The day after the self-detonation of Wing Gundam, Zechs and Noin were summoned by Treize to his mansion. Treize knew about the restoration that's undergoing at Lake Victoria but did not say anything with regard to it. When the two were admitted to Treize's office, they found him and Lady Une in there waiting.           "Good morning, my friends." Treize greeted them warm-heartedly. Lady Une just stared at them coldly.           "Your Excellency called for us?" Zechs inquired.           "Yes." Treize stood up and walked toward them. "Zechs, Lady Une is attending a ball in Cairo tonight and I'd like you to accompany her, since I'll be at another ball in Berlin a few hours later than that."           "I'll go." Zechs knew he was under Treize's obligations for his tolerance on the Gundam situation.           Treize smiled at him and turned to Noin. "Lieutenant Noin, I'd like you to attend the ball with me tonight."           "Me?" Noin's eyes went wide upon hearing the words. The other two people in the room were equally surprised.           "Yes. Duke Dermail and heads of several other organization connected to Oz and the Romefeller Foundation are holding a ball tonight and they've specifically asked for you to accompany me there."           "Yes, Sir." Noin replied with some kind of awareness and confusion. * * * * * * * * *           "Treize Khushrenada, we've been expecting you." Duke Dermail called out as soon as Treize set foot into the ballroom.           "Duke Dermail, gentlemen." Treize nodded gracefully at the formidable figure and all the other people milling about him.           "So this is Lieutenant Noin." Duke Dermail looked at the young woman in Oz uniform. "How charming."           Noin bowed to the man. Not sure about what to do next, she glanced at Treize.           "We have some business to discuss here, just help yourself and enjoy the ball, Noin." Treize smiled at her warmly and kissed her hand before departing with the other leaders.           Noin recalled the mission that Treize had explained to her on their way there. She observed the ballroom carefully. She knew as soon as she and Treize entered the place, about a third of the people eyed her with anticipation. She quickly picked her way through the crowd and headed for a group of chatting ladies before anyone could stop her for a talk.           The group of ladies with whom she had engaged herself with were ordinary civilians. They had never seen a woman in military uniform so Noin greatly attracted them. They asked her a lot of silly questions and Noin answered them patiently and asked them things in return which she was not interested in at all, trying not to stand out too much.           People 'occasionally' tried to join the conversation and talk Noin into the subject they were really there for, but she avoided and switched the topics skilfully. An hour and a half passed by without causing too much trouble for Noin. She was releasing her breath which she had held for so long when the ladies around her all squealed with delight. She turned and saw a good looking young man easily broke into the group and smiled at her. The man took her hand and kissed it tenderly.           "I didn't think women look good in military uniforms, but you've just prove me very wrong." He bowed at Noin. "I am Merace Raoul. It's such a pleasure and honour to meet you."           "Lucrezia Noin." She shook hand with him and noticed the admiration in the eyes of all the ladies in the group when he showed up.           "You look like a very nice and gentle person, Miss Noin." Merace said. "It must be hard on you with all the fighting and wars. Why, I heard that just yesterday battles took place between Oz and the Gundams."           Noin anticipated that he'd lead her into this topic so she's already prepared. "Just because I am a woman doesn't mean I would yield to the injustice of the era, and that's why I joined Oz. Sometimes wars and battles are necessary to bring forth peace. I have no problem fighting others. It's how to draw the line between fighting with a good intention and killing for one's own satisfaction that's the difficult part of being a soldier."           Those standing around Noin were speechless when they heard her talk with such firmness and determination about the subject, Merace included. He first approached her in order to get some information about the battles with the Gundams, but now he felt that he really wanted to know the young woman before him whose beauty was concealed under the soldierly disguise.           "You are a very attractive woman." Merace smiled at her charmingly. "Do you mind if I call you Lucrezia?"           Noin was surprised to detect a change of atmosphere. She paused a few seconds before replying. "My friends call me Noin."           "Noin it is then." He was not one bit discouraged. "You've been chatting for the whole night, Noin. You should enjoy yourself and have some fun."           "Uh? I don't really like this kind of event." She frowned inwardly, wondering what could Merace want now? He didn't seem interested in the Gundams all of a sudden. "I guess I'll get something to drink, you ladies want anything?" She offered.           "No, no, you guys go ahead." The leading lady waved her hand, knowing what Merace was up to. She wouldn't want to get in his way. Maybe he'll talk to her more often for her little favour in the future.           Noin nodded and headed for the bar, Merace followed. The bartender eyed them with a comprehending glance. He sighed inwardly for the young woman that's about to fall victim to the infamous social butterfly of the neighbourhood. To his great surprise, Merace seemed genuine when he chatted about trivial things with Noin. He wasn't trying to seduce her in his usual manner, but was merely getting acquainted with her. He had to admit the young woman was fascinating, from her looks to her speech, her soft voice, her graceful manners, everything. He stole a few glances toward Merace and knew that he was fond of Noin. Guess the Romefeller agent couldn't continue with his mission tonight.           Merace had a wonderful time just sitting at the bar and talking to Noin about everything but the things he was supposed to get her to talk about. He finished his drink and stood up. "May I have the honour of your first dance tonight, Noin?"           Noin looked up with wide eyes, unexpecting this. She was about to politely decline his invitation when she felt a hand landing softly on her shoulder, accompanied by a deep male voice. "She doesn't dance."           Noin's eyes grew wider when she heard the words. She tilted her head up and saw a mask smiling at her. "Zechs!"           As soon as she called out Zechs' name, Merace acknowledged his defeat silently. He was starting to feel some potential and felt certain he could win Noin's heart. However, experience told him that Noin was closely connected to the tall, masked man standing behind her. Just look at how happy she was at seeing him, and how her eyes sparkled at the sight of him. Sighing, Merace shook hand with Zechs and made up an excuse to leave.           "What are you doing here, Zechs? I thought you're at another ball with Lady Une." Noin recovered from the initial shock and asked.           Zechs smiled at her reaction. "Treize told us to come here after the ball's over. We started earlier than you, remember?"           Noin saw Treize stood at the door of the room where he and the others were talking and gestured her to go in there. She obediently went in. Zechs' gaze followed her figure until it disappeared behind the door.           "That girl of yours can surely take care of herself." The bartender commented suddenly.           Zechs didn't react to the bar tender's choice of words of 'that girl of yours'. He calmly looked at him. "Of course she can. She is a soldier."           The man chuckled. "I didn't know soldiers are trained to deal with suitors."           "Suitor?" Zechs frowned at the word.           "Yeah. Merace was trying to get to her, and I almost believed he'd success if you had not showed up. But from the way she's reacting, I guess you're safe whether you leave her alone to face other competitors or not." He finished the sentence with a wink as he saw Noin walking out of the room with Treize and Lady Une.           Zechs hadn't fully digested what the bartender meant and didn't have time to, for Treize had come up to him.           "Zechs, we're done for the evening. Care to leave with us?" Treize asked.           He silently nodded and followed them out. Before he turned to leave, he noticed the man that asked Noin to dance was looking longingly at her from a corner of the room. For some reason, he was glad he came.           Once they were outside the ballroom, Treize said. "Lady, you have to travel a long way tomorrow, so why don't you take the shuttle. I'll take them back to Lake Victoria in mine."           Lady Une obeyed without any word and left.           Once inside the shuttle, Treize started asking Zechs about the events at the other ball and listened with great interest. When Zechs was finished, Treize nodded and took a blanket out from a compartment. He gently covered the sleeping Noin, who was in the seat beside Zechs, with the blanket and sat back down. Zechs was somewhat astounded. He reached out to wake her up, but Treize held up a hand and told him it's ok.           "She's had a hard night, let her rest." Treize said softly.           "Why was Noin asked to attend the ball tonight?" Zechs had doubts about that all day.           "Romefeller and some other organization connected to Oz learned of the battle with the Gundams and wanted to know more about it. However, they don't have the right to meddle with the military actions Oz is engaged in. They decided to get the information from the officers that were involved in the battle, preferably a female officer, since women are supposedly easier to sway." Treize explained. "Only Lady Une and Noin took part in the operation, so they've decided to pump the info out from the less-experienced and younger Noin. As soon as we got there, I was kept in the room 'discussing' the future with Duke Dermail, and Noin was left alone trying to avoid contacts with agents sent in by Romefeller. About a third of the people there tonight were spies from Romefeller, so she must had a really hard time during the two and a half hours."           Zechs quietly listened and looked at the sleeping figure beside him. She did look tired and worn out. He felt sorry not being able to help her when she had to face all those people. Noin was still asleep when the shuttle arrived at Lake Victoria. Treize signalled Zechs to carry her down and thanked him for his work that night before departing.           Zechs entered the dormitory, careful not to disturb Noin's sleep, and headed for the commander's quarter. The door was locked, and only Noin had the key. He didn't want to wake her up but he had no choice. Softly he whispered at her ears. Noin stirred a bit and slowly opened her eyes. Her face turned red when she realized that she was in Zechs' arms. He let her down, missing the warm feeling as soon as she left him. Noin sleepily fumbled out the key and opened the door. Zechs followed her in, making sure that she didn't stumble on something and safely went to bed.           "Thank you, Zechs." Noin gave him a sheepish smile.           Zechs smiled at her and started walking toward the door when Noin called him. "Zechs." He looked back. "I won't be here for the next two weeks, can you stay and take command while I am gone?"           "Where are you going?" He was very surprised. She didn't say anything about it before.           "On a mission to Moscow by Treize's orders." She could hardly keep her eyes open.           "Ok. Good night, Noin." Zechs nodded and left the room, wondering what kind of mission she was sent on doing. * * * * * * * * *           Things were going well at Marquis Weyridge's ball in Moscow. The guests were happy, Relena and the Marquis had a little heart-to-heart talk. However, Lady Une, who represented Oz, appeared at the ball to 'talk' to Marquis Weyridge and things went wrong from that point on. Seeing the murderer of her father, Relena couldn't hold back and shot off the rose Lady Une wore on her military uniform. Lady Une was stunned to see Relena there and, after her shooting at her, ordered that Relena be captured and brought to her. After hours of running and hiding, Relena was found and cornered by Oz soldiers. But just when the soldiers were about to take Relena away, a jeep pulled up near them and the driver jumped out to claim Relena.           "We have Colonel Une's special order that this girl be brought in. We can't let you take the girl." One of the soldiers said, looking crossly at the dark-haired young woman.           "If you are concerned with authority, these orders come from His Excellency." Noin fired one shot and sent the soldier's cap flying off his head. The soldiers' faces ashened. They apologized hurriedly and left quickly.           "You are one of Oz' people!" Seeing her military outfit and the Oz emblem on her belt, Relena pointed her gun at the woman in front of her, but Noin was not moved by the threat.           "I don't expect you to trust me, but I'm not here on behalf of Oz." Noin aimed at the fallen cap on the ground and shoot off the Oz badge on it.           "Then who are you?" Relena's suspicion diminished as her curiosity increased. If she was with Oz, she wouldn't had disowned Oz' name that quickly and with such resolution, even if she was pulling a trick on her.           "Guess you don't remember me." Noin smiled at the girl. "I who have come to help you, Relena Peacecraft." She bowed gracefully to the girl, who gasped as her real name was uttered. * * * * * * * * *           It's been ten days since Noin left on the mission and left Zechs in command of Lake Victoria. The staff and officers of Lake Victoria listened to him reluctantly because he was given the authority by their beloved Commander Noin. Beside, he was also of a higher rank than Noin. They did not like and respect him at all, mostly due to his close connection to Noin. They knew that she would leave Lake Victoria to fight with him, soon. Zechs still stayed in his assigned guest quarter even though he was the sub-in commander.           This night the masked man found himself staring at the sky, once again feeling alone. The comm unit on his desk beeped, revealing the gentle features of Treize Khushrenada.           "Long time no see, my friend. How are you lately?" Treize greeted him warmly.           "I'm doing ok." Zechs turned to face the screen.           "Good." Treize nodded. "Agents from Romefeller are still after Noin, so I'll dismiss her from her mission tomorrow. Continuing the mission would only endanger the Princess."           "Thank you, Treize. I am grateful." Zechs had learned that Noin was sent to protect Relena.           "I'll let you talk to her now." Treize stepped back to allow Noin access to the unit.           "Noin?" Zechs was a bit surprised. "Is Relena with you and Treize?"           "I sent her back to the Darlian mansion." Noin said. "Zechs, is there any favour I can do for you before you leave?" All three of them knew that his departure from Oz was inevitable.           He was silent for a few moments. "Yes, there is one favour I'd like to ask you. Can you find the pilot and bring him to Antarctica? I want to finish the battle with him."           Noin sighed inwardly. "Ok. Leave it to me."           "Thank you, Noin." Zechs said before cutting off communication.           "Are you sure about this?" Treize asked softly when they were left alone. "Under such condition, if you ever get caught, there will be nothing I can do for you, Noin."           Noin smiled sadly. "They are hot on my tail anyway. This way at least you wouldn't be affected by my actions."           "What do you plan to do after you find the pilot?"           "I'll make sure Zechs gets his battle, then I'll find my own path to follow."           "I see." Treize looked straight into Noin's deep blue eyes. "I am curious. What is your view on the Gundams?"           "The Gundams, Sir?" Noin's expression was calm and serene. "I think they are great. They are but mere five mobile suits, but they fight with their lives, and they fight with a purpose. I don't think there is anything they can't do if they work together."           "You have a rather unique view of them." Treize smiled. "It seems that you know a lot about the Gundams. Yes. I believe they play a vital role in the history of man kind, but whether they are capable of altering the future, only time can tell."           Treize then walked up to her and took her hand. "This will be my last time calling you Lieutenant, Noin. I've enjoyed our friendship since you first came to Earth. I sincerely hope we will not become enemies in the future."           "I hope so too, Sir." She bowed to him one last time and walked out the room. ~to be continued~

Author's Note: A lot happened in this chapter. A ball which shows the first indication that Noin has a deep feeling toward Zechs, and no one can take her away from him:p Relena re-enters the scene, which marks a new beginning of the next stage. And lastly, Treize's conversation with Noin, which foreshadows the events and conflicts to come. It's been fun to write about the 'good Oz days', but they must move on. Next chapter will officially mark the separation of the characters from Oz. Until next time~ As usual, any remarks and comments are well-liked by me. Please be generous and tell me what you think^^ ~Handsome Puppy~