Chapter Summary: Enter everyone's favorite alien band.
Chapter Word Count: 5,240
The next 10 chapters were written for/during NaNoWriMo 2022. Reminder: The Fox Metal band (Sita, Mika, Yuki, and Yanzy) are very loosely based on the original lineup of the real band Babymetal but aren't meant to be seen as real people. Details can be found in the earlier Fox Metal chapters (Chapters 64 - 81).
In the center of the view screen, the large sphere floated several meters above the sand, glinting in the faint rays of the distant sun. Occasionally it seemed to bob, as if in a slight breeze.
"Not something you see every day," Santana said.
"Or ever," Quinn muttered. "Any idea what it is?"
"No," Andy said.
"Have you found anyone to translate the inscription from the door?" Santana said, looking at Brittany.
"Not a clue," she said. "Completely unknown. It's going to be a challenge."
"Do we know what's inside it?" Santana said.
"It's some form of a stasis field," Brittany said. "None of our instruments can penetrate it."
"It's not something I can phase through," Miranda said.
"And it's not Furling?" Quinn said.
"None of the Guardians recognize it," Andy said. "My mother hummed, and nodded when she saw it. She said she would need to consult an alternate source, whatever that means. But she did say it predates the Furling presence in this sector."
"So, she knows something or suspects something?" Santana said. "But nothing that is going to help us now?" Andy nodded. "Can we move it somewhere else?"
"It's frictionless," Brittany said. "A little hard to grab onto. I have a team working on moving it."
"What else do we have?" Santana asked, looking around the conference room at Andy and her team. "Did you find the Furling Ring Gate or anything else interesting on Mars?"
"It isn't on Mars," Andy said. "Whatever happened to it, it's gone."
"Someone just took it?" Quinn said. "Aren't those things heavily protected? I know we couldn't move one if we tried."
"Unknown," Andy said. "There seems to be an echo, sort of like an energy shadow, but the Ring itself is gone."
"So, another mystery," Santana said, frowning. "They're just piling up. As if we didn't have enough already."
"We believe the sphere is the 'Jewel of Mars' but that is as far as we've gotten," Andy said. "Unless the 'Blessings of Time' is referring to it also, I'm stumped."
"What's next?" Santana said. "You've got a fast ship, and good team. Are you going to stick around?"
"We were hoping you might have an idea or two," Andy said. "Wandering aimlessly isn't going to do much to help against the Kraal."
"Unless you hear from your mother soon about that, I'd prefer you were out there," Brittany said, waving at the screen.
"Doing?" Andy said. "Point us at a plan and we'll go."
"I'm working on it," Brittany said. "Right now everything is in a holding pattern waiting for the Kraal to respond to our probing."
"It's be a waste to throw you into that mess," Santana added. "We have plenty of gung-ho crew just chomping at the bit to engage the Kraal."
"Go to the beach," Brittany said. "Spend time in Ohio. I'll let you know when we need you. I'm sure your mother can find something Furling-ish for you to do."
"Haven't been to the beach in months," Ginny said. "There must be a new crop of beach bunnies waiting for us."
"I don't want to know," Santana said, grimacing. "Just go. And stay out of trouble."
"We're good at that," Harry said, standing up. Nodding at the others, she dragged Ginny out of the conference room.
"We'll be going then," Andy said, standing. The rest of her team followed her out of the conference room.
"We'll call you when we need you?" Quinn said, raising an eyebrow. "You really don't have anything for them to do?"
"I have plans. Multiple plans," Brittany said, sighing. "But a few things need to fall into place first."
"I don't want to know what you're up to, do I," Quinn said, shaking her head. "I have things to do. I'll catch you later." There was a faint hum and Quinn disconnected from the com channel.
"Plans or one of those feelings?" Santana said, leaning back in her chair.
"Something in between," Brittany said. "We need to keep that team together, but I'm still working on a project for them to be involved in."
"Something that will help us with the Kraal? They're getting closer every day," Santana said.
"The Prophets were a bit of a bust in the Kraal extermination stakes," Brittany said, grimacing. "Andy and her crew aren't the silver bullet we need. That hasn't changed. But their presence is vital to the long term model."
"If you say so," Santana said. "As long as they're giving the Lucia a good workout, I can justify it as R&D, though that last change to the shields has my Chief baffled."
"Shadow secret," Brittany said, grinning. "Dinner?"
"We can do that," Santana said. "What did you have in mind?"
"There's a sushi restaurant in Tokyo I've been wanting to try," Brittany said.
"Tokyo?" Santana said, shaking her head. "And a concert afterward?"
"Possibly," Brittany said. "We'll see."
"After you," Santana said, pulling Brittany to her feet.
"What brings you here, Lady Shadow and Friend," Yuki said, sliding into the booth across from Santana and Brittany. Sita and Mika slid in next to her.
"Just enjoying the music," Brittany said. Santana snorted.
"Didn't know you were a fan," Mika said.
Brittany just smiled. "Have you ever been to Ohio?" she asked.
"That's in America?" Sita said. "Somewhere in the middle?"
"Close enough," Santana said. "Not much happens there."
"How'd you like to visit Ohio," Brittany said. "Cleveland, opening for a small band in a concert at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then some fresh country air."
"Opening at the Hall of Fame?" Yuki squeaked. "For who?"
"Someone called Hannah Montana," Brittany said. "Apparently it's a comeback tour. She's coming out of retirement."
Yuki looked at Sita, and Mika. They shrugged. "We'll have to check with management, but if they say yes, sure, we can do that."
"All taken care of," Brittany said. "They have the details."
"And this fresh country air?" Sita asked. "What is the purpose of that?"
"There are several people we think you should meet," Brittany said. "It'll be enlightening."
"Looks like they want you back on stage, kids," Santana said, pointing towards the front.
"Will we see you in Ohio?" Yuki asked, before sliding out of the booth with Sita and Mika.
"Possibly, though we cannot guarantee it," Brittany said.
"So, any reason why we're going to Cleveland?" Andy asked, turning on the SUV. "To a Hannah Montana concert?"
"Not a fan?" Miranda said, smirking.
"Classic teen bubble gum pop?" Andy said. "Not especially."
"She's awesome," Cassidy said. "We got to see her before she retired."
"She's not bad," Caroline said, shrugging nonchalantly. "It's a special concert with members of her fan club. How did you get tickets?"
"Lady Shadow sent them," Andy said. "She didn't say why."
"That's a little suspicious," Cassidy said. "She doesn't just randomly do things like that."
"Very," Caroline said. "Not a clue why?"
"We're having guests at the farm afterward," Andy said. "Mom was amused. I'm not sure I like Brittany scheming with her."
"Do you know what she's up to, Mother?" Caroline asked Miranda.
"I might," she said. "But I said I wouldn't ruin the surprise."
"Which isn't fair," Andy said, pouting.
"Who got the other tickets?" Cassidy said.
"Harry and Ginny Potter are meeting us in Cleveland," Andy said. "They'll be riding back to the farm with our guests."
"I can't wait to see who it is!" Cassidy said. "Maybe it's Hannah herself?"
"I wouldn't get your hopes up," Andy said. "We should be there in an hour. How are your summer plans working out?"
"More work with the Shadows," Caroline said. "We might get fitted for hard suits, if you both agree."
"Someone might have mentioned that," Andy said. "You're both old enough but it's up to your mother."
"I agreed, reluctantly," Miranda said. "Although I hope you never need to wear one in combat, it's best to be prepared."
"Lady Shadow gave you the puppy-dog eyes, didn't she," Cassidy said, giggling. "She's impossible to refuse when she does that."
"She had several good points," Miranda said. "You aren't going to become one of Lady Hand's troopers but if you are ever in a situation where you must wear one, it would be good if you had some experience."
"The initial suit training is in the learning pods," Andy said, "so it's fairly safe. And you'll also get more advanced self defense training as part of it."
"So exciting," Cassidy said, squirming in her seat. "I wonder if we'll get to try different kinds of hard suits."
"You have to have experience with the basic Trooper hard suit before you can use the others," Andy said.
"What kind do you have?" Caroline said.
"Nothing special," Andy said, shrugging. "A mix of a Trooper command suit and one of the Shadow nano-tech suits."
"Can we see it when we get back?" Cassidy said.
Andy looked at Miranda, who shrugged. "I don't see why not. If you asked nicely, Ginny and Harry might be willing to show you theirs. Theirs are a little different."
"That would be so awesome," Cassidy said. "We've seen them from a distance but not up close."
"They can be awkward in an office," Andy said. "At least the heavy combat models. Has anything else been mentioned about this summer?"
"Just boring paperwork things," Caroline said. "We still can't take a ride into space."
"Not yet," Miranda said. "You are too young. Maybe next year."
"We'll be done with college next year," Cassidy said, pouting. "And older than some of the Clan troopers. Practically ancient!"
"They train for years before spacing," Andy said. "It might seem like it isn't a big deal but space is still dangerous. And you are ahead of everyone in your classes. They'll be luck if they ever get to go into space. Not everyone gets an opportunity to do so."
"But we're Clan," Cassidy said. "We belong in space!"
"Just be patient," Miranda said. "We won't stop you when you've proved you're ready."
"And who decides that?" Caroline asked.
"Not just us," Andy said. "You'll have to pass the same tests as anyone else in your position."
"Not a problem," Cassidy said, a serious look appearing on her face.
"That opening act was different," Cassidy said, as they waited for the crowd to thin.
"I thought they were great," Caroline said, grinning widely, "but they aren't really the right opening act for Hannah Montana."
"Definitely not," Cassidy said in agreement. "Bubble gum pop and whatever that was don't really go together. At all."
"Must be a one time thing," Caroline said. "Right Andy?"
"They're fairly popular with their own fan base," Andy said. "Someone must have pulled strings for them to be here tonight."
"Hey guys!" Ginny said, joining them. "Want to go backstage?" She waved a handful of backstage passes in the air.
"Where did you get those?" Cassidy said.
"I might know someone," Ginny said, grinning.
"Where's Harry?" Andy asked, looking around. "Did you lose her?"
"Nope," Ginny said. "She's back there." She waved towards the stage. "Keeping our guests company."
"Guests?" Caroline said. "You know who that is?"
"Of course," Ginny said.
"Are they ready to go?" Andy said.
"Almost," Ginny said. "Did you want to meet that Hannah person while we wait?"
"Hannah Montana isn't our guest at Grandma's farm, is she," Cassidy said, sighing.
"No," Miranda said. "But it appears you may get to meet her, if you behave."
"Always," Caroline said, clapping a hand over Cassidy's mouth to stop her from commenting.
"Do they know they are coming back with us?" Andy said. "Or is this meant to be a surprise."
"It's all cleared with their management," Ginny said. "Sita, Mika, Yuki, and Yanzy are coming back with us. The rest of the band will be meeting up with them later for their next gig."
"Good. Wouldn't want someone to think we were kidnapping them," Andy said. "I'm assuming they are going with you?"
"We borrowed a shuttle," Ginny said.
"Can we go in the shuttle too?" Caroline said. "Please?"
"We've got plenty of room," Ginny said.
"As long as you aren't in the way," Miranda said. "And don't bother them."
"They're pretty laid back after playing," Ginny said. "They've got that whole priestess thing going on."
"Priestess?" Cassidy said. "That Fox God shtick isn't real is it?"
"I'm not telling," Andy said, smirking.
"Andy!" Cassidy protested.
Ginny paused and looked towards the stage. "Looks like they're ready for company, the press has finished their interviews. If you want to meet Hannah we have to go now."
"All set," Cassidy said, "Right Caro?"
"Yes," Caroline said. "Let's go!"
Ginny handed out the passes and waited a minute while they all put them on. "Don't lose them," she said. "They want them back when we leave."
Cassidy stared at the pass hanging around her neck. "They have our picture on them."
"They're giving off a low frequency signal," Miranda said. "They're likely tied into the Hall security. Unless you want to pay for them out of your allowance, you won't be keeping them."
"Not a problem," Cassidy said, nodding quickly.
"It's decent security for non-Clan," Ginny said. "Follow me." Turning she cleared a path through the crowd, everyone quickly following her.
At the backstage door, they were waved through by two large security men.
Ginny paused outside of a brightly painted door, also guarded. She turned to them and said in a low voice. "If Hannah is still in there, don't crowd her. She's not a huge fan of that. Just say hello and if she wants to talk she'll talk.'
"Got it," Andy said. "Don't be pushy fans."
"We'll behave," Cassidy said.
"Yes you will," Miranda said. "Or you're going home with us and not Ginny and Harry."
"Yes, Mom," Cassidy and Caroline said, speaking in stereo.
Holding her pointer finger to her lips in the universal gesture of 'silence', Ginny nodded at security and opened the door and gestured for them to enter.
The room, which looked like it was set up for interviews, was not huge but there was plenty of room for everyone. Hannah Montana was sitting in a chair at the front of the room. Another woman her age was leaning forward and talking to her in a low voice. Off to the side, several feet away were two men, one with grey hair and a younger one around Hannah's age. They were watching the rest of the room.
Ginny led them over to Harry and the members of the Fox God band in the opposite corner.
"Looks like we're all here," Harry said. "Have you all met the band?"
"Several years ago," Andy said. "It's good to see you again ladies."
Sita , Mika, Yuki, and Yanzy all bowed. "It is an honor, Lady Andrea," Sita said.
"That's Lady P," Ginny said, pointing at Miranda, "and her daughters Cassidy and Caroline,"
"We are visiting your family farm?" Sita said.
"Yes," Andy said.
The sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted them.
"You're Miranda Priestly?" the woman who'd been talking with Hannah Montana said. "Any chance you could come say hello?"
"Certainly," Miranda said.
"So, we go to a Hannah Montana concert and it turns out she's a Mom fan!" Cassidy said, as they headed towards the parking garage.
"She got us autographs," Caroline said, smirking.
"But it's Mom," Cassidy said, pouting.
"It's Lady P," Ginny said. "Of course Hannah wanted to meet her."
"Hannah is a nice person," Yuki said. "Not at all as we expected for someone so famous."
"Very down to earth," Miranda said. "Rare in someone at that level of celebrity."
"Impressed?" Andy said. "What did she want, other than to say hello?"
"She was contacted by the talent coordinator at Runway, and they wanted reassurances about it. Emily will be happy to feature her," Miranda said. "It'll be to their mutual benefit."
"Who's going with us?" Harry said, once they reached the top level and a large cleared area.
"Us!" Caroline and Cassidy said.
"We are," Sita said.
"Everyone except Miranda and myself," Andy said. "We have dinner plans."
"A date?" Caroline said. "You'll have Mom home by midnight, right?" Cassidy nodded, giggling.
"We'll get home when we get home," Andy said. "Your grandmother is in charge when you get home. Of the two of you, I mean," she added. "The rest of you are adults, and I'm sure you can keep out of trouble without us. We'll meet after breakfast tomorrow."
"Of course Boss," Harry said. "Follow me," she said to the others, and disappeared into the hazy corner.
Cassidy and Caroline hugged Andy and Miranda. "We'll see you in the morning," Caroline said. "Have a nice date."
"We will," Miranda said.
"Shall we?" Andy said, holding out her arm. "Your chariot awaits."
"I have high standards," Miranda said. "This had better be good."
"Always," Andy said, grinning.
"Dill is our pilot tonight," Ginny said, pointing towards the front of the shuttle.
"Seats everyone," Harry said. "The meter is running and we have to return the shuttle before midnight."
"How far is it?" Yuki said, settling into a seat and buckling herself in.
"By land vehicle? Two hours," Ginny said. "By shuttle? A lot less."
"To avoid any local complications, thirty of your minutes," Dill said over the shuttle speaker. "As soon as everyone is buckled in."
"She means you," Harry said, attempting to pull Ginny down into a seat.
"Ready!" Ginny shouted, after checking everyone, and buckling herself in.
The lights dimmed for a second and a hum enveloped the shuttle.
"You can't tell we're moving," Cassidy said excitedly.
"A smooth ride," Harry said. "Not so smooth in a storm or in battle."
"You've flown one of these in battle?" Mika said.
"In a simulation," Harry said. "It's not really rated for combat."
"It doesn't do too badly in hurricane weather," Ginny said. "Not as stable as some, but better than a hover bike."
"When did you take a hover bike out in a hurricane?" Harry said, poking Ginny. "The SIM doesn't allow that."
"It wasn't in the SIM, silly," Ginny said.
"Where was I?" Harry said. "You didn't invite me?"
"You were doing something with one of the JJs that week," Ginny said. "So the other JJ and I did some things together."
"JJ's?" Yuki said. "Do you know who they're talking about?" she asked Cassidy and Caroline.
"You aren't taking a hover bike out in a hurricane," Mika said, poking her. "We don't have time to fish you out of the ocean."
"What gave you the idea that I would do that?" Yuki said, trying to look innocent.
"I know you," Mika said.
"So, what's a JJ?" Yuki asked again.
"They're a couple of Shadows," Cassidy said. "Haven't met either of them but they're known for doing crazy things."
"They're out on patrol with Lady Q," Harry said. "We can introduce you the next time they're in town though I believe you might have already met them."
"We'll be in London," Sita said.
"We will?" Yuki said. "Doing?"
"It isn't clear," Sita said. "We'll be on tour."
"How did you get hooked up with these three?" Caroline asked Yanzy, who'd been silent.
"We went to an Idol open call together," Yanzy said. "When they formed the Fox Metal band after we were in an idol group for a year I came long."
"It was more involved than that," Mika said. "But we were very glad for her to join us."
"She doesn't have the same training but she provides valuable input," Sita said. "And is a very important part of our team."
"I'm also an awesome bass player," Yanzy said, smirking.
"She's getting there," Yuki said. "She handles all of our tech. And is learning our forms."
"We should check to see if she can handle the learning pods," Ginny said. "I know you three have had some issues with them."
"The older learning pods," Mika said. "We aren't exactly Clan," she said to a curious Cassidy. "We have older learning pods at the temple. The learning pods in Tokyo have been calibrated so that we can use them without any issues."
"Prepare for landing," Dill's voice said, coming over the shuttle comm.
"It's too bad we don't have viewers back here," Harry said.
There was a change , very slight, in the shuttle's hum. The landing seemed to happen fast to Cassidy and Caroline.
"I wish planes were this easy," Cassidy said in a low voice. Caroline nodded in agreement.
"This is us," Harry said, unbuckling and getting out of her seat. "Dill has to get back to base, so out we go." Sauntering over to the hatch, she placed her palm on a glowing panel. There was a hiss and the hatch folded open.
"Me first," Ginny said. Slipping through the hatch, there was a brief silence and then a loud "Hey, Andy's Dad! Ready for some company?"
"Watch your head," Harry said, as the others lined up to disembark. "Those of you who aren't short, anyway."
"We're not all giants," Yuki shot back, as she passed through the hatch.
"Is this all of you?" the grey haired man standing next to Ginny said. "Let's get up to the house, so the shuttle can leave."
"Looks like we're all here," Ginny said. "Four musicians, two granddaughters, and us."
"Come along then," he said. "For those who haven't been introduced, welcome to the Sachs compound, I'm Horace Sachs."
Harry poked Ginny. "What?" Ginny muttered."
"Introduce them!" Harry said.
"Oh, right," Ginny said. "Horace, I'm sure you remember Caroline, Cassidy, and Harry. These other four lovely ladies are Sita, Mika, Yuki, and Yanzy. Otherwise known as the band Fox Metal."
"Nice to meet you," Horace said, raising an eyebrow at Yanzy. "We won't drag things out tonight, I'm sure you are all exhausted. Just a quick hello to the family and you can head off to bed."
"Is Grandma still up?" Cassidy said.
"Of course," Horace said. "The others have probably gone in for the night." They followed him through the docking bay, past the Lucia, and towards an elevator at the far end.
"You have a real spaceship here, Mr. Horace?" Mika said, giving the Lucia a wide eyed look.
"That's ours, actually," Harry said. "Well, Lady A's. It's the Lucia. She's an awesome ship for her size."
"If we ask nicely, can we get a tour?" Yuki said. "We've never been on a real spaceship."
"I don't see why not," Ginny said.
"It's up to the pilot, Garnes," Harry said, poking Ginny. "If she okays it, sure."
"That would be great," Yuki said.
"In you all go," Horace said. "Plenty of room." A door slid open, revealing a large chamber. "Up please," he said, after everyone was inside. The doors closed and there was a slight feeling of movement. Then the doors opened again in a large, wood paneled room.
He then led them down a hallway to a large, homey looking room, occupied by several women.
"Honey, we're home," Horace said, striding up to one of the women, seated in a central position in the room. Bending down he gave her a quick kiss before stepping to the side so he wasn't blocking her view.
"Welcome," she said. "Some new faces, and a surprising one?"
"The usual riffraff," Horace said. "And your granddaughters."
"Now we're riffraff?" Ginny said, pouting. "Someone must not want our help the next time the cows get loose."
"There aren't any cows," Harry said, poking her.
"It's the thought that counts," Ginny said. "Lady Cynthia, we've brought additional guests, if it isn't a problem," she added.
"Plenty of room," Andy's mother said. "We haven't hosted Fox God priestesses here before. Are there any dietary or cultural practices you need us to be aware of?"
"I'm partial to pizza," Yuki said, yelping when Mika poked her.
"Nothing of significance Lady Cynthia," Sita said. "We are honored to be welcomed into your home."
"You may change your mind tomorrow," Ginny said, in a loud whisper. "She makes us do the dishes!"
"She makes you do the dishes," one of the other women said. "The rest of us are quite happy to help out when requested."
"Lady Romana!" Ginny said, sighing. She turned to Sita, Mika, Yanzy, and Yuki, "Lady Romana is a member of the Serpent Clan Council. Next to her is her partner Ixchel. The rest you'll meet in the morning."
"And how is your family doing, Yanzy?" Cynthia said, singling her out.
"They are doing well, Matriarch," Yanzy said, shuffling nervously.
"I see," Cynthia said, nodding. "I'm sure we'll have a chance to talk while you are here." She turned to Cassidy. "Cass, dear, please show our guests to the Blue suite. I'm sure they would appreciate the chance to freshen up."
"Yes, Grandma," Cassidy said. "Come on," she said, leading the four out of the room. Caroline gave a small wave to her grandmother and followed them out.
"If you don't need us for anything?" Harry said. "We need to check in."
"And paperwork," Ginny grumbled.
"Not tonight," Cynthia said. "We'll see you in the morning." Harry and Ginny nodded and hurried from the room.
"Now that the young people have abandoned us," Horace said. "I wasn't expecting to see one of the Yamatos tonight."
"I'll have to check with her mother to see what she knows," Cynthia said. "She's too young to have been brought in yet but if she's as clever as the others she might suspect something."
"I'll leave that in your capable hands," Horace said. Nodding to the others, he strode out of the room.
"This Yanzy, is someone we should be concerned with?" Ixchel said.
"I was not expecting her presence," Cynthia said, "but no. The Yamatos are another family with Furling roots, though they are rarely involved. We've kept in contact with them over the years but they have their own interests."
"Another of the alien refugees Lady Shadow has cataloged?" Romana said.
"Possibly, but unlikely," Cynthia said. "They tend to avoid the spotlight."
"This is the Blue suite," Cassidy said, opening a door. "Private and plenty of beds for everyone. It's got all the modern conveniences. A TV, internet, and a decent sized bathroom." She pointed everything out to them once they were inside.
"No kitchen," Caroline said. "Grandma and Grandpa have a rule about everyone eating together. Which can be chaotic. But you'll see that in the morning."
"So, you've met Grandma before?" Cassidy said, plopping down on a couch while they explored the suite.
"She's the Matriarch. She's visited my family occasionally," Yanzy said, shrugging. "It's a family thing, though I've not been involved in any of it yet and don't really know more than that. Not until I'm older."
"Andy said she didn't find out the Sachs family secrets until she turned thirty five," Caroline said. "It's more alien stuff, apparently."
"I'm not sure of what I should say," Yanzy said. "I didn't know these three were aliens until they told me, and we'd been friends, and fellow idols, for several years."
"Family secrets are secrets," Cassidy said, nodding. "So many different secrets. And there are a lot more people with alien roots on this planet than it appears. More than half, though not as many are aware of it."
"As Fox God priestesses, we've been aware of our clan's alien origins for a long time, but Yanzy having a connection to Lady Andrea and the Serpent Clan was unexpected," Sita said. "The Fox God has been quiet on this issue."
"Well, Brother Coyote was amused when we included Yanzy in the band, but he refused to say why," Yuki said. "He likes to think he's funny."
"We're originally Wind Clan," Cassidy said, "though we've been unofficially adopted into the Serpent Clan. But we're part of Andy's family also. It gets a little confusing. The Wind Clan Memory is actually traveling with Andy's team but right now she's down in Cancun with Lady Sophia, the Clan Weaver."
"Why are you here?" Caroline said. "Nobody's really said."
"Lady Shadow wanted us to meet people," Mika said. "I do not think it is anything more than that."
"Ah, the ol' meet-n-greet," Cassidy said. "Half the Lucia's crew are away doing other things. I think they're waiting for their next assignment. But they might all show up this week, if you're here long enough."
"We have a concert next Saturday in Denver," Sita said. "I believe we are staying until then."
"Plenty of time to meet everyone," Caroline said. "And get a tour of the Lucia and other things."
"Mom says we're too young to go off planet yet," Cassidy said. "We still have some Clan training to go through."
"And one more year of school," Caroline said. "There are so many things we haven't gotten to do. I think I'm jealous. The four of you will probably get to do some exciting things."
"I want to ride in a real spaceship," Yuki said. "We've been working with Lady Shadow for a while and still no trip to space."
"You just need to be patient," Sita said. "It'll happen."
"I don't have your Sight," Yuki said, grumbling.
"You can see the the future?" Cassidy said. "What's that like?"
"Not as exciting as you would think," Mika said. "She gets visions but half the time they don't mean anything."
"They always mean something," Sita said. "But often the meaning is not obvious."
"And you can talk with your gods," Caroline said. "That must be really strange. Mom says the Serpent Clan gods are real but they aren't really chatty. And Lady Sophia said the Serpent Clan gods prefer that we solve things ourselves. Sometimes they give her tips and advice but mostly they just ignore us."
"The gods do not think the way we do," Sita said. "We learned to interpret their visions in the Fox Temple but most people get them wrong."
"Unless you're that one," Yuki said, poking Sita. "Or you have Brother Coyote playing tricks on you."
"He can be annoying," Mika said, nodding. "He likes shorting out our equipment."
"He doesn't do that anymore," Yuki said. "He did it while we were out on a mission for Lady Shadow, and she really yelled at him. But that was really annoying."
"Is that why he stopped?" Yanzy said. "I though it was because Sita threatened to get an exorcist?"
"That wouldn't have worked," Sita said. "He knew it was an empty threat. But the Fox God told him to stop his pranks."
"And that's so strange," Caroline said. "You've got gods who do things. I don't think I've ever spoken to a god."
"Mom would stomp all over any god who bothered us," Cassidy said.
"Well, yes, there is that," Caroline said. "If Mom goes all Momma Bear, watch out!"
"And Andy isn't exactly a pushover either," Cassidy said.
"We should let you settle in for the night," Caroline said, standing and pulling her sister to her feet. Dragging her to the door, she turned and said "Breakfast starts at 6AM for the early risers."
Cassidy nodded. "We'll see you in the morning."
Chapter End Note: 1. The band actually already met the JJ's - Joy in the Fox Metal chap 72 ish/Janice - Chap 74-75ish. Joy helped fit them with their special suits and Janice helped them with Pod training. 2. Hannah Montana likely won't appear again, so she isn't mentioned in the disclamer.