A Shifting of Fortune Part 9
As Duo continued in a state of dream-plagued restless moaning and moving in his sleep, Heero, Quatre and Trowa huddled around the table. Heads nodded in agreement and, sometimes, disagreement as they attempted to construct a suitable plan of action.
Trowa still insisted that Chang's elimination was their only hope of escape. While Heero could not deny that his boss being sent to hell was a desirable and most satisfying idea, he believed their best bet for an unscathed withdrawal was to do it as quickly and quietly as possible.
Wasting time trying to catch Chang alone especially in the Chief's heightened state of alertness would be both time consuming and downright stupid. As experienced as Heero was he still had no desire to put himself or the others in peril just for the sake of revenge.
"You have to remember that if we take on Chang we might be taking on the entire Security Unit." Heero cautioned. "Even though his men might hate him they fear him more."
Trowa offered a thin lipped smile as green sparks bounced in his eyes, "I was thinking more along the lines of a sneak attack. One of us doing the necessary deed while the others created a diversion. The method need not be fancy just effective."
Another bout of fireworks exploded in Trowa's narrowed sight, "I am not opposed to a bullet in the back." he honestly announced as visions of Chang's body jerking as a single deadly projectile impacted with his spine played out in his mind.
The sight of the Fire Dragon dropping heavily to the ground in death's icy grip caused the thin smile to enlarge, "No I am not opposed at all." he declared with delight having no qualms about not being honorable in the fight.
Quatre placed a hand on his lover's arm, "There will be no individual heroics. We work as a team or not at all." he stated in a tone that put everyone on notice that he was quite serious.
Trowa leaned over giving his stormy partner a brushing kiss, "What's wrong, don't think I can take Chang out?"
"I have no doubts of your abilities to take care of yourself or me for that matter." Winner replied, "But I will not risk your life or any other for that damned Son of Sheol." he stated with uncharacteristic swearing.
Quatre's cursing gave both Trowa and Heero a moment's pleasure. They exchanged sly glances that caused Quatre to blush slightly at his own surprising strong verbal reaction.
"Well he is made of piss and fire after all." a faint voice acknowledged from across the room.
Heero went to the bed helping the still drowsy Duo to sit up. "I sorry we didn't mean to wake you. But since you are awake you might as well join in the planning."
Duo frowned at the thought of being left out, "You mean you weren't going to include me in your little mission session?" he snapped leaning around Heero to address everyone at once.
"We were just getting the preliminary stages in order, we would certainly not exclude you." Quatre promised.
"Damn straight." Duo announced with that devilish grin he always displayed when thoughts of a most roguish nature were spawned.
A knock at the door froze everyone in place. "Chang?" Duo breathed out the fear-laced name his cocky attitude quickly vanishing.
An equally terrorized wave swept over Quatre as he reached for Trowa.
"No," Heero whispered back. "he wouldn't knock first. Stay quiet."
Heero again took up the pistol telling Duo to stay still, "Pretend you are asleep." he said while motioning for Trowa and Quatre to hide in the closet.
This time the pistol was hidden behind his back as Heero approached the door. The knock sounded again with a more demanding soundness.
"Yeah what do you want?" Heero responded adding a no nonsense bearing to his words in order to convince whoever was on the other side that he was not happy.
"Open up Maxwell!" the phantom voice ordered.
Heero threw back the door achieving the unnerving affect he had intended. In the hall a black unformed guard stood wide-eyed at the unexpected revelation as he found Heero glaring back.
"WHAT!" Heero asked curtly keeping a firm hold on the gun as it rested against his waistband.
"I was sent to get Maxwell he is late for lunch with Madam Noin."
"You tell the Madam that Duo is sick. He got overheated this morning while he was running. Evidently he is not in as good a shape as Noin thought." Heero lied with certainty he would be believed. "If she has any questions let me know and I will speak with her." he added as he began to shut the door.
The guard was either brave or stupid because he put his foot in the door to prevent its closing. "I was told to check on him and that is what I am going to do."
Heero knew when to cause a scene and when to play along, "All right but don't disturb him or you will answer to me." he promised.
Noin's watcher walked halfway to the bed leaning forward. Duo had curled up drawing the sheet and blanket close about his neck leaving only his head in sight.
The guard studied the sleeping boy for a long moment watching the steady rise and fall of the covers. Finally he moved back to the door. "I'll tell her you will be by with a report later."
Heero nodded as the guard exited into the hall. The black-clad man gave another hasty glance over his shoulder then turn partly towards Heero. "You wouldn't be entertaining the idea of going after that one, would you? I don't think Noin would like that." he advised with a cheeky grin. "Can't say I would blame you though, he looks good and I hear he is ever better."
"What I do is none of your business." Heero growled, "If you don't want to have to worry about a tragic accident the next time we are on the shooting range I suggest you keep your nose out of my affairs." he sincerely warned with sufficient force in his voice to leave no doubt.
The guard offered a strained smile having no doubt at all Yuy would carry out his threat without a moment's hesitation. "Whatever." he sighed as he made his way down the hall.
Heero's hand shook as he closed the door. Leaning his body against the wooden panels he took in a deep breath to steady his pounding heart.
"You have never reacted like this before." his inner voice whispered.
"There has never been a time like this." he answered under his breath.
"It is all clear, come on out." he called to the hiding pair.
Heero returned to his seat on the bed just as Duo stirred under the covers. "That was close." he announced pushing to sit up. "What do we do now?"
Duo, Quatre and Trowa, knowing Yuy was far better trained and had a more accurate knowledge of Chang's ways, didn't object to him becoming their leader.
"As I see it," Heero began, "our mission is threefold. The Security System alarms have to be overridden otherwise reaching the gate undetected will be useless.
"That can be done through the main computer." Quatre advised this time using his knowledge of the estate setup.
Heero nodded his acknowledgement, "Secondly we have to have a means to get away once we are off the property."
This time it was Duo's turn to contribute, "There are two motorcycles in the garage that would be perfect. That is what I was doing this morning when I took my pretend run. I was going to use one to make good my escape when I believed I was alone in this hellish situation." he confessed.
Heero took Duo's hand firming up his grip. "You are not alone and never will be if I have anything to say about it."
Duo lifted up his newly found comrade, and perhaps, lover's hand kissing the scrapes and bruises covering each training-hardened rough knuckle. "Oh you will have a lot to say and do if I have my way."
As much as Trowa and Quatre were pleased with the obvious attraction between Yuy and Maxwell the pair's blossoming affections would have to wait until a more suitable time. Right then getting out in one piece, with minimal damage was top priority.
"You said threefold." Trowa reminded in a tactful tone understanding how Heero and Duo's newly discovered feelings for each other could transcend the tenseness of their hazardous circumstances.
Heero blushed slightly as totally unaccustomed emotions vied for his attention despite he need to fully concentrate on the task at hand. "Yes." he mumbled then cleared his throat of the emotional knot swelling inside.
Duo's grin widened at the sight of Heero Yuy being made so uncomfortable by the breaking down of his previously stoic and quite guarded nature. It widened further as he realized he had a lot to do with the tearing away of Yuy's detachment.
If Heero took notice of Duo's delight he did not make it plain as he continued to address Trowa's question. "Finally we have to be absolutely certain that no one has even the slightest hint about what we are doing.
One slipup, one mistake in judgment or inattention to detail and we all might as well take Chang's pistol and end it now." he stated laying the Security Chief's weapon on the table.
Quatre reached out running a slender finger across the pistol's silver finish. The metal was as cold and unforgiving as it's owner that fact he knew without question.
"We won't fail, we can't." he whispered the shiver in his voice speaking volumes of the grave consequences should they not succeed.
With a determination borne from his love for Trowa and his respect for Heero and Duo Quatre raised his voice with more confidence, "WE WILL NOT FAIL!"
All the others nodded each in turn giving their pledge that they would do everything humanly possible to protect each other and be victorious.
Then Quatre solely locked his sight on Trowa. As long as Trowa had known his perfect angel, with all they had shared, the gaze now directed at him was something new. That was a connection being made that was different but somehow familiar, as familiar as breathing itself.
"Promise me," Quatre requested with all his heart and soul, "that if we should fail you won't let Chang take you or me. Promise you will help me find the courage to send you and I into eternity together. I don't believe Allah would condemn such an act of love."
Trowa wrapped his arms about his lover's trembling body pulling him as close as physically possible. "I won't come to that." he swore on his love of his Little One.
"But it could we all know that." Quatre proclaimed knowing the odds were not stacked in their favor. Knowing that they could indeed be brought to that deadly decision. "Please Trowa I need your solemn oath." he begged, Please."
"I promise." Trowa whispered but deep inside he momentarily wondered if he had the courage himself.
He looked again into Quatre's pleading eyes so full of fear yet comforted by love. He then knew without a shred of doubt that if the decision was forced on them he would do anything to save his innocent lover from the torturous repercussions of Chang's capture.
Heero slid an arm about Duo's shoulders equally aware of their slim chances of success but just as resolute that they would not fail. "We will do this." he stated firming up his reassuring hug. "Now let's put our doubts to rest and get busy."
*********
The first obstacle to overcome was the Security System. Despite Trowa's objections that Quatre handle that assignment he was finally convinced.
When faced with the reality that Winner was the only one that knew the necessary override codes, he reluctantly gave in but only after extracting a promise from Heero that he would see Quatre safely to the computer room and stand guard. No one would question their wandering about since they both had upper floor privileges.
The matter of the override decided they moved to the next phase, the motorcycles. That assignment fell to Duo and Trowa. Once more Heero's ability to move about the estate without arousing much interest would have to be utilized.
He would have to secure the keys to their motorized means of freedom. After that it would be Trowa and Duo's job to get to the garage and roll the motorcycles to the ground's perimeter.
The plan sounded simple enough but all their scheming would have to be carried out while completely evading Chang and his henchmen. That in itself was a monumental task.
The cover of darkness, waiting until most of the estate had settled in for the night was the best time to move. Until then the resolute quartet would stay together and hope Chang's driving need for revenge would be put off a few more hours. Maybe Chang, too, believed that his hunting was best left to the night's concealment.
With each new realization of the danger fear tried to worm its way into each teammate's mind. Only their solidarity of spirit and the sure knowledge that Chang would sooner or later come for them made fighting off the invading misgivings easier to master.
Now each brother-in-arms drew from the other's strength of will and their fortitude of spirit. And as Trowa and Quatre had often used their love as a powerful agent against the world's fickleness, now Duo and Heero employed the same love on their behalf.
Together they could overcome anything the bitter forces of fate would hurl in their direction. Together they would be unstoppable.
*********
The household staff had retired for the evening. The corridors were vacant except for a occasional guard checking the outside door's locks, Quatre had excused himself from dinner that evening by convincing his Mistress that he wanted to stay with Duo who was still sick.
He didn't know whether or not Chang would be in attendance for the evening meal but he did know his nervousness could not be hidden from Noin. He had been in her employment too long to keep up the pretense that everything was all right.
Heero was seldom invited to the Lady's table so there would be no concern about where he was or what he was doing. What Yuy was doing during that dinnertime hour was slipping the garage key and the motorcycle keys from their hook in the otherwise locked key cabinet in Chang's office.
Earlier as he lurked in the shadows outside the Security Office Heero had seen Chang and a few of his Captains leave to go to the staff dining hall. Most probably the Fire Dragon, with his trusted inner band of men, meant to devise the plan of their extermination while sharing a meal and a bottle of wine.
Chang never let duty interfere with his pleasures whether they were eating, drinking, fighting or, as rumor had it, even bedding down a local prostitute from time to time. Whether the whore was female or male was left to his particular notions that evening.
With the keys burrowed in his pocket Heero returned to Duo's room to collect Quatre for the override phase of their plan. Trowa gave his koi a good luck kiss before reminding Yuy of his promise of protection.
"Everything will be all right." Quatre assured his worry lover as he and Heero stepped into the hall.
Trowa flopped into the chair by the table running his hands over his face, "I know this is necessary but I don't have to like it." he muttered mostly to himself.
Duo who had taken the chance to fetch something to eat from the small kitchen munched on a sandwich. "Heero knows what he is doing. We have to be patient now and be ready to go when they get back."
*********
Heero and Quatre made their way quickly up the stairs turning left at the top. Two sentries met the pair was they walked in as natural manner as they could down the long carpeted hallway leading to the mansion's main section.
A head nod from the guards was exchanged as they didn't think twice about Yuy or Winner. As they moved further away one turned to his staff member, "I heard that Yuy beat the shit out of Chang this morning and that the foolish bastard's days are numbers."
"Yeah too bad he didn't kill the madman." the other answered having himself been on the receiving end of one of Chang's fits of rage.
"Maybe he will." the first wished for the Fire Dragon's death, "If anyone can do it Yuy can."
Heero produced the pistol holding it against his chest in a double grip. With the toe of his boot he eased opened the door to the room housing the main system for the entire estate. The alarms could be controlled from both this location and the Security Office.
The trick Quatre had to pull off was rerouting the codes so that the alarm to the eastern side gate was disable while making it appear that the system had not been compromised. The few minutes while the switchover was made was critical as that was the when the hacking could be discovered.
Quatre did have partial access to some programs. Some by Noin's permission and some from his own reworking of certain sites so he could better keep an eye on what exactly was going on from day to day. But his range was limited making the computer deception more risky than he would have liked.
"All clear." Heero whispered but even the softness of his voice caused Quatre to flinch.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Heero asked seeing Winner's frazzled reaction. "We can find another way if we have to." Heero offered giving Quatre another option.
"No this is the only way." Noin's manager replied, "You just watch my back and I'll do the rest."
"Do it right but don't waste time." Heero urged, "The guards will be back around in twenty minutes and they don't need to wonder why I am still hanging around."
The door closed with a soft click behind Winner. Taking Heero's advice to heart he wasted to time in seating himself in front of the main computer console. He switched it on and as the screen came to life it cast a bluish tint over Quatre's fair features.
"Well here I go." he sighed entering his access code and waiting for the letters and numbers to be scanned and confirmed.
Nervously he fiddled with the corner of a folder lying nearby willing the slow machine to go faster. Finally the code was validated opening up the main menu.
"Good." he whispered to himself. "Let's see if you will cooperate." he once again willed the machine to respond favorably to his typed-in orders.
He moved rapidly through the menu using several more codes to reach his electronic destination. His fingers flew over the keyboard typing as fast as he could without making too many time consuming errors.
"Here we are." Winner continued his conversation with himself as he found talking through each entry made him calmer.
He was about to begin entering the last set of codes when a voice from somewhere behind him sent a surge of fright up his spine.
"Winner." it called seeming to come from everywhere at once and then from nowhere at all. "What are you doing?" it asked in a strangely familiar manner and quality.
Taking in a deep breath Quatre pivoted in his seat. The voice didn't belong to Chang he was certain of that and, while its tone and resonance was common, his fear would not allow his brain to make a positive identification.
Turning fully around Quatre's eyes met Lady Noin's blue orbs as they picked up the light from the activated screen making them even bluer still.
"I said what are you doing? Noin asked again displaying an odd statement as if she was not totally surprised to see him there.
Quatre had to think fast, to quickly call up some reasonable explanation for his presence. Some plausible clarification for his actions. But none of any believable substance came immediately to mind.
Then Quatre made a decision that might or might not mean the end of his and his friend's lives. Something told him the truth was the only words that would have any power in saving his lover and his comrades.
"Well Madam," Quatre began looking his Mistress straight in the eye, "I will not lie." he proclaimed ready to give her the whole story.
He had to trust his feelings, hope and pray that whatever deity held fate's reins and controlled its ever-changing whims would smile on him that night. That his instincts concerning the Lady's willingness to hear him out were not a deathly miscalculation on his part.
TBC...
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