Operation: Lost Boys Part 17
Harmony frowned as they pulled up to where Relena had told them to meet her. "So many reporters!"
Triton wrapped his arms around Quatre as if to protect the blonde. "Is there some way we can avoid this? They'll have a field day with a few of us."
Quatre sighed. "It's okay... really. I was raised to be in the middle of a sea of reporters. I WAS the only male Winner heir, after all."
Harmony grinned at the pair. "I'm sure there's a back entrance. Relena should be contacting us with the details."
Quatre shook his head. "No. It's better to face them now. They'll find out eventually anyway." He took a deep breath. "Everyone ready?"
Duo bit his lip. "I'm not happy about it, but I'm ready."
Harmony glanced at the rest of the group and nodded. "Don't forget...no matter what those reporters say, we're in this together as a family."
*****
A young reporter checked her make-up quickly and nodded. "We are here live at the peace talks. Behind me is the limo containing all six of the Gundam pilots. I have just received word that they are forgoing the back entrance and are facing the literal mob of reporters. The door is opening and the pilots are emerging." She blinked and gaped as Quatre emerged. "I don't believe it! Ladies and gentlemen... it seems as if Quatre Winner, heir to the Winner Enterprises, is one of the pilots! Amazing! The Winner family is well known for their pacifism. Young Quatre has only just turned fifteen three months ago!" She watched as the next pilot emerged. "The next pilot appears to be a girl! No WAIT! It's a boy with very long hair. He's helping someone out. Another shock, ladies and gentlemen! One of the pilots is idol singer, Medly Star! She and the long-haired youth bear a striking resemblance to one another! What?"
The reporter tilted her head and blinked. "I have just received information that the long-haired youth is Medly Star's brother... who has been missing for a long time..." She continued talking as each of the pilots emerged. "This is crazy! Guys... my kid brother is the same age as these kids! What sickos put them in such deadly machines? I really wanna give whoever trained these boys a piece of my mind!" She frowned as the cameraman made a few gestures. "I don't CARE if we're live! Look at those kids! They're not even old enough to start smoking!" She jumped as someone tapped her on the shoulder.
Quatre raised his hands in mock surrender. "I come in peace! If you're so jumpy... maybe you should try switching to decaf."
The reporter stared at Quatre for a moment before getting a hold of herself. "Would you mind if I asked you a couple of questions?"
Quatre smiled and nodded. "I wouldn't mind at all."
"I guess the one question that's probably floating through everyone's mind is... WHY?"
Quatre blinked at the question and frowned in thought. "I guess... it all depends on the why. Why am I a pilot?" When the reporter nodded, Quatre took a deep breath. "I disagreed with the way the Federation was handling things in the colonies. The colonists were treated like second class citizens... some struggling to survive while members of the federation lived the easy life. My father was a pacifist at heart, but I disagreed with his ideas. He refused to fight and look at where it got him." Quatre closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "There are a few things that I'm not proud of. But if I had the choice...I'd do it all over again regardless."
The reporter nodded. "What is your relationship with the other pilots? You were huddled together for a minute."
Quatre smiled. "We're a family. My cousin is in love with Harmony's brother who is the cousin of my own beloved. Harmony, or Medly Star, is betrothed to Wufei Chang. We're a strange family, but a family nonetheless."
"Thank you... I'm sure you'd like to get inside and talk with the other groups. I hope to have another chance to interview you... along with the other pilots."
Quatre nodded. "If we decide to do an interview, I promise you'll have the exclusive. There are so few reporters here willing to see that we aren't the monsters we're made out to be."
She couldn't resist it. The reporter reached out and mussed Quatre's hair up a little. "Thanks, little bro!"
Quatre made a face. "Lillia! Do you MIND? We're on live TV!"
Lillia laughed as she released her baby brother. "Go show them the Winner charm!" She smiled as she turned back to the amazed cameraman. "This is Lillia Winner with MYB News... back to you, Ron."
*****
The pilots walked down the aisle in a little formation. Heero was out front with Duo beside him. Behind them were Wufei and Harmony with Quatre and Triton bringing up the rear.
Relena smiled and held her hand out for Heero to shake. "Thank you all for coming."
Treize nodded to Wufei. "It's a pleasure to see you again, young dragon. Perhaps we shall duel again?"
Wufei returned the nod. "If we do, it will not be to the death, Treize. I have too much to live for now." He indicated where Harmony was standing.
Treize raised an eyebrow before smiling.
Some small talk was made while reporters took hundreds of pictures.
Relena gestured to the double doors. "If you will all follow me, we will get these talks underway." She smiled as the various officials and figureheads entered the conference room with the many different faction leaders. Things were definitely looking up.
Harmony blinked when she spotted a very familiar face. "Madame H! What are YOU doing here?" She ran over to give her trainer a hug.
Madame Heatherfield smiled at the girl. "Someone had to represent the scientists that built the Gundams. It was decided that since I was on Earth, that I was the wisest choice. The only one who disagreed to this whole thing was J. We all know HIS reasons, though." She smiled at the other pilots. "Hello, boys. I trust you'll all be relieved to know that these talks started before J could leak the location of Melody Manor. The estate is safe and in one piece."
The group visibly relaxed, and Harmony smiled. "That's good to know. Thanks." With that, she sat in one of the empty seats.
Relena waited until everyone was sitting before stepping up to the dais. "Let me start out by thanking each of you for coming. We are here to see if the colonies and Earth can come to an agreement. Before we start any discussions, ladies and gentlemen... let us have a moment of silence for those that have lost their lives or their families during this war." She closed her eyes even as she saw the pilots clasping hands. 'Father... so many people lost so much! I'm glad the pilots managed to find each other.' Unconsciously, she reached over to Zechs and felt a flash of pleasant surprise when he took her hand. 'My brother... I can finally get to know him!' She opened her eyes and smiled gently at him. Two more minutes passed before Relena cleared her throat and gently severed the contact. "Let us begin these talks and end this war."
One of the military leaders snorted. "There were talks like this once before. We all know how THOSE ended." He glared at the pilots.
Treize cleared his throat and stood. "In an act of good faith, I will clear this up. The pilots were focused solely on destroying Oz. With that knowledge, we fed them false information. We gave them reason to believe that the leaders of Oz were the ones meeting. They were meant to attack the pacifists." He sat as an angry murmur arose.
Relena raised her hand. "Please! This is in the past and we can do nothing to change it. We are working for the future."
Before anyone else could say something, a shot rang out and Duo clutched the left side of his chest while yelping in pain. A second shot was heard and Duo fell out of his seat. Heero was by his side in a second while the other pilots went into motion. The leaders couldn't even see the movements of the four young people they were so fast. In almost no time, they were dragging someone from a hiding place.
Madame Heatherfield glared at the individual. "Damn you, J! What the hell were you thinking?"
From the expression on the old scientist's face, the gathering could tell he was glaring right back. "Heero was supposed to bring peace by marrying Relena who was to be queen of Earth! Instead he falls for a no account street rat from L-2! The brat corrupted my perfect soldier! I'll destroy the distraction and retrain the soldier!"
Heero wasn't paying attention to J. His whole focus was on the boy bleeding on the floor. The wounds were life threatening... and he had to stop the flow of blood. Duo was pale with the shock and whimpering a little. "Shhh! Shhh, koi. It's okay. It isn't serious."
Duo groaned. "Bullshit!"
Heero nodded. "Sorry. I had to try. It WILL be all right, though, even if I have to fight Shinigami himself to make it all right." He looked up and opened his mouth.
Harmony knelt down. "I already called an ambulance. I have a cell phone. They were on their way anyhow." She smiled a little at her brother. "At least he didn't shoot your braid!"
Duo let out a shaky laugh, followed by a wince. "Small consolation. It might have hurt less."
Harmony shook her head. "You have the most uncanny knack for getting into trouble." She gently wiped the perspiration from Duo's forehead. "Look on the bright side. You would've been bored sitting here listening to people talk."
Heero held Duo and gave Harmony a grateful smile. She was keeping Duo talking with easy banter and keeping him from going into complete shock.
When the doctors entered, They thoroughly expected to be bringing one of the leaders. They were shocked to see one of the Gundam pilots on the floor. The shock wore off quickly as they started bandaging the wounds to staunch the blood.
Duo frowned when he was given a tranquilizer, but looked at Heero. "I want you to stay here, Hee-chan. I'll be okay and you're needed here."
Heero gave Duo a gentle kiss before the medics started carrying the gurney out. "Ninmu ryoukai, koibito. You rest."
Duo gave Heero a sleepy version of his saucy grin. "Like I ever needed an excuse to sleep. See ya!"
J was taken out of the room by several guards to be brought to a holding cell.
Heero stared at the door a moment before turning back to the shocked group of officials and leaders. 'Surprised to see that we really are human?' He took a deep breath and nodded. "Let's end this! I won't have him hurt again."
TBC...
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