The Mole 2: Anime Edition

Episode One

English/Japanese Name Differences
Takato Matsuki/Takato Matsuda
Tracey/Kenji
Little Washu/Washu-chan
Rika Nonaka/Ruki Makino
Misty/Kasumi
Henry Wong/Jenrya Lee
Brock/Takeshi
Matt Ishida/Yamato Ishida
Inez Pressange/Inez Fressange

Episode One
(A large, open room in the center of a Japanese castle. Despite the age of the castle, it is kept rather well, and still looks pretty good. Mike Storch is standing in the center. Around him are six doors, each shut. Caption: "Himeji Castle, Japan- 5:00 PM.")
Mike: Fourteen anime characters, from six very different shows, are about to embark on an adventure. A mission to earn as much as possible by completing various challenges. At stake- up to one million yen. But there is one catch. One of the fourteen is working for us, in order to sabotage the efforts of the team. After every round, each contestant will be given a quiz to see how much they know about our Mole. Whoever scores the lowest is systematically eliminated from the game. In the end, two people will stand- the Mole, and the one that knows the most about the Mole, and who will earn the entire pot for their efforts. Before we get underway with the game, let’s meet our contestants.

(From the first door, Takato walks out. He’s a tad nervous, but seems prepared enough.)
Mike: (OS) First off is Takato Matsuki, a…

Takato: What was that?

(Takato walks up to Mike.)

Takato: My name’s Matsuda, and it’s TAkato, not TaKAto.

(Mike looks closely at a card he’s holding.)

Mike: Oh, who cares…

Takato: Well, I do. If I win, you’ll send the check to the wrong person.

Mike: (a bit peeved) Look, give me a break, I’m new at this. I’m only pretending that I actually know what I’m doing here.

Takato: I’m just saying I’d rather you get my name right.

Mike: Yeah, yeah… (correctly) Takato Matsuda…

Takato: Thank you.

(Takato walks off-screen.)

Mike: …and he is a Goggle Boy from Digimon Tamers.

Takato: (OS) I’m not wearing goggles!

(From the second door, Keitaro walks out. He’s not sure what to expect.)
Mike: (OS) Anyway, next is Keitaro Urashima, a Residence Manager from Love Hina.

(From the third door, Kenji walks out. He’s got a cheesy smile and looks confident.)
Mike: (OS) Kenji, a Research Assistant from Pocket Monsters…

(From the fourth door, Miaka steps out, apparently in a very good mood.)
Mike: (OS) Miaka, a Student/Priestess from Fushigi Yuugi.

(From the fifth door, Ranma, in his boy-type, walks out, a bit uncaring.)
Mike: (OS) Ranma, a Freak of Nature from Ranma ½.

Ranma: What did you call me?

Mike: (OS) Uh… moving on…

(Washu exits the sixth door, looking cute with a confident smile.)
Mike: (OS) Washu… a Genius from Tenchi Muyo.

Washu: Please, could you call me Washu-chan??

(Back over to the first door, where Ruki exits, with the same look Ranma had.)
Mike: (OS) Ruki, a Card Shark from Digimon Tamers.

(Through the second, Mitsune exits, happily anxious.)
Mike: (OS) Mitsune, a Slacker from Love Hina.

Mitsune: Slacker… can’t argue.

(Kasumi exits through the third, in a seemingly good mood.)
Mike: (OS) Kasumi, a Romantic Tension from Pocket Monsters.

(Kasumi frowns.)

Kasumi: Uh… no comment.

(To the fourth door, where Tamahome exits, also happily anxious.)
Mike: (OS) Tamahome, a Bishounen from Fushigi Yuugi.

(And the fifth door, as Akane comes out, smiling.)
Mike: (OS) Akane, a… uh… I think I’m going to skip this one.

Akane: Why, what’s on it?

(Akane goes up to Mike, steals his card, and reads it. She turns pissed.)

Akane: Tomboy!? Who said I was a Tomboy??!!

Mike: (scared, defensive) I didn’t! That’s why I skipped that one!

Ranma: (OS) How about this- make her the Freak of Nature!

Akane: Ranma! You’re supposed to be on my side!

Mike: (trying to change the subject) I’m just going to get these over with…

(Jenrya emerges through the first door, fairly calm.)
Mike: (OS, without stopping) Jenrya, a Puppy Watcher from Digimon Tamers…

(Quick pan over to the second door, and Motoko, armed with kendo stick.)
Mike: (OS) …Motoko, Kendo Girl from Love Hina…

(And over to the last door, where Takeshi is smiling.)
Mike: (OS) …and Takeshi, a Hugh Hefner-Wannabe from Pocket Monsters.

(Mike walks over to where the full cast is gathered.)
Mike: Ladies and gentlemen… the contestants for The Mole 2: Anime Edition.

(Mike turns to the group, who are mostly listening intently. Ranma and Ruki appear bored.)
Mike: The first challenge is currently being set up outside. I’m just going to head out and see how it’s going. You can stay and get acquainted. And if any of you figure out who the Mole is, let me know, because I haven’t the foggiest.

(Mike walks out. Eerie silence for a few seconds as the group starts looking around, trying to break the tension. Finally, Kenji whips out his sketchpad.)
Kenji: This castle has fantastic architecture! I should sketch this!
(Kasumi and Takeshi face fault.)

Day One

(Motoko, to eat up time, is practicing her kendo in a corner of the room. She is in complete fixed concentration, until Akane comes up to greet her.)
Akane: (friendly) So, um… Motoko? You practice kendo?

Motoko: (quiet) I don’t practice it… I master it.

Akane: Oh… well I’m a martial artist myself. I’m sure that we’ll be… great friends.

(Motoko continues, unfazed. Ranma walks over.)

Ranma: So what’re you two talking about?

Akane: Oh, you know, I’m just trying to introduce myself to everybody.

Ranma: Uh huh… (to Motoko) so who’re you?

(Motoko continues practicing. Ranma gets annoyed and jumps on the kendo stick, placing his feet on it and balancing on it perfectly.)

Ranma: Hm?

(Motoko looks annoyed, and lifts the stick, sending Ranma flying over her head.)

(Kenji is still sketching, when Takato approaches.)
Takato: You’re sketching the castle?

Kenji: Sure. This could be a very tense game, it’s good to unwind a little bit and keep your mind occupied by sketching.

Takato: You like art?

Kenji: Oh, I love art. Check out these sketches of Pokémon I did before.

(Kenji flips through the book. Takato is sincerely impressed.)

Takato: Wow! Those are great! I wish I could draw like that.

Kenji: I took a couple classes a few years ago…

Takato: Hey Jenrya, take a look at these!

(Jenrya approaches and sees the sketches. Jenrya seems impressed as well. Kenji continues to talk about them as Kasumi and Takeshi watch.)

Kasumi: Well… they’re as good as gone.

Takeshi: Yep. We haven’t even started and they’ve fallen into his trap.

(Takeshi looks off to his left.)

Kasumi: Takeshi- we’re in the wrong game.

(Takeshi sees Akane, Motoko. Takeshi smiles.)

Takeshi: If this is wrong, I don’t wanna be right!

(Takeshi heads towards them. Kasumi just shakes her head.)

Kasumi: Jeez… I have to deal with both of them now?

(Takeshi is headed towards the girls, when Keitaro and Mitsune see him.)

Keitaro: Um… Takeshi? I wouldn’t go over there if I were you…

Takeshi: Sorry, my heart listens to no man… only women.

(Keitaro shakes his head and turns to Mitsune.)

Keitaro: Don’t say I didn’t warn him.

Takeshi: (to Motoko, OS) Hello there, I must say that is a fine stroke…

(Keitaro and Mitsune observe as Takeshi is sent flying backwards, into the opposite wall. They look over at an angry Motoko, having just nailed Takeshi with a kendo attack. Mitsune smiles.)

Mitsune: (thoughtful) Hm… this could prove useful.

Keitaro: What was that Kitsune?

(Mitsune slaps Keitaro on the back. It seems to hurt.)

Mitsune: Aw, nothing! Don’t worry about it!

(As with all speech in italics, one-on-one interview with the character.)
Mitsune: The game has started, whether the others realize it or not. Everything they say from this point on is going to affect people’s perspectives of them. And in order to really be successful at this game, you gotta pick up on that.

(Shot of Ruki, quietly observing everything. Miaka and Tamahome go up to introduce themselves. Ruki shrugs it off. Miaka seems a bit offended, but they walk away anyway.)
Ruki: (VO) Challenges mean nothing. The Mole is always active. Could be pretending to be friendly, or could be lurking in the background. Whoever the Mole wants to come across as- that’s how they act now. So I’m not going to participate- I’m going to observe.

(Mike reenters, and everybody goes back up to him, including Takeshi, who has somehow recovered completely.)
Mike: Okay. We are about ready to start. And for the first challenge, we have quite the doozy for you. So if you’ll follow me, we’ll get things rolling.

(Mike and the fourteen walk outside. Mike explains as they walk down a path.)
Mike: While most of you have been concentrating on the Mole aspect of the game, let’s not forget about the "Anime Edition" part. Using various elements residing in your shows, as well as others, we are able to do things that other reality series can’t. We have access to all sorts of nifty technological stuff, and many anime quirks will be used to their fullest extent. And we’re going to get that across to you right away in our first challenge. We said we’d be taking you around the world. That is slightly misleading. We’re taking you far beyond this world, and to explain this further, here is astronaut and the first person on Mars- Yamato Ishida.

(Yamato Ishida, the blond forty-year old from Digimon Adventure, walks up next to Mike. He’s wearing a jacket with a kind of space mission patch on the sleeve. He smiles.)

Yamato: Hey, how’s it going? Now in the last twenty-five years… or the next twenty-five years to you I guess… a lot of breakthroughs are made in space travel. With the technology we have, it would be relatively simple to undergo a flight to, let’s say the Moon. There is little training involved, and…

Washu: (interrupting, calling Yamato’s attention) Yoohoo!!

(the group looks at Washu.)

Washu: What’s so hard about space travel? I’ve been to the Moon before… and quite frankly it’s kinda boring, you know?

Yamato: Uh… well I kinda think so too. You’re right- the Moon’s freaking boring. Mars is a lot more interesting, but we can’t send you there due to time constraints.

Takato: Hold on… you’re sending us to the Moon?

Mike: Yes he is. Now there is one catch. Four of you will not get to go, as you will be subjected to a different challenge down on Earth. But yes, the other ten will have to successfully complete a trip to the Moon and back. If all ten go through with it, we will add 40,000 yen to the group pot. Let me explain how this is going to work…

(From out of nowhere, Dr. Inez Fressange, a blond woman in her late twenties, walks in, wearing a lab coat.)

Inez: Explain? You just said the secret word. I’ve been listening in on all of this, and I’m wondering why you want to use such primitive techniques to go to the Moon.

Yamato: Who the hell are you?

Inez: My name is Dr. Inez Fressange, former doctor and explanation person on the Nadesico, and currently a Class A Boson Jumper.

Yamato: Boson Jumper?

Inez: Yes. (to the group) And I can get you to the Moon much faster than our rock star friend here can.

(Yamato rolls his eyes)

Inez: By teaming up with a qualified Boson Jumper such as myself, you will be able to teleport yourself to the moon. It’s faster, and more efficient than what this so-called astronaut is proposing.

Yamato: (angry) Hey! What did I do to deserve this? I’ve been to Mars, I’m a pioneer dammit!

Inez: Mars? I used to live there- nice place.

Yamato: Come on, you don’t expect these guys to completely rearrange their plans because of some hokey jumping thing you probably just made up!

Mike: Actually, this sounds pretty sweet! I’m gonna call Barb with the details!

Inez: Sorry, Mr. Ishida, you can’t beat technology.

Yamato: Oh, give me a break. What century are you from anyway?

Inez: The early twenty-third.

Yamato: (making a fuss) See!? It’s not fair! She’s from 200 years in the future! I’m only from 25, how am I supposed to compete with her!?

Inez: Goodbye Yamato.

Yamato: Man… you’re more annoying than my wife!!

(Yamato walks off, sulking. Mike meanwhile hands a phone off to Inez and addresses the fourteen.)

Mike: While Dr. Inez gets some instructions from Barb, I’ll explain how this will work: Ten of you will follow Inez and successfully Boson Jump to the Moon. She will explain all the details, and what you will need to do. There is a small level of risk involved, but if you remain focused, you’ll be fine. The other four, however, will stay on Earth and fly with me to Europe. In this time, you four will have a second challenge, one based on memory. Believe me, you are all gambling something important on this decision. At this point, please decide which four will stay grounded.

(The fourteen immediately start arguing about who wants to do it.)
Jenrya: (VO) And now, the fun starts.

(Tamahome raises a hand.)
Tamahome: I want to stay here.

Ranma: Why?

Tamahome: I don’t know about you, but where I come from, space travel is completely unheard of. The whole idea seems really foreign to me, and I’d just assume stay here.

Keitaro: Yeah, but how good’s your memory?

Tamahome: Well… if there’s money involved, I’ll do whatever’s in my power to win!

(Mitsune nods in understanding.)
Miaka: (VO) It’s easy to forget that Tamahome isn’t really used to this place. He’s from a completely different world, and things that seem really commonplace to us like teleporting to the moon might be really strange to him. The problem is, I don’t want to go without him.

(Back to the action, Miaka walks up to Tamahome.)

Miaka: Tamahome? You really don’t want to go?

Tamahome: Sorry, but I’d rather stay here. I know that…

Miaka: Oh, because…

Tamahome: But if you want me to go with you, you know that I’d do it in a second.

Miaka: (sad) Tamahome…

(Akane overhears this.)

Akane: Hey, I have an idea! Why don’t you both stay here? I’m sure you can handle the challenge. After all, you two make a great team, right?

Tamahome: Sure! Sound good Miaka?

Miaka: Yeah! We can do this together! You don’t mind?

(Akane smiles and shakes her head.)

Ranma: Hey, Akane, you sure about this? I don’t really trust them both with…

Akane: Oh Ranma, don’t worry about it. They’ll do fine!

Ranma: (not fully believing Akane) Uh huh… if you say so.

Ruki: Well, just to make sure we don’t lose, I’ll do it too.

Kasumi: Are you up to it?

Ruki: (scoffing) I’m up to anything, okay?

Kenji: (overly friendly) That’s fine with me. I’m sure Ruki knows what she’s doing. I think she can more than handle it!

(Ruki eyes Kenji for a second.)

Ruki: Definitely.

Kasumi: Washu? You look like you have a good memory, why don’t you be the fourth person?

Takeshi: Yeah, you look…

(Kasumi covers Takeshi’s mouth before he can go further. Washu smiles.)

Washu: Well, although I probably can remember more than all ‘a you combined, I just can’t help but be curious about this whole Boson Jump thing. As a scientist, I want to check this out!

Kenji: Okay then… how about you Mitsune?

(Kenji points at Mitsune. She smiles.)

Mitsune: Aw… I dunno. What sounds like more work, a memory game or going to the moon? Yeah, I’ll go with the memory game.

(Keitaro turns to Mike.)

Keitaro: I guess Kitsune, Miaka, Tamahome, and Ruki will stay here then.

Mike: Great, the rest of you can head off with Dr. Inez.

(Inez leads the other ten away while Mike stays with Miaka, Mitsune, Ruki, and Tamahome.)

Challenge One

(Inez and the ten Moon-bound players are descending on an elevator to an underground boson jumping facility. Basically, it is a large, circular platform, with several wires imbedded inside. On the perimeter of the platform is a control room, which the eleven enter. They are greeted by two technicians.)
Inez: Everything ready?

Technician: Yes, ma’am. We have two other B-Class jumpers to assist you… and one more A-Class.

Inez: Another A-Class? Who?

(The question is answered when the other A-Class jumper, the blue-haired Yurika Misamaru, joins the group.)

Yurika: Hi, everybody! I’m going to be helping Inez, so…

Inez: (cutting the crap) So, let’s go and do this.

(Inez heads farther inside, leaving Yurika behind.)

Yurika: But I wanted to make a splashy entrance!

(Yurika follows them in. She bumps into Takeshi, at the back of the line. He turns around and smiles.)

Takeshi: Hey…

(Kasumi quickly hits him on the head with a mallet (not her large model, her smaller "Kodocha-style" croquet-mallet.). It shuts him up fast and he turns around, and sees Inez directing everybody.)

Inez: You will need proper clothing for the trip, so your first step will be to change. Boys to the left, girls to the right.

(As they each head in the proper direction, roll the interview footage.)

Washu: From what I’ve seen so far, Kenji’s been trying to direct traffic a lot. He seemed really supportive of letting Ruki try the other challenge and suggested that Mitsune try it as well. I’m not going to jump to conclusions that quickly, but he’s on the top of my list for now!

Keitaro: I can’t tell what Kitsune’s thinking right now. She’s usually very relaxed, and it’s not like her to volunteer for the memory challenge. All I know is that right now I can’t discount her as a possible Mole.

Takeshi: That little "I don’t want to go into space" thing sounded a bit convenient for Tamahome. If he’s really all that he claims to be, something like this shouldn’t bother him. It sounds more like an excuse to me, and since it was even able to get Miaka along for the ride, I’m all the more suspicious.

(Each of the ten are now dressed in protective suits, and seated in a room just outside the platform. A similarly dressed Inez, Yurika, and the two technicians enter.)

Inez: Okay, from here, it’s a matter of going out and pulling it off. All you have to do is keep a clear mind, think pleasant thoughts, and try not to worry about the procedure. We’ve got that taken care of. With that in mind, who wants to go first?

(Some hesitation among everybody, Jenrya raises a hand.)

Inez: Okay. Let’s go.

(Inez and Jenrya head out onto the platform.)

Takato: Good luck, Jenrya!

Ranma: (to Yurika) Hey, I’m just wonderin’- this seems kinda easy. What’s the big catch that could cause us to not want to do this?

Yurika: Oh, don’t worry about it. It’s just that if you aren’t able to clear your mind and do all the stuff that Inez says there’s the chance you could get completely eradicated by the force of it all. But you don’t want to worry about all that stuff, right?

(Collective gulp among the nine remaining players. On the platform, it’s a spectacular display as Jenrya and Inez close their eyes, and they are completely engulfed in white. They disappear.)

Yurika: (OS, cheery) So… who’s next!?

(Mike, Miaka, Mitsune, Ruki, and Tamahome are seen boarding a commercial plane.)
Mike: (VO) While those bound for the moon head out, the ones remaining on Earth board a flight for Berlin, Germany. From there, they will transfer to a flight to Switzerland, where they will undergo the second challenge.

(On the plane, the four contestants are seated in first class. Mike approaches each and hands them each a small book.)
Mike: I hope you’ve been enjoying the trip thus far. These books contain vital statistics about each of the fourteen contestants and their respective shows. Any background details you will need to know are in here. You will have half an hour to study them. Afterwards, I’ll take them away. Feel free to discuss any of the information inside. In Berlin we’ll board another flight where you will be tested on this information. The more you know about each player’s history, the better off you’ll do. Go to it.

(Mitsune, Ruki, and Tamahome silently open their books and start.)

Miaka: (complaining) Aw… I hate history!

(Moon. A station has been set up to receive the players. Jenrya arrives with Inez, in a similar fashion to the way he arrived. Jenrya is simply amazed by the experience. Inez goes off to sit down.)
Jenrya: Wow. That was some trip. Are we really on the moon?

(Barb Bresnick walks up to greet Jenrya.)

Barb: Yes we are. Have a look around, it’ll take some time to get through all ten, so there’s plenty of time before the next part of the challenge begins.

Jenrya: I suppose we have to go back, don’t we?

Barb: Yep.

(They are interrupted by the next arrival- Yurika and Akane. Akane arrives safely, and looks very relieved. She goes up to Barb, a bit peeved.)

Akane: Hey, are you the host of all this?

Barb: Well, I’m not a contestant, and I’m not a jumper, if that’s what you’re wondering.

Akane: Is it true that you can get completely eradicated when doing this?

(Jenrya looks at Akane, surprised. He too turns to Barb for answers.)

Jenrya: And if that’s true, why didn’t you say anything to me?

Barb: Uh… um…

(Barb smiles.)

Barb: Mo-mantai!

(Akane and Jenrya are staring at Barb, both a little angry.)

Barb: Hey, look, Ruri’s gone so it isn’t going to be any fun saying "baka" anymore. This show needs a new Japanese catchphrase and Jenrya’s bunny might be on to something!

(While Akane and Jenrya continue to look at Barb angrily, Kenji teleports in.)

Kenji: Wow! The moon! I should sketch this!

(Jenrya perks up suddenly and goes over towards Kenji.)

Jenrya: Cool, I’ll watch!

(A technician is preparing to jump Ranma.)
Jenrya: (VO) I wasn’t born yesterday. Kenji’s up to something. He’s a nice guy and all, but he’s definitely a possible Mole. I’m looking at a few others right now, but if Kenji thinks he’s going to play all nice and befriend us, I’m just going to have to turn that around in my favor.

(The technician takes Ranma away. Shot of Kasumi, Keitaro, Motoko, Takato, Takeshi, and Washu in waiting. Washu stands up.)
Washu: This is all well and good, but it's taking forever! I'll get there my way!

(Another technician arrives)

Inez: Who's next?

(Takato walks up)

Washu: Hey, kid, could you help me out?

Takato: Um. Sure thing Scary Lady Number Four.

Washu: Scary Lady Number Four?

Takato: Yeah… there’s a lot of scary ladies here. I have to keep track of them somehow.

Kasumi: (OS, angry) Excuse me?

Takato: (scared, at Kasumi) Just uh… don’t hurt me Scary Lady Number Six.

Washu: Whatever, anyway…

(Washu pulls out a large wire-frame star and hands it to Takato.)

Washu: (cutesy) Could you be a dear and put this against one of the walls when you get there? It would help me out so much!

Takato: Oh, uh… sure. No problem.

(Takato takes the star and teleports away with the technician. Washu takes out another star and puts it up against a nearby wall.)

Washu: Give him a couple seconds...

Takeshi: What are you doing?

Washu: You’ll see!

(The star starts glowing. Washu walks through the star. The inside of the star glows red as she passes through.)

Keitaro: (OS) What the?

(On the Moon, Takato steps back after putting the star against a wall. As soon as he does, it glows red and Washu steps out of it.)
Washu: See- so much easier!

Takato: How... how did you do that?

Washu: It's my dimensional tunnel! One of my best inventions. It's one of the perks of being the smartest person in the universe!

(Washu turns around and goes up to the thing.)

Washu: Now, let's see...

(Keitaro pops his head through it.)

Keitaro: Amazing...

(With Washu standing right next to the thing, his face ends up colliding with Washu's breasts. Washu looks down.)

Washu: Can I help you?

(From afar, Akane sees the action.)

Akane: You pervert!!!

(Keitaro screams and ducks back through. Washu steps back as Akane goes through the star after Keitaro.)

(Back in the waiting room, Keitaro runs off, followed by Akane. He trips and falls into Kasumi, sending them both to the ground in a precarious position. Motoko stands up.)
Motoko: You...

(Motoko delivers a kendo blast to Keitaro, and he's sent flying out of the room, colliding with the control room a few floors above them. Akane walks up to her.)

Akane: Motoko, I wanted to hit him!

Motoko: (scoffing, apathetic) Sorry.

(Akane heads back to the dimensional tunnel. She steps through, but it doesn't work and she walks into the wall. It hurts.)

(On the moon, Washu has deactivated the tunnel.)
Washu: You had your moment… I think I’ll save this for later.

(Inez is back, jumping Kasumi.)
Kasumi: (VO) You almost wish the Mole was active in that whole exchange. But I don’t think that’s how it should work this early. Of everybody involved with that, the person that I’m suspecting the most would probably be Takato!

(Yurika prepares to jump Akane again.)

Yurika: Um… didn’t I already do this with you once?

Akane: Uh… nope!

Yurika: Oh. Okay!

(Yurika jumps Akane.)
Akane: (VO) I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Keitaro was the Mole. I mean, he looks like a decent enough guy, but I can’t believe that he’s that much of a pervert in real life!

(A technician is walking to the platform with Motoko.)

Takeshi: (reassuring) Don’t worry Motoko! I’ll be right behind you!

Motoko: (slightly nervous) That’s why I'm worried.

(The technician jumps Motoko. Takeshi is waits for another technician when Keitaro arrives, apparently in perfect health. Takeshi looks at him.)

Takeshi: (pleasantly surprised) Oh, you’re not dead!

Keitaro: Uh… thanks for the concern… you can go first.

Takeshi: Okay.

(The technician arrives. Takeshi looks at the technician, then at Keitaro.)

Takeshi: I see… you want the doctor or Yurika to teleport you. Right?

Keitaro: No, no! I didn’t say that!

(Takeshi and the technician head for the platform.)

Keitaro: (dreamy, to himself) Although Yurika’s so hot…

(Inez enters.)

Inez: Ready?

Keitaro: Yep!

(Keitaro arrives, and joins the other nine. Barb approaches them. Caption- "Challenge Completed")
Barb: Alright, since you all succeeded with the Boson Jump… or in Washu’s case succeeded with a decent alternative, you have added 40,000 yen to the pot. But don’t give yourselves a round of applause yet. You now have an opportunity to add 20,000 yen more. Five of you are going to get the opportunity to walk on the moon’s surface. You will be asked to find something, and will be led by a guide, who will remain here and relay instructions. At this time, please get into five groups of two and decide who in the group will go and who will stay. There is, however, one catch- you may not pair with anyone from your own show. Have at it.

(While some pairings are established easily, like Akane and Kasumi, some need more elaboration. Takato heads to Kenji.)
Takato: Kenji, would you mind working with me?

Kenji: That sounds like a great idea. I’ll even let you do the walking.

Takato: Hey, that sounds pretty cool.

Takato: Say what you want about him, I like Kenji. He has a lot of experience in these kinds of situations, and has a really good attitude. I was a little nervous going into this, but if I pick up enough tips from Kenji, I’m sure I’ll do fine.

(Keitaro, looking to avoid future injury, plays it safe and partners with Ranma. Washu’s trying to decide who to pair up with, when Takeshi shows up.)
Takeshi: Hey, there- need a partner?

Washu: Uh… nope! Already got one!

(Washu reaches over and grabs Jenrya.)

Washu: Me and Jenrya are all over this game! Right?

Jenrya: Uh… yeah sure.

Takeshi: Hm… I guess there’s only one person left…

(Takeshi turns, and is greeted with a kendo stick right in front of the face. Motoko is visibly unhappy.)

Motoko: Don’t get any ideas.

(Jenrya, Kasumi, Motoko, Ranma, and Takato are fitted in spacesuits. Washu, Akane, Takeshi, Keitaro, and Kenji stand next to their respective partners. Barb is holding a book similar to the ones Mike handed out. Inez stands next to her.)
Barb: This book contains information on all fourteen contestants. The information is vital to your success, and ten of these books are located outside. We will be placing the walkers in various locations on the surface. It will be up to the navigators to get them to find two books. The navigators will get a radar that shows the locations of the books and their partner. They will have to help the walkers find the books and get them back here. If all five teams get back here with both books in twenty minutes, 20,000 yen will be added to the pot. However, if anybody feels like making things dramatic, I’ve got a deal- starting after the nineteen minute mark, whichever team arrives last will earn an exemption from the quiz when we get back. Of course, you risk losing the 20,000 if you go for this. And also, neither the walker nor the navigator knows how much time is left, or where everybody else is. Walkers, go with Inez to get in your position. Navigators- come with me.

(Everybody follows their orders.)
Ranma: (VO) I dunno, I think that exemption doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I don’t have a clue who the Mole is. I’m looking at Washu, I’m looking at Kasumi… I hate to say it but I think it might even be Akane.

(The navigators are seen in five separate rooms, looking at a radar, with a map overlaying it. The walkers are positioned in various spots on the Moon’s surface. Barb speaks to all ten.)
Barb: Ready? The twenty minutes begin now.

(The walkers each start heading out. The navigators go to it as well.)
Washu: Here’s the plan Jenrya- go straight until I tell you to stop going straight. Can you handle that?

Jenrya: (VO) I think so!

(Outside, Kasumi is having some trouble walking around on the surface.)
Akane: (VO) Do you think we should go for the exemption?

Kasumi: No, no… I don’t think so. Although at the rate I’m going, we’re going to cut it close.

(Shot of Ranma walking around easily and casually. He’s taking his time.)
Kasumi: (VO) Walking around on the Moon is a lot more difficult than I expected.

(Shot of Takato walking.)
Kenji: (VO) Okay, Takato. We really should try for this exemption. This early in the game, an exemption really helps if you aren’t sure who the Mole is.

Takato: All right. So should I just take my time?

Kenji: (VO) Yeah. We have twenty minutes, it looks like we have plenty of time.

(Shot of Takeshi, giving instructions to Motoko.)
Takeshi: Motoko, I’ll let you decide whether we should go for the exemption or not. I’m willing to put all my faith in your abilities, because us partners need to…

Motoko: (VO) Just shut up now. I just want to find this thing and get back. I refuse to help you get an exemption. I’ll find these myself if I need to.

(Shot of Motoko walking.)
Motoko: (VO) Takeshi is a distraction. I can’t concentrate with him around, and it’s very hard to work with him as a partner. If he is the Mole, I’d hate to admit it but he is doing a good job sabotaging my efforts.

(Jenrya finds a book. Kasumi is right behind him and finds one as well, as does Takato.)
Barb: (VO) Jenrya, Kasumi, and Takato find the first of their books.

(Continuous shots of everybody as they find books. Ranma and Motoko find their first ones, while Jenrya finds his second. Takato is seen approaching his second book.)
Kenji: (VO) Now just wait a second, I think we have time still. Take it slowly.

(Motoko seems to be lost. There are craters all around her.)
Takeshi: (VO) Make a left at the next crater.

Motoko: (confused) Which one’s the next crater?

(Kasumi finds her second book. She is still having trouble walking. Back at the base, Jenrya is the first to arrive. He is greeted by Washu, who seems to be pleased.)
Washu: Nice work, Jenny.

Jenrya: You know, we probably could have tried for an exemption.

Washu: What, do you need an exemption? I certainly don’t, I’m Washu…

Jenrya: (completing it for her) Washu-chan, the greatest scientific mind in the universe, I know…

Washu: You’re a good kid Jenny.

Jenrya: Would you stop calling me that?

Washu: I kinda like Jenrya. He seems to be pretty level. Just smart enough to know what’s going on, but not smart enough to stab me in the back or anything. That’s just how I like it.

(Motoko is the next to arrive. Caption- "Elapsed Time- 15:57." Takeshi goes up to hug her for a job well done. Motoko pulls her kendo stick out of nowhere and holds it up in a threatening manner. Takeshi wisely backs off.)
Barb: (VO) Motoko is the next to arrive, but it may be awhile for the other three, as Kasumi is having difficulties walking while Takato and Ranma are both pursuing the exemptions.

Akane: I don’t know why the others would try for an exemption this early in the game. They risk losing twenty thousand and for what? The odds of getting executed this early are really low, so it’s better to just play the game and keep your eyes peeled for the Mole. And those guys looking for an exemption certainly arouse suspicion.

(Takato is the next to arrive. Caption- "Elapsed Time- 18:28." Kenji goes to meet him.)
Barb: (VO) Despite trying for the exemption, Takato and Kenji arrive thirty seconds before the allotted time and are ineligible for the exemption, but that is irrelevant since two teams still have yet to check in.

(Kasumi arrives immediately after that. She seems relieved that she’s back inside. Caption- "Elapsed Time- 18:46." Akane arrives to greet her, although the other six are still there.)
Takeshi: Fun out there Kasumi?

Kasumi: No… it’s hard to walk out there. I was surprised. It’s definitely not as easy as it looks.

(Kenji shoots an odd look at her.)

Takato: Yeah, Scary Lady Number Six isn’t joking, it’s a really strange feeling. Those moonwalks at amusement parks don’t do this justice.

(Shot of Ranma, grabbing the second book, and heading back, still somewhat casual. Caption- "Elapsed Time- 19:01" with the clock counting up.)
Kenji: (VO) I was really surprised by what Kasumi said. Of all the people out there, why is it her that’s saying moon walking is so difficult? I always heard that walking with less gravity is similar to swimming without the water. Kasumi’s a stellar swimmer, so I have to say that I’m suspicious. Especially since it’s so easy to overlook that.

(The clock is at 19:40 and is counting up. The eight are waiting for Ranma.)

Barb: Twenty seconds left.

Akane: C’mon, Ranma… where are you?!

Takeshi: This is gonna be close.

Barb: Fifteen, fourteen, thirteen…

Kasumi: They get an exemption for this?!

Barb: Ten, nine, eight…

(Ranma finally arrives, perfectly calm. Keitaro comes out to meet him. Caption- "Challenge Completed." Barb stops counting and addresses the group.)

Barb: Eight seconds left, but still in plenty of time. 20,000 yen is added to the pot, and since they finished last and after the nineteen minute mark, both Keitaro and Ranma have earned exemptions from the upcoming Mole Quiz.

(Ranma and Keitaro both smile and high-five. Akane goes up to Ranma, angry.)

Akane: Ranma?! How could you be so careless? If you showed up eight seconds later, we would have lost the money!

Ranma: The money’s not ours to begin with! Only one person’s gonna win it right?

Keitaro: Yeah, and if we get exemptions, there’s a better chance that it will be one of us.

Akane: Still, don’t you think you could have showed up a few seconds earlier? I nearly had a heart attack!

Ranma: Jeez, Akane, how come you have to get on my case for everything I do? I knew what I was doing.

Barb: I’d hate to interrupt this lover’s quarrel, but we have one more piece of business to attend to. We’re about to see how your Earth-based units do in their memory game. Those books you retrieved have the info that they were to study for thirty minutes. Now, after you all get changed, we can see how they do. Afterwards, we’ll jump back to Earth, to a location in Switzerland. There, you will complete the first Mole Quiz and will go through the first execution.

(They head off to change again.)
Akane: (VO) I know that I went off on Ranma then, but I have to remember that Keitaro also was in on it. I don’t know if Ranma could be the Mole, but there’s definitely a chance that Keitaro is.

Challenge Two

(The ten and Barb gather in front of a large monitor. On the monitor is Mike, standing in a smaller private plane with Miaka, Mitsune, Ruki, and Tamahome.)
Barb: Mike is going to be asking these four a series of eight questions regarding the information about all fourteen contestants. If they get five of them right, 40,000 yen is added to the pot. However, if they get at least four wrong, the money is gone, and a worse fate will befall the entire group. Let’s turn on the audio to see what’s going on.

(The audio sets in. Mike is addressing the four.)

Mike: Behind you are the bags of the entire group. We are on a plane. Should you get four questions wrong, the bags will be tossed overboard, to fall freely somewhere in beautiful Southwest Germany. Shall we begin? Who’s up first?

(Tamahome steps forward.)

Mike: Tamahome- Who lists as one of their best friends a person named Daisuke?

(Tamahome is lost for an answer. He decides to guess.)

Tamahome: Uh… Takato?

Mike: Sorry. The answer is Ranma.

(Someone comes in from the back and grabs about half of the bags.)

Mike: Miaka?

(Miaka steps forward.)

Mike: Miaka- who lists as one of their hobbies collecting sticker pictures from photo booths?

Miaka: Oh boy… I’m not good at tests… Takeshi?

Mike: Sorry- the answer is Keitaro.

(On the moon, everybody watches as somebody else comes in and grabs the rest of the bags.)
Akane: (to Keitaro, oddly) Sticker pictures?

Keitaro: Hey, I don’t make fun of you and your hobby.

Ranma: That’s because she can kick your butt.

(Away from the action, Jenrya turns to Takato.)

Jenrya: Hey, can I talk to you a sec?

Takato: Sure, what is it?

Jenrya: I noticed you’re becoming friends with Kenji.

Takato: You bet! He’s been helping me a lot so far. I can learn a lot from him.

Jenrya: Yeah, but don’t you think he’s a little suspicious?

Takato: Not really. Why do you say that?

Jenrya: What I’m saying is why is he helping you? He has to have some reason for it.

Takato: Why, do you think he’s the Mole?

Jenrya: He definitely could be. He’s on my list. You have to really look at what he does. You have to look at what everybody does.

Takato: Well, yeah, but doesn’t it make sense to have help from somebody? Somebody to compare notes with. If Kenji and I team up, we can get a lot more info from people.

Jenrya: I’m saying you can’t trust him. You can’t trust anybody.

Takato: Look. I trust Kenji. I have to trust somebody.

Jenrya: What about me? You can trust me.

Takato: I trust you too… but I feel better knowing I got Kenji on my side. Simple as that.

(Back to the rest, while Mitsune is being asked her question. Kasumi is glancing off towards Takato and Jenrya.)
Kasumi: (VO) Our clothes and personal possessions are at risk, and Takato and Jenrya are off having a talk on the side. It seems like they don’t care what’s at stake. I think that Takato’s been very subtle, and this early in the game- it’s probably the Mole’s best move.

(On the screen, Mitsune is answering.)
Mitsune: Let’s see… let’s see… who has a sister named Sakura? That was Akane, wasn’t it?

Mike: Sorry. It was Kasumi.

Mitsune: Well, hold on, Akane’s sister is Kasumi, so wouldn’t that mean that Sakura is Akane’s sister as well? Technically…

Mike: No, no… Kasumi’s sister.

Mitsune: Yeah. Kasumi’s the oldest, Akane’s the youngest, and Sakura’s the middle kid, right?

Tamahome: No… Nabiki’s the middle kid.

Mitsune: Oh… you mean Misty Kasumi?

Mike: Yeah. Ruki? You’re up to bat.

(Ruki approaches.)

Mike: If you get this question wrong, your luggage will be used to put out a forest fire, whether there is one or not. Your question- who put down as their favorite drink "sake or anything else with alcohol?"

(Ruki can’t figure it out. The other three shake their heads.)

Ruki: Isn’t it… maybe… Washu?

Mike: It’s Kitsune- Let ‘em rip!

(In the back, a door opens, and the assistants toss each of the fourteen bags out into the sky, to land wherever. Shot of this as the Moonbound players watch.)

Kasumi: Oh my God…

Akane: My clothes!

Jenrya: My cards!

Takeshi: My magazines!!

Takato: Um… you know most of us wear the same thing everyday anyway…

Akane: (angry, at Takato) It’s the principal of it!!

Takato: Oh… right Scary Lady Number Five.

Barb: Okay, let’s go home!! I think we’ll make this easy and just use Washu’s dimensional tunnel.

Washu: Finally, somebody with some sense!

(They use the dimensional tunnel to get to Switzerland. They are met by the other four and Mike. Collectively, they head to a castle.)
Barb: (VO) With 60,000 yen in the pot but no luggage, the team reunites in Switzerland, where they will have dinner, take the first quiz, and discover who the Mole’s first victim is.

(The team is about to eat dinner when Barb stands up.)
Barb: After dinner, you will be taking the first quiz. However, there will be an hour long break in between so you can catch up on the stuff you missed in the challenge you weren’t part of. I’d also advise you to study your book, as many of the questions are answered inside.

(Barb sits down to eat, but finds her plate empty. She looks over at Miaka, who is sitting back, satisfied. Barb looks annoyed. Tamahome is sitting on the other side of Miaka.)

Barb: Miaka, did you eat my dinner?

Tamahome: Don’t sweat it Ms. Bresnick… she ate mine too.

(After dinner, Takato and Jenrya are talking again.)
Mike: (VO) After dinner, Takato and Jenrya appear to be discussing very important strategic manners.

Takato: (laughing) Man, Scary Lady Number Seven eats more than Gillmon!!

Jenrya: No kidding… but anyway- we should probably compare notes for this quiz and make sure we both have an idea of who the Mole is. Who do you think?

Takato: Well, I don’t know. I was watching Scary Lady Three and I don’t think it’s her. You were partnered with Scary Lady Four, how does she look?

Jenrya: Not sure. Too soon to tell. She didn’t act Mole-ish, but it might be too early. I’ll keep watching her. I still say that you have to keep an eye on Kenji though. He’s really suspicious in my book.

Takato: Don’t say that. Anyway, we still don’t know about the people on the plane. From what I see, Scary Lady Two is a big suspect.

Jenrya: Would you quit with the scary lady bit?

Takato: But they are! Women are scary.

Ruki: What are you two boys saying about women?

(Ruki shows up, looking a bit angry. Takato and Jenrya both retract.)

Takato: Nothing!

Jenrya: We’re just discussing how we should take the test. Got any good dirt on the other kids on the plane?

Ruki: If I did, why would I tell you two?

(Ruki walks off. Takato and Jenrya sweatdrop.)

Jenrya: We could use that dirt too. So does she scare you?

Takato: Heck, Ruki’s Scary Lady Number One!

(Tamahome is taking the quiz. His question is "Is the Mole Male or Female?" The answers are a) Male, b) Female, and c) All of the Above.)
Tamahome: (VO) I can’t believe Ruki missed that question about Mitsune. She was sitting right next to her on the plane, and Ruki never picked up on her favorite drink? Even if she didn’t remember it from the book, she should have at least heard it from Mitsune.

(Akane is taking the quiz.)
Akane: (VO) I don’t want to say that Ranma could be the Mole. But he could be. He obviously put himself and Keitaro over the rest of the team. Keitaro is also high on my list. He did a lot of things to get our minds out of focus. Maybe he did them so we’d screw up?

(Motoko is taking the quiz.)
Motoko: (VO) Takeshi seems to only be focusing his attention on bringing me down. A lot of the stuff he’s done goes unnoticed by the rest of the group. It minimizes suspicion, or passes it on to me. I just… despise him.

(Miaka is taking the quiz.)
Miaka: (VO) Motoko seems really quiet and withdrawn. She definitely could be the Mole, especially if there’s something she did on the Moon that I’m not aware of.

(Takeshi is taking the quiz.)
Takeshi: (VO) Tamahome not only put himself into a position to play the memory game, and he not only answered his question wrong, but he also was right there to correct Kitsune on the name of Akane and Kasumi’s sister. He didn’t even have to think and Nabiki just popped into his head magically. Does he know more than he let out?

(Finally, Jenrya is taking the quiz.)
Jenrya: (VO) I still have to list Kenji as a suspect. Takato may be falling into his trap. For some reason, I just can’t see Kenji being that nice to him without an ulterior motive.

(A private room in the castle. Barb has a laptop set up on a desk, with a screen nearby displaying a green thumbprint on a black background. The fourteen contestants have themselves a seat. Ranma is dressed in an undershirt and shorts.)
Barb: Welcome ladies and gents to the first execution. Eleven of you are facing execution tonight. One that isn’t, of course, is the Mole. The other two are Keitaro and Ranma, who earned exemptions. But even so…

(Barb angrily grabs a glass of water on the desk and tosses the water at Ranma.)
Barb: Can ya at least show up dressed!!

(Ranma, now female, and now soaked, looks angry.)

Ranma: Why should I? I ain’t leaving. Besides, you got rid of all my good clothes.

Barb: Oh yeah. Anyway, I’ll enter your names into the computer. If a green thumbprint appears, you are clear for the next round. If a red thumbprint appears- you got the lowest score on the quiz, and are the Mole’s first victim.

Keitaro: Wow… I got farther than Narusegawa did last time.

Mitsune: First time for everything Keitaro.

Barb: Yes. Any volunteers to go first?

(After some hesitation among the rest of the group, Motoko raises a hand. Barb types in "MOTOKO." Shot of an unflinching Motoko.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Kasumi?

(Barb types in "KASUMI." Shot of Kasumi, taking a deep breath.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Tamahome?

(Barb types in "TAMAHOME." Tamahome is only slightly nervous.)

(It flashes green.)

Barb: Takato.

(Barb types in "TAKATO." Takato is nervous, but trying to remain calm.)

(It flashes red. Takato closes his eyes. He isn’t sure how to react.)

Barb: Please stand up. I’d say get your bag, but well- you know.

(Takato does so. He sadly walks up to Barb.)

Barb: Ready?

(Takato sighs.)

Takato: Yeah. I’m ready Scary Lady Number Eight.

Barb: (bitter) And my pity for you just flew out the window. Let’s go.

(Barb and Takato leave. Shot of them walking out.)
Takato: (VO) First one gone… that’s kinda lame. My problem was that I doubted myself. And you can’t do that in this game. You have to go in with no fear and play hard. I second guessed myself, and I trusted the wrong people. In this game the only person you can trust is yourself… and I couldn’t even do that.

(Shot of the others as they give their last statements on Takato.)
Kenji: He was a good kid. I can’t say I didn’t like him. It was fun working with him and I’m sad that he’s gone.

Miaka: He seemed friendly. It’s a shame I didn’t get the chance to know him a little better.

Motoko: There were a lot of other people here who deserved it more than Takato did.

(Others nod at the statement, including an unwitting Takeshi.)

(Outside, Manny Edwards is driving an awaiting van. Takato is led inside by Barb.)

Barb: Hey, you got to go to the Moon. I wouldn’t complain.

Takato: I’m not. This was fun… just freakishly short.

Barb: Good work anyway.

(Barb shuts the door and the van drives off with the Mole’s first victim.)

End Episode One

Author’s Notes
Think you know who the Mole is? Time to step up and find out! Head on over to http://www.geocities.com/arpulver/mole/quiz1.htm and take the Player’s Quiz.

This episode is probably going to be longer than most, since I needed to introduce the characters thoroughly enough. For my sake, the next one should be shorter. But keep reading, because the contestants need clothes… bringing them to the greatest word in every otaku’s vocabulary- Cosplay!