4.1 - I Can Fly

Timeline Alpha

???

Pacific Ocean, on a flight between Narita and Anchorage

2000.01.01

13:33:37 Japan Standard Time

There is a saying that no plan survives the first enemy contact.

This one didn’t even live long enough to make the scouts worry.

Shirona, Rei, and Kurono were now located on a private jet belonging to Yuki's family.

The former classmate of Shirona was more than eager to get back into contact, but only managed to get her father to green light their little trip after being let in on the secret behind their urgency.

“Neat,” said Yuki as she kept moving her head in various directions, with the screen following her center of view. “Are you sure this isn't just some super advanced hologram tech?”

“It's not.” said Kurono, “how long are you going to play around with the invite prompt? You don't need to accept, as long as we get to France in time.”

“Yeah, about that,” said Yuki as she pressed the accept button and turned towards Shirona, “Are you sure this isn't some kind of late onset Chuunibyou syndrome?”

“I would have hardly relied on your help if it was,” said Shirona.

“Aww... don't play so hard to get,” said Yuki, as she attempted to hug Shirona, “Shi-Ro-Na.”

“Don't push your luck!” Shirona flicked her index finger against Yuki's forehead.

“Ouch, hey! You could at least be a little grateful, you know!” complained Yuki.

“So, how long will this take?” asked Kurono.

“Man, didn't you pay attention before? About another 7 hours to Anchorage, Alaska. Refueling, then another 8 to Keflavik International Airport, Reykjavik. Then we head to Shannon Airport, County Clare for clearing European entry procedures. Then about another 2 hours Charles de Gaulle Airport, Paris, France. Add all refueling and procedures to the flight times, and we will be there about this time tomorrow.”

“So we'll have about 5 days to get Psyche, the Hero of Mind, and Hermes, the Hero of Space, to join us and find the cause of the cataclysm?” asked Rei.

“I doubt we'll make it.” said Kurono. “Guess we'll have to establish a safe point in France and start again there.”

“I am really not keen on the whole Metaphysics behind reloading, you know…” said Shirona.

“I already did it three times in this world though,” said Kurono.

“Yes,” said Shirona. “But who says that the ones that were the 'us' from those times are the same as we are now?”

“We can philosophize once we accomplish our goals,” said Rei. “For now, let's focus on the task at hand.”

“Let's go over the plan one more time.” said Shirona.

“I'll establish a safe point as soon as we are off the airport.” said Kurono, “Then I'll use my Maya to locate Hermes' and Psyche's current positions in Paris.”

“We will then try to establish contact with either Hermes or Psyche, depending on who is nearest,” said Rei. “If it's Hermes, we will try to get Hermes to join, if they teleport away, or we meet Psyche first, we will try to recruit Psyche.”

“I am still not sure about this course of action,” said Shirona. “If I was Hermes, and you'd joined up with Yuki to corner me, I'd be less than enthusiastic to put any trust in you.”

“Yeah, but you also don't want to rely on my safe points, so we are a little pressed on time,” said Kurono while sighing.