Shock & Awe

Chapter 17: Know Your Enemy

"Matoi. Follow us. It's time you learn everything."

Alan walks away as Tomoko, Jack, Austin and CR4ZY get in the car even Mako jumps into the backseat leaving the front seat available for her.

"Quick question? What now?" Thomas asks from behind his father.

"Well, I've got one thing to say." He sits out the window of the car looking towards Mikisugi.

"Mikisugi! You did good. Matoi! Follow him. Or get in the car... I warn you, the only seat is on AJ's lap. And while he may be fine with it, I doubt his Kamui will. Aikuro, no more secrets."

Aikuro grins. "Its about time."

"So, car ride on AJ's lap or swimming with Aikuro."

Ryuko sits in the car as everyone jumps in and he presses a single button...

"What? That's it?"

"Not, by a long shot."

A contraption releases a bar with three switches on it; he flips the first two and twists the third before adjusting the gear before driving forward onto a ramp into the water. adjusting the shift once midair over the water as all the compartments close and the vehicle's tires are covered, the trunk opening revealing propellers that push the once car, now submarine, through the water following Aikuro, Mikisugi, and the rest of nudist beach. They follow until surfacing at an underground cave network. Once above the water he returns the switches to normal, pressing the same button to make them retreat and steps out.

"Hello there." Alan says causing many people covered only by combat straps? to stand at attention.

"General Mankoi." Many nudist beach men & women flock forward in full attention as he looks towards the blushing, hiding behind the unconscious AJ, Ryuko herself.

"I know it's embarrassing the first time, but you'll get used to it."

Ryuko stares at all the equipment and the hundreds, if not thousands of people. "How could they afford all this?"

"Well, your father and I are considered some of the best scientists in the world, still considered below Einstein however. Then again, I didn't teach the world how to make Nukes so, fair trade."

"Their money made our organization possible." Aikido says joining the group.

"Then-?!"

"Yes! Nudist Beach was created by your dads Dr. Alan Mankoi & Isshin Matoi!"

"Whaaaaat?!" Mako shouts.

"Wrong beach Mako..."

"How'd you know what was going on inside my head?" She asks Ryuko.

[Senketsu: You must be telepathic now, Ryuko.] "I'm not too thrilled about that."

"No wait! This is great! Now I've got a friend who's inside & outside my head!"

"Follow me, Aikuro, Tsumugi! Follow up."

Thomas sighs. "I'll deal with this idiot."

"Here let me help."

Thomas & Tomoko carry AJ towards a room in the facility where nine chairs are set up three of which are lawn chairs and the rest are swivel seats.

Mako smiles. "Dibs on a swivel!"

"I'll set AJ down on one of the lawn chairs."

Aikuro turns to the others with a big screen on the "chalk board" behind him. "Lets get started. Of all the creatures on earth, how many wear clothing?"