BE WARNED THOUGH! This is going to be a long chapter as there will be a small history lesson in it.
BUH DUNNN DUNN DAH DUNNN DUNNNN, Dah DAHH DAH DUUH DUNNN DUNNNN!
crappy starwars theme impersonation
EDIT!
NOOOOO! Ok, I hate myself. And resign my body to a beating. Arg. This chapter is not quite the light chapter I was hoping for, because it more turned out to be a plot development chapter, as well as a history lesson, forcing the next chapter to be the happy chapter, which Afterwards will have our heros back in space and into Jurai Territory again. Im starting to get fears that I may be dragging things out to much, but I don't want to rush things and make it appear like a bunch of bull crap. Arg. Im bracing myself for the flames to begin. PLEASE DONT HATE ME SO! (gets into fetal position)
CH - 18 No Need For Hospitality.
"...Zack..."
"...hey...yoohoo... Zaaack..."
"...Hey Zack!"
"Oh ...hey Silth."
"Staring out at the stars again?"
"Yeah..."
"I've heard you've already gotten your first assignment!"
"Yeah, probably from my father no less..."
"Aw cheer up, he's just trying to help. Oh wow, is that the brooch?"
"Huh this?"
"Lemee see!"
"Sure, here."
"Wow thats so cool. I hope Ill get one someday too."
"Ha, if you like it so much, why don't you take it. Im not a guy who's into things like that, anyways."
"I couldn't Zack..."
"Nah, go ahead."
"Hehe, your so sweet."
"...hey Silth."
"Yeah?"
"Come with me."
"Huh?"
"I know that I can take some people along with me since it will be a long assignment. I want you to come with me."
"I don't know Zack..."
"Come on, we'll be able to see the Vendril System together and see the new stuff. It'd be fun!"
"That sounds great, Zack..."
"So will you?"
"Ill have to think about it, okay?"
"Sure! But don't take to long. They want me to deploy in a few days."
"Alright! I'll get back to you then!"
"Alright!"
"..."
"Just a bit longer, alright, computer."
"Im sorry, sir, but the orders have been given, and we must depart now or we will be late."
"A few minutes wont matter much, so just wait!"
"The ship must depart now or it will be a few days late."
"We can wait, I know she's coming."
"Captain, if she has not come by now, then she is most likely not going to come."
"She'll come."
"Starting launch procedures."
"I said she'll Come!"
"Launch bays are now opening, following guide beacons."
"HEY, DELAY THAT ORDER! I SAID SHE'S COMING!"
"Unable to comply. Being over ridden by command tower."
"Wait!"
"Jump Sphere activating. Energy reactors 6 and 7 coming on line."
"NO, Just Wait! Just a few more minutes alright!"
"Jump Sphere active, now clear of dock, Jumping in 5..."
"No, Shut down! Emergency Shut down!"
"4..."
"3..."
"2..."
"NO. STOP!"
"1... Ignition"
"Nooo!..."
"...Captain...Captain..."
"Captain," the computer repeated. Zack opened his eyes. The helm of the Zenith was dark. "Captain, Ship status is critical. Reactors 1 and 2 are showing abnormalities, output dropping to 3. Reactors 3 and 4 are not responsive. Maintenance and Resupply is required."
Zack wiped his face of all the sweat from the bottom of his black tank top. The air in the room was uncomfortable and stuffy. The lights flickered and went out for a brief moment, illuminating the bridge and its components before going dark again..The quiet hum of computers and machinery after a moment left the air, only leaving the breathing of the Zenith's captain to be heard.. Computer screens and holograms went dark and disappeared, as emergency lights came on.
"Warning. Reactors 1 and 2 have now become unresponsive. Emergency power now activated. Active systems are life support, Ventilation and close range proximety systems with 22 error, as well as basic control systems and low grade gravity field. Engine out put is now 0, with ship speed at 14 knots drifting erratically. Supplies are critical, 25 emergency rations remaining. Now shutting down active computer interface. Good bye, captain."
The computer's com link turned to static before shutting off. Zack groaned in frustration, as yet another problem was to be added to his already long list of problems. He went over to a near by console and started browsing through some of the control systems.
"Ug...yes...yes...yes...no...yes...," Zack murmured to himself as he was answering the computer questions aloud. A warning sign came up. "Continue with Syphon..."
The cylinder behind the helm made a vwering sound before a click could be heard, then a soft hum. Zack cringed a little bit under the new weight on himself. He waited a second to hear the familiar background noise of the propulsion systems, but it remained all quiet, save for the syphon cylinder. He turned back to the console screen and typed away furiously.
"Aw, what the hell..." Zack said finally. "Not enough syphon power to get propulsion going..."
Zack sighed heavily and stood back from the console. He streched his arms and legs before he walked out the door of the bridge and took an access ladder down to the observatory deck, where everyone was pretty much passing their time. It was considered the coolest part of the ship, since the temperature regulators were offline for some time, and the only way the ship kept cool was by running air through ventilation shafts near the exterior of the ship and circulating it back in.
"The engines finally died on us." Zack said, breathing somewhat heavily as he walked into the observatory deck. "An emergency reactor and the syphon cylinder is keeping this ship and its occupants alive, but that's about it. Otherwise, were drifting in space blind, low food, little water, and no defenses."
The room seemed sullen. Everyone was either tired, hungry, or just out of it. It was about a week since the incident with the Angel Executioner. Among the people that went aboard, only Tenchi seemed anywhere near good spirits, probably because if not for him, the others would lose faith in everything. The others were tired and worn down, especially Washu and Zack, who both seemed distant or irritated. The computer navigational systems had been corrupted by the dark ether, and without being aware of it, the crew of the Zenith passed through a dense meteor storm, which beat up the ship pretty bad. Supplies had not been loaded onto the Zenith since Balboas, and the majority of the food supplies were aboard the Yagami before its terrible fate came to pass.
It was already 2 days without decent food, as the rations were now that was left. What Zack could tell from some basic star maps and observation was that the nearest planet he could figure was 22 days away at half power, and he could not tell how far into the Dracadian territory the Zenith had flown into since the Angel Executioner, if they were for sure in Dracadian territory. The long range communications were also down, and supplies needed to even do the simplest of repairs were gone. On the lighter note of things, Kiyone was moving about again, though still recommended to take it easy, she could not stand another day in bed, or with Mihoshi waiting on her hand and foot. Just wasn't her style, and didn't want Mihoshi to be getting things for her after her scrape with death.
"...So were in the ocean of space without a paddle then, huh." Kiyone said quietly.
"So, this is the end, then..." Ayeka whispered.
"Come on, Ayeka." Ryoko said, overhearing the princess's despair. "There's still hope. We could go with Ryo-Ohki and find a planet, or call out into space, or something."
"...mreeoowwww..." came Ryo-Ohki's long drawn out response. She seemed tired as well.
"We'd never make it to a planet, Ryoko," Washu quietly said. Her gaze was distant and dark as she said this. "It would take us half a day to load whatever we would need, and the trip, even at her full speed, would take 10 days...Some of us would have died of dehydration by then."
Ryoko looked crest fallen, knowing that Washu was right. The trip would have been definetely to long for Kiyone and Sasami, who stood the least likely chance of surviving the trip, since one was wounded and the other still young.
"But Ryoko is right. We can't give up hope." Tenchi encouraged the others. Everyone felt a bit better, with him around. His natural charisma seemed to even bring a small bit of light back to Washu's eyes. But even so, the situation was dire.
"With no supplies and not enough power to start the engines, we'd need a miracle, if anything..."Zack said, slumping down. The room seemed muggy to him. Lights flickered for a moment, before returning to their normal low key glow. His fear got the better of him. "Heh..heheh.. Haha..not much seems to be going our way, huh, haha..."
A stomach growled in hunger.
"What Id give for a nice hot meal..." Mihoshi whined, patting her own.
"Or a good warm bath." Ayeka said. Water was on ration as most of it leaked out in the meteor storm.
"Or something to do..." Kiyone said quietly, feeling that the boredom was to much for any sane person.
Zack slowly stood up again. "Well, All those wonderful things I can only enjoy in my dreams at the moment. Ill be on the bridge again, if y'all need me..."
He left the others and proceeded back up the long service ladder to the bridge. It seemed like the only welcoming place for him. He couldn't bear himself knowing that those who he now called friends might die before anything can be done to save the innocent people of their universe from a cataclysmic war. When he got there, he went back to the earlier console and typed in some commands. It gave a beep of acknowledgement.
"I'd say were pretty desperate about now anyways..." Zack mumbled. "Ill use all my own energy to expand the SOS signal for as long as possible. Maybe we'll get lucky..."
He went back to the helm seat and slumped down in it. (Geez... I feel like a lead weight is on me... so heavy...) He thought to himself before passing out into sleep again.
A light shined in Zack's face. He turned his head away from it and covered his eyes.
"What's the big idea?" Zack said aloud. "Im awake, Im awake, alright...Just when my dream was getting to the good part..."
The light still didn't dim. He opened his eyes slowly, allowing them to adjust to the light. He noticed where it was coming from after his eyes adjusted. He sat up right immediately, typing on a small computer in front of him; on the arm of the chair. The light was replaced by a message screen. The emergency lights dimmed from the power drain.
"Hello! Hello!" Zack said urgently. "Anyone still out there? Anyone? Someone?"
Static rained on the monitor. He noted the time. It was 12 hours later since he went to sleep. His sleeping while being syphoned extended his rest time. It's dangerous to sleep while syphoned, as those who are may never wake up.
"Anyone out there? This is the Dracadian Warship, Zenith. Registration number 0001DP42S4B. We are in need of assistance." Zack said to the static screen. "If anyone can hear me out there, we are in dire need of assistanc. We are low on food, water, and no supplies. Our engines are unresponsive. Please respond."
More static. Zack boosted the power to the message, and hailed one last time. "This is the Zenith, we are in need of assistance. Anyone out there, I have Civilians on board and were out of vital supplies! We need help."
"...This is the Venzati, Zenith. I read ya.. '... barely got your last message there." came a response. Within a moment, the static was replaced by a picture on the main screen. An eldery fellow was in the helm of a cool blue colored bridge. Unlike Zack, he was some other type of species. He had fuzzy cat like ears and a small cat nose. His face was wrinkled with age but his eyes were crystal blue. Two worn down fangs could be seen when he talked. A grey brown puffy mustache and some short beard hair matched well with his bushy eyebrows. Mini specs sat comfortably off his nose, and his grey brown hair was somewhat messy. He wore simple Dracadian style clothing, which consisted of pants of some kind, an undershirt, dress type shirt and a sleeveless tunic. A short green manteau was draped over his shoulders, as he wore long fingerless gloves that came up to his mid for arms. He wore a ragged old headband, with a runic symbol written on it in red against the white fabric. In the background, an elderly lady of the same race could be seen sitting on the arm of the mains chair, looking also at the transmission. Her hair was long and tied back in a ponytail, also turning grey. Her dark azure eyes looked calmly, but kindly at the monitor. A long green robe with blue embroidery made up her clothing. It was tied at her waist by a sash. The end of a tail peeked out from underneath her robe.
"Grandpa, who's that?" came a small girls voice from the background, and in a moment, a small girl with cat like ears and nose, with pale green eyes emerged. She rubbed her eyes to ward off the sleep. A small stuff doll of some kind hung loosely from her arm. Her long thin light-beige tail wavered back and forth underneath her nightgown. Upon Zack seeing the little girl, he fixed his posture and looks a little bit, not to look so disheveled.
"Just someone that could use some help, muffin. You don't have ta' worry. We'll be there soon. Grandma will take ya back to bed, alright?" The old man said to his grand daughter. The elderly lady got off of the chair arm and took the girl hand and lead her back to where she came from."Anyways, m'boy, Sounds like your in a deep hole of trouble."
"Engines are shot, ships a mess, guidance is pretty poor shape as well, down to emergency rations, and water is critical." Zack said, informing the man on the other end of the communication. "We are definitely up to our ears in problems. If you could give us some supplies and food so we can repair our ship and survive, We'd be most thankful."
"You said you had civilians aboard. Kinda strange for a warship to have those." the old man questioned, stroking his mustache.
"Haha, Under most circumstances, I think you'd be right," Zack chuckled a bit. He examined himself, noting his black tank top and red shorts just about summed up what he was wearing.. "I don't look much like a soldier either, but things are pretty bad down here. The mission I am to carry out has kinda changed a bit, and picked up some civilians in the process, though I now call them friends if anything. But as I said, all we need really are just some supplies, and that'd be all."
"Lemme come on down, alrigh'?" The old man smiled. "Check things over with my own eyes, to see how bad of shape you folks really are in, if ya don' mind. A scan says you are pretty busted up, but y'never know with technology these days. Besides, may not look it, but I do know a thing or two about ships. Rotate yourself about 45 degrees so I can get a lock on ya."
With that the communication cut out. Zack sighed in relief and said a small prayer under his breath, thanking the gods for this good luck. After a moment of computer work, and another warnign sign, the ship jerked slightly, and began to turn slowly in space. After a moment, the rotation stopped, and the blue ship could be seen hovering over head, beginning its slow descent onto the Zenith. A loud clash of metal and a soft clank could be heard. Zack got up from his seat and went out into the hallway that leads up to the bridge, slightly floating as he did under the low gravity. An over head door slowly slid open and the old man came down gently.
"Ah, there ya be, m'boy. Taller then ya look on the big screen, and younger too, it seems." The old man said as he landed softly. He adjusted his clothing a little bit. "Where's your crew at?"
"Well, officially, Im the only crew. Got dispatched in a hurry. But the others are probably below in the crew quarters now, sleeping." Zack informed the man. He noticed a sidearm hung casually at his side, and his hand rested on it, as if it were a prop to hold himself up by.
"Well, lead the way." The old man said in cheerily. Zack gave him a wondering look. "Ah, I do not want to be duped by scoundrels, no offense of course. I have precious cargo in that ship of mine, you could say."
"Ah, I see." Zack said after a moment of thought. He started to lead the old man and opened another service ladder hatch that would take him near the crew quarters. "Everyone here is also very precious to me. Im very glad that someone did here my distress call."
After a bit of traveling, they eventually came to the crew quarters. Zack opened the door, and looked inside. The large room was dimly lit by the emergency lights, but the girls could all be seen sleeping soundly. Zack started to charge small ball of energy in his hands, for he too could not take such risks, even with this elderly man.
"You don't need to worry a think from me." The old man whispered softly as he looked into the room. "I wouldn't start anything with my wife or grandchildren so close to harm."
"You Anzers are pretty sharp." Zack said discharging. The old man smiled at him.
"It comes from our natural trade," came the anzer's reply. He pulled back form looking into the room, as Zack shut the door. " It's strange that such people would come into your care. I suppose your mission must be important, then. Is that all your passengers?"
"It's kinda the other way around, sometimes I think." Zack said, sighing a bit as he answered the first bit the old anzer said. "And no, there's a young man in the other crew quarters. Although I really doubt the girls would mind it since they all have something for him, he kinda made it clear that he would like his own separate room."
"Is that so. Hohoho." The old anzer chuckled. He peered around the low lit hallway. "Ah then that settles it. Your ship is in pretty ragged condition, and I couldn't think of leaving all those poor lasses in this can o bolts when they can be better places."
"Can of bolts? What do you mean?" Zack asked, a bit offended that his ship was a called a 'can o bolts'.
"Haha. Ill tow your ship and your passengers to Hjerdal, Free of Charge. This reminds me of when I was younger, so it's the least I can do." the old anzer said. "But I'd hate to wake them so early in the morning, so Ill try to be quiet about the couplings. In the mean while, come up to the bridge of my Venzati. We can talk more there about what happened to this vessel."
"I-I couldn't accept that type of offer..." Zack began.
"Oh, I wont accept no for an answer, and that's final." The anzer said sternly.
Zack knew that he could not bargain with the anzer. After all, their species was known for being excellent merchants. He muttered a thanks.
"Ah, your very welcome. Now come! To the Venzati." The anzer said. "My name is Hitoli Afrondo, by the way. But you can call me Hito for short."
"My name's Zack." Zack said introducing himself. "I have a longer name, but its kind of a mouthful."
"Haha, I bet it is. Dracadians and their long complicated names. But first maybe a change of clothes for ya." Hito said, laughing to himself. Zack remembered his lack of real clothing and after changing into better clothing, went with Hito back to the bridge of the Venzati.
"Wait, the Bristol System is near here?" Zack said as he finally entered the bridge of the Venzati. It was empty, but the familiar hum of computers gracefully welcomed him.
"Sure. About a half a day's travel. How could you not know?" Hito asked.
"I guess my computer systems are worse then I thought." replied Zack. He rubbed the back of his head. "I tried to use the constellations to determine where we are, but I only got a rough idea. I guess its because of the Veil, then?"
"And how your ship was turned." Hito added. "That would throw most people off as well. Not upright, ya see. But yes, we're soon to enter the veil anyways. Hmm, almost morning."
He called up a star map of the nearby area.
"Morning already? But your granddaughter was up when I hailed you." Zack said, a bit in disbelief.
"Marle?" Hito said, once again laughing a bit as he did so often it seemed. "Ah, cute little girl. She's got a real ear for machines. Wakes her up when the engines slow down, even though ya really cant hear it from her room anyways. Good with mechanical stuff too."
Zack nodded in understanding, and a bit in amazement that such a small anzer could hear such things.
"Anyways, shes also excited about the fair, too. Cant wait to get there, bouncin' off the walls in the mean time, unlike her older sister, Meia. She's more reserved but is sharp as a tack."
"Fair?" Zack questioned.
"Ah sure you didn't fall down in the dark?" the old anzer eyed the younger dracadian. Zack thought for a moment.
"We've been out of touch with things for the last week or two. Bad turn of events after another." Zack finally said. "Fair...Fair...Wait You mean the?"
Hito nodded.
"Wow! Really?" Zack said now much brighter. "I mean wow, I cant believe I hadn't remembered either. Though now that I think about it, I was really bummed out that I might miss the Fair when I got this assignment."
"Seem's fortune smiled upon you," came a women's voice. The female Anzer that was on the bridge when Zack talked with Hito entered. She was wearing a long tunic now, that seemed to come all the way to her ankles. A sleeveless jacket she wore over it, and on her clawed feet were sandals. A cord hung gracefully from her neck along with a scarf. Her smile was as kind as Hito's.
"Ah, good morning Nestra." Hito said to her. "Ah, Zack. This is Nestra, my wife. Nestra, this young fire snapper is Zack."
"Pleased to meet you." Zack said politely.
"Pleased to meet you too." Nestra said to him. "I have begun making breakfast already. I heard you had some passengers with you and were low on food. Perhaps they would like to bath and clean up before coming to eat."
"Splendid Idea, Nestra." Hito said in agreement. " Zack, please fetch those lasses we saw earlier, along with that fine lad, and Nestra will show them to our bathing hall."
"Thank you for your generosity, Hito. Nestra." Zack began. "But I don't know if I can really accept all this hospitality from you two."
"It is no problem at all!" Hito said with gusto. "Helping people is a hobby of mine as well, and you all seem to be really down on your luck. I can tell from the look in your eyes that you've all been down a long road already, and have still some bit to go."
"But in the mean time, please relax and recuperate." Nestra added. "It is not often we can do these things for others, and we have plenty to share with you of course. Think nothing of it. Now please, go fetch your other passengers and have them come!"
"Well, get a move on, young fire snapper." Hito said.
"Thanks again." Zack said, giving a slight bow for reverence. He left in a hurry and returned to the Zenith. He was about to make way for the crew quarters, but quiet talking from the bridge caught his attention and he went to it. Everyone was already assembled on the bridge, Washu standing over a computer console. She stopped and turned, hearing the door slide open. "Hey guys, come with me."
"Where have you been, Zack?" Ayeka said, with a bit of worry and anger in her voice. "We wake up to find that some strange ship is dragging us to who knows where with you no where to be found!"
Zack rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Maybe leaving you guys alone wasn't a good idea on a busted ship, but still. Come with me, Ill explain everything soon! Hurry! Our hosts are expecting you all."
"Hm, he seems cheerier then usual." Ryoko said, noticing Zack seemed full of life now.
"Whats got him pepped up?" Kiyone asked nobody.
"Well, he's off again. Guess we should follow." Tenchi said, noticing Zack had already turned and left the bridge. They all followed Tenchi down the hallway to where they saw Zack climb up the connection hatch between the two ships that was previously closed. Tenchi gently pushed off from the ground and slowly floated up until he could grab the ladder to climb up through the connection. At the other end of the connection, a hand greeted him, to help him up. He took it, soon realizing it was not Zack's.
"Goo' mornin'. I hope you slept well enough." Hito said. Tenchi was taken back a bit by this strange man standing before him, not sure what to think of him. "Ah haha, Cat's got your tongue, boy? Oh pardon me."
"Uh, n-no." Tenchi managed to say, as the old man gently pushed him aside to help the others up through the hatch. Their reactions were much the same. Zack came around the corner of the hall way after a moment, and Tenchi and the others looked to him for answers, except Washu who now knew what she was looking at and was quite intrigued.
"Haha, This good man here is Hitoli Afrondo. He's been gracious enough to tow the Zenith to Hjerdal." Zack said. "Hito, this man here is Tenchi. This is Ayeka, Sasami, Ryoko, Mihoshi, Washu and Kiyone."
"Uh, nice to meet you Mr. Afrondo." Ayeka said with a bow, unsure of how to greet the anzer.
"The pleasure is mine, miss Ayeka Jurai." he said bowing slightly. She was taken back by his response. "But you may call me Hito. Mr. Afrondo sounds to stuffy for an old Anzer like me."
"H-how did you.." Ayeka began but Hito raised his hand first to stop her in mid sentence.
"Haha, in good time, Miss Ayeka." He said jovially. Nestra came around the corner. "But first, bath, dine, and relax. We can talk later after breakfast, which by the looks of it, you folks could really use. My lovely wife Nestra will show you to the bathing hall."
"Please come this way, honored guests." Nestra said as she gestured for Tenchi and the girls to follow her. "The water is nice and warm, and Im sure you could all use a bath from the looks on your weary faces."
"Come on," Zack said reassuring the others as he followed her. The others didnt say much, and Sasami gave a slight bow as she walked past Hito, also saying thanks. He just smiled widely. It was not long before a door slid open and they were in a large long room. The floor was marble like, with stone tiles. Heroic statues and comical characters could be seen on platforms overlooking the long pool like bath. A fountain shot water up in the center, as it sat on a circular stone tablet, and across on the far side of the room a waterfall gently poured down into the large bath. Small grooves on the sides of the large bath and by the fountain appeared to be used for spaces to sit. A thick haze of steam that hung close to the water covered the bath. On the side from the door, towels and other bath products unknown to most everyone there save Zack and Nestra were arranged on a small ornate counter. Large glass mirrors over hung the pool in various places and stone wall that partitioned off a small room like section on the opposite sides of the pool was visible and accessible through a small step stone path, which bordered smaller waterfalls and fountains.
"Fine towels and bathing moisturizers are on the table. Ill let you all be and be back with you in a little while." Nestra said. She took a bow and left the room, the door sliding shut automatically behind her.
"Woah..."Ryoko said in awe at the large bath before her. Kiyone walked to the waters edge and ran her hands through it gently. She looked at her hands in wonder, and amazement. The water itself seemed to sparkle in the soft glow of the rooms light gold lights. Mihoshi inspected some of the products on the table as Washu joined her. Ayeka seemed full of joy, but began to turn red.
"Huh? Whats wrong Ayeka." Tenchi asked, noticing Ayeka.
"...There's only one bath though." Ayeka said, fidgeting a bit. Tenchi looked at her funny, before realizing what she meant.
"Ah mm, well I could just wait outside..." Tenchi said, turning a bit red himself.
"Nonsense, Tenchi!" Ryoko said, with a grin on her face. "The pool is plenty big for the two of us"
"Customs are different I suppose in Jurai then they are in Dracadia." Zack said, catching on to what she was getting at. "Or your just shy. But for the most part, Baths in Dracadia are same sex. Of course, there are towels that you wear anyways, but I suppose it would still be awkward."
"Hmm, same sex baths huh?" Ryoko said, now interested. "I think I could get along fine with that, wouldn't you, Ayeka?"
"No I wouldnt, Ryoko!" Ayeka said red faced.
"Ah, well you can get changed over there." Zack said pointing to the small rooms on the other side of the bath. "Me and Tenchi can just use the other one."
With that he took a towel and began to walk over to the stepping stones to get to the other side. Tenchi, not sure what to think, just grabbed a towel and followed after. The girls did likewise, except going to the other small room. By the time Ayeka and the other ladies finished getting changed, Zack and Tenchi were already relaxing against the center fountain. They had some kind of conversation going, but stopped when noticing the girls joined them.
"Ah, finally done then?" Zack said to no girl in particular. "Aw come on now, no need to be shy."
Ayeka sunk down to her chin in the water, as to not reveal anything. The others just splashed on over, Ryoko most notably. After a while, everyone was getting comfortable in the bath and just soaking up the water. It seemed warm and relaxing.
"This water is so different." Kiyone said, letting some of it sift through her hands, shimmering as it did.
"I know what you mean," Washu said, also noticing its uniqueness.
"There are special minerals in the water that help keep it a certain temperature and purity. Helps clean and revitalize people better. Also doesn't let the skin wrinkle up either," Zack told the two, as he gently flicked some of the water. "You should really use the lotions as well. Good for skin, and works wonders with sore muscles and so on."
Mihoshi opened the cap and sniffed the fragrance from the liquid inside. "It smells good too." She squeezed a small bit into her hand and began applying it. "It doesn't even leave an oily residue."
"Yeah the products that they make are very nice. But a bit expensive, of course." Zack said.
"I've been meaning to ask," Ayeka said as she squeezed a bit of the lotion into her own hands and began to apply it as well. "Though I don't want to sound rude, but what exactly is Mr. Afrondo?"
"He's an Anzer." Washu said. "I've seen some data about their species, but nothing extensive."
"An Anzer?" Sasami repeated. "But I thought that the Dracadian Empire was made up of Dracadians only."
"Well," Zack began. "The empire isnt really an empire, so to speak. Its actually an alliance of 4 races really in this area of space. You see, during the War, there were many battles over many worlds. The Anzer homeworld was one of those worlds. We had made small pushes into space, during the later half of the War. We managed to reach the Anzer homeworld and free them of Jurai control. Before then, our contact was limited with this race. After that an alliance was formed between us and them, though they had very few ships even capable of war, and for the most part could not aid us in any real way, as their government was destroyed and the things on their homeworld were a mess."
"So is that why it's the Dracadian Empire? Because Dracadians took control?" Mihoshi questioned.
"No, not really. Ill explain it all. Dracadian's freed up two other races after the Anzers. The peaceful Atriads, and prideful Muncahnzans. Of course, none of these races could really offer much assistance, anyways, so it seemed a bit fruitless to free them up at the time, but we did anyways. Most of Jurai's forces were concentrating on hitting Dracadia itself, so freeing up these 3 other races was somewhat easy." Zack paused to reposition himself into a more comfortable position. "After the final battle with Jurai, and their withdrawal and armistice, the task of rebuilding our civilizations was a difficult one. A meeting was called together of those provisionary leaders of those other races and our Queen, Lady Razaharial. This was before we had the council, of course. We would create an empire, where Dracadia would be in charge, but decisions would be also decided as a group, and not just by Dracadia itself. Dracadia was put in charge because, for one, it was the race that freed up the other three, and was the only one at the time who had any form of military power and armistice with Jurai. Also, if the other races fell under Dracadia's jurisdiction, then Jurai would not try to take them either. What made this alliance possible, for the most part, was a commonality among our races. All of us are considered Ether Races. We possess the ability to perform great tasks using Ether, though Dracadia is the only one which has the ability to counter our the power of Jurai."
He squirted some water out between his hands, noting where it splashed. "In any case, whether we be of a different species, we are considered one people because of that common trait. Though most find it strange that Dracadians are in charge, and those outside the empire come up with their own beliefs why we are in charge. Some say were blood thirsty and vicious. Others say were tyrants of some kind. Some say we boast we have the power to over throw Jurai so the others come to us for protection. Or the strangest yet is that we are the most powerful and largest of the four. That last one isnt totally true. Even though we do make up 90 of the defenses of the Empire, our population is only 1.7 Billion strong, if that. Anzer's have 7 billion souls in their race, and the Atriads are 11 billion strong. Though the largest lies with the prideful Muncahnzans. They have 16 billion under their wings. They have a relatively sizeable army, but its power doesn't add much to the Dracadian fleet, primarily because most of our population makes of our defenses. You could say our race is using itself as a shield protecting the Empire."
Before Zack could explain any further, Nestral had entered. "Ah I see your all looking much more refreshed. Please, after getting dressed follow this to the dining area for breakfast. It will be ready in about 15 more minutes."
She set a small blue sphere on the table where the lotion products and towels were earlier, bowed and left. The others began to feel self conscience after she left.
"I don't think we can take them up on their hospitality." Kiyone said. "I mean, not to be rude, but we cant exactly repay them."
"Though this bath has me feeling better, I cannot really accept the idea of these kind folks waiting on us like this," Ayeka said in agreement.
"Im sure you can.." Ryoko said under her breath. Ayeka gave her a nasty glare. "But, I guess Im starting to feel a little bit guilty too. We don't even know them yet they are treating us like close family, or honored guests."
"Yeah well, I've already tried to talk Hito and Nestra out of it, but they wont listen to me, anyways." Zack said, standing up and stretching. He began to walk over to the edge of the bath. "Well, lets get changed. I don't want to keep them waiting."
The others followed his lead. After a few minutes, they were back in their old clothes they brought with them from the Zenith. Zack went over to the table by the door and picked up the little orb Nestra had left behind. It glowed in his hands softly for a moment, then went dim as it floated and proceeded out the door of the large bath. Zack followed it closely as it hovered down the hallways of the Venzati at a stroll. It finally came to another door, which opened upon its arrival. It hovered a moment and began to flash blue again. Zack gently grabbed the small orb in his hands as it went dim again. They came into another long room. A long dining table sat in the center of the white marble like room. Columns stood in each corner of the room, and paintings and screens decorated the walls. The table was set with plates and other eating utensils. Hito was already seated in a chair at the far end of the table, reading over a hand held console intently. The small girl that Zack saw in the transmission sat in the chair to his left, fidgeting in her seat while she fiddled with a utensil.
"Ah, now thats much better!" Hito said, looking from his console, and then standing up. He motioned for them to take a seat. "Come, come. Please sit, sit. The food will be ready in a moment."
Zack walked over and took a seat. The little girl stopped fidgeting and playing with her utensil and stared at Zack and the others as they all took a seat. Sasami noticed the little girl staring and gave her a little wave.
"Grandpa, who are these funny lookin' people?" The little girl questioned Hito. He turned red in embarrassment.
"Now now, Marle, thats not very nice." Said a young lady Anzer as she walked out of a door behind Hito. She wore a long flat green dress that had blue stripes down one side. The sleaves were long and baggy, easily concealing her hands and arms into a somewhat tube like shape. Her hair was tan and long, held back by a circlet. Her ears were long and black in color, and her eyes were a light shade of red. She must have not been much older then Sasami, maybe 3 or 4 years at best. "Please excuse my little sister. She can be a little blunt and naive at times."
"Im not naive!" the little girl protested. She made a face at the her older sister. "It's not like I asked a dumb question or anythin..."
"Now, now you two." Nestra said, coming out of the same door the younger lady anzer came from. She took her seat to Hito's right, and the young lady took the seat to the right of the little girl.
"Haha, well, I suppose I should introduce all of you, though Zack knows them already." Hito said to Tenchi and the others. "As you probably know, this is my wife Nestra. This cute little cat here is Marle, and the fine young lady there is her older sister, Meia. They are my grandchildren. Go on and introduce yourselves then to them."
"My name is Tenchi Misaki," Tenchi said introducing himself.
"And Im Ryoko Misaki, his wife," Ryoko said giving Tenchi a hug. Ayeka promptly hit her across the head.
"Don't listen to that one, Ryoko is a liar," Ayeka said. "Sorry for the rude display, but my name is Ayeka. And this is my little sister, Sasami."
"Hi!" Sasami said cheefully. Marle smiled and gave her a wave.
"Im Washu Hakubi, The Greatest Genius in the Universe!" Washu began. "But you can call me Washu."
"But your so young.." Meia said, a bit surprised that Washu would take such a title.
"She may not look it, but she's actually an old crone," Ryoko said, smiling deviously. She was hit across the head for her smart aleck remark.
"It's not nice to call your mother a old crone." Washu said, "Yes, Im actually older then I appear, but science has kept my endless beauty intact."
"...right..." Ryoko said rubbing her head.
"Im Kiyone," said Kiyone kind of weakly.
"And Im Mihoshi," the gp officer said with her usual spunk.
"It's an honor to meet all of you." Meia said, bowing her head slightly.
"Show off." Marle said, hitting her sister.
"Being polite to guests is not showing off." Meia replied.
Marle was about say something else when the door behind Hito opened up again. Small blue round droids came out of the door, carrying trays. Washu stared intently at the blue machines as they dropped off the food in front of them gently, and proceeded back to where they came. A last droid came around the table and lifted the covers off the trays, to reveal the morning cuisine. An assortment of what appeared to be fruits and other things along with some meat like products and other Dracadian cuisine let off some steam before them. The aroma was definitely something that would make a mouth water, as the sweet and tangy smell drifted through the air.
"Well, dig in. Im sure this will be much more filling then those emergency rations," Hito said, taking some of the food from the trays onto his plate. His family did likewise, and soon enough, they were all eating their fill of food. After about 20 minutes of idle chatter, questions, and good food, Meia and Marle began to clear the table at their grandfathers request. Sasami, not used to be waited on, also decided to help, even though her hosts insisted that she take it easy. Hito sat back in his chair, gnawing the end of a long tooth pick between his incisors.
"So down to business," He said after a quiet moment and then leaning forward against the table. "Im sure miss Ayeka there will have some questions, as she is already beginning to formulate some. The rest of you as well, I would guess."
"Before he gets into explainations, Ill use a bit of intuition what the first question would be," Zack said speaking up. "I didn't quite explain how all the four races in our alliance are Ether based beings. We use our ethers in variety of ways. In the case of Anzers, their ether can be used as a forsight and has some ability to 'see' peoples thoughts."
"So your psychics?" Washu said, in simpler words.
"In a nut shell, yes." Hito agreed to the statement. "Of course, we cant really see word for word what your thinking, but a general idea. And our forsight doesnt allow us to see distant futures, but more of things that will happening relatively soon."
"So its much like the animals on earth," Washu continued, analyzing the information in her head and making an analogy. "Animals can tell when events such as storms or earthquakes will happen before they happen. In your case, its just any event in general."
"It's kinda what makes em good at their national trade." Zack said. "But its also more then just psychic abilities and for sight. They can also feel energies from beings. Kinda like smelling a scent, each persons energies is unique, but there's a general unifying energy signature for the race itself."
"As to how I know you are Juraian royalty, I felt it," Hito said, pulling the tooth pick out of his mouth. "Juraian royalty energy is remarkable. Blessed almost. Though I must say this lad here is a whole different story..."
He was eluding to Tenchi, who didn't quite understand. But most of the things surrounding Tenchi few understood. Washu had vague ideas, but of course nothing more beyond that.
"Anyways, I took an accurate guess that you were Miss Ayeka Jurai, based on seeing your face somewhere, and your energies, as well as some curious thoughts." Hito said. "And it looked like I hit the nail on the head."
"It would seem so, but let me be direct. Why is it that your helping us so much?" Washu said, a bit uneasy about everything.
"Well, a few reasons," Hito began. "For starters, I cant just go ahead and leave women out adrift in space, down on their luck, or anyone for that matter. I have a soft spot for the ladies, as though two grandchildren which I spoil on a daily basis are my daughters. Though she chides me constantly for doing so. Zack also reminds me of my self in my younger days, a little bit."
"Oh, how so?" Zack asked, intrigued by the remark.
"It's nothing you can fully describe, really." Hito said. "It's more of a look in your eyes. When I look deep within, I see my younger self."
"If anything, your nature and hopes show through you," Nestra added. "But there is more reasons then just those to help you all."
"It seems odd that we Anzers, though ally of your enemy, seem to not show any hate for you folks." Hito said. "It's actually more like this. Dracadia in general, the empire that is, doesn't show grudges towards unarmed enemies. It would be dishonorable."
"Further more in war, there are 3 types of people. The politicians, the soldiers, and the civilians." Nestra said in a quiet even tone. "The soldiers fight the war, and the civilians are the ones who always get caught up in it, while the politicians generally sit back and try to tell the soldiers not to lose while telling the civilians everything is alright. While there may be reasons for our leaders to dislike the Jurai empire and those who live in it, and our soldiers because they must fight with your soldiers, our civilians are just mere people who try to live out their daily lives, hoping that the evils of war doesn't cross their path."
"So, among the people, there is no reason to hate a Juraian." Hito finally said. "For in the bigger picture of things, were in the same category. Nothing more then civilians, who don't want the atrocities of war to knock on our doors."
"But wouldn't that be treason?" Ryoko said.
"I see you still don't understand," Nestra said calmly. "It's is a strange concept I suppose to some, but it is more like etiquette to us, you could say. Treason is helping the enemy over throw our own empire. But how is an unarmed civilian an enemy to the empire? It is obvious that miss Ayeka's intentions, along with the rest of yours, is not to create problems with the Dracadian Empire or over throw it. But to bring this war to an end so that little lives are lost on either side."
"Alright, That sound's a bit reasonable," said the scientist, "But theres more to it then that, am I right?"
"That you are," Nestra replied.
"We indeed are loyal to our Empire, and I can tell that you are all on some kind of mission which may bring an end to this war, or so you believe." Hito stuck the tooth pick back in his mouth and chewed on it some more. "But there are happenings in our own council that is frightening a good amount of people. The council is being ordered to resign, and rather recently too."
"What do you mean resign?" Zack said a bit shocked of the news.
"Extreme Militants in the upper ranks of society just stepped out one day and started saying that they feel that the Council is just being inactive and not taking any initiative." Nestra said. "They think that the negotiations are just a waste of time, as none of the Empire's fleets have really moved into Jurai space for retaliation, while Jurai battle ships are slowly pushing into our territory."
"I got a gut feeling something bad is going on at the top," Hito said ominously. "And I have a feeling it has something to do with the mission your on. That is, if you are successful, then everything will be alright."
"Yes, but if the council is ordered to step down..." Zack said quietly.
"Then you'll lose your status as Emissary and ordered to fight in the war as well." Hito filled in the blank. "And Im afraid it will not only be Dracadian forces, but those of the Anzer, Atriad, and Muncahnzans forces will be drafted as well. And the outcome will be nothing short of bloody."
"An apocalyptic war," muttered Zack darkly. "Then perhaps...hmmm"
"What is it?" Tenchi inquired.
"Silth said aboard the Angel Executioner that there would be unity." Zack began. "If the two empires were to be destroyed, only a fraction of each would survive. Or maybe a fraction would be chosen to survive. But why would they do that? What would there to gain."
"If the war wipes out most everyone, there wont be much left to rule." Kiyone said, understanding his question.
"I really don't know either, but it seems things are going to go from bad to worse real soon." Hito said. "The council will either be forced down, or step down, at the rate those militants are going."
"So what are we going to do?" Mihoshi asked.
"Well, it's obvious that whatever is happening in the council is probably related to the problems on the Jurai. A second coup perhaps." Washu said. "Our only answers still lie in Jurai."
"But we wont be able to get there, not yet. We'll have to go to the base on Hjerdal and get the Zenith repaired." Zack said.
"I think we'll take you elsewhere though," Nestra said. Zack looked to her perplexed.
"If the council is forced down, it will be almost right afterwards an order will come to detain the occupants of your ship, for the military will know you have Juraians aboard if you go to their base." Hito said.
"Then what am I supposed to do? I cant repair the ship by hand. It'd take to long." Zack said in frustration.
"A friend of mines owns a repair dock. He owes me big from a while back, and is an expert mechanic, being able to fix any type of ship." Hito said. Girls' playful laughing could be heard from the room behind Hito. "He can fix your Zenith for ya."
"But the expense would be killer for private repair docks like that." Zack said, knowing he wouldnt be able to pay.
"Don't worry about it." Hito smiled warmly. "With what he owes me, repairing your Zenith would be a cake walk."
"But I cant take your favors for my sake." Zack began to protest. "I mean what if the Venzati needs to be repaired."
"This old ship?" Hito laughed. Nestra smiled. "This old bird can go to hell and back and not take much damage. Don't make em like they used to, but even so. With the fortune I've accumulated, I could probably have a hundred Venzati's built, destroyed and repaired, without it putting a big dent in my wallet. So say no more on the subject."
Zack knew he couldn't say much more, because once Hito closed a subject, it was closed. A soft ding rang through the room. Hito pushed out his chair and stood up. He waited for his wife to also stand up before moving. "We're at the edge of the Veil, so let's go on up to the bridge."