Disclaimer
Tenchi and all associated characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC. I don't own any rights to them. Any other characters are property of their respective copyright holders, not me.
*****
Duty Calls
Chapter 7
Conflict
*****
Things remained quiet for the next couple of days. There were a couple of minor confrontations between Ka'dithy and Merlaj, but Tenchi managed to quell those before they got out of hand. His major problem was Dreasu; she just couldn't seem to keep away from the young warrior. Tenchi's group had been given a suite on the fifth underground level of the town's administration building. It consisted of a large common room that served as both a living and dining area, six smaller sleeping rooms, each with private facilities, and a small cooking area. If anyone had felt the need to cook that is. Unfortunately the apartments of Dreuma's family were only one floor below them and this made for easy access by Dreasu pretty much whenever she wanted. Which seemed to be whenever she was awake.
At first Ka'dithy took it upon herself to try to protect Tenchi from the young Mau's unwanted attentions, but after seeing Merlaj's reaction to Dreasu, the t'Dnal decided to sit back and watch the fun unfold. And fun it was, at least for Ka'dithy. Dreasu was persistent and innovative, no matter what Merlaj did or what threats she made the Mau girl kept finding her way into the apartment. She never quite made it into Tenchi's sleeping area however, because Merlaj was always able to intercept her before she'd made it more than a few feet past the outer door. Tenchi was forced to have words with Dreuma about his daughter's forays and the old Mau promised to try to keep her under control. He explained that his daughter had her eyes on the stars and was simply looking for a way out of what she considered a boring, dead-end existence. Tenchi just happened to be her latest scheme and it didn't hurt that she found him attractive either.
Tenchi explained to Merlaj and Ka'dithy about the girl and made them both promise not to hurt her at any time. He wasn't sure how 'Merlaj' would react if the girl ever actually managed to get into his room but he hoped that the civilizing influence of the past few years would hold her back from inflicting any serious damage on either Dreasu or the accommodations. He was actually more worried about the tension that seemed to be building between Merlaj and Ka'dithy now that he was back with the squad.
In order to burn off some of the excess energy Tenchi had his people go out and survey the surrounding area for defensive positions, like they'd been taught to do in training. After looking over the plans they came up with, he sat down with Dreuma to work out the best way to implement some of them. He even called Ka'dithy and Merlaj in on a couple of the final sessions because he wanted them to use their energy in a productive way; thus he thought he'd put them in charge of the actual construction. Dreuma agreed to loan the squad some excavating equipment to build the emplacements. He even managed to scrounge up a few volunteers to help.
Tenchi's plan seemed to work; the squad was kept busy and the antipathy that had been building between the two girls seemed to lessen. In fact, the two seemed to work so well together that Tenchi was surprised that Ka'dithy and Merlaj weren't actually good friends. It was too bad, he thought, Ryoko really didn't have any friends outside of the family, unless you counted her drinking buddies from the other Realities. And Urd. Tenchi preferred not to think about Urd too much as she was, well, a little strange. Even for a goddess.
Tenchi's intentionally infrequent contacts with the Platoon Leader told him that the good Lieutenant was having his share of problems with Dreuma's counterpart, Remaur. It wasn't that Remaur wasn't trying to be helpful; it was that Soja insisted on acting like his was an occupying force instead of a defensive one. Remaur had tried to explain the reasoning behind the 'rebellion' but Soja wasn't inclined to listen to reason. He saw himself as the conquering hero, even though no shots had been fired. Being half a planet away, Tenchi just agreed with whatever his platoon leader said then went on with his own plans. If no alien force showed up then no harm done; otherwise, at least his half of the Juraian force would be prepared for whatever happened.
*****
Contrary to what Tenchi thought, the feelings between Merlaj and Ka'dithy didn't lessen. The two had found common ground while working together and as long as they concentrated on their jobs they got along fine. Ka'dithy, however, felt that the com specialist had ulterior motives for staying close to Tenchi whilst Merlaj thought that Ka'dithy's feelings ran a bit deeper that she was willing to admit. Ka'dithy waited for an opportunity to confront the other woman with her suspicions but Merlaj, with her own suspicions, refused to leave Tenchi's side once the defensive positions were completed, except to spend time with George.
One day, shortly after the emplacements were finished, opportunity presented itself; Ka'dithy cornered Merlaj in the hallway outside the apartment. Looking around to make sure no one else was around, she pushed the other woman roughly against the wall. "Just what are your intentions with Tenchi?" she hissed in Merlaj's pointy ear.
The dark skinned woman sneered at her and pushed her away. "As if that's any of your business, little girl." Merlaj replied. "What goes on between Tenchi and me is private." She began to walk away.
Ka'dithy grabbed the other woman by the shoulder and whirled her around. "I'm making it my business," she said.
"Why? Afraid I'll hurt him? Or are you in love with him yourself or something?" taunted the specialist.
Ka'dithy, caught off guard by Merlaj's question, blushed through her light fur. "That's not it," she said, looking down and digging her toe into the carpet. "But if I ever was to fall in love with a man, I hope it's with someone like him." She suddenly raised her head and looked the other woman straight in the eye. "But what about you? You're good-looking and physically compatible with him. I'm giving you a warning; don't touch Tenchi. He's my friend and he's also happily married to two beautiful women. I won't let anything or anyone interfere with that. Do you understand me?"
"Oh bravo!" the dusky woman said. "Defending some women you've never even seen, let alone met. Listen, when we're together in George's fighting compartment, intimacy is the last thing on either of our minds. Well, his anyway. But since you seem to care so much about Tenchi and his family, even though you've never met them, I'll let you in on a secret." Merlaj leaned forward and whispered something in Ka'dithy's ear.
The t'Dnal's eyes grew real big and she pulled back from the other woman. "No," she gasped. "I don't believe it. You'll have to prove it to me."
"Yeah," the specialist chuckled. "I thought as much. Ok, let's see if this does it."
As Ka'dithy watched in amazement, the other woman floated up off the floor, her dark skin lightening, her close-cropped black hair fading to a light greenish-blue and her dark purple eyes changing to a beautiful golden color, the pupils narrowing to feline-like slits. Three gems, invisible until now, glowed on the woman's wrists and neck. "Can't do anything about the ears," Ryoko grumped, flicking the pointy tips of the items in question with a long finger. "That's mom's work but she says she can put 'em back to the way they were later, and it'll take a while for my beautiful hair to grow back out too."
"You…You…" Ka'dithy stuttered, pointing a shaky finger at Ryoko.
"Me, me what?" Ryoko asked, examining herself. "Am I showing something I shouldn't?" She ran her hands down her body. "Nah, everything appears to be tucked in. Besides, if it wasn't you should be thrilled, shouldn't you?"
"It's not that. You…You're the Space Pirate Ryoko."
Ryoko's eyes lit up. "Oh, yeah. So I am," she said sarcastically. "I'm also a princess of Jurai now too, you know. Just whom did you think Tenchi was married to, anyway? Some common hussy?"
Ka'dithy staggered back against the wall. "He told me one of his wives was named Ryoko and the other Ayeka, I thought it was just an odd coincidence. He always said he worked on a small farm while studying to be a priest, he never said anything about being royalty. He's always acted, you know…common, like the rest of us."
Ryoko smiled and her eyes grew misty. "Yep, that's my Tenchi. Unassuming to a fault." She started to laugh as she suddenly realized something. "So you didn't know that Tenchi…? Oh, this is rich." The pirate floated back down to the floor and her appearance changed back to that of Merlaj, Tenchi's com operator. "In this case, Ka'dithy, I have a favor to ask; don't tell Tenchi, ok?"
"You mean he doesn't know? I find that hard to believe."
"Why?" the disguised Ryoko asked.
It was the t'Dnal's turn to laugh. "Because from the stories he's told me, you can't keep your hands off him."
"He told you THAT? Why that…" Ryoko fumed, then grinned. "Well, I'll admit it has been hard to do. And he got to spend a whole week alone with the bit… er, Ayeka, which doesn't sit too well either. Now, tell me about how you feel about my husband."
Ka'dithy returned Ryoko's smile, although a bit ruefully it seemed. "Tenchi is a friend, nothing more. We've certainly grown close, but not in the way you and he are close."
Ryoko pondered the t'Dnal's response for a moment as she looked the other woman in the eye. She thought she saw something there she wasn't sure she liked but she chose to ignore it for now. "Hmm. Ok, I'll accept that. Just don't try anything, sharing him with Ayeka is bad enough."
"You've got nothing to worry about in that area," Ka'dithy stated matter-of-factly.
"Why?" Ryoko asked. "Because you don't like men?"
"Vicious rumors I tell you! I've never said I didn't like men," Ka'dithy explained, telling Ryoko the same story she'd told Tenchi all those weeks before. "I like them just fine, I've just never been attracted to any in that way yet. No, it mainly because my people seldom mate with other species, even if we are biologically compatible. It's a pheromone thing they say. Biologically, I could have kids with a Human or Juraian but it's unlikely that I would be attracted to one in the first place. Friends, yes; lovers, no."
"It's not impossible though," Ryoko stated with a smirk.
"No," the t'Dnal agreed with a slight smile. "Not impossible, it has been known to happen on occasion. It's just very unlikely. Don't worry; I'll keep your secret. If George ever finds out though…"
"What do you mean?" asked Ryoko, suddenly very worried.
Ka'dithy shrugged. "A commander has no secrets from his vehicle or vice versa. Hey! That means that George must know about Tenchi. And if George knows…"
Ryoko's eyes grew wide. "Then it was part of his data dumps and the military knows too. So why haven't they sent anyone to rescue him?"
"Maybe because they know you're here? Maybe because they know this whole rebellion is a farce and we're in absolutely no danger from these so-called rebels?"
"Nah," the ex-pirate shook her head. "My being here wouldn't make any difference. So it must be the other reason."
Ka'dithy's wrist com suddenly began beeping urgently. "What is it Nimby?" she asked, raising the unit to her face.
"A group of unidentified spacecraft has suddenly appeared above the planet," came the soft voice of Unit NMB. "There was no warning of approach and no response to an IFF query. I suggest you board and prepare for combat."
"Understood. What about George?" Ka'dithy asked, eyeing Ryoko, who stood futilely pressing the call button on her own unit.
"Unit GRG is already assuming a defensive position outside the city," came the vehicle's reply.
"But Tenchi's com specialist's here with me."
"I'm not interested in your love life Ka'dithy. I need you here."
"It's not like that and you know it, you mechanical pervert," growled Nimby's commander good-naturedly. "I'm on my way." She looked up at Ryoko, still frantically pressing George's call button. "I don't know why he didn't call you, but I'll find out what's going on and have Nimby give you the details."
Ryoko stopped and looked at the now mangled wrist unit. "He knows, Ka'dithy. Tenchi knows and he's trying to protect me. But I'm supposed to be protecting him. Ironic, isn't it." The disguised pirate's mouth twisted into a wry smile. "But if he thinks this is gonna stop me…" She teleported away before finishing her sentence.
The t'Dnal woman stood and stared at the empty spot where the Space Pirate Ryoko had stood a moment before. She really is something Tenchi, I can see why you feel the way you do about her. Keep each other safe my friends. She turned and ran off towards the vehicle bay and Nimby.
*****
Merlaj reappeared inside George's command compartment, much to the astonishment of both the machine and Tenchi. Anger flashed in her dark eyes as she wordlessly strapped herself into her chair. She activated George's command communications and tried to raise the platoon leader, ignoring Tenchi totally for the moment.
Tenchi could tell that the girl was beside herself with anger and he thought he'd better do or say something to defuse it before Ryoko reduced George to a pile of molten metal. "Hello Ryoko," he said mildly, looking back at the woman over his shoulder. He could see the muscles in her neck tense up at the sound of her real name. The disguise faded and except for the pointy ears and short hair, his wife that he had missed so much during his leave on Jurai now sat in the compartment with him.
"How long have you known?" Ryoko asked, not turning away from her console to look at him.
"Since Jurai," he told her. "You know how Ayeka babbles when she, well…"
"Yeah," Ryoko said with a mirthless chuckle. "We'll have to get that fixed before she becomes Empress, won't we? You know, State Secrets and all." She whirled in her chair and looked at him. "Why did you leave me? Why Tenchi? We're a team." Tears began to form in the corners of her golden eyes.
Tenchi sighed. "I didn't actually leave you, I knew you'd find me. But I didn't want to wait, I don't know what their intentions are." He pointed up toward where the fleet was in orbit. "Ryoko, believe me, I don't think I can do this without you."
His wife smiled wryly. "I dunno, you've done pretty well without me so far. You're a leader now. If Azusa could see you he'd drop Ayeka and make you heir."
Tenchi laughed. "I doubt that, besides, as I've said often enough, I don't want the job. I just want to tend the fields and the shrine. And grow old with you and Ayeka."
Ryoko turned back to her console; her mind now at ease and reaching out for a friend she hoped was close by. "That's gonna take a long while and first we have to make it through this," she told her husband. "Then we'll take the future as it comes, ok lover?"
"Sure thing Ryoko; we'll be just fine, I know it." Tenchi glanced back over his shoulder. "I like your other ears better, but these look good on you too."
Ryoko shivered at the praise and it was all she could do to keep from jumping up and hugging Tenchi. "Oooh! You're so cute!" she giggled.
*****
George
*****
I notify my commander that a fleet of unknown starships has appeared from hyperspace and is approaching the planet. Attempts to contact them and ask their intentions have proven unsuccessful. I compute with a 96.0087 probability that this is the same group that the planetary populace has been worried about and this time they are making no effort to hide their presence.
Tenchi climbs into his command chair and orders me to move to our first prepared defensive position. He tells me to send similar instructions to all the other units and a sitrep to the platoon leader. I don't think the last will do any good and after informing him of this I comply. I query my commander about his com specialist, wondering why we don't wait for her to appear before moving. He tells me not to worry, that she'll be "appearing" soon enough. A quick review of Ryoko's abilities tells me that he's most likely correct in his assumption. Sure enough, as I pull into my prepared position, Ryoko materializes in my command compartment. As she takes her seat and begins her duties there is a brief exchange between her and Tenchi that I find mildly amusing and record for later perusal and analysis. Human nature is one of my hobbies.
Communications Specialist Merlaj, sorry, Space Pirate Ryoko is receiving a reply to my sitrep from our platoon leader. He is ordering us, Unit NMB, Unit WHT and Unit RYN back to base. I spend .00097 seconds calculating what my commander's response will be and am pleased to find myself both correct and incorrect when the blade of Ryoko's energy sword slices the command radio into two unequal pieces. I suspect that there is some form of silent communication passing between my two biologic companions but I am unable to sense anything with any of my equipment. My commander then uses my sort-range communications to inform Units NMB, WHT and RYN to hold position. Unit NMB responds affirmatively as expected but Units WHT and RYN begin to withdraw back to the village. Corporal Masaki once again orders Units WHT and RYN to hold position and this time there is confirmation of the order. Unit WHT moves back into his defensive defilade while RYN holds just outside the village boundary.
I detect an energy spike from several ships in the orbiting fleet and inform my commander that they are powering up their weapons. He takes a moment to compose his thoughts then tells me to return fire if and when any other combat unit, civilians or myself are fired upon. I cannot but agree with him on this; I also do not wish to fire the first shot of an interplanetary war. Perhaps that was what the Lieutenant was thinking as well. I divert .002 percent of my processing power for a total of .00004 seconds to consider this. The conclusion I come to is that the Lieutenant couldn't find his backside with both hands and a map, a feeling I believe my commander shares.
Eight small objects drop from one of the larger ships. I scan them and discover they contain high-level radioactives; nuclear tipped missiles. After hearing my report, my Commander assigns Units NMB and WHT with their shorter-range weapons to handle air defense for the squad, Unit RYN is to take out anything that approaches the Mau settlement. Unit NMB eliminates five missiles with as many shots while Unit WHT manages to catch the other three. One of the missiles was close to Unit NMB when he destroyed it and he is showered with radioactive debris. This will not affect his combat capability, but his commander will be stuck inside until he is decontaminated. The civilian population of the city we are defending is safe for the moment but NMB and WHT's counterfire has now made them targets. Charged particle beams slash down from above. These are useless against hardened vehicle armor but the enemy can't know that, yet. After 14.0956 seconds the beams cease and heavy lasers begin to lash out. The lasers are slightly more effective, burning off exposed antennae and sensors, but can't really hurt us either. Several dozen HE missiles are launched and a few get through. Unit NMB takes a hit, as does Unit RYN. Both report minimal damage. My commander orders me to target the ship firing the most weapons. Once I fire, I too will become a target but that's all right; it's my job.
I rock back on my tracks and a loud thud is heard in my command compartment as the linear accelerator within my main gun boosts the hydrogen charge to .8c. A hazy blue line extends momentarily from the muzzle of my weapon to the center of one of the attacking ships and beyond. There is no explosion but the enemy vessel veers off, powerless, and collides with another, thus taking two ships out of action. I calculated that this would be the probable result of my shot; the two ships were too close together. Stupid of them. I also calculate that the enemy won't make the same mistake again. The firing from above stops, no more beams or missiles are fired or launched. I believe the enemy is reevaluating his strategy and attempting to develop a method of dealing with my compatriots and myself.
*****
Tenchi and Ryoko
*****
When the orbital bombardment stopped, Tenchi reclined his seat and tilted his head back to look at his wife. Ryoko was actually sweating, even though George kept the compartment at a comfortable temperature.
"Ryoko, what's wrong?" Tenchi asked, worried about her.
A delicate shudder ran through the pirate. "It's nothing. I just feel so cooped up in here. I'm used to fighting in the open, not sealed in a can."
"Pardon me?" George's voice came over the speakers. This "can" just destroyed or disabled a pair of starships. In orbit. From the planet's surface."
"I know," Ryoko replied. "It's just that I need room to maneuver, plot my own strategy. I feel like a sitting duck."
"Duck? Ah, a Terran waterfowl sometimes hunted for its meat. Not terribly bright. Hmm, I'm not sure I like the connotation."
Tenchi laughed, "She didn't mean you were a duck, she meant that they have an easy shot at us."
"I see," George said. "And do you have a better idea my lady?" he continued with a hint of sarcasm.
Ryoko's eyes lit up. "Sure. Ryo-ohki's out there, out beyond the enemy. Let me go to her and I can take 'em from behind."
"Maybe," Tenchi replied, the idea banging around in his head. "It may work, but first…"
"INCOMING!" George called out.
*****
George
*****
The lull in the bombardment lasted 1263.0027 seconds. I determine that the enemy has finally developed a new strategy for dealing with us. I detect multiple launches of solid metallic objects, it seems that our foes will try to break through our defenses with penetrator rounds. I calculate that each weapon is about twenty centimeters in length and five centimeters thick. When they strike, each will be moving at approximately 320cps2, more than enough to penetrate any point in our armor. This attack must be aimed solely at us because such weapons would do very little damage to the village. Without impact shielding we are at their mercy, the only defense is to not be in the impact area as such rounds are by definition, ballistic.
I inform my commander of the enemy's new attack and he orders all units to move to secondary positions. Unit WHT complies but Unit NMB has suffered track damage due to the previous attack and is slow to respond. Unit RYN doesn't respond at all but seems to be undamaged.
I finish moving into my secondary position 2.098 seconds before the weapons hit. Unit WHT is not yet in position but is out of the impact area. Unit RYN hasn't moved at all but his aerial defense is active and attempting to eliminate the projectiles headed in his direction. Unit NMB has barely moved away from his primary position.
The weapons impact. Where they strike dirt, they penetrate fifty to seventy-five meters into the surface. Their residual energy bleeds off and liquefies the soil. Hundreds of tiny volcanoes seem to erupt in our previous positions. It is a unique sight and I record it for posterity, but unfortunately some of them strike armor as well. Unit RYN takes several hits and one pierces the hull plating over his fusion plant causing the magnetic bottle to fail. The sudden release of energy lifts his turret several meters and when it drops it is instantly welded to his hull, skewed and useless; a glowing blue ring of still fusing hydrogen climbs skyward. My sensors show no electronic emissions or life signs and I know that Unit RYN is lost along with his commander. I mourn silently for both. Unit NMB takes two shots directly into the turret. He is still capable of movement, however slowly, and his main weapon is still functional but all of his targeting electronics are knocked out and his commander is grievously injured. Tenchi once again orders me to target the orbiting ships and I seem to feel a great pleasure as I fire.
*****
Tenchi and Ryoko
*****
Tenchi winced as he saw Unit RYN die. At least it had been quick and probably painless. He hadn't gotten to know Darnau, Unit RYN's commander well, but he had talked to the young man several times and found him a likable person. Once again he thought about how Lieutenant Soja was leaving his squad out to dry. Tenchi was concentrating on the ships above and didn't see the rounds hit Ka'dithy's vehicle; it was several seconds before George's report of Nimby's damage struck home. In shock, he ordered George to continue firing at the enemy then turned to Ryoko with real fear in his eyes for the first time. Although he deeply felt the loss of Darnau and RYN, he'd grown close to Ka'dithy and the thought of her dying, alone and in pain, hurt him.
"Ryoko…" he moaned as the numbness of what had just happened sank into him.
"I'm on it." She contacted Unit NMB and got a status report that contained both the vehicle and commander's condition. "She's alive but badly injured; and radiation from the previous attack is leaking into the compartment."
"We've got to do something," he told her, his attention no longer on the battle. Without other orders, George continued to fire at the orbiting ships, still scoring hits but not nearly enough of them.
Ryoko unbuckled herself from her seat. "You need to stay here and defend the village, I'll see what I can do." She teleported away. Knowing that the ex-pirate would do her best to save his friend, Tenchi focused his attention back on eliminating the enemy.
*****
Ryoko
*****
Ryoko appeared in what was left of Nimby's command compartment. Damaged equipment threw sparks everywhere and the dim emergency lighting showed Ka'dithy still strapped into her seat, mercifully unconscious. Ryoko spared her a cursory look then began to manually shut down Nimby's damaged systems. Once she felt it was safe she took stock of what was left. Main weapon, com system and automotive was about it besides the AI itself. She looked around the compartment, blood was splattered all over the inside of the tiny space; it was obvious that the t'Dnal was more badly injured than she seemed at first. Ryoko flipped the switch that should reactivate Unit NMB's internal audio circuit; she hoped it was still functional.
"Ok, Nimby, if you can hear me, tell me about your commander," she said.
"I have stabilized her," came the AI's weak and scratchy voice through the damaged system. "Both of her legs were severed when the command console collapsed on them. Her right eye has been penetrated by shrapnel and her right arm is also gone just below the shoulder. My scans show some head trauma and she's lost a lot of blood. This is in addition to several broken ribs and some internal injuries. The medical functions built into her chair have stopped the bleeding and injected anesthetic and antibiotics to fight the pain and possible infection. She needs a full hospital and soon if she's to survive."
"How about the radiation?" Ryoko asked, she herself was immune to most forms of it.
"Fairly low-level for now," the AI said. "Not a danger if you can get her out within the next few minutes."
"Ok." Ryoko bent down over the inert form. "Can you still fight?" she asked, knowing what the answer would be from her damage assessment.
"No. My main gun is operative but I can't target anything except through my close-in image receptors; useless in this fight. Please take care of Ka'dithy Lady Ryoko."
Geez, does everyone know? Ryoko wondered. She sent her thoughts questing out into space, looking for the one being that might possibly help her now.
"Miya!" came the reply. Ready when you are partner, what took you so long?
With a grin Ryoko gathered Ka'dithy up in her arms and teleported away.
*****
George
*****
As I am the only vehicle firing at the moment I find myself the sole target of the enemy's bombardment. Unit WHT has moved into another position and Unit NMB is in the process of doing so, albeit without his commander. I cease firing when my ready reserve of frozen hydrogen pellets is exhausted. My cryogenic facilities start the process to manufacture more, but during this period I am vulnerable to the starships remaining above. The enemy lashes out with everything in his arsenal, energy weapons, nuclear and HE missiles and the penetrator projectiles. Nothing seems to be able to touch me, it's as if I lead a charmed life. All of them seem to just disappear several dozen meters before they strike. I spend 1.001 seconds considering this then I activate my close-in scanners. Wonder of wonders, I find myself sporting a set of Lighthawk Wings. Seeking the source of this new phenomenon, I a trace their source and find that my commander is generating them. This is a power that is not in my databanks; only a Royal Tree of the First, Second, or Third Generation has this ability. To say that I am astounded is to put it mildly.
I inform my commander that while we are currently safe from enemy fire, I also cannot return fire through the Lighthawk Wings. He smiles wickedly at my video pickup and I sense that he has a plan.
*****
Tenchi
*****
Tenchi grinned at George's 'eye'. Reaching over to an auxiliary console he flipped a switch. "Nimby, this is Corporal Masaki. Can you hear me?"
"Affirmative," came the reply, cut with static.
"Your main gun is still working, right?"
"Yes, but I can't target anything."
Tenchi's grin grew wider. "Can you accept targeting data from George?"
Nimby's voice grew excited. "Yes. Most certainly."
"Uh, Tenchi," came George's voice in an exaggerated stage whisper. "His weapon isn't strong enough to take out a starship in one shot."
"It doesn't have to be," Tenchi replied. "I just want them to keep their attention focused on us. And who knows, he just might get lucky."
*****
Ryoko
*****
Ryoko and Ka'dithy reappeared on Ryo-ohki's command deck. The ex-pirate mentally ordered her ship to create a contour couch for the critically injured t'Dnal to be placed in. The cabbit-ship complied and once the girl was as comfortable as Ryoko could make her, the cyan-haired beauty requested a full medical scan of Ka'dithy. Ryo-ohki complied, but with reservations.
I don't think I can help her, the cabbit said in Ryoko's mind. My facilities are pretty primitive and geared toward your metabolism, not a standard lifeform's.
"I know," Ryoko said aloud. "But do the best you can. Tenchi'll never forgive me if I let her die without trying to save her."
Ryo-ohki whistled mentally as she scanned the t'Dnal. She's pretty bad off. But whoever did the triage did a fine job, probably saved her life.
Ryoko looked down at the once pretty face of Tenchi's friend, a face that was wracked with agony even in unconsciousness. "Her combat vehicle did it," she said, reaching out to smooth back Ka'dithy's blood-soaked hair. "I don't know if he'll make it either, he's pretty bad off too." She looked toward the ship's main screen where the plot showed more enemy ships moving into the battle; several hundred little points of light were obvious. "Damn. We've got to stop them somehow."
Ay-ohki and the Juraian fleet are on their way, Ryo-ohki told her. I called him the minute you called me. They'll be here in just under three hours; we only have to hold out until then.
"Right," Ryoko said with a wry smile. "No problem for the team that busted into and back out of Jurai way back when."
Shouldn't be, the cabbit replied, then "miya'd" audibly causing Ryoko to chuckle.
Ryoko felt a weak squeeze on her arm. She looked back down to see that the t'Dnal's one remaining eye was open and watching her. "Where…" Ka'dithy managed to whisper weakly.
Ryoko smiled gently. "Shhh. We're on Ryo-ohki. Tenchi told me to watch over you and Nimby was pretty bad off. Not that we're a whole lot better up here with the enemy's fleet coming at us."
"Can't feel m' legs," the t'Dnal managed.
Ryoko decided not to keep anything from the other woman. "They're gone, just above the knees. And your right arm and eye too." Her smile widened. "But don't worry, I know someone that can fix you right up. She fixed up another friend of mine and all she had to work with was the brain."
"Hope she c'n fix m' legs," Ka'dithy said. "They were one of m' best features."
"I dunno," Ryoko replied with a crooked grin. "According to Tenchi, the rest of you ain't bad either."
Ka'dithy chuckled weakly. "So thas it; y' brought me here to have y'r way wit' me."
This brought a laugh bubbling out of the pirate. "Yeah, that's it exactly. And in order to do that I'm gonna have Ryo-ohki here put you out for a while. To spare you the embarrassment ya know. Then I gotta go do some piratey stuff against these creeps."
"'k. Give'm some f'r me too." Ka'dithy closed her eye.
"Ryo-ohki, put her out," Ryoko requested.
The cabbit complied, a general anesthetic flooding into Ka'dthy's battered body; but Ryo-ohki had reservations. Done, but I can't keep her out forever; she'll be awake again before Washu gets here.
"No she won't," Ryoko explained. "Put her in stasis."
"Miya?!" Ryo-ohki let out in surprise. Stasis? Oh, I understand. Sure thing,, one stasis field coming up. A dome of mirror-bright silver formed over the now unconscious t'Dnal. Although it wasn't visible to the occupants of the control cabin, the field even extended under Ka'dithy's chair. A stasis field reflected everything; light, gravity, time… everything; nothing known to any technology could penetrate it and no time passed for anything placed within it. Even if Ryo-ohki were destroyed before she cancelled the field, Ka'dithy would survive. Theory even said that a stasis field could survive entry into a black hole.
"All right." Ryoko rubber her hands together in anticipation as she took her place in Ryo-ohki's command chair. "It's been a while since I really cut loose but…" She reached out and placed her hands on the control globes. "Ryo-ohki… ATTACK!"
"MIYAAAAA!"
*****
George
*****
A new combatant has entered the arena. My scanners pick up a smaller ship making micro-jumps through hyperspace, trying to sneak up on the enemy. I cannot get a good reading on it as it appears to be a stealth vessel, but I can track it's energy signature when it enters and leaves hyperspace. If this is what my commander had in mind it seems to be working.
I track the ship, about the size of a Juraian corvette, as it makes one final jump and is suddenly in amongst the enemy fleet. I watch in amazement as the carnage begins. The enemy is taken completely by surprise and tries to scatter his force. The mystery vessel fires a plasma weapon much more powerful than my own and it pierces three ships. I now recognize the energy signature of that weapon, I have seen it before, but that time, long ago, I was on the receiving end. Ryo-ohki has arrived and Ryoko is now in her element.
Ryoko selects her targets with care, no indiscriminate firing this time. Ship after ship is vaporized or holed. But there are too many of them, even Ryoko can't hope to get them all. It doesn't matter though, the surprise is total and the enemy tries to flee in panic, his return fire sporadic and ineffective in his retreat. Ryo-ohki chases down the larger ships, letting the smaller vessels escape for now. Curiously, none of them try to hyper away but merely move out of range of Ryo-ohki's weapons. It is possible that the enemy has orders to take the planet at all costs, or perhaps they are awaiting reinforcements. If it is the later it seems that they have been abandoned in place, because no help is forthcoming.
Ryo-ohki may have taken the enemy fleet by surprise, but they still outnumber her several dozen to one and when they realize that I fear it is the end of Ryoko. It never happens; perhaps they too recognize what they face. I watch, fascinated, as Ryo-ohki, no longer attempting to wreak havoc on the enemy, seems content to merely herd them from place to place. She seems to be waiting for something. Or someone. Every so often she'll fire on a ship and occasionally the enemy's return fire touches her. I wince mentally whenever this happens because I know it must be hurting her.
*****
Three hours latter a slightly singed cabbit-ship and a very banged up Space Pirate met the Juraian fleet as they moved in to take charge and mop up the remainder of the enemy.
"Well, it looks like you two gave a good accounting of yourselves," said Washu's image from the main screen
"We tried," Ryoko responded, hugging a badly bruised left arm to her chest while her self-healing power repaired it. "Why didn't you build any restraints into my chair? I kept falling out every time we took a hit."
The little scientist snorted. "I never planned on Ryo-ohki fighting a fleet action, she's more of a hit and run type."
"Yeah, I guess," Ryoko smirked. "By the way, I've got a badly injured t'Dnal over here in stasis. She's a good friend of mine and Tenchi's and I need you to do your best for her."
"A t'Dnal eh?" Washu tapped her chin, her thoughts on just how Ryo-ohki had learned to generate a stasis field; the ability certainly wasn't in her specs. "Just how good a friend?" she asked off-hand.
Ryoko jumped up out of her chair, her pain forgotten. "Not that good, mother."
Washu held up her hands at her daughter's angry response. "Ok, ok. Just checking. Besides, Tenchi told us all about her when he was on Jurai. Now, the t'Dnal are a standard humanoid type so there shouldn't be any problem. One of the ships in the fleet is a fully equipped hospital ship."
"And when you get her all fixed up I want my own ears back." Ryoko demanded.
Washu shrugged. "Whenever you're ready."
"Heh. Right now would be good, but first I'm gonna go find my Tenchi. He says he's all right but I won't believe it until I see it for myself."
Washu was suddenly pushed aside and Ayeka's face filled the screen. "Your Tenchi? Not without me, you pirate. You've had him alone for weeks."
"Me?" Ryoko exclaimed, a look of mock indignation on her face. "I couldn't even let him know who I was! I didn't know he already knew."
"He knew?" Ayeka was taken aback. "I wonder how?"
"Yeah, I wonder. I'm not the one who blurts out secrets in moments of passion."
The future Empress's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, Ryoko?"
"Ask Tenchi when we find him. You'd better get over here because I'm leaving in two minutes whether you're here or not." Ayeka's image blinked out and Ryoko chuckled. "Gotcha."
*****
Ryoko and Ayeka walked together in silence through the remains of the Mau village. Fortunately only the upper structures were severely damaged; most of the underground abodes had survived intact. None of the townsfolk had been killed although several had been injured when a stray penetrator round hit their shelter. The girls found a dirty and tired Tenchi seated on a piece of rubble talking to Dreuma, starting plans for rebuilding. He looked up at their approach, a smile splitting his smudged face. "Ryoko!" He jumped up and hugged the pirate. "I'm glad you're all right. How's Ka'dithy?"
Ryoko squeezed him right back. "She's in surgery right now, Mom says she'll probably make a complete recovery after regen and therapy. I'm sorry I can't say the same about Nimby, he's just so much scrap after your last brilliant plan. The AI's intact though."
"Damn, maybe we can salvage him if we can't repair him." He turned to Ayeka and gathered her into his arms. "You guys got here just in time."
Ayeka reached up and gently wiped some of the dirt from her husband's face. "Thank Ryoko and Ryo-ohki for that, they're the ones that called us. Oh Tsunami, I've missed you both; you and Ryoko." Tears started to form in the princess' red eyes.
"And we missed you too," Tenchi kissed her then looked up at his other wife who stood there fuming while Ayeka was getting all the attention. "Didn't we Ryoko?" he asked with a wink.
"Uh, yeah, sure we did," Ryoko responded. She made a rude gesture to Tenchi that the princess didn't catch. Tenchi laughed, making Ayeka wonder just what was going on.
"Oh, by the way," the princess said, extracting herself from Tenchi's arms. "You'll never guess who's in command of the fleet."
Ryoko groaned; she had a real good idea who it was. "Don't tell me; it's your mother."
Ayeka smiled. "Yes, it is indeed. And she'll be happy to see you Ryoko, she's invited us all to dinner."
This time Tenchi groaned in tune with Ryoko then all three broke into laughter. Dreuma watched the three reunited lovers, a look of confusion on his dog-like face. Hearing Ayeka's laugh, he wondered if it wouldn't be wise to retreat to a safe distance, if there were such a thing.
*****
To be continued…
*****
Author's Notes
Darn, this one just wouldn't stop. I thought I was done but since ff.net's been down I decided to add a bit and add and add. Well, I still hope you enjoy it, even if it is twice as long as one of my normal chapters (or what passes for normal for me anyway).
Ryoko didn't use her Lighthawk Wings on Ryo-ohki during the battle because then she couldn't fire at the enemy, much like George. Ryoko is not a defensive fighter; she prefers to always be on the attack.
More info on the attackers in the next chapter.
*****
Review Responses
Dennisud – It's going rather well. I haven't had a chance to finish reading the last chapter of your story, but I will soon. Sasami and Mihoshi may yet reappear in this story but they're minor, very minor characters in it.
Smack54 - sigh I haven't finished reading your story either, shame on me. Ayeka as Merlaj and Ryoko as Ayeka? Never even thought of that. Oh what a twisted web we weave…
Ministry Agent – It's been quite a while since I read Starship Troopers (like 25 or 30 years) and the movie was, well let's just say it was and leave it at that. As you can see, I added a tiny bit to what you've already read. And I didn't make it in a week, more like two or two and a half.
Jon Cook – George sounds like whatever you want him to sound like (except female). I picture a fairly deep voice with no accent; he's a computer, he speaks all his programmed languages perfectly in whatever dialect his commander wishes. If he must have an accent, it would be Juraian, whatever that sounds like.
The Dragonbard – Tenchi's no idiot even though he acts clueless occasionally. It seems to be a defense mechanism of some sort. As to how the Mau know about him, well I couldn't find a good place to fit it into the story but even though they're out in the middle of nowhere they're still a part of the Empire and have the technology to get news broadcasts. And unlike a certain Lieutenant, they actually watch them. It's very boring on the edge of nothing; even G Gundam would be interesting out there. (Sorry if I offended anyone, I could have said Dragonball Z…)
Negative-Z – Heh. As if my writing wasn't already in enough trouble.
Thundergod – I thought about grav chutes or static discharge lines but decided against them for various reasons. KP? I have dishes and catbox duty four days a week now.
Chaotic Blues – No, as you can see Tenchi kept a lid on Ryoko. I still have plans for Dreasu though.
Wharpt – Minimum enlistment time in the Juraian Army? Hmm… Let's say two years. Juraian years that is.
Taxzombie – Hopefully I'll have more on the enemy next chapter when I start to tie up the loose ends. Although I have their basics down I'm still working on a couple of possible angles. Let's just say that they aren't mammals or reptiles.
Alighthawk – I wanted to take them to Disney World on their honeymoon but I've never been there so I wouldn't know where to start. I'm still haunted by that image I had of Ryoko and Ayeka standing next to Goofy and wearing Mickey Mouse ears while Tenchi takes a picture. Creating a made-up place is much easier than using a real location that one's never seen.
Phillip – Here's more, but I'm sorry to say that this story is drawing to a close in the next chapter (or possibly the one after, I may do an epilogue).
*****
BobR
1/3/2003