TENCHI WAKUSEI

by Joe Meadows

A sequel novel to "Tenchi Universe," full and complete.

21. CHAPTER 20: No Need For Pizza Pie

TENCHI WAKUSEI, BOOK ONE: "NO DREAMS FOR TENCHI"

By Joe Meadows (gpabn@yahoo.com)

NOTA BENE: This novel (comprising 24 chapters, a Prologue, and an Epilogue) is a sequel to the "Tenchi Muyo Television Series" ("Tenchi Universe"), with some "Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki!" original OAV series characters and elements included where--in the author's opinion--they don't conflict with "Tenchi Universe." For example, in order to flesh out a family background for Ayeka and Sasami, rather than create new characters, I used the existing parental figures of King Asuza and Queen Misaki from the OAVs. In order to bring the Galaxy Police more into the story, I re-instated the Grand Marshall as Mihoshi's grandfather and used an existing character from the Tenchi Muyo mangas, Chief Tor Bodai. And so on.

AIC and Pioneer LDC, whose kind indulgence I am counting on, own the copyrights on the original Tenchi Muyo characters. The character of Chief Tor Bodai was created by Hitoshi Okuda for the Tenchi Muyo manga series and is also copyrighted by AIC and Pioneer LDC. All truly new characters are my creation. Those characters and the actual story are copyright 2002 by yours truly. The lyrics for both versions of the theme song for "Speed Racer," the Beatles' "Abbey Road" album, the Beach Boys' "Surfing USA," the theme to "The Brady Bunch," and "That's Amore" are copyrighted by their various owners. The events that comprise the "Tenchi Universe" series are discussed in this novel; consequently, spoilers lurk within. Be warned. Please check out the "Chapter Notes" at the end of some of the chapters. Feedback is very welcome! I can be reached at gpabn@yahoo.com and thanks for taking the time to read this novel.

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CHAPTER TWENTY

No Need For Pizza Pie

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Tris was dying. But death was welcome.

Anything was welcome that would end the white-hot pain in his side, the burning sensation in his lungs, and the throbbing in his head. He had all but collapsed on the ground, the hard, stony ground. He lay there, panting, groaning, sweating buckets, and wondering if they had drive-ins in heaven.

His ruminations about the hereafter were interrupted as a pair of sandaled feet--feet shod in snowy white socks--appeared on the pavement before him. St. Peter?

"Tristram?" No. It was Lord Yosho. "Are you ill?"

"No," Tris gasped. "Just dying...sir."

"Surely not!" Lord Yosho reached down and pulled Tris to his feet with an iron strength that no one (at least, Tris) would have credited the wiry old man of possessing. Yet Yosho's grasp was gentle, nonetheless. Tris stood now, still panting, but color was returning to his face and the stabbing pain in his side moderated from butcher knife size to pen knife dimensions.

His vision cleared. He was standing with Lord Yosho on the wide, paved walk that led directly to the soaring Shinto temple, the Masaki Shrine. Behind him was the long, long series of steps leading to the valley below.

Suddenly Tris realized--he was at the top! He had done it! He had run up all the steps! He had reached his goal...and it had only cost him unimaginable pain and probably a portion of his left lung. Success! He was ready to vomit with victory. Fortunately, he hadn't eaten breakfast yet.

"I...I made it," he said with wonderment, still wheezing slightly.

"You certainly did, Tristram," Lord Yosho said. "Congratulations! Of course, you may have attempted to reach your goal a bit too soon. Do you feel ill?"

"Well...yes, sir. Kinda. But it's nothing much worse than I felt when I ran track in high school and Coach Nelson made me keep running the 440-yard dash because I kept tripping at the three-quarter marker. I'd try to kick in some extra speed there, and...sorry, sir. Never mind." The talking had helped. After gulping in vast quantities of air and now moderating his air intake with conversation, his lungs no longer felt as if they were aflame...just a bit scorched. The stabbing stitch at his side had moderated to a dull ache, too.

"That's quite all right, Tristram. Your Coach Nelson was evidently a firm sensei, but those are the ones that usually extract the best from us."

"Yes, sir. Coach Nelson sure extracted a lot from me, that's for sure. I've always said I left my lungs at Northwest High School."

"You almost lost them again here, Tristram," Yosho commented with a small smile.

"I don't know what possessed me," Tris admitted. "I've had to lay off the daily run up the steps for a few days, you know sir, and I would have been happy to reach as far as I had when I stopped. But I just looked at the remaining steps and it didn't look all the tough-- hah!--and I just kept running. Kinda stupid, but I am glad I made it."

"I am also glad. Perhaps that last burst was what you needed--a way to finally overcome an obstacle. Isn't it gratifying to set a difficult goal and achieve it, Tristram?"

"Yes, sir. It kind of gives you confidence."

"It does, indeed. You must always set difficult goals for yourself and achieve them, all your life, Tristram. That is the way to improve yourself and to avoid becoming complacent and stale. Just the continuous attempt to improve alone makes life more meaningful. And sometimes other goals beckon, goals that you would not have been aware of had you not pushed yourself. Of course, one must not push oneself too hard," Yosho concluded amiably. "By the way...have you called your relatives, your aunts, yet?"

Tris shook his head. "No, sir, not yet. But I plan to."

"Good. You will feel an enormous weight lift from your shoulders, Tristram, when you do. At the very least, you will have done your best by your parents. You may even mend a few fences. You need your relatives, Tristram. We all do."

"Yes sir."

"Well, you'd better go down and take your shower. I have a few matters to attend to here and I will see you at breakfast."

"See you then, sir."

With a smile, Lord Yosho turned away and walked, with quiet dignity, back to the temple. Tris looked after him a moment and then slowly began to descend the stone steps, taking them one at a time, his leg muscles protesting, but not too violently.

------

A little while later, breakfast commenced at the Masaki manse. No one had needed to go get Washuu from her sub-dimensional lab. She showed up at the breakfast table on her own volition.

Washuu took her place at the table where she and Nobuyuki usually sat together now (Nobuyuki had already left quite early to meet with a group of builders at a work site). First, however, she had deposited a cloth-wrapped bundle in a corner of the dining room. When asked about it, she simply smiled and acted mysterious, which was typical Washuu behavior--she was obviously about to spring another invention on them.

Kiyone, knowing she would need to inform Lord Yosho and Washuu of the latest developments on the Klove front, waited until the others had eaten breakfast and were sitting around sipping a last cup of tea. This was the second time--or was it the third?--that she would be bringing un-glad tidings. She was getting heartily sick of it. If she could have trusted Mihoshi not to break down and bawl, Kiyone would have delegated this task to her partner.

As it was, Mihoshi was darting her usual hopeful glances at Sasami, silently asking if there was more food. Sasami shook her head. The family was still on a tight budget; Nobuyuki's new firm was starting well but it wasn't bringing in much income yet. Kiyone inwardly groaned at her partner's antics. The little pig! Well, let that be. It was time to give them the bad news--again.

"Lord Yosho, Washuu," Kiyone said. "I need to bring you up to date on something that Mihoshi and I learned last night when we received a call from our Headquarters..."

When she finished, Lord Yosho and Washuu both regarded her with deep concern. The others, already up on the latest disaster, nonetheless registered disquiet. Unfortunately, a night's sleep seemed to have had no beneficial effect in bringing a solution to the problem to anyone's mind. It all sounded just as bad in the morning as it had last night.

As usual, Lord Yosho broke the silence. "That is distressing news, Detective, very distressing, indeed. We all know we took a chance to get that information, for it was truly vital to us. It seems that good fortune does not smile on us lately. Detective, I am truly sorry for this development."

"Thank you, Lord Yosho. But it was all my doing, really," Kiyone shrugged. "I authorized the hacking--"

"We authorized the hacking!" Mihoshi insisted.

"Oh, all right, Mihoshi. We authorized the hacking. Anyway--"

"Listen, you two Joan of Arcs," Washuu interrupted. "I did the hacking. You didn't authorize me, Kiyone. Short of hitting me with a blunt instrument, you couldn't have stopped me. So there!"

"So what?" Ryoko said testily. "How does that help them?"

"It helps them because when that GP investigative team comes barging in, I'll confess and surrender myself. Unlike some people, I've taken my lumps for my crimes, although they weren't even crimes. I'll just do it again."

"Miss Washuu." Ayeka shook her head sadly. "That is a wonderful gesture, and I know we all honor you for it. But...you are talking nonsense."

Washuu looked at Ayeka, visibly startled by her comment. "Huh?"

"The last time you were punished for your...activities...what happened? You were imprisoned in a life-support capsule and sent into trackless space. You were exiled, Miss Washuu, which is about as dreadful a punishment as our Galactic Union metes out. It is only by the sheerest luck that your capsule landed on Earth and on the property of Lord Yosho and Lord Tenchi--"

"You call that luck?" Ryoko muttered.

Ayeka glared at Ryoko. "I can think of instances where other persons landed on this planet that I would not ascribe to good fortune, but never mind that. The point is, Miss Washuu, that you have already been severely punished once. Most recently, you were condemned again by the Royal Science Academy, and you were obliged to flee. What shall the authorities do to you for a third offense?"

Kiyone nodded in agreement. "Ayeka's right, Washuu. I thank you for trying to take this all on yourself. But if you turn yourself in, you'll get the max and that means involuntary exile again. This time, they'll use a truly remote spaceway and your exile capsule will float in space forever. That's worse than execution, to my thinking. We're sure as hell not going to let you do that!"

"But your careers! If that investigative team doesn't find a suspect for the hacking--"

"I don't want a career based on your being exiled again," Kiyone interrupted. "I'd rather flip burgers or direct traffic. I mean it, Washuu."

More than one pair of eyes stared with surprise at Kiyone. That last statement constituted the ultimate sacrifice for the career-driven young woman. Yet at least a few sitting at the table also knew that Kiyone now had more than just a career on her mind--and in her heart.

"That's right, Washuu," Mihoshi seconded her partner. "Please don't talk about getting arrested because of us."

"Well, hell," Washuu said irritably. "Try to do something noble and all you get is static. Listen, I didn't mean I'd let those goons ship me off into exile again. I'll rig an escape device to spring on those goons at the proper time, and--"

"Yes, and you will then be an escaped fugitive, with the Galaxy Police on your heels," Ayeka interrupted.

"And, because of the nature of the offense, the GP will have legal sanction to pursue and arrest you anywhere, Washuu--even on Earth," Kiyone added.

"So you'd lose your hidey-hole here, Washuu," Ryoko told her. "At least for a while. You might find it pretty rugged."

"Well..." Washuu shrugged. "Maybe they wouldn't put up that much of a dragnet. I'm not really considered an outlaw, you know...I mean, not like Ryoko here."

"Hah!" Ryoko said.

"What do you mean by that?" Washuu demanded.

"Look here, Washuu. I'm going to tell you something and I don't want you to get mad at me," Ryoko said seriously. "You've had a fine old time here, doing your crazy experiments and living like a mole and, yeah, helping us out. But you need to face facts. You're just as much as fugitive as I am. Sure, in your case, it's out of sight, out of mind for the cops." Ryoko cast an ironic look at Kiyone and Mihoshi. "But you show yourself out there, and you'll get jugged. They're scared to death of you, Washuu. Don't you know that? They don't know you like we do and they never will. Now maybe you're not wanting to be such a damned old mole anymore and that's great. But don't fool yourself. I don't forget for a moment that I'm still on the lam. So are you. Just admit it and deal with it. Okay?"

Washuu regarded Ryoko pensively. The latter's words had really penetrated this time. Despite all their feuding, she knew the space pirate was her friend. And this time Ryoko was giving it to her straight. "Okay," she said.

"Thank heavens!" Ayeka said. She appreciated Ryoko's words to Miss Washuu. She had been wanting to tell the great scientist much the same thing for quite a while. "Now we are all dealing with reality."

Washuu looked at Ayeka and slowly nodded. "Okay, you've convinced me to be selfish about this. Fine. So what do you all plan to do when that investigative team comes calling?"

Lord Yosho intervened. "I can partially answer your question, Professor Washuu. I don't wish to dictate to all of you, but I personally have a great aversion to the high-handed methods of the Galactic Union and the Juraian influence behind it, even though I am of royal Juraian blood myself. That is why I left all that behind to live here, as you all know. I am a citizen of this country and I am an Earthling by choice. I won't acknowledge the authority of any Galaxy Police delegation that may come. They have no authority here, period. I will tell them nothing. I know that my son-in-law will do likewise."

Tenchi nodded. "That's right, Grandfather. This is our home and they're intruders. I won't tell them anything, either."

"That goes double for me, sweetums," Ryoko chimed in.

"Hah! You're not going to be here and neither am I," Washuu told her, firmly. "You heard what Kiyone told us. Our being found here will really land her and Mihoshi in the soup. So, the first sign of them, you teleport out of here and you command Ryo-Ohki to scram, too. I'll scuttle off to my mole hole as you call it and close the portal. That'll fix their old investigation!"

Ryoko smiled. "That's a plan, Washuu. I'm in."

Tris shrugged. "I don't know if I'll still be here, but this is one Earthling who won't talk to them. I'll just do one of those "What! You're from outer space?" numbers and dummy up with shock."

"Why don't you faint, too?" Ryoko suggested snidely. "That's what you almost did when you first found out about us."

"Sure. Anything to oblige." Tris grinned.

"You do and I'll kick you into the next prefecture!" Kiyone promised him.

But Kiyone couldn't help but smile. The show of support from her friends was wonderful, a real boost. At the moment, she was sitting so close to Tris, they were practically Siamese twins--she could almost hear his very thoughts. She was waiting for him to hold her hand under the table, but the big stiff was being particularly dense this morning. It was discouraging.

Ryoko laughed. "Boy, that'll look great to your fellow cops! Police brutaility!"

Tenchi laughed, too...but he stopped laughing when he saw Ayeka's and Sasami's faces. Both princesses looked troubled.

Lord Yosho noticed it also. "Is there a problem, Princess Ayeka?"

Ayeka and Sasami looked at each other.

"Ayeka? Sasami?" Tenchi asked.

"Let's do it, big sister," Sasami said. "I don't care about anything else but you and our friends here."

"All right, dear," Ayeka said softly. "I quite agree."

"What the heck are you two mumbling about?" Ryoko demanded.

Ayeka turned to them. "We both, Sasami and I, as Princesses of Jurai have a sacred, sworn duty to uphold the Galactic Union and all of its laws. As future inheritors of the Throne of Jurai, we must obey any lawful order relayed to us by the authorities. Thus, we will be obliged to answer their questions. We cannot "dummy up" as you put it, Tristram. We can, of course, refuse to answer their questions at first--we can claim it a matter of conscience. But that will avail us nothing. If needs be, that Galaxy Police contingent can and will notify our father, the King. He could issue a royal command for us to speak. We cannot disobey such a command. We simply cannot."

Sasami nodded, looking quite miserable. Lord Yosho's visage was grim. He well understood the position Ayeka and Sasami now found themselves in.

"What the hell! So you'd blab on Kiyone and Mihoshi--and Washuu? Why, you--" Ryoko was incensed.

"Ryoko...let her finish," Tenchi said.

Ryoko subsided, scowling.

"Thank you, Lord Tenchi." Ayeka pursed her lips. "As I said, as it stands now, Sasami and I must cooperate with the authorities. Lord Yosho and Lord Tenchi are both Princes of Jurai and they ordinarily would be obligated to cooperate with the authorities as well. But they will not and can take that stand with honor, because they have abandoned any claim to the Throne of Jurai to live here on Earth. Sasami and I will do the same."

That startling statement rendered the others mute for the moment. No one responded. All eyes were on Ayeka now.

"I...I know this seems drastic, but--" Ayeka started to say.

"Give up your throne? You mean--you wouldn't be a princess any more?" Ryoko interrupted.

"That is partially correct, Ryoko. We will retain our titles, just as Lord Tenchi and Lord Yosho have, but we will forfeit any claim to the Throne of Jurai. That way, we shall not have any royal obligation to comply with Galaxy Police regulations and cannot be compelled to answer questions. Both Sasami and I will be still of noble standing, but we will not be in any position of regal authority. We shall become the near equivalents of private citizens. And private citizens can choose not to answer questions under our laws."

Sasami nodded. "That's right. It's not a big deal for me since I haven't been formally crowned as a princess and taught all the stuff I need to know to exercise my powers and duties and all. It's just a birthright."

"But it is a big deal, Sasami," Tenchi said. "That is a massive step to take. My so-called birthright means very little to me because I've never experienced the life of a Juraian Prince. And Grandfather gave all of that up long ago. But this is your life...yours and Ayeka's."

"And you are destined, Princess," Lord Yosho reminded Ayeka, "to become the Queen regent of Jurai. As such, you would control the most powerful dynasty in the galaxy. Can you truly turn away from all of that?"

"I couldn't!" Ryoko confessed. "Man, if I had all that power and money, I'd just--" Her gaze fell upon Tenchi. "Uh...well, I guess you, can, huh?"

"Yes, I can," Ayeka said. "And I know what you are thinking, Ryoko. You are wrong. This is not a ploy to make Lord Tenchi feel obligated to me. Not at all. This is for Kiyone and Mihoshi."

"Of course," Tenchi said. "We all know that." He glanced meaningfully at Ryoko.

"Aw, I didn't think that, Princess...well, not really," Ryoko said. "You can be pretty sneaky, but you wouldn't go this far."

"Well, thank you for that at any rate, Ryoko," Ayeka said, not exactly displaying appreciation for the left-handed compliment.

"That is one radical move, Ayeka," Washuu reflected. "And for you, too, Sasami. I know your father, the King, is looking forward to dumping his job on you someday, Ayeka. He's going to be one very upset gent."

"Well...he is upset with us, anyway," Ayeka said, defiantly. But her doleful expression belied her words.

"Papa will just have to accept it," Sasami added. She looked less than optimistic, too.

Kiyone now tapped her empty teacup on the table. "No. This has gone far enough. Ayeka and Sasami, Mihoshi and I thank you...from the bottoms of our hearts. But you're not going to throw away your birthrights. Not for us. Right, partner?"

"Right, partner," Mihoshi agreed, firmly and without hesitation.

"But, Kiyone--"

"No, Ayeka. There's a lot more riding on this than my career. It's no secret that your father, the King, has not had a happy rule since he had to assume the throne again. He hates the job now, obviously. And many folks hate him having the job again! It is essential--it really is--that Jurai have a new ruler eventually, and a good one. That means either you, Ayeka, or you, Sasami. Next to that...well, our little problems don't amount to--"

"--a hill of beans," Tris interjected. "Besides, we'll always have Okayama."

Kiyone whirled on him. "Huh?"

"Play it again, Sasami," Tris said with a grin.(1)

"Play what?" Sasami asked.

Mihoshi laughed. "Oh! That movie we saw! Remember, Kiyone?"

"I remember," Kiyone gritted.

Tenchi said, "Tris, Kiyone was making an important point, here--"

"She made it, Lord Tenchi." Ayeka looked at Sasami sadly. "Kiyone is right. We cannot both abdicate, dear. Too much is riding on the succession."

"I guess you're right, big sister," Sasami said somberly.

"And if only one of us abdicates, the other can be compelled by royal edict to speak. Even if we leave here and return to Jurai, the authorities will simply question us there."

"That's true," Sasami said.

"Of course, it might be worth a try anyway," Ryoko hinted. "Your leaving, I mean, Princess."

"Ryoko!" Tenchi snapped.

"I know...I know." Ryoko shut up.

Kiyone glowered at Tris. He just grinned at her. Then she smiled sweetly at him. She reached out a hand and picked up his half filled but cold teacup...and then dumped the contents on his lap.

"Here's looking at you, kid," she said to him.

Tris looked down at his sodden lap. "Of all the tea joints in all the world..." he muttered.

Lord Yosho said, "Princess, let us leave it at this: We will not talk to the Galaxy Police and you will not either, and the Galaxy Police will be compelled to approach the King. Perhaps he will not agree to command you to speak. He is not always agreeable, as we both know." The ghost of a smile appeared on his lips.

Ayeka also smiled. "Yes, that is true, Lord Yosho. Very well. Do you agree, Sasami?"

"Sure! Maybe the police will rub Papa the wrong way--that's easy to do!" Sasami said. "Mama will have something to say about all this, too."

"Yes she will, dear," Ayeka agreed, amused by the thought of Papa being confronted by the Galaxy Police and Mama intervening for her daughters.

Tris now finally slipped his hand over Kiyone's hand beneath the table. About time! Kiyone looked at him and then at his soaked lap. She inwardly sighed with love and contentment and held his hand warmly. Then she smiled gratefully at her friends.

"Thanks. Thanks so much, everyone," she said. "Your help will give Mihoshi and me a fighting chance. We may end up losing our badges anyway, but at least we'll give them a run for their money. Of course, I never thought I'd be involved in trying to stonewall my own service!"

"But we have to, Kiyone," Mihoshi said. "I don't like it either, but gosh, if we don't--we're sunk!"

"That's right, partner."

Ryoko was squirming with impatience now. She had decided enough time and attention had been paid to Kiyone and Mihoshi's little problem already. Now she wanted to talk about something that would solve their real problem--the threat of Professor Klove--and would also make her a hero in her Tenchi's eyes.

Tenchi noticed Ryoko's less than subtle squirming. "Do you have something to say, Ryoko?" he asked.

"You know I do, sweetums." Ryoko smiled at him. "It's what I mentioned last night. My way to settle that Professor Klove's hash once and for all. It won't involve anyone but little old me...and Ryo-Ohki, of course."

The cabbit, hearing her name mentioned, pranced from where she had been consuming carrot sticks in a corner of the kitchen. She entered the dining room and trotted over to her mistress. She began to rub against Ryoko, adoringly.

"That's right, Ryo-Ohki...we're going to go have some fun...isn't that nice?" Ryoko cooed to her cabbit. She petted Ryo-Ohki's fluffy head affectionately.

"Fun!" Ayeka seemed infuriated. "Fun! You promised us a way to render Professor Klove harmless, Ryoko. What does fun have to do with it?"

"Hey, sending that creep to the bone yard is what I call fun, Princess," Ryoko replied, with a smidgen of defiance. She could see already that the Princess was going to be a party-pooper. As usual!

"The bone yard?" Tenchi questioned. "Ryoko, I'm already getting a bad feeling about this idea of yours."

"But sweetums, you haven't heard it yet. It's a corker! It'll work!" Ryoko protested.

"If you are planning to set out on some harebrained adventure..." Ayeka chimed in.

"It's not harebrained! It's classic!" Ryoko's face reddened. "You aren't giving me a chance here."

"We should hear Ryoko out, big sister," Sasami interceded.

Like the Princess, Lord Yosho also shared his grandson's initial reservations toward Ryoko's scheme. But he simply said, "Sasami is right. Please tell us your plan, Ryoko. I'm certain we will all listen to it with objectivity." He gaze swept the table. Everyone, including the Princess, kept silent.

"Please proceed, Ryoko," he said.

"Thank you, Lord Yosho, Sasami." Ryoko gave a last pat to Ryo-Ohki and the cabbit returned to her carrot meal. Ryoko trained her golden eyes on Tenchi and then looked, in turn, at everyone. "I'll admit this may be a bit...hinky. But if this bum really has blown away all those people, he's only going to get what he deserves."

Ryoko now regarded at Kiyone and Mihoshi. "Don't get your tails in a knot, you two, but you known damned well I can elude GP patrols in my sleep."

Mihoshi looked sad--she knew it was true; Kiyone looked incensed--she knew it was true, too, but she hated being reminded of it by Ryoko. But neither spoke.

"I also know where Souiis is, and I can find that booby hatch they have Klove in. So, I sashay over there in Ryo-Ohki, and I slip into the place. I find out which cell they have Klove in. I go in there-- and one fireball later, he's toast and we don't have a problem anymore."

Ryoko paused. "So, he's dead, he can't use that mind probe on the Princess anymore, whatever weapon he plans to use on us doesn't matter and that scumbag gets what's coming to him, finally." Ryoko again surveyed the table with her now-glittering golden eyes. "Questions?"

Although both Tenchi and Ayeka had suspected something like this from Ryoko, they were visibly startled at the rawness of her plan, as were the others. Of course, Ryoko was still a space pirate, the most notorious space pirate of all time, and she was inclined to dispense rough justice to her enemies. But that was always in the form of a battle. This was plain old sneaky-Pete manslaughter. In fact, it was--

"Murder," Kiyone said flatly. "That's just plain murder, Ryoko. And you know it."

"You really don't mean to just...do that...to him?" Mihoshi asked, shocked. "You can't mean it, Ryoko."

"I do mean it!" Ryoko said, irritated. "Murder? He's the murderer, remember? He's the baby killer, damn it! He doesn't deserve any consideration."

"Ryoko," and Kiyone's voice was just the slightest bit sarcastic, "please don't get your tail in a knot--but you're just rationalizing murder. Killing anyone who isn't immediately threatening your own life or the life of someone you're sworn to protect is murder. It's murder in the Galactic Union. It's murder on this planet. It's murder, period. Even Klove has rights."

"Maybe I'm just not as squeamish as you, Kiyone," Ryoko said. "I don't think baby killers have rights. I think you just kill them and make the galaxy a better place."

"Ryoko, everyone has rights," Mihoshi told her. "Otherwise, it's no good, you know?"

"Well, I'm all busted up about that Klove's rights!"(2) Ryoko replied sarcastically. "Tell it to the families of those people he killed. Now he wants to put us six feet under. Listen, when someone tries to draw a bead on me, he's drawn his last breath--and you can quote me!"

"Well, I can quote the Union Charter, if I have to...but you know it anyway, Ryoko," Kiyone said sternly. "What you want to do is murder Professor Klove--without a shred of solid evidence that he's done what we suspect he's done. Why do you think Mihoshi and I don't turn over everything we have to Headquarters and have them deal with Klove? Because there's no solid proof. To everyone else, he's still a helpless comatose patient in a mental institution. Our superiors would just disregard our theories."

Kiyone paused. "But if you kill him this way, you've murdered him. That means a murder charge...and that eclipses all the space piracy charges you still have hanging over you, Ryoko. There's no statute of limitations on murder and no clemency. The GP will chase you forever and they--we--will have orders to kill you if you resist." Kiyone folded her arms across her chest. Her expression was as hard as granite.

"We'd...we'd have to arrest you, Ryoko," Mihoshi said, clearly miserable about the notion. "We wouldn't want to, but--"

"Like you two could!" Ryoko scoffed.

"We'd sure as hell try!" Kiyone told her. "You'd either have to elude us, like you claim you can--or fight us. Not only us, but the whole GP. That's not to mention bounty hunters like Nagi. Every hand will be against you, including ours, without a chance of reprieve. Is that what you want? That bastard Klove isn't worth it!"

Mihoshi nodded in agreement with her partner, her wide blue eyes anxious as she regarded Ryoko.

"You don't want to be chased by the police always, do you, Ryoko?" Sasami asked the space pirate. "You want to settle down and have a real home. You've told me so."

Ryoko slowly nodded. That was a good point. She wanted to settle down with Tenchi, in fact...and make this house her home.

"Ryoko," Tenchi said quietly. "Do you remember saying how you hated it back when the GP and the Galactic Union used strong-arm methods to enforce the law?"

"Sure, sweetums. It helped keep me a pirate--a proud pirate!"

"Okay. So you don't like the authorities taking the law in their own hands. The fact is, it's the same if anyone takes the law into their own hands...including you. There's no security or protection when people go above the law, for whatever reason. You're no better than those bullies in uniform were if you use vigilante tactics. Do you understand?"

"Well..." Ryoko was beginning to understand, a little. "But, Tenchi, love, he's after us--he's threatened us--"

"Threatened us?" Washuu finally joined the discussion. "Ryoko, at most he might have set those wardrobes upside down, or compelled the Princess to do it. That's vandalism, not a threat. Not to the law, anyway. We don't have a shred of evidence that Klove had anything to do with the massacres of those families. That's the beauty of Klove's scheme, don't you see? We can't touch him unless we want the full weight and power of the Galactic Union crashing on our heads. We have to wait for him to make the first move. Anyway, you're the one who said we can clean his clock when he comes."

"And I meant it, Washuu. But I thought it over and it's crazy not to strike first while we still have the chance to. We're supposed to stand still and just wait for it?"

"That's exactly what we do, Ryoko," Tenchi said. "Like Washuu said, Klove's planned this well. He's kind of got us over a barrel. So we wait. Because we're not going to stoop to his level. We're not going to commit murder."

"But..." Ryoko frowned. Their objections did makes sense now. Rats! And she was resolved not to take this drastic step without at least Tenchi's approval. But it would have been so easy. And then Tenchi would be safe and so would everyone else.

"Ryoko," Lord Yosho said. "While on Jurai I witnessed the effects of taking unlawful action. It corrupts. It is not possible to come away from such a thing unstained. That was the beginning of the end for Kagato, when he abandoned the principles that guide civilized behavior to achieve a temporary gain. He felt he was justified, too, and he was once the very best of the very best. You are also the very best of your kind. You are a brave and loyal and honorable warrior, despite your earlier misdeeds. You are precious to us, Ryoko, and we would not see your proud spirit debased by this act. That is why...we must say no."

Lord Yosho spoke quietly. But his words rang in Ryoko's ears. She had never been so well spoken of by the Juraian Prince, the honorable grandfather of her true love. She felt her anger and frustration melt away.

She was conscious of the others looking at her, full of concern for her--that included Kiyone and the Princess, she realized. For a moment, Ryoko was overawed by the regard that everyone else was showing for her. Ryoko, the space pirate, had been alone, viciously alone, most of her life. That had been the hardest thing to endure as an outlaw and an outcast. Now she knew that she would never be alone again. She was surrounded by friends. Even the Princess was her friend. She had robbed many treasure troves but she had never found the treasure she really sought...and now she had found it on a backwater planet with the oddest group of people ever assembled--and the most wonderful group of people ever assembled. She swallowed hard.

Then Tris said, "Besides, Ryoko, I'm kinda looking forward to seeing you kick Klove's butt. You promised me a ringside seat."

The others laughed quietly. It gave Ryoko a moment to collect herself. Once she had, she looked at Tris with gratitude. She knew now why Kiyone had such regard for him. He was a right guy, although still a goofy guy.

"That's right, goofball. And I better hear you cheering in the bleachers when I knock that creep's block off!" she said with her old spirit.

"You will," Tris promised.

"We'll all be cheering, Ryoko," Tenchi said to her, smiling with relief.

"Yeah!" Mihoshi said happily. "You're hear me, too, Ryoko. I'll be the one saying, "Yay! Yay for Ryoko!""

"Okay, Mihoshi," Ryoko said. She smiled at the blonde galactic police officer.

"After all, Ryoko, you do have your public to consider, I suppose," Ayeka told her, twitting her mildly. "You think of this thing as one of those wrestling matches on the television, I do believe. You are just bound and determined to expose us to that awful sport!"

"That's right, Princess." Ryoko grinned, liking the comparison. "It's three rounds, no holds barred, and only I walk away alive!"

Lord Yosho now spoke. "Ryoko certainly had raised an important subject," he pointed out. "We touched on this topic before, but did not resolve it--namely, what are we likely facing as a threat from Professor Klove and what can we do to anticipate that threat?"

Ryoko cast her eyes downward. She had already made her views known about trying to build up a defense against Klove--let the bastard come, she was ready! Case closed. But she knew that Tenchi and Lord Yosho and the others didn't agree with her, so she let it ride.

Besides, that Washuu had brought something with her. Ryoko really wanted to know what crazy gadget the petite, redheaded scientist had come up with this time. It had to be a real cruncher, the way Washuu was smiling.

Tenchi also noticed Washuu's anticipatory smile. He grinned. No doubt, Washuu had wrought some sort of great invention. They'd better cover that topic first, before Washuu burst with eagerness.

"Grandfather, I think Washuu has something to show us first," he said.

Lord Yosho nodded, smiling slightly. "I believe you're right, grandson. Well, Professor Washuu? The floor is yours."

"I just hope she doesn't blow a hole in it," Ryoko muttered to Ayeka.

"Hush now," Ayeka murmured back.

Washuu darted a jaundiced look at Ryoko, but otherwise ignored the jibe. She rose from the table and walked over to the cloth-wrapped object she had brought. She picked it up.

"Well, you can all get ready to be impressed," she said breezily. "Especially a certain person who has been staying up all night performing watchdog duties that, when you think about it, suit her skill set very well."

"Grrr..." Ryoko said.

"See? She has the technical language down pat." Washuu grinned.

"Maybe we better move along, Washuu," Tenchi suggested, glancing at Ryoko's somewhat peeved expression.

"As you wish, Tenchi. What I have developed, through my own brilliant research (and borrowing a little from that Professor Klove's paper on brain wave mapping) is a device that will alert us when he tries to invade the Princess's mind--and it may even block him!" Washuu smiled modestly. "I know, it's mind-boggling--no pun intended! Go ahead, show your admiration. I'll wait five minutes for your applause to die down."

Washuu waited six minutes...and the applause didn't even start. She looked a bit disappointed.

"Maybe you ought to show it to us, Washuu," Tris suggested. "You still have it covered up."

"Oh...so I do. Silly me," Washuu said. "Thanks, cutie. No flies on you. Now--feast your eyes!" Washuu quickly whipped the cloth away from the object in her hands. The cloth fluttered noiselessly to the floor.

Then Washuu began getting feedback...but not exactly the kind she had expected.

"It's a bicycle helmet? With lights on it?" Sasami ventured.

"It looks funny!" Mihoshi said. "Does it make a noise?"

"Hey, that bike helmet looks awfully familiar," Ryoko said, squinting at it.

"It sure does--Washuu!" Tenchi cried. "That's my bike helmet!"

"Well, you don't have a bike anymore," Washuu pointed out. "So you don't need this helmet. Right?"

"I don't have a bike anymore," Tenchi reminded her, his voice mirroring his annoyance, "because you stuck those solar powered antigravity pods on it and now it's at the bottom of the lake. And I nearly ended up there with it!"

"Yeah!" Ryoko said. "My sweetums nearly drowned because you thought you could make his bike fly in the air like in that dumb "E.T." movie we watched."

"Yes, that was an awful blunder, Miss Washuu," Ayeka agreed somberly.

"It wasn't a blunder! It worked!" Washuu defended herself.

"Yeah, but you didn't tell me about it," Tenchi said. "It was great fun to ride my bike and suddenly be above the treetops and then, when I used my brakes, to plunge right into the lake. Not!"

"I've explained that. You shouldn't have hit your brakes--it shut off the anti-grav pods--"

"You didn't tell me!" Tenchi retorted. "Not until after I dragged myself out of the lake. My bike's still there somewhere on the bottom, thanks to you."

"Oh...that's right." Washuu now seemed to recall the incident fully. "Guess I should have told you first, huh? Well, anyway, you don't have a bike now and this bike helmet was perfect for my invention--"

"But what does it do, Washuu?" Kiyone seemed as bemused as the others by the look of the former white high-impact plastic bicycle helmet, now painted black and covered with a fine gray wire mesh that sported assorted light diodes. Its looks did not inspire confidence--like many of Washuu's inventions.

"I told you. It'll scan Ayeka's brain waves and detect when there's any unusual activity--"

"Like thinking?" Ryoko asked.

Ayeka turned and glared at Ryoko. The space pirate looked back at her with a smile.

"Ryoko!" Tenchi groaned.

"No, Ryoko, I mean when the normal brain wave pattern is interrupted or disturbed abnormally," Washuu told her. "If I ever develop a Thinking Helmet, I'll keep you in mind." In response, Ryoko just yawned and stared up at the ceiling with a bored expression. "Anyway, this helmet will light up--and also make a noise, yes, Mihoshi--when there's abnormal brain wave activity. So we'll know immediately when something is bothering the Princess's mind--"

"But we already know when that happens," Mihoshi protested. "Her face gets all red and her voice gets real shrill--"

"It does not!" Ayeka snapped. Sure enough, her face was flushed and her voice's timbre had risen markedly.

Lord Yosho intervened. "I think Professor Washuu is referring to actual intrusions into the Princess's mind, Detective."

"Oh," Mihoshi said. "I see now!"

"Great!" Kiyone gritted. "Keep it to yourself, will you?"

"Oh...okay, Kiyone."

"You know, if I could be allowed to finish a sentence around here--" Washuu continued, with a bit of asperity.

"Who's stopping you?" Ryoko interrupted, affecting surprise. "We're hanging on your every word. Really we are."

"Speaking of hanging...!" Washuu's voice seethed with aggravation.

"Washuu," Tenchi said. "We heard what you claim this...helmet will do for Ayeka. Can it really block Professor Klove's mind probes?"

"Well, it should. Of course, I don't know what transmission medium he's using to send that probe. But if it's just a brain-wave projection, the Mind Minder here will send out generic brain waves-- it'll work sort of like how white noise works. It'll neutralize the intruder."

Now Washuu issued an exaggerated sigh. "Finally...I made my presentation. I could have finished it about fifteen minutes earlier if it weren't for the peanut gallery." She looked pointedly at Ryoko. Ryoko merely yawned again.

"The Mind Minder?" Mihoshi giggled at the name.

"Yeah," Ryoko said boredly. "Obviously, Washuu doesn't "mind" what she calls her crackpot inventions."

"Ha, ha, Ryoko," Washuu said sourly.

"I can see how it might help at night, Washuu," Sasami said, looking at the Mind Minder with frank curiosity. "Ryoko can sleep, and it will wake her up---and the rest of us, too--if that Professor Klove tries anything."

"Sure, if it works," Ryoko said dubiously. "And if it doesn't fry the Princess's brain. Hmmm...maybe it does have its good points, at that."

"Is it safe, Washuu?" Tenchi asked, ignoring Ryoko's side comment.

"Safe as houses," Washuu said.

"You mean like houses that float in the air?" Tris asked, recalling the day he arrived at chez Masaki. He had been eyeing Washuu's new contraption with mixed feelings. He felt glad he didn't have to wear it and felt sorry that the Princess would.

"Aw, cutie...you know what I mean." Washuu grinned.

"If you are certain it has the potential to block Professor Klove's mind intrusions, Professor Washuu," Lord Yosho mused, "it might thwart him in his designs."

"Yeah, that's true, Grandfather," Tenchi agreed. "But I wish you would have asked me first about the helmet, Washuu. I might be able to afford to buy another bike someday."

"Aw, you ought to have a car, sweetums," Ryoko said. "And not an old rust bucket like Tris's. A new car!"

"Sure, Ryoko. I'll just go outside to the money tree and pull down a few million yen," Tenchi said sarcastically.

"Tris's car is not a rust bucket!" Mihoshi said loyally. "It's beautiful. It does rumble, though."

"That rust bucket sure carried your weight, Ryoko," Kiyone pointed out. "Remember?"

"Yeah, yeah...but it's older than Tenchi's Dad, even."

"It is not, Ryoko," Tenchi told her. "Dad was born in 1954."

"Oh yeah?" Ryoko laughed. "Two old wheezers, huh?"

Now Washuu joined in. "Nobie is not an old wheezer. Take it from a gal who knows, Ryoko."

"Well, he may be your speed, Washuu," Ryoko said dismissively. "But give me a hunky guy anytime...like Tenchi." Ryoko smiled lovingly at him.

"I think we're getting slightly off the topic," Lord Yosho inserted himself amidst the banter. "We were discussing Professor Washuu's invention and the Princess..."

"I don't think that hat thing will fit you, Ayeka," Mihoshi said helpfully. "Tenchi's head is smaller than yours, and--"

"Enough!" Ayeka rose to her feet. "You all seem to be laboring under the delusion that I shall consent to place that...that contraption on my head. Allow me to enlighten you--I shall not!"

"But, Ayeka--" Washuu said.

"But me no buts!"(3) Ayeka could not recall where she had heard that phrase before, but she felt it was perfect for the occasion.

"And uncle me no uncles," Tris muttered, amused.

"Huh?" Kiyone murmured.

"Shakespeare," Tris explained tersely.

Kiyone frowned as she tried to recall the name.

"Somebody's really showing their "but" now--know what I mean, Princess?" Ryoko said.

"I do not! And I am not talking to you, Ryoko. I am talking to Miss Washuu. And I repeat--I shall not wear that ghastly thing on my head!" Ayeka was boiling. "Of all the degrading spectacles...I absolutely refuse!"

"But big sister--" Sasami said.

"Do not contradict me, Sasami," Ayeka snapped. "The very idea!"

"The very idea is to give us immediate notification when that Klove tries to tap into your mind, Ayeka," Washuu told her. "And it might very well block his moves. It's not very stylish, I'll grant you that--"

"That is not the point...although "not very stylish" does not even begin to describe that--that piece of headgear," Ayeka flared. "There is no telling how well it will work. And if it does block Professor Klove's attempts to enter my mind, what will we have really accomplished? Tell me that."

"That's obvious, Ayeka," Washuu said. "It stops him. He doesn't attack you. He doesn't attack us."

"Indeed? And shall I have to wear that--that thing--all my life?"

"Well, you..." Washuu stopped. The Princess had a point there.

"If that device works, then I am compelled to wear it forever, or at least as long as Professor Klove lives--and he has keep himself alive quite a long time in that institution." Ayeka lowered her voice, but it still had the same intensity. "If I ever take that device off...he can, and likely will, attack me again. No, thank you. If he will attack me, let him attack me now, when we are all ready to oppose him."

Ayeka stood there, her arm folded, radiating firmness of purpose, a veritable Rock of Gibraltar, unmovable, steadfast...and a rather ticked off rock, as well. The notion of wearing such a cobbled together piece of--well, headgear--hit the Princess where she lived. And she most definitely did not live in Funny Hat Lane.

Lord Yosho's expression was a mixture of admiration and contrition as he regarded Ayeka. "Princess, I apologize most humbly. We have done everything but ask you your opinion of all this. Please forgive us."

"There is nothing to forgive, Lord Yosho," Ayeka told him. She seemed not quite so defiant in manner now. "I have made my position plain. I am willing to listen to any counter-positions, of course." Now she sat down.

Tenchi frowned. "Actually, Ayeka, I'm kind of coming over to your side on this question," he said. "It's not enough to simply stop Klove, but to defeat him and render him harmless from now on. Just blocking him will only stop him for the moment...unless, as you said, Ayeka, you're willing to wear my old bike helmet from now on."

"Hey, Princess, you might be passing up a good thing here," Ryoko said. "You could start a whole new fashion trend. Like, be a fashion leader instead of the fashion fossil you are now. Make wearing goofy hats a real fashion statement! You'll have all the women in the galaxy doing it. Well, all your stuck-up friends, anyway."

"I am willing to listen to sensible counter-positions," Ayeka said, her face flushing. "That does not qualify. My friends are not stuck up. And royal raiment is above silly fashion trends!"

"And it hides your figure, too," Ryoko grinned. "Convenient."

"Ummm, Ryoko, we saw that figure in a bikini, remember?" Tris pointed out. "Ayeka hasn't anything she needs to hide, if she'll forgive me for saying so."

"I certainly do, and thank you, Tristram," Ayeka said. "Although you should not waste your breath on certain persons."

Kiyone darted a look at Tris that told him he had ventured far enough on the subject of Ayeka's figure. Then she looked thoughtful. "The more I think about it, the more I believe Ayeka's right. I wouldn't wear that thing--no offense, Washuu--for love or money. If Ayeka does wear it, then Klove has won, in a way. Besides, like Tenchi said, he needs to be taken down for all his filthy crimes, and taken down hard. Not just stymied."

"It is an awfully silly looking hat, Washuu," Mihoshi said.

"I didn't make it for its looks!" Washuu retorted.

"That's for damned sure," Ryoko agreed.

"Everyone," Lord Yosho said quietly. It sufficed to draw the group's attention. "I think we can all agree that Princess Ayeka must make her own decision about Professor Washuu's invention. She has given us her answer, and her answer is sound, of course. Very well. We will simply have to meet the threat of Professor Klove. We don't know when or how he will strike, but he will surely strike Princess Ayeka first. Thus, we must maintain the daily and nightly vigil, and--"

"Lord Yosho," Washuu interrupted. Her voice was just a tad contrite. "I understand where the Princess is coming from about blocking Klove's mind probes. I agree with that now. Let's get the fight with him over with. I can modify the Mind Minder so that it only gives out an alarm when he tries to enter her mind. Ayeka could wear it at night, so that Ryoko can get her forty winks, and we'll all be alerted in case of intrusion."

Washuu was anxious not to have her invention scrapped. It could serve a purpose, after all. The great scientist felt as protective and nurturing about her inventions as a mother felt about her children. It hurt her to hear them disparaged, although she did not show the extent of her feelings about it, of course...except to Nobuyuki now, when they were alone together.

"Again, Professor Washuu, that is entirely up to the Princess," Lord Yosho said firmly.

"What do you say, Ayeka?" Tenchi asked.

"Well..." The idea of wearing that hideous thing on her head still galled Ayeka. She looked at Washuu. On the other hand, Miss Washuu had labored hard no doubt to produce it, just to help her and the others. And if it were only at night... "Oh, very well. I shall wear your invention whilst I sleep, Miss Washuu, and thank you for your efforts on my behalf. However, I have a condition."

"Huh? What condition?" Washuu asked.

"That you sleep in the bedroom with the rest of us at night and that you make a better effort to show up at meals. That is my condition, Miss Washuu."

The redheaded scientist frowned. "But why, Ayeka?"

"Because I want all of us together during this crisis. You spend entirely too much time away from us, Miss Washuu. It sometimes seems as if you are a guest rather than one of the family. I want that to cease, at least until we can defeat Professor Klove. I do not believe it is asking too much for you to come to meals and to sleep in this house with us." Ayeka looked at Washuu, her manner resolute, yet reflecting fondness as well.

"Well..." Washuu mulled it over. She did want Ayeka to use the Mind Minder. Ryoko put on a brave front, but she was exhausted from no sleep at night and only patchy sleep during the day. She hid it well, but Washuu could see the signs of incipient chronic fatigue. Besides, the great scientist liked to eat with the gang, and now wanted to be closer to Nobie, too. "Since some folks around here seem to think I'm some sort of mole, I guess it's time I left my burrow more often. All right, Princess. You drive a hard bargain, but I'm in."

"She drives a good bargain." Tenchi smiled. "I'm glad, Washuu."

"I am, as well," Lord Yosho said. "I enjoy your company at meals, Professor Washuu. We need to see you more often."

"Well, thank you, Grandpa! That makes a girl feel all tingly inside."

Lord Yosho laughed. The others joined in, including Ryoko. That made a pleasant way to end a breakfast that had become another council of war. As the group rose from the table, they were blissfully unaware of just how soon that war would engulf them.

------

At Galaxy Police Headquarters, Detective Sergeant Mitsuki Sakakibara had finally gotten the call she dreaded...the call from her fiancée, Lieutenant Kamin Zay're. He had brusquely requested that she come to his office. Having no reason to refuse, she complied. But she did so with a heavy heart. When she reached his office, Zay're waved her inside. His manner was not especially cordial.

After ensuring his office door was firmly shut and latched, Lieutenant Zay're walked back to his desk module and sat down--that is, he sat down after first examining his seat for possible contamination. It was a characteristic gesture of his; he was a neatness freak as well as a control freak and very wary of possible contamination. He was, after all, working in a huge Headquarters containing many different beings, some of whom surely were unclean. Watching him, Mitsuki reflected that this was not a particularly attractive trait in her fiancée. It made him look rather prissy.

Lieutenant Zay're regarded his fiancée, standing in front of his desk. His expression was carefully neutral. He did not ask her to sit down as well, although a chair was parked alongside his desk. This was also characteristic of Zay're; when he was about to impart bad news, he needed the formalistic setting to buoy his own fortitude. Mitsuki stiffened. She knew she should prepare for the worse.

"Dear," he said quietly, "you know my original plans. I planned to make the Galaxy Police my life's work. It is not my original preference, but my parents and others close to me felt that the GP would provide an opportunity for advantage, both in terms of advancement and influence."

"I know," Mitsuki said, just as quietly. Certainly, Kamin did not join the GP out of a feeling of duty or responsibility. His family was very politically prominent in the Galactic Union, and they were aligned with other powerful, influential families. The clique they had formed was capable of exerting influence in nearly every corner of the Union, aside from the planet Jurai. No one had influence there aside from the irascible King and his inner blood-tied court. Of course, the Juraian royals didn't concern themselves with the day-to- day administration of the Union...and that was where cliques like Zay're's could amass great power and influence. Accordingly, it was essential that everyone in the families involved was best placed to extend that influence. Zay're was the clique's point man in the GP and his mission was to rise rapidly and use his influence to help his own. That was a normal arrangement for many families in the Union. It did not shock or dismay Mitsuki; it was just one of the reality lessons she had learned upon taking a post at Headquarters. That was why she had been thrilled to be engaged to Kamin. With his family's influence, he seemed a natural for high office in the GP and she could attach herself to his rising star.

"It was a good plan, dear, and it would have worked to both our advantages. But the plan depends on my attaining high rank...no less than Field Marshall, eventually. I'm sorry to say that the prospects for that now look bleak."

"Really?" Mitsuki was surprised. With all the powerful forces behind her fiancée, she thought his rise to the top was all but assured. "Why do you think that, Kamin?"

Zay're sighed. "That bumbling Katzaar! His stupid comment, his unwanted toadying before the Grand Marshall, put him in a terrible light, as you know. Evidently, it has also reflected on me. I detected that the Grand Marshall was not kindly disposed toward me during our meeting with him. Now my sources tell me that he definitely does not look favorably on me. Damn that Katzaar, anyway! He's pulled me down with him, it seems."

Mitsuki remained silent. She was aware of the Grand Marshall's displeasure toward Kamin Zay're. She was also aware of the true reason--Kamin failed to back up his subordinate at that meeting. That was an unpardonable sin to old-line managers like the Grand Marshall. It had taken Chief Bodai to support Katzaar before the Grand Marshall. It was so like Kamin not to realize this. Mitsuki recalled suddenly that while at the Galaxy Police Academy she had been taught by Chief Bodai to support her people whenever possible. She had forgotten about that teaching. Kamin had never learned it.

Kamin was staring at her, his face showing irritation. "Really, Mitsuki...you could say something, offer some condolences. You have been so quiet lately. You could have said something in Bodai's office when we were discussing that Makibi woman. It's on your account that Katzaar and I got the goods on her and that worthless partner of hers. But you just stood there, trying to distance yourself from us."

"I wasn't trying to do that, Kamin," Mitsuki denied the charge.

"Oh? Then what would you call it?"

"Since I had a partisan interest in Kiyone's dismissal, I thought I should just let the facts speak for themselves," Mitsuki explained. That explanation sounded lame, even to her.

"I see." Kamin Zay're's voice was frosty. He knew he was being lied to. He was beginning to suspect something now. Mitsuki had been too diffident, too neutral about their efforts to drum Kiyone and Mihoshi out of the GP. After all, it was on her behalf that the effort was being made; both he and Katzaar had bigger fish to fry, really. Zay're was now contemplating the possibility that, perhaps, Mitsuki wasn't as innocent concerning the Slaakive misidentification case as she claimed. Perhaps, she was even...well, it didn't matter now. In a way, all of this was a relief to him. It would make what he planned to say to her easier.

"Let's move on, Mitsuki. My sources also tell me that the Grand Marshall plans to promote Bodai, possibly into a Field Marshall slot. That would mean instant promotion to that grade, as you know." Kamin had a wily idea that a rumor now circulating that the current personnel chief was only lacking logistics experience to be a front- runner to replace the embattled Grand Marshall had something to do with Bodai's sudden rise in fortunes. Zay're was a seasoned campaigner in the political wars already. He knew when to attack-- and when to retreat.

"I didn't hear that." Mitsuki showed a bit of animation now. Although Chief Bodai had made it clear he didn't believe her about the Slaakive mis-identification business (and he damned well had good reason not to!), she still had some affection for him. After all, he was only doing the right thing by Kiyone...and he would do the same for Mitsuki if she were in similar circumstances. Chief Bodai had been a dear old thing at the Academy and one of her and Kiyone's strongest supporters. Now his regard for her was destroyed and it was all her fault.

"Well, you don't have my sources, Mitsuki," Kamin said complacently. "You need to build your network. I've told you that, many times. I'll pass a few names on to you...when I leave."

Although she had been expecting to hear something like that, Mitsuki still felt a wrench in the pit of her stomach. "When you...leave?"

"Yes. Chief Bodai definitely has no affection for me--none whatsoever. With the Grand Marshall not happy with me and Chief Bodai on the ascendancy, my chances for promotion are about nil. Even if the Grand Marshall is ousted, someone like Chief Bodai will likely replace him. At any rate, Bodai will always be there to queer my chances for promotion. It's hopeless. I've talked it over with certain people and the plan now is for me to take a long leave, then tender my resignation and enter politics on my home planet. It's not my first choice, but I'll likely accomplish more as a politician than as a policeman."

There was no doubt of that, Mitsuki thought dully. Kamin was already talking like a politician. Of course, it made perfect sense. Power and influence were Zay're's goals, not professional satisfaction. If he was thwarted in one career, he'd simply change careers. And, of course, that meant...but, no. At the very least, Kamin would have to tell it to her face. She would not just take a hint and bow out gracefully. She would not give him that satisfaction.

"All right, I see why you feel you need to leave the GP. But where does that leave us?" she asked flatly.

Lieutenant Zay're gazed at her, and his irritation was evident. No, there wasn't much fondness left in him for her. There had never been love, of course.

"I should have thought that was obvious, Mitsuki, but since you persist in acting obtuse..." He controlled himself with a visible effort. "Very well. If I am to run for political office on Ouum, I must have the support of the public. I cannot put myself at a disadvantage with them. Frankly, having an alien--I mean, foreign-- spouse might turn some voters off. At the very least--please do not take this personally, Mitsuki--you would not be an asset on the campaign trail. It's not your fault, of course; but that is not the point. I simply cannot resign my commission here and jeopardize my chances with a local election due to a possibly controversial spouse. I think you can understand that."

"Yes," Mitsuki all but whispered. "I can understand that." Her face was downcast. She fought hard, but tears filled her eyes regardless. It was a body blow, even if she had expected it. It was the end of her hopes for a quick initiation to the inner circles of power and influence. It was also the end of her hope for instant respectability and the protection of Zay're's powerful family should Chief Bodai or someone else keep pursuing the Slaakive case re-investigation. She was now truly cut off and on her own. She had no real friends here at Headquarters...and now she had no fiancée.

"You'll have to tell me more directly than that," Mitsuki said, unable to restrain a sob. She fought and fought for control. The tears trickled down her cheeks. "I want you to tell me, Kamin!"

Zay're regarded Mitsuki with contempt. He should have known this alien woman would have hysterics. It seemed only women from his planet and from Jurai knew how to maintain their decorum in the face of adversity. Of course it was a blow for Mitsuki, but she had to see how impossible their engagement was now. He had to get her out of his office--as well as out of his life--so he could attend to other matters, such as requesting leave. So he shrugged and gave his now former fiancée what she seemed to want so badly--the axe, delivered hard and sharp.

"Since you insist...our engagement is off, Mitsuki, effective now. I shall see that the announcement of our...disengagement...is sent to the proper media. You need do nothing. I would prefer that you return the ring I gave you, but that is not necessary if you feel compelled to keep it."

Mitsuki had indeed gotten what she asked for--and each of Zay're's cold, remorseless words hit her like fists. Again, her eyes teared. She cursed fouly to hide her grief. She forced the plain platinum ring off her finger and tossed it on Zay're's desk module top. As a defiant gesture, it was pitiful.

"There! I'm certain that makes you happy. No cost at all to you. You can give it to your next fiancée--if you can find one of her six fingers that it'll fit!"

Zay're blanched at Mitsuki's angry and pejorative reference to that particular trait of the inhabitants of his planet--the six-fingered hands. It was racism, pure and simple, something that Mitsuki would never before have allowed herself to indulge in--it was career death in the GP. But she was now so upset and angry, she had dropped her proper and poised façade.

"Well...! Now the truth come out, Mitsuki!" Zay're spoke with real anger now. Like all the inhabitants of his planet, he was sensitive to that physical quirk of nature that affected them all. "I should turn you in for that remark. But, in view of out past relationship, I won't."

Lieutenant Zay're punched a touchpad on his desk console. His office door slid open. "Leave now, while I still feel generous. I will, no doubt, have my leave approved quickly and I should be gone in a few duty days. During that period, please make an effort to stay out of my sight, Sergeant. If I do see you again, I will take steps to ensure that you regret it."

Mitsuki desperately wanted to leave. But she found herself demanding tearfully, "What--What do you mean?" It was an unwise question, as she immediately found out.

"I mean that you now strike me as someone who could very well have forged a certain document. If I wish, I could use my influence to support that re-investigation by Chief Bodai. However, I have nothing but disdain for the likes of Detectives Makibi and Kuramitsu, just as I have only disdain for you now. Keep out of my sight and I shall do nothing against you. That is fair warning. Now leave."

Mitsuki left, stumbling a bit, and trying, unsuccessfully, to compose herself. The door of Lieutenant Zay're's office swooshed shut behind her. It was destined to be the last time she would see her former fiancée.

Slowly, Mitsuki walked down the long corridor toward her own office. She tried to stiffen her back, to hold her head up, to at least affect the physical appearance of self-confidence and inner pride. But that was one sham Mitsuki could not pull off. She quivered with anger and sorrow and guilt as she walked back to her office.

Other GP officers also walking down the corridor looked at her, but none offered any words of comfort or even asked her what was wrong. Of course not. Those would be the actions of a good friend. Mere political allies and acquaintances don't extend such consideration. Such were the fruits of Mitsuki's ruthless and cynical careerism.

Yet, the Galaxy Police Sergeant who finally reached her office, went in, shut the door, and then cried and cried was neither ruthless nor cynical. She was a hurt and scared young woman who needed a friend.

It was the height of irony that one pair of eyes observing her walk so sorrowfully down that corridor actually showed some sympathy. Those eyes belonged to Sergeant Youri Katzaar.

------

After breakfast and all the discussions had ended at the Masaki home, everyone, by silent acclamation, elected to resume their normal daily routine. They would not let Professor Klove disrupt their lives any more than necessary.

Thus, Tenchi and Tris (who had first changed his tea-soaked pants) scooted outside to take up their neglected outdoor chores. There was still more grass to mow and not all the stone-flagged walkways were trimmed by any means. Yet, once with their tools in hand, the two young men paused to talk together.

"Hey, I'm sorry your trip with Kiyone and Mihoshi wasn't as great as it should have been, Tris," Tenchi said, leaning on the lawn mower. "That planet Vestra sounds like a real dump."

"Well, I'm probably being way too negative," Tris admitted, rising from the stone walkway he had been desultorily examining for delinquent growth. "I mean, God, I entered outer space, left the solar system, traveled to a new star system, saw an immense space station, actually spent an evening on a different planet, looked at real space aliens--" here, he grinned ironically. "Actually, in that case, I was the space alien, I guess."

"You were," Tenchi agreed. "Earth seems pretty wild and woolly to the folks out there in the Galactic Union. I was mobbed by their media after we took down Kagato. Of course, partially it was due to me being a Juraian prince and my grandfather being the real long-lost Lord Yosho. But a lot of the interest was also about our so-called primitive planet with its tribal warfare and savage passions and all that crud. Tris, I'm telling you...they think we walk around with our knuckles dragging the ground."

"Yeah, I got that impression," Tris said.

"I mean, we do, technologically speaking. But I really don't think they're so much advanced in other ways. I didn't like their food that much and I really didn't care for the video entertainment they have. It's mostly what we would call sitcoms and soap operas and shows where they talk and talk and talk...no action, hardly. Ryoko's told me that's why she loves our TV--lots of action and sex!" Tenchi grinned.

"Yeah, I saw an example of their TV on that starship Kiyone and Mihoshi call Yagami," Tris said. "It was about blobs being blobs, or something."

Tenchi nodded. "Yeah that sounds like prime-time programming in the Galactic Union. But, then again, Jurai is awesome--just wildly beautiful, with an amazing integration of tree and human and mechanical processes. It's almost indescribable. You have to see it first hand."

"So Ayeka and her people are a bunch of tree-huggers, huh?" Tris laughed.

Tenchi laughed, too. "That's for sure. But I wouldn't say that around her, Tris."

"Don't worry. I don't want that lady mad at me again." Tris then hesitated. "Hey, Tenchi, it ain't my business, I know that. But your Dad and Washuu..."

Tenchi grunted. "Oh, I don't blame you for asking. The fact is, I finally cornered Dad last night. He told me that he and Washuu are just very good friends. There's nothing serious between them." Tenchi shrugged. "I can believe that, I guess. But I know they've been necking and petting. God, I can't believe I'm talking this way about my own father!"

Tris nodded with commiseration.

"He has a right to be happy. He's been without any companionship for a long time. All he's done is work and work and try to raise me. After the girls came, he got a little...frisky, I guess. But he calmed down. We were all too hard on him about that, really. I've told him I won't mind if he re-marries." Tenchi gave the lawn mower a small, frustrated push. "But Washuu! Man, Tris, I don't know..."

"I don't either," Tris said. "Washuu is a great gal, and she's saved your bacon a number of times, or so you've told me. She sure got the goods on that Professor Klove! But as a--well, as a lady friend to your father, maybe as even a step-mother--"

Tenchi shuddered. "Don't even say that, Tris. I really like Washuu, and we owe a lot to her. But she's just...well, strange! She just doesn't operate at the same level as we do. She's way up there, somewhere, in the ether."

"Cloud cuckoo-land," Tris said, remembering his Aristophanes.(4)

"That's it. No one my Dad would marry would replace my mother, of course...that's understood. But I just can't picture myself coming home for Christmas and being with Grandfather and Dad--and Washuu!"

"Yeah, that's not exactly what I'd think of as home for the holidays," Tris agreed.

"Well, it's Dad's life. If this is a casual flirtation, so be it. If it develops into anything more..." Tenchi grimaced. "I'll just have to suck it up, that's all. I'd put up with a lot worse than Washuu to see Dad happy. Besides, I really do like her, as I said."

Tris smiled fondly at his friend. "Spoken like a true son-of-a-gun," he said.

Tenchi arched his eyebrows. "You're the son of a gun! Making our Kiyone fall for you! Getting Mihoshi all hot and bothered! Getting those two to risk their careers to take you on that trip! What an operator!"

"Hey, I didn't ask for any of that," Tris protested. "But..." He set the garden shears down and struck an exaggerated muscleman pose. "If you've got it...you've got it."

Tenchi said, "Oh, yeah?" He began to push the lawn mower vigorously, moving faster and faster--toward Tris.

"Hey...what are you doing?" Tris began to back away.

"I think you need a trim," Tenchi told him.

"I think it's time to exit, stage left." Tris began to run. Tenchi ran after him, pushing the lawn mower. They both laughed as they ran.

"Hey, slow down, Richard Gere!" Tenchi shouted. "It'll only hurt for a moment!"

"Can't! Gotta go meet Julia Roberts at Spago!" Tris shouted back.

They roamed all over the lawn in front of the lake. As they did, they were observed by Sasami and Ryo-Ohki. Sasami had gone outdoors to ask Tris to drive her to the village to pick up supplies for the pizza party--she wanted to ride in his cool car with the top down this time. Ryo-Ohki was simply following the being who gave her carrots most often. Next to her mistress, Ryoko, Ryo-Ohki loved Sasami best.

"Golly, Ryo-Ohki," Sasami commented. "Is this how they do their chores?"

"Meow-er," Ryo-Ohki responded neutrally. Sensing that the market for carrots was rather bearish, the cabbit wandered off.

"They sure have more fun than the girls do," Sasami mused. Inside the house, Ryoko had floated up to the rafters to take her daytime nap, which infuriated Ayeka, but she knew that Ryoko had that nap coming. So Ayeka instead had scolded Mihoshi for taking a quick snooze on the couch. Mihoshi had started crying and Kiyone had to come downstairs and calm Mihoshi down and then take her back upstairs to get started on their own chores. Sasami shook her head. It was so nice and peaceful outdoors. The boys had it made, really.

"Oh no!" True to form, Tris had tripped and fallen, just beside the front gate, right in front of Azaka II and Kamidake II. The two Guardians blinked with concern and asked Tris if he was all right. Tris slowly rose from the turf, helped by Tenchi, who laughed and brushed him off. Golly, those two boys were good friends! Sasami smiled tenderly. She loved them both. She wished she were older. Much older.

"Tris? Tenchi?" she called to them.

Tenchi finished brushing grass and dirt off Tris. He was still chuckling. Tris grinned in spite of himself.

"You knew I'd fall, you bum," Tris accused.

"I knew I could count on you," Tenchi agreed.

"Perhaps you should not run, Tristram Coffin, sir," Azaka II offered helpfully. "The practice does not seem to agree with you."

"It is a shame you cannot fly, sir," Kamidake II added. "We would be happy to transport you where you need to go, if the Princess gave us leave to do so."

"Thanks for the offer," Tris muttered. Tenchi chuckled again.

"Tenchi? Tris?"

Now the two young men heard the childish voice. They both spotted Sasami. Obligingly, they walked up to her. Tenchi left the lawn mower with the two Guardians, who were now debating the merits of the primitive gardening device. The yard work would have to wait.

------

The housework would not have to wait, however--if Kiyone had anything to say about it.

"Mihoshi, that dust mop isn't going to mop by itself. Stop leaning on it, and start moping. I'd like to get this floor waxed sometime this century."

The blonde galactic police officer blinked sleepily. She had been standing in the middle of Lord Yosho's sparse bedroom, dozing and leaning on her dust mop...guilty on all counts. "Huh? Oh, I'm sorry, Kiyone. It's hard to start working when you didn't get your nap, you know?"

The two of them were again attired in their hand-made short-shorts and work shirts. Mihoshi, like Kiyone, was barefoot. It helped when working on the bare wooden floors.

Kiyone felt the old anger bubble in her. She wanted to shake Mihoshi fully awake and get her working. But a softness welled within her. That irritated her further. Being in love sure messed up your insides, she had discovered--and blunted your impulses. She didn't want to mop, either. She wanted to find Tris and make the goof say those three little words to her...well, not make him say them, of course, just kind of inspire him to say them, if he truly felt them. Tris loved to see her in the brief short-shorts. Yeah, she could use that to her advantage...Kiyone shook her head angrily. Damn it! She was getting as bad as Ryoko and Ayeka!

"Nap? You slept all night and all we've done today is eat breakfast and talk. How can you be sleepy? You know, if there were any justice, you'd be fat from just eating and sleeping like you do. Then you might be motivated to do some work."

"Fat?" Mihoshi was fully awake now. She looked upset. "Am I fat, Kiyone? My clothes still fit okay." She turned to the plush pooch she had placed on Lord Yosho's bed. "Am I fat, Trissy?"

"Stop talking to that stuffed toy!" Kiyone gritted her teeth...by rights, she shouldn't have any teeth left after spending so much time with Mihoshi. If her teal hair started graying any time soon, she'd know whom to blame.

"I'm sorry, Kiyone. I'm just playing."

"Stop playing and start working!"

"Okay."

The two young women were bent to their task when a figure appeared in the doorway. They both straightened. It was Washuu. The great scientist looked at Kiyone with an odd smile on her face.

"Kiyone," she said softly...well, softly for Washuu. "You have a call."

"A call?" Kiyone glanced at her right wrist. Her GP alert bracelet was silent. She was certain it was operational.

"No, I don't mean that. You have a personal call. It came in on the comm console in my lab."

"A personal call? Who is it?"

"Do you know a fellow named Murati Makibi?" Washuu grinned. Behind Kiyone, Mihoshi beamed with joy.

"He's...He's my brother." Kiyone felt stunned.

"Yeah, that's what he said. Well? Do you want to take the call?"

"I...I..." Kiyone stuttered, so taken aback was she. "I do--of course, I do! Murati...calling me..." She shook her head in wonderment.

"He's waiting," Washuu prompted.

"Right!" Kiyone dropped the dust mop and let it clatter to the wooden floor. "Let's go!" She moved quickly toward the doorway. Washuu moved aside so Kiyone could exit. Washuu followed her out the doorwas, after giving a "thumbs up" gesture to Mihoshi.

Alone now in Lord Yosho's bedroom, Mihoshi cried with happiness. "Oh, Daddy...Mezim...thank you!"

------

"Think we can find the ingredients we need, Tris?" Sasami asked. She, Tris, and Tenchi were now standing beside Tris's Mustang.

"I don't know," he said, scrutinizing Sasami's shopping list. "I think one of the food shops in the village carries foreign food items." Tris looked at Tenchi. Tenchi took the list that Sasami had made out from him.

"One of them does...it's the place I worked at to get the money to buy my stereo." Tenchi grimaced as he recalled his stereo's blown speakers, courtesy of Beah and Viatrix. "We should be able to find acceptable substitutes, anyway. And we have an account there, too."

"Wait a minute," Tris objected. "I suggested the pizza party. It's on my tab."

"Like heck it is. The family's paying for this, Tris. That's final!"

Tris looked at Tenchi. His friend had his dander up, a little. Tenchi hated the fact that Tris had spent so much money already. He was supposed to be a guest. "Okay...but what about the wine?"

"Wine?" Tenchi asked.

"Wine?" Sasami asked, too.

"Aw, stop whining." Tris laughed. He jumped away from Tenchi. "You gotta be faster than that, buddy. Kiyone would already have poked me good. You're too slow."

"I can work on it," Tenchi told him. "Maybe Kiyone can give me a few pointers."

"Tris, what do you mean about wine?" Sasami wanted to know.

"Well, if we're going to do pizza, we ought to do it right. Tea is perfect for nearly all occasions, but pizza is best with wine. Well, I actually prefer beer, but I can't see your big sister swigging down the suds...can you?"

Sasami giggled. "No, I can't. Ayeka thinks sake is dignified, since it's used in so many ceremonies here(5). But beer! I'd like to see her face if you tried to serve that to her!"

"I wouldn't," Tenchi said, grinning. "She's seen too much TV where low characters drink beer. That's why we men don't drink it around her. She'd hit the roof!"

"And hit me too, I'll bet!" Tris shook his head. "I have enough women using me for a punching bag, thank you. But wine is tres elegant. All the stuffed shirts drink it. Not that I mean your big sister is a stuffed shirt, Sasami."

"I know." Sasami smiled.

"And sake is really just rice wine, anyway," Tenchi mused. "Grape wine...that's actually a good idea, bonehead. It's something new for us. Why not?"

"Yes, that sounds very nice, but..." Sasami looked down. "Do you think I could have some, too, at the party?"

Tenchi and Tris both regarded the little girl, so formally attired in her robed gown, so poised and composed, yet so young. Sometimes they just forgot that Sasami was a child--she was so responsible and mature in so many ways.

"In France and Italy, they water the wine a little and serve it to youngsters," Tris said. "I've seen it."

"I'll talk to Ayeka," Tenchi told Sasami. "I'm sure she'll let you drink a little wine."

Sasami looked up now and her eyes were bright. "That's so neat! Thank you, Tenchi."

"So that's settled. And I'm buying the wine," Tris said.

"Okay, okay, big spender!" Tenchi gave in. "Speaking of big spending, you know that imported wine, like any imported liquor, is taxed pretty high, Tris. Sometimes as much as ten times as high as for a local brand. I don't like it, but that's the way it is right now. Also, sometimes so-called domestic wine really is mostly imported wine. Dad told me that once. So we're better off getting the domestic wine. It's probably partially imported anyway."

"Yeah, I think I read about that in the "Stars And Stripes" once," Tris said. "Your domestic wine producers used to even put French and German language labels on local wines to make them seem imported. Naughty, naughty!"

"Hey, I think it was wrong, too(6). Anyway, that convenience store in the village sells all sorts of liquor. We'll find a decent domestic wine."(7)

"I don't understand all that taxation stuff," Sasami admitted. "Why don't you just sell things and let people decide if they like them or not? If they like what's made here as well as what you call imported, they'll buy it, won't they?"

Tenchi and Tris looked at each other. The last thing either wanted to do was to discuss tariffs and trade agreements, mainly because those topics really didn't make much sense to them, either. "I know things here aren't like on Jurai or in the Galactic Union, Sasami," Tenchi said. "It won't get in the way of our pizza party, though."

"All right, Tenchi," Sasami said. The little Princess knew when to drop a subject.

"Speaking of which, let's get going and buy the supplies," Tris said. "All three of us are going, right?"

"Oh...will you come with us, Tenchi?" Sasami asked, visibly pleased at the prospect.

"I sure will." Tenchi grinned. "It sounds like fun. Besides, I need to keep an eye on Tris here. No telling what he'll buy otherwise!"

"Thanks loads," Tris said.

"No need to thank me," Tenchi replied. "Let's put the lawn gear away and go!"

------

In Washuu's sub-dimensional lab, Kiyone sat at the same rickety chair and spoke into the same cobbled-together comm console that Mihoshi had used the day before. The comm console, like the rest of the lab, wasn't any neater or cleaner, but Kiyone didn't mind. The sound of her older brother's voice, issuing from a call he had himself placed, was of immense importance to her. It was so wonderful to be talking to him again!

Kiyone at least thought Murati had initiated the call. In actuality, Murati Makibi was keeping his promise to Mezim Kuramitsu. He didn't mention the latter's very recent call to him.

"Well, Kiki, it's nice to hear your voice," Murati said, his own voice sounding affectionate. He was calling his kid sister by the pet name he had devised for her when they were children. He hadn't used it for a long time. Hearing it made Kiyone feel warm and toasty inside.

"It's...it's wonderful to hear your voice, too, Murati," Kiyone replied. She noted that Washuu had left the lab. She was pretty thoughtful for a mad scientist.

"I guess it has been a long time since we talked last," Murati said, his voice now sounding contrite. "Too long. It's my fault, Kiki. I'm sorry."

Kiyone pictured her brother in her mind...tall, wasp-waisted, with ascetic features, his hair a darker shade of teal from hers, his eyes gray and thoughtful, his expression always somewhat stern looking, like her father and mother. But Murati had played with her a lot when they were children. Kiyone had been a tomboy and had wanted to play with the big boys and Murati had let her do so much of the time. A lot of the girls her own age resented this and often were unfriendly to her. Also her parents thought it was undignified for her to try to outdo the boys in their games. They would punish her and Murati would come to her room later and just talk to her about trivial things. It was his way of telling her he didn't think she had done anything wrong. She had loved him so much back then.

But eventually, her parents had influenced him into a more serious mien. At their instigation, Murati had taken the hardest entrance exams, attended the top University on Skeenix, and then entered civil service with the Galactic Union. Suddenly he wasn't there anymore for her. Kiyone had then shocked her parents--and her brother--by announcing she would attend the Galaxy Police Academy. Somehow, by working part-time jobs, borrowing from friends, and budgeting in Draconian ways, Kiyone had put herself through the Academy. She had been aware of both her parents and her brother's disapproval and that had hurt, although it had not stopped her, of course. She was going to show them, to have a brilliant career with the GP, to match and exceed her brother in advancement. And then she had drawn Mihoshi as a partner and her career stalled. She had spoken to her parents and her brother, who had become a rising bureaucratic star, very seldom during that time. They had broken contact with her entirely during the Kagato affray, but had relented when she was later not only cleared of all charges of treason, but actually promoted. Then came the Slaakive disaster, the demotion...and her family had all but disowned her.

"It's my fault too, Murati. I could have called you. I...just didn't."

"I don't blame you, Kiki! I've been thinking things over and talking to Siatria, my fiancée. You remember her from school, don't you?"

"Uh-huh," Kiyone said without enthusiasm. Siatria had been one of the popular girls at school, one of those who wouldn't give Kiyone the time of day back then.

"I see you do remember her!" Murati's voice had a knowing chuckle. "Would it surprise you to know that Siatria thinks she was horrid to you back then and regrets it now?"

"She--She does?" Kiyone was astonished. She thought girls like Siatria never regretted what they did. Such girls were perfect-- perfectly posed, perfectly beautiful, and perfectly correct in all they did.

"She does. In fact she really chewed me out for not contacting you more often. We both know about the reasons for your demotion, Kiki. We also know you're being put under a microscope by the GP now. That's damned unfair! You're innocent of those charges and a good officer on top of that. I'm madder than hell about it."

"Are you, Murati?"

"I am! I'm also sorry that I haven't made that very clear, Kiki. You're the best! I've always thought so, and I think so even more now. You've put up with that abuse so bravely. I'm proud of you, Kiki."

Her elder brother's passionate defense of her was balm--golden balm-- for Kiyone. He didn't despise her or think her a failure, she realized. He loved her and supported her. It was just awkward for him to tell her because of the silence between them had endured for so long. Her heart warmed with love for him. He had broken the silence between them...her only brother, her Murati.

"Thank you, Murati," Kiyone said softly. "You don't know how much that means to me to hear you say that. I thought, after talking to Mom and Dad..."

"Oh, forget them. They just can't get out of the ruts they've dug themselves into. You didn't follow in their footsteps and that's why they resent you a little, I think. You know, working for the Union and meeting all sorts of people...well, I've gotten a lot better perspective on things. I've certainly gotten a better perspective on the Galaxy Police. It's a fine service and it's a profession to be proud of."

"I've always thought so. Of course, it's a profession I may not have much longer," Kiyone told him pensively.

"I know, Kiki," Murati's voice issuing from the console was quietly commiserative. "It sure won't be your fault if that happens. If it does, don't even think about going home to Mom and Dad. You come and stay with Siatria and me. There's lots of good jobs in the Union for a capable and intelligent person like you. You'll reach your goals, one way or another...count on it."

Kiyone felt warm happiness now seep into that cold and dark area inside her that the impending doom of her career had created. It was the one thing she needed...hope and an alternative if the worse happened. Her brother would stand beside her in adversity. It was so much nicer than standing alone, she now knew. She thought about Tris. He would stand beside her, too. And so would Tenchi, and Lord Yosho, and Ayeka, and all the rest of them. And even Mihoshi, who would face anything with her. She wasn't alone and she wasn't hopeless or helpless. In fact, she was poised to live a wonderful life with family and friends, and to achieve everything she desired.

Kiyone now experienced the final epiphany, sitting on that creaking old chair in Washuu's gloomy sub-dimensional lab. She would never be quite the same again. Her real life could begin now.

"I will count on it, Murati," she told him. "I won't give up my career without a fight, and I won't grieve my life away if I lose it. I thank you for your offer. It means so much to me. But I may stay on Earth, for a little while, anyway. I...I have a reason."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It's...well, it's a boy. I might as well tell you, Murati-- he's an Earthling."

"Really?" Murati said. His voice sounded intrigued. "You know, I once thought all those Earthlings lived in caves or something. But I did some research and Earth doesn't seem such a bad place. No interstellar travel capabilities, of course, but sometimes I wonder if that's such a handicap. Trying to keep the Galactic Union together is a headache, believe me!"

"I believe you!" Kiyone chuckled. "Just try to police it sometime!" She realized that, in his own subtle way, her brother had told her he didn't mind her falling in love with an Earthling. She was pleased. She wanted Murati to like Tris, or at least give him a chance. Now she knew he would.

"No way. I'll leave that to courageous people, like you, Kiki." Her brother paused a moment. "I think I better let you go now. My comm console is blinking like crazy...probably more petty problems from petty people. You don't have it so bad, you know! Anyway, you're coming to our wedding. We'll set the date and let you know. I'll call again real soon, Kiki."

"I'll call you, too. We'll keep in touch. And I'd love to attend your wedding, if I can bring a girlfriend and maybe a fella." Kiyone smiled as she thought of bringing Mihoshi and dragging Tris to a wedding.

"Bring them! The more, the merrier. And we will keep in touch, Kiki. I mean that. Gotta go. Goodbye. Out."

"Goodbye, Murati. Out."

The comm console's lights blinked off as her brother broke the connection.

Kiyone stared at the makeshift comm console a little while. Then she had a good, happy cry. After that, she wiped her eyes and stood up. She had things to do now. Lots of things. Life was full of things to do...and people to do them with.

As Kiyone walked back through the sub-dimensional portal, she didn't realize then that the one thing she really had to do was to stay alive the next few hours. It was one task that would prove all but impossible.

_____________________________________________

CHAPTER NOTES

1. Yes, that's all from the classic intrigue-and-romance film, "Casablanca." Tris is no Bogart, but that's showbiz.

2. Here Ryoko is echoing some classic dialogue from the Clint Eastwood rogue cop classic "Dirty Harry." If you noticed this, you're about as hopeless an old-movie addict as Tris, I'm afraid.

3 Specifically, it's from Shakespeare's "Hamlet." When it comes to pontification, the Princess does sometimes resemble Polonius.

4. Aristophanes was a playwright in ancient Greece who wrote a number of very funny plays, one of which was "The Birds," which introduced Cloud Cuckoo-Land. In addition, he also wrote a play called "Lysistrata," in which the women of Athens end a war against the Spartans--by denying their husbands sex until peace is declared!

5. Indeed it is. For example, during Shinto wedding ceremonies, both the bride and groom share a sake cup and sip from it three times to consecrate their marriage vows. On New Year's Day, families drink from special lacquered cups and toast each other. Many special celebrations feature the kagamiwari, a ceremony where a barrel of sake is opened with wooden mallets.

6. Despite Japan's vow to the European Union to equalize its taxation of imported wine and spirits, the cost for imported alcoholic beverages there is still immense compared to the domestic variety. Protectionism is still very much alive and well in the land of Nippon. Folks living there who don't have access to a State Department or U.S. armed forces exchange service outlet pay through the nose for a real French burgundy or a Czech Pilsner.

7. Tenchi is right, of course. Japan has over 200 wineries, the top three being Mercian, Suntory, and Sapporo. Wine made from only domestic grapes, known as kokunaisan, is often equal to imported wines. It is also considerably less expensive.