Tabula Rasa"...Construction on Tartarus is almost complete." Mitsuru explained to the rest of those gathered. "It may take another week, but it will take us at least that long to gather the participants."
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" asked Yukari hesitantly. "I don't like the idea of us rebuilding that tower..."
"Relax!" Junpei assured her. "We can handle this! It'll be a piece of cake."
"It doesn't matter if we can handle this or not." came a voice from the other end of the table. "We must tread carefully. We still do not know the identity of the mysterious benefactor, nor do we know what he or she is trying to accomplish. It is suspicious that this benefactor knows about our universe as well as he does. That alone should be a cause for concern. Coupled with the fact that this benefactor has not agreed to meet us face to face, gives us even more reason for pause."
"Come on, Naoto!" Yosuke interjected. "There's no reason for us to think too much about this. If we complete our jobs, I'm sure that we'll be given a better chance to learn more about this benefactor."
"S-sorry, Yosuke senpai. Of course, you are right. The only way that we will be able to learn more about this benefactor is to go along with their plans."
"Don't worry about him, Naoto-kun." Chie said. "So uh... when do we get the list?"
"The list?" Yukiko asked.
"Ohh! Is it one of those kinds of lists?! Teddie wants to see! Teddie wants to see!"
Aigis stared him down cold. "I do not like him. He is... dangerous."
"Come on Ai-chan. Relax! Teddie seems like a nice guy." said Junpei.
"Yeah, Aigis. We have to learn to trust each other if we're going to work together." Yukari told her.
"Understood."
"Anyway Teddie... it's not that kind of list." Chie explained. "At least.. I don't think that it's that kind of list. Oh... it's not is it?"
Yosuke laughed. "Of course it's not that kind of list. The list is the names and locations of all of the participants. But I don't know where it is."
"Lady Merces has it." Mitsuru explained. "She should be here soon."
They all started talking among themselves. Teddie hit on all the girls, and only Mitsuru responded negatively toward him -- threatening an execution if he ever tried anything. Yosuke and Junpei teased Kanji about his sexuality, while Chie and Akihiko talked non-stop about their training regimen. Rise told everyone that would listen about her being an idol, and Naoto took notes on everything in the room. Everyone seemed to be getting along well, and soon enough Lucretia arrived at the table.
"I apologize for the delay," Lucretia said. "There were some last minute changes to the list. But I have it here in my hands."
"Tres Bien." Mitsuru said. "Then I suppose you want us to..."
Lucretia nodded. "Yes. It's best that you get started. I've made some preparations for you, to make your job a bit easier. I'll be monitoring things from here, and reporting to Mr. Kyabetsu." With that said, Lucretia passed the lists around the table.
"We will get started right away.." Mitsuru said, a smile on her face
"Just two more things..." Lucretia said, before anyone could get up from the table. "First, if you have too much trouble getting someone on the list to agree to join, you may make an appropriate substitute. And secondly... you are to never go alone. It could be dangerous, and Mr. K would hate for anyone to get hurt. That is all. You may now begin."
Almost everyone got up immediately, and headed for the portals. There was a lot of work to be done. The only one who didn't get up immediately was Naoto. She waited until everyone else was left to write in her notebook.
Mr. Kaybetsu = The Benefactor. Who is Mr. Kyabetsu?
She then left to join everyone else. Though she had her concerns... she had to admit -- things were going to be interesting.