shall live?"

"I do."

"Present the rings." The reverend cued Lucretius to come forward with the rings, who raised them on their pillow as high as he could so Relena and Heero could take them. After they reached down for the rings, the reverend continued. "Now repeat after me: With this ring, I thee wed."

Heero repeated, "With this ring, I thee wed."

"By the power invested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

And so Heero did.

19:41

The reception was held in another hall of the palace. As well as very close friends, a few privileged dignitaries and members of the media were permitted to attend. Three other individuals were also in attendance.

"I have to admit," Shtatë said as placed a cracker with caviar in to his mouth, "They do cater well."

"Yeah, this is kind of fun," said Cxetiri. "If OZ or any of those other groups were here, they would be planning an assassination or something. I think this even more fun, just sitting back and enjoying the party," she popped a cracker with cheese in to her mouth.

"Speaking of which," Huit said, "if you will excuse me, I think I will enjoy the party with a certain someone."

"I do hope you are not going to get too involved," Shtatë said.

"It will not be any more than just a dance. Maybe you could do the same," he ended with a smile. He walked over to where a woman and girl were seated. "Good day Lady Une, Miss Mariemeia. Nice ti meet you. My name is Louis."

19:43

The reception line was just breaking up when Milliardo took Heero aside saying, "I have to talk to you in private for a while."

"Um, sure. Be right back," he told the others. He followed Milliardo to a far side of the hall. So what is this about, Zechs?"

He gestured to Lucretius. "See that boy there, Heero? You are now his uncle. And I don't mean any cutsy thing you may have with your fellow pilots' kids. You are legally and by blood his uncle. Furthermore," he gestured to Lucrezia, "Lu and I are going to have another baby. You will also be that child's uncle."

"What are you getting at, Zechs?"

"I know you will take good care of my sister. But I want to ask you of one other favor. If anything should happen to me, I want to you to take care of my family. I know Lucrezia is a strong woman, but I want you to make sure that they are all well taken care of. Make sure my son has a good role model."

"Zechs, I am not..."

"Heero, please," Milliardo pleaded with a look of sincerity that Heero never saw before.

"Okay, Zechs," Heero nodded, "I will see that they are well taken care of."

"You promise?"

"Yes, brother-in-law, I promise."

"Thank you. Now let us get back to the party. It is now for you to have your first dance with your wife."

20:04

"Yes, I remember now," Mariemeia said. "You were one of the soldiers with us in the bunker."

"Yes, that's right," Huit responded. I would have killed your grandfather, but that other soldier beat me to it. He turned to Une. "Well, looks like they are starting to dance. May I have this dance, Miss Une?"

She managed a smile. "I suppose so."

Trowa danced with Catherine. They noticed the other couples dancing: Heero with Relena, Duo with Hilde, Milliardo with Lucrezia, Wufei actually with Sally this time, and Une with somebody. They saw Quatre searching for Dorothy. It was then they noticed the couple coming towards them.

"Excuse us, Mister and Miss Bloom," said the young man accompanied by a young woman, "I am Enver and this is Mladenka. All right if we cut in, so you don't have to dancewith your sibling?"

"Uh, alright," Catherine said as Shtatë took her hand. Cxetiri smiled at Trowa as she took him off.

20:42

Quatre found Dorothy leaning forward on the railing on a balcony outside the hall. "There you are. Aren't you coming in? The dances are just starting."

"No. You go back inside," she said with a soft somewhat shaky tone. "I will be fine."

Quatre stood behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Is something wrong?"

"I am sorry. It is just that I..." - she was clearly crying - "She is still my friend, and I am still happy for her. But when I see Relena, I can't but help to feel envious, or for that matter, the same with Hilde."

"Envious? That's ridiculous. Of course, you find some guy and get married."

"Really? Someone like whom?"

"Someone like me."

Surprised, Dorothy stopped crying and turned to face him. "Quatre?"

He held her be the shoulders and looked her right in the face. "Dorothy, I love you. I was not sure for sometime, but seeing across the alter standing by the other bridesmaids, I knew that I loved you more than anything, and that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you." He took in a deep breath. "Sorry that this is so on the spur of the moment; I don't even have a ring, but, Dorothy, will you marry me?"

Tears filled Dorothy's eyes. "Oh, Quatre, oh, Quatre, I love you. Yes, I will marry you."

Quatre's eyes started to water as well. He cupped her head in his hands and pulled her in for the deepest kiss he had ever given. As they kissed, his right hand went up to her eye. He brushed the tears away with his thumb while his forefinger stroked her eyebrow.

After they parted, Dorothy said, "I love you, Quatre, especially since you helped me learn to love myself. You really do remind me of my father, and I always wanted my children to have a father like mine. Just don't die early, okay?"

"I always did consider you kind . I always wanted a kind woman like that to raise my children. Good gosh, look at us. We just got engaged and already we are talking about kids."

"Yeah, I guess we better wait on that subject," she giggled.

He laughed too for a while before getting a tad more serious but still cheerful. "You know, I was a bit apprehensive about what people may think. That our marriage is like some big political or business deal, but now I don't care. It doesn't matter what other people think as long the two of us know that we love each other."

"No, not quite; I am sure it would be important to our children to know that they were a product of love and nothing else."

"I thought we were not going to talk about children," he smirked.

She laughed. "Oh, right." She regained her composure. "Well, shall we rejoin the others?"

He offered his hand, "If I may have the next dance."

She took it. "And every one after that." She followed him back inside.

21:03

Une was finishing another dance with Huit when Shtatë came up.

"Ah, Lady Une," Shtatë said taking her hand, "pleasure to meet you. May I have the next..."

He stopped as they overheard a very excited Relena. They turned to see her talking to Dorothy and Quatre.

"Dorothy, where have you two been?" Relena asked. "You seem like you have some thing to tell."

"Oh, I don't think it would be appropriate to say, Relena. After all, this is your big day and I don't want to steal the spot light."

"Oh, it is okay."

"Oh, very, well. Quatre just proposed to me! We are getting married."

Relena went wide eyed and looked and Quatre. "Oh, that is wonderful."

"Congratulations," Heero said, shaking Quatre's hand. "But I don't see a ring on her finger."

"I don't have one yet," Quatre said. "But, I'll get one soon."

"Besides, his word is good enough for now," Dorothy said.

"Well, I am glad, you told us," Relena said. She leaned in closer to the two and whispered. "Actually, we would like it if you spread it around tonight, so Heero and I could sneak out."

"Okay," Dorothy winked, "we will." As Relena and Heero went off, Dorothy noticed Une. "Une, guess what?"

"I know, I heard," Une said.

Huit turned to Shtatë. "Just gets more interesting doesn't it?"

21:18

At the bottom of the stairs outside, Duo was securing the shoes and cans to the bumper of Relena's limo as Wufei was writing "Just Married" with white shoe polish. Hilde and Sally were tying on streamers to the mirrors.

"I still think we should have covered the whole car with white and left pink lettering and designs," Wufei complained.

"Me, too, Wu-man," Duo said, "but that would have cost too much, especially since we are including the tires."

"I am surprised you didn't wrap it in clear-wrap and cover it with cream cookies," Sally said.

"I couldn't do that. Relena would kill me."

Trowa and Cathy came down the stairs. "They are on their way out," he said.

"Great, we are just about done here," Duo said. "So, Trowa, that sure was a cute dance partner you had there."

"Yeah, I guess so, but somehow she looks familiar. Come of think of it, so does your dance partner, sis. But I cannot remember either from where."

Hilde leaned over to Duo. "'Sure was a cute dance partner'? You aren't looking around, are you? You know you can't do that anymore."

"I can still look around for my friends. Can't I?" he said back with a smile. "Besides she isn't anywhere as cute as you."

Hilde smirked. "So, Cathy, how did you like ol' tall, dark, and handsome?" she asked out loud.

"Oh, he was okay, I guess," Cathy responded. "Although there was something about him that just seemed to bother me."

Duo leaned toward Hilde. "Hey! You just said..."

"If you can look for your friends, I can too. Besides, I like you as you are, tall, bright and handsome," Hilde said nudging him in the ribs.

Heero came down the stairs with Relena. "Sure, glad to get out of there," he said. "Hey, Duo, like what you did with the car."

"Thanks," Duo said. "Well, good luck, buddy," he said as Pagan opened the door for the two newlyweds.

"Thanks," Heero said from the window, "for everything."

Quatre and Dorothy were just able to join the others to wave them off.

Duo turned towards Quatre. "Hey, congratulations, Quatre."

"Thanks," Quatre said back.

"That officially leaves just two of us."

22:15

Heero and Relena were in the small, secluded honeymoon cottage. She was already out of her dress and just in her slip. Heero had only removed his jacket and tie and was just sitting on the bed. Relena crawled on the bed behind him. She hugged him and started to kiss him. After noticing that several kisses were not having much effect, she asked him, "Something wrong, Heero?"

He sighed. "It is just I have been thinking: how does one make love to the former Queen of the World, or, for that matter, a Vice Foreign Minister?" 7

She sighed as she snuggled closer to him. "But am just a school girl now, Heero, just like when we first met. Think it would help if you keep thinking that?" She continued to kiss him.

"Maybe. Still, I just do not know if I could..." He trailed off as her hand snuck under his shirt. "Hn, what the h***." They laughed as he encircled her into his arms and laid her upon the bed with her on top of him. "Oh, Relena, just wondering. When you were just a young school girl, did you happen to have any... uh... fantasies of me?"

She smiled and said, "Want me to show you?"

I'll let your filthy minds fill in the rest.6 I don't do lemons.

"Eh, I guess we will let them have their privacy," Shtatë said as he turned off the receiver.

May 19 A.C. 200, 7:15

Heero awoke with Relena in his arms. As she also awoke and looked at him, he said, "Good morning, Mrs. Yuy."

"Ohayo, Shujin" she said with a smile as she tried out her Japanese.

"Wow," he said. "If I knew that what it was like I would have forgone the promise of killing you. If fact, I may have forgot about the whole war and just ran off with you."

"No, Heero; those events of our past helped build our relationship."

"I guess so; you are right. But I do know that we are together now, and we will be throughout the future." They held each other as if to last for eternity.

May 27, A.C. 200

IMPERIAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE, 17:15

"And, this is Lucrezia Noin..." Scott was cut off from his presentation while George and Bad let out whistles and catcalls. "Peacecraft! She is married, guys." After they expressed a few groans and obscenities of frustration, he continued, "She met Marques at Victoria Base..."

June 14, A.C. 200, 19:52

COLONY L4

Quatre and Dorothy were at attending a large social function when they heard a sneering voice say, "Well, if it isn't the heads of the Winner Corporation and Romefeller?" They turned to see Sagun Satrah,who they recognized as a candidate running for the Senate, approaching them. "What an interesting business merger. What is matter, Mister Winner? Your finances having trouble?"

"No, Mister Satrah," Quatre said, trying to keep his cool, "they are doing quite well. And if the merger you are referring to is our wedding, let me make it clear to you that I am marring her for one reason and one reason only: I love her."

Satrah scoffed, " So, you this love this b**** whose grandfather did all he could to oppress the Colonies more than the Colonies themselves What's wrong; the local miners' daughters of your own working class not good enough for you?"

"Now, look here," Dorothy said. "I will be the first one who will admit that my grandfather did horrible some things, and that I myself have also done some bad things," -only Quatre noticed her hand going down to where she stabbed him,- "but that was the past and I reject my grandfather's values while I am re-forming my own."

"Furthermore, Satrah," Quatre added, "what if I did go for some lowly miner's daughter? You would have attacked me on that too. You would have said I was just trying to appease the working class. Well, unlike you, I don't use someone else's private life to push my own political career!"

Satrah back off in surprise with his eyes wide open. Then he heard his name being called. "Satrah, what is going on here?" They all saw Devät and Saadapproach.

"Just having a little discussion with Winner and his fiancée," Satrah stammered.

Devättook Satrah aside. "Excuse me but as your campaign advisor, I need to discuss a few things."

After they were gone, Saad turned to Quatre and Dorothy. "My apologies for my colleague's behavior, Mister Winner and Miss Catalonia," he said with a bow. He offered his hand, "Personally, I am happy for you two, and may I congratulate you on your engagement. Although, we may differ in politics, I otherwise wish you two to have a happy marriage."

"Thank you," they each said in return. "Well, if you will excuse us, we he have a to get to a freind's wedding.

In another part of the room: "What the h*** were you hoping to accomplish? A personal attack on Winner and his bride cannot help your campaign," Devätsaid in a harsh whisper.

"What difference does it make if your forces come?" Satrah defended.

"It will make the transition better if there is already someone in power. So if you want to be in power, shape up so you can win the election, or we will find someone else."

TROJAN HEADQUARTERS, TROS, GANYMEDE

"That is correct, Vice Admiral Sautján," Hiliada said Operation Feather has been a complete success."

"That is the ground forces are in place," Lezare said.

"Now, it your debut, Sautján," said Tysyacha. "Do you feel you are up to the task? This is a field of combat we do not have much experience in."

Sautján stood tall at attention. "We shall gain the experience and win."

"Good," said Grozny. "Tysyacha, are his ships ready?"

"Yes, sir," Tysyacha responded.

"Good; then move out and commence with phase two of Operation Feather."

"By the way, we will have a smooth re-entry," Sautján said, "won't we? After all, they are going to be pretty big feathers."

"Don't worry," Tysyacha said. "You will have a safe water landing. After all, where you are going to is three-fourths covered with water."

June 15, A.C. 200

HEIDELBERG, 13:55

Hilde's mother and friends were helping put the last few touches on her wedding dress.

"Sure glad you guys were able to make it, Dorothy," Hilde said. "And, I am really sorry you had to go with that ordeal with Satrah. And, I thought that Åttioguy running for L2's senate was creepy. At least Duo and I can vote absentee."

After they were done, Janna went to get Karl. She brought him in and then she started crying. "<de< My only child is getting married. >de>"

Hilde looked at Karl. "<de< Ready to give me away, Dad? >de>" she said with a tearful smile.

Karl hugged her with tears in his eyes. "<de< I am not sure. Five years ago I lost my daughter. I got her back about two years later, but now I feel that I am losing her again. >de>"

"<de< Don't worry, Dad. You know the old saying: You are not losing a daughter, you are...>de>"

"<de< Yes, yes, I know. I am gaining a son. >de>" He managed a laugh as he let her go. "<de< Duo seems to be happy about that idea. >de>"

"<de< He is an orphan, you know, and he always wanted a family. >de>"

"<de< Of course.>de>" He took her by the arm. Then he added with a smile, "<de< By the way, how soon will you guys expand the family?>de>"

"<de< Not for a few years, Dad. >de>"

He led her down aisle to where Duo, his best man Heero, her maid-of-honor Relena, the other pilots and girls, Howard, and the minister, who was one of Duo's instructors, were waiting.

Eventually the minister began, "Bruhnhilde Schbeiker do you..."

COLONY L2, 21:37

Duo carried Hilde over the threshold of their old place. After they got their bags in, they went to the main bedroom. "Think we got a good choice for a queen sized?" she asked.

"Well, I guess we will have to test it to make sure," he said carrying her over and lying on top of her as they laughed.

As she put her arms around him, she said, "Is it true that many religious leaders say that whatever a married couple does is okay as long as it is only between them?"

As he kissed her, he said, "Yes, but let's start off by keeping it basic."

JUPITER

The 2nd Martian MF Squadronflew among the Jovian clouds. They flew towards a gas-mining unit, a huge structure suspended in the air by huge fans. Most of the squadron just flew past either side, except for Pedwar, who flew right over one of the fans. He cried. "Yeeeeehah!" as the updraft carried him up.

Deborah smiled from her Sagittarius as she looked back. Looks like someone is having fun.

June 15, A.C. 200

COLONY L2, 8:05

"Gee, I will admit that when we were rooming together that I did fantasize making love to you," Duo said. "Did all I could do to control myself."

"I wonder what Dad would think if he knew about that," Hilde responded.

"He probably has already. Sure glad I did control myself and wait," he said kissing her head.

"Me, too," she said, looking up and kissing him on the lips.

June 20, A.C. 200

ATLANTIC OCEAN, 28°45'25"W, 17°26'15"S

Shtatë 's group from a very great distance saw the gigantic parachutes open, holding the very large cargos. One hundred meters before they hit the surface, concealed thrusters came out of each container and slowed the decent even more to ensure a gentle splashdown. Just a few meters above the water, the containers would open up and a surface ship would fall out. As their containers sunk to the bottom of the ocean, the surface ships, including assault carriers, destroyers, corvettes, and cruisers, would remain floating. Many containers also released submarines. Shtatë smiled from behind his binoculars. There was concern that objects that large may not make a safe, undetectable decent, but Rear Admiral Sautján's surface fleet had arrived.

July 9, A.C. 200

WINNER MANSION, COLONY L4

Quatre had brought Dorothy to meet his sisters. Needless to say she was nervous, but she got really worried when he left her alone with them to take care of some sudden business.

"So you want to marry our brother, huh?" Mubin asked.

"Yes," Dorothy said, "And, before you start, let me say that I love him very much, and it has nothing to do with his money nor political influence."

"Why are you getting so defensive?" asked Sharica.

"Sorry. It is just I am sick and tired of being harassed by media and politicians and the like." She sighed. "We did expect some criticism and decided not to let it get to us, but I should not have conflict with who will be my new family."

"We are sorry, too," Iria said, "It is just that he is our only brother, so we are very protective of him, especially since our father died."

"He is the last one to carry on the family name, and we want only the best for him," said Azira.

"I know," Dorothy said. "He is one of the kindest people I have ever met."

"Is it true that you stabbed him?" asked Zahia.

"Yes, and I am sorry about it. I have even seen the scar I gave him, just a little ways down from that cute little birth mark of his."

"You have seen his birthmark?" asked a wide-eyed Mubin.

"Uh, yes."

"Where were you when you saw him?" asked Zahia.

"Well, he has raised his shirt a few times to show his scar, but I have seen his whole chest a few times at the pool." She then laughed. "Actually I may have seen more than that at the baths."

"Including that other birth mark above his left cheek?" Jamilee asked with a smile.

"Oh, maybe I have seen it slightly,"Dorothy giggled.

It was several hours later when Quatre had just returned from his sudden appointment. He entered the room to find Dorothy chatting with his sisters and to see them break into giggles as they saw him enter. Quatre sweat-dropped. Oh, no, what are they saying about me? I wanted them to get along, but maybe not this well. "Hello, Dorothy. How are things going?"

"Oh, very well," she responded with a smile.

"Oh, yes," said Mubin, "You have made a good catch."

"Yes;" said Zahia, "I dare say she has passed the initiation. She is now considered to be the thirtieth Winner sister."

"Just need you two to make it official," Sharica said.

"Yes, welcome to the family," Iria said as she gave Dorothy a hug.8

TROJAN IMPERIAL HEADQUARTERS, TROS, GANYMEDE

Commodore Alexandra Tusen entered the dimly candle-lit secret room accompanied by Admiral Tysyacha. Marshal Lezare, Supreme Director Hiliada, First Secretary Grozny, and Secretary General Hezar and a very few others were waiting. Hezar came forward. "Are you ready for your initiation CommodoreTusen?"

"Yes, sir," she said at attention.

"You do understand that there is no turning back."

"Yes, sir; I am ready to proceed."

"Very well, then. Remove your jacket and roll up your sleeve."

After she did so, Hiliada and Tysyacha helped her lay her bare arm on the table. Then Hezar took a small heat blade. With the hot blade, he burnt a cut into her palm. She gritted and quivered with pain as Tysyacha and Hiliada helped to keep her still. Hezar first cut an "O", then a "T". After he was done, she was let go. She raised her bleeding, blistering hand.

Hezar began raising his own marked palm, "Now, then, do swear by your head, the moons, the planets, the asteroids, and the stars, your absolute loyalty to the Trojan Order?"

"I do," she simply stated.

"Present your palm to seal The Oath." As she did so, he brought forth a small, hot branding iron with a ring circling a pickaxe. He brought it down upon the wound, cauterizing the flesh.

She smiled and put back on her jacket.

"Congratulations, Vice Admiral Tusen," Tysyacha said.

July 11, A.C. 200

WINNER MANSION, COLONY L4, 22:15

The wedding had gone off without a hitch. Although it was a private wedding, it was not very small. Quatre and Dorothy were able to keep out any of the press and politicians, except for maybe Relena, who was the maid-of-honor. There was also Trowa as the best man, and the other pilots and girls, as well as the Maganacs. But after Quatre's sisters and their extendedfamilies, it was one of the largest private weddings ever.

Even though it was only in the company of family and friends, Quatre and Dorothy were still glad to be alone. She was now on top of him kissing him. When he let out slight chuckle, she asked, "What is that about?"

"Oh, it is just that I recall rumors that I have heard saying you were the...um...well...the dominate type."

"Oh, really? Don't worry, sweetie," she said stroking his cheek. "You know I would never do anything that... um... would hurt you." She leaned in closer with a smile. "Unless, you really want me to."

JUPITER'S RING

The 2nd Martian MF Squadronflew amid the ancient debris. Kaksi wastransforming his Sagittarius when another small rock came close to his arm. This time he saw it way ahead of time. He maneuvered the arm to miss it. He was so pleased of this feat that he almost didn't notice the much larger rock his Sagittarius was heading for on a collision course for its head. He made it lean back so that it flipped backward and hit the rock feet first. He continued the flip, so that he was able to push away from the rock with his hands and land safely on another large rock. "Yes!" he said over the comm, "I am the greatest!"

There just may be hope for him yet, Hyaku thought as he saw his wing man's feat. "Whoops!" He was just able miss a rock himself.

July 12, A.C. 200

WINNER MANSION, COLONY L4, 8:32

Quatre let a slight laugh as he held Dorothy. "So much for rumors."

"Now, what?" she said.

"I mean I know that the rumors that you were not a virgin were not true."

"What is that supposed to mean?" she glared.

"Somehow I just know that I was your first, just like you were my first," he said with a smile.

Her glare faded into a smile of hopelessness. "Oh, Quatre; it is that innocent sweetness that makes me love you so much." She leaned up and kissed him.

August 1, A.C. 200, 20:15

TROJAN SURFACE FLEET, ATLANTIC OCEAN, 37°35'26"W, 21°29'15"N

Shtatë was leaning on the railing of the deck of the cruiser TIS Waterknife looking at the sunrise. As he was admiring the reds and yellows reflecting off of the water, he noticed Sautján coming from up from behind him.

"Marvelous, isn't it, Shtatë?" Jedan commented. "Traveling on the surface of the sea surpassed my expectations. The smell of the sea spray. Rocking of the waves. The sunsets and sunrises. You know, it almost did not happen. There was a strong tendency in the command to just stick with the submarines. "

"After all, that is what we were experienced with," Shtatë added, "particularly with our fleet on Europa. Unfortunately, staying with that would lead to overspecialization, a weakness. One must learn to fight like one's enemy, if one is to beat one's enemy."

"Yes; thanks to your influence, we have a fleet to fight on the Earth's own terms."

"This is a very impressive fleet you have here, Rear Admiral." He looked forward to the sun. "Just as this day is drawing to a close, so will be our hiding in the shadows. Our day of triumph is about to come."