Snowbluerat: Yes, I'm aware that my chapters are a bit short, but I hope you will understand that this is the only way I can concievably write fanfiction given the miniscule amount of free time I have on my hands. It does seem to be dragging a bit, and perhaps once all the introductory alien chapters are finished, they will be condensed into one or two, but that is unlikely. See, this story is written by Neko and her big sis (who is writing this now), although most of the writing is currently done by aforementioned older sister (me). However, this will probably change once we get to the chapters involving the Mew Mews, so then you can expect to see more of Neko's writing. Anyway, concerning chapter length, I hope you will all bear with me because without writing this in short bursts, it would probably only be updated about twice a year. I'm sorry, but I just don't have enough time to write full-blown chapters AND update regularly. And yes, what is behind the door IS rather big. And now, prepare to find out!

Chapter 6: Lemana

The three aliens watched in awe as the smoky haze started to clear from the chamber, allowing them to see further and further into it's depths. It was a spacious room, second in size only to the bridge. However, the room contained only one object- a massive machine consisting of several tubes and wires all connected to the central piece: a large cylindrical chamber. But it was neither the wires nor the chamber itself that frightened the trio, but the thing that could be seen through the transparant surface of the chamber: a girl.

Kish and Pai could instantly identify her by the clothing she wore, which floated about her in the liquid that filled her chamber. Like her clothing, her long, silver-blue hair billowed out around her head like a flower. A tube ran through the clear surface to her nose and mouth, supplying her with air as well as sustaining her state of sleep. Such devices were used by only a select few: thirteen to be exact. "Who...is she?" Tart asked in wonder, being too young to have been educated on such matters. It took Pai a moment to find his voice, but then he answered in a low, nervous tone.

"She is one of the Elite, a specialized squadron consisting of thirteen female warriors. Each is a master of a unique skill, a weapon-element combination like my thunder-fan. They are the best warriors in the galaxy, and answer only to their leader..." Here Pie paused, for his mouth was uncomfortably dry. "Their leader, General Maya. Each has their own flagship, on which one of these machines is located so that they may rest during the ship's flight, conserving their energy for whatever mission they have at their destination."

"Okay, we're going to have to move her without waking her up." Pai continued.

"Why can't she just stay here?" Asked Kish.

"Because, if she stays her the machine will automatically wake her up when we reach Earth, and she has full control to exit." There was no need to explain what would happen if she were to escape. "We need to unplug all the cords and carry her somewhere else. Then she will not be able to get out without help from someone outside."

"Wait. If we unplug it, then won't the power stop going through? There'll be nothing to keep her awake, or breathing." Kish interjected.

"Yes, but not right away. It has an extra energy supply, but it will only last a short time without any support from the ship. But her oxygen supply will continue, because once the private supply runs out, the machine will automatically draw on the exterior air." Pai explained, and quickly began unhooking wires and cables. "Let's go." He announced, positioning himself in front of the chamber.

"But It's heavy!" Complained Tart.

"Just get moving. Trust me, this'll be worth it!"

It took all three of their strengths combined to carry the large machine on their backs, but fear moved them quickly to the holding chamber, where they set it down and turned on the powerful forcefield.

"Eeh, Pai? Exactly how long will the extra energy supply last before she wakes up?" Kish was clearly nervous.

"Not long," Pai answered, not lookingup from the expansive keyboard he was using to pilot the ship. "It will hold her, though."

Kish wasn't convinced. "Are you sure it-"

"AAAAAAHHH!" What is going on here! Guards, GUARDS! Release me this instant!"

Pai flinched. "She's awake."

"Well, now what do we do?" Asked Tart, popping in from the weapons room and holding his large ears.

"I should be able to enable the sound barrier for the holding cell, but these controls are unfamiliar, and it'll take a few minutes for me to figure it out."

"Help, HELP! Why am I in this filthy holding chamber! Lith! Imra! Where are you! Get out here and explain this to me NOW, or I'll give you some SERIOUS windburns! I'll suck you up in a TORNADO, and -"

"Kish, Tart, I'm getting a headache. It's going to be next to impossible to find that button with this infernal racket going on. Could someone please go and try to shut her up so I can concentrate?"

"I'll go." Volunteered Kish. He strode over to the holding chamber, entering and shutting the door behind him.

He approached the girl, who promptly demanded "Who are you and what is going on here!" His response was rather blunt.

"Hi, I'm Kish. We've stolen your ship."

Miniature dust devils swirled around while huge gusts of wind blasted against the walls of the cell as she screeched. "WHAT!"

Kish, nearly blown back by the force of the wind, was glad that her power was greatly restricted due to the chamber, allowing only minor use outside. He merely repeated, "We've stolen your ship."

"AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!"

More dust devils. It took her a while to calm down to the point that she could aske what she needed to. "Where are you taking me!"

"Nowhere." Kish answered. "Actually, we hadn't planned on you being here in the first place."

"WELL, then, where are we GOING!" She asked angrily.

"Calm down, calm down!" Kish complained. "Now, why should I have to tell you anything if you're yelling at me so rudely? Besides, you haven't even told me your name! Don't you have any manners?"

"AAAAARGH! It's COMPLETELY POINTLESS to ask you questions! You STEAL MY SHIP, dump me in this FILTH, capture the guards..."

Kish sighed. "I'm never going to hear the end of this, am I?" he began drumming his fingers against the wall.

"Alright...fine..." She replied sulkily. "My name is Lemana. Where are we going?"

"Earth."

"But that's...that's where we were going in the first place. Why did you take over the ship if we were already going there?" She asked.

"Now that..." Kish said thoughfully. "That I can't tell you."