Last time our heroes arrived at Azati Prime, only to find that Salamei already had the mahogany colored stone. She then had Suspiria invade the minds of Bloom and the others. As it turns out Carmen and Morgan had bad history with Suspiria. The female Shadow Rider forced Bloom and co. to relive their worst memories, their most horrific nightmares and so on. Ryoga broke Suspiria's hold by launching an attack of his own. Morgan then killed Suspiria with a barrage of 'explosive runes.' Our heroes then headed back to Jurai for Sasami's wedding shower. Yet an explosion of some sort caused The Night Rider to lose most of its fuel. In short, our heroes are stuck in the middle of nowhere. On with the show!
Chapter 35: Drifting
"Okay," said Amanda, "Here's the situation: There was a weak spot in the fuel line, and all the long-range hyperspace traveling we've been doing has weakened it further. My guess is that the fuel line ruptured and some of the fuel ignited when it came into contact with a hot part. We were lucky that only a small amount of fuel blew up. I've managed to repair the fuel line and patch up the hull where the fuel blew out. That's the good news."
"And the bad news?" asked Ranma. "The bad news," said Amanda, "Is that there's not enough fuel in the tanks for a jump into hyperspace. What didn't blow up leaked out into space before I could patch the line. There's barely enough left to keep the ship running for a week. Then there's the really bad news. The explosion, while it didn't damage the hull to badly, it knocked out communications. The software for the subspace radio is totally blown out and I can't fix it with what we have onboard."
"So we're stuck in the middle of nowhere," said Sky, "And we can't call for help." "Yep," said Riven, "This sucks."
"Don't we have an emergency radio or a beacon or something like that?" asked Bloom. "We do have a secondary radio," said Lucinda, "But it's only a short range one. We came back from Azati Prime without using the usually traveled hyperspace routes. The chances of someone coming within range of the backup radio aren't good."
"Well this is just great," said Stella, "We're, what, a day away from Jurai, and we can't call for help. We're so gonna miss Sasami's wedding shower." "For f#cks sake, Stella!" exclaimed Riven, "This is more important than a pre-wedding party!"
"He's right," said Beauregard, "When the fuel runs out the emergency batteries kick in to keep life-support and the gravity plating working. We can survive without gravity, but when the life support goes, well either die from lack of oxygen, the cold or dehydration, for when life support goes, so does the food replicators and the water recyclers." That seemed to sober Stella up pretty quick.
Meanwhile, Tecna and the other brains were checking the regional star charts for anything that could resolve the present crisis. "There's an automated fuel depot less than ten light-years from here," said Elise, "If we just had enough fuel for one little jump, we could make it. That or a second ship."
"Wait a second," said Ryoko, "We do have a second ship! We have Ryo-Ohki!" "Of course!" exclaimed Tenchi, "I can't believe I've forgotten, Ryo-Ohki!" As if in response, the small creature that was a cross between a cat and a rabbit jumped down from a storage rack and landed on Tenchi's head.
"I don't get it," said Ranma, "How can whatever that is help us?" "First of all," said Washu, "Ryo-Ohki is a cabbit; a creature of my own genetic design. Second, not only can Ryo-Ohki survive in the vacuum of space, she can transform into a starship."
"No way," said Stella, "You're jerking my chain." "Well permit me to prove you wrong," said Washu, "Ryo-Ohki, do what you do best." With that Ryo-Ohki leapt down from Tenchi's head and ran to the galley to chow down of a carrot. "That's not what I meant," said Washu.
Five minutes later Ryo-Ohki was out in the vacuum of space and had transformed into a starship that had a crystalline appearance. "Okay," said Ryoko, "Since Ryo-Ohki knows me best, I'll be taking her to that fuel depot. My question is, who wants to go with me?"
"I'll go," said Elise, "I want to go." "Same here," said Ryoga. "Count us in," said Flora as she and Helia stood forward. "We'll come too," said Mousse, while Shampoo nodded in agreement.
"Then it's settled," said Ryoko, "Let's go!" "I estimate it will take 26 hours to reach the depot," said Tecna, "Purchase the fuel and return with said fuel. Assuming all goes well, we can be back on Jurai with plenty of time to spare before the party." "Excellent!" said Stella. With that Ryoko, Elise, Ryoga, Flora, Helia, Shampoo and Mousse boarded Ryo-Ohki and headed for the fuel depot.
"Nothing we can do but wait for them to get back," said Sky. "I really don't like sitting around and doing nothing," said Stella. "We know," said Riven, "So if you have any suggestions for what we can do, I'm all ears."
"As a fatter of fact," said Stella, "I know just what we can do for an hour." She whispered something into Bloom's ear. "You sure you want to try that?" asked Bloom. "Positive," said Stella.
Fifteen minutes later everyone was gathered in the ship's dinning area. "So what are we going to do?" asked Akane. "We're gonna play a nice game of 'Truth or Dare,'" said Stella. "Great," said Morgan eagerly, "It's either reveal something embarrassing or do something embarrassing. Now that's my kind of game."
"So who goes first?" asked Ranma. "Let's let Brandon go first," said Stella. "Okay," said Brandon, "Um, Akane; Truth or Dare?"
"Truth," said Akane. "Who was your first crush?" asked Brandon. "Well," said Akane as she blushed slightly, "Back on Earth, there was this one guy I liked before I met Ranma. Dr. tofu was his name; he's a chiropractor. Every time I got hurt he would help me feel better. It would have never worked out for us; he's several years older than I am. My sister Kasume is engaged to him, so it's all water under the bridge now. Let's see now, Riven, Truth or Dare?"
"Truth," answered Riven. "Is it true you were once brainwashed by one of the witches?" asked Akane. "Yes," said Riven, "Darcy did put a crush spell on me, but I got over it."
"You didn't get over it," said Morgan, "You didn't even realize what Darcy did to you until after she and her sisters summoned The Army of Decay." "What's that?" asked Tenchi. "It's this huge horde made up of living rot," said Musa.
"Since you're so intent on digging up the past, Morgan," said Riven, "Truth or Dare?" "Truth," said Morgan. "Did you really have the face of an Alterian Swamp Hog?" asked Riven. "I did until I was twelve," said Morgan, "And I'll thank you to never bring that up again."
"You really can't tell she had her face remade," said Ranma, "It's incredible that she was ever different." "Thanks for caring, Ranma," said Morgan, "By the way, Truth or Dare?"
"Truth," said Ranma. "When you're in your female form," said Morgan, "Are your boobs real?" "What the f#ck kind of question is that?" said Ranma, "Are you kidding me or something?" "It's an honest question," said Morgan, "Are your boobs real when you're a girl?"
"I don't know," said Ranma, "It's not like I feel them when I'm a girl." "Well there's one way to find out," said Carmen. She conjured up a glass of cold water and splashed Ranma with it. "What'd you do that for?" asked female Ranma.
"They feel real to me," said Carmen as she squeezed Ranma's left breast. "They are real," said Stella as she gave Ranma's right breast a squeeze. "I really wish you wouldn't do that," said Ranma through gritted teeth. Akane then poured some hot water form a nearby kettle onto Ranma's head.
"Since we've solved the mystery of wither or not my boobs are real," said male Ranma, "Bloom, Truth or Dare?" "Truth," said Bloom.
"Have you and Sky done the dirty deed yet?" asked Ranma. "No," answered Bloom, "We've deiced to wait until marriage, and that'll wait until after high school. My turn now, um, Carmen, Truth or Dare?"
"Dare," answered Carmen, "It's about time someone did a dare." "Okay," said Bloom, she took a minute to think up a dare, "I really can't think of anything really daring. Let's see, um, I dare you to tell us one thing about yourself you've never told anyone."
"Is that all," said Carmen, "Well, I've never told anyone this; I'm adopted, just like you, Bloom." "No kidding," said Bloom. "It's true," said Carmen, "I have no memory of my birth parents or even what planet I came from. A retired witch who served as an aid to a politician on Hefung 6 raised me. She taught me the difference between being awesomely bad and just plain evil: how to know when to draw the line. But most importantly I learned the principles of politics, and from that I discovered my dream of having one small corner of the universe to call my own."
"Did you ever learn who your birth parents were?" asked Musa. "I was told that they were political aids like my guardian," said Carmen, "That they were killed in an industrial accident on Sentinel 4. That's a crock of sh$t if I've ever heard one. No, I really don't know anything about my family or where I really came from. But it doesn't really bug me that much. I've learn not to dwell too much on the past, it keeps one up at night."
"Well I found out where I came from," said Bloom, "Maybe I can help you find your answers." "I may just take you up on that offer," said Carmen, "Okay, my turn now; Layla, Truth or Dare?"
"Dare," said Layla. Carmen thought for a second or two before speaking, "I dare you to kiss Stella." "You got to be kidding," said both Layla and Stella. "I'm not," said Carmen, "One kiss, on the lips, no tongue, lasting no less than 3.5 seconds."
"Ignore her, Miss Layla," said Tatewaki, "Thou does not have to partake in this pastime." "Of course she doesn't have to do the dare," said Morgan, "It's just a game. But if Layla were to turn down such a simple dare, it wouldn't look good for her reputation when we get back to Magicx."
"It wouldn't look good for my reputation if she did kiss me," said Stella. "I'll do it," said Layla, "I don't mind kissing a girl." She knelt down in front of Stella, their faces barely inches apart.
"Well go on," said Carmen, "We're waiting, unless you're chicken." "I'm getting there," said Layla in an annoyed tone, "Don't rush me." She bent her face towards Stella's; their eyes already close. After one second of hesitation their lips touched. Five seconds later they broke apart. Stella opened her eyes to see Layla blushing and smiling.
"What?" asked Stella, "What's wrong? Do I have bad breath or something?" "No," said Layla, "It's just that you taste like strawberries."
"I'll be the judge of that," said Brandon as he bent down to kiss Stella, this time she was more than willing. They broke apart after twenty seconds. "Yep," said Brandon, "She does taste like strawberries."
"Now that it's my turn," said Layla, "I think some payback is in order. Stella, Truth or Dare?" "Dare," said Stella, a sly look on her face as if she knew what Layla was planning. "I dare you," said Layla, "to kiss Carmen, see what she tastes like."
"Gladly," said Stella. Before Carmen could say or do anything, Stella had plastered a big wet one on her lips. "I said no tongue!" exclaimed Carmen as she spat several times.
"You said no tongue when Layla kissed me," said Stella, "She never said I couldn't use any tongue. By the way, you taste like mangos." "Thanks a lot," said Carmen angrily.
"You never said what Layla tasted like," said Akane to Stella. "I shall tell thee that in a second, Akane Tendo," said Tatewaki. He kissed Layla. "Miss Layla doth taste like the finest chocolate," said Tatewaki.
"I think this game has somehow been transfigured from 'Truth or Dare,'" said Timmy, "to 'Spin the Bottle.'" "It seems that way," said Tecna. Stella's next words only confirmed the suspicions of the two brains. "At last, my turn," said Stella eagerly, "Tenchi, Truth or Dare?"
"Dare," said Tenchi. "I dare you," said Stella, her voice brimming with anticipation, "to kiss Kodatchi." This caused both Tenchi and Kodatchi to blush. But when Tenchi kissed Kodatchi, the kiss lasted almost a full minute before they broke apart for air. They looked into each other's eyes, as if seeing each other for the first time. They kissed again, only this one was much more passionate.
"I don't believe it," said Ranma, "It's just not possible." "What's not possible, Saotome?" asked Tatewaki. "Well," said Ranma, "I really didn't think Kodatchi knew about real love." "My sister doth know about love!" protested Tatewaki, "It's only now that she has finally found it.
"How did you know?" Layla asked Stella, "How did you know Tenchi and Kodatchi would go together so well?" "Instincts," said Stella, "Plain and simple. I figured that they liked each other; they just needed a chance to realize their feelings. Now tell me, who's the greatest matchmaker in the universe?" "We're looking at her," said Musa.
Meanwhile, Tenchi and Kodatchi had left the room for a more private part of The Night Rider, 'to be alone.' Their exit signaled that the game was over. "Well that was a fun way to kill half an hour," said Carmen, "Only twenty-five and a half to go before Ryoko and the others get back with the fuel."
Fifty hours later…
"They're over a day overdue," said Bloom, "Something must have happened to Ryoko and the others." "I agree," said Sky, "Ryoko may have been one of the most notorious space pirates ever, but from what I've heard about her, she's always been on time. Something bad must have happened to hold them up like this."
"Well, no sh$t!" snapped Riven, "It's only now that you realize that something must have happened to the others. It must be obvious day at Camp Stupid!"
"What's his problem?" asked Ranma once Riven was out of earshot. "Cabin Fever probably," said Brandon, "We've been on this ship for over five days when we should have been back on Jurai by now. We're all on edge from being cooped up for so long."
"I think it's more than Cabin Fever with Riven," said Musa, "I've been hearing him talking to himself lately. He's muttering stuff about 'not enough air,' 'the walls closing in' and that we're all out to get him. But when I try to talk to him about it he denies it, like I'm accusing him of murder or something. It's really freaking me out."
"You should be freaked out," said Amanda, "Riven's in worse shape than you think. Paranoia and denial of said paranoia are the first signs of Space Madness." "What's that?" asked Bloom.
"There was once a time," said Lucinda, "When it would take months, sometimes years to travel between star systems. Most of the time the crews of starships would be placed in suspended animation to cut down of the consumptions of supplies. Yet at least one crewmember had to be awake to keep an eye on things: corrections in navigation, maintaining life support, making sure nothing happened to the crew and so on. The crew would rotate on who was awake, yet all those days alone and in those tin cans that they called starships back then, it had a negative effect on the mind. Spend enough time out in space in confined spaces such as a starship, one could lose it completely."
"This was before the advent of faster, more fuel efficient hyper drive engines," said Tecna, "Since then the number of cases where prolonged space travel caused Space Madness has all but dropped to zero." "I wouldn't get too worried about Riven," said Stella, "We've only been stuck for two days."
"But we were traveling back from Azati Prime," said Brandon, "Three days in hyperspace, plus two more stuck in the middle of nowhere with reduced food and water rations can really mess someone's head up." "True," said Stella, "Not being able to have a full shower has been murder on my hair."
"This goes beyond your hair, Stella," said Bloom, "I think we should keep a closer eye on Riven, just to be safe." "That's a good idea," said Brandon, "I'll take the first watch." "Well you have fun spying on Riven," said Stella, "I'm sure this will all blow over soon. Helia, Flora and the others will probably be back with the fuel any second now."
The next day…
"It's not fair!" exclaimed Stella, "Sasami's wedding shower is in four days! At this rate we'll never be ready for it!" "We've got bigger things to worry about than missed wedding showers," said Brandon, "I really think Riven has flipped his wig for real."
"I'm sure he's fine," said Stella. "Denial," said Amanda, "First sign of Space Madness. Riven is at the stage where he thinks there's not enough air to breathe." "Prove it," said Stella.
"There's not enough air!" exclaimed Riven, "I can't breathe!" "Just calm down man," said Sky in a reassuring tone. "You shut up!" snapped Riven, sweat poring down his forehead, "You're sucking up all the oxygen!"
"There's plenty of air, Riven," said Timmy, "Besides, you're using up as much as the rest of us." "Shut up!" snapped Riven, "I got to get out of here! I got to get out of here!" Less than ten feet from Riven was the airlock, "Only one way out!" he shouted as he bolted for the airlock.
"Don't even think about it!" said Musa as she stood between Riven and the airlock. "Get out of my way, Musa!" exclaimed Riven, "I have to get off this hunk of junk!" "You're not going anywhere," said Musa, "Especially not into the vacuum of space. So just calm down and we'll get this all taken care of."
"Musa," said Riven as he readied his sword, "If you don't get out of my way, I'm afraid I'll do something I'll later regret; something I really don't want to do." "You wouldn't hurt me," said Musa, "Not over something like this."
Musa didn't get an answer, for Morgan had snuck up behind Riven and applied pressure to a certain spot at the base of his neck, rendering him unconscious. "Let's get him to his bunk," said Beauregard, "Strap him down and sedate him until we get to Jurai." "Assuming we ever get o Jurai," said Lucinda as she and her brother picked up Riven.
"He's just the first to lose it," said Amanda, "It's only a matter of time before others fall prey to Space Madness. "Well not me," said Morgan, "They say I'm already crazy, but that's just my opinion."
"Hey, Morgan," said Musa, "Thanks. I guess I owe you one." "It's no big deal," said Morgan, "But we'll discuss payment for my services later."
Meanwhile on the bridge, it was Bloom's turn to keep an eye on the radio. Everyone was taking shifts on the communications station for any sign for Ryoko's return. Just as Bloom was about to nod off from the boredom of nothing on the radio, she jerked awake from a sudden beeping. She bolted awake and pressed the receive button. "Hello?" she said into the radio, "Is there anyone out there?" "You bet your sweet ass there is!" exclaimed Ryoko over the radio.
"What the f#ck took you people so long!" exclaimed Carmen after Ryo-Ohki docked and everyone got onboard, "We've been going stir crazy waiting for you!" "Sorry we kept you waiting," said Flora as the fuel was transferred from Ryo-Ohki to The Night Rider, "You won't believe what happened to us."
"Try me," said Ranma, "I'm sure we'd all like to know." "We'll tell you on the way back to Jurai," said Ryoko, "But first I want to get this fuel onboard." Later on, once the fuel was all transferred and Ryo-Ohki turned back into her smaller, furrier form, Ryoko began her tail. But that is a story that will have to wait.
The end of chapter 35. Next chapter we find out what kept Ryoko and the others so long. Reviews will be rewarded with cake and pie. See you next time!
