Hidden Twin

Special thanks go to Erin Cayce for her dedicated musing and beta reading. This story would not be half as good without her.

Part 1

Resistance, too much resistance. The mission was to take out a remote, Australian, Oz storage facility where decommissioned Aries were awaiting repair. What the pilots found was something else entirely. There were literally dozens of operative Aries fighting back and heavy artillery coming from all around.

"Duo, Trowa, this is all wrong. These Aries should not be here." The Sandrock pilot's voice came over the comm.

"Intelligence said there would be minimal resistance," Trowa said.

"Yeah, well, the intelligence sucked. We've done enough damage here. Let's get out. Wait a minute, what the..." Duo was not believing what he was seeing.

A jet-black replica of Wing moved silently in, strafing the field with gunfire, seemingly hitting something critical with every round. The pilots watched for a few moments before rejoining the fray, all the while wondering just who was piloting the black gundam. The fighting style so like the pilot of the real Wing, but yet more elegant.

When there was nothing left but smoldering ruins the black gundam wheeled around and attacked Deathscythe.

/What the hell? Who is this guy?/

"Hey, you want a piece of me? You got it, buddy." Duo growled over the comm.

The dark Wing pilot was silent, but kept coming. The two suits fought viciously. /I've had enough of this. He's going down!/ Duo swept the scythe across his opponent, amputating the legs neatly. The massive machine collapsed. The three pilots watched warily as the hatch opened and its pilot stepped out, bloodied and battered. From where they stood it looked like...Heero? Rage was written in every line of the pilot's body as she snarled at Deathscythe, then followed her fallen suit into oblivion.

/That's not Heero...that's a girl. No *way*, Maxwell. You took out a girl?/

Dr. J's image flooded the three pilot's vid screens. "Duo, Trowa and Quatre, Peacemillion is waiting above in your sector. Tow that suit, and its pilot here immediately."

Briefing room, six hours later

All five pilots present, along with Sally Po, being addressed by Dr. J. "For the last 4 years I've gone to great lengths to hide the pilot and suit you encountered today from the rest of you, and you from her. By now you've all seen the resemblance to my young protégé, Heero. In fact, Kara is Heero's twin. They received parallel training and, er, modifications. At first they were trained together, but as time went on I noticed character traits developing that I believed would interfere with their efficiency so they were separated and relieved of cumbersome memories of each other. It was then that I decided to vary the training regimens slightly. What if one was removed from normal human contact entirely? How would that affect efficacy? Since that day Kara's training and missions were totally solitary. She had no outside stimulus, or trappings of typical life. Every mission was a simple search and destroy. She and her gundam, dubbed Shiva, had 100 % efficacy and missions were chosen specifically so that she'd never be seen. She'd go out, complete the mission and return to isolation here on Peacemillion."

Dr. J allowed himself to preen smugly for a minute before continuing. "It all went well for years. Then three weeks ago Kara took the Shiva out on a mission and disappeared. I've been able to track her via a chip she has implanted. She's been hacking and muscling her way into Oz installations, stealing what she and the Shiva needed to continue running missions, missions that she's devised herself."

"Sounds like my kinda girl" Duo broke in.

"I can not have a renegade running loose. She's snapped. I anticipated that this base would be her next target, so I sent you three there, knowing you could bring her in."

"It was a set-up?! We almost got fried so you could reel in your loose cannon?" Trowa was livid.

The doctor was unmoved by the outburst. "I had every confidence in you."

"So what will happen to her now?" Quatre wondered aloud.

"I say put her down. She's insane, a liability." Heero growled.

"Geez Heero, she's your sister!" Duo could not believe what he'd just heard.

"She's a stranger, and a very dangerous one." Heero fired back.

Sally could not hold back another minute. "Could I interject something here? This girl has had all the training and stress put on her that you five have had and she's had it all alone. You've been working as a team, supporting each other, and it's kept you somewhat sane. Dr. J, do you think she could be turned around, with the proper help?"

"Possibly."

The braided pilot's mind was racing. /I can't let them just destroy that girl. What am I saying? I do *not* need another Perfect Soldier in my life/

"Dr. J, I'd like the job."

Part 2

"Dr. J, I'd like the job."

Dead silence filled the room. /I can not believe I just said that. What was I thinking?!/

"Maxwell, you surprise me. Go ahead, see what you can do with her."

"I want complete authority."

"As you wish." Dr. J agreed.

Duo scanned the room, looking for responses from his friends. Surprisingly he saw approval on most of the faces. Heero alone looked angry, Wufei was impassive as ever.

/OK, here we go. /

"I know you guys probably have your doubts about this. Look, three of us have seen this girl in action. She has abilities we can use. Who's gonna help me?"

Trowa's answer surprised everyone. "I agree with Duo. We have room on the team for another player. We can use all the help we can get. I'm in."

"Me too. I just feel something about this girl. I'll help you, Duo" Quatre agreed as well.

Wufei looked only half convinced but simply nodded. Heero glared and stormed out.

"OK, we start tomorrow, guys. Sally, how about her physical condition? Is Kara ready for training?" Duo asked.

"Surprisingly yes. She had a slight concussion and a couple of cracked ribs, but apparently she has healing abilities like our Heero. She'll be fine."

"Good, thanks guys. I'd better go talk to that baka now." The braided pilot stalked out after Heero, leaving his partners thinking, wishing they could be audience to that little discussion.

***********

"Heero wait." Duo was breathless when he finally caught up.

"I don't have time for this." Heero tried shoving by Duo, who was not going to let this one pass. Cobalt eyes glared at him. Duo was not giving an inch.

"What is your problem with this, Heero? You threatened by something here? Or just afraid?" Heero looked away sharply, not wanting to admit to either Duo or himself how shaken he was by this whole situation. If he was to believe this girl actually was his twin then he'd have to accept that he'd been lied to an manipulated for years by someone he thought he'd trusted.

Duo's level of frustration was growing by the minute. /Answer me damn, you./

"Look Heero, you've pushed me away and I accepted it. You've been a good enough

friend to all of us. But this, this is not like you. What if she is your sister?"

"What if she is? What if she is and we have to destroy her? I don't want to believe she's my sister. I can't, Duo. I can't let myself feel something now." Heero was on the edge of breaking entirely and Duo just grabbed him and held on, offering what little comfort Heero would tolerate.

"I'm not gonna let that happen, OK? Trust me. You'll meet her at least, won't you?"

"Hai, I'll meet her. I've got work to do now. Gotta go"

Duo watched him walk away, hoping, praying that Heero would come the rest of the way around.

*******

Duo let himself into the cell and watched the girl sleeping. /Geez she looks so much like him. The hair, the eyes, everything. / The soldier in him took over before long. This was not the time for sentimentality. He surveyed the room. Kara was in restraints in a plain iron bed that was bolted to the floor, as was the metal chair he collapsed into, rubbing his eyes tiredly. /Nothing here she can use as a weapon. OK, we're in business. /

"Wake up, buttercup" he said loudly, watching as Kara came to abruptly.

She struggled briefly against the restraints before glaring with undisguised hostility at Duo.

"You! You cut my suit out from under me."

"Yeah, I did, sweetheart, and you were trying to do the same to me." Duo grinned dangerously."

"Omae o..."

"Yeah, yeah, I've heard that before about a million times. Doesn't scare me any more."

Kara just watched and waited, hating this man. She did not have to wait long.

"You need retraining. You had some nice moves all right, but the word is you've gone renegade. I'm gonna fix all that."

"You? You're gonna train me? Over my dead body."

"I'm the only one who volunteered. Dr. J gave you to me and your dead body is the only alternative left to you. So, ojosan, you're all mine." He gave Kara a minute to let this last bit of news sink in. "You gonna behave if I take those off?" Duo asked quietly. Kara nodded and was still while Duo removed the restraints and let her sit up. He turned to sit on the chair and she launched herself at him, snarling. Duo pulled his pistol from his jacket and fired, hitting Kara in the thigh and shaking his head sadly as she went down.

"So now you know, Kara. It's death or me. Are you gonna play nice?"

He picked up the comm and called for a medic.

Part 3

"I .. don't .. need .. a .. medic." Kara ground out, hauling the sheet from the bed. She made a quick inspection of the wound on her leg. The entry and exit points were clean and barely bleeding. She'd had worse. "I need a knife."

The knife Duo tossed her arced gracefully through the air before imbedding itself in the floor near Kara's hand. Nothing could have shocked her more. Kara recognized it as her very own and decided that he must have taken it off of her while she was unconscious. In hand, the knife was a familiar friend and she used it efficiently to cut strips from the sheet to dress the wound on her leg.

"We have to start trusting each other sometime." Duo grinned at her astonishment at his unexpected gift. As he watched her work he marveled at her total disinterest in her scantily clothed state. It was if she was completely unaware that she wore only a black tank top and loose fitting shorts. *He* was painfully aware of it, however and growing more uncomfortable and aroused by the second. /Where in hell is *this* coming from? You're pathetic, Maxwell. Turn it off. Thinking like that is just too risky, for both of you./ "I sent for some clothes from your quarters," his voice rough and a little breathless.

"Just let me in there and I can get what I need myself."

"Later. They're sanitizing it now. You had some dangerous toys in there, ojosan."

"Don't call me that. I never was a little girl." Kara warned, finishing the most perfect field-dressing Duo had ever seen.

There was a knock on the door and Duo opened it and accepted a small bundle from the visitor. Duo examined each item before tossing them one by one to Kara. Black twill jumpsuit, socks and boots landed at her feet one by one.

"Hmm, I like your taste. Understated, elegant, great color. Get dressed." Duo teased, starting for the door, thinking she might want some privacy when Kara stopped him, extending the knife, handle first towards him, offering it. "Keep it. Your dossier says it's your weapon of choice and I know I would not feel comfortable if I weren't *carrying.* Just don't try using it on anyone here, especially me. Besides, I have this." Duo twirled his side arm mischievously, but not without a bit of menace.

"So what am I supposed to call, you ...sir." Though the words dripped with sarcasm, for the first time cobalt eyes met violet without rancor.

"Geez, I'm an idiot! It's Duo, Duo Maxwell - and please, drop the *sir*" He waited outside the room for her to dress.

**********

Minutes later they were headed towards the rec. room where Duo knew the other pilots would have gathered. /O.K. Maxwell, point of no return. You gotta tell her./

"You're gonna meet the other gundam pilots now. You'll be part of the team when we've finished with your training. They're a great bunch of guys." Duo tried desperately to keep it light. "And one of them is your brother."

Duo watched Kara' face as she took this last bit of information in, first impassively, then incredulously.

"I don't have a brother." But somewhere inside Kara felt that to be a lie.

Two pair of eyes surveyed the room and its occupants. Everyone was present and accounted for. Quatre and Trowa cuddled on a beat up sofa, giggling over a magazine, sneaking small kisses when they thought no one was looking. It always made Duo feel warm and happy to see the two lovers relaxed and enjoying life. Wufei was laboring intently over his sword, buffing out small nicks and dents. Still, he looked up when Duo and Kara entered, frowned slightly then turned briefly to look at Heero, who was typing away on his laptop, scowling as usual. One by one the pilots noticed the new arrivals. Kara just took it all in, making her silent observations and assessments.

"Hey guys!" Duo bounced in maniacally - dragging Kara behind him. "We've talked about Kara, well, the lazy girl finally decided to get out of bed."

Kara was not amused by this little remark and her hand twitched down toward her boot, where her knife was safely stowed. Duo did not miss the movement and he winked at her, effectively halting the action.

"The two love-birds over there are Quatre and Trowa. Quatre will drown you in tea if you let him and watch out for Trowa - the guy will *talk* your *ears* off." Duo pulled Kara close, arm over her shoulders, ignoring the tension he felt running through her body and led her to where Quatre and Trowa clumsily untangled themselves to rise and shake hands.

"Very funny Duo, very funny. Don't listen to anything that baka says, Kara." Trowa clasped her hand firmly and gave her a small smile. Never the shy one, Quatre launched himself at Kara, pulling her into a tight hug and murmuring his welcome. She stood stiffly for a moment, not knowing what to do with her arms and wondering how long she had to stand there tolerating it. She ached, feelings conflicted, both trapped and comfortable being held that way, before pulling away slowly. She gave Quatre a long look and nodded thanks.

Duo turned her towards Wufei. "Now this guy here loves the womens, he'll flirt with you every chance he gets. Wufei - Kara"

Wufei inclined his head imperiously and simply growled, "Onna" before looking daggers at his braided friend.

"Oi, Heero, take a break. I have someone to meet you." Duo called casually to the dark haired boy still working in the corner.

"Hn."

"Damnit, Heero. This is important." Duo finally succeeded in getting Heero's attention with his uncharacteristically gruff tone. Heero pushed himself away from the laptop and rose to confront his twin.

Two pair of cobalt eyes met and widened briefly with no small amount of hostility, then resigned recognition. No one could dispute that these two were twins. Their appearance and carriage proclaimed it so indisputably. Emotions ran riot over twin faces before brother and sister regained their masks of disaffection. Neither was prepared for this confrontation. Finally Heero turned jerkily away, snatched up his laptop and stalked out, muttering something about finishing a profile. Kara's dark blue eyes reflected relief, and regret.

"Yeah, 'bout what I expected." Duo whispered under his breath. "Well, we have work to do too, guys. So we'll see ya all later."

Part 4

The three friends watched the departure, too deep in thought to resume their individual activities. Trowa and Quatre joined Wufei at the table.

The usually quiet Trowa was the first to speak. "That was ... interesting. I don't know which of the three of them is the most screwed up right now." The last remark surprised his companions. The conflict in Heero and Kara was obvious, but Duo? "Didn't Duo seem just a little too *on*?" Realization of this truth dawned slowly on Quatre and Wufei.

"I've felt from the beginning that there was something drawing Duo to this girl. Part of it has to be because of his feelings for Heero, but I think it goes beyond that. He's risking a lot to help her, Allah help them both. But I like her. I felt a warmth in her when I hugged her. She was not expecting or comfortable with that affection, but she allowed it. Would any of us have done the same given the circumstances?" Quatre added.

Wufei was thoughtful as he replied. "Duo is not a stupid man, although he sometimes seems to be. He'll keep this contained. I wonder about Heero though. This is getting to him." The three sat quietly for a moment, agreeing, each of them deliberating on their involvement in what would transpire.

****************

"You OK?" Duo asked as they walked.

Kara's reply was clipped and cool. "Of course" every inch the controlled soldier again.

/So that's how it's gonna be. Well, she can keep it to herself for now. No need to push yet. But I saw both of them react. *Something* is going on there./ Duo thought, a little sad for Kara and for Heero.

Duo snapped on the lights in the Tactical Room as they entered, then switched on a series of monitors and offered Kara a chair in front of them before dropping unceremoniously in another beside her. He punched at a keyboard for a few moments and watched as the monitors filled with images of battle.

"The gundams are all fitted with cameras. Usually we record during training and battles. I like to review the discs, mostly because it is just plain fun to watch, but you can learn a lot." Duo indicated the first monitor. Nataku was in all it's glory, beam glaive flashing and slashing. "Wufei is without equal in close quarters fighting. You can see his martial arts training in his piloting. "

"You've seen Quatre fighting in Sandrock" Duo continued, looking at the second monitor. "I've seen him do amazing things with those blades. He has unbelievable power and a protective instinct that makes him a fantastic partner in battle." Duo continued. Kara watched thoughtfully, but held her comments.

"Trowa and Heavyarms are all about firepower. They can wreak more havoc than you can imagine. Oh wait, I love this part" Duo was clearly having fun now. Heavyarms was firing rapidly one minute, executing a perfect triple flip in the air the next. "How does he *do* that? Listen Kara, know this about Trowa, somehow he always appears to guard your back."

"Now Heero has the whole package, great hand to hand and deadly firepower. He's relentless too, even at his own expense. You're like that too." Duo said, bringing up images of Kara's arrival in her suit. "Yeah - we got you on disc too and it's amazing." Duo watched, admiring. "The first thing I thought when I saw you moving in was how much like Heero you were. It all makes sense now considering your training and relationship." Kara was still so quiet it almost alarmed him. Duo's violet gaze washed over her, taking in her rapt attention to the screens, feeling her compare her own image to Heero's.

"And what about you? Tell me about your technique." When Kara finally spoke it was quiet, but with authority. It seemed that viewing the images of her battle gave her renewed strength and confidence.

"Hell, I'm the toughest, deadliest thing flying, ojosan." Duo grinned. He caught a slight smile as he looked up at his companion and was warmed by it. Duo worked at the keyboard again. All screens flashed with the same image, a vicious battle involving all five pilots, who were clearly outnumbered and outgunned. Somehow, like some divine battalion, the gundams fought and vanquished everything in their path. "So, Kara, what do you see?"

"You fight like one unit, supporting each other. Trusting your partner's strengths. I've never seen anything like this" Kara spoke quietly, admiringly and a little wistfully. "I want..."

"You will, you will be part of this Kara. We all want it." Duo assured her.

They sat in companionable silence for long moments before Kara finally got the nerve to speak again. She began uncertainly. "Duo, could we speak seriously?"

"Sure."

"Dr. J has not contacted me since I've been back. He isn't going to ... is he?" Kara asked, a little afraid of the answer she knew was coming.

Duo waited a second before answering. "No, he isn't.'

"He wants to put me down, doesn't he?" she asked, tonelessly.

"He's afraid of you now, Kara. He can't wield his weapon any more." Duo answered sadly.

"So he gave me to you." She took a ragged breath before speaking again. "And who will decide, ah, what will happen to me?" Each word sounded a little more hopeless. Cobalt eyes searched violets warily.

Duo held her gaze. "I will."

"Could you do something for me Duo? If it comes to that, don't let them put me down -- like a dog -- you know. I want to die like a warrior. Could you do that for me?" Pain and uncertainty rolled off of Kara's body in waves as she pleaded with him.

"Yeah, I can do that." Duo's voice was harsh with emotion. "But let's just not let it come to that, OK?" He held out a hand to her, not knowing if it was to comfort her or himself. "OK, partner?" his voice gentler now. Kara took his hand slowly and smiled a little when he gave it a squeeze.

"OK, partner." She answered a little shaky, but feeling better.

"Ah, hey, I'm starving. Let's get something to eat" Duo ruffled her hair a little as he stood, eliciting a look of surprise.

"I'm kinda tired Duo, and some baka shot me in the leg earlier. I just want to sleep a little. Can I go to my quarters now? Think they are finished *sanitizing*?" Kara was determined to hang on to the casual camaraderie.

Duo looked uncomfortable. "Oh yeah, well, there's one more thing I need to tell you about that." He actually looked embarrassed now. "I'm going to be your roommate."

"NANI?!"

Part 5

Hours later Kara was lying in her bed mind racing. Despite the fact that she was dizzy and nauseous with fatigue, sleep was now a virtual impossibility. Duo had finally left about an hour ago, complaining about his empty stomach and some work waiting in the hangar. He wasn't strictly telling the truth when he said they'd be roommates. Duo had moved into the suite next door, the rooms sharing a bathroom. There *were* doors at least separating the rooms for privacy, but the locks had been removed. Kara's quarters appeared essentially untouched, but whoever had swept the room had been thorough. Anything remotely resembling a weapon had been removed, even those most carefully hidden. It didn't matter. Kara didn't have much desire to cause trouble, but if she did she knew that she could manage to create all the havoc she wanted without a weapon and she did have her knife. At least they'd left her laptop untouched and she had big plans for *that* later.

/He's getting to me./ Duo's brash manner and chirpy friendliness were engaging and Kara found herself admiring the cool authority Duo used when pleasant coercion did not get the results he wanted. /This guy could be a formidable enemy or an invaluable ally./ Kara determined that she wanted the ally. No, more than that, she wanted the friend and Duo had made the offer of friendship very clear.

But it was the touching that was getting to Kara most of all. Duo exploited every opportunity to put hands on her. /You are *really* rattled, aren't you? / The knowledge that that baka could get her so rattled scared Kara. She was beginning to like being touched and wanting more of it. /Not good, Kara - not good. Keep a clear head here./ This felt dangerous. And to top it off her stomach was empty and her leg was throbbing.

/*Enough* you weakling. What a whiner./ Kara hoisted herself out of bed and headed out for some fuel.

**********

Kara quickly realized she wasn't alone as she padded into the galley. Dishes and foodstuffs were scattered everywhere in an unholy mess and she heard cheerful humming before a familiar blond head popped out of the pantry.

"Hey Kara!" Quatre's greeting was friendly.

"Quatre-san, sorry to interrupt." Kara headed to the cupboard and grabbed what she'd come for.

"I'm glad you did. Maybe you could help me?" Quatre's tone was conspiratorial. "I'm baking cookies for Duo. His favorite. He's been working so hard that I wanted to surprise him."

"I don't know, Quatre. I've never cooked." Kara said, uncertainly. She opened her bottle, took a long pull and grimaced a little. Quatre watched, puzzled.

"What *is* that?!" he asked indicating the tan liquid.

"Dinner. I don't eat much. Mostly I..." Kara held out the bottle. "This has everything I need." Sounding a little embarrassed.

Quatre was incredulous. "May I?" he asked, then drank from the bottle Kara passed to him. "Allah! That is hideous! You *live* on this?" he spat, disgusted and threw the bottle into the trash.

"What are you doing! I wanted that." Kara thundered. Quatre silenced her with a look.

"No. I can't sit still and watch it. Let me fix you something." Quatre was warming to the task. Feeding people was his passion. He dove into the refrigerator, pulling things out, the cookies he was making forgotten now. "Here, try this!" Quatre passed a bowl of orange fruit to her, then made her wait as he squeezed lime onto it. "It's papaya. I love it." He smiled, snatching a piece for himself.

A broad grin broke across Kara's face as she chewed the succulent, sweet-tart fruit. The two of them finished the bowl quickly. Quatre opened a jar next presented it along with crisp tortilla chips.

"But be careful, Kara. That salsa is hot!" he warned as she dove in.

"Baka! You just took it from the refrigerator." Kara laughed at him, until the fire hit. "Itai! You're killing me! Water!" Quatre handed her a piece of bread, knowing that would absorb the fire better than water would. When Kara had calmed Quatre slid a bowl of sliced avocado in her direction.

"Try this, it will soothe you." Quatre said, popping a bit into his mouth, closing his eyes and savoring, thoughtfully. "You know, avocado always makes me think of sex."

This confused Kara, but she ate some anyway. "Sex?" The fruit in her mouth was slick, rich and silky.

"Maybe you'd better ask Duo about that." Quatre mumbled, realizing he was getting into an area he'd prefer not explore. One by one Quatre pushed various dishes of food at Kara and watched as she consumed them all, becoming giddier with each one.

"Quatre, stop.... I'm going to burst" Kara was actually giggling.

"OK, OK. Take a break and we'll make Duo's cookies. Here, chop the chocolate" Quatre handed her a huge chef's knife and a large block of chocolate. He watched as Kara fiddled with the knife, balancing it by the tip of the blade on one slim finger then twirling it with a flourish, then dicing the chocolate into uniform bits like a pro. They worked in companionable silence, not speaking again until the cookies were in the oven.

"Now, time for tea." Quatre sighed, looking forward to his reward. He poured two cups and watched expectantly as Kara tasted.

"Quatre, how can you drink so much of this stuff? It tastes like...like...hot water!" clearly she was not impressed. "Sorry to offend, Quatre-san, but ..."

"Not you too! I'll make you some coffee." Quatre was dismayed, but put on a pot of coffee as he pulled the cookies out of the oven. Minutes later he was rewarded for his forbearance by an absolutely beaming Kara. She was enraptured by the experience of sweet, warm cookies and full-bodied coffee.

"Oh Quatre, I never knew." Kara sighed, blissed-out.

Duo rounded the corner in time to hear Kara's last remark and rushed in, assuming the worst and furious about it. He was astonished to see the chaos that littered the room, and the two flour-covered conspirators, who called in unison "Duo! We made you cookies". He surrendered, then joined them.

Part 6

Tanked up on sugar and caffeine Duo was a force to be reckoned with. The kitchen was spotless in very little time, and with minimal assistance from Kara and Quatre. Once back in their quarters Kara was subjected to more of Duo's boundless energy. She watched, irritated yet fascinated as he moved around the room to the screaming guitars and thundering drums of the music he was listening to, dancing, playing air guitar and outright horsing around. Kara herself was winding down slowly, all the events of the past days finally taking their toll.

"How can you sit still?! Doesn't this music just make you wanna...." Duo began, trying to lure Kara into his fun.

"It makes me want to run, screaming." Kara scowled back at him, not managing to dampen his high spirits.

"You sound just like that brother of yours!" Duo teased. "Absolutely *no* taste in music." He stopped dancing a minute, touched her gently on the shoulder and continued, "Don't worry about you and Heero. You'll both remember. He's not as dead inside as he acts either. It will all work out. I'm sure of it, Kara."

The soft words and the warmth of his hands on her were more than Kara could handle at the end of this very challenging day. She turned from him stiffly, but not before Duo caught the glint of unshed tears in her cobalt eyes. He wanted to comfort her but figured that, like Heero, she would need a little space now to work this through on her own, so he did nothing, letting her be.

When he'd gone back to his play Kara went quietly to her area of the room and collapsed onto the bed, tuning out and allowing herself to think and remember. Within moments the chaos that was Duo had faded away to be replaced by the mental image of a silent, austere room, containing none of the artifacts of childhood. A small girl sat cross-legged on a bed, hunched over a laptop, typing in the dying light. Long forgotten lines of computer code flooded Kara's memory and she filed it away for use when Duo finally slept and she was alone.

Duo's voice broke her from her silent memories, "That Quatre is something else, isn't he?" he tried coaxing conversation out of her - nudging her hand with the toe of his boot. 'Man, the guy can *cook*."

"I'm tired, Duo. Can't we just talk tomorrow?" Kara sighed wearily.

"I'm beat too, ojosan. Gotta crash. Seeya in the morning." His dark eyes lingered on her a minute, as if he wanted to say, or do something else, then he turned and left, not waiting for Kara's response. She watched him go, relieved and yet not, whispering "Good night, Duo."

Kara listened to the sounds of Duo's late night habits, simple acts like brushing teeth, the long process of caring for his hair and finally settling himself to sleep. When he was still and his breath sounds were deep

and even she retrieved her laptop and started to type, wondering and hoping that Heero's computer would still accept the codes she'd pulled from the dark recesses of her mind. She found a familiar answering code and typed in the message she'd used countless nights after lights out.

"Are you there?" Kara could hardly breathe as she waited for response, one minute then two then five.

/I'm here/ the same response as always in the past. For the first time in years a small, hollow place in Kara's soul felt no longer empty. She hadn't known until this moment why she'd felt the lack, but thankfully now it was gone.

"I remember." Kara typed, hoping her twin would continue responding, needing it.

/I remember too, not everything, but I remember you./

"So what do we do now?"

/I don't know./ there was a long pause. /Can't think. I have to think. Give me some time./

"I will. I need that too." Kara answered, turning off the computer and settling in her bed, trying to disconnect her thoughts as she always did so sleep could finally take her. It wasn't that simple any longer. Her inner turmoil intruded, filling her with whirling emotions to brood on until exhaustion could not be forestalled any longer and she slept.

**********

Heero was shaken by the messages flashing on his monitor. It was so familiar, as if he'd talked like this a thousand times. He turned off his laptop, resigned that there would be no point in pursuing his work further. His mind was full of the tumult of his half-remembered early life.

Images of two small, dark haired children, sneaking secret looks at each other during training washed over Heero. He saw them conspiring mischief, working and fighting together, always as partners. Late night conversations over the computer lines revealed hopes and dreams that all children have. Then he remembered a horrible day when they were no longer two, separated with no explanation or apology and the shared confidences at midnight had mysteriously stopped, leaving him grieving and alone. He'd buried every memory of his twin and the good doctors had helped. But the images were fighting their way painfully to the surface, leaving the boy he'd become in tatters.

Part 7

Kara awakened feeling refreshed, but restless, needing physical activity to work out the unease leftover from her late night rendezvous with Heero. After a quick shower she tugged on loose drawstring trousers, a soft grey t-shirt and well worn running shoes, preparing for a long run. She glanced in the mirror and ran her hands roughly through her too-shaggy mane, frowning and making a mental note to do something about that soon.

Soft snores filtered into Kara's consciousness from Duo's side of the suite, indicating that he still slept and she could escape unnoticed. Kara peeked into Duo's inner sanctum curiously and she was entranced by the vision of the sleeping boy who lay there shirtless, his unbound hair cloaking him lovingly. She took a few steps forward, unable to stop herself, dying a little inside to touch his silky hair. Duo shifted slightly as if he were near awakening and Kara fled the suite, then breaking into a brisk jog once she was out in the hallway.

Kara had been running comfortably for a short while when she heard and felt someone pursuing her. She turned her head to the side and spied Trowa speeding toward her gracefully on rollerblades. He caught up easily, passed her and began skating circles around her as she ran.

"Hi Kara. I think I'm having more fun than you are." Trowa taunted her, smiling.

"Maybe so." Kara smiled back.

"I bought skates for Quatre a few months ago and he never did get the hang of this. He'd probably loan them to you if you'd like to try it." Trowa suggested, executing a neat spin.

"Really? Would you show me how?" Kara was getting into the spirit and challenged by the thought of learning something new.

"Sure, let's go."

Before long Kara had strapped into a pair of violently red skates and was wobbling uncertainly. Trowa pulled her along slowly at first, then a little faster, instructing and correcting her until she skated as easily as he did.

"You have a knack for this." Trowa encouraged. They skated at a moderate pace for a while, Trowa showing off his grinds, flips and spins periodically. Kara watched him like a hawk, analyzing the position of his body as he did each trick, then surprising him with a grind down the handrail of a short staircase.

"Whoa, Kara!" Trowa followed her grind, adding a flip dismount at the bottom, setting the tone for an all out 'Anything you can do I can do better' competition. Whether it was her past training, natural ability or just plain joy in the fun of it, Kara managed to keep up with Trowa's roller acrobatics, pleasing them both.

Trowa challenged Kara with a glance before taking off in a neck or nothing sprint. She followed, grinning broadly. The skaters were so involved in the race that they did not hear the footsteps of the person coming around the corner until the last moment. Both jammed down the heel stops of the skates in a panic, unable to halt and remain on their feet at the same time. Trowa and Kara crash-landed in a tangle at the feet of a scowling Heero, battered and breathless, but laughing uproariously.

"Damnit!" Heero exploded, more in alarm than true anger. When he realized just who was laughing on the floor a look of concern flashed briefly across his face, then was quickly hidden. Still, he was moving to help Kara back to her feet when Duo bounded up, brushing past him to pull her up himself.

Still laughing and unsteady Kara wobbled in his arms a little. Violet and cobalt eyes met and held a second before both pulled nervously away. None of this was missed by Trowa and Heero, one of them watching with interest one with unfamiliar protectiveness.

"So, *this* is what you get up to when I'm not looking, eh ojosan?" Duo teased. "Having fun?"

"I really am." Kara was positively glowing. "Thank you, Trowa."

"Anytime. Tomorrow maybe?" Trowa offered as he executed a neat spin then skated off. Kara imitated him perfectly as he went, showing off a little for Duo and Heero.

"Well, *I'm* impressed!" Duo laughed, ruffling Kara's hair and noticing that this time she did not duck away from his hand.

Heero looked daggers at the two. "Don't you have training to do?"

"I think she has been." Duo grinned back at his growling friend and then at Kara. Unable to watch further, Heero turned and headed down the hall, leaving them confused at his angry reaction to the fun.

*********

Heero stalked down the hall, steaming. /That baka had just better watch himself around my....my...sister./ The realization of what he'd just thought hit Heero like a load of bricks, followed by the second realization that he really did care that she was his sister and what her future might be. He could see the changes that Duo's care had made in her. The vicious aggression had been replaced by a relaxed though cautious, friendliness. Still, Duo was behaving awfully familiarly towards Kara and this made Heero angry and concerned. Why? He forced the uncomfortable thoughts away and focussed on the day's tasks.

Hours later, working on his laptop a message flashed on Heero's monitor.

/Are you there?/

"I'm here." He typed back.

/Can I trust him?/

Knowing Kara meant Duo, Heero answered, "With your life" and surprisingly, he meant it.

Part 8

Over the next several days Kara worked, trained and played with the other pilots, little by little becoming part of the team and forging friendships with all of them, except Heero. Somehow Heero managed to avoid any serious contact with her, either running away when Kara arrived or simply ignoring her when he could not. However, in the midnight hours a pattern developed of quiet conversations between two hunched in the dark over laptops, sharing words there that they could not face to face. For Kara, this was enough. For Heero, it was all he would allow himself.

***********

Taking a break from group training Kara headed to Peacemillion's dojo for some solitary exercise. Years ago she'd begun training in the martial arts to hone her assassin's skills and found a means to center her mind and train her body. Now it was just the purest pleasure she knew. She felt relaxed and confident in the dojo.

Kara moved to the rack of wooden practice swords and chose one, preparing to go through the forms. As she was beginning she was surprised by the appearance of Wufei, who clearly had the same intention.

"Onna. Are you training now? Do I interrupt you?" Wufei queried as he entered.

Kara sighed, a little defeated. "Wufei, I have a name. Please use it."

"I apologize...Kara. It is a bad habit" Wufei responded thoughtfully.

"It's a large dojo, Wufei. We can share." All was forgiven between them.

Wufei moved to the rack of swords and chose one. "Will you train with me?"

Kara had grown to know Wufei well enough over the past several days to realize that this offer was not a trivial thing for the boy who did not fight with weaklings or women. She quickly assented, grateful for the offer.

"No holds barred, Wufei? I need a good work-out." She smiled at him and bowed deeply in silent salute. Wufei returned the gesture and nodded.

The two combatants stretched, then circled each other warily, taking each other's measure. Their movements were an elegant dance as the fighting began. Swords met and parried, but Wufei was holding back, fighting almost politely and Kara knew it, growing more frustrated by the moment. After long minutes of his half-hearted battle Kara could tolerate no more.

"Wufei! You dishonor me with your tentative battle. Show me your strength." Kara snapped out, attacking forcefully.

"As you wish, onna!" Wufei replied, and the serious fighting began. Swords slashed as the two evenly matched opponents fought, using all of their abilities. Both of them feeling very alive.

************

In another part of the ship Duo was just finishing repair on a part for Deathscythe when Heero stormed in, clearly having something on his mind. Duo looked up, smiling at his approach and rose to meet him.

"Oi Heero, what's shakin'?"

Heero shoved the braided pilot, livid. "What in *hell* are you doing, Maxwell? You *moved in* with her?!"

"Hey, wait just a minute, Heero. What are you talking about? Kara?" Duo was confused at Heero's outburst. "Yeah, I'm on the opposite end of a suite, big deal. She needed constant supervision."

"I can just imagine what kind of supervision you want to give her." Heero was on a roll. "I have to wonder though, given our past history if you aren't just using my sister as a substitute. You couldn't have *me* so *she's* the next best thing, huh Duo?" He sneered.

Heero advanced on Duo, aggressively stalking him until Duo was cornered. Pinning Duo to the wall between muscular arms, he kissed him, hard. They were both breathing raggedly when Duo finally pushed him away.

The assault and Heero's suggestion was just too much for Duo and his fist flashed out, catching an unprepared Heero in the jaw. He staggered back, hitting the wall behind him and remained there, glaring as Duo stalked furiously around the room.

"Kara is my subordinate and my friend. Nothing, I mean, nothing is going on that shouldn't. Beyond that, your suggestion is insulting to both me and to Kara. She's an individual, not an extension of you, Mr. Perfect Soldier. You are so far out of line I should hit you again. If we weren't friends I would. Geez man, I'm trying to save her, not seduce her. I'm just going to try to forget about this, Heero. If you don't want to be part of what we're all trying to do here with Kara, fine. Just stay out of our way and stop playing big brother."

Heero looked at him in shock as he turned to go then reached out. "Duo, wait."

At that moment a very concerned Quatre rushed into the room. "Duo, we've got trouble. Heero, you'd better come too." He was nearly out of breath as he continued. "Kara and Wufei...the dojo."

The scene in the dojo horrified the three newcomers. Kara and Wufei fought viciously, combining classical techniques with those of the assassin and the street-fighter in their movements. Both were slick with sweat and covered in small welts from the strikes of swords, fists and feet. To the casual observer they appeared to be trying to kill each other and their new witnesses were dumbfounded as how to stop it. As Duo moved in to attempt a halt to the madness he observed the unbelievable. Both Kara and Wufei were smiling!

"Had enough yet, Wufei? Kara goaded, dancing lightly around him.

"Never!" Wufei snarled, grinning.

"Hey, you too, break it up! You really scared us." Duo laughed, relieved.

The two combatants acquiesced, and put up their swords. Wufei bowed deeply to Kara, then put out his hand to shake hers. "I'd be honored to fight at your side anytime, on- Kara." Kara bowed in return, then shook his hand seriously.

"You honor me Wufei, and I would do the same with you."

***********

"Are you there?"

/I'm here./

"Who hit you today, Heero? It looked bad."

/I did it to myself, Kara. /

Part 9

Duo threw basket after basket on the court in the gym. He'd often sought solace in basketball, finding the physical exertion could help clear his mind at best, exhaust him into oblivion at least. He'd played that awful confrontation with Heero over and over in his mind since it happened, trying to figure out if there could be any shred of truth in Heero's accusations. He had to admit to being attracted to Kara, but he was handling it. Wasn't he? Was Heero seeing something going on that Duo didn't realize himself? Damn. And what was up with that kiss? Was Heero challenging him or just trying to distract him from Kara?

This was all just too much to contemplate.

Hearing a small sound Duo wheeled around suddenly, wary. Trowa was leaning casually against the doorframe, observing the braided pilot's desperate workout.

"Something is really under *your* skin" Trowa greeted him.

Duo tossed Trowa the ball and cocked his head in invitation. They launched into a casual one on one, neither of them feeling the need to speak just yet. Trowa threw a nice three-pointer then decided to get down to what he'd come in for.

"Enough Duo, let's sit down a minute and talk."

"*You* want to talk?" Duo tried joking, but Trowa could see behind the hollow grin and guarded eyes.

"Something is going on here, Duo. We all see it, and it's tearing the three of you apart. I know you fought with Heero yesterday." Trowa said, leading his friend to a mat on the floor and pulling him down to sit.

"I don't even *know* what is going on Tro. I thought I did, but..." Duo began unsteadily. "Heero accused me of some things yesterday...about Kara, ya know?"

"Umhmm, so he thinks what we all thought at first." Duo looked up sharply at this, his eyes full of question. Trowa went on, "Look it's obvious there's chemistry between you and Kara. At first we all thought that maybe you were, ah, transferring feelings you had for Heero onto her."

"Man, don't you think I haven't thought about that. She is so much like him, but mostly only in appearance. Still, at the beginning maybe I was giving her all the attention that I wanted to give Heero. It's different now. I like *her* and maybe I might more than like her. But that sure as hell has nothing to do with Heero." Duo hung his head, refusing to meet Trowa's eyes. "Heero hates me now. He thinks I'm after his sister. And since when did he start thinking *that* way? All 'big brother' and protective. I mean, it's great that he does, but geez I can't keep up with that guy and his wacky emotions." Duo was agitated now.

"You are just one big mess, Duo." Trowa touched Duo lightly on the shoulder, offering support. "If you think you can love this girl, I'd say go for it Duo. It's hard in times like this, but if Quatre and I can make it work you and Kara can too. Hell, even Yuy would tell you to follow your emotions." This last brought a small smile to Duo's lips. Trowa continued, "But if you are just after casual sex leave Kara alone, she can't handle that. And if you hurt her you'll have to deal with all of us, not just Heero. She's one of us now."

"Yeah, she is isn't she? Well that's sure something to strike fear into my heart, buddy. Don't worry. I've got it under control" Duo smiled, feeling better but neither of them was wholly convinced that he did. "Thanks for working this through with me Tro. You used your entire conversation allowance for the day on me, didn't ya?" The friends shared a chuckle at that.

*********

Duo headed back to the suite, needing a shower and to see Kara.

"Honey, I'm home!" he called, bouncing in. The lights were on in the bathroom and the door was open so he popped his head in, flirting a little. "Ya decent?"

The bathroom floor was littered with chunks of dark hair and Kara was before the mirror, hacking off pieces with her knife. She stopped a second, looked up and smiled a greeting."

"WHAT in *hell* are you doing?!" Duo thundered at her. "Stop that, I can't look" He was actually in pain at the butchery.

"It's in my eyes. I always cut it this way." Kara growled back at him, irritated.

Duo disarmed her and threw the knife casually. It planted itself into the countertop. He pushed Kara down gently on the commode and grabbed his scissors. "Here, let the master do that." He sifted through Kara's shaggy locks, snipping and shaping them, repairing the damage she'd done with her haphazard barbering.

"Ya know" Duo went on as he worked, "you really should let this grow out a little."

"What, like you, ojosan?" Kara shot back. Her unexpected humor sent a small thrill through him. She tugged his braid gently and said in a perfect imitation of Heero "*That* would be a liability. Besides, you have enough hair for the both of us"

As Duo continued cutting they fell silent, both of them enjoying the closeness and the contact, and neither of them willing to clutter the moment with speech. Kara's eyes closed and she gave herself up to the sensations of Duo's hands in her hair. She realized that she was liking it way too much, but could not make herself put a stop to it. After several minutes went by Duo finished cutting and set down the scissors. He buried his hands in her hair again, massaging her scalp and moving the silky, sable locks into a shape he found pleasing. Kara shivered a little as Duo ran his hands lightly down her neck to her shoulders and guided her gently to her feet and in front of the mirror for a look.

"Better?" His voice came out more husky than he intended. He dropped a light kiss on her shoulder and turned her to face him, looking deeply into her dark eyes.

"Thank you, Duo. No one's ever...ever done something like that for me before. It's nice." Her eyes shined up into his with blue fire. Nothing in her experience prepared her for his actions or her response as Duo lowered his head and kissed her gently, coaxing her mouth open slightly and enfolding her in gentle arms. As much as she hungered for his touch, emotions flooded Kara that she simply was not equipped to handle and she pulled away, confused and she ran from the room, leaving Duo bereft and guilty for moving too fast.

"Smooth, Maxwell, real smooth." He berated himself as he watched her go.

********

Blinded by confusion and desperate flight, Kara barreled into Heero hard as he came down the corridor. He pulled her into strong arms, savoring the first real contact he'd had with his twin since they were children. Two pair of cobalt eyes locked and held, and Kara returned the embrace. They held each other tightly for long minutes before Heero lifted her eyes back to his with one gentle finger under her chin.

"What happened? You can tell me."

"Oh Heero, I'm...this is so hard. Duo..." Kara was inarticulate in her haze of emotions.

"Kara, what did he do?" Heero demanded, angry now.

Kara was taken aback by Heero's fury and unwilling to allow him to be angry at Duo. "Nothing really Heero. Well, ah, well we kissed and it was so damn nice. I'd been wanting him to for a long time, but I got so scared. You know. It was so real." She babbled.

"Yeah, I know." Heero forced himself to calm down, knowing that anger would only make Kara more panicked and confused. "He didn't *force* you then?" Heero asked, brushing her hair out of her eyes and wiping away a tear.

"Oh Heero, no. And now, I'm so ashamed of how I ran from him. He's gonna hate me."

"Now how could he hate you, little one?" Heero smiled gently, reassuring her, and himself. In his heart he knew that if Duo had kissed her it had meant something to him. "Let's go talk to the baka. It will all be OK."

"No, really Heero, I have to handle this myself. But you're right, it *will* be all right" Kara sounded more sure of herself. She gave him a squeeze. "Can we talk, you know, later tonight?"

"Sure." He said then watched as she went back to Duo.

When Kara got back to the suite she found Duo seated on the edge of his bed, his head down, resting in his hands, looking utterly desolated. She came to him on silent feet and placed her hand softly on his arm.

"I'm sorry, Duo." She began.

"No, Kara. It's my fault. I went too fast." He couldn't look up at her.

"Duo, just listen to me for a minute, OK?" Kara sat beside him and started talking before she lost her nerve. "When I was with Dr. J, after they separated Heero and me, he tried very hard to isolate me. No one ever came to talk to me, even though often there were people around. He thought I didn't see how people were, how they talked to each other. But I did. When I started hacking I would watch all kinds of things online. I wanted to know how the world worked. I watched it all and wanted what I saw. Duo, it wasn't the killing and the destruction that made me lose it. It was the loneliness." Kara scooted a little closer and turned Duo's face so he was looking at her.

"Then you came along. You offered me *everything* I'd been missing. I'm not empty any more. Do you know how much that means to me?" Kara's voice was harsh with emotion and unshed tears. "I'll never forget it, Duo, never. And I think I wanted you most of all. I'm sorry I ran. I never will again." Kara kissed him softly.

"I was so afraid I'd scared you off forever." Duo rasped out.

"I'm finished running. I have a family now and the best friends. So you're stuck with me." Kara smiled, and kissed him again.

"I can handle that."

*********

/Are you there?/

/I'm here./

/I talked to him./

/Good./

/We're going to go slow./

/Just be careful, OK?/

/I will./

/He's a good man, Kara. And I'll be here too./

/I know./

Part 10

Days later the pilots were lounging about the galley over coffee and cinnamon rolls that Quatre and Kara had whipped up. Heero was intently working over the laptop that had been his constant companion even though they were technically on down time. Duo and Kara sat side by side, Duo idly fussing with her hair periodically and whispering things to make her blush. Heero snapped the laptop closed and nervously rose, getting his companions' attention.

"We have a mission. Nothing fancy. There's been a new mobile suit factory located in the Caribbean. We hit it, we get out. Get ready and meet me in the shuttle bay in 90 minutes."

Everyone moved into action. "C'mon Kara, looks like fun time is over. Let's get moving." Duo yanked her playfully out of her seat.

"Not this time Duo. Kara is not included in the mission parameters" Heero stopped them.

"The *hell* you say! On whose orders?" Duo objected angrily.

"This came from Dr. J, look Duo, let it go. Kara's time will come." Heero put his hand on Duo's shoulder, trying to calm him down. Duo shook him off and turned to Kara.

"Don't worry about this, kid. I'll handle the good doctor. You're going with us. You've earned it." Duo reassured her.

Kara looked at him uncertainly for a moment, then smiled. "Sure Duo. I'll get ready. Just don't tick the guy off too much or neither of us will have downtime for a month."

*******

Dr. J was not surprised to see Duo storming into his office. Far from it, in fact, he'd been expecting the braided pilot. If Duo had been calm enough to really look at Dr. J he'd have seen that the doctor was primed and ready for the confrontation.

"What is going on with this mission? It's the perfect setup for Kara to get her feet wet." Duo growled.

"I did not include Kara in the mission parameters because her training is incomplete. Really, Maxwell, did you think feeding her chocolate and introducing her to teenage hormones would prepare her for the field?"

Duo flushed at this last. "Oh yes, I'm well aware of your budding ...relationship."

"Shut up, old man! *Your* particular brand of training never did her any good. In fact, it nearly destroyed her. At least she's a person now, and not just your twisted little experiment. She's ready." Duo was toe to toe with Dr. J now and not giving an inch. "You gave me complete authority and I'm taking her."

Dr J. was unimpressed by Duo's show of force. "Yes, Maxwell, I gave her to you. And I can take her away so be careful how you defy me."

"If you harm one hair..." Duo began and was quickly cut off.

"Oh no, Kara does have assets we can use so destroying her now would be foolish. But she disappeared once, didn't she? I can make her disappear again." He smiled evilly, chilling Duo to the bone. "And don't be so arrogant as to think you can protect her every minute. You have to sleep sometimes."

"Kara isn't a scared seven year old any more. She can watch her own back when I'm not looking. And you should think twice before threatening The God of Death. She's *mine*, and she's *going*." Duo finished and exited without waiting for a response.

By the time Duo joined his partners he'd pasted his typical wolfish grin on his face and greeted his partners cheerfully. "Well *that* was interesting. I just used my brilliant powers of reasoning on the doc. Are we ready to show Kara how we fixed up her suit?"

Though the pilots looked less than confident in Duo's little performance they clustered around Kara and led her forward to where her gundam was berthed. Quatre flipped on an overhead light and illuminated the completely refurbished mobile suit. Structurally it was unchanged, but now the stark black shell had been tattooed with a delicate tracery of gold vines. Six golden flowers were painted amongst the vines.

"It doesn't just look different Kara, it has a new name as well. No more Shiva, the lone destroyer. Now you can call her Nakama, comrade in your native tongue, since you are a friend now and part of a team." There were tears in amethyst eyes as he spoke to her. Overwhelmed and unable to speak Kara simply threw her arms around Duo, then reached out to the others to join them.

After a moment she pulled away and grinned her thanks, then added "OK, let's get busy." After a quick briefing they headed out.

*******

The mission was textbook, easy in, easy out, leaving behind only smoking ruins. Kara had been exhilarated to be flying again only this time with the added joy of doing it with friends. The six pilots did their deadly work with the elegance of a ballet troupe, each of them playing their own roll Kara, Heero and Trowa blasting the structures, Duo, Quatre and Wufei destroying the defending mobile suits. The mood on the shuttle ride home was one of relaxed and triumphant camaraderie. Only Duo was uncharacteristically subdued. However, if any of his companions noticed they didn't ask him about it.

Heero joined Kara where she was sitting back quietly, eyes closed, coming down a little, and dropped beside her.

"You OK? Did that feel right to you?" Heero asked, looking seriously at her.

"Yeah, Heero. It felt good, really good, for the first time." Kara answered, without opening her eyes. She reached out and gave his hand a little squeeze. "I'm glad you were there."

"You did well, Kara. You're really one of us." Heero added, but the now sleeping Kara did not hear it.

Heero sat there a while longer, still holding Kara's hand. He was finally comfortable with the contact and wanted to savor it a while. Even once the shuttle was docked the two were still sitting that way when Duo walked up. He nodded a little greeting to Heero, then was all eyes for Kara.

"I'll take her." Duo murmured quietly, scooping Kara into his arms, careful not to wake the exhausted girl.

Emotions played over Heero's face. He didn't bother to hide them as was his usual habit and Duo read uncertainty, fear and love. "Just take care of her, OK?"

"You know I will, buddy, with my life." Duo assured him as he took Kara away.

**********

Kara stirred and woke as Duo settled her in her bed. She lifted a small hand to brush shaggy bangs out of Duo's eyes and studied him closely, feeling tension and something more in the arms holding her. While she sensed something was troubling Duo she was unwilling push for answers. There'd be time enough for that in the morning. For now she just wanted him close. She lifted her lips for his soft kiss.

"Hey, did I sleep all the way here?" she whispered huskily as she nuzzled his neck.

"Yeah, you really crashed. So did I for a while." Duo's hands stroked her shoulders lightly eliciting shivers in the now fully awakened girl. "You made me proud today, Kara. You're going to make it." He settled in beside her, cradling her in his arms for a cuddle. He ran his hands over her back, massaging gently.

Kara was not satisfied to let Duo do all the touching and she pressed small kisses and caresses on his chest and neck. Now Duo was the one trembling.

"Don't leave me tonight, Duo." She stretched up to lavish her attentions on his lips, sweet open kisses and teasing little nibbles that Duo returned with cautious enthusiasm before taking her mouth in a breath-stealing kiss. He could taste her surrender and her desire. Her hands moved over him more insistently, lowering to his erection. He stopped her with one strong hand on her wrist.

"Baby, I want you. You don't even know how much. But it's not time for that yet." His voice was ragged and breathless. "Let's just sleep tonight. And hold each other close, OK." He needed to keep her in his arms, badly wanting to prove to himself that he could keep her safe and that they would both be together in the morning.

"I'd like that." Kara sighed. "But you won't be able to hold me off forever, you know." Teasing now.

"Oh, *really*?" Duo teased back, dropping a light kiss on the tip of her nose. "Sweetheart, soon you will have as much of me as you will ever want. Just not tonight. Now go to sleep."

They settled into a comfortable cuddle and very soon were fast asleep.

Part 11

It seemed Kara's joking prediction had come true. After three weeks of unrelenting, almost daily missions the pilots were on the ragged edge, running on nothing more than caffeine and frayed nerves. They were all desperate for down time and none was in sight. The only positive aspect of all the forced close-quarters standby and continual missions was that Kara had become completely absorbed by the group and they'd forged unshakable bonds. The addition of a sixth team member was an asset that all of the pilots were grateful for. One looming concern plagued each of the team however and that was Duo. While his mission performance was as effective as ever he wore the scent of desperation and a haunted mask of exhausted worry. Gone was the grinning, talkative boy, replaced by a grim figure worthy of his title The God of Death.

All of this took a heavy toll on Kara as well. She saw the man she was growing to love becoming more and more withdrawn and distant. He wouldn't talk to her and she was afraid to push, still not quite having the social skills to deal with such a complicated situation. The wondering and watching Duo unraveling were tearing her apart. On top of that she refused to discuss it with the others, not wanting to put them in the middle of what might just be a lull in the opening stages of a love affair. Actually she hoped that that was all it was. *That* she could cope with. The fear that something more serious was at work here left her terrified. So much so that she even stopped her late night conversations with Heero. Night after night Kara's laptop flashed to life.

/Are you there?/

She never answered him.

Finally, one night in the suite Kara could wait no longer to confront the situation. Duo stepped from the bathroom after his evening shower, a brief towel around his slim hips and his hair unbound and clinging lovingly to his body. Kara sat waiting on his bed, smiling in invitation.

"C'mere Duo, let me brush your hair." Kara was actually a little surprised when he obeyed. He'd been avoiding close contact with her for days, leaving her puzzled and afraid of what that might mean. He dropped down tiredly in front of her and groaned with pleasure as she began running the brush through his coppery locks.

"God, that feels good at the end of a rough day, baby. Thanks." He growled.

"What's going on with you Duo? We barely talk any more and almost never touch." Kara tried to keep the hurt and confusion from her voice, but didn't quite succeed. "I know you're keeping something from me."

"I'm just tired." He tensed then evaded.

"Duo, we're *all* tired. No one else is falling apart though." Kara kept brushing and added small, soothing strokes along his arms and shoulders. "Have I done something wrong?" Duo said nothing for a long time, prompting Kara to go on. "Look, I don't want to start a fight with you Duo, but things are happening here, things that worry me. I need you to promise me something. If you decide you don't...want me... or if this just gets too much...Duo you have to tell me. I couldn't stand if you pulled away and left me wondering why."

Duo turned to her suddenly and crushed her in his arms. When he lowered Kara to the bed his kisses tasted of desperation. "Oh, baby, no. Don't think that's what's happening." Kara pushed him off of her gently and sat looking at him seriously.

"Then what *is* going on? You watch me like a hawk. You never leave my side, but it's not because you can't stand being away from me. Don't you trust me?" Kara was frustrated and close to angry, but the pain she saw on Duo's face at her accusation tore her apart and she relented. "Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean... Let's just leave it, OK. Talk to me when you're ready. I'll be here."

"Just don't run from me Kara. Please. You said you were finished running." Duo sounded broken.

"And meant it Duo. But you have to stop running too and have faith in me."

Duo nodded and pulled her back into his arms tightly, hanging on for dear life and she held him like that until he slept. She pulled away gently and went to her laptop.

"Are you there?"

/I'm here./

"Something's wrong with Duo. I don't know what."

/I know./

"What do I do?"

/Just be there for him./

"I will."

**********

Every day that went by Duo worried more about Dr. J's threats towards Kara. His gut told him the bastard was dead serious and the strain of watching and waiting combined with the exhaustion of the continual missions was killing him. He wanted badly to tell Kara what was going on, but knew she'd go after Dr J with murder in mind and seal her own death warrant so he couldn't. He felt the same about telling Heero, although he was just about driven to his limits and he decided it was time to come clean with his friend, both because he had a right to know and because it had finally sunk in that he couldn't handle this one alone. First thing in the morning they would have to talk.

*********

Just before the alarm clock was scheduled to ring the comm signaled and Heero's voice filtered into the suite.

/We have missions. Be in the briefing room in an hour, both of you./

An hour later all the pilots were assembled in the briefing room and Heero was laying out the mission.

"The scientists have had a breach of security and information detailing their work and our profiles have been acquired by Oz. They've narrowed the source down to two possible locations. One has the real information, the other is a decoy. We'll be running twin retrieval missions with two members on each team, one to hack in and pull the material back out, one to provide back-up. Kara goes with Wufei, Duo is with me. Quatre and Trowa will be on communications, coordinating the two teams." Heero laid out the plan. He handed Kara a disc. "Everything you need is on this. Get going."

Duo paled and looked stricken for a moment. Something wasn't right here. He just knew this was the set-up he'd been expecting. "Wu-man, switch with me and go with Heero, OK?"

"No way Duo. This is the mission. I do *not* want to irritate Dr. J further. I --we all-- need some down time." Wufei was resolved, but continued for Duo's ears only. "Don't worry, I'll take care of her."

The two teams headed for their shuttles.

It was the early hours of the morning when Kara and Wufei penetrated the base they'd been assigned to. Security was extremely shoddy, considering the value of the information supposedly contained there. Kara sat down at the terminal and worked her way in as Wufei kept watch. In a matter of moments she'd pulled the scientists' files back out and copied it to disc. Just as a bonus she planted a lovely little virus she'd been working on in her spare time. It pleased her to wreak some havoc and she was grinning when she turned back to her partner and indicated that it was time to go. They would never know what had hit them.

Still, Kara tensed a little as they were heading back to the Peacemillion. Heero and Duo were on the decoy mission and who the hell knew *what* was happening there. She brooded on it during the trip back, knowing that she wouldn't relax until she saw Heero and Duo safe. Wufei sensed the tension in his partner and commented on it.

"You're strung out for someone who's just completed a successful and bloodless mission."

"Something is not right Wufei. The decoy mission... it stinks of a set-up, or a shadow profile at least. I just want to hear they are back in one piece."

"Yes, agreed." Wufei answered. They completed the trip in silence.

Once they docked Kara went off to Communications to file her report and get information from Quatre and Trowa. She didn't like what she saw as she entered. Both pilots were stiff with tension and looking everywhere but at her.

"Just give it to me, Trowa." Kara snapped out.

"The mission botched, Kara. We're pretty sure they've been taken." Trowa met her eyes steadily. "We debrief with J in 40 minutes.

*********

The mission Heero and Duo were on was beyond botched. It was an all out ambush. Someone had tipped the base off that they were coming and they'd never stood a chance of even getting in the gate without capture. The two pilots were surrounded, disarmed and separated within minutes, unable to put up much more than the most trivial resistance. Heero was thrown into a cell relatively unharmed and left to wonder and worry about his partner. All the while he was thinking about the mission, trying to put the pieces together and hoping desperately that Kara and Wufei had gotten out of their side of the mission unharmed.

Every hour that passed by Heero worried more about his partner. Finally the door was flung open and Duo was shoved in, collapsing in a bloody heap. Whoever had interrogated Duo had been very, very thorough. Duo's face was a battered mess and his ragged, halting breathing told Heero that there were broken ribs as well. He gathered his broken partner into his arms and rocked him soothingly.

"I've got you now." Heero crooned and smoothed Duo's hair back, gently wiping the blood from his face with the tail of his shirt.

Duo's eyes fluttered open and slowly focussed. "They didn't even ask me any questions." He groaned. "Listen to me Heero, you've got to get out of here. Now. Leave me, OK? Dr. J, he's out for blood. Mine and Kara's. You've got to get to her."

"Don't worry about that now, Duo. She'll be OK. Just rest." Heero spoke softly, hoping he was right.

**********

Dr. J stood before the remaining pilots, his manner steely and resolved.

"Team 2 has successfully retrieved the information that was stolen. Team 1 has been...detained. There are no plans to reacquire them. We have full confidence in their ability to extricate themselves. I expect your reports on the mission by morning and you will remain on standby for further orders. That is all.

Dismissed."

Kara couldn't believe what she was hearing. "This is *not* going to go down like this. I'm going in after them." Her manner was implacable.

Dr. J was furious. "Those were orders and you *will* follow them."

Kara advanced on Dr. J growling as she backed him into the wall, "I...don't ...report...to you...any...longer...OLD MAN" finally stopping when he could retreat no further and they were nose to nose. "My partners - one of them my commanding officer and best friend, the other my brother are being held hostage. I intend to retrieve them. Get in my way and I'll kill you."

She turned to Wufei. "I need back-up."

"You've got it." He assented.

The pilots exited the room, leaving the stunned Dr. J wondering how he had so quickly lost control of the situation.

"We're with you too." Quatre piped up as they walked.

"No. I need you here. I'm certain there was a shadow profile in place.

I want you to sniff around, and keep an eye on that old freak. Besides, if we fail we'll need you to bail *us* out." Kara fell into the roll of leader easily and with authority. "I need a few hours to track down where they are since we won't be getting anything out of Dr. J. I'll contact you when everything's ready"

Hours later Wufei found Kara hunched over Heero's laptop, prying information from it persistently.

Dark eyes watched her, assessing. "Onna, have you slept at all? You're no good to anyone dead on your feet."

"Sleep is for the weak and infirm." Kara shot back annoyed. "Besides, this 'onna' could beat you senseless while half asleep. Go away Wufei." She pounded a bit longer at the keyboard. "Yes! Found them. Tell the others. We leave in 20 minutes."

Part 12

The Kara that Wufei found in the shuttle bay was a completely different creature than the teammate he'd come to know and respect. Wufei had never seen so many weapons on one small body. He knew that Duo had returned Kara's fabled box of toys when she began running missions with them, but he had no idea just what had been in it. The pockets and loops of Kara's black jumpsuit were filled with all manner of explosive devices, knives and other completely mysterious, deadly-looking tools of her trade. She wore pistols holstered at each thigh and was shoving a shotgun into a harness on her back. Kara slammed a cap down on her shaggy head before turning to Wufei and fixing him with a steady gaze, every inch the commando.

"This is going to get bloody, Wufei. Are you ready?"

"I'm ready, Onna" Wufei assured her, grabbing his own satchel of weapons careless of the scowl that fell over Kara's face at the hated appellation. He was completely surprised when the barrel of her gun kissed his forehead.

"I'm going to have to break you of that bad habit." Kara actually snarled at him.

Wufei took a few steps back. "Er, sorry Kara. I forgot myself."

Kara grinned wolfishly then laughed, completely spoiling the illusion of deadliness. "Sorry Wu, just trying on my war face. It kinda goes with all this gear." She gave his shoulders a small squeeze. "Really though, I hope to get in and out of there quietly, but I'm ready for whatever we have to do. I'm getting them out of there." The Perfect Soldier was back in place again.

"It's a good war face. You scared *me*." Wufei smiled back at her, admiring how she moved easily from deadly to companionable then back again. "Let's go."

Trowa and Quatre popped in briefly to finalize the profile. Trowa had uncovered some interesting transmissions originating from Dr. J's personal comm channel.

"Kara, I think that mission Dr. J sent Duo and Heero on was a complete set-up. Dr. J has been talking to that base regularly for over a week. It's even possible the entire thing was a set-up, your mission as well. I think things got personal between Doc and Duo over you." Trowa's agate eyes glinted coldly as he explained. "I've shut down his communication abilities now so he can't tip them off that you're coming."

"Yeah, divide and conquer. Damn, I was afraid of that. I really hoped I was wrong. Duo's recent behavior makes a little more sense now too. He must have suspected." Kara was thoughtful and trying hard to hold on to her temper. She couldn't afford to let rage overtake her now, not with the mission ahead.

"Confine him to quarters and keep him incommunicado. I'll deal with the bastard when I get back, and believe me, he will pay for *every* scratch on Duo and Heero."

The other pilots were chilled by the aura of quiet ruthlessness surrounding their newest partner, each of them secretly very relieved that she was an ally and not an enemy.

***********

Wufei and Kara put down the shuttle about a mile outside of the base, thankful for its remote location, then pulled out in the jeep they'd brought along. As valuable as the firepower of the gundams might have been, they really weren't suitable for carrying back passengers, especially ones who may have been injured. Wufei stopped the jeep at the entry gate and waited as Kara took out the guard and hacked in a clearance for them on the checkpoint's computer. Security would think they had business to conduct there and leave them unmolested. It was a tidy little trick that Wufei would never have thought of. Wufei pulled right up at the front door and they moved in brazenly, flashing their new ID cards and walking right past an uninterested guard. They were half way to the Detention Area before they were stopped and questioned. Wufei's foot kicked out and the guard fell in a broken heap.

"I think we're going to have company, Kara" Wufei warned as he scanned the area for more arrivals.

"Yeah, time to get serious. You stay here and keep our exit clear." She tossed him a fistful of small bombs. "Here set these up for when we leave. I'll just be a sec." Kara said as she loped away towards the cellblocks.

Only moments went by before Wufei heard gunfire and explosions. He was in an agony of waiting, but he'd seen Kara in action enough that his worries were few.

Kara blew away everything in her path, leaving a trail of bloodied bodies before she got to the cell where Heero and Duo were kept. She used her fake passkey to open the door and rushed in, scanning the room for her two men. She spotted them on the floor, Heero wide awake and waiting, Duo only semi-conscious.

"Heero? Duo? Daijobu? We have to get out of here." Kara moved to the seated men, concerned. Her eyes widened at Duo's condition and at the blood on Heero's clothes.

"I'm OK, but Duo's a little rough. It's his blood, not mine. They left me alone." Heero assured her.

She crouched down and lifted Duo's poor battered face for inspection, her carefully banked rage flaring briefly to life before she squashed it back down. Kara was more determined than ever to make Dr. J pay. Duo struggled to consciousness under her tender regard.

"You're OK - man I was so worried." He groaned out. "And you came for us."

"Of course I came, you baka. Now shut up for once and we'll get out of here. Can you walk?" Kara pulled him gently to his feet, supporting him when he stumbled a little. She tossed a gun to Heero. "Wufei is covering our egress. We have a jeep waiting. Let's go."

There was surprisingly little resistance going out and in no time the four of them were pulling away in the jeep rapidly. Wufei hit the trigger devise and blew the building as they sped away. Minutes later the shuttle was airborne and they were headed home. Kara sat quietly in the shuttle, cradling Duo in her arms, smoothing out his ravaged hair soothingly as he rested. She looked up as Heero came in.

"Hi. You OK?" she asked searchingly.

"Yes. You?" Heero knelt beside his sister and wrapped his arms around her gently, careful not to wake Duo. "He was really worried about you. I guess he was the target all along." Heero thought about it a second then went on, "This time, anyway. Apparently Dr. J's been threatening Duo since that first mission. Threatening to take you away from us again."

"Dr. J has a lot to answer for. I'm going to take that old freak apart when we get back. Don't try to stop me Heero. He's taken too much from all of us and he has to be stopped." Kara could feel the tension and worry of the rescue mission leaching away only to be replaced by a burning desire to see Dr. J squirming and suffering.

"Stop you? I plan on helping you." Heero mussed her hair gently and gave her a wistful smile. "We don't need to worry about that just yet. Get a little rest now and look after Duo. I'll go keep Wufei company. I haven't thanked him yet for helping get us out back there."

**********

Duo was awake again by the time they docked and insisted pugnaciously that he could walk. Kara, not wanting to hurt his manly pride just suggested that she'd really like to have his arm around her, letting him lean heavily on her for support. She led him directly to their suite, knowing that Heero and Wufei would fill Quatre and Trowa in on all the developments. Kara was determined to steal a little time to see to Duo's wounded body and soul. He cracked a crooked grin at her as she led him to his bed and started removing his stained clothes.

"You gonna have your wicked way with me now, ojosan?" Duo flirted between gritted teeth.

"I don't think you're in any shape for that. Geez, you have a one track mind." Kara tried to make light of his condition, but his badly bruised ribs and face horrified her. He had to be in intense pain and hiding it very well. "I'm going to have to tape these, Duo. It'll hurt."

"As long as you kiss it better." Still smiling.

Kara taped his broken ribs, wincing at Duo's hiss of pain as she worked. She bent and kissed the poor, abused ribs before turning her attentions to the bruises and cuts on his face, gently cleaning then planting a healing kiss on each wound. She ran a gentle finger down his nose and whispered, "Thank God they didn't break this. I always liked your nose." She dropped a kiss there too, just to be thorough. She averted her eyes to hide tears of relief that none of his injuries were serious, but Duo caught her gaze.

Duo's arms came around her, pulling her into a light embrace. He lifted her lips to his and nibbled softly at her mouth before kissing her deeply. Tongues met and parried; hands touched and stroked, becoming clumsy with pent up desire. Duo's sharp wince and moan of pain brought things to a crashing halt. Both of them groaned in frustration.

"Oh Duo, I knew this was a bad idea. I'm going to hurt you if we continue." Kara cried.

"I don't care, hurt me baby. I need you." Duo reached for her again, then pulled back in pain.

"There has to be something I can do for you without hurting you, Duo. I want... I don't know anything about all of this." Kara's hands had moved to his erection and were stroking lovingly. "Complete my training Duo, tell me what to do."

"But I...you...God baby your touch feels so damn good there." Duo groaned under her ministrations, this time in pleasure instead of pain. Kara really didn't need further instruction after all, clever girl that she was, and her mouth soon followed her hands, first in curious exploration then with passion as she nibbled and tongued his length before swallowing him whole. Duo's hands tangled in her hair as she devoured him. Kara tilted her head up and looked into his eyes as she nibbled. The love Duo read there pushed him over the edge and he released all he had into her hungry mouth. When Duo pulled Kara back up into his arms he was spent and shaking. Kara just held him, exhilarated in her new discovery and when she looked into his face again he was asleep.

***********

"Are you there?"

/You're late./

"I know, sorry. I was finding out how sex is like avocados."

Kara heard a crash in the next room, as if a chair had been pushed back hard enough to knock it over, followed by a door slamming open and pounding footsteps. They stopped right outside her door. She waited for the knock. It didn't come. Kara opened the door and peeked her head out. Heero was just standing there looking embarrassed and not a little confused.

"Don't worry, Heero. I was gentle with him." She grinned.

Part 13

Duo came awake slowly, stretching and assessing his injuries and was relieved to be feeling markedly better. He turned his head to the girl sleeping soundly beside him. Who knew she'd turn out to be such a hungry little minx or that she would get in his blood so thoroughly? Duo studied the curves and angles of her face, peaceful in sleep and savored the feeling of her bare legs sprawled together with his and her small fist tangled proprietarily in his hair at the origin of his silky braid. Feeling happy and a little mischievous, Duo tickled her nose with the end of that wondrous thing, smiling to himself as she swatted at the small irritant sleepily. A hand shot out with lightning speed, grasping his wrist in mid-tickle to halt the harassment. Kara's eyes flew open and smiled into his, fully awake in a heartbeat.

"You looking for trouble?" Kara inquired, smiling as she drew the offending hand to her lips for an admonishing kiss. She winked at him saucily and went on, "How'd you sleep last night?"

Never slow on the uptake, Duo grinned appreciatively and growled "Great, and you were great last night too. I think I'd like to return the favor now."

"Are you up to it?" Kara looked concerned, but hopeful as she pulled the elastic band from the end of Duo's braid and began unraveling it. "I've wanted to do this for so long. I watched you sleeping once with your hair loose and that image has never left me since. I wanted to wrap myself up in it and in you." She buried her fists in the now unbound tresses and pulled Duo's lips to hers for a breath-stealing kiss.

"Slow down, honey. We have all morning." Duo chuckled. He ran his hands down her neck and back and around to cup her tight breasts, finding her nipples hard and pebbled with sensitized excitement. He pulled the tank top up and over her head and tossed it away admiring what he'd bared with eyes and lips. Kara shuddered and arched as Duo's lips closed over one aching peak then the other. He laved each nipple in turn with loving strokes of his tongue, then trailed hot kisses down her ribs, her taut belly and below. Her panties rapidly followed the tank top in careless heap. When his hot breath hit her nest of curls Kara shivered. "My turn to taste you." Duo teased, as he lowered his mouth to her core and worshipped there with lips and teeth and tongue. Gentle hands cupped her bottom, lifting her to his feasting mouth. Duo suckled and tongued her relentlessly until she stiffened and cried out her release. "Umm, baby, that was delicious."

He held Kara close for a moment before shedding his boxers and rejoining her, kissing her deeply. "Ready for round two?" he breathed into her ear. Kara nodded breathlessly, pulling him down into her arms, curtaining them both in the chestnut silk of his hair. Duo moved above her, slowly sheathing his length in her heat, the delicious friction inciting moans from both of them. Kara's hips rose to meet Duo's thrusts as they found their rhythm, sharing breath as they moved together. Cobalt eyes locked onto violets and Kara wrapped strong legs around Duo's hips and pulled him to her even more deeply, desire crested and broke as they climaxed. The two new lovers lay panting and spent, clinging to each other in exhausted bliss. The storm over, they shared small sweet kisses and lingering caresses as they came down.

"I don't know if I'll ever get enough of you, Duo. I think I'll have to keep you now" Kara sighed.

Duo smiled at her, stroking her tangled hair back from her eyes. "Oh, I think that can be arranged."

Still, reality couldn't be held off for long and Kara decided not to delay the inevitable any longer. She turned serious eyes to Duo as she began, somewhat nervously.

"Duo, we have to talk about Dr. J. Why didn't you tell me what he'd been threatening? It kills me that you carried that alone."

"I was afraid, Kara. I can only promise you that I won't hide things from you again."

Kara's voice hardened as she continued. "I have to deal with him Duo, and you have to let me."

"I'm part of this too, you know. I want to be there when you talk to him. And Heero should be too." Duo was as determined as Kara was and she agreed with him. This was not her battle alone. Dr. J's actions had affected them all.

***********

In the end all five pilots braced to confront Dr. J about his actions and they entered the scientist's suite as a unit, stunned by the appearance of the room. Papers, printouts and MS schematics were strewn everywhere, leaving the floor nearly invisible. Dr. J was working furiously at his drawing table, but he looked up as they came in, surprisingly lucid considering his recent actions and the state of the room.

"Ah, the mutineers finally grace me with their presence. Well, I won't need you failures much longer. I've been busy, designing the next generation of genetically improved soldiers and superior mobile suits as well. Ones who won't go soft or insubordinate" He grabbed fistfuls of papers and thrust them out at the pilots. What they read there was the work of a mad genius, designs far out enough to be frightening, but even more terrifying in their brilliance. They actually looked possible. "I don't know how things went so wrong with Heero and Kara, but *that* will not happen again." He went back to his scribbling, ignoring the visitors.

It was more than Kara could bear. She'd been manipulated, threatened and branded a failure and a mutineer by this man, then dismissed?! Well, no more. Kara strode to where the madman was working and hoisted him up by his collar and shook him, forcing him to meet her eyes before thrusting him back into his chair. Duo moved toward her, not certain if he meant to stop Kara or help her, but he was halted by Heero's restraining hand on his shoulder and a look that said, 'wait, trust her.' He knew then that he did, and those feelings were reflected in the eyes of the other pilots in the room as well.

"You're saying *our* failures have driven you to this? Unbelievable. That's not good enough, old man." Kara loomed over the now petrified Dr. J, intimidating him with her controlled fury. "*You* did this. Not me leaving - I had to get out from under your bullshit" She turned and indicated her twin. "Not Heero and his screwy death wish either. You're probably responsible for planting that notion in his head as well. And not Duo getting me the hell out of your creepy metal grasp. You just couldn't handle losing control of it all, could you? So you went on a blood hunt. Was Heero next on your list after you got rid of Duo and me? Then maybe even the others?" Kara placed one booted foot on the edge of the chair seat and started pushing it backward for emphasis as she continued. "Who's the renegade now?" Another little shove. "Maybe we should put *you* down."

Kara finally unleashed all the pent up feelings that she'd held back for a lifetime in one violent shove, propelling the chair and its occupant backwards and down, leaving the terrified scientist cowering on his back on the floor. He stared up at her as she removed the knife from her boot and launched it at him in one smooth move. The blade sliced a skanky lock of hair from Dr. J's head before burying itself neatly in the floor just beside his temple, the blade quivering in sync with the trembling man.

"Next time" Kara ground out "I won't miss." Kara turned to the others, "I'm finished here. Anyone else need a piece of this guy?"

Trowa found his voice first. "No Kara, I think you've about handled it."

She looked around the room and found only support and approval on her partner's faces. "Thanks for the backup, guys. Let's leave him to the rest of the scientists now. They can clean up this mess."

************

The remaining four scientists held a board of inquiry to determine wrongdoing in the matter of Kara Yuy and Dr. J. The final report read that Dr. J had behaved imprudently under the influence of the stress of war and endangered the lives of his subordinates. Kara's actions were not deemed punishable and her probation period was terminated, making her an equal partner with the other pilots. What the report did not include was the looks of guilt shared by the scientists as they relayed to the pilots their suspicions that Dr J had been ill for some time and they had ignored his increasingly erratic behavior. All of them knew that they themselves were vulnerable to the same emotions that had twisted their former partner and that they too could be just a hair's breadth away from where he had gone. Now Dr. J was safely ensconced in a padded cell with his notes and his drawings, oblivious to anything except his own private hell.

Later the pilots all gathered to relax and regroup. When her friends asked Kara why she 'missed' she became quiet for long minutes before answering. "When I looked at him in that last second before throwing the knife I saw that he was just a sick, pathetic man who'd gone down the same road I was travelling when I ran into you guys. He didn't have friends to pull him out of the fire, like I did. Maybe he can find peace some day. I hope so."

"We'll we're proud of you, Sis. You did well to show Dr. J mercy." Heero beamed at her.

Duo had more to say than that. He hauled Kara into his arms and kissed her deeply. Then looked to each of the partners in turn, announcing his feelings for her with a glance and daring anyone to object. None did.

Kara smiled shakily, then looked directly at Quatre and deadpanned "Oh, and you were right about the avocado, Quatre."

Owari