Note: To all my readers: I am so sorry for the delay. Not only have I been preoccupied as of late, but I am experiencing possibly one of the worst writer's blocks I've ever went through. At any rate, I thank you for your continued patience and understanding when it comes to my release rate.

Note: I've updated this chapter to correct a few minor spelling mistakes, etc. I hope to have chapter four out soon.


Once Katsuo had finished inputting his password into the system, the Senshian royal crest immediately materialized on the cockpit's main display. This was the main reason why he had to be alone when the captain's identification was used. It was certainly important for the standard security protocols dictating the captain's exclusive knowledge of the master code to be enforced at all times, but this particular detail would cause no small amount of trouble for Katsuo should it ever be discovered.

Although it was common knowledge among Senshians that an heir to the throne existed, no one other than the nobility knew anything about this mysterious successor – not even a name or face to identify their future king. If Apocalypse's crew were to become informed of their captain's true identity, it would cause a tense work environment for the duration of the mission: a situation Katsuo would rather avoid. Worse still would be the inevitable situation of the entire citizenry of Senshi becoming privy to the information. He wanted to be thought of and treated as a fellow Senshian, not as royalty. The excessive honorifics and lavish possessions bestowed upon rulers were pointless and hindered the efficiency of the government. How could a ruling body possibly serve its citizens well without knowing the needs and desires of its people? Conceit, corruption, jealousy and anger: these were the vices bred from the pampering of the upper tier. Of course there were times when the administration needed to establish a difference in power-such as when it was enacting laws-but it needed to spend the rest of the time trying to understand the people who supported it. Katsuo wanted the public to serve him through love and respect, not simply out of perfunctory duty and submission.

"Password verified. Airlocks releasing by order of Prince Takeda" the computer's monotonous robotic voice said through the room's speakers. "Do you desire any further action?"

"No."

"All hail the Senshian royal family!" was the response as the captain was logged out of the system.

"To think they actually took the time to program such a phrase into the computer" Katsuo grumbled as he rose from his seat. I wonder how long I'll be able to keep this charade alive. He performed a brief final inspection of both his appearance and the cockpit before, satisfied, he turned and left the bridge to join his crew at the ship's entrance.

"What took you so long?" Hisoka asked condescendingly when he spotted his captain casually strolling toward him.

"Just the usual absurdly large surplus of security protocols I'm required to follow. However, maybe you would have preferred it if I'd done what I wanted instead of following the manual's directions?"

"I don't even want to think of what you'd have done without the manual's instructions" the lieutenant groaned in dread, shivering as his imagination conjured up a mental picture.

"At any rate, it appears I have inconvenienced you. I apologize" Katsuo said in the most convincing contrite tone he could muster.

"Inconvenienced me? What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, was I mistaken? I was under the impression that you wanted to get one of those legendary Catian girls for yourself" the captain said with a gleam in his eyes.

"N-No, that was not my intention at all!" Hisoka stammered as his thoughts flooded from his mouth like water through a broken dam. "I mean, it would be great to have a Catian by my side; but I certainly wasn't thinking of..." his voice trailed off as he realized that he was only making things worse for himself.

I didn't expect such a rewarding result. Perhaps I have misjudged this man's character. That said, I really wish he had finished that last part. It sounded promising… Katsuo thought as he struggled to contain his mirth. "I see" was all he could manage in reply to the lieutenant's reaction.

"When will we be boarding, captain?" one of the crew asked from the front line of the ranks. After a few brief moments Katsuo recognized the voice as belonging to one of the maintenance personnel, a man by the name of Arata Ichirou. He was one of the youngest crew members aboard Apocalypse and had very little previous experience in his career field, which normally would have disqualified him from assignment onboard the prototype battleship. However, the Ichirou family was a prominent force within the Senshian economy, and Katsuo inferred that they had somehow managed to bribe their son into his current position. Regardless of the circumstances, Arata was blessed with a great intellect and was a hard worker, which in the captain's opinion made him an indispensable asset to the ship and crew.

"There's one more matter to settle before that, Mr. Ichirou. I trust you can keep your pants on for a few moments longer?" A boisterous laugh exploded from all the crew within earshot, while Arata blushed and looked down in embarrassment.

"It's n-not like th-that" the young man stuttered amidst the din. Almost the same as the lieutenant! Katsuo mentally noted. I'm starting to think I'd get this reaction from the entire crew.

Clearing his throat, the captain decided to skip straight to the point. "I'm sure you are all well aware of this, but to ensure we are all on the same page, I shall tell you nevertheless. During this assembly we will be representing Senshi, and your actions will be judged accordingly. As such, I expect exemplary self-control and manners. Keep in mind that I will not tolerate misconduct during today's encounter. Are there any questions?" The room was silent. "Let's go." he said as he took his place in front of the ranks. He opened Apocalypse's entry and strode into the waiting Catian ship with his men filing close behind.

As Apocalypse's crew stepped into the well-lit interior of the Catian vessel, Katsuo was sure that his subordinates thought they had died and gone to heaven. There were many beautiful girls surrounding the entrance, and still more were observing the new arrivals from the ship's second level walkways. I think the difficulty of keeping these guys under control just got multiplied a thousand fold the captain thought, glancing back at his crew. Surprisingly, not a single one of them moved an inch, but rather remained rooted in place with their mouths open, speechless. Maybe they went blind from taking in such a scene, and cannot see what is in front of them the captain chuckled at his own joke. As he returned his attention back to the Catians and glanced around the room once more, one of them in particular caught his eye: a well-endowed, purple haired young woman standing in the front line of the encircling mass. He'd thought the captain of the Catian ship had looked great on screen, but Kuune was absolutely breathtaking in person. There was something about her that really drew Katsuo's attention. He'd never experienced these feelings during the political meetings with various noblemen's' daughters back on Senshi! At that moment, the individual in question stepped forward to speak.

"Welcome. I trust that your journey here was a good one?" Kuune said in a friendly voice accompanied with one of her typical smiles.

"Yes it was, though the fact that it was relatively short made the trip much more bearable" was Katsuo's equally cordial reply. Then, in a slightly more icy tone, "I must apologize for the crew's rudeness." Upon hearing their captain's subtle warning, Katsuo's subordinates immediately broke out of their trance and their visages transformed, appearing much more polite and hospitable.

"Please, think nothing of it. You did arrive much earlier than we expected: it would appear that the reports of you leaving today were inaccurate."

"No, those reports are correct." A murmur of disbelief rose from the Catians listening to the captains' conversation. "It only took a few hours for Apocalypse to bring us here."

"I see. That is indeed impressive" Kuune replied, astounded.

"What is your situation? Are there any problems?" Katsuo asked, redirecting the subject to the mission. He wanted to avoid being in a situation where he felt the needed to explain more about the ship and its capabilities.

"Everything is normal, both here and on the surface."

"Am I to assume you have established an embassy on Earth?"

"That is correct. If you would like, I can arrange for someone to give you a tour of the area."

"Thank you, it would be very helpful. Would it be possible to go down tomorrow?"

"That would be no problem at all."

"Also, would you…" Katsuo hesitantly began but stopped himself before completing his question.

"Yes?"

"I'm afraid I haven't done much research regarding Earth. What do Earthlings look like, and is there anything I should know before visiting the planet tomorrow?" That was a lie: he had already looked into Earth and its inhabitants.

"Senshians and Earthlings share the same basic physical appearance. However, Earthlings seem to lack the abilities common to the people of Senshi."

"Thank you for the information." Katsuo cast a fleeting look at the communicator on his wrist, which also displayed the time. "It appears to be getting late. It would be inconsiderate if we were to impose on you any further, so we will be excusing ourselves. Ah, but before we go…" he reached into his pocket and procured a communicator similar to his own. "This will allow you to contact me at any time. Using this is much more efficient than attempting to contact me through ship transmissions."

"Thank you" Kuune said as she took the device.

"Well then, I look forward to working with you" Katsuo said with a deep bow. His subordinates caught on and immediately followed suit. The Senshians exited the Catian ship and reentered Apocalypse. Both ships' doors were sealed and the meeting was officially concluded. As the crew retired for the night to their rooms, Katsuo was left alone to ponder his actions on his way to the captain's quarters. I wish I'd had the courage to follow through with my question. Still, perhaps it was for the best that I didn't ask. Take one step at a time, Katsuo. Take one step at a time.