Standard copyright thing inserted here.  I don’t own the characters, AIC and Pioneer do.  There’s no reason to sue me because there’s nothing to take but my computer and that you’d have to wrest from me with pliers.  I’m not making any money on this. 
  
  
Problems Solved 
Kenzie Kennedy 
  

 Tenchi yawned as he entered the kitchen.  “Good morning, Sasami.”  The kitchen table was laid with plates and Sasami was winding up the breakfast. 

 “Ah, good morning Tenchi!  Could you go get Washu and Mihoshi up for breakfast?”  Sasami didn’t pause in stirring the rice while she asked a favor.  Tenchi admired her ability to absorb herself completely in cooking.  And her cooking in general. 

 “Sure, Sasami,” he replied and went to the couch to get Mihoshi.  She had come in from a call last night and hadn’t made it up to her room.  Trying to wake her and failing, he resolved that she would wake up when the morning’s activities became more noticeable. 

 He sighed.  Washu’s lab was one place he didn’t get out of very easily.  But Sasami had asked… 
  
 He walked to the door and knocked.  “Come in, Tenchi.” Washu’s face told him.  Tenchi walked in to find Washu on the floor under her pillow. 

 “Uh, Washu?” he tried to ask. 

 “Quiet, I’m busy.  Hand me that retophocratic tophal over there.”  She pointed to a collection of tools just out of reach.  Tenchi walked over and handed her the closest one.  She accepted it and used it on the cushion. 

 “Stupid thing.  I swear, all I wanted was a pillow that hovered that was keyed to my genetic code.  Why should that be so hard to do?” she mumbled.  She scooted out from under it and sat up.  “Now what did you come here for?” 

 “Sasami’s got breakfast.” Tenchi said simply. 

 “In a minute.” Washu said frowning at the pillow.  Tenchi quietly crept out the door. 
  

 Breakfast for once went smoothly.  Mihoshi woke up when Ryoko stepped on her hand that had fallen to the floor.  Ryoko and Ayeka made several comments to each other, but they were minor.  Neither of them felt like fighting on such a nice weekend. 
  
 Washu showed up in the middle of the meal.  Sasami brought out the meal she had saved for her. 
  
 “You know it would make Sasami’s life easier if you’d show up for meals on time, Miss Washu.” Ayeka mentioned. 

 “Oh, I don’t mind, Ayeka.” Sasami hurried to say.  Washu looked at Ayeka.  Without a word, she got up and left without eating.  Sasami ran after her.  “Don’t you want the meal, Washu?” 

 “No, thank you, Sasami.  Don’t bother to save any more meals for me.  If I’m not there on time, I won’t eat.” 
  
 “But you need to eat, Washu!” Sasami looked distressed. 

 Washu returned a sad smile and stepped through her doorway into her lab. 
  

 “Ayeka, you go and apologize to Washu right now!” Sasami demanded.  Ayeka nodded her head and silently went to Washu’s door.  Breakfast was over and Tenchi was out in the fields, Mihoshi was on Yukinojo studying on a criminal that was in the area, and Ryoko was on the roof, lazing about in the sunshine. 

 “Little Washu?” Ayeka knocked and asked.  There was no answer.  “Little Washu I would like to apologize for the comment at the breakfast table.”  Still no answer.  Ayeka walked away. 
  

 Sasami took a break from her morning chores to visit Tenchi in the field.  “What is it, little Sasami?” 

 “I’m worried about Washu.  She said if she didn’t show up on time, she wouldn’t eat.”  Out of the corner of her eye, Sasami could see Ryo-ohki sneaking up on the basket of carrots.  She giggled. 

 Tenchi continued to hoe the fields.  “Washu’s enough of a genius to know basic nutrition, Sasami.  She’ll be fine.”  Assured by Tenchi’s sound thinking, Sasami walked back to the house without Ryo-ohki. 
  

 Washu was under her pillow again.  She had let Tenchi believe it was something difficult on purpose.  If he had known the real reason she was working on the pillow, she probably would have been laughed at.  A simple flaw which she couldn’t correct no matter how she tried.  It was one of the mysteries of the universe. 

 The pillow’s fibers kept going flat. 

 She had tried air, various stuffings, but they all either leaked or got lumpy.  Her research computer was working on a solution, but the projected time it would be done was another hundred years.  Washu sighed.  The littlest problems are always the hardest to solve. 

 One of the machines beeped.  Washu ignored it until she realized which one that was.  Dashing over to it, she quickly typed a few keys. 

 “Ah-ha!  This is it!”  Washu smiled.  Now if he was in transit around the outer edges of the solar system, he should be here in an hour… 
  

 Ayeka was dusting the house when the doorbell rang.  “Ayeka, would you get that?” Sasami called from upstairs. 
  
 She walked over to the door and opened it.  Her hand flew to her mouth and a gasp escaped. 

 “Is Little Washu here?” the handsome stranger asked.  “She sent for me…” 

 “Uh, sure.  Let me show you the way to her-“ 

 “No need for that.”  A voice interrupted her from behind.  “Welcome Teran.  How’s your sister doing?” 

 “Fine.  She told me to thank you again for letting her have one of your computers.”  They walked to the couch, leaving Ayeka standing in the background. 

 “Ah, it was an older model, but adequate for her needs.  Still having problems with the quantum mechanics of space or did she solve that?”  The conversation went on from there, but Ayeka left to finish the dusting in the house.  Some other part of the house than the stranger was in. 
  

 The afternoon passed and soon it was time for dinner.  Everyone was introduced around the table and began to eat.  Ayeka kept sneaking glances at Teran.  Yosho noticed this as did Washu.  Washu hid a grin on her face.  Her plan was manifesting right before her eyes! 

 “So Teran how are things on the family estate?” Washu asked, making polite conversation. 

 “They’re fine, Washu.” Teran continued eating.  Washu scowled.  Come on, Teran, make more conversation than that! 

 “Tenchi, we will train after dinner.” Yosho commented.  Tenchi nodded.  After all that had happened lately, Tenchi had been getting better, but he needed lessons in the sword still. 

 “Sasami, would you show Teran to one of the spare rooms after dinner?  He’s tired and will want to rest.  I’m going to be in the lab for the rest of the evening.” Washu got up from the table and left to her lab. 
  

 “This’ll be your room, Teran.  Make yourself comfortable.” Sasami opened the door and placed linens on the bed. 

 “Thank you, Sasami.  The meal was very good.” Teran thanked her for the meal.  Sasami blushed and left. 
  

 In the morning, Tenchi found a note attached to Washu’s door.  It read that she wouldn’t be around for several days because one of her experiments had reached a critical point and needed around the clock observation.  Tenchi thought this was pretty inconsiderate of her because she had a guest.  He sighed.  It wasn’t something she could change though. 

 He explained this at breakfast and everyone nodded.  Teran went out for a walk after breakfast.  The scenery of Earth was amazing.  He started up a series of steps and wandered off on a side path.  Before long, he came upon Yosho and Tenchi training. 

 After watching for a while, he drew his sword and asked, “Can I play, too?” 

 Yosho immediately started to attack both of them at once. 
  

 “Whew!  He’s as good as they say.” Teran said talking to Tenchi as they walked back to the house. 

 “Tenchi!” 

 Tenchi fell to the ground with Ryoko tangled on top of him.  “Ryoko!” he bellowed. 

 “Yes, Tenchi?” 

 “How many times do I have to tell you not to do that?” Tenchi sat up and brushed himself off. 

 “I just wanted a hug.” Ryoko shrugged and dematerialized. 

 “Does she do that a lot?” Teran asked.  Tenchi nodded.  “It’s distracting and I don’t like it, but she won’t stop.” 

 “Have you asked her?” Teran picked a leaf off a tree and examined it. 

 “You just heard me ask.” Tenchi looked confused. 

 “No, I mean really ask.  Like walk up to her, ask her not to that anymore, explain how it makes you feel, etc.” Teran let the leaf drop. 

 “No.  She never sits still long enough.” Tenchi replied.  “Hmm, why is that, do you think?” Teran murmured.  The rest of the walk was in silence, both of the men nursing their bruises. 
  

 Dinner went as well as could be imagined.  Ayeka and Ryoko hadn’t fought in the past day so they went outside and had a fight which ended in a draw as usual.  Teran looked wide-eyed at Tenchi when he didn’t move to stop them. 

 “They do this all the time.  They don’t hurt each other.” Tenchi took another bite of rice.  Teran shrugged and went out to watch. 

 When he and the two girls came back in, both girls were dirty and went to the baths to clean up.  That was a good excuse for Tenchi to show Teran where the men’s bath was.  Teran immediately took a bath and Tenchi joined him. 
  

 The next day, Teran was again walking around the Masaki residence when he ran into Ayeka.  Literally. 

 “Ooh!” Ayeka fell to the ground.  Teran was the first to stand up and offered her his hand.  She accepted and was pulled to her feet. 

 “Lady Ayeka, may I ask a favor of you?”  She nodded.  “Would you show me around?  Tenchi is training and I interrupted yesterday.  Sasami is off playing with Ryo-ohki.  Ryoko I can’t find.” 

 “Of course, Teran.  We will begin with the house.”  Ayeka led off.  “This is my room that I share with Sasami.  Washu’s lab I think you know as well as the kitchen and bath.” 

 Once they had covered the house, they went outside.  Ayeka covered the training grounds, pointed the way to Ryoko’s cave, showed him Funaho, and the fields.  She promised that one day soon they would go into town to shop and he could come along.  They had taken lunch along and had eaten it at the bottom of the stairs.  It was now time for dinner. 

 Throughout dinner, Ryoko teased Tenchi and Ayeka didn’t notice. She was too busy eating and thinking of Teran.  Teran was thinking of her and her graceful ways.  She was beautiful.  Tenchi was very lucky to have her affections. 
  

 Tenchi was in the fields after breakfast.  His grandfather was switching times between morning and afternoon, so he would never know when he was training.  Just like he would never know when he was fighting. 

 Oof!  Tenchi was knocked on the ground again by Ryoko.  “Tenchi!” she yelled. 

 Tenchi stood up.  His face turned determined.  He walked the couple steps to Ryoko.  Looking into her eyes, he spoke, “I don’t like it when you do that.” 

 Seeing the determination in his eyes and mistaking it for anger, she dematerialized immediately. 
  

 Since he hadn’t seen the cave, Teran decided to visit there today.  He walked up the steps and collapsed on the ground in front of the cave.  Whew!  That’s a long trip, he thought. 

 Hearing the soft sounds of someone crying, he stood up with a great amount of willpower and headed off into the cave.  Ryoko was curled up on a rock, knees to her chest, rocking back and forth. 

 “Ryoko, is something wrong?” Teran asked.  Nice question, Teran.  She’s crying and you’re asking is something wrong.  Something’s obviously wrong or she wouldn’t be crying. 

 “N-nothing.  Go away.” She said.  Teran crept closer.  “What’s wrong, Ryoko?” 

 “Tenchi’s angry at me.” Ryoko cried.  “He told me he didn’t like it when I try to hug him.  All I want is to be close to him and he pushes me away!  I’m a horrible space pirate!” 

 “Okay, let’s look at this rationally.” Teran began, but Ryoko glared at him.  “All right, look at it this way.  Would you like someone rushing up behind you and throwing you to the ground all the time?  Do you like the taste of dirt that much?”  Ryoko half-laughed.  “I didn’t think so.  Why don’t you try standing in front of him and opening your arms?  If he doesn’t hug you, then ask him to.  I don’t think Tenchi would deny you.” 

 Teran continued.  “As for you being a horrible space pirate, well, we all have flaws.  You see, I am one of Washu’s students.  Have been for years.  If that isn’t a flaw, nothing is.”  The two laughed. 

 “Now, why don’t you go find Tenchi and try my idea?” Teran asked.  Ryoko nodded and flew off. 
  

 “That was a nice talk.” Ayeka said from behind him.  Teran turned around.  Ayeka shrugged.  “When Ryoko cries, she can usually be heard for quite a distance.  There’s a nice patch of flowers nearby that I wanted for my room.” 

 “But why would you care about her?” Teran asked. 

 “Even though we fight, we are, of a sort, friends.  We don’t giggle about Tenchi, joke around, or do our hair together, but we occasionally shop together, we both love Tenchi, and we fight together when we need to.” Ayeka stated. 

 “I see.  Would you like me to help you with your flowers?” Teran offered.  Ayeka accepted. 

 After gathering a sizeable bouquet, Ayeka said, “I think that’s enough.  They are fragrant aren’t they?”  Teran took a deep breath of the flowers.  “They smell sweet enough to crown your hair, Ayeka.”  Ayeka blushed. 

 Teran reached to the right and plucked another flower.  “This one’s different.  Would it suit the bouquet?” 

 Ayeka stared at the flower.  It was a Juraian flower called Shialara.  It was the flower given to suggest marriage to a girl. 

 “Um, is something wrong?” Teran asked.  Ayeka said slowly, “That is the flower given to suggest marriage.” 

 Teran looked at it.  The flower seemed to fit in his hand.  “Would you accept if I asked?” 

 Ayeka looked at him in shock.  Teran’s eyes met hers.  Slowly their faces leaned inward and their lips brushed each others. 

 Ayeka sat back abruptly.  “No, I will not accept at this time.”  Head held high, she stalked off.  Teran sighed.  This plan of yours is not going too well, Washu. 
  

 Tenchi had just finished the fields and was standing there, quietly admiring his work.  Ryoko appeared in front of him her eyes to the ground.  “Yes, Ryoko?  What is it?” 

 She looked up and held out her arms.  Tenchi looked at her confused.  “What is it?” he repeated. 

 “Tenchi, could you-?” Ryoko couldn’t get the words out of her mouth.  It suddenly dawned on Tenchi what she wanted and he walked slowly towards her.  Ryoko’s eyes never left his.  He wrapped his arms around her middle and gave her a slight squeeze and made to move away. 

 Ryoko had her head nuzzled in his neck when he started to move.  It hurt so much to let him go but she did.  Tenchi stood there, looking at her baffled.  “What was that for, Ryoko?” 

 “Are you mad at me, Tenchi?” Ryoko asked softly, her eyes wavering. 

 “No.” he said.  “Then why did you look at me that way when I hugged you the last time?” she asked. 

 “Because I wanted you to know that I didn’t want you to do that anymore.” 

 “Does this make you angry?” 

 “This is better.  Not when Ayeka’s around, though.” Tenchi remarked on an afterthought.  Ryoko nodded. 

 “Tenchi, do you-  Do you like me?” Ryoko asked. 

 “Ryoko, I can’t choose between-“ 

 “No, Tenchi.  I asked do you like me.  Do you enjoy spending time with me?” Ryoko asked. 

 “Yes, I do like you.”  Tenchi relaxed.  She wasn’t going to ask him any deep questions about him and Ayeka or him and Ryoko. 

 Ryoko disappeared and Tenchi went to lunch. 
  

 After lunch, Tenchi was training with his grandfather and Sasami was nowhere to be found.  Ayeka wasn’t too worried however.  She didn’t even notice Sasami was gone.  She was thinking about kissing Teran.  ‘It was horrible of me.  Disrespectful.  Unprincessly.  What would Tenchi say?’  Her heart beated unhappily.  How could she be in love with Tenchi and kiss someone else? 

 “Ayeka, have you seen them?” Washu burst out of her lab. 

 “Seen what, Little Washu?” Ayeka asked from the couch. 

 “There’s one behind you.  Don’t turn around.  I’ll capture it.”  Washu crept up behind the couch.  “I’ve got it!  You can turn around now.” 

 Ayeka turned to see Washu sitting on a cushion.  “What escaped?” she asked. 
  
 “Why, this of course.  I was duplicating my cushions because of a technical problem when the fibers mutated and became intelligent.  It’s a limited intelligence, though.  They want to be sat on, but they can’t be sat on by anyone but me because they’re encoded with my genetic code so they’ll electrocute anyone else.” 

 A scream from the kitchen made both women run toward it. 

 Sasami was fending off another cushion with a wooden spoon.  Washu quickly sat on it and sent it back to the lab with a few keystrokes on her computer, same as the last one.  “What happened, Sasami?” Ayeka asked. 

 “It hurt Ryo-ohki!” Sasami pointed in the corner.  Ryoko dropped down from the ceiling, hearing Ryo-ohki’s mindscream.  “Ryo-ohki!  What happened?” she picked up the cabbit and cradled it against her cheek. 

 “The pillow appeared and she jumped on it.  Her fur crackled and she shot off into the corner.” Sasami said. 

 “Washu.  Why do I think you had something to do with this?” Ryoko narrowed her eyes. 

 “If you see a cushion, don’t sit in it.  Actually, you could probably sit in it and it wouldn’t hurt you.  They’re keyed to my genetic code which is half in you so it probably wouldn’t affect you at all.” Washu rambled. 

 “I’m not sitting on one of these things just for an experiment.  You must be crazy!” Ryoko burst. 

 “Miss Washu, how many of the cushions are there?” Ayeka asked. 

 “Five.  We’ve found two-“ 

 “Three,” came Yosho’s deep voice.  He was herding one with a bokken through the door. 

 “The fourth is hovering around me.” Teran came into the kitchen, an anxious pillow following him.  Washu dispatched both of them. 

  
 Ryoko had flown off to see if Tenchi had found one as well.  He was just about to drop backward into a pillow on the ground he had found.  It had been worse than usual trying to keep up with grandpa. 

 “Tenchi, don’t!” Ryoko called.  Tenchi couldn’t hear what she was saying, so he waved and continued to arrange the pillow.  Having it just right, he began to fall into it. 

 Ryoko dematerialized and appeared in the center of the pillow.  The pillow shocked her body but not enough to hurt just make her hair frizz. 

 “Ryoko, what’s the idea?  I was just about to-“ 

 “Tenchi, it’s Washu’s pillow.  The one that’s genetically coded for her?” Ryoko said.  Tenchi’s eyes got wide.  They escorted the pillow back to Washu where she defused the pillow. 
  

 The next morning Sasami woke up and looked in the mirror.  Ayeka had gotten up early to go for a walk with Teran so she wasn’t in the room.  Sasami’s bleary eyes met… 

 Tsunami’s. 

 “Tsunami!  What are you doing here this morning?” Sasami asked. 

 “Sasami.”  Tsunami spoke and stepped out of the mirror.  “Sasami, it is time I explained a few things to you.”  Sasami sighed. 

 “You are worried that you will cease to exist once we assimilate completely, aren’t you?” Tsunami asked.  Sasami nodded.  “When you fell off the high path and onto the ground, you were injured.  You could not have survived with Jurai’s medical attentions at that time.  I have not been able to move from Jurai because I had no physical body.  You do not remember, but remember this now.  I asked you if you would like me to save you and you said yes.  I used my lifeforce to save yours and in doing so we are one.” 

 “But-“ Sasami started. 

 “It is not you becoming me, it is us becoming one.  You will continue to be Sasami, but with my powers, my memories added to yours.  You will not cease to be.  I will not cease to be.” 

 “Oh, Tsunami!”  Sasami sobbed and ran into the woman’s arms.  Tsunami brushed the girl’s hair and soothed her.  When Sasami had cried herself out, she asked Tsunami why did she tell her now? 
  
 “You wouldn’t have understood before this.  I was asked to tell you by someone.  I can’t tell you who, but it’s someone you and I trust.  The person is trying to solve everyone’s major problem at this time.  But the person doesn’t want you to say anything, okay?  There’s one person in this house that won’t have their problem solved and we don’t want to hurt that person’s feelings.”  Sasami nodded.  “Okay, Tsunami.”  Tsunami vanished and Sasami went to fix breakfast. 
  

 Teran and Ayeka were walking in the woods on the other side of the lake.  Ayeka couldn’t take the suspense anymore so she asked very properly, “Why did you offer me the flower yesterday?” 

 “I didn’t really know what it meant.  I had some idea, but I haven’t thought much about Juraian rituals since I left for the Science Academy at a young age.  I was recognized as a very bright individual at about five when I started to explain physics to my older sister who was at the academy.” 

 “So you are Juraian?” Ayeka asked. 

 “Yes, Teran of the House of Julane.” Teran caught Ayeka’s eyes.  “I hope it won’t make you treat me differently.” 

 Ayeka’s thoughts were whirling.  Julane was the house that had developed the technology of practically everything on Jurai.  Their family was widely spread out, long-lived, and had a family member in every part of business.  Medical, ships, gardening, etc.  “Of-of course not.  On Earth I am just another girl to Tenchi.” She winced. 

 “Tenchi?  He’s a nice guy and he’ll be an unbeatable swordsman in time with Yosho teaching him.”  Teran stopped and took a look around.  “Hmm, thought I heard something.” 

 A rustle caught Ayeka’s ear.  Turning her head to the right, she saw a brown ear.  “Ryo-ohki!  What are you doing here?” 

 “Miya, miya, miya!” Ryo-ohki said. 

 “Ah.  Sasami has breakfast for us.”  Ayeka relayed. 

 “Then shall we go, Lady Ayeka?” Teran offered his arm gallantly.  Ayeka smiled and allowed him to lead her away. 
  

 After breakfast, Tenchi had finished the fields and had a whole hour to himself.  He wondered what to do with himself.  ‘I wonder where Mihoshi has been the last couple of days.’  He sighed.  ‘She’ll show up in the next couple days or we can ask Washu.’ 
  

 “Mihoshi!” 

 “Uhhhhh, yes, Yukinojo?” Mihoshi’s sleepy voice said. 

 “Mihoshi, you fell asleep during my presentation again!  And this is the two hundred and thirty-seventh time!” 

 “Okay, Yukinojo, could you start again?” Mihoshi’s innocent voice started. 
  

 “Tenchi?  Could I speak with you for a moment?” Teran asked from behind him. 

 Tenchi turned and looked at Teran standing on one foot.  “Sure, what did you want to talk about?” 

 Teran took a deep breath, put his foot down so he was standing on two feet, and asked, “Tenchi, do you have a preference of which of these women you will eventually decide on?” 

 “Uh, uh, uh, I don’t really know.”  Tenchi closed his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. 

 “I see.”  Teran grimaced.  “Would you like to talk about it?  Maybe get it sorted out?” 

 “Can’t hurt.  You won’t tell any of them about this conversation, will you?” Tenchi asked.  Teran nodded.  “I promise on my house.” 

 Tenchi began.  “Sasami is too young at the moment.  No one has explained to me how I’m going to age yet being Juraian and Earthling.  By the time it may take for her to grow up, I may be dead.” 

 “It makes sense,” Teran said.  “I don’t know how you’ll age, but I bet Washu does with all the experiments she’s done on you.” 

 “I’ll have to ask her once I get back for lunch.  Speaking of her, Washu is-“ 

 “I think I can sum that one up for you.  Washu is too much.  Too much heartache for you personally to solve, too much wanting, too smart for you to be comfortable with on a day-to-day basis…  Any of those hitting the target?” Teran asked. 

 “I feel so inadequate for her.  She needs someone who’s more scientifically inclined.” Tenchi offered.  Teran nodded. 

 “Mihoshi is married to her work.  She lives and breathes her job.” Tenchi didn’t mention the fact that she’d drive him crazy if they were married. 

 “Mihoshi would be better off with someone who could share her work, such as a male partner who had a tad more common sense.” Teran offered his insight to this person. 

 “Why are you so informed on these women?” Tenchi asked suspicious. 

 Teran shrugged.  “Washu is one of my favorite teachers.  We talk to one another.  You didn’t think she spent all that time in her lab working on experiments, did you?”  At Tenchi’s nod, he sighed.  “Most of the experiments she’s working on are stewing on a computer system, working toward answers that won’t be found for years.  She has many creatures she needs to feed daily and other things, but most of her time is spent talking to other teachers and students and updating the information the computers feed her.  Washu is not in favor of becoming stagnant.” 

 Tenchi absorbed this information.  Teran interrupted his thoughts with, “That isn’t all of the ladies who live here.  What of Ryoko and Ayeka?” 

 Tenchi fell silent. 

 “Tough decision, huh?” Teran said after a moment.  Tenchi nodded slowly.  “Well, if I were you I’d go with Ayeka.  After all she’s poised, gentle, destined to be Queen of Jurai, good-looking, and great fashion sense.” 

 He continued on.  “Whereas Ryoko’s clumsy, hits you from behind all the time, not subtle at all, she’s a horrible, nefarious space pirate, has no way to tell what looks right on her, she’s old, ugly, has probably slept with ten thousand men over the years-“ 

 “Shut up, you!  She’s wonderful, she’s been through a lot, she knows how to dress, she’s not old, she’s beautiful, lovely in fact.”  Tenchi stopped to catch his breath.  “And if you ever say anything about her morals or-“ 

 “Uh-huh.  And you say you haven’t made a decision?” Teran looked down at Tenchi.  Tenchi looked up at him.  “Do you think you could put me down?” Teran asked mildly. 

 Tenchi had gotten so carried away, he had lifted Teran a foot off the ground.  “Oops.  Uh, sorry.”  Tenchi placed Teran back on the ground. 

 “Tenchi, may I ask you a question?” Teran asked a few moments later after straightening his clothes. 

 At Tenchi’s nod, he asked a simple question.  “Your problem with choosing between them is you don’t want to hurt either one.” 

 Tenchi sighed.  “That’s it.  If I choose Ryoko, she’ll boast to Ayeka and rub it in her face.  Same with if I choose Ayeka.” 

 “Tenchi, I’d like to ask you one more question and I think then you’ll know which you truly want for yourself.”  Teran looked into Tenchi’s eyes.  “Would it disrupt your life if I paid court to the Lady Ayeka?” 

 For a minute, all Tenchi could do was stare into Teran’s eyes.  “What do you mean?” he finally asked. 

 “I mean that I was invited here by Washu to see if Ayeka and I would like one another.  I have been Washu’s student for a long time, I am of Juraian noble blood, and she’s known of my fascination and affections toward Ayeka ever since she had a party at her house on the Science Academy grounds and I confessed it to her.  She and I have talked this over many times, she urging me to come here and me refusing.  Washu says she has run it through her computer and Ayeka and I seem to have a lot in common.  Tenchi, I’m afraid that I’m falling in love with her.” 

 “Does she like you?” Tenchi asked.  Teran relayed the flower incident and this morning.  “She’s never kissed me.” Tenchi told him. 

 “So you wouldn’t mind?” Teran asked with a worried expression on his face.  “I won’t attempt her love if you love her.” 

 Tenchi sat down on the grass and thought about it.  Teran sat down next to him.  Finally Tenchi spoke, “I don’t want to hurt her.  If she falls in love with you, I’ll be fine.  I always thought it would be strange to marry my aunt.” 

 “Ah, Earth customs.” Teran said.  “It’s fine on Jurai if you love her Tenchi.” 

 “I don’t think I love her the way she would like.  I’d try, but I think she would see through it.” Tenchi reasoned. 

 Teran sighed, relieved.  “So I may pay court to her without reprisal?” 

 “It’s fine with me if it’s okay with Ayeka.” 

 The two men sat there for a couple minutes, each turning the events over in their heads.  Finally, Teran spoke. 

 “So, you never did say what you felt about Ryoko.” 

 Tenchi glanced over at him, then turned his eyes to the sky.  “What, picking you up and yelling at you didn’t get the message through?” 
  

 “Mihoshi!  Will you please answer the emergency call?” Yukinojo yelled.  Mihoshi leapt up out of her chair, hitting her head on Yukinojo’s metal head.  “OWWWWWWWWW!!!!” she cried. 

 “Mihoshi!  What’s wrong?” asked her head officer. 

 “I hit my head!” she whined. 

 “Never mind that.  Mihoshi, you have been assigned a partner.  He will be arriving,” the officer shuffled his notes, “five minutes ago for you to rendezvous with around Jupiter.  You are to pick him up and brief him on Earth.” 

 “Wow, I’d better get going.  You can count on me, sir.” Mihoshi saluted and the head officer went back to bed. 

 “Yukinojo, are we there yet?” Mihoshi asked. 

 “Yes, I’m already aboard.  My name is Ilane.  How are you, Miss Mihoshi?” asked a deep masculine voice. 

 Mihoshi turned and almost pointed her gun right in the man’s face.  “Oh, I’m sorry!” 

 “That’s all right Mihoshi.  Would you mind showing me around the ship?” Ilane asked. 

 “Sure, let’s go this way.”  Mihoshi started back toward the bridge.  “Um, Mihoshi, Ilane would probably like to see the ship not the rest of the five feet of the bridge.” Yukinojo gave a polite comment. 

 “Oh?  Sure, we’ll go see the rest of the ship.” Mihoshi bounced out of the cockpit. 

 “Hey, Washu!” Ryoko stuck her head inside Washu’s lab.  “Up here, Ryoko!” Washu called from up near the ceiling. 

 “Washu, what’d you call me here for?” Ryoko said brusquely. 

 Washu walked down to Ryoko.  “I wanted to spend some time with my daughter and this was the only way I could think to do it.”  Washu looked at Ryoko expectantly. 

 “I’m not your daughter and I don’t want to spend time with you.” Ryoko turned and tried to leave.  The door wasn’t there and wouldn’t appear. 

 “Am I that horrible?” Washu asked in a straight voice.  No little girl undertone, no I’m the number one scientist superiority, just Washu’s voice. 

 “You’re always trying to experiment on me or something.  This is just another one of your tricks.” Ryoko said keeping her back to Washu. 

 “No tricks.  Just walk around my lab with me.  You don’t even have to talk to me.” Washu said.  “I’ll even adjust my body to be adult if this one bothers you.” 

 “What guarantee do I have that you won’t try to experiment on me.  Or try to change me into something.  Or leave me in the dark again.” Ryoko asked. 

 “Look at me, my daughter.” 

 Ryoko whirled around to yell at Washu that she wasn’t her daughter.  Washu just stood there, looking at her.  “I won’t harm you.  I won’t experiment on you.  All I want is for you to walk around my lab and listen to me.”  Seeing that Ryoko still didn’t believe her, she sighed.  “Ryoko, put your palm on this.”  A hand imprint pad appeared in front of Ryoko. 

 “Why?” Ryoko asked suspiciously. 

 “You don’t even realize what I’m doing to get an hour’s worth of talking with you!” Washu screamed.  After looking away, Washu recovered and said calmly, “If you place your palm on that, nothing in this lab will respond to my commands.  They will be under your control.  The only thing that will work are the things that I have built into my body to defend myself.” 

 Looking into Ryoko’s eyes, Washu asked simply, “Is that enough of a guarantee for you, Ryoko?” 

 “On one condition.  I won’t put my hand on this, but I don’t want you to call me Little Ryoko or your daughter while I’m in here.” Ryoko stated. 

 Washu shrugged.  “Fine.” 

 Ryoko just stood there, waiting for it to begin.  Washu mentally sighed.  “The first thing I want to point out is the shield around the top of the lab that you crashed into…” 
  

 Sasami was going about her normal chores when Ryo-ohki moped in.  “What is it, Ryo-ohki?” she asked. 

 Ryo-ohki just moped for a few minutes then left the kitchen.  Sasami shrugged.  She was in so much of a better mood now that she knew Tsunami and her would be one, not Sasami becoming Tsunami.  She cheerfully hummed as she chopped vegetables. 

 The click of the TV and the soap opera sounds from the living room let Sasami know that either Ryoko or Mihoshi was home.  She left the kitchen to find Mihoshi with a man. 

 “Who’s he, Mihoshi?” she asked. 

 “Come on, Ilane, you’ve got to meet Sasami.” Mihoshi’s yell was heard all over the house. 

 “How do you do, Ilane.” Sasami said and put the chopped vegetables in the pot. 
  
 “Hello, Sasami.  Is that for dinner?” Ilane asked. 

 “Sure is.  Why are you here?” Sasami asked.  Mihoshi broke into the conversation and said, “He’s my new partner.  He sure is handsome, isn’t he Sasami?” 

 “Uh, Mihoshi, he’s standing right there.” Sasami whispered. 

 The thought just occurred to Mihoshi and she blushed.  “Oh, I’m so embarrassed!” 

 “Mihoshi, why don’t you take him to meet Yosho?” Sasami suggested. 

 “Yosho?” Ilane said.  “The Prince of Jurai?  Sasami?” His face became as white as a sheet.  “How many important personages are here?” 

 Sasami started ticking them off on her fingers.  “Well, there’s me and Ayeka, Yosho, Tenchi who’s now the Prince of Jurai, Ryoko who’s a space pirate, Mihoshi, Ryo-ohki, Ryoko’s spaceship…”  Sasami looked down at him and sighed.  “He’s a Galaxy Police officer all right.”  She went to get some water for the fainted Ilane. 
  

 Ayeka found the TV on and was going to shut it off when she noticed it was one of her favorite programs.  ‘TV stations!  Always moving the programs around without telling you.’  She sat down on the couch and watched the soap opera.  Unconsciously during the program, her feet came up to lie on the couch.  Ayeka, First Crown Princess of Jurai, was actually letting her etiquette and properness go for an hour and was stretched out on the couch! 

 “You look very pretty, Lady Ayeka.” Teran said, leaning on the back of the couch. 

 Ayeka sat up quickly arranging her clothes.  “Thank you.”  Teran tried another tactic.  “Would you mind if I watched with you?”  At the shake of her head, Teran vaulted over the back of the couch and sat down.  The two of them watched the soap opera.  During a commercial break, Teran reached down and pulled Ayeka’s legs into his lap. 

 “Wh-What do you think you’re doing?!” Ayeka yanked her legs out of his arms. 

 “I was going to rub your feet for you.  After all the walking I’ve been having you do, it’s only right for me to sooth your pain for you, Princess Ayeka.” Teran said with all courtly manners. 

 Ayeka scowled but let him undo her slippers and rub her feet for her.  Before long with her favorite show on the TV and a man’s gentle hands on her feet, Ayeka was completely relaxed. 

 “Ayeka, may I ask you something?” Teran asked, massaging her feet. 

 “Mmm.” Ayeka said. 

 “Would it distress you greatly if Tenchi did not return your love?” Teran asked.  Ayeka almost sat up, but Teran had her feet firmly in his hands. 

 Ayeka sighed.  “The truth, Lady Ayeka.” Teran reminded her. 

 “I am not as in love with Tenchi as I thought I was.” Ayeka admitted.  Teran tried not to breathe a sigh of relief. 

 Ayeka sat there thinking.  He is handsome but so is Tenchi.  He is clever but so is Tenchi.  Why do I find myself liking this man so much?  She sneaked a look at him.  She sighed again in happiness.  Because he is like Tenchi and I don’t have to compete for him.  Tenchi is becoming like a younger brother to me… 

 Maybe my suit will not be denied.  She may like me.  She is so lovely and graceful and just everything I’ve ever wanted… 
  

 “This is my menagerie.” Ryoko was shown a door.  “In there are all the animals that I keep for study.  The list of what to feed them and everything they require is on their cages.” 

 “Geez, you’d think you were getting ready to die or something.” Ryoko muttered. 

 “I can never tell when one of my experiments might go wrong and I might be killed or badly damaged for a while.  Someone would need to know how to take care of them.” Washu insisted. 

 “So, I’ve been show everything.  Now can I leave?” Ryoko asked. 

 “The hour isn’t up.  I still have exactly seven minutes and forty-three seconds, Ryoko.” Washu reminded her.  “Now, this way.  You haven’t seen everything, you know.  Just the majority of my biggest experiments.  Now you’ll see my pride and joy.” 

 Washu pushed open one of the doors.  It creaked badly.  Ryoko smirked.  “Looks like you haven’t taken care of this in a while.” 

 Washu looked at Ryoko.  She started.  Were those tears in Washu’s eyes?  Nah, couldn’t be. 

 “Step inside.  See if you remember anything.”  Ryoko stepped into the room boldly.  Her footsteps stopped just inside the door.  Washu stepped in behind her and shut the door. 

 Inside the room was everything Washu had made to make Ryoko.  The machines, the tanks, and …  Ryoko’s playthings.  Ryoko walked past the healing vats, the machines that had programmed the energies she was able to control, right to a worn stuffed animal.  Ryoko brushed its velvet ear with one finger.  “You kept it,” she whispered. 

 “I kept everything.  Everything I had made to make you or made for you.  Ryoko, I didn’t carry you for months because I was afraid of what your unformed self would do to my body. I didn’t want you exposed to the types of energy I was exposing myself to. But to make up for it I was around your growing capsule as much as I could be, touching it, talking to you.”  Washu pulled out a small remote control and the wall became a live TV set.  Ryoko watched herself being pulled out of the vat, being dried off and talked to lovingly by Washu.  She saw her first steps into Washu’s arms, heard her call Washu Mom, and saw herself playing with Ryo-ohki and her stuffed velvet Ryo-ohki so she wouldn’t hurt the real one.  Ryoko could feel tears welling up inside her and shook them off.  Washu was the one who had left her, left her all alone, with Kagato, in the dark, experimented on her, treated her like one of her specimens, not a daughter. 

 “Time’s up, Ryoko.  I think you know the way out.” Washu said.  And left Ryoko alone in the room. 
  

 Damn you, Washu.  Ryoko thought.  How could you expose me to something like that and just leave?  Ryoko threw the stuffed Ryo-ohki on the floor and flew out of the lab.  She didn’t see Washu on the way out. 
  

 Washu dried her tears.  She hadn’t meant to leave, but couldn’t allow Ryoko to see her cry.  She was supposed to be the adult, the scientist who didn’t have feelings.  Washu crept silently toward the door.  “Ryoko?” she whispered.  The door was pushed open by Washu who looked inside. 

 No Ryoko.  Just the stuffed cabbit lying on the floor.  Discarded.  Just like her. 
  

 Dinnertime.  Yosho had come to dinner and was talking with Ilane.  Everyone had met Ilane at dinner.  Sasami had made a new dish that everyone had loved.  Tenchi was granted no swordplay after dinner so he could have a bit of time to himself.  Yosho had termed it, ‘No one can spend all his time at one thing or else it becomes commonplace.’  Tenchi took it to mean that he’d get double the exhaustion tomorrow.  Not double the time, but more would be expected of him. 

 Sasami was surprisingly more cheerful.  That took a good bit of imagination.  Ayeka did not argue with Ryoko over where Tenchi was going to sit, but insisted that Teran sit next to her which he did gladly.  Ryoko sat with Tenchi and puzzled over why Ayeka didn’t argue with her.  Then she realized she had Tenchi next to her and started trying to feed him food. 

 Mihoshi and Ilane traded news back and forth.  Their gazes traveled each other’s eyes with something that wasn’t quite defined yet. 

 Washu sat with no one to talk to.  Nobuyuki was at work late.  Washu sat and observed everyone.  Her plan was developing nicely. 
  

 After dinner, Ryoko, Washu, Ayeka, and Sasami all sat down to watch a cartoon show.  Teran was still talking with Yosho about something, and Ilane was listening to Mihoshi blather about something. 

 Tenchi cleared his throat.  “Ryoko?”  She didn’t answer.  Tenchi walked up behind her and tapped her on the shoulder.  “Ryoko?” 

 “Hmm, Tenchi?” Ryoko’s eyes were still on the screen. 

 “Could I talk to you?” Tenchi asked.  “Later,” Ryoko answered. 

 Washu was keeping tabs on the conversation.  The TV is more important than having a conversation with Tenchi? 

 That reminder snapped her back to attention.  “Of course, Tenchi!”  Ryoko got up and walked off.  Washu grinned and turned back to the screen. 
  

 Tenchi showed her to his room.  Ryoko entered eagerly.  ‘Wow, Tenchi’s actually inviting me to his room!  Wonder what we’ll do in here…’ her sly mind thought. 

 “So, Tenchi,” she said, flouncing down on the bed.  Tenchi averted his eyes.  “Ryoko, would you mind standing up?” 

 “Why?  I’ve been in your bed before.” Ryoko purred. 

 “When you used to hug me the old way it made me uncomfortable.” Tenchi started. 

 “This makes you uncomfortable, Tenchi?  Why didn’t you say so?” Ryoko stood up.  “Is this better?”  Tenchi nodded. 

 “Ryoko, I wanted to ask you something.” Tenchi said.  Ryoko nodded eagerly.  “You haven’t asked for a hug since that last time.  I wanted to thank you for not doing that again in front of Ayeka.” 

 “You’re welcome, Tenchi.”  Ryoko said.  ‘Blast it, I haven’t even thought about that.’ 

 “What I wanted to ask was we’re alone now, did you want a hug?” Tenchi asked and opened up his arms. 

 Ryoko gasped.  Tenchi was actually asking for a hug from her?  She took a step toward him and he didn’t back away.  She practically flew into his arms and hugged him. 

 “Air, air!” Tenchi gasped.  Ryoko released him.  “I’m sorry Tenchi!” she cried and backed hastily toward the door. 

 “Wait!” Tenchi reached out a hand toward her.  “Just, easier next time, okay?” 

 Ryoko turned around.  “Okay.”  Tenchi held out his arms and she stepped into them and hugged him firmly. 

 “That’s better.  Now, I have another question for you.” Tenchi said after she had released him.  Ryoko looked at him expectantly.  “I want to know whether or not you’d like to take a walk with me tomorrow.”  He added.  “Just walk.  No floating, just walking.” 

 Ryoko bit her lip.  She loved floating, but for Tenchi…  She nodded.  “Okay, want to go back downstairs?” he asked.  Ryoko shook her head and she looked around the room. 

 “Tenchi, where did you get this?” she asked.  She pointed to a painted airplane. 
  
 “Oh, that.  I made it outside your cave one summer night.” Tenchi ran his hand through his hair nervously. 

 “I know.  I just wanted to know if you remembered.” Ryoko returned. 

 “What do you mean?” Tenchi asked.  Ryoko looked at him.  “You really don’t remember that you could see me once?” she asked softly.  Tenchi shook his head.  Ryoko sighed.  “Want to go downstairs now, Tenchi?” she asked sadly and he nodded. 
  

 The next morning breakfast was interrupted by an emergency call from Yukinojo to Mihoshi and Ilane.  Mihoshi only upset her own breakfast not the table this time.  Ilane was on board the ship minutes before Mihoshi was. 

 “It’s the criminal Riow.” He told her as soon as she got aboard and stopped hopping around saying that she was wet. 

 “oh, well, then I guess we’d better go after him.” Mihoshi took the pilot’s seat.  Ilane sat in the seat next to her. 

 After a few shots were fired from Yukinojo, the ship was disabled.  Riow took to space itself to fight.  Ilane went outside and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with Riow and imprisoned him.  They took a quick trip to a space station and passed him off. 

 “Mihoshi?” Ilane asked after they were on their way back to Earth. 

 “Yes?” Mihoshi said turning toward him. 

 “Would you mind showing me around Japan?  As a date?” He asked hesitantly. 

 “Sure!” she yelled and jumped up and down in excitement.  They headed to Tenchi’s home. 
  

 “Ayeka?” Teran asked.  They were in town, shopping for groceries.  “Yes, Teran?” Ayeka said absentmindedly.  “Oh, nothing.” Teran rambled off on another tangent talking about his family again.  Ayeka listened with one ear and compared prices with her brain. 

 After, when they were on the bus, Teran tried to ask again, but couldn’t get the words out of his throat. 

 Finally going up the path to the house, Teran asked Ayeka to put down her bag of the groceries.  She looked confused at him and asked what was wrong. 

 “Ayeka, you said yesterday that you would not mind if Tenchi did not return your feelings.  I have spoken with him and affirmed my feelings about you.”  Teran took a deep breath.  “Would you allow me the pleasure of courting you in the event that we might one day marry?” 

 Ayeka’s face flushed and she turned her head away.  Teran took this as refusal and started to pick up his bag of groceries.  Ayeka laid her hand on his arm and tilted his chin up to look into his eyes.  Finding only a beginning love and sorrow there at evidence that it wasn’t returned, she smiled.  “Yes.” She said and stroked his face with one hand.  After standing there for a couple minutes, they picked up their groceries and started up the path standing closer together than they had been. 
  

 Tenchi came in from the field and took a bath.  On the way out Sasami yelled for him to go to Ryoko’s cave ‘cause that’s where she asked for him to be.  So Tenchi went. 

 “Ryoko!” he called as he got to the mouth of the cave. 

 “Hello, Tenchi…” came a soft voice over his shoulder.  He jumped and twisted around.  “Ryoko!” he cried.  “Don’t do that!” 

 “Tenchi you don’t get it, do you?” Ryoko clasped her hands to her shoulders.  “I have watched you ever since you were born.  I’ve been waiting for you to grow up so that you could love me, too.  Except you like Ayeka more.”  Ryoko sighed.  “I’d let Washu destroy my behavior that hurts you, but I don’t think even that would make you love me.” 

 “But-“ Tenchi started to say that he did love her. 

 “No, Tenchi, I don’t want to hear the words.  I don’t want to hear you say that you love Ayeka.  Just play with me?”  Ryoko gestured to a ball.  It was a rubber ball that had been in Tenchi’s closet forever.  She picked it up and tossed it at him.  He caught it out of reflex.  Looking into Ryoko’s sad eyes, he threw the ball back.  She wanted him to play so he’d tell her later. 

 After the two of them had played ball and hide and seek, Tenchi thought of another game he had played when he was little.  Rescue the princess. 

 When he suggested it to Ryoko, her face got a little tight and her smile became forced.  “Do you want me to play the dragon or generate one for you like when you were little?” she asked. 

 “A play dragon will be fine.  You stand over there, behind him, on the rock.” Tenchi pointed after she had created a dragon illusion. 

 He fought the dragon fiercely with a stick using techniques he hadn’t when he had been a small boy.  Of course, the dragon didn’t exactly hold back either.  Panting, Tenchi finally “killed” the dragon. 

 Looking at Ryoko standing on the rock, hair blowing in the wind, he suddenly got a tear in his eye and turned away. 

 ‘Oh, why do you turn away from me, Tenchi?’ Ryoko thought.  “Want to try the demon now?” she asked nastily. 

 His eyes under control now, Tenchi turned around.  Glancing down at the dragon’s carcass on the ground, he threw the stick to the ground also.  Walking over to Ryoko and offering his hand to help her down off the rock, he said, “No, I think I will claim a kiss of the princess.” 

 Ryoko’s eyes started shining.  She clasped his hand and leaped down from the rock.  They embraced. 
  

 Washu wiped a tear from her eye.  So her plans had evolved perfectly.  The Ayeka/Ryoko/Tenchi problem had been solved.  Ayeka was paired off with Teran, Ryoko with Tenchi.  So no more explosions to disrupt her work!  Washu considered that thought for a moment.  Well, not as many.  Mihoshi was with a responsible partner now.  That had taken a note to headquarters asking them if they thought one officer out here with so many royals was adequate.  As for Yosho and Nobuyuki, well, there were some things even the number one scientific genius in the universe can’t solve.  Yosho doesn’t really have a problem and Nobuyuki’s problem will sort itself out on it’s own. 

 “Miya!” Ryo-ohki jumped up on the desk. 

 “Hello, Ryo-ohki.  I have the solution to your problem as well.”  Washu started walking.  She stopped in front of a simple food dispenser.  “I’ve modified it so it gives out carrots to you.  As many as you want.”  Ryo-ohki got shining eyes and started nibbling carrots right away.  Washu walked back to her computer. 

  
 Staring at her computer an hour later, she sighed.  Now that the major problems were gone, what was she going to do now?  All the computers had their information transferred to the main computer.  None of the research computers were within months of finding a solution to any one of her problems.  The animals had been fed.  She could talk with one of her students, but she just… didn’t feel like it. 

 Standing on her feet, Washu started to walk around her lab in the hopes that something would catch her interest.  Somehow she ended up back in Ryoko’s lab.  Looking around the room, Washu’s depression fell even lower.  Ryoko’s toys were in a box in the corner, opposite was the vats and tanks for her birth and younger years.  Washu pulled up her laptop and took a look at the future developments that she had never gotten to use.  New toys, better facilities, a new house she had planned to build to raise Ryoko in.  None of it had gotten the chance to be built because of Kagato. 

 “Washu?” a voice called.  “Dinner’s ready.” 

 “In a minute.” Washu called back.  She took a last look around the room.  Sighing and shaking her head, she got up and went to dinner. 
  

 “Isn’t it wonderful, Ayeka?” Sasami said.  Ayeka looked at Teran and smiled.  “Yes, Sasami.” 

 Sasami giggled.  “I meant the food!”  Ayeka blushed and took another bite.  “Yes, it is quite good, Sasami.” 

 Washu was observing tonight.  Ayeka and Teran were sitting a little closer.  They kept gazing at each other and then remembering to eat.  Tenchi and Ryoko were a little more skittish.  Ryoko being bold and Tenchi trying not to shy away. 

 “Ryoko, could you come to my lab after dinner?” Washu asked. 

 “Why?” 

 “Because there’s something there that would be of interest to you.” 

 “Fine.”  Ryoko said. 
  

 After dinner, Ryoko disappeared into Washu’s lab.  “Washu?” she called. 

 “Ah, good timing, Ryoko.  Come here.” Washu said.  Ryoko walked to where Washu stood in front of her computer.  Trees at her back, Ryoko asked, “What is it this time?” 

 “I need one of your gems.” Washu said. 

 Ryoko instinctively grasped the one on her wrist.  “Why?” she asked suspiciously. 
  
 “Trust me.” Washu said.  Ryoko’s eyebrow went up and stayed up.  Washu sighed.  “I gave it to you at your birth, I’ll give it back now after I’ve tampered it a little.  I promise, no more powers, no diminishing of powers, just one little thing to make you safer." 

 Ryoko handed it over stiffly.  Washu held it between her index finger and thumb and squinted at it with her right eye.  Nodding, she placed it in the middle of three lasers.  A count of three and the gem was returned to Ryoko. 

 “Now, if you’d please step this way.” Washu gestured to an open area.  Ryoko walked over to the place gestured sulkily. 

 “What is this all about, Washu?” Ryoko asked. 

 Washu didn’t answer her.  Using her internal power, Washu tried to take command of Ryoko, the same way Kagato had.  “Ryoko, I command you to pick up that rock.” 

 “What are you playing at, Washu?” Ryoko demanded.  Washu relaxed and smiled. 

 “The experiment is a success!”  Washu’s puppets popped up and made the usual celebrations.  Ryoko looked at Washu warily.  “Ryoko, your two greatest problems at the moment were Tenchi and your fear of being controlled again.  I have solved both of them.” 

 “What do you mean?” Ryoko yelled. 

 “Sit down and I’ll explain it to you.”  Two chairs popped up and a table between them.  Ryoko sat down with the air of one long-suffering person. 

 “It’s simple really.  Everyone in this household had one major problem.  Nobuyuki and Yosho are the exceptions.” 

 “Yeah, tell me about it.” Ryoko had one hand propping up her face and she was looking at the ceiling. 

 “Ryo-ohki’s problem was carrots.  I set up a food synthesizer to produce carrots for her.  Of course, I’m not going to tell Tenchi.  He needs the work in the fields for his private time.” Washu concluded. 

 Ryoko protested that thought.  “But he could spend the time with me!” 

 “You’re both going to need time apart from each other or else you’ll end up smothering the poor guy.  But you interrupted me.”  Washu continued. 

 “Mihoshi’s problem was she’s accident prone and needed someone with common sense.  I sent to headquarters that with all the royal personages here I thought that one Galaxy police officer wasn’t enough.  They just happened to send someone very competent and male.” Washu grinned. 

 “Sasami’s problem was she thought she was going to be taken over by Tsunami when she got older.” 

 “She’s not?” Ryoko asked. 

 “Nope!  She and Tsunami will merge.  Neither one will be obliterated.”  Washu ended. 

 “Now for the big problem.  You, Ayeka, and Tenchi.  Tenchi’s problem was he couldn’t choose between you because he’d hurt the other.  Your problem was how to get Ayeka out of the way and vice versa.  I had an old student that was so in love with Ayeka you could hit him over the head with a quadroelectric trench and he’d still profess his love.  Sickening, really.  So I ran it through the computer to see if they’d make a good match from all the data I’d collected about him over the years and her stay here.  The computer said they’d make a good match.  So I invited him here, left him alone for a while, and I was right.” 

 “Now your problem, Ryoko, was two things.  Tenchi and the fear of being controlled.  I’ve been working on the controlled problem since I got away from Kagato.  That’s not something I want to happen again.  A small correction to one of the gems will spread to all of them and no one will be able to control you that way again.  I apologize for trying to control you, but if I had told you ahead of time, you might have been able to resist me.  Someone else wouldn’t give you warning.  Tenchi I already knew was in love with you not Ayeka.” 

 Washu popped up her computer and had a hot cup of tea appeared on the table.  She sipped it and continued.  “So I solved at least one problem for everyone except Nobuyuki and Yosho, who don’t really need it.” 

 Washu sat there, looking smug until Ryoko asked, “What about your problems?” 

 Washu’s shoulders slumped.  “Me?  I don’t have any problems.” 

 Ryoko snorted.  “Sure, you don’t.  You stay in this lab like a hermit, you treat people like lab rats-“ 

 “Excuse me, I’m going to go and feed my goldfish.” Washu got up and the table and chairs disappeared.  Including the one with Ryoko in it. 

 “Ouch!  Now you wait a minute, Washu.  I’ve been around your lab.  You don’t have any goldfish!” 

 Washu whirled around.  “Well, maybe I’ll start!  If I can keep them alive maybe I can have a dog!  Then after I prove myself responsible enough to keep that alive and safe, then I may work myself up to having a child!” 

 “Oh, so that’s what this is all about!  Me, not acting like your beloved little daughter!” 

 “No, it’s about me not being able to protect my daughter!  About not being able to raise her like she was supposed to be raised!  It’s about seeing my little Ryoko taking her first steps and calling me Mom, then Kagato taking you away for two thousand years, and finally when I get my Ryoko back she treats me like I’m an evil monster!” 

 Both women were facing each other now, winded because of all the shouting.  Washu said calmly, “So what if I hide in my lab?  Then you don’t have to see me and be reminded of everything in your life.” 

 “Well, if you got out of your lab more often maybe some of those awful memories would be replaced with good ones.” Ryoko fired back. 
  
 Washu looked taken aback.  Ryoko actually wanted her to spend time outside the lab? 

 Ryoko looked shocked.  Washu out of her lab?  What would that be like? 

 “Well, I guess I could go outside a bit more.  None of my experiments are going to need attention for a while.” Washu said cautiously. 

 Ryoko shrugged.  Washu’s spirits fell a bit, but the overture had been made. 

 “So why don’t we go shopping?” Washu asked.  “I haven’t had new clothes in centuries.”  Ryoko’s eyes lit up.  Washu inwardly grinned.  This girl and her clothes. 

 “We’ll go to the moons of Alistair.”  Ryoko’s eyes widened.  That place was notoriously expensive. 

 “Do I need to knock over a bank before we go shopping?” Ryoko half-joked.  Washu looked at her strangely. 

 “Ryoko, don’t get any ideas, but I have more money than you’ve ever stolen.”  Ryoko’s eyes about popped out of her head.  “I hold the patents on several hyper stardrives that are very expensive and used everywhere.  I also made a newer hyperspace sleeper pod that seems to sell quite well.  There are thousands of other things but none as profitable.”  Washu caught Ryoko’s eye.  “You didn’t think I was donated all this equipment, did you?  I can’t take the time to build everything, you know.  I buy things and modify them for my use.” 

 Washu turned.  “Are we going to take Ryo-ohki?”  Ryoko nodded dumbly.  Washu was jumping up and down inside.  Spending a day with her daughter! 

 One of her computers beeped off in the distance.  Ryoko nodded toward it.  “Aren’t you going to get that, Washu?” 

 “Nah.  It’ll be here when I get back.  That’s the computer that tells me when it’s time to change clothes.”  Washu stood perfectly still.  A new suit of clothes interposed itself over the old and fitted the new ones to her and took the old ones away.  “Most of the time I wouldn’t remember to change clothes back in the old days.  I made a couple of those for the professors, too.  After you?” Washu gestured for Ryoko to go out for Ryo-ohki first. 
  
I don’t own the characters, AIC and Pioneer does.  I’m not making any money on this, etc. 
Problems Solved II 
By Kenzie Kennedy 
  

 “Here, take a look at this one!”  Ryoko threw a purple dress over to Washu. 
  
 Wash caught it and held it up.  Purple dress, gold trim..  “Yup, this one too please.”  She handed it to the clerk who was following them around. 

 “Ma’am, this is getting a bit expensive.” The clerk reminded her.  Washu waved her protests aside. 

 “Miss, I’m going to tell you something and then you won’t say that anymore.  Listen closely.”  Washu leaned closer to the woman.  “I built the engine that belongs in the Juraian 1216s.”  The woman’s eyes got large and she nodded. 

 “There.  That takes care of that.  Ryoko, have we finished in here yet?” Washu called three aisles over. 

 “Sure, just as soon as I try on this cute little top.” Ryoko called back.  RRRRRRRIPPPPPP!  “Well, looks like it’s too small.” 

 They paid for their purchases and left the store. 

 “Ooh!  I like that one, Ryoko!” Sasami pointed.  Washu and Ryoko were putting on a fashion show in the living room after dinner.  They had come in laughing with a huge number of bags floating behind them on a cart. 

 Ayeka sat there watching the two women try on their new clothes and felt shabby in her old kimono.  Ryoko rustled around in the next bag and came up with something … not her. 

 “Hey, Ayeka!  Looks like one of the clerks slipped something extra in with our stuff.  Want to try it on?” Ryoko held out the new kimono. 

 Ayeka accepted it with grace and went to change.  Washu hid a grin.  Ryoko had gone looking for Ayeka about halfway through the shopping spree.  It wasn’t a mistake some of the things were for her. 

 Washu reached in one of her bags.  “Oops, looks like we found another one.  I’ll go take it to her.”  Washu walked off in the direction of Aeka’s bedroom. 

 Knock!  “It’s Washu, can I come in?” 

 “Yes, Miss Washu.” 

 Washu walked in to find Ayeka studying herself in the mirror.  “Looks like we picked the right size.” Washu commented.  Ayeka blushed.  “This was bought for me?” 

 “Sure it was.  I’ve got enough data on you to tell what size kimono you wear.  Although, I bought it, it was Ryoko who had the idea to get you a few things.” 

 “Ryoko?” Ayeka asked. 

 Washu nodded.  “Ryoko.  She said and I quote, “That girl needs some new things to show off to her man.” 

 Ayeka blushed even more.  “Well, I brought you another one we found.  Why don’t you change behind the curtain with me and Ryoko?  She won’t push you this time.”  Washu wheedled. 

 Ayeka nodded. 

 From then on it was a three person fashion show.  After they were through, the girls promised to take the rest of the family with them next time.  Washu’s head came up just as they were packing up all the clothes.  “Excuse me.” She said pushing past Ryoko. 

 Everyone looked after her, then went back to what they were doing. 
  
 “They’ll be here tomorrow.” Washu said softly to herself. 

The next day 

 Washu stood up at the breakfast table.  “May I have your attention please?”  Everyone was already looking at her so she didn’t know why she asked for attention.  “Today someone will be coming to the house.  Answer any questions they ask you truthfully, try not to get them angry at you,” this comment was directed at Ryoko, “and just act normally around them.” 

 “Miss Washu, who’s coming?” Ayeka asked. 

 “I-“ Washu really didn’t want to tell her because then someone would mess up and this was important… 

 The doorbell rang and Washu heaved a sigh of relief.  “I’ll get it!” she yelled. 

 In a few minutes, she ushered a man and woman of their middle thirties into the kitchen.  Sasami got up and picked some things out of the refrigerator that she had saved for lunch and put them on the table for the extra guests. 

 After they had eaten, the man and woman, who had introduced themselves as Sam and Gwen, asked that they be able to observe the household in its natural functions.  Everyone looked confused and moved about their daily chores.  Tenchi went to the field, Sasami went to the kitchen with Ryo-ohki to prepare more food for lunch and dinner, Ryoko and Mihoshi went to watch television, Ilane went to monitor Earth, Teran went to visit Yosho, Washu went to her lab, and Ayeka went out to sweep the yard. 
  
 Tenchi was interrupted first.  Sam found him in the field and approached him to ask some questions.  Tenchi kept working during the questions that he found very odd. 

 “Does anyone around here have a criminal record?” the man asked. 

 “Well, Ryoko’s a space pirate but I think her crimes on Jurai have been canceled.” Tenchi said. 

 “That’s all I wanted to know.  See you at lunch.” The man walked off. 

 Sasami was being questioned by Gwen.  “Do you like it here?” Gwen asked. 

 “Oh, yes!” Sasami answered.  “Washu’s a mad scientist and Ryoko’s a space pirate.  Mihoshi’s a Galaxy Police officer, Tenchi’s the next Crown Prince of Jurai, Ayeka and I are princesses of Jurai, so there’s always something going on.” 

 “Like what?” Gwen prodded. 

 “Well, this man named Kagato kidnapped Ryoko once and we all had to go and save her.  Except me, I got left home.” 

 “That’s all I need to know.  Thank you for breakfast.” 

 “Lunch will be better.  Thank you.” Sasami turned back to her cooking. 

 Mihoshi and Ryoko were being questioned by Sam.  “So Mihoshi, why don’t you arrest Ryoko for her crimes?” 

 “Oh, well, it never occurred to me.  And Tenchi would repeal her crimes anyway so what’s the point?” Mihoshi shrugged and turned back to the TV. 

 “So, Ryoko, are you really that dangerous to this planet and this house?” Sam asked. 

 “I’m dangerous enough to outsiders but I like it here.” Ryoko answered, totally absorbed in the TV. 

 Gwen went to Ayeka and asked her if she felt safe here.  “Oh, yes, ma’am.  Tenchi has the master key, Washu keeps blowing up her inventions, but she’s come through for us many times, Ryoko’s dangerous but she’d never hurt anyone in this house.” 

 “Thank you for answering my questions, Princess Ayeka.”  Gwen went off. 
  
 Sam questioned Ilane and Katsuhito and Teran before he met back with Gwen.  “So what did you find out?” he asked Gwen. 

 “Well, Washu’s a mad scientist…”  The conversation went on as they discussed everything.  They looked at the evidence and came up with an answer.  Then they went to lunch. 

 “Oh, that was good, Sasami.” Gwen rubbed her stomach.  Sasami beamed at her.  “Thank you!” she responded. 

 “We have to go see Washu now.” Sam reminded her.  Gwen got up. 

 “Oh, wait!” Sasami ran back into the kitchen.  “Here.  I set aside Washu’s.  She said she wasn’t coming to lunch.” 

 Gwen accepted it and set out in the direction of the closet again. 

 “It’s open.” Washu told them.  Gwen and Sam walked in.  Washu swiveled her cushion around to face them. 

 “She’s yours.” Gwen and Sam told her. 

 “For the record, what convinced you?” Washu asked. 

 Gwen and Sam looked at each other.  “You’re a scientist-“ 

 “The number one scientific genius in the universe!” Washu’s puppets sounded off. 

 “Sasami and Ayeka are princess of Jurai.  Tenchi is a prince of Jurai.  Katsuhito is an able swordsman.  There are two galaxy police officers here, Mihoshi and Ilane.” Sam finished.  “You can handle her.” 

 “What about Ryoko?” Washu asked. 

 Sam and Gwen exchanged a glance.  “We almost didn’t grant custody because of her, but she is your daughter and she would have been hard enough to raise.  The fact that she turned out to be a pirate…” 

 “But not anymore, right?” Washu grinned.  “Fine.  How will she be arriving?” 

 “Tomorrow.  In a stasis pod.  Do you have coordinates?” Sam asked. 

 After they had left, Washu hugged herself with excitement.  “I’d better get things ready!”  She jumped off her cushion and ran toward a part of her lab. 

 Dinnertime rolled around and Washu showed up for it.  “Oh, good!  My favorite!” Washu exclaimed. 

 “Yup!  I made your favorite so you’d come and talk to us, Washu.” Sasami said. 

 “Yeah, who were those people?” Ryoko asked bluntly. 

 “Those were the people from the adoption agency.” Washu said and helped herself to some of the food. 

 “Adoption Agency!?” Ryoko screamed.  “What do you mean?” 

 “I mean that as of lunchtime I adopted a little girl.  I haven’t named her yet, though.  Got any ideas?” Washu grinned at her daughter. 

 “How about insane?” Ryoko said and sat down with a thump. 

 “Insane, insane…  Doesn’t exactly roll off your tongue.  Sanei, sounds good though.” Washu mused.  (Pronounce Say-neigh) 

 “Why did you adopt her, Little Washu?” Tenchi asked. 

 Washu turned her eyes on him.  “Because no one else will take her.  She’s liable to be dangerous.” 

 “Dangerous?” Ayeka said looking at her little sister Sasami. 

 “Not dangerous to us, dangerous to normal people.” Washu reassured her. 

 “We’re not normal?” Mihoshi said looking at Ilane. 

 “Normal people don’t battle the forces of evil, Mihoshi.” Ilane gently told her.  “At least not like we do.” 

 “Oh!  You are so right!” Mihoshi exclaimed. 

 “Besides, she’ll be grown up in a week.” Washu munched on some rice. 

 “Miss Washu, maybe you’d better give us the whole story.” Ayeka prompted. 

 Washu put down her chopsticks.  “Okay, she’s arriving tomorrow.  Her name is Sanei Hakubi.  She’s a newborn, but she’ll grow at an exhilarated rate.  Approximately, she’ll arrive a newborn and be three years old when she goes to sleep.  She’ll wake up four and go to sleep six years old.  She’ll wake up seven and be ten at bedtime.  Then, eleven in the morning, fourteen at night.  Fifteen in the morning, eighteen at night.  Nineteen in the morning and she’ll stabilize at twenty-one that evening.” 

 Washu took a breath.  “The real problem isn’t her growth pattern or the hormones that will come along with it.  If the reports are right on her, she’s going to be very powerful for being born of two normal everyday people.  She’ll be able to fly, move objects with her mind, heal to a certain extent, and powers that weren’t readable at her birth will pop up from time to time.”  She looked around at the table.  “You see how she could become a weapon in someone’s hands if we don’t take her.” 

 “But-“ Tenchi began.  Washu looked at him.  “Are we going to be hurt trying to take care of her?” he asked. 

 “Probably.  Parents usually are.”  Tenchi winced at her words.  Parent had struck something in him that he didn’t want to be just yet. 

 “Don’t worry, Tenchi.  I’m going to be the primary parent.  Look at what we’ve got here.”  Washu pointed to each of them in turn.  “Mihoshi and Ilane are Galaxy Police officers to catch any bad guys in their area.  Ayeka and Sasami are princesses of Jurai and you’re a prince of Jurai.  I think you can take care of yourselves.”  Washu turned to Ryoko.  “Technically, she’s going to be your sister.  Would you think about teaching her to fly?” 

 Ryoko looked startled.  Her … sister?  “S-sure.” She stammered. 

 “Fine, then everything’s settled.  Let’s eat!”  Washu dove into her food. 

 Washu woke up the next morning, yawned, stretched out her arms, and settled herself back into bed.  I haven’t slept in like this for a long while, she thought hazily through her sleepy mind. 

 She suddenly sat up in bed and ripped the covers off.  “Sanei’s coming today!” she shrieked and hit the button on the bedpost.  The bedclothes came off of her and were replaced by her new yellow shirt and red pants.  “Drat!” she swore.  “I’ve got to fix that darn thing!”  Her shoes were on the wrong feet.  Washu switched her shoes and then went to the main lab. 

 Her package was waiting. 

 Sealed in a ovoid crystal was a small infant eyes shut.  Washu called up her laptop and unfroze the crystal.  The baby floated over to her arms and awoke. 

 “Hi, there.” Washu waved her fingers in the baby’s face.  “I’m your new mommy.” 

 “Mihoshi?” Ilane popped his head in the kitchen. 

 “Yes, Ilane?” Mihoshi turned around from chopping vegetables.  “Oh!”  The knife slipped out of her hands. 

Ilane rushed forward.  “Did you hurt yourself?”  Ilane turned her hand over in his.  “No, it doesn’t seem that you did.”  Ilane become aware of Mihoshi’s hand in his and dropped it. 

“So…  What did you want, Ilane?” Mihoshi gave him a smile. 

“Did you want to go out today?” Ilane asked.  Mihoshi jumped up and down and clapped her hands together. 

“After you, then.” Ilane swept her out the door. 

Sasami, Tenchi, Ryoko, Ayeka, and Teran all showed up for breakfast.  “Where’s Washu and Mihoshi and Ilane?” Sasami asked worriedly. 

“Ilane said that he was taking Mihoshi to breakfast and lunch and that they would be back for dinner.” Tenchi said. 

Washu?  Ryoko asked in her mind. 

Yes, Little Ryoko? Washu answered. 

Breakfast? 

Sanei is here.  I’m taking care of her right now.  I’ll be there for dinner. Washu went back to her daughter. 

Ryoko relayed the information.  They all nodded and continued on with their conversations. 

“So, Ryoko, what are you going to do today?” Tenchi asked nervously.  He had gotten his chores out of the way yesterday so he could have today with her, but he didn’t know how to ask. 

“I don’t know.  What would you like to do?” Ryoko looked at him coyly. 

Tenchi sighed.  “Um….” 

 “Tenchi, would you like to go for a ride in Ryo-ohki?” Ryoko asked calmly.  Tenchi nodded vigorously, relieved he didn’t have to ask to be alone with her. 

 At the same time, Ayeka was asking Teran if he’d like to do something today.  Teran said that he was going to be away most of the day.  Ayeka sighed disappointed. 

 Ilane and Mihoshi used Yukinojo’s power to transport them into America.  (Sorry, it’s the place I know the most).  Ilane and Mihoshi went to get some American cuisine, namely something they called pizza.  When Mihoshi had finished making a mess of her slice and had eaten the other half of her pizza, Ilane and Mihoshi went to a movie. 

 “Um, where are we going, Ryoko?” Tenchi asked.  They were in Ryo-ohki and heading for the atmosphere. 

 Ryoko ignored him.  “Ryo-ohki stop here, please.”  Ryo-ohki stopped gently.  “Open window.” Ryoko asked. 

 A window opened so they could look down on the Earth below.  Tenchi was in awe and his mouth dropped open.  “It’s so beautiful.” He whispered. 

 “Ryo-ohki, let’s go to Aligara.” Ryoko told her.  Ryo-ohki leapt off for the satellite moon. 

 “What’s on Aligara?” Tenchi asked. 

 “It’s a nice place for lunch.” Ryoko told him.  “Every time you’ve been into space, you’ve been fighting someone.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have lunch?” she asked. 

 Tenchi smiled.  “Sure would.” 

A few minutes later… 
  
 “Wow, we got here fast.” Tenchi said.  Ryoko looked cautiously around the city.  “Ryoko, why are you looking around like that?” 

 “No reason.”  Ryoko ushered him into a small deli-like place.  “They make great food here.” 

 Upon entering, the cashier looked at her in horror.  The waiter dropped his order.  The cook came out of the kitchen to see what had crashed and his face dropped.  Pretty soon, the whole place was looking at them. 

 Tenchi looked in back of him.  No one was there. 
  
 Ryoko frowned and sat nearby at a table.  Tenchi trailed behind her and sat down across from her.  He leaned across the table and asked, “Have you been here before, Ryoko?” 

 She nodded, thin-lipped. 

 A waiter approached, menus held at arm’s length.  Ryoko snatched them from his grasp angrily and shoved one at Tenchi. 

 They were glancing at the menu when the police arrived.  They strode directly to the table, assured that they were in the right.  “Come on, Ryoko.” 

 Ryoko glanced up at them.  “What for?” 

 The two male cops looked at each other.  “You’re not wanted here.  The owners want you out.” One said. 

 “Why not?  I’m a customer like anyone else.” Ryoko shrugged. 

 “You trashed the place last time.” The cop said. 

 “Then arrest me.” Ryoko looked evilly at them. 

 The older cop sighed.  “The charges against you have been dropped.  Someone on planet Jurai issued you a pardon for all your crimes.” 

 “Don’t know why,” the younger cop muttered. 

 “But the owners want you out and that’s what we’re here to do.” The older cop finished. 

 Ryoko got up, an evil glint in her eye.  Tenchi moved quicker than she did for once and stepped in front of her.  “What if I look after her?” he said. 

 The two cops looked him up and down.  The older one said polite, “And who are you, sir?” 

 “Tenchi Masaki, sir.” 

 The older cop turned to the younger one.  “Look up his name.”  He turned back to Tenchi.  “And why are you with this….  Pirate?” 

 “If I’ve been pardoned-“ Ryoko began hotly. 

 Tenchi interrupted.  “We’re on a date.” 

 The younger cop’s face went white.  “Uh, Kowalski?”  He tapped the monitor.  The older cop looked and his face blanched for a moment.  He turned back to Tenchi.  “We’re very sorry to have disturbed you, your highness.  We’ll just be going now.”  The two cops exited very quickly.  Ryoko grinned at him.  He smiled warmly back at her. 

 For some reason, the service got much better after that… 

 Teran slung his backpack on his shoulder and started toward Washu’s lab.  Ayeka was sitting on the couch with her sister watching a movie.  “Ah, Teran.”  She stood up. 

 “Yes?” he turned and asked. 

 “Where are you going?” Ayeka asked simply. 

 Teran looked at the ground.  “I’ve got a study session at the Science Academy.” 

 “Can I come?” Ayeka asked.  Teran looked at her.  From her posture, it had taken most of her courage to ask that simple question. 

 Teran sighed.  “I didn’t invite you because I thought you’d be bored.  This session’s dealing with physics.”  He adjusted his backpack. 

 “Oh.” 

 That one word spoke volumes.  “If you’d like you can come.” He offered. 

 Ayeka seized on his words.  “I’d love to!”  Her gaze drifted to her sister.  “But I don’t want to leave Sasami alone.” 

 “Why not bring her along?  She could go see the menagerie or the gardens.” Teran remembered. 

 “All right.”  Ayeka and Sasami accompanied Teran to Washu’s. 

 “Be very quiet.” Teran warned.  “Washu doesn’t want me to disturb her, but the door is over here.”  They went through the door and appeared on the front steps of the academy.  Teran showed them through the halls and finally pushed open the door to one of the private study rooms. 

 Teran went in first, then Sasami, and then Ayeka.  “Good afternoon, Teran!” A young lady waved.  “Who’re your friends?” 

 “This is the Princesses Ayeka and Sasami.” Teran said casually. 

 “Well, you always said you’d be dating her one day!” A guy friend laughed nastily in the corner.  “Where’d he find you, oh Princess?” 

 “On Earth, visiting Tenchi Masaki, the next crown prince of Jurai.” Ayeka said stiffly.  The boy laughed. 

 “Or maybe you don’t believe me?” she said coldly.  A tug on her sleeve and she looked down.  Sasami whispered, “They’re outside.”  She made the sign for Azaka and Kamidake.  Ayeka smiled. 

 “Azaka!  Kamidake!” she cried. 

 “Yes, Princess?” they came through the door. 

 The boy paled.  No one could duplicate the guardians of Jurai!  “Excuse me, Princess!” 

 Ayeka smiled.  “I believe I was invited to a study session.” 

 “Hah!  That’ll teach you, Werin!” the lady laughed who had greeted Teran.  She turned to Ayeka.  “Don’t mind him, Ayeka, he’s just as skeptic of everything else.” 

 “It is useful for a scientist.” Ayeka said wryly.  The lady laughed. 

 “’Tis true, ‘tis true.  We were just speaking of the Juraians royal flowers.  Could you provide some insights?” the lady asked politely. 

 Ayeka answered and noticed Sasami was getting fidgety.  “Not to interrupt the conversation, but does anyone know where the gardens are?” she asked. 

 Following her gaze, the lady looked at Sasami and grinned.  Twisting her watch around, she called her room.  “Hey, Rit, could you find Ninre and send her to study room four?  Thanks.” 

 A little breathless, a green haired little girl ran into the room.  “Arai, what is it?” she panted. 

 “Would you take Princess Sasami around?”  Arai winked at Ayeka.  The two girls ran off together.  “They’ll be fine.  My sister’s been around the Academy since she could cry.  Both my parents work here.” 

 “So, could you tell us about the dressing customs of your family about three thousand years back?” another young man asked. 

 “I thought we were talking about physics?” Teran interrupted.  Everyone looked oddly at him.  “That’s next week,” the young man answered.  Teran slapped his head. 
  
 “So it’s a good thing you’re here, Ayeka.” Arai said.  “We all have papers due and I’m betting it’ll be easier to get the information from you than stuffy nobles and dusty books.” 

 Ayeka nodded. 

Dinnertime rolled around and everyone showed up for it.  Mihoshi was babbling about the movie they had seen and getting most of it wrong.  Ilane had to correct her through his laughter. 

Ryoko related the scene in the restaurant almost to the word without bragging.  Ayeka laughed over the policemen reactions.  She then launched into her own story about not being believed.  “It’s a wonder, Tenchi, that you were believed immediately, while I had to call my guardians.” 

Teran said, “Well, he always was a bit thick in the first place.  He didn’t mean any harm.”  Ayeka brushed the comment aside, “I know he didn’t.” 

“Hey, where’s Washu?” Mihoshi asked. 

“I’m right here.” Washu came up to the table, holding the hand of a little two and a half year old. 

“Awwww!” everyone at the table said immediately.  The little girl stuck her fingers in her mouth.  Washu detached them carefully.  “Now, Sanei, you sit here with me.” 

“Yes, mama.” The little girl said obediently and sat down. 

“So, Washu, how’s she doing?” Ryoko asked. 

“She’s fine.  I’m projecting that her powers will begin around ten years old so that’s three days from now.  Her powers will materialize overnight, so in the morning, she’ll be a handful.”  Washu started to serve Sanei and herself.  Sanei instantly began to eat correctly with the chopsticks.  “Plus, she’s very intelligent and has natural ability at what seems like everything so far.” 

 The rest of the dinner was boring conversation about what TV show to watch tonight and daily chores.  The whole family sat down to watch TV along with Sanei.  Then they all went to sleep. 

 The next morning was havoc. 

 Sanei had somehow gotten out of Washu’s lab and had a wild night tipping over lamps, pulling cushions of the couch, shaking the tapes out of their boxes, etc.  The rest of the household got up and cleaned up the mess while Washu got Sanei back into the lab and Sasami made breakfast. 

 Washu was still scolding her as they got to the table for breakfast.  After breakfast,  Washu and Sanei went outside for a walk.  After all, she had woken up four this morning.  During the middle of the day, Washu started teaching her letters and her alphabet.  Thankfully, Sanei did not discover Barney today. 

 The next day everyone was awakened to a purple dinosaur singing “I love you”.  Sanei had woken up seven years old today.  Everyone was waiting in anticipation/dread of what her powers would be tomorrow. 

 Ayeka and Teran had been taking long walks the past couple of days and just talking and getting to know each other.  Their relationship was proceeding slowly, but they were gently falling in love. 

 Ryoko was trying Tenchi’s patience.  She wanted to go somewhere every day.  Tenchi was falling behind in his chores and in practice.  So before breakfast on the fourth day he sneaked out of the house and went to the fields to do his chores.  Ryoko eventually found him. 

 “Tenchi, where do you want to go today?  I know this wonderful-“ 

 “No.” Tenchi said and continued hoeing. 

 “What?” Ryoko blinked. 

 “I’m staying home today and doing my chores.  I have responsibilities, Ryoko.” Tenchi tried to explain. 

 Ryoko nodded and blinked away sudden tears.  She dematerialized and flew to the outside cave. 

 Mihoshi and Ilane were patrolling the galaxy and reminiscing on various criminals.  They got a call to join a mass assemblage of ships for a battle.  Sending a message quickly to Earth, they left to join the battle. 

 Washu was teaching Sanei long division, when she suddenly jumped ahead and started on beginning algebra.  Washu shook her head.  Like mother, like daughter, she thought. 

 The screens started popping up advanced algebra. 

 At lunch on the fourth day, something weird happened.  Sanei was calmly eating her lunch and planning on what to learn next, when she thought idly about getting some more rice. 

 The bowl rose shakily and floated toward her. 

 Everyone watched as the bowl sat itself down in front of her.  Sanei stared at it.  “Who did that?” she demanded. 

 Washu swallowed her food and said, “You did.”  She took another mouthful. 

 “What?!” Sanei shrieked.  She pushed her chair back and ran from the table.  Washu sighed. 

 “Ryoko, why don’t you go after her?  She’ll need lessons soon and you’re the closest one.” Washu asked. 

 Ryoko grimaced and phased outside. 

 Sanei ran until she hit the trees.  Where am I? She thought.  Ryoko landed in a tree and watched her.  Sanei walked silently through the trees, kicking leaves and dirt.  “Why do I think I’m different?” she grumbled. 

 “That’s because you are.” A voice came from above.  Sanei looked up. 

 “Hey, I’d like to be alone.” Sanei said loudly. 

 “Don’t you want answers?” Ryoko asked.  Sanei looked at the ground and shrugged. 

 “It’s fine with me.  I’ll go back to the house.” Ryoko started to phase out. 

 “Wait!” Sanei cried. 

 “Yes?” Ryoko materialized fully. 

 “How did I make the bowl move?” Sanei asked. 

 Ryoko appeared on the ground.  “I don’t know.” 

 “You’re full of answers.” Sanei sulked. 

 “You’re not asking the right questions.  What about who are these people I’m living with?  Do I have other powers?” 

 Sanei looked at her.  “Who am I living with?” 

 Ryoko started.  “The most powerful empire in the universe is the Juraian empire.  Ayeka and Sasami are princesses of that empire.  Tenchi’s a prince of Jurai.  Teran’s courting Ayeka right now.  He’s a lord.” 

 Sanei’s eyes widened.  “I’m living with royalty?” 

 Ryoko nodded.  “Make you nervous?” 

 “Nah.” 

 “Okay, then.  Mihoshi and Ilane are Galaxy Police officers.  Washu is the number one scientific genius in the universe.” 

 Sanei digested all this.  “So what are you?” 

 Ryoko looked taken aback.  “Um….  I used to be a space pirate.” 

 “Oh.  So what am I?” Sanei asked. 

 “You’re Washu’s daughter.” 

 “Do I have any other powers?” 

 “Washu said you might be able to fly.” Ryoko flew up in the air.  “Want to try?” 

 “Yeah!”  Sanei leapt into the air. 

 Washu went back to her lab.  Ryoko would teach Sanei about her powers for a bit and she could scan for a proper occupation for her.  A computer beeped at her.  Washu tapped a button and a screen popped up in front of her.  “Oh, no!”  Washu ran out of the lab. 

 Ayeka and Teran were on another walk.  This time they were seeing how many steps they could take in sync.  Teran missed one and they both laughed.  Ayeka pulled him toward the path she had taken to see Tenchi and Katsuhito fighting the first time.  Wandering down the path, idly patting trees, the two Juraians enjoyed each other’s company. 

 Tenchi was in the fields finishing up his chores so he could go practice with his grandfather.  Ryoko and Sanei were flying over the place. 
  
 Washu ran into the kitchen.  “Sasami!” 

 Sasami turned.  “Yes, Washu, what’s wrong?” 

 “Run and get Tenchi and tell him to use the master key to find Ayeka and Teran and bring them to the house.  Now!” Washu yelled. 

 Sasami ran toward the fields wondering what was going on. 

 Washu ran out of the front door and called “RYOKO!”  Hearing no answer, she slapped her forehead.  **RYOKO!** 

 **AHHH!  What’re you trying to do, give me a headache!** 

 **Get back to the house right now!  We’ve got incoming!** 

 “Come on, Sanei, your mom wants us back to the house.” Ryoko and Sanei flew toward the house. 

 “Tenchi!” Sasami called.  Tenchi turned.  “Yes, Sasami?” 

 “Washu wants you to use the master key and find Ayeka and Teran.  She says we have to get back to the house right away.” 

 “Why?” Tenchi asked.  Sasami shrugged.  “She didn’t say, but her voice was really anxious.” 

 Tenchi ran off. 

 “So, Ayeka, what would you like to do now?” Teran asked.  Tenchi appeared on the trail. 

 “Washu wants us back to the house right now!” Tenchi gasped.  Ayeka, Teran, and Tenchi ran back to the house. 

 “Okay, everyone, listen up!” Washu had everyone gathered in the living room.  “There’s a battle about to hit the solar system of Earth.  The Galaxy Police are on it, so that means Mihoshi and Ilane are out there somewhere.  We have to keep the battle out of this solar system otherwise Earth’s going to be refugees on some weird planet.” 

 “How are we supposed to do that?” Sanei asked. 

 “We are going to take Ryo-ohki and a few toys of mine and go and stop it.” Washu said. 

 “Great!” Sanei cheered. 

 “You’re staying here.” Washu told her. 

 “WHAT?!” Sanei cried. 

 “It’s too dangerous for you here.  Sasami won’t be going either.  I’m going to put you both in my lab and disconnect the lab from Earth.  I’ll show you the exits that go to the Science Academy and if we’re not back in a week, you can go there.” Washu explained.  “Now, come on the rest of you, I’ve got jobs for everyone.”  Everyone trooped into Washu’s lab. 

 “Okay, Ryoko, I want you to go here and get the ships warmed up.  All of them.”  A portal opened and Washu shoved her through it. 

 “Ayeka, I want you to make sure that all the buttons are pushed in this room.  There’s only a hundred of them.”  Another portal opened and she went through it. 

 “Tenchi, Teran, I want the two of you to activate this.”  A screen popped up.  “It takes two Juraians to do it.  Just do what the screen tells you.” 

 Washu turned to her laptop.  Too much to do and too little time, she murmured.  She started hitting buttons very fast. 

 “Washu, what do we do?” Sasami asked. 

 Washu turned around.  The two kids were looking very scared.  Washu smiled.  “I want you two to do something very special.  I want you to go through this portal and see if everything’s to your liking.”  The two went through the portal into a huge house. 

 “Okay, everything’s set on my end.” Ryoko looked at the spaceships.  Top quality all of them and lovely to look at.  Ryoko didn’t know why there were sixteen of them, though. 

 Washu finished typing.  The portal was set up so that any portal the kids went through would lead to the academy.  It would be easy enough to change back if—when they came back.  Everything was fine, food, house, etc. 

 Ayeka stepped through the portal and looked at Washu.  “I double-checked them all, Miss Washu.” 

 Washu nodded.  “If the boys are done…” 

 “We’re done.” Tenchi and Teran turned. 

 “Then the ships should be ready.”  Washu turned on a portal, took one last look at her lab, and stepped through with the others following. 

 “Wow, Washu!” Teran said. 

 “You all get one.  I get the rest.” Washu said resignedly. 

 “How are you going to run thirteen ships?” Ryoko demanded. 

 “Auto-pilot with my ship, the brain, heading them.” Washu said.  “Let’s get out of here.” 

 Mihoshi and Ilane were at the back of the battle.  Unfortunately, the ships in front of them were being destroyed at an alarming rate.  “Okay, let’s do it!” Mihoshi said. 

 “Do what?” Ilane looked at her blankly. 

 “Oh, aren’t we supposed to be doing something?” Mihoshi said. 

 “No, we’re supposed to wait for Riatain One to tell us to engage.” Ilane explained for the fourth time. 

  Washu transmitted to the other ships, “See, I know why the battle is going on and the Galaxy Police don’t.  One of the biggest reasons that Sanei was given to me to raise was because there was someone on her homeworld who knew of her and her expected powers.  He’s here to take her away from me.  He came towards Earth’s system and a patrol ship, not Mihoshi’s, was destroyed by him just for issuing him a warning to stay away.  The Galaxy Police do take care of their own and they launched a full scale assault against him.  Most of their front-line ships have been destroyed by now.” 

 “Then what are we going to do?” Tenchi asked. 

 “My ships are better than theirs and can take more damage.  We’re going to go in there and shoo him away.  Sanei, by the day after tomorrow, can handle him.  We only need to get him away from Earth for three days.  The GP would have delayed him for that long but I didn’t want them to be wiped out.”  Washu hesitated.  “We’re going to have to damage his ship enough to leave him stranded.  He won’t be able to get to Earth in three days and then Sanei will be out of danger.” 

 “So what are we waiting for?” Ryoko demanded. 

 Washu smiled.  That was her daughter, always wanting to fight someone or something.  “We’re about five seconds away from the battle zone.  Everyone start powering up.” 

 It was bad. 

 The ship just lazily cruised through the GP’s defenses, shooting them out of it’s way.  The GP was brave and kept fighting.  Tenchi offered a prayer for the dead. 

 Ryoko shouted, “YEE-HAAA!!!!!” and charged into the fray.  Washu shook her head.  “Ayeka, I want you to start picking up escape pods and tote them to the back of the ship line.  Teran, cover her.  Tenchi, when I give the signal dive straight under him.  Ryoko try to keep his attention on you.” 

 “What are you going to be doing, Washu?” Tenchi asked. 

 “I’m going to keep that bastard from my daughters.” Washu said shortly.  She cut the communications and deployed her small fleet.  They had a special coating on them that should deflect anything this ship could throw at them.  The problem was she had thoroughly tested in her lab, not in battle yet.  Well, now or never.  Washu fixed her attention on the spaceship, it’s specs going through her head.  Type of ship, armor, weapons capacity… 

 Blast! 

 Washu grinned.  The experiment is a success!  Her ship had absorbed the blast.  Ryoko was taunting the ship keeping just in range, then dodging quickly.  Tenchi was waiting for her signal. 

 Summoning her laptop, she tapped a few keys to test its defenses.  She snorted.  Practically nothing to her.  Feeding a subtle virus into the mainframe of the ship, she waited until a count of ten and gave Tenchi the signal. 

 He dived straight at the ship while Ryoko drew it’s fire.  Tenchi went under the ship and…  Washu waited anxiously. 

 The ship did not disappoint her.  It rolled over following Tenchi’s ship. 

 Washu converged her fleet on the helpless ship.  The virus would have tipped him from his seat or at least disoriented him long enough for her to puncture his drive and punch enough holes in that ship to look like swiss cheese. 

 She piloted the ship straight at the drive depending on Ryoko to keep the fire off of her if there was any.  Washu had every ship under her command fire at one spot.  A huge hole rewarded her.  The rest of the ships, released from her primary command, started to fire at the ship.  As Washu expected, those didn’t do much damage.  Only a great number of ships firing at one point would cause major damage. 

 Ryoko shouted with glee over the communications. 

 “All right, enough celebrating!” Washu told her.  “We’ve got people who are running on exhaust fumes in those pods.”  Ryoko grumbled at her, but started using Ryo-ohki to help. 

 Washu’s small fleet stumbled back to her.  One was gone due to a faulty spot in her defenses, but the rest were fine.  Ryo-ohki had gone streaming toward Earth to let Sasami and Sanei know they were okay. 

 Tenchi, Ayeka, and Teran found her after searching one last time for anymore pods.  Mihoshi and Ilane said they’d be home for supper as soon as they finished their report.  Washu had already submitted one and most of her data on the battle.  Not anything about her ships in particular, just that she had this spare fleet sitting around and she wasn't using it, so…. 

 Washu brushed a hand through her hair.  Whew!  And the day had started out so peaceful!  She walked out of her lab and to dinner after putting away the ships.  Her mind already whirled with ideas to make them better. 

 “Washu, that place was great to play in!  Where was it?” Sasami asked. 

 Washu smiled at her.  “I lied to you, Sasami.”  Sasami’s eyes went wide with shock. 

 “Listen to me first.  That wasn’t a part of my lab.  I linked that portal to an old friend of mine’s house.  He works at the academy and would have been home at the end of the day.  If you were still there, he would have taken care of you for me until I or someone else came for you.”  Looking into Sasami’s eyes, she said, “You thought I’d leave you in a part of my lab without any supervision?”  Sasami giggled.  “It’s okay, Washu.” 

 “Okay, now let’s get to dinner.”  Sasami skipped back into the kitchen.  “Are you coming, Sanei?” Washu called looking directly at the couch. 

 “How’d you know I was there?” she said sulkily. 

 “I’m your mother.  I know everything.  How does it feel to be a teenager?” Washu asked idly. 

 “It’s confusing.” Sanei said.  “I have all these weird emotions running around.  Make them stop.” 

 “I’ve got something in the lab that’ll make them better.  Not gone, but better.  You’ll feel better day after tomorrow.  Tomorrow you’re going to start training with everyone.” Washu said. 

 Sanei sat down to Washu and began eating.  Halfway through the meal, Washu cleared her throat.  “Sanei’s going to come into most of her powers tomorrow.  I’m going to need everyone’s help tomorrow morning.  Practicing.” 

 “What, can’t run tests, Washu?” Ryoko smirked. 

 “Only so much they can do.”  Washu shrugged.  **I can’t tell what she’ll be able to do.  I don’t have the time to figure it out.  So we’ll run her through her paces.** 

 **Be careful, Washu.**  Ryoko warned her mother roughly.  Washu grinned. 

 **Protective?**  She asked silently. 

 The next morning, Katsuhito got everyone up early.  There were a lot of bleary eyes on the field that morning. 

 Sanei wasn’t one of them.  Evidently she takes after her mother, Washu thought.  Ryoko was falling asleep standing up, Mihoshi was yawning, Ilane was bright-eyed, Tenchi was fighting yawns, but succeeding, Ayeka and Teran were awake.  Katsuhito, as always, was perfectly awake no matter what time it was. 

 “Okay, Sanei, fly.” Washu asked.  Sanei complied and flew up ten feet, then came back down. 

 “Move that rock.” Washu asked.  Sanei did that as well. 

 “Now what?” Sanei asked nastily.  Washu noted that and made a mental note to correct her dosage. 

 Ryoko threw an energy ball from behind Sanei.  She jumped as it landed between her feet.  “Slow, sister.” Ryoko taunted.  Sanei’s eyes glowed with a red light and she summoned an energy ball of her own that was twice the size of Ryoko’s.  Then she blinked and it dissipated. 

 “I’m sorry, Ryoko!” she cried and her face was distressed.  Ryoko laughed out loud. 

 “Don’t worry.  If you’re going to get mad at someone it should be me or Washu.  We’re the least damageable of the people here.” Ryoko explained. 

 Sanei nodded.  **Show her something else, Ryoko.** Washu told her.  Ryoko summoned her energy sword. 

 “Can you do this, Sanei?” Ryoko asked and started forward an evil grin on her face.  Sanei backed off quickly.  Ryoko’s footsteps quickened toward her.  Sanei’s face looked terrified.  Ryoko got within a foot of her, the blade hot. 

 “Come on!  Summon the energy ball and compress it into a sword.” Ryoko said impatiently.  Sanei looked down at her right hand and closed her eyes. 

 “AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!” Ryoko cried. 

 Sanei opened her eyes to find a sword twice as long as Ryoko’s sticking in her throat.  The energy sword disappeared as tears streamed out of Sanei’s eyes.  She ran away from the group. 

 Everyone rushed toward Ryoko.  Washu watched what direction Sanei went in and then went to Ryoko.  Tenchi had her head in his lap.  The hole was healing slowly with no blood escaping. 

 Squawk!  Ryoko’s mouth moved but no words came out.  Washu said **What is it, Little Ryoko?** 

 **Go after her.  Tell her I’m okay.** 

 Washu nodded and got up.  She found Sanei on the other side of the pond.  Washu sat down next to her.  “Mom, I’m sorry…” Sanei sobbed. 

 “You think you killed her, don’t you?” Washu asked gently.  Sanei nodded her head. 

 Washu shook her head.  “Sanei, there are some things about Ryoko you have to know, but she might not want you to know.  I created Ryoko using another creature called Mass and my ova.  When she was older and had her powers blossoming, she was stolen from me and made a complete slave by a very evil criminal, Kagato, who used to be one of my students.  I was imprisoned in crystal for thousands of years while Ryoko stole for him.  She’s killed a lot of people, but all under direction of Kagato.  She destroyed much of Ayeka’s planet, Jurai, and her brother Yosho came after her.  Yosho fought and imprisoned her on this planet.  After seven hundred years, she was set free by Tenchi.” 

 “And now she’s dead.” Sanei said in a flat voice. 

 “No, I’m not.” Ryoko said behind her.  Sanei turned around, gasped, and flung herself into Ryoko’s arms. 

 “I thought I killed you.” Sanei told her. 

 “And I told you that I was one of the least damageable people there.  Sanei, when Tenchi and I first met, he accidentally cut off my right hand with a light sword.”  Ryoko shook her hand in front of Sanei’s face.  “It grew back.  I don’t need to eat, I don’t need to sleep very much, I don’t get cold, and I regenerate.  I’m very easy to repair with Washu.” 

 “It’s good I made you that way, because you’re always almost killing yourself.” Washu put in.  Ryoko glanced at her.  “Thanks, Mom.” 

 “You’re welcome.” Washu said smugly. 

 “So I’m fine.  Let’s go back to practicing.” Ryoko held out her hand.  Sanei took it and did very well for the rest of the day.  Ryoko tested her in the air, Tenchi and Katsuhito took turns with the Master Key, Washu unleashed some powers that no one knew she had, but that was typical, and Mihoshi and Ilane tried some unarmed combat techniques.  Teran sat to the side with Sasami and they talked about the various techniques and cheered people on. 

 Sanei woke up nineteen the next day.  Washu served her breakfast in bed and sat down for a talk.  “Sanei, we need to have a talk.” 

 Having a mouthful of toast, Sanei only nodded. 

 Washu sighed.  “Sanei, your parents put you up for adoption two weeks ago.” 

 The mouthful of toast went across the room.  “WHAT!?” 

 “You’re adopted.”  Washu simplified it.  “Do you want to hear the rest?  I’d have trouble absorbing it all.” Washu warned her.  Sanei nodded numbly. 

 “Your parents were normal people, no powers at all.  They knew that they couldn’t protect you.  It doesn’t mean that they don’t love you.  I don’t know if they do or not, but I can set it up so you can talk to them or something.”  Washu waved a hand. 

 “Another thing is, you are a special case.  People usually grow to maturity over twenty years.  You’ve done the same thing in six days.” Washu was interrupted by Sanei’s question. 

 “So in another three weeks I’ll be dead?!” Sanei’s face turned concerned. 

 “Nope.  You’ll be stabilized by this evening at twenty-one.  You’ll grow one age for every 365 days, 24-hour days.”  Washu paused.  “Where was I?  You’ve got more powers than anyone here or you will have this evening.  Not the same frequency and there’s always someone better, remember that Sanei.” 

 “Is that my name?” she blurted out. 

 Washu grinned.  “It’s the one I gave you and I’m your mother.  Okay, the next thing is the reason your parents knew they couldn’t protect you is because there was someone on that particular planet who could make you into a slave just like Ryoko and Kagato.  So they froze you, put you in an orphanage, and waited for someone who was powerful enough to adopt you.”  Washu bowed to her.  Sanei grinned at her.  “Now the bad news is remember that battle we went and fought day before yesterday?  That was the guy trying to get to you before your powers are fully activated.  If he can control you, he can terrorize the universe.” 

 Sanei’s face blanched.  Washu continued.  “He’s got too many protections for me to destroy him.  All of us here together under the right conditions could possibly do it.  Once you’re at full maturity, you’ll be too powerful for him to bother.  In the battle, we disabled his ship.  But I’m estimating he’ll be here by tomorrow.  If he’s stupid enough to come here, you won’t have any problems telling him to get off your planet.” 

 “But what if he won’t?” Sanei asked.  Washu shrugged.  “Then you’ll have to make him get off.” 

 Breakfast was quiet.  Everyone knew Sanei had been told her past.  She sighed.  Everyone was treating her like a fragile egg.  Her brain whirled about things to say to relieve the atmosphere.  Sanei smiled. 

 Her eyes searched the table, lighting on a bowl of fish by her mother’s elbow.  “Could you hand me that bowl, Mom?” Sanei asked. 

 Washu’s eyes teared up and she passed the bowl to Sanei.  Their fingers brushed and they looked into each other’s eyes.  Both had shining eyes. 

 “So what do you want to do today?” Mihoshi asked Sanei.  They were sitting on the front porch. 

 “I don’t know, Mihoshi.  Did you want to watch some TV?” Sanei mentioned.  When she didn’t answer, Sanei asked, “Mihoshi?” 

 Mihoshi pointed up in the sky.  “What’s that?”  A dark shape in the sky was coming toward them. 

 Tenchi wiped the sweat from his brow and looked up.  Seeing the shape moving toward the house, he started back. 

 Washu was busy in her lab, reconstructing another spaceship to replace the one she’d lost.  A screen popped up above her head and started flashing red.  Washu looked at it.  It showed a spaceship heading toward the house.  Her eyes got wide and she started toward the door. 

 “Sanei?” Washu called. 

 “Washu?” Sanei’s voice called.  Washu started toward her voice. 
  
 A metal cage descended over her.  “Sanei!” she screamed. 

 Tenchi arrived in the house.  “Sasami?”  Another cage dropped over him. 
  
 “Tenchi?” Sasami started out of the kitchen and another cage dropped. 

 Ayeka and Teran started back toward the house after an hour of fishing.  They were laughing as they came in the house.  The cages dropped down, separating them.  Katsuhito followed them and a cage dropped down for him as well. 

 Ilane got a call from the Galaxy Police that the criminal had headed for their area and started toward the house.  Upon crossing the threshold, he was trapped as well. 

 Laughter rolled through the house.  “Washu, you were so easy to capture!  I expected it to more difficult than that!” 

 “Where’s Mihoshi?” Washu asked stiffly. 

 “That klutz?  She’s on the deck.”  He preened for a moment.  “Of course, I haven’t introduced myself.  I am Querilus Equi.  I am here to take dear Sanei to enjoy the galaxy.”  He turned to reveal Sanei with a blank expression on her face.  Washu’s face struggled to stay impassive. 

 “You came for just her?” Washu said coldly.  “Two princesses, one prince, the number one scientific genius in the universe, galaxy police officers, a lord of Jurai, and you’re leaving with a girl?” 

 “Don’t seek to confuse me.” Querilus said just as coldly.  “I have what I want.” 
  
 Washu purred, “Do you really think you’ve got what you want?” 

 Ryoko jumped down on him.  That gave Washu the opening to slice through the bars and start toward the other cages.  Washu opened Tenchi’s first.  He went to help Ryoko and when Ayeka was freed, she went to get everyone else out.  Washu sneaked toward Sanei. 

 “Sanei, break out of his control!” she whispered urgently.  Ryoko was out cold on the floor, Tenchi was struggling to keep his footing, Katsuhito had taken over for him, then Ayeka unleashed her wooden cylinders, Ilane and Mihoshi kept looking for clear shots, and Teran was trying to wake Ryoko up.  Which was the best thing he could do.  Washu realized he couldn’t duel as well as Katsuhito and would probably get in the way.  Ryoko was the best bet for keeping Querilus busy. 

 “Sanei, come on!” Washu pleaded.  Ryoko was still out, Teran wasn’t having any success waking her, Katsuhito was holding a deep cut in his side, Tenchi was slumped up against the wall, and Ilane and Mihoshi were out of firepower. 

 Querilus threw Katsuhito against a wall and started for Washu.  He grabbed her by the neck and started to choke her. 

 A rustle of cloth made him throw an energy bolt behind him, not looking where it went.  An “oof!” rewarded him and he grinned at Washu.  “All alone, Little Washu.” 

 “You don’t have the honor of calling me that,” she choked out. 
  
 He laughed.  “Let my mother go,” Sanei choked out through her anger.  Washu tried to smile.  Her breath wasn’t coming so good now. 

 “I must have let my control slip.” Querilus said idly.  He focused and tried again. 

 “I said,” Sanei fired an energy ball at him, “let my mother go.”  Querilus was hit in the midsection and let go of Washu. 

 The next thing anyone knew Querilus was gone. 

 Washu got up and went to Sanei.  “What’d you do?” she asked scratchy voiced. 

 “I think I put him in a black hole.” Sanei grinned. 

 Washu clapped her on the back.  “Good job.”  They then worked on getting the others into the medical section of her lab. 

 In the evening, everyone was sitting down to dinner.  They were all well, thanks to Washu’s lab.  “So what are you going to do now that you’re fully grown, Sanei?” Ayeka asked. 

 Sanei hesitated.  “I don’t know.” She said. 

 “Well, I took the liberty of pulling some strings for you.” Washu said smugly.  “If you would like to enroll at the Science Academy, there’s a place waiting for you.  I considered it because you wouldn’t be regarded as different there.  Scholars don’t care what background you have.  You’ve definitely got the brains for it.  You’ll run into opposition because you’re my daughter, but you’ll also have friends to help you because you’re my daughter.” 

 Washu continued with, “Besides, after you graduate you’ll have the pick of your field of a job.” 

 Sanei nodded hesitantly. 

 After dinner, Washu sent a message to the Dean of the Academy.  He told her that Sanei was welcome to come tonight to meet students.  One of the annual dances was to begin in an hour. 

 Everyone decided to have a night out.  Tenchi went off with Teran and Ilane to dress.  The men looked very spic and span in their clean white shirts draped with various materials.  Tenchi tugged at his and Ilane looked at Teran.  “Are you sure this is what we should be wearing?” Ilane asked.  Teran nodded.  “It’s the fashion now and you’ve got to admit, wearing a white shirt and a long swath of material is better than what the Americans wear.”  They all shuddered. 

 The ladies started to come downstairs and the men oohed over their various ladies.  Ayeka swept down in a long, shimmery lavender evening gown with a white silk shawl around her.  Teran held out his arm and she took it.  They stood together. 

 Sasami came down next in a purple gown and took Teran’s hand. 

 Mihoshi was next.  Someone had dressed her in a lovely green dress with puffed up sleeves and done her hair with two jeweled sticks.  She almost tripped down the stairs but Ilane caught her in time.  He helped her over to the couch so she could adjust her shoe. 

 Ryoko swept down the stairs, her eyes never leaving Tenchi’s.  She was dressed very demurely in a blue slim dress with spaghetti straps.  In her ears were blue sapphires twinkling. 

 Washu came out of the door upstairs followed by Sanei.  Washu had a black dress on that was shimmering with tiny silver beads.  Sanei followed her in a red, orange, and yellow dress that made her look like she was on fire.  The two ladies paraded down the stairs and grinned at everyone looking so nice. 

 Washu lead them through the portal in her lab and they exited out onto the dance.  Sanei was immediately swept away by the Dean for a dance and conversation about the Academy.  Washu found a few old colleagues and chatted with them.  Ayeka and Teran alternately danced and talked with his study group.  Ryoko and Tenchi danced and held conversations with practically everyone. They all wanted to know about the space pirate or the crown prince.  Mihoshi and Ilane were an object of curiosity as well.  Two Galaxy Police officers to ask questions of?  Wonderful!  Sasami had found her friend again and they were running around and eating the treats. 

 Washu eventually found her second daughter and asked her what she thought.  Sanei gazed around dreamily and said she was staying right here.