THE JOB, Chapter 18: Reporting As Ordered

DISCLAIMER: Tenchi Muyou! is copyright AIC/Pioneer, LDC. I claim no rights to it. However, all events in this story are entirely of my own imagination. Please don't change them. Feel free to distribute this story as widely as desired.

FOREWORD: Sorry it's been so long since the last update. Honestly, I kind of wrote myself into a corner. Originally I had no intention of having an assassination in the story. Now I have to deal with that, as well as get some of the other characters involved again. Finally, I seem to have something in mind. Let's see how it works out.

AUTHOR: Dreamr

LAST REVISION: 15 October 2003

EMAIL: TrueDreamr@Hotmail.com

BEGIN.

"Highness, it's time."

First Princess Aeka of Jurai calmly walked out before the crowded room of press reporters to answer the multitude of questions they would throw at her this morning. It was unusual for the Royal Family to make a direct statement regarding current events. However, with the assassination of a top-level minister, she had to say something to put the people at ease.

The rumor mill was working over-time on reasons and causes for the murder of Minister of Justice Fujiyama at the palace yesterday. Some of the theories currently making the rounds were totally outlandish. However, a few actually had some merit. Aeka had her own personal opinion on the issue. Her current favorite was the possibility her investigation into Ryoko's past was close to some major revelation that somebody did not want revealed.

Ascending the raised dais before the throng of reporters, Aeka turned to face them and their recording devices. There was no podium to hide behind, as Jurai technology was sufficiently advanced to render the microphone concept obsolete. However, security was still tight. Both Azaka and Kamidake were on-hand and fully attentive. In the short time she had known these two flesh-and-blood guardians, Aeka had come to believe they were every bit as loyal and capable as their mechanical counterparts. Any assault on her person here would likely be met with quick and decisive action. As for the previously mentioned guardians, Aeka was glad she had left them on Earth with Sasami. In this day and age, murder seemed to be the preferred way of dealing with an adversary. This only served to reinforce her belief that Jurai was in need of some serious moral cleansing.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, " Aeka paused to allow the reporters to quiet down before continuing. "First, let me convey my deepest sympathies to the family of Minister Fujiyama. His absence will be felt for years to come. Second, let me assure everyone that this incident is already being investigated by top officials. The perpetrator of the heinous act will be brought to justice, no matter how long it takes."

Taking a long breath, Aeka steeled herself for the onslaught.

"I expect you will have some questions."

A veritable wall of questions assaulted Princess Aeka as the reporters began yelling for attention, each of them jockeying with the others for verbal attention. Fortunately, Aeka had a press secretary that was responsible for dealing with such things. The young lady quickly sorted through the flying questions and called out one of the major network reporters.

"Highness, what kind of projects was Minister Fujiyama working on at the time of his death?"

Aeka inwardly cringed. It was just the kind of question that she did not want to give a direct answer to.

"I would say he was working on matters of investigation and prosecution of criminals."

"Who?" The reporter quickly blurted out a follow-up before the others could be heard.

"I'm afraid I cannot elaborate on who may be under investigation. We certainly would not want a criminal to know he or she is being investigated. As well, I would not want to cause an innocent person embarrassment or inconvenience. Next, please."

Again, Aeka waited for the Press Secretary to choose one from among the reporters.

"Considering that less than a year ago someone tried to usurp the throne, do you think this might be some sort of misguided attempt at a realignment among the remaining officials?"

There was a possibility Aeka had not thought of. It made her wonder if perhaps someone internal were responsible for the killing.

"I'm afraid it's simply too soon to tell. I'm certain we'll know more as the investigation continues. Next."

"What of the rumor that the assassination was an attempt to delay the trial of one of the high-profile arrests made this last month, such as Arch-Bishop Lazarus or the space pirate Ryoko?"

"The timetable for both of those person's trials remains unaffected. Quite obviously, the prosecutor for at least one of those cases will be Jurai's Head Prosecutor, not the Minister of Justice. Next."

"Princess Aeka, could you explain in detail what brought you back to Jurai?"

Stunned into silence, Aeka just stared at the reporter. And, of course, the reporters were all waiting to hear her response. She could not delay for much longer or they might begin to wonder.

"I… heard…. Uh, rumors." Suddenly, and answer coalesced out of the chaos of her disrupted mind. "I heard rumors about persons of authority abusing their power for personal gain. I felt obligated to investigate those rumors on the off chance that there may be some truth to them. As it turns out, there was a great deal of truth to them. So long as I continue to find corruption, I will continue to pursue these claims."

"Who's claims?" Someone yelled out.

Aeka steepled her fingers in front of her while afixing her most neutral press-face.

"Ah, well, seeing as the related investigations have not yet been concluded, I think it would be best if the, ah… accusing individuals remained anonymous for the time being."

Most of the reporters on hand grew large smiles at her response. They were used to hearing evasive answers from high-level officials, and recognized this one from the beginning. Besides that, the accusers' names would be read aloud at the defedant's initial court hearing. They would find out soon enough.

"In the nine years prior to your, ah, extended vacation, you signed only twelve royal warrants. However, in the last two weeks, there's been three, Arch-Bishop Lazarus, and two small time crooks who are already doing time in a GP medium security prison. Is there any particular reason for the sudden flurry of judicial activity, and if so, what do those two small-timers have to do with it?"

Aeka nearly groaned. This particular reporter had done her homework. She had hoped to keep the second and third warrants quiet. No one should particularly care about two convicted space-pirates being accused of additional crimes.

"I recall the two persons you speak of. Their arrests came as a result of the on-going investigations being conducted by the Department of Justice."

"Um, I guess what I'm asking is what do the second two have in common with the first to, pardon the pun, warrant royal attention?"

There were a few chuckles despite the reporter's disclaimer.

"I wanted the courts to take the case seriously. Putting my signature on the warrants ensures the courts are aware that I will be watching the outcome of those cases. I would not have signed those warrants if I were not confident in the outcome."

"Of course. But what are they accused of?"

"Vicious and despicable crimes that I would rather not sully my tongue with!" Growing tired of the reporter's doubtful nature, Aeka drew herself up to say what was truly on her mind.

"Those men that have been arrested stand accused of crimes I would not wish upon my worst enemy. The reason I came back to Jurai is to investigate these occurrences. You may rest assured I have thoroughly verified my source. The investigations into these men and others will continue, despite Minister Fujiyama's death. And when enough evidence is collected, there will be more arrests, even if I have to bring them in myself! Good day."

With that, Aeka turned on her heel and left the press room.

The first thing Kiyone did every workday after she and Mihoshi set out on their patrol route was to check-in with Pluto base via the hyper-space net for any important developments in their area of assignment. Occasionally, a wanted criminal would be spotted in the region, which would result in a notification being sent out. The notifications were listed in chronological order, from oldest to newest.

Today's notices were mostly nominal solar weather reports and other fairly benign information. Kiyone stared whimsically at her pay-stub. A lot of good Galactic Currency, otherwise known as Gals, did on Earth. Her bank account was swelling to astronomical proportions, as was her leave balance. For a few short moments Kiyone imagined a sunny vacation away from all her cares and worries, and most especially away from Mihoshi. Maybe even a little romance… Mihoshi's high-pitched voice and smiling face eclipsed the bright dream.

"Okay, Kiyone. We're on course. So what's our first assignment?"

"You're bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning. What's the occasion?"

"Don't you remember? Tenchi and Ryoko are coming back today!"

"Oh, yeah. Think there'll be a party?"

"You betcha!"

Kiyone smiled at Mihoshi's greater than usual enthusiasm. The happy moment came to an abrupt end when the holo-comm suddenly came to life, projecting the image of their rotund supervisor from Pluto Base.

"Attention Detectives Kiyone and Mihoshi!"

Both officers leapt to their feet. In her haste to rise, Mihoshi completely forgot about the cup of coffee she was holding. The nearly full cup spilled across the navigational console, which immediately spit blue parks and began to smoke.

"Mihoshi!" Kiyone ground her teeth as Yagami shuddered to a stop.

"I'm sorry, Kiyone! But, he startled me!"

"Excuse me…" The portly man spoke, trying to regain their attention.

"I'm sorry, sir. We'll get it fixed right away."

"Right. Anyhow…" The lieutenant grew a huge smile. "I have good news! You're been reassigned to Jurai Prime effective immediately."

"WHAT?!" The two officers stared at their supervisor in shock.

"It seems the First Princess of Jurai has personally requested the both of you. Isn't that great?"

Mihoshi sniffling was the first sign that all was not well.

"But I don't want to leave all my friends behind."

"Now, now, Mihoshi." The man consoled her. "There's lots of people on Jurai. You'll make new friends. Anyway, I won't disapprove a leave request. Lord knows you've both got enough time saved up. But the princess did ask for you as soon as possible. So I wouldn't make her wait."

Kiyone was no longer listening. All she could hear were the prospects of a successful career being flushed down the toilet. In actuality, the Jurai Office was merely a token establishment meant as a show of support and solidarity with the Jurai Empire. There was no need for a GP presence on that planet, or any other planet anywhere near it. Jurai had might enough to handle its own policing. It was a place to put those officers who either had no future in the GP but could not be removed for one reason or another, or those who could not act in a full capacity but were close to retirement. It was the GP version of the Kiss of Death. Unless…

"Excuse me, sir. But did Princess Aeka say why she wanted us?"

"Eh? Haven't you read your messages today?"

"Uh, well…"

"Never mind. I'll give you the good news, myself. Thanks in part to the two of you, one of the most notorious space pirates in the galaxy has been arrested."

Kiyone suddenly got a very bad feeling right in the pit of her gut. There was only one person she knew of who would fit the description of "most notorious in the galaxy".

"Ryoko?"

"I haven't the official report, but I hear she said something about wanting to turn herself in to Mihoshi. Why, I wouldn't be surprised if there were promotions in store for both of you! Congratulations!"

Kiyone thought the lieutenant's praise was a little out of place, considering that they had absolutely nothing to do with what was going on.

"This doesn't make any sense."

"No kidding!" Mihoshi agreed. "If Aeka wanted to see us so badly, she could have at least asked!"

"Hey!" The man hissed, looking around. "Don't say things like that! The royal family seems to have eyes and ears everywhere, lately. Royal warrants are flying left and right and there's even been an assassination on Jurai Prime, itself! At least try to keep out of trouble for the rest of your caree - ah… signment. Yeah. Heh-heh."

Kiyone's eyes snapped up and locked onto her former supervisor. She had not missed his Freudian slip.

"Thank you so much, sir, for taking the time out of your busy schedule to personally inform us of this very important assignment. Yagami out." Kiyone stabbed the "off" button with as much force as she dared.

"Kiyone, what are we going to do?"

"We're going back to Earth to pack our things, that's what."

"But…"

"No buts, Mihoshi! If Ryoko really did turn herself in, then there must be a reason for it. And there's only one thing I can think of that would have that effect on her."

"Um… uh… I give up. What is it?"

Kiyone groaned aloud.

"Tenchi, you dope! And if she's in jail, where's he?"

"Um, in jail with Ryoko?"

"ARGH!"

END.

AFTERWORD: The next chapter should be coming out fairly soon. There'll be a sea burial, Kiyone and Mihoshi get involved, and we'll see some real justice served, Aeka-style. Chapter 19 may be the longest chapter to-date. It coming time to wrap up the loose ends and get to the meat of this story: Ryoko's trial.