Chapter 4

(Check out my profile if you want to see what the jets look like)

2 days later:

In the skies just off and above the Japanese coast 3 fighter jets, in a perfect triangular

formation, were in a training exercise with Japanese Government approval. A black and

maroon Su-34 piloted by Commander Junko Asagiri, and two black Su-37's, piloted by

Colonials Alexander Puzunkas and Vladimir Franz, flew over a thick cloud bank staying in

perfect level flight. The early evening setting sun was now painting the cloud layer bright

pink as the 3 jets flew just several feet above. They flew southbound as the sun lit up

the right side of each aircraft.

Alex: "The view from up here never gets old"

Junko: "And according to Russ we are venturing into space in a few days. I can only

imagine the view from there"

Alex: "We sure got lucky being your wingmen. I didn't think the benefits would extend this far"

Junko: "Same. Leaving the desert behind was probably the best decision I've made.

Well, that and Kanta"

Alex: "On that topic, what are you two? Are you two seriously involved or not?"

Junko: "We're something. We'll leave it at that"

Alex: "But commander"

Junko: "Enough. I don't ask questions about your wife, Alexander"

Alex: "Sorry. I didn't know it was a sensitive subject"

Junko: "It's not sensitive. I just like to keep people guessing. Like Morien did except he

failed miserably"

Alex: "I'm not sure I would call that a failure considering everyone approved almost immediately"

Junko: "I suppose"

Junko looks out towards the setting sun.

Junko: "How did I get this lucky? Just myself and my jet. Sure life can be better but not

by much. Vladimir? You're awfully quiet over there"

Vladimir: "Oh, sorry commander. I was just in thought"

Junko: "I understand. Care to share?"

Vladimir: "It's umm…about Kiyone"

Junko: "Kiyone?"

Alex: "Sounds like someone has a hard on for the blue-haired chick"

Vladimir: "Hey, shut the hell up!"

Junko: "Alex, please stop that. So, Vladimir, you like her then?"

Vladimir: "I think she's beautiful. That day when Morien and Russ fought; I remember

walking in and once I sat down I looked over at her and we locked eyes for just a few

seconds. It was in those few seconds I realized how amazing she looked. Her eyes were

like the sun reflecting off a priceless gem. But then she looked away. She didn't seem very happy"

Junko: "That's called shyness. I guess she's one of those types. You should talk to her"

Vladimir: "I'm a bit nervous"

Junko: "You can fly a fighter jet, not to mention you'll put your life on the line for your

country, but you won't go talk to a woman? What do you have to lose?"

Vladimir: "The chance of a lifetime"

Junko: "You're throwing away the chance of a lifetime by not saying anything Vladimir.

You're a good looking guy. When you see her, just talk to her. It's easy"

Vladimir: "Easy for someone who is involved to say"

Junko: "It's either that or you just let her slip by"

Vladimir: "Fine. I'll…do it"

Alex: "Commander! I'm picking up two objects on radar"

Junko: "Ugh! It better not be the Japanese government. We have permission to be here"

The two objects pull along side the trio. They looked like aircraft or spacecraft modeled

after a certain science fiction movie. Junko looks out through the canopy with both eyes

open wide.

Junko: "What in the hell are those things?"

Russ: "Fancy meeting you two up here"

Junko: "Russ?"

Zorpheus: "Yeah, what are the odds we'd bump into you three?"

Now joining the formation was Russ's Tie Defender and Zorpheus's Toscan Fighter flying

along side the Su-34 and the two Su-37s. It was something to behold.

Junko: "What if someone catches you two up here?"

Russ: "Don't worry. We have jamming equipment that reflects signals away from the

places we don't want them to come from"

Junko: "Then how did you know it was us?"

Zorpheus: "We actually picked up the conversation you guys were having long before we made

visual contact. Apparently someone has the hots for Kiyone"

Vladimir: "Oh great. Now 4 of you are going to be riding my ass about this"

Russ: "I would just listen to what your commander says and leave it at that"

Junko: "So now I'm a commander to you eh?"

Russ: "I can respect a person of higher power or ranking"

Junko: "In that case, thanks"

Zorpheus: "What brings you guys out here?"

Junko: "We're shaking out the cobwebs from not being in the cockpit for a while. That

and we're also moving our jets to a base in Okinawa so they can be closer. Now, why

are you two out here?"

Russ: "Oddly enough, about the same reason, Commander. With the thick cloud layer

Zorpheus and I wanted to see how our spacecraft would handle blinding conditions. Then

your conversation came through to our transmissions and we followed it to where you 3 were at"

Alex: "Where are your ships from?"

Russ: "They were built by my friend Tom. Since we are all Star Wars nuts he wanted to

create his own fleet of Star Wars ships. The rest kind of speaks for itself"

Alex: "The entire world would have a field day if they saw those"

Junko: "I wouldn't be so sure. I mean the world knows who Morien is now but no one

is reacting in an extreme matter. Not yet anyways"

Zorpheus: "So he's like a celebrity?"

Junko: "Yeah. He hates it a lot but he should have thought of that before he made that

announcement to the world. Still, most major world conflicts have now ended as a result"

Russ: "Wait, so he was like a vigilante then?"

Junko: "No. After the Windy City Campaign everyone was afraid he would stop all the

world's wars by himself. Even though he's perfectly capable of doing so he opted against

it saying that he wanted people to solve their own problems. It was the fear that he might

change his mind which finally allowed for peace to settle throughout much of the world"

Russ: "Then why are you still pilots?"

Junko: "Because from every calm, a storm will come. Call us peacekeepers if you will. Since

you two seem to have superior technology I would love for you two to become part of the

Foxhound Guild. We could use two…space…thingies"

Zorpheus: "That's a tough choice. It's either you or Tom"

Russ: "Zorph. We really don't work for Tom. We just assist him and vice versa. I would like

to join but I don't know how much longer I'm going to be on earth. Once Ayeka decides to

go back to Jurai to prepare to take her role as Empress I'm going with her"

Junko: "And that would make you the Emperor right?"

Russ: "Uhh…"

Zorpheus: "He always does this. Yes, Junko…I mean commander. That will make him

Emperor, right Russ?"

Russ: "Can we talk about something else?"

Junko: "Actually we need to save it. The sun is almost down now and the cloud bank is not

letting up. We should land now while there is still a bit of light left. This is just a 'training'

exercise after all. We will see you guys when we get back to Tenchi's house"

Russ: "Sounds good!"

Zorpheus: "Have a safe landing you guys!"

The two Star Wars spacecraft split and head back north. Junko then gets in contact with

the Okinawa Air Base.

Junko: "Okinawa Base, this is call sign Phoenix. Our original flight path was taking us to

your base but we would like to divert elsewhere"

Okinawa: "Call sign Phoenix, roger that. Okayama is the nearest airport"

Junko: "Copied that. Making flight plan to divert to Okayama"

Okinawa: "Phoenix, contact Okayama approach on 114.3, over"

Junko: "114.3, call sign Phoenix, roger. Have a good evening"

The three jets descend through the cloud bank, using instruments to guide them for an

ILS approach at Okayama Airport. Once they break through the clouds they see the lights

of the airport runway. Making an easy touchdown the 3 jets taxi to vacant lots and shut

down. The presence of the three Russian-made jets turns many heads in and from around

the airport as they were not expecting jets to land at a civilian airport. Their canopies open

and wearing their black flight suits with gray helmets they climb down and are greeted

by the airport security.

Guard: "Did you have permission to land here?"

Junko: "I was cleared by the tower to land"
Guard: "One moment"

The guard radios the control tower asking about confirmation since fighter jets rarely

land at Okayama. Once the control tower confirms he looks back at Junko.

Guard: "You are cleared. Have a nice evening"

The guard walks into his security van and drives away. The thick cloud layer and the

setting sun were making it darker outside. The city lights painted bottom of the cloud layer orange

as the nightlights were starting to turn on.

Alex: "How do we get back to Tenchi's place?"

Junko: "Patience. I have Washu's portal device which will get us there instantly"

With the touch of a button the 3 individuals turn a blue color then disappear from sight.

They reappear on a trail leading back to the Masaki home just as Tenchi was walking by carrying a

load of carrots from the field. It was even darker here without the lights of the city to illuminate the evening sky.

Tenchi: "Oh hello. I see you three just came from a days work. Just in time too because

I think dinner will be ready in a bit"

Junko: "Sounds good. Gentlemen, go change your attire and meet back in the living

room in 30 minutes"

Alex and Vladimir: "Yes madam" they salute and Junko salutes back.

Tenchi: "I never did ask. They work for you?"

Junko: "Not work necessarily but they do answer to me. They're my wingmen"

Tenchi: "Weren't they the ones dancing on our roof during the party?"

Junko: "That they were. It's amazing how those two goof-balls are expert pilots. And

speaking of pilots Russ and Zorpheus flew with our formation with their spacecraft.

What a sight that was"

Tenchi: "Wait until you see Tom's ship in a few days"

Junko: "I'm sure it will blow my mind. Anyway, let's go eat something"

Tenchi: "Right behind you"

Inside the Masaki home Russ and Ayeka were on the sofa. On the television was one

of Ayeka's favorite soap operas. Russ read an electronics magazine as soap operas did

not tickle his fancy. The front door slid open. Alex and Vladimir walked in followed by

Tenchi and Junko a few seconds after. From an overhead beam a certain former space

pirate flew down towards Tenchi with happiness radiating from her face.

Ryoko: "Tenchi! You're home!"

Tenchi: "Ryoko! Wait…!"

She slams into him and they both go down in a heap on the floor. Everyone around

laughs at the antics by the front entrance. After a few seconds Tenchi stands up and

brushes himself off.

Tenchi: "You would think I'd get used to that. It's nice to see you too Ryoko"

Ryoko: "Here, let me take your jacket for you"

Tenchi: "It's okay, Ryoko. I have it but thank you though"

Tenchi walks upstairs with Ryoko floating closely behind. Everyone else resumes what

they were doing.

Junko: "Has anyone seen Kanta?"

Ayeka: "Kanta left with Morien to the city. I believe they were going to a music store"

Junko: "They both went? I didn't think they got along that well"

Russ: "Kanta actually seemed happy to going to the music store. I was going to go with

them but then I decided to work on my Tie Defender along with Zorpheus. They should be

back soon before dinner"

Junko: "He better be"

Junko walks into a vacant room on the main floor to change.

Russ: "She sounds like someone I know"

Ayeka: "I do not sound like her…do I?"

Russ: "Sometimes. It's adorable though so it's quite alright"

Ayeka smiles then grabs his right arm holding it closely while she watched the television.

Minutes pass when Alex and Vladimir walk into the living room taking a seat in both of

the recliners.

Alex: "It seems much emptier today"

Russ: "Tenchi and Ryoko are upstairs. Zorpheus is taking a nap. Mihoshi and Kiyone are

on patrol and won't be back until late tonight. Sasami is cooking. Kanta and Morien are

out somewhere and I want to say Washu is in her lab but I'm not sure."

Alex: "I see. So could you tell me more about your fighter"

Russ puts down his magazine.

Russ: "Sure. What would you like to know?"

Alex: "What kind of weapons does it use?"

Russ: "Lasers. Various types of lasers"

Vladimir: "No bullets or missiles?"

Russ: "No. And plus my ship has shields. If the shields weren't working your missiles

might do damage but the bullets would just bounce off"

Alex: "I bet Morien's chaingun could do plenty of damage. Washu said it could rip through

the shield of a Jurian warship. Whatever those are"

Ayeka: "Jurians are my people" she said with eyes still on the television

Alex: "Oh"

Russ: "I will have to see this weapon at some point. But anyways. That's really about

all I can say. Tom is the one who knows how it was built, what type of metal it's made

out of, and the engine system. Since this is still relatively new to him I don't know if he

will reveal any of that. How about you guys then? I've never seen jets like that before and

I thought they were beautiful pieces of flying machinery"

Vladimir: "The maroon one in the front; that was Junko's Su-34 Fullback. It's a tandem

seat fighter jet but she flies it alone. It's supposed to be a fighter bomber but she uses it

more like a fighter jet. Our jets are Su-37 Terminators. They are state of the art aircraft

with superb maneuverability. It is said it can out maneuver the American F-22 Raptor. We

took on a few American jets during the Windy City Campaign and won. Mind you America

probably has the best fighter pilots in the world but luck was on our side that day"

Russ: "What was the red logo on the tail of your aircraft?"

Alex: "That's Spetsnaz, the division we work for. We are the first Spetsnaz pilots ever. Our

division was created by Morien's father, Dmitri"

Russ: "I see"

Alex: "Come to think of it, I wonder how well your Tie Defender would do against any jet

here on earth. It seems a bit unfair"

Russ: "Well I use it in space battles. I've never fought within an atmosphere before which

may change conditions"

Alex: "Maybe you can join us for a bit. Before you go back?"

Ayeka: "Go back? What does he mean?"

Russ: "To Jurai…with you"

Ayeka: "Oh. Good"

Alex: "On that note, will there be a grand wedding we can look forward to?"

Ayeka: "You better believe there will be. And Russ will rule the empire as Emperor once

I take the throne as Empress"

Russ: "Ayeka, I…"

Ayeka: "Enough. I want to watch my show now" she said stopping him from objecting.

She also smiles.

The sliding door opens. Morien and Kanta enter the home.

Morien: "Gentlemen! Behold!"

Morien holds out a small cardboard package.

Russ: "Umm…what is that?"

Morien: "Guitar stings"

Russ: "Did you get anything else?"

Morien: "No"

Russ: "You were gone for that long and only came back with guitar stings?"

Morien: "Well Kanta was like a kid in a candy store not wanting to leave"

Kanta: "They don't have music stores in the desert! It took me forever to find a drum

set I wanted"

Russ: "You bought a drum set?"

Kanta: "Sure did. But I had them mail it to my place in Singapore. Where's Junko?"

Alex: "She's changing somewhere"

Kanta: "Oh where? I want to go watch…"

His better judgment kicked in.

Kanta: "I mean I'm just going to stay here"

Everyone else was quiet.

Kanta: "Oh come on! Don't act you're not impressed!"

Morien: "We are actually. Just not sure how to respond"

Kanta: "A simple 'nice work Kanta' will do"

Morien: "Yeah…that. It smells great in here. Dinner will be ready soon I take it?"

Sasami: "Yup. Just a little longer, Morien" she said from the kitchen

Up in Tenchi's room he was putting on a change of clothes while Ryoko watched resisting

the urge to dart at him and rip his clothes off. Now with a white shirt on and beige cargo

shorts, he walks to the bed and lays down face up with Ryoko sitting down by his side.

Tenchi: "What a day"

Ryoko: "Tell me about it. Nothing like a nice rest after a hard day's work"

Tenchi: "You actually worked?"

Ryoko: "I helped Ayeka with the laundry. I know, hell must have frozen over, right?"

Tenchi: "Ha! Yeah I guess it has. But in all seriousness that was nice of you"

Ryoko: "I help out more than you think, ya know"

Tenchi: "Ryoko?"

Ryoko: "Yes, Tenchi?"

Tenchi: "When are we getting married?"

Ryoko: "No idea. We could always elope!"

Tenchi: "Ryoko, I want this to be formal"

Ryoko: "I know, I know. We also need to decide where. Either here or Jurai"

Tenchi: "I would say here. It would be more convenient. And besides, after Russ and Ayeka

get engaged, their wedding will be on Jurai"

Ryoko: "Oh boy, what a day that will be"

Tenchi: "You said it. I feel sorry for Russ though because of his stage fright when he becomes

the center of attention. If he thought that singing in front of people was bad imagine having

all of the Jurian Royalty and merchants in the same place with all eyes on you"

Ryoko: "I'm sure he'll be preoccupied with thinking about his bride in front of him"

Tenchi: "But back to the task at hand"

Ryoko: "Don't worry Tenchi. I want our wedding to be the best one ever. I'm not about to

have a mediocre wedding ceremony for the best thing that has ever happened to me. Anyways,

what do you say we 'have some fun' before dinner?" she said poking his side.

Tenchi: "Uhh, Ryoko. Maybe later tonight. As much as I want to I'm still kind of beat from

work and there are people downstairs"

Ryoko: "But their noise will block out any sounds, Tenchi"

Tenchi: "Ryoko. Tonight"

Ryoko: "Fine" she crosses her arms in disappointment.

Tenchi: "Let's go join the others downstairs"

Ryoko: "Okay. I'm going to change too. See you in a bit dear"

Tenchi leaves his room and walks down the stairs into the living room where there was conversation going.

(UPDATE: Okay, I apologize if this throws anyone off but I'm going to transition from script to the typical style of writing you see in most books)

Upon entering the living room Tenchi sees everyone there sitting comfortably. Russ was still

engaged in his magazine and Nobuyuki his newspaper, but Ayeka, Alex, and Vladimir watched

the soap opera. Alex and Vladimir were intrigued as they had never seen a soap opera with

non-human characters. The main characters looked like emperor penguins with roach antennae.

Ayeka had to explain it was not an Earth based channel then she explained how they had a

satellite set up by Washu in order to tune in to channels light years away. Russ just smiled

knowing they had no knowledge of what was happening off of planet Earth. That was destined

to change at some point and sometime soon. Morien and Kanta sat down on the floor by a window

in the living room with backs on the wall talking about instruments and music in general.

"You've never been to a concert?" Morien asked surprised. Kanta replied in a typical manner.

"Fingerpaintings, what part of "I'm from the desert" isn't registering in that thick skull of yours?

Of course maybe that's the problem. But no I have not"

Morien raised an eyebrow upon hearing Kanta's reprisal but shrugged it off and continued.

"Well we should break you into the world of loud music and intense energy mixed with thousands

of people; all of which have the same goal: to enjoy the evening's festivities in a chaotic matter"

Kanta now looked at him with a straight face trying to figure out how to reply. He scratched his

chin, then the back of his head.

"So, what you're saying is that I can let myself go without much regret?"

"Obviously you need to have control over yourself within reason unless you want to go to prison"

Morien replied.

"It sounds like I might like that. Which groups do you recommend?" Kanta asked. Morien put his

hand on his chin and thought for a moment.

"I've seen many, many, bands from just about every genre except hip-hop and country. It all really

depends on your taste. Considering you ripped off most of my music when you first came here,

what do you like?"

"Most of what you call heavy music I like. It's a good way to get psyched before a mission. Anyone

in that category coming around anytime soon?" he asked.

"I'm not sure. I haven't been on my computer for a while and on top of that I haven't seen any

fliers in Hamburg or even around here when we went to Okayama. Of course now that you have

experienced performing first hand in front of a fairly large audience you should now have somewhat

of an idea of the concert experience from the audience's perspective"

Russ became interested in the conversation by the window and walked to over to join them. Once

he sat down he looked over at Ayeka on the sofa who gave him a fake sad face because he left.

He responded with moose ears.

"Welcome to the conversation. Do you have any musical input?" Morien asked

"Music is good?" Russ replied then continued "I really just listen to everything. I don't have a favorite

band or genre and, like most people, it depends on my mood which determines what I listen to"

"So from the heavier music department…what do you like?" Morien asked. "Umm…what you three

did live back at the party was good. I don't listen to that often but it comes out several times. Most

recently I've been on an electronic music surge. Crystal Method, The Faint, and music from various

games like Einhinder." Russ said. Morien's face went into amazement.

"You actually know what Einhinder is? I can ask just about anyone and no one knows what that is.

Finally someone who knows their games. Okay let's switch gears here. What games do you guys play?"

Kanta looked at Morien with the same 'what did I just tell you' face but Morien cut him off before he

got a chance to say anything.

"Okay Russ, what about you?"

"Unreal Tournament…"

"Okay stop right there…I'm sold!" Morien said. "I think that has to be my favorite game of all time.

That and the Sonic the Hedgehog series before they went to that 3rd dimensional garbage that

makes Barbie look like a good game"

Russ laughs then replies. "It's a good game. I don't know if it's the best but it's certainly up there.

Tom has a holodeck on his ship which enables the user to do just about anything. It can be used for

gaming and I've used it to play Unreal Tournament before. There's nothing like playing a game when

you're actually in it"

Now Kanta was intrigued. "So this can potentially improve our shooting skills then?" Kanta asked.

"It's a rather non-traditional method of doing so but yeah, I don't see why it wouldn't" Russ said.

"Fingerpaintings! I challenge you then! Since this isn't a contest of strength I'm curious as to how

your shooting skills will stack up to mine" Kanta said firmly.

"I guess. So I can kill you a hundred times over without actually killing you?" Morien asked curiously.

"Yes. But you will be different characters." Russ said.

"I'm game then" Morien replied happily. "And before you add stipulations, Kanta, let me be the first

to say there will be none. I'm only playing to have fun"

"Whatever, Fingerpaintings. I wouldn't want to add stipulations if I was fighting myself" Russ continued

to look at Morien and Kanta as they exchanged banter. 'Man, they remind me of my friendship with

Zorpheus. One is normal and the other one has sanity issues but they get along well or give off the

illusion that they do.' Sasami once again poked her head out of the kitchen. The usual cheerful look

on her face was there as she made her announcement.

"Hey guys. Dinner will be ready in about 5 minutes. Could you all start gathering everyone and

meet back here? Thanks!"

"Sweet!" Russ and Morien said at the same time.

Since it was only Zorpheus, Ryoko, and Junko who were not present it only took several seconds

to find them then everyone gathered around the kitchen table.

"Does anyone know where Washu is?" Morien asked.

"The one place she's at all the time: her lab" Ryoko said in reply.

"I'll be right back" Morien said.

While food was being brought to the table Morien entered into Washu's lab. As usual, she sat

with her back turned while placing digits or some other kind of information into a computer. She

senses his energy and turns around.

"Hey. What brings you in here?"

"Dinner is ready. You'd be a fool to pass up Sasami's cooking" Morien said.

"I've done it before but I'm working on not being as much of a shut in. And besides, now I have

you as a persuading factor" She said smiling. "Give me a minute. I'll be out soon"

"I can wait. Patience is one of my few skills provided it's something or someone worth waiting for.

What are you working on anyways?" he asked.

"A few years ago I had mentioned, back at your place, a strange energy building up in the furthest

area of this galaxy. It disappeared for a while but it has since returned. It always looks like it's going

to come in contact with Jurai, then it goes away without a trace, and then it reappears. It has had

many attempts to attack, if that's what it's supposed to do, but so far it makes the same motion. I

suppose if it was something controlled by another being it would have attacked by now"

Morien gazed at the massive screen in front of him as it displayed a map of the galaxy and where the

Earth and Jurai were. On the map was the projected path of the mass of energy in a yellow color

making an oval shape but remaining in the same area in space. "Is it something to be concerned

about, Washu?"

"I tried to determine that years ago and I still don't have an answer. If Jurai was in trouble we would

have known by now. No reports have been made. I've even contacted other scientists and astronomers

out there but they are not in the least bit concerned" Washu stops typing and walks over to Morien,

taking his arm and leading him towards the door.

"Anyways, I think it's time to refuel on some superb dining" she said.

"I'm right there with you" Morien said with eagerness.

The orange door appeared opening automatically allowing Washu and Morien to walk about. The smell

of the food was now everywhere. The darkness of night revealed itself through the windows setting

the mood for a calm pleasant evening. Walking into the dinning room, Morien and Washu spot two

open seats between Ryoko and Kanta. Everyone was waiting for their arrival and they all let out a "yes"

once the couple showed up.

"You guys could have started without us. I don't think the food was going anywhere" Morien said.

"With the way Russ and Zorpheus eat, it was best that everyone got a fair chance before it

vanished" Ryoko teased.

Russ and Zorpheus just replied with goofy facial expressions and waited for everyone to take their

portions which didn't take long. Once all plates were full and they knew no one was going after

seconds the two Saiyans began to rapidly eat everything in sight like a super massive black hole.

Kanta watched in amazement while chewing his food. Even though he had seen the way they eat

once before it was still new to him. Ryoko also had a ravenous appetite that far surpassed a normal

human being's appetite but she could not outmatch Russ and Zorpheus. Everyone else sitting around

tended to their own food completely satisfied with the perfect flavor of each dish whether it was the

miso soup, various tempura snacks, noodles, and even some sushi rolls that Sasami had learned to

make a few months back. Each glass cup was black with a white Japanese symbol on them. Each

symbol was a different Earth-based element such as water, fire, ice, and so on. Two gray pots of green

tea were also on the table. One had normal green tea and the other was green tea with lemon. Russ

was not fond of the heavy flavor of the tea so he purchased his own soda, Mountain Dew more specifically,

from the market which he brought to the table for each meal. He shared it with Zorpheus who did not

mind the tea but he would take Mountain Dew any day over just about any other beverage. For a few

minutes the only sound in the dining room was the chopsticks grabbing various food items from the

table and the tea being poured. That and the sound of the two Saiyins devouring their food faster than

a jet aircraft taking off. Nobuyuki decided to be the first to speak.

"So how was everyone's day?" he asked starting the conversation.

Almost everyone replied with "Good" or "Great" or "So-so." Nobuyuki then looked over at Morien.

"You know, I see you from time to time but I don't think we've formally introduced." Morien looked

back at Nobuyuki with a mouthful of noodles. He waited a few moments. "I don't recall either. I'm

Morien" he said lightly waving his hand in Nobuyuki's direction.

"And I'm Nobuyuki. It's an honor to meet you. In case I hadn't said it before you are more than

welcome in this home"

Morien smiled then politely gave a light bow in Nobuyuki's direction then Nobuyuki continued.

"I've heard a lot about you from everyone here but never got to meet you even when you did come

back. So guardian of Earth I hear now eh?"

Morien stopped and started to sweatdrop.

"Sorry if you don't like it" Nobuyuki said noticing that Morien did not seem comfortable with a title he

wish he didn't have.

"It's alright. I should have thought of that before speaking to national news that day in Chicago"

"But if you hadn't done that most of the world's conflicts wouldn't have subsided as rapidly as they

did. Many governments are working hard now to better themselves because of what you did" Junko

said grabbing a shrimp tempura with her chopsticks. "The only thing I wanted them to get out of my

announcement was not to bring me into captivity and for people to bring violence down to a minimum.

I never said make me a hero. On that note do you two want to take up the job as guardian of Earth?"

he asked looking at Russ and Zorpheus.

"No thank you!" they said in unison.

"Umm, Fingerpaintings, when you said that you didn't want to be taken captive you also included

Vash and myself as well right?"

Morien turns his head to Kanta with a smirk.

"Nope, just Vash" he laughs.

"Yeah, I deserved that one for being an as…I mean a jerk" Kanta censored himself knowing that

Sasami was also there. "Still doesn't mean I'm going to change though" "Hmpf" Junko let out.

"I meant for him, Junko" Kanta says trying to save himself.

Ryoko now joins in.

"So what are you two then? It's puzzling to me"

"Like I told my two wingmen here, we're something" Junko responds but Ryoko really wanted an answer.

"Seriously, are you a couple or not?"

"Ryoko, they don't have to reveal that if they don't want to" Tenchi intervened.

"But I'm curious, Tenchi"

"I understand Ryoko but let's stray off that topic and talk about something else."

Ryoko sighed in defeat. She would never argue with her fiancée.

"Okay Tenchi. But what should we talk about then?"

Tenchi thought for a moment while he consumed a small piece of a tempura carrot.

"Well, we are leaving in a few days for Tom's ship. What can we look forward to up there, Russ?"

Russ put down his plate. He lost count of the dishes he went through after a while.

"Tom claims he has one hundred percent wiped all the bugs out of all the systems of his ship so I'm

sure he will want to demonstrate some of the 'newer' things he can do with the Gray Wolf. You should

pack a few things but not as many since we aren't heading to Jurai like last time. It's mainly to stay

for 2 or 3 days and get a grand tour of the ship again"

"Is everyone on this ship dressed like Star Wars characters then?" Morien asked

"Surprisingly no. They have their own military style attire and not to mention just about everyone is

very friendly and warm. For those who haven't been up there I'm sure you will all enjoy yourself" Russ explained.

"What is there to do up there?" Junko now asked.

"What isn't there to do up there?" Zorpheus answered now joining in. "Just think of this as a vacation

within a vacation"

"Will Kiyone be going as well?" Vladimir asked

"As far as I know" Russ said with a smile knowing full well why he asked.

"Wait, why would you ask that?" Ryoko now asked curiously.

"Just keeping tabs on who's going. That's all" Vladimir replied nervously but did his best to hide it.

Ryoko sort of had an idea in her head but kept it to herself.

"Remember, Fingerpaintings, we have a match" Kanta said haughtily.

"I won't forget" Morien replied with a straight face.

"I really have to watch that. So how do you two get along?" Russ asked.

"I really don't know. Kanta's a pain and I retort with deliberately nagging about everything so

we're about even" Morien stated.

"We both have common interests despite our petty differences" Kanta said.

"You sound like Russ and Zorpheus" Sasami said from across the table.

"How are we even getting there?" Morien says with the thought just occurring.

"Remember that transport ship you saw the day we fought? One of those" Russ replied.

"I should have known that" says Morien.

The conversation continued on for 20 more minutes, mainly filling the newcomers with information

about Tom's ship, as everyone was about finished eating the food in front of them. On this particular

night Sasami had also created desert. It was a carrot-cake that was highly palatable. After desert

was finished everyone helped put plates, dishes, cups, and utensils away making the clean up process

about a ten minute task. From there everyone dispersed. The hour was just past 9pm. Tenchi and

Ryoko were up in his room getting ready to sleep. Russ and Ayeka were in their room watching an

anime on Russ's portable DVD player. Alex had gone back to Morien's place to rest. Washu went back

to her lab to work. Sasami was doing some final touches in cleaning the kitchen. The news was on in

the living room as Morien, Kanta, Junko, Vladimir, Zorpheus, and Nobuyuki were watching. It was mainly

reports about the economy around the world which caused everyone on the couch except Morien to

doze off. Once they woke up from their dozy stages everyone left and went to their bedrooms. Soon

Sasami retired for the night and went to her room for a peaceful night of sleep. The light of the television

was now the only light in the living room. Only Morien and Vladimir remained awake flipping through the

channels trying to find something to watch that wasn't in Japanese since they couldn't understand a

single word of it. To their surprise and relief they stumbled across the Discovery Channel in Russian

which they were both fluent in. They didn't know why they had that channel but they were happy with

the find. Morien began to laugh watching Mythbusters in Russian since he usually watched the show

in English.

"So how come you're still up? You're usually passed out by now" Morien asked.

"I don't feel like sleeping I guess" Vladimir replied.

"You're not waiting for Kiyone to come home?" Morien asked with a grin

"No…not at all…maybe" Vladimir stuttered.

"It's okay, comrade. I've gone through the motions too. We do things we typically don't do when

we want to attract someone" Morien explained.

"It's just the way she looked at me. It's very fresh in my mind and I want to go a bit further than

that" Vladimir said.

"I'm rooting for you"

Morien changed the channel again until he came across CNN which was in English. The words "Breaking News"

came across the screen. Both men now focused on the television.

"Scientists have now discovered wood that looks like it came from space. This may in fact be debris

from the meteor shower that took place just over a year ago. That shower lasted a few days as it

came as a huge surprise since astronomers had not predicted such an event. After the viewing, calculations

were made as to where debris may land should it reach the Earth. Upon searching that area discoveries

have been made as small fragments of this space wood are now being recovered and examined. They

do not match any tree here on earth and also looks like they cannot be broken as the tools used to

examine the wood fragments broke as they were used"

"Vladimir?" Morien asked with a concerned tone.

"Yeah?"

"Didn't that battle between Emperor Asuza and Tom's forces take place just over a year ago?"

"I think that's what I heard. What about it?" Vladimir asked.

"Those wood fragments… I wonder if this discovery has anything to do with it considering it's wood

from space and I was told that Jurian warships were made from wood"

"It's a possibility. I wouldn't worry though. So they found wood from outer space; big deal. What

are they going to do?" Vladimir said with confidence.

"I suppose. Still I'll keep an eye on how this unfolds"

From outside a low rumble was heard then it became louder until it disappeared.

"Sounds like Mihoshi and Kiyone are back. And the house is still in one piece. Looks like it will be

a good evening" Morien said.

"I hope so" Vladimir said

The front door slides open as two Galaxy Police officers walk through both looking exhausted from

a long shift. To Vladimir's disappointment Kiyone walks straight up the stairs but Mihoshi sets

herself on the love seat letting out a hiss as she sat down.

"Welcome back. Long shift?" Morien asked

"Uh-huh" Mihoshi said in a tired tone "I'm glad I'm home now. Is there any food left?"

"You can check the fridge"

"You know on second thought, I'm really tired. Is Zorpheus upstairs?" she asked.

"Yup"

"Ok. Goodnight guys"

Mihoshi slowly walked as she yawned her way up the stairs to her room.

"Damn" Vladimir said "I missed my chance"

"Dude, she just got back from a long shift. I think the last thing she wants to do right now is talk"

Morien explained.

"I know. I really was going to try and talk to her"

"And I'm sure you were. But you'll have plenty of other chances. Anyways I'm going to hit the sack.

You should do the same. Also, maybe you should train with Russ and myself tomorrow"
"You're joking right? I'm not super human like you two"

"I understand but I believe Russ said that even if you have the slightest amount of power, even

that of human strength, you can grow your powers exponentially"

"I'll give it some thought. Have a good night" Vladimir said retiring to a corner in the living room

to sleep.

Morien turned off the television and entered Washu's lab. All the lights now were off in the

Masaki home. In her room Kiyone was face up in her bed with eyes closed but still awake. She

had felt alone now that just about everyone in the home was with someone. In addition she tried

very hard to hide her envy and just focused on her career. It was nowhere near Ayeka's loneliness

before she met Russ but it still bothered her like a thorn in her heel. Then she thought of Vladimir.

She remembered when he looked over at her for just a few seconds. She found him attractive but

didn't know if she wanted to make a move. The thought of talking to him made her nervous on the

inside. In her mind she was debating being alone or doing something about it now that she had a

chance to. The sandman's spell was now over her as she slipped into a state of peaceful rest

while still thinking about Vladimir.

End of Chapter 4