Dawn in Planeptune.
The gentle hum of commuters mixed with shrill birdsong roused Uni from her slumber. Blinking, she yawned and glanced at her partner.
Nepgear was still dead to the world, sprawled out in an amusing fashion.
Do I sleep like that as well? Uni wondered. Shrugging, she tossed aside her covers and pitter-patted to the balcony. The view took her breath away.
Having arrived at the hotel the previous night, the view had been spectacular, but in a different way.
Wow. Nepgear wasn't kidding. The mornings here really are something, even in the heart of the city.
Gleaming spires and skyscrapers surrounded them. Below was the most elegant network of roads Uni had ever seen; unlike Lastation's grid system, Planeptune's roads weaved up and down and all around, yet at the same time maintained efficiency. Further afield were parks and pools and blocks of apartments.
Craning her neck, Uni stood on her toes, looking left and right. She should be able to see the basilicom from here…
A gentle breeze blew, lifting the silk curtains. They brushed against her body, giving her a thrill.
"Oh, Goodness!" Came an awestruck voice.
Uni glanced at Nepgear. "'Morning, sleepyhead."
Nepgear sat up, gawking.
"W-what?" Uni asked uneasily, looking down at herself.
Before she could react, Nepgear grabbed her phone from the bedside table and held it high.
"H-Hey!" Uni began.
Click.
"Ah! Perfect!"
"Perfect?" Uni growled, stomping over.
"Here, look!" Nepgear grinned, turning the phone around and exhibiting the picture. "You really do look like a goddess!"
Climbing onto the bed, Uni peered at the screen.
"Hey…that…does look pretty cool…"
"You're so sexy Uni!" Nepgear nudged her playfully. "With the sun shining from that angle and the curtains flapping up, not to mention that expression…"
"Y-yeah…whatever, just don't go sending that to anyone, okay?" Uni closed her eyes, blushing. "That last thing I need is a picture like that appearing in the press."
"Serves you right for standing naked at the window." Nepgear quipped, ogling the photo again.
"Hey, give me a break!" Uni groaned. "I thought you were asleep, besides, we're thirty stories up! I doubted anyone would be looking right this way at right that moment. Anyway, I'm up now. I'll take a shower, get dressed and then we can have breakfast. Sound good?"
"A little more time in bed sounds better…" Nepgear said coyly.
Uni cocked an eyebrow. "Y-you're kidding right? I think last night was enough for one session! Come on, rise and shine! You gotta give me the VIP tour! We can go at it again tonight."
"You promise?" Nepgear pouted.
"Yeah, I don't go back on my word," Uni leaned closer, "and I might be convinced to spend a little more time in bed tonight if we spend a little more time out of it today. Just look!" Uni gestured to the window. "The sun is shining, the birds are singing…"
"Perfect weather!" Nepgear agreed throwing her own covers aside. "You're right…now's not the time for bed! Let's get ready! I'll show you the very best of Planeptune today…but I expect to be well rewarded!"
Uni made a face at her as she pranced to the shower.
The hotel had a café on its ground floor. The candidates took breakfast there, attracting many stares and photos. They let it slide though; the ambience of the place demanded nothing less. A waitress dressed in a maid outfit took their order, and a waiter in a suit delivered it.
The furniture was antique; grand and posh. The music classical.
"This place is…it's awesome!" Uni exclaimed, looking around.
"It is, rather." Nepgear agreed. "There aren't that many places like this in Planeptune. People tend to prefer the hi-tech look. But I like it here; scones, jam, tea and cakes. Here you can have a proper breakfast."
"So," Uni sipped her tea and set it aside, leaning close, "what wonderful agenda have you got in mind for today? The last two days have been unbelievable."
"Thank you, I'm sorry though, I made a bit of a muddle yesterday…I'm not much of a tour guide…"
"You're way better than any tour guide!" Uni giggled.
"Anyway," Nepgear continued, "I was thinking we could visit the main drag and I could show you all the game and comic stores. I mean, we've done the countryside since you got here. I figure you'll want to see a bit of the city. Oh, and though we don't have nearly as many weapon stores as Lastation, there are a couple hidden away in town. They're small, but they've got pretty extensive collections. One was started by a man who emigrated from Lastation."
"Sounds good," Uni nodded in approval, spreading jam on her scone. "Can we do it in that order; games, comics and guns?"
"Saving the best for last, huh?"
"You bet." Uni grinned, taking a bite.
As they were finishing up, a pair of familiar figures entered the hotel lobby and came their way.
Nepgear waved them over. "Histoire…Gust…hello. What brings you here?"
"I'm very sorry Nepgear," Histoire hung her head, "but Uni has been recalled – "
"Recalled?" Uni said in anguish. "N-no way! Why? She knows I'm on leave!"
"Yes," I am more than aware of that fact," Histoire sighed, "nevertheless, the ordnance stands; Uni, you have been recalled to address issues of State. Gust has the details."
"She does…does she?" Uni stared dubiously at the girl, then back at Histoire. "Did Noire happen to say why she sent Gust instead of a Chirper message?"
"Gust was already on way to Planeptune," Gust said, "Lady Black Heart needed some meds. Gust make for cheap, due to CPU discount. Message to you was free service for trusted and regular customer."
"Regular? Meds? Just what are you going on about?" Uni frowned.
"Nothing special." Gust said. "Tonics for throat and migraines. Lady Black Heart needs to take better care of health. Gust can manage symptoms, but better to stop cause."
"Tell me about it," Uni rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Gust will tell!" Gust agreed cheerfully. "Noire has special task for you."
"That's it?" Uni frowned.
"Task involves stealth. Maybe chance for sniper action. Noire says you can be useful."
"Sniper action?" Uni scoffed. "What, is she planning for me to assassinate someone?" Slumping in her chair, she groaned. "Typical Noire! So typical! I bet it's something trivial!"
"Well, Noire is Noire, and duty is duty." Nepgear laughed uneasily.
Uni could hear the disappointment in her girlfriend's voice and chewed her lip. "I'm really sorry about this Nepgear…especially after you planned the whole day out…"
Histoire nodded in agreement. "It is too sudden a request, but Noire doesn't make snap judgements. She at least thinks your place is back home, at least for the moment. I apologise, Uni, to bring you such unwelcome tidings so early in the morning."
"N-no, it's fine," Uni said awkwardly, "at least you let it out gently. Kei would have been…far less subtle."
"Yes," Histoire smiled, "I suppose she would have. Please, once you are done eating, make your preparations for departure. Planeptune's basilicom will foot the bill for this meal, so please, do not bother with going to the cashier."
"R-really?" Uni murmured. "Well, that's really decent of you Histoire. Thanks!"
Setting their plates aside and wiping their mouths, the Candidates rose to leave.
Gust came forward, bearing something for Uni. "Umm…something else."
"What's this?" Uni asked. Accepting the box, she peered inside.
"Gift from Noire." Gust smiled cheekily.
"A gift…from my sister?" Uni looked suspicious. "What is it then?"
Gust's grin stretched from ear to ear. "Is aphrodisiac – Gust's secret recipe. Top quality ingredients. Satisfaction is guaranteed."
Uni's jaw dropped. Lost for words and red-faced, she didn't know where to look. At last, she looked to Negear for support, but Nepgear could only stare back, covering her mouth, her own face scarlet.
Even Histoire could not keep a straight face. "Oh my…" she smirked with a gentle blush.
"Oh my?" Uni snapped. "Is that all you have to say? Ughh! Trust Noire to pull something like this! What is she trying to do, make me die of embarrassment?"
"Calm down," Histoire chuckled, "I think it's sweet, in a way."
"Hey! You're not getting any pervy images in your head are you?" Uni asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Certainly not!" Histoire's blush deepened. "I merely meant that at least this shows that your relationship has Noire's blessing. Noire can be very difficult when something doesn't sit well with her. I'm happy she wants the best for you."
"Yeah," Uni muttered, eyeing the box again, "the best…"
Gust tilted her head, beaming, her hands folded behind her back. "Noire said 'this for Uni, as apology for summons. Noire wants to make sure no love is lost when next tryst happens.'"
"Uggh! Okay! I get it already!" Uni quivered in embarrassment. "J-just don't say another word Gust! Not a word! And don't tell anyone! You too Histoire! Don't go and make some sort of announcement, this can not get on the news!"
"Or on Chirper!" Nepgear trembled.
"Agh! Even worse!" Uni agreed.
Gust and Histoire smiled mildly, glancing upwards.
"Hmph, I'm going to pack!" Uni announced, striding past them with as much dignity as she could muster.
Nepgear followed after her, still looking about in embarrassment.
Histoire and Gust managed to hold their composure just long enough for the pair to leave, before bursting into a fit of giggles.
As the trip was a casual one, the Candidates made a low key journey to the Terraportation terminal. As they lined up with the other travellers, they were met with curious stares.
"Such is the life of a rockstar," Uni muttered under her breath.
"It's a shame you have to go so soon…" Nepgear stammered, tapping her fingertips together.
Uni rolled her eyes. "You think I want to go? But it's not so bad. Leaving now just makes me want to visit again even sooner! I had a great time and it was great to see you. I'm a bit surprised you didn't give me a tour your of your basilicom though. I mean, I've only seen a bit of it…"
Nepgear grinned. "Well, don't mix work and pleasure, that's what they say, right?"
"In Lastation, it's all just work. This is some of the only pleasure I get."
"Well, take it easy Uni. Next time I'll pay you a visit."
"I look forward to it." Uni smiled. "Hopefully you'll rub off on Noire and make her a bit more…normal."
The PA sounded:
Passengers for terraportation vessel 27 to Lastation Central, please be advised that boarding is now commencing at gate 9. First class and priority travellers please assemble at the gate with your tickets ready.
"Well," Nepgear said nervously, "I guess this is goodbye, huh?"
"D-don't say it like that, geez!" Uni scowled. "You make it sound like we'll never see each other again!"
"Sorry." Blushing, Nepgear gave her love a parting kiss. "Does that make it better?"
Uni smirked. "Yeah, I guess. I'll let it slide, this time! But seriously, you shouldn't jinx things! Ah! They've started boarding! I better get going!" The candidates exchanged a final embrace. "See ya Nepgear! Thanks for everything! I can't wait to show you the real Lastation; there's more to it than the factories and skyscrapers my sister keeps touting."
"I look forward to it to Uni! Take care! Bye!"
Settling aboard the vessel, Uni felt immediately lonely. Though part of her was happy to be heading home, the other part grieved at the thought of leaving Planeptune. Her love for the nation had grown. Her love for Nepgear had grown too, now that it was reciprocated.
Uni stifled a snicker. Who would have thought the goody-two-shoes Candidate to have such an appetite for all things naughty! Unable to contain her curiosity, she withdrew Gust's gift and looked it over. As much as everyone joked about Gust's ability to create almost anything, all had to admit her goods were (usually) triple A grade. Eyeing the usage instructions, Uni cocked an eyebrow. It was an elixir, to be taken orally.
A man took a seat nearby. Blushing, Uni fumbled and stuffed the box back in her pack, pretending to look out of the window. It wasn't until the vessel began its journey that she gathered the courage to glance over at the man, and blinked in astonishment.
"Mr Badd?"
"Hmm?" Badd lowered the newspaper he had been reading. "Oh! Miss Uni! What a coincidence!"
"I'll say!" Uni frowned. "What are you doing here?"
"Here? As in being on this vessel, or being in 'your' world?"
"Both, really," Uni said, "I'll settle for why you're in this world first…"
"Given that my reputation was left in tatters in the other world...well, I just couldn't expect to find employment, and my daughters deserved a better life than what I could offer them there."
"Yeah, from what I heard, that was kinda your own fault though…"
"It was, I admit, but here, my daughters and I can live new lives. I have a probationary role as a diplomat and assistant to Histoire. I am very fortunate. She is a forgiving soul. My daughters are enrolled in one of Planeptune's most prestigious schools, and I am doing honest work again."
"Oh, so…how's that going for you?"
"Well. Very well. I am honoured and grateful for this opportunity."
Uni looked him over and smiled; a genuine smile. Despite his name and his purported crimes, he had a sincerity about him. "So…why are you heading to Lastation?"
"Actually, Miss Uni, it involves you."
"Me?"
"Well…I'm not sure I'm supposed to share anything with you just yet; this is business after all."
"Hey, I'm Lastation's CPU Candidate!"
"True, but your level of clearance is not on par with your elder sister, she is still privy to things that you are not."
"Ughh…you and Noire are cut from the same cloth! Fine, I'll be the last to know, as usual."
"I think you'll know quite soon, and I think you will be pleased by what you learn."
"Really?"
"I think so. But tell me, if you can, why are you heading back so soon? I was of the understanding your stay was to last another week or so?"
"Yeah," Uni lowered her gaze, "Noire kinda torpedoed any hopes of that."
"She requested your presence?"
"Yeah."
"Hmm…I wonder why?"
"Beats me." Uni grumbled, staring out of the window.
"Well, it must be for a good reason."
"So they all tell me," Uni folded her arms.
"Still, there's no need to get upset. What's done is done. You must commit yourself to the task at hand."
"Yeah, I guess." Uni mused. Stretching, she leaned back in her seat, her arms folded behind her head. So tell me, what ever happened with your crew…the seven sages?"
Adjusting his glasses and stowing away his paper, Badd turned in his seat and smiled.