(Part Thirty-Seven - Unity of Tears) The two weeks leading up to the conference has become the hardest of the war yet. It started with a small string of Fleet engagements between the Traquis and Alliance forces that signaled a new shift their direction of the war, starting with the scorched earth bombardments the Traquis and DJ would lead, and then wait for a response an Alliance response fleet to engage, where they unleashed a new weapon on the arrivals. The weapon used a Dimensional rippling effect that would sheer many of the lighter capitals of their shielding, and the heavies would lose their screens to subsequent torpedo fire. And then, in the midst of the battle, the enemy would suddenly break off, and jump in a scattered pattern. The tactic had the effect of razing seven planets of all life, and then cut heavy loses in eighteen Battle Fleets. Most of the empires lost rather equally.. Then came word an assassin tired to kill Minister Akara while on Karta; a small squad of DJ Constructs of a completely new 'design'; and had a scary trait of chameleon like skills. Fortunately Kagato, Maymay, and Ange were there, procuring data for Queen Funaho when the attack happened. Naja and the others made it out okay, seven Kartasian Guardswarriors weren't as fortunate. This starting a series of attempts on several members of the Alliance, as well as hitting home. Fenganis and Rosusn took out their opponents with apparent flair, with Tynusu taking a hit for Risao; don't worry, he's stable. Then an attempt nearer to home, as Tenchi, Ayeka, and Ryoko taught the DJ a nasty lesson in Lighthawk tactics. Unfortunately, Sasami got a poison barb, and was saved in time by Washu's impeccable skill. Then my team I felt the hand, as we were scouting out the last location of a possible Dimensional tunnel, when three DJ Capitals leapt at us from nowhere. I took a good while, as the battle came down to a save from a Alcorian Task Force, as me back to back with Ketira and Aphelia, as we defended my Tree from a pair of the same DJ creatures, my Key blades cut down the last one, but the bodies only vaporized after death. No luck in getting a corpse to autopsy.. Then a whole legion of DJ Constructs invaded a Juraian world only two jumps away from the capital. This of course caused a HUGE uproar, with the suddenness of the attack catching ALL Alliance forces off guard. This started a small string of invasions that led to seventeen Alliance worlds in all imperial realms being co-opted. By the time of the conference, another two were under siege; and the Alliance fleets were starting to skim off Fleets to their respective realms, a dilution of forces that HAD to be pre-planned. Then came the worst acts of the week of hell. First came the probing foray I was sent on by Fenganis. I took my small fleet, and pushed into Traquis territory to capture a deep space station, and hack it's files. We were quite successful, and were about to leave, when a MASSIVELY bright flash swallowed our view of port. It took a moment to realize, and a few more to believe it had happened. An entire star had suddenly appeared almost on top of us. Then the star went nova on us, and it took ALL of my Avatarhawk powers to protect the fleet from outright incineration. I was out cold when the Fleet managed to escape the impossible event. Then news cam in from all over, that whole stars had been 'dropped' near Alliance Battle Fleets, and even one on a Juraian Fleet Dock, destroying over four hundred vessels. It was apparent that the DJ and Traquis were somehow breaking all of the rules of physics somehow. Then came a small string of planets being annihilated all over the empire, but this time, avoiding the Capital Systems, sixteen planets paid the price. Then finally came the reason why they weren't as a set of large DJ Grand Fleets attacked each Capital System, a series of furious battles thundered through each system as the respective home defense fleets; hundreds of warships pounded at each other, as DJ warships also pounded the planets themselves. The whole event took two days to finish, and by then both sides suffered horrendously, with the planets of each realm taking a great deal of damage in the process. (..as if Fungesia Prime didn't have enough already..) But worst of all, was the news that Queen Misaki had been injured while leading the [I]Lent`it`tos[/I] children to a shelter. Fortunately, Arashi and Hidem were able to get her to a med station in time, in time that is to meet Emperor Azusa, unconscious from falling debris after a passing strike of DJ mecha. Most of us, minus Kagato and his party (still on their foray..) made our way to Jurai as fast as we could. We arrived with many fires still burning, the pattern of destruction pretty much random, though a good number of strikes on the Imperial Sai`Hon Tree could be seen, with even one of it's massive branches fallen. The Imperial Palace Tree was in better shape, as sets of Lighthawk Wings surrounded it in a moving spin pattern. There we found the two regents, with Funaho holding watch between the two; Tenchi bursting in before I did. We found the two already awake, but rather weak, though it didn't stop Misaki from glomping Ayeka and Sasami from her spot in bed. After a good deal of assurance from the Juraian meds that they both would recover sufficiently, and with Mihoshi, Kiyone, and Nen insisting on helping guard the med room with the Royal Guards, Ryoko was asked by Azusa to escort the non-royal members out for a moment, Misaki suggesting she take Washu, Nagi, my Knight team members, and the others to the War Room for an update; thus leaving myself with Tenchi, Sasami, Yosho, Ayeka, the mentioned above, and three sets of Guardians from their respective owners, guarding the obvious openings along the large med room they were in.. The topic was light and friendly for awhile, trying to divert attention from the obvious, with Misaki needling Ayeka about the married life, with Tenchi cringing, and Azusa getting a good laugh out of it. The topic turned to my new daughter, with Funaho asking for how long I had been keeping Isarra a secret. My truthful attempts to defend my ignorance brought even MORE laughter into the woodwork. But it all soon came down to everyone agreeing something had to be done to deal a heavy blow back at the DJ, and the fact that the war was now costing much more than anyone thought was possible. This it came to the conference, and the fact that Azusa wasn't going to be in condition immediately to get to the conference; wherein Tenchi was named to take his place; which brought on the expected protest. But I spoke up soon after, lending that Tenchi would somehow get the job done, with the help of his 'family'; Ayeka and Sasami both spoke up in support of this, and the Yosho with his usual words of wisdom. Tenchi knew a clue when he head one, and echoed the sentiments, and with that Azusa bestowed him with the legal powers necessary to work with the other powers properly. Beyond this, the talk centered around talk of the past, and stories Tenchi told later he had found most interesting. Myself, I went on a side journey to find out how the kids were doing. The trip took me to the damaged Sai`Hon Tree, where I found the kids having a lesson from a tutor in one of the intact rooms. After a while of just watching, Misu looked over, and yelled out; causing the whole class to end up glomped all around me. The tutor only called uselessly for a recess, as Arashi and Hidem came over and helped me extract myself from the mass of tiny appendages. It was there, while getting all sorts of kids talk; one upon another, and another, and such; that Isarra came in; and laughed at my predicament. Arashi and Hidem introduced themselves first, speaking for the rest that they knew the news of her being my daughter. Isarra then engaged in simple small talk with the kids, as I got a good update from the tutor about the children's progress; all the while with Ibuka wrapped around my leg. It was there, that Ayeka and Funaho found me, buried as I was under the kids that kept tackling me. When Funaho called out, it was her turn; Ayeka wasn't far behind. At least I had less weight on me after that. I never knew kids were so hazardous. While the kids played around, Hidem and Arashi listened in, as Funaho asked if I would help Tenchi out at the conference. I asked in what capacity, and got a reminder that I was a legitimate ambassador of the empire, and the fact that two Lighthawk users could bring a great deal of rapport in making suggestions that no one else might get enough support with. And, which had me thinking a good deal afterwards; that the life Tenchi and I once knew was going to change far more than we expected. It was then that Funaho insisted that Tenchi and I were becoming quite the legends in the inter-galactic expanse, being private about it now was becoming futile and needless.. I was getting my fill of my future, when Misu landed in my lap; (painfully..) and asked if I could read her a story.. Ayeka giggled in tune with Funaho, but I feeling warm by this one moment. It was getting quiet outside, as dusk began silencing the afternoon winds.. so I carried the young girl with me, as a large shuffling of small feet followed me, and a few adult ones; as I sat on one of the couches, and told a story once told to me by a nanny that took care of me in that orphanage of such a long time and short span ago.. "My nanny once told me of a story about a group of young friends. These friends you see had known each about from you little ones ages, and that they had done many things with one another over the years. They would play games with kites, sing songs, play games of all kinds, help each other out from time to time, and one of their favorite things they would do is to sit around campfires in the summer and tell stories about other friendships; similar to the one I'm telling you here now. It was because of this friendship that everyone liked and respected them for having been friends for so long, and that everyone that knew them could see that they would be friends for a long time, no matter what.. Course every gem has a imperfection that gives it character every once in a while. Case in point, one of these friends was a loyal friend, but was a real jokester you see. Now, she would every once in a while play a prank on the others and get a laugh off of the others for this young ones expense, a trait that she always said he would stop doing after every prank. And this had been going on for many years mind you.. and one day, the pranks made the others really weary of the kid. The last one was a nasty one with something to do with a ghost story, and some COLD water. Now, it was after this last prank, that the other friends decided to pull a prank of their own. And it was a 'devious' prank. They came up with a plan, and decided to pull it near this other friend's birthday. Well, the prank started with one of the friends telling the prankster that he couldn't go to his birthday party. This started a string of her friends repeatedly telling this one kid that they couldn't come. Now, this kid was a good lad at heart really, and despite the jokes, always was able to come to their parties and celebrations and whatnot. So, it was apparent that this one kid was really saddened by what her supposed friends told him. Now, it came to the day of the birthday, and this kid was around school trying to invite ANYONE to come to her party. Of course, no one would take the invite, since the others had spread the news of the joke around. Well, by the end of the day, this kid had decided to have the party himself.. unfortunately, she couldn't have known that the others have set up a MAJOR surprise for her when she got home. Because of that, this lonely child decided to take a detour. Up a path she and his friends had taken many times before to reach home.. Except this time, she lost track of time, and of her bearings because of her mood. So, after a good while; she suddenly realized she was really lost and started running around in circles, running from scary noises, and for the most part, getting herself even more lost. Meanwhile, her friends had set up everything with this kid's parents, and everyone was in on it that knew the tyke.. and the joke? I'm getting to that part.. But, now that everyone had gathered, and were waiting for this one that never came. They waited, and so on, so forth; and after enough time, everyone was wondering where she was. Mind you the parents of this child were becoming quite worried. Finally, the friends asked for volunteers to help find their friend, and many volunteered, along with their parents of course, and they set off for all the usual places starting off from the school and checking out the kid friendly places all along the route they all would take together. While this was happening, this lost kid had finally stopped running around, and ended near a thick grove of trees, boy; and when she stopped, the crying started. Now you see, it wasn't as much being scarred, as it was that she thought she had made everyone mad at her, and because of this that no one wanted her anymore. Course, being in a dark, thick, cold forest only added to the crying, and her fear made her cry harder. And this she cried as the wind blew around her. And the wind carried the crying a good distance. For you see, the friends had thought of trying this one hill path out of a hunch, and were about the head back down when the crying reached their ears. Wouldn't you know that this started this them running like Ryoko from the GP; and soon they got close enough to have their own voices carry to the lost one. She head the voices calling for her and started running towards them herself. They found each other when she an one of the others plowed into each other, yeah it was that dark.. Oh, they were yelling, cheering, crying, like friends do in these situations. Soon, the parents found them, and after a bit of scolding from worried parents, all headed back down to the house. And when they GOT there, BOY was there a shout of glee; and a LOUD 'Happy Birthday' that went with it. Made the poor girl cry even harder. Go figure.. And they sang the birthday song, they made a big fuss about her being lost, and the other friends apologized for making them think they had abandoned her. And then they all hugged and said things that made even the parents shed a tear. And then with everything at it's highest, the girl went to the birthday cake waiting for her. She was told to make a wish before blowing out the candles. She did, and blew at the candles.. ..and one squirted at her.. ..she finally noticed that one of the candles had a small tube running from it.. to one of the other friend's hands.. ..a big fat 'gotcha' came after that from the friends. The birthday girl looked shocked, and then broke out in laughter; everyone else soon joined in. These friends soon after continued a 'long' friendship that continued well past my former nanny was born to this same girl. Friendships are beautiful things, and if you believe strongly enough, they will come and help you when you are in your darkest hour. And that they can think too, don't forget that.." As I finished, most of the kids were clapping, though a few had fallen asleep, including Misu. Ayeka, Isarra, Arashi and Funaho were wiping tears away, describing how wonderful the story was.. Hidem only said ~ Ri`oa ~ (cool..) This was seconded by Tenchi and Washu in the background, as Tenchi was clapping softly as Funaho took Misu from my now dead arms (goddesses, kids are heavy..) as Washu was appraising my fatherly abilities. Then she mentioned that Ryoko could use some parental directional guidance. And then came the maelstrom herself as she phased in presumably looking for Tenchi. That tact changed fast as she and Washu exchanged a few 'kind' words.. Ayeka shooed them both out before they woke the now mostly sleeping children (they sleep anywhere they want in the Palace..) into a massive frenzy again. Tenchi then asked if I and Funaho would join him in a nearby balcony, and we both obliged readily.. past Washu and Ryoko trading barbs I won't mention in writing. We ended up along a balcony only a hundred meters across, as Funaho ordered a servant droid to fetch some evening drinks. Tenchi then went for the usual direct approach.. Did we think her could make a good ruler of an empire? I suspected that Funaho had head more than I did after I left the infirmary, since she didn't react to much anyway.. (that's Misaki's job..), but I was quite taken aback.. and I mentioned if something had happened back in the med room. Tenchi then said something I was suspecting all along for his position. Azusa had all but given his confidence to Tenchi in becoming the next Emperor of Jurai. The tone was basically of an uncertain type, mostly from a former farm boy that expected to only learn a few Shrine techniques and lead a normal Earth style life.. now, he was all but expected to lead an empire into a new age, since it was apparently with Lighthawk users that became Emperors, that a new Age would usually follow with it. As one might expect, Tenchi was nervous on the bordering of scared out of his skull.. I took a drink from Funaho who basically faded back, letting me be the ears Tenchi needed to pour his soul into. His marriage he had to acquiesce to was truly a happy time for him, his wives he'd go through any hell Mulhorand came up with to keep them with him. He then poured his soul into how it was like his life had been 'directed' somehow ever since freeing Ryoko, heck; maybe since Achika died the first time. He then let the floodgates out, saying that he kinda felt the way Yosho did about the Royal lifestyle, not that he hated it all, it was so overwhelming for him, he'd fear losing his traits that made him the husband of three beautiful wives. A few more sentiments came out, but not once actually saying he couldn't handle any of this, just of one scared of what the future laid out before him. And then he looked up, and characteristically apologized for 'rambling' on like that.. I only laughed to break the tension. Then, feeling he was waiting for me to respond, I replied in kind to my own destiny being 'led'.. For one, I had a apparent destiny spanning from the birth of the empire; not to mention being led so on that Shrine Quest. Then having a mortal enemy on top of that, and being a pitiful mortal that would/could/shouldn't have the attention of High Dimensionals.. and then learning that you have a whole slew of kids you never knew you had, and a blood daughter that was basically a goddess herself. It all made me realize sometimes if I had a destiny that was being too dammed selfish, why me I would ask so many times in private.. And then.. I lowered the boom on what had happened with Tsui, Tokimi, and Gaia; informing that not only was she a gift, but a Contract to prevent the heavens from going to war with itself. And.. ugh.. that they were essentially my 'wives' because of it.. the looks I got was what I expected. I then looked at Tenchi, and told him that he wasn't walking his road alone; we all were walking parallel roads to a glorious future.. and basically we would all be there for each other no matter what. I then equated the story that I had told the children, with them all saving me from my horrendous experience only a few months removed. I mentioned that I still had occasional nightmares from that experience, not the mention the war as a whole, and that it was because of the friendships we all shared, that we could all learn to move past this trauma. And because of that, there was no one I could better think of to become Emperor after Azusa than Tenchi could be. And with us beside him, especially his wives, we make DAMMED sure he was one butt kickin Emperor of Jurai. I bet my Tree on it.. Ryoko, Ayeka, Isarra, and Washu all seconded the motion, as Ryoko and Ayeka 'shared' Tenchi, saying many praises each from their hearts. Course they began to compete with each other a bit as they lauded over Tenchi, with Funaho chuckling in the background.. I don't know why, but I started to add the bit of when just past the original Battle of Jurai, after I was resurrected Funaho. I mentioned of how alone something like that experience in itself could be, after so long with a beautiful chorus to be with. I felt spoiled by the experiences, and that no one should ever feel that left out suddenly. I then impressed a reasoning on my friends and family, that 'that' may be the true reason why we all should be in the positions destiny set before us. To prevent others from being so alone, lest the dark elements take away something good needlessly.. Isarra then suggested that we use that theme in the upcoming conference. Washu agreed, imposing that the Alliances need a morale boost to go on, with the way the war had suddenly shifted. It was there that the topic of the war had finally reared it's ugly head. It centered mainly on the DJ forces, mentioning that they apparently had access to some kind of unusual technology, apparently centered on Dimensional tunneling. It was interesting that they had to have access to some kind of a POWERFUL source to effect celestial bodies to an extreme extent. Washu then mentioned that she wasn't able to ascertain 'where' the stars had been transported from, and that the effect of the trip destabilized the stars more than they should have been. She then mentioned that the events had a correlation of negative energy particles from each source zone. In fact, there was a LARGE negative energy 'zone' around where Galaxy JGS-0124 had been. It was there, that Tsunami and Tokimi appeared, and announced that Washu should begin looking for a 'different' source of the disturbances, and that I had the key to it all.. I mentioned that this was a lousy time for being cryptic. But Washu for some reason looked like her eyes would bulge out.. I wasn't sure about this 'key' until I realized that it had to do with the DJ.. ..and their very nature.. Washu and I hit on the idea at the same time, but from different angles. She went with the scientific approach, describing from the start how her lab was made of dimensional pockets, where I went with the emotional/historical viewpoint. We both hit on the point at the same time.. the DJ must be operating form a completely different dimension. And that Mulhorand was 'using' it's version of Tsunami to access the energy inherent in that realm. The Dark Jurai were making war from a negative realm of existence. Tenchi then injected, how could negative energy beings come into our dimension. The answer laid with the very nature of the war itself. The DJ had first gained access to our Dimension when the Armors were created, the effect of using some of the young Spacetrees to power them had a nasty backlash effect, leading to the Dark Jurai being born.. But if there was more to the Dark Jurai than just being the byproduct of a stupid mistake, then it was possible that the DJ were as 'natural' (to put it mildly..) as we were.. or in other words, native from this negative energy realm.. But then, why weren't there 'negative' versions of the other imperial realms, I asked Washu.. it was suggested that we concentrate on the ones at hand, the rest was conjecture at the current time. So it basically came down to a literal dark verses the light war in the end. And the dark were using ALL of their tricks to win. It was then decided to play the same game with our own rules.. Course first came nighttime, and Funaho took a bit of delight in suggesting I take a stimulant to bed with me.. good advice, a GOOD while later, I lay with two goddesses draped over me, and had enough wit left in me to ask of a favor.. Two days later, the Hikara, Funaho, Misaki, Terr`iah, and Sele`nta held station near Saturn, and if THIS was what they meant for low profile; these guys needed some stealth training. We arrived to find a GP Maxium Class Spacestation orbiting just above the outer rings; the darn huge thing would probably be seen from telescopes on Earth as a new moon from it's size! Around the station, were hundreds of delegation vessels from the various empires, minor states, and even a few independent worlds caught in the conflict. Also, a VERY large, combined Alliance Fleet held station around the entire planet itself, as well as from our entry information reports; all around the entire Sol System. Yeah sure, low profile indeed.. But the news in coming was basically that the conference wouldn't last more than two days, the war was too pressing apparently to last longer than that. Heck, the station itself was basically 'anchored' in this region of space, with the capability to be 'pulled back' to it's original point, a special function all GP Stations had to preserve life aboard their vessels.. small comfort for such a ride would do to the occupants.. ugh.. The Juraian delegation made good with docking, and after a few hours of preparation; we made our way as one large group to the conference chamber. A massive edifice of tiers, sized according to nations status, and arrayed so that the main tiers were facing the other major imperial delegations. A set of walkways led from the primary tiers, to a center meeting point that the leaders of the empires, and room for some of the minor states to discuss directly. This central point was basically free floating above the entire chamber, a good 500 meters across, end to end. Upon arrival, an announcer presented the Juraian delegation to the Alliance conference. Tenchi only shook his head, though Ryoko was quite flustered from such a greeting. Ayeka quieted Ryoko down in good situational taste, and we all soon arrived at the designated tier, there Fenganis and Nyano met with Lord Tenchi to give him an immediate sign of confidence, since the whole delegation had earned of the attack on Jurai, and the aftereffects. Tenchi graciously thanked both, and asked if everything was ready to go.. The mention of Naja trying to get Kagato away from Maymay AND Ange.. (that was news..) apparently slowed the process, and started the Royal rumor mill, a mainstay of Galactic Government apparently. The meeting soon got underway, as a basic overall status of the war was portrayed by the respective Admirals and Grand Marshals of each empire, after that; came reports of similar nature from most of the minor states, and even one report from the planet Ouay of an apparent Traquis raid for supplies, citing reports of radio traffic of supply problems between the Traquis and DJ forces. Then came the overall status of the Imperial Fleets, a sobering number came from each camp, and as they finished, it was apparent the past week was 'truly' a Hell week. The numbers told a tale of a massively destabilizing situation throughout the Alliance realms. Over 219 planets had been affected by the recent offensives, 1,274 Battle Fleets had seen engagements, over 65 percent of the standing forces of the Alliance. On top of that, a total of 34 'events' had occurred throughout the Alliance realms, mainly with the events of the 'star drops' on Alliance Fleets. This is where some bickering began, mostly over fears that this was only all a prelude to a true holocaust set to occur soon, many minor states were threatening to pull their forces back to protect internal interests, and it went even so far as when President Areait suggested the notion of negotiation with the Dark Jurai. As soon as I heard THAT, I ROARED to my feet, and stomped that suggestion flatter than pancake! I bellowed to everyone that was listening, that this was an enemy that 'relished' in death, destruction, and pain. The very idea of a peaceful way out would only end up with the ENTIRE universe enslaved under the heel of evil itself. It was beyond ludicrous, and I for one would die to prevent such a travesty from occurring.. Tenchi then stood up, and reminded all present, that the Dark Jurai weren't unbeatable. They 'had' to be as worn out by the magnitude of this war as we were. It didn't make sense to simply roll over and give up now.. It was there that the surprise of the meeting was unveiled, as Washu, Yasani, and Funaho strode to the central meeting point, and there; Washu inserted a data rod. A 3-D projection was displayed, a single large dark bubble, with a metallic ring around the edge of the bubble.. A Dimensional tunnel, Queen Rosusn pointed out; (she got a cookie, literally..) Washu then announced that this was a special Dimensional tunnel, whereas a normal tunnel connected two points in regular space, this one was made to connect between two different Dimensions altogether.. Apparently, after Washu realized the truth to the DJ's tactics, it was with these that they were able to appear out of nowhere, and with an accompanying negative particle trail after each use. It was then put forth, as these same phenomenon may have the ability to act as a truly unique weapon. Washu suggested this, because the same energy pattern was still surrounding the starts that had appeared, the planets that had been destroyed, and even from where Galaxy JGS-0124 used to be, a negative energy particle that -- couldn't - exist in this Dimension naturally, and while it wasn't akin to the matter/antimatter equation, this resided in the realm of positive and negative realities. Normally, they don't interact, even in accidental contact. But if enough was harnessed in a deliberate manner, then focused uses could create just the events that have occurred during the war. What wasn't part of her presentation was how the tunnels could be controlled, but what was certain, was that the effects; with the magnitudes seen, had to consume vast amounts of power to initiate these effects, and apparently it couldn't be negative energy alone. It took both positive and negative energy to create a directional catalyst to create 'events'. This was where Washu brought up a new image.. ..the Toalh Nebula.. This she immediately announced, was an unnatural spatial construct. The presence of so many Neutron Stars couldn't happen naturally either. While this was debatable, the fact that the same negative particle energy surrounded the whole bloody thing WASN'T debatable. What more, there was apparently a layered spatial effect in progress there, the numbers weren't exact, but it seemed there were THOUSANDS of Neutron Stars being held in this one area. More than enough power to use the tunnel as a most effective weapon. But something still had to control this, and that was apparent conjecture.. ..until I realized the connection between Mulhorand and the negative energy Tsunami version.. Maybe it.. it was possible that there literally was a Dark version of the Jurai Power in effect in this negative realm. I had first hand contact with the fact, that the DJ were using Dark Trees as vessels, and that this creature had used her power during my last torture sessions. This had to be it, it HAD to be!! That last I voiced out loud, this time drawing unwanted attention. I explained the reasoning above why, and that everything above pointed to a REAL dark versus light war; there was even a dark and light version of Tsunami. The dark version apparently the result of one of Tsunami's stolen Tree seeds being corrupted by the nature of this realm. Considering the fact that this had to have started just after the Second Exodus, that would have placed the whole process at around 25,000 years to come together.. ..a long time for evil to make intricate plans on such a scale.. Despite all this, there wasn't much upfront information about how we could counteract all this, and then counterattack back in force. With that, the gathering was called to recess, and everyone began to disperse. Tenchi was to my left when he thanked Washu and Funaho for their efforts so far, and that he wasn't sure where we could go from here. Funaho suggested a short hiatus to Earth, but Tenchi and I dismissed thus as inappropriate due to the war climate. Washu assured that we could go back and not worry about a possible attack, something that struck me as strangely prophetic. Despite all, Tenchi and Funaho made their way to a dining area to discuss matters with Emperor Fenganis there, while I bid my leave of Washu, and made my way to an observation area. A few hours later of simply sitting and watching stars rising over the rings of this sixth planet of my home System, I started hearing echoes from a corridor, coming closer by the moment, soon; presenting voices of two I knew well.. Achika and Mihoshi came around the corner, discussing some kind of Juraian aphrodisiac, when Achika saw me and called out. I had not stood despite, and simply bade a seat nearby; turning back to the view outside. Achika though had a knack of funneling attention, and asked me of what I felt of being a true father. A mix of exhilaration and outright abject fear, rolled into a package of uncertainty. Well, that and the fact that Isarra was of a partial Goddess type, made for the addition of pride and extra uncertainty.. Considering the circumstances, I wasn't all sure I was fit to be a father in the first place, this added upon my usual uncertainties of being a person of position at all. At least Achika for her part, made a good laugh. Achika then asked what our plans were for after the war.. I supposed, I responded, that we would do the things that a family should, namely first: learning how we all ticked together. Achika just kept listening as I babbled about maybe taking Tsui, Isarra and myself on a simple trip around the block on Earth, my old haunts, stuff to help bring a true foundation to the mix. Mihoshi for her part, wasn't asleep yet, as she suggested using Yosho's training to develop camaraderie and discipline; in the same way it did for Tenchi and I.. impressive suggestion, just before she DID start napping off near cue. Achika then started quipping Yosho like wisdom, about her own experiences with raising Tenchi when she had the chance, and also that she was more that aware of seemingly starting off anew with Tenchi, even though it's only been around a year.. That's when it hit me like a brick. I stood and thanked Achika, saying I had a sudden appointment. Whoa and behold, despite what I thought earlier, I was back on Earth at the residence anyway. I arrived upon the beam of a transporter from my vessel, and first went to my old room, which I found in near pristine condition, along with the rest of the Shrine; a spell from Tsunami I could feel readily apparent in the area. I went out of curiosity first, and found that the present I had intended for Tsui before I left; was still there, no sign of being tampered with. I sighed, and next chuckled for fortune's second chances. I took the medium sized package, and headed downstairs, and outside again. I almost went to Sele`nta but vectored over to the lakeside, in that one special area instead. There, I kneeled, and made a prayer copying the one I made to the Kami over a year earlier. As I hoped, a teal haze with a twinkling sound appeared, and thanked Kami it was only her this time. Tsunami prodded me with living in the past for some reason, joking maybe I was seeking a God's advice for once.. I retorted kindly with the presumption that there WERE Gods to go with all the Goddesses I've met. Tsunami made a vague comment that I could tell wasn't going to lend ANY real answers to that one, so I only asked Tsui to kneel next to myself. As she did, I asked her, if she was mad at me for missing out on our first anniversary of our original meeting. She only responded with a soft kiss, something that almost reminded me of our first real kiss, something I then commented about. Tsunami knew that being a High Dimensional meant that 'important dates' wouldn't hold as mortal a meaning that I usually intended, hence why she never did more that caress the package I now held. I caressed one of her long pony-tresses, playing in between my fingers as I described some of the things I had just discussed with Achika not too long ago, and then moving into a short dialogue concerning our current course in our relationship. A lot of caressing went with many of the words, as the theme of the discussion became more and more tender, eventually the distance between us being nonexistent. It was there that I professed how much I loved her, and how much it meant to me, that not only that she had helped save my life (for more times I could remember..), but also, that she was willing to choose me as one to help parent Isarra, however late in the game it now apparently was.. Tsunami just locked my eyes even more intently, and thanked 'me' for giving mortal meaning to an immortal life.. We could have just done it 'there and then', but I was reminded by the soft crinkle of wrapping paper, turning the subject to the present, yeah, finally.. I simply laid the package on her arms, and only watched her, as she glanced the coverings, removed them softly, removed the large box that spanned a good two meters by the way.. though only a few inches deep.. And then watched eyes turn aglow in the increasing moonlight.. She removed an unusually complex looking kimono set, and used her powers to levitate it fully in display.. It was a replica of an ancient Japanese Royal kimono used by the elite of the elite of those ancient times. By far the most heavy hit to my bank account, the replica was made in the style that reflected Tsunami's own usual Goddess dress, except that it was gloriously expanded in scope in as majestic and beautiful a manner I could find around abouts the country. The two main colors were of white, with light teal as accent; much of the hems, sheer silk overlays, underlying silk gown, arm length silk runs that had sheer silk over lays that ran past the hand cuffs, and especially the two extra overlays of silk that were patterned and set just right to accent the longer underneath layers, all had intricate patterns of cherry blossom trees and softly set silk patterns of small songbirds in majestic flocks, all pattered and sewn in almost as it all seemed the dress was a window to another world altogether.. The addition small sets of silk bows, also with the theme colors, and a single large sheer silk sash that ran around one arm sleeve, around the neckline, and back down around the separate sleeve; sewn in along all three areas, as if they melted into the accompanying silk. Finally, the addition of a chest plate covering, similar to the one she usually wore on her normal robes, was the most highly decorated piece of all.. inlaid with silk and velvet, also in the theme color, but accented thrice by Ancient Juraian rune markings, set with a kind of liquid diamond and sapphire compound, one that Washu helped me with.. and lined with actual silver at the edges, which happened to edge the hems of the gown, sleeves, and neck collar line. Upon her asking, as she phased just as immediately as she did for her Christmas present; I told that it had been in the works ever since Tenchi's wedding party. I was content to keep my kneeled position, as Tsui twirled in her new overdue extravagance, flowing and shimmering her silk and linings in the moonlight. I simply basked in only one thought: "How the heck did I become so damned lucky?" She finished spinning, and 'fell' into my arms and lap, a leg exposed from one of the pair of leg slits, dressed with an accompanying ankle length bootie, one she deliberately swung over my legs. She then started simply nuzzling me.. Strange something that was only put on a few moments ago didn't stay on long. I awoke later, placed a wool robe on, and made for the outside floor, getting a breeze of cool air to dry me off further. I was then looking at the lake glint from the setting moon; and a though occurred to me as I looked at the reflection.. I was seeing a reflection of beauty, but a false one. And a reflection couldn't lend it's results as effectively as the original source. Nature made it so, so the equation must apply to other 'areas' as well.. such as the problem facing the known universe. I was thinking upon this, when a soft but cold hand startled me, a giggle accompanying. Tsunami leaned over with her deliberately unkempt long hair draping over in a cascade, as she asked what I was thinking. Sai`Hon had maybe done more than caused the Dark powers to create the negative image of Juraians, but maybe that it created a mirror image of Sai`Hon himself. A purely negative soul split in the same coin as the Knight himself, but with the obvious repercussions. The physical philosophical ideal in action and form. A legacy I had to deal with now.. ..sobering wasn't strong enough a word.. We were about to draw into a 'round two', when a brilliant flash appeared near Luna; followed by the tiny, but telltale signs of jump points opening. Around these flashes were smaller ones that only could mean heavy laser exchanges. Then we both felt it. Mulhorand's Treevessel entering the System. It was immediately obvious, as we both flashed into combat suit armor. The Dark Jurai were invading the Sol System. It wasn't long after, as Sele`nta rocketed into orbit, and into the waiting range of a pair of DJ Capitals, that they were going ALL out in this attack. I dispatched one vessel, and clipped another into a hasty retreat, as the comm channels were flooded with reports of an apparently HUGE ambush all around the System, as whole Fleet Groups attacked one another, and the Main Fleet at the GP station were under severe bombardment. Worse, was that a flotilla of DJ warships were approaching Earth itself, and consequences not be told of THAT.. Yagami was the first vessel I encountered, as it led a trio of Juraian Frigates to try and intercept the DJ force. As we linked up, and Tsunami was handing the comm with Kiyone, a wave of DJ starfighters swarmed over our small group, dealing moderate damage to one of the Frigates, and light damage to the rest of us, the Wings serving most of us well. Mihoshi the other reason on her end.. We beat off the wave, as a second Alliance Task Force (mostly Fungesian vessels) leapt in over Luna's Zenith Pole, and helped us create a quick pincer upon the approaching DJ force. Despite a two-to-one disadvantage, the Wings and Gem shields doing their job, as our counterparts fell under highly focused fire led by Kiyone's eye. Unfortunately, they were far more determined that reasonably expected, as three of the vessels slipped through, and were able to make a rudimentary bombardment near the Eastern Pacific region. A second push got us into range, enough to drive off the vessels, as they started speeding away. They didn't get far.. A second DJ Task Force leapt in right on top of the planet, and dropped a quick plasma bomb strike upon the Northern Pole, and even hit part of Northern Europe. This angered Tsunami greatly, and summoned Tsunami Unit into the fray, RAZING the entire group in a single stroke of massed dimensional plasma cannon. A third group was about to jump in near a lower La` Grange point, well away from our position, when an Alliance Fleet force jumped literally on top of it, several vessels on both sides crashing into one another. Again, Tsunami summoned her vessel upon the enemy, dealing aggregreous damage to what vessels that weren't occupied. Unfortunately, two vessels still managed through, and struck both the Eastern edge of N. America, and the western edge of Africa proper, a Alcorian vessel sacrificed by slamming into one vessel, but ended up taking both down into the Atlantic just below the Equator. The second vessel fell to concentrated fire. Unfortunately, the damage was obvious.. as a series of fires raged along the surface of the planet in the affected areas. The sight numbed each of us present to the core, and became the rallying cry from of all people, a FURIOUS Mihoshi; as she transmitted the images via wide broadband broadcast. Yet, despite knowing that Earth had finally joined the war in a unwanted, tragic way; the battle still revolved around the GP station, as at least seven Alliance Fleet Groups held the line against ten DJ Fleet Groups opposing. However, Mulhorand's Treeship wasn't among them, as Tsunami traced his vessel via power waves, around the orbit of Mars. Before we could make a decision to attack in a vector, ANOTHER DJ TF dropped almost on top of us, and a number of them too began to bombard the surface. This time however, the attacks didn't reach past the atmosphere, as a LARGE energy shield of some kind sprang to life around the planet. Not even a pair of thermo-plasmatic bombs got through, and I was more than a little please, despite being baffled by the sight. I turned to Tsui in an attempt to congratulate, but got a blank look mirroring my own. I asked if it was any of the Sisters, or Washu, and got another negative nod. I would have prodded further, but a glancing laser blunted off the Wings, and found two DJ Corvettes barreling down at us. A crossfire from two Alcorian vessels took one down, as I dispatched the second via pulse cannon. A short series of maneuvers followed, as I maneuvered my Treeship around three more pursuers, and helped take down two others giving trouble to other Alliance ships. It was when this next wave died down, that Tsunami suddenly shouted out that she knew the source of the shield.. ..all I got, as a powerful 'program' of some kind, just before a distress call from Hikari came over the frequencies. The discussion was put on immediate hold, as I procured six vessels, the rest holding station around Earth, and short jumped within the orbit of Saturn once more.. ..and into a space opera's version of Hell itself. All around, hundreds of Capitals from both sides traded volleys, clouds of Jurdams, mecha, starfighters, and battlesuits danced in massive displays of death traded upon one another. As we arrived, we homed in on Hikari's signal, twenty-seven klicks away from the main station, there we found the Treeship in a grapple with three DJ Battleships, with the Hikari's escorts being swamped with similar, equitable DJ forces. Despite the incredible chaos, there was a definite immediate pattern that was seen among the battle zone. Three of the DJ Fleet Groups were trying to pincer in from Mark Nadir 090, trying to stab straight at the GP station, with a good number of Alliance officials still aboard. Almost dead center was where the Hikari Battle Group had placed themselves, an immediate two to one disadvantage, obviously trying to by time. A second DJ pincer was at Mark Zenith 221, but was stopped cold by four Fleet Groups. Unfortunately, these two areas were forty kilometers apart, and with most of the rest of the Alliance Battle Groups engaged all around the Saturn Zone, Tenchi's group had become cut off, and in danger of being overrun, which would have led the DJ straight to a weak second line, and the station itself. Luckily, it changed when we, and two more outer System Task Forces that had laid along the Sol Orrt Cloud Zone; I immediately grabbed command of those two, and focused the initial assault upon the DJ Battleships. A set of five DJ vessels tried to block us, but focused fire destroyed three ships, and one other was hit viciously. And as a pair of DJ mecha blazed by the Sele`nta's cockpit, I ordered a massed Wing charged array shot, and waited until we were within optimal range, all the while suffering hits from the DJ secondary Capitals. The shot that rang out, incinerated one Battleship, and cleaved second, leaving the third at Hikari's mercy. ..not. The Young Crown Price then ordered that all vessels break apart the DJ pincer, starting with a fourth Battleship that Hikari itself downed with it's Wings. It was then, that a new Alliance Task Force leapt in, lead by Soujya and Naga; which had waited outside the System. That ended the life of the remainder of the two DJ Battle Groups in short order. Kagato hailed in just before Naja did, hence both informing that the Alliance reserves laying outside the System were now coming in, as Kiyone alerted to; as two more Alliance Fleet Groups started jumping about on top of the second pincer, and in three other areas around Saturn. In the quick hiatus, Tenchi asked for confirmation of the bombardment of Earth, a task I solemnly confirmed. In short order, signals came in from other Alliance leaders, as it soon became apparent the tide had turned in the Saturn Zone. Tenchi responded to all the signals, that now was the time to deliver a MASSIVE counter blow, one that had the sense of blood vengeance behind the tone. I would have been taken aback, but myself felt the adrenaline rush of taking the battle right to the *explicative*. The counterattack started, with a double push originating from the station and Zenith Mark 221. From there, the DJ were pushed completely out of the area; albeit slowly. In the meantime, a reinforcement was set to go to Earth and protect it further, Tsunami decided to accompany this one. I decided to try and finally hunt down Mulhorand, and took a Task Force of primarily Kartasian and minor State vessels, though six 3rd Generation Treeships lent to the core of the force. As we fanned out along our own vectors, a signal from Ken-ohki came in suddenly, on a general freq. It blared with news that seemed TOO incredulous to believe; and my TF joined the reinforcement Group towards Earth. We found the unspeakable. Luna, was a broken moon. In the distance, trying to escape, were a small TF of DJ vessels, with some Alliance vessels trying to cut them off. One DJ vessel was still behind, as we saw it release a tractored asteroid, launching it like a massive Ferrous shot. The impact it made on a large untouched area, shattered it into three large chunks. Why they seemed so determined to attack Earth, considering it's base strategic value, only lent to the fact that the DJ were trying to send a personal message to certain members of the Alliance war effort. The rest that were gathered were simply shocked, but I could only imagine the panic now enveloping the once isolated planet. The Dark Jurai were going ALL out to hurt us where it counted, this was the only logic that was available. Strangely, the only Earth orbiting station, the so-called ISS; hadn't been even touched by the carnage, as two Alliance vessels used it to create a defensive line to protect Earth proper. Unfortunately again, time didn't allow for diplomacy with the Terran governments, as the DJ fleet had been joined by two more Fleet Groups, evening the numbers. With them this time, I finally 'saw' the demon's Treeship at point. I decided to play a tactic against Mulhorand, and had Sai`Hon take direct control of Sele`nta, upon which; I took one of my Jurdams, and slaved two more to be mobile wingmen. I launched straight at the center of the line, and simply stopped at a midpoint between the closing Fleets, where which I openly broadcast a slew of unsavory comments about all manner of character of Mulhorand's being, noting most of all his manhood, and the fact, that the REAL Jurai would always be stronger that his pitiful force. ..It got the effect.. His vessel directly leapt in front of the others, and too a pair of Cruisers with it. A trio of Alliance ships sped past me, and I took advantage by skimming with an Fungesian Destroyer, using the bulk of the ship to hide me vector. Mulhorand wasn't so stupid to fall for a blind attack, and tried to fry the Destroyer. It was then the Fleets exchanged fire, and took to a HARD angle that ended up with my Jurdam skimming the underside of Mulhorand's vessel, my Jurdam Key doing heavy damage to the belly of the arachnid vessel. I was speeding away, when a DJ mecha suddenly SLAMMED into me suit, as two more DJ mecha grappled with my 'wingmen'. It wasn't hard to guess whom I was fighting, and used the DJ Treeship as an oversized arena, both of us trading mecha blade parries. This didn't last long though, as Mulhorand pulled a mecha heavy cannon, and barely missed my port side, as I rolled clear. It was there, that a LARGE wave of Alliance mecha suits swarmed around us, breaking up the duel, as a new Alliance Fleet Group leapt in from the Saturn Zone. The battle became one-sided as the DJ began to flee under withering fire. A TF tried to play cat and mouse in the Luna debris field, but the chasing Alliance units weren't going for it. I was trying hard to require sight of my prey, when said target came over the frequencies.. "{{~ Hope you like my gift, a fitting tribute to our one year anniversary. Since you like destroying worlds to rid the universe of me, then you'll know the vein I give this gift. ..the blood of Terra joins the blood of the Alliance.. let the pain endure for me to enjoy. ..and now, I challenge you to try and kill me Knight of the Order.. see if you can fail a second time whelp of a whore goddess!!. ~}}" That one burned.. deep.. It was then, that a LARGE dark portal suddenly opened up at the mid point between Earth and the shattered Luna. Through it, the DJ began their retreat.. I acted more from raw hatred than logic at that moment, and launched Sele`nta towards that portal, neverminding the odds at that moment. I was fortunate providence took over my stead, as a LARGE object flew by my Treeship, or what ended up as part of a LARGER set of objects. All I noticed next was this 'object' forma massive ring around the dimensional portal, locking around it with a flash of energy to boot. As the rather surprised and expectantly enraged Dark Jurai began trying to assault the massive construct, I silently made a thanks to Washu, providence takes many forms. In the chaos of the moment, as the DJ split between fleeing and trying in vain to attack the ring; Mulhorand's Treeship suddenly doubled back, and made a ramming speed attack on Sele`nta; barely missing as I forced an evasive action maneuver. The DJ Treeship made two more attempts before retreating off a light broadside I fired back with. In the heat of the chase, I missed a warning from a number of Juraian commanders, as well as a heated retort from Nagi; that I was too close to the tunnel. I reacted too late, as the gravitational zone of the tunnel grabbed hold of my vessel, the groans of the hull accompanying my degrading comments for my mindset. Stupid was I to fall for such a tactical error, but the vestiges of words died with my next waking sight. I've heard of the Darkness of the Universe.. But seeing is believing. Space all around me was.. like a negative photographic image template. 'space' was literally a grayish-white, the 'stars', a dull black color hinted by the color of the star if it were in normal space. Wisps of 'dark matter', everything from space dust, to spatial gasses and ionized particles normally invisible to the normal eye, floated by like erratic, wispy clouds of material; giving depth to the eery scene before me. This strange scene was accompanied with a growing view of a double star system, with a single growing sphere emerging from the 'glare' of the stars.. "{{~ Welcome to 'my' home whelp.. Vicar will be you grave!! ~}}" I heard from my ships speakers, just before the LARGE DJ fleet that had jumped before hand suddenly descended upon me. A series of shudders followed, as my Wings became upon a MASSIVE strain; it took much of my piloting skill to avoid an outright funeral pyre. As I ducked my vessel several more blasts, I ordered Sai`Hon to begin a recording unit of these sights. I assumed the worst after that as the unit launched with all the pertinent data, back towards the tunnel, which was apparently stuck open behind me. But luck was a goddess, as off to my starboard, a pair of Alliance vessel screamed in from the said tunnel, taking out three DJ vessels. I merged coordinates with them and upon saying my thanks, made order to a quick retreat. We blasted past three more DJ ships, as we closed with the tunnel. It was there, that another transmission from the demon blared forth, saying words to effect of my 'guts'; this time I heeded little, as we finally leapt back into the tunnel. Our trio of vessels arrived in a WHOLLY different place than we supposed we would be however. All I could see was Neutron Stars, a fleet of Traquis and DJ vessels, and one LARGE space station about as large as three GP stations welded together. Rather than think, I ordered for us to bolt for the closest escape route. Along the way, as the enemy began to respond slowly, we deployed echo-flares in desperation while we seeked a exit. We found it as a Traquis Destroyer leapt in on our Port-Zenith vector; one that didn't last long under our guns. I deployed a single echo-flare with a proximity mine just before leaping. The lack of pursuit told of the effectiveness of that tactic. After that, it simply took a good bit to trail and error to find the proper vectors, and we soon emerged from the settler hell to find.. ..that we were outside the Toalh Nebula.. All I could do after that, was order a vector back to Terra-Sol; all along the way back thinking of just 'what' kind of tunnel the DJ had set up.. ..or how many of them, considering the heat of the escape made exact plotting rather moot. Two days later, we arrived back within the ravaged System, and into the relived/worried glares of my family. My data of the Negative Dimension soon quieted those fears, as Washu and Yasani poured over the findings, and helped answer my above question.. Not one or two.. but sixteen separate tunnels; webbed from the single System of Vicar into several areas of the Positive Dimension. The findings made clear of where two of the permanent ones had to be, the others had to be temporary constructs. It all fell into place after that, as our gathered, as well as soon after; the Alliance leadership. Tenchi was the one that called for a counterstrike soon after, especially after it was made clear from Washu, that the tunnel now existing in the Sol System was 'temporarily' made permanent. With that, the data from Sele`nta concerning the 'route' used to escape the Toalh Nebula became our second avenue. Washu then made it clear that two more tunnels could be 'thrown together' within a week to create additional invasion routes. All this was put forth to the whole Alliance gathered in an hastily gathered session. A few worried questions floated from the Alcorian and Akara camps, but mostly to the nature of the logistics and fleet requirements more than outright fears of defeat. Of all people, it was Fenganis that put forth the declaration that it was time to end the war; not to mention do it in a fashion appropriate to eradicate the DJ forever. The vote that came after was suprisingly unanimous, the feeling of any dissent simply nowhere to be had. The planning for this massive juggernaut was left out of my hands, though my asking of Tokimi would now come into play. Beyond that, the matter of dealing with an Earth now apart of the Galactic whole had to be addressed somewhat initially. This was done but an initial entourage of Funaho, Erasi, Rosusn, with Lonar and Aphelia as guards/symbols; as they made a First Contact overture to the United Nations Assembly a few days after the Alliance meeting. As it was, the family and I were ordered, not a request in the slightest; to keep our affairs secret for the time being. Mostly from Misaki's request, since the natives were quite hysterical for the time being. A lynching now would be quite bad to the war effort. As it was, the family gathered at the Shrine to assess any damage, as well as take in some rest before the coming of the final storm. Luckily, euphemistically speaking, Japan itself was left relatively untouched, though ash from the Asian continent made it's way over here upon the Jet Stream of this region, turning even a bright summer day into a red, dusky one. The nights were even worse, as a pale gray and purple hue took over, lending a number of us to shed tear everytime we saw such. This made the already half-hearted attempts with Shrine upkeep hardly worth the effort, as minds were to distracted with repaying the favor, a sentiment Ryoko took to be most vocal with, followed closely by most notably Mihoshi and Nagi. And, this was the bare attempts to forget the impossible, easily intruded upon by the tragedy orbiting the heavens above (Even in the daytime..), not to mention the LARGE gathering of twinkling dots orbiting around the glowing black rob that was the Tunnel, especially when some traces of red and green light could be seen, hinting at the obvious of reality. It was during this time that we all mostly watched the event s taking place in an area called New York, in a place called the United Nations. Here Funaho took the actions of actually detailing not only the course of the war, but even where the Juraian and Fungesian Empires originated. If that wasn't enough, they had Alliance warships do fly over demonstrations, and even helped assure humanitarian aid to the stricken regions affected by the bombardment. Within days, this part of the open ended deal was bequeathed to, with literally hundreds of Alliance transports; some the size of large asteroids, delivering mostly food and prefabricated shelter supplies. In time, the Earth would even be allowed to join the coming Union, but at a controlled pace, and under the provision that the Earth clean up it's acts of stupidity it constantly raped itself with. The Alliance wasn't about the have a child join a group of parents just to have it wreak havoc upon an already stretched universe. Funaho made DARNED sure to stress this point, considering the Earth was lucky in the first place to even be still 'existing'! Course despite attempts at levying the seriousness of the situation, Misaki had to do her usual routine upon even several of this worlds most respected ambassadors, including a snooty French delegate that made a crude remark about her family. Ryoko was busting a gut all over the floor after what we saw Misaki do as a 'response'. ..ugh.. Within the end of the week, a treaty of understanding was drafted, all under the eyes of the Jurai King himself, finally recovered to full. His ship appearing at the ceremony apparently made a pretty large splash. Past that was news that the Alliance Fleets were almost ready to finally take the war to the Dark Jurai. A sound of confidence that hopefully would end up ringing true. But there were other things on the palate first. First off, Tsunami made darned sure the show off my present for her, to the entire family, certainly lightening the mood. This itself touched off a karioke/drinking party. This time, with Tokimi and Gaia joining in, in a quartet with Tsui and I. Isarra was there too, sharing a tune with Sasami, Ryo-ohki (big form), and even a toddler called Mayuka I have not mentioned much (oh yes, she's been with the family through all these journals, just.. anyway..), as it was, all this combined to make us forget the war for one night, at long last. Thank the Goddess it was so. And then there was some new relationships in the making that were being forged, especially when a few of my Knight Team members showed up with Fleet progress reports. First; Ange, Yasani, Ala. And then Ketira along with N, U, and Vycan; escorting Tynusu, Risao and Orapa; the latter three apparently becoming fast friends. As I could tell rather immediately, Ketira for some reason took to Yosho of all people like a fish to fish food (or something to that effect.), and Ange kept talking about nothing else except Kagato this and Kagato that. It didn't even apparently phase her when Ayeka told Ange that Kagato was already married, weird, but anywho.. On other fronts, Ayeka and Ryoko kept up the act around Tenchi just for old times sake, Washu and Yasani got into a prolonged chess like series of matches that surrounded using elements of the periodic table.. basically the chess pieces would attack and opposing piece with a randomized element, including uranium and potassium; lending to interesting demises for the pieces.. Mom and Dad made another surprise entrance, with a special data packet for myself from Azusa, basically saying that I was to make sure Tenchi made it out of everything alive in the end. When Tenchi found out, he expressed surprise, considering that this used to be the man the reviled the Crown Prince's existence. Things do change indeed. In the meantime, Dad and Mom got the know Isarra 'really' well, Dad just giving me a hard time with the whole deal, and Mom just pleased as a gem to be a grandmother suddenly. Heh, parents.. On other, quieter fronts, Achika and Sasami seemed to pick right up from where they all left off. Making us all quite fat, though Minagi seemed to surpass even Ryoko in the 'stuff-the-face' department. Sasami took three out of five nights. Hikari then decided to hold a family contest, centering around a ball game of baseball, set in a nearby park just outside of Okiyama proper. It seemed to be a repeat of the snowball fights of earlier this year, with a Royals/Knights contingent verses the Commons, a bit that Ayeka took great interest in mugging Ryoko constantly about. At lease this time I was on the Royals side.. Not that it helped, as I'm actually pretty lousy with baseball. We got conked 7-1 (Tenchi saved us from a shutout, good man..), two days later, Hikari got us all riled up for a second round, 8-3 this time. My fondest memory was getting a third ball to go with my natural two, well, not that 'fond'.. Risao then started getting into that act of finding out about everyone's relationships; more because she was trying to get pointers for a relationship she was seeking, though the 'details' weren't forthcoming. On top of all that, Nen and Bruinuae show up to surprise Sasami one day, delivering a coded packet to Tenchi, but also just to make a ruckus. All of this combined seemed to make us forget the war completely, if not for the 'reminders' mentioned above.. It was thus, that last night where I found my Tsui hovering at the lakeside; looking upwards with a neutral fa‡ade. I snuck up all to easily, and got a charged bolt for my trouble. Tsui reflexively apologized like the dickens, but we both just ended up in a light wrestling match. By the time we were done laughing like hyenas, Tsui had simply buried her face into my chest. I only wrapped my arms around her, and buried my head in her silken hair. There we lay for a while, the summer night breeze giving only peace and comfort. I then asked her a blunt question.. "What would happen if I eventually die." Yeah, I know I was a mood killer, but considering everything that had happened, it was nigh time to settle a question that had an obvious consequence. It was all well and good that we all, the Family and friends there off; had yet to be witness to an actual death of a beloved one. Considering that I was tortured, Azusa and Misaki wounded rather heavily, the rest of us somehow had gone through things that no mortal should survive, and maybe even immortal as well. I had to know what Tsunami would do if I was gone, a great possibility considering the task before us all. Tsunami didn't respond, immediately anyway.. What she did instead was to look into my eyes softly, and touch her forehead to mine, my sigil suddenly glowing fiercely. "You can't die on me, not especially after 25,000 years of waiting. I'd just end up chasing after you again, for another 25,000 years if I had to. ..we are destiny, and I will fight to keep that destiny. ..forever, everafter, everywhere, everything. ..because I love you too dammed much mortal." We simply kissed with a passion even I was surprised with.. the night there coming even moreso. We made such love like it was our last and our first at the same time. I had my answer.. The next day, after a calm breakfast like it was a regular day on the farm; we made sure to remember the deal Tenchi, Ryoko, and I had made if we all survived. Dad helped echo a sentiment from Yosho for us all to hold onto during the events that were about to transpire. Our power of family will see us through even the magnificent hell we would see, and that is was time to face the task we've been seeking for all this time. A massive, singular toast to that effect was the curtain call, as we soon headed to either our respective vessels in Washu's Lab Docking Bays, or to Washu's War Room, or the GP station to oversee the events from either place. An hour later, Sele`nta, Hikari, Yagami, Azusa, Misaki, Funaho, Terrai, along with a slew of other vessel and Treeships joined with the massive Alliance Fleet. Off to the left was Ryo-ohki, Ken-ohki, and a slew of other ohki's Washu activated to help support this operation. Communication traffic was quite heavy, mostly encrypted; but heavy in volume. It wasn't exactly like operation Overlord of World War II vein, the enemy knew we were coming. ..but the scope of the operation they couldn't have guessed, since a total of seven dimensional portals would be assaulted at the same time with over seventy-five percent of the entire combined Alliance Fleet, totaling to about 1500 Fleet Battle Groups. The number of support vessels, starfighters, mecha, special support, and the like had to equal ten times the number of Fleet Groups. ..and then there was the ace in the hole. ..this my last thoughts to Tenchi via subspace comm, as the code signal to invade began to be broadcast; and with that, five minutes later, over a million warships leapt upon their objectives in seven sectors.. And me with my own agenda to finish. This was it, it was now all or nothing. (End Part Thirty-Seven)