There is a sudden buzzing from one side of the bridge. A blue-haired
woman in a gray special forces uniform (Ryouga and Amy's daughter,
hereafter referred to as LIEUTENANT RYOUKO) seated at one of the stations,
examines her control panel.
LIEUTENANT RYOUKO
Lady Venus, we're receiving a
transmission from the temple.
VENUS
I'm not gonna get any donuts, am I?
<sigh> Okay, put it on screen.
The forward screen resolves into an image of a featureless room, with a
man standing at the center. His features are obscured by a distortion
effect which leaves the rest of him -- specifically his pinstripe suit,
worn by the CHIEF -- and the room clearly visible.
CHIEF (DISTORT)
Have I the honor of addressing one
of the Sailor Senshi?
VENUS
Yep!
CHIEF (DISTORT)
Lady Venus, I think? I have to
guess, after all, we can't see you.
VENUS
Actually, we can't see you very
well either. Do you suppose you
could turn off that distort field --
CHIEF (DISTORT)
<laughter> Oh, no, Lady Venus -- I'm
sure that it's you, no one else has
quite your sense of humour.
VENUS
<blush> Flatterer.
JUPITER
<whispered angrily> Mina!
VENUS
Ahem! I take it that you represent
the organization that has taken Her
Majesty hostage?
CHIEF (DISTORT)
Correct.
VENUS
And that you have done so to advance
or publicize a cause?
CHIEF (DISTORT)
Correct.
VENUS
Very well, then. <beat> Which
cause?
CHIEF (DISTORT)
Liberty! Equality! Fr --
VENUS
-- ee beer? Well, that's a lot to
ask for ... just what does
kidnapping her Majesty have to do
with this?
CHIEF (DISTORT)
It is our intention to transport her
to the neutral lunar colony for a
trial for her terrible crimes
against hum --
VENUS presses a finger to her lips in a shushing gesture, and the audio of
the transmission is cut.
VENUS
"Neutral lunar colony"? <beat> The
last I heard was that the lunars had
pledged allegiance.
MERCURY
Delusional.
VENUS
No, really, I remember hearing about
it --
MERCURY
<controlled> Not you, Mina, him.
JUPITER
Just a typical deluded nutcase?
VENUS
I've never met one of those ...
bring up the volume.
CHIEF (DISTORT)
-- and in short, her failure to
bring the benefits of a free and
democratic society to --
YURI stumbles into the shot suddenly.
YURI
Ooops ... uh, scuse me ...
CHIEF (DISTORT)
... In any event, those are our
intentions, and any attack on us
will result in the immediate
execution of our hostages.
YURI & VENUS (SIM)
HostagES? As in more than one?
YURI and VENUS stare at each other for a brief moment.
CHIEF (DISTORT)
<rapid> We will contact you with
further demands in an hour.
The screen goes blank rapidly.
LT. RYOUKO
They've cut the signal ... I've got
a pretty clear idea of where they
were transmitting from inside the
temple. <beat> Was that ... really
... her? As in ...
VENUS
<subdued> Did you record?
LT. RYOUKO nods.
VENUS
<subdued> Run a match.
LT. RYOUKO bends over the computer for a few seconds ... then looks up
with a sick expression.
LT. RYOUKO
99.999% match with the archive
photos of her, Lady Venus. That's
either her or a clone, and --
VENUS
So ... our adversaries include the
legendary -- perhaps *infamous* is a
better word, though infamous on a
legendary scale -- troubleshooters
known as ... the Dirty Pair.
The tension on the bridge is extremely high, as if everyone is expecting
all hell to break loose after those fatal words are spoken. Even JUPITER
looks stunned by this revelation.
MERCURY
<quick> We don't know that they're
both --
VENUS
Of course we do. Some things *are*
indestructible. <suddenly happy>
And isn't that nice to consider?
VENUS suddenly stands up and claps her hands together.
VENUS
Yeah! Yeah, I think this is a good
thing for us! I mean, so what if
the Dirty Pair never failed in their
mission objectives? Well, except in
the last one, and it was ultimately
a success anyway ... but I mean ...
<addressing MERCURY and JUPITER>
Think about it like this: they're a
symbol, darnit! A team that was
never broken up! Just like us! We
won't get broken up, either! We
should draw inspiration from this!
<beat> Why don't we all take a
little break and think about that
for a while? I think I'm going to
go take a walk while I think ... can
I get anyone anything?
She turns around, looking for requests from the bridge crew, of which
there are none.
VENUS
Okay! While you're thinking, if
someone could get in touch with Luna
and Artemis -- they're running
things for us on the moon, right?
MERCURY nods slowly.
VENUS
-- get in touch with Luna and
Artemis, find out what might be
going on there ... oh, and see if
you can contact Raye, too, while
we're on the subject. Well, I'm
off, back in a little bit!
VENUS strolls out the bridge doors, flashing the bridge a "V-for-Victory"
as they close behind her. There is dead silence on the bridge.
MERCURY
Did she --
LT. RYOUKO
We have a teleportation reading just
outside the bridge, Ma'am. <beat>
She --
MERCURY
<sigh> I know where she went, dear.
Believe me, I know.
Cut to the entrance of the memorial park. VENUS appears in a shower of
golden light, trembling and covering her face. After a moment, she looks
up at the statue of Sailor Saturn that guards the entrance. She stands
there for a short while.
VENUS
It would be so ... easy.
We see her hand reaching towards the small plaque that decorates the
statue -- on which we can see the following written.
"Ask not for whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee."
VENUS' hand is almost touching the plaque -- but at the last moment, she
flinches away, bringing her hand back up to her collar. She shakes her
head.
VENUS
*Too* easy.
With her free hand, she smacks the hand that was reaching, and smiles as
the hand droops as though it is pouting. She slowly walks into the
memorial park. VENUS passes the holographic memorial to Sailor Moon,
looking up at it with something very akin to envy on her face as she walks
past. Finally, she comes to the end of her path, standing before a
larger-than-life statue of a young man, dressed in a trenchcoat and
trousers, his head bowed and shadowed in such a way that we cannot see his
face. VENUS sits down, facing away from the statue and blocking our view
of a plaque attached to the base of the statue.
VENUS
I miss you. <beat; singsong> I wish
you were he-ere. <beat> It really
would have been easy. Kill 'em all,
let whoever sort it out. Just ...
give it to someone else. And we'd
be together. <beat> Right? Am I
right? <beat> No. Of course not.
A monster like you wouldn't want
anything to do with a monster like
me. <beat> I took a bullet to my
chest last week. If my trauma
damper hadn't kicked in, I wouldn't
be talking to you -- hey wait a
minute! <beat> So I had to get my
heart fixed. But you know what? I
think I got ripped off. Because it
still hurts. I-i-i-ttt st-st-st--
VENUS clonks herself on the side of the head, making a dull thud.
VENUS
<mutter> Gotta get that looked at.
<beat> How'm I gonna do this? I
mean, we're dealing with the two
deadliest human beings -- well, we
don't count as human any more --
ever created by an intelligence
whose ultimate goals we still don't
understand. <beat> And they've got
her. And since we only exist to
defend and protect her, they've got
*us* right where they want us. Not
that I've ever done a very good job
of that ... have I? <beat> If I
could just --
VENUS suddenly stands up, with an excited expression on her face. She
turns to face the statue, which is still hidden from us.
VENUS
Got it! I get Artemis to send me
down a spare disguise pen, turn
myself into her, and go up to the
temple, saying "Hah-hah! Stupid
kidnappers, you grabbed the wrong
Queen!" They snatch me, let her go,
and then I have the whole fleet turn
the temple into so much glow-in-the-
dark clay! <beat> What do you mean
it wouldn't work? <beat> Okay, so
they probably wouldn't let her go,
but I'd be in the *zone* to get her
out, right? <beat> Of course they
wouldn't stop me from blowing up the
temple around me. What matters more
-- her safety or me? <beat> Well,
if they won't do it, then I'll tell
them what I did! After that, they
should be glad to --
VENUS' face suddenly crumples. Slowly, she lies down on the plaque,
curled up in a fetal position.
VENUS
<soft> They all know that I'm --
but they still expect me to be --
and I can't. It would hurt too much
if I were -- <beat> BUT IT HURTS
ANYWAY! HOW IS THAT FAIR?
VENUS picks herself up off the ground, dusts herself off, and looks up at
the statue.
VENUS
Anyway. I gotta go. Thanks for
listening. You're really good at
that, but I wish you'd talk back a
little more. <beat> Be seeing you.
VENUS turns and walks away, at last allowing us a clear view of the
inscription on the memorial.
AETHAN DEGALES
529 - 545
545 - 1996
1996 - 2034
You walk a road that's thorny, through no fault of your own.
But, as rain enters the earth, and the river flows to the sea,
So, too, do tears fall to their predestined end.
Your suffering is over.
Find peace for
Eternity
Cut to PRISS and SHEILA, walking through a corridor of the MACC, side by
side.
PRISS
So, in other words, she's nuts.
SHEILA
<weary> No, she's not nuts. She's a
little bit ... erratic, and she's
done some things that have caused
people to question her judgment. But
according to Aunt Amy, she's not
insane in the sense that she *is*
responsible for her actions, even if
they are bizarre.
PRISS
Y'know, your aunts are a real fun
bunch.
SHEILA stops abruptly and turns to glare at PRISS.
SHEILA
They've been alive for nearly a
thousand years, and they've seen
things that would probably leave
ordinary people screaming as blood
flowed out their eyes. As far as
I'm concerned, they've all earned as
much eccentricity as they want!
PRISS stares at SHEILA, a little startled at her vehemence. SHEILA
visibly calms down, and sighs.
SHEILA
Priss, they're my *family*.
PRISS stares for a moment, nods, and starts walking.
PRISS
And I'm not.
SHEILA
I didn't *say* that.
PRISS
You didn't have to.
SHEILA's fists clench at her side.
SHEILA
Priss, if someone had asked you why
you were hanging around with a crazy
Shaolin stockbroker like Linna
Yamazaki, what would you have told
them?
PRISS halts, and speaks without looking back.
PRISS
I would have told them to fuck off
and die. Nobody slams my --
SHEILA
-- family.
PRISS looks angrily over her shoulder at her.
PRISS
<smooth> -- *friends*.
SHEILA
<sigh> Okay. And what if this
someone was someone that you cared
a lot about; that you thought you
were in love with; that you might
even want to spend the rest of your
life with?
They stare at each other for a moment, both with unreadable expressions on
their faces. PRISS turns away first, and continues walking down the hall.
PRISS
<nonchalant> I'm gonna die alone,
anyway.
SHEILA reacts as though she's been slapped. She watches PRISS head down
the corridor for a second, then hurries to catch up to her. They arrive
at the STRATegic-COMmand Center, an area-like room with several rows of
seats and a holoprojector in the center. It is filled with somewhere
between thirty and fifty people of tremendously varied dress and
description -- the Palladins of Crystal Tokyo. They are clustered in
small groups, discussing various things. In our first pass through the
room, we catch sight of a red-haired woman in a slinky red dress enthusing
about a lipstick that a rather androgynous younger dark-haired woman in a
bizarre description-defying outfit is staring at with a disbelieving
expression; a pair of swordsmen (blades peacebonded), one with flowing
blonde hair and cleanshaven, the other with dark black hair and a full
beard and mustache, talking placidly; and a tall, lanky man holding a
hand-held hologram display that shows a humanoid cyclopean mecha,
discussing it with a young woman with short brown hair, large glasses, and
a green outfit under her white lab coat. We see SHEILA react to seeing
these two, and she heads down towards them, beckoning PRISS to follow
her. PRISS shrugs and follows. The man (JOHNNY RAIDEN) looks up as they
approach, and smiles. He speaks in an odd Australian accent that has a
vaguely German feel to it.
JOHNNY
Hey, Sheila! Got you out of the
stacks, did they?
SHEILA
<smile> Somebody's got to write down
the specifics of whatever crazy
plans you guys come up with.
The young woman (RITSUKO URAWA) speaks in a gentle, patient, and very
formal tone.
RITSUKO
"Crazy plans" are hardly our stock-
in-trade, Ms. Tenkai.
SHEILA
Hello to you too, Ritsuko. Whatcha
got there?
JOHNNY
An ever-so-slightly radical upgrade
proposal for our Zakus, to take full
advantage of the psychcommu.
SHEILA and RITSUKO stare at him.
JOHNNY
Sorry, thought control system. Old
habits die hard.
RITSUKO
Essentially, the TC system allows
the creation of an empathic overload
booster. Affected systems would be
supercharged based on the pilot's
emotional state -- a sufficiently
angry pilot could easily increase
his or her available motive power
by over fifty percent.
SHEILA
With just a standard interface?
RITSUKO
No, and standard neural training
won't be enough either. The actual
systems involved are fairly similar
to psychic amplifiers, but not quite
as sophisticated.
RITSUKO notices that PRISS is following the conversation with an
expression torn between interest and confusion.
RITSUKO
But we're being rude. Who's your
friend, Ms. Tenkai?
SHEILA
Oh, sorry. Priscilla Asagiri, this
is Dr. Ritsuko Urawa, Chief Mecha
Engineer of the First Fleet, and --
JOHNNY comes to his feet, and we realize that he's just over seven feet
tall.
JOHNNY
Leftenant Commander Johnny Raiden,
Heroic and Suicidal Test Pilot.
He extends a hand in greeting. PRISS, looking up at him, slowly takes it.
PRISS
I'm gonna say something stupid and
obvious in a second.
JOHNNY
Don't worry, most people do.
PRISS
Boy, you're tall.
JOHNNY nods, grinning. He pauses as something comes to him.
JOHNNY
Half a minute. Priss *Asagiri*?
You're --
PRISS
Her great-great-great-great-and-
several-more-greats-grand-daughter,
namesake, and lookalike.
JOHNNY looks puzzled ... and then understanding dawns on his face, and he
smiles broadly.
JOHNNY
Riiiiight.
He sits again, and SHEILA and PRISS also sit down.
SHEILA
So has the Second Fleet been called
home for this situation?
JOHNNY
Nah, Yamato and m'boys are still
minding Venus to make sure they
don't get ideas. But me and the
Doc got called in with the rest of
the Palladins, on a fast shuttle.
JOHNNY adjusts the hologram to erase the image of the mecha, replacing it
with a detail of the Crystal Tokyo area from orbit. (The fact that the
city is clearly planned around a RIGHT-SIDE UP pentagram should be made
clear. Several lights with tags -- SKYLARK, DAUNTLESS, SMITH, KINNISON,
DUQUESNE, among others -- appear on the display.
JOHNNY
They've called in the Fifth Fleet
from the Outer Darkness Region, and
spread the Fourth out to cover --
SHEILA
Wait a minute ...
She points at the light marked SMITH.
SHEILA
Isn't that Psyche Company's
carrier?
JOHNNY nods once in silence.
SHEILA
<hushed> They brought the Lensmen?
<beat> Whewwwwww ...
PRISS
Uh, 'scuse? Lensmen? Wasn't that
a really bad movie made in 2012?
SHEILA
<wry look> Don't remind me, please.
There is a connection, but ...
anyway, "Lensmen" is the nickname
of the 298th, 299th, and 300th
Mobile Suit Squadrons of the Royal
Space Force, unofficially known as
Psyche Company. All the pilots
are magicians, psychics, or possess
other exotic talents. <smiles at
RITSUKO> A while ago, someone came
up with a way to amplify talents
like that, using certain specially
designed crystals that look a lot
like huge lenses. Inevitably, the
pilots were called Lensmen ...
PRISS
So do the Senshi use these things?
RITSUKO shakes her head firmly.
RITSUKO
The level of power that a Senshi
possesses would easily overload the
largest amplifier we can build.
<beat> And as one's natural power
increases, the amount of enhancement
that one can gain from artificial
sources decreases. If we were able
to construct an amplifier that would
measurably magnify Lady Mercury's
power, for example, it would be
about the size of the moon and
improve her power by ... <beat> I'm
sorry, I'm lecturing, aren't I?
PRISS shrugs, a small smile playing about her lips.
PRISS
Yeah, but when you do, you sorta
sound like someone I knew ... a long
time ago.
RITSUKO blinks, startled.
RITSUKO
*I* sound like Dr. Stingray? <beat>
Thank you very much, Ms. Asagiri,
that is a considerable compliment.
PRISS
It is?
RITSUKO
<nods> In my opinion, her visionary
mecha designs are without equal.
Even now, we don't understand all
the secrets of the hardsuits --
LT. RYOUKO (O.S.)
And couldn't use one even if we did.
Everyone looks in LT. RYOUKO's direction as we see her approach casually,
still in her uniform.
RITSUKO
That's hardly true any more, Sister.
LT. RYOUKO fixes PRISS with a faintly predatory look, which PRISS returns
calmly.
LT. RYOUKO
Hmm. You have a point, Ritsuko.
<beat> Hello, Johnny. <beat; to
SHEILA> Hello, You.
SHEILA gives LT. RYOUKO a look of mixed amusement and disdain, but she is
back to talking to PRISS.
LT. RYOUKO
Lieutenant Ryouko Mizuno, Battlesuit
Pilot Temporarily Drafted as Bridge
Crew. Pleased to meet you.
PRISS
Right. <beat> You're one of her
sisters?
LT. RYOUKO
*Half*-sisters. Very different
fathers.
RITSUKO
<soft> Not as different as you'd
like to believe, Sister.
RYOUKO glares at RITSUKO, who meets her look evenly.
LT. RYOUKO
I *believe* that I made it clear how
tired I was of this particular line
of conversation *quite* some time
ago.
SHEILA steps between them, none-too-subtly heading off a conflict.
SHEILA
Ahem. So anyways, Ryouko, what's
the word on the bridge?
LT. RYOUKO
"Panic." <beat> We received a
message from the kidnappers just a
little while ago that has everyone
on the edge.
SHEILA
What happened?
LT. RYOUKO
<shakes head> Not yet. Wouldn't do
anyone here any good to know it just
yet. It'd just set us even further
on edge than we already are ...
JOHNNY
<dismissive> Aw, cut the crap,
Ryouko. What's the worst that it
could be, the Dirty Pair?
Dead silence descends on the room, and everyone in the room is suddenly
staring at JOHNNY. Well, except for PRISS (who seems confused) and RYOUKO
(who is rubbing her head as though she has a terrible headache).
JOHNNY
It was a *joke*, people. Get a
grip, already.
SHEILA
<patient> Yes, but Johnny ... it
wasn't FUNNY.
Cut to a harsh-featured man carrying a long, broad-edged spear, sitting
some distance away, hunched as though he carries a heavy burden on his
shoulders. He looks upwards with a foul expression.
USHIO
Well, *somebody* found it amusing.
Cut back to the group as conversation slowly begins again. A beeping
noise issues from RYOUKO's wrist. She holds it up to her mouth.
LT. RYOUKO
Mizuno, go.
VOICE
She's back, hurry.
LT. RYOUKO
I'm on my way.
She nods in farewell, and heads up the stairs to the exit at a run.
PRISS
So ... what's a Dirty Pair?
We follow RYOUKO running through the corridor, until she reaches the main
access passage leading to the outside of the MACC, through which VENUS is
entering at a brisk pace. RYOUKO slows, but continues to run in place.
VENUS
Ah, hello, Ryouko-chan ... or should
I call you Lieutenant Mizuno, now?
LT. RYOUKO
As you wish, Lady Venus.
VENUS
All right. <beat> Keeping in shape,
are we?
LT. RYOUKO
Yes, Lady Venus.
VENUS
I think I'll join you.
She begins running in place too.
LT. RYOUKO
An excellent idea, Lady Venus.
RYOUKO starts running up the corridor to the bridge. VENUS stays running
in place for a few moments.
VENUS
I wonder if this is a race ...
She nods once, and then takes off at a dash. We see her running from her
POV, swiftly catching up to LT. RYOUKO, passing her, and arriving at the
bridge smiling sunnily.
VENUS
Hello!
MERCURY is running calculations on one of the terminals, while JUPITER
leans against the wall with an expression with elements of rage, guilt,
and extreme annoyance on her face. MERCURY speaks without looking up.
MERCURY
Welcome back, Mina. Did you enjoy
your walk?
VENUS heads for the command chair.
VENUS
Yes. Yes I did. I think that I've
got a better idea of how to handle
this situation now.
JUPITER
Good.
VENUS begins to sit down in the command chair.
RAYE (O.S.)
Yes, Mina, that's very good. I'd
like to hear about your ideas, but
don't even think about sitting in
my chair.
VENUS looks upwards, mouths "Thank you", and turns to look at RAYE, who is
standing at the entrance, followed by RANMA and RYOUKO. MERCURY turns
around.
VENUS
Raye! I'm so glad --
RAYE
Yes, I am too.
She takes her seat in the center, which VENUS quickly vacates.
RAYE
All right, I want a full situational
report, STAT. What are we up
against this time?
JUPITER
A bunch of terrorists, backed up by
the --
RAYE
Lita, why are you out of uniform?
JUPITER
<deep breath> I'm on suspension.
Go ahead; ask me why. I've got an
answer ready.
RAYE's mouth quirks up in a half-smile.
RAYE & JUPITER (sim)
None of your business.
RAYE
Right. Backed up by ...?
JUPITER
The Lovely Angels.
RAYE
<stares> You're making a try at a
joke, right?
JUPITER
No. The kidnappers sent a video
transmission out, and a young woman
with bluish-black hair stumbled into
the shot. She's an exact physical
match for ... what's her name again?
VENUS
Yuri. She's the cool one. <beat> I
got her autograph, once ...
LT. RYOUKO finally arrives at the bridge at this point, with a frustrated
and embarrassed expression on her face. Before going to her station, she
does a double take as she passes RANMA, and stares at him in a very
hostile manner for a moment.
RAYE
Amy, could it have been a clone?
MERCURY
Anything's possible, but I've been
reviewing the footage ... and her
behavior is an almost exact match
for virtually all the documentation
we have on her -- slightly ditzy,
but at the same time very capable.
And since braintaping in the United
Galactica period was only in its
infancy, and it's believed that all
possible backups of Kei and Yuri
were destroyed with the Central
Computer ... a very good actor could
have pulled a performance like that
off, but considering the physical
match, I really do think she was the
genuine article, Raye.
RAYE
Great. <beat> Other than Serenity,
are they holding any other hostages?
Temple personnel, maybe?
JUPITER
We interviewed everyone who fled
when the temple was taken over early
this morning. About ten of the
senior members of the Cult are
unaccounted for, including the Arch
Deacon.
RAYE
Have we done a scan for lifesigns?
LT. RYOUKO
Repeatedly, with no effect. There's
some sort of jamming ... but it only
affects bioscanners.
RAYE
Damn. Okay, what about --
RYOUKO
Hold it ... this sounds familiar.
RAYE turns to look at RYOUKO, who is walking over to the scanner console
at which Lieutenant Ryouko is sitting.
RYOUKO
Do you get a "too many lifesigns"
message?
LT. RYOUKO
Uh ... yes.
RYOUKO
<nods> Okay, what you wanna do is
configure it to ignore any life
signs of human beings.
LT. RYOUKO
Excuse me?
RYOUKO
Homo sapiens, dominant species on
Earth?
LT. RYOUKO
But --
RYOUKO
Just do it.
LT. RYOUKO adjusts the scanner, clearly not understanding what RYOUKO is
aiming at. She starts another scan.
RYOUKO
Interrupt it. Now!
The scan is interrupted.
RYOUKO
Okay, now configure it to ignore
all the life signs that you just
got, but find human lifesigns.
Seven human lifesigns are indicated on the screen, one of which, flagged,
is definitely SERENITY's lifesign.
RAYE
How?
RYOUKO
There's a certain species of plant
life growing on a planet around
what you call Barnard's Star that
possesses a more complicated
biological signature than you'd
expect from a non-sentient, such
that it shows up on any bioscan for
"higher lifeforms". The problem is,
there's more variance in a bioscan
of two members of a typical sentient
species than there is between two
members of this shrub ... heck, more
variance between an individual and
a clone. Anyway, this trick's been
used by space pirates to confuse
scanners for about a thousand years.
One famous space pirate worked alone
in an oversized ship with a bunch of
this stuff, to make the marks think
the ship had a huge crew.
LT. RYOUKO
Who was this?
RYOUKO
Me.
RAYE
Excellent job, Ryouko.
RYOUKO and LT. RYOUKO speak simultaneously.
RYOUKO
Woo, a compliment!
LT. RYOUKO
Thank you, Lady Mars.
There is a short pause.
RAYE
I was, in fact, speaking to the
Lieutenant. <beat> But Ryouko,
you are ... useful to have around.
RYOUKO looks down at LT. RYOUKO, who meets her gaze steadily.
RYOUKO
Your name's Ryouko, huh?
LT. RYOUKO
Lieutenant Mizuno Ryouko.
RYOUKO
Mizuno, huh? <looks at MERCURY>
Your mom has *great* taste in names,
then ...
MERCURY holds her head as though she has suddenly developed a migraine
headache.
LT. RYOUKO
<very cool> Yes, I was named after
my father.
RYOUKO
Oh.
RAYE
Ahem. Lieutenant, run a comparison
of each of those "prints" against
our files, see what you can come up
with.
LT. RYOUKO
Aye.
A few seconds later, one of the other patterns has been identified as
belonging to "FUJIKO".
JUPITER
She's *mine*.
VENUS
Aren't you on suspension?
JUPITER
<glares at VENUS> As soon as I'm
*off* suspension, she's mine.
VENUS
Okay.
RAYE
None of the others match anyone in
the files?
LT. RYOUKO
Negative. Could be hostages, or
could be other kidnappers.
RAYE
Alright. I want every bit of data
we have on the Temple -- blueprints,
especially -- packaged up to give a
briefing to the Palladins in ten
minutes.
BRIDGE CREW
Aye!
They spring into action. RANMA takes advantage of the distraction to
approach LADY MERCURY.
RANMA
'Scuse me.
MERCURY
Yes, Mr. Saotome?
RANMA
I need to talk to you about
something.
Cut to outside the MACC. PRISS is sitting on the steps leading to the
main access, alternately watching the Patrol Labors guard the perimeter of
the Temple and staring at the Knight Sabres Museum in the distance.
Finally, she nods, stands up, and starts down the stairs. As she reaches
the bottom, she notices that NOA is standing nearby, looking up at her
Labor (SHINJI), which is standing at ease in the shadow of the MACC.
PRISS waves at her, and NOA returns the wave, just as SHINJI's chestplate
opens up, revealing CATTY at the controls. PRISS looks up at the Labor
with distrust written all over her face, and continues walking. CATTY
drops down from the cockpit, and looks up at the head of the Labor with a
concerned expression.
CATTY
You were right ... his emotional
and psychological development *has*
stabilized at the level of an early
adolescent -- roughly 13 to 15 years
of age.
NOA
And that's definitely not normal.
CATTY
<sigh> Psychology's not an exact
science, AI Psychology even less so.
It's definitely not *typical*, but
it's no more abnormal than an AI
that catapulted herself into early
senility within a few seconds of her
awakening, or the gender confused
AI I dealt with a few years ago.
<beat> Most new sentiences "prefer"
to advance to the same level of
maturity exhibited by the other
entities that they come into contact
with -- and since Shinji's contacts
have been more or less limited to
yourself and ...
NOA
<heavy sarcasm> His "daddy".
CATTY
<wry grin> -- along with a few of
your associates -- and I compliment
you on letting Mr. Yamazaki pay a
visit, he seems to have made a much
better "father" figure than the one
which he was "born" to. In any
case, based on his contacts, he
*should* have developed to a mature
persona, roughly 25 to 30. But he
hasn't. And he probably won't for
several years.
NOA
When is he going to start "talking"?
CATTY
I've made the connection between his
neural net and the loudspeaker, and
uploaded the sounds database -- so
he has the capability, he just has
to teach himself to use it. I had
him shut off his audio pickup so he
could do it in peace. It *will*
probably be baby-talk the first few
times that he tries --
NOA
But that's normal. Did you talk in
baby talk when you were awakened?
A few yards away, PRISS halts in midstep.
CATTY
Ahhhh ...
NOA
I mean, I know that you're unique
in that respect, but ... uh, is
something wrong?
CATTY has covered her eyes with her right hand.
CATTY
No. No, no. Yes, but ... it's not
your fault, Chief Izumi.
NOA looks over her shoulder to see PRISS staring in their direction with
an extremely wrathful expression.
NOA
Oh! <beat> Ohhhh. <beat> Uh ...
would you like police protection?
CATTY
No, thank you. I believe that I can
handle the situation without too
much difficulty.
NOA nods, and warily looking in PRISS direction once more, heads over to
SHINJI, and clambers up inside the cockpit. CATTY walks slowly but
deliberately towards PRISS. When she is within arms reach, she speaks.
CATTY
<calm> Is there something that you'd
like to say?
PRISS
<furious> You're a boomer.
CATTY
I prefer the term cyberdroid.
PRISS
You're a fucking *boomer*.
CATTY
In fact, I *am* capable of a wide
variety of sexual acts, which is not
surprising, considering that one of
the models that my design is based
upon is the Bu-33s.
PRISS
<startled> Sexaroid?
CATTY
Yes. Which means, I suppose that
you will view me as "human in every
way that counts". <beat> Even
though I have no desire to be human,
any more than your friend --
PRISS
The hell she didn't! Sylvie *did*
want to be human! She said --
CATTY
"I wanted to be free. Like you."
PRISS
<stunned> How did --
CATTY
First words of the song "I Want to
Be Free", written and performed by
Priss Asagiri, 2035, liner notes
"Dedicated to Sylvie and Anri."
<beat> She wanted to be free of
the prejudice and bigotry that the
human race felt, and I am often
distressed but rarely surprised to
find, still feels towards us.
Cyberdroids. <beat> Boomers.
Angrily, CATTY walks away towards SHINJI, but pauses to look back over her
shoulder at PRISS.
CATTY
It seems that the writer of that
song is dead. A pity. She was a
remarkable being ... for a human.
CATTY approaches SHINJI, now looking more hurt than angry. SHINJI's voice
is that of a boy just on the edge of adolescence -- it cracks a lot.
SHINJI
Is something wrong, Catty-oneesama?
CATTY looks up at the Labor's "head", startled and amazed. Slowly, a
smile spreads across her features.
CATTY
No. No, everything's all right.
SHINJI's chest opens up, and NOA is revealed, smiling broadly.
NOA
He's a smart kid, isn't he?
CATTY
<nod> Yes. He is indeed.
PRISS stares in their direction for a moment, then visibly "gives up" and
turns to walk towards the Museum of the Knight Sabres again ... just as a
beeping noise issues from her hip carried cellular. PRISS snatches it up,
and flips it open.
PRISS
Yeah.
SHEILA
Priss, you'd better get back here,
there's going to be a briefing in a
few minutes.
PRISS
Great.
She shuts down the cellular, and heads back to the stairs. There's a
faint rumble of thunder, and the first drops of rain begin to fall.
Cut to the inside of the entrance of the MACC. PRISS comes in out of the
rain, and shakes out her hair, just as RAYE comes down the corridor.
RAYE
Priss!
PRISS
Hey. What happened to you?
RAYE
What do you mean?
PRISS
I called you last night and --
RAYE
You didn't get the message I sent to
you yesterday morning?
PRISS
No ...
RAYE
<annoyed at self> And I forgot to
change my answering machine, too ...
damn. <beat> I had to go to Mars
on business yesterday ... I just got
back a little while ago.
PRISS
You *went* to Mars? <odd smile> I
thought that you *were* --
RAYE
Ahem. Heard it. A few times.
<beat> So what happened?
PRISS
Took care of the thing with the
labors. And then I finally got
'round to reading Sylia's journal.
RAYE
Okay. Did it bring back anything?
PRISS
Nope. <beat> Not exactly. <beat>
I found out a couple things ...
Anyway ... uh ... something did
happen that --
RAYE
Sheila.
PRISS
<blinks> Have you been reading my
mind or something?
RAYE
I can't do that except under certain
conditions, so no. <beat> Mina has
a big mouth, and she told me about
Sheila's "cute new girlfriend" when
she thought Lita wasn't listening.
PRISS
<gag> "Cute new girlfriend"?
RAYE
She has a slightly romantic view of
some things. <beat> Priss, it's okay
with me. I'm happy for you.
They start to walk down the corridor at a slow pace.
PRISS
Unfortunately, it'll be over in a
week.
RAYE
Oh come on!
PRISS
It won't work ... she's too -- And
I'm too -- <gestures wearily>
RAYE
Give it a chance! <beat> And give
*yourself* a chance! "We were born
to be happy", remember? Even if you
did choose to enter coldsleep as a
way of escaping from the world, we
all want this to be a happy ending
for you.
PRISS
Even Jupiter?
RAYE looks away, upset.
PRISS
And you still think that I've got a
chance with Sheila?
RAYE
Priss, I'm absolutely the last one
to be saying that "True love can
stand against any force," because I
know that's not true. <beat> But I
believe that love can survive in the
face of overwhelming odds. <beat>
And I thought you never gave up.
PRISS
<quirky smile> Only when I think I
don't have anything left to fight
for.
RAYE
<solemn> Love is always worth it,
Priss. <beat> It's why I keep on
going. Some days, it's the only
reason I have.
PRISS
<teasing> For the look in Her
Majesty's eye?
RAYE
<annoyed> Kami-sama, is it that
obvious?
PRISS
<snort> Only to folks who *aren't*
looking at you when you talk about
her.
RAYE
Marvelous ...
PRISS
So this is rough on you?
RAYE
<nods> I can't remember the last
time I was so ... scared. <beat>
At least I'm not the only one --
PRISS
<startled> Scared? I'd have
thought you'd be angry, or --
RAYE
Oh, I am. I want to tear the
miserable wretches who've done this
to pieces ... but I'm more afraid
of what might happen to her if I
*fail* ... if I lose her again, I --
<beat> I don't know what I'll do.
PRISS
<whispered> It must be nice ...
RAYE
Hm?
PRISS
It must be nice ... to be able to
admit when you're scared.
RAYE smiles sadly.
RAYE
Yeah. <beat> Anyway ...
She motions her head towards a door marked SHOWER.
RAYE
I've got to grab a quick shower
before I give this briefing. I'll
see you there.
RAYE ducks into the room. PRISS turns to go, then pauses.
PRISS
"Again"?
And then slowly, a look of utter and complete shock spreads across her
face as she understands.
PRISS
No. No way ...
PRISS turns and heads back down the corridor, the way that she came. She
darts out the exit, just as RANMA steps around the corner, in time to see
her leave. He pauses.
RANMA
Now where've I seen ...
Sudden recognition in his features, RANMA darts to the door ... then
pauses as he realizes that the rain has begun to pour. He stares up with
a greatly put-upon expression.
RANMA
Typical ...
RANMA heads out the door into the rain.
Cut to RAYE stepping out of the shower with a towel wrapped around her. A
beeping noise comes from the ceiling.
RAYE
Yes.
LT. RYOUKO
I've got Luna and Artemis on the
line, sir. Should I put them
through or --
RAYE
Yes, connect them here.
She starts to brush her hair, as LUNA and ARTEMIS appear on a screen in
the bathroom.
RAYE
Luna. Artemis. What've you got for
us?
LUNA
We've been investigating. Mars, if
ANYONE up here is expecting to take
custody of Serenity, they're playing
it very close to their chests ... so
close that our network hasn't been
able to get ANYTHING.
ARTEMIS
And that's as damn well close to
impossible as you can get. I don't
think you can let a pin drop on the
Moon without one of us finding out
about it.
LUNA
Flatterer.
ARTEMIS
<annoyed> I meant "one of the *two*
of us".
RAYE
She knows that, Artemis, she's just
teasing you.
LUNA
<hurt> Do *I* spoil *your* jokes on
Serenity or Endymion?
RAYE
Sorry, Luna. I'm a little ...
LUNA
<soft> We know. So are we.
ARTEMIS
Do you have a plan yet?
RAYE
A few ideas, and I'm hoping that the
Palladins will come up with a few
more. No strategy, yet.
ARTEMIS
Right. <beat> Oh, Admiral Tailor
wanted us to let whoever was in
charge know that the Mihoshi is
almost finished its repairs.
RAYE
That's nice. <beat> Is he telling
the truth?
LUNA
According to our information, she
still has a few more days to peak
function. She could go out, but ...
RAYE
Right. Have Justy on standby for a
signal from me. Ideally ... but if
this were an ideal universe, this
wouldn't be happening, would it?
LUNA
<concerned> Are you alright?
RAYE
I'll be fine. <beat> I have to be
fine. <beat> Artemis ... Mina's
here. Do you want to talk to her?
ARTEMIS looks very upset -- more hurt and ashamed than angry.
ARTEMIS
<soft> No. <beat> No, Mars ... I
don't think ... talking didn't make
a difference before ... why should
it now?
RAYE
Artemis, what she's done to herself
isn't your fault.
ARTEMIS
Yes it is ... I should have been
there to tell her not to take those
damn implants when I had the chance,
and now --
RAYE
So she would have died? <beat> I
don't like her cybernetics either,
but when she started, she didn't
have a choice. <beat> I think that
you should talk to her, Artemis.
ARTEMIS shakes his head in silence. RAYE sighs.
RAYE
Whatever, Artemis. Stay where we
can reach you two, okay?
LUNA & ARTEMIS (sim)
Right.
The screen goes blank, and RAYE shakes her head wordlessly.
Cut to a desk in an office that overlooks a huge drydock in which a
starship that bears a vague resemblance to a combination of an Imperial
Star Destroyer and a Rebel Blockade Runner is undergoing repairs. LUNA
and ARTEMIS are standing on the desk, looking up at a blank screen. LUNA
turns to ARTEMIS.
LUNA
You *should* have talked to her.
It's not your fault, love.
LUNA hops of the desk and drops to the ground in 1/6th gravity, and walks
away on landing.
ARTEMIS
<whispered> Yes it is. More than
you would understand, and in ways
that you can never know ... it is.
Cut back to the bathroom. RAYE has dressed in her Senshi uniform. She
briefly frowns, and it shifts into a set of fatigues ... then shakes her
head, going back to the modified fuku. She picks up something, and lowers
her head to take off her eyepatch, holding her hand to her face as she
does. A beeping ensues.
LT. RYOUKO
Sir, we're receiving a transmission
from the Palace ... it's the Prince.
RAYE lifts her head. She has inserted a very natural looking cybereye
into her eye socket.
RAYE
Onscreen.
ENDYMION appears.
ENDYMION
Raye. Ryouko let Tenchi know that
you were back, so I thought I'd
check on you.
RAYE
<weary smile> Well, I could have
picked a better chauffeur, but ...
thank you.
ENDYMION
I knew that you'd want to be here
to handle this job.
RAYE nods. A long awkward pause ensues.
ENDYMION
Bring her back.
RAYE
I always have.
ENDYMION
Yes. However ... uh, I also have
some instructions from her, that I
was supposed to give you if this
ever happened. <beat> She said
that if you come up with a plan to
get her out of a situation that
will certainly succeed, but will
probably cost you your life ...
you're supposed to find another
plan.
RAYE
What?!
ENDYMION
She knows that you wouldn't risk a
plan that would probably lose anyone
*else's* life, so --
RAYE
Dammit!
ENDYMION
Raye, she loves you ... and she
wants to be able to come back to
both of us.
RAYE holds a hand over her artificial eye for a moment, muttering ... the
word "baka" is often heard. She finally runs her hand through her hair,
and looks up.
RAYE
All right. I ... I won't.
ENDYMION
Good. <beat> Take care of things.
The screen goes blank, and RAYE sighs exasperatedly once more, before
heading out of the shower room. In the corridor, she meets VENUS, heading
down the way that she had been heading earlier.
VENUS
Hi. <excited> Hey, I was wondering
about that!
RAYE gestures to her eye.
RAYE
This? <beat> I got a few upgrades.
VENUS
Peaches! We'll have to compare in
a bit.
RAYE
Yeah. *After* we get Serenity back.
VENUS' smile flickers a bit.
VENUS
Right.
Cut to the Strat-Com center, which is even more tightly packed than it was
earlier. SHEILA, JOHNNY, RITSUKO and LT. RYOUKO are sitting in a small
cluster at the lower level of the chamber. SHEILA keeps looking over her
shoulder at the entrance. RYOUKO is hovering with her legs crossed up at
the top row, watching the proceedings with vague interest. Just then, the
Senshi -- MARS, MERCURY, and VENUS -- enter through the doors at the top,
and walk down the aisles to stand in the center of the chamber. JUPITER
enters a few seconds later, and closes the door behind her, remaining on
the uppermost level after she does so. All conversation in the room has
been stilled by the arrival of the Senshi. RAYE takes a deep breath --
then notices that there's an empty seat beside SHEILA. She gives SHEILA
an inquisitive look, to which SHEILA gestures helplessly in response.
RAYE looks up at the doors ... and sees that JUPITER has a faint, angry
smile on her face. The doors have been locked.
RAYE
<sighs> We'll start now.
Cut to the inside of a darkened building. Suddenly, lights come on. The
camera's POV is looking at a large chamber, and a young male GUIDE dashes
past the camera's POV to stand in front of it.
GUIDE
Actually, we're supposed to be shut
down right now, because of the, uh,
*crisis*, if you'll pardon the joke,
that's going on right now, but, I
mean, since it's *you* ... <deep
breath> I'll skip the usual spiel on
how and why the Knight Sabres were
founded, and get right to the
exhibits.
The GUIDE walks into the chamber, and the camera's POV follows, jumping as
though it were walking. The guide pauses at the first exhibit -- what
looks like a shrine to Nene Romanova. The centerpiece is a large, blown
up photograph of Nene in her ADP dress uniform, smiling broadly, looking a
few years older than she did in the series.
GUIDE
These are some of the handful of
surviving photographs of Nene ...
many of these were preserved only
because of her association with
the Senshi, as one of their main
agents in MegaTokyo ... like this
one, for example.
The GUIDE points at a photograph of Nene dressed in a strange and arcane
costume including a skirt that is slit high up on both hips. She is
standing beside JUPITER -- who towers over her and looks down at her with
a confused yet smiling expression. NENE is trying, unsuccessfully, to put
rabbit ears on JUPITER, but can't quite reach.
PRISS (O.S.)
So ... Jupiter was close to her?
GUIDE
Oh yes. Lady Jupiter was Ms.
Romanova's primary contact among the
Senshi.
PRISS nods.
PRISS
Thought so.
Cut to the STRATCOM chamber. The large hologram projector in the center
of the room is displaying an image of the Temple. RAYE slowly circles the
center of the room as she speaks.
RAYE
As you are all aware ... Neo-Queen
Serenity has been kidnapped -- or it
seems somewhat more accurate to view
her as taken hostage -- by forces
that have taken control of the
headquarters of this fringe religion
as a base. <beat> Our objective is
simple. Get her safely out of there
with a bare minimum of loss of life
and property damage. <beat>
Unfortunately, both parts of that
goal are hindered by two of these
terrorists' suspected allies.
LADY MERCURY makes an adjustment to the hologram projector, such that it
turns to file photos of KEI and YURI. Gasps of sheer horror are heard
throughout the room. JOHNNY turns a shocked gaze on LT. RYOUKO.
JOHNNY
You bleeding liar.
LT. RYOUKO
I didn't lie. I just didn't admit
that you were right.
JOHNNY
What's the bleeding difference?!
RAYE
AHEM.
The panicked whispering slowly dies down.
RAYE
These two need no introduction, it
seems. <beat> Their presence means
that we have to step carefully, but
that would be true no matter what
the opposition had in their hand.
The Lovely Angels *can* be defeated.
They *were* defeated in their final
mission, no matter how historians go
on about how their loss finally got
the Planet Pirates broken up once
and for all. THEY -- WERE -- BEATEN
-- by an force of a few dozen scum
of the galaxy equipped with some
ultratech. <beat> We're better
than that, Ladies and Gentlemen.
This isn't going to be a repeat of a
Dirty Pair casefile. They're going
down.
Cut to the inside of a hallway in the Temple. KEI and YURI march on
either side of SERENITY, their blasters out and ready.
KEI
We're moving *up* in the world,
Yuri. No more more dangerous under-
cover assignments for you and me, no
sir. Now we march people around.
From room to room! From floor to
floor! Yes, even up to the topmost
level of the Temple of Whoever The
Heck These Weirdos Worship!
SERENITY
I *am* enjoying the tour.
YURI tries half-heartedly to suppress a giggle at that comment. KEI
glowers.
KEI
I'm glad *somebody's* happy. <beat>
Yuri, this is stupid. Anybody could
do this sort of thing, he doesn't
need a pair of "galactic legends" to
escort a helpless prisoner around a
deserted temple!
YURI
It is a bit strange ...
KEI
Hell, he could do it himself! Have
the satisfaction of shoving a queen
around to his heart's content!
SERENITY
Now, I doubt that I would enjoy
*that*.
KEI
Would you *please* --
SERENITY
Perhaps he does not want to see me.
<beat> Or does not want me to see
him.
KEI and YURI come to a complete stop. SERENITY, her arms held behind her
back with the neutralizer bracelet clasping her left wrist, continues
forward for a few paces, before turning to look over her shoulder with a
quizzical expression at the Pair.
YURI
What do you mean ... doesn't want
you to see him? <beat> Kei, what
if this isn't a rebellion, what if
it's some sort of coup?
KEI
In that case ...
YURI
Does the name Deacon mean anything
to you?
SERENITY
Deacon? <beat> Deacon. Deekon.
Deakon. Daikon. <beat> I believe
that that was the anime convention
which gave the animators later known
as Gainax their first major exposure
... was it not?
A long silence ensues.
YURI
*WHAT?*
SERENITY
Perhaps that was before your time.
KEI
Yuri, you idiot! Why in the world
would he tell us his real name?!
SERENITY
It is always sad to see distrust in
the ranks of an organization ...
KEI
Oh yeah? I suppose you blindly
trust everyone in your pack.
SERENITY
<shakes head> No. Not blindly. I
know beyond any shadow of a doubt
that the people whom I trust are
trustworthy.
YURI
<uneasy> How?
SERENITY
They have all proven themselves.
Many times over. To me, and just as
importantly, to themselves. They
*know* how much I trust them.
KEI
But are there any people in your
pack that you don't trust?
SERENITY
<hesitant> Perhaps ... one or two
who I am uncertain about.
KEI
Okay. That established, does this
guy sound like anyone you know --
he's about --
SERENITY
I am sorry, Miss, but I have a
terrible memory for faces.
KEI
Great. <beat> Wait a minute, he's
got you right where he wants you --
*why* wouldn't he want you to see
him in his moment of triumph?
SERENITY
Perhaps he does not believe that
this *is* his moment of triumph ...
perhaps he believes that it is I
who has him right where I want him.
YURI
That's crazy.
SERENITY
Perhaps. Or he believes that if he
were to face me, he would be unable
to resist doing something that he
would regret.
KEI
You mean ... he'd try and kill you
out of hand.
SERENITY
As you say.
KEI and YURI exchange a glimpse.
YURI
We won't let him do that.
SERENITY
I know.
KEI
Huh?
SERENITY
After all, if you did permit him
to kill me ... then my death would
be your fault. <beat> And it is
never your fault, is it?
She smiles sweetly at the stunned Pair.
SERENITY
Shall we go? It would be rude to
keep Mr. Deacon waiting.
KEI and YURI exchange a look ... then shrug, and walk swiftly to catch up
and walk beside SERENITY.
Cut to PRISS being led by the GUIDE to a display around a familiar yet
somehow different looking blue hardsuit.
GUIDE
And this is something with which you
are already well-acquainted ... or
would be, if not for your ... um,
little problem.
PRISS
You know about that, huh?
GUIDE
<nod> Dr. Bairessey mentioned it
when he came for his daily visit a
few days ago. <beat> In any event,
this is the Mark 11 Stingray Exo-
Skeletal Battlesuit, "Morning Mist"
model. Constructed 2041, it had not
yet been field tested before the end
of the Knight Sabres.
PRISS
But it works?
GUIDE
Theoretically. Mackinnison Stingray
left clear instructions for its
maintenance with us, and generations
of archivists have followed them to
the letter. Assuming the best, all
you'd need to do is ... well, um ...
PRISS
Slap on a softsuit and go?
GUIDE
<blink> Oh. Right. No, the Mark 8
Hardsuit eliminated the need for the
innerwear of previous designs, and
all of the later versions followed
in its path.
PRISS is suddenly *very* interested and aware.
PRISS
So ... if I wanted to, I could just
slip this thing on over my regular
clothes and --
The GUIDE is rather embarrassed.
GUIDE
Well, no. <beat> Nudity is --
PRISS
<disbelieving> What?
GUIDE
All the versions after the Mark 8
required that the operator be naked
under the suit. We're not sure why
Dr. Stingray constructed it along
those lines, but ...
PRISS
So if I activate the explosive
release I'm giving everyone a free
show?!
GUIDE
<upset> That feature was replaced
in the Mark 4 ... with a real self-
destruct system ...
PRISS
Oh, this gets better and better.
<beat> Okay, whatever. Do you
suppose I could try it on?
GUIDE
Well, considering the situation, I
don't think it'd be a good idea to
let you go *out*, but as long as you
didn't leave the building, I'm sure
it would be all right.
PRISS
Great. When they ask you about it,
remember to tell them that you asked
if I'd lost touch with reality, and
I pulled a gun on you and told you
that this was fantasy, before I
knocked you out.
GUIDE
Huh?
PRISS gives the GUIDE a right cross to jaw, knocking him out at once.
PRISS
No respect for history.
She vaults into the display area, and examines the advanced hard suit.
The helmet comes off easily, revealing a tiny switch on inside of the
suit's neck.
PRISS
Nice to see some things don't
change.
She taps the switch, and the chest area bends forward from the waist,
while the rear of the legs angle backwards, bending at the knees. PRISS
examines the interior, and sees that it has been lined with the material
that made up the innerwear.
PRISS
Mackie *must* have suggested it to
Sylia at a weak moment for her.
She sighs, and begins to pull off her clothes.
Cut back to the STRATCOM center. The holographic display is showing three
dimensional blueprints of the Temple grounds.
RAYE
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is
everything that we've been able to
dig up on the Temple's structure.
Let me stress again that all scans
confirm that the building has been
wired to self-destruct at any time.
<beat> You've all been recruited,
over the centuries, because of your
various skills, but more importantly
because you've all shown an ability
to think non-linearly ... to make
intuitive leaps and apply them to
strategy and tactics. That's what
we need of you today -- a plan to
get her Majesty out of there,
safely. <beat> I should also note
that plans that hinge on daring solo
raids into the Temple are *not*
acceptable.
There is a sudden babble from the crowd. A young looking woman with pink
hair and hard eyes stands up.
SAKI
With all due respect, Lady Mars ...
that sort of thing is what most of
us tend to specialize in.
RAYE
<clipped> I'm aware of that.
SAKI
Then --
RAYE
But I'm not willing to accept
suggestions for a plan that I've
been personally ordered not to
attempt under any circumstances. If
I'm not allowed to do it, then
neither is anyone else.
SAKI sits down with an annoyed expression. Simultaneously, a young woman
with honey blond hair stands up not far away from her.
HONEY
Lady Mars, you mentioned that there
were a number of additional people
in the complex.
RAYE
That's correct, Major Kisaragi.
HONEY
Would it be possible to slip a small
group of operatives into the temple,
covering them with a brief attack by
... a battlesuit equipped soldier,
which we would officially claim as a
renegade action -- in any event, the
agents would neutralize and disguise
themselves as enemy personnel, and
rescue the Queen that way?
LT. RYOUKO
<stands> I'd be willing to volunteer
for the attack ... although I wonder
why the Major immediately thought of
a battlesuit pilot to perform an
"unauthorized" action.
SHEILA
<muttered> Maybe because 'suiters
tend to crack up more often than any
other unit?
LT. RYOUKO
<turns and glares> Would you provide
statistics for that virulent piece
of slander?
SHEILA
I'm looking at one.
LT. RYOUKO looks as though she's about to physically attack SHEILA, when
MERCURY coughs deliberately. RYOUKO pauses, visibly calms down, and sits.
RAYE
I appreciate the offer, Lieutenant.
<beat> Unfortunately, there's a
problem. Mercury, if you could
bring up the lifescans?
MERCURY adjusts the console. Several flagged lights appear on the three
dimensional diagram of the temple -- one is tagged SERENITY, and is
accompanied by two UNKNOWN lights as it moves up through a series of
staircases. Two other UNKNOWN lights are located in a lower level room,
near where a light marked FUJIKO is moving slowly. Near the top of the
complex is a final UNKNOWN.
RAYE
<aside> They're moving her. <aloud>
We think that these --
She points to the two accompanying Serenity.
RAYE
-- are the Dirty Pair, but we're not
one hundred percent sure. However,
we're fairly sure that these --
She gestures at the two in the lower level room.
RAYE
-- *must* be the other hostages that
the terrorist leader mentioned in
passing. The presence of Fujiko,
on the same level, argues for that.
In other words, the only group of
people that you could impersonate
would need an incredible excuse to
be wandering around unhindered.
<beat> A good idea, but not for this
situation.
RAYE looks up at the dots indicating Serenity and the Dirty Pair. They
have reached the uppermost level of the complex. The Unknown is moving
towards their location.
Cut to a shot of the highest point of the temple, a broad tower that
extends a few feet above the roof of the "Parthenon" structure. Its most
notable exterior feature is a large picture window that displays SERENITY,
seated quietly in a high-backed chair. Inside, KEI and YURI peer in
through the door leading to the chamber in which she sits. Footsteps are
heard, and they look up to see the CHIEF climbing up the staircase. He
has changed into his usual pinstripe suit.
CHIEF
<whispered> Did she give you any
trouble?
KEI
<low> No. None.
YURI
She sat down in that chair in there
as soon as we got here and hasn't
moved or spoken since. See for
yourself.
She gestures for him to come take a look, but he shakes his head
violently.
CHIEF
No. I fear that if I lay eyes on
that, that ... *thing*, I may be
driven to do something ...
His hands are clawing the air in front of him, and KEI and YURI are
looking at him with wary looks. Suddenly, he clasps his hands together in
a prayerful fashion.
CHIEF
... something which is not for me to
decide. Something which belongs to
another.
KEI and YURI exchange a look which screams, "Nutcase." YURI turns back to
him and smiles calmly.
YURI
So ... what's next, Chief? Where do
we go from here?
CHIEF
<sober> Now I will make my final
attempt at a peaceful settlement
with the government ... and after it
is rejected ...
He trails off, making a dramatic pause.
KEI
Then what?
CHIEF
We go up.
Cut to the display of PRISS' hardsuit. PRISS is now completely suited up,
and within her helmet is examining the modifications that have been made
between this suit and the ones that she is familiar with, as information
scrolls across her Heads-Up Display.
PRISS
Railgun ... modified ammo loads,
huh? Should be interesting ...
Slight increase in laser output.
Improved knucklebomber employing ...
Gack! How much TNT? I bet I had
fun with that. <beat> Got rid of
the rocket kicks, huh? Well, they
were fun, but ... too much stress
on the drivetrain. Whatever.
<beat> I don't get it ... what's
the big improvement that this thing
has over the suit I was using when
everything went --
(FEMALE) RANMA (O.S.)
Flight.
PRISS whirls, and instinctively raises her right arm to fire her railgun
at the target. We see the strip of metal streak towards a figure in the
shadows ... who at the last minute lifts her hand to catch the bolt
between two fingers, an inch from her face.
(FEMALE) RANMA
Nice to meet you, too.
Inside her hardsuit, PRISS is beyond stunned.
PRISS
SHEILA?
RANMA steps into clearer view, and we can see the reason for PRISS'
confusion ... her "pig-tail" has grown even longer, until it reaches her
waist. Aside from that, she looks just like she did in the Twentieth
Century, but her eyes (like Male RANMA's) give a clearer idea of her true
age.
RANMA
Nope. I can understand your
confusion, though.
PRISS
Who the hell are you and how the
fuck did you do that?
RANMA
Saotome Ranma. And practice. Lots
of practice. <beat> I see that you
managed to get it up and running.
PRISS
Uh ... am I supposed to know you
from somewhere? <beat> Wait, let
me guess. You're Nene's remote
descendant, come to beat me up for
all those times I made fun of her.
RANMA
Not even close, and no, we've never
met. However, we do have a couple
friends in common.
PRISS
Raye?
RANMA
Actually, I was thinking more of
Linna Yamazaki.
A long silence ensues.
PRISS
You knew Linna?
RANMA
That's what I said. I met her in
China, a little under nine hundred
years ago.
PRISS
You're immortal, then.
RANMA
Sure seems that way, sometimes. She
was ... somewhat helpful in a little
situation that I found myself in,
and when she found out that I was
going to be around for a long time,
she described you to me ... asked me
to look you up when you got out of
coldsleep. <beat> Anyway, I saw
you running out of the MACC, and
decided to see what you were up to.
<beat> So what do you think you're
doing?
PRISS
I thought I might pop over to the
Temple, look up Serenity, have a few
drinks ...
RANMA
In other words, a suicidal rescue
attempt, rushing in where angels say
"I'm not getting paid enough to do
this?"
PRISS
It's what I do best.
RANMA
<shrugs> You won't get any argument
from me. It's probably as good a
plan as they're coming up with in
there. <beat> But what I want to
know is, why?
PRISS
What?
RANMA
No, why. <beat> I know about you,
Asagiri. I know that the Senshi
dragged you out of coldsleep, mucked
with your memories, and turned you
into a carrier pigeon ... aside from
a mild rejuvenation job, you don't
owe them a thing. So I wanna know
why you're doing a crazy stunt like
this.
PRISS raises her visor.
PRISS
Why the hell do you care?
RANMA idly snaps the railgun bolt in two.
RANMA
Satisfy a frail old woman's curious
nature.
PRISS closes her eyes for a long moment, then opens them again.
PRISS
Because Serenity means more to Raye
than anything in this world, and
she's the only friend I've got left.
<beat> Because she lost her once,
when Serena died, and I don't want
her to lose her again. <beat> And
because ... because only one person
ever loved me like that, and she
never told me, and now she's gone.
<beat> And nobody should ever lose a
love like that twice.
RANMA is silent for a long moment ... and then, slowly, she nods.
RANMA
You're right. <beat> As I said ...
the major improvement to the Mark 11
Hardsuits was the addition, to all
five of them, of a fully functional
flight system.
PRISS is visibly startled.
PRISS
Wait a minute, this thing doesn't
have any more thrusters than my old
suit --
RANMA
<shakes head> Doesn't need them.
PRISS
Then how -- <beat> Did Sylia figure
out how to mess with *gravity*?
RANMA
Yes, but that's not what's involved
here. <beat> When I saw it, on
Linna's suit ... I thought Stingray
must have been listening to too much
Wagner. <beat> Anyway, there's not
enough room to use it in here ...
c'mon outside.
PRISS
Is this gonna attract attention?
RANMA
Yeah, but so will a suicidal assault
on the temple, and this'll give you
an edge on the bad guys.
PRISS
Works for me.
RANMA turns and heads out of the room, with PRISS following a few feet
behind.
Cut to the StratCom center.
RAYE
No, Captain Montoya, we don't have
an apocalypse cloak, and I don't
think that would work this time.
The brown-haired bearded swordsman sits down with an annoyed look on his
face. A beeping noise comes from the terminal where MERCURY is sitting.
MERCURY
We're receiving a signal from the
temple.
RAYE
Put it up.
Several holographic view screens appear in the center of the room,
broadcasting the image in all directions. The CHIEF, with the distortion
field up is standing in a featureless room.
CHIEF
I assume I am speaking to Lady Venus
once more?
RAYE
You assume incorrectly. Lady Venus
has transferred command to myself,
Lady Mars.
CHIEF
Oh dear.
RAYE
We will not under any circumstances
negotiate with terrorists. Release
Neo-Queen Serenity AT ONCE.
CHIEF
I see. Well. There's nothing much
to say, then. Good day.
The screen dissolves to static.
MERCURY
Transmission lost.
Cut to the room shown in the transmission. The CHIEF slowly reaches
inside his suit, producing a small penlike device ... and with an almost
ecstatic expression, he presses a button on the end.
Cut to a shot of several large turbines, beginning to move swiftly.
Cut back to the StratCom center. There is a sudden, ominous rumbling.
RAYE
What was that?
MERCURY
Small scale seismic disturbance ...
Raye! Several *extremely* large
gravitational disruptions, centered
under the Temple.
RAYE
But ... <whispered> Son of a bitch.
<aloud> Give me an exterior view!
The holodisplay shows the Temple hill slowly but surely coming apart ...
with the temple and much of the top of the hill slowly ascending.
Cut to an exterior view of the same, as the Patrol Labors gathered at the
foot of the hill back away to avoid several sudden avalanches. One grav
car comes too close to the floating structure, and its engines suddenly
fail, causing it to crash to the ground.
NOA (LOUD SPEAKER)
All units, fall back! Fall back!
Cut to the exterior of the Knight Sabres museum, just as RANMA and PRISS
exit at a dash. RANMA looks up with an expression which can be summed up
in her words.
RANMA
Huh! Never seen anything like that
before ...
PRISS
HOW THE HELL --?
RANMA
Big contragrav turbines, big as a
house ... and nothing with a smaller
set will be able to get close. This
is where you come in, of course ...
PRISS
I can get close to that thing?
RANMA
Yep. <beat; as if quoting> "That's
what your wings were made for."
PRISS
Huh?
RANMA
Never mind. Just say `Flight Mode'.
PRISS
<disbelieving> Come on.
RANMA
What?
PRISS
Do I gotta shout "Saber Beam" if I
wanna use my laser?
RANMA
<annoyed> No. But the flight system
*is* voice activated. You don't
have to *shout*, just *speak*.
PRISS
Running around naked under a hard
suit, sentai voice command ... Sylia
must really have had a few too many
when she came up with this stuff ...
RANMA is clutching the sides of her head and gritting her teeth.
RANMA
Will you hurry up and do it, you
uncute --
PRISS
<sigh> Flight Mode.
[ANNOTATIONS AT THE END OF PART THREE]