Tenchi Muyo: Darkened world
Chapter three: Inside the space marine and Tenchi's head
In the last chapter Tenchi and his friends engaged the Eldar as they where returning with there new friends the space marines. Tenchi and his friends fought hard and well along side there new comrades but to the horror of Ryoko and the rest of Tenchi's friends, Tenchi as struck down by the Eldar forces leader his light hawk wings unable to heal the wound back up again. They have returned to the marine's forward outpost, where the space marines and Tenchi's friends now mourn his death. Tenchi's body is in a citadel where the head of the Chaplin's for the Crimson Dragons, Fearas Bloodtalon is his name and he is currently watching over Tenchi's body while praying for his spirit to join that of the other fallen warriors, The Chaplin raises from his praying as the door to the building closes behind him, he glances towards the small girl as Sasami walks up the centre of the floor a sad and lonely aura radiates from Sasami and the Chaplin can see it as clear as day.
"Don't worry Sasami, Tenchi has not left you, though the young mans body does not move or does he speak, he will be watching you and will be with you always right there." The Chaplin points to Sasami's heart, Sasami looks up smiling and replies with a small smile on her face.
"Thank you Fearas that makes me a little better, but I am still sad to see Tenchi like that." Sasami frowns as she runs her hand along Tenchi's forehead his cold skin sends shivers down Sasami's spine. The Chaplin then kneels down in front of Sasami he tries to smile but trying to explain to a child to cheer up in such situations is not something he is good at but he has an idea.
"Sasami do you want to go to see something cool?" Asked the Chaplin as Sasami wiped her tears away and nods. "Ok I'll give the captain then I'll take you there myself." Fearas pats Sasami in the head and she smiles, while Fearas walks over to the com. "Can you put me through to Captain Vael please?" Fearas waits as the captain comes on the com system.
"Yes Fearas my old friend what seems to be bothering you?" Asked Captain Vael over the intercom wondering what his friend had called him for.
"I was going to send Sasami round to Valken she seems down after the loss of Tenchi, I was hoping with your permission of course that she could be given one of the hatchling Lithra to raise as a pet, she is feeling lonely and she needs some cheering up." Added Fearas as the captain rubbed his chin before replying.
"Yeah ok, but get Valken to explain to her about how to look after it." Added the captain as Fearas waves at Sasami and smiles.
"Ok thank you Vael it will mean a lot to her, I'll make my report later over and out sir." Fearas then cuts off the com and then walks over to Sasami who was waiting nearby. Fearas then turns towards the door and smiles. "This way please Sasami." Fearas opens the door and lets Sasami be the first to go through the door.
"Where are we going Fearas? It is getting very warm down here and it is kind of scary." Added Sasami as she grabbed Fearas's arm as Sasami believed to be them travelling underground.
"It is ok Sasami, we are under ground in a secret place so or enemies don't know what is down here." Smiled Fearas as they pushed a large door open, to a cavern which held loads of cages of various sizes. Fearas walks over towards another marine and whispers something into his ear, the marine turns around and spots Sasami standing awkwardly, he can tell she is a little frightened before looking back at Fearas again and adding.
"So what brings you hear old friend it's been a while?" Smiled the marine they both give each other as big hug. Fearas turns around and glances at Sasami and then glances at one of the cages. The other marine knows exactly what the marine is getting at.
"Ok I see, tell her to come this way." Smiled the marine as he walked over to second largest cage in the cavern, Fearas looks at his friend given him a funny look from behind his helmet but he waves at Sasami, and Sasami then comes running over grabbing a hold of Fearas's arm again as the marine kneels down in front of her.
"Ok I have something that Fearas wants to give you, are you ready?" Asked the marine as Sasami nodded awkwardly as she stared up at the cage. Fearas stares at his friend before pulling the marine aside.
"Drake what are you doing, we had to keep that Lithra locked up its too violent, it didn't like any of the marines who where given him as a reward for battle, and you want to give it to little Sasami? Are you mad!?" Fearas glances back at Sasami again then glances at his friend Drake who then replies.
"No I am not mad, there is something about that young girl I can feel it I believe the beast will listen to her." Drake then hits a leaver quickly dropping the large metal plates that keep the powerful Lithra at bay. The creature lets out an almighty roar as the creature stomps forward towards Sasami, the Chaplin jumps in front of Sasami to protect her only for the Chaplin to get thrown out of the way as a squad of marines rush in to the chamber all their firearms pointed at the large Lithra creature. Sasami glances at the creature its large mouth barely a few inches away from her face, Sasami then calmly waves her hand gently signalling the marines to stand down. The marines lower their arms as the creature then sniffs Sasami, reaching out her hand Sasami goes to stroke the Lithra as the marines look away.
"Sasami please don't!" The Chaplin goes to rush towards her but the Lithra roars making him back off, Sasami's hand then touches the creature's snout, the Lithra now seems calm and peaceful as the massive creature then lies down on its stomach and falls asleep as both Fearas and Drake run to her side.
"It's ok your Lithra friend was just mad at his former masters death, he is all relaxed and he accepts me as his new master thank you for him, I'll look after him well." Smiled Sasami as she patted her new friend on his head as it let out a yawn
"Ok Sasami I'll need to explain to you what to feed him etc, follow me please." Drake leads her away while Fearas turns around and leaves. While else where Washu is sitting with Captain Flamewing explaining how they ended up on the planet.
"I see Washu that would explain a lot, so Ryoko is your daughter but she was engineered?" Asked the captain as Washu nodded in agreement. "Also Tenchi, Ayeka and Sasami are from a royal family not off this universe and your over twenty thousand years old." Vael then sits down quite shocked as he tries to take everything Washu has said in.
"We wouldn't have told you if we didn't trust you, and Tenchi also died defending your men, though it pains me to see him like that." Added Washu as she wiped tears away from her eyes. "Also captain do not bury Tenchi as he has a tendency to come back from the dead, we just haven't gotten use to his dying and resurrecting yet." Added Washu as the captain just stared and nodded.
"Ok Washu I'll get them to hold it off for you but right now I have a mission, I need Ayeka and Ryoko to help me, do you think they would be up for it?" Asked captain Vael as Washu shrugs and replies.
"It all depends on what you wish them to do Vael, if you want them to go into combat with the Eldar again. Ryoko would go to avenge Tenchi and Ayeka would go along to aid her so if you really need them to go use that as your excuse." Added Washu.
"I see Washu thank you, I consider you and your friends battle brothers you are now free to enter any area you want, though Fearas broke those rules early to cheer Sasami up, thank you Washu I will go and locate Ryoko and Ayeka." Vael says his farewell and leaves unnoticed to Washu, Vael left instructions on how to reach the area of the out post where the space marines are created. Washu gets a big smile on her face as she sprints out of the room, while Mihoshi is outside playing with Ryo-oh-ki and a few of the other kids who haven't been moved off the planet yet. Sasami is looking after her new found pet, while Ayeka and Ryoko are in the cathedral watching over Tenchi's body.
"Hey Ayeka are you coping ok?" Asked Ryoko as she glanced at Ayeka who seemed motionless as her eyes remained fixed on Tenchi's lifeless body, as Ryoko shuffles closer to Ayeka who then looks up at Ryoko her arms wide open the two of them hug each and Ayeka replies.
"I don't know, I wanted to be the one he loved but he choose you. Just as I was getting over it this happens and he is now dead. I don't know what to do Ryoko." Ayeka cries as she is held in Ryoko's arms.
"I'll get them for this, I swear I'll kill every last one of them for what they have done to my Tenchi." Ryoko's eyes go red as she continues to grow angry and thoughts of the whole Eldar race dying, rage through her head.
"If you want to kill the aliens off so badly Ryoko, I need you and Ayeka to take three squads of our best troops to both the Eldar and Ork camps take orc weapons and Eldar weapons and use them on the opposing soldiers then dump their corpses in plain sight, this will force both sides to go all out and attack each other. Thus making their numbers smaller and making them less of a threat to us. So are you up for it?" Asked Vael as both Ayeka and Ryoko stood up straight both of them nodding their in agreement as Vael leans up against the door way towards the cathedral.
"Yes we are up for it." Replied Ryoko as she glanced over at Ayeka who just nodded, Ryoko then turns back to captain Vael again and asks bluntly. "So when do we leave for this mission of yours sir?" Asked Ryoko as they both exited the cathedral walking with Vael outside. Three Thunder hawk transports wait outside as both Ryoko and Ayeka glance up at them.
"You both leave right away." Replied Vael as the door to one of the transports opens for them to board. Ryoko and Ayeka then smile at Vael running off towards the transported determined to avenge Tenchi. Vael watches as the transport takes off flying off into the distance. I hope you aren't too eager to avenge him, it could cost you you're lives." Vael then turns and walks away as Ryoko and Ayeka fly off on their mission.
Else were Washu is now with the chief Apothecary discussing the creation of the space marine force, he is currently explaining about the extra organs used in a space marines body.
"As you can see Washu the secondary heart is capable of boosting the blood supply or maintaining full life functions even with the destruction of the recipient's original heart. The phase one implant enables marines to survive low oxygen concentrations and traumatic injury enabling them to continue to battle in other wise fatal situations. Also the Ossmodula this is a small sized tubular shaped organ. The Ossmodula monitors and secretes hormones affecting epiphyseal fusion and ossification of the skeleton. At the same time, the specially engineered hormones encourage the forming bones to absorb ceramic based chemicals administered in the marines diet. Two years following implantation, this will have caused considerable strengthening of the long-bones; extreme ossification of the chest cavity (caused by growth of the ribs forming a solid mass of inter-laced bone plates) and a general increase in the size of the recipient's skeleton.
"I see this is interesting please continue." Washu sits still with a beaming smile on her face as the Apothecary smiles rubbing his head, the Apothecary then continues with his explanation.
"Haemastamen. This tiny organ is implanted into a main blood vessel. The Haemastamen serves two purposes. It monitors and to some degree controls the phase two and three implants. The organ also alters the constituent make-up of the recipient's blood. As a result, marine blood is considerably more efficient than ordinary human blood, as it has to be when you consider the extra biological hardware a marine carries inside him. Also the Larraman Organ, this is a liver shaped, dark, fleshy organ about the size of a golf ball. It is implanted into the chest cavity along with a complicated array of blood vessels. The organ generates and stores special Larraman cells. If the recipient is wounded, these cells are released into the blood stream. They are transported to the site of a wound. Once in contact with air, the Larraman cells form a skin substitute of instant scar tissue, stopping the flow of blood and protecting exposed wound area.
"I am a bit shocked but your bio-engineering is pretty well done." Smiled Washu as the apothecary continued on with his talk.
"Catalepsean Node. This brain implant is usually inserted into the back of the skull via a hole drilled into the occipital bone. The pea-sized organ influences the circadian rhythms of sleep and the bodies response to sleep deprivation. Normally a Marine sleeps like any normal man, but if deprived of sleep, the Catalepsean node cuts in. A man implanted with the node is capable of sleeping and remaining awake at the same time by switching off areas of the brain sequentially. This process cannot replace normal sleep entirely, but increases a marines survivability by allowing perception of the environment whilst resting. The next organ is the Preomnor organ which is a large implant which fits into the chest cavity. It is a pre-digestive stomach which allows the Marine to eat a variety of otherwise poisonous or indigestible materials. No actual digestion takes place in the Preomnor. Individual sensory tubes assess potential poisons and neutralize them or where necessary, isolate the Preomnor from the rest of the digestive tract." Apothecary takes a short pause and then continues again.
"Omophagea. This complicated implant becomes part of the brain, but is actually situated within the spinal cord between the cervical and thoracic vertebrae. Four nerve sheaths called neuroglia are implanted between the spine and the Preomnor wall. The Omophagea is designed to absorb genetic material generated in animal tissue as a function of memory, experience or innate ability. A marine can actually learn by eating. Incidentally, it is the presence of this organ which has created the various flesh and blood drinking rituals for which the marines are famous, as well as giving the names to Chapters such as the Blood Drinkers, Flesh Tearers etc. Let's see the next organ is Multi-lung. This is another large implant. The multi-lung, or third lung, is a tubular grey organ. Blood is pumped through the organ via connecting vessels grafted onto the recipients pulmonary system. Atmosphere is taken in by means of a sphincter located in the trachea. In toxic atmospheres, an associated sphincter muscle closes the trachea and restricts normal breathing, thus protecting the lungs. The multi-lung is able to absorb oxygen from poorly oxygenated or poisonous air. Most importantly it is able to do this without suffering damage thanks to its own efficient toxin dispersal, neutralization and regeneration systems. Another interesting organ is the Lyman'sEar. The organ enables a marine to consciously enhance and even filter certain types of background noise. Not only is hearing improved, but a marine cannot become dizzy or nauseous as a result of extreme disorientation. Also the Lyman's Ear. The organ enables a marine to consciously enhance and even filter certain types of background noise. Not only is hearing improved, but a Marine cannot become dizzy or nauseous as a result of extreme disorientation.
"So you mean by throwing sound waves amongst other noise, you are trying to tell me a space marine can selectively block out the sounds he doesn't want to hear?" Washu looks at the Apothecary who then nods and replies.
"Yes not all noise can be blocked but technical the marine can do it yes. Now the next lung is also interesting. Sus-an Membrane this flat, circular organ is implanted over the top of the exposed brain. It then grows into the brain tissue until completely merged. The organ is ineffective without subsequent chemical therapy and training. However, a properly tutored Marine may then enter into a state of suspended animation. This may be a conscious action, or may happen automatically in the event of extreme physical trauma. In this condition a marine may survive for many years, even if bearing otherwise fatal injuries. Only appropriate chemical therapy and auto-suggestion can revive a marine from this state - a marine cannot revive himself.
"Now that is very impressive." Adds Washu as she takes some notes before pointing to the next organ on the large screen.
"Ah this is the Melanochromic Organ, it is hemispherical and black. It monitors radiation levels and types bombarding the skin, and if necessary, sets off chemical reactions to darken the skin to protect it from ultraviolet exposure. It also provides limited protection from other forms of radiation. Also Oolitic Kidney. This red-brown and heart shaped organ improves and modifies the Marines circulatory system enabling other implants to function effectively. The Oolitic Kidney also filters blood extremely efficiently and quickly. The secondary heart and Oolitic Kidney are able to act together, performing an emergency detoxification program in which the Marine is rendered unconscious as his blood is circulated at high speed. This enables a Marine to survive poisons and gases which are otherwise too much for even the multi-lung to cope with. Next up we have the Neuroglottis organ. Although the Preomnor protects a marine from digesting anything too deadly, the Neuroglottis enables him to assess a potential food by taste. The organ is implanted into the back of the mouth. By chewing, or simply by tasting, a marine can detect a wide variety of natural poisons, some chemicals and even the distinctive odours of some creatures. To some degree a marine is also able to track a target by taste alone. Also the Mucranoid organ. This small organ is implanted in the lower intestine where its hormonal secretions are absorbed by the colon. These secretions initiate a modification of the sweat glands. This modification normally makes no difference to the marine until activated by appropriate chemical therapy. As a result of this treatment the marine sweats an oily naturally cleansing substance which coats the skin. This protects the marine against extremes of temperature and even offers a slight degree of protection in vacuum. Mucranoid chemical therapy is standard procedure on long space voyages and when fighting in a vacuum or a near vacuum.
"I see I see." Added Washu "What exactly does that organ do?" Washu then points at the screen again and requests the Apothecary to continue.
"Betchers Gland. Two of these identical glands are implanted, either into the lower lip, alongside the salivary glands or into the hard palette. Betchers Gland works in a similar way to the poison gland of venomous reptiles by synthesizing and storing deadly poison. Marines are rendered immune to this poison by the glands presence. The gland allows the marine to spit a blinding contact poison. The poison is also highly acidic and corrosive. A marine imprisoned behind iron bars could easily chew his way out given an hour or so. Also the Progenoid. There are two of these glands, one situated in the neck, the other deep within the chest cavity. These glands are important to the survival of the marines chapter. Each organ grows within the Marine, absorbing hormonal stimuli and genetic material from the other implants. After five years the neck gland is mature and ready for removal. After ten years the chest gland becomes mature and is also ready for removal. A gland may be removed anytime after it has matured. These glands represent a Chapters only source of gene-seed. When mature, each gland contains a single gene-seed corresponding to each zygote implanted into the recipient marine. Once removed by surgery, the Progenoid must be carefully prepared, its individual gene-seeds checked for mutation, and stored."
The Apothecary then takes a report from one of his colleagues studies it and then he returns it before returning back to Washu again. "Well Washu this is last organ I have to tell you about. Black Carapace, this is the last and the most distinctive implant. It looks like a film of black plastic when it is growing in the tanks. This is removed from its culture-solution and cut into sheets which are implanted directly beneath the skin of the marines torso. Within a few hours the tissue expands, hardens on the outside, and sends invasive neural bundles deep inside the marine. After several months the carapace will have matured and the recipient is then fitted with neural sensors and transfusion points cut into the hardened carapace. These artificial plug-in points mesh with features integral to the powered armour, such as the monitoring, medicinal and maintenance units. Without the benefit of a black carapace a space marines armour is relatively useless. There you have it Washu, which pretty much covers everything." Added the chief Apothecary as Washu stood up and shook his hand.
"Thanks for taking you time to explain these things for me Kensaw." Added Washu as she waved farewell walking towards the door, Kensaw waves back and replies happily.
"No problem Washu, since the captain gave you clearance I thought that you would be paying us a visit. Though your friends Ryoko and Ayeka have taken off with squads of our best troops to go and pit the Eldar and the Ork's against each other. I hope they can handle it." Added Kensaw as Washu closed the door behind her.
"I know what you mean, but in the state Ryoko is in both armies don't stand much of a chance against her, oh well back to work on find us a way home, Tenchi please hurry and come back to us." Washu lowers her head as she walks of back to her room, though else where the Thunder hawk transports have landed and the Ryoko Ayeka and the troops disembark from the transports all ready to go and start a skirmish.
"Ok ma'am how do you want us to proceed?" Asked one of the space marines as he stood beside Ryoko holding his flamer tight in hand, Ayeka stands beside her group of space marines while the third group sets up a small camp near one of the cliff ridges.
"Ok Ayeka you go to the Eldar camp and steal some of their equipment, I'll go to the Ork camp and do the same thing then we meet back up here then we go kill our targets, plant the equipment and leave, then we sit back and watch them both destroy each other." Ryoko smiles with a sick grin, Ayeka watches shaking her head.
"Ryoko is enjoying this too much; she has been like this since Tenchi was killed by that farseer. I will have to report her to Vael and Washu when we get back." Ayeka thought to herself as she signalled the soldiers to join her. "Ok I don't want to put any pressure on you or anything but why have we been put in charge for such missions?" Ayeka turns to her own troops and one of them replies.
"Sorry miss but I beg you not to repeat this, captain Vael has been told of how you got here and what each of you are, so he had sent all the marines on the base a encode transmission ordering us to follow you like we would follow him and that's with undying loyalty." The soldier kneels before Ayeka but she blushes and orders him to rise.
"I see it is an honour to work with you." Smiled Ayeka as the soldiers begin to follow her as she walks in the direction of the Eldar camp, while Ryoko and her men walk off in the direction of the Ork camp.
Though some where in another plane of existence, Tenchi's consciousness finds himself at home in Japan with all his friends and his girlfriend Ryoko.
"What were am I, is this heaven?" Tenchi looks around as it appears everyone is getting along in the manner they used too. Tenchi gets startled when he feels the embrace of someone's arms around his waist and their head resting against his back.
"What's wrong Tenchi you seem to be spacing out or something did last night really tire you out?" Asked Ryoko as Tenchi turns around with a surprised look on his face.
"What did we do?" Replied Tenchi quite shocked as Ryoko whispers what they did into his ear. Tenchi almost screams but he steps back with a shocked expression on his face.
"I need to go lie down I'll talk to you later Ryoko." Tenchi kisses Ryoko on the cheek and climbs the stairs to his room, as he nears his bedroom door however he notices it's open. Tenchi moves cautiously along the floor trying not to make any sound at all, Tenchi then jumps into his room with his sword in hand only to find the Eldar farseer sitting on his bed.
"So we meet again young one though I am surprised to meet you on such a plane as this, however your presence here explains the feeling I had after I killed you." Smiled the Eldar as Tenchi glanced at her with a strange expression on her face.
"Where am I what the hell is this place, it doesn't feel like home as such." Tenchi drops on to his bed, holding his head in his hands as the Eldar leans closer to him kissing him on the cheek.
"It doesn't matter just find your way back because you will be needed." The Eldar vanishes leaving Tenchi to ponder his own thoughts while Ayeka and Ryoko continue to close in on there mission objectives uncertain to how large a military force is awaiting each time at there camp.
Well that is it for chapter three, hope you guys enjoyed there should be more action in the next chapter hope to see you all then bye bye.