Chapter 6: An Unexpected Visit

The friends made it back to the star port in an hour. Captain Panaka was there to greet them, "Ah, Miori just in time," he bowed at Miori.

"We're going to depart now," said the captain walking towards his ship with them." Have you enjoyed your brief visit on Mars?" he asked Miori walking beside him.

"Yes, thank you," said Miori. " I have received word from the High Command," he said looking forward still keeping in pace with Miori strides.

"What did they say?" she asked looking at the captain.

He stopped hesitating and the others looked at him waiting, " They said that we have no proof that this cult exist nor if it is a real threat," he said flatly.

"Not a threat? More than 60 people died during the raid and they said it is not a threat?" cried Miori angrily.

The captain sighted, "I know you mean well madam Miori but the military can't just spend their resources looking for a cult which does not exist and they need the approvals from

the U.N. before conducting investigations," he bowed apologetically. " But people are dying, how could they not see this? We have to nip this cult at the bud before it grows

or it will be difficult to stop --, ". Captain Panaka held up his hand in an asking her to be patient manner, " I know, but it seems to be beyond my power.

I just hope that their failed attack is enough to lower their moral and will cause them to wane and disperse," he said.

Miori was bit her lip considering other options until finally the captain gave in, "All right, I'll do what I can but I cannot make any promises," he said goodbye and went to his ship.

Miori felt a hand on her shoulder, "Miori there is nothing else we can do except to hope," said Bryan. "Let's go," taking Miori's hand he led

her back to the RS-002 and the rest of the group followed.

Miori was reading in the ships library when she was interrupted from a tap on her shoulder, " Just to let you know we will be docking at Earth's spaceport

in half an hour, be prepared, " said Sarah. Miori smiled, " I will be there soon," she assured her. It has been a week since their departure from Mars and there is nothing much

to do but continued their research on the Pexis that is making a little progress. They have now uncovered an estimate of 5% of the structure.

She never mentioned about the visions that the pedestal had shown to her friends thinking it would be a little use.

For the moment she put it behind her mind. From one of the windows of the ships library she could see the metal platform of the star port that is slowly approaching then she left

to her quarters to pick up her things . She hoped Japan had everything ready at the research facility in Tokyo as she had just received an encrypted message 3 days ago

saying that they are willing to decode the Pexis structure using their latest supercomputer technology and they have also escorts waiting to guide Miori's team when she arrives.

The friends except Jack were waiting at the main door for the ship to dock.

Jack had told them earlier that regretted that he wouldn't be able to join them because he was reassigned to another post.

When RS-002 bay doors opened Miori could see 3 men dressed in white coats walking towards them. " Konichiwa Miori-san," said the one in the middle, "Watashi name

Kagami Toyorama," seeing the confused look on Sarah and Alexis he smiled, "Gomen, I forgot we've got foreigners here," he bowed in greeting.

Miori bowed back, "These are my accomplices Geuki Han," he indicated the person standing to his left, "and Isugi Kion.

Madam if you will follow us we will escort you to the shuttle bound for Japan," he turned to lead the way.

"Wait what about the Pexis?" asked Sarah. "Don't worry we are handling it," said Geuki pointing at the window.

Sarah could see a few people in space suits guiding the Pexis containment into a cargo ship.

She saw clamp like devices with cables were attached on both of its corners pulling the containment unit inside the cargo hold.

They have arrived at Tokyo shuttle port an hour later and they could see brown clouds gathering and storms ranging outside due to the polluted atmosphere

through the view port while waiting for a bubble transport to take them to their loggings. The 3 men had already left them not without directions and said they will receive

word in 2 days time. They have not waited long when a bubble transport appeared in front of them and they hauled their luggage into its boot.

"Let's go visit the Tokai's first," said Bryan. "The Tokai's? Who are they?" asked Miori.

" They are my relatives in Japan," he said as he typed in the coordinates on the touch screen when everyone is seated and the transport hummed on its way.

(The bubble transport is actually an oval shaped car that has two doors that opened upwards and hovers above the ground.

Instead of a driver the transport's Artificial Intelligence System (A.I.S) is doing the driving. The A.I.S is programmed to take the shortest route to the destination.

It also has a build in receiver that uploads traffic maps to the A.I.S from the traffic police database located at any police station.

This will enable the A.I.S to decide on which route to take if it is blocked or jammed by traffic.

Sensors placed on the front, back and bottom allow it to stay on track on the road.

Used as a public transport it has room for four and suited for going on distances less than half an hour away.)

" You didn't tell me you had relatives here in Japan," said Miori looking inquisitively at Bryan.

" I'm sorry but I am telling the truth because I can understand the greeting that Kagami gave us. I'll introduce you to them when we get there," he said changing the subject.

They chatted for a while, admiring the tall buildings of Tokyo along the way they could see few people outside. Most prefer to stay at home due to the pollution.

After 10 minutes the transport came to some housing areas and turning into a corner it finally came to a stop.

Miori could see a house in front of her that is 2 stories high and measured around 400 square feet. It had a small garden in front but all vegetation had died long ago the

only remains are some stumps, twigs and cracked earth due to the lack of moisture. Outside the house is a mechanism that filters the air that is entering the house with not

much success unless all windows and doors are closed. Bryan pressed at the door bell.

The door hissed opened and they saw a man standing there followed by a woman in her 50's," Ototo! How nice to see you," the man patted Bryan

on the shoulder. "It's been a long time onisama," said Bryan then the old women came forward. " Jin Tokai is that you? My heart fills with joy to see you back after these years,"

said the women hugging him. "It's alright mom I'm home," Bryan returned the hug then released her. " These are my friends," he introduced Miori, Sarah and Alexis.

" This is my elder brother Zen and my mother Yuriko," the friends greeted them. "Where is dad?" he asked. " Oh he will be home shortly from work," said Zen.

" Why don't you all come in while I make some tea," said Yuriko and went to the kitchen. Zen was showing them to the dining and he asked them to be seated.

Sarah and Alexis chatted with him while Bryan ushered Miori to follow him upstairs.

As they entered the room Miori she could see some collection of weaponry.

Long rifles are hung on the wall while small pistols and blasters were enclosed in a glass like cupboard. All of the guns are not loaded as a safety precaution.

There was a moment of silence then Miori spoke, " Jin Tokai? You never told me that your family is in Japan," she asked suddenly frowning and demanding some explanation.

"Actually I am the adopted son of Yuriko's since my parents left me," said Bryan," My previous father was a drunk and he left the family when I was eight.

My mother was in grief and through the ordeal she got sick and died," he said softly his sitting on the bed with hand clasped on his knees.

" I wandered around aimlessly trying to live my life in the streets of New York but couldn't make a living.

In desperation I resort to thievery and got arrested by the police. They sent me to an orphanage and shortly after that the Tokai's came and adopted me," he said sadly

with his head bowed. " But why didn't you tell me about them when we are studying at high school in U.S? " said Miori.

"I guess I was scared to reveal myself. If I told anybody about it they will surely left me long ago.

I was ashamed of myself back then and besides no one wants to hear Jolly-o-Bryan's dark past," said Bryan his head bowed.

Miori placed her fingers at his chin and forced him to look up. "You are wrong Bryan or should I say Jin, I will always be your friend even I known about it.

You are what you are now and nothing can change it," she said taking his hand. "Thanks Miori you are a rare and special friend that everyone must have," he smiled.

There was a sudden shout down below "Yuriko I'm home," could be heard.

"Come let's go down and I'll introduce you to my foster father," Bryan said and together they walked downstairs.

"Ah Jin, it's good to see you home," smiled Shonjo as he sat down at the dining table with the rest. "Hello father," Jin greeted.

" And this must be Miori Shimatzu that you mentioned about in your e-mails, " he greeted Miori. " I hope you enjoy your stay here while you're doing you research," he continued.

" Thank you. May I ask sir on how did you obtain this information?" said Miori taking her seat.

" I am the embassy of Japan's government to the U.S. As you all know The Natural Resource Agency is part of the U.N. and had given us the news when Miori found the Pexis.

The U.N. council has voted to let Japan decode the structure. Your speculation is correct Miori as the U.N. pointed that we Japanese have the most advance technology

in computers and robotics," he said unable to control his pride. " Tea is served," said Yuriko as a droid shape like a saucer flew overhead balancing a few cups on it's top.

"Wow!" exclaimed Sarah as the droid hovered beside her serving tea with one of it's straw like arms as it blinks with 2 round lenses.

It's hold suddenly popped open revealing a cake on a platter. It held the tip of the platter in its clamp like hand and placed it on the middle of the table.

"I'm glad you like it. This is our latest model of house droids that performs all chores in the household from serving, cleaning and cooking," said Shonjo.

" The A.I. program must be complex to perform such task," said Sarah never taking her eyes of the droid.

"Indeed it is for the company called Cybernetics Inc. that build this droid took about 5 years to develop the software that monitors all of its actions," explained Shojo.

" There are a few on production now but soon we push for mass production around the globe," he sipped his tea.

" How much does it cost? " asked Alexis. "Oh around 2 million credit units, the company is generous enough to lend it to us to test it.

So far I find nothing wrong with it," said Shojo pleased.

" We will send in our comments next month," he added. " I have to go I have some chores left to do if I don't get it done in time Ani will kill me," said Zen standing up,

" I'll be back tomorrow with her for a visit, " he said goodbye and walk through the kitchen door and down to his house a few blocks away.

" We'll better go too. We have to find loggings for our stay in Japan, " said Miori.

" Oh that won't be necessary, " said Yuriko, " Shojo and I have agreed to let you people stay," she added smiling. " W-why thank you. But- " Miori was cut short.

"No we don't mind at all. Besides we can use some company and there is room for everyone," said Yuriko reading her mind.