"First Day of Work"

by Furor Scribendi

2008 Scribendi Productions

June 24th

There was a superb party being held at Vesper Headquarters in downtown Tokyo. Among the other facilities they had in the building, a decent-sized conference room for get-togethers and celebrations was also available.

Since there had not been a reason for a party in a long time, all the stops were pulled out for this one. Tables were filled to collapsing with loads of foods and drinks. The room itself was festooned with balloons and banners. Everyone wanted to come in for this particular get-together, as it was a start of Mahoro's retirement.

"Retirement!" snorted Professor Hokaze. "She not really going to retire; I prefer to think of this more as a new direction for her." Hokaze gulped down his ginger ale as he attacked the cheese tray.

Sub-Commander Gunji placed some spring rolls on a plate. "Still, I hope that she makes the most of her time left, which is….?"

Hokaze put up a hand. "Please, don't remind me. This would be Day 391 for her. I only hope that I………" Hokaze stopped abruptly.

"Hope what?" Gunji bore in on him.

Hokaze smiled. "I hope that I don't cry when she leaves and that she has a good first day at work. No more excitement for her."

Gunji slowly ate a spring roll, staring at Hokaze. "Yes, surely a nice thought." Hokaze was hiding something, he knew it, but he wasn't going to press it. At least, not for today. A thumping sound could be heard on the microphone. Everyone turned to the podium to see Commander Daimon standing there.

"Good day, everyone. As you know, Mahoro will be heading out to her new life. She's not really leaving us, so don't think of this as a farewell party, but a celebration of her next step. So, let me bring out the Maid of Honor herself, Mahoro!"

Everyone applauded as Mahoro came out in her maid outfit. She was a bit embarrassed at all the attention focused on her as she made her way to the podium. People clapped and made cooing noises. She bowed to Daimon, who bowed back. She went to the microphone.

"I'm not very good at speeches…"

"That's great!" piped up someone from the crowd as a roar of laughter followed the comment.

Mahoro blushed. "I just want you all to know that I think of you as my family and that I will always keep you in my memories." Applause greeted her as she stepped away from the podium. Daimon stepped back in. "Well, enough said, let's eat!"

A huge roar came from the throng as everyone made their way to the tables. Daimon turned to Mahoro. "Ahh, we have to talk a little shop before you can join everyone." Mahoro nodded as Daimon led her to a table, where they sat.

"So, Mahoro, what will happen is that you will be taken to the train station. Your particular train leaves in about two hours, so that gives you enough time to meet everyone at the party AND get to the station on time. We could have scheduled you for the later train, but that one is not an express and I know how anxious you are to get down to Hiryu and be with Mr. Misato. Oh, right."

Daimon fished into one of his pockets and pulled out a small photo, giving it to Mahoro. "This is what Suguru Misato looks like now. On the back is his address and phone number." She looked at the picture. He seemed to be a rather shy person, with large glasses and unkempt hair.

He certainly looks different than when I last saw him, but that was almost four years ago and not under the best of circumstances, she thought. She placed the photo in the pocket of her apron as Daimon went on.

"In the ticket packet you will get later are the details of how to get to the Misato household. Basically, you take the train from Tokyo, though Yokohama, to Hiryu. The trip will take about 75 minutes. From there, you will take the subway from the Hiryu Station to the Black Pine Station and catch the Number Three Bus to Rose Hill Park. All the details will be in the packet. I just don't want to take any more time away from this festive occasion." He looked over Mahoro's shoulder. "Especially since everyone is impatiently waiting for me to shut up and cut you loose. Go. Enjoy."

With that, Daimon got up, waved to Mahoro and left.

"Man, I thought he'd never leave!" someone said and everyone descended on the table. Everyone wanted to take their picture with her. Numerous cameras were passed about and flashes were popping off until everyone was too blinded to see anymore. There were lots of hand-shaking and cheek-kissing and bear-hugging. Mahoro was a bit worried that her new uniform would get worn away to a nub before she even really had a chance to use it properly.

Then came the endless toasting. Everyone had to make do with sodas and water until Commander Daimon showed back up.

"It is almost time to take Mahoro to the station." A chorus of "No!" could be heard. Mahoro looked at the clock. The time really had sped by. "But we will be giving her a real send off! If you please!" A variety of aides came in with trays filled with champagne. All were amazed and the aides negotiated the room with aplomb. "Everyone please take one glass for the big toast!" Even Mahoro was given a glass.

Daimon raised his glass high and everyone else followed suit. "To Mahoro!" he said.

"To Mahoro!" as the room erupted in a loud, lusty yell. Then, the champagne was gurgled down. Daimon went to Mahoro, took her by the hand and they left the room. Daimon turned back in and spoke to everyone else. "Please continue to enjoy yourselves. I will be back in a little bit to help you along," he commented. As they left the room, the rest of the party-goers followed, spilling out into the hallway, watching as they got onto the elevator. When the doors closed, everyone sprang into action.

Numerous cell phones popped open. "Go! Go, go, go!" could be heard as everyone bolted for the stairwells, clattering down in a thunder of feet as fast as they could speed along.

In the elevator, Mahoro was silent. Daimon looked over at her. "You're not nervous, are you?" he asked.

"No, not nervous, but…but this is all so new to me, so it feels a bit strange."

"I hope you never lose that sense of wonderment, Mahoro. It's what makes you so special."

The elevator opened on the ground floor and they headed for the doors. Daimon led and opened the door for her where they both saw that every employee of Vesper was lined up outside. A red carpet extended from the front doors to the car waiting at the curb. Ms. Shiina leaned against the car, arms crossed in bemusement.

As Mahoro made her way to the car, there was lots of cheering, with numerous champagne poppers and confetti cartridges being fired off, showering the both of them with sparkling, fluttering papers. By the time they reached the car, they were covered thick with strands and glittery bits.

Shiina held open the door for Mahoro, who turned about and waved one last time before she got in. Shiina followed her into the back seat. Daimon headed around to the driver's seat. They waved again and drove off towards the train station.

Daimon mumbled. "It's going to take me weeks to get all of this out of my uniform."

In back, Shiina started to brief Mahoro. "Here is your day bag, which is roomy enough for almost any kind of shopping. You will find inside…" She pulled out a folder. "…this folder, which holds a copy of the want ad that Suguru Misato placed, asking for a maid; your letter of introduction from Vesper Housekeeping Services; your diploma from Vesper Housekeeping Services and a map to get you from the Hiryu Train Station to the Misato household." That was placed back into the bag.

"Here is your cell phone and there is an adaptor to recharge it. There is nothing worse than having no power for your phone." Shiina handed her the phone, which Mahoro placed in her pocket.

"Here is a clutch, which has your driver's license. You are cleared to fly or drive any piece of equipment, save perhaps the space shuttle." Shiina looked to Mahoro, expecting her to laugh, but she didn't. "OK, you also have about 10,000 yen in here, with some loose change as well. We also have a subway pass and a bus pass, so you won't waste time fumbling about. You'll be able to get on and get through quickly." Each item was shown to her and then the clutch was placed in the bag

She pulled out a letter-sized envelope. "Here is your train ticket, one way to Hiryu. The ride should take about 75 minutes or so. As to the matter of your clothing, those will be dropped off by special courier tomorrow. We want you to travel light now and not have to worry about dragging luggage about. Just the day bag." She pointed to the bag. Mahoro nodded.

"Don't forget the brooch," reminded Daimon.

"I was getting to that." From a pocket in her jacket, Shiina pulled out a red brooch and fastened it to Mahoro's ascot. "This device will allow you to call up your Sylpheed, should the need arise, as well as any other Vesper item. Just because you are out there on your own, it doesn't mean that you are out there all alone. Just be cautious when you use it, away from prying eyes."

Shiina looked at Mahoro. "Well, that's just about it. And just in time, too." Daimon pulled into the lot of the train station and went up to the special parking area. Shiina and Mahoro got out.

"I am going to park this and come over to see you off," said Daimon.

"We're on Track 6, but hurry, as we have about 15 minutes to go," said Shiina.

Daimon drove off as Shiina and Mahoro went into the train station. It was a cavernous building, packed with people, but Shiina nimbly negotiated the crowds and soon, they were standing on the platform at the train.

The train itself was gorgeous to look at, a streamlined beauty. People were getting on and the conductor staff was making indications that it was time to leave. Shiina looked about and finally saw Daimon chugging towards them, panting heavily.

"Either the station is getting larger or I'm getting larger," he gasped, hunkered over. Then he stuck a finger in the air. "And NO comments from YOU, Ms. Shiina!" She merely smiled. Daimon stood upright.

"Mahoro. This is not farewell. You are not really leaving us, just taking some time away. And you are always welcome to come back to visit at any, ANY time." Daimon gave her a big hug. He was a huge man, so she was swallowed up by his arms.

"All aboard!" All turned to see the conductor, waving his arm.

"Well, it's time," said Mahoro, tears brimming in her eyes. Shiina took her by the hand and led her to the train car, and made sure she got on board. Mahoro turned about, bowing. "I'll write every day. I will do my best to honor you."

Shiina gave a half smile back. "When you honor yourself, you honor us all." Mahoro smiled back. They watched as she made her way to her seat and sat down, waving at them. The train started up and began to pull out of the station, Mahoro still waving

Shiina and Daimon waved back until the train was long out of sight. "Why do I feel so bad?" asked Daimon, sighing.

"The same reason we all do. We are unhappy that she is leaving, as she has been such a part of out lives for these many years. It's like saying good bye to a very dear friend." She turned to Daimon. "Wouldn't it have been easier to take her down there ourselves?"

"Yes, but she wants to try and live as a human, so we must afford her the opportunity to do so. That means she is treated like a regular person: riding the train, taking the subway, using the bus. We must not draw attention to her. She is now a simple maid."

Shiina crossed her arms and shook her head 'no', a wicked grin on her face. "There is nothing 'simple' about it." They headed back to the car.

On the train, Mahoro watched as the urban landscape gave way to verdant hillsides. Things look so different, she thought, as the train sped along. Going into her bag, she examined the map. She wanted to make sure that there would be no mistakes in getting to the Misato household. It would be easy enough when she got off at that last bus stop. One block over, three blocks up.

She looked up again as the scenery soared by. It was hard to believe at one time this countryside was scarred with the lash of war, but with Saint in a kind of hibernation, there was no need for her to be on active duty. Besides, this is the life she now wanted. She was given a chance and she chose it. She went through her mind the duties and responsibilities she would have to attend to. She was so intent on sorting it all out, that she almost missed the sights of Yokohama.

She looked up in time to see the huge amusement park, the giant Ferris wheel slowly rotating. She pressed herself against the glass, gazing at the people enjoying themselves. It would be nice to be able to go there some day, but…No. As a maid, her duties are to her master and the house. There will be no time for frivolity. The stop in Yokohama was brief and before she knew it, she was at the Hiryu Station.

She stepped out and could smell the sea breeze, wafting up from the beach. It was a compact town, but still full of bustle. Walking across the street, she picked up the subway. She had never understood why the train station always appeared to be in such an inconvenient location, but that is the way it seemed.

At the time of day she was riding, the cars were rather empty, but she still chose to stand, looking out. When the line elevated, she got an excellent view of the beach and the ocean, stretching outwards. Perhaps Suguru would want to go to the beach someday. After all, school would be out soon and Summer Break lay before him with…no!

She could not have these errant thoughts. She had to be committed with every fiber of her being to tending to Suguru and his needs. Reaching into her pocket, she withdrew the photo of him and stared at it. For such a young man, he had gone through so much. His mother was killed by a hit-and-run driver when he was eight; his father died two years later in what was billed as an industrial accident, although she knew the truth on that one.

Suguru had spent the last four years living on his own. Perhaps brave, perhaps foolish, but now, with this opportunity, it was a way to give back all that Commander Misato had given to her. This was something that would help Suguru, despite her own shortened operating time.

She got off at Black Pine Station, where a series of black pines grew about the station, making it look less urban. Finding the Number 3 bus, she stepped on and sat down. It would be a few minutes before it left. She checked the time and nodded happily. "I should get to the house about the same time he does."

Shiina was right, thought Mahoro, as she put the bus pass back into her clutch. These really did help get me through and with a minimum of fuss. She could hear the sounds of a mother playing with her daughter and her stuffed bear, Tama-chan. Mahoro smiled as she turned to look at them. They are so happy, she mused.

A few more people got on the bus and, eventually, they all headed off. The bus lurched and made growling noises as it negotiated the streets of Hiryu. This would be the longest part of the trip. She had looked at the map for the area. One option was getting off at Temple Station and taking the Number 9 bus to Oak Leaf Terrace, but that would not have been as efficient. No matter which way she went, it would take time to get to the final destination. People got on and off as the bus wended its way through town.

Mahoro was lost in thought, trying to think of the best way to introduce herself to Suguru. Certainly, showing the letter of introduction and the diploma would be a good start, but he would have questions. She had never been asked NOT to tell people she was a combat android, but, he is a Misato, so it's not like he is a total stranger. There could be some things that he can be told, except, of course, the Big One.

How could she convince him that she was the best one for the job? She knew of her abilities. Everyone in the class was impressed with what she was able to do and how well. She had scored highest in all categories and was proclaimed the best student ever by Totoke-sensei, a very high honor indeed.

But how do you translate that out? Perhaps a sample of her abilities would be called for? A ten-minute display of her talents in cleaning windows? Whatever she chose, it would have to be of such a dramatic nature that he would be impressed with everything she did.

So spaced out was Mahoro, she barely noticed that Suguru had gotten on the bus. He was looking rather rumpled, both in hair and in clothing, as he took his seat. He looked over to her and she looked back at him, smiling and making a small laugh. He reddened and turned back, pretending to look out the window at something. She pulled out the photo, but really didn't need to. It was him.

What to do? Should she go over and introduce herself now? No, that wouldn't work. How would she know that it was him otherwise? The best thing to do would be to take the ride to its conclusion. Of course, he would get rather suspicious as they both walked to his house, so she would have to either give him time to get there or take the long way around and…

"Listen up, chumps! If you don't wanna die, you'll do what I say!"

Mahoro, like everyone else, looked up to see two men at the front of the bus. One was very tall, with spiky black hair, holding a gun on the bus driver. The other was a shorter blond man, perhaps not even 16. An athlete's bag was at their feet, overflowing with money.

The blond said something that could not be heard and the larger man turned on him. "Can it, chump! We'll kill everyone on board, if that's what it takes! Heh, heh, heh!"

Mahoro stared out at them with one thought on her mind: "Perhaps the civilian world is not as boring as I had previously suspected."

MAHORO'S SYSTEMS CEASE TO FUNCTION IN 391 DAYS

End Notes

This is another of those "further days" stories I carry on about, which gives me an opportunity to tell a tale and not really give up a day in telling it. Also, since we know almost nothing of those early days, the tabula rasa is too great of a temptation to pass up.

There is a massive time break between June 24th and July 20th. We have Mahoro finding the ecchi stash (July 2nd), when the whole gang comes to visit the new and improved house (July 7th), the bathhouse/sauna incident (July 19th) and the Graveside Visit (July 20th).

A lot of missing days, so a lot of potential possibilities.

Certainly, a lot of things bothered me about Mahoro's first day. Like, where is her luggage? I mean, we do see her with clothing later on (like with the Crab Robot episode), so, did she buy those outfits later? I don't recall even seeing a day bag (I mean, we do see something later on, but not on THAT day) and I do not think she is going to sleep in her maid uniform and, potentially, just her underwear; thus the comment by Daimon. There are days that I feel like the Little Dutch Boy, sticking my fingers in the dike of all of these loose ends and missing concerns.

I often refer to The First Rule of Fan Fiction ("Respect the source material."), but "Mahoromatic" makes it very hard to do so when THEY themselves don't respect it. And with conflicts between the manga storyline and the anime storyline, consistency is just a hard word to spell.

I decided to end the story at the point where I did, for I do not want overlap. I did debate whether to take it from Mahoro's point of view, up until she runs away from the accident, but felt that it was not fully required, especially for those who know the anime and/or the manga.

The subway? If you watch the opening credits in the anime for the first season, you see her going somewhere on the subway, so I have to assume that there is mass transit of that caliber. She rides it one more time (the Crab Robot episode) but, for the open, I had to guess that she rode it in for this purpose. Still, riding it at sunset (sunrise?) puts it late in the day for her to meet Suguru. Again, it's hard to respect the source material.

I had seriously debated turn this into what I call an "Extended Compaction", taking two or three chapters to follow this event. I mean, there is a great deal of possibilities between when Mahoro is forced to leave the scene of the accident and then turns up at the Misato household an hour or so later.

I am still debating that (as I could conceivable squeeze another two chapters from all this), but, at the present time, I have enough of my plate.