GUNDREAD: MEMORIES OFF
Written by: Norsehound
Disclaimer: Vandread is property of Gonzo Studios. Mobile Suit Gundam and Mobile Suit Gundam W are not my property.
----------------------------
CHAPTER THREE
Past Ghosts
---
Had it not been for the large volume of space in the platform space would be at a premium. It was fortunate that most of the Dreads docked in the lower hanger.
Crowding the deck before the Super Dread platforms was a Crystal Mobile Suit, the Transformable Wing Gundam, the OZ Space mobile suit Taurus, and the impressive prototype mobile suit Tallgeese.
When Heero emerged from his mobile suit he saw a small crowd gathered around the
exit to the hanger. Dita was the first person to approach him, chiming,
"Wow! So many aliens!"
Next was Relena, "Heero? What's going on?"
Zechs and Noin were by the back wall and staring at Heero, while a confused Parfait was scratching her head. Meia was absent.
As Heero approached, Jura had her hands clasped together as she was staring at one person. "Wow! He's so magnificent!"
Somehow Barnette managed to get up here in a hurry enough to mutter, "Jura, I'm not to sure about guys in masks..."
"Oh but Barnette, it adds to the mystery!" Chimed Jura.
Heero looked at her, then at Parfait, "Tell Magano I'll handle this." Then he looked at Zechs and Noin, "Will you three accompany me please?"
"Sure, but this better be good," Said Noin as the three followed Heero out of the room. Dita held up her hands around chest level in amusement as she followed them.
Heero was walking in silence down the hallway until Relena caught up to him as she still clutched her helmet, "Heero, what's going on? The first minute you tell me to get into the suit and take off, and the next I'm out here!"
"What?" Heero asked and stopped.
She looked at him and said, "You don't remember? Just who are you Heero?"
Heero looked at her and then Zechs said, "Keep walking."
Heero did so and said, "Relena, just follow me."
-----
The conference room light turned from EMPTY to IN SESSION.
Dita somehow managed to get in there, but Zechs and Noin had taken seats while Relena remained standing, as did Heero.
"Right," Said Heero, "First of all I should tell you- it is not the year AC 195. From what I'm told it's the year 3946."
Noin and Zechs exchanged glances.
"Secondly, the crew of this vessel comes from two different planets somewhere on the galactic rim: those being the worlds of Tarak and Mejere. Men and women live, respectively, segregated on these planets. An open state of war exists between these two nations. However, there is a cease-fire aboard this ship due to the circumstances.
"Also, we are five months away from the Mejere solar system. Out here in this unknown space we have encountered what appears to be an automated space fleet bent on organ harvesting for some unknown purpose. For now they are our common enemy, and this ship is headed to Mejere to warn them of the impending threat of this 'harvest.'
"My mobile suit was custom modified by the mysterious energy forces that created this vessel. It is also responsible for bringing me here from my own time and space, and I believe it was responsible for bringing you here, also."
"Wait," Noin said, "YOUR time and space? Where do you come from?"
"In my perspective it was the year AC 197."
"Two years?" Asked Noin, "What happens?"
"...Nothing that can concern you, now." Replied Heero.
"You mean there's no way back?" Asked Zechs.
"...Not that I am aware of." Heero replied, "There could be, but don't count on it."
"My family..." Relena murmured, "My friends....my...."
"Relena," Heero said as he turned to her, "Calm down..."
"You expect me to believe that I'll never see my family again?" Asked Relena, "All my hopes and dreams...."
Her helmet was on the table, so it allowed her hands to be free to cover her face to cry.
Dita blinked in surprise, as did the other guests, as Heero walked to her and helped her sit down.
Once she was seated Heero looked up and said, "I'm afraid there isn't much I can do to help you. It seems like me you're trapped here until something else happens."
Noin closed her eyes while Zechs looked away. Relena continued to cry while Heero's hand rested on her shoulder.
"Relena..." Zechs said.
Relena's head slowly lifted and he said, "I'm sorry, I should have been there sooner."
"What do you mean?" Asked Relena.
Noin looked with surprise, as did Relena, while Zechs took hold of his helmet and removed it from his head. It clattered on the table lightly as he put it there, revealing his full face.
Dita's eyes widened in amazement and Zechs went on, "I should not have let Lady Une get so impulsive."
Heero winced, he was trying to remember that far back. He decided to sit next to Relena, and when he set his hand down she reached over to grab it.
"Zechs, what are you talking about?" Asked Noin.
As Zechs looked at her Heero looked at Relena and said, "I'm sorry about your father."
"You mean...you knew?" Asked Relena.
Heero nodded and said, "And your family...the Sanc Kingdom-"
"Sanc Kingdom, what are you talking about?" Asked Relena.
Heero looked at her with surprise, as did Zechs.
Heero blinked and asked, "You mean you don't remember?"
Relena winced, "Are you sure you remember me right? My name's Relena Darlian."
One thought ran through Heero's mind. Ironic, since it seemed like yesterday when it ran through his mind.
She does not know. What would it be like to have a Relena who didn't know her past...?
"...I'm sorry, I must be remembering wrong," replied Heero. He looked at Zechs but found the count's eyes already on him with a meaning in that stare.
You know something.
Heero didn't respond, but looked to Noin as she suggested, "Maybe we should just go over what happened and how we got here, all right?"
"Yes," Said Heero, "It would clear up things considerably."
"...Um, Ma'am, you forgot this...."
Lady Une didn't look to pleased as Relena held out her compact. With wide eyes she snatched it, "You Fool!"
Relena watched the graceful little box sail back through the window, followed by an explosion.
"Ah...Father!" She screamed and ran back into the building.
Une watched the girl go and muttered, "That was close..." She pointed and said,
"Get her. And if she resists, kill her!"
OZ troops took off after her with the intention to carry out their orders. Une
smirked, then heard an explosion down the street....
Relena stepped over the glass and blood and came to her father's side, "Father...."
"Re-len-a..." Muttered Darlian as his eyes cracked open, "You...need to...."
Gunfire was heard in the hallways and before long men appeared and ran into the room. Relena stood up and watched as they picked up her father. "W-wait!" She called and followed them.
She was too late to get into the ambulance, but a limousine drove up beside her in the parking garage. She looked down into a strange face that said to her, "Get in."
Relena climbed into the limousine and the small car caravan drove off together to head deeper into the colony.
---
Zechs didn't show any emotion when he heard the news.
"Thank you," He replied, "Dismissed."
The EA soldier saluted and left the room. Zechs lowered his head... figures, something like this could and would happen. Fortunately there was no confirmation of Relena's death...
He looked back out the window. At least the Tallgeese would be restored on schedule, and within a few days he would stop by the Lake Victoria base to retrieve it and test it.
Still, the presence of the Gundams nearby on earth disturbed him. Especially when they have the ability to run and retreat at their convenience. It left them and the EA at a disadvantage...
Even so, if the Tallgeese proved to be what it seemed to be, then Zechs could have a machine that could at least stand toe-to-toe with an enemy Gundam and at least have some margin of success.
He glanced over at a clock mounted on the wall.
"...Hmm...."
---
"You mean all he ever is...ever was....was a cold hearted assassin?" Asked Relena as the car rushed along the street.
The cyborg man sighed in his seat, then said, "No, not entirely. Heero, at his core, is a kind-hearted young man with a good set of Ethics. Perhaps I am to blame however, it was required of me to knead out the humanity in Heero."
"How...how could you?" Asked Relena with some shock, "To a young boy..."
"It was necessary," Dr. J replied without looking at her, "Someone had to do it. Heero was already skilled in many ways... we felt that he would be the perfect person to complete the mission. As a youth he has incredible flexibility- something we could not find in experienced soldiers."
"But you still used him!" Relena chimed, "You're using him for your own selfish ends..."
"My dear," Said Dr. J, "It was our only choice."
Relena turned her eyes to the floor of the car and squeezed them tight to try to
hold the tears back. The Doctor looked across the car at her, and then at the seat
before him, "But from what you tell me it seems that I have failed."
"What?" Relena asked.
Dr. J nodded once and went on, "Heero Yuy is not the emotionless soldier that many would seem to think. His reaction to you is...unexplained. And unpredicted at best... perhaps there is still hope for him to be human again."
"You mean...you want Heero to be human?" She asked.
"It was not my choice to make him into who he was," Said Dr. J, "But now, looking back, the removal of emotions from a person's soul is probably the biggest mistake I have ever made."
"...Why?" Relena asked.
---
"Good news!" Shouted one of the technicians as Zechs walked into the hanger, "Lieutenant, the Tallgeese is almost finished!"
Zechs looked up at the massive form of the Tallgeese and asked, "How was it finished so quickly?"
A voice said from his right, "A little favor I threw..."
Zechs turned his head and said, "Noin, I should have guessed you would."
Noin smiled as she approached Zechs and said, "Well, since the Taraus plants are down for re-tooling I just had the crews off-duty reassigned here to help restore the Tallgeese."
Zechs looked back up at the Tallgeese as he said, "I'm grateful for this, Thank you Noin."
"Don't mention it," smiled Noin, "Consider it a favor for the 'Lightning Count."
The technician turned around and looked at the Tallgeese, "we think it should be ready by tomorrow sir, if you want to take it for a test run."
"What about combat?"
"Well, given that the entire weapons crew from the Taurus team is working here, I'd say about the same time."
"Good," Zechs nodded, "I intend to do some Gundam hunting as soon as this suit is complete."
---
Relena Dorlean opened the door as the car stopped by the spaceport. The driver opened his side and stood up to say over the car, "You need someone to take you inside?"
"I'll be fine," Relena smiled, "Thank you Mr..."
The man smiled, "It's Damson, thank you, but I doubt we'll cross paths again."
"I suppose. Thank you anyway!" she waved to him.
"Relena, wait!" Called Damson. She stopped and returned to him as he stood on the sidewalk. He motioned her closer and said, "It's best if you didn't tell this to anyone, understand?"
"I got it," replied Relena.
"And one other thing," said Damson, "Be careful of who you trust- both here and on Earth. We don't know who the alliance or OZ has for agents, but you can sure as hell bet they'll be all over you when you get back. Got it?"
She nodded again.
"Take care of yourself kid," Smiled Damson.
"I will, thank you!" called Relena and hurried back into the spaceport. Damson watched her leave before entering the car and driving back into obscurity...
---
Zechs was alone as he heard the news.
"You made sure."
"Positive. She got off the car and was in the shuttle without any problems."
"Good." Said Zechs and said, "Thank you."
He hung up and sighed to himself, then turned to the table where his helmet rested.
Relena... Zechs thought to himself. He pulled on his OZ uniform coat then stared down at the helmet that stared back up at him. He reached down to don the name and identity to confuse his enemies.
When he emerged from his room Noin was waiting for him.
"Noin," Zechs said, "I didn't know it was like you to wait for me."
"Well, I had to know if something was wrong," said Noin and stood up from leaning against the wall, "You've been looking like something was on your mind lately."
"It is, but nothing terribly important," said Zechs and started walking.
"Are you sure?" Asked Noin.
"Positive." Replied Zechs, "Besides, it's a problem I alone have to deal with."
Noin closed her eyes as she walked beside him, "I'm sorry, I guess I'm being too picky then."
"No need for apologies Noin," Said Zechs, "I'm sure you are only being inquisitive for my sake."
She huffed a laugh to herself as the two of them left the base offices and walked out onto the tarmac.
A trio of Aries Mobile suits were taking off, while across the tarmac at the far side of the runway were parts being unloaded for the Taurus factory repairs. At the moment only three Taurus were on the base- two from the factory and one personalized version fit only for Noin. Like her Aires it was painted in shades of green.
Zechs looked across the tarmac into the largest hanger on the base. He could make out the completed form of the Tallgeese there, complete with its Doba gun and combat shield on it's sides. The Doba gun was being reloaded at the moment while the two beam sabers were on the ground before it being recharged.
"You know," Said Noin when she found the target of Zech's stare, "I dug up some of the old pilot reports from the Tallgeese. They said it was a monster to handle."
"I know," replied Zechs, "Some of the test pilots are in therapy right now when they tried it. Still, I have confidence I can handle it."
"Are you sure?" Noin asked and crossed her arms.
Zechs turned his head, "You forget why they call me the Lightning count."
---
Relena returned home to reporters and crowds.
She closed her eyes as she descended the escalator. People were naturally curious as to how Relena would act now that her father was gone- but Relena was also careful of what she was saying now that she knew some of the things behind the scenes.
Long ago on the airplane she had decided the only person she could trust here was Heero and her mother. She wasn't sure about her classmates, as the words Dr. J and Mr. Damson told her still rung fresh in her head. Who could she trust here on Earth; the center of OZ's kingdom?
She didn't say anything to the reporters and boarded the limosuine quietly before it started up and drove for her home. All the while she said nothing as the driver continued his course, and she prayed that she could trust him. How did she know agents weren't inside the Dorlean estate?
When she arrived home she hurried inside and closed the door behind her. Her
mother was there to greet her, "Relena? Are you all right dear?"
"I'm fine mother," Replied Relena, "Just...tired...that's all,"
"Did your father say anything before he died?"
"...I didn't see him," Relena replied, "An ambulance took him away..."
"I see," said her mother.
Relena closed her eyes and said, "Excuse me,"
"Relena!" called her mother but Relena was already upstairs and running for her room. She closed the door and locked it behind her before stumbling to her bed and falling on to it. She cried, clutching the sheets as she felt the whole world crashing down on her.
---
Noin was startled, "You mean you want me to spot you?"
"Yes," said Zechs, "I intend on taking the Tallgeese on a test drive to Sicily base, and I want you to accompany me."
"...Zechs, I don't know if the Aires can take it. Besides, I would need to have the transfer papers-"
"But you can do it, can't you?" Asked Zechs.
Noin sighed and nodded, "Yes, I can do it." Then she smiled, "On the double."
"I'm glad to hear it," Zechs replied.
He did not know why he wanted Noin along. Could it be feelings? He would use that as an excuse for now. As she walked away out of the office Zechs paused to ask himself what was the motivation for bringing Noin. She was a capable soldier, one with exceptional skill and motivation. She had a good heart, and she was willing to follow him wherever he went.
But was that the reason?
Zechs didn't know why, but he felt as if Noin was the only person on this earth he could trust at the moment.
He would leave for Sicily base within the hour.
---
Relena didn't even feel safe at home anymore. She admitted to herself that she was paranoid ever since seeing that simple compact fly back into the window to kill her father. Anything here could be a weapon.
So she dressed quickly. She didn't tie up her hair or put on any extensive makeup as she prepared for the school party. Though one thought ran through her head as she made these preparations.
She had to see Heero. She had to talk to him. Only around that assassin could she be safe- despite his threat that hewould kill her. Even so, she told herself as she slipped on her earrings, better to be killed by Heero than be assassinated by her father's killers.
She made her way downstairs ready for the party. She was at the door when her mother came into the living room, "Relena..."
"Mother, I'm headed to the party...' she said as she opened the door.
"Relena," Her mother said again, pausing behind the couch, "I...need to tell you something."
Relena flinched. She had to get out of here...
"Can you tell me after the party, mother?" Asked Relena, "I have to get going..."
Her mother nodded with concern on her face, "Yes...yes I suppose it could wait...
have fun dear."
"I'll try mother," Bowed Relena and walked out the door to her waiting
limousine.
---
"Zechs, I'm not too sure about this," Said Noin as her Taurus stood at the ready, "You're going to skirt the atmosphere?"
Zechs was in his space suit and tapping buttons, "Yes, I want to see the performance envelope of this suit. If it's as capable as the records say it is, then I want to see it in top form."
Noin sighed in her Taurus, "All right, but just be careful. If you have to eject I'll try to catch you, but there's no guarantees."
"...I have faith in you." Replied Zechs and powered up the Tallgeese.
Armed and prepared for battle, the tall tower of a Mobile suit progenitor opened its back pack thrusters. They glowed white before exploding into action, rocketing the Tallgeese into the sky. Noin followed in suit mode before changing her fighter to flight mode to pursue him.
Zechs grit his teeth as the Tallgeese erupted into the sky with the speed of a rocket. The speed gauge continued to climb, and for a moment he wondered if this suit was mach capable.
He soon found out as a thunderous boom exploded just outside his hearing range.
"Noin, am I okay so far?" Zechs asked over the roar.
Noin looked at him from her place on the screen and replied, "You've just passed Mach one."
And this suit is still together! Unbelievable! Zechs thought to himself. Surely a suit as sturdy as this could make easily a match for a Gundam.
The two mobile suits continued their trek for the distant base of Sicily.
---
Relena left the limousine quickly and hurried into the schoolhouse made from an old castle.
When she entered the doors people recognized her immediately and started heaping apologies on her. "Thank you," She said over and over again to the polite citizens of this private school. Her eyes however were looking for the one face she was sure she could trust among these people. Unable to find him, she turned and asked, "Where's Heero?"
"Oh," said one of her friends, "didn't you know? He's transferring..."
"What?" Relena chimed and excused herself to find him.
She headed up a flight of stairs into the dorms on the second floor. She had long ago memorized his room number in case she had to deliver that invitation by person. Without even knocking she opened the door.
"Are you off to fight again Heero?"
Startled, Heero whirled up from his computer to point the gun at her.
"I met Dr. J. He told me everything." She said.
Heero was again startled by this, saying, "What?"
His grip remained firm on the gun and she approached it and continued, "I don't think you want to shoot me Heero. That would cause a lot of commotion and I take it it's against your best interest.
"There's a party going on tonight, won't you stay and at least enjoy it?"
Then she performed a courtesy before him, spreading her dress wide and bowing her head.
Heero was clearly stunned, so much so that the gun dipped several degrees.
---
Zechs was somewhere over the Mediterranean some hour after launching.
Noin's voice came over, "You're doing fine so far Zechs..."
"Good," Zechs replied. He had gotten a handle on the Tallgeese now, after turning it some degrees in flight. The super acceleration had some getting used to, but from what he was told Gundam 01 was just as fast.
Noin's head turned a moment and Zechs asked, "What's wrong?"
"...It's a call for you." Said Noin and her face disappeared to be replaced by another.
"What is it?" Zechs asked.
"Sir," Said the officer, "I thought you might want to know that Lady Une has been dispatched on a Gundam hunting mission sir. She's headed into France at the moment..."
"Where to?" Asked Zechs.
He head the location, then said, "Is she going in without authorization?"
"No sir, not that I'm aware of."
"I see. I will intercept her unit then to supervise."
"Sir, should I inform her?"
"No," Replied Zechs and smirked, "It's a surprise. But tell me, what is her target?"
"It's a small school by the waterside sir."
"And the Gundam is hiding there?"
"No sir, that's her target. I don't know if there was any word about a Gundam."
Oh damn. Zechs realized. Relena...
What a fool he was. He should have been actively protecting her, why was he trusting OZ to be unwatchful? More to the point, he underestimated the zeal of Ambassador Dorelan's assassin, "Thank you. Out."
The transmission ended, and Noin's face appeared, "Zechs, is something wrong?"
"...There's been a change of course," said Zechs, "We are going to intercept Lady Une's unit."
"Lady Une? But why?" asked Noin.
"Because I have the feeling she's overstepping her bounds." Replied Zechs.
---
Relena could never ask for a more safe place, despite that she was in the arms of a killer.
They were dancing now, Relena in Heero's arms. She had persuaded him successfully, and he reluctantly accepted.
"So Heero," she said to him as they danced, "Are you still going to kill me?"
He hesitated, but then replied, "Yes. You know too much about the operation."
"I see," She smiled and closed her eyes. Then she asked him, "Heero, I have a request."
"What is it?"
"...Take me away from this place."
He was puzzled by her question, "what?"
"Can you take me with you?" She asked, "It would be preferable to dying..."
Heero seemed to consider it for a moment before replying, "My mission is solo, and you don't have the training. You would just be in the way."
"I understand," Relena replied, "Even if there was a way to keep me quiet..."
"...There is no other way." Replied Heero.
---
Night was falling when the Tallgeese blazed over the southern parts of Europe.
"we should be reaching the area now," said Noin as darkness was falling, "I don't see Lady Une's unit."
"She's northbound." Said Zechs, "I just hope we aren't too late."
The dance ended with Relena and Heero together, and as the applause went up they parted and bowed to one another.
"You dance well," said Relena, "was it part of your training?"
Heero hesitated. Did she see him smile?
"No...." his voice trailed off.
Something was in Relena's hearing...
"What is that?" Asked Relena.
Heero turned his head and winced, "That's an MS carrier."
---
Zechs had slowed down considerably and was at normal speed when he heard the radio chatter.
"It's Une," said Noin, "Zechs, what are you going to-"
"I'm going to crash the party." Said Zechs and moved his mobile suit closer.
---
Heero dashed outside the building and ran for the forest.
Relena appeared in the doorway calling, "Heero-!"
Her voice was overtaken by the sound of an Aires performing a strafing run. She
covered her head, and then looked up to see Heero getting up. "Ah!" She called and
hurried across the ground to his side, "Heero!"
He was bleeding.
"Heero," She said again, "You're hurt."
"let me go..." He said. She released him and he stumbled forward again. Out of some unknown motivation she dove in to help him.
---
Zechs saw the flashes of gunfire ahead and winced. Then he tapped his communications buttons, "This is The Lighting Count to OZ force. May I ask what you are doing here?"
Lady Une's face appeared, "Well well, if it isn't the Lighting Count. Our operation here is none of your business. Leave immediately."
Noin gasped, "Oh my God, are they attacking a school?!"
Zechs bowed his head, "You are engaging a civilian target. Where is your authorization?"
"I don't need to give it to you. I am operating under orders from Commander Treize-"
"And did Treize allow this unprovoked action on a school?" Demanded Zechs.
The Tallgeese landed before the school, and the Taurus landed beside him. Une's Aires and Leos stopped on the ground and faced the school.
---
Relena had never seen the Gundam up close, but was impressed as she helped Heero into the cockpit.
"Go..." He grumbled as she climbed into it with him.
She smiled and said, "You're going to kill me anyway, remember?"
He looked at her and then nodded slowly as he closed the cockpit. She sat on his lap and he said, "You'll have to help my left arm. I can't move it as well..."
"Okay," She said and positioned her arm over his.
The Gundam powered up.
---
"Stand aside!" Demanded Lady Une, "Or I'll cut you down along with the school!"
"I don't think that's a wise decision," said Zechs.
Une fumed, then turned, "All units! Open fire!"
"But ma'am-"
Une shouted, "Do as I-"
But suddenly a beam cannon opened fire and incinerated one of the MS carriers.
"What was that!?" demanded Une.
A pair of green eyes materialized in the dark and Gundam 01 emerged.
"A Gundam! Here!?" Une demanded.
Zechs on the other hand took the opportunity to disappear with Noin.
Noin asked as the Tallgeese flew into the air, "Zechs, were are we going?"
"We'll watch," said Zechs, "Let her forces weaken the Gundam, then we'll finish it off."
Relena did the best as she could to help Heero in the cockpit. She closed her hands on his when she felt his fingers move, and helped his left arm move the controls to finish off the Leos and the Aires.
One by one the Mobile suits exploded by the Gundam's hand, and when the last suit was finished the MS carriers were in full retreat.
Heero turned the Mobile suit and landed it on the ground on all fours. Then he opened the cockpit and kicked Relena out a she cried out.
She landed and rolled on the ground, then started slowly to get up.
The Wing Gundam stared down at her, and moved it's massive shield.
Overhead, Zechs was watching the situation and saw Relena before the Gundam.
"No!" He shouted and dove in.
But coming around was the MS carrier, and Une shouted, "Zechs! You will die for
this!"
"Zechs!" Shouted Noin.
The Ms carrier roared in to ram the Tallgeese, forcing Zechs to change direction and avoid the carrier.
"What is she doing!?" Demanded Zechs.
---
The shield rammed into the ground beside Relena without harming her.
The Gundam went silent, and Relena looked up into the eyes of the Gudnam.
Then the cockpit opened and Heero fell out of the cockpit.
"Ah! Heero!" She shouted and ran to him.
She scooped his head into her lap and called, "Heero! Heero!"
"...Did Dr. J.. tell you..." Heero asked, "About... my past...?"
She nodded to him.
Heero's eyes glazed over, then he said as he looked through her, "Get into my suit...get a space suit on...hit emergency program 3..."
"what?"
"I don't know why....but you must. Get out of..."
He coughed and died.
"Heero...HEERO!" She shouted.
But she couldn't do anything else. She stood, gently letting him down, then looked up at the Gundam.
---
"You're insane!" Shouted Zechs as he dodged the MS carrier again.
"I won't let you interfere!" Shouted Une as the MS carrier banked again.
Then Noin called, "Zechs! On the ground!"
Zechs turned his attention to the ground to see Relena climbing into the Gundam.
"Oh no!" Shouted Zechs.
He dove for the ground again with the MS carrier diving to destroy him.
Relena finished closing the cockpit and found the control panel. She typed in the keypad, and the Gundam started to move on it's own. Then she searched for the space suit...
Zechs watched the Gundam turn up and lift off, then transform into bird mode.
"Relena!" Shouted Zechs and didn't' notice the body of the former Gundam pilot beneath him. He skated along the ground and took off after the MS.
"Zechs!" Shouted Noin and went after him. The MS carrier banked.
Relena finished putting the space suit on and grasped the controls when something flashed in her forward vision.
"Huh?"
A blue-white spark appeared there and flared into a great existence.
"What...AHHH!!!"
The flaring encompassed the Mobile suit and in a flash she was gone.
"Relena!" Shouted Zechs before his own Mobile suit was caught in the flash.
Noin, stunned, shouted Zechs's name before she too was taken into the flash.
And if anyone was interested, at the last flash a lighting bolt reached out and struck the MS carrier in the engines, forcing the flaming wreckage down into the forest below.
"I got the suit on like you said," Relena was saying, "And before I knew it I was out here. Then these...these things came after me. Then you came, thank God, and rescued me..."
Heero was listening patiently to the account of all three pilots. So was Dita, as she sat in a seat at an end of the table.
Heero nodded and looked across the room at Zechs and Noin.
"Well," Noin asked, "What do we do now?"
"You can stay here on this ship and live." Said Heero, "It's what I've done. We need every able-bodied person we can here to help us against the harvesters."
"But what about our home? Our world..." Noin asked.
Heero replied, "You might as well do your best to get over the fact that you'll never see it again."
"What about you Heero?" Asked Zechs, "How long have you been here?"
"Long enough. But my past followed me- of a sort." Said Heero, "I just hope your
past does not follow you too like mine did with me."
"Why?" Asked Noin, "What happened?"
Heero closed his eyes.
Not completely 1:1 possibilty of what could happen, and it might seem unbelievable to twist it to that degree....but at the time this was all I could think of to make the pieces fit into the puzzle.