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.:,.... TENCHI ,:;
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.::;`:. `::;;:; ::,`' ;; ,;' ;; :: `:. ;;:......, ;;;
.:::' `:::. `~ `:::,..; ` '' :: `:: ;;''::''';: ;;'
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```::::::....., MUYO! ,;;',,,;;,,,:, `'
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"Star of Jurai"
an Audio Drama by Ryan Mathews
PART 2 of 2
*****************************************************************************
SASAMI (narrating)
Hi! Welcome to the conclusion of "Star of Jurai"! I'm your host, Sasami!
Here's what's happened so far:
It all started when Aeka and Ryoko got into another fight, this time during
a trip to the beach. But this time, Tenchi got really mad at both of them!
Aeka was so upset, she didn't get on the bus to go home! Tenchi came back
with his father to look for her, but by that time, Aeka had met a childhood
friend named Joran! He'd come all the way from Jurai to see her, and so he
took her back to his ship, the Sujahoh, up in space! There they met Anshou,
Joran's father and Aeka's uncle.
Here's the weird part: when Tenchi and his father looked for Aeka, they found
pieces of her clothing, and an emblem from a military uniform. The emblem
belonged to the Kizakans, an ancient enemy of Jurai! Then Washuu told us
that the ship in orbit was Kizakan! Well, of course, we all thought Aeka had
been kidnapped! So Tenchi and Ryoko took Ryo-oh-ki to go after her! Of
course, the Kizakan ship was really Joran and Anshou's ship in disguise!
There was a big space battle, and Ryo-oh-ki was blown to pieces!
How horrible! Did Tenchi survive? What about Ryoko and Ryo-oh-ki? Let's
find out!
[SouND: Bridge of Sujahoh]
ANSHOU
Status of enemy vessel?
ASHINO
Completely destroyed. The ship has been shattered into small fragments.
ANSHOU
Then that's that. Keep me apprised of any developments in Sujahoh's healing
process. Let me know as soon as we can get underway.
KUNUZAKE
Yes, sir.
ANSHOU
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a grieving young lady to console.
[SND: Aeka sobbing.]
JORAN
Aeka...
AEKA
It's all my fault. It's all my fault...
JORAN
No. No it's not--
AEKA
Yes it is! If I hadn't always been picking fights with Ryoko, if I hadn't
been such a, such a bitch!
ANSHOU
Thank god you two are alright! The danger's past now.
[Pause]
Perhaps I spoke too soon. Has Aeka been injured?
JORAN
Father...
ANSHOU
What it is, Joran?
JORAN
Father, Lord Tenchi was on that ship.
[Pause]
ANSHOU (incredulous)
You can't be serious.
[Pause]
My god, you *are* serious... How... But... He, it attacked... You're
certain he was on board?
JORAN
Yes, Father. We contacted him moments before the ship was destroyed. I was
about to tell you, but...
ANSHOU
Oh, dear god... I... How... I have to sit down...
AEKA
It wasn't your fault, Uncle Anshou. It was mine.
ANSHOU (desperate)
But how?? I don't understand! That... that was a *pirate* ship!!
JORAN
Father, perhaps now is not a good time for explanations.
ANSHOU
I understand. Joran, take Aeka to the guest quarters. We'll set off for
Jurai as soon as Sujahoh is ready.
AEKA
No! I have to go home-- I mean back to Earth! Sasami--
ANSHOU
I'll send a message to her.
AEKA
B-but can't we pick her up? That transporter thing--
ANSHOU
Was destroyed in the battle. And Sujahoh's too damaged to land.
AEKA
But...
ANSHOU
Aeka, please. If what you say is true, we have to return to Jurai
immediately. And your testimony is the only thing that can prevent my
execution!
AEKA (weakly)
I understand...
[SND: Low thud, followed by low rumble]
JORAN
What was that?
ANSHOU
We must've struck a piece of debris. Take Aeka to safety. I'll see about
manuevering us away.
[SND: Voices echo in a small chamber.]
TENCHI
Are we alive?
RYOKO
Of course, silly! You didn't I'd let you get hurt, did you?
TENCHI
What is this thing?
RYOKO
I improvised an escape pod from one of Ryo-oh-ki's bigger crystals.
TENCHI
A little... tight, isn't it?
RYOKO
Hee hee! Just the way I like it!
TENCHI
Wha-? Hey! Ryoko, knock it off!
[Ryoko giggles]
Wait a minute! What happened to Ryo-oh-ki?!
RYOKO
The ship was completely destroyed. But I saved the most important part!
RYO-OH-KI
Miya!
TENCHI
Oh! Ryo-oh-ki! What a relief! Are you okay?
RYO-OH-KI (happily)
Miya! Miya!
TENCHI
So, how long before she can turn into a spaceship again?
RYOKO
Not long. A few months, maybe?
TENCHI
(sigh) So we're stuck here.
RYOKO
No we're not. We can go into that ship. I'll grab you and we'll go through
the wall.
TENCHI
Out of the frying pan, into the fire, huh? If we're going to do that, we'll
need help. Ryo-oh-ki, can you fly back to Earth by yourself?
RYO-OH-KI
Miya!!
TENCHI
Good. I want you to take someone a message...
JORAN
Here we are. It's not much, I'm afraid.
AEKA (miserable)
It's lovely, thank you.
JORAN
Aeka, please don't blame yourself for this.
AEKA
Who else can I blame?
JORAN
No one. Sometimes things just happen, Aeka. A chain of events gets set in
motion and there's nothing anyone can do.
AEKA (angrily)
Is that supposed to make me feel better?!
JORAN
N-no! I mean... I'm sorry.
AEKA
Oh, Joran, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to snap. I just...
[She breaks down and starts to cry again.]
JORAN
Oh, Aeka. I'm so sorry. Come here.
[SND: The sound of Aeka's crying changes, so that it's coming from speakers.]
ANSHOU
That's it, Joran. Hold her. Comfort her in her time of need. Let that
comfort grow into love. Soon you'll be standing beside her in the Juraian
palace.
RYOKO
Well, waddya know? My hunch was right! This *is* a Juraian ship!
TENCHI
Juraian? Not Kizakan?
RYOKO
Nope! A Juraian ship in disguise.
TENCHI
But why would they do a thing like that?
RYOKO
Hey, you're asking me? So, Tenchi, you're the boss. What do we do now?
TENCHI
Uh, I don't really know. I don't have much experience in this kinda thing.
RYOKO
Well, luckily for you, I do! Here's my suggestion. I'll look for the
princess while you take control of the ship.
TENCHI
Take control of the ship?! How am I supposed to do that?!
RYOKO
You brought your sword, didn't you?
TENCHI
Oh, right. The "master key".
RYOKO
Correct! You can control any Juraian ship with that thing. Now let's get
going before your "help" shows up.
TENCHI
But--!
[SND: Ryoko teleports]
But I don't know where the control room is!
[SND: No ship noises of any kind.]
MIHOSHI (humming)
Hmm-hmm-hmm... (giggles) I love this manga! I wonder if I can talk Tenchi
into buying me the next volume...
RYO-OH-KI (excitedly)
Miya!!
MIHOSHI
Oh, hi, Ryo-oh-ki! You want to read manga with me?
RYO-OH-KI
Miya! Miya!
MIHOSHI
Say, didn't you go with Ryoko and Tenchi?
RYO-OH-KI
Miya! Miya! Miya!
MIHOSHI
You sure are jumping around a lot... Oh! I know what the problem is!
RYO-OH-KI
MIYA!
MIHOSHI
You're hungry! I'll get you a carrot!
RYO-OH-KI
Errgh...
MIHOSHI
Wh-what are you doing?
[SND: growing noise]
MIHOSHI
Haha! That's so cool the way you turn into a little girl like that!
RYO-OH-KI
Tenchi in trouble!
MIHOSHI
(claps) Yay! You can talk, too! Say something else!
RYO-OH-KI
(sigh)
TENCHI
(sigh) This is hopeless. I have no idea where I'm going. Pretty soon, I'm
going to be discovered...
LITTLE GIRL
Excuse me...
TENCHI
Yaah! Oh, uh, h-hi there, little girl. I suppose you're wondering what I'm
doing on your ship!
LITTLE GIRL
Is that the master key?
TENCHI
This? Uh, yeah...
LITTLE GIRL
Then I guess I have to obey you.
TENCHI
Who are you?
LITTLE GIRL
You mean you don't know? I'm Sujahoh. Pleased to meetcha!
TENCHI
That's a nice name. Do you live here?
SUJAHOH
You mean, in space? I live wherever my master takes me.
TENCHI
Oh... I think I understand. You're the ship, aren't you?
SUJAHOH
Uh-huh.
TENCHI
Well, I'm glad I met you. So you obey the master key, right?
SUJAHOH
Uh-huh.
TENCHI
Great! What I'd like you to do is turn yourself around and go back to Earth.
Could you do that?
SUJAHOH
(giggles) It doesn't work like that, silly! You have to put the master key
in the interface!
TENCHI
Where is this interface?
SUJAHOH
Come on, I'll show you!
ANSHOU (speakers)
Joran, please come to the bridge. I need to speak to you.
JORAN
Do you think you'll be alright for awhile?
AEKA
I'll be fine.
[pause]
Joran... Thank you. I don't think I could get through this without you.
JORAN (flustered)
I'll, um. I'll be right back, okay?
[Pause]
[SND: Ryoko comes through the wall.]
RYOKO
Oh, this is so touching! Where's a hanky when I need one?
AEKA
Ruh-RYOKO??!!
RYOKO
"Oh, Joran, I'm so sad! Please hold my beautiful young body while I weep
into your strong, chiseled chest!" Geez, you've been watching too many
soaps!
AEKA
Th-then Tenchi... he's alive?
RYOKO
Well, of course he is! Don't be ridcul--OOF!! Hey, get off me!!
AEKA
OH, THANK YOU, RYOKO! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I should have known
better! Nothing could hurt him with your powers protecting him!
RYOKO
You're hugging me! I don't know whether to be amused or disgusted!
AEKA
Sorry, I'm just so relieved, so HAPPY! I... Wait a minute. Why I am being
so nice to you?! You attacked our ship!
RYOKO
We were trying to rescue you! We thought you'd been kidnapped!
AEKA
Kidnapped? By a Juraian ship?!
RYOKO
It doesn't look Juraian from the outside.
AEKA
I don't know what you're talking about. Besides, we sent you a message!
RYOKO
Only message we got was a scrap of a Kizakan military uniform.
AEKA
This makes no sense at all. Why would Uncle Anshou...
RYOKO
If "Uncle Anshou" is the old guy running the show, then I don't think he's
the guy you think he is. I caught a glimpse of him while I was searching for
you. He's grinning like the cat who ate the canary.
AEKA
I don't understand this...
RYOKO
But, hey! It's no matter to you! You just go home with Joran and make him
a good wife! I'll take care of Tenchi while you're gone.
AEKA
W-WHAAAT?!
RYOKO
Oh, Princess, you are *such* an inspiration to me! You see, now that I know
you're okay, and my conscience is clear, I'm going to go back and tell
Tenchi that you were killed in the battle!
AEKA
You WOULDN'T!!
RYOKO
"Oh, sob, sob. How can I go on without Aeka?" "Oh, Tenchi! Rest your head
between my breasts and I'll make the pain go away!" "Ryoko... Thank you. I
don't think I could get through this without you." Smoochie smoochie!
AEKA
NO! I WON'T LET YOU!!
RYOKO
And what are you going to about it? I found an escape pod on the way here.
Tenchi and I will rocket back to Earth, leaving you to your wedded bliss!
AEKA
You just try to keep me away from Tenchi! You won't succeed!
RYOKO
You think not? Trust me, Princess, set one foot on Jurai, and you'll never
see Earth again. Toodle-loo!
[SND: Ryoko leaves through the wall.]
AEKA
DAMN YOU! COME BACK!
JORAN
Father, you wished to speak to me?
ANSHOU
Yes. It's about Aeka.
JORAN
I was just with her, she's fine.
ANSHOU
That's good to hear. Joran, the immediate future for Aeka is going to be
very difficult. She's just lost her fiancee, and now the Noble Court will
be making demands of her. They'll allow her a mourning period, of course,
but it won't be enough. She's going to need someone to stand by her. She's
going to need you, Joran.
JORAN
I have always stood by Aeka, Father. I always will.
ANSHOU
I understand. But the time may come when she requires more than a friend.
JORAN
What are you saying?
ANSHOU
There is a very real possibility that the Court will put pressure on her
father to marry her off as soon as possible. If that happens, I'd rather
not see her forced into an unhappy marriage.
JORAN
You'd rather see her married to me.
ANSHOU
I promised you long ago that I'd never arrange a marriage for you. And yet,
when I saw you and Aeka become friends, I had hoped in my heart...
JORAN
There is nothing I would like more than to marry Aeka. But under the
circumstances, I don't think it would be right to ask.
ANSHOU
Don't ask her. Just be there for her. So that if she needs someone to fill
that role in her life, you'll be there.
JORAN
I understand, Father.
ANSHOU
Go to her now. She needs you.
JORAN
Yes, Father.
[SND: Deep humming]
SUJAHOH
Well, here we are!
TENCHI
Thanks, Sujahoh. You're a good ship.
SUJAHOH
Thank you! Oh! Someone's coming!
TENCHI
Where?
SUJAHOH
Outside.
ANSHOU
What is it, Kunuzake?
KUNUZAKE
A Galaxy Police vessel. We are being hailed.
ANSHOU
Galaxy Police? They don't have any jurisdiction here. Is our disguise
field still up?
ASHINO
No. It was deactivated after the battle.
ANSHOU
Good. Answer the hail.
MIHOSHI (speakers)
This is Galactic Police vessel Yukinojou to Juraian vessel, Lieutenant
Mihoshi speaking!
ANSHOU
This is the Juraian vessel Sujahoh, Lord Anshou commanding. How may I be
of assistance?
MIHOSHI
Um, I'm supposed to find this Kizakan ship, but I'm here, and all I see is
you. Did you maybe see the ship I'm looking for?
ANSHOU
Ah, sorry, but no. I wish I could help you.
ASHINO
We are being scanned.
ANSHOU
Shield up. Ahem! Miss Policewoman, unauthorized scans are not very polite,
especially considering that you have no jurisdiction in this system!
MIHOSHI
Oopsie! Must have pushed the wrong button! I'm such a klutz!
(whispers:)
Yukinojou?
YUKINOJOU (whispering)
Five people on board: three Juraian, one Human/Juraian cross, and one energy
lifeform.
MIHOSHI
Wow. That's them alright. Um, Mister Anshou? I'm gonna have to ask you to
stay here for awhile while I write up a citation.
ANSHOU
A citation? For what?
MIHOSHI
Ummmm... Tinted windshield. Too dark.
ANSHOU
This is ridiculous! You have no jurisdiction!
MIHOSHI
Won't take more than a moment! Bye!
ANSHOU
DAMMIT!! She knows! She *must* know! We have to get rid of her! Power up
the weapons!
ASHINO & KUNUZAKE
YES, SIR!
MIHOSHI
Okay! Now, what next? Let's see, how can I keep them here long enough to
rescue everyone? Or at least to figure out what's going on? What would you
recommend, Yukinojou?
YUKINOJOU
EVASIVE ACTION!
MIHOSHI
You mean, I should act evasive and stall them? Sounds good!
YUKINOJOU
No, EVASIVE ACTION!!
MIHOSHI
What do you... AAAAAAHH!!
[SND: Explosion, rumble as Yukinojou shakes.]
Aah! Shoot back! Shoot back!
[SND: Explosion, rumble of Sujahoh]
ANSHOU
What happened?! We should have been able to avoid that!
ASHINO
Something's wrong! Our manueverability is hampered!
ANSHOU
Here she comes again! FIRE!!
[SND: Explosion, rumble]
AEKA
What NOW?!
[SND: Rumble!]
Oh, Joran! Please hurry back!
[SND: Explosion, rumble]
JORAN
Dammit! Who's shooting at us now?!
SUJAHOH
Ouch!
TENCHI
Are you okay, Sujahoh?
SUJAHOH
Someone's hurting me!
TENCHI
Just hang on. I'm going to take control, and then I'll tell the person to
stop hurting you!
[SND: Explosion, rumble]
ANSHOU
DAMN! Don't we have any manuvering capability at all?
ASHINO
Not enough!
[SND: Explosion, rumble]
KUNUZAKE
It is a balance problem! A large fragment of the pirate vessel is embedded
in our hull!
ANSHOU
Get rid of it!
KUNUZAKE
Not possible under these conditions!
MIHOSHI
HAHA!! Whee!! I'm really kicking butt!!
YUKINOJOU
Um, Mihoshi?
MIHOSHI
Not now, Yukinojou! I'm about to win my first space battle in years!
YUKINOJOU
Have you considered what will happen if you win?
MIHOSHI
Sure! I'll just totally smash up their ship, and then... Oh. Right. Tenchi
and Ryoko and Aeka. Hmm. I guess we've beaten them up enough. Let's talk
surrender. Hee hee! This is great!
TENCHI
Okay, the master key goes here, right?
SUJAHOH
Right.
TENCHI
Now, I concentrate, and...
ANSHOU
This is an outrage! I am a Lord of the Noble Court of Jurai! This is
Juraian territory! I will not surrender my craft to you!
MIHOSHI
Well, I suppose I could shoot you some more...
ANSHOU
Do you know what Jurai could do to the Galaxy Police if we wanted to? We
could wipe your pathetic security force out of existence!!
MIHOSHI
If you're going to resist arrest, it'll make it even worse on you. Of
course, you've already resisted a great deal, so I suppose a little more
won't matter...
ANSHOU (livid)
"ARREST"? ME?!! I won't stand for it! FIRE!! Blow her out of the sky!!
[SND: Ship noises slow to a stop.]
ANSHOU
What?
MIHOSHI
Oh! You've decided to cooperate! Thank you! I'll be sure to note that in
my report! I'll just tow you back to Earth and we'll straighten everything
out there. Okay? Bye!
ANSHOU
But I didn't...
[SND: rumble...]
What happened?
KUNUZAKE
We are being towed.
ANSHOU
No. Before that. Why did we shut down?
ASHINO
The command was given.
ANSHOU
On whose authority?!
ASHINO
The master key.
ANSHOU
The master...
[Angrily:]
A piece of debris stuck in the hull. I am a FOOL!! Ashino! Kunuzake!
Intruder alert!! Full security!
TENCHI
Whew. That takes care of that.
SUJAHOH
Is everything okay?
TENCHI
I think so. Thanks, Sujahoh.
SUJAHOH
I'm gonna go now. I have to fix myself, and it's hard to make myself seen
like this.
TENCHI
Okay. Bye! Thanks again!
[SND: She vanishes with a buzz]
JORAN (cold)
You seem to have made friends with my ship.
[pause]
At a loss for words? Very well, let me introduce myself. I am Joran,
noble--
TENCHI
This is your ship?
JORAN
Yes, I said--
TENCHI
What have you done with Aeka?
JORAN
She's in a safe place.
TENCHI
Take me to her.
JORAN
Ha. I don't think so.
TENCHI
Take me to her NOW!
[SND: Tenchi activates the sword blade]
JORAN
You do know how to use the master key. You must truly be the Crown Prince
of Jurai. Of course...
[SND: Joran activates a blade]
I am armed as well. Shall we go at it?
TENCHI
If that's what it's going to take to get Aeka back.
JORAN
DEFEND YOURSELF!
[SND: Clash of swords]
What are you planning to do with Aeka once you find her?
TENCHI
I'm taking her home!
[SND: Clash of swords]
JORAN
Funny, so am I! Hyah!
[SND: Clash of swords]
So, tell me, "Lord" Tenchi, is it normal behavior for Crown Princes to
consort with pirates and attack Juraian ships?
TENCHI
We were trying to rescue her!
[SND: Clash of swords]
JORAN
Rescue her from who? Her own people?!
TENCHI
You can't be her own people! Uhn!
[SND: Clash of swords]
JORAN
What makes you say that?!
TENCHI
Because!
[SND: Clash of swords]
Her own people wouldn't disguise themselves as an enemy and kidnap her!
JORAN
Kidnap her? What are talking--
RYOKO
TENCHI!!!
[SND: Ryoko fires several energy blasts]
You leave Tenchi alone, you jerk!!
JORAN
Ah! You must be Tenchi's girlfriend, Ryoko!
TENCHI
Uh, it's not exactly like that...
RYOKO
Yeah, I'm his girlfriend! So lay off unless you want to get cut to pieces!
[SND: Juraian force-field]
RYOKO
SHIT! Force field!
[SND: Ryoko teleports]
JORAN
Hmm. She must have experience escaping Juraian force-fields. Still, she
won't bother us again.
[pause]
I'm impressed, Tenchi. There was a brief period while I was generating the
force field when you could have attacked me, yet you chose not to.
TENCHI
That's not the way I was taught to fight.
JORAN
I attacked you because you were sabotaging my ship. It fit my opinion of
you. In my belief, no Earth-raised Crown Prince could ever be capable of
ruling Jurai. Yet, you show considerable skill in handling the master key,
both as a tool and a weapon, and you show that you understand the principles
of honorable combat. Perhaps I was wrong.
TENCHI
Then you'll take me to Aeka?
JORAN
No. Not until you explain why you attacked my ship.
TENCHI
I told you! I thought you'd kidnapped her?
JORAN
That makes no sense!
ANSHOU
Then perhaps I should clear it up.
[SND: Ryoko comes through a wall.]
AEKA
Ryoko?! What are you doing here? Come to taunt me some more?
RYOKO
Change of plans. Take my hand.
AEKA
I'm not going *anywhere* with you!
RYOKO
You wanna save Tenchi's life?
AEKA
You'll take me to Tenchi?
RYOKO
Yeah. I guess I'd rather share him with you than not have him at all. Come
on!
JORAN
Father, what is happening?
ANSHOU
You heard him. I disguised Sujahoh as a Kizakan warship and tricked Tenchi
into believing I'd kidnapped Aeka, in the hopes he and his pirate friend
would come after her.
JORAN
But, why? Why would you do such a thing?
ANSHOU
Why? Just look at him! Oh, he can swing a sword, and he knows about honor.
But Emperor material? This Earth-raised whelp? Don't make me vomit.
JORAN (shocked)
Father...
ANSHOU
You listen to me, you little piece of half-breed trash. I have waited for
four thousand years! I have waited since the time your pathetic race was
living in mud huts and worshipping rocks! I have waited all this time for a
promise to be fulfilled, and I'm not about to let you snatch it away from me!
TENCHI
I don't know what you're talking about!
ANSHOU
Of course you don't, you ignorant alien.
JORAN
But, Father. I don't understand, either.
ANSHOU
The Star of Jurai, Joran. It's more than a symbol of friendship between two
houses. It is a promise that someday our houses will be united on the
throne! I'd waited all my life for that promise to be kept, and when the time
finally came, when I had a son and the emperor a daughter, what did he do? He
decided she'd marry her own half-brother! Oh, he apologized. "Anshou, my
good friend. The time just isn't right. We need the fresh blood of
Youshou's human heritage. Perhaps in the next generation." Well, damn the
next generation! I've been promised the throne, and I'm going to take it,
by any means necessary!
JORAN
Father, I can't believe this.
ANSHOU
Believe it, Joran. I didn't want to involve you. I wanted you kept pure.
But that's no longer possible. Now, will you do your duty, and kill the
pretender?
JORAN
I want no part of this.
ANSHOU
I thought as much. Oh, well. What do those Humans say? "If you want a job
done right, do it yourself."
[SND: Energy blast]
TENCHI
AAAGGH!
[SND: THUD!]
OONF!
JORAN
Father, don't!
ANSHOU
Don't try to stop me, Joran. Afterwards, you can do what you like. Hate me,
even kill me, I don't care. All I care is that you marry Aeka. I know you
will. You love her and she loves you.
[pause]
Well? What are you doing, boy? Defend yourself?
TENCHI
You... bastard...
ANSHOU
That's the spirit!
[SND: Energy blast]
TENCHI
AAAAUUUGGH!
[SND: Ryoko arrives]
RYOKO & AEKA
TENCHI!!
RYOKO (attack yell)
AaaaaaaAAAAAHH!!
ANSHOU
Go away!!
[SND: Energy burst]
RYOKO
ARGH-OOF!
[SND: Ryoko smacks the wall]
ANSHOU
Ah, I see I have an audience. You got here just in time! The show is almost
over!
AEKA
TENCHI!
RYOKO
Stay back! If I couldn't touch him, think what he'll do to you!
[SND: Anshou and Tenchi fight.]
AEKA (quietly)
We'll have to attack him together.
JORAN (quietly)
I don't know if four-on-one will be enough. Father's very powerful. More
importantly, I doubt the ship could take the beating. This is the main power
area, where Sujahoh's roots are connected to the turbines. One wrong move,
and boom!
ANSHOU
What's the matter, boy? Aren't you the one who killed Kagato? I'm not as
powerful as Kagato, and you're barely giving me a good fight!
TENCHI
I don't... want to... kill you.
ANSHOU
Well, that's too bad, because I most certainly want to kill *you*. Make a
decision, boy. You or me.
JORAN (quietly)
We need a distraction. Something to get all of Father's power focused in
one area.
RYOKO
I know something that would do that, but Tenchi can't seem to pull it off...
AEKA
I know what to do! TENCHI!!!
ANSHOU
This is it, boy. Prepare to meet whatever gods you Earth people worship!
AEKA
NOO!!!!
ANSHOU
Get out of the way, Princess!
AEKA
I will not! If you want to kill Tenchi, you'll have to kill me as well!
ANSHOU
Very well!
JORAN
Father, no!!
ANSHOU
She has a sister. We don't need her! DIE!!
TENCHI
NO!!!!
[SND: Energy blast! Something deflects it! A humming sound...]
ANSHOU
Lighthawk wings... Y-you deflected my blast with lighthawk wings... I won't
have it. I will not be defeated by you! I WILL NOT!!
JORAN
Here it comes...
ANSHOU
DIEEE!!!!
JORAN
NOW!!
[SND: Simultaneous energy attacks]
ANSHOU
ARRRRRRGGGHH!
[SND: Thud as he hits the floor]
(pant) What...
JORAN
Don't move, Father.
ANSHOU
Joran, my son... why?
JORAN
Did you think so little of me, Father? Did you truly believe I would want to
become emperor through such dishonorable treachery? You yourself taught me
better than that.
ANSHOU (anguished)
But... But it's your *birthright*, Joran!
JORAN
You mean yours.
[pause]
This has always been about you, Father, not me. I've always been satisfied
with my station in life. But you've allowed bitterness and disappointment
to ruin yours.
ANSHOU
How dare you talk to me like that?! I am your Father! Ashino! Kunuzake!
[SND: Ashino & Kunuzake teleport in]
ASHINO & KUNUZAKE
Sir!
ANSHOU
Defend me!!
JORAN
Belay that! Take my father into custody.
ASHINO & KUNUZAKE
Yes, sir!
ANSHOU (stunned)
What?
JORAN
You've forgotten, Father. This is *my* ship.
ANSHOU
No. NOOOOOOOO--
[His voice is cut off as he is drawn inside the guardian.]
JORAN
Keep him in stasis until we return to Jurai. Lord Tenchi. I don't know to
say, other than that I apologize.
TENCHI
(laughs) Don't worry about it. I'm just glad it's over.
RYOKO (singsong)
Ohhh, Tenchiii?
TENCHI (nervously)
Yes?
RYOKO
I believe you promised me something?
TENCHI
Oh, heh-heh, that! Yes, well, maybe we could discuss it later?
RYOKO
Later? You wouldn't try to welch on me, would you, Tenchi?
TENCHI
Of course not, but-- No, wait! Just a minute! I'm not ready! I--!
[SND: Struggling]
RYOKO
Just relax!
[SND: Small kiss]
TENCHI
That's it?
AEKA
You promised her a kiss on the cheek?
RYOKO
If you must know Princess, I blackmailed him. So if you have to be angry, you
can be angry at me!
AEKA
Hmph! Being angry with you is not difficult! Besides, I rather figured
you'd forced him into it.
[SND: Joran laughs]
AEKA & RYOKO
What?!
JORAN
Oh, nothing. I'm just beginning to understand the "complications" Aeka
spoke of. You're a lucky man, Lord Tenchi, whether you know it or not.
Now, if you'll ask your policewoman friend to cut my ship loose, I'll take
my leave.
TENCHI
Sure. No problem!
JORAN
Ashino, Kunuzake, lead them to the transport chamber. Aeka, could you stay
with me for a moment?
AEKA
Well, I...
RYOKO
Oh, don't worry about us. We'll be fine! C'mon, Tenchi!
JORAN
Aeka, I need to ask a favor. It's about my father.
AEKA
I understand, Joran. No one on Jurai will be told what happened.
JORAN
Thank you. I know what he did was traitorous, but he's still my father. I'd
like to deal with this within the family.
AEKA
He's still my uncle. I can't believe he was willing to kill me...
JORAN
I pray that I never become that bitter.
AEKA
You won't, Joran. Not you.
[pause]
Oh! The Star of Jurai. I'm still wearing it! Here--
JORAN
No, you keep it.
AEKA
But it means so much to your family.
JORAN
The next time you see your father, return the Star to him. Tell him that I
release him from his promise. If he so wishes, he can give it to me once
again.
AEKA
I understand. I should join the others.
JORAN
Aeka?
AEKA
Yes?
JORAN
I'm leaving for now. But if Tenchi hasn't made you happy in a few years, I
may come back and try to get you myself.
AEKA
(laughs) I guess I can't deny you a chance. Farewell, Joran.
JORAN
Farewell, Aeka.
SASAMI (narrating)
And so Tenchi, Aeka, Ryoko, and Mihoshi returned home. And for awhile, it was
actually quiet! Ryoko and Aeka made every effort to be nice to each other and
to live together in peace. That lasted for a couple of days, then they were
right back at each other's throats. Actually, I was relieved. Seeing Aeka
and Ryoko being polite to each other was kinda creepy. So, anyway,
everything's back to normal at Tenchi's house! But I'm sure there will be
more adventures soon. Until then, this is Sasami, signing off!
------
Thanks to Alex Pinachos for the awesome logo-graphic!