Warrior’s Gathering

Part I

By: Wing Knight

Note: Prequel to Gundam Wing : Covert Operation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Gundam Wing~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zechs, and Noin sat behind the large monitor. A man with white hairs and suit confronted them over the other side of the communication line. The static annoyed them, but it was the only way to communicate.

“ But Mr. President! The Tera Formation Project......”

The president cut them off.

“ I’m sorry, but there is no budget to continue the project. As of now on, the Tera Formation Project is officially over. You are to return home immediately.”

Zechs looked into the eyes. There was something behind it.

“ Is there any other reason, sir?”

The president sighed and went further.

“ The fact of the matter is Lady Une of the Preventers’ Corp gave me an idea about forming a special division within the Preventers’ Corp. You, Mr. Merquise, will be in charge of the new division. And Ms. Noin will be second-in-command.”

Zechs and Noin thought about for a moment. The Tera Formation Project has reached a point where the actual work force was needed to complete the project of making an inhabitable place in Mars. However, the unwillingness of the would be workers to move to a point in space that separated them from their family and the society trashed the carefully devised schedule. They knew that the government was going to scrap the project, but they didn’t expect it to be now.

“ We’ll head home......sir.”

The president smiled at the reply.

“ Okay. Have a safe journey.”

The screen went black and Noin gazed at the stars and the red planet beyond the window of the space station.

“ So it’s over huh, Zechs?”

“ It seems that way.”

He floated to the stairs and grabbed the rail.

“ Where are you going Zechs?”

Zechs looked to Noin, then smiled.

“ I’m going down to the galley. I’m hungry.”

Zechs received the understanding smile of Noin.

“ I’ll cook.”

Zechs propelled himself down.

“ Oh, no you don’t.”

Noin gave chase down the stairs as both headed to the galley below.

Lady Une, Sally Po, and Wufei Chang waited at the spaceport for Zechs, and Noin.

“ What’s taking them so long?” muttered Wufei.

“ Calm down. They might be late trying to get the right re-entry course.”

Wufei grabbed the binoculars and looked up at the blue sky. There wasn’t any speck of cloud. He looked for two minutes when he saw red glow.

“ There they are.”

Wufei pointed to the glow.

“ Oh.”

They rushed to the terminal and saw Zechs and Noin coming down the corridor.

“ Welcome back.”

Zechs watched in annoyance.

“ I can’t believe it. We just needed some workers to start the construction!”

Lady Une directed the others toward the exit.

“ Well, let’s go. There might be trouble lurking by.”

Zechs grumbled for a moment then followed with others. Noin smiled and then placed her arm around Zechs’ shoulder.

“ Come on. At least we’ve come back...”

“ But.....”

They were greeted by second company. A woman with same feature as Noin, except for the hair length.

“ Lucy!”

Noin looked up, seeing the basic clone of herself running down the hall.

“ Marianna!”

They hugged each other and performed their secret ritual like greetings.

“ Um......”

Noin snapped to attention and then introduced Marianna to Zechs.

“ Zechs, this is my twin sister, Marianna. Marianna, this is Zechs Merquise.”

Both Zechs and Marianna shook hands with each other, then saw the other operatives tapping their feet on the marble floor of the hall.

“ Well, let’s go!”

The three rushed through the crowd and to the awaiting limo outside.

The dark room was illuminated by a large monitor that provided a collection of data from the Ministry of Justice of the Earth Sphere Unified Nation. About twenty people stared at the bright screen that illuminated the faces of themselves and their colleagues. One of them ordered for the lights to be turned back on and the room lit with the fluorescent lights.

“ These are the mercenaries of the drug mafia. As you have witnessed, they are mostly former military, and have great amount of training funded by our former regime.”

Everyone looked down at the briefing papers upon the comments from the Justice Minister. The president looked through each people and then spoke in a disappointed tone.

“ Vice Foreign Minister Darlian.”

Vice Foreign Minister, Relena Darlian looked up.

“ Yes, Mr. President.”

“ How are the things going with the states of this nation? And with the colonies?”

Relena hesitated for a moment. She didn’t really expect him to ask any question to her after the briefing.

“ We have a strong and good relations with them. We don’t have to worry about them revolting, if that’s what you asked for, Mr. President.”

President Russell gazed at the Justice Minister. The Justice Minister nodded and began.

“ We have some information that some of the colonies and for that matter, former soldiers seem to have ties with these mafias. In our latest investigation, we found that the mafia has its own standing army of mechanized forces and infantry. We assume that most are infantry supported by few attack helicopters.”

The eyes of other ministers and the members of the Preventers’ Corp widened with horror. The people they thought as nothing more than a mere criminals were now equipped with serious weapons. They had nothing to use against them, except for one thing. Zechs got up from the back rows of the minor officials.

“ Mr. President. We don’t have to worry.”

President Russell raised his eyebrows.

“ Who are you?”

“ Preventer Wind, Zechs Merquise, Mr. President.”

“ Okay, Mr. Merquise. Explain yourself.”

“ If I am right, we still have a mobile suit in the possession of Preventers’ Corp. Tallgeese III.”

Zechs’ blue eyes looked at Lady Une. She was rubbing her forehead.

‘ What?’

Lady Une spoke.

“ The truth of the matter is, Mr. President, the Tallgeese III is in terrible condition after the Mariemeia conflict. There is no fuel for the mobile suits because it simply became outlawed. There isn’t any mechanized equipment in Preventers’ possession to fight with.”

Zechs sat down, looking at Noin. He whispered.

“ What do we do now? We have no army, nor the equipment.”

President Russell stared at the stack of papers grimly then looked up in a flash.

“ Why don’t we use our new Cover Operations division in the Preventers’ Corp?”

Justice Minister watched in disapproval.

“ We just don’t have enough or experienced operatives. All they have is essential staffs right now.”

“ But we can recall the former soldiers still loyal to the peace, can we not?”

Justice Minister nodded, still skeptical. He saw Lady Une stand in defense of the President.

“ We can also recruit the former Gundam pilots!”

All the ministers and President Russell watched in hope.

“ Will they help us?”

“ They will. These mafias stand as a clear danger to the peace. The Gundam pilots are obliged to protect the peace in any circumstances.”

President Russell sighed and smiled.

“ Then we can start our effort to get those mafias off of our streets.”

Lady Une gave the other side of the story.

“ Unfortunately, Mr. President, we only have contact with two of the five pilots. One works with the Preventers’ Corp and the other works in the Winner Foundation. The other three will be hard to find.”

“ Get on with it.”

“ Sir!”

The meeting ended and Lady Une held a meeting with the Preventers.

“ We need to find Trowa Barton, Duo Maxwell, and Heero Yuy. Wufei, Noin, and Sally..... Find them.”

The three nodded and left the room. They went to the rest area to get some lunch. After grabbing some sandwiches, they sat down behind the tables and discussed the possible point of contact.

“ First, we need to determine which person gets who...”

Wufei interrupted.

“ I’ll get Trowa.”

“ Then I’ll get Duo. Noin, will you get Heero?”

Noin nodded in approval.

“ I will.”

They left the rest area and headed to the space port.

It was relatively easy to find Trowa and Duo. Wufei was able to convince Trowa about the importance of the situation, but was chewed out by the manager of the circus and Catherine.

“ I’m sorry. We must fight again. Those mafias can make another war.”

Trowa comforted Catherine.

“ Don’t worry, Catherine. I will come back. Besides.... I can’t be a clown forever.”

Trowa smiled to ease her and Wufei grumbled in the back about women. Meanwhile, Sally had easier time with Duo. He was bored with the junkyard life and Sally also found out that Hilde wanted to join the Preventers as well as Duo.

“ Well, that’s nice. you can work together.”

“ Well it really bores me, you know? I need to be the Shinigami to know that I actually live.”

“ ..........”

“ Did you find Heero?”

Sally shook her head.

“ No. Noin’s taking care of it, but we can’t find him anywhere.”

Duo sighed.

“ Where did you look for him?”

“ In the colonies of course. Relena works mostly in the Colonies now, remember?”

“ I don’t think Heero’s protecting Relena right now....”

“ What do you mean?”

“ I have a hunch that he’s doing something in Earth. But........that’s just a hunch.”

While Wufei and Sally found who they were looking for, Noin was having a difficult time. She was in Earth, following the advice from Duo. She visited about ten cities so far, and she was ready to give up. She then remembered that the street motorcycle racing was open on the city she was in, Saint Michael. She was a diehard fan of the street motorcycle racing since she first saw it upon her return to Earth. She liked the racer of the number ’0’ bike, Ganjio Takajida. The young star of the racing world. He had won over 10 races since his debut last year, taking most of the titles. As usual, many female fans roamed over him, shouting his name for the split second photo opportunities and possibility of seeing his face. Surprisingly, Noin found herself attracted toward Ganjio. The mysterious feelings drew her closer to him than others.

‘ Oh well, I guess I’ll see the race tomorrow.’

She changed into the pajamas and then lied on the bed. She turned on the TV and the anchor was talking about the race tomorrow. They were favoring on Ganjio Takajida. The consecutive wins actually changed the outcome of the gamblers’ thoughts. Noin sighed as the TV screen was filled with the pictures of Ganjio Takajida.

‘ He’s cute.’

She then caught her thoughts.

‘ What am I thinking? Zechs......’

She knew that she was attracted to Zechs, but also found the famed racer irresistible along with other women of the world. She found out that Sally and Lady Une were attracted as well. Up on their return to Earth and the party that followed, Sally and Lady Une talked about the rising star of the motorcycle racing. Wufei grumbled about it a lot, which gave Noin a sense into his true nature. On the other hand, she didn’t have a proper excuse for her behavior. She was clearly a woman who was already taken. She was partly disgraced in her thoughts, but then she also could not resist her own attraction toward the racer.

‘ I guess I’ll see him tomorrow, at the race.’

She turned the TV off and rested her body against the air mattress. She turned sideways and soon the dreams about Ganjio and Zechs displayed in her mind.

Noin woke up from the alarm. The sunlight caught her eyes unprepared and the blinding rays peeking through the blinds annoyed her. However, she felt good for the fact that it was the race day, and she had the chance to see the race live. She removed the blanket and walked off to the bathroom. After finishing her shower, she changed into jeans and shirts, she tidied up the place again. She checked the room for the last time and stepped outside. She went down to the first floor and exited the hotel. The fresh breeze of sea filled her lungs, taking away some of the nausea away. Noin entered her car and then headed toward the race tracks. The race would start in noon.

‘ Better get some chow....’

When she reached the race track, she headed straight into the restaurant near by. There, she ordered eggs and ham, along with orange juice. She caught her breath and sighed, but saw a shadow over her table.

“ Hey, pretty lady.”

Noin looked up, staring into the eyes of three men. She had the impression of these men being thugs.

“ .............”

“ Come on, join us.”

Noin ignored, sipping her orange juice and reading the magazine. One of the men pulled a chair and sat in front of her. The other two brought their food over to the table, and sat as well.

“ Well, anyways.........what’s a pretty girl doing here in Saint Michael? This city has nothing for a girl.....”

Unknown to the people at the table, a man with slicked back red-orange hair was watching over the whole mess. He cut a piece of ham and placed it in his mouth. While chewing silently, emerald green eyes behind a pair of shades watched over them like a hawk.

“ So, what’s your name? My name is Frewg Haronog.”

Noin kept reading her magazine, which featured an article about Ganjio. The man who sat to her right flipped the magazine a bit and saw the article.

“ This lady’s a motorcycle fan.”

Frewg raised his eyebrow.

“ Who do you like?”

“ It’s Ganjio, Frewg.”

Frewg smiled at his friend to his left.

“ Thanks, Breyun.”

Frewg continued.

“ You know, I’m a friend with Ganjio. I could......hook you up?”

Noin stopped reading, then lowered her magazine and then stared straight into Frewg’s eyes.

“ Thanks, but no thanks.”

The waiter brought the food and placed it in front of Noin. She grabbed the knife and fork, then placed the pepper and the salt on her scrambled eggs. She was about to have her first bite when Frewg stood up.

“ May I request a date at the race track?”

She scooped up some eggs and ate them, then placed her dining ware on the table.

“ Buzz off.”

Frewg became enraged and raised his right arm. He was about to strike down with his might, but it was held back.

“ Hey, what the?”

The man with the red-orange hair grabbed Frewg’s arm with his hand. He was wearing a racing uniform. Noin saw the team logo and recognized him.

“ Tsk, tsk, tsk. Raising your fist in front of a lady........ I don’t think it’s appropriate...”

Frewg turned around.

“ Who are you?”

“ I thought you would recognize me, hearing that you know me as well.”

“ You’re Ganjio? You’re Ganjio Takajida?”

Ganjio lifted his shades, then placed it above his forehead. His emerald green eyes shone with brightness.

“ I suggest that you leave this lady alone.”

Breyun got up and punched. Ganjio dodged, then drove his right knee straight into Breyun’s stomach.

“ Please, leave.”

Frewg and the others’ eyes glowed with anger. After a long stand off, they left the scene in a hurry. Confirming that the three thugs left, Ganjio turned to Noin.

“ Well, hello. Miss Noin.”

Noin’s eyes widened with surprise. She was confused.

“ How do you know my name?”

Ganjio flinched for a second, then explained.

“ I saw your name tag. You’re a Preventer, right?”

Noin nodded then relaxed.

“ Be careful around this city. There are many thugs looming over, trying to get people to bet on the race.”

Ganjio saw the nervousness of Noin.

“ First time with the celebrity?”

“ Well.....”

“ Haha. Don’t worry. I won’t do anything rash. I promise.”

“ Thank you.”

Noin couldn’t think of what to do or what to say. In front of her was the racer she dreamed about, next to Zechs. Ganjio lowered his shades again and smiled.

“ May I have the pleasure of reserving a seat in my team’s observation room?”

Noin’s eyebrows raised. Ganjio called the waiter.

“ Yes, Mr. Takajida.”

“ Put her meal in my tab.”

“ Okay, sir.”

Noin stopped.

“ But.....”

“ No buts. I wouldn’t treat my guest that way.”

Noin began to wonder whether Ganjio was putting his move on her or not. Her heart was thrilled. Ganjio got up, then went through his pocket and took out a plastic card.

“ This is the pass. Just show it to the people in the track. They’ll escort you in.”

With that, Ganjio went out of the restaurant. The waiter came over with smiles.

“ You are one lucky lady. Mr. Takajida is a nice racer. He always helps out with the restaurants he goes in his tour. And he’s a fine fellow. I mean just last year, when my daughter had her birthday party, he visited my house and made her birthday party, one of the best. What a fine fellow....”

Noin was surprised. The kindness and the humanness of Ganjio was something that she couldn’t think of. She just thought that Ganjio was just like the other racers. Arrogant, and gutsy, but no kindness.

‘ But how did he know my name? I’m not wearing any name tag...’

She looked over her clothing and made sure that there weren’t any name tags. She realized that only the Preventers’ Corp symbol was on her jacket.

‘ Amazing....’

Noin saw her watch and finished her breakfast in a hurry. She needed to get to the track early to find some parking spaces. She left a hefty amount of tips and turned to the waiter.

“ Thank you.”

“ No. I thank you for the nice meal.”

After the usual waves, Noin entered her car. She started the engines and then sped off to the race tracks.

She drove by the gate and found a parking space near the main gate to the race tracks. Her parked her gray SUV and stepped out. She locked the door, then looked around for any suspiciousness. There weren’t anything that entered her sight, thus she headed into the gate. Upon entry, she flashed her pass in front of the guard post. One of the guards smiled then gestured to the trailers to the right.

“ We were expecting you. Please, this way.”

The guard didn’t like this. Even though he was being as courteous as possible, he knew this protocol was bending the regulation that he prioritized.

“ Ma’am? If you don’t mind me asking, how do you know Mr. Takajida? I mean...you’re not his girlfriend or anything, are you?”

Noin blushed. On the other hand, she was worried that her presence might give an impression that she was the girlfriend of Ganjio Takajida. Being already engaged to Zechs, it didn’t help her to focus on the assignment.

“ No, Mr...”

“ Oh, I’m sorry. My name is Gary Uler.”

“ I’m not his girlfriend. I just got invited from a restaurant that I was in.”

Gary had an understanding look on his face, then asked another question.

“ Are you terminally ill?”

Noin came on defensive.

“ What do you mean?”

“ I mean, Mr. Takajida mostly invites the terminally ill or kids. He’s very nice...”

Noin felt ashamed. She thought about her use of Ganjio’s pass that was probably meant to be given to others who needed them. The people who needed hope and encouragement. They arrived at the trailer with green colors with the title “ Wind Busters” in gold.

“ Well, here we are. Enjoy the race, ma’am.”

Gary tipped his hat and walked back to his post. Noin looked around the trailer and saw mechanics working on the bike. One of them raised his head and saw her.

“ Excuse me. This area is off limits.”

The door of the trailer compartment opened and Ganjio poked his head out. He waved at Noin.

“ Hi!”

Noin saw him and walked to the compartment. They went inside and Ganjio closed the door.

“ So, how was your breakfast?”

“ Fine.”

Noin saw a plate with partially eaten steak.

“ What’s this?”

Ganjio scratched his head.

“ That would be my lunch.”

Noin checked her watch.

“ It’s only 11 in the morning.”

“ I only race with my stomach full. Superstition kind of thing...”

Noin laughed.

“ I thought you were very skilled. Skilled enough that you wouldn’t need superstition.”

Ganjio finished his meal and sipped the soda. Noin thought quietly for a moment then started her question.

“ How did you know my name?”

“ I told you. I read your name tag.”

Noin shook her head.

“ I don’t have any name tags.”

Ganjio had a look of ‘ I’m in trouble.’ He started to chuckle.

“ Just who are you?” asked Noin.

Ganjio leaned toward Noin, then whispered into her ears.

“ I’ll tell you after the race.”

Noin’s mind began its assessment. She began to look over every faces she remembered and compared them to the face she was looking at now.

“ I’m going to the track. You just need to go with the chief.”

He opened the door once more and yelled at the group of people working on the bike.

“ Chief!”

“ Yeah?”

The Chief entered the trailer and greeted to Noin.

“ Hi.”

“ Hello.”

Ganjio took his hand on the Chief’s shoulder.

“ I want you to accompany Miss Noin here during the race.”

“ Sure thing.”

The Chief exited the trailer and hollered at the mechanics to speed up the things. Noin saw Ganjio walk out of the dress room with his helmet, and steel knee pads.

“ Well, see you after the race.”

Ganjio left the trailer and the Chief escorted Noin to the control room.

“ Welcome to the place of best view. Please. Sit.”

Noin saw the high tech computers that monitored the motorcycle during the race. Every aspects of the bike was monitored. Down to the racer’s heart beat and response time. The race was about to start as the mechanics and the chief came back into the control room. Everyone seemed tense, as if they were about to embark on an epic battle. Within moments, the race began. Fifty motorcycles of various colors sped off in the mini urban environment race tracks. Noin watched carefully on the heart beat, response time, and the forward camera monitors. She wanted to know if Ganjio was someone she knew. She was certain that he was.

It was the last lap of the fifty lap race and Ganjio was trailing the number ‘31’ bike that was in the lead. Noin watched carefully at the forward camera and saw a small opening to the inside. In no time, Ganjio took advantage. Twisting into full throttle and speeding past the leader. Noin then saw the speed on the bottom left corner. It was an amazing speed, which no human she knew could withstand the G-force exerted from the acceleration.

“ Wow!”

Chief chucked.

“ That son of a bitch has done it again!”

Within a minute, the race was over, with Ganjio Takajida taking his eleventh consecutive win. The green bike pulled slowly to the trailer, and Noin stepped out.

“ That was amazing.”

Ganjio got off the bike and stepped into the trailer with Noin, ignoring the reporters.

“ Well? What’ your real name?”

Ganjio smiled, then turned around.

“ You know me well, Miss Noin.”

Ganjio started blinking his eyes, and pulled out a pair of green contact lenses, then stepped into the bathroom and washed his hair with shampoo. The red-orange color faded off and the true color of dark brown appeared. He re-styled the hair and then stepped out of the bathroom. He saw Noin’s face in full surprise.

“ Heero!”

Heero Yuy trashed the lenses and then sat on the sofa.

“ Now do you recognize me?”

“ Not your voice....”

Heero unhooked his collar and pulled out a patch. His voice came back to normal.

“ Sorry.”

“ So.....”

Heero smiled, then his face became stoic.

“ I guess you want me to come with you...”

Noin was startled by the comment that struck right on the dot. Heero saw the reaction and nodded.

“ What is it that you need me on?”

Noin composed herself and then coughed few times.

“ We’re creating a new division within the Preventers’ Corp to covertly handle the situations.”

“ And?”

Heero knew there was something more to it.

“ Our target is the drug mafia. The president is seeking to take the drugs off the streets. Of course, they possess the world’s largest military.”

Heero’s ears piqued.

“ How? I thought all the weapons were disposed of.”

Noin sighed. The ineffectiveness of the present politic was revealed with the single question.

“ The government sought to collect them and then dispose them at one time. The problem arose when some of the trucks carrying these weapons were hijacked. Right now...... those weapons are in the hands of the mafia.”

Noin’s eyes repositioned on Heero. He was standing.

“ Huh?”

“ Help me pack my stuff.”

“ Wait! What about the race team?”

Heero scoffed.

“ My contract was over when I finished this race. It was only negotiated to one year. That’s all.”

Heero took out his duffle bags and began stuffing his belongings inside. First, his clothes went in, then his personal stuff. Second, he took a patch and placed it over his throat. Last of all, he reached underneath the sofa and pulled out a large manila envelop.

“ What’s that?”

“ My salary.”

Noin stood dumbfounded. She never anticipated his storage method of the large amount of cash.

“ Come on.”

“ Y...Yeah.”

Heero opened the door to the trailer and then the mechanics rushed.

“ I guess it’s good bye, huh?”

“ Yeah.”

The chief came through the crowd.

“ You dumb ass..... Why don’t you continue to race?”

“ Well...”

Heero pointed toward Noin.

“ She offered me a job....”

The chief placed his hand on Heero’s shoulder.

“ Ganjio........You take care, you hear?”

“ Okay chief.”

Noin cleared her throat.

“ We should go, Ganjio.”

“ Hold on.”

Heero winked and the chief threw the key.

“ Just as we contracted. The bike is yours.”

Heero grabbed the key and entered the trailer. A rev of engine was heard, then Heero emerged out of the end of the trailer. When he came out, he was surrounded by hundred of crowds.

“ Ganjio!”

The fans surrounded him, not wanting to let him go. Over the past year, they enjoyed the most thrilling race in their lives. The split second precision, incredible maneuvers... all came from their star, Ganjio Takajida.

“ Please, don’t go.”

Heero sat on the bike, then looked at the Noin’s direction. She nodded with smile.

“ My contract with the Wind Busters is over. I would have loved to renew my contract, but I found another job. I am willing to work in the Preventers’ Corp.”

A reporter came up to him. She shoved through the crowd, then stuck the microphone in front of Heero.

“ In what division will you be working on?”

“ I do not know.... I mean... They’re the one who will give me the job right?”

Heero chuckled to input some humor into the tense situation. Over the course of one year, Heero adapted well into the public life. Although he faked his identity using his training as a Gundam pilot, he believed now that it was an experience he would never forget.

Every crowd shed tears at the departure of the brightest star of the street motorcycle racing. Noin turned around and walked to the parking lot. The motorcycle engine came near her, then stopped.

“ Need a lift?”

“ No, I’ve already have it.”

People gathered around at the base in Portsmouth. Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei sat on the bench, looking at the ‘veterans’ training.

“ I can’t believe it. We’re going to war with the drug lords?”

“ Well, it’s better than fighting Libra.” Wufei answered.

One of the veterans came, then sat next to Trowa.

“ What’s your name, sonny?”

Trowa thought for a minute.

‘ Oh well, I’m going to work with him anyways...’

“ Trowa. Trowa Barton.”

“ Sergeant Ruy Vernards. Former Alliance Terrestrial Special Forces.”

Trowa gave a smile.

“ Hey, wait a minute! You’re a Gundam pilot aren’t ya?”

“ Yes. We all are.”

Sergeant Vernards took out his cigar.

“ You guys smoke?”

Everyone shook their heads.

“ How about it, Trowa? You wanna try?”

“ Uh....”

“ You gotta smoke to be a man. Here.”

Sergeant basically shoved the cigar in Trowa’s mouth and lit it. Trowa took the cigar out of his mouth and coughed.

“ You’ll get used to it.”

A second lieutenant came out of the main building.

“ Atten-hut!”

Everyone got up, staring at the metallic door. The door opened without any noise. Two people appeared.

“ Good morning.” spoke Zechs.

“ Good morning, sir!”

Noin stepped up.

“ We have another member joining us. His name is...”

Noin looked back into the building. She received a smile.

“ His name is Ganjio Takajida.”

Everyone began to murmur. They knew who it was. They just didn’t expect him to be in the same division as them.

“ He can’t fight! He doesn’t know how!” exclaimed a corporal.

“ I wouldn’t say that I don’t know how to fight.”

The four pilots recognized the voice.

“ Heero?”

Heero stepped out into the light. The rare sun of the Britain illuminated him in the wood-land camouflage.

“ Geez! I thought you would be in some colony, protecting Ms. Relena!”

Quatre stood with welcoming smile. Duo ran up, and offered his drink.

“ No, I ate earlier.” replied Heero.

Heero sat next to his comrades, and began to re-tie his bootlaces. Noin came over to him, with a large box. She laid the box in front of Heero, then worked the combination lock, and finally revealed assortment of pistols.

“ Choose one out of these. It will be your personal weapon.”

Heero looked at the five weapons inside the box. There were three 9mm pistols, a SOCOM, and a .50 Desert Eagle. Heero thought for a moment. He either had to choose from volume of fire, or the firepower from a single shot. Heero reached for the Desert Eagle.

“ I guess I’ll choose this one.”

Heero took the large pistol and ejected the magazine, looked at the ammunition load, then re-inserted the clip. He pulled the top slide and then released to its normal position. The half inch bullet was ready for action. Heero looked up and Noin nodded, then pointed toward the targets to the right.

“ Thank you.”

Heero got up, then held up the pistol. He aligned the single, tritium illuminated, front sight on the target then placed it between the two rear sights also illuminated by the tritium. When he saw the three dots on the target, he squeezed the trigger slowly. When the hammer struck the firing pin, the half inch bullet flew out of the barrel, twisting from the rifling. Within fraction of a second, the bullet punched through the metal plate target. The dust arose from the impact of the bullet to the sand behind the target.

“ Not bad.”

Sergeant Vernards watched with amazement at the skill and the strength in which this Heero character handled one of the powerful weapon.

“ How? Even I have trouble handling the recoils.”

Duo came over to the sergeant and patted him on the shoulder.

“ He’s not a human, I tell ya.”

Heero stepped back and then while walking forward, he pulled out the pistol and emptied the magazine. All six bullets went through the center circles. He walked away, releasing the top slide that was stuck in the processing of loading the next round.

“ Is there a laser module for this thing?” asked Heero.

“ Yeah. Here.”

Noin threw a long, rectangular module. Heero caught it with his left hand, then attached the module in front of the trigger guard.

“ Let’s see.....”

Heero fed a new magazine, cocked the gun and turned the laser sighting on. He aimed at the target one more time, then emptied his seven rounds into the metal plates. The rounds hit exactly where he wanted, and where the green laser pointed.

“ Nice shot!”

Heero holstered his pistol, then turned around to face the others who were amazed at the shooting exhibition performed by him. Sergeant Vernards walked up.

“ Not bad, kid. Not bad.”

Trowa came up, raising his 9mm pistol for his own practice run. The other fourteen operatives lined up behind him, each waiting for their turns. Trowa fired at the multiple pop up targets and then walked off.

“ Trowa, When did you come here?” asked Heero.

“ About a month ago. The training isn’t hard. It’s less intense in physical sense. Only thing you have to learn is the infantry tactic, as sergeant Vernards over there likes to call it.”

Heero watched the sergeant finish his trial. He turned to Trowa.

“ So, we’re going after the mafias.....”

“ Yeah. It seems that they have an army of people with guns.”

Heero watched Trowa with distaste. It wasn’t that he didn’t like him, he hated the fact that the people on the ‘other’ side did not learn the harsh lesson yet. The lesson that the war has no place in this new age. That’s why Heero joined up with the Wind Busters because he knew that he, himself had no place to go.

“ What other weapons do we have, Trowa?”

“ Hm?”

Trowa raised his eyebrow. They saw the last person on the line. It was Colonel Noin. She whipped out her SOCOM and took out the multiple targets that popped up randomly. Trowa saw Noin holstering the sidearm.

“ Colonel! Heero wants to see the other gadgets.”

Noin smiled as she approached the most quiet two operatives.

“ Okay, follow me.”

Heero and Trowa followed Noin to the large shack. Noin punched in the keys and the door rolled up. She walked in and hit the switch. Heero walked in, his Prussian blue eyes scanning the room around and memorizing the whole inventory.

“ This is the one we’re going to use.”

Noin picked up an assault rifle. It was quite large. Having two large cylinders, one underneath the other. Heero received the weapon from Noin, then looked around. It had thirty-round magazine, and the integrated silencer/barrel for the rifle on the bottom. He also saw the second magazine attached close to the stock.

“ What is this? A grenade launcher?”

“ Yeah.”

Heero looked through the sight, or rather, a scope. On the bottom left corner, it had the range meter. Just as Heero lowered the gun to give it back to Noin, Duo joined up.

“ So, Heero. What do you think?”

“ ........It’s fine, basically that is....”

Noin’s eyes turned to the corner. Looking at Heero.

“ We don’t have enough man power. With only sixteen operatives, we need something more than this weapon.”

Noin sighed. She also knew this, and so did Zechs.

“ But what can we have?”

Heero thought for a moment.

“ Hey, Duo.”

Duo turned his attention to Heero.

“ Do you have the plans for the cloaking device used in your Gundam?”

Duo smiled. He knew what his friend was planning.

“ Yeah! We can be invisible with that technology!”

Noin caught on.

“ That’s a good idea, but......where are we going to get the money for it?”

Heero smiled.

“ Don’t worry about it. I’m sure that we can use my prize money, and a little help from Quatre.”

While they were discussing the possibilities of the new technology, a lieutenant ran in.

“ Colonel, there’s a hostage situation in the airport.”

Noin muttered under her breath, and signaled Heero, Duo, and Trowa to pick up the weapons. They gathered weapons for every team members, and extra ammunitions.

“ Let’s get them to the briefing room.”

They all pushed the carts loaded with weapons. By the time they entered the briefing room, other operatives were inside as well.

“ Well, ma‘am. Nice of you to join us.” joked a corporal.

While Noin approached the front podium, weapons were handed out. Everyone checked the functions of each weapons as they heard the briefing from Zechs.

“ Listen up! We have a crisis situation. About fifteen minutes ago, a group of thirty gunmen entered the Paris airport, seizing an aircraft along with the passengers. The locals managed to halt them from taking off.”

A grunt who was chewing bubble gum raised his hand.

“ What is it, Sergeant Nirwef?”

“ So who’s the victim?” asked Nirwef. He was known to be one of the jokesters in the unit.

Zechs bit his lips as he revealed one of the hostage.

“ It’s the Vice Foreign Minister Darlian.”

The Gundam pilots’ ears perked up. Especially Heero. Zechs looked at them, then continued.

“ For the obvious reasons, we will deploy the Alpha Team. Sergeant Vernards. You will be in charge.”

Sergeant Vernards got up, then saluted.

“ Yes, sir!”

“ The Bravo Team will secure the perimeter, and Delta Team will provide sniper cover.”

The Delta Team was comprised of the Gundam pilots. Duo grumbled and changed the ammunition from the hollow point to full metal jacketed rounds.

Trowa felt a little more comfortable. He was qualified as sniper in the unit. He knew he would reach his full potential. However, he had some doubt in whether the 2nd Team was even needed. He saw Heero loading the bullets into the magazine, devoid of emotion probably from the fact that Relena was the hostage.

“ Let’s move out!” yelled Zechs, and the three team left the room, entering the hanger for their transport. The helicopter rolled out of the hanger, entering the short runway. Within seconds, the aircraft lifted off, heading to the airport.

The helicopter arrived at the south end of the airport. The three teams rushed out of the chopper, and each moved into their start point. The Bravo Team surrounded the area, while Delta Team took positions to snipe at the potential targets. The two teams checked into the command center, occupied by Noin.

“ Teams Bravo and Delta checked in, Colonel.”

Noin watched the monitors above the control consoles. The Alpha team was near its start point.

“ This is Charlie. Alpha, status report.”

Sergeant Vernards activated the radio.

“ This is Alpha-1. Alpha is in position.”

While the Alpha team checked in and looked around for the chance to get the party started, the Gundam pilots looked though their scopes, providing information to the command center. Trowa reported first.

“ This is Delta-3. I see four targets in the main cabin.”

Quatre and Duo reported.

“ We confirm also. There are also two in the cockpit. We’re on them.”

“ This is Delta-5. I will support Delta-3.”

Wufei grumbled after he reported in. He set the range on his rifle, then took his position. In the midst of the action, Heero was sweeping through the windows of the jet. Through his scope, he saw Relena, confronting who appeared to be the leader.

‘ Well, I guess she’ll never get rid of that attitude of hers.’

Heero smirked, then zeroed in on the leader’s head.

“ This is Delta-1. Package is on the doorway. Two targets guarding the first class section.”

Noin saw the dots on the display, then wondered.

“ That’s not enough number. Are you sure that’s all you see?”

Sergeant Nirwef of the Bravo Team made an observation deserving his experience in the Special Forces of the Alliance Terrestrial Army.

“ I guess others are in the cargo room, where the Alpha Team is going to enter.”

Noin thought for a minute. She could order the snipers to take the target out as soon as the Alpha Team was on the move, or risk the gunfight as the Alpha confronted the groups in the cargo bay.

“ Deltas, take out the subjects. Alpha, advance on the count of fire.”

All Gundam Pilots acknowledged, then aimed their rifles at the targets.

“ Target acquired....”

Noin closed her eyes, believing that it was the correct decision.

“ Fire!”

With little clicks of the bolts, five bullets exited the 5.56mm wide tubes and headed straight to their targets. Within fraction of a second, the bullets punctured the windows of the aircraft, then blew the heads of each target in the cockpit, and other cabins. Just as the bodies of the first victims fell to the floor, the part of the Alpha Team entered the cargo bay. Sergeant Vernards quickly threw the flash bangs around the corner, then heard the loud noise and groaning of terrorists over the barrier. The three men team entered the room and took out every targets in the room. While these three began their assault deeper and deeper into the aircraft, another two men from the Alpha Team entered through the front, rushing to the hostages for their evacuation. Heero watched Relena through the scope, smiling at the fate that he saved her once again. He then saw one of the terrorist coming up from behind her. Heero swiveled his rifle to the right, then squeezed the trigger. Relena was surprised to hear the glass breaking and the thud of the body. She shrieked and ran to the front exit.

“ Shit! Alpha-4, be advised. The package is headed to the front exit.”

Alpha-4, Corporal Weon Hernandez, saw the minister enter main cabin which they have just cleared. He waved at her to come with him, as well as the hostages in the main cabin.

“ This is Alpha-4. Concert’s over. I repeat, concert’s over.”

Sergeant Vernards took out the last target, then acknowledged.

“ Alpha-1, stage clear.”

In the command center, Noin sighed in relief, then ordered to the other teams.

“ Bravo and Delta, move in.”

Heero got up from his position and rushed to the forward exit. He saw Relena being escorted by Weon. He dropped his rifle, and pulled his pistol. As he was on his way to go up the stairs, Relena was coming down. She saw one operative with face painting pass by her. She wondered at the familiar, yet foreign sight.

‘ Who is he?’

By the time she reached the ground, a van came up with the open door. She saw Miss Noin.

“ Minister.”

Relena smiled at the sight of the familiar face.

“ Miss Noin!”

Relena entered the van along with other hostages. Medics took care of their needs such as water. On the way to the main airport, Relena finally realized who it was. The operative that passed by her.

‘ Heero?’

She waited until the other people were released from the medical staffs, then walked to Noin.

“ Miss Noin, who were these operatives?”

Noin looked around to make sure no one was near by.

“ They’re new division within the Preventers’ Corp.”

“ I thought I saw Heero...”

Noin shook her head.

“ That was Ganjio Takajida. I gotta admit, though. He does look like him.”

Relena gazed at the operatives in the van. When she did so, the door closed. The van revved and left the scene.

A group of people gathered around the table gazed at the monitor with anger. One of them, who sat on the head, slammed his fist against the table.

“ Goddamn it! Those fools!”

A woman on the right watched him with smirk.

“ Guess they weren’t as smart as we thought they were....”

The man jumped to his feet, and his angry eyes glared straight at her.

“ Ms. Guronomov!

Ms. Guronomov smiled and leaned closer to the table.

“ I have a man inside that group of soldiers. He reports to me.”

The other people stared in amazement.

“ Then why didn’t you tell us about this!”

Ms. Guronomov gave a cynical smile.

“ Now, Miqur. What good is the man if he gives the wrong info?”

“ What do you mean?”

“ Through that mission, he found out that there are former Gundam pilots working within.”

Everyone began to murmur. The Gundam pilots, the heroes of the people whom they considered to be just a wallet, was in the special unit that foiled one of their plans.

“ What do we do?”

“ Don’t worry. We have the numerical superiority, as well as firepower. If they attack us directly, we shall crush them.”

While the drug lords were discussing for further plans, Heero stepped into the individualized showers in the Preventers‘ Corp building. He let the hot water wash down the fatigue. The mission completely drained him. He knew it wasn’t physical fatigue.

‘ I’m getting soft.’

Heero finished his shower and came out with towel around his waist. He opened his locker and took out his clothes. After he got them on, he dried his hair and stepped out to the briefing room. Others were already in.

“ Hey, Heero! What took ya?” asked Duo.

“ Nothing.”

Zechs cleared his throat.

“ Nice job. It was very clean. The president has ordered a party for all of you. We will meet at the Presidential residence in 1800 hours tomorrow. Dismissed.”

Noin followed up.

“ Although the party is for us, please try to keep the division a secret. We’re not ready to go public yet.”

With that, Noin turned to the door. Sergeant Vernards stopped her.

“ Colonel. What will be the attire for the evening?”

“ Formal.”

There were some groaning among the men. They didn’t like the formal dressing required for the party. They would rather have a drink of beer in a bar amongst themselves. Noin exited the room, and everyone left the room by groups. The Gundam pilots exited last.

“ Well, Heero. Time to meet some fancy people. I’m bringing Hilde with me. Anyone bringing someone else?” asked Duo.

“ I might bring my sisters with me.” answered Quatre.

“ Yeah, and Maganacs with them right?”

“ Yeah. They sure deserve a break.”

Heero was reminded of the project he proposed in the shack.

“ Quatre, do you think you can make stealth camouflage with the technology of Duo’s Gundam?”

“ Sure, given the diagrams and finance.”

Heero pulled out a wad of cash, and Duo pulled out the diagram.

“ Use it to make the camouflage. Make sure it is kept quiet.”

Quatre nodded.

“ Sure.”

Heero pocketed his bowtie in the pocket of his pants of his tux. He looked around his house.

‘ Okay. Everything is secure.’

He grabbed the helmet and closed the door. After locking the door to his house, he stepped into his motorcycle and turned the ignition. He placed the helmet over his head and twisted the throttle to rev up the engines. He then released the brakes and sped off to the party. He saw a car approaching from the back. It pulled along side. The window was lowered from the black sports car. It was Duo and Hilde.

“ Hey, Heero!”

The wind that howled between them prevented Heero from hearing the words; however, he was able to read the lips. He hand signaled Duo to meet him at the party, then concentrated on driving. In the car, Hilde was concerned.

“ Shouldn’t you keep the eyes on the road, Duo?”

Duo raised the window and turned to her.

“ Don’t worry, honey. It ain’t easy to get rid of the great shinigami.”

They continued their ways to the presidential residence. The security was visible even from two blocks away. Heero stopped in front of the residence, where the valet parker took his keys and went off in his motorcycle. Heero stood in front of the door. Using the reflection, he tied his bowtie, and stepped inside. There was a group of musicians playing the classical music for the atmosphere, along with the numerous distinguished guests. He saw Zechs and Noin standing by the bar. To the left, he saw the other members chomping down the food. Sergeant Vernards stood up, waving at him to join.

“ Come on!”

Heero sat behind the white clothe covered table. A waiter came as soon as he made himself comfortable.

“ What would you like, sir?”

Heero thought for a moment.

“ Just a cup of water, please.”

The waiter nodded and walked to the kitchen. Suddenly, Heero felt something from behind. He turned around and saw Duo in a surprised face.

“ Damn it! I thought I could make it!”

Sergeant Nirwef chuckled.

“ Nice senses.”

Duo sat next to Trowa, along with Hilde, who wore a black dress that corresponded with the Duo’s black tux. Heero looked around the table, and around the room. The usual people were around. The ministers, including Relena. When she looked at his direction, Heero quickly turned around. Trowa noticed this, and shoved his elbow on Heero’s right side.

“ What’s wrong?”

“ Nothing.”

Heero wished silently that Relena wouldn’t approach. Unfortunately, the prayer was denied.

“ Heero! I thought it was you!”

“ Hello, Vice Foreign Minister.”

Heero managed to smile. Relena had a curious face.

“ What are you doing here?”

Before Heero could lie, Duo lay down the truth.

“ The truth of the matter is.......aw, shuck! You would know anyways. Heero is the one who saved you in that shuttle.”

Relena pulled a seat and joined the soldiers of secrecy.

“ You mean, you were Ganjio Takajida?”

Heero nodded. His eyes then fixed on the bar. There was something wrong. The woman next to Zechs, who he perceived as Noin, wasn’t her. Instead of short cut hair, this woman had a long hair. He saw them leave the bar, and exiting the building. Heero’s gaze was broken by a woman in light blue dress.

“ Heero! What are you looking so closely at?”

Heero refocused his eyes. It was Noin.

“ Oh, nothing.”

Noin joined the team. Sergeant Vernards handed her a glass, then poured a glass of Champaign.

“ No, I can’t.....”

“ Ah, come on Colonel. Tonight’s a night of celebration.”

There was reluctance in Noin’s eyes. To be truthful, she couldn’t handle alcohol very well. She slowly consumed the bubbly beverage. Her throat burned, and felt like she was intoxicated already.

“ That was good wasn’t it?”

“ It burns!”

“ That’s what it does, Colonel!”

While the drinks were consumed by the senior members, Trowa saw something in Heero’s eyes. He never saw it before.....the strange, confused look that barely surfaced.

‘ Hm.’

Heero drank his water, thinking about the woman beside Zechs. Noin turned around and faced Heero. She then offered her glass to him. She was giggling already.

“ Heero, you’re the most unfortunate person I know.”

“ What do you mean, Colonel?”

Suddenly, Noin hugged him. She began to stroke her hands in Heero’s hair in front of everyone. Sergeant Vernards and Nirwef laughed in the most spectacular view in their life.

“ Oh, geez! That’s some sight! The Lieutenant being hugged like a child by the Colonel!”
Ruy Vernards wiped the tears from his eyes. He saw the red glowing face of Heero and he just couldn’t help but laugh. Duo and other Gundam pilots watched in surprise, then Trowa noticed the guests leaving the premises.

“ We better leave too.”

Trowa got up, then the others followed. Heero placed Noin’s arm around his neck, then supported her to the car. Trowa opened the door for him, and Heero managed to placed Noin inside the SUV of Zechs.

“ Thanks.”

“ You’re welcome.” replied Trowa.

He closed the door and Zechs sped off from the parking lot. The other members gazed on as the silver SUV exit the gate and turn left.

“ Man, I’ve never seen her drunk like that.”

“ Knock it off, Sergeant Nirwef. It was a party day.”

“ Okay, Sergeant Vernards.”

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWGundam WingWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Gundam W characters are property of Sunrise & Sotsu. Other characters belong to me.

Part 2 will shortly follow.