Author: Mike Fenton Title: AFS #6 (CORPORATE SILLINESS) Notes: Regular (OVA), script format Summary: A flurry of silly transactions. [Disclaimer: Tenchi Muyo! and its characters are the property of AIC and Pioneer LDC, Inc. and was created by Masaki Kajishima. This story comes entirely from my imagination, and is strictly intended to be apocryphal--so please don't sue me.] 1 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE Golden sunrise over a forested hill. Wind chimes accompany a flight of birds over the shrine. 2 INT. SHRINE Yosho sits at the table, writing in a book--glancing at another opened book at the side. A cup of tea sits off to the other side. YOSHO: (VO) Nothing like a little peace, to get some work done. He looks up and ponders. YOSHO: (VO) Too quiet. How can I get anything done when it's so peaceful? The building trembles, as a couple massive explosions go off, nearby. 3 EXT. NEARBY CLEARING Several men in uniforms confront the smoky remains of a craft, sitting at the bottom of a crater, as Yosho approaches. YOSHO: Did anyone see what happened? An officer turns and points at the wreckage. OFFICER: There was a bright flash, just before it crashed. We're not detecting any trails, so I doubt it was a missile. YOSHO: Any survivors? OFFICER: I doubt it. Wait. YOSHO: (alerted) What is it? The officer looks at the wreckage, a little surprised. OFFICER: Smugglers? (calling out) Is that what I think it is? YOSHO: (turning to the wreckage) A crate? What is that? One of the troopers returns with a broken crate, filled with bottles. TROOPER: Smugglers, I'll bet. This crate was full of contraband. The officer picks up a bottle. OFFICER: Some kind of beverage. It looks like someone was smuggling sake off-planet. YOSHO: (pointing) Or on. Look at the label. The officer turns the bottle. OFFICER: 'Cabernet Sauvignon'? YOSHO: I don't think you can get that from around here. 4 TITLE: "EPISODE 6: CORPORATE SILLINESS" 5 EXT. WOODED COUNTRYSIDE Nighttime and rainfall hang heavy in the air. Rolling hills appear here and there, with spots of pine forests. Some cropland hugs the edge of a long, paved road. A small taxi shoots by, its headlights uselessly lighting up the foggy air. 6 EXT. OBSCURE VILLA A small house near a stream, with a small car parked out in front. A light is on in one of the windows, as the taxi pulls up. Almost immediately, Ryoko, Mihoshi and Ayeka come out of the back, while Sasami, Ryo-Ohki and Samantha come out the front. Tenchi slowly emerges from the back seat, a little weary. Sasami and Ayeka take out umbrellas, and the others converge on them. TENCHI: Man, am I tired. SASAMI: Me too. (yawning) That was one long trip. MIHOSHI: I can barely stand up straight. Samantha goes around to the left side and pays the driver, while Tenchi goes back into the car and retrieves some bags. AYEKA: (weary, barely holding up) It's the jet lag. Remember, we lost eight hours. Or gained--I forget. RYOKO: (blinking back fatigue) What time is it? Tenchi is hauling bags out of the car. TENCHI: It's just past ten. That would make it about six, back home. The car pulls away, as Tenchi finishes setting out the bags and Samantha takes out another umbrella, directing them toward the villa. MIHOSHI: Is this the place? It looks small. AYEKA: Looks can be deceiving. SAMANTHA: Let's hurry up. We don't want to keep Claire waiting. 7 INT. FOYER The foyer opens out into a living room, a dining room, and a hallway. Between the living room and the dining room is a small kitchen, and the hallway turns toward a small bathroom, ending in a nice master bedroom--going past two other bedrooms. The house gives the distinct appearance of being much larger on the inside than out. Sitting at the dining room table, reading in a book, is Claire--a blonde, bespectacled woman, who--at once--appears thoughtful and gentle, while giving a vague impression of being dimwitted and clumsy. Her rough, provincial French accent betrays a slight hint of subtle eloquence. Hearing a doorbell, she looks up suddenly, adjusts her glasses, and trots to the door. She opens it and doesn't seem to recognize Samantha, Tenchi or Ayeka--standing immediately in front. CLAIRE: Oui? SAMANTHA: Bonjour, it's us! Sammy and the gang, remember? CLAIRE: Oh! Sorry. I just didn't recognize the others, I guess. SAMANTHA: Pouvons-nous aller a l'interieur? CLAIRE: Come in! Come in! It must be awfully cold out there. Samantha enters, shaking out her umbrella. SAMANTHA: Merci. It's pretty warm, compared to where I've been the past few months. CLAIRE: (briefly confused) Oh? Yes, Alaska. I forgot. Samantha and Claire step aside, as the others enter. Mihoshi starts sneezing. CLAIRE: It has been quite some time, I'm afraid. SAMANTHA: Have you seen Dotty and Spacy? CLAIRE: (rolling her eyes) Actually, yes... SAMANTHA: Still at the old gallery? CLAIRE: Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose. Mihoshi is about to ask something pithy, then suddenly sneezes again. CLAIRE: (a little alarmed) Oh, dear! You should all have something warm to drink, yes? SAMANTHA: (a grim, knowing smile) I think they need to sleep. We can arrange that, can't we? Not too much trouble for an old friend? CLAIRE: (scowling briefly, then lighting up) As long as it's just for a little while. They're just visiting, right? SAMANTHA: (chuckling) Relax, Claire. If they had been gypsies, I wouldn't have brought them here. You ought to know me, by now. AYEKA: (frowning, glancing at Ryoko) I take it we weren't entirely expected--from what I can make out. RYOKO: (too tired to frown) Let's just find a place to sleep. Tenchi scratches his head, nervously. TENCHI: At least we haven't had to pay for anything, yet. Ayeka glances at Samantha, suspiciously. AYEKA: Yes. I guess we should be grateful. Sasami glances at Ayeka, sternly. SASAMI: Ayeka... AYEKA: All right, Sasami. We won't pester anyone. RYOKO: Not right now, anyway. AYEKA: We agreed to enjoy this vacation, and so we shall. RYOKO: Just so long as some of us don't enjoy it too much. Sasami picks up Ryo-Ohki and sighs, glancing at Tenchi. 8 EXT. CLEARING Several troopers are carrying injured from the wreckage, as Yosho looks on. He frowns in thought and approaches one of the officers. YOSHO: That's strange. I seem to recognize that one. He pulls back, a little undecided. YOSHO: No. I must be mistaken. 9 EXT. SPACE GP headquarters, the usual flurry of activity. 10 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE The commander sits at his desk, typing, as the chief comes in, carrying a stack of forms. CHIEF: That's the rest of the duty logs. As much as we can complete. COMMANDER: That's all? (looking around) Why don't we have them cross-referenced with the specifications? CHIEF: Well... Detective Mihoshi still has the specifications. COMMANDER: Oh my god! Mihoshi has the duty- specs? CHIEF: Sorry, Sir. It was completely out of my hands! The special investigations coordinator for the bureau of political-- COMMANDER: Never mind all that. Just contact Mihoshi and get that book back. We'll never be able to evaluate assignments in time without it. CHIEF: Got it! The chief hurries off. COMMANDER: (looking back down) We need to put a leash on that detective. 11 EXT. OBSCURE VILLA The rain continues to pour, as the dim haze of dawn begins to build. 12 INT. DINING ROOM Mihoshi is sitting at the table with a cup of coffee and a notebook, writing. She stops for a moment and sneezes a few times as Claire enters, holding a small brown cat. CLAIRE: Est-ce que vous vous sentez malade? Oh! Excusez-moi! Parlez-vous francais? MIHOSHI: Uh... Boy, this is embarrassing... CLAIRE: I suppose you must speak Japanese. What do you speak, English? Mihoshi ponders for a moment. MIHOSHI: I can manage some English, if you can speak that. CLAIRE: (frowning) It is a piece of task, but I think I can make it do. You so, are not as tired as the others, yes? MIHOSHI: (briefly translating) Oh! No, I feel fine. Claire looks on in some surprised amusement as Mihoshi has a fresh bout of sneezing. Claire pets the cat and sits next to Mihoshi. CLAIRE: You look alike you descend with something. You should take a rest some, I think. MIHOSHI: No, no! I'm fine, really! I had some sleep on the plane. CLAIRE: Ah... Do the others therefore, speak also English, or just you? MIHOSHI: Uh... Let me think... Sasami and Tenchi know English. Sasami helped me and Ayeka quite a bit. I'm not sure, but I think Tenchi also learned some Greek. CLAIRE: Heh? MIHOSHI: Ayeka and Sasami studied Greek before they came to Japan. Of course, Sasami also studied Latin, so she picked up English a little quicker. I don't think Ryoko knows much other than Japanese. CLAIRE: So, what language is that you write in? Mihoshi looks down at her notebook for a moment, briefly confused, then looks up again, smiling. MIHOSHI: Just a little shorthand. I really hope we're not imposing! CLAIRE: No, you came to very good time. I like to return services always for my good friends. Claire adjusts her glasses as she gets up. CLAIRE: It was as... convenient as I am to know Samantha. She has the friends who can help to arrange some things. MIHOSHI: (curious) Really? What kind of things? Claire simply smiles and turns, as Mihoshi continues sneezing. CLAIRE: Good morning, Mihoshi. I hope that you have felt better, soon. Mihoshi is about to reply, as she groans and grabs her head, looking back at her notebook. MIHOSHI: (to herself) Don't do this to me. 13 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE Early afternoon--clouds beginning to roll in. 14 INT. SHRINE Yosho is sitting at the table, writing. He looks up, contemplating. 15 EXT. CLEARING Yosho looks on in a bit of shock, as he sees the body of Kilaro being hauled off on a stretcher. 16 INT. SHRINE Yosho continues writing. YOSHO: (VO) It's nothing to do with me, I'm sure. (looking up) Then again... Beta did oversee the first development project. Yosho frowns and instantly returns to his work. YOSHO: (VO) No one in this family wrote that manifesto. I would have known. 17 EXT. CITY LIMITS A small car pulls up to the side of the road, near rows of houses. Samantha, Ryoko, Ayeka, Tenchi, and Sasami emerge from the car--Ryo-Ohki emerges in cabbit form and Sasami puts Ryo-Ohki on her shoulder. Claire looks out the driver's window of the car and waves. The car then pulls away. Samantha gestures toward a small cafe, nearby. SAMANTHA: Well, here we are. 'Springtime cafe.' RYOKO: Great! Let's eat. TENCHI: Uh, Samantha. If you don't mind my asking, what's so special about this place? Samantha guides Tenchi by the shoulder toward the cafe, as she explains. SAMANTHA: Well, the food is excellent, of course. Only the locals really know about this place, and I just love the ambiance. AYEKA: (wryly amused) You mean, they show off your artwork? SAMANTHA: (grinning, turning to Ayeka) Exactly. 18 EXT. SPRINGTIME CAFE Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki (in humanoid form) are just entering as Ryo-Ohki spots an odd man in sunglasses, apparently trying to be unobtrusive, lurking across the street. The man disappears, and Tenchi looks back. TENCHI: Come on, Ryo-Ohki. 19 INT. CAFE Ryoko and Tenchi are looking up at a painting, as Samantha, Ayeka, Sasami, and Ryo-Ohki are sitting at a table. RYOKO: I hate to admit it, but her work is really good. TENCHI: Yeah. I just wish Mihoshi could see this. Samantha looks up, a little puzzled. SAMANTHA: Mihoshi? What? Isn't she here? SASAMI: (eagerly explaining) She came down with something on the trip. She had to stay in bed. SAMANTHA: (a little relieved) One less thing to worry about. 20 INT. CHIEF'S OFFICE The chief is pacing in front of his desk, as an incessant beeping sounds. CHIEF: (to the computer) Isn't she even receiving a signal? COMPUTER: Signal confirmed. CHIEF: Damn that flake! 21 INT. BEDROOM Mihoshi is laying in bed, as an incessant beeping blares through the room. Claire opens the door and enters, bringing in some soup. CLAIRE: I made you something to keep your strength. MIHOSHI: (a little raspy) Merci. CLAIRE: It is nothing. MIHOSHI: (getting up) Could you do me a favor? CLAIRE: Oui? Mihoshi removes the wrist device and hands it to Claire. Claire examines it, curiously. MIHOSHI: Could you smash that? It's really getting on my nerves. Claire chuckles as she looks up from the beeping device, and Mihoshi returns the smile, briefly. Claire drops the device and stomps on it. CLAIRE: (casual) Tout le plaisir est pour moi. Mihoshi collapses, and almost instantly falls asleep. 22 EXT. SPRINGTIME CAFE Ayeka and Sasami exit, as Tenchi, Samantha, Ryo-Ohki, and Ryoko start to emerge. AYEKA: (to Samantha) Where to now? SAMANTHA: (pointing) You see that building up ahead? Ayeka and Sasami look toward a nice four-story building, flanked by roads and buildings all around it. SASAMI: That one? About two miles from here? SAMANTHA: That's about right. Yeah. Let's walk there. It's a nice time of day for it. 23 EXT. NEAR OFFICE BUILDING Ryoko is waiting, her arms folded, as the others go walking up to the front. RYOKO: What took the rest of you so long? AYEKA: Some of us like to actually walk, you know. Tenchi looks up at the building. TENCHI: (to Samantha) So, is this where your gallery is? Samantha sighs gently as she smiles. SAMANTHA: No, (pointing to the side) that is. They turn and look around at a corner, littered with junk, cracked sidewalks, and long-dead grass with weeds. The building is little more than a glorified shack--papered- over windows, peeling paint and noticeable cracks. The whole building looks as if it was removed from a disease- infested slum by a deranged house-mover, and placed there, to annoy the neighbors. AYEKA: You must be kidding. SASAMI: Wow! How did that building get here? I didn't even notice it! TENCHI: Amazing. RYOKO: Yeah, this place is really creepy. Samantha sighs gently again, a wistful expression. SAMANTHA: Ah... No place like home, I always say. 24 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Yosho sits out front, pondering, as the sun sets. YOSHO: (VO) If pirates are spreading slanders about the royal family, then the Supreme Council can just cut off their guild. Yosho takes a sip of tea, scowling to himself. YOSHO: Unless they think Ayeka wrote that manifesto. (VO) How absurd! Ayeka? Of course, that doesn't mean they don't suspect it. 25 INT. GALLERY Bare wood flooring with simple walls and several paintings for decoration. A small collection of lockers is on one side, and a few benches line the other side. The windows are covered by severe rollup shades. Near the benches are seven easels with props and stands for paints and art tools. Along the far wall are a couple of bookshelves, a large trunk, a small wall mirror and a couple of generic floor lamps. In the middle of the room is large shag rug, flanked by a drawing table with a T-square and several architectural drawing tools, and a worn davenport sofa. One large bedroom and a small bathroom branch off the main room. Ayeka is looking around at the collection of paintings. Samantha greets Cassandra (a woman with distinctive convivial expressions despite her plain, black hair and somber manners--she seems securely effeminate and civil, but also affects the bearing of pallid lasciviousness). Cassandra speaks with a thick Spanish accent. SAMANTHA: Hey, Spacey! It's been too long, huh? CASSANDRA: Hola, Sammy. Time that you return is good. You get any older, and the gallery will begin seeming young beside you. SAMANTHA: (laughing) Now, is that any way to greet an old friend? (looking around) I know Cassandra has a big mouth, but she means well. Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki seem a little puzzled, as Sasami sighs and looks around at Ayeka. Ryoko yawns, a little bored. CASSANDRA: Big mouth! You should speak. I am here, and while finishing my study, you escape to each corner of the world! SAMANTHA: Well, not every corner. Just a few sides of it, anyway. Ayeka looks away from the paintings, and then looks back, unable to look completely away. 26 EXT. GRASSY CLEARING Ayeka is strolling through a field, dream-like, as she sees Tenchi walking hand-in-hand with Ryoko. She watches in shock as Tenchi and Ryoko look at each other meaningfully and hold each other close. AYEKA: (inaudible) No! 27 INT. GALLERY Ayeka reflexively steps back from the painting. The painting is a reddish sky, blotted with frightening images. SASAMI: What is it, Ayeka? AYEKA: (gathering herself) Huh? Oh... It's just this painting. It's very disturbing. Sasami looks at the painting, as Samantha briefly looks their way, then back at Cassandra. CASSANDRA: You still have my keys, eh? Samantha seems a little confused for a moment. SAMANTHA: Oh! Right. Samantha fishes around in a purse and takes out some keys. CASSANDRA: You haven't any need of them in Alaska, I think. Samantha notices Ayeka, as she hands the keys back. SAMANTHA: I see you've noticed Spacey's work. As you can see, she's a little out there. AYEKA: That wasn't the expression I was thinking. SASAMI: (frowning in disapproval) It's not that good. No offense, but it looks like you're having problems with your brush. (looking around at Cassandra) You know how to compose your work? Ayeka takes a lightly stern tone. AYEKA: Now, Sasami. Let's not question the style. It may look revolting, but that doesn't mean it's the result of carelessness. SASAMI: Huh? Tenchi frowns and folds his arms, and Ryoko floats next to him. RYOKO: Tenchi, are we going to stand around all day? I want to go do something fun. Samantha glances around, as Tenchi looks down, nervously scratching his head. TENCHI: You all go on. I'll catch up after I've had a word with Samantha and her friend. 28 EXT. GALLERY Ayeka, Sasami, Ryo-Ohki and Ryoko emerge, a little grateful to get outside again. RYOKO: So, what's there to do around here? SASAMI: Sammy says there's lots of clubs. AYEKA: I don't think we're going club-hopping. RYOKO: Well, what else is there? AYEKA: There are certain to be several museums. SASAMI: We could go see the space exhibit, then check out some of the theaters. RYOKO: Space exhibit? What do you want to see that for? AYEKA: Hmm... It might be fun to see their primitive technology. SASAMI: No, wait. It's Monday. We can't see the space exhibit today. It'll be closed. RYOKO: Okay. Tenchi and I will check out the clubs. The rest of you can take in some theater. Ayeka and Sasami glare at Ryoko, a little annoyed. 29 INT. GALLERY Tenchi smiles at Cassandra, a bit flustered. TENCHI: Sorry about that. Sasami has knack for ruining our little trips. SAMANTHA: Really? TENCHI: Yeah, I don't know what to say. CASSANDRA: Maybe you can make it up some day to me. I know some things on this town that even Sammy doesn't know. SAMANTHA: Sure enough, Spacey. But first, I'm going to unleash Dotty on them. CASSANDRA: (laughing) Have fun, then. (to Tenchi) There isn't any need to be sorry, young man. I am an artist, so any critic is good rather than not anything. I give welcome to insults. Tenchi smiles, relieved. TENCHI: Thank you. I hate to ruin this for you. SAMANTHA: Don't worry, Tenchi. Spacey's a psychology student, so she knows all about these little quirks your friends have. TENCHI: Yeah? CASSANDRA: It is true. They tell me that I am very good in my work. Your friends can maybe see me in a professional way, huh? They all chuckle, as Samantha suddenly scratches her head. SAMANTHA: (softly) That's not a bad idea... 30 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Yosho gets up from his seat, as evening falls. He looks around, curious, as several men in dark uniforms go sneaking past. YOSHO: Back already? That was quick. 31 EXT. OFFICE BUILDING A couple cars go past in the street, as a few pedestrians stroll by. 32 INT. OFFICE Lilian is sitting at a desk, typing. She stops and looks up, annoyed. (Lilian is blonde and dignified--like a car that's been through a fresh paint job. She seems very formidable, nonetheless--and her insistent demeanor is only curbed by a somewhat empathic manner.) She glares at a computer screen, as if she wants to slap it. LILIAN: Merde! You stupid machine! Oh! After a moment of indecision, she swats the monitor, and it continues to blink back at her. A moment later, Samantha enters, followed closely by Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, Sasami and Ryo-Ohki. LILIAN: (not looking up) Hey, Sammy! I see you have your friends with you. Stupid! Stupid! Screwed-up computer! Damn thing never works right! Samantha watches, as Tenchi and the others gather around her. SAMANTHA: Still picking on perfectly innocent machinery, I see. LILIAN: Innocent, my butt! These things are going to take over, one day! Then, you'll be sorry. (looking up) Oh! Hey, you brought a bunch, huh? TENCHI: Hello... LILIAN: How you manage to make friends while I'm stuck here-- SAMANTHA: You need to get out more, Dotty. LILIAN: Easy for you to say, Sammy. I own this company. You can always just go back to London. SASAMI: London? SAMANTHA: (annoyed, turning aside) Just ignore her, if Dotty suddenly stops making sense. Ryoko folds her arms, very bored. RYOKO: Is this going to take much longer? TENCHI: (sighing) Ryoko--the least we can do is say hello to her friends. RYOKO: (frowning) I would if I could. AYEKA: (a little smug) It helps if you take the time to learn. (turning to Lilian) Hello. My name is Ayeka. LILIAN: (briefly pleasant) Hey. (turning to Samantha) You bum! Get a real job, already! Samantha and Lilian chuckle, as a secretary walks in and sets down a small stack of forms on the desk. LILIAN: Oh, everybody. This is Penny. TENCHI: Hello. Penny smiles and hastily turns to Lilian. PENNY: These are the latest balances. LILIAN: Don't forget the quarterlies. Penny turns to leave. PENNY: Coming up! SAMANTHA: (to Tenchi) Dotty and I met back in our Biology class. We had the most interesting philosophical discussions, then. LILIAN: Yeah. I actually passed that class, too. SAMANTHA: Show off. LILIAN: So, is this everybody? Did you just come from seeing Spacey? SAMANTHA: Well, there's one more, but she got sick. Oh, yeah. They just toured the gallery. LILIAN: Whoa! My condolences. Make sure you try to steal a painting or two before you go. We don't want Spacey to think about going back to Barcelona. SAMANTHA: We're going to take the metro tour, next. LILIAN: Hey, fabulous. Damn, I wish I could go along. (rolling her eyes) Here comes more paperwork. Right on cue, Penny enters with the quarterlies. SAMANTHA: It was nice to see you again, Dotty. LILIAN: Okay. Give Roger my best! SAMANTHA: I will. Bye! Sasami seems about to say something, as Samantha hurries them out the door. TENCHI: Uh... SAMANTHA: Never mind, now. I'll explain later. 33 EXT. NEAR STRANGE CAVE Yosho is sitting next to the entrance of the cave, as a man in a dark uniform emerges into the darkness. Yosho holds up a flashlight and shines it at him. YOSHO: Hey, Kilaro! Going somewhere? The figure turns around, a little stunned. FIGURE: Yosho? How did you know I'd be here? YOSHO: I had a hunch. 34 EXT. CLASSIC THEATER An old-fashioned theater, designed in the ancient Roman style--distinctive pillars and arches. 35 INT. THEATER Tenchi and the others are watching a play, as Ayeka slowly holds her head and groans, softly. TENCHI: Ayeka? Something wrong? AYEKA: It's nothing. I'm fine. 36 INT. CHIEF'S OFFICE The commander appears on the display, very irritated. COMMANDER: (display) Don't you have that book, yet? CHIEF: Sorry, Commander. I'm still waiting for a reply. COMMANDER: (display) There's no time for that. Get someone down there, and find that book! Be quick about it! The chief salutes, stiff with resolution. CHIEF: Yes, sir! The display goes blank, and the chief sighs. CHIEF: Oh, well. So much for subtlety. 37 EXT. OBSCURE VILLA Early evening, and the small car pulls up, just as a light rain begins to fall. Tenchi and the others get out, except for Ayeka--who is helped out by Sasami. Tenchi then helps carry her. 38 INT. BEDROOM Tenchi and Sasami carry Ayeka, laying her in a bed next to Mihoshi--who is lightly sleeping. AYEKA: (croaking) Oh, why me? 39 INT. DINING ROOM Tenchi and the others sit and eat with Samantha and Claire. RYOKO: (softly) Two down, two to go. 40 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Yosho is sitting out in front with Kilaro, having some tea. YOSHO: You faked your death for some hair brushes? KILARO: The scientific interest in this site is tremendous. With all the laboratory study exchange going to the Academy, it's hard for other groups to get their hands on genetic material. A hair brush is as good as a skin sample or an organ. YOSHO: What kind of groups are we talking about? Corporate? KILARO: They pay big bucks, too. YOSHO: So, who arranged for the wine? KILARO: I don't know. Some contact in Russia, I think. YOSHO: I didn't know there was so much business interest in this planet. KILARO: There's more than one corporation involved. YOSHO: (frowning in thought) There is? KILARO: The ambassador has been teasing the best bids out, lately... So, I figured-- YOSHO: (nodding) I see. You are taking the opportunity to entertain your own bids. Kilaro gestures with his bag. KILARO: I could share the profit. Just say the word, and I'll cut you in. Yosho sets down the tea and stands. YOSHO: I don't think so. I have enough on my mind right now. You're going to return those items, once I can contact the proper authorities. Kilaro stands, disappointed, and Yosho folds his arms. YOSHO: (VO) I just wonder why they are so busy, all of a sudden. 41 INT. DINING ROOM Claire and Samantha are sitting at the table, as Tenchi enters. TENCHI: Hello. CLAIRE: Good evening. SAMANTHA: Is Ayeka okay? It's not bad, is it? TENCHI: No. She's fine. Probably just the same thing Mihoshi has. CLAIRE: Ah, good. SAMANTHA: Come and sit, Tenchi. What's on your mind? Tenchi joins them, and frowns, nervously. TENCHI: Well... It's probably none of my business, but who is this Roger? Samantha looks a little embarrassed, as Claire smiles. CLAIRE: Sammy has not mentioned Roger? Oh! (laughing) Sammy, you wicked fille! SAMANTHA: Okay, cat's out of the bag. Roger is my fiance. TENCHI: Your fiance? Wow. CLAIRE: Sammy is shy... SAMANTHA: I am not. Roger and I are just good friends. CLAIRE: You make me laugh, Sammy! Roger spends all his family's money on you! TENCHI: (confused) What? I thought-- Claire briefly adjusting her glasses, then laughs again. CLAIRE: What excuse is it, this time? Heh? How did you succeed in avoiding the altar this year? SAMANTHA: (sighing) I managed to convince Roger that I can help him get an 'alien' shot. Something he can publish. It was the best I could come up with. Roger is such a sucker for quick money schemes. TENCHI: (frowning) An 'alien' shot? You mean, like a picture? You're not actually going to give him anything, are you? Claire looks down and picks up her cat, as Samantha continues explaining. SAMANTHA: No, no. It's not like that. I really brought you all here to meet my friends, but I don't think Roger is going to mess around, this time. He's going to want a marriage, soon, and I'm running out of excuses not to. TENCHI: You don't want to marry him? CLAIRE: Of course, she wants to! Sammy's not stupid, though! SAMANTHA: It wasn't exactly an arranged marriage, but it's close enough that he owes me a few favors. I like to paint, so... Well... TENCHI: I see. CLAIRE: And Sammy is a fine painter, too. Not as good as Spacey, but-- SAMANTHA: Hey! I just don't have the luck Spacey has. She's so lucky, she scares me. 42 EXT. GALLERY A light rain continues to fall, as morning breaks again. 43 INT. GALLERY Tenchi, Ryoko, Sasami, Ryo-Ohki, and Samantha are standing behind Cassandra, watching her work. Cassandra is standing at an easel, smoking an ugly cigar, shaking her head at her work. CASSANDRA: If this were a real woman, she would weep and a stupid fool call me. What type of life is this? I should maybe go kill myself. Samantha consoles Cassandra, as Sasami and Ryoko look through a small stack of paintings. SAMANTHA: Now, now, Spacey. The joy in painting is the joy you give to others. CASSANDRA: I think they would like of seeing me killing myself. SAMANTHA: Hey... That's just the cigar talking. You know you can't handle more than five paintings a week, anyway. You lose sleep. Cassandra takes a long draw on her cigar, thoughtfully gesturing at the painting. CASSANDRA: A woman in the profile in a hospital room. Ah... What was I thinking? Samantha follows, as Cassandra goes to sit on the sofa. Ryoko shows a painting to Tenchi. RYOKO: This one's interesting. CASSANDRA: (turning) Huh? SAMANTHA: I think someone has taken an interest in your collection. Sasami gestures at the painting. SASAMI: I like this one. It's a lot better than the others. Cassandra approaches them, turning the cigar in her mouth. CASSANDRA: Do you think that, si? Do you like all the fine detail and shading? Samantha has a look of shock, then sighs deeply. Sasami smiles, only too happy to point it out. SASAMI: Oh, yeah. These facial features are brilliant. They capture just the right sense of distraction. It's like a painting-within-a-painting. Cassandra chuckles grimly, as Samantha covers her face with her hands. Tenchi examines the painting carefully. RYOKO: Hey, Tenchi. What do you think? TENCHI: I think you're right, Ryoko. It's interesting, all right. SASAMI: Oh, Cassandra. I'm sorry. I didn't know you had this much talent! CASSANDRA: I don't. SASAMI: Huh? CASSANDRA: (gesturing with the cigar) It's not mine. TENCHI: It's not? Oh! SASAMI: (mortified) Oops. Sorry. 44 EXT. STREET Tenchi, Ryoko, Samantha, Ryo-Ohki, and Sasami are exiting a metro station. Sasami grimaces and shakes her head, as Ryo-Ohki looks around behind them. Tenchi notices Ryo-Ohki and looks, spotting the figure in the sunglasses. TENCHI: Hey! I keep seeing that guy. Is he following us? SAMANTHA: (briefly startled) Huh? Oh... No. Just your imagination. TENCHI: But-- SASAMI: Oh... I don't feel so good. 45 INT. BEDROOM Tenchi and Samantha help Sasami to a bed, next to Ayeka and Mihoshi. 46 INT. DINING ROOM Tenchi, Ryoko, Samantha, Ryo-Ohki, and Claire are sitting at the table, eating. RYOKO: One more to go. TENCHI: Ryoko-- SAMANTHA: If you think I'm going to get sick, think again! CLAIRE: I think Mihoshi is starting to get better. TENCHI: Thank goodness. You should be thankful you aren't sick, Ryoko. RYOKO: Me, get sick! (chuckling) I think not. 47 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Kilaro is just going through the entrance door as Azaka and Kamidake appear. Yosho appears a moment later and clears his throat. YOSHO: Going somewhere? KILARO: No, not really! They look up, seeing a large GP cruiser landing. YOSHO: Took them long enough. 48 EXT. OBSCURE VILLA A light morning mist, and a shaft of light breaks through the clouds. 49 INT. BEDROOM Samantha, Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki are considering the sleeping figures of Ayeka, Mihoshi and Sasami, as Ryoko sits up and glares at them. Ryoko is about to speak and promptly sneezes. She then falls over in bed. TENCHI: You'll get better soon, Ryoko. RYOKO: (croaking) I hate you all. Samantha, Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki turn to leave as Ryoko sits up again. RYOKO: Wait! TENCHI: What is it, Ryoko? RYOKO: Keep an eye on him, Ryo-Ohki! Ryoko then falls over and groans. Tenchi sighs and leaves, carefully shutting the door behind them. 50 EXT. MASAKI HOUSE Yosho and Kilaro are standing with Azaka and Kamidake, speaking with an officer. OFFICER: Okay, where's Mihoshi? YOSHO: Mihoshi? She's in France! KILARO: Oh, yeah. OFFICER: What is she doing in France? Where is France, anyway? YOSHO: (irritated) Are you going to take this man in, or not? OFFICER: Sorry, Sir. I have my orders. Kilaro looks around, a little smug. 51 EXT. STREETS Several shots of Tenchi, Samantha and Ryo-Ohki being pursued by the man with the sunglasses. In the last one, Tenchi finally stops and confronts the man. TENCHI: Hey! Roger, right? MAN: Huh? Who? Are you talking to me? SAMANTHA: (rolling her eyes) Come on, Roger! Give it up. You blend in about as well as an elephant in a planetarium. Roger takes off his sunglasses. ROGER: I see how it is! This was all just a silly game to you, huh? SAMANTHA: (shaking her head) Roger, don't behave like a child. Tenchi watches in amazement as Samantha walks off with Roger, waving to them--as Ryo-Ohki and Tenchi stand there. TENCHI: Now what? RYO-OHKI: Miya! TENCHI: Hey, yeah. Good idea! A huge GP cruiser lands almost on top of where Roger and Samantha were, just one minute ago. Tenchi and Ryo- Ohki approach it, as other people scatter. An officer emerges. OFFICER: I don't suppose you know where Mihoshi is. 52 EXT. GALLERY Late afternoon turns to evening twilight. 53 INT. GALLERY Tenchi and Ryo-Ohki (cabbit form) are eating, as Cassandra paints. Cassandra glances at Ryo-Ohki for a moment, and grins. CASSANDRA: I think I have found a most wonderful inspiration. Tenchi gets up and looks at the painting. TENCHI: You know, I don't care what Sasami says. That is really good. CASSANDRA: You think so? TENCHI: I wish I could paint like that. Cassandra stops and cleans her brush, casually gesturing. CASSANDRA: It is nothing, really. Once you learn the tools of the trade, it seems easy shamefully. TENCHI: It doesn't take long to learn? CASSANDRA: Of someone that knows, some months it takes maybe. For you... (pickup a cigar and lighting it) I think, maybe about two weeks. TENCHI: (carefully considering) Yeah, I think you're right. Ryoko only needed a little help, and she was painting amazing things. CASSANDRA: (a little surprised) Your friend Ryoko is an artist, also? TENCHI: (frowning with confusion) Well, it's a little complicated. Cassandra grins and sits on the sofa gesturing expansively. CASSANDRA: I see. So, you and Ryoko have something going on, yes? TENCHI: You could say that. I'm not sure what you call it, though. CASSANDRA: What is the big mystery? You a man is, she a woman is? TENCHI: Yeah, but that's not it. CASSANDRA: So, sit down and tell me about her. You can trust me. I am a specialized professional, you know. I would never say to anyone. Tenchi sighs and sits on the rug, picking up Ryo-Ohki and petting her. TENCHI: I know that. I just can't piece things together. I mean--one moment, you love someone, the next moment, you hate them. CASSANDRA: Yes. Yes, this sounds about right. TENCHI: Hmm... Let me think. 54 INT. FORTRESS LARGE CHAMBER (b/w--flashback) Ryoko A is sitting at the table, a half-empty cup of sake on the table. She is sitting, staring off into space. Behind her, Washu approaches. WASHU: No need to get up, Ryoko. I think I might have figured out a way to solve your little problem. 55 INT. GALLERY Tenchi scratches his head, trying to remember. TENCHI: Do you know much about dreams? CASSANDRA: Dreams are my specialty, and not just Jungian analysis. Are you dream of love and hate? TENCHI: No. I was wondering if dreams have something to do with imprinting. What is imprinting? CASSANDRA: (intrigued) Imprinting... That is something instinctive. Nobody really knows how it works, but it is like... auto-pilot. TENCHI: Huh? CASSANDRA: (explaining) Si. Each creature has some kind of instinct to train them. What to follow and what to avoid. Imprinting gives us an image of what we love and hate in a very primitive way--you know, stimulus, response. You cannot trust the genetics to show them who their mother is, so the brain makes click at some point. It is the same for friends, enemies, lovers... TENCHI: (realizing) So, everyone has a specific time that they learn these images? CASSANDRA: (leaning back, grinning) Well, with the mother it is easy to demonstrate, but with other types of imprinting... It is easy to confuse a type of imprinting with another. Does this help? TENCHI: (smiling, a little embarrassed) I think the art is more illuminating, but yeah... It clears up a few things. Cassandra gets up, twisting her cigar. CASSANDRA: Okay. You've listened to Tia Spacey long enough. Allow me to show you some tricks of the trade... 56 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE The chief is standing in front of the commander, a little nonplussed, as the commander looks through Mihoshi's notebook. COMMANDER: Okay, that's nearly everything. What's these last few entries? CHIEF: (sighing) I have no idea. COMMANDER: (frowning at the book) Cuckoo clocks... Knickknacks... Statuettes... CHIEF: (explaining) Mihoshi was delirious, when we found her. COMMANDER: (exasperated) Never mind! Just enter it, as is. The chief makes a double-take. CHIEF: As is? COMMANDER: With all the other errors, who's going to notice a few more? CHIEF: Yes, Sir. COMMANDER: Oh, and the courier you have in holding... He's got diplomatic immunity. No point in charging him. CHIEF: Right... 57 EXT. MASAKI SHRINE Another golden sunrise. 58 INT. SHRINE Yosho sits at the table, again, writing in a book. He looks up briefly, and frowns. YOSHO: (VO) Ah... Nice and quiet again... He picks up a cup of tea and takes a sip. He adjusts his glasses and settles into a look of sheer boredom. YOSHO: (VO) Damn... THE END