(Commentary: This fanfic is based off the events of a previous fanfic titled Hiatus, also written by myself. The events of this story may not make sense if you hadn't read Hiatus, but it's really not needed. Both fics are loosely based off of Tenchi Universe/Tenchi TV. All Characters from Tenchi Muyo are property of Pioneer AIC etc. This is a work of fiction based off of the characters, but in no way do I claim to own any of them. If you have any comments to email, you can reach me at mihokiyo@galaxypolice.com. Thanks for reading.)
The classroom was hi-tech. Everything at hand for every occasion. The teacher at the front of the room rambled on about the code of the Galaxy Police. Something all the students should know by now. A boy in the back left corner of the classroom tapped a pen against his electronic note-book. 'I don't want to be here.' he thought. An anxious feeling in his stomach gave him uncomfortable cramps. He shifted in his seat to look out the window to the large void of space. His long bangs hung over his deep blue eyes. He was the spitting image of his mother. There was no mistake that this boy was going to go places in the academy. Early exams proved just that. An older woman entered the classroom. She had long blond hair and very tanned skin.
"Sorry to interrupt your class." She apologized, "I have permission from the Headmaster to pull Mr. Makibi from class today."
The teacher nodded. "That's fine. Makibi, take your things and go."
'Mihoshi... taking me out of class? This isn't good.' He thought to himself. He gathered his things and left the room with her.
Mihoshi walked with him to the Headmasters room. It's a simple room with grey carpet and blue furniture, in the spirit of the Galaxy Police that this Academy was dedicated to creating officers for. Mihoshi sat down on the couch. The Headmaster sat at his chair with another, older Detective standing next to him. They signaled for the boy to take a seat.
"I already have a bad feeling about this." he spoke, "My mother is dead, right?"
"Ken! Don't speak such awful things..." Mihoshi reacted, "We don't know that she's dead." She seemed on the verge of crying, but held it in.
The older male officer stepped forward, "The situation is delicate. You understand what kind of position your mother was in, right? She was supposed to meet up with a contact about a week ago. That meeting never took place and our contact is now dead. We're not even sure if she had any information as there hasn't been any contact with her for about a month." He looked at 'Ken', "You understand we have no choice but to assume the worst."
"I've been raised with this all my life. I think I have a grasp of the Galaxy Police Code Of Conduct. I may be fifteen, but I was raised by one of your best." He stated flatly.
"Detective Makibi is the best. We didn't realize the intensity of the situation."
"Yeah, right. Give me her things and let me go to my room. I don't need to hear what a wonderful person she was, okay? I know damn well what kind of person my own mother is."
Mihoshi placed a hand on Ken's shoulder. He shrugged her off. Ken glared up at the older detective until he handed over a moderately sized box to the youth.
"We're very sorry for your loss. You are still enrolled with the Academy, unless you change your mind. This type of career isn't for everyone. You can take a few days off for bereavement."
Ken grabbed the box and stormed out of the office. Mihoshi followed quickly after.
"Ken! Don't run away!" Mihoshi whined. "You can't just hold it in... please!" She grabbed him from behind, giving a hug as tears flowed down her cheeks.
"Mihoshi... I'm sorry. I'm not holding it in. I'm... my mother's son. I'll be fine, really."
Mihoshi cried for a bit. She stammered through tear choked words, "You're right... you're right. You shouldn't hide your emotions though! Cry if you feel like it."
"Right right... I just want to go back to my room for a bit. To be alone."
Mihoshi let him go, drying her tears with a napkin. She'd apparently been crying all day over this. He waved to her, a sad smile on his face. "I'll survive. I always have."
Ken carried the box in both hands to his dormitory wing. A slightly older female cadet wandered over. "Hey Ken!" she smiled, "We missed you at lunch today." Her eyes shifted down to the box, a sudden flush of realization washed over her. "... oh Ken, I'm so sorry."
"Will people just stop apologizing!? This is a dangerous profession! Things happen! I don't need your pity!" He growled as he picked up his pace down the hall. The girl was left alone, baffled by his reaction.
Ken opened the door to his room, slamming it closed and throwing the box onto the bed. He growled to himself. A fit of emotions washed over him. Everything from anger, to regret, and even disbelief. He sat down next to the box after a long moment, opening it up to find the contents rather vague at best. An old orange bandana, her GP commissioned gun, a few miscellaneous pictures and a small computer disk.
"Probably her last wishes." He commented to himself.
He slid the disk into the computer. A prompt came up on the screen.
'Enter your name:' Ken placed his hands at the keys. 'Makibi Tenchi'. A screen popped up with Kiyone's face.
"If you're seeing this, they probably handed you the box." She started, "My little Tenchi, all grown up... it's good to see you haven't forgotten certain things. I'll first start this by saying I love you very much. I know it doesn't mean much coming from the computer, but you knew this day would come. You're the best son any mother could ever ask for." She paused. "This isn't helping at all, is it? You're not one for dramatics... so I'll get to the point. On this disk you'll find instructions and the coordinates to Earth. I want you to go there and meet your father. If I'm gone at this point, especially now, I have no way of explaining anything I did or why I did it - only the proof that you exist. I just want you to meet him and discover what a wonderful person he is. You've heard the stories. You know the facts. You don't even have to abide by my wishes, but I think you're at an age where it's about the right time for this to happen. Even in my death, I want you to know that you will always have a family. He will accept you, as he did with me and everyone else who came across that doorstep. I just, well, you understand. You don't have to do anything at all, but this time is as good as any. I love you Tenchi. I apologize for not living longer to see you fully grown - I admire who you had become. Goodbye." - End of Message -
Ken took the disk out of the computer. He tossed it back in the box and took out the familiar orange bandana, pulling it loosely on his head. He grabbed a pillow, hugging it to himself tightly, 'So what, you want me to go to Earth? It's not fair to them. He must have a life of his own by now. The great Masaki Tenchi, Juraian Prince...' Ken paused in his thought, 'Wait a minute... this guy is responsible for some very important parts in Juraian history. If he cared for my mother and understood what's going on up here, maybe he can help with this war we're involved in and maybe even bring her back safely! Yes, of course!'. He picked up the GP issue gun, '...there's always the possibility that she's dead. That possibility is stronger than finding her alive. Don't get your hopes up. You'll only set yourself up for disappointment.' He tossed the pillow aside, finding a medium sized backpack. 'I'll do it anyway. There's more to this than what they're telling me, and this Masaki guy has better connections than I'll ever have. I just hope he believes me.' He opened up a drawer, pulling out a few pairs of pants and shirts. He tossed the gun into the bag along with the disk and the pictures. He undressed from his academy uniform, finding a pair of dark baggy pants, blue boots, a tight grey shirt and short jacket. Ken grabbed a pen and scribbled a small note, tossing it onto the bed. He strapped on the bag and headed for the door without another thought.
'Okay, so what do I do now? Steal a spaceship? You think they'd notice the Yagami missing?' he idly wondered, heading for the docks. 'I still have the unlock code...' he scratched the back of his head as he looked out the window. 'Too risky.' He glanced over to the left, noticing a loose panel. He moved over to slide it open. It was a long metal ventilation shaft. It went downwards, into the Academy's secondary docking area. 'Screw this. I'm on a mission.' He pulled the bag over his shoulder to hug close to him, getting into the small area to slide down and to that secondary bay. He landed gracefully as he sprung into a sprint-like position down the hall and to the nearest shuttle. It was a small one compared to the main ships, only big enough really for training missions and flight technique. His heartbeat caught in his throat, 'Am I really gonna steal a ship from the school?! Some Galaxy Police officer I'll become!' He poked at the unlocking mechanism, the door opened with a soft hum. He stepped in and tossed his bag beside him at the pilot seat. 'C'mon Makibi, you know how to fly this thing. Just to find a getaway path and we're set.' His stomach filled with butterflies. He put the disk into the main computer flight deck. The ship hummed awake, lights in the cabin brightening just slightly. He brushed his bangs back, the bandana fitting just barely on his teen aged head. 'I have nothing to lose.' He thought to himself. He adjusted the throttle just slightly and took in a deep breath.
"Hello there!" Chirped a mechanical voice.
"AHHH!" He shrieked.
"I'm Kenji, your onboard computer." It announced proudly, "Makibi O/S Version 2.0."
Ken shook his head, "Great... a little gift to keep me company."
"I see in my programming that we have several destination locations available. Which do you desire to visit?"
"... I need you to set a course for Earth. Can we do that?" Ken adjusted the seat for his height.
"Yes sir!"
"And we need to get those clamps unlocked. I have to get out of here as fast as possible. Release them on my signal."
"Ready whenever you command it."
Ken smirked. 'Here I go.' He said quietly, "Release the clamps." He heard the grind of the metal release the ship from its position in space. He moved the ship forward slowly. The alarm klaxons sounded off. He received warnings on the screen, an audio announcement blared over his communications system, "Alert! You do not have clearance to leave this port! Halt!" "Kenji, shut that up, I can't concentrate." The communications system had shut off. He yelled, "Alright, let's rock! Let's head to Earth!" He pulls the craft out of the bay, neatly flying fast away from the academy. He took the speed up to as fast as it could go, setting the coordinates quickly for auto-pilot to take over. A light flashed on the communications screen. He looked around, grabbing a pair of leftover goggles and pulled his hair out of his pony tail.
"Stop this vehicle at once! This is the Galaxy Police!" The com screen shouted at him.
He flipped on a switch, viewing the pursuing officers. "Good day to you, officers. Don't you have something better to do than to follow a poor kid into space on such a great day like this?"
"Your humor doesn't amuse us. You are in a stolen ship, breaking the speed limit, and resisting arrest! If you don't surrender now, we have no choice but to take your ship down by force." the GP officer expressed.
Ken laughed, "Ehhhh? You're really funny, sir. I'm sure you're a fine addition to your squad... but you'll be making no arrests today. I'm ending this communication now. Catch me, if you can." The screen went back to normal. He took the controls. "Time to do some offensive piloting, Digital Kenji. You programmed to do that?"
"I'm programmed to do many things."
"Good. Let's head for that asteroid field. Their ship is big and can't really follow me in. Let's blast through that, and then pick up the pace back toward Earth. I need to lose them as fast as possible."
The computer complied, adjusting the ships shape for better maneuverability. Ken took control of the vessel, taking it through the field. The GP pursuers had no choice but to stop. Ken had a knack for flight. He was taught ever since he was able to walk how to pilot any craft. One of the best in his class. He easily shot through space toward his destination.
Several hours later, Kenji piped in, "Looks like we're approaching the solar system now. There are two Galaxy Police cruisers approaching."
"Che... don't they ever give up? This is the sixth group we've had to evade."
"Pardon me for piping in, but you have committed a crime." The computer voiced.
"And you helped me commit it! How far out? How long till I reach Earth?"
"300 Kilometers."
The computer beeped again. "What is it now?" Ken asked. A familiar face came up on the screen.
"Please stop at once." Mihoshi said, "You are in violation of many laws. This solar system is NOT to be journeyed into!"
Ken shrieked, turning his chair around. "Uh... uh..." He attempted to make his voice deeper, "You can't stop me! I've come this far! Just leave me alone!"
"Mister Criminal! We can't just ignore your actions, we have no choice but to apprehend you by force!"
He growled, "Cut communications." He turned back around. "Follow the coordinates. I don't know where this Masaki guy lives, only you do."
The computer piped in, "Yes sir!"
Mihoshi's ship fired at Ken's shuttle. It shook from the impact, obviously impending it's movement.
"Shit!" He yelped. "We have to land and we have to land NOW. Let's get down there as fast as possible!"
The computer whirred, shocking the engine into blasting into the atmosphere of Earth and streaked toward Japan. Ken flew forward, into the control panel, rendering him unconscious. The ship skid along the lake and slammed into the nearby forest next to the Masaki shrine.
* * *
A cold compress was fixed to Ken's forehead. His bandana and jacket folded beside his bed. A young girl, of maybe thirteen years of age checked his temperature. He opened his eyes to take notice to the girl. Long, dark blue hair pulled into a pony tail. She looked as though she were dressed for school.
"... who..." He murmured, sitting up while wincing. "...ow...ow..."
"Grandpa! Dad! He's up!" She moved away from him.
Tenchi, now in his mid-thirties stepped into the room first, followed by an aged Nobuyuki and Katsuhito not far behind. "I see our visitor has awakened." Noticed Katsuhito.
"We found you in a ship... in the forest. We were told by the Galaxy Police that a criminal had landed near here. Are you that criminal?" Tenchi raised an eyebrow.
"Don't turn me in! I swear... this is a noble cause! I'm not old enough to fly a ship." He whined.
"You aren't a space pirate, are you?" Tenchi asked.
"No!" Ken quickly grabbed his items. "I made a mistake coming here, I knew it." He grabbed his backpack and started for the door. Every step he winced in pain.
Tenchi turned to look at Ken, "You could have died in that crash, but you didn't. Don't you care?"
Ken balled his fists, "Maybe it would have been better that way!" He pushed through Nobuyuki and Katsuhito, stumbling through the house to the back exit. His eyes teared up as he ran toward the upward staircase to the shrine. His body ached all over. He tripped, slamming against the concrete incline. He started to cry, face down where he landed. The wind picked up causing his body to shiver a little bit as well. 'Might as well face it... they should just call the GP and have them take me away. What was I thinking?! What was I going to do? They already think I'm some mastermind criminal!'
"Hey kid." A voice asked, "Are you here to visit Yoshiko?"
Ken looked up, wiping his eyes. An older woman with long light blue hair touched his shoulder with her hand. He sounded very sad when he finally choked out his response, ".....no..."
"Are you lost? What's your name?" She sat on the steps next to him.
"Lost... yeah. My name is of no importance." He sat up, unable to stop crying. "I'm not a criminal! I just wanted to find some help."
Tenchi turned the corner, catching up to the two on the steps. "Oh Ryoko, you stopped him."
She shrugged, "Don't look at me, he stopped himself."
Ken wiped his eyes, turning away, "... where's my ship. I'll just go."
"Look, obviously something is seriously wrong here..." Tenchi noted.
Ken turned and ran toward the forest. "Just leave me alone!"
Tenchi stood alone, baffled, "What did he say? He seems really upset."
"He's from space, huh? Maybe I should follow him. He didn't like to be thought of as a criminal, I'll tell you that. Is Mihoshi still patrolling the area?" Ryoko asked.
"Yeah, but she said she'd come back in a few days to see if we heard anything. She was afraid they were after me again. I mean, who else comes to Earth?" Tenchi noted.
"It's okay. I'll catch up to him. I remember the crash site. He seemed angry at you... he was acting very different when it was just me."
Tenchi nodded. "Well... that may have been my fault. We cornered him in the house. He ran when we questioned him."
"I'll go after him." Ryoko phased in, then out into the forest. She noticed the boy stumbling through the forest. She kept her distance, watching him from a slightly aerial view.
He wasn't in good shape. Ken held a hand to his side and coughed. He stumbled over to the crashed ship. "I'm so screwed." He whined. He climbed into the ships entrance, going to sit back down the pilot seat. He went to remove the disk from the main onboard computer. It was stuck firmly in the ships grasp.
Ryoko stepped inside the craft, watching from behind. She made sure not to make any noise.
Ken growled, "Give it back! Give it back! Give it back!" He beat on the machinery with his fists, occasionally kicking hard against the console. He pulled out the GP blaster. "Give it back!" and started shooting at the top. He made a few dents, putting the gun back into his bag and punched hard onto it again. His knuckles slightly bloody from the force. A faint click inside the panel released the disk. He pulled it out with his uninjured hand, tossed it in his bag. He whipped around to notice Ryoko there.
"You're GP, aren't you? Why did you steal your own peoples ship?" Ryoko asked.
"I... didn't want them to know I left." He murmured. "Hey. You're Ryoko, right?"
Ryoko took a stance, "I see now. You damn police officers never give up. I won't go without a fight."
He waved his good hand, "You'd kill me in two hits. I've gotta have a few broken ribs and my hand is messed up. I recognize you from pictures."
"Why are you here, then?"
"... call the GP. Have them pick me up. I'm sorry for the trouble I caused your family. I'll be right here."
"What's your problem? You've got a Galaxy Police Gun. You have the earmarks of decent training, but you won't answer any question directly. Yet you know oh-so much about us?"
"Whatever." He turned back around, to face away from Ryoko.
She walked over to him, spinning his chair around for him to face her. She grabbed his shirt with her fists, "Do you want me to get rough?"
"Mom! Don't hurt him!" Yoshiko said as she entered the ship. "Dad said you followed him."
"He's being difficult."
"Mom..." She looked at Ken, then back to Ryoko, "Mihoshi just contacted us back. His name is Makibi Ken. He didn't come here to hurt anyone."
"Makibi... why does that name sound familiar?" Ryoko wondered to herself.
"Makibi Kiyone." He said softly. "She's my mother."
"Oh...OH! Wow... you look just like her!" She let him go. "What are you doing in Japan, kid?"
"... just leave me alone."
Yoshiko signaled to Ryoko to follow her. They left the ship. "What's his problem?" Ryoko asked.
"...Mihoshi explained it pretty well. Apparently Detective Kiyone went on a mission and is basically thought of as missing in action. After about a month, the mission was thought of as failed and they handed him her personal belongings. He's enrolled at the GP Academy, following in her footsteps... but I guess the loss really got to him. She doesn't know why he came here. Maybe he heard about the Masaki household from his mother. Mihoshi said he doesn't have any other family. The stolen ship, his injuries... Mom, I'm worried. From the description, he sounded like a strong, responsible guy. I think he's just lost."
"I see..." She sounded sad. "He stole a ship just to come all the way to some planet Kiyone mentioned?"
Yoshiko shrugged, "Grandpa wants to talk to him. Dad said he'll call Mihoshi back depending on how he feels. There's something more to this. I'll show him the way up to the Shrine. If anyone can get information out of someone, it's Grandpa Katsuhito."
Ryoko nodded, heading down the path. "You're a great daughter. I'll see you at the house for dinner."
"Of course." She waved back to Ryoko. 'No other family... and here I am with too much family. I wonder why he came here?' Yoshiko turned back to enter the ship again. He raised his gun at her.
"Don't come any closer! I'll shoot!" He is now on the ground, back up against the wall. He glared, "I'm not lost! I found what I'm looking for, and now I'm gonna go home!"
She smiled, calm even in the face of danger. "And how exactly do you plan on doing that? In this ship? You'd be better off flying by flapping your arms."
"Shut up! Don't mock me... I can have it fixed in a few days." He trailed off, gun lowering. "...maybe after I sleep a bit. And eat."
"You're not well. You're acting real tough, but you're not going to get anywhere with that attitude. Come with me to the Shrine, I have someone who wants to meet you."
Ken put the gun in his bag, closing it up and shouldering it as he stiffly stood up. He passed Yoshiko on the way out and coughed a little.
She smirked, "You know, you may be full of pride but you're stubborn nature makes you seem a little reckless. You'll need your wounds taken care of soon."
"I didn't ask for an opinion from you. Take me to this person who wants to see me, then I'll be on my way."
Yoshiko rolled her eyes. "You are so personable. I bet you're just a home-run hitter with all the girls."
"What's a home-run?"
"Nevermind."
He shrugged. He followed behind Yoshiko, only lagging slightly behind due to aches and pains. His eyes closed as he monotonously climbed the stairs. He stepped onto the top. His eyes opened to take in the unfamiliar surroundings of the shrine. She escorted him to the entrance and knocked on the door.
"Grandpa... I brought him." She bowed to Ken, "Well, I have to help with dinner. Nice to meet you." Yoshiko left his side to head back to the house.
Ken stood patiently at the door. Katsuhito opened it after a long moment, observing the youth. "Come in and take a seat."
"Sorry to be so much trouble." He sat down at the small table.
Katsuhito poured a cup of tea for Ken and himself. "So you traveled across the Galaxy to find this shrine. Did you find what you were looking for?"
Ken lifted the cup of tea, taking a sip. He looked up and said shakily, "I think I followed a dream that became a horrible... incorrect reality. I'm not even a grown man... I thought I could come here and... I don't even know anymore. I'm not thinking straight at all."
Katsuhito nodded, taking a sip of his own tea. "You're very fortunate, and very bright according to Mihoshi. I understand how hard it is to lose someone."
"She's not dead!" He almost yelled at the elder. "... I'm sorry. She's all I have." He drank his tea.
"You came here because you heard the stories. Especially about Tenchi, I'm sure. All the girls were here because of him. The question is, what did you want to do once you got here?"
Ken looked down. He stated in a low voice, "... I wanted to come here and find help. Galaxy Police... her own job turning a blind eye to it all. She doesn't deserve abandonment. They may have given up, but I haven't!" He wiped his eyes again. "I apologize. I came here with false presumptions. I thought I'd find a clue about where to go next. There's a war up there, and I'm not about to sit in my dorm room and wait until they find my mothers' body just to get confirmation that I could have done something sooner."
"You're a fine, passionate young man. Kiyone must be proud of you. Have you done any sword fighting? You sure have the energy for it."
"...a little. When I was younger. She had me learn about everything she could. I was taught by a Juraian soldier she had dated once. Mom was never one for commitment to a relationship, though."
"I'd like to see what you have been taught, once you heal up. We should head down to the house for dinner." Katsuhito stood up.
"I've already been burden enough for your family. I'll head back to my ship to await my fate."
"Please, Ken. You're no burden. Don't disappoint me by turning down my offer to stay for dinner. We'll talk over the situation. I'm sure there is some answers to your questions here."
Ken nodded and stood up. "Thank you very much." He bowed to Katsuhito. He followed the older man down and out to the main house. Strangely, the household was very warm and responsive to Ken's appearance at dinner. He ate quietly, just watching the rest of the family talk among themselves. 'They're so accepting. Even after the way I had acted. Is this what it's like to be part of a large family? Was this how it was like for her?' He wiped the tears from his eyes, trying not to bring attention to himself. The family noticed, but continued to talk as if nothing had happened. Dinner was of average length and then Ken was shown the bathroom to wash up before bed.
He sat in the tub, staring up at the ceiling. "Family... huh?" He murmured. He carefully cleaned his wounds. Once he finished, he dressed in a collection of spare clothes he had brought, heading into the living room once again. He knocked on a slightly opened door, "Hello?" Tenchi was sitting in front of a leftover console communications unit. Mihoshi was on screen.
"Ken! It's so good to see you!" Mihoshi smiled. "You're a very bad boy for what you did. I couldn't even tell that was you!"
"Eh... okay." He dried his hair with the towel around his neck. He sat next to Tenchi, "Please believe me when I say I'm sorry for worrying you." He gulped, glancing at Tenchi next to him.
"He'll be fine, Mihoshi." Tenchi assured her. "He's a little injured... Grandpa says the best thing is to let him stay a few days. We'll be good to him. Yoshiko seems to find him interesting." He nudged Ken.
Ken looked confused. He went back to look at the screen, "I think they're not letting me go anywhere until I get better. I'm sure the Headmaster will understand. I was two years ahead of my class anyway. I wouldn't be able to actually be a full out Police Officer once I graduated because of my age... you understand, right?"
"Oh Ken, the Masaki household is a great place to be! I remember all the time I spent there. Let me know when you want to come back, I'll fly back there for you." She smiled.
'Mihoshi sure has matured. She really cares for Kiyone's son too. I wonder why I was never told about him? She even came to the wedding and she didn't even mention him! Are we even sure this is her son? Sure, Mihoshi thinks so... but something seems really off about the whole situation.' Tenchi observed Ken as he spoke to Mihoshi.
"Thank you, Mihoshi. And... if anything comes up about Mom, please let me know... okay?"
"... Ken..." She frowned, "You know that case is closed. You know you will be the first to know if anything comes up, but... you know... please don't fool yourself into thinking she's still alive. It's not healthy."
"I know." He nodded, almost emotionless to Mihoshi. "Goodbye Mihoshi, for now."
"Byeee! Bye Tenchi! Tell everyone I miss them!" The screen blipped off.
Ken closed his eyes and gathered his thoughts. Tenchi ahemed, breaking the silence.
"Well... Grandpa spoke to me about you, and he wants you to stay a few days."
"Fine by me."
"... so... uh... we have a guest room upstairs. I can show you the way if you'd like?"
"No, I'm fine thanks. I think I want to walk around a little bit first." Ken said, standing up and walking out of the room.
Tenchi waited until the door closed, turning toward the communications unit and pressed a few more buttons. A gentle *bleep* noise came from the computer, and Washuu's face appeared on the screen.
"This must be something big if I get a call from THIS number."
"Nice to see you too, Miss Washuu. Something very interesting crashed in my backyard."
"Oooooohooo... and what is it this time?"
"Apparently, Kiyone's son."
"You've got to be kidding me. She has a child?"
"That's what I was thinking. Maybe it's because I've been through so much. Grandpa seems to like him... same with Yoshiko and Ryoko. His name is Makibi Ken. It's not that I don't trust something coming from Mihoshi or his word... I've just got a weird feeling about this..."
"So what, you want me to confirm he's Kiyone's, right? Got a sample of any sort?"
"He got hurt in the crash. I managed to grab a rag with some blood, will that do?"
"Aaaah yes. You're such a good boy, Tenchi." Washuu smiled. "Now, put it over in that machine and press the bottom button. I'll be able to receive the data to here. It'll take a few hours."
Tenchi nodded, following Washuu's instructions. "Oh... on the subject. Kiyone's apparently missing in action. Have you heard anything about a war brewing up there?"
"A war? Well, now that you mention it... everyone seems a bit more tense than usual. I heard through my sources that the Galaxy Police have been investigating an upstart group on a remote planet... but I hadn't heard of any MIA's until now. I'll investigate deeper, if you like."
"Yes. I think I'd like to know what's going on. I may not have seen her in a few years, but Kiyone was always a good friend... she wouldn't just hide things really. If anything, for his sake, we need to find out what's going on."
"Anything for you, Lord Tenchi. How's everyone doing?"
"Couldn't be better. Though, it was getting a little boring. It's nice to see I will always have excitement in my life." He laughed.
"I'll start testing the sample now. I'll let you know in the morning what I come up with. Goodnight, Lord Tenchi."
"Goodnight Miss Washuu." Tenchi turned off the screen. He headed out of the small office space to his room.
Ken walked the halls, unaware of the conversation between Tenchi and Washuu. He paced around, lost in thought, 'Did I make a mistake coming here? I'm too tense... too anxious. I want to go out there and fight.' He bumped into Yoshiko. "Aaa!" He held his tender side.
"Hey, are you lost?" Yoshiko asked.
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?"
"Because you look like you don't belong. The key to NOT looking lost is BELONGING somewhere."
"Uhm, whatever. I technically don't belong anywhere. Does that make me eternally lost?" Ken commented.
"Only if you think you don't belong anywhere. You look awful. You need to get some sleep and heal up. You want to save your mother, right?"
"... I'm starting to wonder if I should even bother. She's the best... if she didn't return, she's probably dead."
"Don't think about it."
"I can't STOP thinking about it."
"Well, then you need to try. The more you think about it, the more doubts you'll have. Good or bad, you came here for a reason, but you need to meditate all the negativity and doubts out of your mind. Lemme show you to your room, and then I want you to just let yourself go. I want you to sleep." Yoshiko grabbed his hand, pulling him down the hall and into the guest room.
"H... hey! Stop pushing me around!" He pulled his hand away. She pointed over to a small bed for him. "Let myself go... to what? I'm on a mission."
"You're on no mission unless you get some sleep. Lay down!" She commanded.
Ken shrugged, "I'm only doing this because I can't fight back, you know." He laid down as she told him to. She turned out the light, and he let out a light laugh.
Yoshiko biiidahed at him, closing the door. Secretly, she felt a little better about his attitude. The nighttime hour took it's toll as the household fell asleep.
*
*
*
Sleep was an understatement. Ken slept for
nearly 3 days straight. Each person in the household kept watch on
him. His rest was borderline comatose. Concern for his well
being increased greatly as the hours turned into days. He awoke early
morning on the third day. He quickly dressed, leaving the house to
head back into the forest.
Yoshiko opened up the door to the guest room. She said quietly, "Time for the usual check up..." She blinked, "He's... gone." She stumbled out of the room, running to her parents room. "He's gone! Mom! Dad!' She knocked on their door a bit over excited.
Tenchi answered the door. He rubbed his eyes and looked down at his daughter. "Yoshiko... what's wrong?"
"It's *only* Five AM..." Ryoko yawned, wrapping her arms around Tenchi from behind and resting her head on his shoulder. "What is it sweetie?"
"He's... GONE!" She whined. "Ken! Gone!"
Tenchi looked at Ryoko. "Uh... oh. Okay." Ryoko snugged him and pulled away to go find some clothes. "He couldn't have gotten far, right?"
Ryoko dressed into some loose clothes. "Yoshiko, let me and your father get dressed. We'll look for him. You have to get ready for school."
"Mom! I don't want to go to school, I want to find Ken!"
"You *have* to go to school, we'll find Ken. You trust that me and your father can find him, right?"
"But Mo~m.." Yoshiko whined.
"Yoshiko, sweetie... Please get ready for school. We'll find him." She urged Yoshiko back down the hall. You can tell the teen aged girl was annoyed, but did what her mother told her.
Ryoko went back into the room. "I think she likes him."
Tenchi laughed, now mostly dressed. "A daughter of yours? Nooo... not at all."
"Tenchi~! She's nothing like me." Ryoko pouted. "He IS a little strange though. What kind of person sleeps for three days and then decides to take a walk on an unknown planet?"
"I don't know. That reminds me, I have to get his results from Washuu."
"His results?" Ryoko blinked, "Are you serious?"
"Kiyone's son or not... I'd like to know the truth. I mean, think about it." He stood up, going over to sit next to Ryoko. "We got married about fourteen years ago. Yoshiko is Thirteen... and he's got to be sixteen or so. She attended our wedding, told us about any promotions and incidents surrounding Mihoshi, but seemed to leave out facts like, I don't know, HAVING A SON?"
Ryoko took Tenchi's hand, "Look... why are you angry? Kiyone's probably had enough on her mind. Her life may have been part of ours at some point, but we all grew distant over the years. However he came about, he cared about her a lot. It's gotta be hard, losing a parent like that."
"Well..." Tenchi thought about his own mother, "You're right. I'm just paranoid. I was just afraid that maybe someone was using Kiyone's name to work their way into our hearts to somehow hurt us." He shook his head, "I feel bad about doing it, but it was all about protecting my family."
Ryoko nodded. "C'mon." She leaned over, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Let's go find him before Yoshiko decides to ditch school today."
"Like I said, she's just like YOU." He laughed.
The two left the bedroom. "Okay," Ryoko started. "Let's head for the crash site. We can cover the surrounding area with both of us together."
"Right. Let's go. Dad, make sure Yoshiko heads out to school." Tenchi said to Nobuyuki.
Tenchi and Ryoko left the Masaki house. They traveled into the forest, covering the twenty feet between them, Ryoko from above and Tenchi by foot. She signaled over to the ship, slightly ahead of Tenchi as she landed back down. She noticed the boy idly working on the engine. Goggles over his eyes as he used some tools from his awkward position.
"Tenchi!" Ryoko signaled over to her husband.
"What?" Ken yelled back.
"Tenchi!" Ryoko yelled again, Tenchi now noticing her position and heading toward the crash site.
"Stop calling me! I'm right here." Ken yelled, continually working on the large ship.
Ryoko looked at Ken, then Tenchi. She snuck up behind Ken, "Hey." she poked him in the arm.
"Dammit, Mom---" Ken turned to suddenly face Ryoko. He looked really confused for a very long moment, then turned away from her eyes. "... I'm busy."
"Looks like you were right, eh Ryoko?" Tenchi commented. Ken flinched, going back to hammering away at the damaged metal.
Ryoko seemed stunned. Ken's reaction to her and calling her 'Mom'. She floated back down to where Tenchi was. "...yeah, we found him."
"Something wrong? You look spooked." Tenchi frowned.
"I'm okay. You go ahead back to the house. You have to head off to work soon. I'll make sure he comes back with me." She nudged Tenchi.
"Okay, alright. I'll see you tonight." He leaned over and kissed Ryoko lightly. Tenchi headed back toward the house.
Ryoko floated back up to sit in a tree near the spaceship, watching Ken work. 'He's very determined. He wasn't able to move two days ago.'
"Hey." He spoke up, "Sorry about that." He stopped, using the pulley to lower himself back down to the ground.
Ryoko teleported back down, "You had us worried. Yoshiko wasn't going to go to school, she woke us up early because you were missing."
Ken pulled off his jacket, stretching tiredly. He wiped his forehead down with a towel. "It's humid here. Do you like this planet?"
"It's boring, sometimes. I have to escape every now and again. Yoshiko keeps me busy. How do you like it here so far?"
"I've lived on ships and stations all my life... I don't know what it's like to be so close to the surface. I don't think my body is really handling this all that well." He pointed a wrench at the ship, "I gotta get this back in working order. It's the least I could do after trashing it."
"Hey, don't be so hard on yourself. Too bad it wasn't a Juraian ship, those things just grow back."
"Really? I heard about that. I don't think I'd like that... I'd feel pretty useless as a mechanic."
"You've got a knack for it."
"Must be my talent." He sat down on the grass, leaning back against the ship. "You're 'The' Ryoko, huh? I've heard so much. Don't worry, nothing bad. You're a worthy adversary."
"I'm a different woman now."
Ken nodded lightly, "Aaaaaah..." He stretched. "I want to get to the bottom of this case the GP decided to cover up. Dead... Alive... I don't care. I want closure. I'll fly into the fire and find out what the hell was so damned overpowering to even the GP's best. I've got nothing to lose."
"Except yourself." Ryoko added. "You know, just because you don't think people are looking out for you, doesn't mean they aren't. Mihoshi has been keeping an eye on you ever since you landed here. Yoshiko has been losing sleep to make sure you're fine. You aren't alone, kid. Not now when you have us."
"You're too nice, Ryoko. I can't belong to something I don't feel I belong to."
"You hungry?" She asked.
"Uhm... yeah. I haven't eaten yet. I didn't think about it, really." He looked down, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "I just wanted to get this fixed so I could leave you folks alone."
"Right. Let's go, breakfast should be ready." Ryoko stood up and started walking back to the house.
Ken grabbed his jacket and followed behind her. He walked in silence. His hands slid into his pockets, lost in thought. 'Dammit... lost my concentration. She was calling to Tenchi and I responded! Not once, not twice, but THREE times. I was so caught up in the ship... I hope she didn't notice.' He sighed to himself. He followed Ryoko into the house and sat down at the already set table.
Katsuhito stepped into that room, "Well well, our visitor awakes. Been busy, I see?"
"Yeah. I had to get in some work on the ship." He commented.
"You know it'll never fly again." Katsuhito commented, "Your efforts, although noble, are rather fruitless. The power processor was damaged in the crash. We don't have parts like that on this planet to fix such a ship."
"Che... are you trying to crush my spirit?" He commented, taking a bite of his breakfast.
"Not at all. I just would rather your energy be spent elsewhere. We'll arrange for your trip home, in due time. After breakfast I'd like spar with you."
"I'm a cadet and a mechanic... I have nothing on you. Please don't humiliate me."
Katsuhito laughed, "It's not my intention. Please, it'll be fun. I'd like to see what they're teaching on Jurai nowadays. I'll see you up in the woods behind the shrine after breakfast." He left the house.
Ken sighed, "Man... this place is weird. So much for getting out of that."
Ryoko laughed, "Get used to it."
* * *
Katsuhito stood calmly in the training area. A few posts in the ground that obviously haven't been maintained over the years. Ken walked into the area, a sense of familiarity rushed over him.
"Mn... it's like I've been here before." Ken commented.
Katsuhito nodded. Not that he agreed with Ken, he just understood Ken's nostalgia. He tossed a bokken to the younger man. "Now, get in position and show me what you can do."
Ken took a deep breath and adjusted his sword fighting stance. He started by going through a familiar technique, a few sword strokes and slashes. He closed his eyes, thinking back to the lessons of his youth...
/// 'I remember this as if it were yesterday. The fresh air, the feeling of the wind and energy around me. This planet isn't much different from Jurai, is it? No... the energy is strange though.'
"Concentrate!" Commanded a young Juraian soldier. He stood before an 8 year old Ken. "You can't learn anything if you can't focus on your position!"
"Focus, Concentrate, Strike Harder... Move Faster..." Ken whined, "I'm doing my best!" He growled, going to strike at the older fellow.
'His name was... what was it? I can't remember. I guess I liked him. My mother seemed to like him a lot. I sometimes think she dated certain types of guys to give me better life experience. Not that I minded... I got to play with swords! He had to be several years younger than Mom. He was a noble man, probably one of the few people that made a positive influence on my life.'
"You're not focusing enough!" He knocked over young Ken quite easily.
Ken rolled, hopping back into a fighters stance and continued to attack the other man. He was ahead of his time. Most children his age wouldn't have this type of training. Kiyone urged the advancement in his training, despite what her 'boyfriend' advised. Ken handled the change rather easily. The grass in the open field near the Juraian royal palace whipped around due to the cool breeze that flowed through it's reeds. Ken was quick, probably because of his age, knocking over the other fellow after a few crucial hits.
"That's it! You've got the spirit!" He ruffled young Ken's hair after standing back up. The boy smiled, he knew he was all that. A few soldiers beckoned his trainer away.
Ken grinned, 'My chance!'
'I ran. I ran through the field and over the hill. My hair was shorter... a lot shorter. I was told it got in my eyes too much. Mom liked it better that way. I was younger back then, didn't have a choice. I remember running so fast that I gasped for air. I fell down on the ground, hidden because of the height of the long grass. I remember just... staring up into the sky and feeling like such a small person in such a large galaxy... in such a large place.'
Ken closed his eyes, dozing slightly on the ground.
"Who are you?" asked girls voice.
"Uh..." He opened his eyes. "I'm Tenchi! Who're you?"
"I'm Momiji. You know this field is owned by the Juraian royal family."
"Ah.. yeah." He sat up, rubbing his elbows. "I was training with a soldier but I ran away."
"Why'd you do that?" She asked, sitting next to Ken. "You don't want to train?"
Ken shook his head, "Naw... I like it! He goes too slow... I got bored."
"Maybe you should meet my brother! He's good at that."
"Okay!" Ken smiled. Momiji stood up and lead the way. The two kids ran through the field over to a smaller area. Another boy was there, practicing his daily routine with a sword.
"Older Brother! Show my friend what you can do." She giggled. She couldn't be more than a year older than Ken.
"Momiji~! I can't just 'do that' for every person you bring over." He looked annoyed. He seemed about the same age as Momiji, or maybe a little older. He moved out of his fighting stance, "So... what's your name?"
"Ken!" He smiled.
Momiji blinked, "Hey! You told me your name was Tenchi!" She looked a little offended.
"It is! I'm Tenchi! But everyone calls me Ken. I don't know why... I like Tenchi better." He scratched the back of his head.
"I see. Want to duel?" The other boy smiled. "She said you wanted to see that."
Ken and the other boy took opposing sides. The boys dueled it out pretty quickly. Ken didn't hold back. His techniques, although not as refined as the older Juraian boys', were more powerful and borderline deadly. An older girl wandered onto the scene. She had long blue hair, tied on two sides into long pony tails. She wore a delicate and traditional Juraian dress.
"Boys... Boys! Stop!" She said, wandering over to end the fight.
"Tenchi! Stop!" Momiji commanded, "You won!"
Ken stopped and glanced at the other woman running toward the group. He looked very scared at being in trouble. He knew who wore what, and that outfit was only worn by the Juraian royal family. "I uh... I... he asked to duel me... I'm so sorry!" He dropped his wooden sword, stumbling away.
"Tenchi! Wait!" Momiji said.
"Tenchi?" The woman with long blue hair blinked. She tilted her head and watched the boy run off. She stopped Momiji from chasing after him. "Where did that boy come from?"
"I found him in the field sleeping. Aunt Sasami, he actually beat Shirou! No one in Older Brother's age group has been able to beat him." Momiji seemed excited.
Sasami smiled, "Well, it's time to go in for lunch. Maybe your friend will visit again."
Shirou seemed annoyed. "I let him win." He obviously tried to protect his damaged ego.
In the distance, Ken ran. He ran away from getting in further trouble. He had that feeling in his stomach that he did something completely wrong. In the distance a voice announced, "Ken?! KEN! Where are you?!"
"... Mom? I'm over here!" He ran toward the voice, stumbling over the hill to see Kiyone in the distance. "Mom!" He ran over to her and hugged tightly around her waist.
Kiyone hugged her son, glaring at her boyfriend and his trainer, "How dare you lose him!? I don't care what the circumstance was, he's a kid! He could have gotten hurt! I should have never trusted you to take care of him."
"Kiyone... you know it wasn't like that! You know I care for him as if he were my own son. Don't get angry, please."
"... we'll talk about it later." She said, running a hand through Ken's hair lightly. He remembered the feeling that he did something wrong. He always felt that their separation was his fault. He even tried to talk her out of it, but his mother was a very determined person who always kept things like this to herself. ///
Ken snapped back into reality. He was about to face Katsuhito. He took a stance like that older Juraian boy, and then deflected any attack Katsuhito threw at him. He was rusty and a little stiff in his movements but was able to pass Katsuhito's 'test'. Ryoko watched from the shadows of a tree.
'He's trained more than he let us on. Where the hell did he come from?' Ryoko commented to herself.
Katsuhito smiled, "Very good. You're better than you anticipated."
"I haven't touched a sword in about six years. I guess I remember more than I thought I would." He hopped off of the post, walking over to Katsuhito. "Here, this is yours." He handed the bokken back to him. "I'm no swordsman."
Katsuhito nodded, "You certainly don't carry yourself like one. I like that. You'd be an asset to Jurai or the Galaxy Police."
"Sure, yeah, if I wasn't a criminal." He seemed annoyed.
"You're not a criminal. You're more of a rebel who has a lot of understanding friends." Katsuhito responded, "Mihoshi did say you're actions aren't held against you in the case of the stolen ship."
Ken waved a hand, "I think I'd rather be persecuted. At least then I would... I don't know, at least get reprimanded for my actions."
"You want to get caught?" Ryoko spoke up, teleporting down to the area near Ken and Katsuhito.
"I guess." He shrugged. "I want to shower... I've been working out all morning. Can I head back to the house now?"
"Sure... be our guest." Ryoko nodded. Ken turned and walked away to the house.
Ryoko and Katsuhito watched in silence. She said, "So.. what is it about him? What do you see, 'Grandpa'?"
"Hrm... he's only a boy but he knows a lot more about who he is than he'll ever tell us. He may have said he was trained by a Juraian soldier... but some of that was pure instinct."
"Is he dangerous?" Ryoko seemed concerned.
"Far from it. He's got a strong sense of self and knowledge of how things are. He is just how he presents himself. If Kiyone is alive, he'll be the one to find her, but he may need some help."
"Saving the Galaxy isn't easy, huh?" Ryoko stretched.
"Not something a single boy can do alone." Katsuhito commented.
"That's something I know all too well."
* * *
Ken showered again. The day ended up being rather average. Idle television watching, some cleaning around the house. Ken helped out, where he could. Less talk, mostly work. He kept to himself after that mornings training session. Eventually Yoshiko came home from school, and Tenchi arrived home from work. Dinner was made and eaten. As mentioned, a pretty average day. He went back into the guest room and sat down. He leaned back against the wall and looked through the few personal items he had taken from his dorm room.
Tenchi knocked on the door to the room, "Hey..."
Ken straightened up, hiding the pictures back in his bag. "... hey..."
"I have someone who wants to speak to you downstairs on the communicator. Got a minute?"
"Sure thing." Ken stood and stretched, 'Probably Mihoshi again.'
Tenchi went back downstairs and into that room, Ken followed behind. He sat down next to Tenchi again. The screen blipped on and Washuu appeared on the screen.
Ken had a look on his face like he had been caught. Washuu piped in first.
"Ah, so this is Kiyone's son?" She commented, "So, your name is Ken?" She let out a light hmm, crossing her arms, "I can see the resemblance of her in you."
"Nice to meet you." He said shyly.
"Miss Washuu has been looking into this case with your mother." Tenchi spoke up, "You've found some interesting information, right?"
"That's right, Lord Tenchi! Well, I was checking out some information with my contacts within the Galaxy Police. I also was forwarded this message."
An image in the corner of the screen appears. It's very garbled and has lots of interference. Kiyone's face appeared within the interference. She looked injured and very pained, "*shhhhk* stupid *shhkkkkk* stay *skkkkkkk* still. This is Makibi Kiyone. I repeat, this is Makibi Kiyone. *skkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk* ese.. Please, I repeat, Please make sure this message reaches GPHQ. *skkkkkkkkkk* on the planet. We have to act fast or else *skkkkkkkkkkkkkk*. I may not make it through the week, they've been hunting us *skkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk*. There are too many of them. Already half of my unit is *skkkkkkkkkkkk*. There are open spots in their defense shield. The next group would need to go through that *skkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk*. Fighting to even keep alive. Coordinates of that spot are encoded in this message. Please stop them before it's too *skkkkkkkkkkkkkkk*" The screen blipped away.
"W... Washuu! Can you get those coordinates? I'll go there!"
"Of course I can. However, you know she wouldn't have wanted you to go there. That was only to be seen by the Galaxy Police." Washuu commented.
"Dammit, you KNOW that GP has given up! They're not going to bother with it. They don't even care!" He stood up, slamming his hands down onto the console.
"Hey... Hey... calm down." Tenchi asked, putting a hand on Ken's shoulder. "Sit down. We'll figure out something."
Washuu watched the two, then asked, "Lord Tenchi, can I have a word with Ken *alone* for a moment? What I want to say to him..."
"Right. I'll be out in the living room. Thanks for calling back, Miss Washuu." Tenchi left the room, closing the door tightly behind him.
Ken went to check the door, locking it from the inside. He walked back over to sit down in front of the projected image of Washuu. "So he contacted you about me."
"Well, yes. He had a right to be suspicious. Does he know?" Washuu inquired.
"What, about me?" He shook his head, "No. He doesn't know anything."
"It's just a matter of time that he makes the connection that you're his son. I pretended to act surprised when he mentioned you showed up. You're supposed to be back at the Academy."
"I want to save her. Washuu, I will save my mother whether you want me to or not."
"Ken... that message was dated four days ago. No matter how much you want things to go your way, we're lead to believe that because of the circumstances... she most likely didn't make it out alive. Kiyone was a very strong person. I had no doubt in her ability to handle herself in intense situations." She paused, "I don't care if you're the son of Lord Tenchi, you don't have the ability to make her come back."
Ken looked down, "Washuu..." He let his tears streak down his cheeks. "Why are you so mean?"
"I'm being realistic. Kiyone was a reliable person. I've always felt you were just like her. I don't want to lose both of you within a week."
"... I understand." He straightened up in his seat. "Please let me make my own choice. I promise I will let you know what I will end up doing. Can I please get those coordinates?"
"Determined as usual." She punched in a few buttons. "There. Save them to disk. I'd prefer you not to make any brash decisions, young Tenchi."
Ken put the disk into the console, allowing the information to download. "I'll inform you of any major decisions I make." He rolled his eyes, "You know you're not supposed to call me that. I'll... I'll tell him soon. When the time is right."
Washuu nodded, folding her arms. "You're a smart kid. I think Lord Tenchi would be happy to have you as a son. Please believe me when I say that. I didn't tell him anything, only that you are hers."
"Thank you. I've almost slipped up a few times. I'm just so distracted..."
"Understandable. Take care of yourself, okay?"
"Yes. I will. Until later, Washuu."
"Goodbye."
Ken leaned back in the chair as the screen turned off. He sighed, letting his mind wander for a bit. He pulled the disk out of the drive and slipped it in his jacket pocket. The console beeped again. "Is she calling back?" He pushed the button, the screen turned back on.
"Lord Tenchi! Are you there?" Aeka appeared on screen.
Ken shrieked, falling backwards out of his chair. "Uhhh... who're you?" He asked, rubbing the back of his head.
"I am Aeka from the planet Jurai. Is Lord Tenchi around? This is very important." She sounded scared. "I swore Lord Tenchi had a daughter..."
Ken nervously commented. "I'm just a visitor! He does have a daughter. Let me go get him..." He quickly stumbled to the door, opening it up and calling out to the living room for Tenchi.
Tenchi came back to the room with Ryoko in tow, "What is it, Miss Aeka?"
"Oh Lord Tenchi! It's so horrible! We need your help!"
"You always need help." Ryoko commented.
Aeka looked too tired to respond. She announced sadly, "My daughter has been kidnapped. My son was injured in the process... we haven't any idea as to where to start. A good part of our forces were taken down." She took a deep breath, "Lord Tenchi, I understand your life is very different now. I wouldn't contact you for things like this if not for the fact that we have no other options. You've helped in the past. My son overheard that she was being taken to an abandoned rebel planet on the outskirts that has been nicknamed "Phoenix Zero"..."
"That's where Mom is!" Ken interrupted. "This must have been part of their plan too."
Aeka seemed annoyed, "And just who is this boy who insists on interrupting me in my time of grief!?"
"Miss Aeka... this is Kiyone's son, Ken. She was on a mission there to try and stop them before it got out of hand, but she's now missing in action." Tenchi explained.
"Detective Kiyone has a son?" Aeka seemed baffled with this new information, "What do you know of this Phoenix Zero?"
Ken grinned, "I am SO glad you asked." He seemed to go slip into Galaxy Police mode, "For about four months, the GP have been receiving messages of rebel conflicts out along that part of the universe. They've been trying their best to keep the peace, but most of the time the conflicts had ended in bloodshed. They've wiped out entire squads within hours. Their main base is on Phoenix Zero, but they have smaller bases that surround the area. It is said that when the settlement was smaller, there were conflicts with the Juraian government. Apparently they weren't recognized as a full settlement, but more like a nomadic pest that decided to settle down and cause trouble. They tend to welcome thieves and refuges to their ranks." He took a breath, looking around to the others. "My mother was contacted to go under-cover with a small group of GP officers to gather insider information. The mission was to take about two weeks. They had..." He froze up, mid-sentance. "...sent an informant to contact her, but she never made it to meeting place. The informant has since turned up dead. That's where I came in... GP has given up on them. They figure that the mission had failed and that this portion of the case is closed. Professor Washuu contacted us earlier tonight with a message from Detective Makibi, and has now given me the coordinates to the planet - along with information such as potential entry points to crash the enemy base." He looked at Aeka, "Looks like you're in the same position as me. We both have someone very important there. I would like to help, if at all possible."
"That's crazy!" Tenchi piped in, "You're not about to just go into an impossible situation and put yourself in danger!"
"Lord Tenchi. He is old enough to make his own decisions. I would be more than happy to have him by my side." Aeka smiled, "Any help is appreciated."
"You can't really stop him." Ryoko commented. "Say, Tenchi... this does sound like something we could handle if we all worked together. I wouldn't mind a good fight."
"That's very kind coming from you, Ryoko." Aeka smiled.
"Well, Princess - this is a different situation. I'd feel the same way if Yoshiko had been kidnapped. I'm here for you, too." Ryoko cracked her knuckles.
"RYOKO!" Tenchi seemed annoyed. "Miss Aeka, I understand how important this is to you. I'm not so sure it's a good idea that we get involved though. We're not as young as we used to be. We don't know anything about this enemy."
"I understand that, Lord Tenchi. I will have Sasami send Ryo-Oh-Ki to your home to pick up anyone who chooses to come along. I plead with you to help us too, Lord Tenchi. I wouldn't have approached you if it was a situation I thought I could handle alone."
Tenchi nodded lightly. "I'll talk it over with everyone. I'll consider your request. Please understand though, things are very different now."
"Yes, Lord Tenchi. Sasami will head to Earth on Ryo-Oh-Ki to at least pick up young Ken. Thank you for the consideration. I have to get prepared for the journey ahead. Goodnight everyone." The screen blipped off again.
Tenchi sighed, "Never a dull moment."
"Tenchi... let's do it! For Aeka's sake. We know you're the best at this." Ryoko pleaded.
"I'm *not* the best at this! We can't just skip around the universe like the old days."
Yoshiko opened the door, "Uhm... not to barge in... but... I heard everything. Can I go too?"
"No! Especially you, NO!" Tenchi pointed at Yoshiko, "We can't put you in danger as well."
"Dad! Oh please... you know full well what I can do to take care of myself." Yoshiko rolled her eyes.
"Well..." He sighed, "I'll think about it and we'll decide in the morning. It's time for bed. All of you, go to sleep."
The group left the small room and headed to their respective rooms. It would have been a hard night to sleep through, normally. Ken was still recuperating from the crash and the days events and slept easily. Ryoko and Tenchi spoke about the possibilities quietly in their room while Yoshiko slept in her own room. Hard decisions that had to be made were debated all night. Out loud and in their heads. The Masaki household slept uneasily that evening.
* * *
