Washu opened the dimensional doorway and stopped. The house was quiet, which it definitely hadn't been when she went into her lab to prepare for the next recording session. She closed the door softly and started searching room-by room. What she discovered was: · Mihoshi was snoring her way through a nap on the sofa. · Ryoko was snoring her way through a nap on her rafter. · Funaho and Yosho were deep in conversation in the kitchen. · Ayeka and Sasami (and Ryo-ohki) were sleeping in their room. · Nobuyuki was still at work, as usual. She finally located Tenchi outside on the deck, wearing an overcoat and shoveling snow. She snitched one of his heavy sweaters, donned it, and passed through the sliding glass door. Tenchi had not shoveled the snow here yet, and she tried to step in his footprints as she moved to join him. He turned, his face windblown and hair disheveled, but his smile was warm. She stood in front of him, unbuttoned his coat, and slid her arms inside the flaps and around his ribs for warmth. She didn't say anything, just kissed him long and passionately, finally nibbling on his neck before putting her head on his shoulder. "Thank God you're ok." "Surely you remained the voice of reason and objectivity the whole time?" "It's very hard for my brain to remain objective when my heart is screaming in panic. I was so worried about you." "And I'm worried about you -- you aren't really dressed warm enough to be out here." She smiled. "It's only my back that's cold." "This coat isn't big enough to hold two people." "So improvise." He did; suddenly he was wrapping a blanket across them. "Where did that come from?" "I summoned it." "You what?" "I teleported it from my room." She leaned back to look into his eyes. "How long have you been able to do that?" He frowned. "It just came to me." "What else can you do?" Tenchi shrugged. "Well, I can move really, really fast...but you already knew that." He smiled and kissed her forehead. "But I do see hints and possibilities in my mind." Washu rolled her eyes and put her head back on his shoulder. "And I can see that the next few years are going to be truly interesting ones. You'd better plan on some long visits to my lab." "Your lab or your bedroom?" "Both." She was quiet for a while, warm and contented, thinking about the last few days. "Tenchi, you were able to scan all of us during that link, weren't you?" "Yes." "Could you read our minds?" "Nope. It didn't work that way." Her relief was obvious. "Why? Are you disappointed?" "No...it's just that everyone has some secrets to keep, and I'd like to keep mine." Tenchi shrugged. "I have no problem with that." That's what she loved most about him: he was so willing to accept them, without reservations. She hugged him, just because it felt so damn good. "So, what's this mental rapport like?" "Well, it's not telepathy, nor even empathy, but some form of character assessment or clairvoyant profiling. I can only communicate if I have a link established, but I can send Power through that link. I was able to affect the other person's moods to some extent. And I learned that intimate contact was possible...no matter who initiates it." "I think you're going to find that change in awareness very useful in the future. Particularly when it come to negotiating with diplomats and politicians." And then a mischievous grin crossed her face. "And speaking of negotiating, just how do you intend to deal with five horny women, anyway? Are you going to draw names each night?" "No, actually I was thinking of a rotating schedule, spending a week at a time with each of you. That way we can make adjustments for illnesses and absences." "That's not a bad answer." "Funaho says our wing of the palace will have six suites, so there should be ample room for privacy." Her head snapped up, and she gave him a suspicious look. "What do need *six* bedrooms for?" "Well, I need an office, and some place to store my clothes," he answered innocently. "I suppose that makes sense." "I can honestly say that there will be no more women in my life, if that's what you're worried about," Tenchi said. "I'm going to have my hands full as it is -- why would I want anyone else?" He kissed her, and nudged her head back onto his shoulder. "I know there is going to be some jealousy and competition -- at least for a while -- but I trust that you ladies will adjust. And I know that this whole arrangement can't be really comfortable for any you." "It's not," she confirmed, "but it definitely beats the alternative. Not one of us will willingly give you up. And your part in this isn't going to be easy, either, you know. You're going to have to fight the tendency to play favorites -- unless it's me, of course." She was only half-kidding. "There won't be any favoritism. Each of you is unique, and each of you is very special. That's why I couldn't choose one over the others." And then he added softly, "And I would rather die than give up any one of you." It was a sincere statement of fact, bereft of bravado, and it brought a lump to her throat and tears to her eyes. Oh yes, she decided, this one was *definitely* worth the wait. One-fifth of him was worth more than all the others combined. She nuzzled his neck for a bit, and then another thought occurred to her. "Tenchi? Since Yosho and I have both reverted to our true forms, isn't it time you did the same?" "If you mean what I think you mean, you may not be able to handle it." "Try me." So he did. He had been keeping his Power restricted, muted, to shield those around him from its true intensity. He pushed his internal 'throttle' all the way to 'fourth gear', and let it radiate unhindered. He saw the Emblem of Power reflected in her eyes as it snapped into place on his brow. Washu gasped and went rigid, her fingers digging holes into his back. Concerned, he returned to 'whisper mode.' She leaned away from him, staring at him wide-eyed. It took her a few moments of deep breathing to regain her composure. "My God, that was like being immersed in pure aphrodisiac. Talk about primal reactions! Right now I have an overwhelming desire to drag you to the nearest bed and start our honeymoon two months early. You'd better keep that pheromone-flavored aura under lock-and-key until we build some immunity to it." "I thought it might come in handy over the next few months," he said, grinning slyly. "Then you'd better start conserving your strength, because you're sure going to need it." "I think I can rise to the challenge." She groaned at the pun. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Tenchi spoke: "I wish my great-grandfather a long and happy life, and an equally long and prosperous reign. I have no wish to Challenge him; I would much rather learn from him, and serve the throne in whatever manner best suits my abilities. "My wives and I will welcome all guests to our home with open arms. We find greater security in friendship than in martial prowess. However, we would also issue a warning to anyone attempting to interfere in our homelife: such an act will be considered a Challenge and treated accordingly." Though Tenchi's posture was casual, his mindset was not. His awareness turned inward, and once again he mentally engaged his 'engine' and put himself in idle. The Emblem of Power flashed into visibility on his brow, and a moment later the Lighthawk Wings sparkled into existence and hovered in the air before him. With a growing sense of excitement, he directed Power into the Wings and *shifted*: First Gear - the Wings shuddered and thickened, swelling as Power poured into them. Second Gear - the Wings broadened and brightened, blossoming under the increasing flood. Third Gear - the Wings continued to expand outwards, as the flood increased to a torrent. Fourth Gear - the Wings had doubled in size, and throbbed with internal fire. Power cascaded through Tenchi with a satisfying roar, but the backwash of energy was having a profound effect on the galactics behind him. Where females of many species signal their interest with subtle clues of sound and fragrance, males often respond with resplendent plumage or kaleidoscopic displays. So, too, with human Adepts: the sheer intensity of the Power radiating from Tenchi bespoke his suitability and dominance in a game as old as time. Weak-limbed and gasping, they succumbed to the primordial cues hard-wired into their brains. Ayeka's, Mihoshi's, Ryoko's, and Washu's own Power attributes activated in response, synchronizing with his; they became immobilized. Sasami was not so affected, having yet to pass through puberty, but even her immature Juraian genes felt a strong stirring. Tenchi recognized their distress almost immediately, and opened mind links with all of them. With much fluttering of eyelids and shaking of heads, they threw off the paralyzing effects of his turbulence. Yet, they remained entrained to him, sharing their own faculties in a two-way exchange. The air in the lab roiled visibly. The Wings hung in the air in their Y-shaped configuration. Tenchi stepped forward and *through* the lowest blade. As he emerged a glistening fog settled around him, crystallizing rapidly into glowing body armor. Tenchi stepped forward two paces, and turned, calling to Ryoko through his link. T R T She did, implicitly. She walked forward and stepped into the blade. She emerged on the far side, and looked down to see the glowing fog solidifying around her limbs. As her Lighthawk Armor took shape, she moved to join Tenchi. She embraced his right arm, all the while marveling at the lightness and flexibility of her glowing carapace. T A Ayeka stepped through the blade, head held high as befits a Princess. Her aura shimmered and settled as the Lighthawk Armor condensed. She strode to Tenchi's left side and grasped his hand, squeezing it. T M Mihoshi stepped carefully through the blade, trying to avoid stumbling and ruining such a dramatic moment. She, too, was soon cloaked in her own Lighthawk Armor and she walked gracefully over to stand beside Ayeka. T W And Washu stepped through the blade, scrutinizing the Armor that contracted around her. She noted that all five suits pulsed subtly in the same rhythm (Tenchi's heartbeat). She walked over to stand next to her daughter. T S Sasami leaped through the blade, landing lightly and effortlessly. However, the glowing mist did not coalesce into full battle armor; instead, she found herself wearing a diminutive breastplate and girdle, an elegant tiara, and carrying an elaborate scepter. She ran over to stand in front of Tenchi, chin in the air and eyes sparkling. They all looked into the camera. "We are the Hand of Jurai," Tenchi stated. "We can be opened in friendship, or clenched in anger. The decision is yours." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "That was quite impressive," Yosho said. The whole family was sitting around the dinner table. They had all adjusted their seats to face the large screen in the air behind Washu. Her fingers rested lightly on the shadow keyboard below the screen, controlling the video they had been watching. The image frozen on the screen was that of Tenchi and his entourage, encased in Lighthawk Armor and looking very determined. Everyone's Armor had a different look to it, although there was plenty of commonality. The script for Tenchi's speech had been their first conjugal effort, and it had contained a contribution from each of them. However, dressing each of the ladies in Lighthawk Armor had been Tenchi's improvisation, a spur-of-the moment inspiration he was now regretting. "We look like Power Rangers," he snorted. "I think we look more like the Knight Sabers," Mihoshi said. "Definitely more stylish than Galaxy Police hardsuits." "At least we had good solid footwear, not some ridiculous high-heeled monstrosities," Ayeka said. "Why is mine so different?" Sasami asked. "And where did that scepter come from?" Tenchi smiled. "The scepter was a gift from Tsunami, so you'll need to ask her about it. You aren't an adult yet, so no combat armor for you. But you are also my betrothed, and I wanted to include you. Actually, I thought you looked very pretty, Sasami." "Hey, I like my Armor," Ryoko said. "Tenchi, did you design it?" "Nope. You did." "Huh?" five voices chorused. "I used the same quantum pattern for all of us. However, it must also tap into the wearer's mind somehow, since it changes to fit body size and shape. Frankly, I don't know." "The pattern is interactive?" Washu asked excitedly. Tenchi shrugged and nodded, and Washu started typing furiously onto her keyboard. "I suppose that applies to the Lighthawk Sword, as well?" "Yes. When I used it this morning, I sensed that it had quite a list of functions built into it. One of those was the slicing beam I somehow activated during my duel with Kagato. No wonder the Souja was cut in half." Washu was cackling quietly while entering data into her terminal, all the while wearing that Sherlock-Homes-on-the-case look of intense concentration. Her fingers stopped dancing with a flourish. "I think we're going to have some really interesting research in the near future." "I think we'd better concentrate more on the weddings for now," Funaho said. "'We?' I take it you have decided to stay?" "Yes, Yosho, I feel I should remain here. I think I need to spend some quality time with my family." "Alright!" Sasami cheered, and ran around the table to give her half-mother a hug. Ayeka giggled, but nodded approvingly. "However, I will need to communicate with my secretary aboard my ship. I am compiling quite a list of instructions for him. We'll have to send a courier 'bot back to Jurai in the near future." "Including these videos?" Washu asked. "Especially these videos," Funaho answered. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Washu was standing quietly on the dock, watching the waves lap against the side of Funaho's shuttle. She was lost in thought, so doesn't notice right away when Tsunami shimmers in visibility beside her. "A beautiful morning, isn't it?" Tsunami asked. "Yes, it is," Washu replied. "Waiting for Lady Funaho?" "Yes." Washu seems uncommunicative, but Tsunami was patient. She paused a while before speaking. "You really love Tenchi, don't you?" "Yes. Deeply. Desperately, even." "I'm having trouble with this concept. It is so new to me." "How does Sasami feel about him?" "A great attachment. But is this the same love that you feel?" "Not yet. Give her a few more years, and then you'll experience it. He seems to have the same effect on all of us." "Perhaps not all of us, or perhaps not so profoundly." Tsunami indicated Funaho walking down the dock towards them. "Am I interrupting a conversation?" Funaho asked when she joined them. "No, we were just discussing emotions," Washu answered. "Oh? Which emotions?" "Love." "And fear. I sense your fear, too, Washu." "Are you two linked together?" Funaho asked, eyebrow raised. "No, but we share a common history," Washu replied. Funaho acknowledge the remark by raising the other eyebrow. "Just what are you afraid of, Washu?" "Lady Funaho, obviously I have not been exaggerating Tenchi's Power potentials. He will truly be the strongest Adept in the galaxy. And that is not counting the gestalt structure he is building with his wives. What scares me the most is not his potentials, or even the machinations of his rivals, but that historically whenever someone develops an awesome weapon it inevitable draws an even more awesome threat." "Lady Tokimi," Tsunami whispered. "Yes, Lady Tokimi." Washu and Tsunami exchange a long, meaningful look, which Funaho caught. "Who is Lady Tokimi?" "What do you know about trans-dimensional entities?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ E P I L O G U E ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Yosho walked slowly around the lake in front of the Masaki house. It was one of those hot, muggy days so common in late August, when the air was turgid and the breezes sparse. The sun poked holes in the green canopy above him, the birds chirped and sang to their own purposes, and the soft drone of insects offered counterpoint to the rustling leaves. White- hot diamonds sparkled off the lake, the occasional dragonfly zig-zagged around the banks, and the waves slapped the shore with their ceaseless message. This was not an aimless stroll, so much as it was a casual one. Yosho was in no hurry, and the robot courier that hovered over the dock would wait patiently for him. It looked like nothing so much as a bus-length section of sewer pipe, two meters in diameter and made of shiny white metal, both ends capped with sensors and engines. He reached the dock and started along it, the warm smell of sun-drenched wood wafting up to his nostrils. His kimono rolled around his legs like a swinging temple bell. He stopped next to the 'bot and issued the commands that would open its cargo hatch. It scanned him briefly, matching his mental and astral signatures against its memory files. While he waited for the 'bot to complete its confirmation, Yosho looked back at the house. It was silent now, empty but not abandoned. Tenchi and his family had been on Jurai for over a year; but these last four months Nobuyuki had been dating a widow with two young children, and they had become frequent weekend guests. The children often referred to him as 'Grandpa,' which he took a nostalgic delight in. And, of course, there was the occasional galactic visitor dropping in to visit Crown Prince Yosho. He was still wrestling with that title, since he had relinquished it to Tenchi many years ago -- only to find out from one of the visiting botanists that his Royal Tree could, in fact, be made flyable again. (An act of unbelievable generosity and kindness -- at least, unbelievable for her -- Ryoko had insisted that Yosho retain her two jewels until "something else can be worked out." They were still affixed to the hilt of the tenchi-ken, which he kept locked away in his quarters. And they still provided life-sustaining energy to his Royal Tree.) He could return Home, and thus accede to his father's wishes. Tenchi, for the most part, was as supportive of that idea as he was of his father's new romantic interest. This house had witnessed much healing in the last few years. It was becoming more and more apparent that his life (and Nobuyuki's) were no longer anchored to the graves on the hill. Perhaps it was finally time to move on. His reverie was interrupted by a soft cough as the hatch opened. The internal lights flickered on, and Yosho leaned over to inspect the cargo. There was a handful of packages within -- two of them quite large -- and a bundle of letters. Many bore the pressed-wax seal of the Imperial House, the remainder were addressed to him and Nobuyuki in handwritten script. The former would require some careful examination, while the latter would get the immediate attention. Yosho gathered the entire shipment, heaved it out of the bay, and ordered the hatch sealed (he had forgotten to do that once before, and he had nearly shipped a half-starved squirrel off to Jurai). He readjusted the load in his arms, and started for the house. Yosho placed the packages on the dining room floor, the mail on the table, and himself into one of the chairs. Then he started sorting items into a pile for himself and a pile for his son-in-law. Not surprisingly, he got the bulk of the mail. The envelope that caught his eye first, and piqued his curiosity the most, was from his mother (her handwriting was unmistakable). He opened it slowly and methodically, ever true to his habits. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Dear Yosho, There are few calm moments here, as you may well imagine, but today is a special occasion and I felt motivated to spend a few moments in quiet reflection. Today marks the anniversary of Tenchi's arrival on Jurai, and I must say the palace has not been the same since. One year ago we landed at the capitol spaceport complex, to a totally unexpected -- and huge! -- crowd of well-wishers and glad-handers, all waiting to see the young prince and his entourage. They were not disappointed. Tenchi strode through the crowds with a well- rehearsed polish, with his new wives (Ryoko, Washu, and Mihoshi) walking very proudly behind him. And behind them came Ayeka and Sasami and I, arm-in-arm and smiling at the crowd. Your half-sisters were very happy to be home, and were completely overwhelmed by their reception. Misaki and Azusa were waiting in the terminal for them, in a private salon, and the reunion was tearful and emotional. Tenchi, for the most part, remained very stoic about the whole experience, having his hands full keeping his brides (particularly Ryoko) well behaved. It was a tentative first step, but an encouraging one. You already know the details of Ayeka's wedding, and Sasami's subsequent Betrothal Banquet, so I need not repeat them here. But as part of the overall pattern, they marked the watershed. Tenchi's family has finally settled into a comfortable pattern, and his brides moved into the supporting roles they occupy today. I mentioned Ryoko; I must say, I like her, Yosho. Once past the initial wariness, she blossoms like a wildflower. She takes her role as Tenchi's bodyguard extremely seriously, and he never leaves the palace without her. She settled into my security team quite nicely, once they gave her the latitude to express her opinions and act accordingly. I find it very comforting to know that in every photograph published of him to-date, she is either holding his hand or looking over his shoulder. And she is very sharp, too; nothing escapes her notice. She is growing into a formidable security agent. And she and Mihoshi have been sneaking away on little "errands" for me from time-to-time (when such missions don't conflict with their domestic schedule), with some pretty spectacular results. Ryoko is also getting favorable attention from the military. Recently, Tenchi had been invited to speak at the Naval Academy. But he stood at the podium just long enough to introduce her and then sat down, leaving the audience somewhat flustered. They were even more aghast when she started critiquing certain border deployments. Her assessments were challenged, naturally; she countered, and the issue was only resolved in the simulators -- in her favor. While the senior staff merely scoffed, the mid-level staff officers quickly recognized her potential and have been courting her ever since. And when she and Tenchi were invited to the annual Army-Navy fencing tournament, they put on a very impressive exhibition: Ryoko demonstrated her full repertoire of talents, and Tenchi unleashed that blinding speed and his own consummate skills (which I am proud to say that he learned from you). I hear the match ended when Tenchi disarmed her, she grappled him to the floor, and then he pulled her into a passionate kiss that received thunderous applause. They had to pry Ryoko off of him, to even more cheers. Ayeka divides her time between her husband and her father, and relishes the position she has assumed at court. Tenchi says very little during most council meetings, and I wager Ayeka spends a great deal of time coaching and explaining some of the intricacies of political maneuvering to him. She has been approached by several publishing houses eager to discuss the details of her Rescue Mission. Since it has ended in such a spectacular success, there is a general consensus that it could be an instant best seller in either novelized or serial formats. She usually brushes off their representatives with her regret that she didn't keep a diary, or that Ryu-oh's log was destroyed in the crash. Having spent time among common people (or closer to commoners, at least), getting her hands dirty and seeing the struggles that they face daily, she has assumed the role of spokesperson for quite a number of social and environmental concerns. The liberal press and the Loyal Opposition have been remarkably tame addressing her participation, but the directors and administrators of the various organizations are absolutely delighted. And while Ayeka would never publicly disagree with her father, they have had many private discussions on these topics. And, of course, being the wife of the future emperor, she is assumed to be discussing her opinions with her husband. She can be most persuasive, or so I'm told. Mihoshi was quickly reassigned as liaison to my office, and I put her to instant use by pairing her with Ryoko. They are good for each other, really, and I can see a bond building between them. Several red-faced base commanders have been given copies of her security debriefings, and the reputation of this pair is growing. They appear to be enjoying these trips immensely (Tenchi even snuck along on one of their missions, but Ayeka threw an imperial hissy fit when she found out about it). She has become quite the darling of the Galaxy Police Public Relations Department. It's not hard to see why: the Marshall's granddaughter rescued by the emperor's great-grandson, which results in True Romance and a marriage proposal. I guess a large stack of damage reports and complaints lodged against her have conveniently disappeared or been quietly paid-off. I had the pleasure of meeting most of her family at their wedding. They are a charming lot, well placed politically and quite wealthy. They are not of Great House caliber; still, Mihoshi's grandfather is using his own position -- and now her status -- as bargaining points with some of the guilds. I say Good Luck to him. Washu is less reclusive than she used to be. She divides her time between her post at the Academy and her newly-acquired family. She doesn't appear to be very enthusiastic about her teaching duties these days, or even her modest research efforts; doubtless it has something to do with the majority of administrators and faculty being the same breed of opportunistic vulture as their predecessors. The current Board members seem much more eager to exploit her publicity potentials than any real contributions she could make. I don't look for her to remain at the Academy much longer. As for her home life, she and Ryoko will often be found puttering around in her lab, or she will accompany Tenchi out to the practice field for some new test of his growing Power capabilities. She seems far less content to be alone than she used to be -- perhaps she is trying to reacquaint herself with the human race. Sasami seems the least-affected by the relocation. I have heard many comments about how poised and confident she appears. She spends her days with her tutors, and divides her evenings between our wing of the palace and Tenchi's (she has a suite there that she and Misaki have been decorating, but when she stays the night it is either with Ayeka or Ryoko). She insisted on a kitchen being added to the common area, and she keeps it well stocked and well used. Her laughter can often be heard ringing through the hallways -- such a wonderful sound! -- and she and Ryo-ohki are as inseparable as ever. I hear she still suffers from occasional nightmares, but it doesn't appear to have affected her overmuch; and we have all been the target of her practical jokes -- especially Tenchi. It is fortunate for her that he is such a good sport. And Tenchi himself: your grandson is an extremely impressive young man. You have much to be proud of, Yosho. He rarely loses his temper, is quick to laugh, and seems utterly unconcerned when his wives are arguing (I hear they used to get carried away and frequently damaged the house, but when tempers flare now it rarely takes more than a word or two from him and the participants back-off or take it outside). True to his word, he shows no favorites and dotes over all of them. They adore him. The one time I have ever seem him truly furious was during a Privy Council meeting, when Baron Seriyu made some snide comment that was blatantly insulting to Ayeka (his son was once a contender for her hand, you'll recall). Tenchi leaped to his feet even as his Power level soared into what he calls "fourth gear." The Emblem on his forehead was so bright that you couldn't even look at his face, and the Power spike that erupted was felt by Adepts all over the capitol. He vaulted over the conference table and went nose-to-nose with the Baron, demanding an instant retraction. He was so angry, and so energized, that the air around him seemed to boil. The Baron managed to squeak out a tolerable apology, but then embarrassed himself even further by emptying his bladder. Tenchi graciously accepted the apology and withdrew, fortunately, since the Baron's clothing was beginning to smolder. Tenchi returned to his chair, but not without failing to beg forgiveness from his great-grandfather for interrupting the meeting over 'personal matters' (Azusa was utterly speechless). As tempers cooled we began to notice a few things: every window in the room had shattered outwards, there were scorch marks on the ceiling over the Baron's seat, and in the midst of the confrontation Ryoko had teleported over to the door and stood barring it with brandished sword. The look in her eyes was death itself -- one word from her husband and the decapitations would have commenced. The details of this episode echoed through many a baronial council room (and the media rumormill) for weeks; Tenchi's stature was raised yet another notch. Incidentally, he has yet to be issued a single Challenge -- to his vast relief. Oh, Yosho, how I wish you were. The palace has never felt so vibrant! Tenchi and his ladies fill their wing with constant music and laughter and bickering and activities -- in short, it is full of life. For instance, there is a daily ritual that Tenchi's wives are loath to miss: Tea Time. They all gather in the common area and watch their favorite soap opera, munching on snacks and discussing the convoluted plot quirks endlessly. Which gives Tenchi the opportunity to sneak off to his garden so he can commune with nature or schmooze with the groundskeepers. Afterwards they stalk him like a pack of wolves, dragging him off to the onsen, or kitchen, or even shopping. On one such occasion I witnessed Ayeka and Mihoshi leading a reluctant Tenchi down to the Ballroom, with Ryoko floating behind, and Washu and Sasami bringing up the rear. The girls were all laughing and chattering, Tenchi groaned with resignation, and I couldn't resist the urge to tag along. It seems that they had retained the services of a noted dance instructor, and they were eager to learn the latest dances. Poor Tenchi was exhausted by the time lesson was over, but it was an absolutely hilarious hour. You'll notice that in the portraits that accompany this letter, Washu hasn't started to show, yet. When her little bombshell hit the media, Tenchi's other wives were barraged with questions (after all, this child becomes first in the Line of Succession). Ayeka made the classiest statement ("It just demonstrates our husband's generosity that he would not deny any of us our heart's desire.") and Ryoko made the most direct reply ("I'm happy for her -- naturally! -- and this way Tenchi's parenting skills will be fine-tuned by the time I need them"). Privately, they are all thrilled, and without exception have stated that if that's what Washu wants, fine -- but they're not ready for motherhood yet. Many evenings of late have been spent gathered in Washu's suite decorating the nursery, drinking and snacking, and teasing Tenchi. The botanist that Washu dispatched to Earth returned with encouraging news. Your Royal Tree can be regenerated. That is truly heartening news, and it even brought a smile to your father's face. I trust that your response will be favorable; we are already gathering the necessary equipment and personnel for the task. I know of your reluctance, my son, but your duties --and your family -- are here on Jurai. We want you to return, and we will all support you against any lingering discontent. Just look at what Tenchi has accomplished: he's only 1/8 Juraian, and one of his wives wreaked catastrophic damage on the capitol centuries ago, but he has been welcomed with open arms. You will be, too. Love, Mother - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Portraits? Yosho decided that the two largest packages must be the indicated portraits, and reached for them. They were each tightly wrapped in packing material, sealed against jostling and all manner of accidents and mishandling. He peeled the material easily off the first one, and set it upon one of the chairs, stepping back to study it. It was a photograph of Tenchi and his family, doubtless the official 'sanitized' version released for public consumption. Each of the subjects had been strategically positioned and dressed for maximum psychological value -- it had Funaho's fingerprints all over it: · Tenchi sat in the center, providing the focal point for the entire group. He was dressed in a conservative business suit of sumptuous fabric, tailored to his broad shoulders. Around his neck he wore the medallion bestowed upon him during his knighting ceremony. His smile was open and honest. To Yosho's eyes, he looked much like his mother, but some of his father's heavier jawline was apparent as well. He had the bearing of confidence and vigor so typical of the young. · In front of Tenchi sat Sasami, wearing very petite and feminine robes that enhanced the pink of her eyes and the blue of her hair. Her smile was mischievous, and her eyes were partially closed as though contemplating the appropriate prank to pull upon the viewer. Upon her lap sat Ryo-ohki in her quadruped form, bathed and brushed and wearing the necklace that Tenchi had fastened around her neck the night of his Graduation Ceremony. · On Tenchi's right sat Ryoko, with her arms loosely wrapped around his elbow. She wore a suit similar to her husband's, although cut differently to flatter her breasts. Glittering on her collar were the rank and insignia badges that declared her allegiance to Funaho's intelligence and security network. Her cyan-colored hair was as haphazard and spiky as ever, but it framed the golden eyes that considered the viewer as coolly as any predator contemplating its next meal. This was the Heir's strong right arm, and you had better take her seriously. · Behind Tenchi's right shoulder stood Mihoshi, wearing her Galaxy Police dress uniform, her hand placed upon his shoulder. On her chest were the commendation medals given to her for participating in the Kagato and Dr. Clay episodes. Her smile was wide and genuine, and her position next to Tenchi's ear spoke of advice and 'gut feelings' passed along to the intuitive side of her husband's brain. That she also stood near Ryoko (the other half of Funaho's infamous intelligence team) was a statement of solidarity between Juraian security and interstellar law enforcement. · Behind Tenchi's left shoulder stood Washu, swathed in the robes of a preceptor, mirroring Mihoshi's posture. She'd made no effort to control her long red hair, other than combing it. It spilled across her shoulders like a mane, and her head was canted slightly to the side, one eyebrow raised, as though inspecting the viewer rather than the other way around. She was obviously the source of scientific and technological advice for the logical hemisphere of her husband's brain. · On Tenchi's left sat Ayeka, with her husband's left hand sandwiched between her own. She wore the full finery of a member of the Juraian imperial family, extravagant and richly embroidered. She was the epitome of pomp and power, and symbolized the lineage that extended for generations into the past. She was expressing confidence to the viewer that there would be no interruption in the bloodline of the House of Jurai. She sat closest to her husband's heart, and thus represented his conscious. Yosho was quite impressed. As an example of propaganda, it made quite a political statement. However, this was not the image he carried in his heart. That image was much more apparent in the second portrait, which must have been taken only moments after the first: · Sasami and Ryo-ohki were both leaning backwards and twisted to the right, looking upward and laughing. Tenchi's wives were all leaning over to kiss their husband, and all were flashing the knuckles of their left hand towards the viewer -- so that the camera could record the magnificent wedding ring each wore. · Tenchi's broad smile radiated contentment. He had finally gotten his wish. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Author's Notes As is usual, I came late to the party. I watched the 13 "Tenchi Muyo" OAV episodes with my youngest daughter (a teenager) and got hooked, and then discovered it is ten years old and out of fashion in Japan these days (summer, 2001). It appears to be going through a twilight period of sorts here in the States, but having watched a couple of the movies and some of the television episodes, I have to say a good story has been terribly diluted by all the mutations to other mediums. How sad. So, call me a purist. I'll stick with the OAVs, and mourn what might have been. This story takes place after the OAV series. I've probably stretched the official storyline and canon concepts to the breaking point, but I intended merely to "flesh-out" some interesting threads and possibilities. I hope I didn't do any serious damage. The characters of Tenchi Muyo were created by Hiroki Hayashi, and brought to North America by Pioneer LDC. This story, while incorporating names and situations held under copyright by others, is copyright 2001 by Jeffery L. Harris. This story comes entirely from my imagination, and is not, nor intended to be, cannon. Please do not send the legions of lawyers after me...it's not worth their time, or mine. Any questions or comments should be directed to: Jeffery L Harris JLHOnami@aol.com Subject: "And If I Fall"