SUPER ROBOT TAISEN S ZERO
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Chapter 19 - Nadesico, Ready For Departure! - Part 1
A few hours later, at an Earth Union congress that had been called at the last possible moment...
"A civilian battleship at a time like this... what ARE those guys at Nergal thinking?" one of the congressmen lamented as images of the new battleship flashed onscreen. "And they have the Haran financial group backing them too! What exactly do they hope to accomplish, sending that thing to Mars?"
"Well, I'm betting they're hoping to save the remaining colons." another man answered, even though his annoyance was showing in his voice. "I don't know how they hope to find anyone left alive in there. They should have handed that ship over to the Earth Union, and we would have put her to better use!"
"But leaving the colons to their fate might reflect badly on the Earth Union." Another one tried to be more pragmatic about it. "And besides which, it's not like we can't have the Nadesico crew drafted into service by the time they come back from Mars!"
"By then, it might be too late!" the first one fired back. "We need to stop them for this foolish mission right now! We can't afford to lose their firepower and their advanced technology!"
"What are your thoughts, Admiral Misumaru?" another congressman turned to the middle-aged man in an elaborate military uniform sitting in one of the front rows. Sporting a thick moustache and thick, if short, black hair, Admiral Kouichiro Misumaru sighed in resignation. This was going to be harder than he wanted... "We understand that your daughter Yurika Misumaru is currently the captain of the Nadesico. Therefore, it should be within your power to persuade her to join with us. And if she isn't convinced, you know what you have to do."
Kouichiro sighed in resignation. He really wasn't looking forward to this, but there was no real way around this. "Fine, I understand." he said in a deep voice. "I'll see about having a chat with my daughter and persuade her."
"We look forward to good news, Admiral." another one stated. "Now, for what concerns the other topics of the day..."
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Meanwhile, in the Nadesico's hangars, several technicians and operator, under the supervision of resident mechanics enthusiast Seiya Uribatake, were busying themselves with maintenance works on no less than five Aestivalis machines, each one a different color. Luckily, the skirmish with the Jovian Lizards and the Meganoids hadn't inflicted too much damage upon them, but it was going to be a chore to make all the necessary checks, especially with the unexpected guest that had also been brought onboard the ship. Banjou's Daitarn 3 was standing in the hangars as well, towering over the smaller mecha and standing out for its outlandish aspect and its impressive weaponry.
"Hey, be careful with those frames! They're delicate, you know!" Seiya barked orders at the rest of the operators as Ryoko's Aestivalis was being secured.
In the midst of this activity, a rather embarassed-looking Akito Tenkawa was receiving something of a dressing down from the aforementioned Ryoko, who was not at all impressed with the news that a civilian had boarded an Aestivalis unit and was out there fighting.
"The Hell were you thinking, going out there without any training at all?" the green-haired girl barked, standing proudly in front of the spiky-haired young man, who tried to calm her down by putting his hands up like a shield between himself and Ryoko. "This ain't no anime, you fool! If you get killed, that's it! You're dead! Gone! Kaput! Game over!"
"Yeah, you tell that kid! He just went in guns blazing, thinking he was the hero!" Gai exclaimed, dramatically pointing a finger to Akito. "He should have left the piloting to the real experts, like yours truly Gai Daigouji!"
Ryoko groaned in annoyance and turned to the taller boy. "You can it, fanboy! Last time I checked, you were about to go splat, and I dragged your ass out of the fire!" she exclaimed, causing both Akito and Gai to jump up and tense up in awe. That girl sure wasn't going to let anyone forget their place. "If you're going to be a pilot for the Nadesico, I want you to shape up and stop acting like you're in a damn anime or something! That's the most surefire way of getting killed!"
Under normal circumstances, Gai would probably have answered with an hot-blooded proclaim, but in front of how strong and confident Ryoko came across as, even he found himself losing his nerve, and he was left to stammer in awkwardness.
"Gee, Ryoko, you don't have to bite their heads off, you know." the bespectacled Hikaru tried to rein her friend's aggressiveness in.
"Lt. Subaru does make a good point. A civilian taking one of Nergal's battle frames in not something to write off as nothing." Goat Hoary pointed out, calmly but firmly walking in front of Akito. "Besides, you've got a IFS implant like the other pilots, which makes you qualified for being an Aestivalis pilot anyway."
Akito reflexively covered the back of his hand bearing the sign of the nanomachine interface implanted in his body. "Th-that... that's something I can explain! I was never a pilot! I had my IFS implant done independently!" he exclaimed. "I've always wanted to be a cook, not a pilot!"
"Be that as it may, it doesn't change the fact that you've successfully piloted an Aestivalis unit against both the Jovian invaders and the Meganoids." Goat went on. "We'll have you on standby as a backup pilot until this whole mess gets sorted out. At least that way, you'll be paid more than a cook. Lt. Subaru... I will leave this boy to your tender care." With that, the imposing Nergal spokesman patted Akito on his shoulder and walked away, probably going to rejoin the rest of the commanding officers on the Nadesico's main bridge.
Ryoko sighed and crossed her arms in annoyance. "Well, I ain't gonna argue with orders from above. But you better believe I'm gonna run you through the damn wringer!" she exclaimed, pointing her finger at Akito's chest and causing the young man to flinch in nervouness. "I ain't gonna gamble the lives of my teammates and of everyone onboard this ship just 'cause you're a rookie who needs to be babysat in every battle, you got that?"
"Er... yes, ma'am!" he replied meekly.
Ryoko sighed as her expression softened just a bit. "That having been said... I must say you've shown that you have guts when needed." she admitted. "Takes more than just an IFS implant to go out there and hold off some Jovian lizards, so I'm going to give credit where it's due."
Even though he was still rather annoyed at the fact that Akito was stealing his 'deserved' spotlight, Gai couldn't help but agree with Ryoko's assessment. "Yeah, I guess there might be hope yet for you, cook boy." he answered. "At least you've got the hot-blooded part down pat where it counts."
"But..." Akito murmured in confusion, before glancing at the floor, the sole of his shoe rubbing upon it. "But all I want is to be a cook. What's wrong with being what I am?"
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Some time later, on the Nadesico's main bridge.
"I have to say, Mr. Haran, your intervention was most appreciated!" Prospector stated as he addressed Banjou, who had just arrived onboard the Nergal flagship along with his staff. Besides the brunette Reika stood a busty blonde with a somewhat ditzy expression, dressed in brighter colours, who was staring around in wonder at the Nadesico's hyper-technological bridge. And near Banjou himself was an older gentleman with greying hair and a matching moustache, impeccably dressed in a blue suit and black shoes. "We're honored to be able to count on not just your resources and your capable crew, but also your piloting skills and your expertise."
Banjou and Prospector shook hands as the rest of Banjou's staff introduced themselves to the Nadesico crew. "Very well, then. If we're going to work together, I believe we should try to make it a good experience for all those involved." Reika introduced herself. "My name is Reika Sanjou, and I conduct research and investigation for Mr. Banjou."
"My name is Beautiful Tachibana. But you can just call me Beauty!" the blonde girl introduced herself, giving a playful wink to the rest of the crew. The freckled comm officer Megumi giggled at Beauty's boldness, thinking she might learn a thing or two from her. "And I look forward to working with you all! My pleasure!"
"I'm sure we're all going to get along just swimmingly!" Minato answered, clasping her hands in a gesture of appreciation.
The last one to introduce himself was the elderly gentleman in blue. "As for myself. My name is Garrison Tokida, and I have the honor of serving Master Banjou as his personal butler." he stated in a calm and warm voice. "I pride myself on having a smattering of knowledge on several diverse subjects. Should you be in need of help, please do not hesitate to call on me. I shall do my utmost to help, within reason and within my capabilities."
"Oh, I'm sure we will do a great job together! We still need to properly thank you for your contribution to Nergal's cause, Mr. Banjou!" Yurika answered, nodding happily to the young billionaire. "We have already made sure to prepare your personal quarters and make sure your crew is well accommodated."
Banjou smiled and waved his hand at Yurika in a gallant gesture, causing the pretty blue-haired captain to blush slightly. If she hadn't already given her heart to Akito, she admitted there was a chance she might fall for him. "Thank you for your kindness, Captain Misumaru. My associates and I have been able to see for ourselves the capabilities of your battleship, and I must admit we are all thoroughly impressed. Nergal has certainly done a very good job with their latest flagship." he answered. "With that being said, I'm afraid you might have to watch your back from now on."
Yurika nodded in understanding, and Prospector wrinkled his nose. "Yes, I'm afraid I understand where you come from, Mr. Banjou..." the bespectacled Nergal representative answered, knowing how these issues tended to work. "Even though we've made it clear that Nergal is independant from the Earth Union army, they still insist on getting as much firepower as they can. It's nothing really new, I'm afraid."
"Hm? Hold on a moment, aren't Nergal and the Earth Union both trying to protect Earth and repel the Jovian Lizards?" Beauty asked in doubt.
Megumi nodded in assent. "That's right. Shouldn't we be working together towards the same goal?"
"I'm afraid things aren't that simple, young miss..." Banjou answered with a resigned shrug. "You see, the Earth Union isn't exactly enthusiastic about losing control over such a powerful battleship, and doesn't want Nergal as a loose cannon. It's all a matter of power plays, and the Earth Union isn't exactly averse to using underhanded means to obtain what they want."
"Which is why we're determined not to let ourselves fall under Earth Union jurisdiction." Yurika continued. "We'll be setting sail soon enough, and make our way through the satellite defenses placed around Earth orbit. Of course, we'll ask them to deactivate the satellite barrier just for a few moments, just the right amount of time we need to get through. However... should worse come to worse, we'll have to force our way through the barrier."
"That's a pretty bold plan." Reika answered. "One that will result in a great amount of backlash from the Earth Union military."
"And if I am allowed to speak my mind... a somewhat reckless one." Garrison commented. "Not that we disagree on your ends, but I do hope you're prepared to handle the consequences of your actions."
Yurika smiled brightly. "Aw, there will be no problem!" she said cheerfully. "We have the most cutting edge battleship that Nergal ever came up with, and our Aestivalis pilots are the best of the best! Which reminds me..." She turned to Prospector and made a cute pleading face, her head slightly tilted to the side so as to give him the equivalent of the puppy dog eyes! "Mr. Prospector, I need to go speak with the pilots for a moment! Would you please be so kind as to entertain our guests until I'm back?"
"Huh?" the bespectacled man widened his eyes in surprise. "Hold... hold on a second, Captain Misumaru! What do you mean I have to..."
"Aww, I'm sure you will do a great job!" Yurika answered with that disarming smile of hers. "I shall be back as soon as possible, anyway! See ya later!"
With that, Yurika waved at the rest of the personnel and disappeared behind a door, clearly eager to pay a visit to a certain cook-turned-pilot that had stole her heart... and leaving most of the crew in disbelief!
"Well, I can see that your captain is quite the original one..." Beauty commented in clear amusement. "I'm pretty sure this journey is going to be pretty fun with her around!"
"I think she's not really taking her position very seriously..." Megumi suggested.
Minato smiled in amusement. "Aw, I don't really mind. Besides, it's going to be more fun this way!" she answered.
Banjou himself was rather amused by the captain's antics. "I think I agree with your helmswoman, Mr. Prospector. Though we're not forgetting our duties, it seems that this journey to Mars will be something to remember indeed." he commented.
"But..." Prospector tried to argue with that, but he gave up soon enough and sighed in dismay. "Well, Mr. Banjou, I certainly won't argue with you. But I'm not sure I will remember it for the right reasons."
Still seated in front of her interface, Ruri had only one comment.
"I'm surrounded by idiots."
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If nothing else, the chance to have his own quarters and to enjoy a warm shower had picked up Akito's spirits a little. He had just come out of the shower when he heard someone knocking at his door, and he sighed in exasperation as he tried to towel himself dry.
"Hold on a second!" he exclaimed as he grabbed some underwear and started to put it on. "I'm coming already, just give me a moment to..."
He was interrupted when the door to his quarters slid open, and behind them appeared the smiling face, framed by shiny cobalt blue hair, of his childhood friend turned battleship captain, Yurika Misumaru! Wearing a pink jacket over her captain's uniform, she was standing there like it was the most natural thing in the world, leaving poor Akito frozen in his tracks, with just a towel around his sides to cover his modesty!
"Aww, it's okay! As the captain, I have a master key for every room!" she stated... right before an embarassed silence fell between the two of them, standing right there and staring at each other in disbelief!
"Er... Yu... rika...?" Akito stammered, his face scrunched into a comical expression of embarassment. The captain of the Nadesico was standind right there with a silvered master keycard in her hand, her blue eyes wide in shock as she stared back at Akito...
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A few minutes and a great deal of embarassment, blushing and stammering later, Yurika was happily enjoying a cup of hot green tea in Akito's quarters as the young man had hastily thrown on a white shirt and a pair of black trousers, in an attempt to at least look decent. "Aww, I know you're an healthy young man, Akito! So I can forgive you this time!" the blue-haired young woman said with an oblivious smile.
"HEY! Why are YOU forgiving ME? You're the one who barged in, Yurika!" Akito protested, zipping up his trousers as quickly as he could.
Once again, Yurika seemed to completely miss what Akito was trying to say. "Oh, I'm so happy that you're still calling me Yurika, even though I'm a captain now!" she exclaimed. "Just like when we were kids on Mars! Remember how you used to chase me around, yelling my name everywhere we went?"
Akito knelt in front of Yurika, rubbing his chin in doubt. "Well... I'm pretty sure it was the other way around, actually." he stated.
"It was?" Yurika answered, blinking in surprise. "Oh well, that's just details... I'm just glad I was able to find you once again, Akito."
The blue-haired captain held her cup of still-smoking tea with both hands, relishing the warmth coming from it. "I tried to keep in contact with you, after my family came back to Earth. But I could never get through to your number, and then my father told me that your family had been killed in a freak accident. I was so sad, Akito... but I'm glad you survived."
Yurika lifted her glance, probably expecting Akito to look at her with affection and relief. Instead, he was keeping his gaze low, a dark shadow on his face. "Yeah, I'm sure you do..." he muttered angrily, before picking himself up under Yurika's surprised stare. He quickly put a pair of shoes and headed out of his room, with the blue-haired captain in pursuit.
"Wh-what? Hey, wait up, Akito!" she exclaimed, walking close behind her childhood friend, who seemed adamant on ignoring her. "What's the matter? Have I said something wrong? C'mon, Akito! Please, talk to me! Akito? Akito?"
The young man had seemingly tuned her out as he walked through the Nadesico's corridors and the recreational area. As the two of them passed in front of a pair of vending machines, Yurika was done trying to call out to him, and decided for a more drastic way of getting his attention. She reached out in a bin of empty tin cans and grabbed some of them, before throwing them at the back of Akito's head!
"OW! OW! OWWWW!"
Well, that got his attention alright! "What did you do that for?" the young boy exclaimed angrily, picking up the empty cans and rubbing the back of his head.
"Because you kept ignoring me!" Yurika answered in a mixture of anger and dismay. "Why won't you talk to me? Did I say something wrong?"
Akito's anger abated at the sight of Yurika's large blue eyes sparkling with emotion, and he hesitated for a bit before giving his answer. "Look, you said nothing wrong, really." h answered, still rather curtly. "Sorry, I shouldn't have ignored you. But now listen, I'll tell you what the problem is. But before that..."
"Yes?" Yurika tensed, preparing for whatever Akito was going to say.
The boy turned to the trashcan and threw the empty cans back in there. "Empty cans..."
"...in the recycling bin!" Yurika completed his sentence, putting her own cans back in their place.
Cue the surrounding crewmen collectively facefaulting!
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A few minutes later, in the mess hall, Akito and Yurika had sat down at a table in order to discuss what was bothering the young man.
"I guess you might not know about it... but my parents were murdered, Yurika. On the same day where you and your father went back to Earth, no less." he explained. Judging from the horrified gasp that escaped Yurika's lips and the way her eyes had widened in dismay, he could see that Yurika knew nothing about that. "I was about to get back home from the spaceport..."
"Yes, I remember that..." Yurika answered sadly. "I remember how I begged you to come see me off on that day..."
"Yeah that probably saved my life..." Akito answered promptly. "You see, I was about to get back home... when I heard this explosion, and I saw this cloud of smoke and fire coming from the place where my family lived. I... I panicked and ran all the way there, not thinking straight... and when I got there, all I could see was the ruins of what used to be my home... and my parents..."
Akito shook his head and held his forehead in sorrow, and Yurika attempted to hold his hand to comfort him, but he shifted away just a little. "My parents were lying there, Yurika... they were there, lying in the rubble... I don't know what happened, but I saw they had been killed by someone. My father... he was shot from behind... and all I could recover as a memento of him was this crystal... something he was researching at the time..."
Akito took a strange thing out of his pocket - a sort of rhomboidal crystal, a deep blue colour all over, about the size of a large coin. He showed it to Yurika, who blinked and stared at it in both wonder and uncertainty. "I just want to know the truth, Yurika. I want to discover who killed my parents, and why. That's why I'm here, Yurika." he finished, his eyes growing cold and almost murderous. "And I'll find out who did it, even if it was your father!"
"M-My dad?" Yurika exclaimed in shock. "That can't be! My father may be a little weird, but he wouldn't hurt a fly!"
"For his own sake, I hope that's true, Yurika." Akito answered. "There. Now you know what really happened to my family. If we're done here, I have other things to do."
Yurika was too shocked at the reveal, and she did nothing to stop him as Akito got to his feet and walked away. In fact, she was so tunned that she only snapped out of it when a comm screen winked open in front of her, showing Megumi's freckled face. Yurika jumped up in surprise and tried to straighten herself.
"Captain? Sorry to disturb you. Please report to the bridge ASAP." Megumi stated. "Looks like Mr. Prospector wants to make an announcement, and there's also an Earth Union delegation seeking to speak with us."
"Huh? An Earth Union delegation?" Yurika parroted, blinking her large blue eyes.
Megumi nodded. "Yes, Captain... and it seems that your father, Admiral Kouichiro Misumaru, is part of the delegation."
"Oh? Is that so?" Yurika answered, her doubtful expression turning to an optimistic one. Looks like her chance to get a few answers had arrived earlier than she expected. "Well then... I'll be there in a moment! There was something I really needed to discuss with Daddy!"
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Back on the Nadesico's main bridge...
"Very well then..." Banjou ventured, taking a good look at the main crewmembers reunited near the Captain's seat. "I believe many of you already know me, but just to be safe, I'll introduce myself again. My name is Haran Banjou, and I'm the current CEO of the Haran Foundation, the financial group that contributed the most to the realization of the Schiaparelli Project. And I have a vested interest in seeing the Nadesico's mission through to the end, as you may imagine. However... while you might think I don't want to see my investment going down in flames, my reasons for joining the crew are, while still personal, quite different from that. But we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Right now, Mr. Prospector and I needed to disclose an important issue to you."
"INdeed." Prospector answered, adjusting his glasses. "We needed to keep those who might wish to sabotage our mission off guard. The truth is, that according to the Schiaparelli Project, the Nadesico will not be working with the Earth Union military. Our mission will take us to Mars."
While most of the crew seemed happy that they wouldn't really be under the Earth Union's command, some weren't really that enthusiastic. Among these was Jun Aoi, who stood up from his place and almost marched in Prospector's face. "What are you saying? Are you really going to ignore the invaders who are attacking Earth right now?"
"Are you forgetting that there were millions of settlers on the Moon and Mars that the Earth Union pretty much abandoned?" Prospector asked rhetorically. "What's to become of all those resources and people?"
Ruri shrugged dispassionately. "Odds are good, that they are dead by now." she stated.
"Well, we cannot simply assume the worst." Garrison answered politely. "It is Nergal and Master Banjou's belief that it would be a good idea to look for survivors, and try to rescue as many of them as possible."
"Precisely." Prospector answered. "And I agree that it's worth finding..."
Prospector was interrupted when a comm window appeared in front of his face, revealing Admiral Munetake smiling smugly. "You will do no such thing, traitors." he stated. Prospector frowned in doubt, but before he could say anything, the main bridge's doors opened up with a hissing sound, and several armed Earth Union soldiers barged in, aiming their weapons at the crew!
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At the same time, in the hangars, the kitchens, the recreatioal areas and all other public areas of the Nadesico, the same thing was happening. Groups of shocked crewmembers were finding themselves under threat of rifles and firearms, not even understanding what was going on.
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"What's the meaning of this, Admiral Munetake?" Goto exclaimed angrily as the Nadesico crew was being rounded up in the midst of the main bridge - with the exception of Yurika, who was being led to her captain's seat. "Have you taken leave of your senses?"
The admiral chuckled smugly. "Hehehee... no, but I am taking command of this ship." he commented. "We cannot possibly leave such a powerful weapon in the hands of a bunch of irresponsible incompetents like you. Its potential will be much better used in the hands of the Earth Union army."
Ryoko gave an annoyed grunt. "So you're just going to throw Nergal under the bus?" she commented angrily. "I should have known the Earth Union would play dirty!"
"C'mon, Ryoko-chan, let's not try to antagonize these nice guys..." Hikaru answered with a nervous giggle.
Despite the soldiers surrounding them, Banjou remained calm and almost defiant, even as Beauty was cringing in uneasiness. "Do you really believe it will go exactly like you want, Admiral?" he asked, staring coldly at Munetake.
Undaunted by the many soldiers on the bridge, and oblivious to Hikaru's warning, Gai pointed his finger at the Earth Union Admiral. "Ha! I get it now! You're all spies from Jupiter, aren't you?" he accused, just before a few soldiers aimed their guns at him. The hot-blooded pilot cringed and raised his hands in surrender, while Ryoko groaned and shook her head in disbelief.
"Don't forget who's in charge here, boy." Munetake answered with a nasty smirk. "And my backup should be here... very shortly."
As if on cue, a larger comm screen appeared before the bewildered Nadesico crew, upon which the moustachoed face of Admiral Kouichiro Misumaru was staring severely at the people gathered below. "We apologize for the methods used, but we had orders." he began. "I am Admiral Kouichiro Misumaru, commander of the Earth Union's Third Space Fleet."
Yurika blinked in surprise, standing near her captain's seat. "That's my father!" she exclaimed, and several pairs of eyes turned to her, as if aking for an explanation. "Alright, daddy, what's this all about? I thought Nergal was not obligated to work with the Earth Union forces."
Kouichiro smiled proudly as he heard his daughter's voice. "My, my, Yurika! I'm so pleased to see you! How are you doing?" he asked happily, before turning on the puppy dog eyes! "I'm SO sorry for this, but you have to understand, I have orders... I'm not happy about doing this, honestly!"
"This is quite distressing, you know..." Prospector groaned, adjusting his glasses once again. "I thought we had an agreement with the Earth Union forces. The higher-ups had been informed that the Nadesico was intended for private use from Nergal."
Munetake shook his head. "Well, the agreement was nonsense anyway. We need weapons that can even the playing field. Both the Jovian Lizards and the Meganoids greatly outclass us in terms of firepower, and the Nadesico is our best weapon to use against them." he explained. "Did you really think you would be free to use such a powerful toy?"
Prospector sighed. "I see. This calls for negotiations..." he began.
"We will only negotiate if the Nadesico's captain removes the master key and accepts to meet us in person." Kouichiro answered, his eyes pointing to the interfaces in front of Yurika's captain seat. Blinking, Yurika looked down at the console, her attention going to a silvery panel on the far right of it. That was where the master key to the Nadesico's engines was being kept. If that had been removed, the battleship would soon grind to a complete halt, and both Yurika and her father knew that.
"What? No, captain! Don't remove that key! It's a trap!" Gai exclaimed.
"I agree with your father, Yurika!" Jun protested. "What's the point of sending such a powerful battleship to Mars?"
Banjou decided to join in the discussion. "We're not military, Captain Misumaru." he stated. "We don't have to obey their orders."
Kouichiro sighed in exasperation. "Mr. Banjou, please refrain yourself from trying to teach my daughter her own job!" he answered. Then, he turned back to Yurika, and his eyes turned bright and shiny once again. "Yurika, darling... has your daddy ever told you a lie?"
"Captain, don't do this!" Ryoko exclaimed.
After a few moments of hesitation, Yurika placed her gloved hand on the silver panel, which slid sideways to reveal the golden master key to the Nadesico's entire workings. The blue-haired captain grabbed the key and turned it clockwise before extracting it from the panel, and a faint whirring sound signalled that the Nadesico was shutting down.
"C-Captain!" Gai lamented. "Where's the justice in all this?"
The interior of the huge battleship began to shake slightly as the engines powered down. "The master key has been extracted." Ruri stated matter-of-factly. "The Nadesico is now immobile."
Koichiro Misumaru smiled with pride and nodded to his daughter. "You made the right choice, my dear Yurika!" he commented. "Now, please, come over to the Earth Union's own ship, and we'll have a nice little chat!" With that, his comm screen shut down, and Yurika sighed and placed the Nadesico's master key in her uniform.
"Now that was an excellent and most wise choice, captain Misumaru." Munetake answered confidently. "If you would just follow me, we will escorrt you to meet your father. But first... we must secure this unruly crew. I really don't trust them to stay put..."
"Hold on a moment." Banjou stated, stepping up from the rest of the crew. He turned a serious glance to Munetake and went on. "As leader of the Haran financial clique, and one of the main backers of Schiaparelli Project, I believe I have a right to request that I accompany Captain Misumaru in the negotiations. Nothing to object, I believe?"
Munetake glanced at the young Daitarn 3 pilot in visible doubt. Apparently, even Munetake knew enough that it wouldn't go well for him if he antagonized one of Nergal's main allies. "Hm... no objections. But I don't see how your presence is going to change the outcome." the lanky Admiral answered.
Banjou smiled thinly. "Oh, I'm a man of many surprises, Admiral." he stated cryptically. Then, he turned to Garrison and his two assistants. "Alright, then. I'll accompany Captain Misumaru and Mr. Prospector. Garrison, Reika, Beauty... please stay onboard and keep things under control. I'll be back as soon as I can."
"You got it, Banjou." Reika answered.
"I'll do my best as well!" Beauty answered.
Garrison made a polite nod. "You can rely on me, Master Banjou."
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Less than one hour later, most of the crew had been locked up in one of the largest recreational areas, while Yurika, Banjou, Prospector and Jun were en route to a meeting with Admiral Misumaru. Most of the crew seemed to be quite resigned to what was going on, with a few notable exceptions...
"Curse those military jackasses!" Gai grumbled, powerlessly shaking his fist at one of the electronically-locked doors. "Just you wait until we get out of here, and we'll pay you back in full!"
"I'm not sure we're in any position to threaten them..." Hikaru commented.
Ryoko crossed her arms and grumbled something under her breath. "You're not exactly helping, Hikaru!" she murmured. "C'mon, Izumi! Say something too!"
Izumi shrugged and smiled sarcastically. "Something too." she quipped, causing Ryoko to facepalm in exasperation.
Seiya took a sip out of a cup of coffee. "So much for my freedom. It only lasted one day." he commented.
Sitting at a table with a bored Minato and a silent Ruri, Megumi sighed in resignation as she glanced up at her companions. "How disappointing... I was hoping to meet some dashing pilots and have some great adventures on board this ship, and now..."
"Real life is disappointing that way, I guess..." Minato answered.
The freckle-faced voice actress glanced around at the rest of the crew, particularly at the pilots. "Mr. Prospector sure hired some really strange people. I wonder if he can do anything to help us." she commented. "To be honest, he didn't seem very reliable to me."
Minato smiled and chuckled gently. "You're an actress, Megumi. You should know not to judge a movie by its poster. You never know, he might surprise us." she stated. Megumi seemed to be about to comment on it, when a loud and boisterous voice, accompanied by a loud clapping of hands, called for everyone's attention. That was obviously Gai, who had climbed on a table and was calling for the rest of the crew.
"Come on now! What's with this 'no can do' attitude?" he exclaimed, holding what seemed to be a miniature DVD player. "Now your good ol' Gai Daigouji will show you something that will pump you up for sure! Hey, Uribatake! Mind lending a hand in setting this thing up?"
"Hey, what am I, some kinda Mr. Fixit?" Seiya protested. "Ugh, whatever. As long as it gets you to stop shouting..."
Akito, who had been busying himself with some kitchen work, turned to the table around which most of the crew had gathered... and just then, he was able to see something being projected on the wall of the large room, clearly the prelude to some video. The music began blaring, an highly catchy tune that expressed joy and bravery... and that was when Akito recognized what was being broadcast, and his eyes widened in delight! On the projected screen, an old-school anime was running, featuring a giant robot that seemed to combine the features of several of the machines that had been developed by various research labs on Earth - mostly, it looked like a fusion of Mazinger Z and Getter Robo, but with enough originality to be its own thing.
"W-Wait, is that... Gekiganger 3?" Akito murmured. He quickly put the plate he was cleaning down and approached the small crew of onlookers... among which, Gai and the glasses-wearing redhead Hikaru were sitting in front, loudly cheering at the events onscreen.
"GEKIGAN PUNCH!" on the screen, Gekiganger 3 was firing its own fist at a mechanical monster, much like the famous Mazinger Z's Rocket Punch!
"GEKIGAN CUTTER!" With a single movement of its arms, Gekiganger 3 fired an X-shaped projectile that tore through an enemy robot's armor, slicing it to pieces!
"GEKIGAN BEAM!" Gekiganger 3 raised its head and fired a shining beam from its eyes, sweeping through a fleet of enemy flying saucers. Right after that, several screens appeared to show the protagonists of the anime - three young men who truly seemed to have come out of some old-school anime!
"This world is our home!"
"This blue planet Earth..."
"We will protect it!"
"See? THIS is what I'm talking about!" Gai gushed, on the edge of his seat. "This is Gekiganger 3, the amazing hot-blooded 39-episode series! That's every anime fan's dream!"
"Woo-hoooo! Look at them go! They're so awesome!" Hikaru practically shrieked from enthusiasm. "And Joe is such a hunk!"
The other onlookers looked... less than enthusiastic about the whole thing, as most of them were staring in dumbfounded surprise at the clumsily-drawn characters yelling out corny phrases. The only one who genuinely seemed to be interested was Akito, who took a seat next to Gai and began watching in wonder. "Hold on a second... I remember the opening being different." he commented.
A moment later, Gai was already in front of Akito, staring at him in absolute bliss! "So you DO get it, don't you?" he exclaimed "This original opening was replaced by the classical oening starting from Episode 3!"
Hikaru practically beamed and grabbed Akito's shoulders like he was her old buddy! "Always great to meet a fellow Gekiganger fan!" she exclaimed. "Welcome onboard, Akito!"
As an embarassed Akito tried to squirm out of Hikaru's grab, Gai's enthusiastc expression quickly turned sour... and the tan-skinned young man groaned and turned away from Akito. "Oh, it's you now, isn't it?" he grumbled. "What does a cook have to do with Gekiganger, huh?"
Hikaru blinked in surprised dismay at Gai's aggressive behavior towards Akito, but the Martian boy stood up and glared back at Gai. "What do you mean by that? I'll have you know, I used to watch this show all the time when I was little!" he exclaimed.
Gai was quick to get on his case. "Then why don't you feel excited at the idea of piloting a battle robot, huh?" he asked angrily. "How can you be content with being a mere cook?"
"What IS wrong with being a cook, huh?" Akito fired back. The two boys began glaring daggers and snarling at each other, while an embarassed Hikaru tried to play peacemaker between the two of them.
"O-Okay, guys... I don't think this is the time nor the place to quarrel..." she ventured with an embarassed chuckle. "How about... you just enjoy the episode and leave this for later?"
Just then, the episode had started, and the narrator called out the episode's title in a booming voice.
"Episode 1! Invincible! Take off, Gekigan Three!"
Akito and Gai were quick to forget their quarrel and joined Hikaru in cheering on the episode being broadcast, much to the confusion and/or annoyance of the other crewmembers. Back in the crowd, Reika sighed and stifled a chuckle. "Well, what can I say. They sure are enthusiastic."
"Not that this is a bad thing, Miss Reika." Garrison answered politely. "In fact, I must say that I admire their enthusiasm. I believe it will be necessary soon."
Beauty turned to Garrison and nodded. "So... you've got a plan on what to do, Garrison?" she whispered.
The elderly gentleman gave her a small smile and a nod. "I believe we should be able to move soon." he whispered back. "I would advise to stand ready."
Reika and Beauty both nodded, as the background noise of the anime echoed in the large room...
oooooooooo
Onboard the Earth Union battleship Tobiume, the reception room had been prepared to host the meeting between Yurika and her father. In fact, rather than a meeting, it could easily be described as a family gathering, with the two of them sitting in front of each other at a large, elegant table in the midst of a luxurious room that reminded Yurika of some sort of noble house's lunchroom, with its precious carpets and beautiful pictures hanging on the walls, one of which depicted Mt. Fuji, the single most famous and revered height in Japan, on a bright spring day.
What Yurika also noticed were the many sweets laid out in orderly formations on the table before her. Cheesecakes, strawberry cakes, chocolate cake... all of which were among Yurika's favorite sweets. And sitting at the opposite end was her father, Admiral Koichiro Misumaru, smiling at her in a fatherly way. Not that Yurika didn't appreciate the thought, but seeing him sitting there, surrounded by her favorite sweets... well, it was pretty clear to her what he was trying to do.
"My, my, Yurika! It's so nice to see you! It's been such a long time since we last saw each other!" Koichiro beamed. "But go on, by all means, get seated! Let us talk about all sort of things!
"Er... actually, it's only been two days since we last saw each other, father." Yurika ventured as she sat down and smiled. "But yes, I would like to talk of a certain topic with you, if you please."
"Oh, for sure, my dear!" Koichiro answered, a somewhat oily quality to his voice as he motioned to the sweets placed on the table. "But why don't you just relax and enjoy our time together for a while? I've had all of your favorite sweets brought here for the occasion!"
It was all too obvious to Yurika that her father was trying to literally sweet-talk her into relinquishing command of the Nadesico. She sighed internally - Koichiro Misumaru was actually a kind father and a devoted family member, but he was still not treating Yurika seriously. To him, she would probably always be his clumsy little girl...
Still, she put that aside and kept the conversation on the topic she wanted. "Father, if I may, there is something I would like to speak of." she said, smiling sweetly. When Koichiro nodded to her, the blue-haired young woman gathered her thoughts and went on. "Do you remember Akito Tenkawa, the son of the Tenkawa family, our neighbours when we were living on Mars?" she asked. Koichiro's eyes widened, and he quickly nodded in assent. "Well, I met him yesterday, when the Nadesico was about to launch!"
"What? Is that so?" he asked in surprise. "Well... that's kind of a surprise to me. I thought the Tenkawas had died in an accident... it's a good thing he survived though... but why do you bring that up now?"
Yurika's smile faded, and her expression grew serious. "Well, daddy, here's the thing. Akito's parents didn't die in an accident after all. They were murdered." she revealed. Her father's eyes widened in surprise and horror, and his cheerful demeanor immediately faded. "That's true, father. Akito wasn't with his parents when they died. He found their bodies later on, and he knows what happened."
"They were... murdered?" Koichiro mouthed. "Why, that's... that's news to me. And rather distressing ones at that. I was told that the Tenkawas fell victim to an accident... I honestly had no idea, but... but then, who would be interested in killing them?"
"I have no idea, father. I thought you might know." Yurika went on, staring severely at him. However, even as she looked at him, she honestly couldn't see any sign of insincerity. Much to her relief, she was able to see that her father had no knowledge of what happened to the Tenkawas... but that also set her back at square one.
Koichiro, for his part, had fallen silent and was clearly troubled by the news. He was trying to think of an explanation for what had happened to Akito's family... but just then, the door to the large room slid open, revealing Prospector and Banjou flanked by a pair of Earth Union soldiers. The admiral raised his glance in surprise and turned to the two of them.
"We apologize for interrupting your father-daughter reunion." Prospector ventured with a pleasant smile. "We have already cleared everything up with your superiors."
Koichiro blinked and straightened himself. "Oh, and... did you get to a conclusion already?"
"That we did." Banjou answered calmly. "We discussed the whole issue at great length."
"And in the end, we came to the conclusion..." Prospector adjusted his glasses, and his glance grew steely. "...that the Nadesico is still private property of Nergal Heavy Industries, and that the actions of the Earth Union army constitute an act of piracy. With that in mind, we ask that Captain Misumaru be returned to the Nadesico as soon as possible."
oooooooooo
"GEKIGAN... FLAAAARE!"
"Yahoo! Just look at that!" Hikaru cheered as Gekiganger 3 scored the deciding blow that destroyed the mechanical monster on the screen. Akito and Gai were already mesmerized by the vision, staring at the screen without missing a moment.
"Well... I have to say, it's not half-bad." Ryoko had to admit, smiling slightly at the screen. "It's rather amusing, in its own way."
Seiya was not quite so accomodating. "Man, those guys are pretty over the top, aren't they?"
"Are their weapons voice-activated?" Goto asked. "That would explain all the yelling."
Gai grit his teeth in annoyance. "OH, COME ON!" he shouted, standing up from his seat and addressing the crew. "Can't you feel the hot blood? The passion that runs through this work of art? How can it not inspire you to stand up to this injustice? Our battleship has been taken! A military conspiracy is underway! We should be taking things in our hands and do what must be done to retake our home!"
Seiya sweatdropped. "So the Nadesico is our home, now?"
"Regardless, even if we do that, the Nadesico wouldn't be able to move without the Captain and the master key." Ruri pointed out.
"Guts can overcome all the odds!" Gai fired back. "Come on, everyone! What's wrong with you? This is a situation that just screams for drama, and you're all just sitting there!"
These words did have an effect. Akito frowned, thinking about what Gai was saying... and then stood up from his place, went up to grab a pan and snuck up to the lone Earth Union soldier standing guard at the doorway. The soldier was watching the corridor, not paying attention to what was going on inside.
And was definitely not prepared for the cooking pan smacking him upside the head and knocking him out! The rest of the crew stared in surprise at the young boy, who cringed a little in disbelief at what he had done... and then steeled himself and made his proclamation.
"I... I'll take off in one of the Aestivalis!" Akito exclaimed, before turning to the rest of the crew. Everyone looked surprised and impressed... except Garrison, who actually seemed intrigued at the young man's bravery. "I'll go and bring the Captain back to the Nadesico! I want... I want to help the people on Mars! The Earth Union forces only want to protect themselves, but there are other people depending on us... can we turn their back on them?"
A few seconds passed with eveyone standing in silence... and finally, Ryoko stood up and smirked. "Heh. What do you know." she answered. "I thought he was kind of a wimp, but here he is taking charge of the situation." She then turned to her fellow pilots. "So, what are you waiting for? Aren't you going to support him?"
"Aye-aye, sir!" Hikaru answered.
"We support him getting to port." Izumi quipped.
"If I may offer my aid," Garrison stepped up, raising one hand as he walked up to the young pilots. "Passion and determination is all well and good, but without a plan, they can only go so far. I believe we stand a better chance at retaking the Nadesico if we move according to a well-defined pattern."
"Oh? Do you have something in mind already, Mr. Garrison?" Hikaru asked.
Garrison straightened his moustache and gave a knowing smile. "I do have working knowledge of this battleship's layout." he answered. "If I am allowed to disclose it, the ladies and myself would aid the crew in chasing the hijackers away." Reika and Beauty stepped up and nodded, with the blonde Beauty smiling brightly.
"Alright! Now that is what I'm talking about!" Gai exclaimed excitedly. "Alright, mister, go ahead and tell us!"
"With much pleasure." Garrison cheerfully answered. "Very well, listen carefully..."
oooooooooo
TO BE CONTINUED...