Treize quickly dialed a few more numbers, starting a sort of conference over the phone lines. "Lady Une, we will deal with subordinates later. I need you to find me all relevant information about someone named... Riku. Noin, I want you to find out all you can from the local authorities about this fire."

"Will do, sir." Noin replied.

"Lady? Are you still there," Treize prodded, worried as the normally prompt Lady had yet to reply to his request.

"Yes, sir, I am here." Lady Une sounded rather flustered.

Skeren returned to the back seat, fists clenched tightly as she tried to calm down, the muttered curses of "Goddess save that brute from me when I meet him face to face," Among other threats still being said.

Treize relaxed a fraction after he got an answer. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, sir, everything is fine. What was it you needed?"

Treize sighed. "I need you to find me as much information you can on a man named Riku." He could feel a headache building while talking to his third in command, the frustration of the whole situation making him want to just go to bed.

"A man named Riku?" Lady Une sounded puzzled, but started a search. "Is that all I have to go on? What does this Riku look like?"

"From what I gathered of an overheard conversation, this explosion is his sort of thing. I believe I also heard something about white hair," Treize glanced in the car, watching the young woman throw a rather unsightly tantrum. He struggled to not laugh at her reaction. He felt like doing something like that himself.

Skeren took her phone back out and glared at it venomously, finally going still with her short hair sticking up in all directions. She wanted so badly to break the little device, but she couldn't due to the amount of work she'd put into making the signal from it trace proof.

"Is that enough for you, Colonel?"

"I'll do my best sir, but that's not much to go on."

"I know. We will talk when I arrive back at the base. Which should take no more than an hour." Treize was trying not to sigh yet again. He had so been looking forward to that bottle of brandy from his father.

"Yes sir. I look forward to your return." Lady Une then began an extensive search for 'a man named Riku'. She didn't find much, but printed out a small document from a local police force in Australia.

"Of course. Good evening, Une." He hung up the phone and turned in time to find a law enforcement officer standing there to ask him questions.

Skeren was still muttering when Treize entered the vehicle a few minutes later. "Not only didn't I get an apology, the bastard hung up on me! If he wasn't so goddess damned important, I'd kill him!"

Treize blinked as the young woman cursed, and began chuckling. "That's an interesting way of putting things."

Skeren turned her head to look at him and lifted her phone. "He hung up on me!"

"Who? Someone important enough to rile you, I take it."

"Someone who's been making my life harder than it really needs to be and managed to ruin what was left of my good evening!" Skeren huffed a bit, finally managing to fully calm herself before she put her phone away. "And an 'Oh well' will *never* be considered a sufficient apology."

Treize laughed again. "No, never. Of course, I don't find that problem among my subordinates."

"Yes, well, this person and I have yet to meet face to face, so I haven't managed to instill the fear of me in him yet. But I will." Skeren nodded, smiling a bit. "You know, I'm glad we'd been outside before that blew."

"As am I. I don't think anyone else made it out after we did." He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "A pity really. Such a waste." He shook his head sadly.

"Yes. It was that. I liked their pasta." Skeren glanced past him out the window as the car started to move, and there was a flash of anger in her eyes before she sat back. "Yes, an 'Oh well' is never a sufficient apology."

Treize snorted at her repetition. "Never. Michael, back to the base, if you please." He turned to his companion. "I suspect things will be much more interesting now. Do you know the Gundam pilots?"

"Know of them. I've gotten a good look at a few, as well, due to Relena. Otherwise, I know them as little as they know me. How well are you acquainted with them?" She raised an eyebrow at him, a small smile hovering on her lips.

"Oh, I know a few quite well. Chang has tried to kill me once before. He's very... precocious... and determined to have my head on a pike. This looks like something he, or Maxwell, would attempt to do. They might like your friend."

Skeren frowned a bit. "I just bet, the bastard," she muttered the barely audible reply before looking back to him again. "I'm afraid I know Yuy and Maxwell best on sight. I'm still trying to figure out how she does it."

"She? Ms. Darlian?"

"Of course. I'll figure it out one of these days too." Skeren smiled a bit.

"Wouldn't we all? Zechs has found that contacting them is a bit of an issue, at times. I still owe Chang, but that is beside the point. So, would you care to explain how you met my cousin and Ms. Darlian?"

"Her father. Before he died he managed to trap me into going to one of the recent social events. I met both the girls there. They were about a minute away from resorting to fists in an argument when I found them."

Treize looked at her with open shock. "Relena... Darlian... and my cousin... resorting to fisticuffs?" He began to laugh. "I would have paid to see that. Do you have pictures, perchance?"

"I'm afraid not, but I managed to reach them in time to get a nice little scar from the princess. She throws a rather amazing punch." Skeren moved her hair, showing a little streak that was hidden by her hair on the far back of her cheekbone. "They both stopped arguing rather quickly when they realized they'd gotten a bystander, and the fact I was bleeding all over them certainly helped that." Her voice was dry.

"Quite lovely. I will have to amend my opinion of the lady then. Do you know what they were arguing over?"

"Yes." Skeren dropped her hair, starting to laugh quietly. "It was an argument over whether or not violence could solve anything."

Treize laughed out loud, trying to wipe at the tears forming at the corner of his eyes. "Ah, idealism is quite interesting when it comes down to making it reality. But to actually think Relena would try to strike someone..." He trailed off, looking out the window. "I think I will inform Zechs of this matter," he added lightly.

"It'd shock him a bit, I think. Oh yes, she sent him a letter today. Via me." Skeren settled back into her seat. "She figured out who he was."

"Well, I was aware that Noin informed her of her blood tie to him." He sighed. "Quite an ugly mess in Antarctica."

"I heard about that. Things got pretty quiet after that." Skeren shook her head. "You do know that we'll be all over the news now though, don't you?"

"But of course. Although, I've become accustomed to seeing myself vilianized on the Earth Sphere's news."

"I've managed to avoid it up till now." She got a stricken look. "And I'm in a *dress*, damn it!"

"A very fitting dress, but I doubt you are as high profile as I am."

"Oh yeah? You just wait and see what you have to deal with now that my followers will know where I am. Your base won't stand a chance against the flock of them." Her voice was a tad sour and annoyed.

"Yes, well, I have a few strings I can pull. I think I can manage to keep your name out of it. It's too late for me, more's the pity."

Skeren laughed a bit. "Yes, well. Considering the explosion, I'm sure to expect the Princess and the Amazon to arrive at your base in the morning regardless."

"I shouldn't expect anything less from those two, by now," Treize said, sighing as the car stopped. "I suppose I should walk you to your quarters before going to deal with my upset underlings?"

Skeren smiled at him and nodded, pushing her door open. "Good luck with them."

Treize walked stiffly to his office, not surprised to find Noin, Une and Zechs there already, but more than surprised to see the blond man in a rumpled uniform. "So, that is what she meant," he commented below his breath as he sat down. Skeren had apparently been sure to delay any possible new clothes from reaching the pair she'd terrorized that day.

"Reports," Treize got to the point, looking at the three before him.

"Sir, I printed out a document from a local police force in Australia. It was the only thing I could find about this 'Riku', which I have reason to believe is a code name." Une handed him the report.

"Interesting. That is the only thing? Did you call down there?" Treize looked at Noin. "Lucretia, I need you to call the local news, and tell them to leave all names but my own out of the story on the fire. Zechs, what happened to your clothes?"

"That... person... happened," the blond snarled, trying to straighten his uniform.

"Yes sir," Noin replied and left to do just that.

"Well, let me see the document in question," Treize said, reaching out a gloved hand to take the paper.

The document read as thus: Brisbane Police Department report 28957: Wanted: Male, going by name 'Riku'. Age: Unknown. Suspect is wanted for: Espionage, arson, hacking, murder, racketeering, embezzlement, inciting riots, private and public property damages in excesses of three billion credits, breaking and entering, grand theft auto, money laundering, smuggling, illegal drug trafficking, and distribution of stolen equipment. The report contained a very limited description. Suspect is male, reputed to be thin. Any districts with any info pertaining to culprit please contact Brisbane PD.

Treize's eyes widened as he read the report out loud, and looked up to see his own reaction mirrored in Zechs' tight-lipped expression. "Quite.... A repertoire... No doubt this is someone we will have to watch out for."

He was greeted by a scoff from the blond. "That is perhaps the most vague thing I've heard you say in the last ten years, Treize."

"Thank you, Marquise. There was nothing else, Une?"

"I found a few vague comments floating around the Internet, but nothing worth printing," Une replied simply, making a faintly annoyed face.

"Such as? Rumors tend to be more informative than actual reports."

"Nothing that that report doesn't already tell us." Une shook her head a bit. The report was as close to rumors as she'd been able to find in the short amount of time.

"I notified the news about the accident. I'm sure the public will respond." Noin had just returned to the room and was sure to add in her part. "But the local authorities here weren't very helpful. They told me that they'd had a string of random fires and accidents that seem unrelated. It could just as easily be the Gundam pilots..."

"But of course. Thank you, Noin. Une, Zechs, would you care to share what Ms. Dalren did to your wardrobes?" Treize withheld a smirk as he asked the question.

Zechs' visible face flushed a few shades of red as he looked at Une. "I'd rather not, sir."

"Really?"

"Yes!"

"No, sir." Une looked uneasy that he'd press the point.

"That bad, I see." He finally let himself smirk before his expression grew grave. "That is all. I have a few things to finish up. I will see you in the morning. Good night," he said, turning around to look out of the window behind his desk.

Riku swerved his motorcycle to a stop outside a high security warehouse. He needed some new weapons and equipment.

"Riky, hon, what are we doin' here?" Makoto said, looking at the building in front of her.

"I'm looking for some new parts," Riku replied, walking up to the building and examining it, before pulling out a key card.

"What kinds?" she whispered, following closely behind him

"The kind that they keep in here." Riku punched in a code and swiped his card, before yanking off the cover of the machine and splicing the wires.

"What do they keep here?" Makoto asked, drawing a small dagger from her hip boot and handing it to Riku. "Use this, hon."

"Thanks." Riku replied, and took the knife. The door opened a moment later with a soft thunk. Riku pulled out some latex gloves and put them on. He tossed an extra pair to Makoto. "Use these if you take anything." He walked in and started "shopping."

Makoto blinked, but put on the tacky gloves anyway. "Do you not know the meaning of fashion sense? These things are horrid," she hissed, picking up a rather interesting looking gun and shoving it in her other hip boot. "Toys, eh? I can go for that."

"They are for function, not fashion," Riku replied, pocketing two Desert Eagles and a 9mm.

"Is that a double barrel .22 over there? I haven't seen one of those since I was back home," she muttered, snatching up the shotgun and shoving it down the back of her shirt. "Girl needs protection, yanno?"

Riku rolled his eyes a little. "So do I." he replied and picked up the latest model of sniper rifle, this one was called 'The Silencer'. It came complete with a scope and a laser focus. Riku grinned almost maniacally. *Imagine what I could do with this!* He strapped it to his back, and pulled out a backpack, filling it up with ammo and some extra computer parts for hacking.

"Lookie, Riku, are those throwing stars? I suggest you get some of those to make up with Skeren for your stunt." She snatched up the beautiful silicon chips on the table next to the stars.

"She can bite me. I have work to do and she knows it." Riku came up next to Mako, and looked over the throwing stars. He took a few although he wasn't really that interested in them. But no harm in being prepared.

"You don't know her, do ya? She might just bite your ass for that little moment of fun ya had. Although, I'll admit the colors were pretty."

"No, I don't know her, and if she gets snippy about it, that's what I'll use this 9mm for. Let's get out of here; we've been here too long."

"Agreed," Makoto whispered, snatching up a few more computer parts and shoving them into her shoulder bag as they left.

Riku didn't bother to shut the door behind him, tossing his latex gloves in the nearest dumpster, and then climbing back onto his bike. He tossed a helmet to Makoto. "This time, wear your helmet." He stated this as he started the bike.

Makoto stripped off the gloves, making a face at the powder on her hand. "But the helmet messes up my hair, Riku, hon."

"Too bad. Wear it." Riku didn't make any move to put on his own helmet.

Sighing, Makoto shoved the helmet on her head, and sat behind the white haired man. "You know, they're gonna pull you over, sugar. Hey, why aren't you wearing one, then?"

Riku smirked as he took off down the street. "Messes up my hair."

Makoto smacked him before grabbing onto his waist for safety. "You suck."

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Riku couldn't resist the comment, going from zero to sixty in three seconds flat back towards their hideout.

Quatre found Duo in the library, staring out of the window. "Ten credits for your thoughts?"

"I just need a little action is all... You wanna watch some TV with me?" Duo got to his feet, padding into the living room, which was currently empty.

Quatre shrugged and muttered, following the braided pilot. "I suppose it couldn't hurt. What did you have in mind?"

Duo flipped on the TV and settled onto the couch, but didn't get as far as changing the channel when he heard the news report that was on. "The restaurant had General Treize Khushrenada, as well as a politically active representative that has yet to be identified. Suspicion rests on the Resistance activists and the Gundam pilots at this time."

"Oh, we're being blamed when we're in hiding. How nice," Quatre replied to the TV with no little amount of sarcasm.

Wufei stopped in his room, dropping off his book, and picked up his sword. There was no way he was staying in that house with a *bored* Maxwell. He'd already proven how dangerous he was to Wufei's sanity. Trowa followed Wufei into the room and just stood in the doorway.

"What?" Wufei growled, staring at banged boy in his way. "Is there something I can do for you, Barton?"

"You can't leave. We're on a strict observation mission," Trowa replied, not moving an inch.

Wufei's hand gripped his sword's hilt tighter. "I am *not* leaving. Merely going outside to practice. If you don't move, I will begin early."

"Come back inside soon." Trowa finally conceded and stepped aside, making a motion with his hand for Wufei to go.

Duo glared at the TV. "That is so wrong! We need that guy to keep all of them other factions distracted still. Why would we go and off him, and like that no less? I don't believe this." Duo raised his voice. "Oi! Come here and hear what was on the news!"

"Wufei and Trowa are upstairs. Heero's still in the other room," Quatre said, his face becoming pensive. "Although, you bring up a good point. Treize serves as a nice distraction."

Duo nodded, getting to his feet and heading upstairs. "Come hear what was on the news!"

"What?" Wufei snapped, feeling the urge to hurt something grow.

"We're getting blamed for a bombing you guys!" Duo leaned into the doorway, effectively blocking Wufei. "WHAT?" Wufei was the picture of shock.

Just as Duo left the room, Heero entered it, giving Quatre a look of amusement. "We can leave now. Orders say so."

"Oh? Whose orders?" Quatre got up from the couch, interested.

"All five. Seems the break is over." Heero led Quatre to his laptop and gestured at the overall message.

"Someone tried to blow up the OZ General and another politician tonight." Duo dealt with the stunned answer only to get forcibly moved.

Wufei pushed the braided boy out of his way, and walked directly to the room where Heero and Quatre were. "Is it true?"

Duo followed Wufei back immediately, tugging Trowa along, though he made a face at the green-eyed boy's dry comment. "Delightful... Now, at least, Duo won't die by Wufei's hands..."

"Is what true?" Heero glanced up to Wufei.

"The bombing?"

"So, that's why they lifted our orders." Heero nodded once, moving back to let the other three see the screen.

"Tsao!" Wufei muttered, pushing his way out of the group and back to his room to pack.

Duo blinked a couple times. He hadn't heard that particular word before. "Wuffles! What does that mean?"

"Something that I'm not telling you," Wufei promptly shouted down the stairs. Trowa glanced to the others and just nodded, and then he too, left to pack.

Duo sighed and shook his head, going to get his things together. "Ah, well, time to pack, ladies! I, at least, have a pyro to find!"

Quatre snorted and then turned to leave. "Would you like me to pack your things too, Heero, while you reply back to the doctors?"

Heero gave Quatre a startled look. Then, his lips curved into a faint smile. "Yes." He then settled back into his chair to type out the reply.

"Okay," the blond retorted, unsure whether to be insulted or not, before making his way past the other rooms on the upper floor to pack for two.

Duo was a bit quicker than the others were; he had been packing before he decided it was boring and had started the book thing. He was back out in the room where Heero was in no time. "Hey, buddy. I'm going to be heading out, if any of you care to join me with my new little hobby, just gimme a buzz."

Heero glanced up, pushing send before turning to look at Duo. "Going solo?"

Duo gave a wry twist of his lips, seeing some personal irony in that statement. "Yeah. Suppose I am going solo for a bit after dealing with you people for twenty-four-seven this week. See you." With that, Duo left the room, silent as a ghost.

Quatre quickly finished packing both his and Heero's sparse belongings, but found he was the last one to finish. He had the fortune to see the lovely sight of a petulant Wufei and a stoic Trowa. Heero looked up as the other three came downstairs, and then closed his laptop, tucking it into it's small carry case and heading towards them. "Duo left already. Any of you going to join him?"

Wufei looked at the other three. "He's gone to find the bomber? I will go as well." He stated it simply, moving out to head for Nataku to contact his current companion. Duo had already taken off in Deathscythe before Wufei had heard he'd left, headed to the area that the bombing occurred. They might not make the best team if silence was involved, but Duo should expect to be followed out there. Wufei understood how Duo's mind worked, whether he was willing to admit it or not, and headed to the bombed area, listening to the news reports in Nataku.

"Any other orders in place?" Trowa asked quietly, waiting until he had all the information.

Heero glanced after, and Wufei then looked back to Trowa before shaking his head. "We're free to follow our own leads, though they do want to know who the other politician was."

Quatre paused. "I suppose this means I do research?"

Trowa nodded and left for Heavyarms for his own agenda. He smiled a little to himself as he flew off.

"I wonder what Trowa's got on his mind."

Treize sat in his office, going over the whole evening in his mind, piecing together tiny strands of information. Then, it suddenly hit him, and he felt stupid. Ms. Skeren Dalren *knew* the bomber. He was *not* happy about that, and was determined to find out just how *much* the girl knew, but before he could react, someone knocked on his door. "Yes?"

The door was pushed open once an answer was attained, and none other than Dorothy Catalonia and Relena Darlian-Peacecraft stood there. Dorothy was the first to speak. "Cousin."

Treize stood as the young ladies entered his office. "Cousin, Ms. Darlian. Please sit. How may I help you?"

They each took a seat and Relena smiled brightly at Treize. "We've come to be sure our friend is alright. Is it a good guess she was the one with you?"

Treize sat down with a mild smile. "She is fine. I managed to get her into my car before the debris started to fall. Although, something tells me that our mutual 'friend' knows who tried to kill me."

Dorothy blinked once, before answering with a noncommittal "oh?"

Relena glanced from one to the other, and then looked back to Treize again as she leaned back in her seat, letting Dorothy talk for the moment. She was always talking, and she was letting someone else for once.

"*You*, dear cousin, fail to fool me. Ms, Dalren has informed me of your help with her. Although, certain things she said have made me think that she might." He scoffed. "And no offense, but she's hardly as high profile as I am."

Dorothy nodded slightly. "She can't afford to be."

"Of course not. It matters not if my head is in the noose, as long as there are players who can keep things active when they hang me."

"You are aware that was a very bad metaphor?" Dorothy's voice was droll, and she smirked a little at Treize.

"I believe I was using a very accurate metaphor," Treize replied jovially, winking at both girls. "Do they teach you nothing but total pacifism at those schools you attend?"

Dorothy gave Treize a mildly insulted look. "Of course not."

Treize smiled widely that time. "Pleased to hear other aspects of your education are attended to as well. Now, what else can I do for you?"

"We came to see Skeren. She was supposed to tell me if... Zechs... reacted to my letter." Relena folded her hands together.

"I believe that Zechs has had other things on his mind, and is now unavailable... Due to certain circumstances. But, I think I can arrange to have someone show you to Ms. Dalren's room. Is that acceptable?"

"Completely. Dorothy, please, feel free to stay and talk with your cousin while I get a few answers from Skeren." Relena sat forward on her seat.

Treize pressed his intercom. "Watts, please escort Ms. Darlian to Ms. Dalren's room."

"Yes, sir."

"If you will go out in the hall, Watts will serve as a nice escort, even if he talks too much."

Relena nodded, going out to meet the escort with a smile. She'd be disappointed when she found out Skeren's nature had halted seeing the letter opened.

Dorothy waited for the door to close before looking back to Treize. "Now, what did you mean in saying I don't fool you?"

Treize smiled as the door closed behind the girl, and then turned on his cousin. "You... scamp. How dare you tell Skeren anything you would not tell me? Do you *know* how vital that information may be? Hence the comments about being hung. Your detestable grandfather is trying to not only kick me out of Romefeller and steal OZ, but have me assassinated."

"Of course I know. She has some unique connections I have been taking advantage of to give you some breathing room." Dorothy smiled a bit to herself. "It was for your own benefit." Dorothy leaned forward onto the desk, small smile turning into a smirk.

"Breathing room? Dermail is more determined than ever to prove that I am too young for my position and too idealistic to solve this problem."

"True, but he hasn't managed it yet. Did she inform you as to her reason for being here in the first place?"

"I'd happily shoot him if the opportunity arose. She vaguely touched on it, but we never gave each other totally straight answers on anything. *You* tell me."

"She's here to win you to her cause." Dorothy's voice was dryly amused as she said this, and proceeded to wait for his reaction.

Treize took a good look at his 'little cousin' and scowled. "And what, pray tell, *is* her cause? Am I some front man for everyone?"

"No, I'm afraid I don't know what her cause is." Dorothy had to laugh. "Trust me, you aren't someone she wants for the public. That's Relena's job."

"Dear god, I feel for that girl. Everyone wants to use her." He looked at her again, his expression softening. "Then what does she want?"

Dorothy seriously thought about it for a second. "She wants to save the OZ elite from the things she's unable to stop."

"I'd like to prevent *any* of my men from dying needlessly. To think any other way would be barbaric. Whom is she considering the 'elite'?"

"The people who are at risk to the political takeover; namely you, Zechs, Une, and Noin. The others are safe, and will follow you where you go, if she can win you over. If she hasn't done anything to you since she got here, she must respect you."

"Well, that does not bode well for Zechs and Une. They have been... attacked by Skeren." He thought over the rest of what she'd said. "And yes, I suppose the four of us would take the most backlash if anything were to go wrong."

Dorothy looked slightly alarmed as she heard the word attacked. "Please tell me you are referring to her sense of humor."

"Oh, I believe so. It seems that they are far too... orderly for her taste."

Dorothy relaxed as she heard that, her smirk tipping back up. "Yes, I can see how that would be. Order goes against how she likes to do things."

"So I've gathered. Unfortunately, it must be adhered to at times."

"Of course. She is the person handling Relena's security. She knows when not to push." Dorothy nodded once, a small smile trying to transform her smirk.

"Oh, that's refreshing. So, tell me, what is that sewer rat you call a grandfather doing?"

"Planning something. He's started to avoid me this last week." Her tone said just how much this annoyed her.

"I have a feeling I know what he's up to. Watch out for any news about L3, X18999, or the name Dekim Barton. I don't trust anyone right now, except those who have proven to me that they deserve it."

Dorothy smiled. "Of course. Don't discount Skeren too quickly though. She's trying to help and solve this war in her own way." Dorothy thought over the Barton thing as something clicked. "I've heard him mentioning Barton. Something about his little red wren."

"Wren? I don't like the sound of that..." He turned to face the window again. "Tell me what you think about arranging a meeting between all the pilots and your friend."

"I think it's a good idea, if all involved were convinced it was." Dorothy studied Treize as he turned away from her, though her mask didn't slip.

"Ah, the crux of it all. That would require Chang and Yuy to desist in trying to actually kill me. Don't you think so?"

"You haven't been paying attention, have you? The last two weeks the Gundams haven't been in any of the battles. It's the allied factions and the Rebels, not Gundams. Though, with this new one getting blamed on them I think the truce just got a premature end."

"Oh, I have been paying attention, and trying to keep Zechs from going off to find Yuy to continue their delayed battle, but it seems pointless. We will all be dragged back in, eventually, unless..."

"Unless you find a way to stop it. Or, unless Skeren finds a way to turn the battles the way she wants them to go." Dorothy said this quietly.

"I'd rather stop the fighting forever. I suppose I'm as idealistic as Relena, though I know that some weapons are necessary." He sighed wearily. "What time is it, cousin?"

Dorothy moved her hand to open her locket, peering inside before closing it and letting it thump back against her chest. "Nearly one in the morning."

Treize ran a hand over his face. "I think we should continue this later. Would you like me to show you to Skeren's room as well?"

"I think that might be best. You'll need your sleep to deal with your seconds come morning." Dorothy sounded sympathetic.

"You have no idea." He turned around, feeling his weariness for the first time. "I'm thinking of growing a goatee. What do you think?" He walked around to the other side of the desk and offered the blonde girl his arm.

Dorothy took her cousin's arm and gave him a look. "Not unless you are going in for the villain of a movie. With our eyebrows, it's the only alternative."

Treize laughed. "I thought I was already the villain?" He walked out of the office, and led her down a few corridors to stop in front of a non-descript door. "Here you are. Give my regards." With that, Treize left to go to his own quarters.

Dorothy shook her head. "You don't have to stay a villain, cousin." Then, she slipped into the room, lips twitching as she saw the pair asleep, Relena on the bed, and Skeren on the little couch. Dorothy chuckled softly and pulled a blanket over Skeren, before climbing in with Relena. Of course, she locked the door first.

Treize was surprised to find Zechs already in his room when he arrived. "Yes, Zechs?"

"How was the rest of your evening?" He leaned back, making himself comfortable.

"Interesting. My cousin and your sister have joined us on the base." Treize gave him an amused look, his own impish streak showing for a moment.

"WHAT?" Zechs reacted just as the regal man had hoped, bolting upright as he stared at the other.

"Calm down. It's unlike you to react like that." A blatant fib, for he knew how Zechs could be at times.

"My sister is here?" His voice was rife with disbelief.

"Yes, you can meet with her in the morning. But as for now, I'm rather tired, and I'd like to sleep." Zechs looked like he wanted to protest, but after a single determined look from the other, fell silent and left for his own quarters, letting them both get well deserved sleep.

Riku helped himself to a small sandwich and sat down on the soft couch, leaving his weapons in the corner, hunger leaving the stash for later. "You gonna eat or just stand in the corner?"

Makoto on the other hand, walked over to the small icebox, grabbed a bottled water, and opened it, not feeling hungry. "You know I only eat when I want. Not when other's expect me to...." She rolled her eyes.

"Suit yourself." Riku replied and continued to quietly eat, processing ideas in his head.

She shuddered as she watched him eat, and pulled out her new toys in her hip boots. She felt a bit lighter already, and happily pulled the shotgun out of her shirt and smiled. "Fun toy, eh?"

"It's rather small," Riku commented as he finished his sandwich.

"Oh, this is for show. One day, I'll show you my *real* toys," she drawled, caressing the metal barrels. "Reminds me of home."

Riku snorted. "You girls and your toys..."

"What?" Makoto glared at Riku. "Like you and your precious bombs aren't just as annoyin' sometimes." She rolled her eyes, and tried to adjust to her sword's scabbard scrapping the floor.

Riku shrugged. "It gets the job done."

Makoto scoffed. "Sure they do, but where's the beauty? Nothin' like seein' a grown man cry as you cut his head off." She smiled, coldly, her brown eyes looking almost dead. "Or the color of his blood."

Riku smiled a little. "I agree."

"Knew ya would..." She sighed, placing the shotgun down and grabbing her water. "How can you eat that crap?"

"What crap would that be?" Riku stood up to get his bag of stolen weapons and take inventory.

"All of it. If it doesn't grow from the ground, naturally, I ain't eatin' it. No tellin' what they do to those cows, though I know what they do. Might be why I don't eat it."

"Makoto. Did you watch me make that sandwich at all?" Riku gave her a clearly annoyed look.

She shuddered, not looking at him. "Do I ever?"

"Then you'd know I'm a strict vegetarian." Riku looked away, pulled out his two new desert eagles, and put them in his shoulder holsters, replacing his old 9mms.

"But, you do know that *I* am vegan. If it comes from an animal, I dun eat it or drink it. *You* know that."

"Of course I knew *that*," Riku snapped. "I am insulted you ever thought I was anything but."

"Yeah, yeah. We share that, dun we, Riku-hon?" Makoto said, standing up to open the icebox again. "Interested in an apple?"

"Please," Riku replied, holding up his hand to catch one. His pager went off a moment later.

Makoto deftly threw an apple over her shoulder, snatched one for herself, and then turned around. "Who is it?"

"A client of mine," Riku replied while checking the code and tucked it back into his pocket. He got up and threw on a black cotton sweater over his white dress shirt. He left the room and returned a moment later. "I should be back in about 20 or so minutes. If anymore than that, call me, but not any sooner."

Makoto shrugged, and pulled out her phone, checking her voicemail for messages since she'd turned it off after the conversation with Skeren. Skeren had left a couple messages, one saying that she wasn't going to kill the boy, and the other questioning if it would be possible for them to get a line to the pilots. Makoto sighed as she listened to the messages from Skeren, nodded to Riku before he left, turned off her phone, and considered which of her other contacts she could use to get to the Gundam boys.

Riku went back outside to his bike and hopped on. He had ten minutes to get across town to meet with his client. It wouldn't be a problem.

"Thanks. Pleasure doing business with you." Trowa thanked the stranger as he left the abandoned alleyway and headed back to his hidden Gundam. He opened a comm-link with Duo as he pocketed his merchandise. "Do you need any help?" He was eager to get to work now that he had his things.

Duo picked up immediately. "Hitting the leads first thing in the morning. Got a rumor a white haired dude is in town that's known for being fire happy. Nobody can tell me anything else though. Kinda like me an my braid."

Trowa blinked. "A white haired guy?"

Wufei scoffed as he overheard Duo's interaction. "You and your braid are notorious, Maxwell."

"Yes." Duo paused to stick his tongue out at Wufei. "But only a select few can recognize me, even with those wanted posters!"

"Because most people aren't trained to spot wanted criminals, and OZ soldiers are a joke. Except for Marquis, Une and Noin," Wufei retorted, and then scowled. "And even those two *women* are something to laugh at."

Duo looked amused at Wufei's comments. "So I take it you aren't looking for the perfect woman, Wu darling?" He accompanied the words with a laugh, and turned back to his conversation with Trowa. "So, yeah, all I got was the white hair. He's pretty good."

Wufei sputtered. "I will not deign that with a comment," he replied, while trying to regain his composure.

"Hmm..." Trowa replied and sat back in his chair a little. It was too much of a coincidence, really.

"Barton, do you know something?" Wufei ignored Duo for a moment.

"I might. I think I need to make a phone call," Trowa replied, and shut off the link.

Duo turned his attention to Wufei fully as that happened. "So, you *aren't* looking for the perfect woman!"

Wufei's mood soured considerably between Barton's non-committal answer, and Duo's incessant chatter. "I'm not looking for *anyone*, but Khushrenada's head."

"Oh, is that how it is? You sure he'd let you do that for him? I never even thought you swung that way!"

Wufei glared darkly at the American with a death wish. "I'd like to stake you both. Him for what he's done, and you for the sheer annoyance factor." He stalked away, trying to ignore the American.

"I never thought that what I do was a turn on!" Duo followed after him.

"*What* are you talking about? Can you get your filthy mind out of your crotch for five seconds and behave like an actual *warrior*?"

"Well, you said you wanted to stake me. That's what I'm talking about." Duo purred it, trying not to laugh. "But, sad to say, though I'm a warrior, I have no interest in you. I like tall people."

"That's fine with me. I'd like someone with a brain."

"Then, I must be your perfect man. So sad for you." Duo flipped his braid back. "After all, if you must rely on your sword, that means you're lacking in other attractions."

Wufei could feel his eye twitch at that last comment. "I said a brain, not a braid. Fool."

"A fool is a wise man who doesn't know when to speak. But if you listen to a fool, you will never feel you are less. Is that why you love me Wu? I make you feel like a wiser guy?"

Wufei laughed. "The thought of being with you is a joke. Really."

"Just you wait and see. You'll be in shock once I find my perfect match. You'll never see it coming." Duo smirked, straightening up. Wufei never did look deeper. He just was content to verbally spar with him.

"A person who needs someone else to make him feel complete is not secure with himself. It is only a man who knows what he really wants that is the victor, Maxwell."

"Yes, I know. I know exactly what I want in life, but I don't see you having the same resolve." Duo smirked. "I don't need someone to complete me, I want someone to *compliment* me."

"I know what I want, Maxwell. I never said that I didn't. It's just that I fight for what I want. I feel no need to be... complimented, as you put it." His tone was a bit saddened before he snapped his head back up and looked out.

Duo gave Wufei a considering look. "You just watch and see though, man, you never know."

"I don't *want* to know. I want... Nevermind. Let's continue what we were doing," Wufei said, looking for traces of the bomber.

Riku returned like he said he would, twenty minutes later. He greeted Makoto with a small nod.

Makoto sighed. "Riku, what would be the best way to contact five wanted 'criminals'?" She looked up at the white haired man.

"Piss 'em off by blowing up a building," Riku answered, completely non-chalant. He pulled out a pen and a piece of paper and began to write something down. "You know, encroach on their turf?"

"I think we have, darlin'. You know that restaurant you torched? Seems Khushy-babe and the Gundam pilots are 'friends'."

"Good," Riku replied. "And I didn't *torch* it, I *decimated* it." Riku looked up and smiled. "If you like, I can demonstrate the difference."

"True. And it was gorgeous. Too bad Skeren was there... I'da liked to stay and see the place cave in..." She sighed wistfully. "Wonder how long it's gonna take..."

"How do you know Skeren anyway?" Riku asked as he started to chew on his pen, fluffing his hair a little with his other hand.

"Met her when I was on a job. Seems one of her daddy's friend's was my target. She's a cute thing. Why?"

"How long have you known her? And what kind of job?"

Makoto thought it over. "I suppose for 'bout two years now. What kind of work did I do when I met you?"

"Assassination." Riku turned away from her and made some more calculations.

"There you go. I think I might have another job comin' up... Ever heard of a Dekim Barton?" Makoto asked, looking at the man's head as she turned over the information one of her other calls had given her.

"I have. Why?" Riku's pager went off again, and he picked it up.

"Oh, nothin'. Know anything about him? All I know is that he's on L3 with some cute little kid. That's it."

"He's a pretty important guy from what I know. Messy stuff." Riku frowned at his pager. "Do you have my phone?"

Makoto searched her jacket. "Nope. Just mine. I gave you yours back when you started yellin' at me about usin' your phone." She searched through her bag. "Wanna use mine?"

"Please. I can't seem to find mine," Riku replied.

Makoto tossed her phone at him. "Catch! I'm gonna go take a nap. Wake me if anybody important calls, or you find somethin' out." She picked up her shotgun and other toys and went to her room.

Riku dialed the number given to him on his pager. "Yeah?" Pause. "What?!" Pause. "You want me to come now?" Pause. "Alright. Perhaps, if I'm not there in an hour, I'm not coming." Riku hung up the phone and went after Makoto.

Makoto paused at the knock on her door. "Somethin' already? What?"

"I think you might wanna come with me," was the cryptic response from Riku. He looked whiter than normal, even with his pale skin. "And bring your things. We won't be coming back to this place."

Makoto eyed him. "Who called? SHIT! What the hell is this about?" She snatched her phone and dialed Skeren's, leaving a message that they were picking up and leaving. She then packed her things in her large shoulder bag, grabbed a few bottles of water from the fridge, followed Riku outside, and set the detonator to the hideout to eliminate all traces. She wasn't taking any chances. "I hate you sometimes."

Skeren jerked awake as her phone rang and she dug it out of her pocket, looking blearily at the phone before calling back. "Now what was that?"

Makoto stabbed at the accept button of her phone. "What do you mean? Riku gets a strange page, calls, and then comes and interrupts my beauty sleep. I'm not happy, and we have to be on the move, but he won't say why."

"Is there somewhere I can meet you?" Skeren sat up, getting the feeling this was important.

Riku packed up his things, left without saying a word, hopping on his bike, and waiting for Makoto. "Talk to the idiot," she snapped, shoving the cell phone at Riku before getting on the bike.

"What now?" Riku glared at Makoto and held up the phone. "Who's this?" He intoned coldly. He started his bike and gunned off down the road.

"BOTH HANDS!! How many times I gotta tell ya!" Makoto yelled as he pulled off, and she held onto him for dear life.

Skeren heard the bike and raised her voice a little. "What's the hurry, and is there somewhere I can meet you guys if this is extreme?"

"Don't call me an idiot!" Riku yelled back, losing his usually calm demeanor.

Skeren got up, tugging on her boots. "Where can I meet you guys and how fast do I need to get there?" She changed the skirt of the dress for black pants.

"FINE! I TAKE IT BACK!! JUST DRIVE SANELY!!"

"Nothing too extreme." Riku replied into the phone. "My clients don't usually call me back and--" Riku abruptly halted his part of the conversation. "You got a car?" Riku calmed down his driving and drove 'sanely' as Makoto asked.

"Yes, I have a car. Where am I going in it?" Skeren was putting on her weapons from her pockets, blending them into the new pockets with the air of a lifetime of practice.

"Thank ya, kindly," Makoto said loudly, praying to the spirits of her ancestors that she was going to live through this night

. Skeren scribbled out a note that said she had to run an errand and shouldn't be too long in returning.

"There's a park just off 34th St. Park there and walk two more blocks south. There should be a small dock. We'll meet you there."

"Got it." Skeren hung up, and then got her black cloak jacket, tucking her gear away quickly and heading out the door, locking it behind her.

"That's a slummy area, Riku. Lot's of slime will be there." Makoto sighed. "Care to tell me why we left so early?"

"It's isolated." Riku yelled over the din of his bike.

Skeren moved down the halls with quick steps, inadvertently dodging the cameras as she went to her car. Moments later, she hopped in and drove for the specified location.

"You're armed. I don't see what the problem is."

"I'm *also* a lady.... Besides, I'm sick of this cheap shit. You are taking me somewhere nice, soon." She glared at the back of his head. "And you owe me dinner, damn it."

"Stop glaring at me," Riku responded. He could tell she was doing it by the way her fingers tightened on his clothes. "Fine, I'll buy you dinner. Or rather, breakfast in a few hours. As long as you replace my boots you stole."

"I didn't steal your boots. You left them... But, I'll replace 'em after my next job." She closed her eyes as the wind wiped past her face. "You gripe more than I do."

"Not really," Riku replied, taking a corner especially fast. He didn't know if they had time to meet with Skeren and then get back across to the place where his 'client' wanted to meet with him.

Makoto noticed the flash of blue and red lights off her helmet. "Shit! Damn you, Riku. The cops are after us!"

"Damn it." Riku cursed looking in his rearview mirrors. "Help me steer," Riku said. He let go of the handlebars and reached up into his sweater for one of his guns.

Mako reached all the way forward to try and steer the monstrosity of a bike down the street. "Lean a little to the left," she shouted, trying to move them around a corner shortcut.

Riku leaned, and then turned around partially and opened fire. He was an excellent marksman, and hit the driver's side tire, making the car spin wildly out of control.

"Great, at least you left 'em alive this time," Mako shouted, trying to adjust her position.

Riku nudged Makoto and took control of the bike again, whipping around the corner. Now that the main car was taken out, he had to double back, and head back the way they were originally going. "I don't have time to kill them. Plus, I forgot my silencer."

Mako snorted. "Really? How unlike you... We should be there soon, ne?"

"Ne." Riku nodded, hoping he threw the cops off his trail, but taking another route. He approached the park and slowed the bike down to park, in a small, unused corner. He waited for Makoto to get off and then followed, making sure to put a silencer on his pistol *this time*.

Skeren was a shockingly efficient driver, getting to the place a couple minutes before the pair showed up. She had grabbed a black cap, and was leaning against her car like a black wraith when they finally arrived where they'd told her to go. "Where to, my pretties?"

Makoto ran over to Skeren, hugged her, and then glared at Riku. "He tried to kill me, and he *still* won't tell me what's goin' on."

"You ladies wait here." Riku pointed to the ground with a finger. "I'm meeting my client around the corner."

"He tried to kill me too, remember?" Skeren peered over at Riku with those two toned eyes of hers, and moved over to him once she untangled her limbs from Makoto's. "I'll be around the corner then. Shout if you need a hand."

"Terrific," Makoto muttered. "Another 'client' tryin' to stiff Riku on somethin'... If he comes back in a hurry, I'm gettin' in your car."

"I don't think he's trying to stiff me. We've done business before, but he said something..." Riku shrugged one shoulder, and then left around the corner, knowing they would watch his back if anything suspicious happened.

Skeren then looked to Makoto. "Another thing I forgot to ask after, any leads on that Barton fellow I might want to know? Political topside or otherwise." Her voice was soft, though her eyes followed Riku until he was out of sight.

Makoto grabbed the obligatory pistol Riku asked her to carry, and snatched a few daggers out of the inner pockets of her jacket before paying attention to Skeren. "No, and I'd love to know... Just know he's got some kid with him. They say she's his granddaughter by his dead daughter."

Skeren gave her a sharp look then nodded, moving after Riku to get him back in sight with silent steps. Makoto took the other side, and tried to look like she belonged there, smile on her face, though not her eyes, as she hid her weaponry. She then turned to Skeren, catching her attention and mouthed, "What?"

Skeren quirked her lips and made a slight hush motion, as she looked after Riku, curious as to his customer. She was taller than all three of them at five foot ten.

Makoto snuck around the other corner and caught a glimpse of a brown-haired boy, though she couldn't see his face. 'That's him,' she thought. 'He looks tiny. 'Course, he's about Riku's size.' She was only two inches taller than the pair at five foot seven, minus the heels.

Skeren glanced back to Makoto, and then silently slid so she could hear the interaction. Unfortunately, Riku and Trowa were to far away to distinguish any actual words, and Riku made a secret gesture that Makoto would recognize as 'I'm not sure if this guy is safe to approach. Stay back'

Skeren immediately looked to Makoto for their own set of gestures, as it wasn't one of hers. Makoto caught the motion, and waved a hand behind her back to Skeren to warn her to stay back, hoping the other woman would catch the movement, and then got out one of her daggers, just in case. Skeren nodded, unbuttoning the pocket her shurikens were in and slipping back.

The two men stayed the same distance apart, Trowa casually leaning against the railing of the dock and Riku standing back from him with his arms crossed over his chest. Makoto watched as Riku's face was mostly immobile, but she could see the look of anger flashing in his eyes. 'Shit, who is this kid?' she wondered.

Skeren was watching Makoto more that Riku. She couldn't read him because she didn't know him. Riku reached down into his pocket, pulled out a pen, and handed it to Trowa. Makoto gave Skeren a peace sign, knowing the other would catch the 'Hostile, not good' signal. She then returned to watching the interaction.

Trowa took it, pulled out a small pad of paper, and scribbled for a few moments before showing it to Riku. Riku nodded and Trowa began to scribble again. Skeren gave her a thumbs-up, her own reply. 'I'm ready for flight or fight, waiting.' Makoto yawned quietly, feeling tired, but still watching carefully.

Trowa held up the pad of paper again, tore off a few sheets, and handed them to Riku. Riku said something, and then the two parted ways. Riku returned to where the girls were a few moments later.

Skeren remained silent, peering under the edge of her hat down at him as she waited for what he had to say. Makoto flipped the bird for 'all clear' to Skeren and waited for Riku to come up before talking. "Who was that?"

Riku looked back over his shoulder and then said quietly. "Trowa."

Skeren smirked a bit, tipping her head. "That's the name, not the who. Did you get a who?"

Makoto stopped to think... "Sounds familiar... Trowa... Barton... SHIT! Gundam pilot... Hmm... Wonder if he knows Dekim... Could use the info."

"Later," Riku replied. "Why don't we get some rest now?" He walked off before the girls could question him further.

Skeren outright grinned. "Can you reach him again? I have plans to make." She followed after him, suddenly talkative. "And I'm called Skeren Dalren, yourself?"

"Wait, Riku! Ditch the bike! Cops'll be lookin' for it. We're hitchin' a ride with the lady."

"Riku." He stopped and faced the longhaired girl. "I'm aware of that Makoto." He glared at her for a moment, before turning back to Skeren. "I have plans to meet him again later." He knew he could trust this Skeren; she was a friend of Makoto's after all.

Makoto stuck her tongue out at Riku in a moment of childish fancy. "Ass. So, Skeren, babe, where are we goin' after all this fun? Do I get to meet Khush?"

"How big is your car?" Riku didn't much care for considering what Makoto was talking about.

She met his gaze, eyes currently more purple than gold. "Good. See if he can get his companions to talk with me and a few others sometime, hmm?" With that soft question she moved back to her sleek black car. "Big enough Riku."

"Meet me back at my bike in five. Makoto knows where it is." Riku said to, Skeren, turned and dashed off.

"Yes, you can meet Treize, and you even get to see Dorothy if you behave, and Riku promises me he'll play nice. Or not. Well, where are we going?"

"I *always* behave... It just doesn't look that way to others. Of course, when you're choppin' off their heads, it's a difference of opinions."

Skeren reached over to pat Makoto on the cheek. "Of course. I know you want to know if those two have natural eyebrows. They're related you know."

"I guess, we're meetin' Stony at his bike. Yanno, this ain't the best place to just stand around," Makoto said moving over to Skeren's car.

Skeren circled around, sliding in the other side. "If they touch me, they won't live to tell. I'm not a damsel, just a politician."

Makoto snickered. "I know that, and yanno that I slice first ask questions later, but even I dun like the idea of standin' around this slum."

"True. So, where are we going?" She closed her door, starting up the car.

"Two blocks north, three blocks west, one block north. Yeah, that's where he left that thing." She grimaced. "I'm almost *glad* he can't have it after that little stunt he pulled." Skeren laughed and wheeled through the directions, coming to a stop at the location.

"I said five minutes, ladies, not twelve." Riku glared at them. "Pop your trunk."

Makoto glared back. "Shut up and get in."

Skeren climbed out of her car, circling back to open it by hand and take out the lovely toy she had in there. It was a gift for Makoto. The other was a whip she'd fashioned all for herself. "Makoto, I have a gift for you while he gets his stuff." She had the wrapped blade in her hands, hidden in the cloth.

Riku threw in a backpack and a messenger bag. Then, he started lifting in parts of his bike's engine. No way he was leaving these parts.

Makoto happily jumped out of the passenger side and came around to the trunk. "Gift? Whatcha get me, suga'?"

While she was up, Riku took shotgun. Makoto noticed her spot was stolen. "I hate you, Riku. Koroshite aru...." She hissed, turning back to Skeren. "Gift?"

Skeren moved forward sliding the cloth off the blade to reveal a black gundanium short sword that had black fire engraved down the length of the blade, and the handle was a raven, claws around the grip and wings spread with it's head at the base of the blade. It was perfectly balanced. Then, she took out the matching black and gold sheath, with a flight of ravens and gold fire reaching up after them.

"Jigoku ni ike o kutsuwatte te hashi," Riku replied.

Skeren then smiled. "Gift?"

"K'so," Makoto swore as she took in the beautiful knife and sheath. "Ooh, I haven't had somethin' so pretty since my daddy got me my first sword." She patted the hidden blade on her back and smiled before hugging her friend. "Great gift. Almost makes up for me missing sleep." She turned to Riku. "Yeah, and I'll meet you there, and sooner than you think."

Skeren raised an eyebrow. "I'm still learning that language, my dear. What did he say?" She returned the hug.

Riku smirked. "Do digata ni kazana ho akeruzou."

"He, basically, told me to go to hell and I said I was gonna kill him."

"Hmm, I see. Hel is a woman goddess. Good to know such a pretty, bad tempered man believes in someone, ne?" Skeren moved forward, tapping his slightly oriental features up to she could meet his blue gaze before stepping back.

"Gotta catch me first, darlin', and you ain't be able to do that since we met," Makoto said with a seriously dangerous gleam in her eyes.

"Start running." Riku's gleam was just as dangerous.

Skeren glanced from one to the other, her understated authority in her gaze as she spoke. "Enough, you two. We have places to be before I'm missed. Riku, are you finished?"

"She's just cranky cause she hasn't slept in over twenty-four hours. Get your ass in the car." Riku turned away from Makoto.

"Just shut up... I'm too tired to deal with you. I'd rather shoot you with this classless gun you insist I carry," Makoto snapped at Riku, carrying her gift and sliding into the back seat of the car.

Skeren glanced after Makoto. "It's called the Ravenfire by the way."

"Start the car. I'll give you directions."

Skeren then flicked her gaze back to Riku as she got into the front seat. "Very well." She started the engine, waiting for what direction as she put the car into gear, wheeling around to leave the area.

"Try more like thirty-six. You've had more sleep than I have. Ooh, it's such a perfect name." She attached the Ravenfire to her belted skirt and propped her feet up on the bench, laying her head on the back. "She said I could meet Khush and Doro, so this had better be good."

"Turn here." Riku gestured to the left.

Skeren turned, smiling a bit over Makoto's comment. "Relena is there as well. As are Zechs and the lovely ladies. Zechs and Une are a bit upset with me however."

"Turn right at the third light," Riku said.

"I bet," Makoto said, smiling and imagining what she did to piss those two off. "You mean little Miss Princess is there too? Fun."

"Yes. It's her fault overkill here nearly blew me up." She took another turn, swaying to an inner music. "I got about a three hour nap before you guys came through with your call."

"What's sleep like again?" Makoto asked sarcastically. "Where *are* we goin', Riku?"

"It's nice. Though I have a kink from the tiny couch. Relena stole my bed," Skeren's reply was drawled out.

"A friend of mine's place. I need a new bike." Riku responded. "Take the next street on the right."

Skeren again took the next turn. "Anyone I might know?"

"Doubt it."

"Death machines, though beautiful... Skeren, you let the princess have your bed?"

"She fell over asleep while I was talking to her. Dorothy was cuddling with her when I came here. You know I would have crawled in, but she kicks and punches in sleep, and she already gave me one damn scar, don't need more."

"Stop the car two more blocks down." Riku pointed to a two-story house a ways down.

"I think I know this 'friend'. Dun mind me if I dun get out to see him," Makoto said, practically snarling at the house.

"I'd prefer that you didn't," Riku replied, his tone still rather neutral.

"Yeah, I dun think he liked pickin' that stiletto out of his thigh after he tried to grab my ass. Jerk... It was nice too."

Skeren pulled up to the house. "I'll be meeting the person. Makoto, you guard the car, would you?" She was never reluctant to make a contact, and she had gone to some extremes to do so.

"Wait here," Riku said to Skeren, and then got out when she stopped the car. Riku walked up and knocked on the door and after a few moments, he went in and shut the door behind him. He came back a minute later and leaned over Skeren's window. "You can come in now, if you want to."

"If you think I'm movin' from this back seat, unless to save my own ass, you're sadly mistaken, Skeren."

Skeren got out of the car, giving a slight wave to Makoto to tell her to calm down, and then gestured widely for Riku to lead the way. Riku led the way, opening the door, and then leading Skeren to another part of the house and through the garage door. He examined the bike, wheeled it outside and then came back into the garage.

Makoto closed her eyes, but left her ears alert for any sign of danger, and lightly dozed.

Skeren trailed along behind him in silence, her steps light as a cat. If he hadn't known she was there, he wouldn't have realized, and as it was, he could easily forget her presence. Riku gave her an unreadable look and then gestured for her to follow him into the kitchen. Skeren quirked her lips, knowing she was a walking puzzle, and glided after him. Talkative one moment, ghost the next, then quip... He'd never have known who she was in that restaurant.

"Jay, Skeren. Skeren, Jay." Riku introduced them. "How much do I owe ya for the bike?"

"It's free. Riku, you got some balls, my friend," Jay replied.

Skeren ran her attention over Jay consideringly, taking in his appearance. "Pleasure." Her voice was soft and ever so faintly amused.

Riku nodded and smirked a little. "Skeren, you and Makoto meet me back here in six hours."

Skeren stepped back once, and then turned. "Six hours it is then, maybe more. If you want to come to me instead, you are Rikol Jaimis, an assistant of mine. Ciao." She gave a wave over her shoulder and went out to the car.

It was hours later when Trowa returned, and opened up a comm-link with both Duo and Wufei. He nodded in greeting. Duo peered into the comm. "Hiya! You interrupted!" It was clear from the look, though, that what he'd interrupted wasn't important.

"What did I interrupt?" Trowa asked.

"Talking about Fei-chan's sex life earlier."

"Another fight?" Trowa leaned back in his chair.

"I have no sex life, you lecherous dog," Wufei snarled before turning to Trowa. "No, a mere discussion. What were you up to?" Duo didn't even need to point out to Wufei it wasn't something to brag about.

"I met with Riku," Trowa said quietly, knowing that would get attention.

Duo blinked a few times. "Isn't that our bomber boy?"

Wufei's whole attention was on Trowa. "Riku?"

"That's right."

"Well? How do you know him, Barton?"

"He's my drug dealer." Trowa smiled and waited for that reaction. He didn't really mind telling Wufei... and if Duo gave him shit about it... Well...

"Drug..." Wufei froze, trying to process that information. "What?"

Duo blinked a few times then began to laugh. "I always knew that calm of yours wasn't natural!"

Trowa leaned forward, laughing a little, and grinned at both of them. "He sells me drugs, Chang."

"I *know* what a drug dealer does, Barton! Why are you using stimulants? It would take a lot for you to get a 'high', which would probably *kill* someone else."

Trowa rested his chin in one of his palms. "They aren't stimulants."

"It's not like he can't get the funds for it. 'Sides, I bet he takes downers, right, Trowa?"

Wufei just glared, waiting for the other to continue.

Trowa gave an amused shrug, letting them take that how they will. "I'm meeting with him again and his comrades in six hours. You two need to come."

"And only you two; leave Heero and Quatre out of this." Trowa's voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

Duo nodded immediately. "Can do!"

Fed up, Wufei muttered a "Fine," and shut off his link.

"Think I pissed him off?" Trowa quietly asked Duo.

Duo smirked. "I think you shocked him. Six hours? Long enough for a nap!"

"Aa. I'll send you the location." Trowa punched through a transmission.

Duo nodded. "Next time, do it in person. He might keel over." Duo paused midway to turning off the link. "Hey, Tro, why just us?"

"This guy's a drug dealer. Do you know how paranoid they are? If he has three people, we better have no more than three as well."

Duo nodded. "Figures, I've met that kind. Night, see you in a few hours." Trowa shut off the link and decided to also take a small nap.

Wufei didn't know what to make of the new information he had acquired, and decided that he should ask Duo. Hesitantly, he punched in the code to a link. "Maxwell?"

Duo blinked and keyed in, a tad surprised to see Wufei. "Wufei?" He was startled right into using the right name.

"Answer me this. Why would someone need to use drugs?"

"Because they need something to fill a gap." Duo quirked his lips. He knew these answers.

Wufei scowled, trying to think of something to say. "I still don't see the attraction. It's... false hope."

"No, it's not. It's false security. You can't really blame him for wanting security, can you?"

"Not entirely. But... there are other ways."

"Then, maybe you should talk to him about those ways. Don't look down on him for this, or he'll ignore you. That's just how it works. Other questions?" Duo rose back up into a bantering tone and gaze Wufei a suggestive look to break to break into the brief seriousness.

Wufei ignored the look. "How do you know?"

"I'm from L2." Duo's playfulness dropped a bit.

"So?" Wufei had been rather... sheltered before becoming a Gundam pilot, and hadn't paid attention to anything outside of his studies and his colony.

Duo stared over the comm for a moment. "L2 is the slums of the slums, Wufei. People there are too poor to even be whores. You'd starve to death. Violence and drugs are the norm. It's easy enough to learn how to deal with a druggie when you see some everyday. Anything else?"

"No." He almost shut off the comm, but then nodded to Duo and said, "Thank you," very quickly before turning it off to think. And boy, did he have a lot to think over.

Duo shook his head, releasing a sigh. "And that wasn't even getting into details. Now, to that nap..."

It wasn't that Trowa decided that drugs were what he needed to find some sort of peace within himself, but the very fact that Wufei couldn't find the appeal. Meditation had to be the best 'high' he'd ever felt. It was even better than finding some long forgotten classic that he could hide from the others... He... just couldn't see the actual *why* of the problem.