Commander Galos SAILOR JOURNEYS: SECRETS OF AN UNKNOWN PAST Chapter 5: First Interlude 40 minutes later, everybody was at the front of the old hotel, now Yohann's new home, and more importantly, the secret base and departing point of what could be the most interesting adventure all of them had in their lives. "Look at this place!" Said Usagi. "It's so neat!!" And they all agreed with her . The whole house was painted in white, the windows were all replaced with smoked glass, rimmed with aluminum with a copper tone. The shades were painted with an oak tone. And the front door had brass motives on it. An access to the back yard was located to the right. The front porch was decorated like an english garden, with a luscious green grass rug, with shrubs on the periphery and a few roses' shrubs to add a touch of color when they bloom on spring. The place was covered with snow, giving it an enchanting effect. The road was made of pure river rocks, but it was smooth nevertheless. At that same moment, the front door opened, and Chibi-Usa stepped out of it in a full sprint. "Usagi!! You made it! Girls, you are not going to believe this place! Is unbelievable!" While she was talking, Yohann stepped out, wearing white pants, black shirt, an ivory heavy jacket and the usual belt. He looked great, a big smile on his face. "Ladies, welcome to my humble home. Feel free to do whatever you like. Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna are waiting for us on the back yard. Please, follow me." They parked their cars on the space designated near the garage, near Haruka's car and proceeded to follow Yohann to the back yard following the rock path. They were admiring the garden. The girls couldn't believe that he (even with Mamoru and Shingo's help) could accomplish so much in so little time. "How did you do it? This place looks incredible!" asked Robin, and even more, admiring Yohann. "Yeah! A week ago, this place looked like a garbage dump, and now look at it!" said Makoto. She was admiring the trees. All of them were oaks, her favorite tree. "I promise to explain everything to you, girls. For now, let's join the others, and enjoy the place, shall we?" answered Yohann. At that same moment, they arrived to the back yard, and were speechless. The place looked absolutely beautiful! There were flower shrubs all over the place. There were lots and lots of roses' shrubs of all colors imaginable (explained Yohann), and the bushes were trimmed in form of animals: horses, eagles, lions... and near the pool, they were cut like bunnies! And the pool was restored, with light blue tiles all over the structure, and at the bottom, there were smaller and darker ones, creating the illusion of 4 dolphins swimming playfully while giving chase to something. The water was so clear, that if it wasn't for the sun, they could have sworn that there was nothing on it! The diving platform was restored as well, with three levels on it. And a modern looking building, enclosing it completely covered the whole structure. The roof was made of some sort of crystal panels, refracting light all over the place. The changing booths were replaced with new ones, connected with the pool building by a transparent passage; the booths painted with red and white vertical lines. There was an open shower next to them, intended to help get clean after a swim. On the back of the booths, were 3 showers, a Jacuzzi big enough to be a pool by itself and a steam bath! Near the pool, were three long tables with white linen. On the top of the first one were big crystal recipients with all kind of drinks, with some bottled beverages in case they wanted some, and on the other two, was... "FOOD!!! Great, I'm starving!" screamed Usagi, sprinting toward the tables, being followed by Chibi-Usa, dragging Mamoru with them. Near the food tables, was a big round one, with ten portable chairs surrounding it. On three of the chairs, were Haruka, Michiru and Setsuna, already drinking something. "Haruka! Michiru! Setsuna! You beat us here! That's not fair! Why didn't you call me earlier?!?" screamed Robin, heading to the table to greet her friends. "It was a surprise for us as well, Robin. We were called only 25 minutes ago. And since we are closer, we arrived first." Answered Michiru. "Have you toured the place already?" asked Laurella, her right hand grabbing Shingo's left. "Not yet. We were waiting for all of you to arrive." Answered Haruka. "Well, what do you think of the place so far, my friends? Do you like it?" asked Yohann, approaching from behind. "What do you say, want to enjoy the pool first and have something to eat afterwards, or do you want to tour the place first?" " Why don't you show us the place? After all, you never told us to bring our swimsuits!" answered Usagi, carrying with her a plate overloaded with food. "Besides, we can't swim dressed! What do you expected.... Oh, my God! You weren't thinking we were going to swim NUDE, do you!?!?! I can't believe it, you, you... PERVERT!!!" screamed Makoto at the top of her lungs, a deep red color on her face. The rest of the girls gave Yohann some dirty, murderous looks, all tense and ready to turn him into something suspiciously akin to hamburger meat. Yohann just gulped loudly, suddenly pale. It was then that Alex spoke. "Who do you think you're talking with!?! My pork chops is the most honorable man in the entire Agency! Besides, Mamoru and Shingo already gave us your preferences, and he bought swimsuits for all of you ! They are inside the changing booths!" "Oh, my... I'm so sorry, Yohann! Its just that..." began to apologize Makoto, this time blushing furiously. "No harm done there, Makoto. I understand. Now, let's put this embarrassing incident behind us, and let me show you the place, shall we?" said a relieved Yohann. 'Thanks, Alex. I owe you big one!' 'Don't mention it, sweet buns!' "Fine by me. Let's go!" said a very amused Shingo. Yohann guided the group to the house; the whole wall of the ground floor facing the pool was one big window, all made with smoked glass. He opened a sliding door and began his explanations. "This is what usually was the reception area of the hotel. As you can see, I took the liberty to make some minor changes." The place was decorated with the most splendid furniture they'd ever seen. There was an enormous semi-circular couch, big enough to accommodate 8 people comfortably, flanked with two more chairs with strong stubby arms. In the middle, was an enormous wooden table, the top being one big circular crystal, supported by three wooden lions. There was carpeting from wall to wall, and a gigantic crystal chandelier was hanging above the table. In place of the reception desk, was an enormous bar, with all kind of bottles neatly arranged on the stands. There were pots with plants all over the place, giving the illusion of still being in the outside garden. On one side of the bar, was an old coffee machine, made of pure brass, like the ones you could still see in luxurious hotels. Under the bar, were a small sink and a dishwasher. Yohann then showed them the dinning room. The table was big enough for 20 people, and there were cabinets on both sides of the table, near the wall. They were made with wood and glass, showing three different kinds of services. "Excuse me, Yohann... but are these things for real? I mean, these services look like they are japanese, german and british." Said Ami. "They are, Ami. They were included in the package." Answered Yohann. When they reached the kitchen, Makoto's eyes literally popped out of their sockets. It was fully equipped with everything a chef would want. "Oh my God! Somebody please pinch me! I must have died and gone to heaven!" was her commentary. Following Yohann, they reached the main stair. "I took the liberty to check architectural reports on the Internet, and that's when I stumbled with the design of the stair that was on that old luxury transatlantic... what's its name?" "The Titanic, sweetie." Reminded him Alex. "Oh, yes. Thank you, Alex." And sure enough, the stair looked like an exact duplicate of the Grand Stair of the famous luxury liner. Everybody was deeply impressed. "But... how? I mean, only the woodwork would've taken a small army of artisans' months just to finish the carvings! You have to tell me how you did it!" asked a stunned Laurella. Her dad's house had woodwork as well, but nothing of the likes! "Everything will become clear for you when we finish the tour. I promise you, Laurella." Was Yohann's only response, and began to climb the stairs, being followed by everyone. When they reached the top floor, they entered a large hall, a red rug covering the floor from one end to the other. There were lamps on both sides of the hall, giving a soft glow to the overall place. The walls were covered with wood, giving a warm atmosphere to the place. They turned right, entering Yohann's personal studio. There were bookshelves on three of the walls, being the back one big window. The desk was made of some sort of jet-black material, soft to the touch. "This desk," explained Yohann, "is in reality a computer console. The screen is imbedded on the top, and the keyboard is touch-sensitive. It's linked to the main computer on the base, along with the Internet." Ami looked with interest the studio, and more intently the desk, one word in her mind. 'Minako.' The group then proceeded to check the rooms on the other side of the hall. There were 12 in total, six rooms on each side of the hall. "Girls, this is the surprise I was talking about. I assigned one room to each of you, especially furnished and designed for you. Rei, your room has a fireplace, so you can make fire readings when you are here. Usagi, Laurella, your rooms are designed following Mamoru's and Shingo's explanations of your rooms back home. Ami, your room has a computer of special design, fully compatible with your compact. Makoto, your room is designed with all your necessities taken in account. Haruka, Michiru, Setsuna, the same was taken in account for you, per information contained on our files. Well, check them out, and if anything needs to be changed, please, let me now!" said a proud Yohann. Soon enough, everyone proceeded to check their respective rooms, each one with their alchemical symbols on the door. The only sounds that were heard afterwards were the "oooh's" and "aaah's" of the girls when they saw their respective rooms. "My room is perfect! Thank you!" said Rei when she joined Yohann back at the hall. "Mine too! It's beautiful!" was Makoto's commentary. "I never felt such a soft bed in my life! You are great, Yohann!" said Robin after returning to his side. "My room is entirely satisfactory. Thank you very much, Yohann." Said Ami. "I looooove my room! It's excellent!" said Usagi in turn. "My room is full of stuffed toys! Thank you, Yohann!" said Chibi-Usa. "Our rooms are completely satisfactory. Thank you." Said Setsuna, being followed by Michiru and Haruka. "I just have one question, Yohann." Said Laurella, being followed by Shingo. "Yes, Laurella? Is anything wrong with your room? There's something you want to change?" asked Yohann. "No, the room is perfect! But... tell me, why are there two beds in there?" "Well, it was Shingo's idea. I don't know why, but he asked for a second bed. Why don't you ask him?" was Yohann's answer. "SHINGOO!! HOW DARE YOU!! I'M A DECENT GIRL! WHAT ARE YOU THINKING!?!?" screamed Laurella, but Shingo was already sprinting towards the pool, running for dear life. Shortly after, Laurella ran in hot pursuit. Everybody was still confused, when Yohann spoke again. "Well, what do you think if we follow them, and then continue the tour?" "Sure... but I have a question." Said Usagi. "Yes, Usagi? What is it?" "Well, there're rooms for everyone, except you. Where's your room?" "Oh, that one... is going to be my final surprise. You'll see..." Soon, all of them were outside, searching for Laurella and Shingo. They found them soon enough: Shingo locked himself inside one of the changing booths, and Laurella was pounding the door, screaming at him. "Shingo! Get out this instant! I want to talk with you!" "No way! Not until you calm down! I'm not crazy!" came Shingo's muffled voice from the booth. "Excuse me, ladies, gentleman... Let me handle this situation." Said Yohann, and proceeded to walk behind Laurella, placing his hands gently over her shoulders, and began to speak softly to her. "Laurella, I'm sure Shingo didn't mean anything wrong. He is a perfect gentleman, believe me. He worked with me closely designing your room, and he did it with all his heart. Find in your heart the kindness he loves and cherish, and please forgive him. He truly loves you, and he'll never make anything to harm or offend you intentionally. Give him an opportunity. Please?" he ended. While talking, Laurella visibly relaxed, and with a sigh, she spoke again, this time calmer. "Shingo, I... I'm sorry. I didn't want to harm you. Can you forgive me?" Everyone else was impressed. No one remembered Laurella going from berserk to such calm in such a short time. 'How did he do it?' asked themselves. Immediately, the booth's door opened, and Shingo stepped out, a puzzled look on his face. "Of course, Laurella. Please forgive me. I didn't want to offend you." "No, it was my fault. I overreacted. Come on, let's join the others and continue visiting this wonderful place, shall we?" and with that, Laurella went back to the rest of the group. "Yohann, can you tell me how did you do that? I could certainly use that trick in the future!" murmured Shingo, still puzzled for what happened there. "It's no big deal, really. You see, when I placed my hands on her shoulders, I also began to apply pressure on certain points. It's an advance form of digipuncture, and that, in combination with the tone of voice I used, did the trick." Answered Yohann. Shingo was visibly impressed with him. 'And to think that he's single... Geez, if I had his abilities, I'd be single too. He can talk his way out of any girl trouble!' he thought. After they joined the rest of the group, Ami asked. "Excuse me, Yohann, but I'm curious... where's the Leviathan? I mean, the place is big enough, but I don't see where could you've hidden it, and obviously, you didn't left it on the woods" "Yeah! Don't tell us you went through all this trouble just to impress us with some pretty rooms!" said Robin. "And where's the base? I haven't seen anything that looks like one." Said Usagi. "Well, since all of you asked so nicely... follow me." And with that, he then proceeded to push a hidden button at the side of the diving platform. Immediately, a door slide open at the base, revealing a flight of stairs. Yohann entered, being followed by the group. A few steps later, they were in front of a metallic door, a pink ribbon crossing the front of it. Yohann then produced a pair of scissors, and with his most solemn voice, he told Usagi. "Tsukino Usagi, Sailor Moon, Princess Serenity, and future ruler of Crystal Tokyo, I would be greatly honored if you cut this ribbon, and with this act, activate this base that will assist me in my mission to protect your future." And then he handled Usagi the scissors. Usagi took them, and with a serene smile she answered him. "Lieutenant Yohann Starr, it will be a great pleasure and a great honor to assist you in your mission, and I will gladly do this." And with that, she cut the ribbon. Everyone started to clap madly, and even Makoto and Laurella added a few whistles for good measure. "Oh, for my circuits, sweetbuns! If I had a stomach, it would be dancing the Macarena right now! That was the corniest thing I've ever heard!" said Alex. "Come on, Alex! Don't ruin the moment!" said Michiru. "After all, we're all on the same side, right?" "Oh, all right, I'll behave." Answered Alex, adding to herself: 'but you better watch your back, sister!' "Thank you, Usagi. And now, allow me to present you..." said Yohann, pausing for a dramatic pause, he then pushed a button, and the door swung open, revealing a well lit hall. "... Earth Base Gaia." The group then proceeded to follow Yohann, who then began to describe the different dependencies of the base. "Now, behind this door, is located the computers room. This place was designed to contain all the data we can gather during our surveillance of the bases. Besides, it's connected to the Internet, so we can download all the information of the sites where the bases are located. "And here," he signaled the next door, "is located the medical ward. It's equipped with the latest medical technology available. Its medcom already has your medical profiles, but it will need to be fine-tuned for it to function properly. That means, that I need to realize a medical analysis of you when you're transformed just to have a complete profile." Ami began to wonder if she could talk later with Yohann and Alex about Minako's condition, and if there were a way for them to help her. "And here," continued Yohann, "is the engineering room. It contains all the tools necessary to give proper maintenance to the base, the Leviathan and our equipment, as well as repair whatever we can savage from the bases. "Here, is the gymnasium. Since this is going to be a hard mission, we'll have to train extensively to be in top shape if we want to have success." 'Boy, I think Luna is going to have a heart attack when she learns about this! She'll insist to be present during the training!' thought Usagi. "And in front of the gymnasium, is the weapons test center. In here, we'll test the weapons we find in our mission and that can be used by us. "And finally, here's the research laboratory. In here, we'll research anything that we find in our mission, that is, if it's completely alien to us." "I admit it, Yohann, this place is impressive, to say the least. But aren't you forgetting something?" asked Mamoru. "Namely, where's the Leviathan?" "Aaaah, that's the big surprise. Follow me, my friends." Yohann then backtracked, going back to the entrance door. Soon enough, they noticed that there was another door, left of the access hatch. "This, is the entrance of the hangar. Please, come in." he then proceeded to open the door, and everybody entered an enormous cargo elevator, which went down at least 50 yards. When the doors opened on the other side, everyone facevaulted at the sight. Inside an enormous 50x50x50-yard hangar, was standing the Leviathan, its hull shining under high intensity lights. Around it, there was at least 12 spider-looking robots, crawling all over its surface, checking every inch of it. About 5 umbilicals were attached to the Leviathan, providing it with all the necessary energy it would need. "And here, my friends," began Yohann, "is the heart of Gaia. To the right, is the power core. It's a nuclear reactor, powered by an element that your scientists still theorize its existence: Element 115. It gives enough power to keep this facility functioning for the next 300 years before changing the core, and the best of all, it doesn't produce any harmful radiation of byproducts at all. In front of us, there's the storage room, and to the left... there's my room." "But why did you build your room in here? I don't get it." Asked Robin. "Don't you want to be near us?" "No, it's not that, Robin. You see, this place is silent enough to allow me some meditation exercises. Besides, I feel more comfortable if I see the Leviathan each morning. Any questions, anyone?" "Just a few, Yohann... How did you build this base in such a short time, how did you brought the Leviathan down here, and how are you going to take it out??" asked Makoto. "Good questions, and I'll answer in the same order. "On the cargo hold, were some machines that your scientists could call Von Neumann machines. Those are self-replicant machines, with the ability to build more of their kind using the surrounding material, while following their programs. I started with three, and ended up with 328 of them. With the help of Alex, the robots were the ones who refurbished the house above us, and constructed the base, using the dirt they removed as constructing material, either for the base and for the material for the house. Right now, the bulk of them is stored in the storage room. "Next, I had to wait till the construction bots finished the hangar to store the Leviathan. "And third, to answer your last question, I'll ask you a couple of mine. Where is the entrance we used?" "Well," began Laurella, "We entered using the stairs under the diving board." "Correct, and where do you think we're now, if we were on the surface?" "Since we turn around to enter here, then I'll say that we are... oh, my!" said Ami. "You don't mean..." said Chibi-Usa. "Correct. The exit for the Leviathan is located right under the swimming pool! What a better way to camouflage the entrance? Besides, it has another practical use. In case of a fire alert here, there are explosive bolts under the pool, so I can flood the hangar in an emergency. "Well, what do you think of the place?" ended Yohann. "I don't say this too lightly, but I think it applies here. Yohann, I'm impressed. You did an outstanding job here. Congratulations." Said Haruka, offering her hand to him. "Thank you, Haruka. And I appreciate your sincerity." Answered Yohann, shaking her hand. "Hey, don't forget me! After all, who do you think directed all those bots?? I want to see anyone of you trying to direct only 3 of them!" immediately retorted Alex, demanding her fair share of attention. "Of course we haven't forget you Alex! You did a terrific job! As a matter of fact, if you had a body, I'll give you a big hug!" said Usagi. Her sentiments chorused by the rest of the gang. "Well, it's about time someone noticed my hard work! And you don't have to remind me that I'm only an AI !! Can't you show a little sympathy here?" "Yup, the same old Alex." Said Robin. "Well, now that the official tour is over, what do you say everyone if we go and enjoy the rest of the day at the swimming pool? And don't forget all the snacks that are waiting for us up there." Said Yohann. "Yaaayy!! Let's go!" yelled Chibi-Usa. And with that, everyone went back to the surface, to enjoy a good time with each other. * * * * Mamoru,Usagi, Shingo and Yohann were waiting, sitting near the pool. The girls were inside the changing booths, putting on their swimsuits. By general agreement, everyone wanted to have a swim before eating something, and needless to say, that depressed Usagi. "But why I can't swim? All of you are going to enjoy this beautiful pool! It's not fair!" said Usagi. "Because you were stuffing yourself with food as soon as you saw the snacks, sis!" answered Shingo. "Besides, you are the one who asked for the pool!" "And you have to remember, dear," continued Mamoru, "that you can't swim after eating. You'll have to wait at least another hour before entering the water. Sorry, but that's a fact." "I know, muffin... but that's still no fair!" whined Usagi. Meanwhile, inside the booth where Makoto and Robin were changing... "This swimsuits are so neat! And they are my size! How did he do it?" said Makoto, finally selecting a green swimsuit. "I don't know. Probably made them himself with one of his machines. Who cares? They are beautiful! But..." said Robin. "But what? Don't you like the color?" "No, it's not that. It's just... I want to surprise Yohann, but nothing here seems appropriate." "Robin, your curiosity is going to give you some mayor problems one day. But I agree with you. I want to surprise him too." "Makoto!!" 'Well, in my book, he's still an open catch. And I'm going to do everything in my power to reach him." "If this is the way you want it, then I'm on it! And let the best one win!" "All right! And first thing in the agenda is... what are we going to do with these swimsuits? I guess we had the same idea." "That's right. I know! What do you say if we...?" and Robin began to whisper something on Makoto's ear. "ROBIN!!! That's awful! Devious! Terrible!... AND I LOVE IT!! Let's do it! But... how do you propose we do it?" "It happens that in my purse I carry the necessary tools. Are you with me?" "Right on, sister! Hands to work!" Five minutes later... All the girls began to step out of the boots, dressed for the occasion. Chibi-Usa was wearing a cute one-piece pink swimsuit. Ami decided to wear a skintight light blue one-piece swimsuit, covered with sparkles. Haruka opted to wear a golden two piece bikini, realizing her hair. Michiru went for an aquamarine one-piece swimsuit. Setsuna opted for a violet two piece swimsuit. Laurella opted for a multicolored bikini, immediately drawing Shingo's attention. "Ladies," began Yohann, "let me say that you all look gorgeous. I hope you approve the selection." "Of course! They are beautiful! How did you know our measures?" asked Laurella. "As I mentioned earlier, Alex has complete files on you. And besides, I had Mamoru and Shingo's help. But tell me... where are Makoto and Robin?" "I heard them whispering something about their swimsuits. Sorry, but I couldn't understand a word," said Chibi-Usa. "I better see if there's something I can do about it. Excuse me." Said Yohann, proceeding to walk towards the booths. But when he was only two steps away, the door opened, therefore receiving the ensuing vision's full blast. Makoto and Robin were wearing bikinis... with a slight modification. Makoto was wearing a deep green suit, and Robin was wearing a white one. The only difference was that, with the help of Robin's portable sewing kit, they had cut and trimmed the suits, the end result being an incredibly short pair of string bikinis! "Well, Yohann, what do you think?" asked Robin, giving a full turn for him to admire her handiwork. "Yeah, do you think they look nice on us?" asked Makoto, turning around too. Yohann looked like he was having a heart attack! He was pale, sweating profusely, his mouth hanging lifeless, his eyes literally popping out of their sockets, and completely paralyzed. He tried to speak, but the only sound escaping his throat was a curious wheezing. It seemed as if time stopped. (And with Setsuna there, that's quite a situation!) Everybody was staring at them, completely shocked. Mamoru and Shingo were the most affected by the situation, making perfect imitations of fishes out of the water, completely immobile. A few seconds later, Usagi broke the spell. "Mamoru! Muffin! Snap out of it!!" Mamoru finally started to blink, shaking slightly his head. "Kit! Come on! React! BREATHE!!" was Laurella's contribution,, using Shingo's nickname. "Uuuuhh... what?" said Shingo, finally reacting. "Muffin, I think you should better go and rescue Yohann... I don't think he'll resist any longer." "And that goes for you too, Kit! Go and help him before he has a heart attack!" "Right! Let's go, Mamoru!" said Shingo. They then walked towards Yohann, and then proceeded to grab him by the arms and dragged his comatose body towards the changing booths. "Excuse us, girls, but I think it's better if we go and change as well." Said Mamoru, trying not to stare too intently at the girls. "Yeah! I mean, we all are going to swim, right?" said Shingo, staring intently at the booth's door. And with that, the trio made a haste exit. 2 minutes (and a lot of comments among the girls) later, the three young men, completely recuperated from the initial shock, joined the girls, the trio wearing swimsuits of italian design. In general, everybody enjoyed a great afternoon, frolicking in the water, playing all kind of games. Ami, Michiru and Chibi-Usa played races, being Chibi-Usa the winner. Makoto and Laurella gave a try on the high diving platform, the former splashing everybody after hitting the water. While waiting for her body to be ready for a swim, Usagi asked Yohann something that was bothering her. "Yohann, I've been wondering... how are you going to pay for all of this? I mean, not the base, obviously, but for the taxes? Either you are from here or not, you are subjected to them." "That's already covered, Usagi." Answered Yohann, who was enjoying the warmth of the place. "You see, among the equipment, there was a desalinization processing plant. The construction bots built a duct to the sea, and with its capabilities, I'm extracting the minerals in the water. By the way, the byproduct of the process is sweet water, the one that I'm using for the pool and the irrigation system for the gardens, along with other systems inside the base." "But, aren't you obtaining only salt from it?" "Not only salt, Usagi. There are valuable minerals too. Among them, gold and silver." "You mean that you are obtaining gold from sea water?? That's amazing!" "Not at all. Our analysts predict that you will achieve a similar technology in the next 15 years. By the way, I think it's safe for you to go swim now. Why don't you join your friends now? Your swimsuit is in Chibi-Usa's booth." "Cool!" and with that, Usagi ran to the booth to change, emerging only one minute later wearing a two pieces pink bikini, similar to the one Chibi-Usa was wearing. Shortly after, Yohann joined them in the pool, and in general, everybody had a good time. When, later, everybody finished enjoying the delicious food Yohann prepared for his guests (with a little help of his replicator!), he called for their attention. "First, I want to thank you all for being here. Now, I have to tell you all something. While constructing the base, Alex gave me a disturbing report. It seems that the negotiations concerning the sphinx are coming to an end, and they are going to open the chamber." "But Alex said that we had almost three months before action!" said Robin. "Hey, it's not my fault if your governments can't make their minds! You humans are so erratic..." said Alex, mumbling something acidic afterwards. "Ahem... As I was saying," continued Yohann, "according to the reports, they are preparing to open the chamber in two weeks from today. That only leaves us with only one week to prepare ourselves." "But, we are ready now!" retorted Makoto. "I mean, we're not rookies fighting against our enemies!!" "I'm conscious of that, Makoto. But remember, we are not going to fight any demons. We are going to face something you are completely unaware. We are going to spend the next week practicing different simulations to get accustomed to what might be waiting for us there. I'll have to learn how to work with you as a team. And even more, I'm going to teach you how to operate the base and the Leviathan, in case... something happens." "And don't forget that you are going to receive some little extras that Commander Galos included for you, girls! And boy, are you going to love them!" added Alex. "And what are them?" asked Usagi. "You'll see. They are part of your training. I'll give them to you tomorrow. We are going to start early, so I suggest that you prepare your schedules for the rest of the week to accommodate your compromises. I know it's going to be hard for you in regards of your school and jobs, but I'm confident that you will arrange everything to your satisfaction." Said Yohann. "I think we can accommodate, Yohann. I wish I could stay here tonight, but I have to talk with my parents so I can arrange things." Said Usagi. "Besides, I have to make sure they let Chibi-Usa come with me, as well as Shingo." "For my part, there's no problem adjusting my schedules to be with you, Yohann. Count on me." Said Mamoru. "I can arrange everything so I can be here without a problem." Said Rei. "I don't think my parents will allow me to stay here everyday, but I think I can handle them without a problem." Was Laurella's answer. "I'll just have to arrange a few things, but I think I can stay here most of the time." Said Ami. "Well, since my apartment is located on a safe zone, for my part I can stay here tonight. I hope you don't mind, Yohann." said Makoto. Michiru, Haruka, Setsuna and Robin were talking among themselves, and when Robin heard that, she immediately launched her counterattack. "We discussed this, and I can stay here tonight as well, Yohann." Haruka, Setsuna and Michiru looked at her, confused, but said nothing about it. After a few seconds, Setsuna talked. "That's correct, Yohann. We discussed it, and we can arrange our activities to be here when necessary." Michiru and Haruka nodded in agreement. Yohann looked at the group, staring at each one for at least one second. 'They are brave and resourceful. No wonder the old man wanted me to join forces with them. It will be a great honor to fight with them.' "Thank you. I know I can count with you all. Well, that's all I wanted to say now. We'll meet again tomorrow at 9:00 A.M. That will give everybody enough time to come here. "We'll take care of the rest here. Sleep well, because this is going to be one heavy week." TO BE CONTINUED...