Author's Notes- Alas, my muse has left me for awhile. (If you didn't know, my muse is a drunk, high, perverted whore and she loves to inspire me when I need it ^_^) This installment is a bit more interesting than that last sappy episode (sorry once again) but right now, I'm letting you learn the characters, and I'm taking my sweet time. Don't you worry- it will get interesting, I promise.


I knew you'd be late. Zane smiled as she threw her luggage into the cargo area.

Oh be quiet. Anah told him, smiling. She was notorious for being tardy for about eighty percent of all her classes.

They met up with Laila and Christopher and boarded the shuttle. Inside there were eight seats, four on each side. Anah noticed that a large table could be pulled down in front of the seats and thought that perhaps this shuttle was used for meetings while traveling in diplomatic missions.

She set down her backpack and took a seat. Laila helped shut the heavy door as Christopher headed to the cockpit. Laila wiped her gloved hands and smiled. All settled? I'm gonna hang with Chris and Joey up front for awhile. I'll be back in about an hour.

They nodded, and soon after, the shuttle took off. The five of them sat in silence. Jei was sitting in the far left seat on the side across from Anah, listening to very loud music on his earphones. Ray Li was sitting next to him, his eyes closed and his legs crossed. Anah guessed he was doing a meditation of some sort. Zane was staring out the window, looking at the Victorian colony as it got smaller and smaller as they sped away. Namari had pulled out his sketchbook and was obviously sketching something. So finally, Anah got out her laptop and began typing Corrine an e-mail.

Zane turned around, realizing he could no longer see the colony that had been his home for five years. He sighed. After a long and awkward silence, he broke it and asked, Hey Namari, whatcha drawing?

Namari looked up at him and turned a shade of red. Just... drawings. He held up his sketchbook to reveal a very accurate sketch of Jei, complete with headphones.

Wow! Did you just draw that?! That's really good! Zane exclaimed.

Namari turned a bit redder. I drew Ray Li before you boarded the shuttle. He turned the page back and held that up as well. Anah glanced over and saw a very well-done sketch of Ray Li. Namari had even captured Ray Li's ever-present pretentious look.

Can I see your sketchbook? Would you mind? You seem to have a lot of talent! Zane told him excitedly. He came over and sat in the empty seat between Anah and Namari.

I figured I should probably draw the four of you, seeing that I'll be around you all a lot. Namari added.

Anah smiled as she heard Zane gush over the rest of Namari's artwork. Suddenly, a loud sound errupted from the front deck, making Anah jump and Jei laugh at her.

A large screen lowered from somewhere on the ceiling and turned to face them. It flickered, and a young man's face appeared. He had dark hair that ended just over his ears and something electronic-looking on his forehead.

He asked. He squinted a bit to see them better. What the... oh right! The recruiting mission! I completely forgot! He grinned, and added, I'll meet you all in a minute, could you get Laila Corley for me please? He was very handsome and spoke with a clear English accent that made Anah want to melt.

Zane told him and headed to the front deck. Within minutes, Laila and Christopher walked out behind him.

Laila faced the screen. Oh hey, Mason! She smiled. What's up?

He shook his head. Too much. Not too big a deal, but there are some... well, difficulties that have arised.

The Moirai? Laila asked him with a serious tone in her voice.

You guessed it. We've got one of them here. They're trying to discuss something about colonial borders and claims. He sighed. We still don't know if they're siding with the Zodiac... it's so hard to tell. They all hide their feelings so well. Especially the one we have here now.

Which one?

I think she said her name was Chimera. She's very nice, but... He sighed again. It's so hard to tell.

Any more problems with the Zodiac? Christopher asked him, hands crossed.

Not right now. It seems Aletia has backed off for awhile. Either that or she's plotting something new.

That would be awful. Especially with the Moirai around. They could be spies for all we know! Laila interjected.

Mason said with finality. He then turned his attention to the five teens that sat, looking confused, behind his two officers. So who're the new guys? He smiled.

Laila laughed. Actually we have a girl here, so they're not all guys! This is Anah Barton, our expert fighter. Give her a weapon, and she's practically invincible! She gently pushed Anah forward, making her blush.

Mason nodded. Good, we need one of those! She turned even redder.

And this is Zane Marquise. He has the best skill in piloting. Christopher motioned toward Zane.

Ah, yes. Zechs' grandson. I've heard a lot of great things about you. Glad to have you on. Mason told him. Zane grinned.

And Namari Roku over there is the best mechanic ever. He can fix almost anything. Laila smiled, knowing it would embarrass him.

No I can't. Namari mumbled, with a smile.

And I don't need an introduction. You know me. Ray Li told him, standing up proudly.

A smile danced in Mason's eyes. Our leader's little grandson. How could I forget?

I'm not little! Ray Li said, trying not to smile.

Of course not.

Christopher then noticed Jei was still nodding his head to music and pushed him in front of Mason. Jei's our little troublemaker. The badass, so to speak. He told him.
Jei nodded proudly and hung his headphones around his neck.

Great! We need one of them too! Excellent! Mason clapped his hands. I'm so glad we got good ones this time... last time we came back with Laila and Ivan!

Laila laughed. If I were there, I'd pound you!

Oh sure you would. You're our diplomatic officer, remember? He said mockingly.

Uh, well... I'd have Anah beat you for me! She told him. Anah laughed.

He shook his head and smiled. Okay, whatever you say. Anyway, I'm sending you these images... teach them who everyone is, okay?

Sure thing.

Hold on a second. I'm gonna make sure my new assistant, Jonesson does this right... he's been messing up my master computer lately. He turned to his right and pointed saying, Yeah, I already put them there... pull out that thing. Okay... yeah.

All of a sudden, he doubled over and clamped his hand on the device on his forehead. The five teens and officers stared, suprised. He looked as if he were in immense pain. Gasping for breath he shouted, Not... that one!... I'm... con... connected to... that one! It's... th-the one next... to it! They heard an off-screen voice call, I got it! They're sent!

Plug... the... o-other... one in! Mason yelled at him. He did so, Mason, out of breath and still holding the device on his forehead, raised his head. Are you trying to kill me or something? I thought I told you about that! He turned his attention to the others. So sorry. He gingerly touched his forehead and attempted to maintain normal breathing. That really hurt. Nothing like searing pain jolting through your head. It's just wonderful.

What happened? Anah asked curiously.

"Well..." He began, then stopped abruptly. "Oh never mind. I suppose I'll explain when you get here. Or better yet, have Laila explain. I can't think straight at the moment."

Laila nodded. You're okay?

He sighed, still touching his forhead. For now, yes. But I probably will need some rest before negotiating with the Moirai again. Wouldn't want to collapse during a meeting, now would I?

She smiled and nodded. Get some rest. I'll talk to Jonesson when I get there, alright?

Thank you. So, show them the images and explain who everyone is. We'll take care of the rest of the training when they arrive.

Alright. See you then, Mason. Feel better!