Chapter Six
"You seem troubled this afternoon, my boy."
Yosho cast his young companion a questioning look, laying back against his pillows as he gestured for his grandson to take a seat. "Are the cares of the world so heavy on your shoulders today?"
"They really seem that way." Tenchi sighed, doing as he was bidden and resting his hands in his lap. "I'm sorry, Grandpa. It doesn't matter - really. I came to see how you were. Washu thinks you're doing fine, but I wanted to see for myself. It's just been difficult to find any time when the Holy Council of Jurai don't want to speak to me about something."
"Ah, I've got life in me yet." Yosho assured him softly. "Kagato was not quite as capable of killing me as he boasted, Tenchi - I assure you."
"Well, I'm glad of that at least." Tenchi glanced around him. "Where's Dad? The physician said he was with you."
"Yes, he was, but he was distracted by a story one of the nurses was telling him." Yosho said contemplatively. "He has such a knack for making new friends, your father. It's a talent I've always admired in him, you know."
He cast his grandson a glance, taking in the mixture of embarrassment and sheepishness on the boy's face, and he laughed.
"Don't worry. I think she'll keep him in good order." He added. "So tell me, Tenchi. Now that we've established that I'm going to be fine - what troubles you?"
Guilt flashed into his companion's eyes, and the old prince frowned.
"They are asking a lot of you, I think? The Council?" He murmured. "Mm." As Tenchi nodded. "They do have a tendency to do that. And well, it has been a while since they've had someone they can follow around and ask to solve all their problems for them. Kagato has done much damage...everyone seems to be much happier now you and Ayeka are here."
"That's just it, though." Tenchi sighed heavily. "Grandpa, are you sure this is my destiny? I mean, to be here on Jurai and be King and all of that? Because I sure don't feel like I'm ready for it at the moment. I'm letting Ayeka down all the time because I don't know anything about Jurai or the needs of its people. I'm a high school boy in way over my head. You didn't stay to accept the crown and you were at least raised to it. Why is it that it should be me, now, who takes it?"
"So this is how your train of thought is going." Yosho became thoughtful. "I see."
"Is that all you can say? Grandpa!" Tenchi looked frustrated, and Yosho hesitated, then rested a wizened hand on his arm.
"I'm old now. It would make no sense to install an Emperor who already abandoned his planet once." He said softly. "And besides, I don't know how my time on the Earth has impacted on my lifespan. The Jurai Power sustains me, but I used a lot of energy against Kagato. I'm recovering nicely, but time will tell how much of my strength will really return. Jurai need a young and brave leader - someone with hope and zest for the future. I've lived my life. My legend is history now. I'm Katsuhito Masaki these days, and we both know that."
"But I haven't had a chance to live my life." Tenchi said, and Yosho picked up on the note of regret in his companion's tone. "Is that selfish? I really don't know any more. Everything is so structured here. There's so much which isn't proper or right for someone of royal blood to do - and all their customs and gestures and rituals...I don't understand them at all."
"Then perhaps this isn't your destiny. Did you think of that?" Yosho asked lightly. Tenchi started, staring up at him in surprise.
"But you told me...!"
"I don't believe I ever told you to take the throne of Jurai, my boy." Yosho shook his head slightly. "That's a decision you have taken all by yourself. As ever, you have seen the need and have done your best to fill it. But sometimes the sword does not fit the scabbard, no matter how hard one tries to make it."
"You said I should face my destiny with courage." Tenchi's brow creased in confusion. "You told me I was the only one who could resolve this and...and I have. I did as you told me. I took the sword and it recognised me as its owner. Kamidake and Azaka have both sworn their allegiance to me, and believe me Emperor-elect."
"Tenchi, I would never ask of you something which I would not consider myself." Yosho eyed him keenly, taking in the mixture of emotions in the boy's brown eyes. "You were the only one who could defeat Kagato...and you proved me correct, because you did defeat him. When I learnt that my faith in you was rewarded, I have never been so proud. Even with all the mistakes you make in your training, you were still a match for a man who would have slain me, given half a chance."
"But..."
"I never said you should be King." Yosho shook his head again. "Only you can decide if that's where your future lies."
"I see." Tenchi pursed his lips, and for a moment there was silence as he digested this information. Yosho glanced at his scuffed hands, a slight smile touching his lips.
"Of course, there are benefits to accepting such an honour." He added.
"Benefits?" Tenchi's head shot up in surprise. "What do you mean?"
"You don't consider the company and attention of the Lady Ayeka to be a bonus in all of this?" Yosho raised an eyebrow in surprise. "And I thought you were becoming a man now, instead of a boy. Was I mistaken?"
"Grandpa." Tenchi's cheeks flushed red and he glanced back down at his feet. "I'm not really thinking about all that right now. I like Ayeka a whole lot and you know I do. But this isn't about that. It's about me...about my life and my future. At least, I think it is. It's all so confusing, and after Washu told me about Ryoko..."
He trailed off, biting his lip, and Yosho frowned.
"Ryoko?" He pressed gently.
"Washu thinks she's dead." Tenchi raised his head, and Yosho's expression became grave as he registered the genuine sadness in his grandson's eyes. "That she died of the wounds Kagato gave her...and that taking me to Jurai took the last of her strength. But she was determined to do it, Grandpa. She volunteered. And I...I didn't know."
"And so you blame yourself?"
"Yes." Tenchi sighed. "Yes, Grandpa. I do blame myself."
"And if I had passed away? Would you also blame yourself for that, simply because you were born a Prince of Jurai?"
"I'm not a Prince of Jurai. I'm just a boy who happens to have royal blood." Tenchi bit his lip. "And one of my friends is probably dead because of it."
"Tenchi, you take too much on yourself." Yosho's brows drew together into a frown. "If Ryoko did as you say, then you should honour her memory for the fighter that she was, not dwell on her passing as if it was something you ordained. You did no such thing. She made her choice. Now you must make yours. You can't raise ghosts - no matter how much you may like to."
"I know. Time can't be rewound and I can't go back." Tenchi glanced at his hands. "But I wish I'd known, Grandpa. That she was badly hurt. She didn't tell me. And if I had known...but I should have. I should have seen it. I just didn't. I was so busy thinking of you and Ayeka and Jurai that I..."
He faltered, then,
"I let her down. And now I'm letting Ayeka down also, by failing at everything here. Is that my destiny, Grandpa? To let down people I care about, time and time again?"
"Self pity is a very unattractive trait in one who has achieved as much as you have." Yosho pulled himself into a more upright position, taking his companion by the shoulders and meeting the troubled brown eyes with dark red ones of his own. "So listen to me, Tenchi. Whatever decision you make from here in, it must be your decision. You cannot base it on your grief for Ryoko or your obligation to Ayeka. They do not live your life for you. Only you can decide if you are destined to be King of Jurai. You know the answer, deep down inside."
"Well, isn't this cosy."
Before Tenchi could respond, a fresh voice had joined the conversation and both glanced up, seeing Washu watching them from the entrance of the little room.
"Hello, Tenchi. I'm glad to see you find time to visit Yosho-dono, in amongst all of your other duties."
"Of course." A frown crossed Tenchi's face. "Washu? Why are you dressed like that?"
"Like what?" Washu looked startled, and Yosho sat back against his pillow, running his gaze over the scientist as he did so. She was dressed in Science Academy uniform, he realised, but the most formal of robes, the fabric crisp and pristine as if brand new. He raised an eyebrow, meeting her gaze as he did so.
"You look very smart, Washu-chan." He remarked. "And when do you go, exactly?"
"You never miss a trick, do you?" Washu's eyes sparkled with amusement.
"Old men rarely do." Yosho spread his hands.
"What do you mean, go?" Tenchi looked confused. "Go where?"
"The Science Academy, I would assume." Yosho said simply. "Washu?"
"Yes." Washu nodded her head. "I wasn't going to bother with them - after all, they did shoot me into space in a tiny little capsule. Bu-u-ut I decided to let bygones be bygones. They want to make me their honorary president. It's nice to get some recognition at last, considering that I am the universe's number one genius. Well overdue, if you ask me - but at least they're finally making the effort. I suppose it would be bad manners to refuse them."
"Honorary president?" Tenchi's eyes widened. "Wow. Washu, that's really great! Congratulations!"
"Thank you, Tenchi." Washu's face lit up in a smile, highlighting the mischief in her child-like countenance. "But as I said, it's a natural course of action for them to take, considering my scientific pedigree."
She flicked an imaginary speck of dust from her uniform, and Yosho stifled a smile at her covert preening.
"Are they sending an escort ship? You look very smart."
"Yes. I expect them to make contact any time now." Washu agreed. "I know it's short notice, but well, wasting time has never really been my style. And nice as the hospitality has been here, I'm not really suited to palace life. I miss my laboratory too much - I have so much I want to do and now you're on the mend, Yosho-dono, I have nothing to keep me here."
Yosho bowed his head playfully.
"I'm indebted." He said quietly. Washu laughed.
"I'm sure." She said, amused.
"I'm glad they want you, Washu-san, but we will miss you, you know." Tenchi put in at that moment. "Do you think you'll get a chance to visit?"
"Maybe." Washu shrugged her shoulders. "I guess we'll just have to see what happens."
She fixed him with a piercing look, and Yosho noted the sudden gravity in the green eyes.
"You have a lot of decisions to make now, Lord Tenchi." She said quietly. "Whatever choices they are, make sure that they are the right ones, okay? Everything else will fall into place if you do - but if you don't, well, the odds of catastrophe are pretty high - not that I want to scare you, but I just thought you should know. Make sure you keep that in mind before you let your emotions or your heart rule your head, okay?"
"I'm trying." Tenchi grimaced. "You and Grandpa say the same things, but it's not so clear-cut as all of that."
"Well, I'm sure that Yosho-dono can give you all the guidance you need where Jurai is concerned." Washu said frankly. "And that," As a band on her wrist started to bleep, "Is my signal to leave. I wish you both luck for the future, whatever that future is. Just in case I wind up too busy to actually see it happen."
"Thank you, Washu-chan." Yosho said soberly. "And for all you've done as well. No hard feelings about your time in my cave?"
"No, I guess not." Washu eyed him contemplatively for a moment, then shrugged her shoulders. "All worked out pretty well in the end, after all."
She smiled.
"Be good boys, both of you." She bantered. "Else I just might have to come back sooner than expected. You never know."
She offered a wink, then touched the band as her form shimmered for a moment, then disappeared from the room completely.
Tenchi sighed.
"Someone else is gone." He observed absently. "I almost feel like I'm losing members of my family. How crazy is that?"
"Not crazy." Yosho said gently. "But our mission is over. Jurai is free. And people have their own lives to lead. Just as you do, my boy...if you can decide exactly what life it is you plan to lead, that is."
"Yeah, I know." Tenchi groaned, burying his head in his hands. "But what life that is, I really don't know!"
----------------
"Well, everything sure seems peaceful up here."
Kiyone sat back in Yagami's pilot seat, casting her companion a resigned look. "And I might have known it. Mihoshi, are you asleep already? We've only been patrolling this zone for the last half an hour - you have no stamina, did you know that?"
"Huh?" Mihoshi opened her eyes, blinking at Kiyone in confusion. "Sorry, Kiyone, did you say something?"
"Never mind." Kiyone sighed heavily, turning her attention back to the universe outside of Yagami's drive room. "I only said that it's quiet up here. Everything seems to be as it should be."
"Why are we patrolling Jurai space anyway, Kiyone?" Mihoshi pulled herself into a more upright position, bewilderment in her blue eyes. "I don't understand. We're supposed to be on holiday - aren't we? Why are we working?"
"Because I wanted to be well away from the planet Jurai and from Headquarters before I deleted Ryoko's message and the references to Ryo Ohki." Kiyone pursed her lips, looking troubled. "I'd rather have no witnesses if I can help it. Whether they know at HQ or not, I don't want to put the idea in their minds that we haven't been doing our job. We should have arrested Ryoko a long time ago and we both know it - it's just difficult to clap a friend in irons."
"Then we haven't done our job, I suppose." Mihoshi said complacently. "We should just tell the chief the truth. He won't mind. He likes us to keep a good relationship with people we meet."
"And Ryoko is one of the most wanted criminals in the universe...did you forget that?"
"Oh yeah." Mihoshi pursed her lips, looking sheepish. "You know, it's easy to get confused about that. I mean, she doesn't really seem all that bad."
"There is another job I wanted to do before I erased things, as well." Kiyone bit her lip, altering Yagami's course as another craft bearing the crest of the Jurai Military crossed through the zone in front of them. "I wanted to see if we could find any trace of Ryo Ohki's vapour trail."
"Kiyone!" Mihoshi stared. "You're not going to try and arrest her now, are you?"
"No, of course not." Kiyone shook her head.
"Then why? I don't get it. I thought we weren't allowed to see Ryoko any more - that's what you said, isn't it?"
"Yes. More or less, I did." Kiyone rubbed her temples. "I feel really torn about the whole business, if you want to know the truth. And it's been bugging me more than a little bit - that last message she sent us, and everything. I can't believe that she'd just go back to being a pirate after all the things we've gone through...but the alternative doesn't bear thinking about. I guess I want to know for myself."
"But we're going back to being Galaxy Police Detectives." Mihoshi said, with her usual simplistic logic. "Space piracy is Ryoko's job, isn't it?"
"Some job." Kiyone snorted. "But yes, I suppose it is."
"Then why wouldn't she go back? I mean, she seems to have a real good time with it."
"I know." Kiyone sighed. "That's one of the things that bothers me most of all. That we might have let someone who's potentially going to hurt more people loose on the universe once more."
"Oh, she's just playing around." Mihoshi grinned. "Don't worry so much, Kiyone. She's not going to cause anyone any harm. This is Ryoko, we're talking about!"
"Yes." Kiyone said soberly, reaching over to hit a sequence of buttons on Yagami's console. Ryoko's wanted poster flashed up onto the screen, and the detective gestured to it. "And that's what she's capable of. If she has gone back to that life, well, I'm hoping we can find her and talk her out of it. And if she hasn't...if she hasn't..."
"If she hasn't, what?" Mihoshi's eyes became big. "What is it, Kiyone? What else would she do?"
"Washu had a theory." Kiyone said heavily. "I don't want to bore you with the details. But I want to make sure one way or another, if we can. And that means tracing Ryo Ohki, if at all possible."
"Ryo Ohki's not an easy ship to trace, you know." Mihoshi said thoughtfully. "When I crashed to the Earth in the first place I only found her because her ship ran right across in front of me. And to begin with I didn't even know what it was - do you really think we can find her, in the whole expanse of space?"
"Perhaps. Perhaps not." Kiyone said with a shrug. "But either way, I'm going to try. Call it a last ditch attempt to maintain our friendship across the legal divide, if you like. Don't question me, Mihoshi. I know what I'm doing, so you have to trust me."
"I do trust you, Kiyone. You know that." Mihoshi smiled. "You always know what to do."
"I wish I did." Kiyone muttered. "All right, Yagami. Lets see how good your sensors really are. We've had no luck establishing transmission with Ryo Ohki even when she was still in Jurai space, and we know she's at least as fast as this ship - even faster, on occasion. So she could have travelled a long way out of this sector. But there should be some trace - some indication of the direction in which she's gone. If any ship can trace that, it should be Yagami. Heaven knows they've worked together for long enough."
She flicked a switch, typing a set of digits into the computer tracking system as Yagami's monitor reflected the partitioned space zones, spreading out around them like a guide to Jurai's expansive territory. She frowned, then entered a second series of numbers, hesitating for a moment and then finalising her command.
A sequence of data appeared on the screen, scrolling upwards as the big red police ship extended its tracking sensors, calling on the remote vision of every Galaxy Police camera within its range.
"Well? Is Ryo Ohki showing up?" Mihoshi asked eagerly. Kiyone drummed her fingers on the control panel, chewing down on her lip.
"Yes, and no." She said slowly. "It doesn't make a lot of sense, Mihoshi. Yagami's sensors have picked up Ryo Ohki's trail going south from here, towards space zone 893 and the Solar System. But the tracking cameras in that zone and the two neighbouring haven't picked up any footage of her at all. I'm extending the range to include the northern sectors as well - but she seems to have just disappeared into nothing somewhere between 892 and 893."
"But Ryo Ohki can't just vanish." Mihoshi frowned. "Unless she can teleport, like Ryoko. Can she?"
"Or hyperspace jump, except Ryo Ohki doesn't have that capability." Kiyone sighed. "No, Mihoshi. Ryoko can teleport. But Ryo Ohki can't. It's a physical impossibility that the ship would just vanish like that."
She entered a new set of coordinates, squinting at the screen. "Of course, we know that Ryo Ohki is capable of being inconspicious. But there are no planets in space zone 893 or any of its neighbours. Just a meteor belt, nothing else. Nowhere that they could land and hide out."
"Maybe she doubled back."
"Yes she could have done. In fact, that would make some sense...given that the more recent tracking data comes from a completely different section of space." Kiyone acknowledged. "I should have thought about that. But why would she reverse her course?"
"Perhaps she forgot something." Mihoshi suggested. "Believe me, I do that all the time."
She giggled.
"I can't even count the number of times I've left without my blaster or my ID when we go on patrol."
"Yes, I know." Kiyone said darkly. "But Ryoko isn't as absent minded as you are, Mihoshi."
"It was just a thought." Mihoshi seemed unperturbed by her companion's impatience. "And if she did double back, then she must be somewhere behind herself. That makes sense - she wouldn't be in 893."
"No...she wouldn't. But if she did double back, where did she go to then?" Kiyone sounded frustrated. "The data doesn't make any sense. I don't think Ryoko's technical enough to be able to conceal Ryo Ohki's ident from the top of the range Galaxy Police trackers...not to mention the Jurai military. No, staying in this area would make no sense."
"Well, maybe she doesn't want to talk to us today." Mihoshi shrugged, unconcerned. "Lets leave it, Kiyone. If Ryoko wants to come, she will. You know that."
"Mm." Kiyone frowned. "I just don't understand what these scanners are telling me. Either there's a major glitch in the system - maybe a comet storm or some kind of electrical discharge somewhere in the area - or Ryo Ohki has dotted back and forth between eight or nine different sectors and then literally disappeared, right in the middle of space."
"That's kinda spooky." Mihoshi admitted. "I wonder how she did it."
"So do I." Kiyone frowned. "The last tracker recorded the ident somewhere around 530 or thereabouts...but there are no planetary systems there, either. I just don't get it."
"Oh well." Mihoshi shrugged. "These things happen sometimes, I suppose."
She stretched, stifling a yawn. "Can we go back to Jurai now, Kiyone? I want to take a bath in the palace onsen."
Kiyone eyed her for a moment, then she sighed, slowly nodding her head.
"All right. I suppose this was a wasted trip anyway." She said quietly. "Let me just erase the files I need to get rid of, and then we'll go back to Jurai, I promise."
She sighed, her hand flickering over the control panel as she skipped through logged entries, selecting and erasing every one that related to their meeting with the space pirate and her craft. At the very end was the transmission message, and she hesitated for a moment, staring up at the screen.
"Either you're cleverer than I thought, or you're a ghost." She muttered. "Well, wherever you are, Ryoko, stay safe. And if we meet again, I hope it's not on opposing sides. Keep out of trouble and Mihoshi and I won't bring any your way."
She hit the delete button, watching as the image on the screen disintegrated into blackness. Then she cast her companion a grave smile.
"Then lets go back and have that bath you mentioned." She said. "We've done all we can do up here, and I'd like a moment of relaxation before I begin work on our official report!"
