Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reservations For Sanity ❯ Chapter 1

Title: Reservations For Sanity

Authors: Skeren Dreamera, Makoto Sagara, and Bagelbunion

Archive: www.afallenangel.net/makotosagara/frames/fanfiction.html, www.gundam-wing-fanfiction.net, www.fanfiction.net, www.foreverfandom.net (under Makoto Sagara), www.mediaminer.org, and www.nfiction.net, (under Skeren Dreamera) (any others... Good luck finding them)

Category: AU, Shounen ai, Het, Action/Adventure

Pairings: 4+1, 3+5+3, 2+6, R+11, OCxOC, very subject to change

Rating: R

Contact: Skeren Dreamera: Mickeofas@yahoo.com Makoto Sagara: SagaraMakoto@aol.com Bagelbunion: Bagelbunion@cox.net

Spoilers: Yes, Romefeller in this chapter

Warnings: shounen ai, shoujo ai, het, language, violence, OOC, AU timeline from Antarctica on, angst, crazy muses and authors, too little sleep?

Disclaimers: All we own are our original characters and the story line. Everything else belongs to this *hideously* long list of companies with lots of lawyers who could get our pennies. So, seeing as how that's been said, please don't sue. Mako needs to save her money to move to Texas!! We sure as hell don't get any money off of this... Just have fun.

Notes: Well, we've never done this sort of thing before, but Bagel and Makoto couldn't run fast enough from Skeren and her ideas. So, we found ourselves sucked into her world. So now I, Makoto Sagara, ask, what is sanity? And Bagelbunion was only too happy to supply the answer. Bagel: What is Sanity? I'll tell you what sanity is? It's taking 5 gallons of LSD and watching three elephants fuck in a bowl of pudding while it's snowing in July. Anything else is just an illusion. I suppose that means everything else is up for debate? ^^;;;;;;

Part one

Skeren wasn't exactly on par with the normal Ozzies on the base. She had her own agenda, and it consisted in making them 'see the light', as she would have phrased it. For the moment though, she was delivering a hand written letter to Zechs on a demand from Dorothy. Somehow, Relena had gotten information about Zechs being family and she wrote him a letter. Why Skeren had to be it, the current courier didn't know. She had only asked what the new changes in policy were since they protested her black tee, Blue hair, and white with neon blue skater pants on the base...

Zechs looked up as the person, he wasn't sure if they were male or female, approached him, and he frowned. "Can I do something for you?"

Skeren frowned at him immediately in return on defense over the expression on his face, while her hand on her hip clearly defined her feminine build. Damn hourglass figure. "I have a letter from you from Miss Darlian-Peacecraft herself."

His frown turned into a full-blown scowl, hiding his mild confusion. "How did you get in here dressed like that? Leave the letter and go." It was an order he said simply while shuffling through the reports in his hands and scowling even more deeply.

Skeren peered down at her outlandish clothing then looked back at him, less than intimidated. She didn't think he could be as bad as the rumors said. "I walked." She moved closer, extending the letter just beyond his reach.

He glanced back up at the girl, because that's what her figure deigned her to be, and slitted his eyes at her. "Where is your escort?" He stood and snatched the letter from her, sitting back down.

"I was supposed to have an escort?" This was news to her. Then again, she never mentioned the letter after she got yelled at. She was with Oz, but not military.

Sighing, Zechs reached one slender finger to the phone, hit the speaker-phone mode, and dialed the number to Lady Une. "Une, we need to talk about procedures once more. I have a... person... here in my office with no escort, and no one announced her either."

Une sighed. "It's not that blue haired girl again is it?"

Zechs looked up at the girl and noticed that she did indeed have blue hair. "Yes, do you know her?"

"I must have reprimanded her no less than six times this week alone for her... style."

"What do you mean again? And I'm a woman, not a girl. I'm eighteen, you know!" Skeren waved her fist at the comm in annoyance. The she seemed to catch the rest of what Une said. "There is nothing wrong with how I'm dressed!"

"Being eighteen does not automatically make you a woman, might I remind you. It's not appropriate attire for a OZ representative." Une's voice managed to be condescending through the comm.

"You are out of uniform. Your attitude towards superiors is lacking. I think I will have to talk to General Khushrenada about your... situation," Zechs said, leveling the girl with the coldest glare he could muster. "Lady Une, I am sending her to you, now." He finished his sentence with a pointed glare at the subordinate and returned to his reports. "You may leave."

"It is appropriate if I am appealing to the younger people who might see OZ as having too rigid of standards and thus go to the other factions!" Skeren flipped a glare from the comm and back to Zechs. "I am a civilian representative of OZ thank you very much!"

"Excuse you, but is this how you conduct 'representative duties', young lady? Leave my office." Zechs pointedly looked at the door.

"Take that tone one more time with your superiors and you will not be a civilian representative for much longer." Lady Une's voice was very cold. "See me in my office. NOW" And with that, Lady Une shut off the comm-link.

"No, this is how I conduct an argument, sir." She put a drawl into the word, making it almost mockingly respectful.

Zechs turned off his comm, and looked at the girl, refusing to give into the rise of anger. "There is no argument, Miss. You will see Lady Une now, and I will return to my reports, or I will have you escorted out."

"Again? Honestly, you people have no sense of humor, I swear." With that, she spun around and left the office, still grumbling. "I got convinced it would be worth seeing the hot guy behind the desk, but now I'm not so sure..." Then, the door closed behind her.

Zechs blinked. "Hot guy? Really." He scoffed and finally returned to his reports, only to suddenly pick up the phone and dial another number.

"Yes?" Treize drawled into his phone at his lieutenant.

"We are having issues with the civilian representatives again," Zechs said.

"Again? I suspect Une will have something to say. I will call you in half an hour."

"Yes sir," Zechs replied quickly before hanging up.

Skeren finally moseyed her way in to Une's office. She was a rich man's daughter, so, unfortunately, threaten as they may, they couldn't get rid of her.

"Shut the door and sit down." Une pointed to chair on the opposite side of her desk. She was already standing and did not look happy.

"Hiya!" Skeren seemed unphased as she moved to the chair, settling into it with a bright smile. "So, do they put you guys in those uniforms to show off all you guys have? It works, you know."

Une scowled. "Dalren, I'll ignore that little comment, but your appearance is unfitting for someone of your position. When you are on this base, I expect you to act and dress as if you were an OZ solider and practice a little discretion."

Skeren make a face like she'd smelled something nasty. "If I wanted to be in the military, I would be in the military! I thought that was rather obvious." Skeren stared at her, two-toned eyes wide and pitiful as she peered at the woman towering over her, trying not to let her gaze wander.

"One more infraction, and I will demote you. I don't care how you dress or act when you are off base, but we have certain standards to follow here at OZ. It makes us and you look bad when you do not follow those standards." Une crossed her arms over chest and set a firm glare down at Skeren. "If I let you get away with it, I have to let others get away with it, and that's not good for group harmony or troop morale. Do I make myself clear?"

Skeren wisely didn't mention what Une could do with her rules and combed her closet mentally. They wanted her to behave appropriately, did they? They didn't know what they'd just asked for. "Of course, Madame Une. I will immediately go and change into something you might deem more respectable." He voice was light and actually sounded respectful. It was almost disturbing, but only if you knew her; she hadn't been here long enough for that.

"Good. You are dismissed." Une made a motion with her hand towards the door.

Skeren got to her feet, only allowing her evil smirk to cross her face once she had her back turned. They really didn't know her very well here yet. They would learn what it was to restrict what she wished to do.

Une punched in the code for Treize's comm and sat down at her desk, waiting for it to connect, drumming her fingers lightly on her desk.

Treize picked up the line as it rang. "Good afternoon, Lady Une. I suspect I know what this call is about, but why don't you tell me anyway," he drawled smoothly into the phone, steeling himself for his Lady's reaction to the girl.

Une certainly looked frustrated. "I reprimanded Dalren

again. She is not getting it. If she has one more demerit, we have legal recourse to find someone else for her position."

"And who would you suggest? Her father is a rather powerful man, my Lady. What has she done this time? Her dress? Her attitude?"

"Both. I don't care who her father is." Lady Une slammed her palm on her desk. "If he's so God be damned powerful, he can get another job. I will not have her trash our organization simply because she can't follow a few simple rules."

"Elegance, my lady," he gently reprimanded. "I will talk to the girl's father, again, but I cannot guarantee anything. In the meantime, I suggest you write up a report of her behavior that I could send to him. And remember, you are my lady, so you should behave like it."

Lady Une rolled her eyes a little, and then took a deep breath. "Fine. I'll do that, but next time she acts up, I'm sending her to you." And with that, Une closed the link. She had other things to do.

Treize sighed, running one hand through his hair, and started to dial a number. He was determined to have this put to an end. As a second thought, he called Zechs. "Zechs, watch your room this evening. Dalren's on the warpath."

"Sir?" Zechs asked, confusion setting into the line of his mouth.

"The girl who was in you office. Watch out."

"Yes, sir."

Skeren, meanwhile, had taken to a few... modifications of wardrobes once she'd changed, causing Treize's request to be too late to stop her.

At the end of the day, Zechs returned to his room, worrying over what Treize had said. When he got there, he quickly keyed in his access code and looked inside. Nothing was out of place. He quietly entered and sat down on his bunk.

Skeren spent a couple hours on her... new hobbies, and then decided that a visit to Treize was in order. The poor man wouldn't even recognize her. She was wearing an elegant black dress with gothic sleeves; her hair tied back in a black ribbon, and lip-gloss on her lips. She then pushed into Treize's office with barely a knock. "Sir Treize! Would you mind taking me to dinner tonight?" She sounded rather sweetly sincere...

Treize looked up from his desk, putting down the wineglass in his hand. "Who are you?" he asked her quietly, amusement showing through his every action.

"Someone who should never be wearing a dress." Skeren quirked her lips, striding forward in front of his desk. "You don't have other plans, right? So, come on, you can take me out for something that wasn't made by this base."

The general had to smile. "Well, Miss Dalren, it is finally nice to meet you in person. I must say, you've made quite an impression on my lieutenants." He thought over her request. "But I believe that something could be arranged about dinner." He motioned to the chairs before his desk. "Have a seat." He then dialed in a number. "Watts, get my car ready."

"Sir, yes sir," the anonymous man said before the general hung up on him.

"So, how may I help you? Besides, dinner."

"They need a little less consistency and a little more movement. They'll get rusty if you just let them order people around. Not everyone listens." Skeren smiled brightly as she settled into her seat. "It's been quiet for a while now, and I am well aware you guys are trying to move around the entire thing, but if you guys get too military, you'll end up shooting yourself in the foot with it. Thus, me."

Treize laughed. "Ah, but Miss Dalren, order is needed. Otherwise, this war will start to resemble a Chinese fire drill. Besides, my subordinates do get action, when they want it." He smiled once more. "But truthfully, what do you want? By the way, you look stunning in that attire."

Skeren leaned forward partially over the desk, a slightly callused hand resting on the desk. "See, let me tell you a little secret. My father? He's rather... Well, how can I put this without it being a shock? He's quite dead. I've made sure this little fact isn't known by going to some serious lengths, computer imaging and the like. So really, it's my money going into all this. I just see that you guys get more military, and the military has never managed to capture my interest. Order just doesn't appeal to me, I suppose. Oh, this dress? One of the few I actually am willing to wear. So thanks."

"So, you are telling me that you are sustaining your father's ventures? For what purpose, might I ask, would you do that? It seems to me you'd be better suited as an artist, or the like. And you're welcome."

"My father was rather brilliant actually, though I will say that he never invested in any of you at all. That was me. I can see this reaching its goal, one that I think I know is hidden under all the talk of war, but not how you are pulling it off. So, I'm here to try and fix it. You see? It is art, in it's own way." Skeren grinned, leaning back in her chair. "So, where are we going to eat?"

Treize's retort was cut off by a knock on the door. "Yes?" he called out, not bothering to rise.

"Your car is ready, sir."

"Thank you, Watts. Miss Dalren, we are going to a place that has never had the pleasure of your company," he said, standing up and extending an arm to the girl. "And as far as my military procedure is concerned, I am willing to listen. To a point."

Skeren nodded, content with that, and moved closer to him to slip her arm casually through his. "Now remember though. It's a secret, so no telling."

"Ah, a lady's secret is not my place to tell. I wouldn't be a gentleman if I did, now would I?" He led the girl out of the office and outside to the car. "May I ask what you've done to both Une and Zechs?"

"The clothes." That was all she was willing to say about the matter at the moment, a grin on her face that would have comfortably suited any of the crazy enemy pilots. It was almost disturbing to see it, before it softened back into the more normal grin.

"Ahh. I see you don't like our uniforms. What do you think of my attire, then?" He looked at the girl closely as he opened the door to let her in the backseat.

She slid into the vehicle gracefully, not bunching the material of her dress or making even a sound. "It's much less annoying. Though, I don't mind how revealing some of the other outfits are on your officers."

Treize blinked as he got in beside her. "Revealing?" An intricate eyebrow was raised as he said that. "That is the first time I've heard that word used." He turned to the driver. "Michael, you know the restaurant."

"Yes, sir."

"Yes. Snug is the word." She smirked a bit, considering what Zechs ought to look like when she visited him the next morning.

Treize made a mental note to check on Zechs when they returned. "Really? Interesting. So, share with me your ideas?"

She wasn't about to take the direct route however. "Did you know that most of your troops are there because they are out for revenge over what the Alliance and Federation did to them and their families, no matter how hard you try to screen out the people in your service for selfish needs? They aren't out to unite anyone like that."

"Yes, I am aware of that problem, but as long as they don't do anything rash, I cannot legally kick them out of my service. It is a messy situation of sorts." He added a derisive snort. "It is not fun being in power, young lady."

"I'm well aware of that. I hold quite a few strings and have for a long time now. If I pluck here, someone falls in and grants a favor, push there, and a scandal is revealed. I'm sure you know how that is. You can turn your troops around to the proper cause if you take the right approach. Propaganda is part of he problem though."

He raised an eyebrow again. "I am aware of that, and that is what I am trying to do. War... It's a tricky business... And people remain people, even with someone trying to help them."

"Ahh, but there is the crux of the matter. What are the people really following? You know many people follow the rebels and support the pilots, I'm sure. Have you ever considered making a backup plan? There are things in the works that might cause you to need one that I can't seem to derail."

"People follow ideas, or people that symbolize that idea. That is what I am trying to be with my position in OZ."

Skeren gave Treize a faint smile. "Make a backup plan." She didn't get any further before her phone rang, and she immediately picked it up, answering it with a universally simple. "Yes?"

"Hello, Skeren, darlin'," Makoto said, a flippant tone in her charming Texan accent, belying her Japanese heritage. "Are you having fun with Khushrenada yet?"

Skeren sat up a little straighter. "I thought I put you on a special ring! Did you change numbers on me again?"

A rich laughter came through. "I'm using Riku's phone, much to his annoyance. What's he like?"

"Courteous. Not getting what I'm explaining though just yet. You always do have the worst timing. You didn't do what you did last time you used his phone, did you?"

"Ah, that type of gent, eh? Well, as far as Riku is concerned, I didn't use the handcuffs again. I just begged until he got annoyed and threw it at me." She laughed again.

"Of course, of course. How you managed to do even that is beyond me. Now, was there another reason for your call, or just to tell me of your triumphs via phone line?"

"Well, there was that, but I was also checkin' in to see how the thing with Khush was goin'. But it looks like we might have to resort to that, don't it?"

"I'd prefer we not until I can get across, otherwise we have no net. You know how risky a trick like that is! It's like trying to use a springboard off a cliff!" Skeren had her back a little turned to Treize by this point and her voice lowered.

"Yes, I know. Ooooh, Riku's glarin' at me. Better make this short. Call me at home when you're done. Gotta go now before he tries to fry me again. Damn man. Love ya, suga'," she said, making a kissing noise before hanging up.

Treize smirked. "Important call, I take it?"

Skeren glared evilly at the phone, then transferred the glare briefly to him before it dissolved into a sigh as she broke the connection fully. "Yes. She shouldn't have used someone else's phone though." She quickly tapped in a few numbers, setting up another special ring before putting it away.

"She? A business associate? Sounds intriguing," he said this in a questioning tone, feigning interest as the car stopped. "Would you care to take this inside to the restaurant, miss?"

"Just Skeren, please. Formalities aren't really my style." Skeren gave him a smile, not moving immediately as she considered whether or not to open her own door, and then decided on the 'for' and climbed out. Of course, he couldn't possibly have heard her mutter: "You don't know the half of it."

"Ah, well, I insist that you call me Treize," He got out of his own door and held his arm out to her once more. "And I do believe I have met others of your ilk, Skeren."

She moved around to take his arm in a light grasp. "I'm an ilk, now am I? And what particular spice am I?"

"I believe you would be what they consider a chili pepper," he retorted. "Much like the others I was speaking about. So much spark and potential. You should meet them, if they don't die."

"Some people are just hard to kill." She moved her free hand up, sweeping her bangs away again before tapping her hidden pockets idly. She had enough of them to make the action look casual.

Treize caught the sudden motions, smiled, and looked ahead as if nothing happened. "Of course they are."

"I think it might be interesting to meet your group of indestructibles. They can't be pushovers if they're like me. I'm too young to die." She laughed a bit at her own joke. She was only perhaps five, maybe six years younger than Treize, at the very most.

Treize chuckled warmly. "Yes, I believe that is how they feel. I must remember to ask them, once they stop trying to kill me."

Skeren just laughed a bit more, shaking their head. "Maybe if you guys went to the same side, then they wouldn't have a reason to kill you."

Treize looked at the young woman as they were shown to a private table. "Perhaps, but I think one in general would find it hard to accept me. I seem to have led the assault on his colony, but I kept it from being destroyed."

Skeren shook her head, squeezing his arm. "Aren't the words 'you never know until you try?'"

"Yes, I believe you and they should meet. Then, this war would be over... Just from your honeyed tongues."

"Maybe, but there are five sides to this war, not two." This was news to Treize, as he had only been aware of four- the Alliance, Federation, Oz, and the Gundam pilots.

"Five?"

Skeren blinked at him in confusion with the question. "Yes."

"Explain?"

She gave him an odd look then ticked them off on her fingers. "The rebels and pilots are one. Oz, Two. Alliance, three. Federation, four. Romefeller, five." She wiggled her fingers at him. She thought he knew about this.

"Ah, yes... I almost forgot about Romefeller. One tends to lose track of these things when they are seen as a part of one of the other sides of the war."

"Of course. That's why you should have a backup plan. Romefeller can't be allowed to sneak up on you, or your life won't do anyone any good. See my logic now?"

"Perfectly. So, what are you suggesting?"

"Maybe you should reevaluate who your enemies really are." They finally reached a table and she settled into a seat across from him.

"I've never thought the rebels and the Gundam pilots were my real enemies," he said, sitting down, looking at the menu and giving their waiter the wine choice. "Just... interesting adversaries."

"Then stop competing, and turn your attention to the serious problem before you lose all control. It's coming, and I haven't the ability to stop them from doing as they wish to you. I can merely hold them back for a while." She glanced over the menu, picking out a steak and pasta. She was no light eater by any means.

Back at the base, things were going a bit less smoothly.

"What in the hell?" Une whispered in shock as she came back to her quarters. There were feminine things strewn all about the place.

Zechs went through his wardrobe after his shower, throwing his wet hair behind his shoulder, and grabbed the first uniform he found, tossing it on the bed. It seemed a bit off, but he ignored it for the time being.

Skeren had been thorough in her work, leaving not even Une's undergarments alone. There was no escaping the frilliness.

Zechs dried off quickly, and tried to put on his clothes.... Only, the pants were far too... confining, and the jacket was little more than a vest. "What in the seven hells happened!?" he yelled it in frustration, trying to get the clothes off. Zechs would, without a doubt, need help to get back out of the clothes.

Une growled loudly then quickly shut and locked her door. She placed an immediate order for more clothes and swept up what she could and hid it under the bed. She'd get rid of it later.

Zechs placed his helmet back on, and tried to call someone to help. The halls were empty. Sighing, he called Une. "Help me!"

Une locked the door to her room and ran down the hall to help Zechs. "What do you...?" She trailed off, taking in his appearance.

Zechs growled, pulled the woman into his room, and shut the door behind him. "Do you see what that girl has done to me?"

"Yes. I see," Une snapped at Zechs. She was getting angrier by the minute now that she had a culprit in mind for her own misfortune.

"Would you help? I can't seem to get this thing off of me? I think I will need scissors for the pants, but I can hardly move," Zechs said, showing that his mobility was indeed hampered by the tight clothing.

Une fetched some scissors and cut Zechs out of the awful pants, too angry to even blush. That girl had gone to far this time.

Zechs sighed as the pants were cut off, but could hardly take the shirt off. "Une. Shirt. Shit, this hurts." Une cut the shirt off as well, grabbing a blanket off of Zechs' bed so he could cover himself. "Thank you, Lady Une," Zechs thanked her, wrapping the blanket around his body. "I'm going to make her wish she'd never step foot on this base." His eyes were narrowed as he issued his threat.

"You have my permission to do so." Lady Une nodded once and shut the door behind her.

Back at the restaurant:

"Serious problem, Romefeller is." He kept his tone light as he considered it, ordering a light pasta with escargot on the side. "They do seem to be a handful."

"They've managed to hamper me. Dorothy is helping, and between the two of us, we're doing what we can." Skeren shook her head, trying not to get too serious before eating.

"Dorothy... My cousin?" He was intrigued by this girl, to say the least, and wished to know what else she had up her sleeves.

"You're related?" She blinked at him, and then flicked her gaze up to his eyebrows. "Well I suppose you can call me a fool for not noticing sooner." She wanted Treize to be an ally, and a good one. Thus why she'd volunteered for this.

"Yes, her mother and my father are siblings. We are... on speaking terms, though I've thought about using her father's father's... That is beside the point. Duke Dermail and I do not agree on certain terms."

Skeren nodded, clearly not surprised by the news, though she frowned a bit as she took an appetizer absently from his plate, having been too distracted to get her own. "That explains a few things. Personal vendetta and all that."

"Vendetta is such a crude word. I prefer to think of it as a personal crusade to get the man out of power." He allowed her to take his food as his sipped his wine carefully, savoring the taste. "Dorothy seems to share that idea, at least, superficially."

"She's brilliant actually. She's the only reason Relena has managed to keep her head above water so long." Skeren smiled to herself, not having been oblivious to the glances of the two girls. Shame they weren't interested in each other; too much like siblings she supposed, a big sister and a little sister.

"Yes, she is rather... bright. Pity she's only 15. I could use her to... Perhaps I should anyway," He trailed off, and a rather cold smile played across his features.

Skeren took in the look, feeling glad that she'd said something that had him listening to her. "I've been in the political field all on my own since I was thirteen. It's amazing what a few years can do."

"True... Perhaps I should have her whisper sweet nothings into Grandpapa's ear, while telling me everything. It should be right up her alley."

"In other words, you want her to tell you as well as me." Skeren sounded rather amused and nibbled at another piece snitched from his plate.

"Oh, so she's supplying you with information now, is she? I shall have to remember that when her birthday comes around." He smiled slightly as he joked, looking up as the waiter brought their food. "Thank you."

Skeren smiled sweetly at the waiter and nodded before arranging her pasta to the back, wanting to eat the steak first. "Well, I've been listening."

"Well, how about we exchange information? I happen to know a bit about my 'enemies' on the battlefield, and in the political stage as well. It seems that you know a bit about the Duke that could be useful."

"The Duke is one of the driving players in Romefeller, someone decidedly against you. He has something, but whatever it is, he's been holding onto very closely, because nobody seems able to get out of him what the secret is. Now, what would you like to start with?"

"How much do you know about mobile suits and their specs?"

"A bit. I'm more a flier than a mechanic at the moment, since it wasn't something I've managed to get into very deeply. Being a female tends to make you look suspicious if you get into that sort of thing." She looked rather annoyed as she said this.

"Well, some of my best pilots are women. Une and Noin are indispensable to me. So, you are familiar with the way that the systems work. Are you familiar with Tsubarov?"

"I'm a woman of money though. It makes all the difference in the world. I know the name. I understand he's been skirting around the political edges the last few weeks."

"Yes, well, the man is an idiot, but he is brilliant with suit design. There are rumors of Mobile Dolls going around, and I'd like to quash them as soon as possible."

"I'd rather hoped I was hearing falsely about that." Skeren was inwardly railing. So that's what those blueprints were for!

Treize smirked. "Well, yes... It seems that one of my allies... is rather close to Tsubarov's inner circle. I can, perhaps, obtain... copies of the blueprints. Would that be satisfactory to your ideas?"

She leaned forward on her elbow. "I caught a glimpse of them. I'd rather hoped I was seeing things. I was escorted off the grounds before I could get a copy to look at. I think that would be grand."

"Indeed. I will talk to my person about it then. But, tell me, how much do you know about Dermail's plans with Romefeller? I'd like to know where the knife is coming from, if you understand."

Skeren bit at her lip a bit. "I know of one thing, and that I am trying to stave off. They are taking Oz away from you."

"It's as I guessed. Who would they replace me with? Tsubarov? The man can hardly find his backside with both hands, a map, a flashlight, and help from two people."

Skeren laughed then, a genuine sound of pure amusement that came out an astoundingly pure feminine giggle. "Well, that is one way of putting it! It will be done though. Unfortunately, it must be their ace in the hole that let's them plan this."

"No, that is the only way of putting it. As I said, he's a mechanical genius, but an idiot when it comes to real issues. And their ace in the hole had better be those god-forsaken mobile dolls, for that's the only way they will win."

Skeren calmed down, shaking her head a little through their mirth. "There are two. One is far better protected than those dolls. I don't think it's to be used on this. It's being held onto by Barton and guarded by Dermail. I never expected you knew how to be crude."

"Crude? Never, but I do believe I know what you're talking about. It involves Colony X/18999 of the L3 cluster." He gave a snide smirk. "They all think I'm some little boy playing war. I'm playing.... Them."

"Of course, all the good politicians have seen what that is that brought them into office, haven't they? I'll never let it be said that my friend Treize is a pansy!"

"Pansy? Hardly... Friend, eh?" He thought that over. "I think this will be an interesting friendship indeed, Skeren."

In a safe house quite a few miles away...

Duo was, simply put, bored. They'd been confined indoors for the last week on context of observation, and he was getting stir crazy. So he was pacing, back and forth, and back and forth. Trowa was sitting back in a chair; his arms resting on his head as his eyes followed Duo across the room, almost like a tennis match. He didn't let it show, but he was rather amused. Wufei looked up from his book, which was rather interesting, and glared at the other down his reading glasses. "Maxwell, would you stop that? You are disrupting my 'down time', as you call it."

Duo halted immediately and trounced on Wufei, plucking the book form him fingers. "I'm going to go crazy in here like this!"

*Now you've done it.* Trowa thought to himself. This was about to get much more interesting. For him anyway. He wasn't so sure about the braided pilot though.

Wufei growled. "Give that back, Maxwell." He stood up to try to take it with force.

Duo smirked then, holding up the book a little higher, finger marking the page he was on as he pranced back. "What? This?"

Wufei growled again, and then took a calming breath. "Yes. That. Now." Duo backed another step, moving around a chair before spinning on his heel and bolting up the stairs. "MAXWELL!" Wufei gave chase, all semblance of serenity forgotten as he went after the other boy.

Trowa shook his head and got up. He looked around, but Quatre wasn't anyway in the near vicinity. That meant that he'd have to play peacemaker. Again. Duo came back around in a whirlwind, dashing back through the room, having led Wufei into a loop, and determinably seeking out his best friend. Then he'd seek out his other, saner friend, and hide behind him while Heero tried to get out of him what he did before allowing the chase to continue.

Wufei followed the braided menace to where Heero stood, and nearly ran into Trowa. "Where?"

Duo managed to track Quatre and dived behind him, clutching the back of his shirt as he squeaked. "Hide me."

Heero blinked once and eyed Wufei. "What did he do now?"

Quatre blinked as he was used as a hiding spot, and then sighed. "Where's the book, Duo?" Duo passed the book forward and didn't move from his spot.

"Where what?" Trowa responded, a little startled. He thought that Wufei had been chasing Duo the other direction.

Quatre passed the book to Wufei, who seemed to slowly boil down and stomped out of the room. "You know, Duo, you should really stop doing that," the blond said sighing. Trowa gave Duo a look, and then calmly left the room after Wufei.

"I'm just bored, Q. That's all." Duo finally straightened up, giving Quatre a hug before leaving the room in the opposite direction.

Wufei returned to the original chair he'd been in when Maxwell started his whole 'entertaining' trip through the house, and sat down, trying to read his book again. He noticed when Trowa walked in the room.

"You could have helped," Wufei groused, pushing his glasses up his nose and beginning to read again.

"I could've," Trowa agreed and sat down in the same cushy chair, just opposite of Wufei.

"What?" Wufei asked, looking at Trowa fully. "Why didn't you?"

"You seemed perfectly capable of getting it back yourself." Trowa gestured to the book that was now in Wufei's hands. They were back in the living room after all.

"Yes, I have it back. Pity I had to rely on Winner's assistance," the Chinese boy said, standing up and leaving the room.

Quatre turned to Heero and sighed. "If he was that bored, why didn't he just come find me? Must he goad Wufei like that?"

Heero shook his head on a little sigh of his own. "He doesn't want to be a bother when he isn't teasing someone. It's just how he is."

"Well, who said it would have been a bother? It's not like we're actually doing anything, now are we?" Quatre said, staring pointedly at the Wing pilot.

Heero shook his head with a little sigh. "No, we aren't. That's just Duo, though. Talk to him. I can't do that."

Quatre looked at the stoic boy, and breathed deeply. "You have to learn to communicate, Heero. Otherwise, the world is going to be a lonely place." He left to find the braided boy.

Back at the restaurant again.

"Maybe not a good friend yet, but definitely a real start." Skeren tipped her head to the side in consideration. "You'll keep your officers from killing me when we return, won't you?"

"Of course. Well, Une will be easy to persuade to leave you alive. It's Zechs I may have to ... resort to other means of persuasion."

Skeren blinked a few times, and then let out a soft oh sound. She hadn't quite expected that one, despite the rumors. "I see."

"I'm sure that you do. But, I will make sure than you live," he said with a smirk and signaled for the check. "Are you ready to return? I have a few calls to make this evening, and a long day ahead tomorrow."

"Of course. My peanut gallery is sure to call me again soon I regret to say. This was great, though. It's so hard to have a decent conversation when people are staring at your eyes like some of your men have done. They aren't that special, I swear." She shook her head on a faint sigh.

"No, they are an unusual color, but then again, Zechs' eyes aren't that common either. Much like ice than anything else."

Meanwhile, unbeknownst to anyone, a silvery-white haired bishounen had entered the restaurant, left some gifts, and walked out back to his motorcycle, waiting...

"Uncommon eye colors seem to be a mark of the good guys in this one, hmm?" She quirked her lips, shifting a bit in preparation to stand.

"Ah, then I must be on the wrong team," Treize said with a smile, taking his 'lady's' arm and walking her out of the restaurant.

*Now.* Riku pushed the detonation device, and the ground shook as the restaurant exploded.

Treize looked back at the building he and Skeren had just left. He deftly opened the car door, pushed her inside, and walked over to see if there was anyway to help the other people who'd been inside.

"Fuck..." Riku cursed as he saw the ginger haired man, completely unharmed and standing outside.

"Miss, did ya?" Makoto said, coming up to stand behind the white haired man. "Ya know, you almost blew up Skeren!"

Frowning as Treize dumped her there, Skeren crawled back out of the car, gaze narrowed as she looked around, pulling her cell phone to call Makoto quickly. She barely waited for an answer before making her demand. "Is there a reason I just nearly got blown up?"

The Japanese woman paused mid-rant to answer her phone. "Darlin', you know how hard it is to get Riku to behave. I dun really have a leash for him, yanno?" she said, trying to keep the other from trying to go after the regal looking man.

Skeren looked affronted. "You're nearby, aren't you?! Where, tell me! I am going to beat the shit out of him. You do not blow up potential friends, people!"

Makoto sighed. "I've got the fire starter right here." She handed the phone to Riku with a curse of "Shimatta, kusottare."

The instant the phone changed hands, Skeren started to growl, starting with the basics. "You know, when I finally meet you face to face, I might just be tempted to kill you, you know that?"

Treize couldn't find anyone in the building and called the fire department, watching detachedly as the flames consumed the once beautiful restaurant. His next call was to Zechs. "There's been a change in plans."

"You're welcome to try." Riku spoke coldly, toneless. He hung up the phone before Skeren could get in another word. "Get on." He nodded to Mako and gunned the engine. "The local authorities will be here any minute, and you know how much I hate dealing with them."

"Oh," Zechs said. "How so?"

"It seems that someone tried to blow me up."

"Fun."

"I'm glad you're amused. Find out who." Treize turned off his phone and waited for the authorities.

Makoto sighed, pushing one of her braids behind her ears. "You are inconvenient sometimes, darlin'." She got on behind the man and they sped off.

Skeren glared at the phone then carefully folded up and put it away before throwing what amounted to a temper tantrum. The phrases, "He is so dead," And, "God damn it!" Being the ones most often said.

To be continued.