Woke Up One Morning... Part 55
The Assembly members file back into their main hall for their first time together since Senator Laux was arrested three weeks ago. After their last meetings to discuss who would fill the empty seats after the attack on them left them with several options for new members, they were able to replace Pete rather quickly.
And all eyes will be on Robert Noll, the newest face on the board who has no affiliations with any specific Colony or Earth-based location that he favors over another.
Usually it's 'Lena and Quatre who steal the attention on their arrival to the hall. This time, it is the strikingly tall and handsome representative in a tan suit when he steps through the doors.
With a pair blue eyes and a head of wavy, brown hair, he scans the crowded room when he steps through the first pair of glass doors. To the glances catching him, he smiles politely and nods as he passes by the other board members to head right for the actual meeting area.
Blinking in surprise from where she is standing with me and Heero in the entrance way when Noll passes by, Relena's eyes follow him as she gasps, "Oh, my. He certainly cleans up well." Not that she has anything to complain about herself, with how she looks in the red dress she is in.
Scott mock glares at his girlfriend and clears his throat. Giggling, she spins and wraps her arms around his neck reassuring, "Don't worry, love. You know who's bed I go to." More than pleased with that, Scott smiles proudly and kisses her.
Heero snickers and mutters in warning under his breath, "Be careful that Zechs never hears you make a comment like that. Now that he and Noin will be staying in Earth's orbit with Peacemillion permanently serving as Preventer headquarters, you wouldn't have a moment's peace if he did."
The young couple chuckles and walks off for the actual meeting room hand-in-hand. Shaking his head in amusement, my husband looks to me and shrugs, "Kids." My head falls back as I laugh, causing the other guards and Assembly members still lingering around to look at us.
That laughter quickly dies when a certain, petite senator with shoulder-length black hair and piercing brown eyes steps in with her band of cohorts gathered close. Across the way, I can see Trowa, Quatre and Wufei ending their conversation as they tense up and watch the group closely.
At the first sight of Senator Renee Tishim, my husband growls quietly and I rest a hand on his arm to keep him from doing more.
Ever since hearing about the woman and her public attack on me, he has not exactly been thinking warm and fuzzy thoughts of her. I can only imaging the things he would like to say, and or do to her right now.
Wearing a silver-colored, shirted suit, the young woman and her colleagues acknowledge no one as they move together for the board room. In fact, they make absolutely no eye contact by keeping their heads down. The whole time they walk on past, my partner's glaring eyes follow them.
Once they're gone, I smirk, "Easy there, 'Ro. They wouldn't try to make another scene after what happened the last time." Loosening my grip on his arm, I rub it lightly.
His cobalt eye peering at me, he retorts in a quiet hiss, "That doesn't make me any happier to be around them after what they did to you... after what they tried to accuse you of."
"I know," a grin. "And I really appreciate your protectiveness of me, husband mine. But let's just try and not make things any more uncomfortable than they already are, alright? The whole Assembly was good enough to be all be here to acknowledge us Preventers with this banquet."
Almost chagrined, he huffs, but physically eases a bit at my request. My smile grows as I pat his back with a gentle, "Good boy." Snorting, he rolls his eyes, but he smirks at me in amusement.
Soon thereafter, we get to see the familiar faces of our comrades that had worked so hard in this last case. Zechs, Noin, Tyce, Danielle, Heather, Aaron, Ryan and every agent that had anything to do with the investigation and take-down missions. Really, nearly the whole of our organization is here and dressed to the nines.
Luckily, since we're technically also on guard duty, my 'brothers' and I were not required to have to get into any uncomfortable suits. Instead, we get to wear our comfortable clothes that we can move freely in-which we all wear camouflage pants and simple white or black shirts with.
One of the last to enter from outside is our dear Commander. Dressed in a sleek, black dress that hugs her body like a second skin with a plunging neckline, her sparkling earrings and necklace catch the light every step she takes.
And I know this is the first time I've ever seen her wearing makeup. She makes such a sight that every head around turns and every eye widens, blinking. Even Wufei's jaw has dropped as he outright stares at her.
Chuckling as she moves right for me and Heero, she smiles, "It's so nice to know that I've still got it."
"In a big way, too," I laugh while reaching over to snap Heero's mouth closed. "Damn, Ma. You're going to hurt someone looking like that."
Letting out one of the fullest laughs I have ever heard from her, Une shakes her head and pinches my cheek. "Duo, you are far too good to me," she snickers. The last of the guests around begin heading into the main room as the other Gundam pilots and I bring up the rear.
Where there would normally be individual desks circling around the room, the massive space is lined with long tables carrying the finest of foods and beverages and an impressive number of caterers.
Round tables covered with gold-trimmed white linens sit surrounded by plush seats fit for royalty. The only thing that has remained the same is the stage and podium that are still sitting front and center of it all.
For those agents who have never been here, the sight and grandness of this place has them looking up and around in wonder. This is actually quite the thing for me as well, seeing the space from this floor instead of up in the balconies looking down.
Quickly finding where Quatre, Wufei, Trowa, Relena, Sally and Scott have managed to find a free table by the stage, I lead my partner there so we can take up the last available two seats. Reaching over to take his wife's hand, Chang smiles to her, "Our first night out alone since Phoenix was born."
"I know," Sal sighs in relief, looking absolutely amazing in her emerald-colored dress. The rest of us snicker as the announcement that dinner is about to be served carries over.
Just as expected, the Assembly really did go out of their way to bring in the best of the best for every course that came in. I don't think I've eaten as much as I have tonight in a long time, but everything has been fantastic. Even the dessert was just another feast all itself with everything from cake to chocolates to any treat imaginable.
Of course, the meal is only made better by having the company that we do.
Following dessert, some music begins to play over the speaker system and everyone gets the chance to make their rounds through the room.
Heero and I are commonly asked about how retirement feels. All we answer with is; that really, it's too soon to answer that but we have no complaints yet.
I even catch a glimpse of a certain Senator Noll kissing the back of Lady Une's hand when they introduce themselves to each other. And there is no mistaking the smitten looks in both of their eyes as they smile and talk with one another.
Then comes the official, verbal thanks on behalf of the Assembly as the Speaker of the board walks up to the podium on the stage. Before he even reaches his place, everyone returns to their seats and falls silent.
Clearing his throat when he is he ready, the tall man begins, "This has been quite the evening. It is quite rare that we of the Assembly have the chance to gather with the Preventers who have sworn an oath to protect us, all people and the peace that had been hard-fought for. And I believe that we should all have a moment to recall those who were lost to us."
Well, that is more than a wonderful gesture. Closing my eyes, I lower my head to actually pray silently for all of those souls. When I finish and look back up at the podium, everyone within my immediate range of vision is coming out of their own moments.
The smile on the Speaker's face returns as he continues, "Now, I know that I speak on behalf of everyone on the board when I extend the heartfelt gratitude that we all have for Commander Lady Une, every Preventer and non-agent who helped bring the men responsible for those heinous crimes to justice."
Every member of the Assembly gets to their feet to applaud and cheer loudly in a rousing ovation.
I adjust the collar of my black shirt a bit, slightly uncomfortable with the recognition of simply doing the right thing. Heero seems to be going through the same bout of modesty but we force our smiles and nod to 'Lena, Quatre and the others on their feet throughout the room.
Actually, it is nice seeing those other faces of our fellow agents misting over a bit over such a prestigious show of appreciation.
When the roar dies down and the board members return to their seats, the Speaker runs a hand over his white beard and announces, "Our home is yours tonight, so please continue to enjoy the festivities and good company-"
"Speaker," a voice calls out suddenly, cutting the man off. Instantly recognizing that tone, I freeze and slowly turn in my chair just as all the others around are to see Senator Tishim is standing at her table towards the back.
Her chest rising in a deep breath, she frowns, "I do apologize for interrupting, sir, but there is simply something that I must say." The air fills with the sound of quiet murmurs and whispers while heads lean close together before looking back at the Speaker.
The hesitance is evident in his tense stature as he pauses to mentally weigh how to respond. Finally, he nods firmly, "Very well, Senator." Raising a finger, he warns, "You may speak, but mind your words."
Renee bows her head and quickly makes her way around the tables to move for the stage. As she makes her way up the steps and approaches the podium with the Speaker stepping back, the muttering only becomes louder.
Heero's muscles tense under his white shirt and his fists tighten where they rest on his legs, his eyes never leaving Tishim. Both Trowa and Wufei almost appear just as ready to pounce the second she makes a wrong move. Scott, Quatre and Relena share concerned glances before staring back up at the stage.
Once she reaches the microphone, Renee folds her hands together on the podium surface and announces, "There is someone in this room to whom I owe an apology that I wish to make publicly in light of our present company."
My eyes widen both at those words and at the sight of her tuning to lock eyes with me. And just like that, the tension around the table and everywhere else fades.
"Duo Yuy-Maxwell," she draws out. "I have always had a certain opinion of you before we even met because of where you came from. There has always been a horrible assumption of the people of L2 and I was swift to believe it., though I should be unbiased and nonjudgmental of all individuals based on such prejudices."
Shaking her head, she swallows roughly and goes on, "Yet, when we members of the Assembly were attacked, you were the first person I thought of to put the blame on because of how your Colony was going to be overlooked in receiving our aid."
Gasps and startled cries rise up from the Preventers that were completely unaware of that. The surprise on their faces quickly shifts into rage when directed at her and worry focused on me. Reaching over, Heero squeezes my leg reassuringly.
Then, a shock of shocks to me, Renee's brown eyes begin to water as she whimpers, "I could not have been more wrong. And I truly am sorry for my malice."
I... I can't believe my ears. But there is such sincerity in her voice and eyes that I know she really means everything that she's saying.
Sniffling, she states, "Even as I accused you, belittled you... you still did all you could to protect all of us, including myself. That is the kind of devoted warrior for peace that every Preventer should strive to be- one who is selfless, patient and unwavering in their wish to protect."
A small smile tugging her lips, the Senator concludes, "For this, I believe that you deserve to be acknowledged all on your own."
Lady Une, 'Lena, Scott and my brothers are the first to their feet, the others all following suit while applauding and cheering. The agents that I have become the closest to are the loudest of the bunch and their wide grins brighten their faces while they watch and nod firmly at me.
Blinking the tears building in my eyes, I turn to see Heero smiling proudly at me before pressing his lips against mine. Slowly, he stands up as well and joins in on the clapping as his own eyes mist over a bit.
Well, if I had felt uncomfortable with a standing ovation before, this is something all together different having everyone recognizing only me. But that slight embarrassment is really overrun with every other overwhelming emotion going through me at the moment.
Catching Tishim's eyes as she continues to applaud with the audience, I mouth a 'thank you' to her. She just smiles and nods in response.
After a good minute, the crowd quiets and returns to their seats. While sitting back down, Heero grins and winks at me while patting my leg. "That was very nice of her," he comments in a whisper. Not really trusting my voice, I smile back and nod in agreement.
Just when I am sure the Senator will be stepping away from the podium, she turns to face the pleased, white-haired man just behind her and smirks, "Mister Speaker, I know that this gathering was not intended for business. However, I would like to announce at this time that I will be voting for Colony L2 to receive our support."
I outright gasp at that, along with everyone at my table and others throughout the room. Before I can react much further, one of Renee's friends stands at their table and he announces loudly, "As will I."
One of the women seated by him rises and adds, "As will I." Then, one-by-one, the remainder of their ring of seven people gets to their feet to reply in kind.
Unable to breathe, my head turns as I watch in disbelief other members of the Assembly spread around stand to echo the motion. Finally, the last of those once opposed to supporting to L2 are all on their feet.
Now, there's no way I can hold back the tears that are beginning to flow. Clearly moved as well, Heero does manage to blink away the slight shimmer in his eyes and smiles lovingly when our eyes meet. His reaches to take my hand in his with a tight squeeze.
"This is really happening?" I breathe, still having a time believing what I am seeing.
Chuckling softly, my husband answers, "Yes, it is. And it's all because of you, Duo." That's... once hell of a thing to take in after years of feeling like it was partly my fault the Colony was overlooked up until now.
I wipe away the wet traces from my face to not make too much of a fool of myself. Luckily, none of my friends around make any attempt to tease as they just watch me with warm grins on their faces and tears in their own eyes.
The Speaker returns to the podium when Renee steps aside, a wide smile on both of their faces. "Well, then," he snickers. "Since the vote would then be unanimous, I hereby decree that Colony L2 will be one of the three areas to be the next to receive any and all aid we can offer until it is brought back to livable conditions."
His gavel appears from its resting place within the podium and brings it down with an echoing wooden crack. Any and all that had been seated jump up with a loud cheer and applause once again at the announcement... well all but me since it hasn't exactly sunk in yet.
Finally getting my bearings, I push myself up onto shaky legs and do the first thing that I need... and that is to throw my arms around my partner's neck. Sniffling into his shoulder, I revel in feeling his arms wrapping around me.
Despite my crying, I can only remember a couple times when I've ever been happier than I am at this moment. Those moments, of course, involve Heero.
* * * * * *
Retirement is a wonderful thing.
The winter passed by both quietly and quickly to welcome the early start of spring. With that warmer weather also comes with the task of packing before the big move to L2 where our dream house is completed and waiting.
Between the huge pension we received for serving as Preventers and the funds we had accumulated from hacked OZ accounts during the wars, we were able to afford every little detail in our permanent residence and still have more than enough to live off for the rest of our lives and then some.
It came as no surprise that our seaside place here sold within a couple of days when we put it up on the market. Which brings us now to this morning- the start of our last day living here on the Earth.
Our hands joined, Heero and I walk around the shoreline to the rocky cliffs a couple miles away from our house to watch the sunrise. This being mid-May, it's still a bit too cool at this hour to wear shorts. But dressed in jeans and long-sleeved shirts, we're more than comfortable.
In his free hand, my husband carries a pail with a bottle of wine left from Lady Une's wedding gift to us and several packed breakfast items for the small feast we've planned.
My free hand is holding tightly to our slimming Molly's leash as she walks alongside us, panting happily and taking everything of our surroundings in. She's especially captivated when we reach the cliffs where she can watch the seagulls floating above the waves rolling into the beach below. [1]
Pausing at that spot, I sigh and watch the sun breaking out over the horizon. Heero and I unlock our hands so that our arms can loop around our waists. "Beautiful," I breathe. Humming in agreement, Heero nods.
Slowly looking over at him, I tell him, "You know, it's not too late to change your mind about this move tomorrow if you think you'll miss this. Even with the Assembly's plan to help L2, it'll take years before it's as nice as this."
A smile tugging his lips, 'Ro replies, "No turning back, and no regrets. This is what we both wanted. And being there to be part of the help will make it even more rewarding when the Colony is finished."
Chuckling, I shrug, "And in regards to our re-wedding in a couple weeks?"
His eyes narrowing possessively on me, he pulls me closer up against me. "I did not try to get out of marrying you the first time," Heero smirks. "And there is no way in hell I am going to try to get out of it now."
"Good answer," I snicker as we lean in for a deep kiss to seal the deal.
We have a lot to look forward to now... things that even months ago I would never have hoped for.
And it's all owed to what turned into a pleasant surprise when we woke up one morning.
TBC...
[1] A couple months ago, T-Shirt made this pic for me that I used for this scene.
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