Ghosts 1
Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007 2:23 pm
"This peace will kill them, the battlefield their home, war their life."In reference to American Combat Soldiers(Vietnam)
Ghosts
Rated: R
Author: Joe
A/N: After 3 years of peace the world has begun to collapse again. Relena Dorlain has continued her work and is later appointed Foreign Minister, while her people grow to love her more, her enemies begin to grow in size. The pilots have gone their separate ways, Wufei a full-time Preventer, Duo is working with the Sweepers, Trowa is still in the circus, Quatre has gained an even more substantial role in Colonial politics, but Heero seems to be nothing more then a shadow.
The ESUN has just been attacked a third time by separate terrorist groups. They attack a building, kidnaping officials and ransoming them back. The Preventers have mounted some rescue attempts, as well as attacks against some of the cells that they can find, but they aren't enough to stop or even slow the growing terrorist groups.
A.C 200
Tuesday 2, March
Brussels-Situation Room
Time: 0200
Senator Mckeanen stood up at the conference table, he was old, but still considered to be very wise. It had been his decision to call this emergency meeting after a third terrorist attack against the capital. Among the very few that had been alerted were the Preventer commander Une, the ESUN President and Vice President, as well as the six regional senate leaders and five colony representatives. It was time to show his intentions and the reason for the meeting.
"Even with an organization that's sole purpose is to put out 'fires' before they appear, we still have those terrorist with the ability to fall through the cracks. As shown tonight, even the Preventers cannot deal with the recent developments. It is in the best interest of the ESUN and the colonies to develop a joint organization to deal with these groups." Mckeanen stared at his audience for a second, letting the words sink in then continued.
"The Preventers strike forces have been spread to thin. They are not trained for these types of assaults and contingencies. My aids and I have been preparing a formal bill that will create another unit, however I think it would be in our best interest to do this quietly." The Senator sat back down but prepared to field questions.
"Mckeanen, the Preventers are more then capable to deal with the recent threats. Even Lady Une has said that the problems can be handled." The President said, he hadn't slept in two days and at the moment was not ready to have internal disputes about the necessity of the Preventers.
"To the Press." Une said as she leaned back in her chair, she was intrigued by the old Senators ideas. "I've been asking for years for the ESUN to let us develop a unit like the good Senator has suggested."
"That Lady Une, is not an option. The Preventers are meant to stop these things before they happen, they are not a force of hit-men and will not be used as such." The Colonial leader of L1 said slamming his fist down for emphasis.
Mckeanen watched as Une stared un-fazed at the man's theatrics.
"Which is why Senator Mckeanen's idea makes so much sense. A separate organization, a secret one to be used against these groups. At the current rate, the Preventers WILL be overwhelmed. It is only a matter of time." Une leaned forward in her chair speaking in a calm, reserved tone.
"Thank you Lady Une. If the leader of Preventer tells us that this is necessary?that she cannot handle this?then perhaps we should heed her words." The Vice-President spoke up turning from his position of observation of Une to Mckeanen. "Senator, hypothetically, how long would it take to train a unit like this?"
The old Senator let a smirk break across his face. "Well, with all the training that would be necessary, not to mention the recruiting, it could take as much as 5 years."
"We don't have that time." Une said turning to face Mckeanen, a frown appearing on her forehead.
"I know, I believe we could use Private Contractors for the initial phases, of course we'd put Preventer officers in charge of them, and later slowly transfer from Contractors to an actual force." Mckeanen said, fielding off the interruption.
"Private Contractors?" The L4 representative asked.
"Mercenaries." Une spat out, obviously in disapproval of the idea.
"Let's put this to a vote, and hammer out the details after we have slept." The President suggested, his eyes heavy as he looked across the table. "All those for Mckeanen's organization of mercenaries."
"Ghosts, Mr. President." Mckeanen interrupted. "They'll be called Ghosts."
"OK. Those in favor of the Ghosts reply with aye and those not in favor reply with nay."
11 ayes were the reply, 3 nays, and one abstaining from the vote, Lady Une. The President quickly wrapped up the conference, swearing everyone to secrecy and scheduling another meeting in two days.
A.C 200
Friday 5, March
Brussels-Dorlain Mansion
Time: 0615
Relena had been under a strict security watch for the last 48 hours. Unable to leave the house with her usual Preventer bodyguard force tripled, she was allowed no visitors that were not direct family or high ranking officials in the government. However being an optimist, she quickly realized the advantages of not having to go to work for the last two days.
Having slept for 38 hours (with interval breaks to eat or say hello to the guards that changed shifts) she had awoken today fully rested and itching to get back to work. Relena dressed quickly, throwing on a pants-suit and ran downstairs to grab some breakfast.
"Miss Relena." It was her aid Ms. Dawn, a nice lady who just happened to be sixteen years her senior, "With the restructured schedule, you?re planned to be in the office at 7 a.m. From there it's paperwork until 11 a.m. where there is a meeting with Lady Une, followed by another meeting with the President and then you'll play catch-up for the rest of the day."
"A thrilling day." Relena said sarcastically as she reached the kitchen, "Coffee Dawn?"
"No thank you, two cups on the way over." She replied settling into a seat next to the table.
Relena moved around the kitchen, starting the coffee pot for the precious liquid that gave her life every morning. Walking to one of the shelves she grabbed a box of cereal as well as a bowl.
"You've also received a message from that little darling Mr. Winner. " Dawn said, holding a scratch piece of paper while flapping it in the air. "There really are benefits to you being on security lock-down. He called me to ask, are you all right and if it would be possible to arrange a meeting between the two of you?"
Relena turned around her face smiling at the idea of spending time with her old friend.
"Tell him of course!" elated she sat down to the table to stuff her face.
"Oh young love, how cute." Dawn replied tilting her head to the side with an expression that said spill the beans.
"For the hundredth time, I am not nor have I ever been involved with Mr. Winner." Relena said in between mouth-fulls of cereal.
"Really Relena, you should start doing something with your personal life. I was already divorced when I was your age." Dawn said it proudly while winking.
"Don't remind me." Relena stood up throwing her bowl in the sink and grabbing her briefcase with her. "Is the car outside?"
"That reminds me, Preventer sent over a new car, the previous one was found to be a security hazard by Mr. Chang."
"Wufei worries more then I do. It is rather annoying, at least he means well." Relena said as she stepped through the door of her house, two bodyguards on her front and two behind.
Dawn did not reply, Wufei and her had never really seen eye-to-eye on very many things, if anything. It was amusing to see her primary bodyguard argue with his aid, Wufei's attitude towards people was not always received very well. Relena giggled to herself as she thought about prior engagements with officials who had crossed his path.
"Where is Wufei anyway?" Relena said opening her door to the car.
"Probably out harassing some little girl for playing with dolls." Ms. Dawn said as she followed Relena into the car.
"That is not true, and is how gossip is started Ms. Dawn." Wufei said while staring across from the two as they sat into the Limo. "Now do you have the folder on the man who was caught breaking in last night?"
Relena looked at Wufei dumbfounded for a second, obviously unaware that anyone had even attempted to get to her. She looked at Dawn as she pulled out a manilla folder handing it to Wufei.
"Yes Mr. Chang, your little Preventers couldn't find you this morning, which begs the question: where were you?"
Grasping the folder Wufei eyed Dawn coldly, while opening it slowly. He looked up for a second and replied casually, "That is inconsequential." The car pulled out of the driveway and began to move towards the Brussels Government offices.
"Wait, someone tried to break in last night and I was not informed." Relena said leaning forward from her seat rather livid at being left out of the loop.
"You must understand Miss Dorlain, we figured since you were unaware it would be best not to trouble you, but Mr. Chang has shown no tact as usual!" Dawn sneered the last part out while crossing her arms and laying back into her seat.
"Don't insult me woman, besides Relena you have nothing to fear, it was that goof of a friend of yours who got caught." Wufei cocked his head back and let out a ridiculous laugh, while showing Relena photos of an upturned Duo hanging from her balcony , a vine keeping him from falling the two stories.
"Amazing, someone tries an attempt on your life and you laugh it off?" Dawn said taken back at the scene in front of her.
"Don't be silly Dawn, this is one of my friends. His name is Duo, Duo Maxwell." She closed the folder and turned towards Wufei who had reverted back to a frown, "Wufei please make sure that he is released."
"Let him stay, he deserves it." Wufei said as he turned his head out the window scanning the horizon.
"Do all your friends like to sneak into your mansion armed with a gun?" Dawn asked perturbed and slightly confused.
"Don't worry Hun, you'll get used to it." Relena winked at her and sat back in her seat.
AC 200
Wednesday 3, April
L1 Colony X984325
Time:0430
When in the field for extended periods of time it is common for an operative to become very paranoid. They imagine things that are probably not there, or believe that they are being watched. This sometimes leads to hysteria and a fear for ones life that can cause the operative to make mistakes on a mission.
However, Heero Yuy had no more missions, except perhaps to finish writing that program for the new software he was developing. Then why did he have the feeling that someone was in his apartment, and why was that feeling confirmed when he noticed that the handle had a small indention that hadn't previously been there.
Someone had broken into his apartment and he had stopped carrying a pistol with him. There was one in every room of his house however this equated that the assailant would be heavily armed if he found them.
Heero thought to himself for a second. Using his memory for the layout of the house, he'd hit the door and roll from the living room to the hallway. From there he'd head into the bathroom, he'd kept a pistol under the toilet, hopefully it would still be there.
He breathed through his nose and hit the door heavy on the left side were the hinges were, with his foot to break them off. It gave and came down in one motion, he tucked his knee into his chest as he came down and pushed off with his feet throwing him three feet into the hall and allowing him to roll to a safe stop in front of the bathroom.
"Mr. Yuy please, I've just come to talk." a voice said from the living room, the person began to move towards the hall.
Heero moved into the bathroom reached under the toilet and grasped at air. He looked back up to see a man, perhaps 40, medium build, and holding his weapon.
"This belongs to you." The man held it out, barrel facing his own chest an obvious sign of trust.
"Who are you?" Heero said grabbing his pistol and immediately tucking it in the back of his pants. This would be the last time he'd get careless and leave home without some kind of weapon.
"Your asking the wrong questions Heero, it is never important WHO a person is. No, what matters is their agenda, you for example are an ex-assassin, ex-mercenary, ex-soldier, ex-hero, and soon to be ex-computer programmer." The man stared at him and reached in his coat jacket and pulled out a large envelope, "I suggest you read this thoroughly, there is 10,000 dollars inside and Mr. Yuy, good luck you will need it."
Heero grabbed the envelope still confused, he inspected it for a second, then looked back up. The man had left just as quickly as he had come to deliver the message. Heero looked over the package again examining the outside. He walked back into his living room, pulling the door from the ground and leaning it against the frame.
There were problems with this scenario already, a man had broken into his house just to deliver a package which probably meant that he was either looking for something or he had been planting something in the house. Either way it was unsafe for him to be in the house any longer. With that knowledge he grabbed a jacket and another gun and placed it around his ankle leaving the apartment.
AC 200
Wednesday 3, April
L1 Colony X984325
Time:0600
He had been switching from staring at the envelope to looking at his apartment on the third floor across the street. The coffee in front of him tasted stale and black probably from how long it had been sitting there, but the morning shift at this diner had horrendous coffee anyway. Heero refocused on the envelope that he had yet to open. Even if it was another assassination he'd need to know who they wanted him to kill so he'd be able to stop it.
Heero pulled the flap open and turned the package upside down emptying the contents for plain view. A manila folder, an mp3 player that had triggered when he opened it, 10,000 dollars, two passports, and one brand new license.
A quiet voice was playing on the mp3 player, so low that he had to place it on his ear to hear what it was saying.
"Good morning Mr. Yuy, it has come to our attention that at one point you were working as a mercenary after the incidents of AC 195 and 196. This is high treason in the ESUN and you are hereby sentenced to death." The voice paused and as it did, Heero heard an explosion and turned to see his apartment destroyed by a bomb probably placed by the intruder. The fire spurted out of the windows as if it were the tongue of a snake tasting the air.
"Well if this tape has continued to play then you are lucky and did not open it in your house, which would have been a rookie mistake. Welcome then to the Ghosts?that is if you can survive reaching Preventer Une's office by the 7th of April. Good luck!" The player began to make garbled sounds and Heero knew immediately that it had deteriorated to cover the Preventers from being found out.
Heero dropped the Mp3 player and opened the manila folder, displaying its contents.
Situation: You are mercenary that has been chosen for the recruitment with the Ghosts. A highly secretive and newly formed organization. If you should choose not to work with the group you will be captured and sent to prison for your crimes against the peace that the ESUN has brought. It is only fair to warn you that you have
also been blamed for the death of an ambassador and the Preventers will be hunting you. Although the press hasn't been notified they will be by the 8th of April and all personnel who have not reported will be assigned as the assassins of the ambassador.
Mission: 1.Reach Preventer Headquarters before April 7th.
2.Do not become compromised.
Execution: Use your own discretion.
Heero read the abbreviated Operations Orders a second time before deciding on a plan of action. It would be difficult to reach earth in 4 days, since the last commercial shuttle had left yesterday, and the rotation didn't have another for two weeks.
A.C 200
Friday 5, April
Brussels-Preventer HQ
Time: 1230
"I will not be transferred to any new goddamned unit! The ESUN will have to find someone else to baby-sit these murderers." Wufei threw the discharge and reassignment papers on Une's desk.
"They are not murderers, just soldiers who cannot re-assimilate into the civilian world, I believe you had that problem a few years ago?" Une placed her hands together and leaned back in her chair. "At any rate I agree with you, they should have used Preventers to fill the ranks and waited till they were trained but, the higher ups believe that it will be easier to use individuals who are already think like terrorists. Either way, for the first five years they will be our force to use against the recent terrorist groups. Wufei, they'll probably put you in charge of the unit, your the third highest ranking Preventer and one of the few that have been chosen to start this unit."
Wufei stared at the floor for a second a frown across his face as he stood in deep concentration. These men would be used to be working alone, which means they'd have to be taught to work together. He'd also need to have subordinates he could trust and that were reliable. Perhaps the others might be able to help.
"The other pilots? I'd like to have them assigned to help me." Wufei looked at Une as she made a face of dismay.
"The recruitment for the unit was quite interesting, they traced all missions that had been hired out to mercenaries in the past, assassins as well. I was able to put Duo in as an officer because he'd begun to work with you guarding Relena last month. Quatre, thankfully, has been completely hands off and was able to stay out of their search. However, they found Heero and Trowa before me and they were offered the chance to be in the unit." Une looked down at her desk, an anguished look on her face.
"Then they can deny the call and sign up with the Preventers." Wufei matter-of-factly stated.
"It doesn't work like that Wufei." Une looked up from her desk and was about to speak again when she was interrupted.
"No it doesn't." Heero said as he walked through the door. His hand rested on the small of his back as he prepared to grab his weapon.
"Heero, your here quite early, I expected you to be first, but it's only been two days?" Une looked taken back.
"Wait, I thought you said you couldn't find him. How did you know he'd be here?" Wufei eyed the two suspiciously.
Heero turned to Wufei, a glare of pure anger across his face, pointing towards Une he spoke, "She blew up my house, and had Preventers chasing me here. If I hadn't come she would have blackmailed me."
Une stood up to the accusation and grabbed the side of her desk as she leaned forward. "I did no such thing. The Ghosts are a completely different unit from the Preventers. In fact I have no control of them. Now sit down and quit toying with your gun, I have a phone call to make."
Heero sat down begrudgingly and stared at Une as she picked up the phone to make her call. Wufei stared at the two wondering what was going on. Why would you try to kill your own operators, that didn't make sense. He understood that if they didn't survive the initial assassination attempt then they would have good instincts. Then attempting to hunt them down would show their skills in evasion. The official in charge of the group probably had some experience with this type of group, but indiscriminate killing of your own operators didn't make sense.
"I just got off the phone with your new commander. He is sending up the Ghost Liason to transfer you to the training grounds." Une placed the phone on the hook and looked at Heero and then Wufei, "Stay alive you two, I've seen the training doctrine, it's not simple."
Wufei scoffed, "We were Gundam pilots, I'm sure it's nothing new."
Ghosts
Rated: R
Author: Joe
A/N: After 3 years of peace the world has begun to collapse again. Relena Dorlain has continued her work and is later appointed Foreign Minister, while her people grow to love her more, her enemies begin to grow in size. The pilots have gone their separate ways, Wufei a full-time Preventer, Duo is working with the Sweepers, Trowa is still in the circus, Quatre has gained an even more substantial role in Colonial politics, but Heero seems to be nothing more then a shadow.
The ESUN has just been attacked a third time by separate terrorist groups. They attack a building, kidnaping officials and ransoming them back. The Preventers have mounted some rescue attempts, as well as attacks against some of the cells that they can find, but they aren't enough to stop or even slow the growing terrorist groups.
A.C 200
Tuesday 2, March
Brussels-Situation Room
Time: 0200
Senator Mckeanen stood up at the conference table, he was old, but still considered to be very wise. It had been his decision to call this emergency meeting after a third terrorist attack against the capital. Among the very few that had been alerted were the Preventer commander Une, the ESUN President and Vice President, as well as the six regional senate leaders and five colony representatives. It was time to show his intentions and the reason for the meeting.
"Even with an organization that's sole purpose is to put out 'fires' before they appear, we still have those terrorist with the ability to fall through the cracks. As shown tonight, even the Preventers cannot deal with the recent developments. It is in the best interest of the ESUN and the colonies to develop a joint organization to deal with these groups." Mckeanen stared at his audience for a second, letting the words sink in then continued.
"The Preventers strike forces have been spread to thin. They are not trained for these types of assaults and contingencies. My aids and I have been preparing a formal bill that will create another unit, however I think it would be in our best interest to do this quietly." The Senator sat back down but prepared to field questions.
"Mckeanen, the Preventers are more then capable to deal with the recent threats. Even Lady Une has said that the problems can be handled." The President said, he hadn't slept in two days and at the moment was not ready to have internal disputes about the necessity of the Preventers.
"To the Press." Une said as she leaned back in her chair, she was intrigued by the old Senators ideas. "I've been asking for years for the ESUN to let us develop a unit like the good Senator has suggested."
"That Lady Une, is not an option. The Preventers are meant to stop these things before they happen, they are not a force of hit-men and will not be used as such." The Colonial leader of L1 said slamming his fist down for emphasis.
Mckeanen watched as Une stared un-fazed at the man's theatrics.
"Which is why Senator Mckeanen's idea makes so much sense. A separate organization, a secret one to be used against these groups. At the current rate, the Preventers WILL be overwhelmed. It is only a matter of time." Une leaned forward in her chair speaking in a calm, reserved tone.
"Thank you Lady Une. If the leader of Preventer tells us that this is necessary?that she cannot handle this?then perhaps we should heed her words." The Vice-President spoke up turning from his position of observation of Une to Mckeanen. "Senator, hypothetically, how long would it take to train a unit like this?"
The old Senator let a smirk break across his face. "Well, with all the training that would be necessary, not to mention the recruiting, it could take as much as 5 years."
"We don't have that time." Une said turning to face Mckeanen, a frown appearing on her forehead.
"I know, I believe we could use Private Contractors for the initial phases, of course we'd put Preventer officers in charge of them, and later slowly transfer from Contractors to an actual force." Mckeanen said, fielding off the interruption.
"Private Contractors?" The L4 representative asked.
"Mercenaries." Une spat out, obviously in disapproval of the idea.
"Let's put this to a vote, and hammer out the details after we have slept." The President suggested, his eyes heavy as he looked across the table. "All those for Mckeanen's organization of mercenaries."
"Ghosts, Mr. President." Mckeanen interrupted. "They'll be called Ghosts."
"OK. Those in favor of the Ghosts reply with aye and those not in favor reply with nay."
11 ayes were the reply, 3 nays, and one abstaining from the vote, Lady Une. The President quickly wrapped up the conference, swearing everyone to secrecy and scheduling another meeting in two days.
A.C 200
Friday 5, March
Brussels-Dorlain Mansion
Time: 0615
Relena had been under a strict security watch for the last 48 hours. Unable to leave the house with her usual Preventer bodyguard force tripled, she was allowed no visitors that were not direct family or high ranking officials in the government. However being an optimist, she quickly realized the advantages of not having to go to work for the last two days.
Having slept for 38 hours (with interval breaks to eat or say hello to the guards that changed shifts) she had awoken today fully rested and itching to get back to work. Relena dressed quickly, throwing on a pants-suit and ran downstairs to grab some breakfast.
"Miss Relena." It was her aid Ms. Dawn, a nice lady who just happened to be sixteen years her senior, "With the restructured schedule, you?re planned to be in the office at 7 a.m. From there it's paperwork until 11 a.m. where there is a meeting with Lady Une, followed by another meeting with the President and then you'll play catch-up for the rest of the day."
"A thrilling day." Relena said sarcastically as she reached the kitchen, "Coffee Dawn?"
"No thank you, two cups on the way over." She replied settling into a seat next to the table.
Relena moved around the kitchen, starting the coffee pot for the precious liquid that gave her life every morning. Walking to one of the shelves she grabbed a box of cereal as well as a bowl.
"You've also received a message from that little darling Mr. Winner. " Dawn said, holding a scratch piece of paper while flapping it in the air. "There really are benefits to you being on security lock-down. He called me to ask, are you all right and if it would be possible to arrange a meeting between the two of you?"
Relena turned around her face smiling at the idea of spending time with her old friend.
"Tell him of course!" elated she sat down to the table to stuff her face.
"Oh young love, how cute." Dawn replied tilting her head to the side with an expression that said spill the beans.
"For the hundredth time, I am not nor have I ever been involved with Mr. Winner." Relena said in between mouth-fulls of cereal.
"Really Relena, you should start doing something with your personal life. I was already divorced when I was your age." Dawn said it proudly while winking.
"Don't remind me." Relena stood up throwing her bowl in the sink and grabbing her briefcase with her. "Is the car outside?"
"That reminds me, Preventer sent over a new car, the previous one was found to be a security hazard by Mr. Chang."
"Wufei worries more then I do. It is rather annoying, at least he means well." Relena said as she stepped through the door of her house, two bodyguards on her front and two behind.
Dawn did not reply, Wufei and her had never really seen eye-to-eye on very many things, if anything. It was amusing to see her primary bodyguard argue with his aid, Wufei's attitude towards people was not always received very well. Relena giggled to herself as she thought about prior engagements with officials who had crossed his path.
"Where is Wufei anyway?" Relena said opening her door to the car.
"Probably out harassing some little girl for playing with dolls." Ms. Dawn said as she followed Relena into the car.
"That is not true, and is how gossip is started Ms. Dawn." Wufei said while staring across from the two as they sat into the Limo. "Now do you have the folder on the man who was caught breaking in last night?"
Relena looked at Wufei dumbfounded for a second, obviously unaware that anyone had even attempted to get to her. She looked at Dawn as she pulled out a manilla folder handing it to Wufei.
"Yes Mr. Chang, your little Preventers couldn't find you this morning, which begs the question: where were you?"
Grasping the folder Wufei eyed Dawn coldly, while opening it slowly. He looked up for a second and replied casually, "That is inconsequential." The car pulled out of the driveway and began to move towards the Brussels Government offices.
"Wait, someone tried to break in last night and I was not informed." Relena said leaning forward from her seat rather livid at being left out of the loop.
"You must understand Miss Dorlain, we figured since you were unaware it would be best not to trouble you, but Mr. Chang has shown no tact as usual!" Dawn sneered the last part out while crossing her arms and laying back into her seat.
"Don't insult me woman, besides Relena you have nothing to fear, it was that goof of a friend of yours who got caught." Wufei cocked his head back and let out a ridiculous laugh, while showing Relena photos of an upturned Duo hanging from her balcony , a vine keeping him from falling the two stories.
"Amazing, someone tries an attempt on your life and you laugh it off?" Dawn said taken back at the scene in front of her.
"Don't be silly Dawn, this is one of my friends. His name is Duo, Duo Maxwell." She closed the folder and turned towards Wufei who had reverted back to a frown, "Wufei please make sure that he is released."
"Let him stay, he deserves it." Wufei said as he turned his head out the window scanning the horizon.
"Do all your friends like to sneak into your mansion armed with a gun?" Dawn asked perturbed and slightly confused.
"Don't worry Hun, you'll get used to it." Relena winked at her and sat back in her seat.
AC 200
Wednesday 3, April
L1 Colony X984325
Time:0430
When in the field for extended periods of time it is common for an operative to become very paranoid. They imagine things that are probably not there, or believe that they are being watched. This sometimes leads to hysteria and a fear for ones life that can cause the operative to make mistakes on a mission.
However, Heero Yuy had no more missions, except perhaps to finish writing that program for the new software he was developing. Then why did he have the feeling that someone was in his apartment, and why was that feeling confirmed when he noticed that the handle had a small indention that hadn't previously been there.
Someone had broken into his apartment and he had stopped carrying a pistol with him. There was one in every room of his house however this equated that the assailant would be heavily armed if he found them.
Heero thought to himself for a second. Using his memory for the layout of the house, he'd hit the door and roll from the living room to the hallway. From there he'd head into the bathroom, he'd kept a pistol under the toilet, hopefully it would still be there.
He breathed through his nose and hit the door heavy on the left side were the hinges were, with his foot to break them off. It gave and came down in one motion, he tucked his knee into his chest as he came down and pushed off with his feet throwing him three feet into the hall and allowing him to roll to a safe stop in front of the bathroom.
"Mr. Yuy please, I've just come to talk." a voice said from the living room, the person began to move towards the hall.
Heero moved into the bathroom reached under the toilet and grasped at air. He looked back up to see a man, perhaps 40, medium build, and holding his weapon.
"This belongs to you." The man held it out, barrel facing his own chest an obvious sign of trust.
"Who are you?" Heero said grabbing his pistol and immediately tucking it in the back of his pants. This would be the last time he'd get careless and leave home without some kind of weapon.
"Your asking the wrong questions Heero, it is never important WHO a person is. No, what matters is their agenda, you for example are an ex-assassin, ex-mercenary, ex-soldier, ex-hero, and soon to be ex-computer programmer." The man stared at him and reached in his coat jacket and pulled out a large envelope, "I suggest you read this thoroughly, there is 10,000 dollars inside and Mr. Yuy, good luck you will need it."
Heero grabbed the envelope still confused, he inspected it for a second, then looked back up. The man had left just as quickly as he had come to deliver the message. Heero looked over the package again examining the outside. He walked back into his living room, pulling the door from the ground and leaning it against the frame.
There were problems with this scenario already, a man had broken into his house just to deliver a package which probably meant that he was either looking for something or he had been planting something in the house. Either way it was unsafe for him to be in the house any longer. With that knowledge he grabbed a jacket and another gun and placed it around his ankle leaving the apartment.
AC 200
Wednesday 3, April
L1 Colony X984325
Time:0600
He had been switching from staring at the envelope to looking at his apartment on the third floor across the street. The coffee in front of him tasted stale and black probably from how long it had been sitting there, but the morning shift at this diner had horrendous coffee anyway. Heero refocused on the envelope that he had yet to open. Even if it was another assassination he'd need to know who they wanted him to kill so he'd be able to stop it.
Heero pulled the flap open and turned the package upside down emptying the contents for plain view. A manila folder, an mp3 player that had triggered when he opened it, 10,000 dollars, two passports, and one brand new license.
A quiet voice was playing on the mp3 player, so low that he had to place it on his ear to hear what it was saying.
"Good morning Mr. Yuy, it has come to our attention that at one point you were working as a mercenary after the incidents of AC 195 and 196. This is high treason in the ESUN and you are hereby sentenced to death." The voice paused and as it did, Heero heard an explosion and turned to see his apartment destroyed by a bomb probably placed by the intruder. The fire spurted out of the windows as if it were the tongue of a snake tasting the air.
"Well if this tape has continued to play then you are lucky and did not open it in your house, which would have been a rookie mistake. Welcome then to the Ghosts?that is if you can survive reaching Preventer Une's office by the 7th of April. Good luck!" The player began to make garbled sounds and Heero knew immediately that it had deteriorated to cover the Preventers from being found out.
Heero dropped the Mp3 player and opened the manila folder, displaying its contents.
Situation: You are mercenary that has been chosen for the recruitment with the Ghosts. A highly secretive and newly formed organization. If you should choose not to work with the group you will be captured and sent to prison for your crimes against the peace that the ESUN has brought. It is only fair to warn you that you have
also been blamed for the death of an ambassador and the Preventers will be hunting you. Although the press hasn't been notified they will be by the 8th of April and all personnel who have not reported will be assigned as the assassins of the ambassador.
Mission: 1.Reach Preventer Headquarters before April 7th.
2.Do not become compromised.
Execution: Use your own discretion.
Heero read the abbreviated Operations Orders a second time before deciding on a plan of action. It would be difficult to reach earth in 4 days, since the last commercial shuttle had left yesterday, and the rotation didn't have another for two weeks.
A.C 200
Friday 5, April
Brussels-Preventer HQ
Time: 1230
"I will not be transferred to any new goddamned unit! The ESUN will have to find someone else to baby-sit these murderers." Wufei threw the discharge and reassignment papers on Une's desk.
"They are not murderers, just soldiers who cannot re-assimilate into the civilian world, I believe you had that problem a few years ago?" Une placed her hands together and leaned back in her chair. "At any rate I agree with you, they should have used Preventers to fill the ranks and waited till they were trained but, the higher ups believe that it will be easier to use individuals who are already think like terrorists. Either way, for the first five years they will be our force to use against the recent terrorist groups. Wufei, they'll probably put you in charge of the unit, your the third highest ranking Preventer and one of the few that have been chosen to start this unit."
Wufei stared at the floor for a second a frown across his face as he stood in deep concentration. These men would be used to be working alone, which means they'd have to be taught to work together. He'd also need to have subordinates he could trust and that were reliable. Perhaps the others might be able to help.
"The other pilots? I'd like to have them assigned to help me." Wufei looked at Une as she made a face of dismay.
"The recruitment for the unit was quite interesting, they traced all missions that had been hired out to mercenaries in the past, assassins as well. I was able to put Duo in as an officer because he'd begun to work with you guarding Relena last month. Quatre, thankfully, has been completely hands off and was able to stay out of their search. However, they found Heero and Trowa before me and they were offered the chance to be in the unit." Une looked down at her desk, an anguished look on her face.
"Then they can deny the call and sign up with the Preventers." Wufei matter-of-factly stated.
"It doesn't work like that Wufei." Une looked up from her desk and was about to speak again when she was interrupted.
"No it doesn't." Heero said as he walked through the door. His hand rested on the small of his back as he prepared to grab his weapon.
"Heero, your here quite early, I expected you to be first, but it's only been two days?" Une looked taken back.
"Wait, I thought you said you couldn't find him. How did you know he'd be here?" Wufei eyed the two suspiciously.
Heero turned to Wufei, a glare of pure anger across his face, pointing towards Une he spoke, "She blew up my house, and had Preventers chasing me here. If I hadn't come she would have blackmailed me."
Une stood up to the accusation and grabbed the side of her desk as she leaned forward. "I did no such thing. The Ghosts are a completely different unit from the Preventers. In fact I have no control of them. Now sit down and quit toying with your gun, I have a phone call to make."
Heero sat down begrudgingly and stared at Une as she picked up the phone to make her call. Wufei stared at the two wondering what was going on. Why would you try to kill your own operators, that didn't make sense. He understood that if they didn't survive the initial assassination attempt then they would have good instincts. Then attempting to hunt them down would show their skills in evasion. The official in charge of the group probably had some experience with this type of group, but indiscriminate killing of your own operators didn't make sense.
"I just got off the phone with your new commander. He is sending up the Ghost Liason to transfer you to the training grounds." Une placed the phone on the hook and looked at Heero and then Wufei, "Stay alive you two, I've seen the training doctrine, it's not simple."
Wufei scoffed, "We were Gundam pilots, I'm sure it's nothing new."