Emergence
Chapter Nine
Go Time

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The night was a huge contrast to the one Duo had spent in Une's office, warm and comfortable despite the little instinct that told him that he shouldn't be letting his guard down so much around a human. But this was Heero. Despite their distance from each other in the war, Duo knew the sounds the other man made in his sleep. There'd been more than one occasion when they'd had to stay on guard over the night and left their comms open. It wasn't something they'd talked about, but... it'd helped. But it still wasn't enough to keep him asleep when Heero moved in the morning, not with the bed shifting under his weight and that tell-tale change in the other man's breathing.

"Morning," Duo said with a yawn, feeling a much better mood than the prior morning. He wasn't sore, for one. And hadn't gone to bed grumpy for another. He stretched out in his sleeping back, eyes opening slowly. Now that was a sight. Heero's window evidently pointed east, the early rays of sun silhouetting his shape as he sat up in bed nicely. He'd been a pretty man when they were younger. Their time of separation hadn't done a bit of damage to that. Smiling, he pushed himself up so he wouldn't be caught staring. "You sleep good?"

Heero nodded, running a hand through his hair (like that was going to do anything to that mess). He glanced over at Duo in a once over to see that everything was still there before sliding out of the blankets and ducking into the bathroom wordlessly, the pieces of his uniform tucked under an arm.

"Still not a morning person I see," Duo snickered, flopping back again. Oh, Heero would get up at obscene hours, could and had rolled out of bed and immediately gone to defense mode, but from what he'd seen, the man still hated mornings with a sleepy passion. It was damn cute. He raised his voice, calling out to his old partner. "I'll meet you downstairs!"

Whether Heero heard him or not, the Ariette didn't wait for a response before hopping over to the night stand and pulling on his clothes. Duo slid down the cord to the floor, fingers working to wrestle his hair into its usual braid as he crossed the floor. For safety's sake, he kept close to the wall just in case Heero managed to sneak up on him while neither of them were paying attention. Better not to tempt fate with accidents.

It was a long trip, but at least he didn't have to care about avoiding security this time, just taking the steps one at a time and making the jumps at his own pace. It didn't matter that he was in full view of Heero's camera, not anymore. Not like he was hiding from the man.

Duo snickered softly as a thought came to him, one of how Heero would have responded if he'd snuck in and presented himself here instead of at the office. Before any of them had known about what he really was. Of course, with Heero's earlier response there might have been a jar involved, ideally with holes in the lid. So maybe coming out where Quatre was hanging around too had been the best choice after all. Even if Heero's face would have been completely and utterly worth it.

He was still laughing softly at the idea when he got to the kitchen, hunting around for a way up to the counter without his hook. Which, on a thought too late, he shouldn't have left out here when he'd let Heero carry him off to bed, but he didn't have a time machine to change that did he? And, worse come to worst, at most he'd have to do was wait for Heero to come around to make the coffee he'd promised and give him a lift up off the floor.

Hauling himself up onto the counter, he glanced back over his shoulder at the sound of footsteps, turning around to sit on the edge. Heero stepped into the kitchen, eyes sweeping the floor before moving up and landing on him, nodding in response to Duo's little wave. 'There you are,' those eyes read. Cute, Heero'd been looking for him.

"Morning, sleepy head," Duo said with a smile, scooting himself back away from the ledge. For some reason, he didn't fancy the idea of falling. Weird, huh? "Would have started the coffee, but I don't think I can lift the pot."

Heero snorted, reaching past him to pick up said coffee pot and fill it with water to start the process. It wasn't until he'd filled the machine and the gurgle of brewing coffee broke the silence that he said anything. "We left your gear in here."

"Yep, noticed that," the Ariette said, nodding. "Managed the trip anyway. I'm a pretty good climber even without it. But probably shouldn't do that next time. Don't want stuff to get lost. Not always easy to replace shit, you know?" He huffed at the raised eyebrow Heero gave him. "Yeah, yeah, I know it'll be easier now, but I'm not gonna come asking every time I need some supplies. Especially the custom stuff."

"Stubborn." Heero poured himself a mug of the fresh coffee, waiting for Duo to dig his cup from his backpack (and oh, he was glad he'd put it back in there) before dipping it in and offering it back to the tiny man.

Duo rolled his eyes, holding the cup to his chest. Hm, warm. "Kettle, pot. Don't think I wasn't watching when you set your own leg. I know you were offered help with taking care of that."

"I managed it fine."

"You managed to seriously creep out most of the crew," Duo countered, taking a deep drink from his mug. Oh, that was the good stuff. "But you make a damn good cup of coffee, so I think I'll forgive you. You still gotta earn it for stealing my parts though. Cause that was a dick move."

Heero snorted, taking his time to sip his. A little overly conscious about making too many eating sounds around the Ariette. They'd been told that they could be disturbing up close. Whether that was universal or just the group they'd asked was uncertain, but there was no point assuming otherwise at this point. And he didn't want to make Duo uncomfortable. "Noted."

"You're lucky you're cute." The Ariette held out his mug. "Refill please."

The human pilot dutifully took the miniature mug and filled it again, this time from the pot, before handing it back. "I think being your chauffeur should be enough to equal things out. And saving your life a few times."

"Oh no no, you're driving me around because you're being your silly over protective self," Duo countered. "And I saved you right back. Which, by the way, was a whole lot more dangerous for me than your average human. Especially if I'd gotten caught."

"Hm."

"So, ready to get going after the brain starter fuel?" he asked, downing his second cup faster than the first. It'd had a moment to cool down just enough. Of course, he really wasn't looking forward to riding on that bike again. The first time had been bad enough. There had to be a better way of getting around.

Heero opened his mouth to respond but was cut off at the sound of tires on gravel outside. He frowned, motioning for Duo to stay put as he peeked out one of the many obscured viewing spots. A moment later, his shoulders relaxed and he walked over to unlock the door. "Quatre."

"Yeah? What's Q-bean doing here this early?" Duo asked, sitting back down on the counter now that he knew he wouldn't need to dart into cover.

Shrugging, Heero opened the door to let him in. They hadn't planned anything this morning. And Quatre usually was the sort to call ahead, unless he had plans he thought you might protest.

"Good morning, Heero, Duo," Quatre said brightly as he stepped inside, already all sunshine even if the real one hadn't risen yet. "I hope you both slept well."

"Once I was done breezing through soldier-boy's security, yeah," Duo said with a grin. So maybe he wanted to rub it in just a little more. "Should have known not to challenge the king of sneaky."

"I take it this means you won your wager?" Quatre asked. Well, he supposed they wouldn't need him to come in and handle Duo's accommodations then. Though he doubted there had been any rules about accepting help... Besides, Heero had barely talked to any Ariette other than Duo, and he wasn't sure either of them had much experience in building actual stationary homes with Ariette requirements. Duo had his own experiences of course, but it hadn't sounded like their formerly missing comrade had stayed in one place for very long... ever. With his housing project, Quatre had been interviewing everyone he could get his hands on in the matter. Figuratively, of course. He looked to Heero. "You'll have to let me know if you need any help."

Heero nodded. "After the mission."

"Well obviously," Duo said, wiping out his cup and putting it away in his bag. It'd dried all the way over night, along with the rest of his gear that he'd had to clean off. And like he was going to delay the rescue any more just so he could get a cozy nest set up. "So what's up? Don't think you came by before work just to see how the bet went. Could have asked that when we all got there."

The blond chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I was actually coming by to offer you a ride. I know your motorcycle is fine normally, Heero. But it doesn't offer much for Duo." And perhaps he'd also wanted to be sure that Duo had managed to calm down from yesterday. It seemed like their bet had helped quite a bit.

Heero frowned, rolling that suggestion over in his mind. He recalled how ruffled Duo had looked when they'd gotten there. And while he couldn't say it was a bad look on the Ariette... He clearly had not been comfortable. Which, considering, was rather understandable. Another thing to make up for when building the new apartment.

And something to think about with his method of commuting.

"If Duo wants to," Heero said at last, nodding his head.

"Hell yes," Duo said without hesitation. Skipping the fabric prison of embarrassing doom? Like he was going to pass that up. "I appreciate the ride yesterday, Ro, but it was a bit cramped inside the bike jacket. No offense."

"An enclosed vehicle also has safety advantages," Heero said with a shrug, no taking any. If there were an accident, the metal frame of a car would give Duo a chance of survival. His jacket might save the Ariette's skin, but would do nothing to save his bones and oh so delicate organs.

"Since we're agreed, is there anything you'd like me to carry out for you?" Quatre asked, pleased.

"Hang on." Duo quickly gathered up the rest of his stuff, stuffing everything he'd taken out of his bag earlier back in, hook included. Pulling it on, he grinned and raised his arms up in the post every toddler knows as 'up!' "You can carry me!"

Laughing, Quatre sent the briefest of glances at Heero, feeling that pout even if the stoic pilot refused to let it show on his face. Stubborn. Sighing in his mind, he offered Duo his hand. "Gladly. Do we need to stop for coffee or have you had your fill for the morning?"

"Na, I'm set. My dealer took care of me," Duo said, climbing into the blond's softer hand. Quatre had his own share of calluses, sure, but not nearly as many as Heero. Probably had a professional take care of them too. Fancy little rich boy.

"I'm your dealer now?" Heero asked with a raised eyebrow, picking up his keys to follow them out.

"Yep. Until we rig the coffee maker so I can get it going, you're my drug dealer of the great bean," the Ariette said with a grin. "You make a pretty good brew too. Not that the stuff you brought yesterday wasn't pretty tasty too. Better than anything Howie's made."

"I have heard of his coffee's reputation," Quatre said delicately. "I haven't quite been brave enough to try it."

Duo pointed up at him. "Word of advice? Don't."

"I'll keep that in mind," the blond said with a soft chuckle. He carried Duo over to his personal car, which was... more understated than the one he sometimes used for business, when making an impression was needed. Trowa hadn't believed him when he called it modest. And turned down the offer to be gifted one for himself. Maybe he'd be able to convince Heero now? Maybe. Quatre opened the door. "I'm afraid we haven't finished designing an Ariette-friendly seat for human cars yet. They keep coming out looking like car seats. But I padded the cup holder for you. It should be deep enough to keep you safe."

"We'll add that to the list of stuff for me to help you with later," Duo said, hopping down from Quatre's hand once it was close enough to the center console. He peered down into the 'seat' before slipping down into it and making himself comfortable. "Not bad. Just needs seat warmers."

"Don't give him ideas," Heero said, climbing into the passenger seat, knowing that thoughtful expression that'd crossed over Quatre's face. "You don't need a warmer for a short trip."

Duo looked up at him, grinning slowly. "And if I decide I do, I can just sit on you instead."

"Be nice," Quatre said, nudging Duo with a finger as Heero stiffened and looked straight ahead, a tell-tale glow in his cheeks.

The tiny man raised an eyebrow. "Have you met me?"

"I can still have you walk."

"I might believe that if I didn't know you."

Heero closed his eyes. This was going to be a long drive.

Like the previous morning, there weren't too many other agents around when they arrived, pulling into the parking garage. Duo climbed up out of the cup holder as soon as the car was put into park, hopping over to the hand offered to him (despite the teasing) and up onto Heero's shoulder. "Now that was what I call an easy ride."

Quatre got out of the driver's seat with a smile. "I thought it might be easier on you than Heero's motorcycle."

"Hell of a lot easier," Duo agreed. He patted Heero's neck, holding on as the other man got out of the car. "No offense, Ro, but I am so buying a car once the paychecks start rolling in."

Heero snorted as he picked up his bag, free hand ready to catch just in case Duo lost his hold. Better safe. Even if the man knew just how to aggravate him sometimes. "You can't drive."

"Drove a gundam, didn't I?"

"You may have to wait a while until those particular vehicle modifications get developed and legalized for the road, Duo," Quatre said with a chuckle. Perhaps not as long for the former, if he put his designers to work, but the latter? That could be an interesting sticking point. "I don't mind coming to pick you up. It's not that far out of my way."

"You just don't want to see what kind of speed I can get out of one of your kinds of cars," Duo challenged with a snort. "Toss in some live camera feed to fix the view, get some geared up controls, not too hard."

"Getting it legalized, on the other hand..."

Duo waved the idea away. Like he cared about that. Sure, doing things the 'legal' way smoothed a few wrinkles, but it also added a ton of hoops to jump though. Though maybe going back on the black books wasn't the best idea for making the council look good. They had vouched for him being there. Hm.

"Still gonna design it," he said with a huff. Maybe he wouldn't be able to use it off private property for a while, but he could get a head start. Maybe start with a mini custom RC car. Not hard to wire in the controls to the car itself. And it'd be pretty fun to have around HQ so he wouldn't have to ride shoulders to get everywhere. With a horn, because humans were not good at watching where they were stepping. "Can't let you get all the credit after all."

Quatre just shook his head with a smile. "Yes, Duo."

Heero wisely kept his opinion to himself as he carried Duo though the halls to their office again, setting the Ariette down on the desk in reach of the equipment they'd left behind the day before. Now that they were there, the team had preparations to begin. Quatre quietly printed out a copy of the building schematics they'd seen earlier for each of them, scaling Duo's down so he could get a more complete look than if he'd had to walk all over the papers. The tiny man gave him a thumbs up before going back to checking all of his gear over. It may have been a long time since he'd done a mission of this scale, but he still knew all the important things. And knowing that when you pulled a trigger or pushed a button, the thing would do what it's supposed to do, was a really important thing!

Over the next half an hour, Wufei and Trowa slipped in as well, setting to their own preparation tasks. The former quietly stopped by Duo's desk with a sheet of information they'd gotten on some of the held victims. Those they'd managed to identify with the help of the Emergence Council. It was a short list. As a people, Ariettes still were not really united. It'd never been safe to unite like they were talking about doing now. A large group could be used against each other, could make you more visible. One branch could be used to find another. Hell, that'd already happened since their discovery! Duo thanked him mutely, turning his attention to memorizing the details, feeling that smoldering rage for these monsters holding them grow with every line. Too bad he wouldn't have the room to carry bigger charges with his gear. He would have loved to blow the whole place once they got everyone out. Well, everyone innocent out.

"Think I'd get in trouble if some of these guys woke up with plastic explosives shoved up their asses?" he asked lightly, referring to the members of the Lenders ring, of course, not the victims written about on the report he'd been reading.

"Technically, you're not yet completely held to human laws," Trowa said without looking up from his computer. Which may as well have been a ringing 'go for it' from the other pilot. When Quatre shot him a look, he merely shrugged.

"It may get the Preventers into legal trouble," Wufei said with a snort. "As tempting as it is, we need the good publicity right now. You'll have to do something more subtle."

"We'll be arresting them," Quatre said firmly, exasperated. Perhaps he might have been tempted to do more as well, but they were trying to be the good guys here! "They won't be able to hurt anyone else after that. And no, I'm not saying you have to like it. But we do have to at least pretend to go by the book. Things are still rather delicate right now."

"What if they have an accident in custody?" Duo asked, glancing meaningfully towards Trowa, since the part-time clown seemed to be his closest ally in the idea.

But Quatre caught that look, and sent one of his own that made it very clear Trowa would be sleeping with his lions if he helped. "No."

Trowa snorted softly with a wordless smirk, picking up a bundle of clothes and slipping out of the room.

Grumbling, Duo put down the profiles and went back to memorizing every inch of his intended path as according to the blueprints. And the surrounding area, just in case he had to deviate. He'd had too many plans go sideways to expect that anything would go just right. Especially when your enemy had the bad manners to actually show up and try to stop you.

The phone on Wufei's desk rang, and he listened to the voice on the other end for a brief minute before hanging up and getting to his feet. He slipped out of the room wordlessly. Watching him, Duo was tempted to try and follow him. Just to see what he was up to.

"He'll be back," Heero murmured, catching sight of Duo's focus.

"Where's he going?" Duo asked, not looking away from the door. If it was something important to the mission, shouldn't they all be there?

"Likely bringing new information." Heero shrugged. "We'll know soon."

The assurance really didn't do much to make Duo feel less twitchy. He wanted to know now. But with the other three in the room, there wasn't exactly much chances to slip out. And even he would admit that Wufei had much more ability to cover ground quicker than he did. Even without being in that much of a hurry.

Plus Wufei had the bad manners to come back (like they'd said he would) before Duo had the chance to plan and carry out his great escape.

"Pack up your gear," Wufei said, closing the door behind him, a quietly satisfied set to his mouth. "It's time to go."

"We have the codes?" Quatre asked, standing up from his chair and starting to follow the order even while he waited for confirmation. He wasn't the only one either. Even Duo started to gather up what he'd need into his pack, set in the order he assumed he'd be using them first.

Wufei nodded. "The van is waiting downstairs. We'll leave as soon as everyone is ready."

When everything was gathered and Heero offered Duo his hand, the Ariette didn't hesitate to climb up, still running the plan through his head as he was carried out of the office, Trowa slipping in to join them from wherever he'd gone to change, now matching a little more closely to what they'd seen the security staff wearing. Sneaky. Duo shook his head, fingering the dull notice-not clothes he'd pulled on that morning himself. Perfect for sneaking around gathering supplies... or sneaking into an enemy base to rescue innocent kidnapping victims. 'We're coming for you,' he thought, wishing he could let the folk locked up know now. But they'd be there soon enough.

Someone had thought further ahead in the van than in Quatre's car, a padded sort of seat attached to the back of the front seat with straps for security. As Heero held him up to it, Duo had to wonder if it'd been put in for Ariettes they'd extracted before he showed up. Built for, but he'd bet not used. The last thing one of his folk wanted after having to leave a home was to be strapped up in full sight of a bunch of agents. But it worked alright for him, locking the straps in place so he wouldn't be tossed around.

"Hope you've got a better spot for the guys we're going to get," Duo said, looking at the others as the van pulled out. "They're not going to be happy to be in this thing."

"And we don't have twenty of them," Quatre agreed with a nod, seated closest to Duo's seat. "This was an early prototype. Safe, but unpopular. There's a different set up in the back, out of direct sight. If you want, there's room for you to ride with them on the way to HQ after. It might soothe some fears."

Duo nodded, not even having to think very hard on it. Going from one cage to something that'd sure seem like another one? Would be scary enough. Even if they knew who the Preventers were, trust was slow. Hopefully, he'd be enough to vouch for them. "Sounds good to me." He glanced over to Trowa. "So, how are you sneaking me far enough to get to the vent?"

Trowa held up his wrist, long sleeves neatly buttoned at the cuff. And the smallest of stitches out of place a few inches up. "I added a loop for you to hold on to on the inside," Trowa explained. "In case they check pockets."

"Let's hope they aren't into the up the arm pat-downs then," Duo said. Clinging to Trowa's arm like it was a big stripper pole wouldn't be the strangest way he'd snuck into a base at least. But it was still pretty inventive. And still miles better than the aforementioned pocket. Especially with the way Trowa tended to like wearing his pants. "Don't think you could convince them by saying I'm a funny shaped and contagious tumor if they feel me."

"In that occasion, shooting them is more effective," Trowa said with a small smirk.

Duo snorted. "Try not to do that too close to my head. I forgot to pack my earplugs." Not that earplugs would do that much for the noise of a gun the size of a freaking cannon going off right next to him but eh, details. When Trowa flashed him the hand sign for 'whoops,' Duo gave him a much ruder one in response. Sometimes he thought he liked Trowa better before the guy had found his sense of humor.

"We all have silencers, Duo," Quatre assured him with a sigh, nudging his partner with an elbow in a clear 'stop teasing him' motion. "Very good ones. We're very aware of Ariette noise sensitivities. It was actually one of the first things we were allowed to test after the Discovery. With consent of the parties involved, of course."

"Well, I didn't think you were rounding us up like the rats of Nimh," the liaison said, noting to ask later what other things they'd tested so he had some groundwork to start off from. Duo had no doubts that Une and Sally would want to poke at him a good deal once this mission was done and they had the time. Regular access to one of the few of his kind who was actually used to being seen by humans? He didn't blame them. Unless they got too poke-happy. Then he'd blame them plenty. And set Heero on them. Assuming he wasn't being just as bad. Maybe Quatre. "And good to hear. I've probably already got enough hearing damage as it is. G insulated my cockpit and cabin as much as he could, but damn mobile suits are loud." He glanced towards the back of the van as a thought occurred to him. "How well sound insulated is the passenger box?"

"The designers were more concerned with the safety of it than the soundproofing," Wufei said, raising an eyebrow. "But the engine shouldn't be more than a safe amount of decibels regardless."

"Not what I meant," Duo said, shaking his head. "Just thinking that I doubt these bastards worried too much on noise, and I bet my folk would love some quiet on the way out of there." Actually, they'd probably love to never see another human being, but that'd have to wait until they got them someplace safe to leave from. Duo just hoped they got that.

"The padding on the inside of the box should do a decent amount towards muffling sound," Quatre said, picking up on what Duo meant. "And we'll have a place where they can... decompress once Sally declares them in stable health, before anything else is required of them."

Duo nodded. Wasn't perfect, but he could tell that they were trying. "It'll work for a start." He tugged on his braid, giving him a crooked grin. "Hopefully my reputation as a certified nutcase among Ariettes won't do too much damage to my being able to vouch for you guys."

Heero snorted, leaning back in his seat. They'd be there soon enough, and then they'd find out.

By the time they'd gotten to their destination, a mostly hidden and disused road that may have been something long gone's driveway at some point, Duo had double and triple checked his gear, making sure that his braid had been properly stuffed under his jacket so it couldn't get caught on anything. In other words, he was twitchy, and more than ready to go. It was almost a relief when they stopped and it was time for him to wiggle his way under the cuff of Trowa's sleeve, no matter how awkward that was. For one thing, it meant Heero couldn't change his mind about stuffing him in a box to keep him out of the mission. Sure, he'd said he wouldn't, and Duo trusted him at his word, but there was still the worry. Shaking his head, he wrapped himself around Trowa's wrist and patted it with a hand to let the former clown know he was secure.

"I'll tap your back twice when it's safe to come out," Trowa said softly, getting out of the car. He didn't get a response, but didn't expect one either. Duo had other things to keep his attention on. Like not falling. Catching Heero's meaningful glance, he inclined his head wordlessly. Duo would be safe as long as he was with him. After that, he couldn't promise anything and they both knew it.