Urusei Yatsura Fan Fiction ❯ The Senior Year ❯ Tales of Avalon: Atako and Shinoko ( Chapter 21 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

*This isn't me,* Atako sighs.

In her hands is a uniform. Black with gold trim, it is
similar to the Sagussan duty jumpsuit her brother sported when he
became the Cyborg. The one difference is the phoenix insignia.
Rather than the Sagussan single phoenix, the wings reaching to the
stars, the Avalonians wore a two-phoenix insignia. One was the
same as the Sagussan symbol. The other sat behind and above the
first, the wings spread out. As if the first phoenix had emerged
from the womb of the second.

Avalon emerging from the womb of Sagussa.

Setting it aside, Atako walks to a computer terminal.
"Clothing replicator," she orders. "Terran standard. Turtleneck
sweater, slacks. Measure to my size."

A *ding!* produces the clothing. Atako slips off the
jumpsuit she had worn since her birth three days before, then
before dressing, stares at her image in a mirror. "I'm a girl..."
she mutters, her hands again darting over her body to confirm once
more her gender. Tears well in her eyes as she sinks to the deck,
a flash of denial crawling up her spine.

Atako? Who was Atako Moroboshi? A double, a replica of
Ataru Moroboshi. Created as a woman by a bioroid factory
programmed to create women only in a final attempt to free the
Avalonians from their Niphentaxian masters. It had worked, with
the help of her brother and future sister-in-law. Six million
Avalonians on Phentax Twelve were freed. Now aboard the bioroid
factory for the trip to New Avalon.

Even now, nearly four million more spread out among the other
worlds of Oogi's domain were heeding Gloriana's call, slaying
their masters, seizing ships and treking to New Avalon. The
Niphentaxian Navy was helpless to stop them; their own command
codes had been used against them to ensure Avalonians escape. The
remainder of the Galactic Federation now knew of the bioroid
race's existence. Ships were arriving to monitor the migration to
New Avalon, to ensure Oogi could not stop them.

Atako didn't care. She wanted to believe in her heart this
is the way things should be. How could she? Unlike Nendo-kata,
Avalonians didn't possess natural parthenogenetic abilities.
Atako might be forced to...be with a man? How could she accept
that when she had been a man three days before?!

A hand falls on her. Atako gasps, then stares at the woman
beside her. "Shinoko...?"

"It's alright," Shinoko Miyaki gently embraces Atako. "It's
alright. Everything's going to be fine, Atako-kun. Everything'll
be alright. I'm here for you now..."

Atako shudders as tears shake her...

* * *

Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year: "Tales of Avalon: Atako and Shinoko"
by Fred Herriot
**** **** ****
Edited by E.B. Kushnir
**** **** ****
A story based on the series in turn based on "Urusei Yatsura,"
created by Rumiko Takahashi
**** **** ****

WRITER'S NOTES: This is the first of series of side stories
covering events surrounding the Avalonian bioroids constructed in
the image of Ataru and his friends. They occur in the period
between the end of "What Price For Love?" and the start of "My
Darlings United."

**** **** ****

"New Avalon," Lum gasps.

A beautiful world rotates under the keel of the bioroid
factory as people crowd the viewports to stare at their promised
land. Third of ten, New Avalon sat right on the border between
space claimed by Gomiana and the march realms of the Seifukusu
Dominion. Though almost everyone in this sector of space knew of
this world's existence, none had claimed or settled it. New
Avalon was a potential flashpoint, its existence akin to Damocles'
sword hanging over relations between the Dominion and the
Federation. Leaving it alone seemed the most prudent course.

Until now.

Lum looks around to see Avalonians stare at their
inheritance. The Oni is stunned at the variation the factory
could produce. Young girls, some Reiko's age. Teenagers. Young
adults, the eldest Sakura's age. An Earth-like spectrum of skin
colours, hair types and body formats. Older Avalonians possessed
the tapered ears of their former masters. Those created later
were round-eared, more reflective of their Sagussan creators.
Many had changed from their Niphentaxian clothes to sleeveless
jumpsuits, similar to the Sagussan duty jumpsuit save the
difference of chest insignia. Others, those from Phentax Twelve's
many village communes, went nude; after all, in an all-female
society, where was the need for modesty?

Then, there were people she recognized immediately. "Kamen!
Hensou-chan!"

Kamen and Hensou turn, waving at the latter's template as she
walks up. "Isn't this wonderful, Onee-chan?" Hensou claps her
hands. "We came out here to learn who we are and we wind up
freeing our people!"

"I'm glad," Lum grasps their hands, then remembers something.
"I...I'm sorry."

"What?" Kamen blinks. "What's wrong?"

"I just wish Nassur-chan would've told me about you," Lum
sighs. "It's no fair that you were created just to be living
targets."

"Hey, that was the idea, remember?" Kamen reminds her. "We
existed to ensure you would have happy lives. Maybe when we get
to Earth, we'll tell you some of the adventures we had standing in
your place," she winks.

"I'd love to hear them," Lum warmly smiles. "But from now
on, you'll be masters of your own lives. I don't think Nassur-
chan would want you to return to cryofreeze after he learns about
the Avalonians."

"It's okay," Hensou smiles. "Right now, I think he's more
worried about how he'll get Benten to the altar."

"True," Lum beams, then leans up to them. "So, are you or
aren't you?"

"What?" Kamen wonders.

"Lovers, silly!"

Before Hensou could answer, hands wraps her in a tight
embrace. "Hensou-san, please!! I will be more than willing to
fill the gaping holes in your heart!!" Mendou exclaims.

Lum's sister lets him have it! "Hands off!!!" she snaps. "I
wouldn't mate with you even if you were the last male in
existence!!"

Two large women who once served as police auxiliaries appear.
"Is there a problem, sister Hensou?" one asks, crossing her arms.

"Yes!" Hensou snarls, picking up the dazed Mendou. "Throw
this gene-trash into a cryotube, then find Megane and his three
idiots and freeze them, too! Don't let them out until Lum and her
friends leave."

"Of course," the other smiles, grabbing Mendou and dragging
him off.

"Idiots!" Lum sneers. "Mal-chan's lucky. She can only mate
with other women so she doesn't have to put up to those jerks!"

"Lucky her!" Hensou snorts.

"Hey, what's going on?" a voice wonders.

"Darling!!" Lum and Hensou smile.

The three turn as Atako walks up. "You know you don't have
to call me that," she sighs. "I'm not your fiancee, remember?"

"Sorry," Lum blushes.

"You have to admit we're so used to it, it's automatic,"
Hensou adds.

Atako hums, gazing at Hensou, then turns to Kamen. "I think
you better remind this girl where her loyalties really lie,
Kamen."

"I think I'll do it now," Kamen gently grasps Hensou's hand.
"Come along, dear."

"Coming," Hensou giggles.

"Young couples in love," Lum sighs. "Isn't it wonderful?"

"I guess," Atako sighs.

Lum blinks. "You okay?"

"No," Atako sighs. "I'm...still trying to accept what's
happened to me," she stares at herself. "What would you do if you
woke up one day and found out you were a guy?"

"I don't know," the Oni admits, placing a reassuring hand on
the Avalonian's shoulder. "But I know you. Even if you are
different from my Darling, you'll get through this."

"Lum!!" an angry voice hisses.

Both see Shinoko, the air around her ablaze with jealousy.
"Shinoko!!" Lum yelps.

Shinobu's sister hefts a gaming table over her head,
demonstrating what else she inherited along with her looks and
memories. "I told you!!" she snarls. "Leave MY Atako-kun alone!!
You already have your mate!!!"

"Okay, okay!" Lum waves the angry bioroid back. "I'm
sorry!!"

"Shinoko-chan, relax, willya?" Atako sighs. "Lum didn't mean
anything."

"She better not have!" Shinoko lowers the table. "It's bad
enough that I'll have to contend with two bioroid doubles of Lum
when we move to Sado!!"

"Will you relax? Geez, what's with you?"

Shinoko blinks, then looks away. "Don't you understand?" she
wonders, then stares at Atako. "I was created for you, remember?"

Atako shudders...

* * *

The bioroid factory assumes a stationary orbit over New
Avalon's largest city. Each of the twenty urban habitations were
preserved under pressure domes, airtight to prevent the outside
elements from destroying the cities before the Avalonians could
claim their world. Construction crews, aided by the planet's
large fleet of maintenance robots, quickly dismantle the domes as
the bioroids stream to the surface. Atako watches this from the
observation gallery. There was no need to proceed down; this
would not be her home.

"You alright, Darling?" a voice wonders.

Atako blinks, then turns to see Gloriana standing there.
Already, she had begun to change her looks. Atop her black-and-
gold Avalonian jumpsuit, her hair was styled in a braided bun over
her horns, much like the way Lum wore her hair when she played
Shinobi Nomade. "Oh, hi, Ria," she smiles, referring to Avalon's
elder mother by nickname. "Are you finished with the debugging?"

"I'm running a systems diagnostic on the master controls,"
Ria sighs, walking up beside her. "By our standards, the
Niphentaxians were quite primitive, but they're also fast
learners. Eradicating all the bugs and viruses they left behind
will take a while."

Atako notices that Ria's eyes are shadowed. It was as if she
had not slept for a day, maybe more. "Why don't you go to bed?"
she prompts. "You can't work twenty-four hours a day, you know."

"Darling, I'm the only one who can do this!" Ria sighs. "I'm
the only one who knows these codes. I'm the only one who can
cleanse this system, free everyone from the factory's controls.
The chance is still there that the Niphentaxians might've left
something..."

"It'll be found," Atako cuts in. "But it won't be found if
you fall asleep on the job. Now, c'mon," she guides Ria out of
the lounge.

A moment later, they arrive at a private cabin. The
Niphentaxians had converted some empty space into quarters for the
factory's teams, now used by Atako and her friends. Unseen by
either Atako or Ria, Shinoko watches from the door to her room.
"What're Atako-kun and Ria doing?" she quietly muses.

The door closes. Shinoko quietly sneaks up to listen in.
Inside, Atako gently lifts Ria into the bed. "There you go," the
former smiles. "Let's get you tucked in."

"Darling..." Ria's voice turns saucy.

"What?"

A giggle responds. Atako gulps as Ria's hands deftly remove
her jumpsuit. "I don't like to sleep alone, Darling," she coos.

Atako stammers as Ria's hand gently tugs her toward the elder
mother. "Ria..."

Outside, unnoticed, Shinoko shudders, then runs back to her
room. Slamming the door closed behind her, she falls onto her
bed, wailing. "She doesn't love me!! She doesn't love me!! She
doesn't love me...!"

Back in Ria's room, Atako shudders as she finds herself drawn
into the former's embrace. "Ria, stop this..." she gasps.

"Darling, I want you..." Ria coos, gently blowing on Atako's
ear.

She shudders. That was one of the things Lum used to arouse
Ataru, like his suckling her horns. Suddenly, for an instant,
they ceased being Atako and Gloriana. Now, they were Ataru and
Lum. "Lum-chan..."

"Come to me, Darling..." the latter moans. "I want you so
bad..."

Their lips drift toward the other...then Atako blinks as
something comes to her. "Ria, stop it!! Get a hold of
yourself!!!"

"Eh?!" Ria blinks. "What happened?"

"Oh, gods!" Atako slaps her forehead. "I thought I was
Ataru! What's wrong with me?!"

The elder mother lies still, her mind analyzing the event.
"No wonder," she moans. "We're still having trouble understanding
who we are. The part of me that's Lum saw you, thought you were
Ataru, then took over."

"You did the same thing to me," Atako breathes out in relief.
"Oh, gods, how are we going to get used to this?"

"I don't know," Ria shakes her head...

* * *

Sometime later, Atako walks to her room. She and Ria cried,
allowed their frustrations to vent themselves before parting.
Stopping by her door, she blinks as someone's sobs reach her ears.
Walking to the next room, she knocks. "Shinoko?! You okay?!"

More sobs. Atako opens the door to see Shinoko laying on her
bed, her face buried in her pillow. "Shinoko, what's wrong?!"
Atako rushes in, kneeling beside the latter.

She gets a pillow in the face! "Go away!!!" Shinoko screams.
"I hate you!!!"

"What?! What?!!" Atako yelps as she finds herself ducking
pieces of furniture. "Shinoko, stop!!! Why are you so mad?!!"

"You bastard!!" Shinoko screams. "You did it to me when Lum
first came, now you're doing it to me again!!! I hate you!!!"

"What did I do?!"

"What did you do?!!" Shinoko demands, then stops, blinking.

Atako cowers, hands protectively guarding her, then she
stares at the other bioroid. Noting that Shinoko's eyes were
locked on a wall chrono, she stares at the time, then looks back.
"Shinoko, what's wrong?"

"It is twenty-three-fourteen," Shinoko reports. To Atako's
horror, her expressive brown eyes had dulled, become lifeless. "I
entered this room at twenty-three-oh-two. That is insufficient
time for you and Gloriana to have sexual intercourse."

Atako's eyes widen in horror. "Oh, no!!" she gasps, leaping
to her feet. "Shinoko, get a hold of yourself!! Snap out of
it!!!"

"My expression of anger was illogical," Shinoko continues in
that heart-chilling monotone. "I desired to assault you. I am
programmed to be your companion. Such actions indicate that I am
malfunctioning..."

"Shinoko!!!" Atako slaps her!

Shinoko jolts, then shakes her head. "What happened to
me...?!" she feels her sore cheek. "Atako-kun, what happened to
me?!"

"I'm sorry," Ataru draws Shinoko into an embrace. "I'm
didn't want to do that! I had to...oh, gods, what's happening to
us...?!"

"I...I was talking like a computer!" Shinoko gasps. "What
was that?!"

"All of us have it, Shinoko," Atako sighs. "We're bioroids!
Programmable people! There's...a master program inside us, even
me. It allows us, in the off chance that we fly out of control,
to get a hold of ourselves before we hurt someone. As bioroids,
we're automatically stronger than normal people. That's one of
the ways the Niphentaxians used to control people like Tomoko and
Nuriko."

"Oh, thank the gods!" Shinoko breathes out. "When I heard
Ria try to seduce you, I thought the worst!"

"Hey, we're both at fault there!" Atako assures her. "Don't
forget, our templates are lovers. When I was alone with Ria,
it...it felt as if I was still Ataru and she was Lum."

"Ouch, that would be a pain," Shinoko embraces her. "Oh,
Atako-kun, I'm sorry! I didn't realize what was going on...!!"

"It's okay, it's okay!" Atako kisses her. "We're in this
together, Shinoko-chan. We're gonna make it. We're gonna make
it."

Shinoko sighs, then turns her thoughts in. Yes, it was
there. A master datafile, which gave Shinoko a solid foundation
from which to grow. Unfortunately, it was also an umbilical cord
which connected her to the factory's computers. Ria was presently
trying to sever that, thus allow the Avalonians the chance to be
masters of their own destinies for the first time since Project:
Avalon was conceived on Sagussa. "Okay, I understand," she nods,
staring at Atako.

They gaze into the other's eyes, then drift into a tender
kiss. Shinoko feels a rush thunder through her system as she
pulls Atako onto the bed. For so long, Shinobu had wanted things
to return to the way they were before Lum's arrival. Such was a
fruitless fantasy now, Shinoko realized. But, in a strange sense
of irony, Shinoko had achieved a greater sense of normalcy than
Shinobu could ever hope for...and with the double of the man whom
she thought the world of before Lum's arrival changed everything!

Of course, Shinobu could have had Atako to herself if she
realized that chasing Nassur was a pipe-dream. Ataru had vowed he
would do everything in his power to ensure Nassur and Benten would
marry. After Icarus, he proved more than willing to carry out his
threats. Chances were good that Nassur and Benten were united,
free of Shinobu. Shinoko was worried about her sister, but there
was only so much she could do. Having been Shinobu, Shinoko
realizes that the former's love for Nassur was deeper than
anything she had felt before. It would take a lot more than just
Atako to shake Shinobu out of her dream.

Shinoko hoped that Atako did not feel any resentment toward
her. She was, after all, created by Shinobu to divert Atako's
interest away from her. Another betrayal. Like the time Shinobu
dumped Ataru for Mendou...or like the time Shinobu used Ataru and
Lum to get at Nassur, which led to Icarus. Atako could easily
think of Shinobu as a coward, fleeing from reality. In a sense,
Shinobu WAS fleeing from reality in a vain hope to gain some
control over her life. But that was Shinobu's problem. Shinoko
just hoped Atako did not equate the Avalonian with the Terran.

An idea comes to her. "Atako-kun?"

"Yeah?"

"Do you have...that thing in our heads? The master program?"

"I said we all did, Shinoko-chan."

"Can I access it? Bring it out?"

Atako blinks. The master program was there. When she had
nearly succumbed to Ria's seduction, it had yanked her mind clear
of Ataru's thoughts to restore her to normal. Ever since her
birth, she had no need to use it; she was constructed from the
start totally free of any Niphentaxian influence. Besides, she
wondered what it would be like.

"Okay," she lays back on the bed.

Shinoko leans over her, then her finger touches Atako's
forehead, just above the bridge of the nose. Atako jolts, then
her eyes dull as all emotion drains from her. Noting this,
Shinoko smiles. "Atako?"

"Yes, Shinoko?"

"What is your status?"

"Physical status nominal. Mental status uncertain."

"Extrapolate, please."

"I am uncertain. Currently experiencing an identity crisis
over gender. I believe my future is uncertain. I feels out of
control with my surroundings, contrary to template's beliefs,
which I shares."

*Whoa!!* Shinoko gasps. *And I thought I was a basket-case!*
Her jaw sets as other problems come to her. *Better make sure of
a few things.* "Atako?"

"Yes, Shinoko?"

"In your creation, was the *saikoo jinseijitsu* replicated?"

"Affirmative. All knowledge that disembodied entity
contained was replicated into me. Knowledge can be accessed by
me. However, that entity's controlling personality and its
influence on my template was eliminated when I was constructed."

Shinoko shudders. Atako possessing all the skills of the
*saikoo jinseijitsu*...but without that thing's personality? That
was hard to take. "What about the Cyborg?"

"That entity is a fragmented part of my template's
personality. When I was created, that fragment was united with
the main personality to create one whole being."

Delight beams from her. Atako was one person, in full
command of herself. "Atako?"

"Yes, Shinoko?"

"What are your feelings...toward me?"

Atako blinks. "I love you."

Shinoko barely contains her joyful scream. There was one
other problem. "Atako, what about your feelings for...Lum?"

"She is the life-mate of my template."

"And Ria and Hensou?"

"Irrelevant. However, due to feelings my template feels for
Gloriana's and Hensou's template, I may feel...temptation toward
either Gloriana or Hensou if certain emotional conditions are
met."

Shinoko sighs. Atako had undergone that several minutes
before. "Okay," she smiles, then presses Atako's forehead again.

Life returns to her eyes. "Whoa!!" Atako sighs, sitting up.
"That was weird!"

"How did it feel?" Shinoko wonders.

"It was like...I was still awake...but I had no control over
myself," Atako shakes her head. "It didn't feel good, you know.
It reminded me of some of the times before Icarus when things were
out of control."

"Sorry," Shinoko gently embraces Atako. "I felt the same way
when my master control stopped me from hurting you. In a sense,
I'm glad it's there; it'll stop us from really doing stupid things
to each other."

"True," Atako leans back, pulling Shinoko into an embrace.
"In the meantime," a wry smile crosses her face. "Care to teach
me what it's like being a girl?"

"I think I could," Shinoko meows as they kiss. "But I can't
do it all."

"Why not?!" Atako sits up in a huff.

Her lover giggles. "Because..." she pauses, a serious look
crossing her face, "...because we're free."

"Eh?"

"Think!" Shinoko smiles. "We're free. We're not bound by
any of the old loyalties! Yes, you were attracted to Ria, but
that was a reflection of Ataru's attraction to Lum! We're free to
do whatever we want with ourselves! Don't you feel wonderful?!"

"I really don't know what to feel!" Atako stares at her.
"Shinoko, I love you. It's you and only you. No competition this
time! My bonds to Lum and Sagussa are gone. But...after all
we've been through...can we trust each other...to do the right
thing?"

Silence. "I want to try," Shinoko admits. "I know you're
different. I've known that since I was Shinobu, when we were
going to rescue Lum and the others. I don't have to learn how to
trust you. I already do."

"But what about me?!" Atako points at herself. "I'm used to
being a guy, remember?! I don't know what it means to be a girl!"

"Then you'll have to find out!" Shinoko sighs. "I can only
teach you so much, Atako-kun. But I can't teach you everything.
No one teaches us what it means to be a guy or a girl. That's
society's job. It doesn't make matters better when we're a mix of
societies."

"So that precludes us staying here, then? Living with the
other Avalonians."

"Yeah," Shinoko nods. "I know I'll live for eight hundred
years. I know I can mind-meld with you, share all sorts of
intimacy with you. But deep down, even with this thing in my
mind, I still think myself as a Terran. As Shinobu, I was born
and raised on Earth. As Ataru, you were born and raised on Earth.
We can't escape it. We have to accept it. And I want to go
back."

"Okay. We'll go back. But...even though Grandma wants us to
help her monitor her farm on Sado, what will we do on our spare
time?"

"We'll do what interests us..."

* * *

Next morning, Atako and Shinoko step out of their room, then
make their way to the factory control centre. There, Ria floats
in a control bubble, holographic computer screens dancing around
her as she manipulates the factory's many controls. "'Morning,
Ria," Atako smiles. "How's it going?"

"So far, so good," Ria yawns. Obviously, she had risen
early. "I think I can sever everyone from the
factory...right...now."

She keys a control. Atako and Shinoko jolt as that psychic
umbilical cord is severed. Both blink as their minds interpret
what happened, then stare at Avalon's elder mother. "It worked,"
Atako smiles.

"Yes," Ria smiles. "Even I'm free now."

"So...what happens?" Shinoko wonders.

"Whatever you want to happen, I suppose," Ria muses. "Now, I
have to cleanse out all the buffers to ensure the Niphentaxians
can't send a virus in to take control of us again."

"How long will that take?" Atako asks.

"A while yet," Ria stifles another yawn.

Concern crosses the other bioroids' faces. "Ria, will you
take time to relax, please?!" Shinoko pleads. "You're going to
hurt yourself if you're not careful."

Ria stares at her. "Shinoko, as Elder Mother, I am morally
responsible for the safety of every Avalonian. If for an instant
I believe there is a chance that the Niphentaxians can try to
enslave us anew, I have to stop it and I have to stop it now!!"

Atako and Shinoko stare concernedly at the other. Ria's
determination and dedication was admirable, but it was also
dangerous. She needed rest. "Wait right here!" the former holds
up a finger, then runs out of the room.

A moment later, Atako returns with Shutako and the guards'
sisters. "What is the problem, Atako?" Mendou's sister wonders.

"Guys, Ria needs help working on the computers to ensure that
the Niphentaxians can't re-enslave us in the future," Atako then
turns to Ria. "Can you pipe the programming information so they
can help you?"

"It'll take a minute," Ria sighs. "You sure you want to
help?"

"Of course!" Aisuko nods. "Anything to help you, Ria-san!"

The others chant their approval. Atako and Shinoko smile at
the other. <<Just like their brothers!>> the latter psi-links,
barely able to stifle her laughter.

<<At least it can be put to good use.>>

Suddenly, a sensory alarm sounds off. "What's that?!"
Shutako gasps.

Ria calls up a monitor screen. A Niphentaxian warship slides
into orbit over New Avalon, her bow facing the factory. "Tsubusu-
class destroyer?!" Ria blinks.

"Oh, no!!" Shinoko exclaims. "Are they on our side?!"

Fire slams into the factory's shields, causing the giant
craft to rock. "Does that answer your question, Shinoko?!" Ria
wonders.

A communications signal flashes. Ria calls up a viewscreen,
revealing the enraged face of a Niphentaxian woman dressed in a
more militaristic school uniform. "So there you are, slaves!!"
she growls. "How dare you rebel against your lawful masters like
this?!! Return at once to Phentax Two!!"

"These idiots are unreal," Aisuko sighs.

"No," Ria crosses her arms, glaring at the captain. "You
have interfered in the Project for too long. Now, either leave or
suffer the consequences!"

"Hah!! We'll see who suffers, witch!" the captain laughs.
The transmission is cut.

"Geez, what timing!!" Atako snaps. "We just freed everyone
and they show up!"

Warning signals flash on several boards. "You're right about
that, Darling!" Ria gasps. "They're trying to use command
protocols to get into the factory's master computer."

"Can you override?!" Aisuko panics.

"Trying!" Ria manipulates controls.

Shinoko stares at the destroyer. "Ria, are there Avalonians
aboard that ship?!"

"Sensory station's over there!" Ria points. "I'm busy!"

Atako and Shinoko run over. The sub-routine comes on line.
MAY I HELP YOU?

"Scan that destroyer for Avalonians," Atako orders.

A schematic of the destroyer appears. Icons flash over
engineering, supply, the wardroom, cafeteria and sick bay. "They
are away from anything which could be used to harm the
Niphentaxians," Atako notes.

"Can we get them to help?!" Shinoko asks.

"I don't think they're in much of a position to rebel if
they're surrounded by Niphentaxians," Atako muses, then stares at
her. "We have to board that ship!"

"WHAT?!?! Why?!!"

"Because if we can distract them long enough, we can give Ria
time to shield the factory from their viruses!!"

Shinoko considers the point, then nods...

* * *

"How are we doing?!"

"Working on it," the officer taps on his screen. "They've
deleted all connections between the factory and the Avalonians!"

"Restore those connections!!" the captain forcefully demands.

"Trying!!" he growls.

A transporter beam is heard. "Don't bother!" a strange voice
growls.

The bridge crew snaps around just as Shinoko's hands cut into
the deck, then she heaves. Everyone is flung off his feet as
conduits and control panels explode! "Stop her!!!" the captain
screams.

Several crew reach for sidearms as Shinoko drops through the
hole she made in the deck to the level below. She sprints down
the hallway as other Niphentaxians scream, passing on the alarm.
<<Atako-kun, let's go!!>> she psi-flashes her lover. <<Hurry
up!!>>

* * *

<<Just a second!!>> Atako replies as she knocks out the
engineering officer, then dumps him beside the pile of
Niphentaxians who had watched over two dozen Avalonians. "There!!
Last one!" she turns to the group of women standing by the warp
core. "You're free!!"

"Thank you, sister!" the group's senior nods. Unlike the
Niphentaxians, properly shielded from any radiation exposure, the
Avalonians were dressed in scanty uniforms designed more for sex
appeal than serious work. Many of the women have scars on their
arms and legs. "What do you want us to do?"

"Can you cause this thing to blow up?" Atako points to the
warp core.

"How do we escape?" the chief wonders.

"Ria'll beam us out the instant this thing's shields go down.
Just set it up!"

"Of course!!" the chief nods.

Atako sprints out of engineering...then finds herself in a
sea of gunfire! Yelping, she dives for cover as she notes a
security detail charging her position. "Lots of luck!!" she
growls, her finger pointing on target. "PSYCHIC LASER!!!!!!"

A blast of energy lances through them, cutting them down! As
the bioroid heads off to find Shinoko, something bashes into her
skull, causing her to fall flat on her face!! "Got you!!!" a
voice cackles from behind.

Through her hazy vision, Atako sees a male Niphentaxian
dressed like Mendou. He draws his sword as he boosts the dazed
bioroid to her feet, then swings back to make her a head shorter.
"Die, slave!!!"

The sword rises up...just as a bolt of energy cuts through
his side, knocking him away from Atako! The bioroid gasps in
relief, then turns to see Shinoko standing there, a gun in hand.
"Th-thanks!" Atako stammers as she collapses in her lover's
embrace.

Shinoko stares at the smoking pistol, then drops it. "Ugh!!
I hate those things!"

"Me, too..." Atako kisses her.

The ship rocks with multiple explosions!! "Darling, Shinoko,
hang on!!" Ria calls out from nowhere. "I'm beaming you out!!"

They disappear in a transporter beam...

* * *

...then reappear in the master control centre as the
Niphentaxian ship explodes, its fragments harmlessly bouncing off
the factory's shields. They are not alone; the fifty Avalonians
who were aboard that destroyer are with them. "Are they all
dead?!" the chief engineer wonders.

"No," Ria sighs. "Some reached life pods. I've already
called Internal Security. They'll be arrested as soon as they
land."

"What happens next?" Atako wonders.

"That's for them to decide," Ria thumbs the new arrivals.
"They're the ones who were affected. They'll decide their fate."

Atako and Shinoko stare at each other. "If you don't mind,
we're going to bed," the former moans. "We're not cut for this
job."

"Yeah," the latter sighs...

* * *

"...and as revelations about the Avalonians continue to be
made public, ships from various Federation worlds proceed to the
Phentax system to ensure that Avalonian refugees can escape their
former masters," the INN commentator makes her report. "Calls are
now going out for President Oogi to renounce all claims of
ownership to the Avalonians. However, the president continues to
call for the arrest of Ataru Moroboshi of Earth, whom he charges
with genocide after four million Niphentaxians were killed when
the Avalonians of Phentax Twelve freed themselves..."

Atako shuts off the monitor, then sinks into Shinoko's
inviting embrace. "Same old, same old," she moans. "Try to do
something right and everyone goes bonkers."

"Yeah," Shinoko kisses her forehead, drawing the sheet over
them. "Be glad when Ataru-kun'll take care of that monster."

"That all depends on when he comes into contact with
Sagussa," Atako yawns. "But that's not our business now."

"A normal life," Shinoko smiles. "My sister's wished for it
for so long. And I'm the one who gets it."

"Who says we're normal?" Atako wonders.

"We're Avalonians, love," Shinoko smiles. "What we're doing
right now is quite normal."

Atako blinks, then smiles. "Yeah."

They kiss...

* * *

During the week after arriving over New Avalon, Atako and
Shinoko help Ria eliminate the bugs the Niphentaxians left in the
factory. More Avalonians migrate, hijacking Niphentaxian warships
for the journey. On occasion, Atako and Shinoko, along with
Kamen, Hensou, Mienai and Damasu, raid the odd ship that comes,
determined to recapture their escaped slaves. The captured
Niphentaxians are tried and sentenced to Avalon's version of
capital punishment: mind-wiping and mental reprogramming, then
returned to Phentax Two.

With the reprogramming complete, the bioroid factory makes
its way to Earth, assuming geo-synchronous orbit over Sado. The
bioroids are welcomed as new citizens of Japan by the United
Nations. In a reflection of Sagussa's Non-Interference Directive
(backed by Nagaiwakai and Zephyrus), no Terran is permitted to
inspect the bioroid factory in hopes of learning its many secrets.
Shortly after their return, the bioroids assist Tadahitora in
ending her old life and starting anew as an Avalonian. When that
matter is settled, Atako and Shinoko elect to travel to Tomobiki
to see the latter's parents...

* * *

"Tomobiki station," the automated conductor announces.
"Tomobiki station..."

Atako and Shinoko step off, then proceed to street level.
"Gods, I never thought I'd wind up coming back to this place," the
former sighs, taking in the familiar scenes.

"Stop!" the latter stares at her. "We haven't had the chance
to introduce ourselves to our relatives, Atako-kun. Besides, even
if we are living in Sado, they're still family."

"You know your family's never liked me," Atako retorts.

"They don't like Ataru," Shinoko amends. "You're different,
remember? Now, settle down! We've got this one chance before
Shinobu, Mom and Dad go to Florida for vacation. Let's make a
good impression."

"Okay, okay," Atako sighs.

The two arrive at the Miyaki residence. Atako remembers the
time Ataru prevented Lum from using a psychokinetic doll to
torture Shinobu, winding up slamming against the bathroom window
while Shinobu was in the bath. "Hey, I got an idea!" she smirks.
"You go into the bath and I'll play Peeping Tom."

"Mmm...maybe later," Shinoko smiles as she rings the
doorbell.

The door opens, revealing Shinobu's mother Kimiki. "Shinobu,
what are you...?!" she wonders, then blinks on seeing the more
wavy hair, not to mention the Avalonian pendant both bioroids
wear. "Oh, my!" she covers her lips, then looks inside.
"Toshoba-kun! Come here and see this!"

"See what?!" her husband walks to the door, then blinks.
"Well, I'll be..."

"Hi, Dad, Mom," Shinoko smiles, then indicates Atako. "This
is Atako Moroboshi."

"Ah...h-hi!" Atako blushes, scratching the back of her head.

The Miyakis stare at this female version of their daughter's
former boyfriend with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. They
had once liked Ataru, before Lum's arrival caused their daughter's
world to turn upside down. Now, like many in Tomobiki, they were
glad he now lived on Oshika. But noting the feminine lines
disguised under her sweater, they are immediately reminded of
Shinobu's many kind words about Ataru's sister. "Hello, Atako-
chan," Kimiki smiles, extending her hand. "It's...a pleasure to
meet you."

"Likewise," Atako bows.

"Oh, there you are!!" Shinobu smiles as she peeks around her
mother. "It's about time you two came! C'mon in!"

Everyone proceeds to the dining room, where a virtual banquet
awaits the visitors. The meal is cordial and friendly,
conversation brisk. After the dishes are cleared, everyone moves
into the living room. "Now...try to help us understand what is
different between you two and Nintaiko and Donna," Shinobu's
father sighs. "What does it mean to be a parent to
an...Avalonian?"

"Not much," Shinoko admits. "I mean, other than my lifespan
and psionic powers, I'm still Shinobu," she indicates her
template.

"And you?" Kimiki stares at Atako.

Atako sighs. "Look...all I can say is that while I am Ataru,
I'm an Ataru who doesn't have to worry about aliens blasting
through the side door or renegade ninja mental programs possessing
me. I am here, I am whole...and I am in love with Shinoko. And I
will do everything to make my life and Shinoko's life the best one
possible. We haven't any idea what we'd do outside of running the
farm because we haven't had the chance to decide what to do. But
believe me, speaking for myself, I will do everything in my power
to give Shinoko what she wants."

"That's good," Shinobu's mother looks forlorn. "Let's hope
it stays that way."

"Mom!" Shinobu warns.

"That's enough!" Kimiki holds up a hand. "I think after what
Ataru's put you through, we have a right to question Atako's
motives!"

"Mother!!" Shinoko gasps.

Atako flushes. "Your mother's right, Shinobu," Toshoba
sighs. "Do you think we're going to put Shinoko, who is you in
all respects, to the same risks you faced? Of course not!
Wouldn't you be suspicious?!"

Atako's eyes narrow. "Then why are we having this meeting in
the first place?"

Shinobu's parents tense, sensing the rage building inside
Atako. After the last couple of months, they had a healthy
respect for Ataru's fierce temper. They could easily guess Atako
was capable of the same. "I can understand why you're concerned,"
Atako muses, her voice now brittle ice. "I can understand you
want to protect Shinoko-chan's interests. It's commendable.
Believe me, I wish my EX-parents had your sense of dedication.
But what I WON'T stand is being tarred with the same brush you use
for my brother!"

"Atako-kun..." Shinobu and Shinoko gasp.

"Let me tell you something," she slowly rises, causing
Toshoba and Kimiki to lean away. "Let me tell you what it's like
feeling like the whole world's turned its back to you, that no one
cares for you! You have no concept of what Ataru's gone through.
You have no concept how betrayed he feels right now, not just by
those two idiots who raised him, not just by all of Lum's stupid
friends and those morons at school, but by supposed 'friends' like
HER!!!!" she points at Shinobu.

"Me?!!" Shinobu cries.

"That's right!" Atako glares at her, then turns to her
parents. "None of you can understand what it's like having
something in your head which could destroy everything you care for
in an instant. No one can understand what it's like when you have
to ask yourself every day if you're in control of your mind.
Nobody can understand when you wake up one day and see that
everyone around you, ESPECIALLY those who say they love you, USED
you at one time or another to press their own agendas! No one can
experience what my brother feels, not even Lum!! No one...except
me!"

Everyone is spellbound by her words. "You want to trust me,
great!" Atako waves her hand in a finish. "You don't want to
trust me, that's fine! I really don't care! I really didn't have
to come here, but I did it because Shinoko-chan wanted me to come!
She's the one I respect, she's the one I care for and her
decisions matter!! Not yours, not anyone else's! And if you
can't accept that at face value, there's nothing I can do to make
you change your minds! You want to know how my brother sees you?!
He sees you as cowards, people who won't change just because it'll
inconvenience you!! And if you want me to see you in the same
way, that's just dandy!! At least I know what to do!" She turns
to leave. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going for a walk!! Good
evening!"

Everyone watches her storm out. At the slamming of the door,
Shinobu spins on her parents. "How could you?!! How could you
bring up Ataru-kun at a time like this?! Atako-kun doesn't need
that now!!!"

"I better go see if she's calmed down," Shinoko rises,
walking out of the house.

Shinobu's parents stare at the other. "Wow!!" Toshoba
whistles...

* * *

"I didn't mean to lose it," Atako shakes her head. "I guess
that means they don't want to ever see me again."

She, Shinoko and Shinobu share a public bath downtown later
that evening. Atako and her lover are staying at Toranoseishin
Finances for the night before returning to Sado. The Miyaki twins
look sympathetic. "Atako-kun, don't be upset," Shinoko embraces
her lover. "You stood up for your brother. You're right; you're
the only one who can really perceive what's going on in Ataru's
head. You couldn't allow them to say things like that without
coming to his defense."

"I think Mom and Dad are impressed," Shinobu adds. "Dad told
me after that if Ataru-kun had that sort of fight in him two years
ago, Lum would've been kicked back to Uru."

"Yeah, that's true," Atako sighs. "But enough about him. If
he doesn't want to have anything to do with Tomobiki anymore, I'm
in no position to tell him to come back. He has his own
priorities. Lum, Reiko-chan, Nokoko-chan and the Nendo-kata to be
exact."

"I wish you wouldn't say that," Shinobu sighs, looking down.

"Shinobu, you may not realize this, but the whole thing with
the Spirit War could be laid at YOUR feet!" Atako points at her.

"ME?!?!" Shinobu exclaim.

"Enough!!" Shinoko snaps. "I thought you wanted to get off
this topic!"

Atako and Shinobu blink. "You're right," the former sighs.
"Sorry, Shinobu."

"It's okay," the latter smiles. "C'mon! Let's get dressed
and get out of here. I have to get back and get ready for
vacation."

Moments later, the three emerge from the bathhouse.
Suddenly, a burst of voices reach their ears from the left. "Hey,
babe, will ya quit playing hard to get?!" a bossy male voice
cackles. "It's only a night!"

"Forget it, you creep!!" a young woman's voice echoes,
followed by a slap. "I'm not your sex toy! Leave me alone!!"

Atako and the Miyakis look left to see a beautiful teenage
girl being accosted by a pack of men. The men are drunk, their
intent quite clear. The girl, somewhat overdressed, is trying to
escape their hands. "What the...?!" Atako's eyes narrow, then
barks, "Hey!!! Leave that girl alone, you dorks!!!"

The men leer at the rescuers. "Scram, tomboy!! We're busy
here!"

"That's all I needed to know," a lethal flash shines in
Atako's eyes as she hands Shinobu her toiletries. "Hold this,
Shinobu! This won't take a minute."

A foregone conclusion...and less than a minute later...the
half-dozen men are unconscious, sporting various bruises all over
their faces. The girl is understandably relieved. "Cool!!" she
gasps, hugging Atako in gratitude. "You're my hero!!"

"Hey, hey, watch it! Watch it!" Atako laughs as she
disentangles herself from the grateful teen. "You sure you're
okay?!"

"Are you kidding?!" the girl gushes. "No one's ever come to
my aid whenever jerks like that come along," she notions to her
"fans." "By the way, my name's Kayoko Koreaki!"

"Atako Moroboshi...hey!" recognition shines in the bioroid's
eyes. "You're that teen fashion model, aren't you?!"

"I've heard of you," Shinoko smiles. "You're on the cover of
most girl's magazines! What're you doing here in Tomobiki?!"

"Oh, I'm just playing tourist," Kayoko smiles. "After all,
Tomobiki's pretty unique. The only place where aliens hang out."

"You should go to Sado Island or Oshika in Miyagi-ken," Atako
supplies. "Aliens're there, too...and you don't have to worry
about dorks like Lum's male classmates demanding that she be part
of any model shoot."

Later, they proceed to a cafe. "What's it like being a
model?" Shinoko asks. "Is it as much fun as it looks?"

"It's okay if you don't mind the 'fringe benefits,'" Kayoko
sighs. "I was discovered when I was in junior high. All I've
known."

"Does it pay well?" Shinobu wonders.

"It's okay if you become really popular," she smiles, then
notices Atako and Shinoko holding hands. "Um... are you
two...er...?"

"Yes, we're lovers," Shinoko nods, brushing Atako's cheek
with her lips.

"Whoa, that is SO brave!" Kayoko gasps, then shrugs. "Then
again, it isn't any of my business! You know," she looks at
Atako, "...don't take this as an insult, but you do look a lot
like Ataru Moroboshi."

"Well, I should; I AM his sister, you know," Atako laughs.

The model jolts. "Please stay off this subject," Shinobu
warns. "Atako-kun's pretty sensitive when it comes to his
brother."

"Hey, no skin off my hide," Kayoko shrugs, then an idea pops
into her head. "Say, Atako...where are you from?"

"Sado. Why?"

"Would your alien friends be willing to do some test shots?"

Atako and Shinoko blink. "Well, I guess so...if you wouldn't
mind if we joined in," the latter muses, indicating herself and
her lover. "I mean, we're all girls, we're all cute and we don't
take guff from any guy!"

"And we're not interested in putting honest folk out of
business," the former adds.

"Hey, I'm trying to get out of it as fast as I can," Kayoko
admits. "The reason I asked is that I need help in getting away
from dorks like that trash out there. They were actually a camera
crew assigned to monitor me while I was in town. Trust me, you
two; in a few years, you'll be doing the same thing."

Atako and Shinoko stare at each other. "Well, it's something
that'll keep us occupied on our spare time," the former muses.

"Yeah," the latter smiles...

* * *

Three days later, a van pulls up to the parking lot before
Nagaiwakai's Sado mansion. Behind the ranch house, fields of
grain, rice and sheep pastures are being prepared for winter.
Inside one of the greenhouses, Atako and Shinoko are busy with
tomato plants when a worker peeks in. "Um...Atako-san, Shinoko-
san, the photo people are here. Everyone else is in the main hall
waiting for you."

"Eh?!" Atako blinks. "So soon?! Okay, we'll be there
shortly."

Shortly, Atako and Shinoko trudge into the main hall.
Photography equipment is being set up. Kamen and Hensou, in
matching power suits, are waiting for their test shots. "Did you
two forget?" the former wonders.

"Hey, tomatoes come first, remember?" Atako wipes her brow.
"We'll get changed! Hang on a moment!!"

They trudge upstairs. "You'd never believe it even if you
saw it!" one of the photographers muses. "Aliens actually working
a farm on Earth! I didn't think they knew what to do when it
comes to farming!"

"Hey, people need to eat on Fukunokami just as much as they
have to here," Kamen warns. "We have farmers."

"There're farms on Uru," Hensou adds.

Sometime later, everyone musters in the main hall for test
shots. Shutako was even able to pull Ria away from the factory.
Everyone goes through the gamut of photo test shots: work
clothes, school clothes, casual, swimsuits. Those who are
confirmed couples or working on relationships...Atako and Shinoko
plus the Project K bioroids...pose both individually and together.

Finally, everyone relaxes in the living room as the
photographers develop the negatives in the van. Kayoko comes in
at that time. "I saw your stuff," she kneels behind Atako and
Shinoko. "You two looked great!"

"Thanks," Atako smiles. "We get a job?"

"Well, it's a lot of part-time stuff," the model admits.
"But don't worry. On stage, everyone is quite professional. It's
off stage that you have to watch yourself."

"We'll keep it in mind," Atako muses...

* * *

Atako and Shinoko are hired within the day. In a flash, they
pen their names on contracts. The Project K bioroids and Ria were
also considered for special work, but demand for those jobs were
infrequent. Interest in aliens seemed only concentrated in the
Tokyo area, although that could change depending on other races'
fortunes in winning treaty approval from the United Nations. With
that, Atako and Shinoko find themselves doing modelling work in a
studio in Niigata.

"Rarely do we get people your age who're willing to give up
half a day to work as models," Tomoko, a make-up artist, observes
as she works on Shinoko's face. "Aren't you worried about
school?"

"Well, we don't have to worry too much about school anymore,"
Shinoko admits. Trying to convince the Japanese education system
that she and Atako, who have the same education as their
templates, could go back with little problems scholastically was
too much a headache even for Nagaiwakai. "We work the farm during
the morning hours, then are free to pursue our interests in the
afternoons and evenings. What's wrong with that?"

"Well, there is college," Tomoko muses.

"I'll worry about that later, if it interests me," Shinoko
sighs. "Right now, loads of other options lie before me. I want
to be careful before making my career choice. Plus, I have to
keep Atako-kun in mind."

"Your life, honey...whoo!!"

"Too much?" Atako walks in.

Shinoko looks. Atako was now dressed in a power suit with
knee-length skirt and high heels. "I hope you don't fall flat on
your face when you're wearing those things," Shinoko hums.
"You're not used to them."

"Yeah, my ankles really needed to be reminded of that," Atako
groans. "I'll try not to make a fool of myself."

Another model arrives, wheeling in her sleeping daughter.
"Hi, everyone!!" she notices Atako and Shinoko. "Oh, you must be
the new ones! Hi, I'm Chooko Ritsuzoo!!"

Introductions are made, then Atako kneels before the baby.
"Kawaii!!" she gasps, then looks up. "When did you have her?"

"Yasuko-chan?" Chooko kneels beside her pride and joy. "Just
three months ago."

"Has it been too hard?"

"No, not really!!" Chooko shakes her head. "My husband's
still in college, so he has loads of time to spend with her."

"Lucky!" Atako stares at Yasuko.

Images appear in her mind. The surprise of learning Atako is
pregnant with hers and Shinoko's child. Nine months of
anticipation, watching as life grows inside her, then is born.
The sight of raising their daughter, a beautiful girl with Atako's
determination and Shinoko's serenity. Watching her grow and
learn, pass through the education system, find her mate, then give
her parents grandchildren sometime in the foreseeable future. And
she would live as long as they, perhaps see the coming of the
Fourth Millennium. As Avalonians, that was very possible.

*You can do this!* a voice tells her. *You can do something
Ataru can't! He can't create life within him, then bring that
life into this world. Only women can do that. Only *you* can do
that!*

Seeing the beautiful girl, Atako realizes the one thing
missing from her life; a child. Ataru and Lum had Reiko to care
for. Nokoko and Mal were working on how to have their own child.
Atako had been denied that when she was born. Not anymore.

She blinks, feeling a hand on her shoulder. Looking left,
she sees Shinoko smiling at her. This was even better. Shinoko
inherited Shinobu's dreams of having a stable home and children of
her own to raise. In their relationship, she did not have to do
all the work of rearing and raising a baby. Atako could do all
that should circumstances dictate. Both their dreams were
possible, within their grasp if they seized the day.

Standing, Atako smiles at Chooko. "I hope she becomes a
beautiful woman when she grows up," she sighs.

"Thanks," the other model blushes. "Wow!! You really like
kids, don't you!"

"Well...let's say I just realized something I can do," Atako
blushes.

The others laugh. The door then opens, allowing a perky girl
Reiko's age to enter. "Hi, everyone!" she calls out.

"Junko!" Tomoko beams. "How are you?!"

"Okay, I guess," the girl forlornly sighs as she relaxes in a
chair, then undresses.

Atako is surprised by the tired tone in Junko's voice,
immediately equating the child model with Reiko and her
playfullness. Alarm bells begin to ring in her head. Should not
Junko have that same happiness?

Her eyes then widen on seeing several dark bruises on the
girl's arms and abdomen. Staring at Shinoko, she registers a like
look of horror on her lover's face. Yet...Chooko and Tomoko seem
to accept the girl's bruising with sad resignation. Taking the
former aside, Atako whispers, "What happened to her?"

"Don't ask," Chooko hisses. "She doesn't like to talk about
it."

"Was she beaten?" Shinoko mouths.

Chooko stares at Junko. "By the looks of it. She's one of
the most popular child models in Chuubu. Her parents have control
of everything...I mean everything! But Junko-chan just wants to
be a normal kid, you know. So, according to rumour, every time
Junko-chan begs to get away from modelling shots or tries to get
herself fired..." she ruefully thumbs the young girl, "...that
happens."

Atako shudders, a familiar rush of indignant rage flowing
through her soul. The sad tragedy of Annebelle de Osterloch comes
to mind. Without hesitation, she walks over to kneel beside
Junko. "Hi," she smiles. "I'm Atako Moroboshi. What's your
name?"

"Junko Tsutamoto. Are you new here?"

"Yeah! You want to show Shinoko-chan and me the ropes?" she
indicates her lover.

Shinoko smiles as she starts to dress. Junko blinks, then
nods. "Okay!"

Atako flashes an "okay" sign to Shinoko. The latter winks,
then they go to work...

* * *

Atako's and Shinoko's days soon become routine. Up at dawn
with the other bioroids. Out to the gardens and orchards,
planting, trimming, weeding, and picking vegetables for the
market. Work until noon, then have lunch. Everyone then goes her
way. For Atako and Shinoko, that means a quick helicopter trip to
Niigata where they spend afternoons and some evenings in front of
a camera.

Of course, both don't spend all their time posing with the
latest fashions. Like most other jobs requiring a lot of
precision equipment and pre-planning, Atako, Shinoko and the other
models wait in their dressing rooms for the camera crews, tailors,
make-up artists and scene personnel to get everything ready for
that magic moment. During these times, everyone visits with each
other. For Atako and Shinoko, their times are usually spent
either helping Chooko care for her newborn daughter or playing
with Junko...

* * *

Sixth day. Atako and Shinoko stream into the dressing room
to see a desperate Chooko standing there, Yasuko sleeping in her
arms. "Chooko-sempai, what is it?" Atako wonders.

"Oh, Atako, there you are!" she breathes out in relief.
"Listen, could you keep an eye on Yasuko-chan for a while,
please?!"

The baby is literally thrust into the bioroid's arms.
"What's wrong?!" Shinoko wonders. "You look awful!"

"My husband's stuck up in Akita!" Chooko passes diapers and
formula to Shinoko. "His car broke down and he needs a lift home!
I'll be back soon!! Thanks!"

The door slams shut before Atako or Shinoko could reply.
They stare at each other, then at the cherubic form in the
former's arms. "Boy, she's in a hurry, isn't she?" the latter
muses.

"Yeah!" Atako stares at Yasuko. "Here, give me the bottle.
She looks hungry."

"Okay."

In a moment, Yasuko quietly suckles at her formula as Tomoko
comes in. "Oh, she found someone!" the make-up artist breathes
out in relief. "Wonderful!"

"Don't you just hate these emergencies?!" Shinoko positions
herself.

"They come in all the time, honey!" Tomoko laughs, then
notices Atako. "You sure you know what to do?"

The bioroids flush. They had revealed their origins to
Tomoko one drunken night after a long shoot. "I'll learn pretty
quick, I guess," Atako smiles, then stares at Yasuko. "There you
go, Yasuko-chan. Auntie Atako's going to take care of you while
Mommy's gone."

Shinoko and Tomoko exchange a knowing smile as the latter
gets to work. "She has a deft hand with children," Tomoko muses.

"Hard to believe after his experience with Ten-chan," Shinoko
sighs, then looks over. "I think that's more of Ataru's feelings
for Reiko-chan coming into play."

"Yeah," Tomoko hums, then lowers her voice. "You better
watch out, honey. Atako wants to be a mother something awful.
You make sure she doesn't do anything foolish."

"I doubt she'll do that," Shinoko smiles.

Suddenly, Yasuko emits a shrill cry. Atako blinks, then
sighs. "Diaper change!" she declares, then gets to work.

"Want some help?" Shinoko wonders.

"No, thanks. I'll figure this out."

Shinoko and Tomoko exchange a look of dread. After a minute,
Atako fastens a new diaper around the baby. "There!" she smiles.
"How's that feel, Yasuko-chan?!"

Yasuko chirrups. Tomoko walks over to inspect. "Not bad for
your first time!"

"Thanks!!" Atako blushes.

Shinoko and Tomoko exchange a pleased stare. Who would have
figured someone based on Ataru could be such a doting babysitter?
Ataru's experience with children counted only Ten-chan and Reiko,
both well beyond the diaper stage. Suddenly, cooing sounds emit
from Atako's mouth, eliciting delighted giggles from Yasuko.
"Now, do we call her 'Mr. Mom' or 'Miss Mom?'" Tomoko wonders.

Shinoko howls with delight. The door opens, revealing Junko.
"Hi, everyone," the girl sighs, then parks herself on a chair.

Everyone's eyes lock on her. Junko's hair is a disaster,
eyes red from crying. "Are you okay?!" Tomoko moves to her side.

"No!" Junko rubs her arm.

Atako's eyes narrow on another bruise. Placing Yasuko in a
crib, she kneels beside the child model. "Who did this to you?"
she gently grips Junko's hand.

The girl sniffs. "M-my...m-my..."

She wails, leaning into Atako's embrace. "There, there,
sweetie!!" the bioroid embraces her. "It's okay! It's okay!!"

"I hate this!" Tomoko shakes her head. "They mark her up and
expect me to make her look beautiful for her shots! Don't they
understand she doesn't want this anymore?!"

"Why doesn't the director just let her go?!" Shinoko wonders.

"Shinoko, are you kidding?!" the make-up artist blinks. "If
she's fired, who knows what her parents'll do to her!!"

Atako stares at Junko, then reaches for her portable
communicator. "Atako to Ria."

"Yes, Darling?" the elder mother replies.

"I want you to beam me and someone up," Atako squeezes
Junko's hand. "It's Junko. I need a medical exam done on her."

"Okay, Darling. Standing by."

"We'll keep a watch on Yasuko-chan," Tomoko nods as they are
beamed away...

* * *

"I have never seen anything like this!!" Ria exclaims as she
stares at her tricorder. "Who's doing this to her?!"

Junko now lays on a diagnostic table. Regeneration units are
attached to her arms and abdomen, clearing away the bruising.
"Her parents, by the looks of things," Atako sighs, staring at the
young girl. "It's just awful!"

"Tell me about it," Ria sighs. "Well, I've recorded several
sprains, an unbelievable amount of scar tissue, even some cracked
ribs. This is child abuse, alright. There's no way someone her
age with her experience could have experienced all this via
accidents."

"Agreed. So what do we do about it?"

"We could take this to the police. But will they accept our
proof? It'll be hard to present this now that we're regenerating
her. Everything'll be cleared up."

"But we can't let her suffer anymore," Atako grits her teeth.

She stares at Junko. The girl is asleep, a headpiece
connected to leads shielding her mind from the torrents of energy
healing her many wounds. Atako walks over, sitting beside Junko.
"We can't let her suffer anymore," she repeats. "I can't let her
suffer anymore."

Ria sympathetically stares at her friend. "Darling...there
might be a way to help her."

"How?!" Atako turns on the elder mother.

"A *shirei'cha* bond. With that, you can sense what's
happening with Junko-chan as it is happening. If her parents try
something, you could be on top of it in a second."

*Shirei'cha.* A mother-child version of *marei'cha,* a bond
which automatically forms when the child is born. Not as
intimate, but just as reliable in relaying danger signals. Atako
considers that, then nods. "Okay. I'll suggest it. It just
might do the trick."

Sometime later, Junko is released from regeneration. Ria
runs another scan over the girl as she dresses. "Well,
everything's cleared up. How do you feel, Junko-chan?"

"Hungry," the girl stares at Atako. "Atako-sempai? Can I
ask you something?"

"What is it, Junko-chan?" Atako kneels.

"Why are you being so nice to me?"

"I know what it's like being in an abusive family. I don't
think it's anything like what you're enduring, but...I know what
it feels like, not being loved by my parents."

"But you're a bioroid," Junko blinks. "You're a machine.
You don't have parents."

"I do have my template's memories and feelings," Atako
explains. "Everything he experienced to the point when I was
created is in my mind. In that sense of the term, I'm him.
He...didn't come from a happy home."

"That's the truth," Ria confirms.

Junko smiles. "I wish you were my mom."

Atako and Ria exchange a look. "Well, I'm glad you said
that," the former turns back to Junko. "How'd you like to make
sure your parents don't hurt you anymore?"

Junko blinks...

* * *

"You formed a *shirei'cha* bond with Junko-chan?" Shinoko
blinks in surprise.

Both now relax in their bed after the shoot. "It's the only
thing we could do for her," Atako shrugs, helplessness crawling up
her spine. "In a sense, Junko-chan's in the same situation as
Ryuunosuke. An insensitive family who doesn't give a damn what
she wants, but forces her to be something she doesn't want to be.
What was I supposed to do? Just leave her to the sharks?!"

"No, of course not," Shinoko shakes her head. "I just hope
we don't cause a big stink over this, especially if Junko-chan's
parents find our we're coming after them. You might've made
things worse, Atako-kun."

"I don't think so," Atako sighs, laying back. "Leaving it
alone, allowing her to suffer further...THAT'S worse!"

"If you say so," Shinoko sinks into her embrace. "But I hope
you don't 'white knight' every helpless case that comes along.
After all, you're supposed to be my white knight."

"And you, my liege lady," Atako hums. "Now, how can I serve
my lady this evening?"

"Stick around. I'll think of something."

* * *

Over the next couple of days, matters concerning Junko remain
calm. She explains to Atako the next day that after seeing her
wounds magically cleared up, her parents were wondering if Jizo,
the heavenly protector of children, was about to curse them for
their misdeeds. Naturally, there was no need to tell them the
truth.

Along the way, Chooko's adventures with her husband and
daughter electrify everyone's attention. After another test,
Chooko is told that she is again with child. Hopefully, as is the
way with all Confucian societies, this would be the son all
fathers desire. That, along with Atako's bond with Junko, drives
the bioroid to a decision which has been urging her over the last
while...

* * *

"Hi, I'm back!!" Atako declares as she walks into the
bedroom.

"There you are!" Shinoko looks up from her book. "What is
it?!"

Atako leaps on the bed, clearly excited. "I have a
surprise!"

"What?!" Shinoko tenses.

"You're going to like this!"

"Tell me!!"

Atako takes in a breath. "I'm pregnant."

Silence. Shinoko blinks, then leans up to her. "Excuse me?"

"I'm pregnant!!" Atako beams.

Shinoko blinks, the suddenness of the announcement catching
her totally off guard. Staring again at her lover, she asks,
"How?"

"Oh, it was easy!!" Atako smiles. "All of us have our DNA
records stored on the factory! I asked Ria to take a sample of
your DNA, mate it to one of my eggs, then impregnated me!! It
only took a moment!"

Shinoko shudders, then crosses her arms. "When was I
supposed to be told about this?!!"

"It's a surprise!! You've always wanted a family! Now,
we're going to have one!"

A flash of rage bolts across her face. "Yeah, it's a hell of
a surprise, alright!!" she exclaims. "Atako, how could you?!!"

Confusion crosses the other bioroid's face. "What's wrong?"
she wonders. "This is your dream, my dream, coming true! You
don't have to worry about a thing!!"

"I'm not objecting to that!"

"What's wrong?! Don't you want a baby?!"

"Yes, I want a baby!!! No, I don't mind if you want to have
a child!!!" Shinoko bolts to her feet. "But...don't you get it?!!
Don't you understand what you've done?!!"

"What?!!"

Shinoko points at her. "You have taken one of the most
intimate experiences a couple could share, something we both have
to participate in, then by yourself, carry it out without once
asking my opinion!!"

"What's wrong?! It's what you wanted!"

"No, you don't get it!!" Shinoko snarls. "That's MY DNA
that's now in your body with your DNA forming a child!! You had
no right to do this without consulting me!! I have no idea how
you sweet-talked Ria into helping you do this!! God, Atako, you
may be a girl but you still act like a guy, trying to control and
direct everything around you!!!"

"Don't you get it?! I finally get the chance I've wanted
since I became this!! I finally can create something, give life
to someone!! That is something no man can do!!"

"Oh, so you're doing this because it's something you couldn't
do as Ataru!!" Shinoko growls. "God, now I understand how Lum
felt when Ataru first adopted Reiko!! Well, you're not going to
pull that on me!!!"

With that, she storms out of the room, slamming the door shut
behind her. Atako watches her go. "What did I do wrong...?"

* * *

The next day, things are decidedly cool at the lunch table.
The other bioroids stare at Shinoko, who is sitting with her back
to Atako. The latter has a very confused look on her face. The
psi-links are quite active. <<What happened last night?!>> Damasu
asks Mienai. <<What were they screaming about?!>>

<<I have no idea,>> the latter shakes her head. <<But
whatever it is, it'll have to be settled between them. Don't try
to horn in.>>

Lan's sister nods. Shinoko finishes her meal, then notices
the time. "We have to go."

"Um...right," Atako nods.

Once they are gone, everyone breathes out in relief. "What
the heck's wrong with those two?!" Shikko blinks. "What do you
suppose set Shinoko off last night?!"

"I have never been able to understand that girl when she was
Shinobu," Aisuko shakes her head. "Don't ask me!"

"Ria, what's going on?!" Hensou hums. "Darling was with you
for a while last night."

"Don't tell me you had another little bout of regression,"
Kamen wonders.

"No, it wasn't that," Ria shakes her head. "But I'm not at
liberty to say anything. If you want to know, ask them."

* * *

"Say something," Atako stares at Shinoko as they ride the
helicopter to Niigata. "If I've offended you, tell me what I did
wrong!"

Shinoko responds with silence. She had never felt so
violated, even when she was Shinobu putting up to Ataru's
outrages. How could Atako just turn around and decide they were
going to have a baby? Had she no idea how much Shinoko wanted the
chance to consider all her options before launching a family. How
much she wanted to share in the creation of a baby? Even though
they were dependent on artificial parthenogenesis and Ria's help
to see it through, Shinoko desperately wanted to be a part of
everything that happened, even if Atako would carry the baby.

Atako blinks, then looks away, trying to fight off tears.
This was supposed to be the culmination of their relationship.
The one link which would make their relationship perfect. Why was
Shinoko so angry? Did she not see how much Atako wanted a baby?
What if she tried to explain herself? Could she explain what she
did? Admittedly, it seemed a spur-of-the-moment decision, but
Atako had been thinking of experiencing a pregnancy for quite some
time now, when it fully sank in that she was a girl and that
wouldn't change for the rest of her life.

"Shinoko..." she stares at her companion.

Shinoko shudders. She didn't understand, not now. Allow her
the chance to think it out, then say something...

* * *

Others were quick to notice. "What's with you two?" Tomoko
wonders as she works on Atako's hair. "You have a fight?"

"Yeah," Atako sighs. "Tomoko, tell me something. When you
do something you believe deep in your heart is what not only you
want, but what your lover wants...and that someone turns around
and gets angry because she didn't want it then...what does it
mean?"

"It depends on what you did...and how much you believe
Shinoko wanted it."

"Well, I've always known that Shinobu has wanted a family,
children to care for. I want that now and I'm trying to get it."

Tomoko blinks. "You mean you're...?"

Atako nods. The make-up artist gasps. "Wow!! Did she know
before you...?"

Atako shakes her head. "Oh, boy!" Tomoko sighs. "Well, you
have to understand a couple things. As you were a man, you're
used to the idea of getting what you want regardless of who stands
in your way. And hearing what your brother did to all his ex-
friends, you're not used to compromising, seeking other people's
opinions before doing something."

"I couldn't. All of them wanted me to stay in Tomobiki and
be their whipping boy."

"Uh-huh. But how did Lum react to it?"

"She didn't like it. She fought me all the way until Grandma
made things raw..."

Her voice drifts off as something comes to her. Shinoko
called the act of creating a baby the most intimate thing a couple
could share! They were supposed to be a couple, were they not?!
And what did Atako do? She forged ahead, without asking Shinoko
her opinion, then did it! Take charge, then do it without
understanding how others felt. Man's world, indeed...BUT Atako
was no longer a man.

"I think I goofed," Atako looks down.

"'Fraid so," Tomoko sympathetically smiles. "Now, the idea
of bringing life into this world is never wrong. It's the way all
races continue. The drive to reproduce exists in all of us. You
never escaped it when you became a girl. In fact, carrying your
memories of your brother's daughter over, add onto that helping
Chooko care for her baby plus helping Junko-chan deal with her
parents...well, you leaped before you looked."

Atako nods. If Shinoko had done that to her, she would have
flown right off the handle, believing that Shinoko was using her
like so much chopped liver. Heaven help Lum if she ever
considered doing such a thing to Ataru. Ataru had gone out of his
way to prove how much people used him...and wound up nearly
destroying what he had with Lum because she was not part of the
decision making process.

What did Atako do to the woman she loved?

The same thing.

Real swift, Atako.

* * *

The model shoot goes off well. Despite the frosty feelings,
Shinoko cooperates with Atako, maintaining her decorum before the
camera. After everything is done, the couple proceeds to the
heliport for the trip back to Sado. Once in the cabin, Shinoko
looks away. Atako blinks, then stares at her. "Shinoko?"

Silence. "I...look, if you want, I'll go see Ria and stop
this right now. We don't have to have the baby if you don't want
it."

Shinoko jolts. Personally, the very thought of aborting a
child sickened her. Unfortunately, Atako had every right to get
an abortion if she desired it. Ria wouldn't tolerate any attempt
by Shinoko to object; Atako's body was her sacrosanct property.

Then again, so was Shinoko's DNA.

"But I really want this baby," Atako sighs. "Maybe I was
selfish when it came to wanting one now. But you don't understand
what I'm going through. Ataru's a father, remember? He's used to
having a child around to care for, to give his love to. Yeah, he
used Reiko-chan to help him get out of Tomobiki, but he never once
intended to raise Reiko-chan without Lum's involvement. And I
want the same thing, Shinoko-chan. I need it. And I truly
believed...I assumed...you wanted it too. That part of you hasn't
changed, I think. Please...please try to understand."

Shinoko blinks. Past events replay. Atako doting over
Yasuko. Panicking over Junko, ready to rush in like the white
knight to save her from her evil parents. And before that? Ataru
had doted over Reiko since the day they met. He also panicked
over what Elle had put Belle through. For Atako, caring for a
child was natural; it was something she knew was the right thing
to do.

"Shinoko...?" Atako blinks.

Shinoko stares at her. "Isn't there something else you
should be saying?"

"I..." Atako pauses, then sighs, looking down. "I'm sorry."

Silence. Shinoko hums, then looks away. "I'll think about
it."

Atako glares at her. "Oh?!" she looks away. "Fine, then!!"
she snorts. "I'll go have the abortion as soon as we get back!"

Shinoko faints! "WHAT?!?!?!" she angrily spins on Atako.
"HAVEN'T YOU LEARNED A DAMN THING, ATAKO MOROBOSHI?!?!?!"

She finds herself in Atako's embrace, the latter projecting a
conspiratorial glare. "Don't you know I don't wait for anyone?!"
she purrs, rubbing her nose against her lover's.

They gaze at each other, then Shinoko smiles. "Don't you
ever, ever do that to me again," she sighs, kissing Atako. "And
yes, you idiot, I want the baby!"

"Good," Atako brushes the side of her head. "Well, now
that's all settled, what say we do something else."

"What?"

Atako's hand forms a spider-leg fist on Shinoko's face.
Smiling, she replicates the manoeuvre as both lower their psi-
guards, allowing their minds to merge, meld with the level of
intimacy all Sagussans have known for ages. "I love you, Shinoko
Miyaki," Atako sighs as their bond solidifies, then they drift
into an embrace. "Everything I do, even if it's dumb and stupid,
will always be for you and what we have between us."

"I love you, Atako Moroboshi," she coos. "And even after
what you did...I know how much this means to you...and us."

They kiss...then Atako screams as a jolt of psychic pain rips
through her mind! "Junko!!!" she gasps, dropping to the deck.

Shinoko jolts; through their *marei'cha* bond, she
immediately sensed what Atako was feeling. "They're hurting
her!!" she snarls, then looks at the pilot. "Turn us around!!!
We have to go back to Niigata!!"

"Yes, ma'am!!" he nods...

* * *

Junko screams as she runs into her room, then slams the door
closed behind her. New bruises swell on her arms as she tries to
keep her father out. "Junko!!" he bellows from outside. "You
come out here this instant!!!"

"Leave me alone!! I hate you!!!"

That does nothing save anger her father further. With a
bellow, he kicks in the door, sending the girl sailing against her
bed! Racing in, he grabs her by the arm and drags her to her
feet. "How dare you say that?!" he threateningly raises his belt.
"Now, you come back downstairs this instant!!!"

"Leave me alone!! Leave me alone!!!"

"Shut up!!!" he hits her with the belt across the back of the
head!

Junko howls as he hits her again and again, the agony
overwhelming her. Within a minute, she looses consciousness,
sinking to the floor. Her father glares at her, then drags her
out of the room. "Stop playing that!!" he growls. "Now, come
back downstairs and apologize to your mother!!"

Junko moans, unaware of his words. She falls to a heap at
the bottom of the stares, not moving as her father follows her.
"Such a naughty girl!" her mother exclaims. "Wherever did we go
wrong with her?!"

"I don't know, but we'll beat that spirit out of her sooner
or later!!" he snorts as he drags Junko back to her feet. "Get
up!!!"

The front door explodes!! "***LEAVE THAT GIRL ALONE, YOU
SLIME!!!!!!***" Atako screams.

Before Junko's father could react, Atako is on him, sending
him sailing through the living room window! Junko's mother
screams as Shinoko charges in next, followed by two paramedics and
a troop of Niigata's finest. "Junko-chan!!!" Shinoko screams as
she stares at the new bruises all over the girl's body.

"Gods!!" a paramedic gasps. "What did they do to this
girl?!"

"What do you expect?!" Atako turns to an officer. "Sergeant,
I want these two arrested and charged with child abuse and
attempted murder!" she points at Junko's mother.

Staring at the reviving girl, he nods. "Our pleasure, Miss
Moroboshi." He then looks at his companions. "Take them away!!"

"Yes, sir!" the senior officer snaps.

As Junko's parents are dragged off, Atako kneels beside
Junko, now being bandaged. "Atako-sempai..." she lightly smiles,
reaching for the bioroid's hand. "You came for me."

"Just like I promised," Atako holds her hand. "I won't leave
you behind, Junko-chan."

Junko stares at Shinoko, then back to Atako. "You two aren't
fighting, are you?"

"No, it's okay now," Shinoko smiles.

The young girl stares at them. "Does this mean I don't have
to model anymore?"

"Yep," Atako nods. "No more modelling."

"I can go to school? Have friends?"

"That's right," Shinoko smiles.

"Can you be my mommies now?"

The bioroids exchange looks. <<Fate's forcing a decision on
us,>> Atako shrugs.

<<Can't argue now,>> Shinoko beams.

The couple then stares at Junko. "Yes, we'll be your
mommies," Shinoko declares.

Junko smiles...

* * *

"My love, I am forever yours," Atako sips the wine, then
offers it to Shinoko.

Shinoko takes the sip. "Heart of my heart, I am yours
forever," she declares.

It is a beautiful day as everyone stands in the rose garden
behind the Sado ranchhouse, sharing in the wonder of this day.
Exchange of rings occur, then a kiss. The Sensualist priestess
offers the blessings. "As you have sworn, so shall it be done.
Let no mortal tear asunder what has been vowed this day. May the
Mother Goddess bless you, protect you and preserve your Union now
and forever more."

With that, everyone cheers as Atako and Shinoko Moroboshi
face their guests. Unlike Nokoko's and Mal's handfasting, where
everyone had come to share in the final union, only Atako's and
Shinoko's immediate relatives and friends were present.
"Congratulations, sis," Ataru embraces her. "I know it will
work."

"Thanks, Onii-chan," Atako smiles.

"I'm so glad this happened," Shinobu embraces Shinoko. "I
just wish you'd've thought of inviting everyone else."

"I've no need to see them," Shinoko hums.

Everyone comes up to embrace the new couple. "Well, I must
admit that I'm glad things are working out," Nagaiwakai muses,
embracing her new granddaughter. "So how soon am I going to be a
great-grandmother?"

"A lot sooner than you'd think, Grandma," Atako lifts Junko
into her arms. "Especially if Family and Children's Services
would hurry up and allow us to adopt her."

"Even I can't make them move that fast," Nagaiwakai sighs,
then kisses Junko. "So, what do you want to do now, Junko-chan?"

"What I've always wanted to do, Great-grandma," she shrugs.
"Be a normal girl!"

"In this place?" Reiko blinks, carried by Lum. "Don't bet on
it, Junko-chan!!"

"Well, at least my parents are together!" Junko snorts.

"Stop that!!" Atako cuts in. "We're one family. We don't
fight each other!"

Suddenly, Kinshou appears behind Ataru and Atako. "Does that
mean you'll come back home?!!" she exclaims.

The Moroboshi twins look angry. "DON'T BET ON THAT!!!!!!"
they sock her into orbit!!

Lum and Shinoko sighs. "Sometimes, I wonder who's worse!"
the former muses.

"We can't help it, Lum," the latter smiles. "After all, we
do love them, even with all their faults."

"True," the Oni smiles...

*** The End ***