Kakumei Muyo
By Harunomiya
Disclaimer:Revolutionary Girl Utena and its characters belong to Be-PaPas, Chiho Saito. Shogakukan, Shokaku Iinkai and TV Tokyo.
Tenchi Muyo and its characters belong to Hitoshi Okuda, AIC and Pioneer.
Chapter 10: Duty
"Whew! I'm done, Yukinojo!" Kuramitsu Mihoshi exclaimed, just finished with typing the last entry of her lengthy monthly report. A report that Mihoshi was required to submit to her superior, Captain Nobeyama, at Galaxy Police Headquarters detailing the status quo in the Sol System. The man however had misfortune to be read every bit of detail in that lengthily report. Yukinojo made sure that it was successfully saved, not leaving up to chance that Mihoshi's efforts be in vain.
"Files have successfully saved, lady Mihoshi," the A.I. metallic voice stated. "Please state you're access code."
Mihoshi, following Yukinojo's instructions, laid her right hand flat on the control panel before her. She spoke in a clear voice, "Access code: There was an old woman who lived in a shoe."
DNA and astral patterns are cleared.
"I'm transmitting the report data now, lady Mihoshi," Yukinojo announced.
"Good! Well, we're done for the day." Mihoshi said. "Let's go home!"
"This sector of the Sol System is clear... headed back to earth!" the A.I. announced.
"Yay!" the blonde said. She settled into seat, getting comfortable for the trip back home. She stifled a yawn and rubbed her eyes, feeling suddenly sleepy. It couldn't hurt to take a nap, she reasoned. By the time I wake up it'll be dinnertime! She allowed herself to picture the delectable dishes that awaited her, her mouth watering with anticipation.
The GP Officer allowed sleep to take her; she couldn't help the thoughts that floated around in her head.
Mihoshi was glad to be off duty patrolling colonial planet number 0315. The Earth. To be more specific, the Non-Interference Zone of the Earth, the protected area around it. Mihoshi took her job seriously, and did her best to carry out the orders given to her by GP Headquarters. Although Earth was considered a backwater planet by most, very few knew that several members of the Royal House of Jurai made their residence there. It was her duty as a GP Officer, to keep the Royals safe. She didn't need the Juraian request to stress the uttermost importance of their safety to her. It didn't matter to her if they were Royal or not, many would be scandalized, (horrified even) to find out that the infamous Space Pirate Ryoko, and famed scientist Washu, also lived there, alongside the royals. It didn't matter to her in the least; Mihoshi would look after them, highborn or criminal.
She grinned sleepily. But what made them truly special to her, was the simple fact that they were all her friends. And that made all the difference. She giggled happily, filled with a warm feeling that last thought gave her, Mihoshi allowed sleep to claim her.
* * *
Meanwhile on earth...
Utena was trapped in Washu's lab, strapped down to a seat and sweating profusely. Out of the blue, her mind latched onto something Ayeka said, her prim and proper tones echoing in her head, Utena could swear that she heard the princess admonishing her. "Woman don't sweat, they glisten." The sudden thought startled Utena, her mind drifting into the most insane of moments. Focus, she mentally chided herself. She had no idea how this whole situation was going to end. It was all unpredictable. But she was damned if she'll let the thrill of fear get to her. A bead of perspiration made its way down her brow and threatened to fall into her eyes. Utena didn't dare to look away from the sight before her, not even to wipe away the salty moisture that threatened to distract her.
"C'mon," she growled softly, her focus sharp, "C'mon!"
Patience, the familiar voice whispered from within her mind. Utena bit back a retort. She knew that it would do her no good and besides Washu was tuned into her every reaction.
Seconds later, what seemed an eternity to Utena, she caught sight of enemy fighters on her screen, heading straight for her. A wave of anticipation caused her lips to curl in a feral grin. She pressed on the accelerator and felt the g forces pushed her into her seat. Within a heartbeat, she was in the mist of them, taking them apart.
* * *
There was no greater pleasure than the cockpit simulator, the most perfect video game she ever played. Washu trained her, step by step in its use. At first not knowing the awesome power of the game, she played only at the tactical level, Taking an active part in continuous maneuvers to find and destroy an enemy. The computer-controlled enemy was devious and powerful, and whenever Utena tried a tactic she found the computer using it against her within minutes.
The game was quite realistic in it's display, it was tuned into real-scenario situations. If she was struck, she would feel the turbulence and violence of space combat, as they fought, dancing and spinning and maneuvered through simulated space. The controls were powerful. She could rotate the display in any direction, so she could watch from any single angle, and she could move the center so that the duel took place nearer or further from her.
Gradually, as she became more adept at controlling her fighter's speed, direction of movement, orientation, and weapons, the game was made more complex. She might have two enemy ships at once; there might be more obstacles, the debris of space; Utena began to worry about fuel and limited weapons; the computer began to assign her particular things to destroy or accomplish, so that she had to avoid distractions and achieve an objective in order to win. The enemy was always a different ship, of varying design and capabilities. A challenge that she enjoyed to take on.
When she had mastered the one-fighter game, Washu allowed her to step back into the four-fighter squadron. Utena spoke commands to simulated pilots of four fighters, and instead of merely carrying out the computer's instructions, she was allowed to determine the tactics herself, deciding which of the objectives was the most valuable and directing her squadron accordingly. At any time she could take personal command of one of the fighters for a short time, and she did this often; when she did, the other three fighters in her squadron were soon destroyed. As the games grew harder and harder, she had to spend more and more of her time commanding the squadron. When she did, Utena won more and more often.
Finishing off the last of her enemies and collecting another victory, Utena sighed, pleased with herself.
"Well done Utena," Washu praised into her ear, her voice coming from inside the helmet.
"Thanks," Utena murmured.
"You're getting better at commanding the squadron," Washu continued. "You'll be commanding a fleet in no time!"
Utena chuckled even as she made a face in distaste. "I rather not," she said countering, "I prefer the hands on approach, than sitting back and looking pretty."
Washu laughed at that. "How's that a bad thing?"
"You know me, I hate being idle." Utena pressed the button over her head and the cockpit opened, allowing her to step out. Washu was already there, a grin on her face, utterly pleased with Utena's results. she removed her helmet and chucked it into the seat. She began to stretch after sitting for more than two hours straight.
"That, my dear, is a gross understatement," Washu quipped.
She looked at the performance readouts of Utena's latest engagements. She could use her squadron like a scalpel, reacting beautifully to anything the computer threw at her, and carving the enemy into shreds. This youngster's potential was endless. Washu watched her retreating back, and lapsed into musings. I wonder how she would match up against lord Tenchi? It grieved her that Tenchi wouldn't set a foot in her lap, she had to admit it was her fault, but it was useless to cry over spilled milk. At this thought Washu grinned, or lack thereof. She was curious how he would perform in her cockpit simulator.
Utena's voice penetrated her thoughts. "Washu, are you coming?" she called.
"Yeah!" Washu replied, while muttering under her breath about the impetuousness of youth.
* * *
Everyone whether they were willing to admit it or not, enjoyed sitting down for the meals that were like ambrosia to the gods. It was a time when everyone in the household stopped whatever they were doing and rush to sit down, definitely not wanting to miss out on any of the dishes. It was one of those times that they all gathered together.
Utena looked around warmed by the sight of everyone gathered there, seated at waiting to begin. Only one person was left to show up, and judging from the time of day, it wasn't long.
"I'm not late am I?" the familiar blond voice was heard as she entered the house. Following her nose, Mihoshi popped into the dinning area. You can set your watch by that detective, when it comes to Sasami's meals she's never late. Anything else well... there's no guaranty.
After another round of usual table side manners, which included Ryoko and Ayeka fighting for the last dumpling, and the ever thankful words of praise that had the younger princess blushing furiously. Everyone went back to whatever they were doing.
Utena and Mihoshi helped clear the table of the dishes that remained. It was something that Mihoshi always insisted on doing. The pink-haired girl studied the other woman, s she happily helped with the clean up. Utena found herself wondering what it was like to be able to fly up into space and commune with the stars.
Having this fanciful notion planted in her head, she invited Mihoshi to talk with her. Mihoshi was happy to oblige.
With a smile, Utena moved to the living room and the blonde followed suit.
"What's it like, doing what you do?" Utena asked.
"Serving in the Galaxy Police?" Mihoshi asked seeing Utena's nod before continuing. "I mean I have sworn an oath to protect all civilians, uphold Galactic Laws and keep the peace." Mihoshi tilted her head to the side, a smile forming as her eyes misted in recollection. "It's a grave and awesome duty, one that is an honor to take on, and make it a personal responsibility." She focused on Utena, "That's what my grandfather always said to me."
Utena wracked her head trying to remember what Tenchi told her once. "Your grandfather works for the Galaxy Police, right?"
She nodded her head. "Yeah, he's actually the Grand Marshall, the head of the GP."
"Wow."
"Many of my relatives work for the GP but I admire Grandfather. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to be a GP officer just like him. What the GP does really makes a difference. I want to do my part to help."
Utena smiled at the blonde obvious enthusiasm and admired her commitment to a worthy profession. She knew all too well, the need to emulate a childhood hero.
"The Galaxy Academy designs many things that we use, including the GP ships; Grandfather had them give me my ship, its one of its kind. Even with Yukinojo, I get lonely patrolling by myself," Mihoshi admitted to the pink-haired girl.
Mihoshi's ship functions as a mobile police station. Unlike other GP ships, it does not need a recharge of energy or maintenance. That is, it has a self-evolving function. If you look closely, her ship can take on different shapes. The ship can evolved itself during the intervening period. Using this function, the ship keeps upgrading itself according to the latest information sent from the Headquarter, gathering resources from nearby planets or subspaces, as necessary. In this context, it is a living ship, similar to Ryo-oh-ki. Again this ship is an invention of Galaxy Academy. Why has only Mihoshi got it? Because of her grandfather, he wanted her to work in HQ, but she insisted to follow in his footsteps and have her own cruiser, to chase and apprehend criminals. This was of course, very dangerous and he pulled the strings to get her the best ship available, dotting grandfather that he was.
He couldn't chance her mind, but he did assign her to work in the Sol System, according to GP Intel it was a relatively calm area. That is until recent events.
"Haven't you ever been assigned a partner?" Utena asked. She saw something cross her face. The GP Officer looked away, as she fiddled with her thumbs.
"They never lasted long with me," she finally said. Being the granddaughter of the head of the GP, didn't win her over many friends and even less people she can trust to work with and watch her back like a partner should.
She sipped from her tea cup "Why not?" Utena asked and watched as Mihoshi's cheerful demeanor wilt and her smile falter. It was times like these that Utena cursed her inability to curb her natural curiosity.
Mihoshi looked down, an embarrassed flush crept across her face. "I was deemed a walking health hazard," she said and Utena understood immediately. Mihoshi was accident prone, of the highest proportions. Her eyes filled with sympathy. "When word got around, no one wanted to accept being partnered with me."
Mihoshi began to stress out, being around such enmity, and envy. She could not help who she was related to and born into a family that was second to the Royal House of Jurai. Be as it may, these negative emotions drained her, due to the sensitive personality that she had, and kept her from being an effective officer. No one really bothered talking to her with the exception of making snide comments.
They didn't understand why and how of anything, of whom she was. All she wanted to do was a good GP officer and make her grandfather proud. She stuck it out because of him. But being around such people was demoralizing.
How they enjoyed to see her mess up.
Her only redeeming characteristic, Mihoshi recalled reading, according to her file, was "luck." As her pilot instructor said, "Under normal circumstances, this cadet was adequate at best, and often to careless or rash. But in emergencies, everything seems to come together, and she will do five wrong things that add up to the best combination."
Utena studied Mihoshi's profile, thoughts racing. It couldn't be so bad; she made it through her Academy training, and is a First Class Detective. They wouldn't promote just anyone to that rank. "I wouldn't mind going with you on one of your patrols Mihoshi," Utena said. She was glad to see her friend's sadness vanish.
Her head snapped up, eyes searching Utena's face. "You would?" Mihoshi's eyes were wide with disbelief. The words were spoken with such wistful hopefulness that Utena felt her heart lurch at the sight and smiled.
"Sure thing!" she ascertained.
Utena lunged forward and grabbed Utena into an enthusiastic hug, Utena managed to keep the contents from her cup from spilling, thanks again to quick reflexes. "That'll be great!"
"Don't you need to ask permission?" Washu's voice came from the doorway to her lab. Washu caught the gist of their talk and inwardly smiled. The girl is so quick to comfort those around her.
Utena craned her neck to spot Washu. "Uh, yeah." She smiled brightly, "Mihoshi, you can let go now," she said through clenched teeth.
Mihoshi giggled. "Oops, sorry!" she backed away, and tried to smooth out the wrinkles from Utena's T-shirt with the flat of her hand. Her actions were efficient but personal in the way she was handling Utena. The sight brought amusement into Washu's green eyes. From the look on Mihoshi's face, she had no idea how her innocent her actions seemed.
Utena bore Washu's amusement, and the blonde's innocent handling, fighting the blush that threatened. Finally, Mihoshi moved away.
"Well?" Washu waited, and Utena took a deep breath. She considered Washu a surrogate mother and knew that the feeling was mutual. So it stands to reason what she was asking for was only fair.
"Well, I was kind of hoping that I could join Mihoshi on one of her patrols."
"You have responsibilities," Washu pointed out.
"C'mon Washu, its space, the final frontier!" Utena pleaded, eyes filled with visions of planets and stars. Stars that danced brightly in her blue eyes.
Washu knew how fond Utena was of the constellations. She really didn't have that heart to deny her anything. Utena rarely asked for anything. But she was a mother, and as such she mustn't cave in so easily. "..."
"Please Washu!" Mihoshi added her own pleas. She searched her pretty head frantically for something that will make Washu agree. "If you do, I..." But what? Her thoughts raced in her head. She had nothing that the brilliant scientist could want. Washu can create anything her precious lab... suddenly inspiration hit her! "I promise to stay out of your lab!"
The scientist won over the mother. Washu didn't need to think about it. "Deal!"
In her excitement Mihoshi began to hop around, bouncing like a cute bunny. Such was her enthusiasm; she managed to knock over the remains of Utena's tea, spilling the contents on Utena's shirt. The pink-haired girl jumped up, not wanting anything to stain the couch, thinking of Sasami.
"I'm such a klutz!" Mihoshi cried, instantly stopping. Grabbing the napkin on the coffee table, and immediately began to dab at the tea stain. "I'm so sorry Utena!" the blonde cried, tears sparkling in her eyes.
"If you take off you shirt, I can throw it into the washer!" the blonde reached out to her and Utena blushed brightly, as she hastily stepped back.
"Th-that's okay," Utena said, stumbling on her words. It was an effort to maintain eye contact.
"But I-" Mihoshi took a step forward, looking confused. Utena stepped back, causing her to trip, with the coffee table leg. It sends her crashing back into the other couch. Fortunately, the cushioned seat absorbed the impact of her fall. She landed heavily on her butt.
Utena was flat out embarrassed to be caught in such an awkward position. Her wet shirt was plastered to her front, butt aching and Mihoshi was trying in vain to remedy her fax pas. Washu was no help as she was busy trying to stifle her laughter.
Utena closed her eyes. Sometimes there was no possible way to retain a scrape of her bruised dignity intact. She grinned ruefully.
* * *
Utena found herself in Washu's lab, watching the smaller woman pace back and forth. She waited for her to speak, knowing that that was when Washu was good and ready.
The smaller woman stopped and glanced at Utena, looking at her, the scientist felt a sense of affection mingled with a trace of embarrassment.
She cleared her throat, before she spoke. "Now, this'll only be for the weekend," Washu stated as looked at the girl in front of her. "Don't forget your school work." She felt that she needed, amend her behavior, by reaffirming that she cared. She had been a scientist long before becoming a mother.
Looking into her blue eyes, Washu saw that Utena didn't hold it against her. She understood that it was all still so new to take to quickly. "Got it," Utena sated as she pointed at her duffel bag.
"I'll need to call Kira and let her know that I won't be coming in this weekend." Her blue eyes clouded as she thought of something plausible so say if her boss pressed her for details.
The would-be mother snapped her fingers and suddenly a figure appeared besides her. A marionette that was the spitting image of Utena, easily could pass as her twin "You know that my offer of Mecha Utena to fill in for you still stands." Washu reminded her. Washu's been itching to test out the marionette.
Utena shook her head, all the while smiling, she knew that Washu was overly enthusiastic about her creations. "Only if Kira's really pressed for the help."
The pink-haired girl recalled complaining to Washu good-naturedly, that she wished she had a stand in whenever she needed to be at so many places at once. The speculative gleam in Washu's green eyes, gave Utena pause, but she was too tired understand the implications of her words. She vaguely understood that she triggered something in that brilliant mind, sending the wheels turning.
A month later, Utena was standing before her mechanical doppelganger, identical to the last detail. Her double was dressed in a polo shit and athletic shorts. Fair skin flawless. A reminder of what had been. Despite this, Utena was very impressed. She reached out and touched the cheek that was warm and soft under her fingers.
This was another testament to Washu's brilliance; a testament that shared her features didn't bother her. As long as it was safe.
She snapped back to the present. "Maybe I should talk to sensei Katsuhito-" Utena began only to be cut off by the wave of Washu's hand.
"Leave the old man up to me," Washu said. "You're going to need this." She tossed the jumpsuit that Utena always wore whenever testing things the lab. Catching it, the girl nodded her head in understanding.
She folded it neatly before stuffing it in the bag.
* * *
The next day, while everyone was seated during breakfast, what better way to spring news of any sort, than at the dinner table, with everyone fed and contently stuffed? Washu casually told the others of Utena's three day trip aboard Mihoshi's ship, a trip granted with her permission. Katsuhito, didn't interfere in the decision, in fact, all he required is that Utena kept up with her training. He had come to realize that Washu was acting like the mother that Utena never had and clearly enjoyed the warm feelings it gave her being considered as such.
The reactions of the others varied, Ryoko was surprised, wondering what brought this on, but thought it'll be a good way for her to unwind. Tenchi was happy for his friend, clearly Utena was pleased with going on the trip. Ayeka was not aware that Utena and Mihoshi got along so well. Sasami wanted to go too, eyes wistful. She wanted to chase down and catch space criminals.
"When you're done playing Law and Order, I'll give you a tour of the universe that will definitely beat patrol duty any day!" Ryoko boasted. She bit into a drum stick prepared western style. Her eyes discreetly studied Utena. The ex-pirate's protectiveness towards her had intensified since that night, but tried her best not to be overbearing.
"Ryoko, mind you manners," Ayeka said clearly put off. As usual, Ryoko ignored her.
"I'll hold you up to that," Utena was quick to take up the offer.
* * *
Utena boarded the ship following Mihoshi, who was crisply dressed in her uniform. Once aboard, she handed Utena a pressed uniform to wear. She looked at her friend with questioning eyes.
"When on duty, an officer must wear the designated dress code uniform." Mihoshi recited.
"But Mihoshi, I'm not GP." Utena said.
"Well I can fix that! I'll make you an honorary ensign!" Mihoshi said brightly. "Then you'll have no problem."
Now here she was on portal duty with Mihoshi and dressed in the GP uniform that was similar to the blonde's. The only exception was that she was granted the honorary rank of an ensign in the GP.
"This way I can make you my partner!" the blonde said enthusiastically, utterly taken with the idea. The partner in question chuckled, willing to go along, after all, what harm could there be? It was only going to be for three days.
* * *
Mihoshi gave the younger girl a tour of her ship, beginning with her introduction to Yukinojo, the ship's A.I.
As they made their way, something was revealed that Mihoshi would have probably preferred to be kept a secret.
"Dear me...she's as messy as ever...more!" a metallic voice grumbled. As they neared Utena was able so see a machine sweeping up the mess that sprawled everywhere. "She must be practicing her mess-generating skills." Utena cast a glance over at Mihoshi, who seemed ready enough to die of mortification. She couldn't suppress the smile that pulled at her lips, she laughed softly.
The sentient A.I. turned to face the direction of the sound, to find it's mistress, blushing furiously, and a pink-haired girl standing at her left, chuckling,
"Utena, this is Yukinojo. Yukinojo, Tenjou Utena." Mihoshi's voice was quite cheerful.
"It's a pleasure to have you aboard, lady Utena," the A.I.'s mechanical voice greeted.
Utena was utterly fascinated with Yukinojo. "The pleasure's mine," Utena replied, then spoke as an afterthought, blue eyes keen. "Just Utena, please, Yukinojo." She kept her eyes glued to the makeup of the metallic machine.
"As you wish, Utena," Yukinojo agreed.
"Yukinojo, prepare for launch sequence," Mihoshi said.
"Beginning preparations," Yukinojo replied.
Mihoshi sat in her command chair and was running through her pre-flight checklist, and for once was doing everything by the book. She didn't want Utena to think that she was a total space case... besides knowing that this was Utena's first time on a GP cruiser and flight launch, Mihoshi wanted it to be memorable.
"Um, Mihoshi?" Utena was unusually hesitant.
"Yes?"
"Do I need to be strapped down or something?" she asked.
"That's not necessary," Mihoshi replied as she looked at Utena. "Only during space combat and under extreme situations. It is unlikely to happen here in the Sol System. So please don't worry and enjoy the ride."
After they were in orbit, Mihoshi showed were she was going to be staying in the meantime.
It was a lot bigger than she first thought and great deal more comfortable.
The first few hours she helped Mihoshi organize her cluttered mess in its proper place. It wasn't long after that she found items that she was missing.
She spotted a holographic image sitting on the desk and walked closer to see, her curiosity piqued.
A formidable looking man with a golden mane lightly streaked with silver and half beard reminded Utena of a seasoned lion. He wore a uniform that left no question of his rank and identity. He was the Grand Marshal of the GP. He had the bearing of one long accustomed to duty. He stood tall, hands rested lightly on the young girl's shoulders that Utena know without a doubt to be Mihoshi.
Her features held the same openness, filled with the ever-present cheerfulness. Blue eyes free of guile and filled with laughter. That sparkle seemed to spill over and infectious. that much was clear, from the askance glance at Mihoshi, on the young man's face next to her. He was several years her junior. His own eyes filled with childish devotion and hero-worship.
Flanking her from the other side, was a woman who looked like an echo of Mihoshi's future self. Who of course was her mother. The man that stood next to her had to be her husband and Mihoshi's father.
It was awfully nice to have a family picture where it showed how much they cared. Utena wondered if Mihoshi missed them. She herself had only aunt Yurika and missed her terribly, but she had made her choice to fallow her path. There is no victory without giving something up.
* * *
Mihoshi popped her head into the doorway, expression ever cheerful. "Utena ready to work out?" the GP Officer asked.
Utena tore her gaze from the amazing view out her window, and regarded her friend. "Sure." Of course, she had to keep up her training and school work while on patrol in the Sol system. They needn't remind her, the younger girl was interested how Mihoshi's GP training measured up to what she knew herself.
"Good!" she beamed. "I'll meet you at the training hall." With a cheerful wave, she disappeared down the corridor.
With a smile of anticipation, Utena walked over to the closet and pressed a button, the door sliding open. Reaching inside, she pulled out what she needed. Utena began to remove the GP uniform, folding it neatly as she stripped off each piece. She then slipped into the body suit that monitored her vitals and performance. It was designed to work on many levels than just scientific uses alone, chic functional wear that covered Utena's body, which was eerily similar to Ryoko's battle suit sans the puffy shoulders and quite flattering to Utena's slender frame. It was created by her Mommy Washu, the same one she wore when working at the simulator. She knew that Washu would want the information.
Making her way down the corridor and the training hall she found the beautiful blonde stretching out. She greeted Utena from her position on the floor, touching her booted feet.
"Nice suit!" she said appreciatively.
"Thanks, Washu's doing." Utena said, amused by how enthusiastic Mihoshi always seemed about everything. It was as if everything was something to be amazed about. "So what are we doing?"
"Well, I'd like to start on some shooting practice." Mihoshi answered. "You know a GP Officer needs to be a good shooter."
"Uh, okay."
She began to fiddle with her cube, twisting and turning, in directions that seemed random and irrelevant. For all this, Utena's curiosity was triggered as usual. It was something to see Mihoshi pull another trick out of her bag of tricks, so to speak.
Utena watched her with the cube and wondered what it was and how it worked. The girl's mind began to drift. She began to envision a whole scenario. Washu dressed in the scholarly robs of a professor that were en vogue at the time of her tenure that the Galaxy Academy. She stood before a holographic image, with a pointing device.
"Let's begin with your question, what is Mihoshi's 'cube'. The answer is simple; it's a subspace key."
Washu sighed, as she would have at Utena's clueless expression, "More details... It is a key to expand subspaces. In another word, it is a cube-shaped 4-dimensional pocket. All the members of GP have one, but this particular one of Mihoshi's is an illegal cube, with many more functions. It is probably made by Galaxy Academy. Why is she allowed to have it? Perhaps because she is a 1st Class Detective, or perhaps her grandfather is turning a blind eye to it."
Utena shook her head free of the day dream, highly amused or rather disturbed that she would drift into a lecture of sorts. She didn't wonder that for all that it was that explanation made sense to her. Washu had come to the conclusion that Utena was a part of the family who knew who they truly were and as such needed to understand things that were unknown to her. So she used her scientific know how to broaden Utena's understanding. She just failed to mention it.
Suddenly Utena's attention was caught by the strange looking weapons that Mihoshi held in her hands.
"These are GP Blaster sidearm, standard issue for GP Officers." Mihoshi handed one over to Utena who hefted it, surprised by its lightweight feel. "They may have the appearance of toys but very dangerous as it is effective."
Mihoshi was right, to her eyes, the blaster look like a harmless child's toy. It was overall black and muted grey in appearance. The barrel of the weapon was horizontal and an inch in diameter.
Mihoshi showed her how to operate it, with the ease of one use to its use.
"And this is a antimatter bullet," Mihoshi said as she held a cylindrical object between her thumb and forefinger. "This baby can stop most high tech battle armor."
"We're going to use that for practice?" Utena asked, incredulous.
"No silly, I just wanted you to see."
Utena's relief was evident, but short lived with Mihoshi's next words.
"We're using energy blasts!"
"Uh, you think I should handle that?"
Mihoshi frowned, confused. "Washu suggested that I teach you. She said you're a good shot."
"That explains it. Okay, I'll give it a go."
Mihoshi set up the targets and proceeded to demonstrate the blaster's potential. Mihoshi settled into a shooting stance, legs spread, and hands gripped the blaster and target in sight. Utena watched wide-eyed as the burst of energy made short work of the rows of empty aluminum cans. The light echo of each shot's impact resounding in the room.
After knocking down all her targets, Mihoshi pulled up her gun and spared a sideways glance to Utena, face beaming. "Your turn," she piped up.
Taking a deep breath, Utena nodded, as she readied herself for the task at hand. She hopped that she didn't make too big a fool of herself. But she was interested how well she might fare with the blaster. When she squeezed the first shot, Utena was surprised by the recoil of the blast. She didn't expect the blaster to pack such a punch. Her stance helped her absorb the recoil well enough. But it wasn't something that Utena couldn't handle.
With every shot that she took, Utena felt her confidence grow. She was glad that working in the simulator in Washu's lab helped her cope with everything. It won't be the first time nor the last, she'll be infinitely grateful for her training in all its forms. Mind and body.
"After this we'll do some light sparing," Mihoshi announced from behind her.
This perked Utena up. "Okay, partner."
Hearing this made Mihoshi's smile bloom to full blast, the simple happiness she radiated warmed Utena, it was that palpable. Because she was concentrating on her targets, she was unaware of the tears of joy that shone in Mihoshi's eyes.
* * *
The flat of Mihoshi's hand slapped into Utena's cheek. It immediately exploded into a burst of stinging pain that made Utena's face feel twice its usual size. She didn't hesitate to respond, dropping to the floor without a second thought and scissoring her legs with hers. Both their legs tangled and Mihoshi fell. Utena was already pushing herself back up to a standing position even as Mihoshi fell. Utena was a half-second ahead of her and knew if she didn't maintain that advantage Utena was in for a world of hurt.
Utena pushed herself harder and faster, diving back into the fight.
Mihoshi came up swinging, but Utena was prepared. She blocked the blonde's first two shots and ducked under the third. Slipping past her, Utena snapped her leg out to connect with Mihoshi's hip. She staggered off balance and moved with a speed Utena couldn't follow to push herself off of the wall. Mihoshi caught Utena's foot and snapped it in the opposite direction of her momentum.
For a second time, the pink- haired girl fell hard. Mihoshi was on top of her before she could breathe. They wrestled for an instant. Mihoshi's bare foot slipped against the well polished wooden floor and Utena took advantage of her rare moment of distraction to break her hold. Utena stumbled a few feet away and then stopped.
Mihoshi lunged towards Utena again.
"Mihoshi, wait," Utena managed to get the words out around several panted breaths. Fortunately, the blonde halted almost immediately. She slumped slightly over herself, but unlike me there was no sweat trickling down her face, and she certainly wasn't breathing hard. I shook my head. That was Mihoshi, all right.
She glanced up again, trying to catch a good look at Mihoshi's eyes in the bright light of the room. The bright blue of her eyes still showed enough of her natural cheery demeanor. She was a happy person indeed. Mihoshi was really good and so unlike the bubbly blonde she was accustomed to. She was quite effective as a GP Officer; her eyes took a more serious quality, dampening her natural cheerful nature a bit.
Utena took one last deep breath and slowly exhaled it. With a smile, she gestured for them to start again. The corner of Mihoshi's lips turned up in a feral smile. The ever-cheerful blonde seemed to take another more serious or aggressive personality whenever training or on duty. This was a part of Mihoshi that the others rarely had a chance to see. Only familiar with the dizzy blonde and all around klutz. Slowly they circled, watching each other carefully as they paced around each other in the relatively tight confines of the training deck.
Breep! Eep! Breep Eep!
The sudden noise broke Utena's concentration. She glanced away, seeking the source and Mihoshi struck. Utena barely yanked her head back fast enough to avoid her punch. She hit the wall awkwardly and shoved away from it, instinctively attacking back. The force of the blow caused Mihoshi to hit the wall in turn.
Utena winced at the sight of Mihoshi sprawled onto her back. She hurried over to her, her mind racing. Maybe I over did it. Utena thought nervously as she helped Mihoshi sit up.
"Ow!" she cried, "that really hurt!" Mihoshi turned her big blue eyes to Utena, tears shining at the corners.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" Utena apologized; she hated to see anyone tear up. She noticed that Mihoshi's wristband cast a red glow.
"Uh, your wristband is blinking," Utena said pointing.
"Oh," reading the information, Mihoshi forgot her pain and jumped up to her feet. "Follow me!" the GP officer took over, leaving the ditz behind.
Mihoshi hastily shrugged on her coat uniform and buttoned it up, fixing everything into place. She made her way down to the corridor and to the ship's control room. The doors slid open with an audible swoosh. Utena followed closely behind and Mihoshi sat down in the command chair, pushing a button the console that brought the screen before her to life.
"Yukinojo, report!" her voice took on a tone crisp command.
"Aye, lady Mihoshi!" Yukinojo, the A.I. Mihoshi's ship answered. "An unknown object has appeared at 1700 hours. I have tracked unusual trail activity that warrants your investigation, around the ninth planet in the sol system."
Her expression lit up. "I bet it is the Space Mafia," Mihoshi said to herself, Utena momentarily forgotten.
"There is no proof that the Space Mafia is working in the Sol System. You know this." Yukinojo interjected, he knew full well her outlandish theories.
Mihoshi clenched her fist, her blue eyes glittering with determined conviction. "I do, but my instincts as a detective tell me different!"
There was an awkward silence as Utena peered over Mihoshi's head and glanced at Yukinojo. She squinted, surprised to see sweat drops on the metallic frame that made up the A. I. Nah, can't be. Its condensation, Utena reasoned. "Set course for the ninth planet."
After a moment or two, the faithful robot nodded his metallic head. "Aye, setting course!" Yukinojo confirmed.
Author's Notes:
End of Chapter 10: Duty.
I liked the setting of Utena being away from the usual ruckus of the Masaki household. I thought I give her a different prospective with and of Mihoshi. (Out of the frying pan and into the fire! ^_^) Being an earthling, she would appreciate a journey through the stars even if only on patrol.
So what do you think? Comments and Criticisms are welcome. Please review. Thanks for reading! ^_^
-Harunomiya