I know this is a bit early for most of you, but I want to give K2 something to think about while she's at work today!!!! anyway, I'll be very interested to see what everyone comes up with for...... square one

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KT: Aw, Joe the matchmaker. Go Ryu!

"I don't get this..." Jinpei moaned. "Why does homework have to be so hard?" "It wouldn't be so hard if you actually put any effort into it." Jun rolled her eyes. "Your math grade are atrocious! If you were in regular school they would have flunked you out long before now!" Jinpei scowled at his Onechan's comment, screwing up his face and sticking out his tongue in response. "Come on, it can't be that hard." Jun sighed. "Do you want some help?" Eagerly Jinpei nodded, pushing his papers at her. "Let's see... multiplication. You should be able to do this." Jun frowned as she flipped over the page. "What? Jinpei, are you telling me that you don't even know how to square 1?" "Maybe I would if I knew what 'square' was!" Jinpei cried. "It's so unfair!" "Let me show you." Jun replied patiently. It was times like this that she understood how Dr. Nambu often felt.

Good one, KT! I hope Ryu is able to work something out!

I hope Joe has managed to make things right and that Ryu enjoys his second, first date with the girl. TJ - I think I can understand how Jinpei feels about math. I am really not looking forward to teaching my grade 2's fractions and multiplication when those are some of my weakest areas in math. Luckily I don't have to teach square one.

KT- that is so cute! I love the dynamic between Joe and Ryu! Joe makes a cute "love coach"... TJ- Ha! Great original use of "square one"! I totally feel for Jun here- maybe because I have my own Jinpei (my son) at home!

TJ: Hehe, someone forgot to start teaching with the basics! Think Jun will be more patient trying to understand Nambu's science-speak from now on? Heh.

LOL, TJ, well there was a use of the prompt I hadn't anticipated. I'm sure with Jun's tutelage, Jinpei will pick it up on no time.

KT -- Awww, Joe can be so sweet at times! I wish Ryu the best... TJ -- Been there! (Though I must admit that's one of the few times I've ever felt good about math. If I, an incurable ultra-English major, know how to square one, Jinpei should be able to pick it up in no time!)

I'm sure Jinpei could pick it up easily. I'm guessing his problem is lack of interest resulting in lack of focus/attention in class.

KT -- So, what will Ryu do now that he can go back to square one??? Can't wait to find out! TJ -- you got me there for a moment -- I actually wondered about how to square 1 (but returned to my senses quickly, don't worry!).

The orphanage's matron glanced out the window to the playground. On one corner of the concrete was a large square that had been divided into quarters. In each quarter was a girl, and all four were taking turns passing an old, nearly worn-out basketball back and forth. But those girls weren't the matron's concern at the moment -- her attention was devoted to the four previous occupants of the square. Three were in the infirmary; one with two black eyes, another with a bloody nose, and the third getting stitches in her split lower lip. The fourth girl sat in a chair before the matron with tears still tricking down her cheeks. "Jun, dear," the matron said in a patient tone that was almost as worn out as the basketball, "those are the rules. When you're 'out', you go back to Square One."

So EW,I take it even a young Jun didn't like to lose! Seems like she knew how to handle herself before Nambu found her....

I can see that Jun was material for the Science Ninja Team, even at a young age!

Jun needed to learn some good sportsmanship, didn't she? LOL

EW: It would make total sense that most of them were hellraisers as kids. Ryu's the only one I don't picture flirting with juvenile delinquency at some point.

DT making a comeback! And after a few unsuccessful efforts to log on today -- EW, you can disregard my email! //"Cronus, what am I going to do?" I look my friend in the eye, and I don't think I've ever felt so helpless. Or maybe I just don't remember the last time I was so helpless. I suppose that's a good thing. "Jack, there has to be a solution, and you will find it." I could punch him. Sitting there, spouting platitudes. And nothing concrete to help us. That's not like Cronus, and I suspect he's feeling even worse than me. "We're back to square one, Cronus. We firebombed the flowers. Princess may have died, Cronus! And nothing. Nothing. We can't beat them." And your son will be broken-hearted for ever if Princess doesn't come back, I want to add, but I don't. He doesn't speak for a while. "At least now we know what we must NOT do, Jack," he says finally. "We're not back to square one. If Princess gave her life for this, it wasn't for nothing." Tell it to Mark, I think, but I just nod. In th end, Cronus is right.//

Daniella, great insight into Anderson's feelings! He doesn't show anything in canon, but I can easily believe this was going on behind the scenes.

Daniella, you clearly know Anderson inside and out. Glad you could put in an appearance! (Admit it -- the REAL reason you haven't been participating as much is because you've been "busy" with the Condor! )

I agree, and a great demonstration of the lack of concern from Cronus towards his son's emotional wellbeing too. Great piece DT.

EW, don't I wish!!! Thank tou, everyone!

Great job Daniella. Nice to see your take on Anderson's insights.

DT: Wonder if Cronus is aware of his son's love for Princess. He might just be seeing her as a soldier, though it sounds like the Chief thinks he's just being brusque to cover his own feelings. If I recall correctly, in Gatch the reason Nambu shows little emotion is that he never really thought she was dead (to the point that he really doesn't seem to understand the others' devastation). I can't remember how they handled it with the Chief in BOTP. And welcome back. Now if I could just finish the next CA scene I could join you in productivity!

Productivity? That sounds like something that I feel like I've been extremely lacking in for several months now. While I feel a bit selfish in thinking, "Thank God I'm not the only one!" I wouldn't want to wish this on anyone. Hope everyone is straightened out sooner rather than later.

CW: This is indeed a good question -- whether Cronus knows about Mark's affection for Princess. Hmm....food for thought...hmmm...I wonder....

Amethyst: Yeah this has been going on for a while for me. It's very frustrating. DT: I'm great at questions! Answers, not so much.