Hoshi felt her nervousness go up a notch and she reached for more orange juice.

  Sam laughed as he watched her drink the orange juice, "Maybe you should go easy on that, the rest rooms are a bit of a walk!"

  Hoshi set the glass down, "Don't worry about me, I can hold it!"

  The minutes slowly ticked by and then in her ear piece she heard the concert director ask, "Doctor, just how old are you?"

  Hoshi looked around but didn't see him, "Where are you?"

  The concert director laughed, "I am in the trailer watching you and the rest of the band."

  Hoshi looked around some more, "So there is a camera back here?"

  He laughed some more, "There are several of them back there, don't worry, they are just for our use."

  Hoshi nodded, "I'm nineteen, but right now I feel a couple of million of years old!"

  The concert director laughed, "I have a niece a little older than you, how did you manage to get mixed up with these guys?"

  Hoshi replied, "They are friends and work associates."

  The concert director asked, "Then you are an astronaut?"

  Hoshi answered, "I guess you could say that."

  He replied, "Wow!"

  After a few more minutes the concert director warned, "The president is just arriving, you will hear ruffles and flourishes as he walks from his limousine to the sky box."

  Hoshi asked, "Ruffles and Flourishes?"

  The concert director laughed, "It is the music played when the president entersa room or outdoor area."

  Hoshi looked toward the curtain, "I see."

  She looked over at the other band members as the presidentail music was played and said, "He's here."

  Sam laughed at her, "That's great, that means we are about to go on stage. When we do, let's have a little fun and slap hands."

  Hoshi raised an eyebrow, "Slap hands?"

  Steve laughed, "Here, watch this!"

  Sam and Steve slapped hands which caused Hoshi to laugh, Steve walked over to her and said, "Okay, you try it!"

  Hoshi slapped hands with him and laughed, "Hey, this is a lot of fun!"

  They were interrupted bu the concert director, "Okay, the president and his staff are seated, prepare to go out onto the stage."

  Hoshi glanced at the others, "Looks like it's now or never."

  The others nodded.

  The concert director said, "All right! Now on the count of five head out onto the stage, one...two...three...four...five!"

  The band, with Sam in the lead, quickly made their way onto the stage and were greeted with thunderous applause and cheers. They slapped hands and gave one another high fives and then made their way to their instruments.

  Hoshi ried to ignore the audience but couldn't resist looking out over the crowd.

She was amazed so many people could fit into the Rocket Garden!

  She quickly turned on the keyboards and listened for the cue to start the first song.

 On cue the band played the first two songs and then Hoshi took hold of the wireless microphone and made her way to the center of the stage.

  "Thank you! Thank you! Good Evening! I would like to introduce the members of the band...on lead guitar is Commander Sam White!"

  Hoshi turned and gave Sam a funny look which made him laugh while he played a couple of chords on his guitar.

  She turned back to the audience quickly, "And on second guitar Major Steve McHenry!"

  Hoshi turned towards him and gave him a little wave as he also played a couple of chords on his guitar.

  She waited a few seconds and then introduced Don, "On drums Lieutenant Commander Don Childs!"

  Don played a short drum solo and then Hoshi introduced Bob, "Thank you Don! On bass guitar we have Commander Bob Hart!"

  Bob also played a couple of chords on his guitar.

  Hoshi clapped for him and turned to the audience, "And I am Doctor Hoshi Nakamura, keyboards!"

  Pyrotechnics immediately went off, startling her but she quickly regouped and waved at the audience as she made her way back to the keyboards.

  The band went through the first set of songs and before she knew it it was time for the band to take a break. She took up the cordless microphone and walked to the center of the stage, "Thank you very much for being so gracious, we are going to take a short break but don't you worry, we will be right back before you know it!

  See you all on the flip side!"

  Hoshi quickly returned the micrphone to it's stand as the audience applauded, turned and followed the other band members off the stage.

  She quickly headed for the orange juice and promptly drank two glasses and then sat down on a chair.

  The concert director said in her ear piece, "You guys really sounded great and from what I have been told the president is having a marvelous time!"

  Hoshi sighted the camera and smiled, "As long as the president is happy we are happy!"

  The concert director laughed, "Young lady, if you ever want a career as a recording artist just call me, there are bands out there who would take you in a heart beat!"

  Hoshi shook her head, "Sorry, but work comes before pleasure!"

  The band relaxed for almost ten minutes and then Hoshi heard the concert director in her ear piece, "Thirty seconds before we go live!"

  Hoshi stood up and walked to the curtain, Sam placed his hand on her shoulder, "I just want to say thanks Hoshi."

  She turned to him and smiled, "I am honored to be of help."

  On cue the band quickly jogged back onto the stage, Hoshi took the microphone in her right hand and waved at the cheering and applauding crowd, "Are you ready for some more music?"

  The crowd went wild with applause and cheers and Hoshi said into the microphone, "Mister President, ladies and gentlemen, Max Q is back on the air!"

  She quickly made her way behind the keyboards and prepared for the next song.

The song would have a legthly keyboard solo so she concentrated as she read the music in her mind.

  Sam's voice sounded great and she hit every note on the solo. The crowd went wild as the song ended.

  Hoshi moved quickly from behind the keyboards and with the microphone made her way to the center of the stage, "We are going to slow down the tempo quite a bit with our next song. I would like to dedicate the song to the crew of the Endeavor and one lady in particular who could not be here today...the song is called Dreams."

  The audience applauded as Hoshi made her way to the keyboards and changed the setting so they sounded like a piano, on cue she started playing and singing the song.

  The crowd became silent as she sang, with the rest of the band as back up volcalists. She saw Margie and the girls and winked at them.

  When the song ended she bowed as the applause was defening, "Thank you very much!"

  Hoshi walked to the center of the stage with the microphone and said,  "The next number is going to be a little unusual in that I am going to sing it in Japanese. I would like to dedicate it to two very sweet young girls, Carrie and Samantha White...the song is called Dearest."

  After she finished the song, Hoshi pointed out Carrie and Samantha, they were hugging one another and crying as Margie looked on very moved.

 More songs were sung and finally the band came to the last one. Hoshi took the microphone and walked to the center of the stage, "We have one song left but before I sing it I would once again like to thank everyone who has come out here tonight and made this evening so enjoyable."

  The crowd cheered and applauded, Hoshi waved her right hand and said, "Okay for the last song I am going to dedicate it to all of the fighting men and women all over the world, may you all find peace and happiness!"

  Hoshi sang the last song with the band as a back up and then bowed to the cheering and applauding audience, "Thank you and good night! I love you mother!"

  She and the others ran off the stage where Hoshi collapsed on to a chair, the others gathered around her.

  Sam quickly took hold of her, brought her to her knees and hugged her tightly.

  Just then the concert director said over the earpiece, "Curtain call, the crowd is going wild so milk it!"

  Sam released the embrace and exclaimed, "Let's go!"

  Hoshi followed the others around the curtain and out onto the stage; the crowd went crazy as the band waved and bowed to them.

  Hoshi's eyes teared up from the emotions she felt; finally the concert director said in their ear pieces, "That's a wrap, all of the cameras are off...that was an outstanding job!"

 After several minutes Hoshi and the rest of Max Q walked off the stage, this time she hugged and kissed each member on the cheek and said, "I am so glad that is over!"

  She poured herself a glass of orange juice and was savoring it when teo men in suits walked up the steps  and onto the back stage. Hoshi read government types all over them.

  The tall blond haired man said, "Doctor Nakamura, please come with us, the president wishes to speak with you."

  Startled, Hoshi pointed at herself, "Me?"

  The blonde haired man nodded, "Yes you doctor."

  Hoshi looked at the others who were just as stunned and said calmly, "Please tell the president I will only come to speak with him if the rest od the band comes along."

  The man with the dark hair said into his microphone, "She won't come without the others."

  He listened to someone inhis earpiece and then he nodded and looked at Hoshi, "All right they can come, but the president wants to speak with you doctor."

  Hoshi looked at the others and smirked, "Well, I guess we don't have have a choice now do we."

  They made their way to the metal steps, descended to the ground, turned and began walking towards the rear of the seating area.

  Hoshi suddenly stopped abruptly, "Huh, this is odd!"

  When the audience saw Hoshi and the band members emerge from behind the stage they started to cheer and applaud once again. The band members waved at the crowd as they were escorted past the still seated crowd to the rear where the president and others waited for them.

  Several secret servicemen were placed strategically and watched the crowd as the band approached the president.

  The president smiled and extended his hand as Hoshi walked up; she bowed and then shook his hand, hundreds of camera flashes went off around them.

   The president said, "Doctor Nakamura, thank you for such an enjoyable concert, the First Lady and I really enjoyed it!"

  Hoshi smiled, "Thank you Mister President, may I introduce the other band members to you?"

  The president nodded.

  She turned and grabbed Sam by the arm and pulled him forward, "Mister President, this is Commander Sam White, he is the real leader of this band."

  Sam shook hands with the president as more camera flashes went off. Hoshi then introduced the other members of the band to the president.

  The president turned his attention back to Hoshi, "Doctor, I read your biography and I am amazed at how such a young woman like yourself has accomplished so much in so little of time! You have even won a Nobel Peace Prize and will probably win another before long according to my sources. You have all of the charm and grace one would find in a much older woman, that is refreshing!"

  Sam quickly added, "Don't forget the brains Mister President!"

  The president laughed, "That's right, we must not forget the brains!"

  The president took hold of Hoshi's right hand and kissed it, camera flashes almost blinded her as she blushed heavily.

  She exclaimed, "Mister President, you are a married man!"

  Everyone laughed until his or hers sides almost split. 

  The president laughed histerically, looked at the First Lady and then at Hoshi, "Doctor, you may have just put me in the dog house!"

  Hoshi and the others laughed.

  The First Lady put out her hand, Hoshi took it and bowed, "I am honored to meet you."

  The First Lady smiled sweetly, "We have to keep our men in their places now don't we?"

  Hoshi laughed and nodded, her eyes twinkling like thousands of stars.

  The First Lady asked, "Doctor, are you really only nineteen years old?"

  Hoshi nodded, "I may be only nineteen in body, but I am much, much older in the mind!"

 The First Lady laughed as an aide walked up to the president and advised him they had to leave.

  The president shook his head and smiled, "If it isn't the wife it's these guys, it was a pleasure to meet you doctor, I am definately going to follow your career very closely!"

  Hoshi bowed, "Thank you Mister President, I shall try to live up to your expectations!"

  The president, First Lady, members of his cabinet and other dignitaries left the area quickly and for a moment Hoshi and the band members stood and gazed in the directon they had left.

  But soon they turned and made their way back towards the rear of the stage.

  Suddenly Sam stopped and turned to Hoshi, "That was really something you just did for us, we will never forget it."

  Hoshi stopped and turned to the band members, "I was not about to go and see the president without you guys, we are a team, right?"

  Steve nodded, "Sure we are Hoshi, but you are our queen and we are your princes."

  Hoshi's eyes flashed anger and Don laughed, "Oh oh Steve, now you went and did it."

  Hoshi asked calmly, "How many shuttle missions do you guys have between you, ten?"

  The guys looked at one another and Bob answered, "Something like that."

  Hoshi smiled, "And how many do I have?"

  Steve objected, "You know that doesn't count!"

  Hoshi's eyes flashed again, "Sure it does and you guys know it! I may have won a Nobel Peace Prize but it doesn't even come close in comparision with your space flights! You guys are the real heros!"

  Sam held his hands up, "Give it up guys, this is one argument you are not going to win!"

  By the time they made it back up onto the stage the soundmen and workers had packed away all of the instruments and were in the process of loading them into the appropriate limousine.

  Hoshi was trying to help Don load some of the drum cases into the limousine when Ayumi, Myoko and Mister Fujimori walked upto them.

  Ayumi quickly hugged her tightly, "I am very proud of you, the concert you put on will be remembered for ages!"

  Hoshi hugged her back and asked, "It really sounded that good?"

  Ayumi squeezed her a little tighter, "We watched it from the skyboxes and we even had a color monitor so we could see what the cameras saw, you looked great and like you were having a lot of fun."

  Hoshi giggled and blushed, "I was!"

  Myoko parted the two, "Hey, it's my turn now!"

  They hugged and parted, Hoshi smiled, "Thanks Myoko!"

  She looked at Ayumi, Myoko and Mister Fujimori, "I miss all of you and should be back at the space center in a few days."

  Ayumi nodded, "Just be careful and hurry back."

   Hoshi smiled warmly, "Sam and Margie have been very kind to me and their daughters are so precious!"

  Ayumi laughed, "They must be, I heard you dedicate a song to them, it was really nice of you to do that."

  Hoshi smiled and said, "And did you hear my remark to you just before we went off the air?"

  Ayumi hugged her tightly, "You bet I did, thank you for spreading it all over the world!"

  Hoshi giggled, "Love is something that should be shared one way or the other!"

  Aumi hugged her again, "Thank you, you are a very loveable person!"

  Just then a NASA official walked up and spoke with  Mister Fujimori, Mister Fujimori turned and said, "I have been told we need to head to the limousine, the aircraft back to Ellinton is waiting for us."

  Hoshi quickly kissed Ayumi and Myoko on the cheek and gave them hugs, "Take care of yourselves and I will see you soon!"

  Both kissed her on the cheek.

  Mister Fujimori frowned, "Hey, how about me!"

  Hoshi giggled and gave him a short kiss on the cheek, he reached up and rubbed the area, "Gee, thanks Hoshi!"

  Ayumi, Hoshi and Myoko laughed and Hoshi waved at them as they walked away to the waiting limousine. She stood and watched them get into the limousine and waved as it moved away.

  A gentle tap on her shoulder brought her back to earth, Hoshi turned to find Margie and the girls standing there.

  She beamed, "So, how did you like the concert?"

  Carrie and Samantha quickly hugged Hoshi so tightly she thought she was going to stop breathing, "Well, that answers that question!"

  Margie hugged Hoshi, "You did a great job performing tonight, everyone loved the band, especially you."

  Hoshi blushed, "I am happy it is over, though I did have a lot of fun."

  She looked towards the stage, "Have you spoken with Sam yet?"

  Margie beamed, "Yes, and he told me what you had done for them, we are eternally grateful to you."

  Hoshi shook her head, "I didn't like how the president's people were treating the guys so I let them know how I felt."

  Margie put her hand on Hoshi's shoulder, "You are full of surprises, but then I should come to expect that. Ayumi must have her hands full just trying to keep up with you."

  Hoshi reached out and patted Margie on the shoulder, "It is much easier for her than you might realize...now let's go check on the guys."

  Margie, Samantha, Carrie and Hoshi walked back to the back stage and found the guys standing around and talking.

  Hoshi immediately headed for the orange juice, "Does anyone want some orange juice?"

  Margie and the girls did so Hoshi poured each a cup full.

  Hoshi laughed, "I was so nervous I think I drank a whole gallon of this during the concert."

  Margie laughed, "You sure didn't look it!"

   Hoshi shook her head, "I was so scared about messing up it took me a while to calm down."

  Margie grinned, "You should have seen yourself playing the keyboards, you were almost dancing and the crowd was loving it."

  Hoshi thought back to her playing the keyboards, "Playing the keyboards helped me take my mind off the crowd."

  Margie glanced at the two girls, "Aren't you two going to thank Hoshi for dedicating the song to you two?"

  The girls hugged hoshi while Margie laughed, "You should have seen their faces when you dedicated the song to them, they almost went into shock and when you pointed at them it was all over...didn't you hear their screaming?"

  Hoshi shook her head, "I am sorry, I couldn't hear a thing except for the music and the crowd."

  Margie shook her head, "Maybe it was for the best you didn't hear them screaming, maybe we can hear it on the recording."

  Hoshi raised an eyebrow, "The recording?"

  Margie winked, "I set the video recorder on the television to record the concert before we left."

  Hoshi exclaimed, "You didn't!"

  Margie's eyes twinkled, "You bet I did!"

  Carrie and Samantha became excited and wanted to watch the concert again when they got home.

  Margie grinned, "I am sure Hoshi and Sam will want to see themselves perform."

  Hoshi walked over and hugged Margie, "I am going to miss you when I have to go back to work."

  Samantha and carrie immediately panicked, "Hoshi's going to leave us?"

  Margie and Hoshi looked at the other, Hoshi said, "Maybe I shouldn't have said that."

  She gathered the girls around her, "I will have to go back to work soon, it is very important to NASA and Japan."

  Carrie grabbed onto Hoshi, "But I want you to stay here with us!"

  Samantha joined in and both started to cry, Hoshi lowered her head sadly, "I am sorry, but I will have to go back soon. I can always come back for a visit whenever I can, I can even write you! Besides, I can't abandon two of my biggest fans!"

  Margie quickly added, "Three of your biggest fans!"

  Hoshi giggled, "Okay, three it is!"

  They made their way back to the limousines and found the guys waiting for them, everything had been secured or packed away.

  Hosahi hugged the other band members and then got into the limousine; she was joined by Sam, Margie, Samantha and Carrie.

  When they arrived at the house Margie took the girls in and turned on the lights while Sam, Hoshi and the limousine driver unloaded the car.

  When they were finished Hoshi headed for her bedroom where she sat down on the bed and took off the boots; she wiggled her toes and rubbed her feet, it felt so good to finally have them off!

  She undressed and placed the dirty flight suit into a plastic bag; Hoshi paused to look at herself in the mirror, a smile formed on her lips, Well Kasei, you have really done it this time!"

  She quickly put on a tank top and a pair of shorts, laid on the bed and closed her eyes. Hoshi's thoughts went to Margie and the girls, she really loved them.

   About a half hour later a knock at the door made her jump, "Who is it?"

  The door opened to reveal Carrie and Samantha; Hoshi sat up and smiled, "Hi girls, what's up?"

  They ran over to the bed, each grabbed a hand and pulled Hoshi off the bed and onto her feet.

  Hoshi laughed, "Hey, what's going on?"

  The girls giggled, Carrie exclaimed, "We are going to watch the concert on the television and mom's popping pop corn!"

  Hoshi allowed herself to be led and giggled, "Okay!"

  The two girls led her into the living room and all three plopped down on the floor in front of the television. Sam was sitting on the leather reclining chair and laughed at the sight.

  Margie yelled, "Don't start the concert without me!"

   The girls giggled as Hoshi poked at them in a playful manner, "What's pop corn?"

  Samantha laughed, "Silly, you don't know what pop corn is?"

Hoshi shook her head, "Sorry I do not, it must be an American thing."

  Carrie turned towards the kitchen, "Mom! Hoshi has never had pop corn!"

  Hoshi laughed as she held her right index inger up to her lips, "Please, not so loud Carrie."

  Carrie laughed, "Sorry!"

  Hoshi smiled warmly at her, "It's okay if you remember no to do it again."

  Carrie moved closer and hugged Hoshi.

  Soon Margie brought in two large bowls of popped popcorn along with five smaller bowls. Hoshi was astonished, "We are going to eat all of that?"

  Margie laughed as she handed one of the large bowls to Samantha and sat down next to Sam, "The girls have been known to eat this much and much more!"

  The girls dug into the popcorn with the smaller bowls as Hoshi looked on with fascination.

  Samantha handed a bowl of popcorn to Hoshi, "Here you go Hoshi!"

  Hoshi waited until Samantha and Carrie had popcorn in their bowls, carefully took a kernel in her fingers, put it in her mouth and tasted it.

  Her expression was priceless, "Salt and butter...hey, this is pretty good!"

  Everyone laughed as Margie started the recording of the concert.

  Following the concert, Hoshi bid everyone a good night and went to take her bath.

  Following her bath she got dressed for bed and dired her hair, finally she got up, shut off the light and went to bed.

  Hoshi immediately fell a sleep and started to relive memories of Caipria, she flew her starfighter in mock dogfights against anyone foolosh enough to accept her challenge.

  The next memory had her on patrol for hijackers and pirates. Some of the spacecraft the smugglers and pirates used were almost as advanced as her starfighter and the intercepts were very demanding.

  The final memory was not a pleasant one; Kasei was being beaten by his father after his mother had caught him wearing one of her dresses. He cried and pleaded for his father to stop, the pain being inflicted was both physical and emotional. Kasei could not understand why his father and mother would deny him the happiness he sought. His father swore he would send him to a military academy and be rid of the son who had caused the family so much embarrassment. His father then got a pain stick and laid it across Kasei's back, he gave him the full dose of pain, which caused Kasei to scream several times and faint.

  Margie, Sam, Samantha and Carrie heard the screams emit from Hoshi's bedroom and in a panic ran to see what was wrong. They found Hoshi curled up in a ball and unresponsive.

Frightened, Margie looked up at Sam, "Please take the girls out into the back yard, I think I know what is happening!"

  Sam didn't understand but quickly took the two girls to the back yard and tried to comfort them.

  Margie sat down on the bed and took Hoshi into her arms, cradeling her and gently rocking side to side, "It's okay Hoshi, I am here, please wake up and tell me what has you reacting this way!"

  There was no response from Hoshi, Margie leaned forward and kissed her on the hair, "You must be having one of those memories of yours...it's okay, you can wake up now, no one is going to hurt you!"

  After a few minutes Hoshi's eyes fluttered open, someone was holding her; she turned her head slowly and saw Margie looking down on her, tears in her eyes, "Margie?"

  Margie smiled down on her, "It's okay, let go of whatever you were experiencing."

  Hoshi panicked, "The girls and Sam, did they hear me?"

  Margie nodded, "You scared us half to death, Sam took the girls outside so they wouldn't hear us talking...did you know you were crying and pleading in your native language?"

  Hoshi shook her head and looked towards the door, "I wish they had not heard what I was experiencing."

  Margie pulled Hoshi closer to her, "You have to let go of your pain sooner or later."

  Hosshi looked into Margie's eyes, "I wish it was that simple."

She sat up, "What time is it?"

  Margie replied, "It is almost 9:00 am."

  Surprised, Hoshi said, "Almost nine? I have to get up!"

  Concerned, Margie asked, "Are you sure you are okay?"

   Hoshi sighed, "I am okay, thank you for being concerned."

Margie released Hoshi and stood up, "Good, I will go outside and check on Sam and the girls, they were pretty shaken up."

  Saddened, Hoshi said, "I am sorry if I frightened them, I shall have to apologize to them."

  Margie patted Hoshi on the shoulder, "All you have to do is explain to them ou were having a bad dream."

  Hoshi protested, "But it was not a dream."

  Margie shook her head, "It would be the simplest explanation."

  Hoshi nodded, "You are right, I can't tell them about me...at least not right now."

  Margie went to the door and turned towards Hoshi, "They love you, the truth will be easy for them to handle."

  Margie turned and left the bedroom, Hoshi quickly got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom.

  After her bath Hoshi got dressed and made her way out into the dinning room, no one was there so she made her way out the back door.

  Samantha and Carrie immediately sprang from their chairs and ran to Hoshi. They hugged her as Hoshi tried to put on her best smile.

  Samantha asked, "Are you okay, I was frightened by your crying and screams!"

  Carrie still had tears in her eyes, Hoshi knelt down and quickly wiped them away, "I am okay, I just had a bad dream. I am sorry I frightened both of you."

  Hoshi got up, walked over to Sam and bowed, "I am sorry if I caused you any worry, it must have been brought on due to all of the stress from the concert last night."

  Sam looked concerned, "As long as you are okay I am happy."

  For the rest of the day Hoshi and the girls were inseperable.

  Two days later Hoshi woke early, got up, took her bath and got dressed. She went out into the kitchen and made herself some toast and poured herself a large glass of orange juice.

  When she was finished with breakfast she decided to go out into the backyard and relax until Margie, Sam and the girls got up.

  Astro was very happy to see her as she fed him some dog food; his tail wagged furiously as he ate. Hoshi laughed as she reminisced about the day she had arrived at the house and how he had scared her so badly.

  Hoshi sat down on a chair and enjoyed the Florida sunshine and the multitude of smels her senses detected; they reminded her of the times she would sit with Aku on her lap on the bluff near her home over looking the Mother Ocean Meridiana on Caipria.They would watch the sunrise as it painted the sky with its multitude of colors  and the setting of the two small moons; she closed her eyes and visualized the pleasant memories she had of her home world.

 

To be continued in Kasei 18