Galaxy of Stars
Summary: after the murder of the Echizen family, strange people seem to be interested in the Seigaku, Rikkai and Hyoutei regulars in particularly in Ryoma. Who, become much calmer and less enthusiastic than anyone has ever seen. Nadesico Crossover…
YAY i finished my mid year retest!! i'm so happy i'm done with that i've updated earlier than expected!! wee!! yay!! let's just ope i pass it though... lol... but then my did semester test is coming up next week!! arg!! i think i'm celebrating too soon!! oh wellz... sigh... oh wellz... Thank you for all the reviews!! Hugs and kisses all round!! BEWARE FARFETCHNESS AHEAD!! i mean it!! my brains been scrabbled with the test today i think the scrabbling went into my story too... lol... enjoy anyways!!
Chapter 6
"You need to sleep," said Jun.
"Can't… I have to decode this," said Ryoma as he typed away. Everyone came from breakfast to see that Ryoma was still at it, "There s time limit and I have to do this in one sitting… if I don't then I have to start the process again…"
"He's not even looking at what he's pressing," whispered a man. "What a scary kid…!"
"Touch typing," said another.
"At least eat…" said Jun.
"When I have time," said Ryoma without looking away from the screens. Even though the instructors were teaching their groups the regulars from each group just looked at Ryoma who was in full concentration and typing away.
"Mr. Kunimitsu… I assure you that Ryoma is fine," said Jun, "So please play attention to what is said…"
"I apologise," said Kunimitsu.
"What goes for all of you," said Jun and then went back to explaining what each button did and the collaboration of the data.
...
"Here's dinner," said Jun as he placed the tray on the table.
"Thanks," said Ryoma, however made no move to eat.
"Not eating?" asked Jun.
"No… I will…" said Ryoma, "after exactly one hour it goes on a five minute pause… I'll start eating when the break starts…"
"Then I'll wait too…" said Jun, "After all it's much more fun to eat in company…"
"What's for dinner?" asked Ryoma, the towel that was on his head was now around his neck.
"The Mars bowl," said Jun, as he leaned on the bench, "are you sure you don't want me to help?"
"I'm fine…" said Ryoma, "There just over 20 hours left and I think I'll be able to finish this earlier than expected…"
Ryoma stopped typing, stood up and stretched before sitting back down and slide over towards Jun.
"Thanks for the food," said Jun and Ryoma. They ate in silence, not noticing the people at the door watching.
"Ochibi is really dedicated," said Eiji.
"He's been awake for over 30 hours," said Yuushi.
"That brat doesn't seem to care," said Keigo.
"They seem close," said Seiichi.
"They do don't they?" chuckled Mrs. Howmei, the regulars jumped, "You must be worried about that kid too…"
"Yes… How is it that he's involved in all this?" asked Syuichiroh.
"The kid was born into it," said Mrs. Howmei, "Poor thing… we can't do anything but watch from the sidelines…"
"If you don't mind me asking… my parents said that all the original Nadesico crew died," said Syuusuke.
"The captain ordered evacuated everyone on board, so she would be the only one on board," said Mrs. Howmei, "Jun was ordered to make sure we got away safely… even when Captain Yurika ordered everyone… some refused, Jun however had a job to do and that was to escort the evacuees to safety…"
"They were all willing to go down with her…" smiled Mrs. Howmei, "Even Ruri… even if she was eleven; she would rather die on that ship than run away…"
"Ruri…?" asked Sadaharu.
"Ruri Hoshino," said Mrs. Howmei, "an amazing bright girl… a child prodigy, who's very fond of leaning and Akito's ramen… Poor child never got to live happily with Captain Yurika and Akito… God rest their souls… that crew was the bravest that the world has ever seen…"
Mrs. Howmei shook her head sadly as she walked away, by the time the regulars looked back to Ryoma, he was back typing. Jun just sat next to him and watched as if keeping him company. The next morning they found Ryoma still typing and Jun asleep, head resting on his arms on the table and wrapped in a blanket.
...
Forty hours had past and Ryoma was still typing… everything was as routine. However the routine broke when a chair hit the floor.
"Ryoma… what's wrong?" asked Jun as he rushed over to Ryoma who had fallen to the floor and was staring at one screen in particular. Jun looked at the screen and his eyes widened, the old Nadesico crew tied up to chair. He immediately closed the screen, "Who sent it?"
"Omoikane," said Ryoma, "He said that someone else sent it to Nergal who sent it to him…"
"Sadist," muttered Jun, "They really are playing with us… Go back to your quarters and get some sleep…"
"No… I need to go the Nadesico…" said Ryoma.
"What…?" asked Jun.
"The Nadesico could be in trouble," said Ryoma, "If that video and all that information was sent to us to make us work on decoding it then they probably wanted us out of the way… Nadesico could be in trouble…"
Jun didn't look pleased, "Ms. Inez… could you organise a jump? As soon as you reach the Nadesico, as soon as you see it's safe, please make sure Ryoma goes straight to bed…"
"I don't think that's relevant," said Inez.
"Huh?" Jun looked down and saw Ryoma was already in slumber, the bags under his eyes were clear as day and he was still wearing a bath robe.
"I think we'd better get him changed first," said Jun. Inez just smiled in response and followed Jun and Ryoma out.
"Jump…?" asked Mr. Fuji. "Isn't that impossible? A normal person cannot jump successfully…"
"Ms. Fressange is a Class A jumper," said Seiya, "And of course a normal person can survive, after all they use a distortion field…"
"I could have gone instead," said Hari.
"Kid… it doesn't matter now," said Saburota, "leave it to the more experienced people…"
"But Ryoma doesn't seem to have any signs of being a systems operator or a jumper for that matter…"
"What a better way to kill the kid then," said Saburota with a shrug.
An hour later Jun came back by himself, "The list of the Nadesico crew will be up tomorrow morning and we will leave the day after…"
"What a rush…" said Seiya with a sigh.
Jun looked at the information on the screen and frowned; even with the video screen down the information left on the screen was overwhelming. It was written plans on the capture of the Nadesico. There was something else that caught his eye: 'by the time you open this message and read it all we will be already taking over the Nadesico C…'
"Ryoma was right," said Jun to himself as he turned off all the screen and disconnected the cables from Ryoma's small laptop and then pocketed it
"Jun… I'm thinking of getting guardianship of Ruri… what do you think?" smiled Yurika.
...
"Jun… I want you to make sure you all escape safely… that's an order…," said Yurika, "And of course the captain always goes down with the ship…"
...
"Don't worry… I'll protect her with my life," said Akito. "I'll protect everyone… I'm sure we'll meet again."
...
"I'm the system's operator… it's my job to be with the ship," said Ruri, "However, I would like you to keep this…it's Omoikane… if the ship is captured they get him too… please take good care of him…"
...
"We warriors go down fighting, so I think we'll pass," grinned Ryoko.
...
"There's a reason that I'm on this ship," said Megumi, "And if I stay I might see what it is…"
...
"If I'm not here they can tell that some of us have evacuated," said Inez, "I'm sure we could somehow Boson jump out…"
...
"Take care, Jun," smiled Minato.
...
Jun shook his head to clear his mind, 'Ms. Inez somehow was able to Boson jump away, however the others were somehow unlucky… I have to make sure that I chose the right people for the crew… Why do I have to be the current acting captain?'
"Okay… I can do this," said Jun out loud and started to type the list for the crew, "I have to do this for them… for her and for the world…"
...
The next day, not surprisingly the regulars found themselves as part of the Nadesico crew, their parents were half thrilled and half saddened. Of course many others were also in the crew and the original Nadesico crew was also in as well. They were all surprised to see that Hari was under back up systems operator and that Ryoma's name was missing as well as the captains and the acting captain's name. They all thought that Jun thought it was unnecessary. They said their goodbyes to their family and were on their way to space
"We'll be going to space!" cheered Eiji.
"Sa… I guess Echizen isn't in the crew," said Syuusuke.
"Indeed," said Seiichi, "I was looking forward to having a talk with him…"
"Nyah… does that mean Ochibi won't be with us?" asked Eiji as he sulked.
"Hello… my name is Araragi and I am the captain of this fleet," said Araragi as he appeared on screen.
"I am Jun Aoi, and I am acting captain of the Nadesico C," said Jun, "Thank you… for escorting us…"
"Are you sure your not a girl?" asked Araragi, Jun's eyes twitched, but refused to comment.
"Captain… Bose readings up ahead!" announced a man.
"What…?" exclaimed Jun and Araragi.
"This is definitely not my day," muttered Jun and turned to Syuusuke, "Syuusuke, please fly the shuttle…"
The regulars stiffened, if Syuusuke flew the shuttle then that meant… dangerous piloting.
"I've heard from Ryoma how capable you are behind a wheel," said Jun, "I want you to speed past the enemy."
'Echizen said that? Fuji… capable…?' sweat dropped the regulars and the communications and systems crew that had first hand experience of his skills in a simulator.
"Okay…" said Syuusuke and he went to the front.
"Do we have any weapons?" asked Takeshi. "Then we could blast them out of the sky…"
"No… we had to take them off to camouflage the shuttle…" said Seiya.
The shuttle started to shake, and everyone held on for dear life.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you to always watch your back?" asked Ryoma as he appeared on screen, still having bags under his eyes. "Now firing main cannons…"
The shuttle swerved to the right before a beam came out of no where and fired behind them at the enemy.
"What the…? Ryoma… did you get any sleep?" asked Jun.
"If I remember correctly you said if the Nadesico was secure…" said Ryoma and the screen disappeared.
"Nyah… that was Ochibi!" said Eiji.
"WE know…" muttered Gakuto.
"They did it…" breathed Seiya.
"They're just getting more accomplished," laughed Mrs. Howmei.
When the shuttle docked, Jun was the first out and reprimanded Ryoma, "You can't just not sleep…! As a superior officer, I want you to go straight to bed…"
"Yes sir…" said Ryoma with a salute and walked away.
"Ryoma just saved your life, wasn't that a bit harsh?" asked Inez.
"He can't just not sleep; I know it's a bit harsh to pull ranks out…" said Jun.
"Ryoma's been have micro sleep, and technically they are sort of mini sleeps," said Inez, "The kid's just putting what's best for the world first…"
"That's what I'm more worried about," said Jun.
"We're all here not only to protect humanity but also to watch over the kid," said Inez.
"I'm in," said Seiya.
"We're in…" chorused the Howmei girls.
"Me too," said Mrs. Howmei.
"Heh… that brat's going to have to be really sneaky to get rid of us," smirked Seiya.
...
"Wow…! This is so cool!" said Eiji, "Not only is Ochibi is on the ship but also we're in space…"
"We're not here to play," said Syuichiroh.
"Awww… but it's so cool!" whined Eiji.
"Do any of you know which room Echizen might be?" asked Seiichi, "I wanted to visit him…"
"Wasn't he suppose to be sleeping?" asked Yuushi.
"Maybe we should visit him when he's awake," said Syuichiroh, "We don't want to disturb whet little sleep he's had so far…"
"Sa… but so far, when he's wake he's been busier than a bee…" said Syuusuke.
"We shouldn't disturb him," said Kunimitsu.
"That's only you for your team," smirked Keigo, "I'm going to find that brat…"
After hours of searching they were al unable to find him, "That brat sure knows how to play hide and seek…"
...
Days went by and they haven't seen the boy at all and they also were in for a surprise.
"Eh… I'm flying!" exclaimed as Eiji realised that his feet were no longer on the floor.
"Its zero gravity," said Jun as he floated passed them.
"Where's Ochibi?" asked Eiji.
"Probably on the bridge," said Jun without realising what he said.
"Shouldn't we be on the bridge too?" asked Seiichi, "After all we're supposed to be communications and systems operators. They all went to the bridge…
"You're late," stated Ryoma, without turning around, "You're not exactly supposed to leave without telling someone to replace you…"
"Sorry we didn't know…" said Syuusuke cheerfully.
"Mr. Yuuta… Your brother's back," said Ryoma. "I'm sure he'll be happy to take over for you…"
"Ah… I think I'm fine," said Yuuta with a nervous laugh.
"Where's the captain?" asked Araragi as he appeared on screen.
"On a coffee break," said Ryoma.
"Ah… we meet again," grinned Araragi, "You are looking more splendid as ever…"
"I assure you the feelings mutual," said Ryoma.
"However I'm sure you understand that we don't think so…" said Araragi charmingly, "Such a beauty in the middle of space…Although this is our first meeting I'm sure this friendship will blossom…"
"I think I'll just go look for Mr. Jun personally," said Ryoma as he stood up.
"Such a cute child," sighed Araragi. Everyone on the bridge just sweat dropped and felt like backing away.
"Captain Araragi, to what do I owe the pleasure of your presence?" asked Jun as he appeared.
"Eh… the child didn't come back… I've been informed that my fleet should stay with Nadesico for a while…" said Araragi. "Please relay the message to the cute boy too…"
"That's nice… I'm sure to pass the message to Ryoma," said Jun with a sigh and the screen disappeared, "and say that a fool sent it… more trouble…"
Another screen appeared, "Jun…"
"Admiral Misumaru…!" exclaimed Jun.
"Hello… I'm sure your wondering why I'm calling…" said Admiral Misumaru, "It seems there's a few on your crew that seems to be complaining about your leadership as a captain or in your case an acting captain…"
"But sir… you know that the real captain is unable to take charge due to the fact we haven't even reached the check point…" said Jun.
"Indeed…" said Admiral Misumaru, "However we have to abide by their wishes…"
"Please don't tell me that…" started Jun.
"Yes… another competition for leadership," said Prospector and showed the poster, as he popped up on screen.
"Is this really necessary?" asked Jun.
"I'm sure it isn't but this will allow everyone to understand the concept of how we've done this…" grinned Admiral Misumaru.
"We've sent a copy to everyone about Yurika's performance," said Admiral Akiyama.
"What…! Surely not everyone," said Jun, "Please leave out the original crew… they don't want to be reminded…"
"It's too late…" said Admiral Akiyama, "Sorry kid…"
"This is seriously not good," said Jun, as all the screens disappeared.
...
"Wow… is this how the captain was chosen?" grinned Saburota as he watched the video. (A/N: it's a strange pageant where those who want to be captain, sing or dance or do something spectacular… then strip to their swimwear… popularity contest more than show of captainship… though it's funny in some ways…)
Seiya didn't look very pleased about the situation, and shook his head…
...
Inez looked at the screen and let a memory come back, while she picked up her glass of scotch, "Is this a sign…?"
...
"We can't let this happen," said a girl, "Mrs. Howmei… we can't allow the ship to be commanded by an inexperienced person…"
"I know…" said Mrs. Howmei, "This is fate it seems…"
"Can I get a pack of Ponta?" asked Ryoma.
"Going for captain?" asked a Howmei girl when she handed him a twelve pack.
"Why…? I don't see the point of me trying for captain…" said Ryoma and walked away.
The Howmei girls sighed, and shared a look, "What about we win? Then we could hand it back to them…"
"Can we win?" asked Mrs. Howmei.
...
"Sa… Tezuka… I think it would be good for you to try…" said Syuusuke.
Seiichi smiled, "We should all try…"
"What about Ochibi… he might win!" said Eiji, "He looks like he knows everything too…"
"Speak of the devil," said Wakashi, "There's the brat now…"
Ryoma walked out of the kitchen with a twelve pack of Ponta and walked passed them, his face showed nothing.
"Seriously, that kid looks scarier than ever," said Ryou.
"Let's follow him," said Seiichi and so they did. They followed the young boy to a room that was filled with greenery, an altered reality. They watched behind the bushes as the boy plopped himself down on the grass and proceeded to drink Ponta; one after the other.
"Is it really safe for him to drink so many cans?" asked Bunta, "I know I have a sweet tooth… but he takes the cake…"
"Didn't I tell you to invite me along for your drinking spree?" asked Jun as he appeared.
"I didn't think you were free," shrugged Ryoma as he opened his fifth can.
Jun sat down next to the boy, and picked up a can, "Did you receive a video?"
"No… I haven't checked my inbox… should I?" asked Ryoma.
"No… I guess that's a good thing," said Jun, "You know binging on Ponta isn't exactly good for you?"
"I know…" said Ryoma.
There was silence, a quiet silence…
"Are you entering the competition?" asked Jun.
"It's a waste of time…" said Ryoma, "Even after the announcement is made; I doubt that the whole crew would be happy with the decision… who'd want to follow the commands of someone that looks like a civilian…?"
"Aye… however to allow an inexperienced person to captain the ship is pretty bad…" said Jun. "Admiral Misumaru, Ms. Inez, Commander Araragi and Prospector are apparently the judges…"
"Even better," said Ryoma, "Omoikane informed me that Commander Araragi is somehow still going to be around for the duration of our stay until the checkpoint is reached…"
"Aye… I was supposed to relay the message," said Jun, "Are you still thinking of them?"
"As long as there are stars in the sky," said Ryoma.
"Everyone would want you to move on," said Jun.
"Not until the mission is over," said Ryoma.
"I can't stop you then," said Jun, "I'm not your guardian, and so I can't tell you what to do… however as a friend… allow me to help you…"
"Thank you," said Ryoma, "But right now, we're all a bunch of fools…"
Jun laughed, "That's not very nice to say…"
There's chapter 6... was the chapter outrageous?? lol... Ryoma's captain!! wee!! fun!! hope this sends properly... i've been having so much bad luck today... first with the train and let's hope the school comp is being nice and doesn't muck up this... yes...still have no net at home... usually do all the research at school while i'm on fanfiction at the same time... (pretty naughty of me i know)... thanks for reading!! love you all heaps!!
Next chapter: the captain competition… the enemy… a secret revealed… Amaterasu… and Genichiroh…