A/N: Bevin: Actually, it was the Declaration of Independence ("When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another..." etc.) but you were damn close, so... half a million points XD

Also, in response to ciera's question "why goldfish?" well, the answer is, because bettas would have killed each other.

And as a side note to Kami-Ranma: even people who are up-to-date don't know a lot about Robin's history XD In the current arc, a very small bit has been revealed, but other than that... Oda's doing his darnedest to keep us in the dark for as long as possible. In fact, we actually know more at this point about the POSSIBLE newest Straw Hat than we do about Robin.

Anyway: so this is how the rest of the month is looking for me: over the next three weeks, I will be helping a friend housesit on and off; in a week and a half, a(nother) friend is coming to visit for a few days from the east coast; on the 27th, I move back into my dorm; on the 29th, I start classes.

Basically, this boils down to the fact that both my Internet connection and my writing time will be more intermittent. However, I will take every available moment to work on this, and I am most definitely NOT abandoning it. I say this just in case worst should come to worst and I disappear for any length of time; I will be back!

With that, to tide you over until the next episode is ready to go live, here is a bit of what I call STRAW HAT BREAK TIME THEATRE.

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"Look, Entertainment Weekly gave the Dukes of Hazzard film a B-plus," Nami said, pointing.

Usopp leaned over. "Really? People gave it, like, half a star."

"Harsh!" said Nami, scanning the article. "EW says it's a fun movie, and Jessica Simpson does well."

"People begs to differ."

"Eh, I don't know that I'd go see it either way. It's hard to find time to go to the movies nowadays, not to mention ticket prices are exorbitant," Nami said with a shrug, flipping the page.

"I'd go to the movies with you, Miss Nami," said Sanji appearing beside her with an ice cold glass of peach tea.

"Oh, thank you," she said, taking a sip.

"I'd even pay for the ticket!"

"Really?" she said.

"Would you pay for my ticket?" Usopp batted his eyelashes.

"Buy your own damn ticket, dumbass," Sanji said curtly.

They were interrupted by a loud pounding from across the room.

"What the heck is that noise?" asked Nami, not looking up from the pages of the magazine.

"Nothing. Zoro's just fighting with the vending machine again," Usopp explained.

"What's the matter, Zoro?" asked Chopper, wandering over.

"This stupid piece of crap ate my money again!" Zoro said, hitting the machine in question with all his might. "Look, see there? The Skittles gum I wanted got stuck. This thing would be in pieces if Nami hadn't kicked my ass the last time I broke one because they made her pay for the replacement." Suddenly, it was as if a light bulb went off in his head. "Hey, Chopper... you have small hands..."

"Hooves," Chopper corrected.

"Right. They're small. See if you can reach up in there and get it for me."

"Are you sure that's safe...?" Chopper eyed the machine warily.

"I'm positive!"

"Okay!" Chopper knelt down in front of the machine, reaching his arm in as far as it would go.

"Just a little farther... a little farther..."

"And what is dear Robin reading today?" asked Sanji, presenting her with some coffee.

"Thank you," she said, taking it. "I'm reading the newest Harry Potter book. Well, re-reading it, just to make sure I didn't miss anything."

"I almost tried out for a part in those films," Sanji said, settling in his seat, next to hers. "But then I heard they were only looking for British actors, so."

"What nationality are you?" Usopp asked, eavesdropping.

"I was born in North Blue," he said.

"No, I meant..." Usopp sighed. "Never mind. It doesn't work anyway."

"There!" cried Zoro triumphantly. "You got it." He bent down and retrieved his gum. "Thanks a lot, Chopper." He patted him on the head, walking away.

"You're welcome!" He paused. "Wait. My hoof's stuck. I can't get my arm out. Zoro! Zoro, help!"

"Straw Hats to Stage 1," a voice announced. "Straw Hats to Stage 1."

Nami sighed, closing her magazine and standing up. "That's us. Guess we have to get back to work. Where's Luffy?"

"Talking to that big blue-haired cyborg over there," Usopp said, pointing.

Sanji looked. "Oh. Him again! He's always trying to get a part in the show."

"I wish he'd wear pants," Nami lamented.

"No kidding," said Zoro, digging for a purple piece.

"Last call for Straw Hats, Stage 1," the voice said, sounding more insistent.

"Luffy!" Nami called. "Come on, we have to get back to work!"

"Yeah! I'm coming!" Luffy called.

"Hey, guys?" Chopper called after them as they walked away. "Guys! I'm still stuck! Help! Someone!"