Chapter 27--A Plan Foiled

Some distance away, in the crystal ship, Bagon and Kylia stood in the heart of it's dark mass. The interior glowing with energy.

"Navolic, initiate the collector." Kylia ordered a tall lanky demon that stood beside her. He clicked a series of long thin carved crystal sticks into their perspective portals then nodded, backing away.

A small crystal sphere arose from the floor, floating between Kylia and Bagon. The two dark knights placed their hands upon the sphere and closed their eyes. The air around them became heavy and the room began to glow red. The dark ones gritted their teeth, straining to focus the energy that flowed throughout the ship.

"Strap yourselves in and hang on!" Ryan ordered, jumping into his seat. Everyone complied, gripping their seats as Ryan engaged the turbo engines. The ship burst forward, whizzing through space at breakneck speed. Everyone gritted their teeth and closed their eyes, hoping the ship would slow down. Mercifully, within a few minutes, Ryan brought the ship to a halt.

Before them, floated the crystal ship. It's entire form glowing a bright red.

"What are they doing?" Tenchi asked.

Ryan clenched his jaw. He flew the ship forward, firing all his weapons at the red menace. The shots bounced harmlessly off the glowing hull. The crystal ship responded by firing an enormous energy blast.

The kenshin's eyes went wide. "Hang on!" He yelled, maneuvering the ship to his left at full speed, the controls and ship shaking from the effort. Closer and closer the beam came. Ryan closed his eyes and executed a diving maneuver that caused everyone's stomach to lurch.

The beam grazed the back side of the ship. The cockpit lit up, red warning lights illuminating the area as the computer sounded out: "Warning! Warning! Decompression in section fifteen, Right engine damaged."

The ship shuddered, spinning out of control. Ryan fought against the gravity that held him tight. He held down the bile that rose in his throat as he moved toward the control panel. He struggled to maintain consciousness and managed to engage the autopilot system before the darkness consumed him.

"Damn him!" Roared Kylia, ramming her left fist into a wall, breaking every finger in rage.

"The system has overloaded." Navolic explained, as he studied the monitor before him. "Ninety percent of the collector crystals are damaged."

"Shut up Navolic!" Kylia snarled, clasping her injured hand.

Bagon smirked at her. "I told you the collector was not quite operational. We need the others to complete the process."

"It didn't hurt to try." Kylia replied as she began flexing her hand. The bones snapping back into place; her hand now healed.

Bagon crossed his arms. "It wasn't a good idea to release the energy at the kenshin's ship either. You could of destroyed our only chance to use the collector properly."

"I didn't see you coming up with any bright ideas Bagon." Kylia replied, annoyed. She whirled around to Navolic. "How long before repairs are made?"

"About twenty hours." He answered.

"Then get to work. I want to leave a surprise for those fools before we head out." She ordered stalking out of the room. Bagon followed.

They walked past row upon row of victims encased in crystal. Neither paid attention to them as they finally dematerialized away and into their throne room. Kylia stormed up to her chair and threw herself down upon it. She glared at the immobile princess and Ryoko then at Bagon.

"I don't see why we don't just grab them now while their vulnerable." She said.

Bagon sat down beside her, silent.

"Are you listening to me!" Kylia snapped.

"Unfortunately." He replied.

Kylia bristled at his remark. "Well, your no joy to listen to either." She retaliated.

Bagon smiled. "Have patience Kylia..."

Kylia blew up. "I'm sick of waiting. I want to destroy Jurai now!"

Bagon turned to her. "I'm not finished playing my game. When I have then we will head for Jurai and not before understand." He snapped, his patience broken by Kylia's constant jabbering.

Kylia crossed her arms. "Fine. Whatever." She relented in disgust.

Bagon nodded. "I'm so glad you agree." He replied and the two waited for the repairs to be completed.

Chapter 28-- A Meeting of Old Friends

Far away from the crystal ship, Ryan was in the midst of a dream. All around him lay the vast wilderness of Earth. The kenshin rushed recklessly through the brush, ignoring each sting the thick growth inflicted upon his flesh as he charged ahead.

"Ryoko! Ryoko where are you!" Ryan cried out desperately, continuing onward, never pausing to catch his breath. Finally he spied a bright light to his right and ran quickly to it's source. The kenshin skidded to a halt. Before him Ryoko stood, a soft breeze tossing the long strands of her hair about, giving the space pirate an ethereal appearance.

Ryan stood spellbound by her beauty. With a warm smile upon her face, Ryoko beckoned him forward. Ryan slowly walked towards her, stretching his hand out. His smile of joy faded into a frown when his hand met with an invisible wall. The color drained from his face as Kylia appeared behind Ryoko, a wicked smile on her face.

In the blink of the eye, Ryoko was grabbed and dragged into the darkness that lay behind her. The kenshin stared briefly in shock before banging against the wall but to no avail. Suddenly the space where Ryoko had been lit up to reveal both Ryoko and Ayeka imprisoned in crystal, their expressions pleading. The two dark knights then appeared beside them pointing to Ryan and laughing maniacally.

"All your fault! All your fault!" The demented duo sang gleefully.

"No! I tried...I tried!" Ryan screamed ,his features pained. An insistent buzzing went off in the background snapping Ryan awake. For a few minutes, the kenshin was disorientated. He heard the rest of the group coming around.

"Ryan" Tenchi managed to speak first.

"Yeah" The kenshin responded trying to focus his attention on the crown prince

"Why are we upside down?"

Ryan craned his neck around. Indeed they were upside down in their seats.

"The ship is floating aimlessly in space." He answered with a groan.

"Can you fix it please. I think I'm gonna throw up." Tenchi said gagging slightly.

Ryan tried to reach the controls but the seat belt kept him pinned. He ceased struggling and focused. Using his telekinetic energy, the flight controller slid forward. The ship slowly responded, righting itself. Ryan switched off the warning sound and corresponding lights. He turned to his companions who were clutching their heads in pain as the blood drained from their heads back down to their bodies.

"Oww!" Washu whined, clasping her head in pain.

"What happened?" Yosho grunted, rubbing his temples.

"That energy blast took out my right rear engine. Beyond that I don't know. The system is off-line." Ryan answered fidgeting around on his control panel.

Azaka looked out the window. "Where are we?" He asked.

"I'm not sure. Once the system is up and running, I 'll have a clearer picture of where we are and what the extent of damage is."

"Here, let me help." Washu interjected, rising to walk to the control panel, slowly making her way to where Ryan was. Once there, she studied the board and within a few seconds had the system up and running again.

Ryan stared at her in awe. "Teach me that sometime please?" He asked.

Washu beamed. "Sure thing kid. After we save the day okay. Now where are we?"

Ryan switched on his star chart. He typed in the ships last set of coordinates and compared it with there present location. He frowned, taking in a big breath of air. He released it slowly unsure of how to tell his friends the news.

"What is it?" Sasami asked.

"Well, when I compare our present location with our previous spot were approximately fifteen hours off course."

"What? You mean to tell me we've been floating aimlessly for fifteen hours." Kamedaki said in disbelief.

Ryan nodded. "That's not the worst news. The computer tells me that we're limited to impulse power. Which means it would take us thirty hours to reach our original course. We need to repair the damaged engine quickly." He said studying the chart closely. "And I know just the place to go." Ryan said smiling. He pointed to a small area on the chart and enlarged it. A large greenish planet appeared on the screen.

"You've been there before I take it kenshin?" Yosho asked.

"Yes. Landal will have everything we need. We should arrive there in two hours." Ryan replied typing in the coordinates. "Shall we go?" He asked. Everyone nodded their assent.

"Okay then. Landal here we come." Ryan whispered steering the ship forward, the impulse engines humming to life as they gang slowly headed to the greenish planet.

After two uneventful hours, Landel appeared on Ryan's screen. He brought the ship to a halt, a dark green light flashed softly on his monitor. He pressed it. A young woman's crisp, clear voice flowed through Ryan's communicator.

"This is the Venlalla port. Incoming vessel please identify yourself."

Ryan pushed a few more buttons. He coughed politely then began. "This is the Nozomi requesting permission to dock."

A brief pause ensued on the other end before the woman responded. "Permission granted. Please proceed to dock 113."

"Affirmative, Nozomi out." Ryan replied turning off the communication system. He descended slowly through Landel's atmosphere and the thick fluffy clouds that blanketed the air. Once clear, Ryan headed in the direction his screen indicated. Before them, at ground level, lay a massive port.

The port's docks spread in all directions. Ryan cruised past the numbered docks searching for 113. Finally he spotted it four stories off the ground. He set his craft to hover then proceeded to glide into the metallic cavern before him. Once inside, he landed the Nozomi gently, dust swirling upward then settling once the ship was parked. The kenshin opened the side bay door and led everyone out.

Much to Ryan's surprise several mechanics stood outside to greet them. A young man at the head of the group strode forward.

"Are you Ryan, the kenshin knight ?" He asked in a neutral voice.

"Yes. I am he. Might I ask who you are?" Ryan returned.

The man's expression changed. He removed his cap revealing a short crop of blond hair, his green eyes full of admiration. He bowed slightly. "I am Troah West. Apprentice mechanic to Michael Xavier"

Ryan's eyebrows shot up. "Michael sent you." He said in surprise.

Troah nodded. "Yes. When he heard over the communicator that the Nozomi was docking in Venlalla, he sent me to greet you."

"Where is Xavier?"

"He was called in on a last minute repair at the port tower. He told me to tell you if there's anything you need, he will gladly supply it for you."

Ryan drew in a deep breath then relaxed. "Yes. I will take up his offer." Ryan walked to the back of his ship. Troah followed. The kenshin pointed up at the mangled right side of his ship. " This section of Nozomi is severely damaged along with the top portion of the engine. I need this fixed as soon as possible. The whole universe is at stake."

Troah's eyes widened. He nodded grimly. "Rest assured we will have your ship repaired within a few hours."

Ryan smiled. He slapped the young man's back lightly. "I trust you Troah. I know you can do it."

Troah straightened his back with pride, his features determined. The two exchanged a few more words before Ryan nodded to him and walked back to his friends. They looked at him in puzzlement.

"What was that all about?" Washu asked, hands on her hips. "And who is Michael Xavier?"

Ryan looked at her solemnly. "Michael Xavier is a brilliant mechanic. In fact he can make or fix anything. Everything you see here," Ryan said sweeping his left arm around. "Was created by him. He is much like you Washu. He truly is a genius."

"Mmmm.." Washu said rubbing her chin thoughtfully. "He sounds interesting. I'd like to meet him."

Ryan smiled. "We're going to meet him right now." He said walking toward the turbo lift, his friends close behind. Within seconds they were out of the port. Walking briskly toward Metropolitan Venlalla.

They blended nicely with the urbanites that traveled the city's paved paths. People of all ages, sizes, and planets roamed about. Couples walked arm in arm; smiles upon their faces. Ryan and Tenchi sighed in unison. Their thoughts focused on the women who had captured their hearts. For Ryan these thoughts were nothing new but for Tenchi they were like a mental slap to the face.

Tenchi stopped walking, paralyzed by the sudden realization of who he was thinking about. His mind flashed back to the first time he met her. The first time their eyes met and an inexplicable connection was formed. It was as if they belonged with each other; that to not be together would simply be wrong.

What a fool I've been. Tenchi thought. The answer was in front of me the whole time and I ignored it.

His mind reeled as he remembered his battle with Kagato. He had struggled mightily until Ayeka invoked her power, freeing herself from Kagato. When she risked her life to save Tenchi something had snapped inside the crown prince.

"You won't harm Ayeka." Tenchi had cried. His feelings for Ayeka so strong he had invoked the true power of Jurai: The power of love. With this power, he had destroyed Kagato and saved the universe in one fell swoop.

It was my love for Ayeka that gave me strength enough to defeat Kagato. All that time wasted searching for what was already there.

This startling revelation made the loss of Ayeka sting all the more. He closed his eyes and hung his head in despair. After a few moments he sensed Ryan beside him. He opened his eyes and glared at the Kenshin.

"Why didn't you tell me Ryan." He said in anger.

Ryan met Tenchi's eyes, his own full of sorrow. "I couldn't Tenchi. You had to figure it out on your own. I'm sorry." He said looking downward. "I know how you feel. It tears me up that the princess and Ryoko are in the clutches of those two monsters. But we will get them back I promise."

Tenchi looked away, still distraught.

"Tenchi we will free them and the countless others under their control, but I need your help to do that. We all need your help. Without it we will fail and those we love will be lost to us forever."

That got Tenchi's attention. His features softened. "I know Ryan. It's just all so overwhelming right now."

Ryan laid his hand upon Tenchi's shoulder. "I know it hurts Tenchi. We must be strong for their sake. Now shall we go?" He said removing his hand.

Tenchi nodded. "I'm ready."

The two young men walked forward, joining the rest of the group who stood waiting in front of a large sky scraper.

Tenchi craned his neck backward, The building was at least forty stories high. "What kind of place is this?"

"Only the most popular restaurant in Venlalla." Ryan replied leading them inside. They stopped in front of one of twelve turbo lift doors.

"This whole building is a restaurant?" Tenchi exclaimed.

Ryan pushed a button. The doors shot open. "Actually it's a bunch of different restaurants rolled into one building." He explained as everyone entered the lift.

A synthesized voice flowed from above. "Which restaurant would you like to visit?"

"The Topa please." Ryan responded.

The door slid closed. The lift shot upward. Before they knew it, they arrived at their destination. The door slid open revealing a restaurant full of lush tropical plants and several enormous tanks full of fish; their vibrant colors a contrast to the dark misty atmosphere.

A maitre d' strode forward. "May I help you?"

"We're here to meet Mr. Xavier." Ryan said.

The lanky host typed a few words in his electronic book and studied the board intently. "Yes. Mr. Xavier is expecting you. This way please." The host replied, turning away from the group, leading them toward the back of the restaurant.

"Its like being in a jungle." Sasami said to Kamedaki who walked beside her.

"Yes, its quite beautiful." He replied, staring at the cascading water that flowed on the each wall.

Above them they heard the combined melody of guitars and rain playing softly. All around, people engaged in quiet conversation at several small green slab tables that littered the corresponding floor. When they finally reached their destination, the host sat them at a large rectangular green slab table. Ryan ordered tea for everyone. The host nodded then left to fill their drink order.

Tenchi laid his hands upon the table. Despite its cold appearance, the table was warm to the touch. "This is the strangest, coolest place I've ever seen." He said, his eyes twinkling with childlike wonder.

Yosho turned to Ryan. "Kenshin, how did you come to meet this Michael Xavier?"

"I can tell you all about that." A deep voice called from behind.

Ryan stood up. He walked up to the man and held out his hand to a short stocky man with deep blue hair and equally blue eyes. The shorter man smiled warmly. He took Ryan's hand and shook it then pulled Ryan forward and gave him a bear hug. He then let go and pushed Ryan away gently. "Ryan my lad, it does these old eyes good to see you again."

"I take it this is Michael Xavier?" Washu said.

Michael turned to her. He walked up to Washu and gently took her left hand. He kissed it lightly then gazed up at her. "That I am. And who are you miss?"

Washu blushed slightly. "Flatterer." She teased.

Michael smiled. "I'm flattered someone of such beauty would grace my establishment." His eyes still locked with hers.

Washu broke eye contact first. She sat down. "Please sit down and join us."

Michael sat down beside her. Ryan introduced the rest of his friends. Michael nodded to each of them. When the host returned with the tea, everyone placed their order. Ryan proceeded to tell Michael of their dilemma.

"Quite a predicament you're in. But knowing Ryan, he can get you out of it."

"Could you tell us how you two met?" Sasami asked.

Michael smiled. "Of course lass." He said, his features becoming thoughtful. He cleared his throat and slowly began. "About two years ago I was returning from a convention on Tyron. I had purchased and sold several items for various types of spacecraft. Needless to say I had a lot of valuable merchandise on board. I was halfway home when I was attacked by marauders intent on stealing my goods and my money from me. They shot out my rear engines knowing such an act would prevent my escape. I nonetheless made a dash for it and my reward for such a futile act was to spin out of control towards Avea, a small desert planet uninhabited by man or beast.

I crash landed my vessel on one of the thousands of sand dunes that littered the area. The crash threw me about in the cockpit, injuring me severely. I managed to crawl out of the wreckage but the heat zapped my remaining strength. I saw two shapes moving toward me with laser guns in their hands.

They stopped before me, murderous intent glimmering in their eyes. They aimed their guns at me, flashing wicked smiles upon their faces. I closed my eyes and waited for death to come. Just then I heard this strange whizzing noise and the sound of metal being sliced through. I heard the cries of my would be killers, the sounds of their struggling feet beating a hasty retreat. I clenched my eyes. Afraid to see what had frightened such ruthless people away.

After what seemed an eternity I tried to open my eyes. The sun beat down upon me forcing me to raise my palm to shield my eyes from its relentless glare. What I saw caused me to blink several times. Standing beside me was a young man with the bluest eyes I've ever seen, they seemed to glow as brightly as the sword he held. He stared off into the distance watching the marauders fleeing towards their vessel. After what seemed an eternity, he relaxed and disengaged his weapon.

He looked down at me and said "Don't be afraid, I've come to help you." The young man then stared at me intensely. He held his arm out and raised his left palm upward. Suddenly I was floating in mid air wondering who this guy was and how was he able to do this.

He flew towards his ship with me in tow. Once inside, he took me into the infirmary and laid me down. He then left me alone for a few minutes. When he returned he told me he had loaded up my supplies and would take me back to Landal.

"How did you know that was were I was headed ?" I asked slowly, finding it difficult to breathe.

The man frowned. "I just knew." He replied looking over my injuries skillfully.

"What is your name?"

"I am Ryan, a kenshin knight from Jurai."

"Michael Xavier." I replied trying to stand up but the pain was too intense and I slumped back down.

"I know it hurts but I can fix that for you." He had said in determination.

"No offense buddy, but I need to see a doctor." I managed to say between breaths.

Ryan just smiled. He then closed his eyes and touched my chest. Within seconds my body was healed. I couldn't believe it. I stood up flexing my arms and shaking my legs. "This is great. Thank you."

When Ryan didn't respond, I turned around and saw him slumped against a crate his face pale, his chest and face bleeding in dozens of places.

"What the hell... Hey buddy what..."

"Do not worry about ....me ... I'll be....fine ..in half an hour.... don't worry.." He wheezed, managing to stand up. He stumbled out of the room and slowly made his way to the front of his ship. He collapsed in the pilot seat, sweat mopping off his brow. To his credit he maintained awareness, making sure we made it to Landal safely. And true to his word, he was back to normal in the time he said he would be. Damnedest then I'd ever seen. I asked the lad how he was able to know I was in trouble and why had he helped me.

"I was in the right place at the right time. It is my duty and privilege to help those in trouble."

" Once I was back on solid ground, The lad spent some time on Landal and we became great friends. However, he had to leave to continue his mission of valor. I told him to stop by and visit sometime. Ryan said he would which leads us to today." Michael finished raising his tea glass. "To Ryan. A valiant warrior and a loyal friend. May he succeed in every endeavor." Michael cheered.

Everyone followed suit. Ryan, feeling self-conscious, distracted the attention placed on him by exclaiming, "Oh look! The food's here!" His diversion worked as everyone eyed their meal greedily, devouring the food then thanking their gracious host when they had finished.

"It was a pleasure I assure you." Michael said, noticing that Ryan had yet to thank him, the kenshin seemingly self absorbed.

"If you will excuse me," Ryan said standing up. "I need to deliver a message to the Juraian council."

"Of course." Everyone replied.

The kenshin walked off toward the bar. Michael watched him go then turned to Washu. "So tell me Washu, you seem an observant person."

Washu nodded. "Of course."

"Is it just me or does Ryan have more on his mind than saving the universe?"

"He's probably thinking about Ryoko right now." She said sipping her tea.

Michael's eyebrows shot up. "Not Ryoko the space pirate!" He exclaimed.

"Yes the very one. Although I must say she's changed her ways and she's seems equally smitten with the kenshin. A woman notices these things."

Michael smiled wickedly. "Which is why I asked you. Now about you and me.."

Washu quirked her eyebrow. "Getting a little ahead of yourself don't you think?" She teased.

"I don't think so." He replied. "Or am I wrong?"

Washu met his gaze. "Behave yourself." She scolded lightly.

"Not if I can help it." He replied as the two continued to flirt.

The others watched in amusement, waiting for Ryan to return.

Ryan was in the middle of a conversation with Meiko, whom he had contacted via the restaurant's communication screen, when he sensed a significant loss of life far away. His face grew pale, his features full of shock and pain. He stared blindly ahead ,unresponsive to Meiko's comments of concern. After a few moments, Ryan snapped out of it. "Councilor I have to go but I will fill you in as soon as possible." He said and cut of communication before Meiko could object.

He ran back to the table visibly shaken.

"What is it?" Yosho said standing up.

The others turned to him. "What happened." The knights asked, sensing his fear and panic.

"Their gone. It's all gone!"

"Whose all gone, laddy?" Michael asked.

"They just wiped out an entire planet. They killed billions of innocent people and we're just sitting here. We've got to go now!" He said tearing out of the restaurant oblivious to the stares of the Topa's customers. His friends headed off after Ryan, Michael included. He called the port and ask to speak to Troah.

Chapter 28--Everything is Going According To Plan

Bagon stared impassively at the void once occupied by the planet Jonto. Large chunks of rock slammed harmlessly against the crystal ship. Beside him Kylia smirked in smug satisfaction.

"I told you it would work. I told you." she said, admiring their catastrophic handiwork.

Bagon sighed heavily. "In case you've forgotten, Jonto is one-fifth the size of Jurai. We are no where near the power level we should be. We still need the others to complete the collector system."

Kylia threw her hands in the air. "Why do you always have to be so pessimistic Bagon. I distinctly remember you saying you looked forward to the test. So why are you acting so negative about it?" She asked perplexed with her partner in crime.

Bagon smiled. "Poor, poor Kylia. Again you fail to see the big picture. So wrapped up in the here and now." He said, his tone on of false pity.

"What do you mean by that Bagon?" Kylia asked in annoyance.

"I agreed to go through with this test, not because I had doubts about the collector's capability, but rather to insure our victory against those we seek." He replied.

Kylia frowned in confusion. "What are you getting at Bagon?"

Bagon rolled his eyes in mortification and shook his head in disbelief. "Kylia sometimes you are, how can I say this delicately," he paused in reflection. "Dense."

"And you take too long to get things done!" Kylia spat in anger. " Let's quit playing these stupid games with our quarry and just capture them for crying out loud."

" I believe I just done that Kylia."

Kylia stopped her tirade and looked at him. She stood silently, waiting for him to continue.

His eyes glowed brightly as he spoke. "The kenshin knows it too." Bagon murmured as he slowly turned away from the window and headed back to his throne. Kylia followed her face brightening in sudden realization of Bagon's statements.

"Given this new set of circumstances, how do you propose to capture the fools?"

"You will see." He whispered, picking up his pace, excited by the prospect of obtaining his goal. "You will see."

Chapter 29--Time to Go

Back on Landal, Michael stood alone in the lobby of the restaurant building, engaged in a conversation with his apprentice.

"Troah, are the repairs on the Nozomi completed yet?"

"Yes sir. We just finished them. The Nozomi is in tiptop shape again."

"Good lad. We're on our way." Michael replied, shutting off his phone. He tucked it back inside his front pocket then headed outside to join the others. "Were did that boy go?" He asked looking all around for Ryan.

"He flew off Mr. Xavier." Sasami replied, pointing up at the sky.

"I've never seen him like this before." Washu said puzzled. "Everything must be getting to him."

Michael shook his head. "If he keeps this up, he'll kill himself." He said raising his right hand upward. A small red light erupted skyward. Within seconds, a large air taxi flew downward making a dead stop in front of Michael and his astonished companions. He opened his palm revealing what appeared to be a small pen. " A hailer" he replied stifling a laugh and striding forward to open the door. "Everyone hop in."

Once everyone was settled, the taxi sped off towards Vanlalla's space port. When they arrived at Port 113, they found Ryan pacing back and forth with his arms crossed. He ran a hand through his short hair and sighed. He walked up to them, his features pained.

"Are we ready to go?" He asked, anxious to leave.

"We are." Yosho replied, speaking for everyone.

Ryan turned to Xavier. "I'm sorry. I wish we could of stayed longer my friend." He said, his eyes etched with sorrow.

Michael waved his hand. " It's all right Ryan. I understand. You just remember to take care of yourself." He said. His face then hardened. " And when you meet up with those villains, give them a world of hurt."

Ryan nodded." It's a promise." He said solemnly, opening Nozomi's side ramp. He ran up the ramp and turned back to give a quick wave of his hand before disappearing. The others followed suit.

Washu was the last one to enter the ship.

Michael shouted out to her. "Don't be a stranger Miss Washu, come see me sometime."

Washu turned and smiled mischievously. "Don't worry. I'll return. Rest assured." She said gamely. Winking at the master mechanic before walking up the ramp and out of his view.

Ryan engaged the hover system and backed Nozomi out of the port. Michael and the others shielded their eyes from the dust as they watched the ship leave the port. Once the ship was a safe distance away, Ryan initiated his turbo system. The engine roared to life, rocketing Nozomi skyward through Landal's atmosphere into the coldness of space.

The kenshin switched on his intergalactic monitor, hoping to catch some shred of information about the Devon system. It didn't take long for the grim news to appear on screen.

A lanky man with light blue hair and wire frame glasses appeared, his face full of shock. "Is this right?" The broadcaster whispered turning to his right. After several seconds, he regained his composure. "This just in. Planet Jonto in the Devon system has been ... decimated. All 2.5 billion inhabitants are believed dead. It is not known who or what caused the planet's destruction. The galaxy police have sealed off that section of space and will begin an investigation as soon as possible. We will bring you any new developments as they unfold. We now return you to your regular broadcast. This is Tab Winter reporting." He concluded, his shaken form replaced by an action movie.

Ryan shut off the monitor and leaned back against his seat. He stared out the side window, despondent.

"Kenshin?" Kamedaki said softly.

"Yeah." Ryan replied still looking out the window.

"It's not your fault."

When Ryan didn't respond, Kamedaki continued. "There was nothing you could do. It..wasn't your fault."

"Tell that to the 2.5 billion people that got wiped out." He replied dejectedly.

Kamedaki was going to continue when Azaka put a hand on his shoulder. Kamedaki turned to Azaka who just shook his head. The young knight frowned, wishing he could help his friend through his grief. He reluctantly kept quiet as Nozomi sped through the dark void of space.

Later, while everyone else slept, Ryan was awake and restless. He was in his training chamber trying to calm the turbulent waves of anger and grief that had laid siege to his mind.

He set the difficulty level to ten. Several energy beams shot out from all directions. Ryan deflected every shot with his saber quickly and viciously. "Computer, increase the difficulty level to maximum." He shouted above the blasts.

A synthesized voice erupted above him. " Warning! The level requested exceeds human biological limits of safety and tolerance."

"I don't care!" snapped Ryan. "Just do it."

The computer complied. Ryan yelled a battle cry and gritted his teeth as a barrage of beams lashed out at him, engulfing him in a scorching, painful embrace.