Mahoromatic – Seasons of Change
By Dr. Memory
(AKA Carl A. Potaczala)
Disclaimer
Mahoromatic and all associated characters are the property of Gainax, TBS, Pioneer LDC and the character creators, Ditama and Nakayama. This story is not written for personal profit, but as a tribute to a wonderful story that I think ended poorly and knowing that as long as I write, Mahoro lives. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.
Episode 36: What Does It Feel Like?
Show opens with the regular theme
Scene opens with Minawa and Hamaji in their cabin packing their things.
Minawa: Hamaji, are you still angry with me?
Hamaji: Mi-chan, I was never really angry with you… Maybe just a little hurt that you talked to Mahoro-san about what I had told you.
Minawa: I was worried about you and I knew that Onee-chan would understand.
Hamaji: Although I should have known that you had said something Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun. Suguru-kun just stood back and didn't say anything even when Mahoro-san began unbuttoning her nightshirt.
Minawa: You should have seen the look on your face.
Hamaji: What did you expect? I didn't know that she was wearing another nightshirt under that one.
Minawa: You did get a hug and a kiss from Onee-chan. Was it nice?
Hamaji: (Sigh) Yes it was… but not as nice as the hug and kiss you gave me afterward.
Minawa: Thank you, Hamaji. (Silence) Hamaji, did you have ecchi dreams last night about Onee-chan and me?
Hamaji: (Blushing) Sort of… I was cuddling with you, Mi-chan… but Mahoro-san was there… somehow… like she was looking over us… Kind of like an angel.
Minawa: I hope you and I weren't doing anything too naughty.
Hamaji: Nothing too naughty… (smiling) Maybe I'll show you tonight when we have a room to ourselves.
Minawa: That will be nice… and we can have a cabin to ourselves on the trip back. I think Suguru-kun will feel more comfortable about that too.
Hamaji: Speaking of Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun… I haven't seen them since breakfast time.
Minawa: Onee-chan and Suguru-kun are in the kitchen helping Takara-chan with lunch… and Onee-chan is cooking dinner tonight.
Hamaji: Takara-chan seemed to be in better humor about everything at breakfast.
Minawa: It may be because Shiori-chan and Ya-chan were helping her.
Hamaji: (Silence) Mi-chan… if Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun are helping Takara-chan, does that mean that they are only allowed to wear an apron?
Minawa: I don't know… but if that's the case you may get to see Onee-chan like she was in your dreams.
Hamaji stands silently for a moment and then shudders visible.
Minawa: Is there something wrong? Would seeing Onee-chan just wearing an apron really bother you that much?
Hamaji: No… It's not that. It was the visualization of Suguru-kun wearing only an apron.
As a laughing Minawa puts her arms around Hamaji and gives him a hug the scene fades to the kitchen. Takara and Shiori are washing dishes while Yaeko dries and Roka puts them away. All are wearing clothing (Takara, Shiori and Yaeko are also wearing aprons over their clothing).
Roka: I'm glad Umeko-chan relented about the apron thing for lunch.
Takara: Why? Didn't you want to walk around wearing only an apron while you helped?
Roka: No… it's not that… (after a short moment of thought visualizing himself wearing only the apron; shakes his head and the vision vanishes) OK, maybe that was part of it, but I think Umeko-chan was taking it too far. I mean… it was funny last night…
Takara: (Interrupting; loudly) No it wasn't! It wasn't funny at all! (Quieter voice) Could we change the subject?
Roka: Sure… (Long silence) Shiori-chan… Yaeko-chan… how long have you known about Mahoro-san and Ryuga-sensei and Slash and everything else?
Shiori: Since last summer when everyone returned from the Command Ship. My sister arranged for Ya-chan and me to stay with them at the lodge after they returned.
Takara: Doesn't it bother you that your sister is married to an android?
Shiori: Not really. He has always been very nice. You had Ryuga-san as one of your teachers. Did you notice anything different about him?
Roka: Other than every girl in the school had a crush on him… not really?
Takara: I didn't have a crush on Ryuga-sensei.
Roka: OK… almost every girl in the school.
Yaeko: I've had the chance to meet all of Mahoro-san's sisters and they are really very nice too.
Takara: (Looking at Shiori and Yaeko) How long have you two known each other?
Shiori: Forever. Ya-chan and I have always lived next door to each other and we've always gone to the same school and been in the same class.
Takara: (After standing silently for a moment) Shiori-chan, are you and Yaeko-chan lovers?
There is a look of complete and utter shock on the faces of Shiori, Yaeko and Roka (especially Roka). All stand frozen.
Roka: (Breaking the silence) Takara-chan where did that come from?
Yaeko: (After taking a deep breath) That's OK. If you mean by lovers, do Shiori and I have sex together, then no we are not… But if you are asking if Shiori and I have a special relationship with each other that goes beyond simple friendship, then yes we are. After my father died, if Shiori hadn't been there, I'm not sure what I would have done.
Shiori: And when my mother became ill and couldn't remember who I was, it was Ya-chan who held me in her arms to comfort me. I love Ya-chan.
Yaeko: And I love Shiori. And yes, we do hug and kiss and we do share the same bed, but that is really the limit of our sexuality.
Shiori: But the way we feel about each other doesn't stop us looking at cute guys.
Yaeko: (With a feigned look of shock) You look at cute guys?
Shiori: Stop that!
Takara: What do you think your parents would say if they found out?
Yaeko: My mother already knows. Shiori and I had a long talk about it with her.
Shiori: And I think my mother suspects something about my relationship with Ya-chan… considering how she insisted that I go on this trip with Ya-chan.
Takara: (Shaking her head; melancholy smile) It must be nice to be able to talk to you mother about things like that.
Yaeko: I'm lucky. That's just the way my mother is. May I ask you something… how did you figure out about the our relationship?
Takara: I'm not really sure… and it's really difficult to explain… there just seems to be a stronger link between the two of you than just simple friendship… like you really know what the other is thinking… you're that close.
Shiori and Yaeko look at each other and then back toward Takara.
Takara: I know. It's silly… but I really can't explain it to you any other way. (Stands silent) May I ask one more question of you? … (Sad smile) How does it feel to really be loved by someone?
Takara looks at Yaeko and Shiori (with Roka looking on) as the scene fades to Chizu and Kaito packing their bags in their cabin. There is no conversation. Kaito has a somewhat blank look on his face.
Chizu: (After watching Kaito refold the same shirt three times) Kaito, are you all right?
Kaito: (Startled by the sound of Chizu's voice) What! Huh? What… what is it?
Chizu: Are you all right Kaito?
Kaito: Oh! Ah… I'm fine.
Chizu: Are you sure?
Kaito: I'm fine… really I'm fine.
Chizu: It's just that you've been very quiet since we left Earth… like you've been off in a world by yourself… and I'm kind of miffed that you didn't take me there with you.
Kaito: Really, Chizu, I'm fine. I've just been thinking about some things.
Chizu: Are you worried about going back to the Command Ship and the greeting you'll receive there?
Kaito: Not really. That really doesn't bother me any more. After being on Earth and realizing that Riku and I aren't any different just because we are twins, I really don't care what the people on the Command Ship… or any of our ships think of me.
Chizu: So what have you been thinking about?
Kaito: It sounds really silly.
Chizu: Silly is OK. I like silly. (Takes Kaito by the hand and they sit down together on the bed) Come on… tell me what's been bothering you.
Kaito: (Bows head as speaks quietly) I miss Riku… … … (Speaking louder) I mean… this is the first time Riku and I have been apart from each other like this. When we were on our ship we were always together. When we were at the lodge was the first time we had slept in separate rooms. Since then, we've never been more that a few minutes away from each other. I'm feeling like something is missing. (Chizu begins to smile) See I told you it was silly.
Chizu: No it isn't. It isn't silly at all. I've read that there seem to be a link between twins… Like when one twin gets hurt, the other twin feels the pain too… even if they are on the other side of the world. Why should you and Riku-kun be any different? So it isn't silly at all. I'm sure Riku-kun is feeling the same way and you know what Miyuki-chan is doing to make him feel better?
Kaito: No, what?
Chizu: This. (Chizu hugs Kaito and gives him a kiss) Does that make you feel better?
Kaito: (Smiling) Yes it does. Thank you. How are you feeling… about all of the testing I mean?
Chizu: I'm not crazy about it. I have the feeling that it's going to mean lots of needles and poking and stuff like that, but at least I'll know if I'll be able to have a baby when the time comes.
Kaito: Even if the tests show that you have the same genetic defect as your mother there may be something that the doctors on the Command Ship may be able to do… when the time comes.
Chizu: I'm not too worried about it. I've been talking about it with my parents. My mom comes from a big family. She has four sisters and two brothers. Although she didn't want a family quite that big, she had always hoped that I might have a younger sister or brother. At one point they even considered adopting, but it never worked out. But that is always a possibility for us… if you wouldn't mind.
Kaito: Even though there were never many, there were still some children who for one reason or another did not have parents or relatives to care for them… just like Riku and myself. I always wished that there was something I could do for them.
Chizu: Maybe there is… No matter what the results of the tests are.
Scene fades to Mahoro, Suguru and Nayoko in the kitchen. Nayoko is drying the last of the pots and pans while Suguru is putting them away. Mahoro is checking the storage areas for remaining food items.
Suguru: I hope Sera-san has supplies hidden away for the return trip.
Mahoro: Very funny. There are plenty of supplies left for the return trip. I was just checking to see what I'll be able to make for the return trip.
Nayoko: Considering what I've heard about the food from Kaito-kun, Riku-kun and Yasou-kun, maybe we should do our own cooking while we're on the Command Ship. I'd be willing to help out as much as possible.
Mahoro: That was already in my plan. The last time we were here I cooked all of the meals, but I wouldn't mind some help.
Nayoko: I'm sure Umeko-chan and Tori-chan would be willing to help too.
Mahoro: It might be good if everyone took a turn in the kitchen. It would be a good lesson before school starts. Even the guys should give it a try.
Nayoko: Are you sure that's safe?
Suguru: Hey, I'm not that bad of a cook.
Mahoro: That's probably true… It was your housekeeping skills that left something to be desired.
Nayoko: This sounds like it might be an interesting story.
Mahoro: (Smiling broadly at Suguru) Maybe some other time. Maybe I'll have all of the girls over to the house for lunch after we get back to Earth.
There is a quiet sigh from Suguru.
Nayoko: Mahoro-san, what did you say to Umeko-chan to get her to relent on collecting on her bet with Takara-chan?
Mahoro: I didn't say anything… but I think Slash did. I don't think he was very happy about the way Umeko-chan was going on and on about it.
Suguru: I don't understand it either. I understand that Takara-chan was being a bit high-handed about knowing who gave Umeko-chan the CD for Christmas, but the penalty seemed a bit… extreme.
Nayoko: (Stifled laugh and wry smile) You don't really know Takara-chan very well, do you?
Suguru: Not really. Takara-chan never spent very much time with the guys… except to tell us how disgusting we were.
Nayoko: That's Takara-chan. It started about the time we came to the junior high school and some of the girls in the class began to talk about the guys that they liked. She would lecture us about inappropriate behavior… you know… 'Sex is only allowed only when you are married'. Of course Takara-chan considered holding hands a form of sex.
Mahoro: I wonder what Takara-chan thought about Suguru and me?
Nayoko: You really don't want to know the details. It was pretty weird. (Nayoko looks at Mahoro who is smiling broadly) Really you don't… Every time she saw something in school she thought was inappropriate, she went to the principal's office. Takara-chan may have been a majority of the problem between the old principal and Saori-sensei.
Suguru: That may have been part of it, but I think our old principal had issues of his own.
Nayoko: You're probably right. But when Umeko-chan got her Christmas gift from Slash, Takara-chan was on Umeko-chan's case constantly, especially after Umeko-chan found out that it was Slash and wouldn't tell anyone. Every day Takara-chan had a new theory on who it had to be. Takara-chan had Umeko-chan matched up with almost every boy in the school… and sometimes more than one at a time. To be honest we were all sick of her.
Mahoro: So how did she end up matching Umeko-chan with Roka-kun?
Nayoko: Takara-chan's logic in that could be the basis of a really good romantic comedy manga. Her logic was flawless, except it ignored the fact that Roka-kun had no idea what band Umeko-chan liked since Tori-chan, Yoko-chan and Kioko-chan never told anyone. Slash was the only other one to overhear the conversation. What is ever funnier is that Roka-kun is a bit shy when it comes to girls. Not as bad as Hamaji-kun was, but shy enough that he would never consider getting a gift like that for a girl… even if he could guarantee that no one would ever find out that it was him that gave it.
Mahoro: But why the apron?
Nayoko: Because at one point before we left, Sachio-kun brought in an ecchi magazine that featured girls wearing aprons and nothing else. Takara-chan went ballistic.
Suguru: I remember that day in school. I thought Takara-chan was going to get Sachio-kun expelled. Matsuhira-sensei just called Sachio-kun to his office and warned him not to get caught bringing things like that to school again… then he gave the magazine back to Sachio-kun.
Mahoro: (Looking at Suguru) I really don't understand men's fascination with things like that.
Nayoko: I don't understand it either, but Umeko-chan knew it was something that really pulled Takara-chan's chain, so that's what she had Takara-chan do. Although that was better that what Umeko-chan told me was her original idea for a penalty.
Suguru: I'm almost afraid to ask.
Nayoko: Originally Umeko-chan was going to have Takara-chan wear nothing but her panties until we arrived at the Command ship.
Suguru: I think having Takara-chan just wear the apron was bad enough.
Mahoro: Not to change the subject, but speaking of the Command Ship, Suguru and I still have to pack.
Nayoko: I had the chance to do that before dinner. Why don't you go do that and I'll take care of the last of the cleanup here in the kitchen and galley.
Scene fades to the bridge of the ship as the passengers file in and take their seats. Sera and Kenta are at their positions in the pilot and co-pilot's seats. Mahoro and Suguru enter together and walk toward the two empty seats they had occupied when the ship had left Earth.
Sera: (Once everyone has taken a seat) I'm sorry if we interrupted anything but due to the excellent skills of my pilot in training, we've arrived at our destination almost two hours early.
Nayoko: The galley and kitchen are all cleaned up.
Mahoro: And Suguru and I just finished packing.
Sera: Thank you. Now, let me explain to those of you who have not been to the Command Ship before what is going to happen. In a few moments we will be firing the breaking engines to slow us in preparation for docking. It will be bumpy. In fact, it will be bumpier than those of you who have been to the Command Ship before will remember (looking at Kenta) since we are traveling somewhat faster and will have to engage two stages of breaking engines.
Kenta bows his head.
Sera: Kenta-kun, on my mark, engage the first stage of breaking engines.
Kenta: Yes Sera-chan.
Sera: Five… Four… Three… Two… One… Mark!
Kenta: (As he manipulates a control on the panel in front of him) First stage breaking engines engaged.
The ship begins to bump and rattle a bit as the whine from the breaking engines gets louder and higher pitched.
Sera: (After about ten seconds) On my mark, engage the second stage of breaking engines… … … Five… Four… Three… Two… One… Mark!
Kenta: (As he manipulates a different set of controls) Second stage breaking engines engaged.
The engine noise becomes significantly louder and the ride much bumpier. Mahoro places her hand on Suguru's hand and squeezes it. Takara closes her eyes and squeezes tightly on the armrests. Roka (who is to Takara's left) and Shiori (who is to Takara's right) place their hands on Takara's. Takara opens her eyes, looking to either side of her.
Sera: (After about a minute) On my mark, disengage all breaking engines… … … … Mark!
Kenta: All breaking engines disengaged.
The engine noise drops off rapidly and the ride smoothes immediately. Roka and Shiori remove their hands from Takara's.
Sera: Now that wasn't so bad, was it? Now comes the fun part. I'll obtain the necessary clearances and vectors. Kenta the controls are yours. Lets see how you do docking with the Command Ship.
Kenta: Yes Commander Sera.
Cut to the mid show break
Scene opens showing the bridge viewport. There is a complex set of crosshairs and gridlines superimposed on the viewport. In the distance is a white circle. As the scene progresses to white circle becomes larger. The circle begins slightly off center from the crosshairs.
Voice: (Over the communication link) One hundred meters… Velocity four meters per second… Correct plus three point three… plus two point eight.
Voice of Kenta: Acknowledged.
There is the gentle whine of maneuvering engines firing and the white circle moves closer to centering on the crosshairs.
Voice: (Over the communication link) Fifty meters… Velocity two meters per second… Correct plus zero point seven… minus zero point two.
Voice of Kenta: Acknowledged.
There is another very short sound of maneuvering engines firing and the white circle is almost perfectly centered on the viewport crosshairs.
Voice: (Over the communication link) Twenty meters… Velocity zero point five meters per second. (The white circle begins to fill the viewport; zoom out to show Kenta at the controls with Sera next to him) Ten meters… … … five meters… three… two… one… (There is a barely discernable thud) Contact… Docking locks engaged…
Kenta: This is Saint Exploration Ship New Hope requesting permission for passengers and crew to disembark.
Voice: (Over the communication link) Permission granted. Give us a few seconds to enable the air lock.
Kenta: (Zoom out to show the entire bridge) Thank you.
Sera: All right. Everyone can start breathing again. You may unbuckle and get up and walk around and stretch. Please be careful though (as Aoi attempts to stand but almost falls; Kaito catches her) the gravity is different again.
Aoi: (To Kaito) How do you get used to that so quickly?
Kaito: The gravity on an agriculture ship is different in different areas of the ship depending on the crop being grown. The changing gravity feels natural to me. The constant gravity on Earth is sometimes a little boring.
Aoi looks at Kaito with a dubious look.
Midori: I'm wondering… what kind of a welcome should we expect? Are they going to make a big deal out of this?
Suguru: I have no idea. When we were here the last time the only one greeting us was my grandmother.
Sera: I don't think they will be making a big deal out of your arrival. At some point there will probably be some official ceremony welcoming you to the Command Ship, but that probably won't happen for a few days. I'm going to assume that the only thing that will happen tonight will be that they will show you where your quarters are and give you your wristbands.
Tori: You mean that we get wristbands like Miyuki-chan and Rin-chan and everyone else who came to the Command Ship before?
Sera: Yeah. You'll need to wear them all of the time. They track your locations so that you don't get lost… and you can use them to communicate with each other.
Sachio: And they know exactly where we are at all times. Why does that make me feel nervous?
Suguru: Although they can use them that way, I don't think you will need to be worried.
There is the sound of three beeps.
Sera: It sounds like they are ready for us. (In a slightly louder voice) Your attention everyone. They are ready for us to board the Command Ship. You should all retrieve your bags and then report back here to the bridge.
People begin to disperse from the bridge. Sachio remains with Sera, Kenta, Chizu, Kaito, Mahoro and Suguru.
Sachio: We don't have to use that transport thing, do we?
Chizu: (Walking up from behind with Kaito) You do sound exactly like Saori-sensei. No, getting onto the Command Ship isn't nearly as much fun. We only get to walk aboard through the air lock.
Sachio: That's it.
Sera: Unless Kenta-kun didn't line up the ship very well. Then you'll have to walk across the vacuum of space to board the Command Ship.
Sachio's face turns white.
Mahoro: Stop that Sera-san. I'm sure Kenta-kun docked the ship absolutely perfectly.
Kenta: (Joining the group) Unless I brought the ship in upside down.
Mahoro: Stop that. You're as bad as Sera-san. Sachio-kun, you have nothing to worry about. I wouldn't let any of you do this if I thought there was any danger. Let's get our bags, then if you like I'll hold your hand as we walk over to the Command Ship.
Sachio, Mahoro, Suguru, Chizu and Kaito exit the bridge leaving Sera and Kenta.
Sera: You did an excellent job of docking the ship… even better that I could do it.
Kenta: I had an excellent teacher… Sera-chan, do I really have to wear this uniform? It's really uncomfortable… and really embarrassing.
Sera: I'll get you a regular issue uniform once we're on the Command Ship. That's a cadet uniform. I thought it would fit better than it does. (Smiling) Although I think it really looks good on you.
Kenta: You would… What will happen now?
Sera: Hopefully the Commander completed all of the necessary arrangements for quarters for you. Thinking about it now, this might not have been the best of ideas.
Kenta: What do you mean?
Sera: I'm not sure how well the other pilots will accept you.
Kenta: I never expected to be accepted blindly. I realized that I would have to prove myself.
Sera: It's not only that.
Kenta: (Smiling) Sera-chan, please don't worry about it… Are you afraid that the other pilots are going to comment about my uniform? (Sera nods) This is one of your uniforms, isn't it?
Sera: (Bowing her head) I thought that since we were about the same size and weight, it might fit you better. I'm sorry.
Kenta: Please don't be. (Taking Sera by the hand) I'm honored to wear it. I'm honored that you thought enough of me to let me wear it… Although, if we had thought about it we might have taken this to Mrs. Hamaguchi and have her alter it so that it wasn't always showing everyone how excited I am to be with you.
Sera: (Steps back from Kenta) You're excited to be with me… Let me see.
Kenta: Stop that!
Sera smiles and then Sera and Kenta hug… and kiss.
Scene fades to show all of the passengers in the area of the air lock door.
Sera: The only protocol we need to follow is that Kenta-kun and I must enter first and report. After that I have no idea what will happen. Any questions? (Silence) All right let's go.
Sera manipulates several buttons by the air lock door and the four sets of doors open in sequence. Sera (followed by Kenta) leads the group onto the Command Ship. Once on the ship the group forms a single line parallel to the docking bay wall. Sera (with Kenta now standing next to Sera) stand two steps in front of the remainder of the group. About four steps away from Sera stands a Saint male wearing a uniform very similar in design to Leesha's. Behind him is a line of eight Saint men and women wearing a uniform similar in design to Sera's. Several of the women in line smile broadly after looking at Kenta.
Sera: Commander Takashi… Space Exploration Ship New Hope Commander Sera Tou and crew reporting and placing our charges in your care.
Takashi: Thank you Commander Sera. We will forgo formal introductions tonight. There are a number of issues that we must deal with immediately.
Sera: Issues?
Takashi: It seems that, due to circumstances beyond somebody's control, the student quarters for our exchange student are not ready to be occupied. It will require at least one more week for them to be completed. In the meantime we will house everyone in the guest quarters on this level. The secondary problem is that there aren't quite enough rooms for everyone to have their own room. Commander Leesha has told me that this should not be a problem since several of you already are sharing rooms.
Suguru: That is correct Commander Takashi.
Takashi: (Acknowledging and bowing to Suguru and Mahoro) Suguru-san… Mahoro-san… I welcome you upon your return to the Command Ship.
Suguru: (Bowing to the Commander) Thank you Commander for the hospitality you have extended to Mahoro and my self and my friends.
Takashi: Thank you. Now for those of you who do not have them (One of the men standing behind Commander Takashi retrieves a tray with the familiar looking wristbands on it) I will ask each of you to take one of the wristbands and wear it at all times. I'm sure you understand that the ship is quite large and it is possible to get extremely lost if you don't know where you are going. These bands will help us locate you if you get into such a situation.
The man with the tray moves down the line and those who do not have wristbands take one. Sachio takes one and looks at it for a moment before putting it in.
Takashi: I can also understand some might be reluctant to wear a device like this, but I assure you it will be absolutely necessary. Rest assured, we do not track individuals unless they are reported as lost. … Tomorrow morning at ten o'clock there will be a meeting with school officials in the guest quarter's galley. We will take care of formal introductions then. My staff will show you to your quarters. Are there any questions?
Yaeko: Do you have any idea when I might be able to see Hana?
Takashi: You are referring to they Earth cyborg we are treating here?
Yaeko: Yes… I call her Hana.
Takashi: Whatever… Doctor Kasumi will be in contact with you sometime tomorrow to make arrangements for your visit. One of my staff members or I will contact those of you who are here on business other that the student exchange program in the morning. If there isn't anything else… (Silence) I will see most of you in the morning. (Group begins to disperse; Members of the Commander's staff lead the group toward the guest quarters) Commander Sera, could you see me after you get the new pilot situated. He has been assigned quarters as requested.
Sera: Thank you Commander Takashi.
Commander Takashi turns away from Sera and Kenta and walks away.
Sera: Let's get you into your quarters. I have a feeling that the other pilots may have something planned for you tonight.
Kenta: What do you mean?
Sera: It's something that all new pilots go through.
Kenta: Like an initiation… a test of courage…
Sera: That is why I'm thinking this was a bad idea. I don't want to see you get hurt. But that is probably why Commander Takashi wishes to meet with me… to get me out of the way so that I don't interfere.
Kenta: What do you think they might be planning?
Sera: I don't know. When I first joined the pilot's service, they spent the night trying to get me drunk. Of course at the time they didn't know that I was an android, so when most of them were unconscious on the floor I was still quite sober.
Kenta: You don't think they would try something like that with me, do you?
Sera: Probably not. I think they realize you are too young for that.
Kenta: Don't worry Sera-chan. I think this kind of thing is to be expected.
Sera: Get your things and we'll move you into your quarters. Tomorrow will be a very long day for you. You will probably spend most of the day in the flight simulators doing basic skills testing. Nothing you haven't done already on my ship, but I won't get the chance to see you until well after dinner if I'm given the opportunity then.
Kenta: I'll be fine. After all, I've had the best flight instructor in the entire universe.
Kenta picks up his bags and Sera and he walk toward the pilot's quarters. As they walk, Sera takes Kenta by the hand.
Scene fades to Mahoro and Suguru in their quarters. Mahoro and Suguru are unpacking their things into cabinet provided.
Suguru: It may be my imagination, but that did not seem like the warmest welcome we ever received.
Mahoro: I have to agree with you… and I don't think it had anything to do with the fact that we arrived two hours early.
Suguru: I agree. I almost feel like our presence here is an imposition.
Mahoro: This exchange program was Leesha-san's idea, but with Leesha-san on Earth, Commander Takashi is stuck with making sure everything works.
Suguru: But he was very short with Ya-chan when she asked about Hana-chan. (As he puts the last of his things in the cabinet) And I thought that there were more guest rooms available.
Mahoro: I asked one of Commander Takashi's staff members about that. She said that Leesha-san is having the guest quarters renovated to make them more acceptable to people from Earth so that when the shuttle service begins they will feel more comfortable. (Mahoro puts the last of her things into the cabinet and pulls out a rather transparent pink sleep outfit) One of the major changes is separate shower and bathroom facilities for men and women and a restaurant that serves Earth style food. I'm certainly glad there were enough rooms available so that Minawa-chan and Hamaji-kun can have a room to themselves.
Suguru: (Smiling) I don't think Hamaji-kun would have done very well with all four of us in one bed… especially if you are going to wear that.
Mahoro: Hamaji-kun will get to see one almost like it. Minawa-chan has one like this in blue. Saori gave them to us as a thank you gifts for our help with the wedding. Rin-chan, Miyuki-chan and Chizu-chan received one also. (Holding it up in front of her) What do you think of it?
Suguru: I'm not sure. I think I'll have to see you wearing it to have a proper opinion.
Mahoro: Somehow I thought that might be the case.
Scene fades to the guest quarter's galley. Takara is sitting at a table by herself (head bowed). Shiori and Yaeko enter the galley from the corridor. As they enter Takara looks up, notes their entry and then bows her head again. Shiori and Yaeko look at each other and than walk over to the table where Takara is sitting.
Shiori: Takara-chan, are you all right?
Takara: (Raising her head and smiling weakly) I'm fine. I wasn't ready to go to my room for the night.
Shiori: (Snicker; Shaking head) Takara-chan, has anyone ever told you that you are a lousy liar?
Takara: (Resting her left cheek on her left fist and look up Shiori and Yaeko) Is it really that obvious?
Both Shiori and Yaeko shake their head in the affirmative.
Takara: (Sitting upright) I am such an idiot.
Yaeko: What happened?
Takara: Roka-kun was here. I think he was really trying to be nice to me… and all I could do is yell at him and call him a pervert.
Shiori: What did he say? He didn't do something weird?
Takara: No, he didn't say or do anything weird. Like I said, I think he was really trying to be nice to me. All he said was that if I needed someone to talk to about things, he would be willing to listen… and talk.
Shiori: Was that it?
Takara: (Blushing brightly) Well… he did say that I looked cute wearing the apron. That's really when I blew up at him.
Yaeko: I'm sure he really didn't mean anything bad by that.
Takara: I'm sure he didn't. I'm sure Roka-kun was trying to say something nice to me. That's why I'm such an idiot. I seem to do that a lot… open my mouth without thinking and getting myself into trouble because of it. Just like with Umeko-chan and Slash.
Shiori: Well Slash would not have been my first guess as to who gave the CD to Umeko-chan… and I know Slash.
Takara: But I was so sure of myself… and I was so ready to chastise Umeko-chan for having some kind of illicit relationship. When I keep doing things like that I wonder why anybody would want to be my friend at all. And what do I say to Roka-kun in the morning. I don't know how to apologize to him for the things I said. (Silence) I really wouldn't mind having Roka-kun as my friend.
Yaeko: If Roka-kun really wants to be your friend… he'll understand that you really didn't mean what you said. That it was just the end of a long day. Girls are allowed to be like that. It's part of the rules.
Takara: (Snicker to herself) I hope you're right…
Scene fades to show Kenta in his quarters as he unpacks his bags and places his clothing in the provided footlocker.
A pan of the room indicates that the room is designed to quarter two people, but it is evident that the other living space is unoccupied.
Kenta kneels down to slide his travel bag under the bunk when he hears the sound of the door open behind him. There is a quiet gasp of surprise.
Female Voice: I'm sorry. They didn't tell me that I had been assigned a roommate.
Kenta jumps up and turns to face the voice. The girl looks to be slightly taller than Kenta and slightly older. She has fair skin, blue eyes and almost perfectly white hair. The form-fitting uniform does not hide the fact that she is quite shapely. She is carrying two bags with her.
Kenta: Roommate!
Female: Oh! I'm sorry. I thought you were a girl.
Kenta: No, I'm not a girl… and what do you mean 'roommate'?
Female: (Placing her bags on the unoccupied bed) I just came from my initial briefing and (holding up an official looking document) I was told that this is the cabin that I was assigned to.
Kenta takes the document from the girl and inspects it. Zoom in on document to show the cabin number. Zoom out to show Kenta handing the document back to the girl.
Kenta: (Shaking his head) Sera-chan warned me that something like this might happen.
Female: (Perplexed) Something like what?
Kenta: Don't worry about it. (Walking toward the door) I'll just go and arrange a different cabin for myself.
Female: I don't think that would be a very good idea. I just made it here before curfew. If you're caught out of your quarters after curfew there are severe penalties.
Kenta: Curfew? No one mentioned anything about a curfew to me.
Female: It's for the new pilot candidates until they finish their initial training. Didn't they explain that to you during your initial briefing?
Kenta: I really didn't have a briefing yet. I just arrived here.
Female: I just arrived here also. (Smiling) My name is Kira, daughter of Jon and Yuri, of the seventy-seventh level of City Ship Four.
Kenta: My name is Kenta Ogitsu of Earth.
Kira: (Excited) I'm pleased to meet you Kenta Ogitsu-san of Earth. I've never met anyone from Earth before.
Kenta: Kenta is fine.
Kira: And please call me Kira.
Kenta: Well, Kira-san, it looks as if we are going to be roommates at least for tonight.
Kira: I hadn't realized that this would be a problem.
Kenta: I don't know that much about Saint customs, but on Earth it is not normal for a boy and girl to share a room unless they have a very close relationship… like they are married.
Kira: So sharing a room with me is going to make you uncomfortable?
Kenta: I'll deal with it for tonight. I will stay on my side of the room and try not to blush too much.
Kira: (After a short silence) I'm sorry. When I first came into the room I honestly thought that you were a girl. You are wearing a girl's cadet uniform.
Kenta: I know. Sera-chan was supposed to get me a proper uniform before morning.
Kira: Sera-chan? …
Kenta: Oh! I need to be careful about that. I could end up getting both of us into trouble. I mean Commander Sera.
Kira: You call your commander Sera-chan?
Kenta: Well back on Earth she is kind of my girlfriend.
Kira: So you already have a committed relationship with your commander?
Kenta: I wouldn't necessarily call it a committed relationship, but we do go out on dates… Although I need to be careful how I say that. I think Commander Sera thinks our relationship is rather committed.
Kira: That's too bad. I'll keep that in mind and stay on my side of the room.
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Preview opens showing everyone gathered in the galley eating breakfast. Cut to show Yaeko, Shiori, Takara and Yoko sitting together. Doctor Kasumi joins them. Scene shifts to Takara talking with Roka. Scene cuts to Doctor Kasumi, Yaeko and Shiori sitting around Hana's bed. Scene cuts to Yaeko and Doctor Kasumi are standing next to a couch where Shiori and Hana are sitting. Scene cuts to Mahoro and Suguru, Minawa and Hamaji, Sera and Kenta, Shiori and Yaeko sitting in couches in a flowered field talking with a robed and hooded person who is sitting in a chair.
[Voice Over
Voice of Midori: Well here we are. It's almost time for us to get written out of the story.
Voice of Aoi: What makes you think that?
Voice of Midori: They're letting us do the preview, that's why.
Voice of Aoi: They let Miyuki-chan and Rin-chan and Chizu-chan do previews and they haven't been written out of the story.
Voice of Midori: Whatever. It looks like Takara-chan and Yoko chan have made some new friends.
Voice of Aoi: It's hard to believe that Shiori-chan is the sister of Saori-sensei… but I think the big news is that Takara-chan and Roka-kun look like an item.
Voice of Midori: I can't imagine Takara-chan being an item with any guy… especially Roka-kun.
Voice of Aoi: Well, maybe not an item, but she doesn't seem to be yelling at him that he's a pervert.
Voice of Midori: Give her time. It looks like Ya-chan got to meet with her friend.
Voice of Aoi: Yeah it does, but I thought she was in the hospital. It looks like they're outside somewhere.
Voice of Midori: How could they be outside? We're on a ship out in space.
Voice of Aoi: I don't know, but it looks like Suguru-kun and Mahoro-san are in the same place.
Voice of Midori: And what's this thing with couches. We don't get couches in our rooms.
Voice of Aoi: We don't get fields of flowers either.
Episode 37: Conversations of the Mind
Authors notes:
You may have noticed that my publishing schedule has become somewaht irratic. I apologize. My work load has changed somewhat and for the last four weeks I have been working double shifts (7:30 am to 11:00 pm). This has significantly cut into my writing time (and this stupid thing called sleep is really annoying). Unfortunately this schedule is likely to continue through the end of February. I will continue to write and publish when I can, but the schedule will continue to be irratic. More updates when I have them. Thank you very much for your continued support.
Dr. Memory