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 38: Images and Reflections
Scene fades in to show Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Yaeko, Shiori, Sera and Kenta sitting in pairs on four couches arranged in a circle and Matthew sitting in a single chair positioned between the couch where Mahoro and Suguru and Yaeko and Shiori are sitting. There is a musical sound, which just seems to exist all around them.
Matthew: Ya-chan, you've almost been bursting since you arrived, haven't you? (Turning his body to face Mahoro and Suguru) You asked why I was so certain of the importance of Suguru. Ya-chan can see the reason and I am in no position to tell her that she cannot tell you that reason.
Matthew draws back the hood of his robe revealing his face, which is a perfect image of Suguru (without glasses). Everyone stares in shocked silence.
Cut to the regular theme opening.
Scene open with Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Yaeko, Shiori, Sera and Kenta sitting in quiet shock, staring at what appears to be a perfect copy of Suguru (at least his face).
Suguru: I… I… I don't understand. How is it that you and I look so much alike? Are you and I somehow related?
Matthew: Not in the sense you are thinking. The man who was once Matthew died long ago… longer ago than can be expressed in terms that you would understand. And the image of that man has long been forgotten. What you see, and what you call Matthew is an image created in your minds that represents the collective spirit of what you call Saint.
Mahoro: But why did you choose to appear to us as Suguru?
Matthew: It is not by my choice. I… we… the Spirit of Saint… Matthew… whatever you choose to call it… has no control over your perception of my image.
Suguru: Then why do we all see the same image? Why do you look like me to everyone?
Matthew: Do I? When people look at you, do they all perceive the same image? Or does each person perceive your image differently, but knowing that you are Suguru that is the image they associate with you? If you asked your friends to describe your image, would each describe it exactly the same way?
Hamaji: So if you are only an image, where are we exactly?
Matthew: Your physical body is still standing in the room on the Command Ship. The device you stepped on to could be described as an amplifier of brain wave signals that makes it possible for you to communicate with the Spirit of Saint.
Suguru: But just because we see an image of me when we… perceive you doesn't mean that I'm somehow some important part of what is to happen to the people of Earth and Saint.
Matthew: If that were the case I would agree with you, but there have been others that have perceived the same image. Ask Eimi Shina about a certain sketch by Ya-chan's father… drawn well before you were born.
Yaeko: Are my sketches of Mahoro-san and Ryuga-san the reason that you believe they have some important role in our futures?
Matthew: That… and certain references in the Prophecies.
Mahoro: Matthew, you've mentioned the Prophecies several times now… and Kaito-kun has talked about them also. What are the Prophecies?
Matthew: The Prophecies are stories about the journey of the people of Saint. There are many of them, and different versions of them on different ships. The origin of these stories is lost in time.
Suguru: Is there some record of these prophecies? If I could read them, maybe I could figure out why everyone seems to think that I'm so important.
Matthew: Commander Takashi should be able to provide you with a record of many of the major Prophecies and the stories that Kaito can tell you may be of interest. But many of the Prophecies are vague with regards to the part that this key person is to play… and many are contradictory. Our scholars have spent an enormous effort trying to find the meaning in these stories, but they agree on only a few things.
Suguru: I wouldn't call myself a scholar…
Kenta: Neither would any of your teachers…
Suguru: (Glaring at Kenta; Kenta smiles an innocent smile) …but I would at least like to try to figure out exactly what I'm supposed to be doing.
Matthew: Arrangements will be made for you to get the information… but… it is the belief of Saint and of Vesper that there isn't anything specific you are to accomplish.
Mahoro: If there isn't anything specific Suguru is supposed to do, why is he so important?
Matthew: We don't know… but that is the reason why Saint and Vesper has been only an observer and tried not to interfere with Suguru's life.
Suguru: Is that why Mahoro came to live with me?
Matthew: No… Mahoro made her decision without any knowledge of your part in all of this. It wasn't until after she came to live with you that we realized that she too had a part in all of this… (Mahoro begins to say something but Matthew cuts her off) But what that part is we do not know. It may only to be to stand by Suguru's side in a time of crisis… as it may with all of you.
All sit quietly for a moment
Sera: You mentioned that Kaemisa was consolidating their operations. What exactly do you mean by that?
Matthew: Vesper's attack on the leadership of Kaemisa dealt it a terrible setback… but you must certainly realize that an organization like Kaemisa with its long history cannot be destroyed simply by killing or capturing it's top level of leadership. There will always be someone to move up from the lower ranks of the organization to take their place, with agendas far different from their predecessors… and without the understanding of their former leadership. Three men have taken on this leadership role and are now attempting to move the organization forward to fulfill its purpose… at least as they understand it.
Sera: Are these the men who were responsible for the attack on Kenta-kun?
Shiori: And for the attack on Ya-chan?
Matthew: As far as we have been able to find out from Hana, their attack on you was without any authorization. Her cyborg partner was only trying to find a source of relief for her from her pain. The attack on the students in Suguru's class was indeed the plan of one of those men but before the current consolidation of power occurred.
Mahoro: So the danger to Suguru is even greater now.
Matthew: The danger to Suguru has always been great, especially after Kaemisa realized Suguru's significance.
Sera: Wouldn't it be better if Suguru stayed here on the Command Ship?
Matthew: Of course Suguru would be safer here on the Command Ship… but what about all of his friends… or his friends' families.
Suguru: Matthew is right, Sera-san. Where would it end? Kaemisa would always find some way to attack me. Even if I did want to run and hide there would be no place I could go where they couldn't find some way to hurt me. It just isn't an option.
Hamaji: Then what do you plan to do?
Suguru: Nothing different than I originally planned… Go back to Earth and try to live as normal of a life as I can… (Quiet laugh to himself) knowing that somehow I'm responsible for the fate of the people of Earth and the people of Saint.
Scene fades to the galley where all are seated for dinner. Pan of room shows Mahoro and Minawa (in maid's uniform) are serving dinner. Suguru, Hamaji, Chizu and Kaito are seated at one table. Nayoko, Tori, Umeko, Aoi, Midori, Kioko and Kyoshi are seated at a second (Slash is seated by Umeko's side. Takara, Yoko, Roka, Sachio, Yaeko and Shiori are seated at a third. Pan stops at the third table.
Roka: School won't be all that different than it was on Earth.
Sachio: Other than our class will be bigger. Right now our homeroom will have sixty-two people in it.
Shiori: That is big. Ya-chan and I never had any more that twenty-two in our homeroom.
Yoko: I think the biggest class I ever had was twenty-five… and that was in third grade.
Roka: But other than that, it won't be very much different. They talked about having cultural festivals and the clubs that they have don't sound too different that what we had at our school.
Sachio: Not that we were really members of any of the clubs at out school. All we did was play soccer.
Yaeko: Do they play soccer here on the Command Ship?
Takara: It doesn't sound like they have very many sports at all. I tried to describe field hockey to them but all I got was a blank stare in return.
Yoko: We did get to meet with most of our teachers and each of us was assigned a student partner from our class to help us until we get used to the way things work aboard the ship.
Takara: Yeah… And until school starts we'll have an orientation class each morning and then after lunch we'll meet with our partners and talk about things having to do with living on the Command Ship.
Yaeko: Were the people you met nice?
Yoko: Pretty much. I think we were in awe of each other. Once we get to know each other better though, I think we can be good friends.
Takara: Speaking of friends… How is your friend in the hospital? They whisked us away so quickly after lunch we never had the chance to talk.
Yaeko: Hana is doing better. Hana and Shiori and I had a long talk, but Hana still gets tired very easily.
Yoko: How soon before she'll be able to get out of the hospital?
Yaeko: Doctor Kasumi said that it might be as long as a year before Hana is strong enough to leave the hospital.
Takara: A year! That's such a long time to be stuck in the hospital.
Yaeko: Shiori and I plan to come and visit whenever we can.
Takara: Maybe we could visit with you and Shiori and you could introduce us so we can visit her.
Yaeko and Shiori turn to look at each other for a moment and then turn back to face the rest of the people at the table.
Yaeko: Ahhh… I'm not sure how well that would work out. Her condition might make that difficult.
Takara: It just seems unfair that there won't be anyone to visit with her after you've returned to Earth.
Yaeko: (Sigh) I'll have to talk to Doctor Kasumi about it.
Yaeko and Shiori turn to look at each other and smile uncomfortable smiles. Scene fades to the table where Nayoko, Tori, Umeko, Aoi, Midori, Kioko and Kyoshi are seated.
Tori: So what do you think? Do you think you'll be able to survive until summer break?
Aoi: I don't think it's going to be that tough. The other people from our class seem nice enough.
Kioko: Although they did seem a bit nervous… like they didn't want to say anything that might offend us.
Nayoko: That should go away once you get to know each other better.
Umeko: So what are the prospects of finding a boy friend… for those of you who aren't already married?
Kiyoshi: Kioko and I aren't married…
Umeko: Yet.
Midori: The prospects look really terrible… at least in our class. Of the sixty-some people in the class there are only nineteen boys… and three of those are Kiyoshi, Roka and Sachio.
Tori: That is lousy. I hope that the one's that are there are at least good looking.
Midori: The two we met today weren't bad. Blonde hair… blue eyes… a little taller than me… they look a little like Ryuga-sensei… not bad.
Umeko: Probably already have girlfriends.
Midori: Don't know. I didn't get to that level of questioning yet.
Aoi: We'll get to meet the rest of the class tomorrow. After our orientation in the morning we're going to be issued our uniforms. They're new so everyone from the school will be there to pick them up but our class will be the first one to get them.
Nayoko: Any idea what they look like?
Kiyoshi: No clue, but they have to look better than the uniforms they wear now. Basic drab gray shirt and pants… and the boys and girls wear the same basic uniform.
Midori: You're just hoping that the girls' uniform is an ultra short skirt and tight blouse.
Kiyoshi: And what's wrong with that? A uniform like that shows off Kioko-chan's beautiful figure.
Aoi: Yeah… It would show off our underwear nicely. Personally I wouldn't mind is the boys' uniform looked like Kenta-kun's uniform.
Kioko: That was obscene… in a nice way.
Kiyoshi: Kioko-chan!
Nayoko: What are you two going to do about sleeping arrangements once you move into the regular student quarters? I understand that everyone will have a roommate.
Kioko: I'm not sure. We asked if we could be assigned a room together but they haven't given us an answer.
Tori: I can't believe that they didn't outright tell you no. But I can't believe that your parents are allowing you to room together.
Kioko: I couldn't believe it at first either. When my parents found out how serious our relationship was my mother was going to send me away to live with my aunt. Then… about a week before school started, I came down for breakfast and I found my mother crying in the kitchen. She gave me a big hug and kiss. It was almost like she wasn't going to let go of me. When I asked her what was wrong, she just looked at me and hugged me again.
Umeko: Did something happen between your mother and father?
Kioko: Not as far as I can tell. After that she never mentioned sending me away again… and when we asked about sharing a room on the trip here, she didn't say anything. She didn't say yes… but she didn't say no either.
Midori: That is weird. Kiyoshi-kun, what did your parents have to say about it?
Kiyoshi: My father laid it out very simply to both of us. If Kioko-chan gets pregnant, taking care to Kioko-chan and the baby will be fully my responsibility. I am to expect no help from my family.
ToriWell that's putting it bluntly. So what are you two doing to make sure that doesn't happen?
Kioko: We're being very careful.
Kiyoshi: Actually, no matter what people may think… we haven't actually done it since the time at the resort.
Aoi: So you two actually have done it.
Kioko: Just that once… but after that I was so afraid that I was pregnant… especially after I was… late… well… we decided that it wasn't worth the worry no matter how nice it felt.
Kioko puts her arm around Kiyoshi and hugs him as the scene fades to show Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Chizu and Kaito sitting together at the dinner table.
Chizu: I go for the first series of tests tomorrow morning before breakfast. They need to do some tests after I haven't eaten for twelve hours.
Hamaji: Do you actually think you'll be able to go that long without eating?
Chizu backhands Hamaji's shoulder.
Chizu: Very funny.
Kaito: I'm sure it will be a challenge, but I'm sure she'll be able to do it.
Chizu backhands Kaito's shoulder as well.
Mahoro: (To Hamaji and Kaito) Be nice to Chizu-chan. This is all very difficult for her. (To Chizu) Chizu-chan, I'll make sure I make one of your favorites for breakfast tomorrow.
Chizu: Will you? Oh thank you Mahoro-san!
Chizu's eyes glaze at the thought of a huge sumptuous breakfast.
Suguru: When will you know the results of the tests?
Chizu: Tomorrow is only the first set. The rest of the tests will be the day after tomorrow, but Doctor Kasumi said that I should know the results of the tests before we leave for Earth. Minawa-chan, when do you go for your tests?
Minawa: I already went for the first of my tests this morning and I'll have to go again tomorrow and the day after. My remaining implants don't seem to be causing any problems but they want to run some additional tests to make sure. The doctors did say that I'd probably have to come back for checkups until I stop growing. I'm seven centimeters taller than I was after the surgery… and my bust measurement is four centimeters larger.
Suguru: I'm sure that makes Hamaji-kun happy.
Hamaji: I'm happy that Mi-chan is healthy. That's all that really matters.
Minawa: (Putting her arm around Hamaji and squeezing him) But the fact that my boobs are bigger doesn't hurt… does it?
Hamaji: (Blushing) No… no… that doesn't hurt at all. (Hugging Minawa in return) It doesn't hurt at all.
Cut to entryway into the galley. Sera, Kenta and Kira enter, all dressed in appropriate pilot's uniforms. Kira is walking behind Sera and Kenta. They walk to the table where Mahoro, Suguru, Minawa, Hamaji, Chizu and Kaito are sitting. All at the table stand to greet the newcomers.
Sera: Sorry we're late, Mahoro-san but Commander Takashi insisted he confirm the orders himself. He wasn't exactly pleased.
Mahoro: Commander Takashi doesn't seem to be pleased with anything. I'm sure he'll be more than happy to see us return to Earth.
Sera: (Laughing) I think the only thing that will make him happier is when Commander Leesha returns to the Command Ship. If I may I'd like to introduce our guest. (Stepping slightly to the side) This is Pilot Cadet Kira. She has just been assigned to the Earth Detachment of the Saint Exploratory Command and will be returning to Earth with us.
Mahoro: (Bowing) I'm very pleased to meet you. I am Mahoro Andou.
Kira: (Bowing; Quiet) I'm pleased to meet you.
Sera: And this is Suguru Misato (Suguru bows)… Minawa Andou (Minawa bows)… Chizu Oe and Kaito (both bow)… and Hamaji Hamaguchi (bows)
Kira: I'm very pleased to meet all of you.
Mahoro: Please have a seat. Would you like something to eat?
Kenta: (As he sits; enthusiastically) You have some dinner left?
Hamaji: Mahoro-san cooked dinner tonight. Of course there is dinner left. (Mahoro glares at Hamaji) Well it's true, isn't it?
Mahoro: There's plenty to eat, Kenta-kun. Sera-san… Kira-san… would like something to eat?
Sera: Of course I would.
Mahoro exits to the kitchen.
Kira: (Looking questioningly at Sera and Kenta) I just ate with the other pilots, but…
Kenta: Sit down and have some real food to eat. I can't think of words to describe how bad the food we had tasted.
Sera: I can, but I won't use those kinds of words in polite company.
Kaito: Ah, it sounds like their cooking is improving if you could actually discern a taste.
Sera: It hasn't improved. Kenta-kun's taste buds just haven't become numb to the flavor yet… (Mahoro returns with tray with food for Sera, Kenta and Kira) But it looks like we won't have to suffer with eating it much longer. Commander Takashi has decided that the pilots of the Earth Detachment should have separate quarters from the other pilots, so we'll be moving out tomorrow and we'll be able to take our meals with you.
Mahoro: (Setting the food in front of Sera, Kenta and Kira) You're welcome to eat with us but I don't think there are any available rooms left in this area.
Sera: Commander Leesha assured us that Commander Takashi would find appropriate quarters for the three of us.
Suguru: You contacted my grandmother?
Kenta: Commander Takashi did. She wasn't at all pleased. She let Commander Takashi know that she did not appreciate having her bath disturbed… Oh, by the way, Miyuki-chan says hello and she asked if Hamaji-kun was in a better mood than when he left.
Silence. Hamaji scowls.
Suguru: Speaking of quarters… Where will Kira-san stay once we get back to Earth?
Sera: Kira-san will be staying with me… at least for now… in the spare room.
Hamaji: Spare room?
Sera: Now that my brother is married, he's moved into Saori-san's apartment… Although he won't know that until he and his bride get back from their honeymoon. I moved him out as soon as they left on their trip.
Mahoro: You moved him into Saori's apartment? Where did you find room for all of his junk? Saori's apartment isn't all that big.
Sera: I found room, but it's going to be cozy in there until he throws out some of his trash. Although I don't think they'll mind the coziness… at least for a little while.
There is general laughter from everyone at the table including Kira (although somewhat reserved).
Cut to mid show break.
Scene opens with Kira standing in the hallway next to a living quarters door. She stands there for a moment, moves to activate a control by the door, but hesitates. After taking a deep breath she presses the control and a quiet beeping sound is heard. After a few seconds, the door slides open with Yaeko standing in the doorway.
Kira: (Quiet and reserved) I'm sorry to intrude on you. I hope on not disturbing you.
Yaeko: No, please come in. We've been expecting you.
Yaeko gestures for Kira to enter. Scene shifts to show the interior of the quarters. Shiori, who is sitting in a chair, stands up as Kira enters.
Yaeko: We didn't get much of a chance to talk at dinner. I'm Yaeko Nishimura although everyone calls me Ya-chan.
Shiori: (Stepping up to Kira) I'm Shiori Shikijo. Just call me Shiori. I'm one of Ya-chan's friends.
Kira: (Quietly) I'm pleased to meet you. I am Cadet Kira. Commander Sera said that it would be good if we talked.
Yaeko: I'm still not used to hearing Sera-san referred to as Commander Sera. Please sit and make yourself comfortable.
Yaeko indicates the three chairs where Shiori had been sitting before. There is a low table upon which is a tray with a pot of tea and three teacups. Kira sits first followed by Yaeko and Shiori (to either side of Kira)
Yaeko: Would you like some tea? I just made this. I'm not as good at making tea as Mahoro-san, but I don't think it will harm you.
Kira: Thank you very much.
Yaeko pours tea, first for Kira, then for Shiori and then for herself. There is an extended silence while each takes an initial taste of the tea.
Kira: You don't give yourself enough credit. This is very good.
Yaeko: Thank you. (Yaeko takes another sip) You do understand why Sera-san though it would be good for us to talk?
Kira: Commander Sera said that you would understand about my condition… the fact that I'm somewhat sensitive to the neural signals produced by other people.
Yaeko: The fact that you can hear what other people are thinking… if you want to. I have the same condition.
Kira: (Puzzled look) But… but you're from Earth.
Yaeko: At least one of my father's parents was Saint. I inherited the condition from him.
Kira: (Turning to Shiori) And you have the same condition?
Shiori: No, I'm just a normal Earthling. Ya-chan uses me as a Guinea Pig to test her abilities.
Kira: (Looking completely dumbfounded) I… I… don't understand.
Yaeko: It's an Earth term. Shiori and I have done some experimenting with my ability. Mostly it lets us talk about things that we don't want other people to hear.
Kira: (To Shiori) And Yaeko-san's condition doesn't concern you.
Shiori: Not really… once I got used to it. It was a little freaky at first, but now talking with her that way feels far more natural.
Kira: (To Yaeko) And your condition doesn't bother the other people you know?
Yaeko: Not all that many people know about my ability… Not all that many people know that I'm part Saint. But I don't go around making an effort to listen to what other people are thinking so it really doesn't matter. I've gotten blocking out the noise pretty much down to a science so it only bothers me when I really let myself get tired.
Kira: You don't have any problem with noise? I still have trouble blocking out all of it… (Long silence) But it's so quiet here.
Yaeko: That's because I'm actively blocking both Shiori and myself.
Kira: You can do that?
Yaeko: It's only a small extension of blocking for yourself.
Kira: I'm amazed. And I'm amazed that you and your friend are so comfortable with your condition. (Forcing a smile) It's not like that among our people.
Yaeko: I got that feeling.
Kira: That's probably the reason I was assigned to the Earth Detachment. Commander Takashi didn't want to have to deal with me and the problems associated with having me around.
Yaeko: I don't know about that, but Matthew seemed to be very enthusiastic about you becoming a pilot and coming to Earth with us.
Kira: (Shock and astonishment) You've spoken to Matthew about me?
Yaeko: This afternoon… he seemed quite impressed with your piloting abilities… and he asked me to help you work with your other abilities.
Kira: I… I don't quite know what to say.
Yaeko: Hey, don't worry about it. Anything I can do to help.
Kira: May I ask you some things about some of the people I met and about Earth?
Yaeko: I'll help you as much as I can.
Kira: I know that Commander Sera is an android so the thought patterns I detect from her are different, but I also detected a similar pattern from the one you call Mahoro…
Yaeko: That's because Mahoro-san is also an android. She was a combat android for Vesper.
Shiori: Now she's Suguru-kun's fiancée.
Kira: And I believe I heard the person you call Suguru call Commander Leesha his grandmother?
Shiori: That's right. When Leesha-san was stranded on Earth, she married Suguru-kun's grandfather. Leesha-san is Suguru-kun's mother's mother.
Kira: So Suguru-kun is also part Saint?
Yaeko: Yeah, but he doesn't have our level of ability with hearing what other people are thinking.
Kira: And about Earth… Will I have to register because of my condition?
Yaeko: What do you mean by register?
Kira: Everyone that has my condition must be registered at birth and when you move from ship to ship that information moves with you.
Yaeko: No, there isn't any registration like that on Earth. If you don't want people to know about it, you don't tell them. Kaito-kun can tell you more about his experiences when he and his brother first came to Earth. I guess it did take some adjusting.
Shiori: Or you can talk to any of the people at the embassy. They're all very nice.
Kira: Thank you… (Silence) May I ask you about one other thing?
Yaeko: Sure.
Kira: It's about Commander Sera and Cadet Kenta… Are they really boy friend and girl friend on Earth?
Shiori: You could say that. They do spend a lot of time together.
Yaeko: Although it's not like they're sleeping together. They just like each other a lot.
Kira: And Cadet Kenta realizes that Commander Sera is an android?
Yaeko: Yes, he realizes that Sera-san is an android… Just like Suguru-kun realizes that Mahoro-san is an android.
Shiori: And my sister realizes that her new husband is an android.
Kira: Your sister's husband is…
Shiori: Is Sera-san's brother Ryuga-san. Hey, I never thought of that… Sera-san is my sister in law now.
Yaeko: Kira-san, why do you ask?
Kira: It's just that… I'm sure you know that I was assigned as Cadet Kenta's roommate.
Yaeko: (Broad smile) No, I didn't. That had to have been a bit uncomfortable.
Kira: Normally it wouldn't be an issue. It's not unusual for unmarried men and women to share quarters in the Saint Exploratory Command. I was warned about that when I signed up. Pilots are expected to maintain a professional relationship under such circumstances. If a personal relationship develops, that is strictly between the people involved… But I think I have put Cadet Kenta in an uncomfortable circumstance. Commander Sera did not look pleased when she found out about it this morning. I think Cadet Kenta is a very nice young man and I don't want to cause any trouble for him… not only with his girl friend, but also with his commanding office.
Shiori: From what I heard during the trip here, the "commander" thing is only while they are on the Command Ship. Sera-san much prefers being addressed less formally. And as long as nothing went on between you two last night, Sera-san will understand the situation. Kenta-kun and Sera-san are at least that good of friends.
Kira: Does Cadet Kenta know about my condition?
Yaeko: Kenta-kun was part of our meeting with Matthew and the topic was discussed both during the meeting and after. I'm sure he understands the situation.
Kira: I'm afraid though that that may make our sharing a room even more difficult.
Scene fades to show Mahoro and Suguru sitting in their room (Mahoro is sitting on the bed, still wearing her maid's uniform, and Suguru in a chair)
Mahoro: Maybe Sera-san is right. Maybe it would be best if you stayed here on the Command Ship… at least until Vesper can determine what Kaemisa is actually planning and what can be done to prevent it.
Suguru: We've gone over this before. Kaemisa will always be planning something. And having me stay on the Command Ship isn't going to stop that. One way or another… directly or indirectly… they will find some way to get at me… whether I'm on Earth or on the Command Ship or on the other side of the Galaxy. It seems that the sequence of events is going to run its course no matter what anybody tries to do about it… And I just will have to live with that.
Mahoro: But I don't want to see you hurt.
Suguru: (Smiling) I know… I don't want to see me hurt either… but I'm sure that with you and my friends and Vesper and Saint and Matthew watching out for me, I'll be fine. I'm more concerned about all of the talk about prophecies and my role in all of it. (Laughing) It's not easy being the singularly the most important person in the entire universe.
Mahoro: It's not funny. It's very serious.
Suguru: I know… I know… but if I don't laugh about it, it will drive me completely crazy. And having you by my side makes me feel completely safe.
Suguru stands up and walks to the bed and sits next to Mahoro
Mahoro: I will always be by your side. You know I would willingly give my life to prevent you from being hurt.
Suguru: I know. You've already done that once for me. I don't want you to ever have to do that again.
Suguru puts his arm around Mahoro, hugs her and then kisses her on the lips.
Suguru: This is the second time we've talked with Matthew and now I have even more questions than I had before.
Mahoro: He didn't really answer any of the questions we came to ask.
Suguru: He's very good at putting off peoples' questions. And every time we talk to him we end up taking someone back to Earth with us.
Mahoro: Kira-san seems to be nice enough… although I don't think Sera-san was happy with the sleeping arrangements.
Suguru: Well, would you be happy if it was me instead of Kenta-kun?
Mahoro: (Smiling; putting her arm around Suguru and hugging him) You know the answer to that. I wouldn't be happy about it but I would trust you to behave yourself… (Kisses Suguru on the cheek) So, is there anything special you'd like to do tonight?
Suguru: Nothing really. The meeting with Matthew tired me out. I think I ready to go to bed. Is there something special you wanted to do tonight?
Mahoro: No… going to bed sounds like a really nice idea… Is there anything special you'd like to do once we do that?
Suguru: No… but it sounds like you do.
Mahoro: (Taking off Suguru's glasses) I just want to make you feel relaxed.
Suguru: And how do you plan to do that?
Mahoro: (Unbuttoning Suguru's shirt) I can think of a couple of ways.
Suguru: You can, can you? How might that be?
Mahoro: (Removing Suguru's shirt and then kissing him on the lips and then on the neck) It might be better to show you rather than explaining.
As the scene fades to black Mahoro kisses Suguru on the shoulder and then at the top of his chest.
Suguru: It would now, would it? (Giggles) That tickles!
Mahoro: That's good… It's supposed to.
Scene fades to Yaeko and Shiori entering the galley. Shiori is carrying a tray with a teapot and three teacups on it. As they enter they see Takara, who is sitting at one of the tables by herself. Takara seems to be daydreaming, but the entry of Yaeko and Shiori breaks her from her reverie.
Takara: Oh… hi
Shiori: Hi… (Looking around) Where is everyone else?
Takara: I'm not really sure. I fell asleep in my room after dinner and when I woke up no one was around. Rather than head off on my own and get lost I decided to come here and see if anyone showed up.
Yaeko: If they went exploring I'm surprised that no one tried to wake you up.
Takara: I'm not. I don't exactly have a history of being a fun person to be with… (forcing a smile) especially if the girls went out to check out the guys on the ship.
Shiori: Any idea where Roka-kun and Sachio-kun are? They didn't go to check out the guys with the girls?
Takara: (Smiling and almost breaking out into a laugh) I don't think so, but I really don't have any idea where they are. So what have you been doing? It looks as if you were entertaining.
Yaeko: We were asked to work with the new exchange student to Earth.
Takara: I really didn't get to talk with her at dinnertime but she seemed nice… but very nervous and quiet.
Yaeko: Kira-san just found out this afternoon that she was going to be going to Earth with us. She's still in shock.
Takara: She probably feels the same way I did when I found out that I was going to be coming here. Is she going to be going to school with you?
Yaeko: Probably, but she is also training to be a pilot so she'll be working with Sera-san and Kenta-kun.
Takara: She really is pretty… (Silence) Would you like some help with that?
Shiori: It's just three teacups and a teapot. This won't take any time at all.
Takara: (Standing) That's OK. I've been sitting here long enough and I'm really bored to tears, so even washing dishes sounds exciting.
Shiori: Don't let Mahoro-san hear you say that or you'll be washing dishes until she leaves.
Yaeko, Shiori and Takara walk toward the kitchen door and enter the kitchen. Scene cuts to show them entering the kitchen and walking toward the sink. Shiori sets the tray on the counter while Yaeko turns on the water, which steams immediately.
Takara: (Finding the dish soap) Are you going to go and see your friend tomorrow?
Yaeko: If we can… if she isn't too tired from our visit today. But if Hana is up to it I was planning to visit.
Takara: (Silence while she pours some to the dish soap into the steaming water and suds appear) I was just wondering if… you were to go and see her tomorrow if I could come with you.
Yaeko: I'm… I'm not sure how well that would work out… I mean… don't you have orientation tomorrow in the morning and I thought I heard that you were going to be getting your uniforms in the afternoon.
Takara: (Turning off the water) Well, maybe tomorrow won't work out… unless we could go after dinner. I don't think I'll have anything to do after dinner tomorrow. Maybe we could take some dinner to your friend.
Yaeko: (Looking nervously at Shiori) I… I don't know when I would be going. I have to make the arrangements with Doctor Kasumi first, so it might not even work out for tomorrow.
Takara: If it doesn't work out for tomorrow, it could be any time… (Voice becomes quieter) Unless you… don't want me to… come along.
Yaeko: It's not that. It's just that the situation with Hana is very difficult to explain… because of what Kaemisa did to her. It makes communicating with Hana somewhat difficult.
Takara: I understand. And even if I can only sit with her at least she won't be alone. It's a terrible thing to be alone… (bows head) … I know.
Yaeko turns and looks at Shiori. Takara raises her head.
Takara: There… you're doing it.
Takara's voice startles both Yaeko and Shiori.
Yaeko: Doing what?
Takara: Talking to each other without saying anything.
Shiori: Ahhh…
Takara: I really do believe that you know what each other are thinking. (Smiling) I really do envy your relationship. I wish I could know someone so well that we could know what the other is thinking and how the other is feeling. Knowing when they are feeling good and when they hurt. That has to be the type of relationship you have with Hana-chan.
Yaeko: Takara-chan, it's not as simple as all of that. In fact it is very complicated. You might not be comfortable knowing how complicated it is.
Takara: I've spent most of my life with things that I am uncomfortable with. One more thing won't make any difference to me… and if it means that your friend can have someone she can have visit her then it's worth a bit of discomfort.
Yaeko turns to look at Shiori.
Shiori: It's your choice.
Yaeko turns to face Takara.
Yaeko: Takara-chan, you know I'm not… normal.
Takara: You're like Suguru-kun. One of your grandparents was Saint.
Yaeko: It's a little more than that. You know that most people from Saint are… sensitive to other peoples' feeling and emotions.
Takara: I've heard Yasou-kun talk about it. I don't understand how, but I'll take his word for it,
Yaeko: Well, I inherited a similar ability from my father, but my ability far more sensitive. (Takara looks at Yaeko with a puzzled look) If I don't block it I can actually hear and see what other people are thinking.
Takara: How do you mean?
Yaeko closes her eyes for a moment and then opens them again and looks at Takara.
Yaeko: You're wearing white panties with pink hearts on them. You're concerned that the bras you brought with you might end up being too tight before the summer break and you have a chance to get more from Earth. You'd like to know if there is some way you can get power for your DVD player so you can watch the movies you brought with you. You really like Roka-kun because you can talk to him without feeling threatened but you're worried that any kind of close relation might be difficult because of… because of your… (Takara's eyes widen as do Yaeko's) Oh my! … Oh my! … Takara-chan… (Yaeko gulps) Takara-chan I'm so sorry. (Yaeko extends her arms to Takara and walks to her and embraces her) I'm so very sorry.
Takara begins to weep openly in Yaeko's embrace as Shiori looks on.
Scene fades to show Sera and Kenta walking side by side in the hallway in the pilots' quarter's area.
Kenta: It would have been better if Commander Takashi could have arranged for our new rooms for tonight.
Sera: Commander Takashi won't be any hurry to do much of anything. And tomorrow will be fine. We can move our gear after we get back from our morning training mission.
Kenta: Are we going to use the trainers again?
Sera: No… tomorrow morning we'll use my ship and then I'll take Kira-san out in a trainer in the afternoon.
Kenta: What am I supposed to do tomorrow afternoon?
Sera: You're going to use the simulator aboard my ship to practice ground landings on Earth with a trainer. You'll probably hard land the first three or four times you try it, but you and Kira-san will need to learn to do that for your training on Earth.
Kenta: We're taking a trainer back to Earth with us?
Sera: Two of them… if I can figure out how to fit them into the hold with all of the other stuff that's there.
Sera and Kenta stop walking by the door to Kenta's quarters.
Kenta: I guess this is goodnight.
Sera: I guess it is.
Kenta: I don't understand why I can't stay in your room and let Kira-san have this room to her self.
Sera: You heard the Commander. He isn't going to budge on that until we are officially no longer under his direct command and that won't happen until morning at the staff meeting. Is there a problem?
Kenta: I just feel uncomfortable sharing the room with Kira-san.
Sera: Why? Because Kira-san will know immediately if you have any kind of perverted thought?
Kenta: No it's not that. I'm not comfortable sharing a room with a girl that I don't have a close relationship with… But… I hadn't thought about that. She will know, won't she?
Sera: (Smiling) I don't know. You'll have to ask her. (Looking up and down the hallway and then cautiously gives Kenta a kiss on the cheek) Have a good night's sleep… and don't dream about anything too perverted.
Sera gives Kenta another kiss and then walks away leaving Kenta standing outside his quarters. He hesitates for a moment and then presses the control to open the door to his room. He realizes too late that he should have checked first to see if Kira was in the room and was dressed.
Kira (much to Kenta's relief) is sitting on her bed, under the covers, reading information from a small handheld computer.
Kenta: I'm sorry. I should have checked first to make sure you were dressed.
Kira: That's all right. I've been reading information about Earth since I got back from meeting with… ahhh… Ya-chan and Shiori-chan. How was your evening with Commander Sera?
Kenta: We spent most of it with Commander Takashi. It was not pleasant.
Kira: He wouldn't let you stay in Commander Sera's quarters tonight?
Kenta: He wouldn't even consider it. He said that it would be grossly improper for me to share a room with Sera-chan, but there isn't a problem with me sharing a room with you.
Kira: That's because Commander Sera is your commanding officer. It has nothing to do with the fact that Commander Sera is a woman. That's just the mindset of people in military services.
Kenta goes to his locker and takes out his bedclothes and walks toward the door.
Kenta: I'll go to the shower room to get changed.
Kira: You don't have to do that. I don't mind if you change here.
Kira returns to studying her "computer book". Kenta looks at her and then starts to unfasten his uniform, with his back to Kira.
Kira: By the way, yes I can hear what you are thinking. My panties are pink. My bust size is ninety-six centimeters. It was a good guess. I do sleep in the nude when I'm not sharing a room… and no, I won't think you're a pervert if you don't face the wall while you sleep.
Kenta freezes at Kira's words and Kira begins to snicker.
Cut to closing theme
Preview:
Preview opens with Mahoro (dressed in her maid's uniform) standing over Suguru, who is still asleep in bed. Scene shifts to shows Chizu, Kaito, Minawa, Hamaji and Suguru seated together at a table. Chizu does not look well. Scene cuts to the bridge of Sera's ship. Kenta is seated in the co-pilot's seat and Kira is seated in the pilot's seat. Sera is standing behind Kira's seat looking over Kira's shoulder at the controls. Cut to Kenta blushing. Scene cuts to show Takara and Roka talking to each other in Roka's quarters.
[Voice Over
Voice of Aoi: Awww. Isn't that cute. I wonder if that's how Mahoro-san wakes Suguru-kun every morning.
Voice of Midori: I'm sure that Mahoro-san has some far more interesting ways to wake up Suguru-kun that we can't show in the previews.
Voice of Aoi: You're starting to sound more and more like Takara-chan.
Voice of Midori: Chizu-chan doesn't look well this morning. I wonder if it has something to do with the tests she's having done.
Voice of Aoi: I think it has more to do with the fact she hasn't eaten in the last two hours. I don't know how she does it. If I ate as much as she does, I'd be as big as the Command Ship.
Voice of Midori: It looks like that new exchange student has started her training with Sera-san.
Voice of Aoi: I think Sera-san is happier now that Kenta-kun and the exchange student aren't roommates any more.
Voice of Midori: I don't know. Look at the way Kenta-kun is blushing. I wonder if something lewd happened between her and Kenta-kun last night.
Voice of Aoi: There you go again… sounding just like Takara-chan.
Voice of Midori: Speaking of Takara-chan. Isn't that her in Roka-kun's room? I told you that there is something going on between them.
Voice of Aoi: You told me…
Episode 39: Do You Think I'm Pretty?