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Family Ties	By : Deb Category: Gundam Wing/AC > Yaoi - Male/Male Views: 19194 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing/AC, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
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“Family Ties”

January 2007 ShenLong

Chapter 120

Zechs double checked the readings and flight path yet again, the computer showing him that everything was still on track and the shuttle responding perfectly. He gave a soft sigh and hoped that all would continue to work as it should. The reentry into Earth’s atmosphere was coming up, the window would appear in the next hour and once he was committed to the trajectory there was nothing he could do to change it.

If the shuttle’s repaired heat shields decided to give up, he would be toast within seconds. If he tried to pull out of the flight plan, he would simply bounce off the atmospheric layers and go spinning off into space – if he didn’t disintegrate first. Either way, the outcome of a failed entry was not pretty.

He picked up the headset and twisted the dial on the radio, tuning into an obscure but safe frequency.

“Little Boy Blue, this is Bo Peep. I am returning to the fold with the sheep,” he said softly.

The static crackled for a moment and then an older, slightly wheezy voice returned his transmission.

“Little Bo Peep, this is Little Boy Blue, I copy you loud and clear. The sheep shed is ready and the sheep dog is awaiting commands.”

“Thank you. Tell the sheep dog to contact me in ten minutes and I will update him on the state of the flock.”

“Roger that.”

“Bo Peep, out.”

“Little Boy Blue, out.”

Leaving the head set on, Zechs turned slightly in his seat and accessed the computer. He typed in various commands, the computer logging them in and causing the shuttle to respond. A couple of soft jets of air were released, turning the shuttle slightly before resuming course. By the time the ten minutes were up, Zechs had the shuttle completely on line for the reentry and his current flight plan ready to send through.

“Bo Peep, this is the sheep dog. Do you copy?”

“Sheep dog, this is Bo Peep. I read you loud and clear.”

“I understand you are bringing the flock back to the sheep shed.”

“Correct.”

“What is the status of the sheep?”

“One will require major treatment, the remaining have managed to escape with minor injuries.”

“Roger that. Sheep dog will have all necessary equipment on stand-by. What is your ETA and your flight plan?”

Zechs took a moment to send the flight plan through, silently thanking Heero for his expertise with computers. “I should have my window in another twenty minutes.”

“Current position?”

Zechs dispatched the required coordinates of where he was.

“Sheep dog now has you on radar. Continue on current trajectory. Communication blackout should occur in another twenty-five minutes and last for approximately five minutes. Keep this frequency open during reentry.”

“Roger that.”

“Sheep dog will contact again in fifteen minutes. Sheep dog, out.”

“Bo Peep, out.”

Zechs removed the headset and placed it on the console of the shuttle. Reaching for his helmet, he pulled it over his head, tucked his long hair up into it and secured it to the suit. A quick check of the oxygen tank showed he had thirty minutes worth of air left. It would have to be enough should circumstance decide he needed to use it.

The harness was pulled back over broad shoulders and locked into place. The flip of a couple of switches transferred the communications from the headset directly into the helmet. With all secure, Zechs checked the flight plan again and waited for his contact.

“Bo Peep, you will be entering the window in five minutes. Disengage the auto pilot and leave it on back up status.”

“Roger that, Sheep dog.” Zechs took a deep breath and flipped the auto pilot to back up status. Grasping the yoke firmly in his hands, he took control of the shuttle, eyes watching the many dials and instruments on the console that fed him constant information in relation to the shuttle’s every move.

“You should be on the fringe now.”

A check of the gauges and readout from the computer confirmed that. “Commencing reentry now.”

“Good luck, we will monitor and speak with you once radio blackout has passed.”

“Thank you. See you on the other side.”

“Not literally I hope,” came the dry reply.

“Pagan, you’re no fun.”

“Sir, with all due respect, just fly the damn shuttle and land it safely.”

“Roger that, Pagan.”

The nose of the shuttle dipped very slightly as the window greeted it. Layers of gasses began to sear across and over the nose, they hit the wings and caused the craft to buck slightly and shudder. The heat shields began to glow, orange at first, then a yellow, red and finally silver blue as they were tested to their limits.

Zechs took his eyes off the instrument panel for a brief moment and glanced at what parts of the shuttle he could see from inside the cockpit window. Sweat began to form on his brow and trickle down his spine inside the flight suit. The shields were holding so far, but despite knowing the colors they would pass through as the temperature rose on the surface of the shuttle, he still couldn’t help the small knot of fear from forming in his gut.

He’d made countless reentries, in shuttles and Gundam alike, but the sharp and sudden fear of this maybe being the one time it didn’t go to plan was always with him.

Forcing his eyes back to the instrument panel, he checked he was still on course and slowly turned the yoke a touch in his hands. The altitude and air speed were reading just fine, the large craft holding steady in his hands and on course.

The gaseous layers began to thin, the shuttle forcing its way through them and remaining responsive to the pilot. As the layers thinned so the pressure on the shuttle skin eased a little and the heat shields cooled a fraction.

Then the blackness of space began to merge with the blue of the Earth sky and the shuttle broke through the last barrier and completely into the Earth atmosphere.

Zechs breathed a sigh of relief as he watched the shuttle’s skin slowly turn red, yellow, orange and then back to the usual white.

The worst was behind him and the shuttle was still in one piece.

He would have to remember to buy Oil a beer when he next saw him.

“Bo Peep. Bo Peep, this is Sheep dog. Do you copy?”

“Sheep dog, this is Bo Peep. I copy you.”

An audible sigh of relief came down the line. “What is the status of the transport?”

Zechs typed in a few commands to the computer, checked the instrument panel and relayed the information.

“Bo Peep, continue on current course. Once you are within fifty kilometers of the sheep shed I will activate the scramblers.”

“Roger that.” The scramblers were a series of pulses sent through the air waves that worked something akin to Deathscythe’s cloaking device. The shuttle and Zechs would simply drop off any radar or other instrument that was trying to track him.

The landscape slowly came closer, the shuttle descending steadily through the clouds and dropping at a sedate pace. Zechs kept his eyes on the instruments, noting his airspeed and rate of descent.

“Scramblers activated.”

“Thank you.”

“Continue on current heading and increase rate of decent to one hundred meters per thirty seconds.”

Zechs did as instructed, his eyes flicking from the controls to the window. He could see the airstrip coming up and slowed the shuttle’s speed.

“All clear for landing.”

“Roger that.”

“Good luck.”

Eyes focused completely on the craft and bringing it in safely to land, Zechs continued to watch the gauges, easing back on the yoke as the ground drew ever closer. The flaps were engaged, the landing gear deployed and the parachute hatch ready to open.

Gently the shuttle lowered in the sky, the tarmac rushing to meet the wheels as the craft jolted a touch when the rubber of the tires met with the solid surface. Immediately Zechs began to apply the brakes, feet working furiously at the pedals. The flaps were fully engaged and the parachute released. The shuttle fought the restrictions for a few moments and then reluctantly gave in and began to slow.

Flipping a switch, the parachute was dropped, Zechs bringing the flaps back to normal position and turning the shuttle to taxi in towards the hangar. With guidance from Pagan, the shuttle was brought inside and to a stop.

Powering down, Zechs removed the harness and then the helmet, shaking his blonde locks free. He opened the outer hatch and left the cockpit to meet Pagan.

* * *

Sally walked swiftly along the corridor, pausing at the staff room door where Margaret had disappeared back into after overhearing Wufei’s proposal to the doctor, not that Sally was aware of that fact. She intended to bring Margaret up to speed with the current events. As predicted, Margaret wasn’t too happy about having the man that was the root of all their problems coming to the Preventer hospital for treatment, and even more annoyed that Sally was the one who would have to treat him.

“Shame you can’t give him the green dream,” she muttered.

“Margaret!” Sally scolded. “You’re a medical professional, the same as I am. It’s up to us to save lives, not end them!”

Margaret shrugged. “It’s my professional opinion then that people such as him shouldn’t be allowed in society.”

“As much as I agree with you there, Une does have her mind intact when she said she wants him fixed up so he can spend the rest of his days rotting in jail. Although I won’t repeat what the guys said.” The twinkle in her eye was enough to give Margaret a good idea though.

“I can just imagine,” Nurse Brown replied dryly. “I’ll go back and check on Duo. You said the Commander requires all the men to remain here until she returns?”

“That’s correct.”

“Fine. Once they have been debriefed, I’ll take Keitaro back home. I doubt if Heero will want to leave the hospital and his partner just yet and that child needs his rest and routine getting back as soon as possible.”

“I’ll leave that one up to you,” Sally laughed. “I’d best get moving, the patient is due in the next ten minutes.”

“Are you coming back to the mansion after you’ve finished here?”

“Probably not. I’ll stay here for a while.”

“Okay. I’ll see you later at some stage then.”

“Thanks, Margaret.” Sally exited the room and continued on her way to the theater and organizing the staff she would need to assist her.

*

The ambulance pulled up, the Preventer agents in the escort car having radioed ahead and notified the hospital of their impending arrival. More Preventer agents stood ready as the vehicle pulled in and the doors opened. The medics, assisted by two Preventer agents brought the gurney and patient from inside the ambulance, Barton having been sedated for the trip to the Preventer hospital. He was still awake though and despite the sedative in his system, able to voice his displeasure.

Sally waited just inside the pre-op room, the staff she would need still busy inside the theater, setting out the instruments and getting the drugs they would need all ready. She knew Barton was coming before he even entered the room, she could hear his insults and complaints quite clearly.

“I demand to be taken to a proper hospital, not some half assed place like this,” he snarled. “Who knows what they will do to me in here. I’ll probably wake up with my legs missing.”

“If you don’t shut the hell up, you’ll find yourself with a haircut; from the neck up,” one of the agents snapped back. He was seriously getting fed up with Barton’s constant complaining.

“How dare you threaten me! I’ll have your badge for that. Under the Geneva convention you have to treat me with respect!” Barton roared.

“I have news for you, the Geneva convention doesn’t exist any longer. Actually, if I recall correctly, it was abolished a few years ago after the war and replaced with something else,” the agent mused.

Barton turned a few deeper shades of purple as his anger continued to flare.

The gurney was pushed through the doors and into the pre-op room where Sally waited with a loaded syringe.

“Sally Po,” Barton spat when he saw the doctor. “Now I really know I’m going to wake up with parts missing. Tell me, is your degree in medical science or veterinary?”

“Medical, they couldn’t find a vet that would be willing to treat an animal like you. They’d rather put you out of your misery.”

“Har, har, very funny,” Barton snarled. “I suppose you majored in midwifery, sniveling brats is about your limit.”

“Actually, I majored in gastrointestinal; specifically the large bowel so I could treat assholes and shit sprouters like you,” Sally shot back, not in the least ruffled by the man’s words.

“Well, well, aren’t we just the epitome of professionalism. I’d better still have all my vital parts when I wake up.”

Ignoring the jibe, Sally moved forward and before Barton could protest any further, she slipped the end of the syringe into the small bolus attached to the intravenous drip and began to inject the anesthetic.

Barton went out like a light.

“Silence is golden,” Sally muttered and then blushed as the agents and medics that had brought Barton in began to applaud.

“Thank you, Doctor Po,” said one of the agents. “I was beginning to fear for both my sanity and my hearing after having to endure his continuous rants and insults.”

“Glad to be of service,” Sally smiled. “Thanks for bringing him in and without further injury – to himself and you guys too,” she added.

“Yeah, well, it’s lucky we took the Preventer oath to uphold the peace and avoid killing where possible. Although in his case I think we would have been doing the world a favor in silencing him.” The agent’s eyes suddenly lit up. “ Any chance you could amputate his tongue whilst operating?” he asked in a hopeful voice.

Sally laughed. “As much as I would like to, I don't think Une would be too pleased to find her prisoner missing a vital part.”

“You could always say it was damaged during the skirmish he was involved in.”

“Sorry, no can do.”

“Oh well, it was worth a try. Good luck, doc. Hopefully he won’t wake up – ever.”

Shaking her head in amusement, Sally nodded to the medics to transfer the patient over to the bed she had waiting in the pre-op room. Once Barton had been moved, the medics and agents left, the other three agents that had been present to assist when Barton had arrived, remained waiting just outside the room in case they should be needed.

With her patient now out cold, Sally called for the nurses to assist her in getting the man prepped for surgery.

* * *

Heaving a sigh of relief, Une watched the last of the ‘cold storage’ vehicles drive off. With all the injured, prisoners and deceased now removed from the shuttles, she could relax a little.

“Commander?”

Une turned to find Storm standing beside her holding out a cup of coffee. Her eyes lit up and she took the offered beverage, sipping at it greedily.

“I thought that after all that you could probably do with a cup,” Storm said and sipped at his own coffee.

“Thank you, it’s most appreciated, Storm.”

Cradling the cup, Une spoke again. “Now that the shuttles have been emptied of their cargo they can be fully serviced and return to their hangars for whenever they are next required.”

“I’ll get onto that right away,” Storm replied.

“Once the teams have all finished here have them report to headquarters for a debriefing. The legal team will also wish to speak with them and have any and all statements and information the crew have taken from the prisoners whilst on their way here. No doubt they will also want to take statements from the crews. I’ll have my secretary contact you with the information for the teams.”

“No problem. Is there anything else, Commander?”

“Not right now, Storm. Oh, I expect Oil to be in touch soon. Once he’s landed and the shuttle taken care of, have Oil and his team also present to headquarters for a debriefing. Agent Wind will be returning soon too with the damaged shuttle. I have already briefed Wind and he has his orders.”

“Roger that. I’ll have your car brought around for you, Commander.”

“Thank you, Storm.” Une handed back the now empty coffee cup and followed the captain back to the control room to await her car. Once the car was ready, Une bid the shuttle port personnel good bye and stepped out to get in her car and return to the many tasks still awaiting her at Headquarters.

* * *

With Sally having departed for surgery and Nurse Brown yet to return, the guys continued to chat amongst themselves. Each had their own story to tell and despite having exchanged brief accounts of what had happened to each of them, now was the perfect opportunity to discuss their respective encounters in more detail.

All the agents knew they would have to report to the Commander shortly for a debriefing so it seemed like the ideal opportunity to refresh their minds. Not that any of them really wanted to be reminded of the horrors that had passed, especially Duo.

Whilst the statements and debriefing of the other agents wouldn’t take too long, Duo’s would be an entirely different story. Not only would he have to recount all that had occurred whilst he was a prisoner on the Satellite with Barton, but there still was the matter of his being held by Nolen, Duric and the others, plus his part in the assassination of the L 1 and L 3 ambassadors and a Senator Jefferies.

Duo was not looking forward to that.

Before they could get too involved in their recounting, Nurse Brown returned. She busied herself with checking Duo’s vitals again and was satisfied with how they were currently reading. All had stabilized and he wasn't in any pain. Noting the child was still cradled between his fathers and had drifted off to sleep, she thought now was probably as good a time as any to broach the subject of taking Keitaro home and to see how many of the other agents would be coming back to the mansion that evening.

“Gentlemen?” she began.

All eyes turned to the nurse.

“The Commander will be back very shortly and you have your orders for the debriefing. Once those debriefings are over with I suggest you all get some much needed rest. Whilst I may not know a great deal about debriefings, legal systems and all this talk about trials and such, I would think it’s a good idea for you all to remain together.” She turned to Heero. “I assume it is okay with you if the other three continue to stay at the mansion until all this is sorted out?”

“Of course,” Heero replied. “Aside from the fact that it is Quatre’s place anyway, they are always welcome.”

“Thank you,” came three replies.

“Good, I’m glad that’s settled then.” Margaret gave them all a warm smile before turning to face Heero. “Heero, I think I am correct in saying that you intend to remain here in the hospital with Duo for a while yet?”

“Hai, I do,” Heero replied. “I’ll be here with him for as long as I’m allowed to remain.”

“Then may I suggest that you let me take Keitaro back home to the mansion with me. The little tyke is worn out and he really does need to get back into his routine as quickly as possible. Besides, the hospital isn’t an ideal place for him to be. He can come back with you each day to visit and I don't think it will be too long before Duo is released to continue his recovery at home.”

As much as both Heero and Duo didn’t want to be parted from their son, they could both see the common sense in the nurse’s words. Reluctantly, they agreed.

“I’ll be heading back out to the mansion once the Commander calls you all in for your debriefing, I’ll take Keitaro with me and get him bathed, fed and settled. I’ll start a hot meal for you all too, you must all be hungry.”

As if to confirm the nurse’s words, Duo’s stomach gave a loud rumble.

“Oops. Any chance of my getting any of that hot food?” he asked in a hopeful voice.

Margaret smiled and patted his shoulder. “Once Sally has checked you over again I’m sure she will see about getting you something to eat.”

“I’d rather have your cooking. Hospital food sucks,” Duo grumbled.

“You shouldn’t be cooking for us,” Quatre stated. “That’s not fair to you. You’ve been here working and with a broken wrist too, one of us can cook.”

“I’m quite happy to let her cook,” Trowa mumbled.

“And just who do suggest does the cooking, Winner?” asked Wufei with a raise of his eyebrow.

“Ummm...”

“It’s a well known fact that you can only burn water,” Wufei said.

“Well, you can only cook up that Chinese stuff with rice that tastes like cardboard,” Quatre shot back.

“At least it’s healthy.”

“Trowa cooks delicious meals, and they’re healthy,” returned Quatre.

“I hate to remind you of this, Winner, but Barton is slightly indisposed and won’t be cooking for a while I’d say.”

“Uh?” Quatre took a moment. “Oh, yeah.” He gave his lover and husband an apologetic look.

Trowa gave him the puppy eyes in return and mouthed; ‘Let the nurse cook.’

“Maybe it would be better if Nurse Brown cooked,” Quatre sighed. “That is, if you’re sure you don’t mind?”

Margaret snorted. “Of course I don’t mind. I’ll have something hot waiting for you all when you get back. Oh, and it will be healthy too,” she added with a wink in Wufei’s direction.

“Thank you for your kindness,” Quatre said.

A soft knock on the door brought the current conversation to a halt and everyone turned to see who was knocking. A young agent stood in the doorway.

“Yes?” Wufei barked.

“Sorry to interrupt you all, but the Commander asked me to let you know she is back and wishes to see you all in conference room two in fifteen minutes.”

“Thank you. We will be there.” Wufei stood up and with a nod to the agent, dismissed him. Turning back to his fellow agents, he said quietly. “The Commander is waiting for us, I suggest we don't keep her waiting too long.”

Quatre stood and assisted Trowa with his crutches, the pair wishing Duo all the best and promising to return the following day to visit. Stepping outside the room, they waited in the corridor for Wufei and Heero to join them.

Wufei also passed on his best wishes and promised to return to visit. He gave Heero a nod. “I’ll wait for you outside.”

“I’ll be there in a minute,” Heero replied.

Nurse Brown took Keitaro from Heero and left to change the child and gather up the rest of his things in preparation for their homeward journey, leaving Heero and Duo alone for a moment.

“You’d best be going, Une won’t like it if you’re late,” Duo whispered.

“I really don’t care,” Heero replied and leaned in close to seize Duo’s lips in a tender kiss. “I’ll be as quick as I can,” he said when they broke for air.

“I suppose Une will be coming in here for my debriefing, I can’t exactly go to her in this condition.”

“You don't know how lucky you are,” Heero replied in an amused tone.

“How do you figure that?”

“If she gets too pushy and you start to feel uncomfortable, you can at least push the call button and claim your injuries are playing up. Then she would have no choice but to leave you alone.”

“Ah, Heero! Don’t make me laugh, it hurts,” Duo snickered and held onto his stomach as the brief pain passed away.

“I won’t be long,” Heero said again as he climbed from the bed and bending over the edge of that bed, he gave Duo one last, lingering kiss.

“I’ll be waiting,” Duo replied.

With a smile, Heero turned and left. Duo snuggled down into the sheets and pillows, his eyes drooping. For the first time in a long time he felt safe enough to sleep.

~ * ~

tbc...
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Family Ties