More than Words Can Say
Chapter Six: Summer on Second Miltia
Jin gawked over a small ceramic bowl of steamed rice at the crew of the Elsa as they stuffed their faces with mounds of hot food. The only one who was eating at a regular pace was the peculiar chaos, who was neatly eating his bowl of rice while trying to maintain a look of dignity as his fellow crewmates were consuming their food ravenously.
"This is some good grub!" Matthews commented between mouthfuls of rice and stir-fried broccoli and carrots. Tony nodded as he ate a leg of roasted chicken, tearing the succulent meat clean off the bone. Hammer held a bowl of hot and sour soup to his lips and he began to down the contents.
"Um...yes, this is one of my favorite restaurants here in the city," Jin nervously stated, trying to help himself to another bowl of steamed rice in fear of losing his hand in the feeding frenzy. "The chefs here cook according to the traditional recipes that the chefs of Lost Jerusalem once used."
Shion, Allen, MOMO, and Jr. were not phased by the gluttonous appetites of the crew: all of them had been around Matthews, Tony, and Hammer long enough that they were accustomed to how hungry each man could get.
"What have you been doing all this time, Jin?" Shion asked after taking a spoonful from her soup.
Jin managed to get a second helping of rice. "Not much. Just brushing up on my sword techniques, adding to my library-"
Shion rolled her eyes from behind her silver-framed glasses. "More books? Jin, you really should get out more."
The older Uzuki did not back down. "Oh, and keeping yourself cooped up in some laboratory without saying a word to your family for two years just so you can build an android is better than me reading?"
"You mean KOS-MOS!? At least I'm doing something productive you lazy bum!"
Allen grabbed Shion by the arm. "Chief, please! We're in public!"
"Allen, don't stop me!" Shion yelled and she turned back to her dark- haired brother. "KOS-MOS is a lot more use to anyone else than those ancient piles of papers you call 'books'!"
"At least neither of my books has ever called me a 'good-for-nothing brother'!" Jin fought back.
"Hey, can someone pass the fried shrimp?" Matthews nonchalantly asked.
"Captain!" chaos nudged Matthews in the ribs. "They're a bit busy right now."
"Shion, Mr. Uzuki, please stop!" MOMO attempted to shout over the squabbling brother and sister.
Jr. halted the little Realian by placing a hand on her wrist. "Just let them go, MOMO. It's better this way."
MOMO's radiant eyes pleaded to understand the U.R.T.V.'s concept. "But Jr..."
"Trust me." Jr. reached over with his chopsticks to snatch a piece of stir-fried broccoli. The thick sauce began to drip over the vegetable as it was settled between the utensils that Jr. skillfully held with his fingers. "C'mon, this stuff is great. You ought to try it."
MOMO smiled and Jr. fed her the broccoli while the rest of the restaurant's customers stared in shock at the devouring crew of the Elsa and the fighting siblings.
* * * *
Mary Godwin rushed through the hallways of the Durandal, quickly apologizing to those she had bumped into while at the same time trying to maintain her speed. She spotted Gaignun's office at the far end of the hallway and she slammed the double doors open, startling her boss from his paperwork.
"Master Gaignun!" She cried out, her blonde curls somewhat in disarray from running. "Ships from the Space Federation have just stopped us and they demand that we let them on board!"
A slight look of distress crossed Gaignun's olive green eyes, but he preserved his calm disposition. He entered a command into the computer that sat on his marble desk and a holographic screen appeared before him. A middle-aged man now faced him, and judging by all of the badges and medals he donned on his Federation uniform, Gaignun knew that the man was of high rank.
"Gaignun Kukai, Director of the Kukai Foundation," the man addressed him in his gruff voice. "We insist that you grant us permission to board the Durandal."
"And why would that be?" Gaignun coolly asked.
"We have a legal warrant that allows us to board your ship," the man coldly began, "We have reason to believe that the Kukai Foundation was behind the near destruction of the planet Second Miltia. Therefore, the presence of Federation officers are required on the Durandal for a time span of at least three weeks or as long as I see fit."
"Three weeks!?" Mary exclaimed in her accented voice. Gaignun held up his hand as a gesture to stop her from saying anymore.
"If you must board my ship then do as you please," his suave voice invited. "However, I do not believe that you will find any proof to support your suspicions."
"Do not test me," the officer threatened viciously. "I will be the judge of that. The Kukai Foundation has been given far too much freedom of their own affairs for too long. My soldiers and I will be monitoring your every move, so don't get cocky." The image then disappeared into nothing, but the hostile words of the Federation officer still rung in a nervous Mary's ears.
"How long are they staying?" A deep voice questioned. Gaignun's eyes looked to the opened doors of his office where Ziggy and the battle android known as KOS-MOS stood.
"At least three weeks I was told," Gaignun answered.
"I am detecting exactly forty-three heat signatures that are entering the Durandal," KOS-MOS informed them all. "They are all concentrated in a full group at the dock."
"Probably assigning their posts," Ziggy reflected.
"Master Gaignun, what are we going to do!?" Mary implored, anxiety swirling in her bright blue eyes. "We weren't the ones who planned on destroying Second Miltia! If anything, Little Master and the others saved it!"
Gaignun shook his head. "Calm down. I am certain that a few high- ranking officers know that we weren't the ones who plotted a course on the Proto Merkabah to crash into Second Miltia. But seeing how the public is not aware as to whom actually was responsible, this is a perfect excuse for the Federation to force themselves on the Durandal. This is all just another elaborate plan."
"What plan!?" Mary yelled, but then she was struck suddenly by a realization. "Oh no, you mean they're after...?"
"There is no doubt that this is another effort to seize MOMO," Ziggy confirmed.
Mary stomped her foot, her curls swinging abruptly under the blue cap she wore. "All this just to capture MOMO? Why can't they leave that poor girl alone already!?"
"They Federation soldiers have split up into seven groups of six and are now spreading out onboard the various corridors of the Durandal," KOS- MOS notified in her emotionless voice. "I sense that one group in addition to one other person are heading toward this destination. They will arrive in approximately nine minutes and thirty-five seconds." Although any human would be on the verge of panic, KOS-MOS remained unshaken; the blood-red voids of her eyes did not show a trace of fear as she stood completely motionless, her light blue hair streaming gracefully down her back.
"When is Little Master going to come back from Second Miltia?" Mary asked.
"He said that he would be back in the evening," Gaignun answered. "If the soldiers see MOMO coming onboard the Durandal, I know that they will make up some other excuse and take her into their custody."
"Gaignun, we must contact them," Ziggy commanded. "We have to figure something out to keep MOMO out of the Federation's grasp."
Gaignun nodded, the tranquility in his deep green eyes never wavering. "I'll make a call to Jr. right now."
* * * *
"Man, I'm full," Matthews declared as he chewed on the end of a toothpick.
"Well, I guess that we should pay the bill--" Shion was interrupted by a loud ringing that was coming from the right pocket of Jr.'s trenchcoat. He took out his communication device and a holographic screen appeared with the touch of a button.
"Gaignun?" Jr. instantly felt that something had gone awry on the Durandal.
"Jr., the Federation has ordered soldiers to monitor the Durandal," Gaignun composedly, but urgently, explained. As he talked, the rest of the company gathered around Jr. to listen in on the information. "They will be here in my office in a matter of minutes. You know as well as I do that despite what happened at Proto Merkabah, the Federation is still in pursuit of the Y-Data."
MOMO moved in her seat uneasily, but chaos calmed her by placing his gloved hands on her small shoulders. A hint of animosity was present on Jr.'s young face, but he did his best to conceal it. "So they think they can trap us like rats, do they? Just wait 'til I get there-"
"No, Little Master!" Mary cried out in panic. "They'll snatch MOMO away as soon as they see her!"
"She is right," the cold voice of Ziggy could be heard.
MOMO's eyes lit up upon hearing him. "Ziggy!"
Jr. noticed that she yearned to talk to her cyborg guardian. "Hey Gaignun, put Ziggy on the screen."
The sable-haired U.R.T.V. obeyed and the sharp blue eyes and blonde slicked hair of Ziggy could be seen. "MOMO, and the rest of you, please listen to Gaignun. As stated, the Federation soldiers have been stationed on the Durandal and are watching our every move. KOS-MOS has just told us we have less than ten minutes to think of something. If any of you were to come back, I know for a fact that there will be an uproar which will lead to their confiscation of MOMO."
"Ziggy," MOMO seemed to plead to her bodyguard. "What if I just turn myself in? That way the Federation will stop making trouble for the Kukai Foundation..."
Everyone nearly jumped at MOMO's comment, Jr. especially. However, MOMO continued. "I'm what they're after. Maybe if I let them take me they will leave Mr. Gaignun, Shelley, Mary, and everyone else alone."
"MOMO, you cannot do that. I will not allow it," There was a tone of emphasis in Ziggy's voice. "And that's final. Please let me continue. The Federation will be onboard the Durandal for at least three weeks. Until then, we cannot allow them to have any opportunity whatsoever to take away MOMO. We must think of a plan, and quick."
"Um...I have a suggestion," Jin timidly remarked. Everyone's eyes shifted over to him. "My house is big enough for all of you to stay in. Why don't you just live with me until everything is in order?"
"We can't ask you to do that," Shion refused, her jade green eyes looking bothered behind her glasses. "I don't want you to get caught up in this, Jin."
"No, no, really. I insist that all of you stay here on Second Miltia with me. After a month or so, the Federation will be bound to leave the Durandal if they no longer have any reason to stay."
"But Jin-"
"Shion, please listen to your brother," KOS-MOS sounded. "If all of you were to remain where you are, the Federation will come to the conclusion that there is no supporting evidence to prove that neither the Durandal nor the Kukai Foundation was responsible for the near devastation of Second Miltia. Even though there is still a 33.87534% that the Federation will find MOMO on Second Miltia, this will grant us the highest probability of success that they will not be able to do so."
"KOS-MOS...what about you?" Shion questioned, doubt lingering in her mind about the safety of her creation. "What if they do something to you?"
"Do not worry. I am more than capable to protect myself against any hostile forces. However, I will keep a low profile on the Durandal to prevent any more suspicions from surfacing." KOS-MOS responded, the clarity of her mechanical voice never faltering.
"We will take care of ourselves," Ziggy reassured them.
"Can I say something?" Ziggy nodded and moved aside for Mary to come into view. "Seeing how KOS-MOS says that there still is a chance that MOMO will be spotted by the Federation there, I think y'all should get a new wardrobe for her."
"Mary, this is a serious matter. I do not think that shopping for clothes is going to solve this predicament," Gaignun criticized.
Mary's face turned toward the direction of her boss, a slight frown on her glossy lips. "That's not what I mean, Master Gaignun!" She focused back to the party. "What I meant is that them Realian clothes that MOMO's wearing are cute, don't get me wrong-"
"Get to the point!" Jr. shouted in agitation.
"I'm getting there! I'm saying that those clothes that MOMO's wearing stick out like a sore thumb in the public! If the Federation sees her, they'll recognize her and know that she is the one that they're after!"
"If MOMO's pursuers are unable to identify her, the chances of the Federation finding her are reduced to 20.43552%," KOS-MOS added.
"See, I told you!" Mary cheerfully affirmed. "Anyway, those soldiers are coming pretty soon, so bye everyone! Little Master, don't you let anything happen to MOMO now, you hear?"
"Just get going already!" Jr. yelled in his embarrassment, his cheeks taking a rosy tinge to them. Mary winked and left the screen so that now KOS-MOS and Ziggy were shown.
"MOMO, be careful," Ziggy cautioned the Realian. "I will contact you again when it is safe to do so."
"Shion, Allen, please stay alert," KOS-MOS instructed.
Gaignun was now visible on the holographic screen. "Captain Matthews, I want you to make a quick stop to the Durandal."
"You expect me to go back after what you just told me!?" Matthews complained.
"Don't worry. The Elsa is a cargo ship. The Federation wouldn't suspect it at all."
"Yeah, but won't they think something is up since the Elsa left just a few hours before they barged in-"
"Shelley is converting the flight records as we speak. As of now, they have no idea when the Elsa took off or where any of you are."
Matthews sighed and took out a cigarette out from his pocket. "Fine, fine. What do you need me for?"
"I will arrange for your luggage to be delivered at the dock. They will be hidden in large crates and be guarded by two of the Durandal's officers."
The end of the cigarette was now lit between Matthews' lips, the white smoke trailing lazily into the air like tiny serpents. "Won't that look funny-"
"Everything will be taken care of," Gaignun said confidently. "Now I must be going. Please take care, everyone. Jr., don't do anything that might attract attention."
Before Jr. could protest the screen vanished, leaving the group behind with mixed feelings. If either of them felt fear, they did not want to show it because of the other people around them. A leisurely meal that had been shared was not remembered, and the humorous argument of Jin and Shion as siblings was now forgotten. Matters had just turned for the worse, and everyone, whether human or Realian, knew it.
The other customers of the restaurant were unmindful of what had just happened and were enjoying their food and each other's company. However, Jin sensed the tension in the atmosphere at his table, and cleared his throat. "So MOMO, I didn't know that you were a Realian."
Everyone looked at him, neither of them knowing whether he was being truthful or making a joke. "Yes, I did think that your clothes were a bit strange, but I always thought that that was how young people dressed nowadays. As my sister would say, I am a bit behind the times." MOMO stared at him, and judging by his weird bagging black pants and the large-sleeved dark top he was wearing, she shyly smiled.
"What was that woman's name...Mary, was it? I think she is right about getting you some new clothes. Since you are a little girl, you should dress like one. There are some very nice shops here, and besides, it gets pretty warm on Second Militia."
MOMO looked down at her form-hugging navy blue dress and her thigh- high white boots. She never thought that there was anything wrong with the laboratory uniform that she had always worn since the day she was created, but it would be nice to wear something else for a change. "Yes, I'd like that. My money is on the Elsa-"
"No, don't worry about it. I'll be paying." Jin stated.
"But Mr. Uzuki-"
"I said not to worry about it, MOMO. It isn't a problem." Since MOMO did not want to wipe away the pleasant smile that was formed on Jin's lips, she did not object.
"So that settles it. Shion, we better get back to my house. You have to help me set up the rooms for our guests."
Shion could not help but smile. She always saw her brother as somewhat idle and strange, on account of all the time he wasted being obsessed with the ancient books he owned: to her they were nothing but obsolete collections of texts that had no importance to a modern world that was constantly changing. However, she knew in her heart that her brother was a good person. He was always there to aid her or other people that needed help without losing his optimism. This was one of those rare moments that made her proud of being his sister.
"All right, Jin. You still have spare blankets and pillows, right?"
"Of course. I want all of you to be comfortable during your vacation on Second Miltia."
SPECIAL NOTE: I never thought I would get 20 reviews for this story. I didn't think people were that interested. Although I know that this chapter is a little boring, I cannot help but thank all of you who reviewed. If I were to express my happiness in one word while retaining my dignity, it would be this: ...AWESOME!!!! ^_^ Ahem, anyway, the next chapter is going to be an exciting one. More problems will come to light, as well new people to meet.
Nathander: Good luck on your MOMO/Jr. fic...hehe, I don't know if my story is that good, but thank you!
Sugar: I'm sorry that you're so hooked on this story. I'll keep writing it to make you happy!
Naela and Angel-chan: Wow, you added this to your favorites? That's extremely flattering, thank you so much :) And as for any chaos/KOS-MOS...I'm not telling! ^_^
Shinji Ikari: ...whoa, I've never gotten a review that long (not that it's a bad thing!) I'm glad that you have such an interest in the story, though. Don't worry, a lot more things are about to happen in the story, but I can't guarantee that I'll answer all your questions. That's for the sequel to take care of! But thank you for liking my story!
Kawaii Karen, Vi3t Girl MOMO, Aenid, Hikari-chan, and Angelus: If it weren't for you guys in the first place, I would have probably stopped writing this story. I can't thank you enough for your wonderful reviews: you all have been so kind to me. I'm sorry I never thanked you before. I promise that there will be more MOMO/Jr. interactions...they ARE the stars of this fanfiction.
Chapter Six: Summer on Second Miltia
Jin gawked over a small ceramic bowl of steamed rice at the crew of the Elsa as they stuffed their faces with mounds of hot food. The only one who was eating at a regular pace was the peculiar chaos, who was neatly eating his bowl of rice while trying to maintain a look of dignity as his fellow crewmates were consuming their food ravenously.
"This is some good grub!" Matthews commented between mouthfuls of rice and stir-fried broccoli and carrots. Tony nodded as he ate a leg of roasted chicken, tearing the succulent meat clean off the bone. Hammer held a bowl of hot and sour soup to his lips and he began to down the contents.
"Um...yes, this is one of my favorite restaurants here in the city," Jin nervously stated, trying to help himself to another bowl of steamed rice in fear of losing his hand in the feeding frenzy. "The chefs here cook according to the traditional recipes that the chefs of Lost Jerusalem once used."
Shion, Allen, MOMO, and Jr. were not phased by the gluttonous appetites of the crew: all of them had been around Matthews, Tony, and Hammer long enough that they were accustomed to how hungry each man could get.
"What have you been doing all this time, Jin?" Shion asked after taking a spoonful from her soup.
Jin managed to get a second helping of rice. "Not much. Just brushing up on my sword techniques, adding to my library-"
Shion rolled her eyes from behind her silver-framed glasses. "More books? Jin, you really should get out more."
The older Uzuki did not back down. "Oh, and keeping yourself cooped up in some laboratory without saying a word to your family for two years just so you can build an android is better than me reading?"
"You mean KOS-MOS!? At least I'm doing something productive you lazy bum!"
Allen grabbed Shion by the arm. "Chief, please! We're in public!"
"Allen, don't stop me!" Shion yelled and she turned back to her dark- haired brother. "KOS-MOS is a lot more use to anyone else than those ancient piles of papers you call 'books'!"
"At least neither of my books has ever called me a 'good-for-nothing brother'!" Jin fought back.
"Hey, can someone pass the fried shrimp?" Matthews nonchalantly asked.
"Captain!" chaos nudged Matthews in the ribs. "They're a bit busy right now."
"Shion, Mr. Uzuki, please stop!" MOMO attempted to shout over the squabbling brother and sister.
Jr. halted the little Realian by placing a hand on her wrist. "Just let them go, MOMO. It's better this way."
MOMO's radiant eyes pleaded to understand the U.R.T.V.'s concept. "But Jr..."
"Trust me." Jr. reached over with his chopsticks to snatch a piece of stir-fried broccoli. The thick sauce began to drip over the vegetable as it was settled between the utensils that Jr. skillfully held with his fingers. "C'mon, this stuff is great. You ought to try it."
MOMO smiled and Jr. fed her the broccoli while the rest of the restaurant's customers stared in shock at the devouring crew of the Elsa and the fighting siblings.
* * * *
Mary Godwin rushed through the hallways of the Durandal, quickly apologizing to those she had bumped into while at the same time trying to maintain her speed. She spotted Gaignun's office at the far end of the hallway and she slammed the double doors open, startling her boss from his paperwork.
"Master Gaignun!" She cried out, her blonde curls somewhat in disarray from running. "Ships from the Space Federation have just stopped us and they demand that we let them on board!"
A slight look of distress crossed Gaignun's olive green eyes, but he preserved his calm disposition. He entered a command into the computer that sat on his marble desk and a holographic screen appeared before him. A middle-aged man now faced him, and judging by all of the badges and medals he donned on his Federation uniform, Gaignun knew that the man was of high rank.
"Gaignun Kukai, Director of the Kukai Foundation," the man addressed him in his gruff voice. "We insist that you grant us permission to board the Durandal."
"And why would that be?" Gaignun coolly asked.
"We have a legal warrant that allows us to board your ship," the man coldly began, "We have reason to believe that the Kukai Foundation was behind the near destruction of the planet Second Miltia. Therefore, the presence of Federation officers are required on the Durandal for a time span of at least three weeks or as long as I see fit."
"Three weeks!?" Mary exclaimed in her accented voice. Gaignun held up his hand as a gesture to stop her from saying anymore.
"If you must board my ship then do as you please," his suave voice invited. "However, I do not believe that you will find any proof to support your suspicions."
"Do not test me," the officer threatened viciously. "I will be the judge of that. The Kukai Foundation has been given far too much freedom of their own affairs for too long. My soldiers and I will be monitoring your every move, so don't get cocky." The image then disappeared into nothing, but the hostile words of the Federation officer still rung in a nervous Mary's ears.
"How long are they staying?" A deep voice questioned. Gaignun's eyes looked to the opened doors of his office where Ziggy and the battle android known as KOS-MOS stood.
"At least three weeks I was told," Gaignun answered.
"I am detecting exactly forty-three heat signatures that are entering the Durandal," KOS-MOS informed them all. "They are all concentrated in a full group at the dock."
"Probably assigning their posts," Ziggy reflected.
"Master Gaignun, what are we going to do!?" Mary implored, anxiety swirling in her bright blue eyes. "We weren't the ones who planned on destroying Second Miltia! If anything, Little Master and the others saved it!"
Gaignun shook his head. "Calm down. I am certain that a few high- ranking officers know that we weren't the ones who plotted a course on the Proto Merkabah to crash into Second Miltia. But seeing how the public is not aware as to whom actually was responsible, this is a perfect excuse for the Federation to force themselves on the Durandal. This is all just another elaborate plan."
"What plan!?" Mary yelled, but then she was struck suddenly by a realization. "Oh no, you mean they're after...?"
"There is no doubt that this is another effort to seize MOMO," Ziggy confirmed.
Mary stomped her foot, her curls swinging abruptly under the blue cap she wore. "All this just to capture MOMO? Why can't they leave that poor girl alone already!?"
"They Federation soldiers have split up into seven groups of six and are now spreading out onboard the various corridors of the Durandal," KOS- MOS notified in her emotionless voice. "I sense that one group in addition to one other person are heading toward this destination. They will arrive in approximately nine minutes and thirty-five seconds." Although any human would be on the verge of panic, KOS-MOS remained unshaken; the blood-red voids of her eyes did not show a trace of fear as she stood completely motionless, her light blue hair streaming gracefully down her back.
"When is Little Master going to come back from Second Miltia?" Mary asked.
"He said that he would be back in the evening," Gaignun answered. "If the soldiers see MOMO coming onboard the Durandal, I know that they will make up some other excuse and take her into their custody."
"Gaignun, we must contact them," Ziggy commanded. "We have to figure something out to keep MOMO out of the Federation's grasp."
Gaignun nodded, the tranquility in his deep green eyes never wavering. "I'll make a call to Jr. right now."
* * * *
"Man, I'm full," Matthews declared as he chewed on the end of a toothpick.
"Well, I guess that we should pay the bill--" Shion was interrupted by a loud ringing that was coming from the right pocket of Jr.'s trenchcoat. He took out his communication device and a holographic screen appeared with the touch of a button.
"Gaignun?" Jr. instantly felt that something had gone awry on the Durandal.
"Jr., the Federation has ordered soldiers to monitor the Durandal," Gaignun composedly, but urgently, explained. As he talked, the rest of the company gathered around Jr. to listen in on the information. "They will be here in my office in a matter of minutes. You know as well as I do that despite what happened at Proto Merkabah, the Federation is still in pursuit of the Y-Data."
MOMO moved in her seat uneasily, but chaos calmed her by placing his gloved hands on her small shoulders. A hint of animosity was present on Jr.'s young face, but he did his best to conceal it. "So they think they can trap us like rats, do they? Just wait 'til I get there-"
"No, Little Master!" Mary cried out in panic. "They'll snatch MOMO away as soon as they see her!"
"She is right," the cold voice of Ziggy could be heard.
MOMO's eyes lit up upon hearing him. "Ziggy!"
Jr. noticed that she yearned to talk to her cyborg guardian. "Hey Gaignun, put Ziggy on the screen."
The sable-haired U.R.T.V. obeyed and the sharp blue eyes and blonde slicked hair of Ziggy could be seen. "MOMO, and the rest of you, please listen to Gaignun. As stated, the Federation soldiers have been stationed on the Durandal and are watching our every move. KOS-MOS has just told us we have less than ten minutes to think of something. If any of you were to come back, I know for a fact that there will be an uproar which will lead to their confiscation of MOMO."
"Ziggy," MOMO seemed to plead to her bodyguard. "What if I just turn myself in? That way the Federation will stop making trouble for the Kukai Foundation..."
Everyone nearly jumped at MOMO's comment, Jr. especially. However, MOMO continued. "I'm what they're after. Maybe if I let them take me they will leave Mr. Gaignun, Shelley, Mary, and everyone else alone."
"MOMO, you cannot do that. I will not allow it," There was a tone of emphasis in Ziggy's voice. "And that's final. Please let me continue. The Federation will be onboard the Durandal for at least three weeks. Until then, we cannot allow them to have any opportunity whatsoever to take away MOMO. We must think of a plan, and quick."
"Um...I have a suggestion," Jin timidly remarked. Everyone's eyes shifted over to him. "My house is big enough for all of you to stay in. Why don't you just live with me until everything is in order?"
"We can't ask you to do that," Shion refused, her jade green eyes looking bothered behind her glasses. "I don't want you to get caught up in this, Jin."
"No, no, really. I insist that all of you stay here on Second Miltia with me. After a month or so, the Federation will be bound to leave the Durandal if they no longer have any reason to stay."
"But Jin-"
"Shion, please listen to your brother," KOS-MOS sounded. "If all of you were to remain where you are, the Federation will come to the conclusion that there is no supporting evidence to prove that neither the Durandal nor the Kukai Foundation was responsible for the near devastation of Second Miltia. Even though there is still a 33.87534% that the Federation will find MOMO on Second Miltia, this will grant us the highest probability of success that they will not be able to do so."
"KOS-MOS...what about you?" Shion questioned, doubt lingering in her mind about the safety of her creation. "What if they do something to you?"
"Do not worry. I am more than capable to protect myself against any hostile forces. However, I will keep a low profile on the Durandal to prevent any more suspicions from surfacing." KOS-MOS responded, the clarity of her mechanical voice never faltering.
"We will take care of ourselves," Ziggy reassured them.
"Can I say something?" Ziggy nodded and moved aside for Mary to come into view. "Seeing how KOS-MOS says that there still is a chance that MOMO will be spotted by the Federation there, I think y'all should get a new wardrobe for her."
"Mary, this is a serious matter. I do not think that shopping for clothes is going to solve this predicament," Gaignun criticized.
Mary's face turned toward the direction of her boss, a slight frown on her glossy lips. "That's not what I mean, Master Gaignun!" She focused back to the party. "What I meant is that them Realian clothes that MOMO's wearing are cute, don't get me wrong-"
"Get to the point!" Jr. shouted in agitation.
"I'm getting there! I'm saying that those clothes that MOMO's wearing stick out like a sore thumb in the public! If the Federation sees her, they'll recognize her and know that she is the one that they're after!"
"If MOMO's pursuers are unable to identify her, the chances of the Federation finding her are reduced to 20.43552%," KOS-MOS added.
"See, I told you!" Mary cheerfully affirmed. "Anyway, those soldiers are coming pretty soon, so bye everyone! Little Master, don't you let anything happen to MOMO now, you hear?"
"Just get going already!" Jr. yelled in his embarrassment, his cheeks taking a rosy tinge to them. Mary winked and left the screen so that now KOS-MOS and Ziggy were shown.
"MOMO, be careful," Ziggy cautioned the Realian. "I will contact you again when it is safe to do so."
"Shion, Allen, please stay alert," KOS-MOS instructed.
Gaignun was now visible on the holographic screen. "Captain Matthews, I want you to make a quick stop to the Durandal."
"You expect me to go back after what you just told me!?" Matthews complained.
"Don't worry. The Elsa is a cargo ship. The Federation wouldn't suspect it at all."
"Yeah, but won't they think something is up since the Elsa left just a few hours before they barged in-"
"Shelley is converting the flight records as we speak. As of now, they have no idea when the Elsa took off or where any of you are."
Matthews sighed and took out a cigarette out from his pocket. "Fine, fine. What do you need me for?"
"I will arrange for your luggage to be delivered at the dock. They will be hidden in large crates and be guarded by two of the Durandal's officers."
The end of the cigarette was now lit between Matthews' lips, the white smoke trailing lazily into the air like tiny serpents. "Won't that look funny-"
"Everything will be taken care of," Gaignun said confidently. "Now I must be going. Please take care, everyone. Jr., don't do anything that might attract attention."
Before Jr. could protest the screen vanished, leaving the group behind with mixed feelings. If either of them felt fear, they did not want to show it because of the other people around them. A leisurely meal that had been shared was not remembered, and the humorous argument of Jin and Shion as siblings was now forgotten. Matters had just turned for the worse, and everyone, whether human or Realian, knew it.
The other customers of the restaurant were unmindful of what had just happened and were enjoying their food and each other's company. However, Jin sensed the tension in the atmosphere at his table, and cleared his throat. "So MOMO, I didn't know that you were a Realian."
Everyone looked at him, neither of them knowing whether he was being truthful or making a joke. "Yes, I did think that your clothes were a bit strange, but I always thought that that was how young people dressed nowadays. As my sister would say, I am a bit behind the times." MOMO stared at him, and judging by his weird bagging black pants and the large-sleeved dark top he was wearing, she shyly smiled.
"What was that woman's name...Mary, was it? I think she is right about getting you some new clothes. Since you are a little girl, you should dress like one. There are some very nice shops here, and besides, it gets pretty warm on Second Militia."
MOMO looked down at her form-hugging navy blue dress and her thigh- high white boots. She never thought that there was anything wrong with the laboratory uniform that she had always worn since the day she was created, but it would be nice to wear something else for a change. "Yes, I'd like that. My money is on the Elsa-"
"No, don't worry about it. I'll be paying." Jin stated.
"But Mr. Uzuki-"
"I said not to worry about it, MOMO. It isn't a problem." Since MOMO did not want to wipe away the pleasant smile that was formed on Jin's lips, she did not object.
"So that settles it. Shion, we better get back to my house. You have to help me set up the rooms for our guests."
Shion could not help but smile. She always saw her brother as somewhat idle and strange, on account of all the time he wasted being obsessed with the ancient books he owned: to her they were nothing but obsolete collections of texts that had no importance to a modern world that was constantly changing. However, she knew in her heart that her brother was a good person. He was always there to aid her or other people that needed help without losing his optimism. This was one of those rare moments that made her proud of being his sister.
"All right, Jin. You still have spare blankets and pillows, right?"
"Of course. I want all of you to be comfortable during your vacation on Second Miltia."
SPECIAL NOTE: I never thought I would get 20 reviews for this story. I didn't think people were that interested. Although I know that this chapter is a little boring, I cannot help but thank all of you who reviewed. If I were to express my happiness in one word while retaining my dignity, it would be this: ...AWESOME!!!! ^_^ Ahem, anyway, the next chapter is going to be an exciting one. More problems will come to light, as well new people to meet.
Nathander: Good luck on your MOMO/Jr. fic...hehe, I don't know if my story is that good, but thank you!
Sugar: I'm sorry that you're so hooked on this story. I'll keep writing it to make you happy!
Naela and Angel-chan: Wow, you added this to your favorites? That's extremely flattering, thank you so much :) And as for any chaos/KOS-MOS...I'm not telling! ^_^
Shinji Ikari: ...whoa, I've never gotten a review that long (not that it's a bad thing!) I'm glad that you have such an interest in the story, though. Don't worry, a lot more things are about to happen in the story, but I can't guarantee that I'll answer all your questions. That's for the sequel to take care of! But thank you for liking my story!
Kawaii Karen, Vi3t Girl MOMO, Aenid, Hikari-chan, and Angelus: If it weren't for you guys in the first place, I would have probably stopped writing this story. I can't thank you enough for your wonderful reviews: you all have been so kind to me. I'm sorry I never thanked you before. I promise that there will be more MOMO/Jr. interactions...they ARE the stars of this fanfiction.
