[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 EPIGRAM: "Once upon a time there were three little sisters," the Dormouse began in a great hurry; "and their names were Elsie, Lacie, and Tillie; and they lived at the bottom of a well--" "What did they live on?" said Alice, who always took a great interest in questions of eating and drinking. "They lived on treacle," said the Dormouse, after thinking a minute or two. "They couldn't have done that, you know," Alice gently remarked; "they'd have been ill." "So they were," said the Dormouse; "_very_ ill." -- Lewis Carroll, _Alice In Wonderland_ 2 EXT. OBSCURE PLANET 3 INT. TENT The tent is dark aside from the glow of the heater. Ryoko is curled up in a fetal position, sucking her thumb. Ayeka is sprawled, face-up, snoring and absently petting Ryo-Ohki. Washu is sitting up, awake, scowling and looking upward, as if seeking a sign from the top of the tent. CU. WASHU WASHU: (softly) Wherever you are, Tenchi, I hope you're lonely and miserable. Damn, it's cold in here! 4 INT. MIHOSHI'S BEDROOM A faint blue outline reveals Tenchi and Sasami, lying together. Tenchi sits up, fanning himself softly. Sasami murmurs and looks up. SASAMI: (softly) Tenchi, where are we? TENCHI: Mihoshi's apartment. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (sighing) Oh yeah. I forgot. I'm so glad I could make up with Mihoshi. She's still pretty upset at you, though. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I never realized how mean she could look. I guess I'm just lucky I didn't marry her. BEDROOM Sasami reaches out and punches Tenchi in the arm. SASAMI: That's a really cruel thing to say, Tenchi. You don't know what she's been through. She probably only joined the rangers for you, you know. TENCHI: Yeah. She went through all that training and got that villa just outside of Okayama. I never realized Mihoshi wanted to live in Japan. Strange, huh? SASAMI: Not really. Mihoshi just likes planning ahead--a little too far, if you ask me. Why in the world did she join the rangers in the first place? I never quite understood that. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: That was probably my fault. (sighing) I seem to recall mentioning that I thought Mihoshi would look good in the scout uniform. It seemed like a completely innocent remark at the time, but you know Mihoshi. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Yeah. That sounds about right. BEDROOM TENCHI: I just wish I'd seen that graduation ceremony. That must have been something. SASAMI: Nah. Probably just a lot of marching around and some silly speeches. TENCHI: When was that? It seems like it was just yesterday. SASAMI: Two weeks ago. Fourteen long days ago. (sigh) Oh Tenchi, this is driving me crazy! TENCHI: You're still worried about Ayeka and Ryoko? SASAMI: I can't help it. Where are they? We should have at least heard from them by now. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: You know them, Sasami. They spend so much time arguing, they've probably forgotten all about us. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: (amused) I seriously doubt that. (wistful) I wonder how they would react if they could see us right now. CU. TENCHI He chuckles, wryly. TENCHI: Well, I'm sure Ayeka would be overjoyed. She'd probably say something like, 'It's about time you started showing some maturity, Sasami. I salute your decision to renounce the royal family. I think it will give you more renown and prove your dignity. I didn't give you enough credit for your courage either. I am both humbled and proud.' CU. SASAMI Grinning, ironically. SASAMI: You're such a naughty boy, Tenchi. I can only imagine what Ryoko would say, though. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (laughing) I think she'd say, 'Why, Tenchi! How good for you! You know, I always thought you two were perfect for each other! I'm so moved, I think I'm going to cry.' CU. SASAMI Smiling briefly, then frowning darkly. SASAMI: That's not very funny, Tenchi. You know how sensitive she is. BEDROOM TENCHI: Yeah. I know. SASAMI: Anyway, she'd probably say, 'Hey! That's okay. I never really liked you, anyway. You just remind me of what a loser I am!' They both chuckle, sadistically. 5 TITLE: "SHIPWRECKED" 6 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS The tower almost seems to touch the giant red planet, hanging in an evening sky. 7 INT. LIBRARY A normal sized room with one balcony going around two sides of the top half. Shelves filled with books line three walls on the lower half of the room and the two sides with the balcony on the top. A small ladder connects the top and lower half floors, and large windows appear on the third side of the room at the top. On the fourth side is a large set of doors and small tables sitting off to either side of the doors. At the center of the room is a large model replica of the floating city, complete with a model forest and little winged horses flying around the model city. Tsunami is sitting on the floor at the base of one shelf, reading. Several children in curious attire are sitting at the tables--some reading, others playing little games. Mimi enters, looking around at the children in annoyance. Mimi goes to the wall just above one table and removes a painting. Alepios enters, carrying another painting with one hand. By the way he carries it, the painting is obviously very light. He looks around, somewhat annoyed, then stands next to Mimi. ALEPIOS: Here? Tsunami looks up from her reading, as Alepios hangs the painting. MIMI: Hmm... Yes, that looks good. CU. ALEPIOS Considering. ALEPIOS: I thought the other one looked better. CU. MIMI MIMI: (annoyed) There aren't enough garden scenes in this room. This just looks a little out-of-place, at the moment. Familiarity can color your opinions, you know? CU. ALEPIOS Absently agreeing. ALEPIOS: Yeah, I know all that. LIBRARY Several children look up and stare at Mimi and Alepios. Mimi looks around, a little nervous. ALEPIOS: Well... It's charming enough. MIMI: Charming? I spent weeks doing this. Tsunami frowns and goes back to reading. ALEPIOS: I'm sorry. It's bold--brilliant. I just love all the little... nuances... CU. MIMI Trembling in anger. MIMI: You really think so? You aren't just humoring me? CU. ALEPIOS He rolls his eyes. LIBRARY Several of the children begin to whisper to themselves and point. A few start to chuckle. MIMI: (choking back anger) Well, since you like it so much, you can keep it. Mimi takes the painting off the wall again and hands it to Alepios. Alepios sighs with annoyance. CU. MIMI She gestures, nervously. MIMI: Go on! Hang it in the stable! See if the horses like my work! LIBRARY Mimi gasps as Alepios rather nonchalantly leaves the room with the painting. Several more children start to chuckle. Mimi glares at them as they try to hide grins. Mimi looks over at Tsunami and approaches, somewhat stiffly. MIMI: That was my best work. I can't believe he actually didn't like it. (looking around) What is the matter with all of you? (looking down) Hey! Crazy girl! CU. TSUNAMI She looks up, blankly. CU. MIMI MIMI: Did you see that painting? Wasn't it marvellous? And he just called it 'charming.' Really... CU. TSUNAMI Looking back down at her book. TSUNAMI: I didn't get a good look at it. LIBRARY MIMI: You have no interest in my work? I thought you liked paintings. TSUNAMI: (casual) I'll make sure I go by the stables tonight. MIMI: (folding her arms) You do wipe down the horses, don't you? Didn't you pledge yourself that boy's servant? TSUNAMI: Yeah, but he won't let me do strenuous chores. You know how he is. He only lets me cook, clean and do laundry for him. CU. MIMI MIMI: Men! That's so typical. They assume you're a weakling, then whine about how you never help them with the heavy lifting! Who needs them? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Hmm... You've really put some thought into this. (she looks up from her book) You're starting to have feelings for this servant boy, huh? CU. MIMI MIMI: (shocked) That's ridiculous! Me and a servant boy! Please... I'd sooner wrestle a javalina. LIBRARY Tsunami chuckles, shaking her head in amusement. TSUNAMI: I think a javalina would be frightened off just at the color of your hose, Mimi. MIMI: Oh yes. That's right. I'm talking to an expert on javalina wrestling. Or are you in the habit of leaping from tree top to tree top, nowadays? TSUNAMI: Actually, I prefer to play with the wolves, but I'm not doing anything dangerous anymore. You know that. I hate to worry you, Mimi. You can be very temperamental. CU. MIMI Frowning, a little taken aback. MIMI: You're reckless, Tsunami. The sight of you lying dead still sickens me. You don't know what I've been through the past few weeks. LIBRARY Tsunami closes her book and looks down, considering. TSUNAMI: (softly) You know I never meant for any of that to happen. How else can I express my regret at what happened? MIMI: (subdued) I really don't care what you do, Tsunami. I just hate it when all those stuck-up elders start breathing down my neck. They actually expect me to look after you, now that Washu isn't here to do it for me. It's a terrible burden, making sure you aren't doing anything stupid from one moment to the next. I can't concentrate on my own work anymore. CU. MIMI She kneels down to speak with Tsunami softly. MIMI: Did you know that some of them actually accused me of plotting to have you murdered? Me? You have any idea how angry that made me? CU. TSUNAMI Scowling with regret. TSUNAMI: I'm sorry, Mimi. I didn't set out to make you miserable. (looking up) I promise I won't do anything stupid again. You don't need to worry about me. CU. MIMI Thoughtful and pensive. MIMI: Are you sure? I can't handle any more pressure. Anything else goes wrong, I'm doing the sensible thing and absolving myself of the matter, entirely. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Yes. I'm sure. LIBRARY Mimi nods as she considers. MIMI: (softly) I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but those elders expect a lot from you. They keep saying that you're the strongest being in the universe. You have so much potential, etc. You can understand how they would get upset to hear that you died before you could mature properly. Tsunami boggles in amazement. MIMI: I have to do so much just to get their attention, now. I can't be expected to keep up with you. Cut me some slack, huh? TSUNAMI: (somewhat amused) It's okay, Mimi. I'm not going to outshine you. You're far more beautiful than I'll ever be. CU. MIMI MIMI: (pleasantly surprised) Really? (casual) I mean, yeah. Of course I am. Don't you forget it, either. LIBRARY Tsunami picks up her book and opens it again. MIMI: What's with all these village children? They seem to like being near you. You have a thing for children? TSUNAMI: (sighing) No. Actually, they give me the creeps. I don't know why it is, but they just seem to like being near me. Tsunami goes back to her reading, as Mimi looks around curiously. MIMI: I think Washu has a thing for children. (sigh) I wish she was here again. 8 EXT. SNOWY PLAIN Washu cuts a valiant picture, stalking a polar bear. She levels a blaster and fires, missing badly. CU. WASHU WASHU: Damn! These gloves just aren't made for holding blasters. Hmm... That gives me an idea... PLAIN An old man (the alchemist) appears just off to the side. His face is vaguely reminiscent of a wolf, and he appears to have a gentle smile across his lips most of the time. His eyes seem very cunning, and he has a tendancy to move his eyes just ahead of the action--as if in anticipation. ALCHEMIST: It looked like you led him a little too much. WASHU: (snorting) That's what amateurs always say. I think it was a pocket of air. (looking around, suddenly) Uh... Hey! CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: 'Who are you?' 'What do you want?' Do we really have to play that silly game, Washu? CU. WASHU She scowls, considering. WASHU: Well, I can't say I recognize you. I'd rather know how you got here, though. PLAIN ALCHEMIST: Some would say that one's position in the universe is the infusion of one's own will and the will of the universe, but I think that's just nonsense. I think the universe simply doesn't care where you are--so, there you stay. WASHU: Wait a minute. You're an alchemist. You've made some kind of deal with Ryoko, haven't you? ALCHEMIST: You caught me red-handed. I don't suppose you've figured out how to get around the blocks... CU. WASHU Carefully composed. WASHU: Blocks? What blocks? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (amused) Ah, yes. The old training never goes away, does it? PLAIN WASHU: (irritated) Okay, we'll play this out. Who are you and what do you want? ALCHEMIST: Well, you've already surmised who I am, and what I want is irrelevant. I'm just a messenger. I make deliveries, and then I leave. Now, if you should happen to have any messages to return, I could handle that as well. WASHU: A message? From who, and to whom? ALCHEMIST: From me to you, actually. I have a prophetic warning to deliver, thanks in part to Tsunami. Tsunami, thank heavens, does not always know her own strength. CU. WASHU WASHU: Tsunami? A warning? Maybe this is a bad idea... CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: Well, it's your choice, of course. You should know, though, that Tsunami has made her choice. She came and dealt with me, most willingly. CU. WASHU A little startled. WASHU: You're playing both her and Ryoko? You're not pitting one against the other, are you? PLAIN ALCHEMIST: And if I were? What do you care? Surely, if you dislike my intentions you could just shoot me. Why would I endanger myself like this? WASHU: Maybe you just like playing with fire. Maybe someone should teach you a lesson. ALCHEMIST: You, teach me? (laughing) Now, who's playing with fire? WASHU: Who are you, really? What do you want with me? CU. ALCHEMIST He sighs and folds his arms. ALCHEMIST: I am a businessman--nothing more. I will present my offer, then you can choose. If you like what I'm selling, then we make an exchange. If not, I will leave and never bother you again. CU. WASHU WASHU: And if I choose not to make a choice? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: If that is your decision, then I will respect it, as well. 'Caveat emptor,' as I always say. However, I do not deal in trifles. What I have to offer you is small, but it could change your life. Alchemy isn't something you bump into on a daily basis. PLAIN WASHU: Now, you're leading with your offer. Hmm... Alchemy, huh? Who's to say I should be interested? ALCHEMIST: Think about it this way: science is the study of things you can prove. What does that make alchemy? WASHU: The study of things you cannot prove... Interesting. I'm listening. ALCHEMIST: I already have one apprentice, so I cannot take you myself. I can think of one who can, though. WASHU: Who? CU. ALCHEMIST He smiles, devilishly. ALCHEMIST: Ryoko, of course. Once she has mastered alchemy to my satisfaction, I will persuade her to train you. Delicious irony, don't you think? CU. WASHU WASHU: (annoyed) For you, maybe. What would I have to do to earn this favor? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: Nothing. Just this once, I've decided to offer an apprenticeship for free. It becomes irrelevant if you refuse to hear my warning, though. CU. WASHU WASHU: (wistful) The transformation of objects... Wow. You must be desperate. Okay. I'll hear this warning. My ears are burning. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: Okay, here goes. Very soon, Ryoko will die-- CU. WASHU WASHU: Again? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (a little annoyed) Yes, again. And she will stay that way unless you agree to stay out of my way. PLAIN WASHU: And Tsunami knows this? ALCHEMIST: She knows, but I'm not sure she knows that she knows. In any case, Tsunami can do nothing for Ryoko. WASHU: And you can? ALCHEMIST: I am a master of all I attempt. I always offer, and I always deliver--I don't always get paid, but that's another matter. CU. WASHU She contemplates carefully. WASHU: So, Tsunami has already made her move. Maybe someone should warn Ryoko--spare her that grief. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (amused) Not me. You think I have a death-wish? You can guess what I promised to deliver to her. CU. WASHU Smiling wryly. WASHU: Ryoko is so predictable. Yes, I know too well the dangers of over-nurturing. I'm not doing that again. CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (a little annoyed) I know how you tend to react. I calculated this very carefully. I studied you before you made that excursion to the past. PLAIN WASHU: You're too careful for your own good. You must know I won't decide right away. I may not decide in your favor. (she brandishes the blaster) I might just shoot you right now. ALCHEMIST: Yes, as I already said. I take risks, but I play percentages. It makes life interesting, don't you agree? WASHU: (sighing) Yes. I have to admit it does. It can also be very upsetting when you calculate wrong. ALCHEMIST: Very well. I will leave you to your decision, but be ready when the time comes. Ryoko's body will not keep in the stone forever. The alchemist vanishes. WASHU: (upset) Hey! Wait! (groaning) At least get us off this stupid planet! 9 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The sky is turning somewhat purple, as evening begins. 10 INT. DINING HALL Tenchi and Kimiko are sitting at a table. Tenchi is sitting, staring at a painting, as Kimiko sits with her head resting on her arms. Sasami comes out of the kitchen and sits next to Tenchi. KIMIKO: (sleepily) Tenchi, what do you want to be when you grow up? TENCHI: (kindly) I always wanted to be a super secret agent, like James Bond. KIMIKO: Who? SASAMI: Never mind, Kimiko. Tenchi's just being facetious-- CU. TENCHI TENCHI: No, seriously. I like the thought of pulling off dangerous stunts and sleeping with beautiful women all the time. I just need a diabolical villain to bring down. Nobody wants to take over the universe, though. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Not at the moment. Maybe next week. All my diabolical schemes are sitting in the bottom drawer, right under my sleeping clothes. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Could you two be serious for one minute? I'd really like to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, Tenchi. CU. TENCHI Seriously considering. TENCHI: Well, I've never given the matter much thought. I really couldn't say. HALL KIMIKO: (brightly, looking up) Well, I know what I want to be when I grow up. I want to be someone's pet. SASAMI: Like a dog? KIMIKO: More like a cat. I like how independent cats are. You never have to worry about whether you're early or late for something or what time of the year it is. Every day is a fresh, new experience to be enjoyed. All you have to do is complain when you want to eat and don't mind it too much that you have to crap in a fairly public place. TENCHI: (groaning) I just knew you could find the dark side of anything, Kimiko. SASAMI: Yes, you make it sound enviable and repulsive at the same time. Hikaru enters, looking a little annoyed. (Hikaru is somewhat old, but he carries himself with quiet dignity. He has a serious and thoughtful expression most of the time. He is tall and hale, and by his movement, you might guess that he is somewhat impassive, but his posture is laconic.) He strolls over to the table, handing a broom to Tenchi. HIKARU: Tenchi, how many times have I told you? When you are done scrubbing the bathroom, you must go sweep the front steps. TENCHI: (subdued) Sorry, Hikaru. I guess I forgot. HIKARU: (sigh) Try harder. CU. SASAMI She scowls in thought. SASAMI: I know I've said this before, but he reminds me of someone... 11 EXT. OBSCURE CANTINA The sky is growing dark in early evening light. Tenchi is standing near the end of walkway, leaning on the broom. A small groundcar pulls up and deposits Mihoshi nearby. Mihoshi hands something to the driver and walks up to Tenchi. MIHOSHI: (stiff) Hey, Tenchi. TENCHI: (a little awkward) Hey there, Mihoshi. A moment passes as Mihoshi stands, stiff. She then hugs Tenchi and begins sobbing. CU. TENCHI Scowling with embarrassment. TENCHI: It's okay, Mihoshi. Things like this just happen. Nobody meant to hurt you. CU. MIHOSHI She slowly collects herself. MIHOSHI: It's not that, Tenchi. I just came here to tell you off, once and for all. I can't do that, though. I just take one look at you and fall apart. I'm such an idiot! WALKWAY TENCHI: Nobody feels worse about hurting you than Sasami and I. We'd do anything to make it up to you. You know that. MIHOSHI: It's no problem, Tenchi. I still think you'll come to your senses one day. (slyly) I'd make a much better lover than that kid. Tenchi looks around, chuckling. TENCHI: Uh... Not much chance of that now. It's nothing personal, Mihoshi. I have nothing against you. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Huh? What do you mean? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I feel like a puppet, sometimes. I just lose control whenever I'm around Sasami. I keep telling myself that I'll pull back and maybe even fight her a little--then I just blindly go along with whatever she wants. It's really weird. I feel like I'm a different person when we're together. CU. MIHOSHI MIHOSHI: Yeah. I noticed that a long time ago. You always seemed to be looking up to her, even when she was shorter than you. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What's really weird is she always gets a little disappointed that I don't resist her, but then I get the feeling she actually enjoys the disappointment. WALKWAY Mihoshi starts to laugh. MIHOSHI: That's funny. I think that's exactly what I like about you, too. Tenchi scratches his head, nervously, as Kimiko appears and approaches. KIMIKO: Hey Tenchi, who's this? TENCHI: (looking around) Oh. Kimiko, this is Mihoshi. Mihoshi, Kimiko. MIHOSHI: Hi! KIMIKO: (to Mihoshi) Hey there! (to Tenchi) Tenchi, Sasami needs some help in the kitchen again. Evening rush, you know. MIHOSHI: (to Kimiko) Oh, let me. I'm pretty handy with a knife. CU. KIMIKO She glances at Tenchi suspiciously. CU. TENCHI He looks at Kimiko doubtfully, then smiles. TENCHI: Oh, it's okay, Kimiko. Mihoshi and I go way back. She's got a knack for preparing stuff. CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: Oh. Then, I'll stay here. I need a break. WALKWAY Kimiko sits on the last step of the stairs and takes out a snack. Mihoshi waves at the groundcar, and it drives off. MIHOSHI: See you... Tenchi waves as Mihoshi goes inside the cantina. KIMIKO: How much longer are you staying? TENCHI: Till I find out who did that painting. So far, it's my best lead. I think I've just about figured out how she thinks. CU. KIMIKO A little surprised. KIMIKO: She? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh--I mean, the artist who painted that painting. I'm pretty sure it's a woman. CU. KIMIKO She scowls and ponders, looking at the snack. KIMIKO: (gesturing) You want some of this? WALKWAY Tenchi looks at Kimiko curiously. TENCHI: Huh? Oh, no. Thanks, but I just ate. KIMIKO: A woman, huh? What else have you discovered about her? TENCHI: Well... It seems like she's trying to duplicate someone else's work. It's hard to imagine, but I think there might actually be someone greater than she is. KIMIKO: Wow. Even greater? TENCHI: Her work seems to be a kind of contained cry of envy. In a way, I'm really starting to pity her. CU. KIMIKO She seems about to say something very pithy, then stops. KIMIKO: I... uh... Oh, never mind. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: What? CU. KIMIKO KIMIKO: (sigh) Sorry. I just thought I had an idea who this artist was. Now that I think about, I'm probably wrong. WALKWAY Kimiko stands and strolls back inside, looking very morose. Tenchi looks after her, curiously. 12 INT. TENT Ryoko and Ayeka are shivering around the heater. Washu enters, and picks up Ryo-Ohki. RYOKO: No bear? WASHU: You can hunt your own, today. I've got a lot on my mind right now. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Little Washu, it's pretty obvious by now that the distress signal isn't working. What else can we do? CU. WASHU WASHU: If all these cargo ships keep assuming that we're pirates, there's really nothing we can do except hope that they'll pass along our whereabouts to a local scout patrol. Beyond that, we're stuck here till I can figure out how to fix Ryo-Ohki's stabilizer. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: If Ryo-Ohki is fit to fly, we can just skip the hyperspace route. I'd rather take my chances in space than here. TENT Washu looks at Ryoko, and smiles--somewhat pitifully. CU. RYOKO Ryoko frowns a bit. 13 INT. RYOKO'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) CU. RYOKO RYOKO: How can I win Tenchi again? CU. ALCHEMIST ALCHEMIST: (very matter-of-factly) You can't. Tenchi is beyond your reach, now. Sorry. BEDROOM Ryoko reels a little. RYOKO: (nearly breathless) What? ALCHEMIST: I said he is out of your reach, but I can give him to you. For me, it's a snap. RYOKO: (groaning) No, I don't believe you! (vicious) You're a monster! 14 INT. TENT Washu looks at Ryoko curiously, and Ryoko turns away. WASHU: (gently) Anything you want to tell me, Little Ryoko? RYOKO: (pained) Leave me alone. 15 INT. RYOKO'S BEDROOM (B/W--flashback) Ryoko tries to slap him, but the alchemist grabs her hand. CU. RYOKO Tries to pull her hand away. ALCHEMIST: (OC) You should be more respectful to your elders, young lady. I'm old enough to be your grandfather. RYOKO: Let me go! BEDROOM The alchemist continues to hold her hand, drawing her closer. ALCHEMIST: (softly) I know what you want, Ryoko. You want a quick change, but it can't happen quickly. You have to be patient. Time is an absolute. 16 INT. TENT Ryoko groans and clutches her head with both hands. AYEKA: Is something the matter, Ryoko? You look like you are ill. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (harsh) Just shut up! Leave me alone! Both of you, just leave me alone! TENT Ayeka looks at Washu in some alarm, as a thunderclap goes through the tent. WASHU: (gasping) A rescue ship! We're saved! 17 EXT. SNOWY PLAIN A large GP cruiser descends and touches down near the tent. From the tent, emerge Washu, Ayeka and Ryoko. Ayeka falls to her knees, weeping. Ryoko looks down at Ayeka in some disgust, considering the design of the cruiser. Washu begins strolling quickly out toward the cruiser, holding Ryo-Ohki. Ayeka gets up and starts to follow. Ryoko frowns and follows Ayeka. A hatch opens out of the bottom of the ship, and a GP officer emerges. He marches over to Ayeka and frowns as he considers and nods to himself. WASHU: This is such a relief! We've been stuck here for so long. AYEKA: Yes. This is very kind of you, sir. I cannot tell you how grateful I am! CU. OFFICER OFFICER: Are you princess Ayeka, the daughter of the emperor of Jurai, crown princess to the throne of Jurai? CU. AYEKA She looks a little stunned. AYEKA: Yes. That is certainly correct, sir. I am pleased that someone recognizes me. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: Uh... If you could, your highness, please hand over all your weapons... PLAIN Washu and Ryoko look on, as Ayeka ponders. AYEKA: I beg your pardon? OFFICER: Please, your highness. Do not make this difficult. I have a warrant for your arrest. Just cooperate, and I'll let the prosecutors know that you are complying fully. RYOKO: Well, this is a switch. WASHU: Ryoko. This is serious. Galaxy Police don't just wander around in pirate territory, looking for wanted men. They must be a little anxious if they went to all this trouble. OFFICER: Please. I do not wish to make this a political incident. Just come along with us, your highness, and we will make this as quiet as possible. CU. AYEKA She looks a little faint. AYEKA: No! I demand to at least know what the charges are! I have my rights, just like any ordinary citizen. CU. OFFICER He sighs and pulls out the warrant. OFFICER: (reading) The charges are: two counts of abduction and two counts of attempted murder. CU. AYEKA Stunned with disbelief. AYEKA: No, this can't be. CU. OFFICER He takes out a small pad, and begins to recite. OFFICER: (reading) You have the right to council. If you waive right to council, anything you say can be given in testimony against you. Is that understood, your highness? CU. WASHU WASHU: Uh... If you don't mind, sir--who filed this complaint? PLAIN The officer flips through the pad and looks for something there. OFFICER: Well, according to my notes, these complaints were all filed years ago by a citizen named Ryoko. We seem to have lots of evidence on file, but I'm afraid it's pretty old. We're going to need her as a material witness. Most of the old charges have been rendered void by the statute of limitations, so we need to re-verify all our remaining evidence. Ryoko looks a little shocked by the revelation. AYEKA: (to Ryoko) Ryoko? Are you insane? I'm not a criminal! WASHU: (chuckling) Uh... Ayeka means some other Ryoko-- This can't be the same one... The officer looks at his pad, then at Ryoko. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: No, my data confirms it. This is the woman who filed this complaint. CU. RYOKO She sighs and smiles, wryly. RYOKO: Well, Princess. I guess they finally came to their senses. Those charges are true, you know. CU. WASHU She scowls, aggravated. WASHU: Ryoko! We're wasting time! CU. RYOKO RYOKO: No, we're not. I wouldn't miss this for anything. Come on, Washu. You're probably a material witness too. 18 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Tenchi and Sasami are lying together in the bed. Sasami looks up wistfully, apparently pondering. SASAMI: Tenchi, are you awake? TENCHI: Yeah... SASAMI: What are we going to do? We aren't going back to Earth, are we? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: We'll have to at least visit. We can't stay away. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Where will we go? BEDROOM TENCHI: Why not stay here? I mean, Leo. It's a very pretty place to live. My quest probably won't take me away. This place has a lot of affordable land. I have a few of my own plans for a house. I've just never put it all together before. It should be interesting to try, don't you think? SASAMI: You think you can fit in? TENCHI: Leo has a lot of recreation centers for old war veterans. Hikaru is a war veteran. He could hook me up with a few of them. I could show them some of my technique. You wouldn't mind making some particular dishes? SASAMI: It sounds like a great idea. TENCHI: I've already met quite a few war veterans in my travels, and they all seem to have the most particular tastes. They don't always know good food, but the things they love can be pretty exotic. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: This is a good plan. If anybody can help out with a quest, it's a war veteran. I think we should start making subtle forays... CU. TENCHI TENCHI: As long as we don't get carried away. There's always Earth to go back to, if things don't work out. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: But Ayeka won't return to Jurai. BEDROOM TENCHI: Hmm... Maybe. SASAMI: (looking around) Tenchi, what's on your mind? You seem a little preoccupied. It's not because of Mihoshi, is it? TENCHI: No. I just had the strangest dream. SASAMI: Well, don't leave me in suspense. Tell me about it. TENCHI: (collecting himself) I had a dream of a little girl. She had my face and your hair, and she had the most peculiar way of behaving. It all seemed so real, but very bizarre at the same time. CU. SASAMI She grins with amusement. SASAMI: A little girl, huh? I wonder what we should call her? 19 EXT. VILLAGE OUTSKIRTS A small village hugs the edge of a forest on one side, with a lake on the other side. Just at the edge, near a palisade, is a small group of huts. 20 EXT. NEAR HUT Tsunami stands over a hibachi, cooking. A few children are standing around, muttering to themselves as Tsunami turns some shellfish and arranges some fungi and legumes. She sprinkles some spices, and turns the shellfish again. 21 INT. HUT Araya is sitting at a table, knitting. She looks up as Tsunami enters, carrying a dish. ARAYA: Mmm... That smells good. TSUNAMI: It has special texture. I like this dish to be a little al dente. Naturally, you have to smoke it. I think that's what you smell. CU. ARAYA She puts down her knitting. ARAYA: I can hardly wait to eat. Did you see my brother? CU. TSUNAMI She sets the dish on the table. TSUNAMI: Out cutting some wood, I think. He should be in any moment, I expect. He's your half-brother, right? HUT Araya gets up and goes to the door of the hut. ARAYA: We are related by blood, yes. Tsunami sits at the table, taking a taste of the food. TSUNAMI: Why wait? The food is ready. Araya turns again, frowning at Tsunami. ARAYA: It's rude to start eating without everyone. I like to think of the three of us as family, now. CU. TSUNAMI She grins, taking another taste. TSUNAMI: We are related by death, if not by birth. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (trying not to grin) Only you could crack a joke about your own death, Tsunami. HUT Araya returns to the table, looking at the dish. TSUNAMI: It's okay if you want to taste, Araya. ARAYA: Hmm... I'll wait. Anyway, it gives us a chance to gossip. TSUNAMI: I don't keep up with silly rumors. CU. ARAYA ARAYA: Oh, come on. There must be something going on. I see people going in and out of that tower all the time. It's fairly buzzing with activity, lately. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: It's nothing to do with me, I'm sure. HUT Araya scowls, looking down. ARAYA: Oh well. I guess I should know better. You were never one to listen to gossip anyway. It's a shame, really. TSUNAMI: Oh? (amused) And why is that? CU. ARAYA ARAYA: (softly) I think my brother likes you. CU. TSUNAMI She looks a little curious. HUT Alepios enters, looking at the table. ALEPIOS: Hey, what smells good? Araya and Tsunami look at him, smiling. 22 EXT. SPACE The GP cruiser flies toward a giant gate, as a huge swirling vortex swells within it. 23 INT. CRUISER Washu and Ryo-Ohki sit near Ayeka--who is wearing a curious bracelet, looking extremely peevish. Ryoko is sitting across from a small ice box, eating whatever she can find. AYEKA: This makes no sense. The Galaxy Police had no jurisdiction over Earth, anyway. One officer is piloting, as the other sits across from Ayeka. OFFICER: We don't interpret the treaties, your highness. We just enforce them. According to the Beta Alliance, any codes set down by the Jurai empire are enforceable by duly licensed officials. That includes the Earth colony. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (strained) The Supreme Constitution forbids the retroactive enforcement of treaty policies. Any law-student would know that. CU. OFFICER He smiles, indulgently. OFFICER: I'm well aware of the Supreme Constitution, your highness. It also states that treaty policy cannot be interpreted broadly. There is no restriction on ex post facto infringements as they relate to matters of the welfare of the state. A felony is a definite infringement on the welfare of the state. CU. AYEKA Wide-eyed in shocked anger. AYEKA: I was securing my own welfare. You should know, as an officer of the court, that I have a duty to such things. I had no way of knowing that those people-- CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (smug) --she means me and Tenchi-- CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (grim) Thank you. They appeared to be dangerous. They also crashed my ship, if you have read your facts straight. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: (casual) Well, you can explain it all to the magistrate. Don't get your hopes up, though. Remember, you've already been convicted of other offenses... CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (gasping) Those other charges were all blatantly false! I was fully pardoned of any wrongdoing. CU. OFFICER OFFICER: Yeah, sure... CRUISER Washu turns to the officer, smiling nicely. WASHU: Sir, do you by any chance have some tools? My android needs some minor repairs. We did crash on that planet, after all. OFFICER: Huh? Oh, yes. (pointing) In that compartment by the desk comm. (he looks at Ryo-Ohki) An android, huh? What does it do? CU. WASHU WASHU: (looking in the compartment) Just some little chores. Nothing special. We keep it more for sentimental reasons. You understand? CU. RYO-OHKI She looks a little indignant, folding her forelegs. 24 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Tenchi is sitting up, looking around, as if to convince himself. Sasami is sound asleep. Tenchi gets up and looks in a mirror. CU. MIRROR He scowls and looks down. ACHIKA: (OC) Something upsetting you, Son? BEDROOM Tenchi turns and sees his mother, standing just behind him. TENCHI: Mother? ACHIKA: I see you still remember me. Is there something you want to tell me? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Tell you? CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: Yes. You looked like you were filled with regret. You aren't having second thoughts about this quest, are you? BEDROOM TENCHI: No. I've never wanted anything so much in all my life. (sigh) I was thinking about Sasami. ACHIKA: Really? She seems to be quite taken care of. What are you really worried about? Is it Ryoko? TENCHI: No. Ryoko is the last person on my mind right now. CU. ACHIKA She frowns, thoughtfully. ACHIKA: Tenchi, you can't face your worst fears if you are still having trouble facing reality. I care about you more than I can say, but I will soon be forced to leave you. You think I'm not filled with regrets, too? CU. TENCHI His eyes fill with tears, and he looks down. TENCHI: I can't-- CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (eagerly) You can't what? CU. TENCHI He wipes his face and tries to look up. TENCHI: I can't trust her, Mom. You know how Ryoko is. She treats me like I'm a plaything. I refuse to let her bully me like that. I'd rather die than let anyone do that to me. BEDROOM Achika looks a little remorseful, as Tenchi covers his face, weeping. ACHIKA: It's okay, Son. I understand. A mother knows, believe me. She hugs him, and he starts to collect himself. TENCHI: This is too bizarre. I can't believe this is happening. What's wrong with me? ACHIKA: Wipe your face, Tenchi. Remember your father. Have some dignity. CU. TENCHI He smiles as he wipes his face. TENCHI: My father? CU. ACHIKA She frowns, disliking his tone. ACHIKA: Yes, your father. You sound as if you have forgotten him. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: I'm sorry, Mom. Of course, I remember him. BEDROOM Achika considers Tenchi very closely. ACHIKA: Do you, really? I wonder. Do you realize how noble a man he is, Tenchi? TENCHI: Noble? ACHIKA: Yes. That was why I married him. He has a noble spirit, Tenchi. You have a noble spirit, too. Sometimes, though, I think you take after your grandfather too much. Yosho is a kind enough man, but he can be a bit of a bully, too. You don't want to become what you hate most about Ryoko, do you, Son? CU. TENCHI Very subdued. TENCHI: No. You're right, Mom. I'm sorry. I've forgotten my father. CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: (pleased) I knew you would see the light, Tenchi. Now, you are at the end of your quest. You see that mirror? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: The end? He looks around at the mirror. TENCHI: You've found that artist? BEDROOM ACHIKA: She isn't just an artist, Tenchi. She is a monster. She will test you, but you will persevere if you remember your father. TENCHI: Okay... ACHIKA: (softly) The mirror is really a door to another world. All you have to do is open it and go through. TENCHI: How do I do that? ACHIKA: You have to believe, Tenchi. TENCHI: All right. He looks at the mirror for a few moments while nothing happens. TENCHI: It doesn't seem to be working... ACHIKA: (a little annoyed) It's okay, Tenchi. You just have to show your faith. You can't be guided by mortal expectations. CU. TENCHI Fairly confused. TENCHI: I'm sorry, but I don't understand. CU. ACHIKA ACHIKA: Don't worry, Son. I'll help you one more time, then I really must go. Look... BEDROOM Achika puts her arm around Tenchi and she holds his hand out toward the mirror. The mirror glows and resolves into the shape of a silver door. Achika then steps back and vanishes. Tenchi looks around, a little disappointed. He then looks at the door and braces himself. CU. TENCHI He grimaces as he opens the door. BEDROOM Tenchi goes through the open door into a bright field of grass, closing the door behind him. 25 EXT. SPACE The GP cruiser is approaching a space station. 26 INT. CRUISER Washu looks a little nervous, as she gently pets Ryo-Ohki. Ayeka sits rock solid as Ryoko floats around, fidgeting. The two officers at the front of the cruiser look at each other and then vanish in a flicker of light. CU. WASHU WASHU: (firm) Now! Everybody get into the compartment! 27 EXT. SPACE Several other GP cruisers approach the cruiser, as pirate ships appear. The pirate ships turn toward the first cruiser, as Ryo-Ohki suddenly flies past them. The other cruisers break off, as the pirate ships turn and attack Ryo-Ohki. The first cruiser heads toward the space station, going right past the other cruisers. 28 INT. CRUISER A large compartment in the back opens, and Washu emerges--still holding Ryo-Ohki. She darts up to the cockpit as Ayeka and Ryoko slowly emerge. RYOKO: You might have warned us about that! WASHU: There's no time! We aren't out of this yet! 29 EXT. SPACE The pirate ships attack the decoy Ryo-Ohki as the first cruiser heads for a hyperspace gate. A few other GP cruisers begin to pursue the first cruiser. The decoy Ryo-Ohki puts up a brave struggle, then explodes. The pursuing cruisers gain on the first cruiser, as it approaches the vortex within the gate. 30 INT. CRUISER Ryoko and Ayeka are considering a tactical display, as Washu pilots. She looks down and pets Ryo-Ohki again. WASHU: (softly, to Ryo-Ohki) Ready, girl? There's nothing to be afraid of. CU. RYO-OHKI She scowls in a peculiar way, then growls. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Damn! We're not going to make it! CU. WASHU WASHU: (amused) Hey! Give me a little credit. I am a genius, remember? 31 EXT. SPACE The first cruiser explodes violently, just before it reaches the gate. The vortex flickers and vanishes. The other cruisers swerve off to avoid getting caught in the shock wave. The gate shudders and holds. 32 INT. RYO-OHKI Ayeka looks very thoughtful as Ryoko glares at Washu. Washu kicks back, a little smug. RYOKO: That was too close! AYEKA: Yes. For once, I agree. WASHU: (amused) Would you two cut it out? You girls are so naive! Anyway, we still need to find a convoy. Lucky for us, pirates and cops are pretty stupid, but even they'll figure this out eventually. 33 EXT. RYO-OHKI Ryo-Ohki flies through swirling bands of hyperspace, sounding very unhappy about it. 34 EXT. GRASSY FIELD Tenchi walks toward a bare, dirt rectangle in a field of grass. The sky all around is a hazy shade of dark gray, like thick storm clouds. The grass itself seems to glow a faint green, providing some illumination. Framing the rectangle is a wooden path, lined by small channels of water. He enters the rectangle, and a figure appears. The figure is wearing a standard uniform for martial arts, complete with a black belt and a headcloth. The figure is a woman with dark hair and dark eyes, and seems to stand with an air of complete arrogance, as if defying him with her stance. Tenchi stops and the figure approaches. She bows, shortly, and then Tenchi bows. She then stands and holds out her hands in a defensive posture, eyeing him carefully. Tenchi continues to stand, unguarded. After a few moments, the figure lowers her guard and removes the headcloth. TOKIMI: You're early. It's too soon to start your training. CU. TENCHI He looks a little confused, pondering. TENCHI: Is something wrong? CU. TOKIMI She smiles in a peculiar way, then considers. TOKIMI: You're right, of course. I'm being rude. Forgive me. My name is Lady Tokimi. I have sent for you. I am to be your sensei--your mentor--whatever you prefer. As you can see, I am also the master of this dojo. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Karate? RECTANGLE TOKIMI: The first art in any discipline is self-defense. If you wish to share in my vision, you must be willing to fight me. If not, then you are not worthy of honor. TENCHI: Oh. Did I come at a bad time? I could come back later. TOKIMI: No. As it happens, this is convenient. It raises some disturbing questions, but I think I can manage. She makes a quick kiai and kicks Tenchi in the chest, lightning-quick. Tenchi goes tumbling backward. CU. TENCHI He is lying on the ground, coughing and gasping for breath. CU. TOKIMI She smirks and narrows her eyes in disappointment. TOKIMI: Slow. You are much too slow. This is going to take some time. 35 INT. DINING HALL Sasami enters from the hallway as Kimiko sits at a table, drinking coffee, looking at a paper. SASAMI: Kimiko, have you seen Tenchi? CU. KIMIKO Looking up, blankly. KIMIKO: No. CU. SASAMI SASAMI: Did he tell you he was going somewhere? CU. KIMIKO Looking back at the paper. KIMIKO: Not that I remember. You know how he mumbles, sometimes. I'm sure he'll be right back. 36 EXT. HYPERSPACE A convoy of cargo ships is cruising through hyperspace. A couple of GP cruisers go shooting by. 37 INT. CARGO SHIP A large crate opens and Washu emerges, holding Ryo-Ohki. Ryoko floats out and Ayeka pokes her head out. RYOKO: This is such a pain, you know. It's all your fault, too, Princess. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: My fault? How is any of this my fault? CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Those cops are after you. If we weren't sticking our necks out for you, we'd have found Tenchi by now. CU. WASHU Rolling her eyes. WASHU: Ryoko, those cops are after all of us-- SHIP RYOKO: Yeah, now-- AYEKA: I recall it was my suggestion to look on Leo-three in the first place-- WASHU: Girls, please! This situation is much more serious than just the three of us! CU. RYO-OHKI She meows, a little indignantly. CU. WASHU She looks down, a little surprised. WASHU: Okay, the four of us. (looking up) Just think about it. Cops and pirates are trying to kill us and working together to do it. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Yeah. Pirates blasting away at us at all has to mean something. They must be preparing for something. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: Oh my god! Yes. This is in direct violation of all their Juraian Pirate Guild pacts. We must at least make some report to the Supreme Council. SHIP Washu frowns as she ponders. WASHU: Well... RYOKO: Those politicians! (snorting) Don't make me laugh! They only know how to argue. What do you expect them to do? AYEKA: (grim) Those politicians, as you call them, are my family. You'd do well to appreciate that, Ryoko. RYOKO: I think that was my point. AYEKA: What exactly are you implying? CU. WASHU She scowls in supreme annoyance. WASHU: Everybody shut up! What we need is to meditate on all this... quietly... We aren't exactly in a position to command the fleet, here. 38 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami is sitting on the floor, reading a book. She looks around, annoyed, and sighs. She looks at the book again, reading a bit more. She looks up, suddenly, and closes the book. She puts the book down, calmly, and stands. SASAMI: (to herself) Where are you, Tsunami? She looks in the mirror, and flinches. She looks down and puts her hands on either side of the mirror, as if to support herself. SASAMI: (VO) Help me! Stop fighting me! Show me... 39 INT. LIBRARY Tsunami is sitting on the floor, reading a book. She looks around, apparently annoyed, and sighs. She starts to look at the book again, and then calmly closes it, putting it down. She rests her chin on her hands, thoughtfully. Alepios enters, carrying a couple of books. He starts toward one of the shelves and looks around at Tsunami. He smiles, and goes to stand next to her. ALEPIOS: I got those books you wanted back. The ancient histories, right? TSUNAMI: I wouldn't exactly call them history. They're more like theater of the time. CU. ALEPIOS He puts down the books and sits down next to her. ALEPIOS: Having trouble reading, today? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Huh? CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: You seem to be worried about something. Anything wrong? Nothing serious, I hope. LIBRARY TSUNAMI: (amused) What could be wrong? I have been to death's door and back. If that doesn't scare me, what could? ALEPIOS: (pondering) Really? That doesn't sound all that scary. What if I told you I wanted you to be mine. Would that scare you? TSUNAMI: (a little stunned) Uh... Well, it isn't altogether unexpected. (softly) It does scare me a little. CU. ALEPIOS Leaning a little closer. ALEPIOS: (casual) Why is that? It doesn't scare me a bit. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: Oh? I don't scare you? You know about my hobbies--I mean, the things I used to do. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: Your adventures, you mean. Yes. It proves to me how brave you are. We are so much alike, Tsunami. I don't fear you. I admire you. LIBRARY Tsunami stands, looking a little terrified. TSUNAMI: Now, you're scaring me. (a little amused) Look at me. I'm actually trembling. What am I going to do? CU. ALEPIOS He continues to sit, looking up at her, intently. CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: I think I should go. LIBRARY Tsunami quickly crosses the room and exits. Alepios smiles, briefly, and folds his arms. Tsunami re-enters and quickly returns next to Alepios. TSUNAMI: I think I just fell into your trap. ALEPIOS: You want me to heal you again? LIBRARY Tsunami sits down next to Alepios and reaches up to him. He takes her hand, and they gently close on each other--face-to-face. CU. TSUNAMI Looking down, just before they can touch. TSUNAMI: (softly) Careful. I've been known to bite. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (softly) I think I can deal with it. LIBRARY They continue to hold hands as they kiss, very tentatively. They break for a moment, and Alepios embraces her. They stare for another moment and kiss again, very gently but very intensely. Just as they are about to pull away again, a small girl with blonde hair and a pet in her arms walks into the library, looking around at them curiously. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (looking around) Pytho? CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (catching her breath) Pytho? Who's Pytho? (she looks around) The girl is named Pytho? LIBRARY The little girl leaves, and Alepios looks as if he is about to get up for a moment. He then smiles and looks at Tsunami again. ALEPIOS: The pet. I had a pet named Pytho a few years ago. I lost him one day and I thought I'd never see him again. That little girl had him. TSUNAMI: Wow. Imagine how that happened. 40 INT. CARGO SHIP Washu is wrapping a pipe with strips of cloth dipped into some gel. She looks up briefly and scowls, annoyed. Ryo-Ohki is sitting on her shoulder. Ayeka and Ryoko are in another heated discussion. AYEKA: If Juraians were involved, we'd have never made it past the mine field. RYOKO: So, why didn't they attack us on that remote planet? We weren't exactly hiding there. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: It takes time to form a conspiracy. You don't just assassinate your own leaders in a day, you know. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: They had two weeks. Are you saying that even your assassins have to wait for approval from the Council, too? CU. WASHU She rolls her eyes. SHIP AYEKA: (furious) Juraians do not condone assassination! That barbaric practice is the fashion of space pirates, like you! RYOKO: Oh, really? How do you explain the last five emperors, then? They didn't exactly die of old age. AYEKA: (stiff) Juraian royalty is often exposed to danger. Sometimes, they get into arguments about how to deal with the dangers, and people can do foolish things, but they never intentionally-- RYOKO: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever you say, Princess. It doesn't matter, now. What we have now is a situation. Situations typically lead to war. For all we know, we might be in the middle of a big battle. Washu takes one long, dry cloth and wraps it the complete way around the pipe. She then takes a small fan and starts to dry the pipe. CU. AYEKA Pondering, thoughtfully. AYEKA: Well, we have an inspection station coming up. We should formulate some strategy around it. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Yeah. I hadn't thought of that. We can't just march through an inspection station. They'd recognize us right away. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: They have force field barriers all around, so we can't go around. We'll have to create a diversion. SHIP RYOKO: No, no. A diversion wouldn't work. They'd be on us that much quicker if we tried. I think we should wear disguises. AYEKA: Disguises? How would that fool them? They do a lot more than just look at you at an inspection station, especially when they expect someone. RYOKO: Well, it's better than some stupid diversion. What are you going to use for a diversion? AYEKA: A disguise would never work. They'd recognize you right away just by your heat signature, Ryoko. Washu sighs, tying a long cloth around her forehead nice and tight. She checks the pipe and puts it into a sheath over her back, narrowly missing Ryo-Ohki in the process. Washu absently pets Ryo-Ohki and then folds her arms. RYOKO: Washu? What do you think? Diversion or disguise? Maybe both? CU. WASHU WASHU: (grim) In these situations, girls, there's really only one way. You've got to blast your way through. 41 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN Tenchi walks toward a large X, standing in the ground. Just in front of the X is a somewhat large table. At the narrow ends are three normal chairs each, and at each long end are three reclined chairs each. To one side of the X is a tree, curiously waving, as if in a slight breeze. To the other side of the X is a small stream, flowing into and out of the ground itself. The X itself appears to be wooden, scarred and covered with scratches. Little lights and bells hang from cords attached to the nails--and they also sway, as if in a slight breeze. Sitting in one reclined chair is Tokimi. She appears to have been waiting. TOKIMI: Sit and eat, please. I've gone through a lot of trouble to put this together. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: It looks nice, but I'm not that hungry. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (softly) Didn't anyone ever tell you that it is rude to refuse your host? Please, I insist. PLAIN Tenchi frowns and goes to the table, sitting at one of the normal chairs. He takes a dish and is about to eat. TOKIMI: (casual) If you are worried about Sasami, you need not be. I will make sure she is taken care of. Tenchi stops for a moment, a little awkward. TENCHI: Oh. I completely forgot. CU. TOKIMI Frowning and alert. TOKIMI: You forgot? How terribly thoughtless of you, Tenchi. Someone should really teach you some manners. CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (subdued) This isn't like me. I must have forgotten in all the excitement. PLAIN Tokimi lies back, apparently contemplating. TOKIMI: I know this must seem like a lot, but we have plenty of time, here in the underworld. TENCHI: Where? TOKIMI: The underworld. This is my own little hideaway. I like to think of it as my vacation home. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: Haven't you noticed that there is no sky? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Uh... (gesturing upward) Well, what's that? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: That's also the ground, Tenchi. Actually, if you go far enough, you escape the centrifugal forces. What do you think is holding us down? PLAIN TENCHI: Uh... TOKIMI: I see. You are too used to surface- living. Well, here in the underworld, we are held in special forces. One force causes us to stay down--which is actually up, but I digress. The other force causes us to perceive time in a curved fashion. Suffice it to say that for each day in the above-world, we experience two weeks here in the underworld. So, as I said, we have plenty of time. TENCHI: Oh. So, we're just below the surface of Leo-three. TOKIMI: Actually, this is below the surface of your Earth. CU. TENCHI Looks rather shocked by this revelation. CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (casual) I just knew you would appreciate this little fact. 42 EXT. FUNAHO TREE Little streams of light shoot out of Funaho, up into the sky. 43 INT. LIBRARY Tsunami is leaning on Alepios as he plays his flute. The song is slow and legato, but very lilting in its melody--like Debussy in slow rhythm. TSUNAMI: I know this piece. How does it go? Alepios stops playing, and he looks around at Tsunami. ALEPIOS: Well, the refrain just repeats itself. You know: 'Heaven and Earth,/ Heaven and Earth,/ Heaven and Earth,/ Heaven Heaven Heaven and Earth...' CU. TSUNAMI TSUNAMI: (amused) I knew that. I meant, what are the lyrics? How does it start? CU. ALEPIOS Pondering for a moment. He picks up the flute and plays a couple of measures, then nods to himself. ALEPIOS: 'Where is my home?/ My home is right here./ Where will be my home?/ My home remains right here...' CU. TSUNAMI Smiling in recognition. TSUNAMI: Ah, yes. I've always loved that old song. (sigh) It reminds me of happy times. CU. ALEPIOS ALEPIOS: (reflective) Yes. It was always just words to me before. To me, now, it seems like a fresh new song. 44 INT. KIMIKO'S BEDROOM Sasami looks up, straight into the mirror--as if in surprise. She looks around, seemingly disoriented. She looks at herself. SASAMI: What is happening to me? 45 EXT. SPACE A long line of cargo ships is waiting in a pocket of force fields, flanked by large battleships. At the end of the line is a large space station. A small flight of cargo ships departs, escorted by a GP cruiser. 46 INT. CARGO SHIP Washu is studying a tactical display, as Ayeka and Ryoko look over her shoulder. Washu is holding Ryo-Ohki, petting her gently. WASHU: The key beam in the fourth cross-section. We hit that and go right through. If we time it right, we'll only space a few pieces of luggage. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: (unsure) It seems sound, but it is very risky. If they have their defense system activated, we'll be flying right down the gauntlet. We'd be lucky to make it halfway. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Yeah. No offense, Washu, but the princess is right. We'd stand a much better chance if we just blast through the main arm. CU. WASHU Scowling in disgust. WASHU: It's a nice strategy, but it neglects one very important point: you kill the security guards who station those sections. I'd say that's probably four or five... CU. RYOKO Flinching, remorsefully. CU. AYEKA Frowning, as if swallowing a hot pepper. SHIP WASHU: Let's keep the body-count to a minimum, huh? The cross-sections are passable. You just have to time them right. AYEKA: Then what? They'll have three or four battleships on us before we can escape. At a minimum, we'd encounter cruisers at the other end. We can probably out- maneuver them, but we'd never get out of their firing paths. RYOKO: We'll need a diversion then, for sure. CU. WASHU WASHU: Leave that to me. I already have a plan. She absently pats the sheathed rod hanging on her back. 47 EXT. GRASSY PLAIN Tenchi is once again walking alone across a dim, grassy plain. He looks around and eventually finds a path leading to an arch. The arch is entitled 'Temple of Fate' across the top bar. Leading from the arch is a stone pathway-- which leads to a small building, seemingly carved out of a hillside. As he goes beneath the arch, Tokimi appears, wearing a black robe with the hood up. She stands in his way, holding out her hand, as if to ward him away. TOKIMI: Do you dare approach the sacred temple? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: (a little shocked) Huh? Oh, sorry. Did I do something wrong? CU. TOKIMI TOKIMI: (softly) Before you speak to me again, you will remove your shoes. You happen to standing on sacred ground, young man. PATHWAY Tenchi looks at his feet curiously for a moment, then removes his shoes. TOKIMI: Once you have demonstrated your enlightenment to me, you may enter the temple. If not, then your fate will have to remain a mystery. TENCHI: Uh... Okay. TOKIMI: What is the purpose of self-defense? CU. TENCHI He ponders for a moment. TENCHI: The harmonizing of passive and active motions? CU. TOKIMI Fairly irritated. TOKIMI: I said, the purpose. What is the purpose of self-defense? CU. TENCHI TENCHI: Oh. Uh... To defend yourself? PATHWAY Tokimi slumps in disgust and points. TOKIMI: Away, you ignorant boy! Go over there, to the study hall. 48 INT. CLASSROOM A small class is in session--the students looking through books, making notes or talking to each other. Mihoshi is sitting in the front, staring at her notes blankly. A teacher walks up to Mihoshi and hands her a note. Mihoshi looks at it curiously, then leaves the room. 49 INT. HALLWAY Some uniformed figures go marching by, as Mihoshi receives a call. The display shows Sasami, standing in a small kitchen. MIHOSHI: Vanished? Are you sure? What did Kimiko say? SASAMI: (display) She said she doesn't know for sure. (softly) I have a funny feeling about her, though. I don't trust her. MIHOSHI: Where do you think he could be? It's not like him to run off like this without saying something. SASAMI: (display) I know. I can't help thinking it has something to do with that quest. He mentioned something about Leo-three being popular with war veterans. I wonder if Tenchi had a run-in with one. This is all very disturbing, Mihoshi. MIHOSHI: Yeah. Well, I can't spare the time, at the moment. I'll do what I can, but I have classes till the end of the week. Maybe I can get leave then. SASAMI: (display) Thanks for the thought. I was just checking. I need to let Hikaru use the phone, now. Bye. MIHOSHI: Bye. Mihoshi continues staring at the display as it flicks out. She ponders, vacantly. MIHOSHI: (to herself) Vanished... Just like magic... 50 EXT. TOWER OF THEMIS The tower becomes dark, as the night sky reddens. 51 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET The room has one nice bed with a dresser, a mirror and several compartments. Along the walls are little end tables with ornate lamps and statuettes. Mimi is sitting at a desk, reading, as Alepios enters. ALEPIOS: (firm) Where is she? MIMI: (casual) Who? ALEPIOS: You know who I mean-- MIMI: You mean, your lover--my sister. Naturally, you suspect I've murdered her for sure, this time. CU. ALEPIOS Considering, as he watches Mimi intently. ALEPIOS: No offense, lady, but I wouldn't put it past you. You haven't exactly shown us a graceful disposition, the past couple days. CU. MIMI MIMI: (casual) Oh? I thought I was being kind. My sister seems rather taken with you, so I have been staying out of your way. ROOM ALEPIOS: Yes, and giving me your dagger looks every chance you get. You don't think I notice? MIMI: You are very brave, to insult me like this. I am the most beautiful creature who ever lived. Even Tsunami has admitted as much. ALEPIOS: Did she happen to comment on your inner appearance? I suspect she would not be quite as kind... CU. MIMI Sitting up, furious. MIMI: You are dangerously close to losing your head, servant boy! Never forget who is the master, here. I am beautiful, graceful and very generous, but I can only give so much before I decide I've had enough. You watch yourself! CU. ALEPIOS He frowns, thoughtful, and nods. ALEPIOS: Yeah, that's what I thought. Well, someone will listen to me. If they don't, I'll have more than enough proof of what a monster you really are. ROOM Alepios leaves, as Mimi stands. She seems about to follow, then smiles, curiously. MIMI: (to herself) Very direct, that boy. I'll have to keep an eye on him. (turning to a small statuette) As for you... CU. STATUETTE A small statuette of Tsunami stands on an end table, next to a bracelet and a couple of jewels. MIMI: (OC) I think it's about time I introduced you to someone. ROOM Mimi stands up close to the statuette, as a figure like Tsunami enters the room. The figure moves and has a similar manner to Tsunami, but seems vaguely distracted and very silent. MIMI: (to the statuette) Tsunami, my dear sister, allow me to introduce you to Seven. I call her that because seven is the number designated by the Fate Stone for inner peace--and I am certain this one will help you find it. CU. MIMI MIMI: (reflective) It's funny, you know, how the littlest things can bring you such terrible ends. When those elders accused me of murder, for example, I found myself in terrible fear of them. I told them that I had more to fear for myself than you, and they decided to resolve this by giving me a bodyguard. Of course, what they neglected to explain at the time was that he is a thick- headed brute who is only really interested in torturing me with his 'lessons,' and using any excuse he can to keep me from my garden. ROOM Mimi waits, as if expecting a reply. MIMI: What was that? Oh, I forgot. You're a stone, now. (sigh) I rather like you in gray, Sister. Especially in that size. It's very becoming. Oh, I suppose --if you wanted to be technical about it--you're just slowed down. You merely experience time at one two-hundredth the speed the rest of us do. You should consider it a favor. While you can just relax and let the world go by, Seven will take all those tedious chores for you. She could never work for that servant boy, though. I'm afraid it wouldn't work out. CU. MIMI Very casual, as if in pleasant conversation. MIMI: I can't have her work in my garden either. I hate to just sit here while my life's work slowly dies before my eyes, but Seven is quite incapable of the work. It's all terribly sad for us. Yes, you should thank me, once I decide to let you free again. The truth of the matter is, beauty fades, love expires and people die. I simply must protect you from all that, and I can't think of a better way than this. ROOM Mimi returns to the desk, picking up the book to read again. CU. STATUETTE Tsunami's eyes seem to move, very slowly. CU. SEVEN She stares at the statuette, blankly curious. 52 INT. KITCHEN Sasami is standing at the range, cooking. Kimiko enters and looks at Sasami, curiously. Sasami looks at her and has a sudden flash of recognition. SASAMI: Hey, Kimiko. KIMIKO: Yeah? CU. SASAMI Considering carefully. SASAMI: Uh... Never mind. I just thought I recognized you from somewhere else. CU. KIMIKO She looks a little nervous for a moment, then smiles. KIMIKO: Oh. (laughing) Of course, you know me! Your sister took a lot of pride in making sure you didn't get to know me too well, though. KITCHEN Sasami turns back to her cooking, frowning in thought. SASAMI: Better hurry, Kimiko. We've got the lunch crowd coming soon. 53 EXT. SPACE Ryo-Ohki goes through the cross-section of the space station like a hot knife through butter. Several cruisers on the far end turn to face her as three warships approach to outflank her. 54 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko is piloting, as Washu takes the prepared rod. Ayeka examines a tactical display. AYEKA: The defense system hasn't activated yet. We can't possibly out-maneuver all those ships, though. RYOKO: Oh yeah? We'll just see about that. WASHU: I have the torpedo ready, Ryoko. Get ready for a leading maneuver. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: (frowning) You want us to run from these guys? CU. AYEKA AYEKA: We cannot possibly outrun those warships, Little Washu. It would be suicide. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Anyway, we don't have a torpedo tube... Wait a minute... CU. WASHU She sighs in disgust. WASHU: (softly) Don't say it, Ryoko... CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Oh! You mean, the exhaust vent! Hey, Ryo-Ohki, give it your best shot, girl! 55 EXT. SPACE Ryo-Ohki turns away from the warships and leads them out toward empty space. The warships appear to be closing rapidly, firing their lasers at Ryo-Ohki. The torpedo flares out toward the lead warship, then explodes in a super-bright flash of pure white light as it gets hit by laser fire. 56 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko is already piloting away, as Washu makes an order. WASHU: Turn to planetary defense network. Leo- three will get them off our backs, if we can reach it. AYEKA: And, also assuming they aren't in league with those pirates. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: Leo is a haven for old pirates, not these brash young ones. CU. WASHU She looks again at the tactical display. WASHU: (a little concerned) Well, the torpedo has attached to the lead vessel. Now, the only problem is that space station. They still have us in the long-range missile tracking system. The ship shudders from a blast. RYO-OHKI RYOKO: I thought the flash would take out those missiles. WASHU: No. Those missiles are frequency trackers. We can't counter-measure them. We'll just have to hope we don't get hit again. The ship shudders again from another blast. RYOKO: Would you stop jinxing us, like that, Mom?! CU. WASHU She rolls her eyes, annoyed. 57 EXT. SPACE Two of the warships continue to pursue, quickly gaining on Ryo-Ohki, as it approaches Leo-three. 58 INT. RYO-OHKI Ayeka looks sullen as she studies the tactical display. Washu scowls, like suddenly noticing that a clock is running backward for no reason. AYEKA: Well... It was close, but we're not going to make it. We're too far from the planetary defense system. WASHU: (wistfully) This has to work. There's no other way, unless... AYEKA: Unless what? 59 EXT. SPACE The two warships bear down on Ryo-Ohki, firing away with missiles and lasers. Just as the missiles start to converge, Tsunami appears, light halk wings extended. The missiles deflect off the wings, harmlessly. A flight of five Jurai warships suddenly appear just on the flanking side of the two other warships. They immediately open fire with lasers, disabling the engines of the warships. Tsunami then turns and vanishes again. 60 INT. RYO-OHKI Ryoko and Ayeka stare on in stunned amazement. Washu, frowns, pondering. WASHU: Well... I think we've settled the question of which side the Juraians are on. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: That was way too close. I thought we were goners, for sure. CU. AYEKA AYEKA: This must mean that Sasami is here. If Sasami is still here... CU. WASHU WASHU: (brightly) Hey! Now, aren't you girls glad I decided to come look for Tenchi here? RYO-OHKI Ayeka and Ryoko glare at Washu, rather venomously. 61 INT. MIMI'S CLOSET Seven continues to stare at the statuette, thoughtfully. Mimi glances at Seven, thoughtfully. MIMI: What? Seven frowns, pondering. CU. SEVEN SEVEN: Could we switch? I'd really prefer to be stone. It's too hot in the real world. CU. MIMI MIMI: (annoyed) Just shut up. 62 INT. TENT Washu is working on Ryo-Ohki again with some tools, as Ryoko and Ayeka sit near a heater, shivering. RYOKO: What's taking that service ship so long? WASHU: I think they have their hands full, just helping the Juraians clean up that little battle. AYEKA: We would crash on a snowy plain, again. CU. WASHU WASHU: Just look at the bright side. CU. RYOKO RYOKO: What bright side? CU. WASHU WASHU: At least we're on the right planet, this time. THE END