Act IX: Finally I Depart This World The sun slowly creeps through the broken windows, unveiling Naitsuu and his friends where they sleep. Akari stays sound asleep in the bed. Naitsuu is sitting on the floor, first one awake again. He has just awakened. He looks around and notices Keiji and Aritsune. Somewhere during the night they seem to have moved a bit closer, since Keiji has an arm around Aritsune's waist. Naitsuu stands up and stretches while looking out of the window. He did not get a good look at this part of the city the previous night, so he takes a good look now. The surrounding buildings are much like the one he is in. Falling into disrepair, probably filled with many outcasts of society. Naitsuu turns his attention to Akari. She looks like she is in deep concentration when she sleeps. It almost seems like she is having trouble with something she is dreaming of. Naitsuu leans over and brushes away a loose strand of hair from her face. He then leaves the room to see what else is going on in the house. In the other room he finds Munenori, but none of his friends. He is awake, and sees Naitsuu coming. "Good morning," Munenori says. "Where is everybody?" asks Naitsuu. "Off causing trouble somewhere," is Munenori's answer. Naitsuu laughs while Munenori keeps a serious face. "I'm not joking." Naitsuu's face turns placid and he attempts further conversation. "Um, we came here to Shoumu to purchase a ship. Do you know of a dealer we could get a ship from?" "What kind of shape and how much?" Munenori asks. "Preferably C class," answers Naitsuu as he pulls out the box with their money. "You might want to be careful about flashing that around. It is okay around me though. I would not hurt my cousin by stealing her friend's money. Anyway, I doubt that will be enough for a C class ship." "Do you have any idea where we might get more?" "If I knew that, I would not still be here. You can be like me and go around slaughtering the lone sharks and drug dealers and other rats of the world, stealing what little money they have on them. Just from that lone shark last night I got a good amount." "Well, that is not quite how I work," comments Naitsuu. "Well, the way you work would not have stood up against me last night if it wasn't for my cousin," Munenori retorts. "Okay. Help us then?" The other three come out of the room still very sleepy. "Good morning to you all," greets Munenori. "Good morning," is the sleepy collective answer from the other three. "Here," Munenori hands a bunch of gold rings and jewelry to Naitsuu. "This was from the lone shark last night. There is enough there to pawn to be about a third of what you already have. I will take you guys out to a trustworthy dealer. I think you will find his prices fair, selection good, and perhaps even cheaper thanks to the convention that was just here." "Yeah, we were hoping for that." The group gets ready for the day and packs up their stuff once again. They follow Munenori until they reach a fairly respectable looking dealership. They walk in and talk to a man dressed in a suit. "How may I help you?" the man asks. "We would like to see your C class ships," Naitsuu says. "Okay, right this way." The salesman leads the group to a lot outside the dealership. "We feature six different models of C class ships. These first two seat five. This one seats six. The next one seats seven. The last two seat eight." "What do you have for N class?" asks Naitsuu. "This five-seater is N class and this eight-seater is N class," says the man pointing to two ships. "Alright. Now what about prices. We are hoping you have a sale from the convention. How much does this cover?" Naitsuu takes out his gold to show the salesman. "Well, with the sale you can get the five seat non N class ship." "Hmm." Naitsuu and the group discuss. "I think we should definitely get an N class ship," suggests Keiji. "Yeah, I agree," mentions Akari. "Okay," comments Naitsuu. "How much more do we need to get an N class ship?" "You will need twice what you have for the one that seats eight. I would say, if you added one fourth of what you already have, you could afford the N class that seats five." The group gathers again. Naitsuu speaks, "Okay, so where do we get the rest of the money?" The group stays silent with each person thinking. Munenori looks like he has just made a decision. He speaks, "Well, if you let me accompany you, I can offer my savings to pay the rest of the way. I also would have some left over to equip the ship." The group stares at Munenori, surprised that he wants to come and that he has enough money being only thirteen. "Well, does anyone have a problem with Munenori joining us?" asks Naitsuu. The groups shakes their heads indicating no one is against it. "Okay, can you get the money?" Naitsuu asks Munenori. "Sure, I will be back in just a bit." Munenori leaves to get his savings. Naitsuu addresses the salesman. "Will you be able to equip the ship here?" "Yes, we offer all the services. Even weaponry," answers the salesman. "Does this ship have weapons?" Keiji asks. "In this day of space travel, trading, and exploration, we have to equip all our ships with weapons." "Well, then let's start the paperwork," Aritsune says. The group heads back into the building to get started with the papers and registration. "Will one of us need some sort of license?" Naitsuu asks. "Oh, you'll get by," says the salesman while giving a slight wink. Naitsuu looks to Keiji who just gives him a nod. "Okay, well, here is the money we have now. Our friend will be back soon with the rest." After a short bit waiting, Munenori comes back with his share. He hands it to the salesman. "Well, that should complete it. Come back in an hour, our crew will immediately start outfitting your ship. You are now the proud owners of an NC class ship." The group smiles together. "I am hungry. Shall we get something to eat?" asks Aritsune. "Ah, we will have to take the rest of our original provisions. I believe we are just about out of money," comments Akari. "Oh well." The group heads outside to a nearby park and sits down to brunch on their last remaining food. "We will be on our way soon," comments Naitsuu happily. "Yes, we shall," says Akari. The hour passes and the group of five make their way back to the dealership. Their ship is currently placed on the take-off pad at the dealership. Naitsuu walks up to the salesman who hands him some papers. "Enjoy your purchase." "Thank you." The new ship is quickly loaded with the people. For a relatively small looking ship, it is quite roomy. There are two seats in front, each with a monitor that folds up out of the desk space and a keyboard that comes out with the push of a button on the desk. On a slightly raised level is a seat that appears to be the captain's seat with the manual controls. On the same level, but a bit further behind is two more seats. Each has a seat that turns to face forward, or to face the wall, where more screens for various ship operations are displayed along with a panel of command buttons. Munenori takes the front-left seat. Aritsune takes the front-right seat. Akari takes the back-right seat. Naitsuu decides to hand command of the ship to Keiji and takes the back-left seat. Keiji gladly accepts the ship's responsibility and climbs into the captain's seat. The computers are activated. A male, computerized voice speaks from the ship's speakers. "Captain, please sign in." A monitor and keyboard fold down from the ceiling of the ship right in front of Keiji. "Hmm, I likes," he comments as he types Keiji into the screen. "Welcome, Captain Keiji." The group laughs a little as the computer continues. "Would the crew please sign in." Each person's monitor brings up the sign in screen and each person types their name in. "Captain, what is the name of the ship?" the computer asks. "Umm...what do you think, Naitsuu?" Keiji asks. "Hmm, if I may be permitted to quote my philosophies..." "Go ahead," Aritsune urges him on. "Well, True victory is self-victory; let that day arrive quickly. ‘True victory' is unwavering courage. ‘Self-victory' means persistent effort. ‘let that day arrive quickly' is meant to be the dazzling moment of glory in the present time. I say this ship should be named Bikutori- Kyou. Victory Today." "And so it shall be," proclaims Keiji. "Okay, ah, captain. I just set the computer to take voice commands over typed ones," informs Munenori. "Munenori? You are good with computers?" he asks. "Of course!" "Well, that's good," comments Aritsune. "Okay, computer. The ship's name is Bikutori-Kyou." "Yes, captain. Bikutori-Kyou has been entered as the ship's name and added to the registration." "Okay, guys. Shall we take off?" "Yes!" is the collective answer. "So, where are we headed?" Keiji asks as the group as they shake their heads. Naitsuu speaks, "How about we go somewhere close. Let us go to a moon settlement." "Alright, navigators. Set your course." Aritsune and Munenori look at each other. "I think he means us," mentions Munenori as Aritsune punches in some keys to bring up a map and then proceeds to set the coordinates. The computer speaks, "Course set. Moon settlement 5." The engines start. It slowly lifts off the ground and starts climbing until it is above most of the city's buildings. It then shifts it's direction towards the moon and the engine's real power kicks in, launching the unsuspecting crew back into their seats as the ship soars into space.