Mahoromatic – New Beginnings
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 12: Arrival
Show opens with the regular theme
Everyone has gathered on the bridge, including Shikijo who was wearing just a tee shirt that barely covered the lower portion of her body.
Sera: Everybody is here Commander.
Voice of Hayato: I'm sorry about having to get you all together like this, but we have developed a problem here. It seems that someone obtained information about your trip and has leaked it to the press. We found out about it just before the press went crazy with it. All of your parents are up here at the Vesper headquarters to try to protect them from the press. Vesper has made an official statement acknowledging the trip, but we have left out most of the details.
Suguru: Any idea who leaked the information?
Chizu: I hope it wasn't one of our parents.
Hayato: No. We think we know the source of the leak and we are taking steps to bring it under control.
Mahoro: That sounds somewhat ominous, like something Kaemisa would say.
Hayato: Don't worry Mahoro-san. Our way of dealing with this leak will be considerably different than the way Kaemisa would have handled it.
Rin: You said that our parents are there. Can we talk with them?
Hayato: Most certainly. In fact we want them to talk to you before they talk to the press. But that will have to wait for a few minutes. First we need to make sure that when the press talks to you, nothing unexpected will be said. I'd like to ask you some of the questions that you are likely to have asked and hear your response. Nothing more.
Suguru: I understand (to Sera) Can you pipe this into the galley so we won't be in your way?
Sera: It will take a moment, but I should be done by the time you get there. (To the commander) Commander, if I lose you, please stay on the line.
Hayato: No problem.
Scene shifts to an old small apartment on Earth. There is a man lying on the bed, although he is not asleep. There is a loud pounding on the door.
Voice of Yoshihiko: Kanzaki-san… Kanzaki-san…
The man jumps from the bed and begins to run toward the window. At the same moment, the door burst open with a bright flash of light. Enter Sub Commander Yoshihiko and Slash.
Yoshihiko: Kanzaki-san… Please wait… It is not our intention to hurt you. We only wish to talk.
Kanzaki: I've heard that all too many time before and it means nothing.
Slash: Kanzaki-san, if we had wanted you dead, don't you think we could have found a better solution than this? At least a quieter solution.
At the realization that it was Slash speaking, it occurred to Kanzaki that Slash was quite right. He relaxes for the moment.
Kanzaki: Who are you and what do you want?
Yoshihiko: I am Sub Commander Gunji Yoshihiko of Vesper.
Kanzaka: Ah! The elusive Vesper.
Slash: I am V10… Oh never mind the model and serial number. I am called Slash by my friends.
Kanzaki: Friends? Hmmm… That still does not answer my question, what do you want?
Yoshihiko: I am assuming that you are Takanori Kanzaki, the journalist.
Kanzaki: That is who I am.
Yoshihiko: And it is you then, who released some information to the media about a somewhat secret mission currently in progress?
Kanzaki: If you mean the trip of those children to the Saint command ship, yes that was me… If you're after my sources, you will have to kill me. I will not tell you.
Yoshihiko: We have no desire to know your sources. I am here to make you an offer. You see, your release of that information was only, how shall I say it, mistimed. We had hoped to have everyone back to Earth before the story broke. We wanted to give our travelers a chance to settle in before the media came after them. So all we are asking is that you do not release any more information for the next 48 hours.
Kanzaki: And what is in the deal for me?
Yoshihiko: You will get the first interview, before the rest of the media gets to talk to them.
Kanzaki: Two days of silence for the chance for an exclusive first interview. Seems sort of a one sided deal in my favor. Why the delay?
Yoshihiko: In all honesty, we want them back to Earth, safe and sound and have a bit of time with their families before the press begins to hound them. They are in fact, only fifteen year olds.
Kanzaki: Hmmm… You have a deal.
Yoshihiko: If you like, we can take you to the interview site now, or we can pick you up before the interview tomorrow. It is up to you.
Kanzaki: You would leave me here unattended?
Yoshihiko: You seem to be a man of your word, and to be quite honest, I don't think there is much more damage that you can do, except call more hounds into the chase.
Kanzaki: I think I'll stay here. I need to think a bit… but I do have one other question.
Yoshihiko: Yes
Kanzaki: Why children?
Yoshihiko: In fact, one of the children is the grandson of the man who negotiated most of the details of the treaty between Saint and Earth. He just recently died, and the Saint Commander wanted to meet his grandson. He was allowed to choose who would be traveling with him and he chose some of his classmates and several of the teachers as chaperones. Simple as that.
Kanzaki: But why have them go into space? Why not have their commander come here?
Yoshihiko: I think those questions will be answered to your satisfaction when you talk to our goodwill ambassadors. We will send a car for you tomorrow.
Kanzaki: Thank you. You realize that I will set up safeguards to assure some degree of safety for myself.
Yoshihiko: I would not expect a good journalist to do any less. Tomorrow then.
Yoshihiko and Slash exit the room, closing what remains of the door behind them. Kanzaki stands for a moment, looking at the damaged door and then lies back down in the bed.
Kanzaki: Not quite what I expected.
The scene shifts back to the galley of the ship. Suguru, Mahoro, Ryuga, Hamaji and Minawa are sitting at the table. The others had gone their separate ways, but were monitoring the conversation on their wrist bands.
Suguru: Sera-san, what time did you say we would arrive back in Earth orbit?
Voice of Sera: If I give the ship a little more of a boast with the engines, we can be back in Earth orbit above Vesper headquarters sometime around 10:30 in the morning Earth time.
Voice of Hayato: That would mean that you would have about twenty four hours to relax and debrief before you have to put up with the media blitz. We announced your arrival to be the morning of the day after tomorrow.
Suguru: And we would meet with this reporter then sometime tomorrow.
Voice of Hayato: Yes, tomorrow afternoon, after everyone has some time with their parents and have a good meal.
Suguru: Why don't we set the time for three in the afternoon. That will give everyone plenty of time to get used to being back on Earth.
Mahoro: Who is this reporter, and how did he find out about our trip?
Voice of Hayato: His name is Takanori Kanzaki. He is an independent journalist who has apparently been following the sightings of UFOs for some time and in particular those Saint vessels that have been showing up randomly for the last year. The amazing thing is that more than half of the sighting occurred in places where Kanzaki-san already was staying.
Ryuga: They seem to be following him. That is quite unusual since their appearances are supposed to be completely random..
Voice of Hayato: The other unusual thing is that he has been ducking Kaemisa operatives for the last year. At one point, he disappeared and it was assumed that he had been killed by Kaemisa, but he turned up about two months later, alive and well.
Hamaji: He must have gone into very deep hiding.
Minawa: That would not have done him any good. The repairer that is assigned to him is tuned to it's victim. The repairer would have found him no matter how well he hid.
Hamaji: Repairer?
Minawa: Cyborgs who go and repair problems caused by people who do not meet Kaemisa's expectations or do not follow the rules. If I had not been defective, I would have become a repairer.
Hamaji: What do you mean defective?
Minawa: I could not kill. It was a problem with the 300 series of cyborgs. We were bred and built to be faster and stronger than the 200 series cyborgs and to look more human than the 100 series cyborgs. But only two or three of the cyborgs from my series could actually kill another being. Most were destroyed by Kaemisa or we destroyed ourselves rather than be forced to kill. There were several of us that they kept to do missions that did not require us to kill.
Mahoro: Like to gather information.
Minawa: (Lowering her eyes) Yes, to gather information.
Suguru: Does he just want to interview me?
Voice of Hayato: No, I think he would like to talk to everyone, although you are the one he will be the most interested in.
Ryuga: Suguru and the twins.
Suguru: I guess this takes care of explaining the sudden appearance of the twins. They really will be foreign exchange students.
Voice of Hayato: Oh, by the way, we were able to take care of that favor you asked us about.
Suguru: Thank you Commander. Will that be it?
Voice of Hayato: At least for now. If anything else comes up, we will be in contact.
Suguru: Later then Commander
Voice of Hayato: Later.
There is a quiet clicking sound as the communication link is broken. The scene shifts momentarily to the Vesper headquarters where Commander Hayato is sitting with Eimi Shina.
Hayato: He sounds more and more like his Grandfather every time I talk with him.
The scene shifts back to the ship's galley. It is later in the evening and everyone (even Sera) is just finishing their dinner.
Shikijo: Mahoro-san, that was a wonderful dinner.
Mahoro: Thank you. There was very little fresh food remained in the ship's stores, so I did the best that I could.
Chizu: Mahoro-san, I think you could even make cardboard taste good.
Everyone laughs.
Mahoro: I would also like to thank Rin-chan who helped me with tonight's dinner.
Miyuki: Not bad girl. You might get the knack of this yet.
Mahoro: Since this is our last night of your trip, I thought we might have a bit of a celebration. Suguru, would you do the honors.
Suguru gets up and exits to the kitchen, returning in a moment with a cake. On the cake is written "Welcome back, Shikijo-sensei". Suguru sets the cake in front of Shikijo.
Shikijo: What is this all about?
Suguru: Commander Hayato had a conversation with the principal of our school. He explained that there had been significant extenuating circumstances surrounding the events which led to your dismissal. In light of that and your current notoriety, the school has decided to revoke your dismissal through the end of the current school year.
Rin: That's great. It will be good to have you back.
Miyuki and Chizu don't necessarily look quite as happy as Rin.
Suguru: In addition, you have an appointment to become a mathematics teacher at the Gonoe High School beginning with the new school year. Of course, if that is your wish.
Shikijo: (Obviously in shock; almost in tears) I… I… ahhh… don't know… ahhh… quite what… ahhh… to say…
Kiyomi: It will be nice to have you back, Sensei.
Shikijo: Please let's skip the sensei part for now. You have all been some of the best friends I have ever had. This calls for a real celebration. Ryuga-san, someone said that you have beer on board.
Ryuga: (Getting up from the table and heading for the kitchen) That sounds like a great idea.
Sera: It sounds like it's going to be a long night.
Mahoro: Sensei, do you really think that you should be drinking in front of your students?
Shikijo: Like I said, you're all my friends, not my students today. Anyway, don't get all high and mighty with me. I seem to remember somebody who could really pack the beer away. If I remember correctly a whole liter in a single draw.
Mahoro: Ahhh…
Suguru: (Looking at Mahoro with amazement) Mahoro?
Ryuga: (Re-entering galley carrying several cases of beer) There is plenty more where this came from.
Sera: This IS going to be a long night.
Shikijo: Ryuga-san, I really never expected you to be such a beer drinker.
Ryuga: I wasn't, but you can blame it on Suguru-kun's grandfather. He got me hooked when he came to visit, so this is all his fault.
Mahoro: Before you open the beer, Saori-san, why don't you cut the cake. I'm not sure beer and cake go together.
Shikijo: Beer goes with everything, but you're right. You're cake is a special delight.
Shikijo cuts the cake and distributes pieces to everyone and takes a large gooey piece for herself.
Chizu: (Tasting her cake) Mmmm… This is like being in heaven, but this is just ever so slightly different from the cake you did for Minawa-chan's birthday. But it is still so good.
Mahoro begins to smile broadly as does Rin.
Mahoro: It's different, more than likely, because I didn't make it. Rin-chan made it all by her self, from baking to decorating.
Chizu: Rin-chan, this is good.
Shikijo Be careful Rin-chan, or someday you'll make a good wife for someone.
Rin: I'd never would have been able to do it without Mahoro-san help. She should teach cooking. She's a natural.
Shikijo: Thank you Rin-chan. Thank you to everyone. Now beer for everyone.
Mahoro: I still must protest. The children are not of legal drinking age.
Shikijo: Hmmm… Ryuga-san, what is the legal drinking age in space?
Ryuga: Being a Saint ship, I guess there isn't any. I would guess that the twins have had fermented beverages with their meals.
Kaito: On our ships, it is left to the parents to teach moderation with fermented drinks. We usually would have a fermented fruit beverage with dinner.
Kiyomi: On Earth, that's called wine.
Shikijo: Well that settles it, drinks for everyone.
Kiyomi: That's OK Sensei. I've spent most of my life around it at my dad's liquor store, but I haven't developed a taste for beer.
Rin: You old folks enjoy yourself. I think I want to go to the observation deck and get one last look at the moon from here in space.
Miyuki: I've had sips of my dads beer. I think it's vile. Chizu-chan, why don't you and I and the twins do some simulator games. It will be our last chance.
Chizu: Sure, that sounds great… Uhhh… Mahoro-san, may I have another piece of cake?
Mahoro: Go ahead.
Chizu: (Taking a big slice) Who needs beer when you have Rin-chan's cake.
Everyone laughs at that.
Minawa: Come on Hamaji-kun, let's go find someplace where we can be kissee-kissee.
Mahoro: Minawa-chan!
Hamaji: Don't worry, Mahoro-san, we'll behave ourselves.
Minawa: No we won't.
Hamaji: Minawa-chan!
Minawa begins to drag Hamaji out of the galley.
Kiyomi: Don't worry, we'll keep an eye on them.
All leave except Mahoro, Suguru, Shikijo, Ryuga and Sera. Shikijo takes a beer and opens it, taking a big drink from it
Mahoro: If you'd like, we can go do something else.
Suguru: No that's OK, but I never realized you were a beer drinker.
Mahoro: I'm not really… Well, I wasn't… until Saori-san and I went out together. That was the first time and actually well, I kind of like the taste.
Suguru: So go ahead.
Shikijo: So here sister (Handing a beer to Mahoro) Don't be shy. Show these people what you can do. How about you Sera-san?
Sera: I can have one or two, (taking a beer and opening it) but I still have to watch over the ship.
Ryuga: Well I'm not shy (Taking a beer) Suguru-kun, as far as I'm concerned, you may take one.
Suguru: Not right now.
Shikijo: Ryuga-san, do you have a big glass? You have to see Mahoro chug a beer. I've never seen anything like it.
Ryuga: Let me check in the kitchen pantry.
Ryuga gets up, opens his beer takes a drink and then exits to the kitchen. He returns in a moment with a water pitcher (about two liters)
Ryuga: Will this do?
Shikijo: That will be fine. Mahoro, do you think you can empty that in one pull.
Mahoro: I guess so.
Suguru: You can drink that much at one time?
Mahoro: I think the glasses I drank when Saori-san and I went out were a little smaller, but…
Shikijo: Come on Ryuga-san, let's fill this thing up. You've got to see this.
Shikijo and Ryuga start opening beer cans and filling the pitcher. In the meantime, Mahoro opens the beer in her hand, tips it up and empties it, tossing the empty to the side.
In that time, they fill the pitcher and Shikijo hands it to Mahoro.
Mahoro takes the pitcher and puts it to her lips and begins to tip it up and drink. It almost looks as if she is just pouring the beer down her throat since not one drop is spilled. It does not take long for Mahoro to empty it.
Scene shifts to Suguru with Mahoro draped over his shoulder, walking (stumbling) to their quarters.
Suguru: You guys really got wasted.
Mahoro: Wasted?
Suguru: Drunk.
Mahoro: I didn't think I had all that much to drink.
Suguru: Only six cases between three of you, considering Sera-san did not have all that much.
Mahoro: I'm sorry Suguru. I hope you're not angry with me.
Suguru: No I'm not angry. I just know that drinking that much isn't very good for humans.
Mahoro: I'll be fine in the morning. Thank you for helping me to get to our quarters.
Suguru: No problem. Rin-chan and Kiyomi-kun were helping Sensei to get to her quarters. Sera-san said she was just going to let Ryuga-sensei sleep on the floor in the galley.
Suguru and Mahoro arrive at the door to their quarters and Suguru opens it. He assists Mahoro inside and sits her down on one of the beds. Suguru goes and get bed clothes for himself and for Mahoro. He hears Mahoro giggling and when he turns to look, he sees that in trying to get her tee shirt off, she has tangled herself in it and is now in a state of being half on and half off. Suguru begins to blush.
Mahoro: (Giggling) Suguru, can you help me?
Suguru, half averting his eyes, steps over to Mahoro and helps her with her tee shirt. The manages to untangle her and pull the shirt off over her head.
Mahoro: Thank you Suguru. (Mahoro notices that Suguru is blushing) I'm sorry if I am embarrassing you.
Suguru: I'm just not used to seeing you in this state of undress.
Even while Suguru is still speaking, Mahoro tries to undo her bra. It is quite obvious though that she is not going to have any success.
Mahoro: Ahhh… Suguru, could I ask another favor of you? Could you undo my bra. I think I've had to much to drink and I can't seem to unhook it.
Suguru: (Turning bright red) Ahhh… Mahoro… I… I…
Mahoro: (Standing up, although somewhat unstable, she turns her back to Suguru) It's OK.
Suguru fumbles with the hooks for a moment, but finally he is able to undo them. Mahoro removes the unfastened bra and tosses it on the bed. She turns to face Suguru. Suguru is frozen in place, not knowing what to do. Mahoro slides off her shorts and panties and stands naked before him.
Suguru: (Still in shock and blushing profusely) Mahoro… th… th… this isn't right.
Mahoro: (Stepping forward till she is almost touching Suguru) Suguru, please hug me. Please hold my body against yours. Please.
Mahoro extends her arms, inviting Suguru to embrace her, but Suguru is still frozen in place
Mahoro: Please, Suguru
Suddenly something unfreezes in Suguru's brain and he embraces her, running his hands up and down her naked back.
Suguru: I love you…
Mahoro: Shhh… Just hug me.
Fade to black
Mid show break.
Suguru awakens, stretches and turns in bed, only to find himself facing the still sleeping, still naked, Mahoro.
Suguru:(To himself) She looks so beautiful, and innocent and fragile like this.
Suguru quietly got out of bed, gathered his clothing and exited the room to go for his shower.
A few moments have passed and Suguru has returned to their room showered and dressed. Mahoro is still in bed, but awake, with the covers pulled up to her neck.
Suguru: Good morning Mahoro. Are you feeling OK this morning.
Mahoro: I'm feeling well enough. Ahhh… Suguru, about last night… I would like to apologize about my behavior. I…
Suguru: Mahoro, you are starting to sound like your little sister. There is no reason for you to apologize.
Mahoro: But I drank too much and I put you into an uncomfortable position.
Suguru: Only for a moment. In fact, I had forgotten how soft and smooth your skin was. And in fact, I more than likely owe you an apology.
Mahoro: How is that?
Suguru: I think when we were in bed, my hand may have been someplace where it should not have been.
Mahoro: I don't under…
Suguru: (Blushing) I think my hand may have been on your breast.
Mahoro: Ohhh?
Suguru: I removed it as soon as I realized it, but…
Mahoro: Suguru, Did it feel nice?
Suguru: (Suguru took a deep breath) Yes, it felt very nice.
Mahoro: That's good, because it felt nice for me also.
Suguru: I'm sorry… I didn't realize that you were awake… I mean… Not that I did it because I thought you were asleep… I mean…
Mahoro: (Smiling) Now you're the one who sounds like Minawa-chan. Actually I would not mind if you did it again some day.
Mahoro smiles and Suguru blushes again
Suguru: Well, then, I guess that I will go and let you get dressed.
Mahoro: If you want to, but I don't think it really matters. I don't think there is any more to see than you saw last night.
Suguru: Yes, but…
It is too late for Suguru to do anything as Mahoro throws back the covers and gets out of be. Still quite naked.
Mahoro: I was thinking. If we are going to share a bedroom once we return to Earth, we might as well get used to this. Suguru, are you all right?
Suguru: (Staring at Mahoro) Yes I'm fine. It will just take a little getting used to.
Mahoro puts on a dressing gown, gathers her things together and walks toward the door, stopping next to Suguru to give him a little kiss on the cheek.
Mahoro: Will you put on some water for tea. I think Saori-san is going to need some of my special blend this morning.
Suguru: Special blend?
Mahoro: It is very good for curing hangovers. Your father told me about it. I have always liked the taste, but the officers used it after long nights of drinking.
Suguru: You don't have a hangover?
Mahoro: My internal repair systems take care of it. If she is awake, tell her that I'll have some made for her after I am dressed.
Suguru: OK
Mahoro exits their quarters. Suguru begins to pick up and pack his travel bag.
Scene shifts to galley. Miyuki is sitting at the table as Suguru enters.
Suguru: Good morning Miyuki-chan.
Miyuki: Oh, Good morning Suguru-kun.
Suguru: Is anybody else awake yet?
Miyuki: Hamaji-kun and Minawa-chan are sitting on the observation deck. Chizu-chan is packing. I haven't seen anybody else.
Suguru: Are you all right?
Miyuki: I guess I'm kinda sad that this trip is over. It was nice not having to deal with my sisters for over a week.
Suguru starts to walk to the kitchen.
Miyuki: Suguru-kun, may I say something?
Suguru: Ahhh… yeah… I guess so
Miyuki: First I want to apologize for my behavior. I've been very rude to you and Mahoro-san. I guess I was jealous of her. Suguru, I have always loved you. I would sometimes dream of the two of us becoming husband and wife, but…
Suguru: Miyuki-chan, I have always loved you too. You were always there when I need help, you and Rin-chan and Chizu-chan. I love all three of you, but I could never choose one of you over another. You were like the sisters I never had. And no matter what, I will love you the same way, always.
Miyuki: (Smiling, almost crying) Thank you. That makes what I have to say much easier. As silly as this sounds, I think I've fallen for Riku-kun. I know we haven't known each other all that long, but he's so nice and he is so nice to be with. And Chizu-chan, I think, has the hots for Kaito-kun.
Suguru: So you and Chizu-chan have the hots for the twins. You two haven't been doing anything naughty with them at night?
Miyuki: Suguru, How can you think that… (There is the sudden light of understanding in Miyuki's eyes) I deserved that, didn't I?
Suguru: (Laughing) No, not really. (Walking toward the kitchen) I have to get the water on for Mahoro for tea.
Miyuki: You and Mahoro-san make quite a couple. I could see you two being married some day.
Suguru: You think so?
Miyuki: Yep! You seem to be made for each other.
Suguru: Can you keep a secret at least for a little while?
Miyuki: I… uhhh… guess so.
Suguru: I've already asked her to marry me.
Miyuki: You did… When?… What did she say?
Suguru: The first night on the ship returning home. And she didn't say anything yet. I just asked her to consider the question. So if you could, sort of, keep it to yourself,… at least for a little while.
Miyuki: Juicy gossip like that is hard to keep quiet… but… at least for a little while.
Suguru: Thanks sis. Although I'd really would like to be around when you tell your dad about Riku-kun… Uhhh… Father, I'd like you to meet my new boyfriend, he's an alien.
Miyuki: Stop that! Riku-kun is not my boyfriend.
Suguru: Yet.
Both Miyuki and Suguru laugh and Suguru proceeds to the kitchen, Miyuki sits down, still laughing to herself.
Scene cuts to bridge. Everyone is in their seats and strapped in for return to Earth orbit. Shikijo has a firm grasp of Suguru's one arm, while Mahoro has a grasp of the other.
Sera: Breaking engines shut down. This is Saint Exploration ship to Vesper control.
Voice of Hayato: This is Vesper control, Commander Hayato here. Welcome home.
Sera: If you would be so kind as to activate the locator beacon, we'll have your travelers home in no time.
Voice of Hayato: Locator beacon active. Let us know when you are ready to transport.
Sera: Beacon activation confirmed. It will be about fifteen minutes. Thank you, Commander. Saint Exploration Ship out
Voice of Hayato: Your very welcome. Vesper out.
Sera: (To the people on the bridge) OK. You can unbuckle now and go to gather your things.
Suguru: Saori-san… If you could let go of my arm, I need to get the blood flowing to it again. It has gone numb.
Chizu: (To Sera) Thank you for a wonderful trip. You know, on Earth, they always give a ship a name. It's for good luck. If you decide to ever do that with your ship, I have a suggestion. Saint Exploration Ship New Hope.
Sera: New Hope… I like that. I'll have to talk to Leesha-san about that. When you have your gear together, please report to the transport station.
Scene shifts to just outside of the transport chamber.
Shikijo: Are you sure there is no way you can land this thing?
Ryuga: Not yet. The only way back to the ground is using the transport.
Shikijo: Suguru-kun, may I hold your hand, please. Mahoro-san, may I please hold Suguru-kun's hand.
Mahoro: If that is what it takes to get you into the transport. Of course that is if it is OK with Suguru.
Suguru: Mahoro, why don't you take one hand and Saori-san can take… (Shikijo latches on to Suguru's other arm, quite tightly; Suguru somewhat in pain) my other arm.
Sera: OK, everyone into the transport. Let's do this.
Everyone gets into the transport chamber, Suguru, almost dragging Shikijo. The chamber door closes.
Voice of Sera: Vesper Control, this Saint Exploration Ship New Hope, requesting permission to disembark.
Voice of Hayato: Saint Exploration Ship New Hope, this is Vesper Control… Permission to disembark granted.
Scene shifts to Earth, just outside the Vesper headquarters. A large group of people are gathered, including the families of the travelers. A bright beam of light appears in an open area. The light gets brighter and there seems to be movement inside of the beam (downward). The light remains constant for a few moments and then begins to fade. The travelers are visible within the light and then the light disappears.
Shikijo is draped all over Suguru, but once realizing that they are on the ground, releases her grip.
Sera: Crew and Passengers of the Saint Exploration Ship New Hope reporting.
Sera bows to Commander Hayato, returns the gesture.
Hayato: Thank you Sera-san. Everybody, welcome home.
The crowd of people converge on the travelers, each family finding their own and welcoming them home. Saori is amazed to see her two sisters, Kaori and Shiori. Kaori is built very much like Saori only bigger, while Shiori is built very much mike Mahoro, except maybe more so
Shikijo: Kaori-san… Shiori-chan… Oh it's so good to see you. (Shikijo gives them both a big hug and kiss) How are you? (Looking around) Where are mom and dad?
Kaori: We are fine. Mom isn't feeling well… so mom and dad didn't come.
Shiori: You could have given us some hint something like this was going on. What was it like? What are the aliens like? Are they scary?
Shikijo: Slow down a bit and if you give me a chance I'll introduce you to two of them.
Shiori: The Aliens are here… Where? Where?
Shikijo: Wait a minute. All in due course.
Scene shifts to Miyuki and her family.
Natsune: You lucky little (stops short feeling the glare from her mother's eyes)… You got to go into space and we got stuck at home.
Miyuki: Keep it up you little brat and I'll send you into space without a ship.
Akine: But it's not fair
Ryuga: (Who happened to walk by at that moment) Miyuki-chan, maybe if you sisters behave themselves, we can take them for a tour of the ship.
All Three Sisters: Can we dad? Can we?
Miyuki: It would be fine with me if you left them there, Ryuga-sensei?
Scene shifts to Hamaji and Minawa talking with Hamaji's parents.
Hamaji: Mom… Dad… I'd like to introduce you to Minawa Andou. She is Mahoro-san's little sister.
Minawa: (Bowing to Hamaji's parents) I am very pleased to meet you.
Hamaji: She was injured and the Saint doctors saved her life.
Mr. Hamaguchi: (To Hamaji) She's kinda cute. You going to see her on a regular basis.
Hamaji: Dad!
Minawa: Hamaji-kun and I are already kissee-kissee and we slept together in the same quarters.
Hamaji begins to blush brightly
Scene shifts to Chizu, who has the twins in tow, with her parents.
Chizu: Mom… Dad… I'd like to introduce you to Kaito-kun and Riku-kun. They are twins and they are going to be staying here on Earth as exchange students from Saint.
Kaito: (Bowing to Chizu's parents) I am very pleased to meet you.
Riku: (Also bowing) I am also glad to meet you
Chizu: They are going to be staying at Suguru-kun's and Mahoro-san's house and they'll be in my class.
Mrs. Oe: (Bowing) I am so glad to meet you
Mr. Oe: (Bowing) You are welcome to our house any time.
Kaito: Thank you.
Riku: Thank you.
Scene shifts to Mahoro and Suguru who are standing and talking with Commander Hayato and Professor Hokato.
Hayato: Welcome home, Mahoro-san… Suguru-kun. This would have been a nice quiet reception if it had not been for the leak to the media. As it was, we thought it best to bring everyone concerned here so that they would not be hounded by the press.
Suguru: So this journalist we will be meeting was the source of the leak?
Hayato: We knew this would have gotten out sooner or later. It would have been nice though if it was under our control, rather than the media.
Suguru: How are the people of Earth reacting to it?
Hokato: The reaction is pretty mixed as you might expect, but in general, the reaction seems to be guarded optimism and indecision.
Suguru: When you think about it, Saint could have come and wiped out Earth if they had wanted to, considering their technology. The fact that they didn't would make me feel optimistic.
Hokato: Most people don't think that way. (Noting that Chizu and the twins had joined Miyuki and her family group) The twins seem to be adapting well.
Mahoro: Considering their background, it's good that they have found such good friends.
Mahoro, Suguru Commander Hayato and Professor Hokato are approached by Shikijo and her sisters.
Shikijo: Mahoro-san, Suguru-kun… I'd like to introduce you to my sisters. Kaori (bows) and Shiori (also bows) This is Mahoro Andou, Suguru Misato, Commander Hayato of Vesper and Professor Hokato of Vesper.
Suguru and Mahoro: Pleased to meet you.
Hayato: Likewise pleased to meet.
Hokato: Pleased to meet you.
Shikijo: I want to thank you for your help. I'm not sure I will ever be able to repay you.
Hayato: No problem. On the other hand, if your little sister is interested, and if she does not mind going to school where her sister is teaching, there are still several slots open. It would not be difficult to arrange.
Shiori: Could I… Could I… Onee-chan, could I go to school where you're going to teach.
Shikijo: We'll have to see about that…
Scene shifts back to Miyuki and her family.
Miyuki: Mother… Father… I'd like to introduce you to our foreign exchange students from Saint. This is Kaito-kun (bows) and this is Riku-kun (also bows),
Mr. Sakura: Welcome to Earth
Mrs. Sakura: We will have to have them in for dinner some time
Miyuki: They are twins. Both of their parents were killed in an accident. They are going to be staying with Mahoro-san and Suguru-kun. You know dad, on their ships they don't have baths, just showers. I want to show them the garden hot springs here.
Natsune: (to Akine, but loud enough for all to hear) I think Onee-chan has a boyfriend.
Akine: You think so. I wonder which one it is?
Miyuki: Shut up you little brats.
Natsune: I wonder if she is going to offer to wash his back?
Akine: I wonder if she'll offer him anything else?
Seeing that Miyuki is none too happy with them, they decide to take off running.
Miyuki: Just wait until I get my hands on you.
Riku: (To Chizu, who is still standing with the twins) Is it like this everywhere on Earth?
Chizu: No, just at Miyuki-chan's house.
Scene shifts to Commander Hayato.
Hayato: If I might have your attention. Your attention please. If you would like to move inside, lunch is being served in the main dining room.
Scene shifts to a briefing room where all of the travelers have gathered.
Hayato: Your interview with the journalist Kanzaki-san will be at three o'clock here in this briefing room. As part of the terms of the interview, there will be no Vesper representatives in the room during the interviews… except for Mahoro-san. You do not have to answer any questions that you do not feel comfortable with. Hopefully the interview will only last about an hour to two hours.
Suguru: Commander Hayato, we've already decided among ourselves not to reveal any background on Minawa-chan.
Minawa: We will only say that I was injured during the kidnapping of Suguru-kun and that the injury was so serious that doctors on Earth could not fix it and that Saint had the technology to do something about it.
Hayato: Ryuga-sensei, Sera-san… You realize that your cover as humans is in jeopardy.
Ryuga: Commander, We will just tell the truth. We were sent here to observe Earth culture and to make a report to our commander, but now it is our intent to live here on Earth, as best as we can. Mahoro-san, you also will have the same problem. How do you plan to handle it.
Mahoro: I will admit that I am a Vesper operative, now assigned as a domestic servant and body guard to Suguru.
Suguru: She is just a master martial artist and fighter. No lie in that.
Hayato: Tomorrow, you will have to repeat the same performance for the rest of the media. It might be politic to have you transport back down again for the press.
Shikijo: Only if you have some really good drugs. I will not willingly get into that contraption again.
Hayato: I think medical can do something for you. If there is nothing else, you have until about 2:45 to yourselves. Meet back here at that time. That is all.
The meeting breaks up. Suguru notices Rin and Kiyomi together, looking somewhat down. He goes over to them.
Suguru: You two OK.
Kiyomi: Yeah. I guess I'm sorry that the adventure is over.
Suguru: Is something wrong?
Kiyomi: Well, no, but it's just my dad. He's pissed that he has to be here and that the store is closed and he's losing money. He hasn't stopped since I got here.
Rin: At least you father is talking to you. My mom and dad just said hello and then took off to talk to some Vesper office to see about his company doing work for them. I haven't seen them since.
Suguru: Why don't you two go and use the baths and relax a bit. I bet you could even use the hot springs with no hassle.
Rin: (Blushing) Yeah, maybe a bath would be nice.
Kiyomi: (Blushing even more) Yeah, a bath. Haven't had one since we left.
Suguru: Don't be silly. The hot springs are so much better, and I think Mahoro and I will make use of them later. In fact I would not be surprised to see Hamaji-kun and Minawa-chan there also. Maybe even Miyuki-chan, Chizu-chan and the twins. And if your parents are so tied up with their own problems, I don't think they will notice. I think you two can behave yourselves…
Both Rin and Kiyomi begin to blush all the more. Suguru smiles, knowing the feeling they are feeling at the moment.
Cut to ending theme
Preview:
Scene opens with Suguru, Mahoro, Hamaji, Minawa, Rin, Kiyomi, Miyuki, Riku, Chizu, Kaito, Ryuga, Sera and Shikijo are seated around the conference table. Scene shifts to Takanori Kanzaki writing notes in his notebook. Scene shift to Suguru and Mahoro talking with the reporter. Scene shifts to Suguru, Hamaji, Kaito and Riku in the hot spring pool, obviously talking to someone off camera. The expression on their face suddenly changes to one of shock.
Voice Over
Voice of Rin: I will be so glad when this interview is over. I am so nervous.
Voice of Chizu: Today we are only talking with one reporter. Tomorrow there will be hundreds and our faces will probably be on every news broadcast around the world.
Voice of Rin: Don't say that.
Voice of Miyuki: I wonder what the reporter is talking to Suguru-kun and Mahoro-san about?
Voice of Hamaji: I don't know. I'm just looking forward to some time in the hot springs. I just want to relax before the next round with the media begins.
Voice of Chizu: You know, for all of the talk of relaxing in the hot springs, every time I see you, you never look relaxed
Voice of Mahoro: I wonder why that is? (giggle)
Episode 13: Media