Captain Planet: When Twixt Two Lovers Shall Meet

Written by: FossilQueen1984

Disclaimer: Still own nothing mentioned! Enjoy!

Chapter 8: A Fragile World

Suggested Soundtrack: Journey to the West from Princess Mononoke,

Bird Person (Tori No Hito) from Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind, Book of Days by Enya

Now that she had mission in mind, Min had to figure out just how to get to Neradi. It took quite a bit of digging around the internet, but she stumbled across a link in a sub forum about conspiracy theories. Supposedly, the Confederacy was being forced into a false lull of security, one day there would be sudden seizure and war untold would bring chaos to the universe at large. She inquired if it had anything to do with Pericles and Troika. As Min was never a strong believer in underground societies, she was shocked by the answer.

Many of the following posts clamored that arcane arts were an easy scapegoat, such a secular person such as Pericles would not even consider such a thing. However, a few did admit that Troika were gathering, nobody knew where. Afterwards she gave up as the answers began to devolve into odd tangents. Looks like she would have to find another way off planet.

Wandering around the docking bays under the excuse she was looking for a cantina, she overheard Exiled traders discussing trade embargoes. That was what Mom and Dad were debating last night, Min thought excitedly. Ordering a soda, she made herself at home, and nonchalantly listened in.

According to the pilots, the Colonies were undergoing a religious and political schism involving polytheism and sacrificing sentient beings. The polytheist minority were attacking the majority by running slave traders through, along with decimation and contamination raids. Aid was scarce as the local Troika clans were fighting amongst themselves about future leadership. It seemed the Confederacy was turning a blind eye, would this lead to uprising? Minerva frowned; maybe the theory freaks had a point after all.

Just then, she heard a captain mention the tax rates transporting stuff to Neradi. Min grinned, she could stow away! Finishing her soda, she rushed of toward home! Changing clothes, she put on a dark scarlet dress with flared sleeves, cream colored leggings, ballet flats, an ancient leather military jacket that had belonged to her mother, and her recorder (a mix between a Nintendo DS and a Walkman tape player). She also took along a Tuscan Army knife, just in case. As her parents were out at some function, she left a note explaining what she was doing, and told them not to worry.

The transport areas for departing ships were well to the southwest over a broad swath of forest. It was much quicker to fly, so she flew all the way down. Hang on Laila, I'm coming to rescue you, Min thought silently as she zoomed through the treetops.

Stowing away was not as easy as it seemed, patrols were always on the look out for vagabonds and criminals. Thankfully, Min saw that the passenger cabin on a refurbished yacht was hauling secondhand furniture to Neradi. That would have to do, for now anyways. Slipping on board, Min hid underneath the bunk, and soon the ship left New Gallifrey!

Staring out the portal, she could see the swirl of colors, as they zoomed away from everything she knew and loved. Part of her was sad, but at the same time excited to see what was forbidden for so many years.

Eventually, Min fell asleep and stayed that way, until a loud screeching noise was heard! Fearing she had been found out, Min darted back under the bunk. Nobody came and she heard outside, "How many crates are in the cargo hold?"

Finally, she was at Europa. Cautiously looking out the window, she could see the main orbiting gas giant, and two tow freighters opened a rift in Europa's icy surface. Then, they were underwater, pulling into a floating drydock!

Thrilled at what was going on outside, Min hitched a ride on one of the crate lifts, and soon found herself in the most amazing city she had ever seen! All the buildings were made of ice and crystal, and yet the temperature was reasonable. The people were of similar Immortalius stock, but they spoke with a distinct accent, similar to a Nordic one on Earth. Wandering around, the locals mistook her for a student tourist on holiday, and asked if she was lost or looking for her parents. She replied no, but she felt she should at least change clothes to blend in more. As it was, people in Neradi got all their fashion ideas form Earth.

Luckily there was a Clothing Exchange open three blocks from her current location. A Clothing Exchange was where people came to exchange clothes, a way of recycling so anyone from the lower classes could have appropriate clothing.

She settled on a goldenrod turtleneck, a denim and black velvet jumper dress, black leggings, and prairie boots. While on Earth these were meant for cooler weather, they were woven in such a way that they were comfortable in any weather or temperature. This went for the boots also. A pair of goggles over her hair completed the look.

Of course, now she had to get to Earth. The local news channel at the café where she was having dinner was detailing a space shuttle launch. It was assumed it would only be out for three more days, so Min had to move it. Of course, how was she going to get on board?

Well, she could always teleport herself on, so that would work. But now, how was she going to get to the shuttle? Of course, instant transporters! Min felt like slapping herself for missing such an obvious answer. Taking care to not arouse suspicion, she told the interface where she wanted to go, and no more than 10 seconds later, Minerva Hector was on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis.

As the Immortalius were more highly evolved than humans, all Min had to do was pretend she wasn't there and nobody would notice here.

Smiling, she gazed out of a tiny window down at Earth. The bright, blue orb glowed brightly amongst the dead rocks surrounding! What a beautiful, fragile world, Min thought.

As she gazed out the window in a reflective mood, a loud voice came over the intercom, "Atlantis, this is Mission Control. Have received word all final assignments are completed. Time to come home. Over!"

Cheerful human astronauts returned to seats, eager for the journey home. Min smiled, finally she would get to see he sister!