mathews1@ix.netcom.com (Ryan Mathews ) "Star of Jurai", a TENCHI MUYO! fanfic delivered only a few weeks late, which for me is practically on time, is a little different from most fanfics you may have read. SoJ is an "audio drama", inspired by the CD drama tracks so common on anime CDs these days, as well as my love of old radio shows. Please let me know what you think. It wasn't easy writing a story using only dialogue and sound effects, but it was fun. Of course, what I'd like more than anything else is for some enterprising group of amateur voice actors to actually perform it! It could be done, and it would be a great way to prove you could do a better dubbing job than Pioneer! :-) NOTE: One thing missing from the scripts is music. I've decided to leave that up to any would-be producer, since I don't have all the Tenchi CDs... -- ---------- Ryan Mathews Email: mathews1@ix.netcom.com "I like you! You wanna be a SnailMail: 401 Mortimer Drive #410 guinea pig for my experiments?" Bedford OH, 44146 -- Washuu-chan ***************************************************************************** .:,.... TENCHI ,:; ::::::::::::;' . . ,;;::::::::; ```::::```' :: .. :: ;;'. .. .. .;, ...::::.... `::::::: ::,;;;;; ,' ;: :: :: :;' ::::::::;;;; :: ;;;;':: :: ................. .. :::. :; :: :: :: ````````````````` ;;; .::;`:. `::;;:; ::,`' ;; ,;' ;; :: `:. ;;:......, ;;; .:::' `:::. `~ `:::,..; ` '' :: `:: ;;''::''';: ;;' ::' `::::... ```' ,;,,,::,,,;; ;; ```::::::....., MUYO! ,;;',,,;;,,,:, `' ```````` :; ;; ;; ;' ,;;' ' "Star of Jurai" an Audio Drama by Ryan Mathews PART 1 of 2 ***************************************************************************** SASAMI (narrating) Hello, everyone! Welcome to "Star of Jurai"! I'm Sasami, and I'll be the one telling the story! Let's see, how should I start? I know! First, I'll tell you something about myself! I'm a princess from the planet Jurai, but I live with my big sister Aeka and lots of friends at the home of Tenchi Masaki, a boy from a place called Japan. How we all got together is a really neat story, but it's not the one I'm supposed to tell you, so I'll tell it real quick. See, Tenchi let this demon out of its cage by accident, only the demon turned out to be a girl named Ryoko, and she wasn't a really a demon, she was a space pirate! Aeka and I were looking for our big brother Youshou, who was supposed to have married Aeka but disappeared seven hundred years ago while fighting Ryoko. So when we found Ryoko we tried to capture her, so she'd tell us where Youshou was. Well, Ryoko didn't know anything! And then we had this big space fight, and both our ships crashed. Tenchi was really nice and let us live with him. Then a police officer named Mihoshi showed up, looking for a criminal named Kagato, and she crashed too! Finally Kagato came. He said Ryoko belonged to him and kidnapped her! He wanted the secret of Tsunami, Jurai's most powerful ship, but we all fought him together and destroyed him! That was when we met Washu, a genius scientist Kagato had captured two thousand years ago! We found out that Youshou was Tenchi's grandfather. He'd gotten old because he wasn't living on Jurai anymore, so he couldn't marry Aeka. That means Tenchi will be the next emperor of Jurai someday! Things are pretty quiet now. We're all happy living together with Tenchi. Well, most of the time. See, Ryoko and Aeka both want to be Tenchi's girlfriend, and they fight a lot. Sometimes it causes big problems. For example, one time we all went to the beach... [SouND: Waves, seagulls, people.] SASAMI Aeka? You don't look like you're having fun. AEKA I'm fine, Sasami. SASAMI But you're wrapped from head to toe! Don't you want to play in the sun? AEKA And expose my beautiful skin to all that radiation? No, thank you. SASAMI But... AEKA When you get to be my age, you have to take good care of your looks! You'll understand someday. SASAMI But all you have to do is put some suntan oil on your skin. AEKA Suntan oil? Let me see that... [Pause.] Is that what that couple over there is doing? SASAMI Huh? Oh, yeah! She can't reach her back, so he's putting some on for her. AEKA It looks so... romantic. SASAMI You want me to put some on for you? AEKA [giggles] No. I have a *much* better idea. [SND: Electronic beeps on top of the beach noises.] WASHU Fascinating! Do you that this sand is almost all silicates? Seems a shame to waste it by lying around on top of it. TENCHI I, uh, really hadn't given it much thought. WASHU Still, I gotta admit, it sure feels good squishing it between your toes! Say, Tenchi! You haven't said how you like my bikini! TENCHI (nervous) Uh, it's really nice, Washu. WASHU You think so?! It's actually painted on! It's this new molecule-thin fabric I've been working on. Here, feel it! TENCHI Heh, heh. That's okay! WASHU Oh, don't be shy! It's just scientific curiosity! It's healthy! MIHOSHI Hi, Tenchi! TENCHI (relieved) Oh, hi, Mihoshi! How's the water? MIHOSHI It's great! I especially liked talking to the fish! TENCHI Talking... to the fish? WASHU (skeptical) What did they say? MIHOSHI Well, I don't know really, but they were opening and closing their mouths a lot, so I figured they were talking to me. I just have to learn the language! WASHU (sarcastic) Well, good luck. AEKA Tenchi! TENCHI What's up, Aeka? AEKA Mihoshi, I couldn't help but overhear how you were talking to the fish. Why don't you show Washu! I'm sure her scientific mind could figure out their language in no time! MIHOSHI Why, that's a GREAT idea! C'mon, Washu! WASHU Uh, gee, I really don't know, I mean I'm still analyzing the sand-- MIHOSHI Oh, this is much more exciting! C'mon! WASHU (fading into the distance) No, wait! This is sensitive scientific equipment! MIHOSHI (fading) Leave it behind! C'mon, into the water! WASHU (fading) I can't swim!! [SND: Splash in the distance.] AEKA Tenchi, could you help me? TENCHI Sure, what you need? AEKA I need to put this suntan oil on, but I can't reach my back. Could you help me? TENCHI Oh, sure. [SND: Rustle as Aeka lies down.] AEKA Thanks, Tenchi. TENCHI Like this? AEKA Mmm, yes, thank you. [pause] If the strap's in the way, you can undo it. TENCHI (gulp) [SND: Ryoko teleports. Tenchi and Aeka yelp in surprise.] RYOKO Hiya, Tenchi! Whatcha doin'! TENCHI Ryoko! I told you not to teleport in public! RYOKO Oh, relax! Nobody saw. Well, well! What *are* we up to? AEKA None of your business! RYOKO Giving the princess a little backrub are we? Me next! AEKA You don't need suntan oil! You can fly through a star! RYOKO Who said anything about oil? AEKA (feigning interest) Is that a surfboard you're carrying, Ryoko? RYOKO Sure is. AEKA Then why don't you go surf! RYOKO (annoyed) I'm planning to! (brightly) Say, Tenchi, wanna hang a little ten with me? AEKA Tenchi is *busy*! RYOKO FINE!! [SND: Ryoko teleports.] TENCHI Wait! Ryoko!! AEKA Um... Ouch! Ouch! My back's getting sunburned! Please hurry, Tenchi! TENCHI Oh! Sorry, Aeka. AEKA Ahh... Thank you, Tenchi. That's much better. It's so kind of you to do this for me... [SND: A roar that slowly grows louder, followed by distant sounds of panic.] VOICE Tsunami! TENCHI Tsunami? Where? AEKA I don't see her anywhere... [SND: The roar continues to grow.] TENCHI Wait a minute. How do they know about Tsunam-- whuh whuh WAAAAAAAHHHHH!! TSUNAMIIIIII!!! AEKA Where? AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!! [SND: The roar is near-deafening.] RYOKO HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA! SURF'S UP!!! [SND: Screaming, the crash of an enormous wave. The noise fades.] AEKA (cough cough) I've never been so soaked in all my life. RYOKO Serves you right for being so stubborn. TENCHI (annoyed) What about the other people, Ryoko? Someone could've gotten hurt! RYOKO Give me some credit. I used my power to weaken the wave. They just got a little wet, that's all! SASAMI All our stuff was washed away! WASHU Mihoshi and I were in the water! You nearly hurled us into the parking lot! RYOKO With your power? Get real! Besides, Mihoshi's too stupid to get hurt. MIHOSHI (near tears) How... How could you say something like that?! TENCHI (angry) eeerrrrrgg--That's IT!! Ryoko, I have HAD IT with your selfishness! You apologize to Mihoshi right now! And to the rest of us, too, while you're at it! RYOKO Tenchi? TENCHI I mean it!! [pause] RYOKO I... I don't have to take this. [SND: Ryoko teleports.] TENCHI (sigh) I didn't think she would. AEKA That was wonderful, Tenchi! It's about time you told off that monster-woman! TENCHI (snapping) You're just as bad!! AEKA W-what? TENCHI If you hadn't been so rude to her today, she might not have done anything! You're always provoking her!! AEKA Tenchi... TENCHI Here comes the bus. Let's go home. [SND: Inside the bus as it leaves.] SASAMI Um, Tenchi? TENCHI (annoyed) What is it?! SASAMI Um... TENCHI Oh, I'm sorry Sasami, I didn't mean to snap at you. SASAMI That's okay-- TENCHI This has just been another tough day. SASAMI I understand, I-- TENCHI This happens every time we go somewhere together. SASAMI But-- TENCHI Can't they get along for just one afternoon? SASAMI I just-- TENCHI I guess it's my fault. SASAMI Tenchi? TENCHI I should tell them that they're both important, that they don't need to compete. SASAMI Tenchi! TENCHI I'm sorry, Sasami, what were you saying? SASAMI Aeka didn't get on the bus with us! TENCHI WHAT?! Oh, no! Driver! DRIVER! DRIVER Yeah? TENCHI You've gotta turn this bus around! DRIVER Sorry, no can do. TENCHI Then let us off! We'll walk back and catch the next one. DRIVER Ain't no next one. TENCHI AUUUGGH! (sigh) SASAMI What are we gonna do, Tenchi? TENCHI I guess we'll just have to ask my dad to drive us back and pick her up. [SND: Bus sounds fade.] TENCHI What do you mean, "The car's not working"?!!! FATHER Now, now, Tenchi, it's a just a small problem. I'll have it fixed in no time! GRANDFATHER What your father means by that is that the engine has been taken apart and is currently strewn all over the garage. FATHER Uh, heh-heh. Well, after my last tune-up, I had a part left over. Just trying to figure out where it went! GRANDFATHER That part was from the lawnmower. FATHER I know that now... TENCHI C'mon, I'll help you put it back together. Poor Aeka. It's starting to get dark. [SND: Night sounds: crickets, frogs, or whatever equivalent they have in Japan. :-)] AEKA Tenchi... [pause] Tenchi's right. I do provoke Ryoko too much. [pause] OOOOOH, but I can't help it! That nasty monster-woman! Always trying to get her paws on Tenchi, to have SEX with him! Ughk! The very thought revolts me! Well, I'm not going to let it happen, do you understand! If Tenchi's going to lose his virginity, he's going to lose it to ME! [pause] Um, that's not what I meant. I mean that, that... OH! Listen to me, talking to myself like a crazy woman! [pause] Oh, why didn't I get on that bus? It's dark, it's getting cold, and it's scary out here. [pause] I'm being silly. What is there to be scared of? [SND: Hummmmmm-buzz-WHOOSH!] AEKA AAAH! [pause] Ha.. Ha... Who's there?! [pause] It came from somewhere in those trees... [SND: Rustle of leaves and branches.] AEKA Excuse me, is someone there? [pause] I, uh, need transportation. I can pay you. VOICE You don't need to pay! AEKA AAAAAAAAHHH!! [SND: Running through the woods.] AAH! AAH!! AAH! Whoa! Oof! [SND: Aeka falls, crunch of leaves and sticks.] Ouch! W-whatever you're thinking of don't do it! I may look like a defenseless young woman, but I'm a royal princess of Jurai, and I've been trained-- VOICE Why would I want to hurt you, Aeka? AEKA You... know who I am? VOICE Don't you recognize me? [pause] AEKA Joran? VOICE That's me! AEKA (overjoyed) JORAN!! [Joyful laughter.] [SND: Clinks of metal.] TENCHI This is hopeless! We'll never get this back together. FATHER Sure we will! Now, this doohickey goes on this thingamabob. No it doesn't. Maybe on this watchamacallit? Nope, not there either. Hmm... TENCHI Ohhhhhh... WASHU Ahem! Mind if I help? TENCHI Washu? FATHER What would a little girl like you know about automobile engines? WASHU Are you kidding? Primitive engines have always fascinated me! I'd love to have a go at one! TENCHI Uh, I don't know, Dad... FATHER What have we got to lose? Sure, you can help! WASHU (giggles) [SND: Night sounds.] AEKA Joran, what's happened to you? You've gotten so... tall! JORAN You were in stasis for seven hundred years, Aeka. I wasn't. I grew up. AEKA Oh. That's right. How silly of me. I suppose a lot of things have changed since I left. JORAN Many things have. That's one of the reasons Father and I came out to see you. AEKA Uncle Anshou? He's here too? JORAN Mm-hmm. AEKA All of a sudden, I feel so homesick. Look at you! You always were a handsome boy, but I had no idea you'd grow up to be such... JORAN A hunk? [Both laugh.] It came as a surprise to me, too. It seemed to happen overnight. All of sudden, I was getting attention from all the girls in school, including those who wouldn't have given me the time of day the year before. I didn't quite know how to take it. AEKA (teasing) Oh, it must have been so hard on you. JORAN (laughs) I got used to it. So how about you? What's it like, living on Earth? AEKA I love it here. I know you think it's a primitive planet, but it's beautiful, almost like Jurai. The natives are friendly, most of the time, anyway, and I live together with a lot of good friends. It's like having another family. JORAN Then why were you standing out here in the dark, all by yourself? AEKA Um... uh... [pause] It's... a long story. JORAN Okay. Why don't we go back to Sujahoh and talk about it? AEKA Is that your ship? It's nearby? JORAN It's in orbit. AEKA Then how did you get down here? JORAN I told you, a lot of things have changed. Take my hand. [SND: Hummmmmm-buzz-WHOOSH!] FATHER Thanks for all your help, little Washu! You certainly are good with tools! WASHU Why, it was nothing! TENCHI Dad and I are going to pick up Aeka. We'll back in no time. WASHU (under her breath) Heh. You can say that again. TENCHI What did you say? WASHU Oh, nothing! Have fun, you two! [SND: Engine starts. It sounds... weird.] FATHER Hmm. Engine sounds a little rough. I'd better take it easy when I step on the-- [SND: SHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM!] TENCHI & FATHER (fading) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH! WASHU Yahoo! Am I the Hot Rod Queen, or what? MIHOSHI Um, you know, the speed limit here is only 80 kilometers per hour... WASHU Hey, no prob! Cops gotta catch 'em first, right? [SND: Background - low, pleasant thrum.] AEKA Is this... the ship? JORAN Welcome aboard! AEKA But how did we get here? JORAN An interdimensional transporter. We've only had it for ten years. AEKA The ship... it's beautiful. JORAN Think so? She's a little young, only five years out of the nursery, but she's a fast learner. C'mon, I'll show you around. [SND: Door opens and closes. Footsteps.] AEKA So, did you receive my report? JORAN Oh, yes! It's the talk of Jurai! Especially this "Lord Tenchi" you mentioned. Everyone wants to meet him. AEKA Well, perhaps I could introduce you. JORAN That would be wonderful. Oh, and I wanted to express my sincere condolences about Youshou. It must have been so hard to have searched for so long, only to find he'd passed away centuries ago. AEKA Thank you, Joran. But it's alright. He died content, surrounded by his family. In the end, that's all you can ask for, I suppose. [Pause.] Sujahoh's lovely, Joran. Her foilage reminds me of my Ryuuoh. JORAN Ryuuoh? Was she destroyed? AEKA Yes. But a seed survived. I'm regrowing her. JORAN Wonderful! Then you'll be returning home? AEKA Well, I... I don't know, really. I like it on Earth. JORAN Not even to visit? AEKA Well, of course I could visit. I think. Maybe... Oh, dear! My family doesn't think I'm avoiding them, do they? JORAN Well, quite frankly, we don't know really know what to think. AEKA Oh... [Pause.] JORAN Aeka, don't be upset, but I have to say this. You had us worried sick. I mean, you were in stasis for seven hundred years. That may not be as long to us as it is to your human friends, but it's not exactly a tick of the clock, either. If you'd have let us known how you were every century or so-- AEKA Oh, Joran, I'm so sorry! You must understand, Youshou's disappearance had me so upset. I didn't know what else to do! JORAN I know, Aeka. And I'm not angry or anything. I'm just trying to explain how it's complicating matters. AEKA What do you mean, "complicating"? JORAN A lot of things are changing back home. Your father has decided to stop taking the Water of Life. AEKA Oh... [Pause.] Well, every ruler has to make that decision someday. I wish I'd been there. JORAN He's strong and healthy. He should live another five hundred years at least. But it brings into question the line of succession. There are still those who aren't wild about bringing Earth blood into the royal family. They're using your long isolation as an excuse to question your fitness to ascend the throne. AEKA Racists. JORAN Your taking Sasami along messed things up even worse. As a last resort, she could have been named successor. That would at least keep the throne within the family. But since she was in stasis as well, she's still a small child. As it stands now, there is great pressure on the Emperor to name a successor from another house. AEKA Meddlesome aristocrats. It makes me wonder if I want to be empress. What does Father wish me to do? JORAN He'd like you to come back with us and marry Lord Tenchi, with full ceremony, in the Imperial Palace. It would be a sign to all of them that he has no intention of naming another successor. AEKA (embarassed) Ummm.... JORAN You'd live at home, in the palace. It would give you the opportunity to demonstrate to the Noble Court that you're not a child, that you're fit to be empress. And it would give everyone a chance to meet Tenchi. It's the mystery surrounding him that's the biggest problem. I'm sure once we knew him, all the objections would disappear. AEKA There... might be a problem. JORAN What kind of problem? AEKA Well, you see, Tenchi and I... we're not officially engaged. [Stunned silence.] JORAN You mean, he hasn't proposed?! AEKA Well, um, it's, um, rather complicated... JORAN What's complicated about it? You're Crown Princess! He's Crown Prince! You have to marry! AEKA B-but I don't want to force anything on him! ANSHOU What's going on here? JORAN Father. AEKA Uncle Anshou! ANSHOU You've been talking business, haven't you? Before I even had a chance to say hello! JORAN Sorry, Father. ANSHOU Little Aeka! How lovely you look! Do you have a hug for your old Uncle? [Aeka laughs.] ANSHOU Now, let's go sit down. We'll have some tea, we'll talk about old times, *then* we'll discuss business. AEKA That sounds lovely. Oh! I nearly forgot. My friends! They'll be worried! ANSHOU Don't worry. I left them a message. [SND: Night sounds.] [SND: An engine fades in.] TENCHI & FATHER (fading in) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH-OOF! FATHER Well, we're here. TENCHI Thank god. I thought I was gonna die! FATHER So I overshot the mark a little. It wasn't all bad. We got to see the Tokyo Tower! TENCHI I think that was the Eiffel Tower, dad. FATHER Whatever. Where's Aeka? TENCHI I don't see her. Oh, I hope nothing happened to her! FATHER Hmm. Looks like someone ran into the woods here. TENCHI Why would she go in there? FATHER I dunno. Let's go see. [SND: Rustle of leaves and branches.] TENCHI AEKA!!! FATHER AEKA!!! TENCHI Wait, what's this? Let me have the flashlight. FATHER Looks like a piece of clothing. TENCHI It's a piece of Aeka's dress! She would have to have been running for it to tear off like that. FATHER I found something else. TENCHI Aeka wasn't wearing anything like that. It looks like a military emblem. [SND: Night sounds fade.] GRANDFATHER Hmmmm... TENCHI Do you recognize it? GRANDFATHER I'm not sure. It's badly torn. Let me check the book. MIHOSHI Is Aeka in trouble? [SND: Ryoko teleports.] RYOKO TENCHI!!! TENCHI Get off me, Ryoko. RYOKO But I just wanted to say how sorry I was about everything! I'm apologizing! TENCHI (annoyed) It's alright. RYOKO REALLY?! Oh, Tenchi, that's WONDERFUL! Let's kiss and make up! TENCHI Not now! RYOKO But a reconciliation isn't official without a kiss! C'mon, just one little one! TENCHI Ryoko, Aeka's gone! RYOKO I know that! Why do you think I'm getting so aggressive?! TENCHI I mean she's missing! RYOKO Oh. That's different. SASAMI (worried) What did you say? TENCHI N-nothing, Sasami. Go back to bed. SASAMI Has something happened to Aeka? TENCHI We don't know anything. She might have just gotten lost in the woods. GRANDFATHER I'm afraid that symbol belongs to a lifelong enemy of Jurai. SASAMI Oh, no! MIHOSHI That's horrible! WASHUU You ain't kidding! Holding a party without me? TENCHI (sigh) Sit down, everybody. Grandpa, what do you mean, "lifelong enemy"? GRANDFATHER This is the symbol of the Kizakans. Throughout the centuries, Jurai and Kizaka have fought one bloody border war after another. I'd hoped we'd heard the last of them just before I left Jurai, but it appears I was wrong. MIHOSHI Um... TENCHI What do these Kizakans look like? GRANDFATHER No one knows for sure. All the battles were fought ship-to-ship. No one has ever managed to catch more than a fleeting glance. SASAMI I heard they have dark skin, long ears, and sharp pointy fangs! MIHOSHI Um, excuse me... TENCHI Brrr! Sounds scary! MIHOSHI Uh, guys? TENCHI What is it, Mihoshi? MIHOSHI I'm a Kizakan. [SND: Boing!] GRANDFATHER Ahem. It appears I have been away from Jurai for longer than I thought. MIHOSHI Oh, yeah! All that "lifelong enemies" stuff was *ages* ago! We've been friends with Jurai for at least three hundred years! TENCHI That's good to know, but then, how do we explain this? MIHOSHI Well. Hmm. Let me think. If I know my history, and I'm not sure that I do, that's the symbol of the Kizakan Empire, which was overthrown and replaced with a republic. Jurai helped, that's why we're friends now. GRANDFATHER So perhaps forces loyal to the old empire have kidnapped Aeka, to further their cause? MIHOSHI Maybe. TENCHI This is all my fault! If I hadn't snapped at her, none of this would have happened! SASAMI Tenchi... WASHU Lets find out what we're dealing with. Follow me! [SND: Jurai ship sound] KUNUZAKE Your tea, miss. AEKA Thank you, Kunuzake. Mm. My, this is delicious. It's been so long since I had Juraian tea. But shouldn't your guardians be on the bridge? ANSHOU Not necessary. Ashino and Kunuzake can operate the ship from any position, even several kilometers outside the hull. I admit having them serve tea is a bit silly, but I wanted to give them the chance to impress you. AEKA Well, they have indeed. Thank you very much. ASHINO & KUNUZAKE Ma'am! ANSHOU It is *so* good to see you again, Aeka. You can't believe how much we've missed you. Why just the other day, Joran was reminiscing about your favorite spot in the royal redfruit grove. JORAN Father! That's embarrassing. AEKA How many times did we get caught for picking the fruit? JORAN I lost count. ANSHOU It never stopped him, though, no matter what the punishment. It was only after he got sick from eating unripe fruit that he finally stopped. AEKA (giggles) You know, I think the only time I ever really got in trouble is when I was with you. It sure was fun, though. JORAN (joking) Well, I'm glad I gave you something to remember. ANSHOU You know, I'd always hoped the two of you would end up together. JORAN Father, please! I was four years younger than her. ANSHOU One of the benefits of being such a long-lived race is that, eventually, we're all the same age, more or less. But you're right, on reflection, it was silly of me. I want to show you something, Aeka. Here. AEKA What is it? ANSHOU Open it. AEKA It's... beautiful. ANSHOU That, Aeka, is the "Star of Jurai". AEKA Really. My father had told me about it once. It's even bigger than I'd imagined... JORAN It's one of the largest gems of its kind in the universe. ANSHOU More importantly, it symbolizes the bond between my house and yours. I was wondering if you would do me the great honor of wearing it on your wedding day. AEKA Of course I will. How could I refuse my favorite uncle? ANSHOU Thank you, Aeka. This means a lot to me. AEKA Besides, it goes with my eyes, don't you think? [All laugh.] ANSHOU Now, if you'll forgive me, I have some things to tend to on the bridge. I should be back shortly. Ashino, Kunuzake, follow me. [SND: Beeps and buzzes of Washu's lab.] WASHU Right there, see? There is definitely a ship in orbit matching the description of a Kizakan imperial vessel. Problem is, they're under a heavy cloak, so I can't contact them from here. Someone will have to go up there in a ship. Preferably an armed one, if I'm reading these power levels right. TENCHI Is Aeka on board? WASHU I can't tell. TENCHI Well, even if they don't have her, they probably know something. We'd better get up there. RYOKO No prob! We'll go in Ryo-oh-ki! TENCHI Great! The sooner the bet-- RYOKO On *one* condition! TENCHI Um, what condition? RYOKO After we've safely rescued the princess... TENCHI (apprehensive) Yes? RYOKO You give me a kiss! TENCHI Aw, Ryoko! RYOKO Hey, I'm letting you off easy! I could ask you to profess your undying love for me, or better yet, spend a night playing snuggle-bunnies under the sheets! MIHOSHI We could take my ship! I've got, like, guns and stuff too! [Pause.] TENCHI Just one kiss? [SND: Jurai ship, plus extra noises, beeps, chirps, and hums to signify the bridge.] ASHINO A launch has been detected from the planet's surface. ANSHOU Identification? ASHINO It is the pirate ship Ryo-oh-ki. KUNUZAKE Two life-forms are inside. They have been identified as the pirate Ryoko and Prince Tenchi. ANSHOU Yes! Right into my hands. Be patient, Joran. Your father's about to make a small change in the line of succession. JORAN Aeka... I want to apologize for being so short with you before. AEKA Oh, Joran, you don't have to-- JORAN Yes, I do! I had no business speaking to you like that. It was just nerves. I'd been looking forward to meeting you again for so long, but when I did, I didn't know what to say. I mean, I wanted to reminisce about old times, but I... I was too nervous... AEKA Nervous about what? JORAN You know... AEKA No... JORAN Oh, come on. You know I had a crush on you. AEKA Oh... JORAN I mean, I was the little boy, and you were the beautiful older girl. I got into so much trouble trying to impress you. AEKA (laughs) Well, it worked! JORAN And now, here you are, just as young and beautiful as the last time I saw you. [Pause] It's funny. I'm older than you now, but I still feel like the little boy. [SND: A low boom, followed by the rumble of the ship shaking.] AEKA AAH! JORAN What was that?! ANSHOU (speakers) Joran, get Aeka to safety! We're under attack! JORAN Attack?! By whom? ANSHOU No time to explain! Just do as I say! [SND: Ryo-oh-ki] TENCHI Did you have to do that?! RYOKO Aw, that was just a love tap! My way of saying hello! TENCHI But what if they shoot back?! RYOKO Kizakans? Those wimps? Ryo-oh-ki could take out an entire fleet of those losers! Isn't that right, Ryo-oh-ki? RYO-OH-KI MIYA! [SND: Sujahoh bridge] ANSHOU Thank you, miss space pirate. Now I don't even have to an invent an excuse! Ashino! Kunuzake! FIRE!! ASHINO and KUNUZAKE Yes, sir! [SND: Loud energy blast, explosion, rumble] TENCHI AAAAAH! RYOKO DAMMIT! Those are Juraian weapons! Ryo-oh-ki, evasive manuevers!! RYO-OH-KI MIYAA!! ANSHOU Oh, no you don't! Pursue and continue firing! [SND: Two energy blasts, rumble] RYOKO UNH! Damn! How'd they get Juraian weapons? TENCHI Well, Mihoshi did say they were friends! RYOKO Oh, gimme a break! Jurai never shares anything! Ryo-oh-ki!! Turn and attack! NOW!! [SND: Loud rumble as Sujahoh shakes] AEKA AAA-OOF! JORAN Are you alright? AEKA Yes, I'm-- Oh, NO! That's Ryo-oh-ki out there! JORAN Ree-oh-what? AEKA The ship! I know it! Oh, Ryoko, do you hate me that much?! JORAN You know that ship? AEKA It belongs to a... rival of mine. Well, this time I'm putting a stop to it! If she wants an apology, she'll get one! I'll show Tenchi which of us is the mature one! Joran, put me in contact with that ship! JORAN I don't know if that's possible. TENCHI You got 'em good that time! RYOKO Yeah, but I took worse than I got! [SND: Explosion, ship shakes] RYOKO How ya doin', Ryo-oh-ki? RYO-OH-KI Miyeeew... RYOKO That bad, huh? TENCHI Aren't you used to fighting Juraian ships? RYOKO No, I'm used to running from them! Only an idiot fights one! [SND: Explosion, ship shakes] RYOKO and TENCHI AAAAHH! ANSHOU HA HA HAAAA!! Just a few more good shots should do it! Don't let up! [SND: Energy blast, explosion, Ryo-oh-ki shakes] RYOKO That's it! We're done for! We've gotta get out of here! TENCHI But Aeka--! RYOKO We'll be destroyed if we stick around! TENCHI I'm not leaving without Aeka!! RYOKO Dammit, Tenchi-- Wait! There's one last chance! Ryo-oh-ki! Head for the Earth's moon! As fast as you can!! RYO-OH-KI MIYA!!! ANSHOU Well, this is interesting. Pursue! JORAN (speakers) Father? This is Joran. ANSHOU What is it, Joran? I'm rather busy. JORAN (speakers) I understand, Father. But Aeka believes she can halt the pirate ship's attack, if only she can be put in contact with it. ANSHOU Really? Unfortunately, the communication system was damaged in the attack. [SND: Sujahoh, no bridge noises] JORAN I see. Sorry to have bothered you, Father. AEKA There must be some way to contact Ryoko. JORAN Of course! I've got a portable comm terminal. Stay here, I'll bring it. TENCHI Wow. I never thought I'd ever be this close to the Moon. RYOKO We're gonna get a lot closer. TENCHI Uh, w-what are you planning? RYOKO Just hang on to something sturdy. TENCHI (gulp) ANSHOU So, they're going to hide behind the planet's moon. How pathetic. Ashino! Kunuzake! Take us around the moon, on an opposite vector. We'll meet them on the other side. TENCHI (nervously) We're getting awfully close. RYOKO Ryo-oh-ki, are you ready? RYO-OH-KI MIYA!! RYOKO GO!! [SND: Engines fire full power] TENCHI AAAAAAAAHHHHH!! RYOKO HANG ON!! TENCHI WE'RE GONNA CRASH!! RYOKO (straining) NO... WE'RE NOT! WE'RE JUST GOING TO... [SND: sssssSSSSSSSHHHHHHHOOOOOMMM!] SLINGSHOT!! ANSHOU I don't get this... Where are they? Where-- MY GOD!! EVASIVE MANUEVERS!! EVASIVE--!! RYOKO FIRE!!!! [SND: Massive firing, explosions, rumbles.] ANSHOU RETURN FIRE!! ASHINO Weapons offline! ANSHOU No... RYOKO HAHAHAHAAA!! YES! YES!! KICKED IT'S *ASS*!! TENCHI Great! Let's get Aeka out of there! RYOKO No prob! Oh, look! They want to surrender. [SND: Bee-boop!] This Ryoko, Space Pirate Supreme! You will hand over the Princess Aeka at once, or face the conseque-- Huh? Aeka? AEKA (speakers) Ryoko, please stop this senseless attack! I'm sorry I was rude to you! RYOKO What the hell are you talking about? AEKA (speakers) I'm sorry that I was rude to you at the beach. In the future, I'll-- Tenchi? TENCHI Aeka, are you alright? AEKA (speakers) I'm fine. Why did you let Ryoko attack our ship? Is Ryoko threatening you? TENCHI We're trying to rescue you! ANSHOU What is going on? We're helpless as a newborn. Why don't they finish us off? Or at least issue demands. KUNUZAKE Sir, weapons are operational. [pause] ANSHOU Fire. AEKA Rescue me? From what? TENCHI (speakers) Weren't you kidnap--ZZZZAAKKKKZZT! [SND: Tenchi's voice dissolves into static, followed by silence.] AEKA Tenchi? Tenchi? [SND: Massive explosion] ANSHOU HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA! Blown to PIECES!! AEKA Nuh... Nuh... No. N-NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! TENCHI!! TENCHIIIII!!!! SASAMI (narrating) Oh, dear! Is this the end of Tenchi? Has our handsome hero been blown to ashes in the cold vacuum of space? (laughs) Well, of course not, silly! But if you want to find out how he survived, you'll have to tune in to the conclusion of "Star of Jurai". Until then, this is Sasami, signing off! ------ Thanks to Alex Pinachos for the awesome logo-graphic! **************************************************************************** .:,.... TENCHI ,:; ::::::::::::;' . . ,;;::::::::; ```::::```' :: .. :: ;;'. .. .. .;, ...::::.... `::::::: ::,;;;;; ,' ;: :: :: :;' ::::::::;;;; :: ;;;;':: :: ................. .. :::. :; :: :: :: ````````````````` ;;; .::;`:. `::;;:; ::,`' ;; ,;' ;; :: `:. ;;:......, ;;; .:::' `:::. `~ `:::,..; ` '' :: `:: ;;''::''';: ;;' ::' `::::... ```' ,;,,,::,,,;; ;; ```::::::....., MUYO! ,;;',,,;;,,,:, `' ```````` :; ;; ;; ;' ,;;' ' "Star of Jurai" an Audio Drama by Ryan Mathews PART 2 of 2 ***************************************************************************** SASAMI (narrating) Hi! Welcome to the conclusion of "Star of Jurai"! I'm your host, Sasami! Here's what's happened so far: It all started when Aeka and Ryoko got into another fight, this time during a trip to the beach. But this time, Tenchi got really mad at both of them! Aeka was so upset, she didn't get on the bus to go home! Tenchi came back with his father to look for her, but by that time, Aeka had met a childhood friend named Joran! He'd come all the way from Jurai to see her, and so he took her back to his ship, the Sujahoh, up in space! There they met Anshou, Joran's father and Aeka's uncle. Here's the weird part: when Tenchi and his father looked for Aeka, they found pieces of her clothing, and an emblem from a military uniform. The emblem belonged to the Kizakans, an ancient enemy of Jurai! Then Washuu told us that the ship in orbit was Kizakan! Well, of course, we all thought Aeka had been kidnapped! So Tenchi and Ryoko took Ryo-oh-ki to go after her! Of course, the Kizakan ship was really Joran and Anshou's ship in disguise! There was a big space battle, and Ryo-oh-ki was blown to pieces! How horrible! Did Tenchi survive? What about Ryoko and Ryo-oh-ki? Let's find out! [SouND: Bridge of Sujahoh] ANSHOU Status of enemy vessel? ASHINO Completely destroyed. The ship has been shattered into small fragments. ANSHOU Then that's that. Keep me apprised of any developments in Sujahoh's healing process. Let me know as soon as we can get underway. KUNUZAKE Yes, sir. ANSHOU Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a grieving young lady to console. [SND: Aeka sobbing.] JORAN Aeka... AEKA It's all my fault. It's all my fault... JORAN No. No it's not-- AEKA Yes it is! If I hadn't always been picking fights with Ryoko, if I hadn't been such a, such a bitch! ANSHOU Thank god you two are alright! The danger's past now. [Pause] Perhaps I spoke too soon. Has Aeka been injured? JORAN Father... ANSHOU What it is, Joran? JORAN Father, Lord Tenchi was on that ship. [Pause] ANSHOU (incredulous) You can't be serious. [Pause] My god, you *are* serious... How... But... He, it attacked... You're certain he was on board? JORAN Yes, Father. We contacted him moments before the ship was destroyed. I was about to tell you, but... ANSHOU Oh, dear god... I... How... I have to sit down... AEKA It wasn't your fault, Uncle Anshou. It was mine. ANSHOU (desperate) But how?? I don't understand! That... that was a *pirate* ship!! JORAN Father, perhaps now is not a good time for explanations. ANSHOU I understand. Joran, take Aeka to the guest quarters. We'll set off for Jurai as soon as Sujahoh is ready. AEKA No! I have to go home-- I mean back to Earth! Sasami-- ANSHOU I'll send a message to her. AEKA B-but can't we pick her up? That transporter thing-- ANSHOU Was destroyed in the battle. And Sujahoh's too damaged to land. AEKA But... ANSHOU Aeka, please. If what you say is true, we have to return to Jurai immediately. And your testimony is the only thing that can prevent my execution! AEKA (weakly) I understand... [SND: Low thud, followed by low rumble] JORAN What was that? ANSHOU We must've struck a piece of debris. Take Aeka to safety. I'll see about manuevering us away. [SND: Voices echo in a small chamber.] TENCHI Are we alive? RYOKO Of course, silly! You didn't I'd let you get hurt, did you? TENCHI What is this thing? RYOKO I improvised an escape pod from one of Ryo-oh-ki's bigger crystals. TENCHI A little... tight, isn't it? RYOKO Hee hee! Just the way I like it! TENCHI Wha-? Hey! Ryoko, knock it off! [Ryoko giggles] Wait a minute! What happened to Ryo-oh-ki?! RYOKO The ship was completely destroyed. But I saved the most important part! RYO-OH-KI Miya! TENCHI Oh! Ryo-oh-ki! What a relief! Are you okay? RYO-OH-KI (happily) Miya! Miya! TENCHI So, how long before she can turn into a spaceship again? RYOKO Not long. A few months, maybe? TENCHI (sigh) So we're stuck here. RYOKO No we're not. We can go into that ship. I'll grab you and we'll go through the wall. TENCHI Out of the frying pan, into the fire, huh? If we're going to do that, we'll need help. Ryo-oh-ki, can you fly back to Earth by yourself? RYO-OH-KI Miya!! TENCHI Good. I want you to take someone a message... JORAN Here we are. It's not much, I'm afraid. AEKA (miserable) It's lovely, thank you. JORAN Aeka, please don't blame yourself for this. AEKA Who else can I blame? JORAN No one. Sometimes things just happen, Aeka. A chain of events gets set in motion and there's nothing anyone can do. AEKA (angrily) Is that supposed to make me feel better?! JORAN N-no! I mean... I'm sorry. AEKA Oh, Joran, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to snap. I just... [She breaks down and starts to cry again.] JORAN Oh, Aeka. I'm so sorry. Come here. [SND: The sound of Aeka's crying changes, so that it's coming from speakers.] ANSHOU That's it, Joran. Hold her. Comfort her in her time of need. Let that comfort grow into love. Soon you'll be standing beside her in the Juraian palace. RYOKO Well, waddya know? My hunch was right! This *is* a Juraian ship! TENCHI Juraian? Not Kizakan? RYOKO Nope! A Juraian ship in disguise. TENCHI But why would they do a thing like that? RYOKO Hey, you're asking me? So, Tenchi, you're the boss. What do we do now? TENCHI Uh, I don't really know. I don't have much experience in this kinda thing. RYOKO Well, luckily for you, I do! Here's my suggestion. I'll look for the princess while you take control of the ship. TENCHI Take control of the ship?! How am I supposed to do that?! RYOKO You brought your sword, didn't you? TENCHI Oh, right. The "master key". RYOKO Correct! You can control any Juraian ship with that thing. Now let's get going before your "help" shows up. TENCHI But--! [SND: Ryoko teleports] But I don't know where the control room is! [SND: No ship noises of any kind.] MIHOSHI (humming) Hmm-hmm-hmm... (giggles) I love this manga! I wonder if I can talk Tenchi into buying me the next volume... RYO-OH-KI (excitedly) Miya!! MIHOSHI Oh, hi, Ryo-oh-ki! You want to read manga with me? RYO-OH-KI Miya! Miya! MIHOSHI Say, didn't you go with Ryoko and Tenchi? RYO-OH-KI Miya! Miya! Miya! MIHOSHI You sure are jumping around a lot... Oh! I know what the problem is! RYO-OH-KI MIYA! MIHOSHI You're hungry! I'll get you a carrot! RYO-OH-KI Errgh... MIHOSHI Wh-what are you doing? [SND: growing noise] MIHOSHI Haha! That's so cool the way you turn into a little girl like that! RYO-OH-KI Tenchi in trouble! MIHOSHI (claps) Yay! You can talk, too! Say something else! RYO-OH-KI (sigh) TENCHI (sigh) This is hopeless. I have no idea where I'm going. Pretty soon, I'm going to be discovered... LITTLE GIRL Excuse me... TENCHI Yaah! Oh, uh, h-hi there, little girl. I suppose you're wondering what I'm doing on your ship! LITTLE GIRL Is that the master key? TENCHI This? Uh, yeah... LITTLE GIRL Then I guess I have to obey you. TENCHI Who are you? LITTLE GIRL You mean you don't know? I'm Sujahoh. Pleased to meetcha! TENCHI That's a nice name. Do you live here? SUJAHOH You mean, in space? I live wherever my master takes me. TENCHI Oh... I think I understand. You're the ship, aren't you? SUJAHOH Uh-huh. TENCHI Well, I'm glad I met you. So you obey the master key, right? SUJAHOH Uh-huh. TENCHI Great! What I'd like you to do is turn yourself around and go back to Earth. Could you do that? SUJAHOH (giggles) It doesn't work like that, silly! You have to put the master key in the interface! TENCHI Where is this interface? SUJAHOH Come on, I'll show you! ANSHOU (speakers) Joran, please come to the bridge. I need to speak to you. JORAN Do you think you'll be alright for awhile? AEKA I'll be fine. [pause] Joran... Thank you. I don't think I could get through this without you. JORAN (flustered) I'll, um. I'll be right back, okay? [Pause] [SND: Ryoko comes through the wall.] RYOKO Oh, this is so touching! Where's a hanky when I need one? AEKA Ruh-RYOKO??!! RYOKO "Oh, Joran, I'm so sad! Please hold my beautiful young body while I weep into your strong, chiseled chest!" Geez, you've been watching too many soaps! AEKA Th-then Tenchi... he's alive? RYOKO Well, of course he is! Don't be ridcul--OOF!! Hey, get off me!! AEKA OH, THANK YOU, RYOKO! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!! I should have known better! Nothing could hurt him with your powers protecting him! RYOKO You're hugging me! I don't know whether to be amused or disgusted! AEKA Sorry, I'm just so relieved, so HAPPY! I... Wait a minute. Why I am being so nice to you?! You attacked our ship! RYOKO We were trying to rescue you! We thought you'd been kidnapped! AEKA Kidnapped? By a Juraian ship?! RYOKO It doesn't look Juraian from the outside. AEKA I don't know what you're talking about. Besides, we sent you a message! RYOKO Only message we got was a scrap of a Kizakan military uniform. AEKA This makes no sense at all. Why would Uncle Anshou... RYOKO If "Uncle Anshou" is the old guy running the show, then I don't think he's the guy you think he is. I caught a glimpse of him while I was searching for you. He's grinning like the cat who ate the canary. AEKA I don't understand this... RYOKO But, hey! It's no matter to you! You just go home with Joran and make him a good wife! I'll take care of Tenchi while you're gone. AEKA W-WHAAAT?! RYOKO Oh, Princess, you are *such* an inspiration to me! You see, now that I know you're okay, and my conscience is clear, I'm going to go back and tell Tenchi that you were killed in the battle! AEKA You WOULDN'T!! RYOKO "Oh, sob, sob. How can I go on without Aeka?" "Oh, Tenchi! Rest your head between my breasts and I'll make the pain go away!" "Ryoko... Thank you. I don't think I could get through this without you." Smoochie smoochie! AEKA NO! I WON'T LET YOU!! RYOKO And what are you going to about it? I found an escape pod on the way here. Tenchi and I will rocket back to Earth, leaving you to your wedded bliss! AEKA You just try to keep me away from Tenchi! You won't succeed! RYOKO You think not? Trust me, Princess, set one foot on Jurai, and you'll never see Earth again. Toodle-loo! [SND: Ryoko leaves through the wall.] AEKA DAMN YOU! COME BACK! JORAN Father, you wished to speak to me? ANSHOU Yes. It's about Aeka. JORAN I was just with her, she's fine. ANSHOU That's good to hear. Joran, the immediate future for Aeka is going to be very difficult. She's just lost her fiancee, and now the Noble Court will be making demands of her. They'll allow her a mourning period, of course, but it won't be enough. She's going to need someone to stand by her. She's going to need you, Joran. JORAN I have always stood by Aeka, Father. I always will. ANSHOU I understand. But the time may come when she requires more than a friend. JORAN What are you saying? ANSHOU There is a very real possibility that the Court will put pressure on her father to marry her off as soon as possible. If that happens, I'd rather not see her forced into an unhappy marriage. JORAN You'd rather see her married to me. ANSHOU I promised you long ago that I'd never arrange a marriage for you. And yet, when I saw you and Aeka become friends, I had hoped in my heart... JORAN There is nothing I would like more than to marry Aeka. But under the circumstances, I don't think it would be right to ask. ANSHOU Don't ask her. Just be there for her. So that if she needs someone to fill that role in her life, you'll be there. JORAN I understand, Father. ANSHOU Go to her now. She needs you. JORAN Yes, Father. [SND: Deep humming] SUJAHOH Well, here we are! TENCHI Thanks, Sujahoh. You're a good ship. SUJAHOH Thank you! Oh! Someone's coming! TENCHI Where? SUJAHOH Outside. ANSHOU What is it, Kunuzake? KUNUZAKE A Galaxy Police vessel. We are being hailed. ANSHOU Galaxy Police? They don't have any jurisdiction here. Is our disguise field still up? ASHINO No. It was deactivated after the battle. ANSHOU Good. Answer the hail. MIHOSHI (speakers) This is Galactic Police vessel Yukinojou to Juraian vessel, Lieutenant Mihoshi speaking! ANSHOU This is the Juraian vessel Sujahoh, Lord Anshou commanding. How may I be of assistance? MIHOSHI Um, I'm supposed to find this Kizakan ship, but I'm here, and all I see is you. Did you maybe see the ship I'm looking for? ANSHOU Ah, sorry, but no. I wish I could help you. ASHINO We are being scanned. ANSHOU Shield up. Ahem! Miss Policewoman, unauthorized scans are not very polite, especially considering that you have no jurisdiction in this system! MIHOSHI Oopsie! Must have pushed the wrong button! I'm such a klutz! (whispers:) Yukinojou? YUKINOJOU (whispering) Five people on board: three Juraian, one Human/Juraian cross, and one energy lifeform. MIHOSHI Wow. That's them alright. Um, Mister Anshou? I'm gonna have to ask you to stay here for awhile while I write up a citation. ANSHOU A citation? For what? MIHOSHI Ummmm... Tinted windshield. Too dark. ANSHOU This is ridiculous! You have no jurisdiction! MIHOSHI Won't take more than a moment! Bye! ANSHOU DAMMIT!! She knows! She *must* know! We have to get rid of her! Power up the weapons! ASHINO & KUNUZAKE YES, SIR! MIHOSHI Okay! Now, what next? Let's see, how can I keep them here long enough to rescue everyone? Or at least to figure out what's going on? What would you recommend, Yukinojou? YUKINOJOU EVASIVE ACTION! MIHOSHI You mean, I should act evasive and stall them? Sounds good! YUKINOJOU No, EVASIVE ACTION!! MIHOSHI What do you... AAAAAAHH!! [SND: Explosion, rumble as Yukinojou shakes.] Aah! Shoot back! Shoot back! [SND: Explosion, rumble of Sujahoh] ANSHOU What happened?! We should have been able to avoid that! ASHINO Something's wrong! Our manueverability is hampered! ANSHOU Here she comes again! FIRE!! [SND: Explosion, rumble] AEKA What NOW?! [SND: Rumble!] Oh, Joran! Please hurry back! [SND: Explosion, rumble] JORAN Dammit! Who's shooting at us now?! SUJAHOH Ouch! TENCHI Are you okay, Sujahoh? SUJAHOH Someone's hurting me! TENCHI Just hang on. I'm going to take control, and then I'll tell the person to stop hurting you! [SND: Explosion, rumble] ANSHOU DAMN! Don't we have any manuvering capability at all? ASHINO Not enough! [SND: Explosion, rumble] KUNUZAKE It is a balance problem! A large fragment of the pirate vessel is embedded in our hull! ANSHOU Get rid of it! KUNUZAKE Not possible under these conditions! MIHOSHI HAHA!! Whee!! I'm really kicking butt!! YUKINOJOU Um, Mihoshi? MIHOSHI Not now, Yukinojou! I'm about to win my first space battle in years! YUKINOJOU Have you considered what will happen if you win? MIHOSHI Sure! I'll just totally smash up their ship, and then... Oh. Right. Tenchi and Ryoko and Aeka. Hmm. I guess we've beaten them up enough. Let's talk surrender. Hee hee! This is great! TENCHI Okay, the master key goes here, right? SUJAHOH Right. TENCHI Now, I concentrate, and... ANSHOU This is an outrage! I am a Lord of the Noble Court of Jurai! This is Juraian territory! I will not surrender my craft to you! MIHOSHI Well, I suppose I could shoot you some more... ANSHOU Do you know what Jurai could do to the Galaxy Police if we wanted to? We could wipe your pathetic security force out of existence!! MIHOSHI If you're going to resist arrest, it'll make it even worse on you. Of course, you've already resisted a great deal, so I suppose a little more won't matter... ANSHOU (livid) "ARREST"? ME?!! I won't stand for it! FIRE!! Blow her out of the sky!! [SND: Ship noises slow to a stop.] ANSHOU What? MIHOSHI Oh! You've decided to cooperate! Thank you! I'll be sure to note that in my report! I'll just tow you back to Earth and we'll straighten everything out there. Okay? Bye! ANSHOU But I didn't... [SND: rumble...] What happened? KUNUZAKE We are being towed. ANSHOU No. Before that. Why did we shut down? ASHINO The command was given. ANSHOU On whose authority?! ASHINO The master key. ANSHOU The master... [Angrily:] A piece of debris stuck in the hull. I am a FOOL!! Ashino! Kunuzake! Intruder alert!! Full security! TENCHI Whew. That takes care of that. SUJAHOH Is everything okay? TENCHI I think so. Thanks, Sujahoh. SUJAHOH I'm gonna go now. I have to fix myself, and it's hard to make myself seen like this. TENCHI Okay. Bye! Thanks again! [SND: She vanishes with a buzz] JORAN (cold) You seem to have made friends with my ship. [pause] At a loss for words? Very well, let me introduce myself. I am Joran, noble-- TENCHI This is your ship? JORAN Yes, I said-- TENCHI What have you done with Aeka? JORAN She's in a safe place. TENCHI Take me to her. JORAN Ha. I don't think so. TENCHI Take me to her NOW! [SND: Tenchi activates the sword blade] JORAN You do know how to use the master key. You must truly be the Crown Prince of Jurai. Of course... [SND: Joran activates a blade] I am armed as well. Shall we go at it? TENCHI If that's what it's going to take to get Aeka back. JORAN DEFEND YOURSELF! [SND: Clash of swords] What are you planning to do with Aeka once you find her? TENCHI I'm taking her home! [SND: Clash of swords] JORAN Funny, so am I! Hyah! [SND: Clash of swords] So, tell me, "Lord" Tenchi, is it normal behavior for Crown Princes to consort with pirates and attack Juraian ships? TENCHI We were trying to rescue her! [SND: Clash of swords] JORAN Rescue her from who? Her own people?! TENCHI You can't be her own people! Uhn! [SND: Clash of swords] JORAN What makes you say that?! TENCHI Because! [SND: Clash of swords] Her own people wouldn't disguise themselves as an enemy and kidnap her! JORAN Kidnap her? What are you talking-- RYOKO TENCHI!!! [SND: Ryoko fires several energy blasts] You leave Tenchi alone, you jerk!! JORAN Ah! You must be Tenchi's girlfriend, Ryoko! TENCHI Uh, it's not exactly like that... RYOKO Yeah, I'm his girlfriend! So lay off unless you want to get cut to pieces! [SND: Juraian force-field] RYOKO SHIT! Force field! [SND: Ryoko teleports] JORAN Hmm. She must have experience escaping Juraian force-fields. Still, she won't bother us again. [pause] I'm impressed, Tenchi. There was a brief period while I was generating the force field when you could have attacked me, yet you chose not to. TENCHI That's not the way I was taught to fight. JORAN I attacked you because you were sabotaging my ship. It fit my opinion of you. In my belief, no Earth-raised Crown Prince could ever be capable of ruling Jurai. Yet, you show considerable skill in handling the master key, both as a tool and a weapon, and you show that you understand the principles of honorable combat. Perhaps I was wrong. TENCHI Then you'll take me to Aeka? JORAN No. Not until you explain why you attacked my ship. TENCHI I told you! I thought you'd kidnapped her! JORAN That makes no sense! ANSHOU Then perhaps I should clear it up. [SND: Ryoko comes through a wall.] AEKA Ryoko?! What are you doing here? Come to taunt me some more? RYOKO Change of plans. Take my hand. AEKA I'm not going *anywhere* with you! RYOKO You wanna save Tenchi's life? AEKA You'll take me to Tenchi? RYOKO Yeah. I guess I'd rather share him with you than not have him at all. Come on! JORAN Father, what is happening? ANSHOU You heard him. I disguised Sujahoh as a Kizakan warship and tricked Tenchi into believing I'd kidnapped Aeka, in the hopes he and his pirate friend would come after her. JORAN But, why? Why would you do such a thing? ANSHOU Why? Just look at him! Oh, he can swing a sword, and he knows about honor. But Emperor material? This Earth-raised whelp? Don't make me vomit. JORAN (shocked) Father... ANSHOU You listen to me, you little piece of half-breed trash. I have waited for four thousand years! I have waited since the time your pathetic race was living in mud huts and worshipping rocks! I have waited all this time for a promise to be fulfilled, and I'm not about to let you snatch it away from me! TENCHI I don't know what you're talking about! ANSHOU Of course you don't, you ignorant alien. JORAN But, Father. I don't understand, either. ANSHOU The Star of Jurai, Joran. It's more than a symbol of friendship between two houses. It is a promise that someday our houses will be united on the throne! I'd waited all my life for that promise to be kept, and when the time finally came, when I had a son and the emperor a daughter, what did he do? He decided she'd marry her own half-brother! Oh, he apologized. "Anshou, my good friend. The time just isn't right. We need the fresh blood of Youshou's human heritage. Perhaps in the next generation." Well, damn the next generation! I've been promised the throne, and I'm going to take it, by any means necessary! JORAN Father, I can't believe this. ANSHOU Believe it, Joran. I didn't want to involve you. I wanted you kept pure. But that's no longer possible. Now, will you do your duty, and kill the pretender? JORAN I want no part of this. ANSHOU I thought as much. Oh, well. What do those Humans say? "If you want a job done right, do it yourself." [SND: Energy blast] TENCHI AAAGGH! [SND: THUD!] OONF! JORAN Father, don't! ANSHOU Don't try to stop me, Joran. Afterwards, you can do what you like. Hate me, even kill me, I don't care. All I care is that you marry Aeka. I know you will. You love her and she loves you. [pause] Well? What are you doing, boy? Defend yourself! TENCHI You... bastard... ANSHOU That's the spirit! [SND: Energy blast] TENCHI AAAAUUUGGH! [SND: Ryoko arrives] RYOKO & AEKA TENCHI!! RYOKO (attack yell) AaaaaaaAAAAAHH!! ANSHOU Go away!! [SND: Energy burst] RYOKO ARGH-OOF! [SND: Ryoko smacks the wall] ANSHOU Ah, I see I have an audience. You got here just in time! The show is almost over! AEKA TENCHI! RYOKO Stay back! If I couldn't touch him, think what he'll do to you! [SND: Anshou and Tenchi fight.] AEKA (quietly) We'll have to attack him together. JORAN (quietly) I don't know if four-on-one will be enough. Father's very powerful. More importantly, I doubt the ship could take the beating. This is the main power area, where Sujahoh's roots are connected to the turbines. One wrong move, and boom! ANSHOU What's the matter, boy? Aren't you the one who killed Kagato? I'm not as powerful as Kagato, and you're barely giving me a good fight! TENCHI I don't... want to... kill you. ANSHOU Well, that's too bad, because I most certainly want to kill *you*. Make a decision, boy. You or me. JORAN (quietly) We need a distraction. Something to get all of Father's power focused in one area. RYOKO I know something that would do that, but Tenchi can't seem to pull it off... AEKA I know what to do! TENCHI!!! ANSHOU This is it, boy. Prepare to meet whatever gods you Earth people worship! AEKA NOO!!!! ANSHOU Get out of the way, Princess! AEKA I will not! If you want to kill Tenchi, you'll have to kill me as well! ANSHOU Very well! JORAN Father, no!! ANSHOU She has a sister. We don't need her! DIE!! TENCHI NO!!!! [SND: Energy blast! Something deflects it! A humming sound...] ANSHOU Lighthawk wings... Y-you deflected my blast with lighthawk wings... I won't have it. I will not be defeated by you! I WILL NOT!! JORAN Here it comes... ANSHOU DIEEE!!!! JORAN NOW!! [SND: Simultaneous energy attacks] ANSHOU ARRRRRRGGGHH! [SND: Thud as he hits the floor] (pant) What... JORAN Don't move, Father. ANSHOU Joran, my son... why? JORAN Did you think so little of me, Father? Did you truly believe I would want to become emperor through such dishonorable treachery? You yourself taught me better than that. ANSHOU (anguished) But... But it's your *birthright*, Joran! JORAN You mean yours. [pause] This has always been about you, Father, not me. I've always been satisfied with my station in life. But you've allowed bitterness and disappointment to ruin yours. ANSHOU How dare you talk to me like that?! I am your Father! Ashino! Kunuzake! [SND: Ashino & Kunuzake teleport in] ASHINO & KUNUZAKE Sir! ANSHOU Defend me!! JORAN Belay that! Take my father into custody. ASHINO & KUNUZAKE Yes, sir! ANSHOU (stunned) What? JORAN You've forgotten, Father. This is *my* ship. ANSHOU No. NOOOOOOOO-- [His voice is cut off as he is drawn inside the guardian.] JORAN Keep him in stasis until we return to Jurai. Lord Tenchi. I don't know to say, other than that I apologize. TENCHI (laughs) Don't worry about it. I'm just glad it's over. RYOKO (singsong) Ohhh, Tenchiii? TENCHI (nervously) Yes? RYOKO I believe you promised me something? TENCHI Oh, heh-heh, that! Yes, well, maybe we could discuss it later? RYOKO Later? You wouldn't try to welch on me, would you, Tenchi? TENCHI Of course not, but-- No, wait! Just a minute! I'm not ready! I--! [SND: Struggling] RYOKO Just relax! [SND: Small kiss] TENCHI That's it? AEKA You promised her a kiss on the cheek? RYOKO If you must know Princess, I blackmailed him. So if you have to be angry, you can be angry at me! AEKA Hmph! Being angry with you is not difficult! Besides, I rather figured you'd forced him into it. [SND: Joran laughs] AEKA & RYOKO What?! JORAN Oh, nothing. I'm just beginning to understand the "complications" Aeka spoke of. You're a lucky man, Lord Tenchi, whether you know it or not. Now, if you'll ask your policewoman friend to cut my ship loose, I'll take my leave. TENCHI Sure. No problem! JORAN Ashino, Kunuzake, lead them to the transport chamber. Aeka, could you stay with me for a moment? AEKA Well, I... RYOKO Oh, don't worry about us. We'll be fine! C'mon, Tenchi! JORAN Aeka, I need to ask a favor. It's about my father. AEKA I understand, Joran. No one on Jurai will be told what happened. JORAN Thank you. I know what he did was traitorous, but he's still my father. I'd like to deal with this within the family. AEKA He's still my uncle. I can't believe he was willing to kill me... JORAN I pray that I never become that bitter. AEKA You won't, Joran. Not you. [pause] Oh! The Star of Jurai. I'm still wearing it! Here-- JORAN No, you keep it. AEKA But it means so much to your family. JORAN The next time you see your father, return the Star to him. Tell him that I release him from his promise. If he so wishes, he can give it to me once again. AEKA I understand. I should join the others. JORAN Farewell, Aeka. AEKA Farewell, Joran. [pause as Aeka leaves] JORAN (quietly) Farewell, for now. But if Tenchi won't make you happy, I'll return for you. SASAMI (narrating) And so Tenchi, Aeka, Ryoko, and Mihoshi returned home. And for awhile, it was actually quiet! Ryoko and Aeka made every effort to be nice to each other and to live together in peace. That lasted for a couple of days, then they were right back at each other's throats. Actually, I was relieved. Seeing Aeka and Ryoko being polite to each other was kinda creepy. So, anyway, everything's back to normal at Tenchi's house! But I'm sure there will be more adventures soon. Until then, this is Sasami, signing off! ------ Thanks to Alex Pinachos for the awesome logo-graphic!