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Posted: **2004-07-04 12:23am**

Forgotten Worlds

Forward and Disclaimers

Well, this is my first fanfic. I decide to do this because I think I have a wonderful imagination and many good ideas and I would like to share them with others. A freind of mine suggested I post it here. He told me to not mind that it was not Star Wars because he had also posted his original story.

I've also done it because I have a few pet peeves about Gundam Wing both the actual series as well as many fanfics.

One big problem I had with the series was that it seemed to almost imply that people go to war just for the sake of the thrill of the fight, which is almost never the case. This will be explored more in the story.

Also it got to me a bit how too good the Gundams were, almost God-like. Any real wonder they won? I wanted to create an enemy that they would really have to work to defeat, and with a lot of help.

And speaking of enemies, it got too complicated to understand who the enemy was at times. The main "bad guy" in the end turns out to bet not so bad at all. Come on, where are the Hitler's, the Stalin's, the Xengis Kahn's, the Val the Impeller's; tyrants who ruled with total blood and terror? Rulers that were absolutely so evil and demented that they were beyond redemption. Or for that matter, the Al Capone's and the Charles Masons's? Not rulers, but sick, demented, evil excuses for humans just the same

Regarding fanfics, I have a big hang-up on how many of the have the characters have premarital sex. As for me, they all wait. Our favorites ladies are all able to honestly were white at there weddings.

It also gets me how many show their ignorance in science. I'm a Chemistry Major and I've had to learn a lot of physics to get my Bachelors. The primary pet peeve is regarding Lagrange points. I've read many who have L6 or L9, but those don't exist. The reason they don't exist is because Lagrange points actually do exist! They are not something the creators of Gundam made up. They are points of equilibrium of gravity between to bodies (in the case on Gundam, between the Earth and the Moon). Let me try to explain where they are. L1 is just beyond the moon, L2 is near the moon but between
the Moon and Earth, L3 is in the orbit of the Moon but on the other side the Earth, L4 is in the Moon's orbit but 60° ahead of the Moon, while L5 is 60° behind. BTW, actually L4 and L5 are the only ones one should be able to put anything because the other three are too unstable. My physics professor described the points like this L4 and L5 are like holding a marble in a cupped hand, while L1, L2, and L3 is like balancing the marble on a knuckle or balancing a sphere on top of another sphere. Not impossible, but very hard. They slightest upset, could send a body flying. This was somewhat addressed in EW, by Barton attempting to upset a colony's stability and send it flying to earth.

Another problem is with gundanium. Some think it is a special element that is mined. It can't be. There is no place to put it on the Periodic Table. Further more, it is an alloy, a mixture of metals and other elements; it's actually called an alloy in the series. The significance of it coming from space is likely due to two reasons. One is that it is composed of other elements that are more plentiful in asteroids. For instance, iridium is rare on Earth but plentiful in asteroids (this has been used support the asteroid theory of the dinosaur extinction). Iridium is also very dense and resistant to vibration so it is very likely that it is a major component in gundanium. The other significance of it coming from space is that better, more uniform alloys can be made in a micro-G environment. Uniformity may also be obtained cryrogenically from sub-zero temperatures of space.

Another pet peeve may also be sound effects in space where there is no sound. Now I know that Hollywood rarely pays attention to this, but many fic writers I think over do it on the onomatopoeia.

When I write my fic, I am going to try to not only entertain but also educate and make the reader think. Spelling and grammar I will admit are not my strong points, so feel free to comment and help me make revisions (my fic is open to revision). Constructive criticism is encouraged, but avoid flaming (especially with science), or I may retaliate to your flame with a squadron of B-52s dropping napalm (metaphorically of course). So you better have some freggin credentals to back yourself up.

Offence material:

Sex: Again, I don't care too much for graphic sex, so no lemony stuff. Some is implied and some sexual innuendo so it may get limey (or at least grapefruity). Graphic post description of rape victim, however.

Violence: Tons. Often very graphic and goery. Many disturbing and sick ways of people dying. No way would it get on Toonami. War is all Hell.

Drug use: Fair amount

And now for the ultimate "Gundam Wing" fanfic disclaimer:

I do not own "Gundam Wing." "Gundam " was created by Hajime Yadate and Yoshiyuki Tomino and is owned by Sotsu Agency Sunrise.

Also special apologies to:
George Lucas
Michael J. Straczynski
Gene Roddenberry
Lorne Michaels and the rest of the staff of "Saturday Night"
Kenichi Sonoda
Matt Groening
Tom Clancy
Craig Thomas
The Hottest Man in Show Business, the Godfather of Soul, Mister James Brown! Jack Higgins
Stan Sakai
the Zucker Brothers
Lord British
National Geographic
The French
Takahashi Rumiko
Van Halen
Ray Bradbury
Jack Jones
Bon Jovi
ABBA
Barry White
Indians (both kinds)
Falco
Joe Diffey

[This space for rent]

Orsen Welles
Oak Ridge Boys
Mark Knopfler
Paul Simon
Joe "Curly-Joe" DeRita
Toto
Pink Floyd
Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock
Peter Schilling
Confucius
Lord British
Glean Larsen
My college professors
Herbert Kretzmer
Rodgers and Hammerstein
Kenny Loggins
John Barron
Herb Alpert
Burt Bacharach
Hal David
Tom Lehrer
Allen Sherman
the guys of "Monty Python"
Michael Moore (Naw, that anti-American, unlibertarian propagandists deserves every bit or crap thrown at him).
Dark Horse Comics
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong
the makers of "Simon & Simon"
the makers of "Cheers"
the makers of Dirty Harry
the makers of "Sienfield"
the makers of Meet the Parents
the makers of "Red Dwarf"
the makers of The Matrix
the makers of "Benny Hill"
the makers of "Doctor Who"
the makers of Ghostbusters
the makers of the movie Flash Gordon
the makers of Fletch
the makers of "M*A*S*H"
the makers of Tora, Tora, Tora
the makers of "Batman"
the makers of Tron
the makers of "Wonder Woman"
the makers of "Police Academy"
the makers of "Charlie's Angles"
the makers of "It's You Move"
the makers of "Mission Impossible"
and the University of Heidelberg ---- (whew!) did I get everybody?

The Trojan Inetrgration, Trojan Order, ISI, MRA, SPA, their members, MFs, NeCSIS, APDs, OMPCs, and Karl and Janna are mine.

I am not making any money on this. If I was, it wouldn't be here; it be printed on paper available at Amazon.com or Media Play. Please do not sue (but feel free to contact me at teankun@netscape.net if I ever do professional writing so I can know how to clear the channels and satisfy the lawyers, then people can make disclaimers to me). Any other relation or similarities with any person real or fictional, living or dead, is purely coincidental. SO THERE!!!

Posted: **2004-07-04 06:52pm**

Sorok Grozny was sitting with a drink in his hand in the lounge watching the news broadcast from Earth. "After having inflicted devastating damage, OZ keeps sweeping away the remaining forces of the United Earth Sphere Alliance," the newscaster said, "More battles are expected around the globe since the Alliance's Armed Forces are entrenched in numerous nations."1

He smiled. Go ahead and play your games, fools, he thought, you have no idea what is in store for you . He got up, still with the drink in hand, and walked over to the large floor-to-ceiling window. He looked out over the rock and ice covered landscape then up at the large multi-colored banded sphere. It almost seemed to look back, with a single large dominate red eye. He raised his glass in toast. Ah, king of the gods. King of the planets. Only fitting that we should be the rulers of the Solar System.

He moved his eyes back to the broadcast as it continued with an officer, "Despite our patient attempts for a peaceful solution, the rebels refuse to listen to us. They keep committing acts of sabotage all over the world."

If you think they're bad, Integrational First Secretary Sorok Grozny thought, wait tell you get a load of us.
2 Just wait.

Posted: **2004-07-08 03:09pm**

TROJAN INTEGRATION HQ, TROS, GANYMEDE

Integrational First Secretary Grozny walked down the hallway alongside his aide, Gabir Wahid. The sound of their shoes hitting the polished stone titles echoed down the hallway as they approached the conference room. The aide opened the door. As Grozny entered, all those who were sitting at the large conference table, the Integration's High Command, stood at attention and saluted by holding up their hands, palm forward. Each one had a mark in the shape of a "T" superimposed by a circle scarred on his or her hand.* Grozny saluted in reply in the same manner with same mark. They all put their hands down but stayed at attention until he sat down.

"You may all be seated," he said. "This meeting will now come to order. Admiral Tysyacha, what is the situation of the fleet?"

Admiral Gennadi Tysyacha had on a black uniform but with a blue rectangle on his collar. He sat up. "Still mostly in development, sir. So far we have five cruisers, five frigates, ten destroyers, and twenty corvettes. It was enough to conquer the Outer Planets, but no means enough to take on the Earth Sphere."

"But, more ships are in production."

"Yes, sir. The Agamemnon shipyard is now operational. We should have a substantial fleet by the A.C. 200 deadline."

"Along with the super cruisers?"

"Yes, sir!" Tysyacha responded with enthusiasm. "Thank you for mentioning that. Our engineers are already at work designing a new generation of spacecraft that the Earth Sphere would have no chance against. Not even their…Mobile…Suits…right?…would stand much of chance."

"Thank you, Admiral. And as long we are on the subject of Mobile Suits," Grozny then turned to the African who bore a red rectangle on his brown collar. "Marshall Lezare, what is your situation to counter MS's?"

"Barely in development, sir. We do have a few designs for mecha, but we need to know more about Mobile Suits, not to mention these so called Gundams, to do much to counter them."

"What about our troops?"

"Well, there we are doing very well, sir, especially with the Order Guard which even right now is much more than a match for the UESA's so-called Specials. But since we are smaller in numbers, we are developing machines to help our infantry. They are going to be called Anti-Personnel Dolls, or APD's. They are similar to OZ's Mobile Dolls but much smaller, only a few meters tall, with enough armament that one could easily wipe out a platoon of those pathetic OZ soldiers."

"Thank you. And Chief Engineer Seratus, how is R&D coming along?"

The Malay woman bore a yellow rectangle on her white collar. She smiled. "Our engineers are making great strides. We already have been already using drives that far surpass anyone in the Earth Sphere has. We can get to a spot in days of what it would take them months. Furthermore, we should soon have developed a new, stronger composite that would surpass Gundanium. But we need to know more about the mechanism of the Gundams as a whole as well as the other Mobile Suits."

Grozny then turned to General Mincho Hiliada, Supreme Director of Integrational Security and Intelligence and Chief of State Police. "Well, Hiliada, they seem to be demanding more information. So what is the situation with the Earth Sphere?"

Hiliada's greay collar bore one black rectangle with three raised characters, a thunderbolt flanked by two vertical bars1 "Well, there seems to already be division developing in OZ, due to disagreement between Treize and Romafeller particularly regarding the use of Mobile Dolls. Treize feels they dehumanize war or something."

"Can't blame him too much," Lezare interjected, "A computer can't replace the intuition of a human. They only reason we're using doll-like mecha is because of necessity due to our low numbers. Unlike human fighters, they can just be spat out from an assembly line like any other machine. However," he added with a smile. "dolls can very well be overridden by a good cracker, a tatic which we may soon use against them."

"Well, Tsubarov is the main supporter of Mobile Dolls. They're his brainchild."

"Hmph," Seratus snorted. "Well, how seriously can you take an engineer who wears such loose baggy clothing? You can get sucked into machinery that way."

"Such is the pompous attitudes of nobility," Hiliada bemoaned sarcastically. "I look so forward to the day when we can eradicate them."

"Except those who denounce their nobility and join the Party, of course," Grozny interjected.

"Of course, First Secretary."

"Please, continue."

"Yes, sir. Again tension is starting to build in OZ. This will certainly detract more attention away from us," Hiliada chuckled, "as if there was any before. As far as the general Earth Sphere is concerned, there is no one out here."

"And what of external tensions?" Tysyacha inquired

"Mainly just those boys," Hiliada said. "Two have already been captured by OZ. One has 'joined' OZ. The other two are still at large; reports also are that one of those two had a nervous breakdown."

"Who is in charge of ISI there again?" Lezare asked.

"Shtatë. Major Enver Shtatë."

* * *

MOON BASE

"I'm done cleaning the pans. Can I go now?" the middle aged cook asked his supervisor.

"Yeah. Get out of here. I guess we can give the rejects to the prisoners."

The cook removed his apron and cap as he walked out of the kitchen. He was in the hallway when he heard the alarms. Hmm, must be an intruder. Better check this out. With a look of hysterical confusion, he ran through the hallway, excusing himself as he passed guards. He got to a quieter, emptier section, his pace slowed. He then got near a cleaning storage room. He waited for more guards to pass before he backed into the room. He closed the door and stood waiting for a few minutes with his back against the back shelf until the alarms quieted down. He then,with his back still to the shelf, reached under the second shelf from the top, and rapidly tappedout a quick tone. He then squatted down to the floor and pulled himself partway under the bottom shelf and tapped another pattern on a section of wall. A one square meter panel then opened which he started to pull himself into.

"Major, where have you b...." the man inside the small room behind the false wall started to say.

"How many times must I remind you to never refer me to my rank!" the "cook" said as he pulled his head inside.

"Sorry, s... , I mean, Enver."

"That's better, Louis. Apology accepted. So, what's happening?"

"A break-in," the man posing as a custodian responded turning toward the communication console, "I think it was that Maxwell kid. He let himself be captured. They should be getting him to his cell just about now. Let me switch the station to the speaker."

They waited in silence for a few minutes before they heard from the console a metal door open, then shortly there after voices.

"Botched your mission?" a first voice started, "You couldn't destroy the base and you couldn't eliminated Doctor J and the others."

"How about a little sympathy? In any case, I'm still glad I decided to come here," said a second, "and I've got good news. Your Gundam and mine are being rebuilt as we speak."

"Look's like OZ will be keeping us alive for a while. It's a good chance so don't die yet."

"Don't worry about me, pal. I have no intention of dying that easy. There's the Colonies to fight for. Just watch me. I'll become God of Death once again! But right now, I need some sleep."2

Oh, yes, your God of Death act. I think I know of some guys you ought to meet.

After it seemed the conversation seemed to have ended, ISI First Lieutenant Louis Huit turned to his superior, ISI Major Enver Shtatë. "Oh, my!" he said with strong sarcasm and absolutely no surprise. "Think we should report this?"

Shtatë laughed. Along with ISI Second Lieutenant Mladenka Cxetiri and the other ISI agents, they found out about the Gundam scientists "secret" projects weeks ago. It was a nice system for the ISI agents. When the scientists weren't working on the Vayeate and the Mercurius and other OZ projects, they would work on the Gundams on the side. So while the scientists were working for OZ, ISI would examine the Gundams, and while the scientists were working on the Gundams, ISI would examine the OZ projects, keeping track of anyone watching them of course.

"It's OZ's own fault for not doing anything as simple as bugging their prisoners' cell," Shtatë said, " Let them suffer for their own incompetence."

"I use to have a little bit of admiration for them. They did take over the United Earth Sphere Alliance very well. There they used cunning. But now things are starting to falling apart for them, especially with that a**hole Tsubarov. I wouldn't be to surprised if things flared up to another civil war before too long."

"Me neither. But that's because they have so many things against them. For one thing, there's Romafeller, which is so geared towards nobility, status due mainly to birth. And so they end up squabbling like children figuring they deserve something just because of who their mommy and daddy were.
"Furthermore, like many revolutionaries, OZ spent too much energy and thought getting into power, which I agree was well done, but not too much thought was put in what they would do after they got into power. This is much due to them being soldiers. They have a constant desire to fight, so after victory, they have nothing to do. So, they fight in these petty squabbles. Squabbles that could be taken care of by more effective personnel."

"You mean like us."

"Yes, which brings up OZ's greatest flaw, or for that matter the former Alliance's, no central police force. Internal intelligence has been practically nonexistent. No peace officers. No political officers. If we had been in power in the United Earth Sphere Alliance in the first place, none of this would be happening. Milliardo Peacecraft would have been found out years before he became Zechs Marquise, the Lightning Count or what ever the h*** he's called. Furthermore, we would have been easily found out about Khushrenada and Une's treachery before they got anywhere. For that matter, the Barton Foundation and their "Operation Meteor," whichever version, would have been discovered, and there would be no Gundams. In any case, the offenders would have been arrested and punished accordingly. Let's see anybody in the Earth Sphere be that effective."

"There was Inspector Acht, who did successfully discover that Gundam-01 was not destroyed and that Zechs was at Antarctica."

"True, but how did he decide to take care of it? By sending a squadron of those d**n Mobile Suits. What is it with the Earth Sphere's obsession with them? Again, sent in soldiers, or should I say pilots, when there would have been better ways of going about it. A team of ISI agents could have snuck in the base and taken over, or at least assassinate the offenders before they knew what happened." Shtatë raised his finger. "Yes, things would be a lot different if I was in charge of the Earth Sphere. There would be order. There would be no need for Mobile Suits or any armies for that matter. People would soon learn that the State is supreme."

"First things first, Enver. We must first become their State."

"Yes, Louis, but that should be taken care of in about half a decade." He sighed, "We must be patient."

Then they heard the signal as someone started to enter the room with the proper codes. A young shorthaired woman entered the room.

"Ah, Mladenka, how are you?" Shtatë asked.

"Pretty good," Cxetiri responded, "considering they had to keep even us lowly tech assistants 'safe' when there was an intruder. Even a peon in my position can be a security risk."

"Oh, that reminds me," Huit said, "So, Enver, what kept you? It couldn't have just been the commotion with the intruder."

"My biscuits were too flat. So, they made me stay and do another batch. It sure tries a person's patience of our capability to have such lowly positions and get a good amount of flak on top of it. But, it works better to keep a low profile, plus it makes more pleasurable the thought that when we get into power and become their superiors."

"I look forward to it, but if you'll excuse me, I have some floors to clean." Huit crouched down and exited through the hatch. "I'll make sure that Tsubarov's are spotless."

"Heh, heh. You do that, Louis. Take care." Shtatë then turned to Cxetiri. "Mladenka contact our agents on Barj."

"Yes, Enver," she responded as she turned to the console.

* * *

Weeks later.

TROJAN INTEGRATION HQ, TROS, GANYMEDE

Wahid walked along side Grozny along the somewhat decorated corridors. "So, we are going to meet the Plutonian ambassador?"

"Not exactly," Grozny replied, "He is not simply the ambassador; he is their present leader, their 'Primary Carnifex' as they call it."

"And, he is the head of this 'Order of Death'?"

"Yes."

"And, this is the first time any of them has left Pluto?"

"In over one hundred and fifty Earth years, yes."

"It will be interesting to meet him."

"Yes, it will."

They were discovered a few years ago. As the Integration expanded to the other Outer Planets, they weren't surprised to find the other systems inhabited, but they were surprised of the small colony they found. A fanatical group obsessed with death founded the colony in the early part of the last century. The group wanted their home world to be connected to death, so they picked the world named after the Greco-Roman god of death. The colony was actually placed right under Charon, the other member of the binary planetary system, which itself was named after the boatman who carried people across the river Styx to the Realm of the Dead. So, one would have to pass Charon before reaching their realm. Over the generations, their bodies changed, partly due to the environment, particularly the low sunlight, but mainly due to genetic manipulations they did themselves. For nearly a century and a half, they lived in isolation, having only the older generation to kill, which was done ceremoniously, and then the Integration came. The Integration soon learned that this colony would be hard to control since the Plutonians were small in number (less than fifty) but still very effective killers, so soon the Integration came up an alternative solution. Although the Integration could have easily have bombard the settlement out of existence, they decided to give the Plutonians semi-autonomy in exchange for their service as assassins and as elite body guards. With the opportunity to put their obsession and skills of death to practice, the Plutonians complied.

Grozny and Wahid walked on to the door of the lounge where their visitor was waiting. Two ISI officers flanked the door. The officers opened the door to reveal a dimly lit room. A figure was seated in the middle of the room with the large windows behind him. He was wearing a white suit and dark sunglasses. The four of them entered the room. As the door closed, Wahid went over to the light switch.

"Please raise the lights slowly, they have very sensitive eyes," one of the guards said to Wahid.

"Oh, uh, of course," Wahid said before carrying out his instructions.

Grozny walked up to the figure, bowed slightly, the stood straight. "Greetings, I am Sorok Grozny, First Secretary of the Trojan Integration and acting chairman of the Integrated Socialist Party. This is my aide, Gabir Wahid."

The figure then stood up, towering over the other two with a height of two hundred and twenty-three centimeters. As he removed his shades, he said in a freezing monotone voice, "I am Elmaveth, Primary Carnifex of the Order of Death "

Wahid felt a chill down his spine. He had heard and seen footage on the Gundam pilots. A couple of them often spoke with a low degree of emotion, but this guy made him seem like the more cheery ones. This was magnified by his appearance. His pale white skin on his face that contrasted with his black hair while clinging tightly to his skull greatly added to his menacing image, but not quite as much as his eyes which were about forty percent larger than a normal person's eyes and were mostly pupil. All this, plus his height which gave him a sense of power, truly made him seem like Death itself.

"Pleasure to meet you," Grozny responded, "I am looking forward to your services."

"I myself am looking forward to serve."

"I understand that you have been debriefed on the situation."

"That is affirmative, but may I discuss the situation some with you?"

Grozny looked to the ISI officers for approval. Both nodded and one of them pulled out a pen and note pad. "It should still be a while before the formal meeting with the rest of the High Command, but we should be able to have a little bit of small talk."

* * *

Second Lieutenant Scott Fichese sat in his cubical at ISI headquarters. Things seemed rather quiet, despite the security for the Plutonians. He sighed as he went through files about propionate individuals in the Earth Sphere. He saw Hiliada gathering together a few notes getting ready for his meeting, but just then an ISI communications officer called over, "Supreme Director, I think you better see this -- right now."

Fichese watched Hiliada sigh and walk over to other man's station. He stretched to look over his short cubical, trying to listen to what was being received, but the communications officer and Hiliada were each using headphones. He was able to see Hiliada's expression go from annoyance to amusement to disgust.

"Those arrogant sons of b*t**s!" he heard Hiliada exclaim, "And with the Plutonians here, too. Prepare to send a message to Shtatë."

"Yes, sir," the communications officer replied. While the officer was getting things ready, another message came up. "Message from Major Shtatë coming in, sir."

"I'm sure I know what it is about. Send it to my office."

"Yes, sir."

Hiliada walked into his office. Several minutes later, returned to the communications officer. "I've prepared a message to send to Shtatë. Send it off immediately. Then prepare the transmission he sent to the High Command conference room." He turned to the rest in the room. "I want the rest of you to contact the all members of the High Command. Tell them to meet in the conference room, immediately. Tell them it's an emergency. I'll get the First Secretary, myself. Get to it!" He then stormed out of the offices.

* * *

"Yes, Tsubarov was a fool," Elmaveth commented, "Death and war are inseparable. Fortunate that death claimed him, although I am a bit disappointed that I personally was not able to show him the error of his ways."

"The Earth Sphere has an abundant supply of fools," Grozny replied, this should prove to our benefit in conquest." Footsteps were then heard rapidly approaching in the hallway. "They should be easy for the taking," he finished while turning toward the door.

Hiliada entered the room followed by two ISI troopers. "Mr. First Secretary!" he started with some panic in his voice.

"Ah, Mincho," Grozny got up, "glad you're here. I was just talking with the head of the Order of Death. Is the rest of the High Command ready?"

"We are meeting together right now, but over something else that has come up. Details with the Order will have to wait." Hiliada then turned to Elmaveth, "No offense."

"None taken," Elmaveth replied calmly, "I'll just wait here."

Grozny and the ISI personnel nodded. Grozny started out the door with his aide and the ISI personnel in tow. "What's happening Supreme Director?"

"White Fang has done something very rash."

* * *

The High Command sat in the conference room. Hiliada stood in front while everyone else was seated. "What I am about to show you," Hiliada started, "was broadcast around the entire Earth Sphere about an hour ago. Shtatë also sent us a clearer transmission accompanied by a request for instructions." He picked up a remote control and activated a monitor.

Quinze's face appeared on the screen, "We, as space colonies have only wished for our rights as peaceful to that the Earth has acted with force as in the time of the Alliance, as in the time of OZ it is also the same in the time of the World Nation. And their choice was Gundam. They have used Gundam to fight against us who are trying to unify the people in Space."3

"Oh, brother!" Tysyacha interrupted, "He's using that bulls*** as if they are the onl..."

"Silence!" Hiliada snapped.

Quinze continued, "…force will soon be destroyed: We have sent our troops to the OZ space forces. Space belongs to the people of the Colony!"

Hiliada held his hand up. "Please, hold your comments until the end!" They obeyed for a while, but then they watched Dermail's death. So many comments arose, he paused the recording.

"Well, how about that?" Lezare started, "The b*st**d's dead."

" 'I can't be dying'?" Grozny mocked, "What the h*** was that pompous arrogant a** expecting when he blindly 'lead' the OZ forces?"

"He was just a political noble," Tysyacha commented, "Not much of a soldier, and even less of a mariner. With these gung-ho nobles going off like this, the will probably eradicate themselves without any of our help."

An elderly man in back spoke, "Amusing as it was, we don't need more proof of OZ's ineptitude. There would have to be more to this, Mincho, or you would not have been so upset."

"Yes, Secretary General, there is. Thank you." Hiliada resumed the recording after the other quieted down.

Quinze continued, "When the Space is one," [Hiliada raised his hand for silence again, but even he smiled with the others' snickers as Quinze said] "the only enemy left is Earth. We have a noble cause. And we have a new leader who will carry out that noble cause."

A new face came into the picture. "Earth and Space. These two existences create conflict. My name is Milliardo Peacecraft. I hereby declare the elimination of this opposing body, Earth."

Tension in the room suddenly began to flare up.

"Who do they think they are?!" Lezare exclaimed.

"Gods, obviously," Tysyacha commented.

Grozny stood up front shaking his fist. "What is it with these Colonial fanatics?" He held out his hand as an open palm. "The one body in the Solar System that has life, but instead of working to seize this prize, they choose to destroy it because of some warped philosophy in their frenzied minds."

"But can they actually do it?" Tysyacha asked.

"If the information Shtatë's team obtained is correct," Seratus said, "Libra could cause a few spot trouble on the planet, but not too much as a whole, so its armament is of little concern, even when it is fully operational. However, it is quite massive. If those fanatics were to resurrect the original 'Operation Meteor,' they could use it to create a nuclear winter. True, we are already familiar with working on frozen worlds colder than that, why should we settle for that?"

"The idea of one single warship is preposterous," Tysyacha commented, "an armada of smaller battleships would be more effective."

"So, what do we do now?" Lezare asked.

"Well, in urgency," Hiliada started, "I already told Shtatë to do whatever it takes to stop them. Of course, try to keep a low profile, but if necessary destroy Libra and to take out Quinze and Peacecraft. I apologize if I overstep my authority."

"It's alright, Michno," Grozny said, "Shtatë's is very competent. I am confident in whatever he will do. I'm sure we have nothing to worry about, but we should still be cautious." He raised his finger. "Now, then, we must take advantage of this opportunity."

"Take advantage of it?" Tysyacha asked.

"Yes; you know what they say about when you are given lemons. It is time to mobilize our forces. I want them ready to go within fifty hours. Supreme Director, I take it that after this announcement that the Earth Sphere was surprised and worried."

"Yes, sir. As a matter fact, while we were assembling, Shtatë said that many were taking this very hard. He even bothered reporting that our man on Peacemillion said that Peacecraft's lover, or at least the woman who hopes to be, was shocked. As if it is possible, they'll pay even less attention to us then before. But you aren't suggesting we attack the Earth Sphere are you?"

"Only if we need to. By the way, Admiral Tysyacha, just wondering, could we manage a hit and run attack on Libra?"

"They do have more fire power," Tysyacha response, "but our cruisers are faster than anything they've got. We should manage."

"Good, just a precaution. Again, I'm confidant in Shtatë's team, and besides I want us to stick to the turn of the century deadline. Seratus, are the communication dampeners ready?"

"Yes, sir, we can easily have them ready if fifty hours, but what do you want us to do?"

"Simple. We will take this opportunity to go to the next planned step of our conquest: Mars.

"Yes, of course," Lezare said with enthusiasm, "the Earth Sphere will be too busy dealing with this crisis to even think about dealing with those forgotten settlements."

"And with the dampeners," Seratus commented, "they won't notice if someone tried to call them."

"Good." Grozny said, "Then let's prepare to move out. Hmmf, soon all people shall know that all of 'Space,' including Earth and its Colonies belongs to us!" He raised his marked hand in salute. "For the glory of the Trojan Order!"

They all stood to attention and saluted. "For the glory of the Trojan Order!" they all said in unison.

"Good. Now get to work and prepare your forces."

Posted: **2004-07-13 05:31pm**

Chapter 2: Martian Tears

December 195 A.C. (Hexadecmember M.Y. 103)

RABIN KIBBUTZ, SINAI PLANUM,MARS1

"Hurry up, Deborah," Miriam called to out to her sister, "Mom's waiting for us, and we're going to be late for class."

"I'm on my way," Deborah said as she made the final touch up on her black ponytail. She grabbed her college texts and headed out of the room. She joined Miriam, who gave her a look. Deborah glared back. "It's not like you don't take time with your hair."

"Girls, please," they heard their father say, "Don't start this. Now give your father a hug."

A smile worked on Miriam's face. "Always living each day as if it was the last, huh, Dad?" The girls hugged their father.

"What about me?" the girls' mother, Rachel, called out. "Don't I get a hug, Tashim?"

"And then some, my beloved Rach." He gave her a big hug and kiss. "Now you all better head over to the campus."

"Right," Rachel said, "Let's go, girls."

The three females headed for the garage. They got into the airtight car with Rachel at the driver's seat and the girls in back. They drove off into the Martian countryside. Rachel looked back at her daughters in back with strong admiration. Miriam was a pretty good student, doing very well with her studies in agriculture, which was very appropriate since the family business, or rather, the kibbutz's business, was in farming. She looked at the large glass Biosphere structures in the rearview mirror confident that they would be well taken care of. Deborah on the other hand was a history major. She had a fascination for history, especially the World War II era. Very bright for someone her age, she was sixteen and already attending the local college at Wellesville, the largest community on the planum.

As they drove, they listened to the radio: "...in other news, the transmissions seem to indicate that their conflict is reaching an apex. The opposing forces have already started what seems to be a final battle. And now for the weather. Today's forecast calls for clear skies with a mild minus ten degrees. Now here are some more tunes starting with Billy Joel." The radio then started playing Joel's "Going to Extremes."

Miriam sighed. "You know, I really wished I knew what they are fighting about."

"I'm not sure that they know what they are fighting about," Deborah replied.

"Well, at least, their squabbles are nowhere near here."

* * *

TIS PATROCLUS, THE TROJAN FLEET

Tysyacha and Seratus, as well as a bright woman who had honey blonde hair down to her shoulders, were on the bridge when Gorzny, Lezare, and Hiliada joined them. "Ah, gentleman," Tysyacha said, "we are making the final approach to Mars. We will be in position in just a few moments."

"Good," Hiliada said, "The Earth Sphere has just started a 'battle to end all battles.'" He turned to a communications officer. "Are you keeping tabs on them?"

"Yes, sir," the comm responded.

The helmsman spoke up. "Captain, Admiral, we are now in position."

"Good. Stand by," replied the blonde, female captain.

"Oh." Tysyacha said to the newcomers, "Allow me to introduce to the Patroclus's captain: Alexandra Tusen. She shows great promise."

"A pleasure to meet you," Tusen said, "I look forward to giving you the best of my duties." She turned to Seratus. "We are in position now. Shall we deploy the communication dampeners?"

"Yes. Deploy them, but don't activate them." Seratus looked over to Hiliada. "We must wait until the perfect moment."

"I understand." Tusen turned to Tysyacha, "Ready to give the command, Admiral?"

Tysyacha came forward to the comm, "Yes. Thank you, Tusen." The comm tuned him to the rest of the fleet. "Deploy the dampeners!"

All around the small fleet, hundreds of small box-like structures were released from the ships. With their small propulsion systems, they moved out ahead of the fleet to Mars. They stopped about twenty-five thousand kilometers away from Mars, just a little ways beyond the orbit of Deimos. There they moved to form a gigantic circular plane-like field, ten thousand kilometers in diameter. They each then unfolded their four solar panels, making them each like a cross.

"Good," Seartus said, "They are in position."

"Now what?" asked Tusen.

"We wait," said Hiliada.

* * *

LIBRA

Seven ISI agents were together in an isolated room, listening to Quinze over the comm. "Initializing final thrust. Evacuate at your own discretion. I pray for your safety."3

"So that explains it," Huit commented, "He is a religious fanatic."

Shtatë was infuriated "What is it with these g** d*** mother f***ing a**holes and the horses they ride?! They have victory; the other side actually surrendered, and yet, they insist to kill the hostage. It would be best to just kill them all for the sake of the purity of the gene pool. Well, I'm sorry boys. This battleship will turn into a star before it becomes a meteor." Shtatë reached in a closet and pulled out what seemed to be a long black electronic piano. He opened its lid up, then reached down his shirt and produced a key attached to a small chain around his neck. He then looked at his second in command, Huit.

Huit understood. He knew what it was. His mind then went back to a few days ago.

* * *

"So that's it," Shtatë said, "White Fang wants to destroy the Earth with Libra. I've been given direct orders to see that they fail, and that the Earth is left pristine and undefiled for integration."

"So how are we going to do this?" Huit asked.

"We could easily make the reactor go to meltdown," Cxetiri commented, "although these idiots made this one ship so extravagantly massive, that it may not be enough."

"Our superiors thought of that, so they sent us a 'CARE package'." He went over to a corner of the storage room and pulled out a metal trunk. He opened it up to reveal what seemed be some large hand held computers, each about 20x30x4 centimeters.

"We are going to use office equipment?" one subordinate asked in back. "Or, what are they really?" he added with a smile.

Shtatë picked one up and cradled it in his hands, holding it up to his audience. "DTDs. Deuterium-Tritium Detonators. Nice guise, huh. This little thing has just the right amount of plutonium to initiate the reaction between the highest quality deuterium and tritium in the Solar System. When this little thing goes off, everything within a five hundred meter radius will be vaporized. Then, of course, there will still be substantial damage to anything a ways beyond that, especially if there is a medium to carry the shock." He put the DTD back into the trunk. "Mladenka, prepare a diagram for where these can do the best damage."

"Yes, Enver." She picked one up and handled it. "They should be easy to hide in any room. Behind a couch, inside a desk, even the last place someone would look for a bomb."

"Right out in the open?" Shtatë asked with a smile. Cxetiri nodded with a returned smile. She then pulled out her laptop and set down and started to work. "Good," Shtatë continued to the others, "As soon as she has it ready, I want you to all go about to assigned areas of Libra and place the detonators." He pulled out several detonators, then a large black box-like object that was on the bottom. "This here is the main control box that is used to detonate the DTDs. Oh, that reminds me. Louis, come forward." He produced two small thin plastic credit card sized packets, he handed one to Huit and broke the other one open producing a key on a chain "These are the keys to the control box. As second in command, you get the other key." He put the chain around his neck as Huit did like wise with a key that he produced. Shtatë continued, “You all know how I detest weapons of mass destruction, but this is to prevent a greater destruction.”

"Pattern ready, Enver." Cxetiri said. "This pattern will fragment Libra making it able to completely burn up in the atmosphere if not destroy it completely at detonation."

"Good, let's assign the spots. Each person will take fifteen detonators and place five at a time. Take three trips. We will soon see what becomes of this "Operation Meteor."

* * *

Huit reached in his shirt and produced his key and came along side Shtatë . Together each man inserted his key into a slot in the keyboard, one on each side. Each man simultaneously turned his key ninety degrees to the right; a green light came on the keyboard. Shtatë then started pressing keys (pressing them right near the top of the key). Each key went straight down and did not come up. A yellow light came on right above each key. After Shtatë had punched in the right keys, he nodded to Huit. Huit nodded back, and each then turned his key one hundred and eighty degrees to the left. The green and yellow lights were replaced by red. Shtatë the closed up the keyboard with the keys still inside.

"O.K., the detonators are armed. Well, you heard the man, evacuate. I'll take the control box with me. I'll watch Libra from my shuttle, so I can see if it is necessary to detonate. Mladenka, come with me. The rest of you take care of yourselves and we'll meet up later. It's been a pleasure working with you. I look forward to working some more. Take care." He held up his marked hand in salute. "For the glory of the Integration."

"For the glory of the Integration." They all returned. They started to disperse. Shtatë went up to Huit when most had left. "Oh, Louis, the reason I don't want you to come with me is that I have one more task for you. I don't care how you do it, but kill Quinze "

* * *

TIS PATROCLUS , THE TROJAN FLEET

They were still waiting. They been monitoring communications being transmitted, mainly those from probes. The Martians, like the worlds that were integtated into the Integration in the past, kept themselves strongly isolated, so that they could be kept out of the Earth Sphere's contentions. But still, transmissions from the probes were constant, and although the dampener would be selective and allow those transmissions continue to Earth, there would still be a disruption in the signal. They would have to be activated at the right moment. So they waited, until...

"Sirs," the comm said. "Check this out. It's being sent all throughout the Earth Sphere." He activated a large screen on the bridge. The Epyon and Wing Gundam appeared on the screen in their fierce battle.

The High Command was able to catch the start of Une's monologue. "This battle holds no meaning to those on the colonies and the Earth. But this is a battle that must be fought. Because this is a battle by both to prot..."

"So, this is being broadcast over the entire Earth Sphere?" Grozny asked.

"Yes, sir," replied the comm.

"This is too good of an opportunity for us to pass up." Hilliada said, "Une is giving the whole Earth Sphere a show. They'll be too involved with it to bother with anything else, especially us."

"Assuming, of course," Tysycha interjected, "that she is still talking after all this time that it took the message to get here."

"It would have only taken several minutes. They'll still be dealing with the aftermath even if it just did get done."

"You're right," Grozny said, "Lezare, prepare your men. Seratus, activate the dampeners."

"Yes, sir," she replied and then pressed the button.

"'This battle holds no meaning to those on the colonies and the Earth,'" Grozny quoted, "Let's prove the b***h wrong."

* * *

WELLESVILLE UNIVERSITY, SINAI PLANUM,MARS2

Wellesville was first settled in the mid-Twenty-First Century of the Gregorian calendar. Although small at first, Wellesville grew when several settlements of Israelis were displaced by what once was known as the United Nations. Rather than settle to where they were told to, the settlers migrated to Mars as an act of defiance. Many were led by the Rabin family and founded a kibbutz. When attention was geared toward the creation of the Colonies and the After Colony calendar was implemented, the Martian settlements felt ignored and detached, and they welcomed it. Soon, all seven Martian settlements united into a republic and even implemented their own calender based on the Martian year. They lived in almost total isolation for decades, although they still kept in tuned with news and entertainment from Earth so that they would not fall too much behind. This was part of their emphasis on education and learning. Over the decades, prominent schools developed in the settlement, especially in Wellesville where a university grew.

Today, many of the students were going regularly about their classes and studying. However, a great deal of the students were tuned in to the battle of the Earth Sphere, especially in the Social Science classes. Une was finishing her speech. "...that lies beyo....is the ques...hat must be add...." The picture was then completely engulfed in static.

The staff and students at the tech building were the first on the problem.

"What happened to the picture? Have you figured out the problem yet, Terah? " asked a young Engineering major.

A young Electronics major was already working on the receiver and various other electronic equipment. "We lost the signal, Osiem," she replied, "In fact, we've lost everything."

"Even HBO?!" he responded nervously.

"Everything. The battle, all entertainment channels, even the time signal from Greenwich. In fact..." She made a few readings and calculations with the equipment before her South Asian features went as pale as possible.

"What is it, Terah?"

"I think we're being jammed. And, I mean the whole planet. I went all through the networks, and every settlement is having the same problem."

"Jammed? But who could possible be jamming us?"

"I don't know, but I am afraid we will soon find out."

* * *

PEACEMILLION

Quinze held his gun at the scientists, "You guys have caused me a lot of trouble...How many time must you interfere with our Operation Meteor..."3

You've cost us a lot of trouble, too. Huit thought from his position behind a wall a ways behind Quinze's back. And, if you don't mind [Huit raised his sub-machine gun] I'm going to interfere, too. Looks like they got the thing rigged up ready to go. He worked on steadying his weapon. Hope I'm sheltered from the explosion enough. He activated his laser sight.

"Shut up!" Quinze said, unaware of the glowing red dot on the back of his head.

Doctor J. pressed the button saying. "Looks like you'll have to let us interfere once more."

Me too. Huit fired right after Quinze did.

Quinze didn't remember firing. Time seemed to slow down. What was only a fraction of a second seemed like several seconds. He felt a strange sensation on the back of his skull. Darkness started to slowly gather around him before there was a great light around the scientists before him. Then darkness returned and prevailed.

Huit tried to duck behind the wall to avoid the explosion, but he was thrown around a bit and knocked dazed. Fortunately, the hardsuit he was wearing protected him from most of the blast. It took him a few minuets to come to his senses. But one thing he did sense was Peacemillion's engines running. They did it. Well, that's all I can do to help them. I wonder if anyone survived. Well, I guess I'll check before I get out of here. Hmm, who knows? I might get a prisoner.

* * *

TIS PATROCLUS, THE TROJAN FLEET

"Lezare, here," Lezare's voice came onto the bridge, "We are standing by."

"Good," Grozny replied, "Land your troops."

The drop ships launched from the cruisers.

* * *

NEAR BRADBURG, CHRYSE. PLANITIA, MARS4

Hrand Kessan was preparing to go for a motorcycle ride. He had on his riding suit including helmet. It was all to protect him from the radiation as well as the cold and, of course, from getting hurt in an accident. He straddled the cycle and brought its electric motor roaring to life. He opened the doors to his garage of his rural house and headed out on the Martian terrain. Although roads on Mars were pretty undeveloped and thus rough, Kessan preferred to go off road.

He traveled for several kilometers before he noticed the large streaks in the sky. He stopped to observe them. It took him a while to notice that they were not coming straight down, but seemed to be gliding down in a controlled decent. It took him another moment to notice they were heading straight for Bradburg. He started to Bradburg. It was about fifteen kilometers to the city. He could tell that the streaks would get there before he did.

* * *

The drop ships landed about two kilometers away from the city. They opened up, allowing APCs (Armored Personal Carriers) and the AMCs (Armored Mobile Carriers) to deploy. Each carrier was like a large box with treads. Agents inside the biospheres would allow the carriers inside. When they would go inside, the carriers would open up, deploying the troops and vehicles. The vehicles included small "jeeps" and motorized bikes.

Lezare surveyed the scene from inside the lead APC along side his subordinate, Brigadier Jure Jedan. "The troops are deployed," Jedan breathed. "Things should be secure before too long."

"Problem, Brigadier?" Lezare asked.

"I'm just not sure about these penal regiments, Marshall. Are you sure they can be trusted? I mean we are practically letting them run loose."

"We are giving them a chance do what they do best. They seemed grateful when we offered the deal to them. They get to do mayhem, and we get expendable conscripts. Besides, where are they going to go? They can't hide in the cities too well, and they can't survive on land. Just watch, Brigadier. You'll become a believer in these penal regiments too."

* * *

PEACEMILLION

"Louis, here." Huit said into his encoded narrow band communicator.

"Enver, here," came the voice from his comm. "How did you do? I can see that Peacemillion's fired up."

"Yes, my dear friend. And Quinze is dead. Shot him myself; on top of that he was blown to kingdom come. Maybe I was a bit hasty in shooting him, but not enough of the body is recognizable to determine that he was shot. Oh, yeah, the scientists are dead, too. Same explosion."

"And when the Earth Sphere demilitarizes, much of the scientists' knowledge will be destroyed, leaving us with most of their engineering studies. Is there anyone else on board?"

"I don't think so. Seems that everyone else bugged out."

"Good. Round up the other detonators. We can't risk them being discovered, and they might still be useful some day. Unfortunately one big piece of Libra is still going down and could still pose a problem. I'll disarm all the detonators except those in the last piece. Good luck. "

"Yes, Enver."

* * *

WELLESVILLE, SINAI PLANUM, MARS

The members of the 16th Loki Penal platoon sped through the streets of the domed city. The platoon was lead by Lieutenant Ventuno and consisted of three squads. One squad was led by Sergeant Frank Sarver, another led by Sergeant Steven Evans, and the third by Sergeant Anica Sedam. Ventuno led his band of fellow enlisted convicts inflicting terror on the citizens by smashing windows, throwing firebombs, slashing people, and of course, random shootings. In short, acting more like wild ruffians than disciplined soldiers. Ventuno raised his hand held rail gun while he drove his jeep and shot a twenty-centimeter-long spike through an unfortunate bystander's head.

Corporal Tyrone Nelson called over from his bike to Sarver, "Hey, Frankie, check it out," he said pointing at a street sign, "This place has a university. You know what we'll find at an university."

"Nice, sweet little college girls?" Sarver laughed and called out to the rest of his squad, "Hee, hee, let's go."

Ventuno saw the two of them as well as the rest Sarver's squad rev up and drive off. Half of Evans' squad followed. Ventuno sighed. Following their glands again. Well, suppose I better make sure they still generally follow orders. He flicked on his com. "Sergeants Evans and Sedam, we better go after the others. Follow me." The rest of the platoon took off. "Oh and Evans, try to control your men a little more. OK?"

* * *

EARTH SPHERE

Shtatë was in his shuttle closely watching the last falling piece of Libra descending in the atmosphere. He already saw the most of the ship ascend when Peacemillion fired up. He already reprogrammed the keyboard so that only those detonators in the last section would detonate. He had his finger over the critical key. It's entering the atmosphere. I may still need to destroy it, but I'll wait until it's fifty kilometers above...wait, it's the Wing Zero. He's going to use the buster rifle. Good, I guess every bit could help. I am not sure how much of a difference this will make, but it should ensure to get rid of any evidence of the detonators. Shtatë pressed the key just as the beam hit the piece. The explosions from the beam and the detonators swallowed each other up so that they were indistinguishable. Shtatë smiled as he saw the streaks in the atmosphere. Whether or not we helped, it's done, and their war is over.

* * *

BRADBURG, CHRYSE. PLANITIA, MARS

Kessan watched from cover as the carriers poured into the city. He just watched in awe and horror he heard minute sounds of war coming from the domes. After several minutes, he saw one APC leave the city and head out for the boonies in the opposite direction from the drop ships. Wondering what they were up to, he straddled his bike and followed. They drove for several kilometers before stopping near a ridge. The APC opened and out came Lezare in a protection suit followed by Jedan, also in a suit. Then came out several other people not in suits. Kessan recognized them as the president of the Martian Republic, the vice-president, and several members of the legislator as well as many local governing leaders. Soldiers who were wearing suits herded them out. As soon as the Martian leaders got out, the cold hit them hard. They tried to hold their breaths in the thin low oxygen atmosphere. Then the leaders were lined up against the wall-like ridge. The soldiers also lined up as a firing squad. Jedan raised his hand and gave the ready-aim-fire-commands. The soldiers fired. As the bullets hit the Martians, blood shot out into the low-pressure environment and quickly evaporated. The Martian leaders slumped over dead. Lezare and the others got back in the APC and left. Kessan, with tears in his eyes, fell to his knees sickened by the sight, swearing justice will be done.

* * *

There similar cases all over Mars. Soon Trojan control was secure. The dampeners were allowed to allow the broadcasts from Earth. There was a cheerful celebration displayed on the monitors. The Martian people couldn't share in joys. Instead they sorrowfully cried for their loss.

* * *

December 31 A.C.195

COLONY L5

Shtatë and his fellow ISI agents were gathered together for a New Year's party. Like the rest of the Earth Sphere, they were celebrating something else besides the New Year, but that something was slightly different. Wine was poured into glasses and then Shtatë stood up.

"My dear fellow ISI agents and Party members. Tonight we celebrate a year of triumph. A year that despite much strife and intrigue, we were able to conduct an exceptionally successful espionage campaign against the entire Earth Sphere right under their very noses, no matter what faction they belonged to. A campaign that will benefit the Party and bring us closer to victory and total integtation of the entire Solar System." He raised his glass. "For the Party and its Integration!"

"For the Party and its Integration!" they echoed with a returned toast.

After a quick sip, Shtatë continued, "Now I have an announcement to make. Huit, Cxetiri, and I are to be rewarded for our achievement. We are to rendezvous with the Patroclus in a few days as they return to Jupiter from our victory at Mars. In the mean time, Captain Andrej Devat will be in charge. But I must add the achievement belongs to us all; you will all be rewarded through me. Lieutenant Cxetiri, is our shuttle ready?"

"Yes, sir. Are we going to the them about Ms. Darian's fantasy?" She said.

"Of course," he smiled, "no matter which fantasy you are talking about. Oh, you better take all your stuff, I'll explain later."

* * *

January A.C. 196

TIS PATROCLUS

Shtatë , Huit, and Cxetiri, each promoted to the next rank, were seated in the boardroom with the High Command.

"So Libra is destroyed?" Tysycha asked.

"Yes," Cxetiri responded. "What was not blasted away is being gutted. Speaking of which, we were able to retrieve all DTD's that were not detonated."

"And the other armaments?" Lezare asked.

"Most of the standard Mobile Suits and Dolls are being dismantled. Plans are being made to place the Gundams in an asteroid and send them into the sun."

"Fresh for the taking," Seartus said, "they obviously won't miss what they wanted to destroy."

"Unfortunately," Shtatë interjected, "the Barton Foundation has been keeping a low profile and are still a threat and are working on Mobile Suits of their own. When they move, the Gundams may be retrieved. They better stay there, at least for a while longer."

"We could at least send in a team to study them."

"Yes, and since, Cxetiri knows them better than anyone else. I think it would best that she lead the team. Wouldn't you all agree?"

They all nodded in agreement. Hilliada put out his hand to Cxetiri. "Congratulations on your new transfer. We'll work through the paper work."

"Thank you, Supreme Director. Shtatë already discussed this with me and he already did the paperwork on my side." She pushed over several papers, "Just needs to be processed through HQ."

"Good," Grozny said, "Anything else?"

"Yes, sir," Shtatë said, "It would seem that we secured Mars just in time. Now that the conflict is over, Darian, now Foreign Minister is pushing for a project to terraform Mars."

"Preposterous!" Serratus spat. "Doesn't she know it's impossible?"

"The point is she wants to send teams to Mars to do it. It will be impaired for a while, due to the demilitarization, but she does have a lot of support. It's a not-if-but-when situation. So I would like to get back as soon as possible so I can further inhibit it."

"Very well," Hilliada stood up, followed by others. Hilliada saluted Shtatë , "Dismissed."

* * *

December A.C. 196

GUNDAM ASTERIOD

Cxetiri sat cross-legged among the scattered parts of the dissected Wing Zero. She made sure that her staff of agents and engineers knew exactly how they took the Gundams apart so they could be put together again. She also wanted them to go over every square micron if possible. It had been over nine months of work, but it had been worth it. The knowledge obtained from the work had been invaluable. She was examining a large circuit board when she was notified of an incoming encoded transmission. She went to take it. It was from Shtatë , and she was not surprised what he had to say. When it was over, she went to her staff.

"Okay, now listen up. That was Shtatë . The Barton Foundation has just made its first move, kidnapping Darian. I don't know if they have deployed their Serpents, but we better close up shop. We've already gotten enough information about those schoolboys' machines to give them a run for their money. Now get going. I want us out of here in eight hours."

* * *

January A.C. 197

TROJAN IMPERIAL HQ, <A>TROS</A> , GANYMEDE

"So," Grozny said, "the Gundams and all other Mobile Suits are destroyed."

"It would seem so," Hilliada confirmed, "The fools are diminishing their defenses. However, now that war efforts are practical nil, Darian's terraforming project is progressing. It already has been given the go ahead. Her brother and his lover have already been selected for the mission."

"Why is she pushing the impossible?" Seratus exclaimed, "Doesn't she know terraforming is impossible?"

"Don't forget," Lezare said, "Darian is just a politician not a scientist...uh, no offense, fellow Party members."

"None taken," Hilliada chuckled, "but don't worry, Shtatë has already gotten to work on it. Now, of course, we can't do assassinations; that would stir up too much trouble. So that leaves sabotage, but of course, this could also stir up trouble if not done right."

"So, how is it 'done right'?" Seratus asked.

"Well, sabotage that does not look like sabotage. Something like a cut wire would be obvious, but a defective part, a part that slipped through the cracks of inspection, would be less apparent. Shtatë already has agents infiltrated in the factories that produce the parts for the craft to take the project to Mars. Several parts will fail within on a few million kilometers of Earth. So they'll have to return."

"So they'll try again with stricter inspections. Have you thought on that?"

"Not only did we think of that, we are counting on it. Other parts will fall through the cracks and we will infiltrate inspection at every level. In the meantime, all these failures and extra inspections are going to make the project's price skyrocket; we estimate over ten times. Also, we will infiltrate (and create) special interest groups opposed to the project: environmental, anti-spending, etc, and, of course, we will establish local chapters of the Integrated Socialist Party. Soon this pet project will be perigon holed. Just as Lezare pointed out, Darian is a politician. It's politics that's driving this project, and it will be politics that kill it."

"Beautiful job, Supreme Director," Grozny clapped, "ISI is worth every credit that is put into it. With you, victory will be ensured."

Posted: **2004-07-23 06:20pm**

Chapter 3: Meet the Parents1

May A.C. 197

ANCHISES BASE

Anchises is the Trojan asteroids. Along with the asteroids named after Greek participants of the legendary Trojan War, Anchises is located in the group of asteroids trailing Jupiter or a number five Lagrange point while those named after Trojan participants lead Jupiter at a number four Lagrange point. Similar to the homes of Quatre Raberba Winner and Chang Wufei, respectively, with two big differences. First of all, these points were points of equilibrium of gravity between the largest sources of gravity in the entire Solar System, one a gaseous planet with more mass than all other non-stellar bodies (planets, asteroids, moons, ect) in the Solar System combined and the other having a mass many times over that. The other being that objects in these points are natural, placed eons ago, long before man even dreamed of space travel. In fact, their existence was predicated in A.D.1788 by astronomer/mathematician Joseph Louis Lagrange 2himself and proven when German astronomer Max Wolf discovered Achilles in A.D.1904. Anchises was discovered in A.D. 1930.

Anchises was chosen as a major shipyard, due much to its somewhat convenience from the more central parts of the Empire as well as a moderate remoteness from Achilles, the birth place of Trojan Socialist Workers Part. For these same reasons, it was also chosen as a site of a mining labor prison. Another reason it was used for these purposes was that this Lagrange point had too strong a gravity well making it practically impossible to move the asteroids near Earth. Thus it was less likely anyone form Earth would intrude.

The command center was much busier than usual. They were paying strong attention to the Patroclus and its escorts in orbit above the asteroid. Commander Dixon asked the flight control officer, "What is their status?"

"Their shuttle has just left the Patroclus," was the response. "They should arrive in a few minutes."

"Good, I'll head right down to meet them. Notify, the rest of the base," he told the officer on duty with a beaming smile.

"Yes, sir," the OD responded with a Trojan salute.

Dixon returned the salute, did an about-face, and left the command center.

"This is shuttle 1-2-9," the flight officer heard in her headphones. "Requesting permission to land, over"

"Permission granted, proceed to landing bay P-4, over."

"Understood, heading for P-4, out."

The shuttle proceeded with its approach to the landing bay. As it entered the bay, the arresting cables helped it come to a complete stop. Then the bay doors closed, followed by the bay being pressurized.

The flight officer then turned to the OD, "Inform the commander that the High Command's shuttle has arrived."3

Dixon entered the now pressurized bay followed by the head of security, ISI Colonel Kutden. Grozny, followed by the others, came down a now attached gangplank. Dixon and Kutden saluted. "Greetings, fellow Party members. I am pleased for your visit."

"Thank you," Grozny said, "Shall we proceed with the tour?"

"Of course, this way."

"I saw quite a bit of what you have done with the fleet while we were coming in," Tysyacha commented, "How is the progress?"

"Fairly well, except with the engine drives. We weren't able to learn a whole lot from the Earth Sphere's engines since ours are already so far advanced above theirs as I'm sure Seratus has already told you. By the way, Seratus, why aren't we constructing Mobile Suits?"

"Yes, I have explained about their inferior drives," Seratus said "and the answer to your question is that simply Mobile Suits are also too inferior of a technology. True, we were able to learn from the Gundams and the other MS's, but when applied to our technology we can surpass them. However, to do that, we need organic material that is not readily available here."

"I see, just the same, I look forward when we can stock my ships with ..whatever we are going to use. Well, back to the tour."

* * *

COLONY L2

The couple walked up to the house next to the junkyard. The man checked the address.

"This seems to be the place," he said.

"Well, here we go," the woman said.

* * *

Duo was lounging on the sofa watching television when the doorbell rang.

"Duo, could you get that?" Hilde called from the laundry room.

Duo got up and opened the door. He saw a middle-aged couple standing before him. The man had short black hair and small round wire-framed glasses.4 The woman, on the man's right, had a blonde ponytail that went down just pass her shoulders.

"Uh, may I help you?" Duo asked.

"Yes," replied the man. "Are you Duo Maxwell?" he asked extending his right hand.

"Yes, I am," Duo said while taking the man's hand in a firm handshake. " And, you are?"

"Oh, forgive me. I am Karl Schbeiker," he responded with his right hand still gripping Duo's and gesturing to the woman with his left, "and this is my wife, Janna."

"Schbei...Schbei...Schbei..." Duo stuttered until he heard Hilde come up from behind to whom he looked back.

"Duo, who is at the door? The voice almost sounded like..." Hilde stopped in mid-sentence when she saw the couple. She then exclaimed, "Mutti! Vater!"

Even after being with Hilde for two years, Duo's German was a bit rusty, but he knew what each of those two words meant. He looked back towards the couple. Karl, still gripping Duo's hand, smiled. Duo's eyes widened, realizing who these people were. Duo let a high pitched, "Eep," before fainting backward.

* * *

Duo slowly regained conciseness while he was lying on the couch. He was wondering if what happened was just a dream until he realized he was hearing a conversation in German. He was still too disoriented to make out the words even if he could understand the language. He could barely make the voices, however.

"<de< 5 You were on Earth then? >de>, Hilde said with tears in her eyes.

"Ja," Janna response, noticing something seemed to be wrong, "<de< What's wrong, Hilde? >de>"

"<de< It's just that -- sniff -- so often, my friends support me for what I did on Libra, but I never figured it would have helped save my own... >de> --sob--"

Janna hugged Hilde, "<de< There, there, child. It's all over now, and we're back together again. That's all that matters. >de>"

"Ja," Karl said, "<de< And, speaking of friends it seems that this one here is coming around. >de>"

Duo sat up rubbing the back of his head. "Ugh, Hilde, what's going on?" He then noticed the other two. "Uh, hello, again."

Hilde tensed herself and took a deep breath. "Duo, allow me to introduce to you Karl and Janna Schbeiker," she let out another breath, "my parents."

"Eeep! I mean, uh, hello," a very nervous but smiling Duo said extending out his arm. "Nice to meet you, at last."

"Nice to meet you, too, Heir Maxwell," Janna said giving his hand a shake.

Karl shook Duo's hand and then said, "Janna, Hilde, why don't you two go for a walk to have a mother-to-daughter discussion while I talk to junior, here."

Duo's eyes went wide, especially when he saw Hilde give a devilish smile and say, "Okay, dad, but don't be too rough on him. Let's go, Mom." Then Hilde left the house with her mother, despite Duo's stuttering protests, leaving him with her father.

"Now then, young man..." Karl started.

"I never touched her!" Duo blurted with panic in his voice, cowering back into the sofa with his arm waving out in front of him. "I never did anything!" Shut up! He might think I am denying stuff as if I actually did them. "I never even seen her naked." Oh, smart move, idiot! "Well, maybe a few times accidentally in the bathroom, but it was nothing. It didn't affect me at all...uh...not like she isn't attractive...I...mean...uh, uh...I didn't take advantage of...well, I would never...uh..." Just shut up, Duo " ...I would never do that to any girl. So, she didn't do anything with me...uh, not like she would do it with any other guy. She's not that kind of girl. I mean she's...uh...she's...uh...uh...uh...as pure and innocent as she always has been...although she may have killed a few..." Shut up! Duo, just, shut up! "Oh, please don't hurt me," he finally said, cowering with arms covering his face.

"Calm down, boy! First of all, I am very thankful that you took care of my daughter."

Duo lowered his hands so they were just below his eyes. "Really?" he said with a quite voice.

"Ja, and I am also proud that you were able to control yourself. She told us all about it. She guessed that growing up in a church had a lot of influence on you being chaste and virtuous."

"Yeah, I guess it did," Duo said with a bit more cheerfulness. Whew! When they say "the only safe sex is no sex," it goes way beyond pregnancy and STDs. Wow, who'd ever figure that the God of Death would get so scared over a girl's father? Well, I guess he seems calm enough. "Well, Mr. Schbeiker, you are very welcome," Duo said now calmed down, "and it was a great honor taking care of your daughter. She truly is a wonderful young woman."

"Danke."

"You're welcome. Um, so what happened to you guys? Hilde didn't tell me too much about you, but she did say that you disappeared and she never heard from you."

"Oh, that's right, you were unconscious while we were talking." Karl sat down and faced Duo. "Well, much of it started in the early part of 195. We were living as a family here in L2, but family tensions arose when OZ had taken over the UNSA and, here in the colonies, was pushing recruitment to 'defend the Colonies'."

"Yeah, I remember that. In fact, that's how I met that Hilde. She was regurgitating that same crap on me."

"Yes, and don't apologize for your terminology, that was the same way I saw it too. I didn't really have anything against defending the Colonies, but I didn't trust OZ. Hilde, however, got sucked into it. We tried to talk her out of it, but she is a stubborn girl. Once she makes up her mind on something, there is no point telling her not to do it."

"Yeah, tell me about it."

"Well, as you know, she enlisted in OZ, then got a dishonorable discharge after helping you. By the way, thanks for talking some sense into her. I guess she would listen more to a fellow teenager than her parents."

"You're welcome. Now, much of this Hilde has already told me. After she got discharged, she didn't go home for a while."

"Right. Proud, arrogant girl was too ashamed to come home. Afraid I would give her the 'I was right, you were wrong' treatment."

"Yeah, she eventually got a bit more dignity later after we shacked...I mean, that is...after that friend of hers used his contacts to find her the job here at the junkyard as well as this place to stay, and later I came on the scene and helped her get her emotions in order. But again, she tried to contact you, but no one answered, even your email. She went to your house and found it abandoned In fact, in some places it was vandalized."

"Well, we were a bit shocked when we got notice that she was discharged. It was the last word we heard about our little girl for a long time," Karl said with a bit of remorse in his voice. "But word got out that our girl was a 'traitor', and many people took it out on us. Blame the parents. People yelled at us, had demonstrations outside our house, rocked our cars as we commuted, throwing things, I even got swamped with threatening e-mail. It got to the point that we feared for our safety, and since she 'betrayed' OZ, the authorized were of no help. So finally we left. Fortunately, I had some friends on Earth who were able to get us a place to live and work."

"Oh, where?"

"Heidelberg. I mainly work at the EMBL, but I often did stuff at the University."

"The EMBL?"

"The European Molecular Biology Laboratory. I'm a biochemist."

"Oh," Duo said with widen eyes, "So that's where you've been for the past couple of years?"

"Ja."

"So how did you find us?"

"Well, a few weeks ago, I was visiting the Center for Interdisciplinary Scientific Computing at the University, where some grad-students were having a little bit of a problem obtaining data from the computer. One of the students said he remember a dark haired German girl while he was on Peacemillion who he was sure could easily get into the system. This perked my interest, I asked him about the girl, and sure enough, it was Hilde. You should have seen his face when I showed him the picture of her I had in my wallet. She was younger in the picture, about twelve, but he confirmed that it was she. Well, starting from that, I was eventually able to track her -and you- down to this place, and so, here we are."

"So why didn't you call or something first?"

"I guess we wanted to see our daughter's face first after all this time before we talked to her, have an opportunity to hug her right there. That and I guess we wanted to surprise her," he smiled.

Duo leaned back and crossed his arms. "And..."

Karl smiled, "You are a very perceptive young man. I can't hide much from you. Very well, you see..."

* * *

Mother and daughter were walking through the streets having their discussion.

"<de< So you're living in Heidelberg now? >de>" Hilde asked.

"<de< Ziegelhausen, actually. But, yes, your father does work at the EMBL. He's made quite a reputation there, and we've gotten pretty settled there,>de>" Janna said.

"<de< So, you're not coming back to the Colonies any time soon, are you? >de>"

"Sigh, <de< No, maybe when we retire, but not any time soon. >de>"

They stopped walking."<de< O.K. Mom, why are you here?" You're planning of taking me with you? Aren't you? >de>"Hilde said, pointing at her mother.

"<de< Well, you see, again your father's work has made a great contribution to the EMBL and the University. And in appreciation, the University has offered a substantial discount on tuition for any of our children. And, since you are an only child....>de>"

"<de< So, you are planning of taking me to Earth. >de>"

Janna sighed and looked in her daughter's eyes. "<de< We can't force you to come. We just want to show you what is being offered to you. Yes, we came in person since it would be easier to discuss it person...for both parties. >de>"

"<de< O.K. Give your pitch. >de>"

"<de< Fine. This is an opportunity you can't pass up, Hilde. To be able to attend one of the most prestigious universities ever. And, don't you want to go to college? >de>"

"<de< Well, I guess so. I mean I like working with machinery, which I got from you, but college I suppose will help. Looks nice on a resume anyways. >de>"

"<de< And wouldn't 'University of Heidelberg' look even nicer? >de>"

<de< Well, maybe. But this is my home. I'm not sure I want to leave. What's wrong with a local college...right, Heidelberg.>de>"

Janna smiled, "<de< Pretty quick. And billions of young adults leave home to go to college.>de>"

"<de< But they usually leave their parents. This is the opposite. >de>"

"<de< Hmm, good point. But the point is that they leave familiar surroundings to go out into new territory. And, they often do go back after they graduate. It is for only four or five years. Unless you do grad-school, of course >de>" Janna added with a smile.

"<dede>" her voice trailed off, but Janna perceived what she was thinking.

"<de< Him? >de>" Janna crossed her arms.

"Was fuer?! Wer?"

"Duo. <de< Your friend with the braid. You don't want to leave him.>de>"

"<de< Well, he did take care of me when I thought I had no one else. He has been like the brother I never had. >de>"

"<de< Something tells me he's been more than just a brother,>de>" Janna said sternly, then her voice be came softy and she laid her hand on Hilde's shoulder, "<de< Do you love him? >de>"

"Was?"

"<de< Do you love him? >de>" Janna said with even more understanding.

"<de< I...I...I am not sure. We've just started developing close feelings toward each other. As I said we haven't been t0o physical. We have kissed a few times but nothing beyond that. But we do care fore each other very much and very deeply.>de>" Hilde sighed very deeply several times. Much of this she was just realizing herself. Funny how she felt comfortable discussing this to her mother who she hadn't talked to in almost two years.

"<de< Well, if you are growing closer, perhaps you should separate for a while. I mean: not live in the same house. You know, it is a proven fact that couples who cohabitant before marriage have a much higher rate of divorce. >de>"

Hilde face-faulted. <de< Marriage?! We haven't got any where near that! >de>"

"<dede>" she ended with a smile.

"<de< Well, can we discuss more about this later? >de>"

"<de< Of course, it is a family matter, so it must be discusses with all family members, as well as other involved parties. Let's head back to the boys, and in the mean time, we will have a mother-daughter discussion about sex. >de>"

"Mutti!" Hilde grumbled

* * *

A couple of days later, Hilde was taking a late afternoon walk with Duo. Her parents had stayed with them over the days by Hilde and Duo's insistence that they save hotel rent. Although, Hilde did have some problems with her parents insisting that she leave, she still did love them and enjoyed catching up with time lost. Duo also enjoyed their company. But now, they were trying to spend some moments alone.

"You're parents sure are something." Duo said, "I'm impressed how much help your mother did around the shop."

"Yeah, she taught me all I know." Hilde agreed "She's quite a mechanic, which is more than I can say for Dad."

"Your dad the Biochemistry major."

Hilde laughed, "Oh, yes. Sure, Dad may know a lot about the chemical make-up of solvents, fuels, and some composites, but he doesn't know a whole lot about how a motor uses them, much less a vehicle as a whole. He couldn't fix a car if his life depended on it. 6"

"So your mom worked on the family car."

"Even before that. When they were still dating Dad always asked Mom to work on his car. Actually, that's how they met."

Duo laughed. "They sure do make a nice couple. They're perfect for each other."

"You think so?"

"Sure," he said gesturing to her, "look what came out of them...or out of her I should say."

Hilde blushed and gave him a playful light punch in the ribs. "Stop that. Yeah, they sure are great folks I guess I really do love them."

"Yeah," Duo said as a loud deep sigh. He stopped walking, closed his eyes, stood firm, took a deep breath, and then said with seriousness in his voice, "Hilde, I think you should go with them."

"What?!"

"I said that I think you should go with them."

"Why?" she glared at him.

"Because a lot of what they said makes sense. It is a good idea for you to go to college. I've even looked at those brochures they brought as well as information online and it seems like a really good school."

"Dang it!" she yelled it "Why is everyone telling me what to do? Doesn't anyone care what I think? I can stay here if I want! It's my life!"

"It's my life, too."

"Huh?"

"I said it's my life," he said in a slightly raised tone. "The two of us staying together in the same house affects my life too."

"What are saying?" she said with an angry, hurt tone. "You want me to leave or you'll move out? You don't living together any more?" Her voice died down to a slight sob. "You don't want to be with me any more?"

"No, no. Not like that," he said apolitically. "What I mean is...sigh...what I mean is that drilling your father gave me really made me think. Well, actually I mostly drilled myself, but he did have a long talk with me. Actually, we had several long talks. Your mother discussed stuff with me a lot too. They're impressed that I've been able to control myself all this time, not...um...take advantage of you or...something." He faced her and put his hands on her shoulders. "Now that I look back on it, I'm impressed at myself, since you are the most beautiful girl I've ever met." Hilde gasped as Duo continued. "And you look more beautiful to me every day, especially when I see you nu...I mean accidentally stumble on in the ba....that is... The point is: it's getting harder for me to control myself, harder to resist temptation. I'm afraid we may someday give in and do something we will both regret."

"You don't think I would..."

"It would be as much my fault, if not more so."

"You don't want to call it quits, do you?" she said on the verge of tears.

Duo's eye started to water, too. "Of course not."

After a long silently tearful pause, she said, "Promise you'll write? And call?"

"I promise. In fact, Heidelberg is only about six and a half hundred kilometers from Brussels. So, I could come by to visit, that way when I go to work for the Preventers, I'll be closer instead of far away."

This made her laugh. Duo smiled. His hands went down her arms. He took hold of her hands and held them together in his. He smiled and said. "And another thing, again I really like your folks. They are almost like the parents I've never had."

"What about Father Maxwell and Sister Helen?" she said more cheerful with smile.

He smiled back. "Well, they were the parents I've never had. They took care of me and made sure I was fed and all. Course they weren't married, being a priest and a nun. So they couldn't exactly have a discussion about sex and stuff like that, at least they didn't tell me anything." Hilde laughed again. Duo smiled then put on a sweet but serious expression. "But, Hilde, I lost my real parents a long time ago, I'm not sure if I remember them. All I do know is that they are gone. I've spent most of my life without real parents. You lost your parents, but now you've got them back. I wouldn't give up an opportunity to be reunited with my parents, to bond with them again. You have that opportunity. Take advantage of it. They love you, Hilde."

Hilde was quite for a moment looking down at the ground. Then she collected herself and looked back at Duo. "Okay, I'll go. I guess it is for the best. I suppose they do know what's best for me. And your right, they are doing it mainly because they do care for and love me. And, despite our squabbles, I also love them." She said with a smile; Duo smiled back. She them looked in to his eyes, her eyes now full of tears. "And I love you, Duo."

Duo also started to cry. He cupped his right hand in her cheek. "I love you, too, Hilde." He then gently kissed her on the lips. They then held each other in a tearful embrace.

From a distance, Karl and Janna looked on. "<de< It looks like they are saying good-bye. >de>" Janna said.

"<de< It seems so, >de>" Karl said, <de< but don't think in the least we've seen the last of him. >de>"

"<dede> " she laughed.

"<de< Me neither,>de> mein Schatz 7," he said, with a smile putting his arm around his wife. "<de< Me neither. >de>"

* * *

A few days later, Hilde was all packed. What she couldn't take on the flight Duo was going to send later. A taxi was now pulled up to take her and her parents to catch the shuttle to Earth. Duo helped load her things in the trunk. They were just about to leave. Hilde walked up to Duo.

"Well, this is it," she said.

"Yeah. Now don't go all out on those college boys," Duo said playfully pointing at her.

"Same with you and those college girls. Or at least college aged. By the way, why don't you go to college? You have caught up academically."

"I think I will. Just want to make sure what field I want to go in, or at least generals. Hmm, you know, I might even try Heidelberg, as I said before it seems like a great school. Of course, I might have to brush up on my German. Then again, I probably have to do that anyways so you and your parents can't talk behind my back."

Hilde gave him a playful punch, "Dummfopf."

Karl walked up. "Hilde, let's go."

"O.K. Dad."

"Oh, and Duo, I know Hilde told me of the strong sentimentality of it," Karl said with a smile, "but as the father of a girl you are this close to, I just have to say: Get a haircut."

They all laughed. Karl gave Hilde a pat, "Make it quick," and left the two adolescents.

"Well," said Hilde, "good-bye, Duo."

"Don't say that, Hilde, you make it sound like it's the end."

"Then, keep in touch."

"Much better." He gave her a quick peck on the lips.

Hilde smiled and then turned around, and joined her parents in to the taxi. Duos watched her get in and drive off. He stood there a good while after the taxi was out of sight before going back inside. He sighed, as the realization that she was gone hit him. Both of remorse and of relief, but also the realization that they really were going to another stage in their relationship. 8

She had just left, and already he was already looking forward to seeing her again. I wonder when my next assignment will be? Think I'll contact Heero and Une.

* * *
INTEGRATIONAL TRAINING FACILITY, NICHOLSON REGIO, GANYMEDE

"Colonel, " the aid said on the intercom, "The new recruits have arrived."

"The Martian recruits?" Colonel Franjo Pedeset asked back.

"Yes, sir."

"Good, join me at the terminal so we can greet them." He got up and made his way to the terminal, his aid and two security guards in tow. The Martians were standing there also accompanied by enlisted personnel. "Welcome to the Nicholson Integrational Training Facility. I am proud that you have chosen to serve the Empire. You will not regret it. You'll be trained into the best fighters ever. If any of you feel you are not up to it and want to back out, now is the time to do it. You can just get back on the shuttle and go home, and that will be it. "

A young woman with a black ponytail came forward, "No. We are going for it. Not only are we up no it, but we will exceed it. Mark my word, you will not be disappointed in our abilities."

Posted: **2004-08-31 01:08am**

Note: the following story contains strong Judeu-Christian overtones. For those of you who might be offended by stuff like that there is an abridged version. To read it click here. On the other hand, , but I think most of you Star Wars fans should be able to handle it. So, if you are OK about that kind of stuff, read on.--TMC

June A.C. 197

INTEGRATIONALWAR FACTORY, VALHALLA, CALLISTO

"What was it called again?" Lezare asked Seratus.

"OMPC #54," Seratus said to Lezare and the other members of the High Command.

"And this is to counter Gundanium?"

"Yes, and it is completely superior to Gundanium in every way. It's stronger, but it is also more flexible and has other physical properties that would make the Gundam scientists' head spin. It can inhibit radar and even visible detection better than Gundanium. And, aside from its properties, there is one very significant factor that makes it better...due to our resources, it can be mass produced," she said with a smile, "Gundanium's greatest weakness."

"What of electrical conductivity?" Hiliada asked.

"Although, Gundanium is doped with some nonmetals and has a complex grain structure to inhibit flow of electrons, [http://www.geocities.com/teancum91/GWFo ... /AN04.html]1[/url] OMPC-54 does a better job. This may be beneficial as an outer covering. On the other hand, most of the internal components, including joints, the thrusters, and the weapons, use superconductors, particularly #46. These increase performance, particularly with the weapons. The superconductors are produce powerful electric fields that can accelerate not only elementary particles, but also macroscopic projectiles at such speeds that would cause sufficient damage to even Gundanium. "

"So, bottom line," Lezare demanded, "What will my forces be using?"

" I'll give you the rundown. First of all there is the Scorpio. It's fairly slow and bulky, but it has a gigantic armament, so much that it requires others beside the pilot to operate them. I will admit that it is the least advanced of the units. It's only an MA armored with OMPC-51. It also has only a level 3 NeCSIS."2

"But that still exceeds the Zero System," Hiliada said.

"Yes, it does, but we couldn't have made the great strides we did if we didn't dissect that now inferior system. By the way, Mincho, remind me to thank Cxetiri in person; we couldn't have done it without her. But, I digress.
"Scorpio, as an MA, is an exception to the units. It is not made to counter any of the MS's. Due to its low aneuverability, its main role is not 'hand-to-hand' combat nor to dogfight. Just mainly take out ground forces. The F's on the other hand have been made to counter MS's, although I suppose Scorpio could still do a number on a MS.
"The MF Aquarius is to counter is to counter the aquatic Cancer and Pieces. The twin MF Gemini is to counter Taurus and Tragos. Capricorn is counter the land based MS. And then, for the air, there is Sagittarius, which has more maneuverability, agility, and speed than anything man has ever made. I dare say that they alone could wipe out anything the Earth Sphere's MS's, but we do need to not specialize. After all, that is one factor why the Alliance, OZ, and White Fang all failed."

"Well put," Grozny said.

"So, I don't have to worry about any resistance?" Lezare asked.

"Shouldn't," Seratus answered, "especially if the reports are true and the Earth Sphere is destroying all of the Mobile Suits."

"Yes," Hiliada responded, "Shtatë confirmed that they are being destroyed, and it's not just some sort of cover up for the media. Cxetiri has actually participated in the destruction of some herself."

"Yes," Seratus smiled, "and even if they did have Mobile Suits, including Gundams, left to throw at us. To do so would be a worthless gesture."3

* * *

July 7, A.C. 197

STRASBOURG

Relena sighed as she was driven to the conference center through torrential rain. Today the Earth Sphere Unified Nation was going to vote on whether or not to continue the Mars terraforming project, which was now horrendously over budget. This was the main reason popularity for the project was at an all time low. There were even a few protest demonstrations. It was being seen as a large boondoggle. Murphy's Law was really having a ball with it. Every time they tried to send an expedition out, something would go wrong to the point that the expedition would have to turn around or even rescued. At least no had gotten killed yet.

This made her smile a little. Her brother and Noin had just returned from another failed expedition a couple of weeks ago. She did love her brother and was generally happy to see him and Noin, but their presence often reminded her of the failure of her project. Also, seeing them together sometimes reminded her of Heero. In the months in which she knew him, they seemed to grow closer, but never connect. Heero always seemed to keep some distance. It oddly reminded Relena of a logarithmic or inverse curve, infinitesimally getting closer to zero, but never reaching it.

She let out another sigh and looked out the window at the wind and rain. The miserable weather wasn't helping her mood. She worried if this example of weather would affect anyone else's mood and thus their vote. The rough weather even made the Rheine choppy. She wondered if it was a mistake to still hold the meeting today. Aside from the vote on the Martian project, the Jeffersonians were going to make a presentation to the leaders of the ESUN. The Jeffersonians were willing to wait until the weather got better, but the ESUN insisted they go ahead with this prescheduled day.

The Jeffersonians were an organization opting to restructure the ESUN. The already had quite a bit of support around the world and lots of support in the Colonies. She had not yet heard from them personally, but she did hear rumors that they were another radical group. She was not yet ready to believe rumors; she was not sure what to make of them, so she was willing to here what they had to say.

The motorcade escorted her limo as it pulled up to the conference center and under the breezeway. She let in a deep breath as the limo came to a stop and the aide opened the door for her.

* * *

The gavel came down loudly. Relena let out a deep sigh of resignation. Ironic how a gavel is like a hammer since as it hit the table she heard the last nail in the coffin of her project go in. It was over. The dream of making another world for people to live was gone. After that issue was over, the floor was given to the Jeffersonians and their spokesperson, Matthew Harrison.

She looked out the large window at the storm with rain beating on the glass. The room was on the second floor of the center, which was right along side the Rhine, separated by a narrow park on the bank. This made the window, of which was the entire height of the four-story building, give a great view of the river, which was now a raging torrent.

She then looked around the conference room, seeing all the representatives, including Dorothy for Romafeller, and the Preventers standing guard, including Duo, Trowa, Quatre, Wufei, her brother, Noin, Une, Sally, and of course Heero. She took a long look at him for a couple of minutes before she realized her mind was wondering and snapped her attention back to the matter at hand.

"What we are asking for there to be more local control," Harrison continued well into the debate.

"Local control for who," asked representative Eddings.

"For everybody. That is every local government. You see what we a proposing is something similar to a Jeffersonian form of government, our namesake obviously. This was envisioned by Thomas Jefferson, in which the basic unit of government is a family. One hundred families compose what he referred to as a ward. They had their own law enforcement and other services. Well, any matter that they couldn't handle would go up to the next level, such as a precinct or district. If there were a matter they couldn't handle, it would go onto such as, if I may use an American terminology, counties. Cities would also be some the chain. From there matters would go on to, say, states or provinces, then nations, then probably some regional government. Finally at the top would be the world government. Which means that a matter or incident would have to be very extreme to involve the actual ESUN, which I suppose would include the Preventers."

"What about the Colonies?" said McCreary, a Colonial rep.

"I'm sure it could work with them too," Harrison replied.

"I know it will," said Khashan, another Colonial rep, "I've studied your organization's proposal before and figured out the Colonies could easily be districted; they very much already are. Individual Colonies could be segmented. Then whole colonies could take up issues they couldn't and this would go right up the Lagrange points."

"So, instead of uniting mankind you want to segment it even more," said Senator Kfister Åttio of L2.

"Local citizens are united in there community. The communities are united as you go up," Harrison said.

"But doesn't this system emphasize borders, which instigated wars?" said Massay, an elderly male Earth rep.

Another Jeffersonian stood up an said, "If you don't mind, sir, that is sixty tons of bulls***. You obviously have never heard of a the term 'civil war', a battle within borders."

"How dare you speak to me that way!" Massay shot back.

"Please, gentleman," Relena cut in, "This is not the time to be acting like a bunch of adolescents."

"Look who's talking," Massay said under his breath, not loud enough for the Vice Foreign Minister to hear, but enough to get glares from his neighboring colleges.

* * *

One of the reporters in the room trotted out of the room, and headed for the rest room, casually checking his watch in the hallway. In the restroom, he was joined by one of the Preventer ushers.

"It's just about time," the reporter said while washing his hands and not turning around.

"I don't see what they hope to accomplish. Still, I feel like doing something."

"Our orders are to observe. Of course, as fellow citizens, we should help with any wounded."

"What if someone gets killed?" Huit asked, "Particularly Darlian."

"So when did you become so concerned about her life?"

"It just might complicate things, that's all."

"Personally, I don't see much of a difference if she lives or dies," Shtatë looked again at his watch, "But we will see what we can do in just a few more minutes."

* * *

"The highest position in government I seek to obtain is Congress, well maybe governor," Harrison defended, "but that's my point. I am a county commissioner, and my county and many other local governments are worried that people near the top here are going tell them how they could do things. No offense, Miss Darlian, but I'm not sure you or most of these people here can fully understand the needs of small town America or many other communities. No one's are the same. So it would be best that local matters are handled by local leaders."

"I recall you mentioned the Preventers but name," Relena mentioned, "Do you have a problem with them?"

"Well, reluctantly, I would say to a degree, 'yes'. Again, mainly many in local law enforcement are worried that the Preventers may supersede their authority. Many are afraid the Preventers may corrupt into an oppressive central police force."

"Oppressive?!" interjected Une.

"'Power corrupts', Lady Une, 'and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' You all know that saying. Besides, it would just make more sense to have people who know the land and the locals to handle incidents. Your input and assistance would be welcomed, but please don't cross any lines."

"So this would require local groups to have weapons," said Relena.

"Yes, it would," Harrison responded.

"But wouldn't that..."

Relena was cut off by Heero yelling, "Get down!" In the corner of his eye, Heero saw a flash from the other side of the river. A small rocket was fired from the other side of the river. Half a second later, the room was shaken by an explosion from the lower level. Two more rockets were fired and hit the building. The large window shattered, letting in the rain and wind. Panic overtook most of the people, but quickly the Preventers recovered and acted. Also, soon Jeffersonians and others recovered and helped a few people get to cover. Heero ran to cover Relena, and Quatre ran to Dorothy.

Outside, four more rockets hit the area around the building, destroying a few security vehicles and killing personnel in the process. A couple of light military vehicles quickly drove up. Men piled out and opened fire as they made their way inside. Guards quickly responded as their comrades were cut down.

Back inside, things got worse as opposing forces made their way into the conference room with machine gun fire, wounding several people. Suddenly, the floor listed as support from the lower levels gave way. People were thrown off balance. Relena slipped and slid down on the now slippery, wet carpet and fell out the now broken window. Heero dove out after her. He jumped down beside her as she winced from a sore rump and foot. Fortunately, the fall wasn't far, so she wasn't seriously injured. He helped her up as the attackers outside noticed them. An attacker was about to fire, but Heero shot him with his pistol first. Heero started to run off with Relena as the fallen attackers comrades fired upon them. They ran along bank of the river as bullets flew around them, but Relena's sore leg as well as the wet environment hampered their progress. Suddenly, she slipped on the wet ground and started to fall. Heero dove for her. but he also slipped, and as he caught her, his momentum carried them into the river. The swift current separated them. "Heeeer....." she started to call out before was pulled under.

Duo saw them fall out the window and worked his way, with his rifle, to the open window careful not to slip himself. From his position he was able to knock off a couple of attackers before he saw his friends fall in river. He turned around called out to Trowa, who was closest to him, "Heero and Relena fell into the Rhine, and I'm going after them." He dropped down outside without another word. Dodging and returning occasional fire he made his way to the parking lot. He found the motorcycle he used in the motorcade. He got on and started it up and drove off, quickly wishing he had a helmet, or at least goggles to keep the rain out his eyes.

The firefight back at the center was quieting down. The tide had turned with a little help from Harrison and his associates who picked up weapons from fallen Preventers and returned fire at the attackers. Finally, most of the attackers were dead, a few had surrendered, and the rest had retreated. Now, it was time to tend to the wounded and evaluate the solution.

Une walked up to Harrison. "Thanks for your help, there. You seem to fire pretty well."

"You're welcome," he said, "and thank you. I do get a bit of practice...uh, that is target practice for defense, of course."

"Of course," she smiled back and walked off to the other Preventers. "OK, what happened?"

"Someone fired rockets from the other side of the Rhine and hit the supports for the second floor," Wufei started. "They then knocked out some of our defenses before sending in troops."

"They must have a launcher on the other side," Une surmised. "Winner, Maxwell, the two of you go to the other side of the river and look for whoever...wait a minute? Where is Maxwell? Or for that matter Rel..."

"D**n," Trowa said. "Duo said that Heero and Relena fell in the river and he was going after them."

"Why didn't you say this before?" Zechs said infuriated.

"I could barely make out what he said. It didn't really come clear until now."

"D**N!" Zechs exclaimed. "O.K. Noin, you go with Winner to find the launcher. Barton, you interrogate some of the prisoners. Chang, you work with Une to track those that retreated." He turned around to leave. "I'm going after Yuy."

As Zechs ran out of the building, Shtatë and Huit came into the room. "What the hell happened?" Shtatë exclaimed. "Duck out for a leak, and all Hell breaks loose."

"Where have you people been?" Une asked Huit.

"Cowering in the bathroom."

"Well, just help with the wounded. We'll fill you in later."

Shtatë and Huit complied.

* * *

Heero swam after Relena. She bobbed back up to the surface, but was clearly at the mercy of the river. The rainy weather over much of central Europe had melted much of the snow the Alps, causing the rivers to rise with freezing water, even though it was July. The rough cold water was sapping much of Heero's strength. If I'm having this much trouble, Relena has to be worse. He finally reached her. She was cold and unmoving. He held on to her, and then looked around to find accessible shore. It was then he realized, that he paid so much attention on her, that he did not realize they were several kilometers down stream, well in to the country. Since it was closer now, he made their way to the east bank, which was heavily wooded.[url=http://www.geocities.com/teancum91/GWFo ... /AN04.html]5 He brought her up on to shore and carried her in to the woods to get more cover from the rain. She was like a wet rag doll. He laid her down after he found what seemed a good spot. He then realized she was not breathing; she just lay there still. He shivered and a felt lump grow in his throat. He checked her carotid, nothing, no pulse. He opened her soaked jacket and blouse and put his ear to her chest, silence. He sat up and looked at her still body. No, God, please, no, this can't be! God, if you are there, please don't take her away from me. God please help me! He started performing CPR.

* * *

Duo revved up his bike to make up lost time. He soon was able to see Heero with Relena on the other side of the river. He clicked on his bike's radio. "This is Duo here. I've found Heero and Relena. They are about seven kilometers down stream on the east bank. I'm going meet up with them." He turned off the radio before waiting for a response. He sped up to get to the next bridge.

* * *

Quatre and Noin were flying in a helicopter that was stationed outside and fortunately not seriously damaged in the attack. They flew across the Rhine in the rain, which by this time was dying down. Using an infrared camera, they quickly located the source of the rockets (this was fairly easy to the high heat signature left from the launching of the rockets}.

"There they are," Quatre said looking down while Noin piloted. "Looks like a light armored assault truck. Take us in closer so we can get them to surrender." He then took control of the copter's heavy machine gun.

He saw the truck then turned on to the road head toward north. Then he saw it's own heavy machine gun swivel and point upwards and start firing at them in the copter. Quatre returned fire and was able to make several hits including one that took out a tire, but not before the copter also got hit in also in a vital area.

"Arrgh!" exclaimed Noin. "Were losing hydraulic pressure. We had better turn back while we still can. Better call for back up."

"Right. Besides, I just saw the truck go off the road and overturn. With them now on foot, they can't get far."

* * *

Three men climbed out of the overturned truck. The driver and the gunner got killed in the crash.

"Well, Colonel Wass," said one as he pushed himself out a window, "this is all going well."

"Stop your griping, Panucci," said Wass. "We still shook them up."

"But they retaliated very well, sending the peons who didn't get killed retreating. And it seems that we've missed most of our primary targets."

"Not necessarily; Darlian should not be far from here." Wass was referring to Duo's radio report, which they overheard. "If we head out now, we should be able to catch up to them."

"Why bother with her?" Panucci sneered as he got some gear out of the truck that was on its side.

"Because I said so. If you don't want to go you could sit and wait for the Preventers, but then I would have to kill you. Nothing personal. I just can't risk you telling them anything."

"It's not like nobody hasn't been captured already," he grumbled as he put his gear. "Sigh. Fine, let's go."

"Good. Well, cover more ground if we split up; plus it would make finding all of us harder. Panucci, you take the left. Havas, you go on the right. Let's go."

They headed north through the woods.

* * *

Heero sat in dead silence staring off into space oblivious to world. He didn't even seem to respond when Duo came out behind the trees.

"Here you guys are. Thank goodness I found you. Are you...guys...all..righ..." Duo's voice trailed off as he realized how still and peaceful Relena was with her eyes closed. He also noticed, how still, but eerie and ominous Heero was with his cold eyes open. "Oh, my g...Heero is she..?"

"Yes," Heero said in his trademark monotone. "She's dead."

Duo's heart sank. Relena dead? It can't be. "Are you sure? Maybe we can still save her!"

"I already checked vital signs and performed CPR. She's gone, Duo."

Duo looked a Heero, who was as usual showing no emotion, but although Heero didn't show it, Duo knew that Heero needed company. So, he just sat down by his friend in silence.

* * *

It was a good fifteen minutes later when Havas slowly came up upon them. He stopped about seventy-five meters away from them. He took out his binocular to get a good look at them. Hmm, there is Maxwell and Yuy and that seems to be Darlian lying there. Better make sure no one else is around. He searched the area first with his binoculars, then his infrared scope. He noticed something unusual as he panned his scope. Then he realized that Duo and Heero were giving off heat signatures, but Relena wasn't. He smiled. Well,it seems we got a primary target after all. He turned around to get Wass and Panucci.

* * *

Duo and Heero had been sitting in silence for about twenty minutes. Duo had tried to revive Relena, Heero made no attempt to stop him, but to no avail. The rain had settled down to a moderate drizzle. Duo stood up when he heard someone approach. Zechs came into view. Heero continued to stare out into space.

"At last I found you. Why didn't any of you call?" Zechs demanded.

Duo suddenly realized that he forgot to call in when he came upon Heero and Relena. I must have been too preoccupied with grief. His hands searched himself, until he realized, "I forgot my portable radio."

"Never mind that. How is she?"

Duo didn't say anything.

"I said, 'How is she?'!"

Duo swallowed before his cracking voice started, "We're sorry. There was nothing we could do."

Zechs's eyes went wide. He turned to Heero and pulled out his side arm. "Get away from my sister, Yuy!" he snarled.

Heero complied with out a word and sat down right down a few meters away in silence.

With his pistol on Heero, Zechs checked his sister's carotid. His face quickly dropped and returned to rage. "Damn you, Heero! You killed her! You killed her! You'll pay for that!" He released the safety.

Duo quickly came forward. "Zechs, don't! Heero did what he could. This won't solve any thing."

"Dammit, Duo, she's dead because of him."

"Because of those terrorists, and he tried to save her."

"He failed. Let me finish this."

"I can't let you."

"No," Heero said. The first word he said for nearly half an hour. "No, Duo, stand aside. He's right. I was responsible for the death of the Vice Foreign Minister. I was responsible for the death of his sister. I wasresponsible for the death...for the death...." His voice started to quiver. "For the death of the girl I loved." Reality hit him like a freight train, the reality that he did love her and that she was now gone. It was too much for even the perfect soldier to handle. All of the emotion he kept restrained for years gushed out like a dam bursting. He started crying.

Duo and Zechs just stood there shocked at Heero's sudden outpour of emotion. Heero continue while crying, "I loved your sister, Zechs , I really did, but I always tried to suppress it because I felt it got in the way of my duties, my missions. But, I guess, she helped me, gave me desire to live." After crying for less than a minute, he was silent for a while. Then returning to his monotone, "Well, go ahead, Zechs , kill me."

"What!" Zechs and Duo in unison.

"She's dead. I have no desire to live. Kill me."

Zechs leveled his firearm, but he couldn't pull the trigger. He couldn't understand it. He was ready to shoot Heero just a few seconds ago, but he couldn't now. Why? Perhaps he felt pity for the young man. He lowered his weapon. "I can't do it."

"What?"

"I just can't kill you, Heero." He clicked back on the safety and, with a feeling of helplessness, cast his gun aside.

Heero turned to Duo. "How about you, Duo?"

"Me?" Duo said.

"You were always considered to be my best friend. Will you be my kaishaku?" He handed Duo a pistol. "Will you be my second? It seems appropriate with a name like yours."

"You want to perform seppuku?" Duo stood silent for a while. "Sorry, Heero, I don't think I can."

Heero placed the muzzle of the gun under his jaw, but he couldn't squeeze the trigger either. "Will somebody please help me die?!"

"No, don't" came a voice from behind. They turned to see a middle-aged looking man. He had Semitic features with a short full beard. He wore a tan tunic with a cream colored robe. He carried a simple wooden staff. He looked like he came right out of days of antiquity. "There is no need for your death."

"Why not!" Heero demanded.

"Because life is precious, including yours."6

"What about her life?"

"She was not supposed to die yet."

"'Not suppose to die yet'?" Zechs almost mocked.

"Yes, she left too soon, but before we take care of that, I would like to ask you why you feel she should she brought back into your lives?"

"Why?!" said Heero while standing up and dropping his weapon. "So the world can have peace."

"Do you really mean that? Is that the only reason? And I was referring to your life." As Heero remained silent, the robed man continued, "I know you have feelings for her, you all do. Please share them."

The three pilots looked at the man, as they felt the drizzle. They never saw him before in their lives, yet, they sensed something about him. Something that told them they could trust him with their deepest feelings. Duo also sensed something strangely familiar about him, although, again he never met him before. There was just a familiar feeling about his presence.

He turned to Heero, "You first. You said that she gave you a desire to live. Is there more to it than that?" As Heero remained silent, the man continued, "You asked for help. That's what I'm here for, and this will help you."

Heero let out a breath before starting. "She always had a way of seeing me more than just a heartless killer, even when I threatened to kill her. She cared for me, even when I felt I didn't deserve it. Eventually, she made me care a little for myself and for her a lot. She was...is the most important thing in the world to me."

"Well said," He moved on to Zechs, "And, what of you, Peacecraft?"

"Ever since I was separated from my sister," Miliardo said with a calm voice, " I saw her as the heir of our family's ideals, the ideals that I denied myself to carry on as I went to carry out my vengeance. She always has been an example of what I often felt I could not be."

"And, you?" he said to Duo who was surprised that he was also asked.

"Well, uh, I guess I've always been impressed how determined she has been following Heero, but other than her work for peace, I'm not sure she has been much more than a platonic friend."

"Yes, but you always took gladness in seeing a relationship develop between the two of them, especially when they weren't aware of it themselves. Your gladness increased when you experienced love yourself. Incidentally, my Master is well pleased with your decision regarding her," --His face made a gesture away from Relena to indicate she was not the “her” he was referring to.-- "That decision will lead to a greater happiness together.
 "Now, before I tend to her, I must ask all of you: do you believe I can bring her back?"

They were surprised at this question and were not sure how to respond, but something told them that...

"Yes, I believe you can," Duo said first, "I don't know how to explain it, but I know you can."

Zechs nodded, and Heero said in a soft voice, "Yes, please do it."

While Duo stood reverently with his head bowed, the man knelt down on the ground behind Relena's head, set down his staff, and gestured for Heero and Zechs to kneel down or either side of her. They complied, Heero taking her cold hand in his. The man then, laid his hand on her head and said, "Relena Darlian Peacecraft, by authority and power invested in me, command you to live and arise, in the name of the Anointed One, Amen."

Relena opened her eyes. Heero felt warmth return to her hand, along with a pulse. Each of them was ecstatic with joy. She saw Zechs first with tears in his eyes and sat up and hugged him. "Oh, Milliardo it was beautiful. I saw our mother and father; they told me how much they loved us. I even saw my stepfather, but they all to me to go back. They said it was not my time yet. I had to go back to..." She trailed off and turned to see Heero, also with tearful eyes and a smile. "Heero." She cried, hugging him.

Duo stood looking on also with tears of joy, while the man picked up his staff and stood up. Suddenly, out of the growth came Wass and his subordinates with their guns ready and level. Wass wanted to see the look on their faces before he killed them even though it would have been easier to take them out from a distance, but some thing didn't seem right. "I thought you told me she was dead," he said to Havas. Oh, well, won't matter in a moment anyway. Look at that, they are just standing there. This will be easier than...wait, who is he?

Although the pilots could have easily have overcome their attackers, the man put his hand out, gesturing them to hold back. He walked forward to the attackers. "Gentleman, there has been enough bloodshed today. Please, depart right now and go in peace."

Wass rolled his eyes. "Great! Another pacifistic nut!" 7 He fired at the man, but everyone heard the bullet go harmlessly through the trees to the side. He fired again with the same result. The man just stood there, but none of the shots hit anybody. His comrades just stood there dumbfounded. He grabbed Havas's rifle and activated its laser scope forming glowing dot formed on the man's chest. Havas fired full-auto, but nobody was hit. Havas eyes went wide. He dropped the weapon before turning tail and running. His shocked comrades followed suit.

After they left, the man turned around to the others and sighed. The others had a somewhat bewildered look on their faces.

"How did...." Heero started to say before his won’t voice trailed off in his own confusion.

"At the end of my Master's mortal ministry, he promised me that I would never taste death until he returned. May I add, when he does return, worldwide peace will be fully established."

"When will that be?" asked Relena as Heero lifted her up.

"I honestly don't know. Not even the angels of heaven know. In fact, when I was mortal many were expecting Him to return right away, and that was over two millennia ago. But I do know that not until all men purge themselves of all desire to do iniquity, there will be war, whether, it be murder, stealing, covetness, or even sexual immorality."

"Why would all those lead to war?" Heero asked.

"Because that's how the Adversary works. He uses however he can to lead the sons of man away. He leads first with a fine thread, and works up to heavy chains. Until man shrugs off his influence, there will be war. Remember, it was he who in the beginning plotted with Cain to kill his brother, and he has been the author of murder ever since." He turned Zechs. "By the way, although I may have written that the Adversary and his followers were cast down to earth, the Earth is not the source of all war or any other evil for that matter." He turned to all of them. "Wherever, man shall go, so shall be the Adversary's influence.
 "On the other hand, don't feel if you have to fight or even to take life, that you are totally in the Adversary's power. True, the love of violence and the wrong intentions can be in his power, but there have been many noble leaders who fought for truly righteous causes. In fact, millennia ago, there was a great military man, and he led his warriors to fight in defense of their religion, their freedom, their families, and their peace. He did not delight in the shedding of blood, and he often used strategy to avoid the lost of life. However, sometimes, he had little choice, but to take life, and yet, it if all men were like unto him, the very powers of Hell would be shaken."

"You say that as if we may have to," Duo said. "Will we?"

"Yes, you may have to. If any case, you should prepare yourselves so that you can resist the powers of the Adversary when the need to fight does come. Remember, almost all of you, including your friends, came dangerously close to completely fall in the Adversary's power. You must make sure you do not fall into his traps and do your best to make sure your friends do not either.
 He then turned again to Zechs, "But now, maybe you should report in."

"Huh? Oh, right." Zechs clicked on the radio, "Wind here. Relena has been found...alive and well." He then looked at the man who nodded back. "But, better have some medical help ready to check her over just in case."

Noin's voice came over radio, "Thank, God." They all looked over to the man who just smiled.

"Also, we had a run-in with some of the terrorists," Zechs added, "They retreated to the south from our point."

"Great, Sally will be waiting at the hospital. Noin, out."

Zechs turned towards the man. "No offense. I know you have healed her, it's just that they would be expecting so check her over."

"That is all right, I understand."

"Well," Zechs looked at Relena, Duo, and Heero, "I suppose we should get back now."

"Right," Heero said, "Anything you wanted to tell us?"

The man smiled, "Just a couple. First of all, bridle your passions, all of you, especially as you are now discovering deep feelings for the ones you are attracted to. That goes for you two" - he said to Heero and Relena- "you and the one you just spoke to" - to Zechs - "and you are already on the right track"- to Duo.

He walked away for a few steps before turning to face them. "The last warning I would give is to beware of secret combinations. They are the Adversary's brain child, and they are the greatest threat to freedom and peace."

"Like OZ and White Fang," Duo said.

"Yes, but also combinations even darker and more insidious. Groups that swear blasphemous binding oaths over things they have no power over and dabble in even deeper realms. But as for now: May God bless you, and peace be unto you." He bowed slightly and started to walk away with his staff.

"Wait," Duo called, "What is your name?"

The man stopped, looked back, and said, "It's John. My name is John." He looked forward and headed back into the woods. The four people left behind could hear the sound of his footsteps and staff get softer, until they seem to stop suddenly all together.

* * *

Duo and Zechs led Heero carrying Relena through the trees back to the road. They hurried a little bit since the rain had started to pick up and had returned to a full downpour by the time they got back to Duo's motorcycle and Zechs's utility vehicle. As Zechs followed Duo in the rain, he looked back at Relena and Heero in the back seat and smiled. They had both fallen asleep but were holding hands.

The drive back to the hospital was uneventful. They pulled up to the emergency room entrance, greeted by Sally and the orderlies with a gurney "You guys all right?" she asked.

"Doing great," Duo said, "Relena should be okay, just a bit cold with a few scratches, but go ahead and check her out."

"Right," Sally said as she helped Relena onto the gurney.

"Where's Noin?" asked Zechs.

"She should be waiting for you inside," said Sally. "She was helping bring in the other wounded."

"Great," he said as he, Duo, and Heero followed her and the orderlies carry Relena inside.

Noin was right there in the emergency room lobby. "Zechs, where were you?" she asked with concern in her voice. "I've been worried si-" She was cut off as Zechs gave her a deep kiss. After their lips parted, she blushed and asked, "So, how is Relena?"

"She's fine," he said looking at Heero walking beside Relena being wheeled. "In fact, she's probably never been better."

* * *

After being checked up, Relena was put into a room in a bed to rest up. Heero stayed with her the whole time. Now, they were alone. Heero sat on a chair beside Relena's bed. "Relena," he said. "I want to apologize."

"What for, Heero?" Relena asked.

"For taking so long to be open for my feelings for you. Of course, it took forever for me to realize myself. I think I may have been attracted to you from the beginning, but this was superseded by devotion to my missions. I'm afraid I may actually woould have killed you that first time if Duo wasn't there. But after you met Doctor J and told me that you were on my side, I think something inside me told me that I could trust you. Then after the attack on the school, that something helped me save you and prevented me from killing you. I couldn't understand what made me do. I was so frustrated because I didn't know what was happening to me, but now I know. I was falling in love with you.
 "But because I could not handle those feelings, I acted like a coward and ran away. Again after Quatre brought me to the Sankt kingdom, I ran off. Athought, it may have just been convenient that Luxembourg was being attacked, but maybe my inability to accept my attraction toward you was the main reason I left. Even after, I ran to you on Libra, I eventually ran away at the moment I felt us getting close after we got back on Peacemillion. I continued to run to you but always leaving before I got too close. But this pattern will now end," he squeezed her hand, "I'm not running away any more.
 "I've had many hints that I have deep feelings for you. Often when I was very close to death you were on my mind, but it was not until you died that I realized that I love you." Her saw tears in her eyes. "Speaking of that last moment on Peacemillion, I was so close to you, that I almost kissed you. True, we did have suits with helmets on, but I know we could have if we tried, but I closed your faceplate and, again, I ran away." He moved close to her, cupping her cheek in his hand. "But not this time." He kissed her, softly, but fully. He held her after their lips parted.

She sighed and looked in to his eyes. "You promise to always be close to me? Not hiding, but always so I can see you."

"I will never run away."

"Good, because," she choked on tears before controlling herself, "When I was on the other side, I also met a Japanese couple. A man with dark moss green hair"-- she ran her fingers through his hair -- "and the woman had the most beautiful Prussian blue eyes. They told me take good care of their son."

His eyes widened before he smiled and gave her a hug. "I'll help you carry out their wishes." He let out a light chuckle.

"What is it?"

"I just realized I might have actually been partly responsible for your death."

"Don't think that, Heero."

"No, I would rather do so, that way I can say that I did kill you. So I don't have to worry about it again."

She laughed, and they kissed again.

He got up. "I'll be right back."

* * *

In another part of the hospital, Harrison was "welcomed" by a horde of reporters in the hallway as he was released by the hospital. "Mister Harrison," started Bob Crystal of the Washington Post, "Did your militia organization have anything to do with the attack on Ms. Darlian this afternoon?"

"No," Harrison said with a shaky worried tone in his voice. "In fact, my prayers are for her full recovery."

"And, he is quite sincere in the response, too," said Une joining them hallway.

"Then who was it?" asked William Browning of the London Times.

"After interrogating captured terrorists, we have identified the group as a White Fang break off group called Night Fang led by Briant Wass, a self-proclaimed colonel. Actually, Mister Harrison, you were part of their targets."

"Me?" Harrison asked.

"Yes, although Darlian was their primary target, they don't care much of your group's views. So, they decided to take advantage of as many targets as possible."

"How is Vice Foreign Minister Darlian?" asked Shtatë.

"She is fine, no more questions right now, please. An official press conference will be held later. Harrison, come with me."

* * *

Duo sat quietly in the hospital chapel. He finally remembered where he felt that feeling her had around "John" before. He felt it at Maxwell Church as well as other churches, but not as strong as around "John." He sighed with a bit of shame remembering back to his days at Maxwell church.

"Duo," Sister Helen said, "You don't believe in God, but you believe in Shinigami?"

"Yeah!" Duo responded, "Because I've never seen a miracle, but I've seen lots and lots of dead people!" [http://www.geocities.com/teancum91/GWFo ... /AN04.html]8[/url]

Well, Duo, today you just someone raised from the dead. That's more powerful than a "god of Death." Was that good enough of a miracle for you? Do you believe in God now? A God of life? A God of Love? Duo sighed. He and Hilde had gone to several churches including, Catholic, Baptist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, although Hilde often did seem most comfortable going to Lutheran services due to her upbringing. She seemed enjoy going to church and to believe in God. He enjoyed going as well, but it may have been just for her company. Off and on, he had been somewhat interested on God, but not as much as he was now. He had a sudden interest in reading the information about the University of Heidelberg.

* * *

Heero stood on a porch around the hospital for some fresh air. He looked up at sky. It was still cloudy but occasionally he could see the stars. He let out a sigh as he contemplated the events that had transpired during the day. It was great realizing he loved Relena. Realizing, of course, she loved him. As a dear friend, Duo loved him. He even learned of dead parents who loved him. But there also seemed to be a greater power or being that loved him in a way he could hardly imagined, somewhat like love from a father but greater. He wiped a way a tear, when he realized all the time these people loved him while he hated himself. He smiled; it was also great realizing he was beginning to love himself as well.

He went back to Relena's room to discover Quatre, Dorothy, Une, and Harrington seated around her having a discussion.

"Oh, hi" Harrington said, "I was just leaving." He got up and smiled as Heero walked over to Relena. "You know you two do make a nice couple. Reminds me of when my wife and I were young. Speaking of which, I better call her so she knows I'm all right. Bye."

Duo was just coming while Harrington was leaving. "What's up?" Duo asked.

"Oh," Relena started, "We were just having a little discussion about politics and matters." She paused. "And I guess although I have learned quite a bit from experience, there is still a lot I have to learn. I am thinking of taking a few years off and gaining more education about the politics about different people."

"Really?" Duo said with his trademark cheerfulness, "May I make a suggestion?"

Everyone leaned in closer to listen.

* * *

July 9, A.C. 197

Duo waited for an answer on the vid-phone until Janna's face appeared on the screen.

"Gutentag, Schbeiker's. Oh, Herr Maxwell. How are you? "

"Great, Mrs. Schbeiker. Is Hilde available?"

"No, she is at class." She noticed the caller ID. "Oh, you are calling from Strasbourg. Would you like to come over for dinner? It would only be an hour's drive."

"You bet! I actually had things to do in Heidelberg anyway."

"Great. Come by around five. Oh, and I won't tell Hilde. Have it be a surprise.

* * *

ZIEGELHAUSEN

Hilde sat on the couch watching the Relena's press conference on TV.

"Miss Darlian," asked Browning, "Why are you quitting being Vice Foreign Minister."

"Because I feel it would be best to further my education in other political matters so I can do my job better. That's why I am quitting the Vice Foreign Ministry and going to pursue my law degree."

"But what about world peace?" asked Crystal.

"It shouldn't affect. I may stick close to handle serious matters, but people should not be dependent on me for peace. I am not the Messiah. I could die by accident, but why should that affect there being peace or not."

The doorbell rang. <<de<< Hilde, would you get that please?>>de>>, Janna called from the kitchen. "<<de<< It should be our dinner guest.>>de>>"

Hilde got up. I wonder who it is? Probably one of Dad's professor friends. She opened the door to a delightful surprise. "Duo! What are you doing here?"

"I was in the area, and your mother invited me for dinner. I'm here to see you, too, of course." He gave her a quick kiss.

"Well, come on in, dinner will be ready in a moment."

"Thanks." As he entered, he noticed on an end table a picture of a five-year-old-Hilde. Wow, and I thought she was cute now. She was really adorable when she was little. After looking at a few more family photos, his attention drew to the press conference on the TV.

"Miss Darlian," asked Martha Cummings of CNN, "Which college will you be going to."

"I'm sorry," Relena replied, "That is not to be publicly announced."

Duo smiled.

* * *

"Want some more cabbage, Duo?" asked Janna.

"Yes, please." Duo responded.

As Duo was served, Karl asked, "So, Duo, what brings you here, besides my daughter?"

"Well, actually, have enrolled at the University of Heidelberg." Duo said while shoveling spaetzle into his mouth, but trying not to stuff his face too much (he had to make a good impression after all).

All of the Schbeikers' eyes widened. "Really? So what brings you to Heidelberg besides my
daughter?" Karl repeated with the same tone.

Duo chuckled, "I'm actually going for a theology major. I understand that Heidelberg is a great school for that. Also, my best friend and his girlfriend are enrolling, too."

"Relena Darlian is going to Heidelberg?" asked Janna.

This time Duo's eyes widened, "Uh, yeah, how do you know?"

"Well," Hilde said a little embarrassed, "I told them about your best friend, Heero, and his off and on relationship with Relena. I even told them about the time I first met her on Libra and how the both of us discovered we were each attracted to a Gundam pilot." They all remained silent for while, while Duo blushed. Hilde resumed, "But wait, they are actually an item now?"

"Heero finally confessed his love for her," Duo said with a smile, "Well, as long as you know, and I suppose you can be trusted, Heero is majoring in Mathematics, Relena, along with Dorothy, is majoring in Law."

"That other girl on Libra, Catalonia, with the waist-long blonde hair."

Duo nodded, "That's her. Plus, Quatre is majoring in Economics."

"Hmm," Karl said, "and they are all going here to Heidelberg?"

Duo nodded while taking a bite and swallowed, "Une has already talked it over with the university president. They are going to have us take entrance exams, but we should be able to pass."

"You better," Hilde mockingly scolded, "after how much I kicked your butt in gear to do some studying back on L2." They all laughed. "I'm sure you will all do fine. And thanks for trusting us enough to tell us."

"Well, actually Hilde, have you made very many friends here yet?"

"Quite a few, actually. Why?"

"Well, I'm also here to make sure much of the student body gives Relena support. Although, she has not released where she is enrolling to the media, she doesn't want to use an alias at the school, but she does want to be treated just like any other girl."

Hilde smiled. "So you want me to be her friend."

"At least."

"You got it! Relena and I have already been communicating with each other. It will be great to take her with the rest of the gals." Her face suddenly went to concern. "But, are you sure she'll be alright? I mean what about security to protect her?"

Duo smiled and put a finger to his lips. "That I can't tell you, but I can tell you that her and your other fellow students will be fine."

* * *
ISI HQ,TROS, GANYMEDE

Hiliada continued talking to the vid-com, recording his message for Shtatë, "Despite the fortunate loss of Eddings, Robson, and a few others, these break off groups are becoming a dangerous nuisance. Furthermore, I agree with you that their attacks can prove to develop sympathy 9 for organizations that disagree with centralization and other visions of ours. It is now time for us to proceed to the next step. We have already infiltrated the splinter groups, now it is time for them to join us. Subtly invite them to join a higher cause. Those that accept, transportation will be arranged to bring them here for more training. As for those who refuse, take them out."
He then hit "STOP" followed by "SEND."

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Gundam Wing: Forgotten Worlds

Gundam Wing: Forgotten Worlds

Prologue: The story begins

Chapter 1: Watching from the Sidelines

Chapter 2: Martian Tears

Chapter 3: Meet the Parents

Chapter 4: Messenger of Peace