Gundam Wing Fan Fiction ❯ Reservations For Sanity ❯ Chapter 8

Title: Reservations For Sanity

Authors:Skeren Dreamera, Makoto Sagara, and Bagelbunion

Archive: www.afallenangel.net/makotosagara/frames/fanfiction.html, www.fanfiction.net, www.foreverfandom.net (under Makoto Sagara) www.gundam-wing-fanfiction.net, 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 for almost the whole story line

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: The meeting happens, and Trowa digs a hole for himself that he might not be able to get out of, while the rest of the pilots learn some very scary news about OZ's doings.

Begin part eight

Duo eyed the new couples and snorted, moving on ahead. "C'mon people, we have a check to run, stop ogling already."

Wufei just glared at Duo, still upset with being interrupted that morning. "Must you talk so much?"

"Yes, I must talk so much, otherwise you guys would think something was wrong with me. So, nyah!" Duo smirked, walking backwards.

Wufei turned his scowl to Trowa as his butt was pinched, but was stopped from replying by Quatre. "As much as I hate to admit this, Duo is right. We should split up and try to check for anyone who doesn't fit the scenery."

"I will go with Wufei, to investigate those bushes." Trowa whispered softly so only Wufei could hear.

Wufei shook his head. "I will go check the northern quadrant." He completely ignored Trowa's remark.

"I'll hit the north to west sections!" Duo sing songed as he headed off almost directly for the pair watching them. Wufei took off in a similar direction, checking the trees and bushes for anything suspicious.

Quatre looked at the other two pilots. "I'll take the south quadrant then, I suppose." He left as quickly and quietly as he could, watching out for anything that wasn't right.

Heero nodded. "I'll cover the west to south." He then headed off in a southwest direction.

Trowa looked after the others and chuckled lightly to himself. "I will stay here," he announced to no one.

Makoto watched, amused, as the pilots split up, and noticed the boy with the unusual hair stood by himself. "Riku, isn't that your... client there?"

"Yeah, that's him. Trowa." Riku nodded.

Makoto eyed the boy. "Why's he just standin' there? Ya think he's up ta somethin'?"

Wufei paused, hearing the familiar voice of... her again. He wanted to know to whom she was speaking.

Riku shook his head. "No, not him. I'm more worried about that thieving braided one."

Makoto laughed. "He seems like such a nice kid... 'cept for that little habit of his."

Said thieving braided one heard the comment and glared off in their direction, making tracks towards them. Riku frowned and turned to catch Duo walking up behind him.

Wufei stopped him in time. "Shh... They know we're here," he snarled lowly. "I want to see what they're saying."

"Too late," Riku replied loudly.

Makoto turned to see the other two teens standing there. "Oh, lookie, Riku. It's the one with the attitude, and the braid."

"I see them," Riku replied, noting that Trowa was walking towards them now.

"They were talking about me. I have good ears when people refer to me." Duo gestured at the pair. "See?" He then looked at them. "You're early."

"So are you," Riku said and gestured back.

Makoto smiled and sat down, crossing her legs. "We're always early. It's not nice to be late, yanno?"

"By an hour? I know why we're here so early, but why are you here already?" Duo crossed his arms watching the two.

Riku turned a bit to change his position to face the Gundam pilots from his right side and watch Makoto from his left.

Wufei watched the woman, noting that her clothing was worse today than it had been the day before. "Yes, why are you?"

The assassins were quiet as they watched the three boys stand there.

Wufei crossed his arms, waiting for an answer to his and Duo's questions from the Japanese couple. "Why. Are. You. Here. So. Early?" he ground out.

"The lady wanted a walk in the park, so I obliged." Riku gave Makoto a tender smile and instantaneously turned a cold glare back to Wufei. "Why. Are. You. Here. Early?"

Makoto smiled a bit in return before looking at the pilots. "I like parks. We were coming here anyway," she said with a warm smile to the American. "Your friend has no manners. Unusual for someone of his background."

Duo grimaced. "He's like that sometimes. But, we really weren't expecting anyone here yet. We set the time with expectations of having time beforehand."

Wufei glared openly at the two in the gazebo. He said nothing, but he did notice Trowa on the other side, and Quatre and Heero coming from another direction. He felt a bit better.

Quatre looked over the group and then smiled as he walked up to the Japanese woman. "Hello," he said, offering his hand. "I'm..."

"Quatre Raberba Winner," Makoto finished. "I know."

"Trowa." Riku greeted him with a nod of his head. "Nice to see you."

"The feeling is mutual, Riku," Trowa replied.

Duo looked at each of them. "I thought we already covered introductions. That one over there is Heero Yuy, by the way."

Heero just glowered by way of return.

Wufei's scowl deepened. He didn't trust the other two, and he didn't like the familiarity between Trowa and Riku.

Quatre watched, amused. "Well, it seems that we are all here a bit early. You must be Makoto.... And this is Riku, the bomber?"

Riku exchanged a look with Makoto. "Yeah, I'm Riku."

Duo pouted. "Man, and I was hoping to figure out how to rig up something to pull on Sexy Zechsy..." It was a barely audible murmur.

Makoto shrugged in response, feeling a bit uncomfortable all of a sudden. She looked at Duo, and mouthed 'Steal his mask', before turning to look at the blond and the other brown haired boy.

"So you're Heero Yuy? I've heard things about you..." She looked at him. "Riku, you owe me a hundred creds. He's only a quarter."

Duo looked back, smirking and making it so his teammates couldn't see his face because of his hat. 'Working on that.'

"Keh... might I remind you I paid you a million last night?" Riku replied as he wrinkled his nose a little.

Wufei moved, ever so slightly, so he could see Makoto better. He didn't really trust her, and the fact that she had goaded him yesterday brought his trust to nil.

Heero glared at them both. "What have you heard?" He inched back near Duo, standing partially in front and beside the other.

Quatre sighed. Everyone was taking offense stances all of a sudden. But Makoto just smiled. "You're right, but still a bet's a bet. And I've heard that the little Princess was stalking you. You're cute. She's got taste."

Duo caught Heero's sudden flustering and came forward, leaning on his shoulder. "Hey, she finally quit that!"

"I said was, Duo. Not still is. But... I've also heard that you five are the boys tryin' to save the colonies from the evils of the world. Commendable effort," Makoto said, keeping track of the Chinese boy with her eyes.

"Yeah, there is that. Y'know, maybe we should all go sit an' wait around for the rest of the party in the kinda building instead of the bushes?" Duo offered.

"Well, Riku, Quatre, and I are the only ones on the inside. It's the rest of ya out there in the bushes," Makoto said, still watching Wufei while looking at Duo and Heero.

"Rest of the party?" Riku's voice was strained and he glared a little at everyone.

Duo dragged both Heero and Wufei up, grabbing a hand each and pulling. "C'mon, time to make nice."

Quatre looked at the white haired man. "Yes, the OZ members."

Riku twitched a little by way of reply.

Makoto placed a hand on his arm. "I told you it was gonna be a semi-large group. Relax, because there's still time."

Riku made a sound that sounded surprisingly like 'Hn.'

Wufei relaxed a little as he watched the way the Japanese couple interacted, and almost smiled at the white haired man's response. He also found himself relaxing the closer he was to Trowa.

Duo grinned, pushing Heero at Riku. "Look, you both speak the same language!"

Riku just looked Heero up and down, not saying anything.

Quatre looked at Heero, seeing how tense the boy was, and moved over to brush his hand against the other's.

Heero actually jumped when Quatre did that, having only registered that it wasn't Duo. He was a wee bit tense, and his readying time had been summarily stolen.

Makoto watched the exchange, laughing to herself. Riku had been that way once, and it had taken a while for him to relax... She waved her hand at her partner. "Harmless, for now, anyway."

Duo reached over, putting a hand on Heero's shoulder. "Simmer down man. If you're this bad now, what'll you do when you see Ojousan?"

Wufei snorted, watching the way that Duo handled Heero and the way that Quatre was fighting his jealousy over it.

Trowa cleared his throat. "We were going somewhere...?"

Heero just looked over at Duo. "Relena... Here?"

On Base:

"Tell me, Lady, what is your opinion on that ... man's behavior so far?" Treize asked, his headache already seeming to dissipate. Skeren noted the relaxation of Treize's muscles and patted his arm.

"He acts... like he has a big secret to hide, and yet... seems like he wants his subordinates to know," Une replied.

"My thoughts exactly.... Could you follow him until we leave?" Treize nodded slightly.

"Yes sir." Une tilted her head.

"Thank you," Treize replied, heading inside to his office. He wanted a glass of brandy. Now. "Would you like to try some brandy my father sent me, Skeren?"

"I'd love some." Skeren got pensive again, taking out a little pager and pushing a button on it. If there was anything wrong, she'd get a reply because the answering button wouldn't be pushed. Skeren waited a few moments and then relaxed when there wasn't a return page. "It isn't one of those flavored kinds, is it?"

"Not as far as I know, no. But, I haven't had a chance to open it. He said it was something he picked up in Germany, so I suspect it will be strong, just as I wish," Treize said, offering the girl his arm again.

Skeren took his arm immediately. "Sounds good then. If it isn't flavored, we shouldn't have a problem."

Zechs sighed as the grimy... creature… inspected his suits. He was really tempted to allow one of them to fall on him, as Treize had joked. "Is there anything else, Earl?"

"Yes, I'd like to talk about General Khushrenada," the man said, shutting his mouth as Une showed up. "Ah, Lady Une... You look much better now."

"I consider this much improved," Lady Une commented.

"Well, I suppose I can ask the both of you then. Are you comfortable under Treize's command?" the Earl asked.

"Sir?" Zechs replied, hoping one of his mechanics would slip and drop a wrench on the man's head.

"Yes sir," Une replied, adopting a slightly chilly tone.

Zechs eyed the man. "General Khushrenada is one of the finest leaders that I have had the chance to serve under, Sir," he said, his voice devoid of emotion.

Vanderkind nodded. "Of course. Well, it seems things are in order." He looked at the clock on the wall. "Give my regards to Treize. I must be going." He cast a look at Une again.

Zechs sighed as the man left. "I'm tempted to shoot him, honor or no," he said to Une before heading to Treize's office.

"My back is turned. Fire at will, Lieutenant," Lady Une snarled.

Zechs laughed and smiled. "Coming? I think Treize will find it nice that he's gone. Besides, I'd like to talk to him about his... comments." Une nodded, following after Zechs.

Skeren settled into a seat across from Treize once they reached his office. "I haven't had to play the ditz in a while."

"You were quite convincing, Skeren," Treize said, opening the bottle and smelling the liquor. "Ahhh, Father always did have taste," he whispered, pouring two sifters of the amber liquid.

"I've been doing it since I was a small child. You don't really think I'd let those brutes get to know the real me, now do you?" She leaned over, picking one up and swirling it a bit once he was finished pouring.

Treize sat behind his desk, sighing as he took the first sip. "No, I doubt that you would."

Skeren sipped at the brandy and released a sigh of contentment. "Wonderful. You were right about having good taste."

The two were interrupted by Une and Zechs entering. "Treize, I'm willing to pay someone to kill him." It was Zechs who spoke first.

Treize smiled. "I knew it wasn't just me. Une?"

Une tilted her head slightly. "I have to admit the idea has a certain appeal."

Skeren laughed out loud, tipping her glass to them. "I sooo understand."

Zechs motioned to the brandy. "Got any more?"

Treize snorted. "Of course, Zechs. Help yourself," he said, pointing to the new bottle and watching as the blond poured a bit more than he had in his glass.

Skeren shook her head and settled back into the chair. "And the day is not near over."

Treize looked at Skeren. "Where are my cousin and Ms. Peacecraft?"

"They're in their rooms at last check, but I bet together. I checked on them a minute ago. Don't worry." Skeren nodded to herself.

Treize looked at Une. "Would you please go get them? I'd rather keep an eye on them myself until we leave."

Skeren chewed at her lips and paged them again. Relena and Dorothy found their way to Treize's office after the second page. "We're here, not dead or anything." This was from Relena after she closed the door.

Zechs looked up at his sister. "That's a relief. Treize, what time is it?"

Treize looked at his watch, downing the rest of his brandy. "We have approximately forty-five minutes to get there. It will take half an hour to reach the park from the base. I suggest we collect Noin and go now."

Skeren nodded and stood, slinging back the rest of her own glass. "Come on, the lot of you."

Zechs drained his glass as well. "I will meet you out front with Noin," he said, placing a chaste kiss on his sister's cheek before leaving.

Treize smiled, took his cousin's hand and walked towards the door. "Shall we, then?"

Dorothy nodded, noting that Skeren collected Relena. "We shall."

Zechs knocked on the door to Noin's office, but when he opened it, it was empty. He then went to her room, and found that empty as well, with a note saying she'd gone with Sally. He sighed and went to tell Treize.

Treize looked up as Zechs came alone. "Noin?"

"She ran off, Treize... With Sally." There was a slightly stunned tone to the blond's voice.

"Hmm, that's unlike her. How much did she know?" Treize watched the other man closely.

"Not much, she wouldn't stay in the room with us to talk." There was an inherent sigh in Zechs' voice.

"Good. I'll let her go then," Treize replied, slipping into his car after the ladies and signaling for Zechs to join him.

Skeren shook her head. "That's two less people." She glanced up as Zechs crawled in to the car. "That should make Riku happy."

Treize smiled. "You mentioned she had a companion. What is he like?"

"Stoic, annoying, makes me want to choke him." This was her prompt reply.

The park:

Duo nodded at Heero and looked to Trowa. "No, the pavilion is our destination."

"Relena... is coming here? Just how many people did that damn woman invite to this thing?!" Riku turned to Makoto.

Makoto startled at the sudden hostile tone. "Like I know... All I knew about were the Ozzies, and the pilots… Everything else is news to me," she said, trying to calm him down.

Duo blinked. "Um, Skeren lady said it was you two, Relena and Dorothy, the Ozzie folks, and us."

"I said I'd consider an alliance with the pilots and maybe OZ, but this is too much!" Riku was quietly angry, indicating he was a little more than pissed off.

Makoto threw him a dirty look over her shoulder. "You callin' me a liar?" She then stood, and dragged Riku off. "Look, if you don't want to, we can go. It's not like we have to be here. Sky just asked is all."

"But Relena...? That's just too many politicians... I'm not even sure I trust this Skeren and she wants to drag all these people here?" Riku spoke in a hushed tone and leaned close to Makoto.

Makoto sighed. "You know, I hate politicians too, but I met those girls. They're... okay, but if you want to go, I'll go with you. We don't have to do this. It's not our fight."

Riku was quiet for a moment. "I want to see what these pilots are going to do first," he announced quietly.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Trowa had maneuvered himself behind Wufei and smacked his bottom.

Wufei turned to look at Trowa. "What are you doing?" he whispered hotly.

Duo released Heero's shoulder once the other teen relaxed. He was watching the other couple argue now.

Trowa had a look on his face like he had just cut a loud one in a quiet room. "I didn't do it."

Makoto rubbed a hand on Riku's back. "You have your tree. Besides, if anything happens, you can whistle, and we'll split, okay?"

Wufei scowled, and leaned over. "Continue to act like that, and I will reconsider a few things," he said, moving away from Trowa. He'd take his chances with the other three. Trowa just smirked by way of reply

"Alright," Riku replied and turned to head back towards the Gundam pilots.

Wufei leaned over to Duo. "I'm starting to rethink a few things," he whispered.

Duo chuckled, leaning closer to Wufei. "Crush getting a bit too grabby?" It was a low whisper.

"Among other things," Wufei spat out, glaring at Trowa, who was still smirking.

"Ahh..." Duo trailed off, nodding to himself, and then grinned. "Don't get me all serious now though; can't afford it.

Trowa wiggled his eyebrows once at Wufei.

Makoto lowered her head. "'Kaa-san, if this doesn't kill me, I promise I'll behave," she whispered. She then held her head up straight and walked back to the gazebo.

"Then watch Barton," Wufei said, feeling a bit flushed all of a sudden.

Duo sighed, shaking his head as he moved Wufei to his other side, leaving Trowa and Quatre on one side Heero and Wufei on the other, effectively separating the couples.

Shit... Trowa cursed to himself. How can I get around this?

Quatre just watched everything, trying not to laugh at the look that Trowa took after Duo switched places with Wufei... The exchange between them was interesting, but the tension from the strangers was thick enough to touch.

Duo just eyed Trowa for a moment before grinning at the other two. "If it makes you feel better, I don't think any of the people invited haven't been in some sort of violent conflict!"

Makoto snorted as she looked at Duo. "Really? Even the Princess?" She wanted to know how much the pilots knew about Relena.

Duo blinked back. "You really should learn how I met Heero."

Makoto smiled. "I have, but I know of something better. Sky has a scar on her jaw from where Relena punched her."

Heero looked stunned. "What?"

Quatre was stunned as well. "Miss Relena hit your friend?"

Duo patted Heero's shoulder. "I've seen it. She showed me, Fei, an Tro."

Trowa was inching steadily closer to Duo. If I can just get my arm around Duo, I could grab Wufei... Trowa went for the gold and grabbed.

Wufei smiled in approval. "It was a rather nice scar. I suspect..." The rest of what he was going to say was cut off by a strangled yell.

Duo had moved at the wrong second and got in the way. "Shit! Trowa, back away! Just back away!" Duo looked like he was about to slug Trowa. "Back away now Trowa!"

"He did it." Trowa pointed to Quatre.

Duo narrowed his eyes. "Back!"

Makoto watched the five boys as they interacted. "Can you believe they're soldiers?" she whispered to Riku.

Riku was trying hard not to snicker. "Nope," he whispered back.

Quatre also glared at Trowa. "What has gotten into you, Trowa?"

"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just standing here and Duo accused me of groping him." Trowa held up both hands.

Duo raised a fist, shaking it at Trowa. "I didn't, you little liar! Now back off before I hit you!"

Trowa moved to stand next to Wufei.

Quatre glared at him, but was pushed back by Wufei as he dragged Trowa off. "Behave yourself. We are in public, and this is important. Besides, you've managed to anger both Duo and Winner."

Duo took a few deep breaths, knowing that he had been on edge recently, but really...

"Dragging me off to the bushes? How bold of you," Trowa praised. Obviously, the lack of sleep was making him act irrationally.

"Trowa, when we get back to the safe house, you are getting sleep. Alone. Now, can you act like a little of your former self? Without pissing anyone else off?"

"You know, I didn't expect him to grab me like that." Duo was glad he hadn't just hit, and then asked questions. That was how he usually would react to something like that.

Quatre snorted. "Who would have thought that Trowa would be the one resorting to normal teen behavior due to lack of sleep?"

Duo shook his head, laughing to himself as Heero peered over at him with concern. "Just keep him away from my ass, got it?"

"What do I get if I do?" Trowa snickered.

Wufei glared, and then smiled a bit. "I'll surprise you, but you have to... remain stoic. I'm not used to you acting like a horny teenager."

Trowa leaned forward to whisper in Wufei's ear as he draped an arm around Wufei's neck to place a hand on the shorter pilot's opposite shoulder. "I am a horny teenager. But for you, I'll do it."

Wufei shivered at the whisper, and then shook his head. "That's a start," he said, removing Trowa's arm and returning to the others.

Duo eyed Heero for a moment and considered using him as a shield from Trowa, but that wouldn't be fair to Heero. "Hey Hee-chan, couldja do me a huge favor and guard me from Trowa?" Odder words have never been spoken.

Heero glared at Duo for a moment, all concern vanishing. "Don't call me that."

Makoto buried her head against Riku's shoulder, shaking with pent up laughter. "Oh, this is too good to be true," she whispered.

"This is quite amusing. I didn't know my stash was that good." Riku was actually smiling.

"I think it's the drugs and the fact he hasn't slept. Look at him. Classic sleep deprivation. You've been known to act like that when we're alone, and tired as hell," Makoto replied, standing up and smiling.

"I have not!" Riku vehemently denied.

It was about that point that the car stopped and the other six members of the meeting had start walking.

"Not like that," she said, sobering as the others appeared. Even she stiffened as she watched the group approach, the uneasiness returning. "Tree?"

"Yes," Riku replied, nodding towards the pilots, and starting to walk off.

Treize watched the white haired man leave, and looked to Skeren. "That is Ms. Yuzuki's companion?"

Skeren nodded to Treize. "It is indeed."

Duo glanced around, and then shouted to the group. "Ojou-san! They saw you coming and made a run for it!"

Relena scowled at Duo. "They did not!"

Makoto snorted. "I am still here, Duo." She walked up to shake the girl's hand. "Princess."

Relena beamed. "Hello again!"

Dorothy glanced over to Heero, who was staying far from Relena, though he was eyeing her, and trying to look like he didn't want to bolt.

Makoto pulled out a picture and handed it to the general. "She's cute, and yours," she whispered, moving back to be as close to the tree Riku was in as possible.

Riku was cursing himself for not bringing his sniper rifle. But he was well hidden nevertheless.

Skeren was close enough to hear it and peered over to look at the picture.

Duo watched as Dorothy made her way over to Wufei, and made his own way up to Zechs, an evil grin on his face. "Hello again!"

Treize paled, and ignored the rest of the world as he looked at the picture of the little redheaded girl with big blue eyes. He'd never known... If he had...

Zechs looked over at his friend and watched his reaction. "Who is this child?" he asked, looking at Makoto.

Makoto simply shrugged. "Dunno her name, cutie. I just delivered the goods."

Skeren rested her hand on Treize's arm. "Treize?"

Treize shook his head, looking up and taking in the group. "Sorry. It's a bit of a shock." He nodded his head at Heero and Wufei. "Chang. Yuy. Winner. Maxwell. Barton." He gave a weak smile.

Duo took in the overall looks and his exuberance dimmed as he scooted in to see what caused the commotion from where he'd come to stand near Zechs.

Heero returned the nod, sparing a fleeting smile for Zechs.

Zechs smirked at his adversary, and then moved as far away from Duo as possible. He didn't trust him, and so, he pulled his sister closer to stand between them.

Relena turned to look at Zechs. "What happened to my big brother protecting me?"

Zechs blushed from his forehead to his chin, though no one could see how bad it was. "It's Maxwell. Keep him away."

Duo looked highly interested in the conversation, looking from one to the other. "Ah, c'mon, you aren't that scared of me are ya?"

"Scared, no. Wary, yes. Worried, of course. You touched my posterior, Maxwell. I didn't appreciate that." Zechs firmly kept his sister between them.

Duo grinned widely as Relena turned wide eyes on him. "What? It's such a nice one..."

Quatre started laughing from where he stood. "Oh, that's just too much..." He turned around to collect himself.

"And you scolded me for grabbing your ass!" Trowa scoffed. "Hypocrite," He muttered under his breath.

Wufei elbowed Trowa, and glared at Treize. He still wanted to kill the man, but he was willing to hear what he had to say. Honor dictated that he allow that much at least.

Duo glanced to Trowa. "You grabbed mine. I pinched his. Biiig difference!"

"Hardly," Trowa snorted out.

Makoto cleared her throat. "If ya don't mind, I'd like to get this started. I have other things to do today," she said, scowling as she felt her tension grow.

Relena looked between the two and backed up, leaving the path clear between them.

Duo eyed Zechs with an evil chuckle and circled around behind the others. "C'mon people, up into the pavilion." Duo glanced around. "Hey, where are the other two?"

Treize shook his head again, and looked at the Japanese woman. "Are you not coming, Ms. Yuzuki?"

Makoto sighed, casting a look at the tree before walking up to Treize. "Just for you, I will."

Duo managed to get everyone but Riku up into the pavilion, then perched between Heero and everyone else. "Okay, who's starting?"

Zechs tried to ignore the intense gaze upon him, and instead joined Une's side. "God, what a pervert," he whispered.

Une just nodded, when, honestly, she thought the whole thing was rather humorous.

Treize and Makoto both looked at Skeren, and Makoto motioned with her head for her friend to begin.

Quatre sobered finally, and came to stand beside Duo to watch the blue haired girl.

Wufei glared at the politician, and tensed as he saw the Japanese woman standing next to Treize. He was itching to kill one of them; he just wasn't sure which one.

Meanwhile, in the tree, Riku's fingers were twitching. Treize would be so easy to pick off from his vantage point. Makoto just looked up quickly and shook her head. She knew her partner would see her. If I had a water-balloon... Riku thought to himself as his eyes narrowed.

Skeren looked around then made a faintly surprised expression before nodding. "Of course, it's my fault you are all here, isn't it? Alright, first, I am running support for these boys over here and their cause. I don't want Treize dead; to the contrary. I want him alive and his resources intact. That cannot happen if he is arrested or killed by Romefeller, because they will make sure he has no access to anything that he can use against them. He is not going to be our forerunner like he is for OZ. His change of alliance will be announced to his men, leaving it up to those within his ranks to choose us or them. This could go a long way to allowing the rebels more freedom to deal with what they have been and to fight their fights, because they will have support to do what needs to be done. I know that Treize has power. I also know the costs that this has come with, as do other people. Things are moving quickly, as was evidenced today. We almost didn't make it in time because the people keeping him on a leash are tightening up their reins and came on base to 'look thinks over'. This is a bad thing. The Gundam pilots, though skilled and valuable people, cannot do everything alone. Yes, they have resources, but if those were cut off, then they would be adrift, and I am willing to help remedy that. I also have the support of the princess here and Dorothy, who has been keeping tabs on one of our mutual enemies. Those who have been causing us problems that we do not need. I would like my more shadowy partners to remain in the picture and join this fighting force because it can serve as a safety net to both them and us, because, between the lot of us, I know that nobody would end up the odd man out. I want all of you to work together, and with me, to bring down Romefeller and end the war." Skeren took a deep breath and released it. "Do you think that can be done?"

Quatre blinked. "You'd like us to team up to fight against Romefeller as a team," he replied, simplifying the girl's speech. "Am I right? Pool our resources for the greater good?"

Skeren looked very much like she wanted to start glaring at Quatre, but simply nodded instead. "And for the colonies. I know how important improving and freeing them is in all this."

Wufei snorted. "I think I prefer Winner's version better. It's clearer and to the point. I will retract my plan to kill Khushrenada," he said, bowing a bit to the older man.

Makoto was oddly quiet, waiting to see what the others' reactions were. She wasn't let down.

"Thank you for your generous offer, Chang," Treize replied. "I think this will work."

"The rest is more post-war, true. Questions?" Skeren looked around, glancing to each person.

Zechs was floored, but had had time to discuss things with his sister, so he was fine. "None." Treize shook his head. He knew what was at stake, but he wanted to ease everyone else's fears.

Dorothy and Duo both shook their heads, though Duo's eyes held a speculative gleam as he thought it over.

Heero was, amazingly, the first to speak up. "How could we make everyone work together?"

Quatre shook his head, casting an uneasy look at Trowa and Wufei, who were shaking their heads as well.

Makoto saw the practicality of the question. "You never did say anything about that, Sky, girl."

Skeren looked around, and then let out a breath. "I did. I just didn't say anything about that. It was more backup planning than what this is all about, but it might serve to bring all the running forces together after we learn who is us, and who is them."

Treize smiled coldly. "Why, Skeren, be open. Duke Dermail is behind this all, along with Dekim Barton."

Skeren glanced to Treize. "I have my own group of freedom fighters actually. They have been laying low for the last few months. They call themselves the Adsertors. The ones to give freedom. I don't expect either side to trust them, but they are loyal to me."

Makoto moved away a bit. She didn't feel comfortable anymore, and it was getting ridiculous. "Can we wrap this up, please?" She looked at Skeren.

Skeren rubbed her forehead. "Alright, look. I have people. We can't do anything else until Treize over here makes his break. Everyone exchange the important information if you still agree to be part of this."

"Operation Meteor," Treize said.

Quatre tensed and glared at the OZ general. "What do you know about that?"

Treize returned his gaze calmly. "Quite a bit, Mr. Winner. I know it was the real purpose of the Gundams coming to Earth."

Duo and Heero also eyed him, and Duo spoke for them both. "You aren't thinking that's a good idea, are you?"

Treize shook his head. "No, never. That is a waste of precious human lives. Besides, it's dumb as well. But, that is what Barton is aiming for, as is Duke Dermail. I think they know that I know, and want me gone."

Relena nodded a bit. "This way you would be gone, but not how they want."

Dorothy thumped her feet back against the bars below the railing she was perched on. "They do want Operation Meteor. Skeren filled me in this morning about that little girl. We'd have to get that child away from him after we are certain that you are clear of all this, cousin."

"True, but I'm more dangerous. There is also the matter of the mobile dolls."

Wufei tensed. "What are those?"

Dorothy looked to Treize. "You don't think that was why they checked you out, do you cousin?"

Skeren looked at Treize expectantly. She hadn't been filled in about this.

"Yes, exactly," Treize said, pulling out the schematics for the mobile dolls and handing them to the pilots. "As you see, they are self-piloted mobile suits. Reducing the war to a sham."

Duo snorted. "It's already a damn sham. This'll just make it worse."

"It would make everything we've worked for a lie, and I do not lie, Mr. Maxwell," Treize stated calmly, looking at the pilots.

Duo couldn't help a small grin as he heard that. "Glad somebody besides me has that policy."

"It is a matter of personal honor, which I'm sure Mr. Chang would agree with." He was rewarded with a small nod from Wufei.

Skeren looked over the schematics, growing deeply unhappy. "These are horrible."

Quatre looked up. "That's an understatement."

"We need to act soon to get Treize out of their power then if this is to work. These plans are detailed. Meaning they must have a prototype somewhere."

Wufei looked at Trowa, who was silent and behaving once more. But he didn't like this silence at all. In fact, he liked nothing that had been said so far.

Zechs spoke up. "What do you suggest? Because when Treize leaves, so do I and Une."

Trowa just gave him a small smile, before turning expressionless again. He just wanted to get out of here and get his surprise, and with each passing moment, it was harder for him to behave himself.

Duo bit his lip, taking a deep breath. "I'll deal with you three. Skeren will get you out, and I'll get you a place to go until you're clear." He was already forming bits of a plan, and he was sure Howard would agree to it.

"Wait, you're saying there's a prototype of this mindless killing machine out there?" Makoto said, feeling her head throb in agony. She wanted nothing more than to just go.

Skeren nodded. "Look at the detail; there has to be a model."

Makoto thought things over. "I can get the girl out from under Barton and Dermail. That's no problem, really. Besides, I refuse to let a little girl be around... monsters like that."

Duo glanced to Makoto. "She can come to the four of us, she'll be safe that way. I don't believe in using little kids either and she'll be well treated." He tweaked his mental plans as Heero stared at his back, clearly trying to pick his brain.

Quatre paused to look up at the Japanese woman. "What are you, really?"

"That's a bit rude, Mr. Winner, don't you think?" Treize responded.

Makoto smiled. "Glad we agree, then, Duo." She looked at her watch and sighed. It was almost four. "Look, contact me later. I have to go... Business and all that." She took out a card and handed one to Treize, Relena, Dorothy, and Quatre. "Call me if you need something. Duo and Skeren know how to reach me too." She moved over to the tree, whistled and walked away, heading towards the motorcycle.

Riku was already waiting for her, having gotten bored with the meeting.

"We're getting that girl, darlin'," Makoto replied, hopping on the back and leaning against him. "They talk too damn much."

"I agree." Riku replied.

Wufei looked at the others. "Is there anything else?" he asked. Trowa was starting to fidget behind him, and it was distracting.

Skeren shook her head. "No, nothing else."

Quatre scowled. "Can we take this with us, Treize?"

Treize gestured at him immediately. "Please, feel free. If I am caught with them... Well, you may."

Duo considered, and then moved over to Treize, giving him a slip of paper. "You can contact me at that address."

Treize accepted the paper. "Thank you," he replied, and he leaned over. "Feel free to try and court Zechs. I won't stop you, but you might care to know that he likes leather gloves," he whispered, winking as he stood.

Duo immediately grinned at Treize. "You're very welcome."

Zechs shot a withering look at Treize, who smiled, before looking at Duo. "What is going on?"

Duo looked to Zechs and blew him a kiss. "Like you don't know."

Zechs looked at his sister, appalled, but flattered a little too. "You were never like that, were you, Relena?"

Relena looked at her feet. "I was much worse than that."

Treize snorted as Wufei and Quatre nodded. "Your deeds are infamous, Ms. Peacecraft-Darlian. I commend you for your candor."

Heero nodded his satisfaction that his partner had an interest that he could approve of, and slipped off, leaving Duo with the politicians.

Wufei finally snatched at Trowa's groping hands. "I think Yuy has the right idea," he said, taking the Heavyarms pilot with him. Wufei waited until they were alone before turning on Trowa. "You couldn't just relax, could you?" he whispered huskily before kissing him.

"I couldn't..." Trowa said between kisses, as he draped his arms around Wufei. "You just looked too good standing there..." Trowa trailed quick kisses down Wufei's neck.

Wufei moaned at the contact. "At least let's get back to the safe house before you start," he replied.

"Better hurry..." Trowa replied, his hands already eager to get Wufei's clothes off.

Wufei pulled away from Trowa. "Let's go then."

Relena lifted her head, a blush staining her cheeks. "It was my first crush!" As though that was a defense!

Treize placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "It is quite alright," he said, winking at Dorothy. "Isn't that right, cousin?"

Dorothy looked at him like he was an idiot and nodded along. "Miss Relena, we know you won't do that again."

Quatre snorted. "Well, I think you've left us a lot to think about. We'll contact you soon," he said, rolling up the schematics. "Come on, Duo and stop torturing Zechs."

Duo just looked at them both before sidling up to Zechs for a moment and giving him a slightly evil smile. "See you soon." Then, he sauntered off after Quatre.

Zechs sighed as soon as Duo had left. "Do you think they will join us? And your two mysterious friends, Ms. Dalren?"

Skeren snorted, looking to Zechs with no little amusement. "You couldn't beat that boy off with a stick if that look of his was anything."

"I didn't mean him! I meant the pilots in general," Zechs said hotly.

"You have Yuy's approval." Skeren shrugged.

"As well as Winner's, it seems," Treize said, thinking things through. "But what about the assassin friends you seem to have, Skeren?"

"They're getting that little girl. That means they are in." Skeren looked to Treize. "That simple for them."

Treize nodding, pulling out the picture again. "She is Leia's child. She has her smile."

Dorothy gently took the picture from his fingers to look at it before handing it back. "She's yours, isn't she?"

"Yes..." Treize said sadly, turning away from the group. "Had I known, I would never have left either of them with Dekim."

Skeren touched his hand, which held the picture. "You'll meet her soon."

"I know," he said, walking to the car, Une following behind to offer her silent support.

Skeren sighed, noting how Relena hovered a careful distance away from Une, and Dorothy followed behind the rest. Zechs was followed by Skeren, and he was thinking things over, like how he was going to rid himself of the braided menace.

To be continued.