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Maetel and Tetsuro reach a planet called Ena. Maetel is very quiet, so much so that Tetsuro notices it. A volcano begins to erupt and a scientist saves the two. The scientist takes them to the power plant he works for. He begins to teach Tetsuro about the hi-tech plant. He then mentions the key energy-yielding element Enenium. As he explains what enenium is all about, we get a close up of Maetel's inscrutable eyes. This is replaced by a close up of the scientist's eyes. These two shots establish a tension between the two grownups in the room (Tetsuro is in ignorant bliss). After finishing his presentation on the great benefits spawning from the use of enenium, the scientist adds that they must be careful with its use because it is harmful to living things. He develops this line while we get another closeup of his face as he looks to Tetsuro. All of a sudden we see him break into a smile and comfort Tetsuro: the scientists of planet Ena have developed technologies to control enenium so it will not harm anyone. Tetsuro says "really?" and looks to Maetel, but she remains quiet. The scientist replies that yes, the element is perfectly sealed in storage facilities so there is nothing to worry about. Tetsuro is pleased with the response, but Maetel decides it's time to intervene. First she stands up, then she looks at the scientist (well, she probably hasn't ever taken her eyes from him) and asks: "Has anyone ever been injured?" Notice how this is an impossibly difficult question. Usually one would ask something along the lines of "What is your safety record like?" or "Have there been any injured personnel recently?". The answer to Maetel's question must surely be "yes"; after all, what major scientific process hasn't claimed any injuries or deaths along the way? But the scientist himself used the word "perfect"; he himself invited that question. Maetel wants him to "show him the money", to put up or get out. The scientist replies with a single word in Japanese as the "camera" closes up on his eyes: "Nai." …which in this context is best translated as "Never." Maetel sits down and says something to the effect of "I see." Then the scientist puts his happy face on again and expounds on how they are not letting their guard down despite their perfect record and so forth. Maetel and Tetsuro hop on the Express and Maetel and the Conductor discuss the volcano. Then Tetsuro tells the Conductor all about the awesome scientist that works there. Maetel has no comments on this point. (Source: Anime Kritik Wordpress Blog)
9/10/2010
