Urusei Yatsura Fan Fiction ❯ The Senior Year ❯ My Darlings United ( Chapter 32 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year: "My Darlings United"
by Fred Herriot
**** **** ****
edited by E.B. Kushnir
**** **** ****
Twenty-sixth of a series of fan fiction stories based on "Urusei Yatsura,"
created by Rumiko Takahashi
**** **** ****

WRITER'S NOTES:

1) The Sunin (a contraction of "sumo-ninja") were created as a sort of
answer for how Ataru (and Lum in "The Final Chapter") escaped being run down
and nearly killed at the end of "Only You," "Lum the Forever" and the
aforementioned fifth movie.

2) The Nagussans' registry number system works in the same manner as the
Sagussans' *daishi'cha* sequence numbering system, but with one difference.
The code works on a mixed alpha-numeric system in the pattern X-0000-X. The
first letter identify's the Nagussan's ancestral race, the number serves as a
sequential reference system and the second letter is a gender identifier.

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

Fifteen years ago...

Once upon a time, the House of Moroboshi was not the divided ruin it is
today, its parts preying on each other like a pack of cannibals forced to turn
on their own for sustenance. Once, the part-Vosian matriarch Nagaiwakai could
hold a civil conversation with her daughter-in-law Kinshou without the latter
mooing at the former. Once, Kinshou actually loved and cared for her
children, Nokoko and Ataru. Strange, you think? Impossible, you exclaim! Be
patient, gentle reader, for there is a simple explanation to this curious
misconception. For you see...Kinshou and Muchi Moroboshi actually gave birth
not to two, but to THREE children: a daughter, then twin sons.

Yes. Ataru had a twin brother.

The presence of three children in the lives of the Moroboshi Clan
brought unbridled joy to not only their loving parents, but to Nagaiwakai and
Komeru. In fact, they happily and willingly lent as much assistance as they
could to Muchi and Kinshou, ensuring that their children...Nokoko, Ataru and
Kaeru...could enjoy a happy life. As the elder son, Ataru was slated to
become the heir to Nagaiwakai's position as leader of the Moroboshi Clan. As
the elder daughter, Nokoko was guaranteed the right to succeed Komeru as the
new clan matriarch, the leader of the clan's day-to-day operations. That left
Kaeru to follow whatever path he desired. That was what his parents wanted.

Kaeru suffered from a series of minor respiratory ailments. He was
never as healthy or active as his brother. However, Kaeru showed a surprising
aptitude for learning. He was already speaking full sentences before he was
two, was walking before ten months and was toilet-trained before twenty months
had passed. Kaeru's natural willingness to succeed at such an early age
endeared him to his parents, who doted on him incessantly. Whenever Kaeru
wanted a toy, he got it. Whenever Kaeru wanted to go on a vacation, they
went. This was not the same with Ataru or Nokoko. While their parents did
care for them and certainly did not abuse them, Ataru and Nokoko never
received the loving attention their brother did. Eventually, both learned to
rely on Kaeru to get any special attention from their parents.

Matters changed one New Year's Eve when Ataru and Kaeru were three.
After remaining awake to welcome the dawn of a new year, the siblings left
their grandmother's farmhouse in Gotou-Rettou to play. The three wandered to
a precarious spot near a cliff. Making their way through the flowers, Nokoko
and Ataru easily avoided a hidden dip in the tall grass. Kaeru did not. He
fell down the dip, then tumbled over a cliff! By the time Nokoko and Ataru
realized their brother was missing, Kaeru lay twenty metres below on the
seashore, suffering from massive internal injuries. By the time he was found
by a roving patrol of Kuromoroboshi ninjas, it was nearly too late.

As the Moroboshi family, who soon gathered at the accident scene,
suffered the heartbreaking trauma of Kaeru's loss, they failed to notice that
there were two witnesses to his tragic tumble: two shapely, ethereal humanoid
women dressed in matching silver jumpsuits emblazoned with a rampaging pegasus
motif. Both took close interest in the dying child. Remaining unseen on
Gotou-Rettou, they followed Kaeru to the island hospital, where the doctors
attempted to keep him alive. When his death was believed certain, the doctors
withdrew to contact his relatives. The two women entered the hospital
undetected and, driven by a curious need to assist the suffering boy, silently
transported themselves and Kaeru to their orbiting starship. In the wake of
Kaeru's disappearance, a massive manhunt was unleashed by Nagaiwakai to locate
his remains; the doctors were all but certain that his injuries were fatal.
None, not even the part-Vosian matriarch once anointed as a Righteous Gentile
in the eyes of the Republic of Zephyrus, could ever conceive that aliens had
something to do with the disappearance of Kaeru Moroboshi.

And that is where our story truly begins...

* * *

Oshika. New Year's night.

A subdued party is ongoing at Ataru Moroboshi's beachfront home, not so
different from New Years' parties all across Japan. However, this particular
celebration could be conceived as odd simply by the presence of two frigate-
class starships parked on the beach down from Ataru's home. The house is
gaily decorated with icons as those invited to this party celebrate the end of
the most hectic year of their lives. Hope reigns supreme that the new year,
1984, would bring a greater sense of peace and prosperity to the inhabitants
of this quaint villa on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

In the living room, Ataru, Lum, Nokoko and Mal play gracious hosts to a
small group of friends. Nassur and Benten have come from Home Base, happy now
that their honeymoon had ended without incident. Hazel is there, now ending
her sojourn with Ataru's grandmother at Rishiri-tou. Yukio is present, on a
brief vacation from her training on Cademus. Dakejinzou Shogai came from
Fukunokami. Chiezou and Ashin Budou have come from Tsuchira, along with the
Shinto high priest's daughter Aikyou, resting from her task to help Asuka
Mizunokoji overcome her fear of men. Mal's fellow Nendo-kata are present, as
is the recently-handfasted Nicole and Mujanba McTavish. Also present are
Atako, Ria and the other bioroids from Sado. Tomobiki is represented by
Koosei Ryooki (who came with Oyuki), not to mention Momoe, Kumiko, Natsuko and
Ryuunosuke (who came with their fiances); as well as Mie.

Absent from this scene are the usual crowd who flock around Lum whenever
the Oni is in Tomobiki. While their bioroid sisters are welcome at this
party, Mendou, the guards and Lan were warned to stay away. In the wake of
events in the previous story, Lum adamantly refused to attend a New Year's
party Mendou was holding at the Tarouzakura. In fact, the Oni publicly ripped
up the invitation in class two days ago. Refusing to celebrate the new year
with those she no longer considers true friends, she happily aided Ataru in
arranging the party at Oshika. To ensure that NOBODY unwelcome at this party
could possibly interfere, Komeru ordered his paramilitary forces to form a
defensive cordon around Oshika, with orders to shoot to kill. To prevent any
unwanted aliens (read Rei and Lan) from interfering, a mobile anti-ship
torpedo battery from the Royal Tritonian Defence Force is now set up on the
small island to the sea-side of Nicole's crystal palace.

Conversation is brisk as everyone exchanges stories about the previous
years' events. Aikyou is certain that within the week, Asuka will be fit
enough to return to public life. Ataru wonders if such a marriage could
possibly work given the latter's blind infatuation of Lum. Several other
handfastings have occurred since the last Senior Year Special: Nicole and
Mujanba McTavish, Tatsuko and Saiten Fujinami, Osooko and Hei Sakurambou and
Nintaiko and Donna Miyaki.

In addition, Ataru no longer had to worry about Kurama being a factor in
his life. In setting up Operation: Double-fall, Ataru arranged to have the
Tengu princess create a clone of himself which would be used as the "body" for
Nagisa to discover. This was partially to get Kurama to agree to cease
contemplating Ataru as a possible mate. It was also partially in response to
Kurama's vile insult of Hazel. When the Tengu visited Ataru, one can imagine
the shock she felt when she learned that a half-Ipraedies hybrid was a guest
in his home. Ataru was barely able to keep Kurama from tearing Hazel apart
(or should that be the other way around?...F.H.), then with a liberal
application of his *qu'f-piaqu'r's* buttstock, made the princess his unwilling
accomplice in executing Ataru's and Nagaiwakai's year-end joke on Tomobiki.

Kurama's departure is the topic of conversation between Mie and her
classmates. "At least we'll never have to see her again!" Ryuunosuke sighs.
"She's always been such a pain since she first came looking for a mate."

"Now, all we have to do is find a way to get rid of Lan," Momoe nods in
agreement. "Just because Lum'll be leaving in February doesn't guarantee that
airhead won't continue to be a pain in our collective backsides!"

"Amen to that," Kumiko snuggles to her fiance's side. "But come
February, I won't be living in that zoo."

A chorus of agreement echo from Momoe and Natsuko. "I wish I was as
lucky as you," Ryuunosuke shakes her head. "Given the way Dad throws money
away, we'll never get out of our apartment at Tomobiki High School!"

"Then why don't you live with us, sister?" Tatsuko leans on her elbows
beside Ryuunosuke. "Saiten-chan and I'll be happy to support you, Father and
Nagisa-kun if you decide to rebuild Hamajaya here."

"Now, there's an idea," Nagisa playfully kisses his fiancee on the
forehead. "We'd already have a clientele awaiting us!"

"Yeah!!" the tomboy laughs.

Nearby, Ataru and Lum share a toast with Nassur and Benten. "Here's to
never seeing Kurama again," the Terran sighs. "Good riddance to bad rubbish!"

"Amen to that!!" the Fukunokami chortles as they drink. "I wonder how
long it'll take her to find another schmuck so she can try to get her heir!"

"As long as it doesn't concern me, I don't care!" Ataru shakes his head.

"Here's also to being with people who *really* appreciate you for what
you are," the Oni toasts. "Not for what they try to make you into becoming."

"I can agree to that," the Vosian nods as they drink. "I'm surprised
that your other classmates caved in so easily."

"Well, I told them that both you and Dakejinzou-chan were here on *my*
orders to kill any of them should they try to harass Darling," Lum shrugs.

The hunters laugh. Ataru sighs, staring at his girlfriend. He had
taken a considerable risk when he helped his grandmother launch Operation:
Double-fall. However, deep down, Lum knew that Ataru was still alive. She
had gone through the proper motions in hopes of discovering what really befell
her Darling. Ataru hoped that Lum's willingness to sacrifice herself for him,
not to mention turning against her classmates to expose his "murderer," would
convince Nagaiwakai to finally accept the Oni as his future wife. Then again,
Ataru had no worries; if he married Lum, she would be automatically exempt
from the imposition of the United Nations' Resolution 444.

Ataru's train of thought is broken when the doorbell is heard. "I'll
get it!" Reiko yells as she runs to the door, then opens it. "Great-grandma!"

Nagaiwakai steps in. "Hello, Reiko-chan," the matriarch kneels to
receive her great-granddaughter's embrace. "Are you behaving yourself?"

The Noukiite readily nods as Ataru, Nokoko and Atako step up. "Hello,
everyone," Nagaiwakai beams as her grandchildren embrace her, then she stares
at Nassur. "Natsu-chan, are you behaving yourself?!" she coyly muses.

The Vosian hunter stammers, staring in shock at the twentyish-looking
Nagaiwakai. Her hair hangs loose, covering her ears. Benten looks upset as
the matriarch makes her way upstairs. "Shit, when Ataru said she was a flirt,
he wasn't kidding!" she mutters.

"Oh, Benten, stop complaining!" Hazel sighs. "Oba-chan doesn't mean any
harm! Beside, if she can accept Sensei, how long do you think it'll be before
she'll accept Lum-sensei?!"

"True," the huntress muses. "But, why **my** husband?!"

"Why do you think *I* fell in love with him?!" Dakejinzou hums.

Before anyone could say anything more, the doorbell rings again. "Who
could that be?!" Lum flies to the door. "Coming!"

She opens the door...and is deluged by a storm of hay!! "Hello?!!" a
flighty voice is heard. "Is there anyone home?!!"

"Help!!!" the Oni cries as she finds herself buried under a stack of
hay! "Darling!!! There's a visitor!!!"

"Mother?!!" Nagaiwakai gasps.

"Great-grandma?!!" Ataru, Atako and Nokoko yelp.

"'GREAT-GRANDMA?!?!?!'" the others exclaim.

Riding a mustang side-saddle into the living room is a beautiful brown-
haired woman resembling what Nagaiwakai could be when she is physically
thirty-four. Like her daughter, she wears her hair loose, covering her ears.
She is dressed in a beautiful kimono displaying a prairie scene with a herd of
stampeding horses. Slipping off her mount, she brushes herself off, then
smiles. "Oh, there you are, Nagai-chan. Am I too late for the party?"

"Um...not really, M-mother," Nagaiwakai giggles, then turns to everyone
else. "Everyone, this is my mother, Kimaenowakai Hana."

The guests respectfully bow. Nassur is frozen in place, staring in
disbelieving shock. "B-but...h-how...?" he stammers.

"It is to wonder," Benten disbelievingly shakes her head.

The Moroboshi children then introduce their lovers. Kimaenowakai stares
in confusion, then looks at Nagaiwakai. "Nagai-chan, have you been hiding
something from your poor, suffering mother?!"

"Wh-what do you mean, Mom?!" Nagaiwakai looks defensive.

"Since when did I get TWO great-granddaughters?!!" Kimaenowakai points
at Atako and Nokoko. "I clearly remember one!!"

"Um...that's a long story," her daughter chuckles.

The Hana clan matriarch then stares at Lum and Mal. Both sweat,
wondering if she, like her daughter, would immediately disapprove of their
presence. "Nagai-chan, there's something wrong with these two," Kimaenowakai
stares at her daughter. "Why do they have pine cones in their hair?!"

"'PINE-CONES?!?!?!'" Lum and Mal exclaim.

"And why did they dye it green?!" Kimaenowakai hisses. "Is this some
silly new fad?!"

Lum and Mal faint! "Um...no, Mom, it's natural...and those are horn-
buds," Nagaiwakai tries not to laugh. "You see, they're Onis."

Surprise crosses her mother's face. "Onis?!!"

Kimaenowakai stares anew at Lum and Mal. Both smile. The Hana clan
matriarch then leans back. "Well, that's their problem," she shrugs.

Ataru and Nokoko look relieved. Lum and Mal feel faint. "You have to
excuse Great-grandma," Atako chuckles, her face flushing. "She doesn't really
seem to understand things at times. She really doesn't mean any harm."

"Thank the gods I was created **normal**!" Shinoko sighs.

By that time, the first ray of dawn begins to shine through the picture
window. Everyone looks to the east to see the brilliant golden orb rise over
the horizon. They walk outside into the fresh air, sitting in groups to
observe the first sunrise of 1984. Lum and Ataru sit together with Reiko and
Nagaiwakai and Kimaenowakai. The Hana clan matriarch stares at her great-
grandson. "Well, at least one of you made it this far," Kimaenowakai sighs.

"Excuse me?!" he stares at his great-grandmother. "What do you mean
'one' of us, Great-grandma?! There's Nokoko-chan, remember...and now there's
Atako-chan, too!!"

"Mother?" Nagaiwakai looks concerned.

"That's enough, child," Kimaenowakai holds her hand up. "He has every
right to know this." She then stares at Ataru. "Ataru-chan, have you ever
wondered why your parents, no matter what else they want to do, always find
time to go to a Buddhist shrine every New Year's Day?"

Ataru and Lum blink. "I always found that strange," the Oni muses.

"So did I," her boyfriend looks ill. "Then again, they did too many
strange things for my tastes!" He stares at Kimaenowakai. "But, what...?!"

The Hana clan matriarch seems neutral. "Because, child, fifteen years
ago this day, your twin brother died."

An oppressive silence falls over the beach, broken only by the wind...

* * *

"I HAD A BROTHER?!?!?!" Ataru screams.

Moments after Kimaenowakai's revelation, the members of the Moroboshi
family plus their attendant lovers gather in the living room. The other
guests remain outside to grant them privacy. Disbelief is clearly on Ataru's
face. "Why was I never told of this?!!" he slams his fists into the table.
"Don't you think I would've liked to know about my brother?!!"

"Of course you would, Ataru-chan," Kimaenowakai sighs. "But, your
grandmother and I decided that we'd wait until you were mature enough so that
you could understand and comprehend what we told you."

Ataru looks down, then feels Lum's comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Then why didn't Mom or Dad told me about this?!" he stares at Nagaiwakai.
"Or hell, why didn't Komeru-oji-chan told me?! Why?!!"

"Why not?!" Nagaiwakai snorts, glaring at Lum. "Mother is correct. We
held off telling you about Kaeru-chan earlier until you were old enough to
comprehend what had happened. We would've liked to have told you last New
Years Day...but of course, that sow Kinshou would never allow it."

"Why?!!" Lum demands.

"Oh, haven't you come to understand that by now?!" Nagaiwakai sneers.

"Grandma, that's enough!!" Atako leaps between the matriarch and the
Oni. "Snapping at Lum-chan's not going to bring Kaeru back!"

Nagaiwakai relaxes. "Perhaps you are right, Atako-chan," she sighs,
standing. "Then again, if Kaeru never died, your brother would probably have
never had to put up to the antics which came in Lum's wake!"

The matriarch storms out of the room. "Grandma...?" Lum looks sad.

"Boy, is she thick or what?!" Shinoko shakes her head, whispering to
Mal. "Can't she see how much Lum loves Ataru-kun?!"

"Hush," the ex-Nendo-kata warns. "There is much disUnity Grandmother
has suffered, disUnity she believes my sister to be responsible. You must
grant her time to permit herself to forgive. Forcing Grandmother against her
will to accept Lum-chan will not serve the cause of Unity, Shinoko-chan."

"If you say so," the bioroid hesitantly nods.

Ataru faces Kimaenowakai. "What did Grandma mean by **that**?!"

"Isn't it obvious?!" the Hana clan matriarch muses. "You see, you were
slated from birth to take Nagai-chan's place as the leader of the clan.
Nokoko-chan would have replaced Komeru-chan as the chief of the clan's day-to-
day operations. Kaeru-chan, therefore, was left to develop in whatever way
Muchi-chan and Kinshou decided was best for him. He was their favourite
child. They doted on him, babied him, did everything for him. You and
Nokoko-chan rarely if ever received the proper amount of caring you should
have. Were it not for Nagai-chan or Komeru-chan stepping in when they did,
both of you would've not had much in the way of a happy childhood."

Ataru looks confused. "I didn't know I had a happy childhood."

"I certainly didn't!!" Nokoko snorts.

Kimaenowakai sighs. "Of course, if the chance offered itself, Nagai-
chan and Komeru-chan would've taken you out of that house as soon as possible.
In fact, it would've happened hadn't Kaeru-chan's...passing so distracted us."

Ataru blinks. "And after Kaeru died?!" Lum urges.

"Well, you know what happened to Nokoko-chan," Kimaenowakai stares at
her great-granddaughter. "As soon as possible, she was shipped off to Komeru-
chan and promptly forgotten by Muchi-chan and Kinshou."

Disbelief crosses Lum's face. "And Darling?!" she indicates Ataru.

"What could you expect?" Kimaenowakai sighs. "Kinshou didn't try to
care for him...while at the same time, she didn't want to let him go. If
Ataru-chan was taken away, she'd had nothing left. She pulled every dirty
trick in the book to keep Nagai-chan away from her grandson...while at the
same time, she gladly wished for the day she'd be forever rid of Ataru-chan."

"It...came to the point when I finally decided I didn't want to live
with her any more," Ataru shakes his head, continuing the tale. "I finally
decided I didn't need to put up to her abuse, so I'd leave on my own and go
live with Grandma. I would've done it, too."

"What stopped you?" Lum looks concerned.

He stares at her. "You came into my life."

"I...don't understand."

"Why do you believe my daughter loathes you?" Kimaenowakai sighs. "At
the time you moved to Tomobiki, Nagai-chan had almost succeeded in persuading
Kinshou to let Ataru-chan go. It would have been a pleasant arrangement for
all concerned. Your coming to Tomobiki put the kibosh on that. After all, if
Ataru-chan lived in Rishiri-tou, *you* would've lived with him..."

"And Ten-chan and I would've been living away from Darling's mother!"
Lum gasps, realization dawning on her face.

"That's right," the Hana clan matriarch nods. "Why did you think
Kinshou seemed so desperate to keep Ataru-chan in Tomobiki? Why she convinced
you to go all out to keep Ataru-chan in his personal dungeon? She cared for
you and your cousin...that was obvious. But you were linked to Ataru-chan.
If Ataru-chan left Tomobiki, you would go. She used you, Lum...and by all
appearances, you willingly supported Kinshou's side. And because of that, my
daughter may never find it within herself to forgive you."

The Oni shudders, trying to comprehend exactly what her future great-
grandmother-in-law just told her. Yes, there were times, where Ataru did
express a desire to leave Tomobiki. It was true that Ataru's mother persuaded
Lum to keep Ataru home. That urging made Lum believe that Kinshou loved her
son, her incessant "I wish I never had him" tirades notwithstanding. Lum had
believed it was the mental trauma of the *saikoo jinseijitsu's* emergence
which drove Ataru to sever connections with his parents. She never once
considered there really was NO love between Ataru and his parents.

Wrong. She never permitted herself to see that fact. Lum once accepted
that Ataru's parents were part of her "safety net," the band of people she
used to keep track of her Darling. Even after she admitted that she had tried
to dominate Ataru, Lum hoped that Ataru would at least try to reform some
connection with his parents. Kimaenowakai's revelation made the Oni realize
that there was NO relationship between Ataru and his parents. The legal
manoeuvring Ataru had done in "Sakura's Class Reunion" truthfully was a long-
overdue acceptance of what existed in the Moroboshi household.

"Darling, I'm sorry," she whispers, leaning into him.

"So am I," he sighs, gently stroking her hair. "I never realized it was
that idiot who was behind the times you stopped me from going to see Grandma.
It was times likes those when I really felt myself hating you, resenting you.
Believe me, if there were times I wanted to give you hell, they were it."

Lum nods. "I wouldn't've blamed you."

Seeing that they now wish to be alone, everyone else rises and steps out
of the living room. Once outside, Shinoko looks at Atako. "What do you think
will happen now?" she hugs herself. "Will Lum move here?"

"Maybe," Atako sighs. "She's got one month left in that zoo. Once
that's done, those morons in Tomobiki'll never see her again."

"A lot can happen," her bond-mate sighs. "Especially in Tomobiki."

"Unfortunately," Atako's eyes roll...

* * *

After the New Year's celebrations, everyone returns to their lives. For
Lum, that means returning to Tomobiki to attend her final month as a senior in
Tomobiki High School. However, the revelations about Kaeru have soured the
Oni's feelings towards the two people with whom she presently resides. They
quickly learn of her sudden change of mood, with the corresponding increase of
water usage thanks to numerous showers. Ten-chan's gentle inquiries earn him
a few ugly stares, convincing him to quickly drop the matter. Everyone else
in Tomobiki, with the exception of Mie and Koosei, quickly get the hint as
soon as they try to be friendly with the Oni. Immediately, blame is placed on
Ataru, which earns Mendou and the guards more detentions from Koosei.

One day, Lum marches home. The blazing heat around her causes all in
her way to withdraw. Out of nowhere, Mendou appears in his classmate's path.
"Lum-san, what a lovely day this is...urk!!!"

The scion of Japan's richest family cowers from the blazing stare Lum
gives him. "M-my, L-lum-san...are y-you still u-upset...?!"

"Upset?!" the Oni sneers, then turns to a gameshow spin wheel called THE
MOOD WHEEL, each slot marked with various emotional states. "Let's see," she
spins the wheel. "Mood Wheel, Mood Wheel, turn, turn, turn," she chants,
"...which mood shall I be to make this moron learn?!"

The arrow points at one entry. "'Incensed!!!'" Lum snaps, then faces
Mendou. "I'm incensed today, Mendou!!! NOW, GET LOST!!!!!!"

Mendou makes a hasty retreat. Behind the Oni, Shinobu and Mie stare in
disbelief. "Boy, she's still sore?!!" the Kyushu native gasps.

"After learning about what Ataru-kun's parents did to her, I don't blame
her!" Shinobu shudders. She learned about Kaeru from Shinoko and Nintaiko.

The Oni turns, glaring at her classmates. "What do you two want?!"

"Hey, don't give us that crap!" Mie marches up to her. "Doing it to
that jerk is okay, but remember that you have **real** friends here, too!!"

Lum looks contrite. "I'm sorry, Mie. After what Great-grandma told me
about Kaeru and what Darling's parents did behind my back, I feel so used!!"

"I don't blame you," Mie gently squeezes her classmate's shoulder.
"Just remember who are your real targets and who are innocent bystanders."

"I'll try," Lum nods. "Want some tea?"

The Terrans nod, following the Oni to the Moroboshi home. The three
stop just as they arrive at the front gate, aghast on seeing the front door
smashed in. "What the hell happened here?!!" Shinobu gasps.

"Lum-chan, Lum-chan!!!" Ten-chan flies out of the house.

"Ten-chan, what happened?!!" Lum looks relieved that her cousin is well.

"One of THEM is here!" the young Oni points inside.

"'Them?!'" Lum looks confused as the three teens walk inside. "What do
you mean, Ten-chan?!" she turns into the living room...then screams!

The living room looks as if the Unabomber had used it for target-
practice! Kinshou and Muchi are now crushed under the living room table, the
whole squashed against a wall!! What scares Lum, Ten-chan and Shinobu the
most is the giant man now sitting cross-legged by the window, dressed from
head-to-toe in a midnight-shaded ninja's uniform. What scares them more is
that the gentleman in question is even LARGER than Captain Invader, his build
making him a perfect candidate for sumo wrestling. "Ah," the man smiles under
his mask. "Welcome home, Youngest Mistress."

"Wh-who are y-you...?!" Mie stammers, then looks left and right to see
Lum, Shinobu and Ten-chan hiding behind her! "What's going on?!!"

The giant rises to his feet, then respectfully bows. "I am Tengeki,
leader of the Hana Sunin bodyguards protecting the Lady Kimaenowakai Hana."

"Y-y-you're Great-grandma's bodyguard...?!" Lum stammers, then
realization dawns on her face. "Oh, that's right! Darling's mother always
neighed whenever you people appeared!"

The giant seems to smile as he produces a small package. "I bear this
from the Youngest Master Ataru," he bows, handing it to Lum.

The Oni hesitantly takes the package. Everyone else stares at her.
"What is this, anyway...?" Mie turns back...then gasps. "Where'd he go?!!"

The other shiver on seeing him gone like the wind! "Wow!" Mie sighs.

"I hate it when they come and go like that!!" Shinobu stammers.

"Who is that guy, anyway?!" Mie looks curious.

Later, in Lum's room, the Oni explains. Tomobiki's first encounter with
the Sunin occurred shortly after their first encounter with Elle. When Ataru
was dragged to Uru to get married to Lum, he automatically rebelled and tried
to escape. Just as everyone moved to chase him down, a platoon of the giant
sumo-ninjas appeared. In quick order, they pounded EVERYONE into okonomiyaki,
then, after declaring Ataru's "engagement" to Lum null-and-void, escorted
their mistress' great-grandson to Earth! The next encounter came at the end
of the pseudo-war between the Mendous and the Mizunokoji in the wake of
Memory's first appearance. When Ataru was being chased by everyone after they
realized that their lives could go back to normal, a platoon of Sunin stepped
in the way. The last encounter came at the end of the Second Tag Race. When
everyone in Tomobiki tried to "express" their anger over Ataru's and Lum's
spat, a COMPANY of Sunin stepped in.

At every encounter, no one could learn where the sumo-ninjas came from.
Inquiries with Ataru's mother proved useless since she neighed every time the
Sunin appeared. Any powers or skills the Sunin's victims possessed...Benten's
combat skills and machine gun, Oyuki's cold-generating powers, Lan's bazookas,
Shinobu's strength, Rei's polymorphing powers, even Lum's lightning...were
useless. If they did not crush you by their mass, their own dread arsenal
made people's lives exciting...in a very painful, almost terminal, way; every
encounter with the Sunin sent people to the hospital for up to two weeks!

At the end of Lum's recounting, Mie nods to the package. "Aren't you
going to open that?" she muses.

In seconds, a beautiful stuffed doll in Ataru's image lies in the Oni's
hands. He is depicted dressed in a sleeved Sagussan jumpsuit. "A doll of
Darling?!" Lum muses, then sees a note in the box. Picking it up, she reads.
"'Dear Lum-chan. As you can guess, I haven't been feeling good since Great-
grandma told me about my brother. I'm not going to let that stop me...and I
won't say 'I told you so' since even *I'm* surprised by what those two morons
did behind our backs. Still, I can't wait for us to be finally together when
this month is over with. Here's a little something to keep you company when
you're forced to suffer the presence of idiots...your Darling.'"

With a squeal, Lum hugs the doll. Mie, Shinobu and Ten-chan smile...

* * *

Next morning, Lum meets with Mie. "'Morning!" the Oni waves.

"'Morning," the Kyushu native smiles as Lum lands beside her. "Ready
for the final month of classes?"

"Naturally," Lum smiles. "One more month of ignoring Megane's and
Mendou's tirades, then I can bid this place a not-so-affectionate farewell!"

"Lucky you," Mie sighs, wondering again as she sees the Ataru doll in
Lum's shirt pocket if she should finally reveal to the Oni her connection to
Sagussa. "Well, who knows what this new year'll bring to us."

"I'm counting on a walk down the aisle," Lum laughs.

"Just as long as I get to be your maid-of-honour!" Mie warns.

"Deal!!" the Oni laughs.

Walking several metres back is Shinobu. She intently watches Lum and
Mie banter like they were lifelong friends. Ataru's ex-girlfriend sighs as
she gazes on the clear sky overhead, her thoughts recounting a diary entry:

"...and so another day begins with the daily tired march to
classes. Few at school seem to understand that a new year has
dawned, new possibilities loom on the horizon. Those that do look
forward to a coming marriage, moving to a new city, beginning a
life which no longer orbits around Tomobiki. Or should that be
'around Lum?' So much has happened since her arrival.

"Ataru-kun's departure from Tomobiki should have warned us
of what was coming. We deceived ourselves in thinking that the
carnival our lives had become would never end. How foolish, how
immature we were. Many now openly speak of the time when Lum
would leave Tomobiki, go to Oshika and marry Ataru-kun. They no
longer heed Megane's and Mendou-san's tirades, having finally seen
how mindless, how childish, they really were.

"Is this growing up? Is this what happens when one lets go
of the past and looks forward to the future? I once actually
believed nothing would change, actually wished that nothing would
change, that all would remain frozen in time. Our class now
counts four people who are officially engaged to marry. One is by
all intents and purposes engaged. Another is working avidly for
the day when she will marry. The remainder hover between giving
in to the tide and seeking to find their place in the world...or,
try desperately to cling to past glories...

Shinobu's train of thought is interrupted when she walks right into
Lum's back! "Hey!!!" the Terran exclaims. "What the...?!"

"Shinobu?!" the Oni looks back.

Shinobu looks first at Lum, then Mie, noticing both have stopped.
"What's wrong?!" she looks back at Lum.

"Look," Mie nods down the street.

Shinobu looks...to see a man walking down the street several metres
ahead. "That's Ataru-kun!" she hums.

"That's not Ataru-chan," Mie warns. "His walk's more regimented.
Further, have you ever seen him wear those clothes...much less pack a gun?"

"Are you sure that's a gun?!" Lum looks worried.

"I think so," Mie nods. "Let's follow him."

Nodding, the three proceed in review order. As they trail him, they
notice his face turning left and right, taking in the details around him.
"He's got a goatee," the Oni whispers. "Darling has a full beard."

"And there's that dimple on his cheek," Shinobu hisses.

"My point exactly," Mie nods. "He's not Niphentaxian, but that still
doesn't answer the question as to who he is."

The three continue to follow the stranger. Ahead of them, Kaeru glances
back. The three in his wake had expressed curiosity, but had yet decided to
initiate contact. While continuing his exploration, he would await their
decision. He then stops, sensing a presence ahead. Focusing, he stares upon
two gargantuan humanoids. "Oh, no!!" Lum gasps. "The Franken twins!"

The Frankens glare at Kaeru. "Moroboshi, eh?!" the first twin sneers.
"We've been looking all over for you!!"

"It's not nice to ignore when other people wanna talk to ya!" the second
twin cracks his knuckles.

Kaeru remains neutral. "I did not believe my presence would cause
offense. Very well. I shall depart."

He turns to leave, but the twins double around to face him. "Hold it,
you!!!" the first growls. "You ain't goin' noplace!!"

"Then I shall remain," Kaeru acknowledges.

"Good!!!" the second snarls. "'Cause there're some people who ain't
pleased about what you pulled on people sometime ago!!"

Confusion hints in Kaeru's eyes. "At what exact time did I reportedly
commit this offense against the sentients native to this habitation?"

"Six days ago, ya creep!!!" the first snaps.

The Nagussan engineer considers that information. "You are in error."

"What?!!" both Franken twins snap.

"Six Earth-revolutions ago, I was departing Nagussa aboard my cruiser,
the Nagussan Defence Force Ship 'Ganshiki.' I was not on Earth."

"Ever heard of that place?" Mie stares at Lum.

Lum rapidly shakes her head. Presently, the twins are so steamed, they
could chew neutronium. "Look," the first snarls. "We may not be the swiftest
people around, but we know ya when we see ya...and here ya are!!!"

"Then you have my condolences," Kaeru sighs.

"What condolences?!!" the second snaps.

"For your lack of intelligence," the Nagussan innocently replies.

The Franken twins faint! Shinobu shakes her head while Lum and Mie slap
their foreheads. Storming to their feet, the twins look incensed. "Oh, so ya
wanna insult us, eh?!!" the first snarls. "Get ready for a bruising!!!"

"You wish to initiate hostilities?" one of Kaeru's eyebrows rise.

"What do ya think?!!" the second chuckles.

"As you wish."

His right hand drops beside his pants' bulge. It suddenly melts away,
revealing a large particle pistol. With a snap-draw which would impress Wyatt
Earp, Kaeru aims and fires! As the Franken twins pass out, Kaeru returns his
pistol to its holster. "Do not interfere in my exploration again, sentients.
Should you consider otherwise, I will immediately terminate your existences."

Behind him, Lum, Mie and Shinobu are aghast. "That was quick!!!" the
Kyushu native gasps, her jaw scraping the floor.

"Is that really Ataru-kun?!!" Shinobu stares at Lum. "Could that be
another personality developing?!!"

"I hope not!!" the Oni shudders. "Dealing with the Cyborg and the
*saikoo jinseijitsu's* enough for me, thank you!!"

The three girls follow Kaeru. The Nagussan engineer turns down the
street passing in front of Tomobiki High School. Already arriving are many
students, among them Mendou and the guards. The scion of Japan's richest
family tenses as Kaeru approaches, then with a banzai yell, leaps at the
Nagussan, drawing his katana. "Moroboshi, you bastard...!!!"

Kaeru remains inhumanly calm as his eyes note the oncoming attack. His
pistol clears its holster as it bears on Mendou's blade. A second later, the
katana, warped by the impact from Kaeru's gun, drops to the ground many metres
away from its master!! Everyone freezes as they stare disbelievingly at the
sight of Mendou now powerless, facing the business end of Kaeru's pistol.
"Explain your actions, sentient," the Nagussan icily demands.

Mendou stares at Kaeru, then straightens himself. "Forgive me, sir," he
lightly bows. "I believed you to be someone else. Excuse me."

"What?!!" Lum flies up to Mendou. "You could tell that's not Darling!!"

"Of course, Lum-san," the scion of Japan's richest family smiles as he
indicates Kaeru's features. "Look at those clear, intelligent eyes! A clean
face! Iron discipline in his mouth! He's well exercised! The demeanor of a
warrior...not the total moron Moroboshi is!!"

Lum icily glares at Mendou. "Keep it up, idiot!!! I just might arrange
that you won't marry anyone...because you'll be DEAD!!!!"

"You desire this sentient terminated?" Kaeru inquires.

"Yes, please!!" Lum wishfully claps her hands.

"Very well," Kaeru aims and fires!

Mendou screams in mortal terror as he dodges the incoming bolts, running
to the safety of the school. "Unfortunate," Kaeru stares at his pistol. "My
targeting sights must be misaligned. I rarely miss a moving target."

"Oh, do you want your sights realigned?" Lum inquires.

"It would be logical," Kaeru nods.

The Oni moves to grab Megane. "Here! Use him as a target!!"

"Lum-san?!!" the guards' leader wails as he dodges her hand, then runs
away as quickly as his legs could take him.

Kaeru seems fascinated. "He seems unwilling to provide himself as a
target. I would have not terminated him."

"You might have to reconsider that line of thinking," Mie warns.

Kaeru considers the matter. "If you believe that is logical, then I
shall pursue such consideration immediately."

The other guards gag as they quickly withdraw, thus allowing the
school's female population to gather around Kaeru. Finally able to stare at
Ataru's brother from close range, Shinobu feels her cheeks flushing. *He's
cute!!* she gasps. *He's cuter than Ataru-kun, Mendou-san, Inaba-kun and
Nassur-kun put together!!! Lucky me!!*

Kaeru stares inquisitively at her. "Is there a problem, sentient?"

Shinobu is presently in the grip of a fantasy where she and Kaeru are
behaving like a typical married couple, with a loving home, children and, of
course, spending as much time as possible in each other's arms. Noticing her
dazed look, Kaeru turns to Lum. "This sentient appears to be malfunctioning."

Shinobu utters a romantic sigh. "I'll malfunction for you anytime...!"

"You actually desire to malfunction?" he blinks. "How illogical."

* * *

Kaeru is brought into room 337. "Ryooki-sensei!!!" Lum calls out as she
follows the Nagussan inside.

Koosei turns, then stops on seeing Kaeru. "Who's this, Lum?!"

"We found him on the street today," the Oni explains. "Have you ever
heard of a planet called Nagussa?!"

The homeroom teacher thinks for a moment. "Have I heard of a planet
named Nagussa?! Have **I** heard of a planet named Nagussa?!"

Everyone intently stares at him. "HAVE I heard of a planet named
Nagussa?!" Koosei hums. "Nope."

Everyone faints! "It is logical for you to conclude that," Kaeru nods.

"Why?!" Mie looks confused.

Turning to the blackboard, Kaeru draws a circle. "This is a crude
representation of this galaxy." He divides the circle into four parts. "We
divide the galaxy into representational quadrants as a means of locating
ourselves." He draws an 'X' outside the galaxy on the line dividing the upper
quadrants. "My home planet, Nagussa, is located in a stellar cluster at this
point." He draws a second 'X' in the middle of the lower left quadrant.
"This is the location of Earth relative to our locating system."

"Th-that's on the other side of the galaxy...in a stellar cluster
OUTSIDE the Galactic Barrier?!!" Koosei stares disbelievingly at the Nagussan.
"It would take us centuries just to get **to** the Barrier at that point..."
he gestures at the galactic border closest to Nagussa, "...but then, there's
the problem of getting THROUGH the Barrier!!"

"That seems logical given the primitive technology the races surrounding
this world exhibit," Kaeru muses.

"Hey!!!" Lan looks incensed. "Who're you calling 'primitive,' you
walking computer?!!"

Shinobu bashes Lan with the teacher's desk! "Don't be insulting!!!"

"Uh-oh!" Momoe mutters. "Looks like Shinobu's found another guy!!"

"That's a relief! It'll spare us from telling her that Nassur married
Benten," Kumiko hisses.

"I speak the truth," Kaeru faces Lan. "Your ships are surprisingly
incapable of excellerating beyond galactic escape velocity, a goal Nagussa
reached fifty millennia ago. By this time, the more advanced of your races
should have easily penetrated the Barrier. What is the logic of delay?"

"Why're you asking me?!!" Lan looks defensive. "I'm no warp engineer!!"

"How unfortunate," Kaeru muses. "All Nagussans are knowledgeable in
both basic and advanced warp dynamics. Your collective races have not even
reached a proper understanding of basic warp dynamics."

"W-well, give us enough time to c-catch up, there!" Lum interrupts,
hoping to avoid a fight between the Nagussan and Lan.

To no avail. "Well, forgive us for living!!!" Lan snarls as she
produces a bazooka...

...and is promptly shot by Kaeru, then belted in the head by Koosei's
hundred tonne hammer, then for good measure buried under the teacher's desk by
Shinobu!!! "YOU LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!!!!" Shinobu howls, her eyes glowing with
rage. "You won't be told again, you airhead!!!"

"And that's another week for you, Lan!!" Koosei turns away.

The Seishin girl moans. "Hey, Shinobu," Ryuunosuke taps her classmate
on the shoulder. "Even if you've got a crush on him, you forgot something!"

Shinobu looks horrified. "I DID?!?!?!" she gasps, then leaps on
Ryuunosuke, ferverently shaking the tomboy. "What did I forget?!! What?!!
WHAT?!?!?! ***WHAT?!?!?!***"

"You don't know his name," the tomboy stammers.

An explosion occurs!! "Um...what is your name, anyway?!" Lum wonders.

"My official designation is Engineer-second Kaeru ryi'Kouhae-Raikue,
social registry code C-1515-H," he automatically iterates. "I am the second
engineer officer assigned to the Nagussan Defence Force Ship 'Ganshiki.'"

Those who attended Ataru's New Year's party freeze, staring in shock and
disbelief at the Nagussan. "Um...this may be an illogical question, but have
you had any prior designation before the one you possess now?" Mie gently
inquires. "Say...fifteen Earth-standard solar revolutions ago?"

Kaeru nods. "You are correct. My self-designation at that time was
Kaeru Moroboshi."

Jaws hit the floor at those words! "'Kaeru...MOROBOSHI?!?!?!'" Mendou
exclaims. "He's related to Moroboshi?!!"

"He's...Ataru's twin brother," Koosei shakes his head.

"Ataru's supposedly **dead** twin brother!!" Mie emphasizes.

"He doesn't look dead to us," Momoe muses.

"You mean...there actually is TWO of them?!" Megane exclaims, eyes wide.

"What a hideous thought!!" Kakugari gasps.

"Worry not!!!" Mendou snap-draws his katana. "In a moment, he shall be
a head shorter...!!!"

A second later, the scion of Japan's richest family undergoes what Lan
just suffered!!! "THAT INCLUDES YOU, TOO, YOU SNOB!!!!!!" Shinobu roars.

"And one more week for Mendou," Koosei notes in a very large notebook
entitled CLASS 3-4 DISCIPLINE RECORDS.

"D-darling's b-brother...!" Lum stammers, feeling her legs go under her.
"D-darling's b-brother...i-is...a-alive...?!"

The Oni passes out! "What a curious response," Kaeru muses.

* * *

Moments later, Lum's eyes open. She is now in the nursing station.
Sakura looks worried. "Are you alright?"

"Oooh...*datcha*!" Lum moans as she sits up. "I just had this crazy
dream that Darling's dead brother came back to life."

"What is the logic of her stating my life force should be terminated?" a
familiar voice inquires.

Turning pale, Lum spins around to see Kaeru standing near her.
"YOU?!?!?!" the Oni leaps into the air, backing away in disbelief and shock.

"I believe Lum has recovered," Sakura muses, then turns to Kaeru.
"Would you lay down here, please."

"Very well," Kaeru sits on the examination table, then lies back.

The nurse begins her examination. Everyone observes Kaeru's immediate
response to Sakura's commands, quickly noticing the total lack of emotion he
exhibits. "I'd swear he was an android, the way he acts!" Lan hisses.

"Or someone raised by machines," Mie muses. "That's a possibility."

"What do you know?! You're just a country bumpkin!" Lan sneers.

"I know much more that **you** ever will, airhead!!" Mie snorts.

Before Lan could retaliate, she finds herself facing Koosei. "Behave
yourself Lan, or it's a **month's** detention!!!"

"She started it...!!" Lan gasps...

...then gets a thousand-tonne hammer!! "A likely story!" Koosei snaps.

Lan moans. "What a thoroughly illogical creature," Kaeru notes.

"She can't help herself," Lum groans.

"She should be terminated if she continues to malfunction in this
matter," the Nagussan warns.

"Be our guest!!" the Oni looks sick.

Lan pales, then quickly makes herself scarce. "There!" Sakura nods.
"All done. You can step down, now."

Kaeru nods as he slips off the table. "What did you find?" Koosei hums.

"He's a normal, quite healthy teenager of eighteen years," the nurse
reports. "However, that doesn't match what Sensei once told me about Kaeru.
He suffered from incessant childhood bouts of asthma and bronchitis. In this
man, there's no sign of any disease within him."

"Understandable," Kaeru interrupts. "When my parents moved to prevent
my life functions from prematurely terminating, they transported me to a
Tagofu medical satellite. It was there, while the repairs to my damaged
internal systems were ongoing, that my initial genetic defects were detected,
then permanently eliminated."

"Couldn't you say a doctor saved your life and cured your asthma?!"
Ryuunosuke dumfoundedly shakes her head.

Kaeru considers the matter. "I did."

Everyone faints! "Did you swallow a computer?!!" Momoe gasps.

"To do as you propose would be illogical, not to mention potentially
fatal to the proper daily maintenance of my internal systems," Kaeru blinks,
wondering what planet Momoe came from to propose something that idiotic.

"There he goes again!!" Kumiko incomprehensively shakes her head.

"Hold it!!" Lum holds up her hands, then faces Kaeru. "Kaeru-chan, what
type of people were responsible for transporting you from Earth to Nagussa?"

"Androids," he responds.

Everyone faints! The Oni blinks. "Excuse me?! Did you say...?!"

"Androids," he repeats.

Everyone stares in disbelief at him. "You were raised by machines?!!"
Ryuunosuke gasps.

"Now, **I've** heard it all!!!" Koosei shakes his head.

"Any last words?!" Mie flashes Lan a triumphant smile.

Lan grumbles. "B-but...are there...any sentient hominoid organics...on
your planet?!" Lum stammers.

"Except myself," Kaeru muses, "...no."

Everyone stands there, trying to comprehend in her own way what type of
world Kaeru comes from. "So...why have you come here?!" Sakura points down.

The Nagussan sighs. "As you may understand, with the absence of
compatible female organics, I have no one with whom to...mate. After many
attempts with the known organic races in sectors known to the Republic, I came
to the only logical solution possible: proceed to the point of my initial
creation and seek a mate from those who would be compatible. Logically, they
are all here," he gestures to the females present.

Embarrassment crosses Sakura's face at his blatant honesty. "Um...yes,
I can see that," she looks over...to see Shinobu hugging one of Kaeru's arms.
"And by the looks of it, you've got yourself a volunteer."

Kaeru stares at Shinobu, then nods. "It appears you may be correct."

Instantly, Mendou moves to drag Shinobu away. "Shinobu-san, you must
stay away from him!!!" the scion of Japan's richest family gasps. "You cannot
have children with him!!! Your children will be living robots!!!"

His former girlfriend glares at him. "I don't KNOW you!!" she sneers.

Mendou is frozen in place as Shinobu yanks her arm away. "S-she...s-she
r-rejected m-me...?!" he stammers, then straightens, snapping his fingers.

A second later, a servant appears. "Yes, Young Master?!"

"Bring the equipment," Mendou orders.

In minutes, Mendou kneels in the hallway, now dressed in samurai undress
robes, a wakuzashi in hand. The servant holds his master's katana in hand.
"What is the logic of his proceeding to self-terminate?" Kaeru inquires.

"It's not logical," Lum sighs, "...but he won't be missed!"

"Amen to that!!" Megane snorts.

The Oni icily glares at the guards. "Neither will **you**!!!"

The four boys cower as Lum storms away...

* * *

"What a curious, destructive culture which exists on this world," Kaeru
muses as he, Shinobu and Lum leave the school for the Oni's scout. Lum and
Shinobu were given the day off to escort Kaeru to Oshika to meet his brother
and sisters. Shinobu gently hugs Kaeru's arm, gazing lovingly on Ataru's
brother. "Your capacity for violence is quite remarkable."

"All the races in this quadrant have long gone through ugly, violent
stages in their development," Lum muses. "My people underwent their
unification trial when another race invaded my world a millennium ago. It was
only two centuries ago when the Houses the Seifukusu imposed on us were
finally abolished and the present union government created. Earth's still got
some way to go before it's in the clear. Many are hopeful. You do come from
a race of survivors, Kaeru-chan."

"Fascinating," the adopted Nagussan muses. "The organic race which
preceded those who presently reside on Nagussa never evolved such self-
destructive tendencies. Their demise came with the injection of a terminal
virus similar to what is addressed as HIV on Earth. When the Fourth
Republic's female population was eradicated, the males, feeling a desire not
to continue, allowed themselves to naturally perish."

"How tragic!" Shinobu gasps.

Lum blinks. A Fourth Republic of Nagussa? "Did they call themselves
*Nagussa-oisen'a*?!" she inquires.

Kaeru blinks. "You speak Sagussan?" he stares at Lum.

"I'm learning it," the Oni blushes.

"You are almost correct," the adopted Nagussan nods. "In our language,
the term is *Nag'sa-ahysui'a*. Is that a Tere'na accent you possess?"

"That's the one my bond-mate has, yes," Lum nods, thanking her lucky
stars that Shinobu is so lovestruck over Kaeru, she would not get curious. "I
just found it surprising that both Nagussa and Sagussa have had four
civilizations to date. Darling...your brother...and I are soon to help the
*daishi'cha* commence work on Sagussa's Fifth Republic. Did your Fourth
Republic have any contact with Sagussa's Fourth Republic?"

"Intermittently," Kaeru muses. "Our predecessors found yours insanely
violent. It was at the time of Sagussa's War of Clone Rights. Their
influence in this sector is utterly appalling. No race was left unmarked."

Lum looks surprised. "So, you can emote!" she hums.

"Yes, I can...I believe," Kaeru nods. "However, I have had little
requirement to practice speaking in the dimension where you are comfortable
expressing yourself. I suspect if Shinobu continues her advances, I shall
possess ample opportunity to gain considerable practice."

The Oni giggles. "You better watch yourself, Kaeru-chan! If every girl
found out how honest you are, you'll have to beat them back with a club!!"

"What is the logic of striking females who merely desire companionship?"
Kaeru looks confused.

Lum catches herself from falling over. Suddenly, the three stop on
hearing someone run up to them. "Lum-chan!!" Nokoko gasps.

"Nokoko-chan!" the Oni looks shocked. "What's wrong?!"

The elder Moroboshi child stops, then blinks on seeing Kaeru. "Oh,
there you are, Ataru-chan!" she gasps. "You had us all worried sick...eh?!"
she stops, leaning close to gaze into Kaeru's eyes. "K-k-Kaeru-chan...?!" she
stammers, backing a step away. "Y-y-you're a-a-alive...?!!"

"Lum, why does everyone believe my life-force has been terminated?"
Kaeru stares at the Oni.

"Um...long story," Lum blushes, then turns to Nokoko. "What's wrong,
Nokoko-chan?! You look upset!"

Nokoko shakes herself out of her shocked stupor, then faces Lum. "It's
the worse sort of news!" she gasps.

Tomobiki then echoes with Lum's scream. "***DARLING'S MISSING?!?!?!***"

"That's right!!" Ataru's sister nods. "We were in Ishinomaki shopping.
I lost track of him, then when I turned around, he was gone! We've torn
Ishinomaki and Oshika apart looking for him but..." she helplessly shrugs.

A pained look crosses Lum's face. "Darling's...missing?! But how?!"

"And who's responsible," Shinobu notes.

Kaeru considers the question. "Nokoko, would you transport me to the
location where you last noted Ataru's presence. Perhaps I will be able to
discover who has absconded with him."

"O-okay," Nokoko nods, still shocked. "B-but...how is it you're still
alive?! You were quite dead by everyone's recounting!"

Kaeru stares at Lum. "Lum, why is it everyone believes my life-force
should be terminated?"

"Um...let's get my ship and I'll explain it to you on our way to
Oshika," the Oni muses.

"Very well."

* * *

Lum's scout rockets from Tomobiki. On the bridge, everyone relaxes.
Kaeru is busy examining the computer systems. Shinobu, naturally, is
examining Kaeru from a not-so-discreet distance. Observing this, Nokoko leans
at Lum. "Since when did she take interest in Kaeru-chan?" she whispers.

"Since she got a good look at him," the Oni hisses. "I think it's a
good sign. We don't have to tell her about Nassur-chan marrying Benten."

Both are then surprised to hear someone laugh. "What's so funny, Kae-
kun?" Shinobu muses.

Kaeru turns to her, pointing at the pachinko-board like machine Lum uses
as her primary computer system. "Is this your ship's central processor?" he
snickers, trying desperately to regain a sense of decorum.

"That's right," Lum nods. "What about it?!"

Kaeru loses control of himself in a spasm of giggles. "It is...the most
primitive machine...I have ever examined...!" he howls, dropping to his knees.
"It does not...even posses...a decent ODN interface...!!"

Shinobu giggles. Lum is unsure whether or not to let the Nagussan's
comments pass. "*Hey!!!*" the computer suddenly activates, its lights angrily
flashing. "*No need to get insulting!!*"

Kaeru stops laughing, staring anew at the machine. "It appears,
however, that the device's artificial intelligence program is remarkably
advanced," he muses. "Such a dichotomy is most illogical."

If the computer could blush, it would! "W-well, it s-serves me enough!"
Lum chuckles. "Anyhow, we've got some time before we get to Oshika. Kaeru-
chan, why don't you explain to us how exactly you came to live on Nagussa."

"Very well," Kaeru nods as everyone sits in a circle. He then produces
a very thin device which could serve as his wallet. Pressing a control
button, Kaeru then extracts a picture, from the device's side. He presents
the picture to Lum. "My parents, Kouhae and Raikue."

Lum looks. The picture is of two women, both statuesque beauties with
artistically sculptured faces. On the Oni's left is a pale-skinned woman with
shoulder-blade length brown hair styled with spiked bangs, twisted sides and a
long straight mass down the back. Her brown-black eyes sparkle with vast
intelligence immediately reminding Lum of Noa-chan. She is dressed in a
highly decorated silver Nagussan jumpsuit bearing hieroglyphs indicative of a
high-ranked official. Her mate is a dark-skinned woman slightly taller than
the first, clearly still of the same race. Her black hair is styled in a
left-side pulled-back cascade of curls. She has chocolate brown eyes, also
bearing a very intelligent glint. Her uniform is less decorated than her
mate's. "*Tcha*!!!" the Oni gasps, not believing that these are Kaeru's
parents. "They're the most beautiful women I've ever seen!!"

Nokoko and Shinobu stare over her shoulders for a closer look. "Gods,
they're gorgeous!!!" the former drools. "Did I just die and go to Heaven?!!"

"This is Kouhae," he indicates the pale-skinned woman. "She is my
mother. She also serves as Nagussa's Defence Minister. And this is Raikue,"
he indicates Kouhae's mate. "Her...relationship to Mother would be difficult
to describe to your races with your stratified mating rituals..."

"On Sagussa, she would be considered your *mashi'cha*," Lum muses.

"What's that?!" Shinobu looks confused.

"Mother's bond-mate," Lum translates.

"Exactly," Kaeru nods. "Raikue serves as a thoughtmistress in our
capital city. They have been a couple since they were first activated."

An admiring Lum sighs. "Oh, they're so beautiful. But...how did they
find you? Does your race come often to this quadrant?"

"Negative," Kaeru sits back. "In fact, before fifteen Earth-standard
solar revolutions ago, Nagussans never considered exploring this quadrant.
Our galaxy has been traditionally divided into Nagussan and Sagussan sectors
of influence. Neither race sought to interfere in the other's sphere of
influence. Fifteen solar revolutions ago, Mother and Raikue were serving as
officers aboard one of our deep-space exploration cruisers. They stumbled
onto a wormhole connecting a Nagussan sector with Earth's sector. When they
made landfall, they decided not to waste the opportunity. First contacting
the race on the largest satellite of the eighth planet of this system, they
proceed to explore Earth. It was in one away party that Mother and Raikue
discover the accident which befell me."

Lum nods, remembering a tale Oyuki told her of her people encountering
representatives from a highly advanced world. Although the princess was too
young to remember it, her parents would obviously remember Kaeru's parents.
"I'll ask Oyuki-chan about this," she waves the picture of Kouhae and Raikue.

"Very well," Kaeru nods.

"But, how the hell did they get into the hospital to get you out?!"
Nokoko urges. "That's something that's bugged Grandma for a long time!"

"Permit me to elaborate the events prior to that point of time," her
brother interrupts. "When Mother first came upon me, she was initially
inclined permit the local society to deal with my problem. However, as she
witnessed my suffering, Mother had what a Majujjou philosopher later proposed
was a change of heart. She...took pity on me. After...convincing..." a smile
tugs his mouth, "...Raikue of her logic, they trailed me until I was alone in
the medical centre, then...extracted me."

"Exactly how did she do that?!" Nokoko's eyebrow rises to her bangs.
"If Raikue-oba-chan's a philosopher, she would object to her mate's plan."

"Actually," Kaeru tries to keep himself from laughing, still finding
this tale amusing, "...Mother had a seduction planned for Raikue as soon as
they made landfall. It is...tradition among my people, to express one's most
desired emotions on reaching a strange field. Mother's relationship with
Raikue had reached the point where both logically concluded they could not
continue as a couple. My...problem, in essence, saved their relationship."

The three women stare incredulously at the Nagussa. "For a race of
androids, they sure are a passionate people!!" Lum gasps.

"Quite correct," Kaeru nods. "Nagussans are capable of expressing
emotion whenever it suits them, much like organic hominoid races elsewhere.
They simply choose not to expend so much energy in expressing emotion unless
circumstances force an emotional response."

"They're like the Vulcans," Shinobu muses.

"I am unaware of that race," Kaeru hums.

"They probably don't get 'Star Trek' where he comes from," Nokoko adds.

"Never mind," Lum interrupts. "So you were taken from Earth, taken to a
place where your wounds and diseases were cured, then moved to Nagussa. How
did your people take your coming? Did they...object?"

"Quite vociferously," Kaeru sighs. "Mother's action was...shocking.
She had to martial all her logic to convince the Republic General Assembly to
allow her to become my parent. They finally concluded that since Mother was
suffering a non-threatening malfunction, the Assembly acquiesced to her
desires. However, no one has to date followed Mother's example."

"That doesn't surprise me," Lum sighs. "What your mother did, kind as
it was, would be considered a gross violation of the Non-Interference Treaty
were any citizen of the Federation discovered kidnapping people from Earth."

"Is not your presence a violation of this treaty?" Kaeru hums.

Lum sighs. "The jury's still out on that. My people came here out of a
sense of obligation to the people of Earth. If we didn't come, another race,
the Ipraedies, would've probably invaded Earth."

"A sense of obligation?" the Nagussan is curious. "Continue."

"Well, I told you about the Seifukusu Dominion and what they did to
Uru," the Oni sighs. "When the Liberation came, we found ourselves stripped
of our society, our culture, our very sense of self. All we had left were the
Houses the Dominion imposed on us. That lasted for centuries. During that
time, we were drawn to try to discover some other place where we could form
some sort of emotional attachment. The one place which finally intrigued us
was the one planet which was spared invasion by the Dominion...Earth."

"Really?!" Shinobu gasps, quite fascinated by Lum's tale.

"Yes," Lum nods. "It became a fad on Uru to replicate Earth patterns of
behaviour, Earth fashions, Earth philosophy and culture. We saw your nation-
states as equivalent to our Houses, their wars of conquest not so different
from Houses competing for precious resources or a potential colony."

"When did this state of affairs cease?" Kaeru muses.

"Almost two centuries ago," Lum sighs. "It was the time of Earth's
American and French Revolutions. Could you imagine the shock we felt when we
watched common people rise up against their lords, overthrow them and impose
their own rule without any remnants of the old feudal structure in place?"

The Terrans are surprised. "Wow!" Nokoko whistles. "For once, little
old Earth actually has some influence with another world!"

The Oni blushes. "That's why we felt compelled to come to Earth when
the noise the Ipraedies were making about invading became too loud. That's
the reason I feel so comfortable living here, as do Ten-chan and Lan-chan. In
a sense, Earth's really not so different from Uru."

"I never thought of it that way," Shinobu muses...

* * *

Sometime later, Lum's scout lands in the parking lot of a department
store in Ishinomaki. Awaiting them is Mal and Reiko. "Beloved, Sister!!" the
Nendo-kata waves as the scout's passengers disembark. "There you are...eh?!"
she stops on seeing Kaeru. "Who is this?!"

Nokoko walks up. "Believe it or not, Mal-chan, this is my brother
Kaeru. Kaeru-chan, my mate and Lum's sister, Mal."

"That's my uncle?!!" Reiko gasps. "Isn't he supposed to be dead?!!"

Kaeru and Mal gaze upon the other. "A Nendo-kata?" the former gasps.

"A Nagussan?!" the latter muses.

"YOU KNOW EACH OTHER?!?!?!" everyone exclaims.

"Not personally," Mal smiles. "But the Great School has had prior
encounters with the Great School of Nagussa."

"I did not believe your race was capable of transporting themselves to
this galaxy," Kaeru stares at Mal. "Did a Majujjou assist you?"

"No," Mal smiles. "My particular school came to Earth via the Outland."

"Ah!" Kaeru nods understandingly, then stares at Reiko. "Who is this?"

"This is your niece," Lum smiles. "Reiko-chan's Darling's daughter."

"There is no physical resemblance," Kaeru reports.

"She's adopted," Nokoko explains.

The Nagussan nods. "Very well," he kneels to take Reiko into his arms.
"Come, Reiko. We shall discover what has become of your father."

The Noukiite giggles as Kaeru carries her into the store. The others
watch him. "He would be good with kids," Nokoko sighs.

Moments later, Kaeru proceeds through the aisles, his scanner currently
examining the premises. Shinobu lovingly holds the Nagussan's free hand.
"Does Shinobu-chan wish to mate with Kaeru-kun?" Mal whispers to Nokoko.

"By the looks of it," her mate hisses.

"You don't sound so hopeful," Lum comments.

"Wouldn't you?" Nokoko whispers. "I mean, a race of androids living on
a planet with no organics watching over them? Doesn't that sound strange?"

"Not really," the Oni hums. "After all, I'm in psychic contact with a
race of women who's fondest wish is to literally DO Darling!"

Nokoko sighs. "Shit, where were the Sagussans when I needed them?!"

"Beloved!" Mal cries, playfully punching her mate's arm.

Nokoko mock-yelps in pain. "Now, now!" Lum wags her finger. "Only one
harem to one Moroboshi child!"

The three girls laugh, which is interrupted by Kaeru's announcement. "I
have discovered what has occurred to my brother."

"What?!" Lum spins on him.

"My shipmates absconded with him."

"WHAT?!?!?!" the Oni looks horrorstruck. "Why would they do that?!!"

"I cannot respond to that inquiry at present," Kaeru shakes his head.
"You see, when I was transported to Earth, my ship's science officer, Keri,
had discovered the wormhole by which Mother and Raikue first travelled to this
sector. They determined that while I was exploring Earth, they would traverse
the wormhole back to Nagussa. Proceeding to Earth by conventional warp drive
requires a journey of six days, seven hours, fifty-two minutes and sixteen-
point-seven seconds. Via the wormhole, according to the records from Mother's
cruiser, travel time is shortened to one day, nine hours, twenty-seven minutes
and forty-four-point-nine seconds. Science-first Keri desired to see if the
wormhole is stable enough to permit regular transport."

"That still doesn't explain why they would kidnap Darling!" Lum shakes
her head.

"I've got an idea," Shinobu interrupts.

"Elucidate further," Kaeru urges.

She smiles at him. "Kae-kun, are there twins on your planet...or
anywhere in your quadrant of the galaxy?"

Kaeru looks confused. "I do not understand."

"Two people who look alike, were born...created, I suppose...at the same
time, descent of the same family...like you and Ataru-kun."

"Negative for Nagussa," he muses. "As for the other races in the
quadrant, they rarely occur but are not completely unknown."

"What are you proposing, Shinobu?" Mal looks curious.

"Simple," Shinobu indicates Kaeru. "Kae-kun here would be considered an
anomaly on Nagussa. He's the only organic human in a world populated by
androids. Hence, his people would consider him quite...unique. He has little
if no memory of life on Earth. He would hardly remember Ataru-kun or Nokoko.
Therefore, he, much less his shipmates, would not consider the existence of
*two* beings with almost the same DNA/RNA patterns existing in a small sector
of another planet. The Nagussans have no knowledge of identical twins, so
they would innocently believe Ataru-kun to be an anomaly...worth exploring."

Everyone nods understandingly. "So they would transport Darling to
their ship to find out what's going on," Lum gasps.

"Possibly," Kaeru nods. "Keri is a very efficient scientist. She is
quite capable of running experiments on both the wormhole and investigating
the anomaly of my brother's existence at the same time."

"Hey!!!" an insulted Reiko cries. "Daddy's no anomaly!!!"

"To us, he would be quite the anomaly," Kaeru stares at the Noukiite,
then turns to Shinobu. "Your conclusion is quite logical, Shinobu. Raikue
would be very impressed by your deductive skills. I would be more than
pleased to introduce you to my parents when they come to Earth in two days."

Shinobu feels giddy. "I...I'm going t-to m-meet your...p-parents...?!"
she stammers, flushing deep red. "I...I'm honoured...K-kae-kun!!" she claps
her cheeks, shying away from Kaeru.

Nokoko, Mal and Lum look impressed by Shinobu's willingness to be with
Kaeru. "He's got the old Moroboshi touch," Kaeru's sister chuckles. "It
doesn't take him long to make good with a pretty lady."

"Y-yeah..." Lum nods...

* * *

"So that's what we think happened," Lum explains to Koosei over the comm
lines. The Oni and her companions returned to Oshika to await the arrival of
Kaeru's parents. "Darling's going to learn about his brother by actually
meeting the people who saved him."

"You don't seem worried, Lum," the teacher muses, looking at a faxed
copy of the picture of Kaeru's parents. "Ataru on a planet stacked full of
beauties like these two?!"

"They're androids, Koosei!" the Oni giggles. "Darling won't suffer a
relapse if he's around Kouhae-oba-chan or Raikue-oba-chan!"

"I see," Koosei muses. "Okay, Lum. Let's hope this ends peacefully
this time. How's Shinobu been with Kaeru?"

"Like Darling, Mendou, Inaba and Nassur never existed!" Lum giggles.
"That's a good sign. Darling had no idea what he would do for Shinobu when he
started getting everyone married off. He just assumed that Shinobu would
continue to see Inaba."

"Unlikely," Koosei adjusts his glasses. "From what I've heard of the
Destiny Management Organization, fraternization with normal mortals is usually
frowned upon. I think Kaeru would seem a decent match for Shinobu."

"I think so, too," Lum nods. "If she moves to Nagussa after graduation,
that's one less fly in Darling's hair."

Koosei looks worried. "I don't know about that, Lum. Moving to another
planet, especially one as radically different as Nagussa, might be a hell of a
shock for someone like Shinobu."

"It wasn't a shock for me coming to Earth," Lum looks confused.

"That's a little different than Shinobu leaving Earth," Koosei warns.

"If you say so," the Oni nods. "Oh, by the way, why is it you insisted
this call be scrambled?!"

In answer, an inhuman bellow is heard from the direction of Lan's scout!
"AAAAARGH!!!!" Lan's voice is barely recognizable. "WHY ARE THEY SCRAMBLING
THEIR SIGNAL?!?!?! SCRAMBLERS SHOULD BE OUTLAWED!!!!!!"

"Need I explain further?" Koosei muses.

"I concur," Lum nods, then presses some controls on her scanner. "Hey,
Koosei...why don't you ask Lupica to have Lan arrested and expelled back to
Uru?!!" the Oni icily smiles.

"***WHAT?!?!?!***" Lan's voice echoes over the comm lines.

Lum and Koosei giggle...

* * *

Lum proceeds from her parked scout to the house. In the living room,
Kaeru has produced many pictures from his wallet-like device, depicting scenes
of the adopted Nagussan growing up. Many of the scenes depict Kaeru with his
parents, not to mention others who appear to be of the same race as Kouhae and
Raikue. The looks on everyone's faces, both Nagussan parents and friends and
adopted Nagussan child, seem no different from races around the galaxy. "It's
like you really never left Earth, Kae-kun," Shinobu comments, seeing a seven-
year old Kaeru attend a Nagussan summer solstice festival with his parents.

"I would not assume that, Shinobu," Kaeru muses. "Each culture, each
planet develops differently. It is illogical to attempt any form of
comparison between Nagussa and Earth."

"When did you join the Nagussan Defence Force, Kaeru-chan?" Lum picks up
one of Kaeru at what appears to be a high school graduation ceremony.

"After my twelfth summer," Kaeru sighs. "When I completed scholastic
training, the Council of Elderwomen decided that I had to contribute to
Nagussan society." A touch of sadness briefly crosses his face. "My parents
hesitated on implementing such a suggestion. They...felt as if a part of
their systems had been separated when I commenced my defence apprenticeship."

"They watched their baby grow up," Nokoko nods. "He was going out into
the wide world they had spent so long training him. I wish I was that lucky.
In comparison to Kaeru-chan and Ataru-chan, I've been quite sheltered."

"Our school must always shelter their own, Beloved," Mal protests.

"I didn't mean it that way, Mal-chan!!" her mate smiles.

"Do you have pictures of your time in the Defence Force?" Lum muses.

Kaeru begins to extract new pictures. "That must be the most handiest
thing to have," an admiring Shinobu gasps. "A computer that stores pictures.
You could carry a whole bookshelf worth of picture albums in there!"

"I bet things like that don't exist on Uru," Nokoko muses.

"Not even on Zephyrus," Lum shakes her head.

The new pictures soon display Kaeru attending his basic defence
apprenticeship, then his engineering apprenticeship, then his posting aboard
the "Ganshiki." Everyone is quick to notice the sudden change of race with
defense personnel. In lieu of the ethereal beauties under whose guidance
Kaeru matured, the people surrounding the young defence apprentice are a mix
of two races, the first being a Caucasian-like people with a bony prominence
above the crown of the nose, the other being an Oriental-like people with hair
colours which span the entire visual light spectrum. "Hey!!" Reiko points to
a person of the former race. "You have Noukiites there!"

"Incorrect, Reiko," Kaeru shakes his head. "Permit me to explain. The
current group of Nagussans were constructed in the likeness of many humanoid
races native to my quadrant. Mother and Raikue, for example, are constructed
in the likeness of Aojiroi. That person there," he indicates the defence
officer Reiko detected, "...is constructed in the image of a Hiyaken. The
others were constructed in the image of Tanana."

"How many races are represented on Nagussa?" Lum muses.

"Twenty-three," Kaeru replies. "Earth included."

"That's about the same amount represented among the *daishi'cha*," the
Oni hums. "I just find it curious that the Nagussans would construct androids
in the image of other races instead of their own."

"That would be counterproductive to inter-species relations," the
Nagussan warns. "Nagussa is, despite its peaceful intentions, a feared planet
in my quadrant. There are, like in this quadrant, races who view other races
possessing advanced levels of technology with fear instead of curiosity. To
better...facilitate more peacefuly relations, the current android series was
constructed to directly resemble the races they would potentially contact."
He stares at Lum. "I believe that was the same reason the Sagussans decided
to seek representatives from races in this quadrant to become *daishi'cha* for
the Grand Design proposed to initiate the Fifth Republic."

"I guess so, too," Lum nods. "So, who's that?!" she picks up a portrait
of Kaeru's shipmates.

Kaeru indicates each of them. "This is Stari, the 'Ganshiki's'
commanding officer," he indicates a female blue-eyed Hiyaken with blonde,
centre-parted hair curled at the end, possessing a regal bearing inherent to
the commanders of ships the galaxy over. "This is Shan, the 'Ganshiki's'
first officer," he indicates a male dusty-blond haired, blue-eyed Hiyaken,
standing protectively beside his captain. "This is Tsuri, the 'Ganshiki's'
combat officer," he indicates a suntanned female Hiyaken, her long brunette
hair partially separated in a side pigtail, her brown eyes flashing with
mischevious delight. "This is Keri, the 'Ganshiki's' science officer," he
indicates a Hiyaken with chestnut-brown hair styled in the same manner as
Stari's...and to Lum's surprise, green eyes behind round-frame glasses.

Kaeru pauses before introducing the last person. "Who's that?" Shinobu
points, not noticing his hesitation.

"This is...Naromo," he sighs, indicating a blonde haired Tanana with
blue eyes, her hair styled in side pigtails. "She is my fellow engineer."

The Nendo-kata and Nokoko are quick to detect the hesitation in Kaeru's
voice, but say nothing. Shinobu seems distracted, not noticing the adopted
Nagussan's pained look. Lum, however, has other things on her mind.

An android wearing glasses...?

* * *

"Hello, Lum-chan!" Chara waves as the Zeiwanite businesswoman appears on
the main viewscreen in Lum's scout. "What's up?!"

"Hi, Cha-chan," the Oni smiles. "Listen, I've got a question for you."

She then explains the situation around Kaeru and the Nagussans. Chara
is surprised to hear of the world Ataru's brother hails from. "A world solely
populated by androids?!" she gasps. "Wow!! I'd love to see that!"

"I could arrange a visit in a couple of days," Lum sighs. "That's when
Kaeru-chan's parents and his friends return. However, that's not the point of
the call. I was wondering...if you constructed an android, would you
construct one who wore glasses?"

The businesswoman blinks. "Construct an android with the need to wear
corrective lenses?! Be serious, Lum-chan! If I made a defective product like
that, I'd go out of business!! The only time I *would* construct an android
with that feature is when it is specially ordered."

"I see. Thanks, Cha-chan. I appreciate the information."

"No problem, Lum-chan. Call again, sometime."

The line is disconnected. The Oni sits back in her chair. Nothing
seemed to make sense. An android wearing glasses? Keri's lenses were
obviously reading glasses, meant for people who need to see things accurately
close up. But, why...unless...?

"Hey, Lum-chan!!" Nokoko's voice echoes.

Lum looks back as her sister-in-law steps aboard. "Oh, hi, Nokoko-
chan," the Oni smiles as she rises to her feet.

"Who'd you call?" Nokoko looks curious.

"Chara," Lum sighs. "Something was bugging me, so I called her to get
some information."

"About what?"

"About the fact that Kaeru-chan's science officer wears glasses."

"So?!"

"Nokoko-chan, an *android* wearing glasses? That's unheard of!"

"Hey, I only deal with real flesh-and-blood," Nokoko chuckles, then
looks serious. "So what do you think's wrong?"

"I don't know," Lum shakes her head. "It just struck me strange that an
android, one built to be an efficient science officer, would be forced to wear
glasses. Why, it would almost make you think that Keri was...?!" The Oni
stops, realization dawning on her face. "Oh, *datcha*, no!! It couldn't be!"

"Couldn't be what?!" Nokoko looks concerned.

Lum stares to the deckhead. "That...the Nagussans are human..."

Silence falls over the scout as Nokoko considers Lum's conclusion. "If
that's true, then we've got a problem...a big one."

"What sort of problem?!" concern crosses the Oni's face.

"Kaeru-chan...and Shinobu," Ataru's sister muses, "...and the fact that
Kaeru-chan might have a sweetheart waiting for him back on Nagussa."

Lum looks surprised. "Kaeru-chan has a lover?!"

"I'm not sure," Nokoko crosses her arms, "...but when Kaeru-chan was
showing us the picture of his crewmates, he really got pensive when he talked
about his fellow engineer, Naromo. We got the feeling that my little brother
has much more than friendly feelings when it came to her, still has them even
though he's got Shinobu fawning over him. And if what you say is true, if the
Nagussans are really human..."

"...then Shinobu loses again," Lum concludes. "*Tcha*! What a time for
this to happen!!"

* * *

"Girls, let's talk," Nokoko announces.

In the living room of Ataru's home, her friends gather. "What ails you,
Nokoko-chan?" Osooko looks concerned.

"It's about my brother and Shinobu," Nokoko sighs. "We all noticed how
hesitant he was when he was describing his shipmates...particularly one of his
shipmates."

"Naromo," Nintaiko nods understandingly.

"Exactly," Nokoko sighs. "Now, were things going as Kaeru-chan
believed, there'd be really no problem. Shinobu can carry on to her heart's
content. However, Lum has just now come to the astounding conclusion that the
Nagussans are in fact organic humanoids."

The Nendo-kata blink, shock crossing their faces. "But he clearly
affirmed...and clearly believes...they are sentient machines," Donna gasps.
"How did Lum-chan come to this conclusion?"

Nokoko describes Lum's theory as it pertained to the simple fact that
the "Ganshiki's" science officer, Keri, wore glasses. "I mean, build an
android who has to wear glasses?! I may not like the idea of dealing with the
things, but even **that** doesn't make sense!"

"Agreed," Ookako nods. "But...where does that leave Shinobu-chan?"

Nokoko sighs. "Well, do we tell her about Naromo?"

The Nendo-kata consider the matter. "No," Nintaiko shakes her head.
"My sister has shown a bizarre ineptitude when it comes to understanding
relations with others. She has seen Nassur-kun and Benten-chan together many
times and to date, still has not concluded the bond of Unity which exists
between them. It will serve her better if she learns of Kaeru-kun's
relationship with Naromo-chan on her own."

The others nod...

* * *

...while at that moment, Shinobu sneezes. "Oooh!" Ataru's ex-girlfriend
rubs her nose. "Someone's thinking about me."

"Why did you conclude that?" Kaeru looks confused. They are now walking
through the village park near the Tiger Cub. "I am not a medical officer, but
you seemed to suffer an allergic reaction to some aerial contaminant."

Shinobu stares at Kaeru. "Don't you people have a belief that you would
react if someone is speaking of you?"

"I do not believe so," he shakes his head. "If you wish to speak about
someone, it is logical to do so directly to that person."

She smiles. "A truly honest person," a sigh flutters from her lips.
"Will wonders ever cease?!"

A smile tugs his mouth. "Shinobu, may I ask you a question?"

"Ask."

"I have noticed that you have taken an intense interest in me."

Shinobu feels her cheeks heat. She still finds Kaeru's direct approach
somewhat overwhelming, even though to the Nagussan, it was perfectly natural.
Should she try to circle the question? No; that would either serve to confuse
Kaeru or sour his opinion of her. "Yes, I am interested in you," she nods,
reaching over to gently grasp his hand. "I'm very interested in you."

Confusion crosses his face. "Why?"

"Why?!" she looks surprised. "Isn't it obvious?! You're handsome,
intelligent, brave, loyal and trusting! Most men I've met have either tried
to keep things from me or else suffered from all sorts of weird problems!
You're the most perfect man who's ever crossed my bow! You're a breath of
fresh air to me, Kae-kun!!"

"I am not unpolluted air which has been inhaled."

Shinobu catches herself. "Sorry. That was an idiom. It means that
your presence makes me feel as if I no longer am plagued with problems."

"My presence makes you feel in this manner?" he looks surprised. "I am
pleased I am able to bring a positive presence to your life, Shinobu."

"Thank you," she sighs. "So, tell me...do I bring a positive presence
to your life, Kae-kun?"

"I would desire to answer your question," he looks regretful, "...but
you are the first compatible organic humanoid in whose company I have been. I
cannot answer your question for the simple fact that I have insufficient data
to form any sort of conclusion which could satisfy your requirement for an
answer."

*Boy, he can ramble!!* she gasps. Then again, she had long tolerated
Ataru's girl-chasing antics and later his violent mood shifts, Mendou's
snobbery and constant infatuation for Lum, Inaba's long absences and Nassur's
inattentiveness. Kaeru's vocal proliferation was certainly a refreshing
change. She could never deny that he would not answer her questions. She
just hoped he would not lose her doing so. "Well, I hope I do one day bring a
positive presence to your life, Kae-kun," she smiles. "But, tell me. Surely
a handsome man like you had some sweethearts back on Nagussa."

"You are correct," he nods. "If I comprehend the term 'sweethearts'
correctly, then I possess one."

Shinobu smiles, then stops. Kaeru spoke in the present tense! "Did you
say...you possess one?!" she stares at him. "As in...you have one **now**?!!"

"That is correct," Kaeru nods.

Apprehension crosses Shinobu's face. Would she be dumped again?!
Before she could say anything, Kaeru reaches into his pocket and extracts his
miniature photo album, producing a picture. "Her designation is Naromo," he
hands a picture to her. "Social registry code T-2312-S. She is my fellow
engineer on the 'Ganshiki.'"

Shinobu looks at the picture of the pig-tailed blonde haired woman.
"She's pretty!!" is the first statement that comes to mind.

"You believe so?" Kaeru looks surprised. "I am pleased you approve."

Approve?! Shinobu did not know whether to laugh, cry, run away or punch
Kaeru for playing her for a fool! Before she could say anything, Kaeru
retrieves the picture, sadly gazing upon it. "Still, she is an android," he
sighs. "Despite my feelings for her, she cannot aid me in bearing offspring."

Shinobu stops. Naromo, despite her stunning beauty, was an android.
Kaeru had come to Earth seeking a mate. Why was she panicking?! "Um...yes,
that's true," she stammers, essaying a smile. "I'm sorry for you both."

"Your condolences are appreciated," Kaeru nods.

He replaces Naromo's picture in his photo-container, then returns it to
his pocket. They proceed in the general direction of Ataru's home. *Idiot,
nice thing to say!!* Shinobu snaps at herself. *He's heartbroken and looking
for someone to comfort him and *you're* tearing him apart!* Recovering, she
stares at Kaeru. "Kae-kun, will I get the chance to meet Naromo?"

"Yes," he nods. "If all goes according to the plan agreed to prior to
my arrival, the 'Ganshiki' should return to Earth by tomorrow. You can meet
her then. I understand that you might be uncomfortable around her, sense her
as a potential rival, but she is a most pleasant person. I believe you will
both become companions, if not bond-mates."

Shinobu blinks. Kaeru was not afraid to introduce his lover to her.
That took bravery. Then again, he probably did not understand the concept of
skeletons in the closet. He saw no problem in bringing her and Naromo
together. Shinobu wondered if she was up to the task of meeting someone who
knew Kaeru more intimately than she did. It had been quite the shock running
into Ataru's first fiancee. At least with Naromo, she stood the chance to
make a positive impression. It was definitely no time to slip up. "I hope
so, too," she smiles, squeezing his hand.

Kaeru seems pleased, gently returning her gesture...

* * *

"Whoo!!!" Shinobu sighs as she sits down in the living room after
returning from her walk with Kaeru. "What a day!!"

Lum and Reiko stare at her from nearby. "Did you and Kaeru-chan have
fun, Shinobu?" the Oni muses.

"Oh, we just talked," the Terran smiles. "He's such a wonderful man!"

"I'm...g-glad," Lum chuckles. "Really."

"You seem bothered by something, Lum," confusion crosses Shinobu's face.
"Are you okay?"

"Wh-who?! M-me?!" Lum stammers. "I'm fine! I'm fine!!"

Shinobu gazes at her, then hums. "I understand! You're worried I might
be upset because Kae-kun had a prior girlfriend before coming here, right?!"

The Oni faints! "You know?!!"

"Of course I do," the Terran smiles. "Kae-kun told me all about her!
Ataru-kun never told me about Windy, nor did Mendou-san tell me about Asuka!!
In fact, Kae-kun wants me to meet Naromo! How does that tickle you?!"

Lum seems flummoxed. Shinobu had to be on a roll if she forgot that
Mendou never knew about Asuka before she was unveiled long after Ataru's ex-
girlfriend and the scion of Japan's richest family had started dating.
"Um...that's nice, Shinobu! R-really nice!!"

"Good!!" Shinobu nods, icily glaring at the Oni. "Now, if you don't
mind, I don't want you prowling around me when I'm with Kae-kun! If I catch
you, I'll make all of Lan's idiotic attempts at vengeance look tame when I'm
finished with you!! Understand, Lum?!"

"N-no problem...!" Lum readily nods.

Shinobu triumphantly marches away. Reiko stares at Lum. "Why didn't
you try to tell Shinobu that you think Kaeru-oji-chan's friends are human?"

"Would you?!" the Oni stammers, staring at the Noukiite.

* * *

The remainder of the day passes uneventfully. Nokoko and Lum team
together to fashion a large dinner for their returned sibling. It is the
first time Shinobu has been exposed to the Oni's recently refined culinary
skills. "Wow!!" she readily gobbles a serving of taimeshi. "This is the best
food I've ever had! Can I have some more?!" she holds out her bowl.

"Thanks," Lum smiles, giving her a new serving. "I'm glad you like it."

"How'd you learn to cook like this, Lum?" Shinobu begins on her new
serving. "You're better than Mendou-san's whole culinary staff!!"

"I can't be **that** good!" the Oni blushes.

"Don't bet on that!" Reiko readily gulps her serving.

Shinobu suspiciously glares at Lum. "Okay, Lum, out with it!! Before
the Spirit War, you couldn't cook even if your life depended on it! Every
time you tried, something weird ALWAYS happened!! What's the big secret?!"

Lum shrugs. "I picked it up from Noa-chan."

Shinobu blinks. Those who had seen the Oni's bonding with Noa-chan
never spoke of the Oni's connection with the Seishin-born-Sagussan bureaucrat.
"Noa?! She's responsible for this?! But...isn't she still on Sagussa?"

"In the Dream Time, yes," the Oni nods.

Shinobu blinks. "But...?!"

Lum sighs. "Just after the Spirit War, Noa came to me. You were there,
remember? She wanted to forge some link between Sagussa and myself so I'd
understand and accept why they want to be with Darling. Since that time, I've
dreamt of her...and in doing so, learned things I never knew before." She
taps her bowl. "Like make taimeshi without poisoning everyone I'm serving."

Nokoko, Mal and Reiko giggle. Kaeru remains silent. "But...why have
you never told us about these dreams?" Shinobu looks confused. "I have to
admit that questions about Ataru-kun's future has been preying on our minds
since Inaba-kun gave us the chance to see it!"

"Because it's none of your business," Lum sips her juice. "Besides, you
know what'll happen if Mendou or the guards learned of it."

Shinobu's eyes roll. "True."

Dinner ends without further comment. As Lum, Mal and Nokoko clean up
and Reiko proceeds to her bedroom to do her homework, Shinobu and Kaeru meet
in the living room. "Curious," Ataru's brother muses. "Ataru himself will
soon become the *daite'cha* of the Sagussan Fifth Republic, while at the same
time, I am an active participant in the establishment of the Nagussan Fifth
Republic. Would that be considered...fate, Shinobu?"

In answer, Cherry appears! "Did someone say something about fate?!"

Shinobu is decked by an explosion!! Kaeru blinks, then respectfully
bows his head to the Buddhist monk. "Forgive me, Eminent One," the Nagussan
intones. "I did not believe your kind had preceded us to this sector."

Cherry blinks. "Um...are you sure you know who you're taking to?"

"Cherry!!" Lum snarls, leaning over Kaeru to glare at the monk. "What
are you doing here?! You know Darling doesn't like it when you visit!! Now
scat or I'll make sure Darling'll never have to worry about you again!!!"

"Enough, Lum! There are more important things to concern ourselves with
than Ataru's paranoid desires to isolate himself from the truth!!" Cherry
points at Kaeru. "I've come to warn the child of the pegasus of his destiny."

"My destiny?" Kaeru looks concerned. "Oh, you must be a Majujjou
precognitive philosopher. Please elucidate further."

Lum, Cherry and Shinobu stare at the Nagussan. "'Majujjou?!'"

"Yes," Kaeru nods. "A spiritually advanced race which inhabit a world
within two thousand light years of Nagussa. They have the inherent ability to
teleport themselves over interstellar distances, believing they are guided by
the great Universal Power to seek their own destiny."

The Oni shakes her head. "Um...Cherry's no Majujjou," she smiles.
"He's just a normal Terran monk."

"And an annoying one at that!" Shinobu glares at the monk in question.

"Curious," Kaeru stares at Cherry. "He seems so much like a Majujjou."

"How?!" both girls prompt.

"By the instantaneous method he made himself appear before us."

Lum and Shinobu are decked by an explosion!! "Maybe he IS a Majujjou,"
the latter moans.

"It is to wonder," the former sighs.

Kaeru stares at Cherry. "You were stating?"

"Ah, yes!" Cherry nods, visibly pleased that he has finally encountered
someone who is willing to take him seriously. "Hark and listen well, my boy!
The fate of your adopted world now rests on your shoulders!"

"The fate of Nagussa?" concern crosses Kaeru's face. "How so?"

"Simple. You will soon learn of a great secret which has been masked
from those you dearly care for. The revelation of this secret will expose a
deadly conspiracy which will, if unchecked, destroy that which you seek to
create! You must prepare yourself for this conflict, Kaeru. Thousands will
depend on your success."

"I see," Kaeru nods. "Is there anything else?"

"Yes," Cherry leans close to Kaeru. "Beware your brother Ataru. The
demons within him may potentially aid the evil threatening Nagussa. If they
are allowed to emerge, then nothing will save those you love!"

Ataru's brother blinks. "I was unaware my brother possessed hostile
spirits within his body which could destroy innocents."

"They are there!" Cherry warns. "Be assured of that. Those who
presently surround you have had bitter personal experience with these demons.
They can attest to what you will be forced to face."

"I understand," Kaeru nods. "Is there anything further?"

"Yes," the monk sniffs, staring around the room. "Is that taimeshi I
smell?! Is there any left?!"

Lum and Shinobu faint! Kaeru produces a heaping bowl of leftover
taimeshi. "Is this what you desire?" the Nagussan innocently inquires.

"Yes!!" Cherry licks his lips, then takes the bowl. "Remember my words,
my son, and success for you and Nagussa is assured!"

He disappears with the wind. Lum and Shinobu stare disbelievingly at
Kaeru. "Why'd you listen to that annoying idiot?!!" the former demands. "And
why'd you give him all my leftover taimeshi?!!"

"Because it is tradition to give wandering Majujjou gifts of food on
their travels," Kaeru shrugs, visibly wondering from what sort of hostile,
inhumane place does the Oni hail.

"He's *not* a Majujjou!!" Shinobu snaps.

"Are you positive?" Kaeru muses. "The manner by which he transports
himself was more than sufficient to convince me he is Majujjou."

Lum and Shinobu sigh...

* * *

Later, Lum moves to leave. "Well, I'm heading back to Tomobiki," she
looks at Shinobu, who relaxes in the living room. "Want a lift, Shinobu?"

"No, thanks," her classmate smiles. "I called my mother and told her I
was staying here for the night."

Lum blinks. "R-really?" she stammers. "Well, that's up to you, I
suppose...just as long as Nokoko-chan and Mal-chan know you're here."

"I told them," Shinobu nods.

The Oni stares in confusion at her classmate. Suspecting what she did
about the Nagussans, she knew that when Naromo arrived tomorrow, Shinobu's
hopes of a happy life with Kaeru would be dashed. She looks outside to see
Nokoko and Mal coming back from visiting Ookako and Hei. Flying to them, Lum
lands right in front of her sister-in-law. "What's this about you allowing
Shinobu to stay overnight?!!" she demands.

"What about it?!" Nokoko looks confused.

"You know what I told you!" Lum snaps. "Having Shinobu sleep with
Kaeru-chan won't do her any good when Naromo arrives!!"

"So?!" Kaeru's sister shrugs. "Let her find out on her own, I say! It
might teach her finally to stop chasing people who're already taken!!"

"You must agree that all our words advising her to relax have not been
effective," Mal adds. "In a sense, sister, this is the **only** way to make
Shinobu-chan learn her mistakes!"

Lum considers the point, then nods. "Oh, okay! I just don't want her
to tear the place to pieces when she does find out!"

"Trust us," Nokoko laughs. "She won't get the chance. She makes a grab
for a chair and she gets a one-way express trip back to Tomobiki!!"

"Oh, okay!" Lum nods. "I'll see you in the morning!"

The Oni flies to her scout. Just as she is about to board, she is
stopped by Nokoko's yell. "Hey, Lum-chan!!!"

"What is it?!" she calls back.

"Don't tell Kinshou or Muchi about Kaeru-chan!!" Nokoko laughs.

"Don't worry!!" Lum waves as she steps inside. "I won't even tell my
parents or Ten-chan!!! 'Night!!"

In minutes, the scout rockets away from Oshika...

* * *

"Kaeru's alive?!!" Benten gasps.

Lum's scout is now in hover-orbit in Tomobiki. The Oni has updated her
friend about the events surrounding the return of Ataru's brother to Earth.
"That's right!!" the Oni nods. "He's really nice! You should come down and
meet him before he returns to Nagussa!"

"You told his parents yet?!" the Fukunokami muses.

"Nope!" Lum shakes her head. "That's why I'm scrambling this message,
just to ensure Lan doesn't get too nosy, then decides to stick her nose where
it doesn't belong!"

Almost in emphasis, an inhuman bellow from far below echoes through the
scout's hull. "So I hear," Benten smirks. "You better make sure Jariten
doesn't get wind of it, either! He'll blab it to every person in sight!"

"Well, he's been too busy with school and Minami-chan to worry too much
about what I've been doing," the Oni smiles. "I think Darling's idea about
sending Ten-chan to school's worked out really well. He hasn't caused any
problems since."

"That's good," the Fukunokami nods. "He's an okay kid; it's just that
he likes to stick his nose where it doesn't belong, then when he's caught, he
pleads that he's only just a nice boy! Sheesh!! I hope any kid I have
doesn't turn out like that!!"

"Hopefully not," Lum's eyes roll. "Oh, speaking of which, I don't think
you'll have to worry much about Shinobu getting puppy-eyes whenever Nassur-
chan's around again."

"How so?!" Benten looks surprised.

"Because now, all she's got eyes for is Kaeru-chan."

The huntress blinks. "Wait! I thought you told me that Kaeru's got a
girl waiting for him back on Nagussa. And if what you suspect about those
people's true, then Shinobu loses out again!"

"Let her find out on her own!" Lum snorts. "It's probably the only way
she'll ever learn not to horn in on other people's lovers. She still doesn't
realize that you and Nassur-chan are married."

"Hasn't anyone told her?!" Benten looks surprised.

"Nope," the Oni giggles. "Everyone's too scared to tell her. They
think she'll take it out on all of them when she does find out. Mie-chan's
waiting for the chance to tell her. She wants to put such a spin on it that
Shinobu'll believe Lan, Mendou and the guards *deliberately* kept everyone
quiet just to protect themselves!"

The Fukunokami falls over. "Shit, you're getting caustic in your old
age, aren't you?!!" she gasps.

Lum laughs...

* * *

...while elsewhere, Shinobu's sneezes again. "Oooh!! Who's talking
about me this time?!" she moans, rubbing her nose.

"You still up, Shinobu?" a sleepy Nokoko walks into the living room,
dressed now in an oversized T-shirt.

"I'm about ready to head to bed," Shinobu yawns, standing and stretching
herself. "I'll just see if Kae-kun's alright, then I'll go to sleep."

She proceeds upstairs to Ataru's room. "Hold on a sec'!" Nokoko yawns.

Shinobu turns around...just in time to catch a small box. "What's
this?!" she looks confused.

"You'll need 'em," Nokoko sighs as she heads back to her bedroom.
"Ataru-chan and Lum-chan keep a supply. 'Night!"

Ataru's sister walks into her room, then closes the door behind her.
Confused, Shinobu opens the box...then extracts a series of square vacuum-
sealed packages containing a obviously recognizable contraceptive aid. She
blanches as she realizes what is in her hands. "Gods, they actually have this
stuff in the house?!!" she exclaims. Setting the condoms aside, Shinobu turns
to proceed to Ataru's bedroom...then stops, turns back and extracts one.
"Just in case," she muses.

A second later, she opens the door and looks in. "Kae-kun, are you
still awake...URK!!!!" she exclaims, her face now sheet-white.

Kaeru is now seated in the bed scanning Ataru's diaries. That would not
be so strange...were he not nude! "Is there a problem, Shinobu?"

Shinobu has turned her back to Ataru's brother, her face now flush red.
"Um...c-could y-you please p-put your p-pants on...?!" she stammers.

Kaeru blinks, then nodding, stands and slips on his trousers. "You seem
ill-at-ease, Shinobu. Is there something amiss?"

Cautiously staring at him, Shinobu breathes out in relief on seeing his
privates covered. "Sorry about that," she slips into the room. "I just was
taken aback when I saw you with no clothes on."

"Oh!" he nods understandingly. "Does the lower extremities of my body
repulse you in some fashion?"

"Er...n-no!!" she stammers, shaking her head. "You don't understand.
In Japan, people normally wear pyjamas when they sleep."

"Pyjamas?!" confusion crosses his face. "What is the logic of wearing
clothes when one sleeps? I have never worn such items."

Shinobu blinks, trying desperately to regain some sense of decorum.
"I...oh, I see," she nods. Perhaps Nokoko's offering was not such a bad idea
after all. "Um...what are you reading?" she nods to the bed.

Kaeru sits, picking up one book. "These appear to be my brother's
personal journals. I was perusing them to attempt to better understand the
people Ataru has interacted with since my departure to Nagussa. You have been
cited in these journals on many occasions, Shinobu."

"Oh, that's understandable," Shinobu sits beside him. "Lum likes prying
into those diaries every chance she gets."

Kaeru hums. "That may explain why Ataru kept his journals in that
secure metal chamber," he nods to a small safe set in one corner. "He made
use of a most complex security system. I will apologize to him in the future
for bypassing the system, but I have requirement for information which these
journals readily provide."

"Well, diaries are always seen as private," Shinobu muses. "As I said,
Lum loved to peek into them whenever the mood struck her. I'm surprised
Ataru-kun didn't get some sort of safe earlier."

"So I have ascertained," Kaeru muses. "He noted in an entry dated
ninety-eight days ago that he obtained a safe to ensure that Lum would never
again be privy to his innermost thoughts and feelings."

Ninety-eight days ago? Shinobu quickly visualizes a calendar. The last
weeks of September was when Ataru's mood radically altered, a harbinger of the
Spirit War. It stunned Shinobu that so much happened in such a small period
of time. "Why did you want to look at the diaries, Kae-kun?" she muses.

"To better understand what sort of person my brother is," he sighs.
"Prior to the journal entry I mentioned, Ataru seemed quite grossly uncaring
of his surroundings. He rarely made negative comment towards anyone. The
only ones who earned his ire were fellows named Cherry, Mendou, Megane, Chibi,
Paama and Kakugari. His comments towards any female were always positive."

"Well, that was the way he was like," Shinobu smiles.

"So it seems," he nods. "However, in the wake of the journal entry I
mentioned, his mood radically transformed. He was critical of everyone he
knew, even those with whom he was once quite flattering. Lum has been the
recipient of some very critical comments from my brother, as have yourself."

That did not surprise Shinobu. Ataru had systematically dismantled his
opinions of everyone apart as he was attempting to bring a firmer sense of
control to his life. Those he found too undeserving of his respect, he no
longer considered friends. Shinobu had obviously become one of them. Now,
she had a chance to regain the ground she lost. "Kae-kun?" she smiles.

"Yes?" he looks at her.

Shinobu's hand drifts over to gently grasp his. "I hope I never earn
any negative criticism from you."

Kaeru blinks, then gently reaches over to draw Shinobu into his arms.
"I suspect not," he muses.

Shinobu smiles as they kiss...

* * *

Shinobu's eyes open.

The teenager yawns as the familiar scene of Ataru's and Lum's bedroom
enters her vision. She finds herself facing away from the other mass in bed.
Shinobu sighs. She and Kaeru did not comsumate their relationship last night.
There was no need; chances for that would come later. However, it had been
the first time Ataru's ex-girlfriend had been very intimate with any man.
Kaeru, despite his rational demeanor, was quite passionate when he allowed
himself to express his sexuality. Shinobu could not help but smile. Their
relationship had got off to an excellent start. "Oh, Kae-kun, are you up?"
she romantically sighs as she looks over her shoulder...

...to see another woman sharing her bed, now staring curiously at her.
"Eh?!!" Shinobu nearly bolts clear of the covers. "Who are you?!!"

"Good morning," the other woman evenly announces. "Are you sufficiently
reactivated to commence today's activities?"

Shinobu blinks as details become apparent: a perfectly sculptured face
framed with blonde hair tied in side pigtails; wide, expressive blue eyes; and
a Romanesque-nose over very sensuous lips. "N-n-Naromo...?!" she stammers.

The other woman sits up. "Correct."

Shinobu blinks. Her pictures did not do the Nagussan justice! Aside
from a face which would reduce men to slobbering idiots, Naromo possessed a
perfectly sculptured body which would make fashion models drool in envy. Her
bust is neither massive or dimunitive, there is no unnecessary mass around her
waist, her arms and legs were well-exercised...NOTHING is wrong with Naromo!
Shinobu feels quite inferior as she automatically compares herself with the
Nagussan. "Um...if you're here, where's Kae-kun?" Shinobu looks around.

"In a meeting with his parents in the living room," Naromo reports. "He
reactivated himself two-point-one hours ago, at the time of our arrival. You
seemed physically fatigued, therefore, Kaeru believed you required an
additional period of slumber before you would be fit to face the new day."

"Th-then why are y-you here?!" Shinobu points down.

"Because I was...concerned," a touch of concern crosses the Nagussan's
face, her face flushing. "I was concerned that Kaeru would locate someone
which would persuade him to depart his life on Nagussa and allow him to live
here on Earth. I did not...desire for him to leave me."

Shinobu blinks. Naromo was blushing! But...if she was an android,
would she blush?! "Um...what's wrong with your face?" the Terran points.

Naromo feels her cheeks. "I...appear to be physically manifesting a
form of...discomfort," her cheeks redden. "I realize Kaeru and you have
experienced an intense physical attraction with each other prior to my
arrival, yet to not explain my presence here would be illogical. At the same
time," she stares intently at Shinobu, "...I find you are the most
aesthetically pleasing sentient I have to date encountered."

"M-m-me?!!" Shinobu stammers, clapping her reddening cheeks, turning
away from Naromo's gaze. "B-b-beautiful?!! I'm n-nobody compared to y-you,
Naromo...!!"

"That appears to be correct," Naromo nods. "According to both Kaeru and
his genetic duplicate, I am the most physically attractive female on Nagussa.
That fact is further emphasized by the many people, both male and female, who
desire me as an intimate partner."

"I-I w-wouldn't blame them," Shinobu gulps.

A touch of annoyance crosses Naromo's face. "None the less, until Kaeru
physically matured enough so that we could commence an intimate relationship,
I felt others' desire for me...incomplete."

Shinobu blinks, then looks at her. "'Incomplete?!' You mean...?"

"They were only attracted to my physical aesthetics," Naromo explains.

The Terran finds herself nodding. The attraction all the boys held to
Lum was purely physical, as was Ataru's attraction to most girls. "But, Kae-
kun was different, right?" she probes.

"Correct," the Nagussan nods. "Kaeru and I were introduced by his
parents shortly prior to his mustering into the Defence Force. We discovered
that there was not only a physical attraction between us, but a psychological
attraction developed within a short period. In time, we desired never to be
parted from the other. I believe you address that as...love?"

Shinobu hesitantly nods. "S-so what happens now...?"

Naromo sighs. "I cannot speculate. With the discovery that Kaeru's
genetic duplicate has made, much is now being called into question."

"Discovery?!" Shinobu blinks, realizing that Naromo speaks of Ataru.
"What discovery?!"

In response, Naromo reaches to the bed stand, extracting an X-acto
knife. She lightly jabs it at the tip of one finger. Shinobu gasps when she
sees an all-too recognizable dark red liquid seep out of the wound.
"Blood...!" she shudders, shaking her head. "Th-that's blood...!!"

"Correct," Naromo nods. "Ataru discovered that we...all of us on
Nagussa...are organic humanoids such as yourself."

The Terran is speechless...

* * *

After bathing and dressing, Shinobu and Naromo enter the living room.
There, the Terran is surprised to see Lum, Nokoko and Mal entertaining guests.
Like Kaeru, they all wear the silver Nagussan jumpsuit. "Good morning,
Shinobu," Kaeru rises. "Are you functioning well?"

Shinobu feels hesitation fire up her backbone. If Kaeru knew of
Naromo's true nature, what did that mean for her. "I'm...fine," she blushes,
hesitantly nodding. "Really! I'm okay!"

Lum, Nokoko and Mal warily eye Shinobu, quickly deducing her fib. A
Nagussan rises. "Kaeru, is this your friend?" she asks.

Shinobu blinks on recognizing Kaeru's mother Kouhae. As with Naromo,
mere pictures did not do the Nagussan minister justice. While Kaeru's
girlfriend was the purest essence of "kawaii," his mother had a reserved
demeanor which reminded the Terran of Oyuki. Her skin was milky white and
flawless, her brown eyes sparkling with life, her face resembling the perfect
mould of beauty modern fashion models spend years striving for. She moves
with stunning grace as her hand gently grasps Shinobu's. "You must be Shinobu
Miyaki," Kouhae lightly smiles, giving Shinobu's hand a gentle squeeze. "I
must confess that I find Kaeru's description of you woefully inadequate. I
believe that is how much he finds you quite desirable."

Steam now billows from Shinobu's collar. NO ONE had ever heaped such
praise on her before, not even Mendou! "W-well...!" she finally stammers.

"Under normal circumstances, I would gladly discuss your desire to be
intimate with my son," Kouhae sighs. "Both he and Naromo have concluded that
they desire your presence in their family unit. Unfortunately, there are more
important matters to discuss. May we discuss this at a more convenient time?"

Shinobu stops. BOTH Kaeru AND Naromo wanted her?! How was she supposed
to take that?! "Um...s-sure!" she finally nods.

Kouhae nods, then returns to Raikue's side. Shinobu quickly notices
that the other guests are Kaeru's and Naromo's shipmates. Before she could
greet them, she feels Naromo's hand gently grasp hers. "It is more than
pleasing that Kaeru's mother approves of you," the Nagussan engineer gently
whispers in the Terran's ear. "It made my desire to be intimate with you all
the more relevant."

Shinobu suppresses a gulp as Naromo lets go of her hand. "Er...r-
right," she stammers, then notices pleased smiles on Lum's, Nokoko's and Mal's
faces. She could understand why the latter two would be pleased. But the
Oni? Unusual. She then notices someone absent. "Where's Ataru-kun?"

"He's still on Nagussa," Lum reports. "Darling's helping Raikue-oba-
chan's fellow thoughtmasters try to discover why they've been lied to."

"Lied to?!" Shinobu looks surprised.

"They're human," the Oni sighs. "As human as you or I. I asked Keri,"
she nods to the bespeckled science officer, "...to give a blood sample to
Nicole to analyze. She reported that it was A-positive, the same as mine and
Darling's. There were the natural differences since she's Hiyaken, I'm Oni
and Darling's Terran, but all the necessary factors matched perfectly."

Shinobu shakes her head. "But...why?!!" she looks at Kouhae. "Weren't
you ever told?!"

"Negative," Kaeru's mother sighs. "When we emerged from the Factory, we
had been programmed with the belief that we were artificially-created sentient
beings...androids in your lexicon."

Shinobu steps over, sitting beside Kaeru and Naromo. "So...what
convinced Ataru-kun differently?"

"His process of elimination was quite...rational," Kouhae's eyebrows
twitch, obviously annoyed by her failure to understand the enormity of the
deception her people had been victims of. "Ataru discovered that he was
sexually aroused when he was in the presence of Naromo, Stari, Tsuri or Keri.
Further investigation directed him to believe we were organic beings."

Shinobu blinks. "I still can't understand how Ataru-kun would make that
leap in logic," she shakes her head. "I mean, even with the fact that Naromo
blushed when we were in bed, that would lead me to believe that you're the
products of a highly advanced culture."

"True," Raikue nods. "All of us on Nagussa were led to believe what you
stated. However, Kaeru's brother so strongly believed otherwise that he
convinced us to return to Earth and seek another opinion. Courtesy of Ataru's
child-mate," she indicates Lum, "...we have that second opinion."

Shinobu hums. She still was unconvinced that Ataru of all people could
make such an astounding conclusion. Ataru indeed was not attracted to any
artificially-created female like Dakejinzou Shogai. Yet, he found it within
himself to continue to question until he concluded that the Nagussans were
human. Given Ataru's past ineptitude, that was incredible! "So...what
happens now?" Nokoko gently inquires.

"As we speak, Ataru is assisting the Education Directorate in their
analysis of the Factory," Raikue reports. "We should return to Nagussa post-
haste to hear the results of their investigations."

"Stari," Kouhae glances at the "Ganshiki's" commander, "...prepare your
ship for departure."

"At once, Minister," Stari stands, then faces her crewmates. "Proceed
aboard and prepare for departure."

The crew stand and walk out of the house, including Kaeru and Naromo.
The two do not say a word to Shinobu as they depart. Shock crosses Shinobu's
face, which quickly turns to a sense of rejection. Kouhae and Raikue stand,
facing Lum. "Do you wish to accompany us on our journey, Lum?" the minister
inquires. "I believe Ataru would desire your presence on Nagussa."

"*Datcha!*" the Oni readily nods. "I'll just call my teacher to tell
him where I'll be for the next while, then I'll pack some clothes so Darling
can have something to change into when I see him."

"Don't bother, Lum-chan," Mal smiles. "We'll be more than happy to
inform Koosei-kun...**after** you have departed, of course."

Lum laughs, then flies upstairs to pack. Kouhae turns to Shinobu. "Do
you desire to accompany us, Shinobu?"

Shinobu blinks. "Um...well, I..."

"I am sure my son and Naromo would desire your presence on this
mission," Kaeru's mother lightly smiles.

She stops, mentally kicking herself for not realizing that Kaeru's and
Naromo's experience in being intimate with other people was restricted just to
themselves. They had no knowledge of how Shinobu would react to their
behaviour. She was assuming again. Past assumptions with Ataru, Mendou and
Nassur had consistently led her down the road to heartbreak and loneliness.
It was no wonder that people never gave her any credit for her intelligence.

"I'd love to," she smiles.

* * *

The Nagussan Defence Force Ship "Ganshiki" hovers in high orbit over
Japan. Shaped like an elongated cigar, it is fitted with warp engine systems
to both sides fore-and-aft, a large wing assembly amidships and a pyramid-like
superstructure forward. The ship presents the aura of a well-exercised
racehorse as Stari is proud to demonstrate to Shinobu and Lum. The commander
of the "Ganshiki" is currently guiding a small-crew workpod towards the main
bridge. The one thing which overwhelms the Oni is the size. "This thing's
over seven kilometres long...and you call it a *cruiser*?!!" she stares
disbelievingly at the Hiyaken-turned-Nagussan.

"That is correct," a touch of pride echoes in Stari's voice. "Unlike
the Sagussans, we have little desire for purely military vessels. This class
of cruiser is the largest class of starship in the Defence Force. It is more
than adequate for the job."

Lum dumbfoundedly shakes her head. What surprised her more was that a
ship of this mass required only six crew: captain, first officer, science
officer, tactical officer and two engineers. The largest warp-capable ship in
the local cluster excluding the Gatherer, the Kamahanite's six-kilometre long
Ultimate Weapon, required a crew of seven thousand. The Nagussans obviously
were heavily dependant on computers to aid them. Lum wondered if Nagussan
computers were as sentient as their Sagussan counterparts.

Watching her, Shinobu barely could contain her grin. For the first time
since she met Lum, Ataru's ex-girlfriend has the extreme pleasure of seeing
the Oni's reaction after confronting a power which was as technologically
superior to her home planet as Uru were over Earth. Granted, Lum admitted
there were technologically superior races in the local cluster: Zephyrus, Vos
and Yehisril. However, the distance between Uru and Zephyrus was a breachable
distance; it would not take more than a century before Lum's people were the
technological equals of Windy's. However, even the Zephyrites were in the
dust when compared against the Nagussans. "Your people must live in a
peaceful quadrant," she looks at Stari.

"I believe you are correct in considering it so," Stari nods. "The
major powers of our quadrant have long strived for some form of harmony. We
have not strived to politically unite; our peoples are still unprepared for
the social disruption such a union would cause. Perhaps we shall, perhaps we
shall not. That is for future generations to decide."

Stari turns her attention to the helm controls, guiding the workpod to
its docking ring to the port side of the "Ganshiki's" command bridge. As soon
as they are secure, the three women disembark, proceeding directly to the
circular bridge deck. "I am in command," Stari sits in the command chair,
located in the centre of the bridge. "Tsuri, plot return course to Nagussa,
prepare to break orbit at my command."

The combat officer programs her controls. "Plot complete, manoeuvering
thrusters at your command, Stari."

"Engage," the captain nods.

The "Ganshiki's" forward viewscreen presents a receding view of Earth as
the cruiser breaks orbit, vectoring in the general direction of the Zephyrite
colony of Jiyuu. After giving Tsuri command of the deck, Stari stands, facing
Lum and Shinobu. "We shall arrive over Nagussa in thirty-three hours, twenty-
six minutes. I have arranged individual guest quarters for both of you beside
Minister Kouhae's and Thoughtmistress Raikue's. Shan, escort Lum and Shinobu
to their quarters so they may relax."

"Yes, Stari," Shan ushers Lum and Shinobu to a turbolift. "This way."

Moments later, Shinobu and Lum are escorted into a large room fitted
with a single bed and requisite shower, washing, toiletry and clothing
stations. "This is Lum's room," Shan announces. "Shinobu's is the next room
down on this side."

"Thanks," the Oni nods. "We'd like to be alone for a bit."

"I understand," the first officer nods, then departs.

Lum and Shinobu sit on the bed. "Gods, nothing's ever simple for us,
isn't it?!" the Terran sighs.

"I agree," the Oni nods, yawning. "It'll be even crazier the day
Darling and I go to Sagussa."

Shinobu stops. "Lum, aren't you the least bit concerned about Ataru-kun
going to this place?! I mean, that's the fulfillment of his dream!"

"So it may be," Lum shrugs. "Besides, I'm not concerned. Noa-chan and
the others haven't done anything which could worry me."

"Could they be manipulating you?"

The Oni looks aghast. "How *dare* you imply that Noa would do something
as horrible as that?!!" she demands, bolting to her feet.

The Terran backs away, taken aback by Lum's anger. "Y-you have t-to
admit that's a possibility...!" she stammers.

"Oh?!" Lum snootily stares at Shinobu. "Why do you say that?!"

"Isn't it obvious?!! They're after Ataru-kun!!"

Lum's eyes roll. Arguments like this were part of the reason she had
kept her trips into the Dreamscape to herself. "Look, Shinobu!" Lum snarls.
"Yes, they're after Darling! However, unlike every other idiot who's come
after Darling, Noa and her friends want me to be with him!! They're the first
people connected to Darling who automatically accepted my desire to marry him!
They **want** me to marry him, live with him, have his children!! NO ONE I've
met to date with the possible exception of Nassur-chan has ever been so
accepting of my interest in Darling than they!!"

Shinobu blinks. "And I personally no longer **care** about what you
want or think is proper!!" Lum jabs a finger into her classmate's breastbone.
"I had hope that you'd rise above this perverted nonsense you people in
Tomobiki espouse which has dogged my relationship with Darling since I came to
Earth!! You're no different then Lan, Mendou or Megane's nerd squad! If you
can't get a life which **doesn't** count Darling or my being involved, YOU
have a big problem!! And if you so much as **think** of trying to tell
everyone what I've told you, I'm going to call Hazel-chan and tell her and the
other hybrids that you're **still** trying to take Nassur away from Benten!
Trust me; THEY won't like that one bit!! As a matter of fact, I'd be **very**
tempted to ask Dakejinzou-chan if she'd be willing to take a contract out on
**your** head because you've long had this habit of trying to break
acknowledged couples apart!!! Got me?!!"

"S-s-sure...!" Shinobu stammers, having NEVER been at the receiving end
of this much anger and resentment from the Oni before.

Lum straightens herself. "Good!! Now, if you'll excuse me, I want to
change and freshen up!"

"O-okay!" Shinobu nods as she departs the room.

Lum sighs, then sinks into the bed. "Gods, what a pack of morons I live
with!!!" she shakes her head, clearly exasperated. "Why, why, WHY do I put up
to those creeps?!! Sometimes, I think Darling was the smart one in moving out
of that place of fools and madmen!!!"

A tingling feeling caresses Lum's mind. <<Well, I'm glad you finally
agree with us on that issue!!>> a familiar voice echoes.

"Noa!!!" Lum beams as she looks right, seeing an astral image of the
Seishin-born-Sagussan bureaucrat appear beside her. She then blinks. The
only time Noa-chan ever appeared to her was when she was asleep. "But...how?"

<<Simple!>> Noa-chan giggles, sliding over to slip an arm around Lum.
The Oni is surprised. It felt as if Noa-chan was really there. However, the
opaqueness of Noa-chan's form told her otherwise. <<Each contact between us
strengthens our bonding. Eventually, we *both* will be able to appear before
the other regardless of what state of consciousness we're in.>>

"Oh, that's nice!" Lum light kisses her bond-mate's cheek. "But, what
brings you here now?!"

<<We just got wind of your little trip to the other side of the
galaxy>>, Noa-chan looks nonchalant. <<What's up?>>

Lum blinks, wondering how the Sagussans learned of that, then mentally
kicks herself. Even if the Gatherer was home, the ship had long deployed
rover units, stealth-capable automated sentient probes, which scouted planets
without rest or need of organic mission control components. Rover units had
been used before when the Gatherer was on its endless hunt for *daishi'cha*,
then were redeployed for the search for a *daimon'cha* candidate. These days,
they merely observed various worlds, gathering intelligence which could later
be used when State Two of the Grand Design began.

The Oni quickly explains the problem with the Nagussans and how Ataru
was striving to help them overcome what now confronted them. <<Mm...>> Noa-
chan muses, resting her chin on the L formed by her thumb and index finger.
<<That could potentially be dangerous. I don't know much about how the
Nagussans were first created, so I've got no solid advice I could give you.>>

"What could you tell me?" Lum looks nervous.

Noa-chan explains...

About the time of the Sagussan War of Clone Rights, a terrible plague
unleashed itself on Nagussa. Within a generation, all native women were dead.
The survivors quickly attempted several solutions to maintain their society.
They failed. Finally, the males resolved to die out naturally. To ensure
that Nagussa's advanced technology would not fall into the hands of races
which would abuse their "gifts," a Nagussan scientist launched a project not
so dissimilar to Sagussa's Grand Design. However, the difference was that the
retrieval unit (Nagussa's version of the Gatherer) was not a dedicated life-
revival unit, but a mere genetic sample collector.

"Genetic sample collector?!!" Lum looks surprised. "You mean all it was
after was just DNA?!"

<<Exactly>>, Noa-chan nods. <<Now, the Gatherer was not personally
invited to Nagussa to see what would happen with the samples taken. Hence,
we've no idea how these people came about.>>

"I see," Lum nods.

The Sagussan then looks faint. <<I've got to stop this>>, she reaches
for her forehead. <<Once you warp out, you'll be out of sending range.>>

"We could use your help," the Oni looks regretful.

Noa-chan winks as she fades away. <<Don't worry. The duty watch'll be
with you just in case things go wrong...>>

Her astral image disappears. Lum blinks. "'Duty watch?!' What did
Noa-chan mean by that...?"

* * *

Outside Lum's room, Shinobu stands there, now quite pale from what she
just overheard. To that point, she had believed Lum had been seeing things,
imagining things which may have arose from their trip into the Destiny
Management Dimension. But she had heard Noa-chan's Celtic-like lilt, as
clearly as if the Sagussan had been physically present in that room. This had
become too weird! Shuddering, Ataru's ex-girlfriend turns and proceeds into
her room, then sits down on the bed. What now?

Like her classmates, she had been rendered nearly insensate by the
Cyborg's thirst for destruction, as he so willingly demonstrated in the Spirit
War. If that had been a clue as to what is presently allying itself with
Ataru Moroboshi, **no one** was safe when he turned around and paid Tomobiki
back all the pain he received over the last two years. Lum warned everyone
that Ataru was no longer kidding around. He was going to give Tomobiki such
hell, the Spirit War would be considered tame. Shinobu had no idea what Ataru
had in mind, but if a Sagussan was capable of projecting her thoughts over the
distance separating Earth from Sagussa, then they were capable of anything!

Shinobu did not believe Lum's assertion that Noa-chan would never try to
manipulate the Oni into becoming the Sagussans' willing puppet so they could
have a clear shot at Ataru. They had to be controlling Lum. That had to be
the only plausible explanation. Lum had, despite her unique personal habits
and attitudes, been quite friendly to her classmates...until the Spirit War.
Afterward, although it was a slow progression, Lum cut herself off from most
of her classmates and friends, save those Ataru also accepted. This had to be
the proof Shinobu needed to believe the Sagussans were controlling Lum.
Before the Spirit War, the Oni had been as unshakable as a rock, sticking to
her beliefs, her world-view with the strength of Gibraltar.

Until the Spirit War.

Now what? Shinobu concluded there was no existing power which could
stop the Sagussans from getting what they desired. Further, there was no way
the Sagussans would tolerate Lum's presence when they obtained what they
desired. This insane idea that Noa-chan could actually care for, even love,
Lum was just that: insane! The Oni was a means to an end, that end being
Ataru. They had already, through Lum, utterly destroyed everyone's sense of
reality and security. No one was sure of anything anymore. In chaos such as
that, new realities could be built. Shinobu had a good idea what the
Sagussans saw as their reality: Ataru among them, Lum destroyed, her friends
powerless and Tomobiki physically and spiritually crushed, forever!

Shinobu sighs. Telling anyone was wasted breath. None of Lum's friends
could do a thing to stop the Oni. She would simply reject them, turn her back
on them as easily as she did her classmates. Not even Nassur with all his
deductive skill could help; he was so respectful of Lum's personal space, he
would never seriously consider probing her mind for the problem...until it was
too late. Even Lum's parents were helpless. Not only was the threat of
severing ties between them present; Ataru proved how easy THAT was. But if
the Sagussans were in any way as powerful as the Nagussans, then Uru would be
stardust if Invader launched a crusade to avenge his child's misfortune.

Ataru's ex-girlfriend moans as sleep overwhelms her. It was becoming
too big a universe for her sake...

* * *

"Stari, sensors indicate a Sagussan rover unit following us," Keri
reports after making a cursory sensor sweep.

Stari and Kouhae look surprised. "A rover unit?" the minister muses.
"Are you sure, Science-first?"

"Positive, Minister," Keri nods. "Identification code Rover Sierra-Two-
ten. One of six like units reported by the Chamber of Eternity which are
presently assigned to observe Earth."

Stari looks at her superior. "Course of action, Minister?"

Kouhae considers the matter for a moment. "Signal the probe, Shiplady,"
she looks at Stari. "Determine its intentions."

"Carry on, Tsuri," the captain nods to the tactical officer.

"Yes, Stari," the raven-haired Hiyaken-turned-Nagussan activates her
ship's communications panel, then sends a hail.

A second later, a digital transmission is received. "Compliments to the
Minister of Defence and the crew of N.D.F.S. 'Ganshiki' from Rover Sierra-Two-
ten," Tsuri interprets the message. "Non-belligerency is affirmed. Rover
Sierra-Two-ten was assigned by Chamber of Eternity to continue to observe the
actions of the *daimon'cha's* Other." Surprise crosses Tsuri's face as she
hears the remainder of the message. "The Chamber and the Gatherer are
presently aware of Nagussa's current social problem. Will render whatever
assistance if required, but are still obliged to observe the Non-Interference
Directive. If necessary, active organic elements will be mobilized if
assistance is requested by the government of the Republic of Nagussa."

The bridge crew stare at Kouhae. "Minister?" Stari inquires.

The minister nods. "The Sagussans have every right to ensure the safety
of their *daimon'cha* and his child-mate. Ship-second, signal Rover Sierra-
Two-ten. Grant it permission to lock alongside the 'Ganshiki' for the trip to
Nagussa. Inform it to relay to the Chamber of Eternity that we believe the
problem we confront will not require assistance from Sagussa. Their offer is
appreciated, however."

"At once, Minister," Tsuri nods, then turns to her board...

* * *

Presently alongside the "Ganshiki," capable of maintaining equal pace
with the Nagussan cruiser, is an automobile-sized mechanism resembling a
Volkswagen Beetle with its tires replaced by multi-purpose sensory probes and
grappling hooks. The Sagussan number "210" is stencilled on the vehicle's
roof. Where the front windshield would be, someone had, in a fit of most
illogical humour, stencilled two glaring cartoon eyes on the forward lateral
sensory array. Combined with the nose-mounted grill-like hydrogen ramscoop
which was mated to the warp engine assembly aft, the rover unit presented a
face-on demeanor which would intimidate even Darth Vader!

The rover unit quickly interprets the Nagussans' message, then slides
itself into a remote alcove on the cruiser's hull. At the same time, its
long-distance transmitter array relays Kouhae's message to the relay terminal
on the inside of the Galactic Barrier near Yaminokuni. Once it was physically
relayed through the Barrier to its opposite number, another transmission would
see the message safely intact to Sagussa. With that done, the rover unit then
transmits its hourly scan report to Sagussa, updating the Chamber of Eternity
and the Gatherer on every event which occurs around the *daimon'cha's* Other.

Of present concern to Rover S-210 was the psionic scan of Shinobu Miyaki
it made prior to contact with the "Ganshiki." Ataru's ex-girlfriend would be
horrified to learn that her thoughts about the Other's relationship with the
Sagussans would soon become common knowledge with the people in question. The
rover units which patrolled Earth were equipped with a retractable psionic
probe which allowed them, at random, to scan the mind of anyone of interest.
Given Shinobu's concern over Lum's bond with Birth Mother #19282, Rover S-210
decided that a mind-scan was called for. As before, the rover unit's instinct
was correct. The sentient (Rover S-210 **begrudgingly** used that term when
forced to describe a native of Tomobiki) had completely misinterpreted the
*daishi'cha's* intentions with the Other. Then again, what did it expect?

Many would question the rover unit's concern over Shinobu's belief in
the Sagussans' domination of Lum. There was a very rational reason for such
concern. While Shinobu or her fellow Terrans were certainly powerless in the
face of Sagussa's power, there was one element which could prove troublesome,
two if you counted Lum's cousin: Lan. The young Oni child was insanely
undisciplined. Worse, the Seishin teenager had long proven her desire to hurt
the Other in whatever way she could, as often as she could. If news of Ataru
Moroboshi's relationship to Sagussa became common knowledge, then innumerable
problems could arise. They potentially ranged from those misguided but
concerned sentients who would try to separate the *daimon'cha* from his Other
because of their illogical belief that he would reject the Other for the
*daishi'cha*, to those malicious sentients who would try to manipulate the
*daimon'cha* to project Sagussa's power against innocents.

Rover S-210's proposal for a solution was eminent: Shinobu Miyaki had
to be mind-wiped of what information the Other may have released to her in
concern with Sagussa. For that, a rover unit was woefully ill-equipped. A
*daishi'cha* was necessary for such a task. In seconds, the Chamber's reply
signal is received. Birth Mothers #53631 and #56662 would deploy with the
Gatherer to Nagussa. Both were the month's Duty *Daishi'cha*, removed from
the cryogenic slumber of the Dream Time for forty-one days to act as organic
elements should an emergency arise. Rover S-210 was pleased when he received
that information. The former *daishi'cha* was a weapons engineer, Yehisrite
by birth, formerly known as a *pirpirsiw'r*. The latter *daishi'cha* was a
zoological researcher who had access to the sandpanther colonies. Inevitably,
the threat of Shinobu's knowledge, and thus to the *daimon'cha* and his Other,
would be effectively eliminated.

Logical, as always...

* * *

"Hey, sexy!!" Ataru smiles as Lum lands in his arms. "What's a gorgeous
babe like you doing in a place like this?!!"

The Oni purrs as they kiss. Behind them, Kaeru, his parents, Naromo and
Shinobu pause, allowing the lovers their moment of passion. The "Ganshiki"
made orbit over Nagussa an hour before. Prior to transporting to the capital
city, Lum and Shinobu were briefed on what to expect on Kaeru's homeworld.

Nagussa is a Class-M world, fourth in a ten-planet binary system. The
system is located in the centre of what Urusian astronomers address as the
Thirteenth Stellar Cluster. An Earth-sized planet, Nagussa is a temperate
world with little in the way of axial tilt, thus little change in seasonal
climate (it reminds Lum of Reiner's Five). With a 75-25 percentile split
between water and land, Nagussa's landmass is divided into numerous small
continents. However, most of Nagussa's twenty official habitations are
located on island archipelagoes located off continental shores. The capital
city, addressed simply as Habitation One, is located on one such island.

Surrounding Lum is a futuristic panorama of artistically sculptured
buildings mixed with broad bands of park and intermittent groves providing
natural shading. Rising over the city are large habitation towers, each the
height of Toronto's CN Tower, but structured in a similar manner to Seattle's
Space Tower: a thin central column topped by a large multi-story pod. The
towers are connected through enclosed catwalks allowing pedestrians and
magnetically-driven trams to traverse. Viewing this from the spaceport, in
one such tower, Lum could only exhale in admiration. "*Datcha!*"

"And then some!" Ataru nods.

He stops, turning to face his long-missing brother. The two stare upon
the other for what seems an eternity. "Hello, Ataru," Kaeru nods.

"Hello, Kaeru," Ataru curtly nods in return.

Lum blinks, then gently nudges her boyfriend. <<Darling!>> she psi-
links. <<Won't you say anything more?! He's your brother! Aren't you the
least bit curious about how he's been over the last fifteen years?!>>

Ataru does not reply. "Now that we are here, shall we proceed to my
domicile?" Kouhae proposes. "There, we can discuss with First Thoughtmistress
Okue about what has been discovered."

The group proceeds to a tram. Lum and Ataru hang back from the others.
"Darling," the Oni hisses, keeping her voice down. "Why aren't you saying
something more?! Surely you must be happy that Kaeru-chan's alive and well!"

"How can I be happy when I've just met the guy?!" the Terran retaliates
as they step aboard the tram, moving to the aftmost seats for some privacy.
"Did you expect me to leap for joy?! Cry?! Lum-chan, I just **met** the man!
We're just going to be here for a couple of days trying to figure out why his
friends were deceived for so long, then go back to Earth! Sheesh, Lum-chan,
he's got his own **life** on this planet!"

"Darling, don't be angry at him," she sighs. "I know it was because of
him that you and Nokoko-chan were made to suffer. He's not at fault!"

"You may be right," he nods. "I may be angry. At the same time, I
realize that it wasn't his fault that my parents were such jerks. Still, I
can't ask him to forego fifteen years just to be with his brother and sister.
He's got parents, a lover, friends...and they're all **here**!" he points down
in emphasis. "You can't ask him to change fifteen years of habits on a whim!"

"No, I can't," she nods. "But try to get to know him. Even if you
don't acknowledge your parents anymore and he has his own, you are brothers."

"I'll try," he nods.

In seconds, the tram arrives at the tallest tower in Habitation One.
Everyone stares at the richly decorated receiving hall. Nagussans, all
demonstrating a wide variety of stature, skin tone and body structure, proceed
on their business as Kouhae's party disembark. Awaiting them is a statuesque
female Aojiroi with hazel eyes and coppery-brown hair styled in something
Vidal Sasson would have produced in the 1960s. Beside her is a blonde-haired,
blue-eyed Aojiroi with her wavy locks parted over the left eye and cascading
freely to her bustline. "Welcome to Nagussa," the coppery-haired Nagussan
steps up. "I am Katakue, Leader of the Republic. This is Okue," she
indicates her companion, "...First Thoughtmistress. May our home be yours."

"Thank you, Katakue-sama," Lum replies as she and Shinobu respectfully
bow. "We're happy to be here."

"Excellent," Katakue nods, presenting to the surprise of everyone a
dazzling smile. "This tower habitation is home to the Republic's Council of
Elderwomen, our cabinet if you will. Minister, you offered the comfort of
your hearthfire for our discussion," she glances at Kouhae.

"So I did," Kouhae smiles. "This way."

The crowd proceed to the uppermost level of the tower, containing a
series of luxurious apartments. Lum is quick to notice two things. First, as
the Council's title indicated, Nagussa's leaders are women. Second, Nagussa's
civic leaders are Aojiroi. "I didn't realize that your society emphasized
racial divisions between the essential services," she comments to Katakue.

"Ah, you noticed," the Leader nods. "You are correct. Unlike the races
in your quadrant, as much as we have ascertained with intermittent contact
with Sagussan observation units, the races composing Nagussa's current
population individually excel in certain occupations while proving inadequate
in others. Aojiroi, the race in whose form I was moulded, are articulate in
philosophy, leadership and government. Hiyaken and Tanana are, as you might
surmise, efficient warriors. Other races fulfil the other necessary roles.
There are always exceptions to the rule, but they are rare here."

"That's not so true with the *daishi'cha*," the Oni shakes her head.
"The only race-specific occupation is Education, which is solely filled by
Tritonian-descent *daishi'cha*. Everyone else has a fair crack at whatever
job she proves most suitable in. I know of some who've cross-trained in
several major categories. One Lufy-chan told me about actually changed her
occupation from clerk to combat hovercycle pilot!"

"Fascinating," Katakue muses, then nods. "Ah! Here we are."

The group enters Kouhae's apartment. Lum blinks. Despite its location
atop a tower a half-kilometre above ground level, the apartment is not only
vast in size, it is more luxurious than Nagaiwakai's ranch house in Rishiri-
tou. "*Datcha!*" she gasps, eyes wide in awestruck disbelief.

"Please enter," Raikue ushers everyone to the central living room. "May
our home and hearth be yours for a time."

"We thank you," Okue respectfully nods, speaking for the guests.

Raikue proceeds to the kitchen unit to prepare an afternoon snack.
Kouhae enters what Lum assumes to be the bedroom. Everyone remains in the
living room, quickly pairing off into couples. Shinobu is guided by Naromo to
sit beside her and Kaeru. To Lum's not so surprised delight, Katakue and Okue
possess a very intimate relationship atop their professional one. In a
minute, Raikue emerges to offer everyone cakes and local tea. Kouhae soon
emerges, having now changed into more comfortable clothes. As soon as she
assumes the head of the circle, Raikue proceeds to change. In minutes,
everyone has tea in hand as the defence minister toasts the gathering. "To
friends and mates," she smiles. "May they forever bring harmony and peace."

Everyone nods, then drinks. "Now, what's going on here?!" Lum places
her tea cup down. "What exactly did you people discover?"

Ataru and Okue look at the other, then the former turns to his
girlfriend. "Well, as near as we can tell, the Factory, the place where
everyone arose from, actually did tell everyone the truth."

"What do you mean?!" Lum looks surprised.

"We are androids," Okue continues, "...that is, if you take a critical
look at the definition of that term. An android literally is an artificial
being created in the form of an organic sentient humanoid."

"In our side of the galaxy, we've come to the point where we divide the
basic classification into three distinct groups," Ataru adds. "There are
androids, robots in humanoid form, like the four girls who served Tada-chan.
There are synthezoids, beings composed of a mix of organic and non-organic
elements, like Dake-chan. And then, there are bioroids, beings constructed
from only organic materials. The Nagussans are bioroids."

"You mean like Atako-kun, Shinoko-chan and Ria?!" Shinobu gasps.

"You got it," Ataru nods. "Each Nagussan was constructed from the basic
building blocks of life: DNA and RNA taken by their genetic sample collector
over the past ten millennia. Each was constructed to be an individual unit
with their own unique DNA/RNA pattern. Two modifications were made, however.
First, their chromosome pattern which controls aging was slowed down to give
them a lifespan compatible with Sagussans. Second...they were made sterile.
Males got vasectomies, females tubal ligations."

Shinobu blinks. "But...how did that lead you to believe that they were
actually human?!" she shakes her head. "I mean, I know you don't react to
android and synthezoid women, but still...!"

She stops on feeling Lum's condescending glare. Ataru shakes his head.
"It was far easier to figure out than that!" he sneers. "First of all, they
sweat. They were told by the Factory that was their internal cooling systems
discharging excess vapour. They blush. Circulation problems, the Factory
said. Nagussans also have sexual arousal. Males get erections, all the way
to ejaculation. Females have menstruation, not to mention orgasms! If
**that** doesn't tell you they're human, I don't know what will!!"

"How did you find that out?!" Shinobu sneers. "Did you actually try it
out with one of them?!"

Ataru rolls his eyes. "No, I *didn't* do it with any of them!" he
snaps. "Besides, even if I did, it's none of **your** business!!"

Shinobu utters a disbelieving snort, looking away. Lum's eyes roll.
"Such negative emotion," Raikue whispers to Kouhae. "I am pleased we removed
Kaeru from Earth. They seem so illogically hostile in that quadrant."

"Indeed," the minister nods, keeping her voice down. "It may be logical
to ensure Shinobu does not remain with our child."

"So, you were told the truth," Lum concludes, stepping in to prevent the
hostility between her Darling and his former girlfriend from coming to blows.
"It just wasn't properly elaborated, right?"

"Correct," Okue nods. "The question which now faces us is what is our
future course of action? As Ataru stated, we are capable of sexual arousal.
Do we maintain matters as they are...or do we seek to modify them given the
new knowledge we possess?"

Lum considers the question. "I say at least to get your vasectomies and
ligations reversed. It's certainly possible on many planets in our quadrant.
I'm not sure about here, though."

"It will have to be explored," Kaeru concludes.

"And that, we shall do in tomorrow's Council meeting," Katakue stands.
"Kouhae, guest quarters will have to be arranged for Ataru, Lum and Shinobu."

"Shinobu can quarter with us, Leader Katakue," Naromo interrupts.

"Of course, Engineer-first," Katakue nods.

"We have already offered Ataru guest quarters here," Kouhae notes. "I
believe Lum will desire to remain with him."

"You bet!" the Oni beams, nodding.

"Very well, then," the Leader nods...

* * *

Katakue and Okue return to their quarters next door. Kaeru, Naromo and
Shinobu proceed to the defence officers' apartment, located in the east end of
Habitation One. Lum and Ataru remain with Kaeru's parents. Ataru is not in a
good mood. "That condescending bitch!" he snarls as he and Lum sit on their
bed. "How dare she assume she has the right to dictate what I can and can't
do?! She's not my mother...and I certainly as hell didn't give her the right
to become my mother when I disowned the one I had!"

"She's always been like that?" Lum sighs. "No one's ever bothered to
redress her on that. I don't think anyone's dared since they're so afraid of
her reaction. Gods, she'll never learn a thing, won't she?!"

"Not until you leave Tomobiki, I suspect," Ataru sighs. "I'm tempted
that at graduation, we should send her a letter saying 'Hey, stupid! Did you
happen to know Nassur and Benten are married?!'"

Both laugh, imagining Shinobu's reaction. "Then again, if things go one
way, we may never have to worry about Shinobu again," Lum muses.

"How so?"

"Did you know she's got an eye for your brother now?"

He blinks. "I didn't know that. You sure?"

"Positive," she nods. "Oh, by the way, did you find out how Nagussan
relationships actually work, Darling?"

"Yeah," he lays back on the bed. "It's practically anything goes. The
traditional Nagussan family was composed of three adults: one male, two
female. The females were in charge of everything. They were the landowners,
the leaders, the teachers, the philosophers, the businesswomen...everything!
Sort of like Earth prior to the rise of paternalistic religions."

"Or the old Urusian Empire prior to the Union Revolution," she muses.
"The Houses were always patriarchal in descent. All the power always fell to
the eldest son, not the eldest daughter."

He nods. "Right. Nagussan males were usually regulated to manual
labour, hunting and fighting. As technology advanced, the planet got into
space travel and the Fourth Republic became a political entity, gender
equality became the norm. However, a lot of old traditions never really died
here. The Council of Elderwomen, for example."

"We have to ensure that happens on Sagussa. No need to repeat the mess
before the Clone Wars," she sighs, then remembers something. "Wait! You said
that the traditional family was one man, two girls. Are there other types?"

"Oh, sure!" he nods. "I've seen homosexual and lesbian couples,
heterosexual, bisexual threesomes both male and female dominated, homosexual
and lesbian threesomes, even some foursomes! All of it driven by pure love.
Ah, that's a relief! As a matter of fact, what we'd consider the standard
heterosexual couple is **rare** on this planet."

"I see," she smiles. "That explains Naromo."

"What about her?"

"She's taken very personal interest in Shinobu," she snorts. "I think
she wants to share Kaeru-chan with Shinobu."

"How's she taking it?"

"I don't think she knows what to do!!" Lum howls with delight. "Wh-what
do you think I should do, Darling? Tell her how Noa-chan and I get along?"

"Oh, hell, no!" Ataru snorts.

"That's true!" she recovers. "As a matter of fact, she's convinced that
I'm somehow being possessed by Noa-chan! Can you believe that?!"

"I could," he sighs. "She's no different than the other clods down in
Tomobiki. One thing that changes beyond their control and they go ballistic!
Part of me would gladly see her off with Kaeru and Naromo...but part of me's
afraid that Kaeru'll suffer if Shinobu doesn't change!"

"I don't think Naromo'll allow that, Darling," she smiles. "You know,
that's the best part of your game with Tomobiki."

"What's that?"

"That you actually rigged it in such a way that when they're trapped,
they actually LIKE what you set up for them!" she snickers.

He sighs, pride shining on his face at the first plan he ever conceived
which was guaranteed to succeed. "That's why we're going to win this one,
Lum-chan," Ataru smiles.

"Yeah," Lum purrs as she leans over him.

They kiss...just as the door opens. "Ataru? Lum?" Kouhae ventures.

Ataru and Lum part, then look at their host...who now is dressed in a
lace-up teddy and panties! The Terran feels his pulse accelerate as the Oni
turns red on seeing the Nagussan in such intimate clothing. "Wh-what is it,
Kouhae-oba-chan...?" Lum stammers.

"Raikue and I are about to take intimate delight in the other's
company," the minister smiles. "It would be considered rude if we did not ask
our guests to join us. Such emotional output is considered normal here."

Both teens gag. "You want us to join you in an **orgy**?!" Lum gasps.

"Yes," Kouhae looks down on herself. "When we first visited Earth, our
shipmates discovered this most unique establishment which distributes items of
clothing such as what I wear now. It is addressed as Frederick's. I do not
exactly remember where the other away team located this establishment. We
obtained a listing of the items they offered, then sought to duplicate and
advance them to standards we found enjoyable. So, would you care to join us?"

Ataru and Lum stare at the other...

* * *

"That jerk!" Shinobu hisses as she and Naromo proceed toward the
latter's apartment. Both are now alone, Kaeru now acting as the "Ganshiki's"
duty officer. "How dare he think he has the right to preach to me!!"

"Do you speak of Ataru?" Naromo stares curiously at her.

"No, I'm talking about Mendou-san!" the Terran snorts. "Of **course**
I'm talking about Ataru-kun!"

"Why do you believe him arrogant?" the Nagussan hums.

"Didn't you notice?!"

"I did notice the hostile emotions you emitted to the other," Naromo
nods. "However, I did not understand what precipitated this exchange."

Shinobu sighs. "Well, before he started to change, he never cared about
what others thought of him. Lum tried to keep him in line, but he ignored her
every chance he got. Then came the Spirit War and Ataru-kun moved to Oshika.
After that, he made it awfully clear that he would not stop until Lum was
living with him in Oshika, away from Tomobiki. He then started to treat us
like dirt. Our thoughts, our opinions, didn't matter to him! We couldn't try
to advise him about what he was doing to Lum, much less us. We were less than
dirt to him! That jerk! Is that the way he's always thought of us?!"

"Perhaps so," Naromo muses. "However, at present, Ataru believes that
none of you have any right to question whatever decision he formulates,
whether it concern himself, his child or Lum."

Shinobu stares at her friend. "How did you know that?"

"Kaeru made photocopies of Ataru's personal journals. I...was curious
as to what sort of person Kaeru's brother is. While on the return journey to
Nagussa, I made myself familiar with Ataru's journals. They were informative,
not only about Ataru but of those who consider themselves his friends."

"And what did you conclude from them?"

"That Ataru's thought patterns and beliefs are similar to our own,"
Naromo smiles. "For an inordinate length of time, Ataru believed he had no
responsibility to himself or his surroundings. Whatever others said, he
either acknowledged or discarded. However, prior to the event you address as
the Spirit War, Ataru discovered that Lum's presence...and the presence of
those who came in Lum's wake...was potentially harmful to himself. He
realized that he had to formulate controls on his environment which no one,
not even Lum, could ever breech. Hence, his adversarial approach toward you.
When he realized that he desired a future which included Lum as his life-mate,
he decided the time had come that those who 'pretended' for whatever reason to
be his friends or hers would have to be...eliminated. You were on that list."

Shinobu pales. "The reason I stated that Ataru is similar to ourselves
is that for a long period of time, we believed everything the Factory informed
us of our state of being," Naromo continues. "We never questioned nor further
investigated the Factory's information. We felt there was no need...until
Ataru arrived. He seriously questioned the information the Factory provided.
He became quite concerned when I revealed my relationship to Kaeru. He stated
'If you truly love Kaeru, you have to know **exactly** who and what you are.'
I realized how correct he was, therefore urged both Kaeru's mother and Stari
to return to Earth to seek the necessary opinion of Ataru's life-mate. That,
of course, is when I encountered you."

Shinobu feels herself flushing as Naromo gazes at her. "R-right...!"

"Ah, we are here," Naromo smiles as they arrive at a series of ground-
level townhouses.

Shinobu whistles on seeing how ornate Naromo's home is. Entering a
breezeway, they proceed into a lobby which connects four apartments.
Ascending a flight of stairs, they are about to enter one apartment when a
male voice speaks. "It is pleasing to see you again, Naromo."

Naromo stops, turning to see her neighbour emerge from his apartment.
Shinobu is quick to detect a twitch of annoyance in the Nagussan engineer's
face as she glares at her neighbour. "Why do you insist on pursuing an
unsuccessful attempt at forcing me to become your life-mate, Seiyoku?"

Shinobu looks, then gulps, her face paling. She had never seen a male
Aojiroi before. Tall, firmly muscled, Seiyoku had a well-sculptured face
framed by slick-back coppery hair. His eyes were pure emerald. Shinobu feels
her heart rate increase...then is harshly shaken to reality when Seiyoku
glares disapprovingly at her. "And what manner of creature is this?"

"This is Shinobu," Naromo announces. "She is from Earth. She will be
my guest while Ataru is investigating the odd phenomena at the Factory."

A disdainful snort utters from his nose. "Another primitive outworlder
from a Sagussan-influenced world," he sneers at Shinobu. "It was disgusting
enough when our people actually adopted such a primitive, but to transport
other primitives to Nagussa to question our way of life? Hideous."

Seiyoku is stopped when Naromo jabs a finger into his chest. "Be
silent, you!" she snarls. "I have stated it incessantly; I do not desire to
consider your opinions towards Kaeru or my relationship with him! Further, I
will not consider your opinions towards my desire to accept Shinobu as my
bond-mate. I will not tolerate hearing this from you again, Seiyoku."

Shinobu blinks, then gently grasps Naromo's free hand. "C'mon, Naromo-
chan," she smiles, then sneers at Seiyoku. "Let's leave the bigoted jerk
alone! If he can't respect your desires, he's not worthy of your attention."

Naromo considers the point. "You are correct, Shinobu."

"We shall see about that," Seiyoku sneers, walking downstairs.

Once inside Naromo's apartment, Shinobu lets out a relieved gasp. "What
a bastard!" she feels her chest. "Gods, and I actually considered Ataru-kun
and Mendou-san arrogant?! They're tame compared to that sleeze!"

"A pity I do not possess your expertise in using colourful metaphors to
describe him," Naromo muses, walking to the kitchenette to prepare glasses of
spring water. "Then again, he would simply ignore my requests to cease
imposing himself in my personal space. He has always been that way."

"He's just as bad as Mendou and Megane's nerd squad!" Shinobu shakes her
head as Naromo walks to her bearing two flutes holding spring water, ice and a
slice of citrus. She takes her offered flute, then sips. "Oh, thank you."

"You are welcome," Naromo sits beside her. "He is employed as one of
the Factory's chief programming technicians. When Kouhae and Raikue desired
to adopt Kaeru, Seiyoku spoke adamantly against such an action. He became
more resentful when Kaeru and I became intimate with each other. Since that
time, we have been incessantly bombarded by his comments. All commands to
leave us be have been useless. I am prepared to proceed straight to First
Thoughmistress Okue to have Seiyoku reassigned to another habitation!"

"I wouldn't blame you!" Shinobu snorts, then stares at the Nagussan.
"Naromo, can I ask you a question?"

"Ask," Naromo stares at her.

"You...said you wanted me to become...your bond-mate," the Terran
hesitantly notes. "Um...what exactly does that mean?"

Naromo sips her drink. "You desire Kaeru, do you not?"

"Of course!"

"And I desire Kaeru," Naromo points to herself. "I noted in Ataru's
personal journals about the time Lum forced you away from Ataru. We...do not
compete for our males here on Nagussa, Shinobu. When two females find a
desirable male, it is tradition here for the females to come to some agreement
between themselves so both may enjoy the male's company."

"So...we'd become partners...and share Kae-kun, right?"

"Exactly," Naromo nods, gently reaching to Shinobu's forehead to stroke
locks of her hair. "At the same time, I must note, the females themselves
would seek intimacy with the other."

Shinobu blinks. "We'd become lovers?!"

"Correct," Naromo nods.

The Terran considers what the Nagussan said. "That's...well, I...gee,
Naromo, I really don't know what to say!" she stammers. "I mean, we don't do
that on Earth. It's always one guy to one girl. Granted, we have guy-guy and
girl-girl relationships on Earth, but they're rare!"

"Shinobu, may I make a criticism?" Naromo prods.

Concern crosses Shinobu's face. "Wh-what is it?"

"In the previous six Earth solar revolutions, you have sought the
company of four males. Let us exclude Kaeru for the moment," the Nagussan
gently takes hold of Shinobu's hand.

The Terran blinks. Naromo's touch is soft, caressing. She was serious!
"First, there was Ataru," Naromo's voice interrupts Shinobu's train of
thought. "He was of course afflicted with his problems, which interfered
greatly in your attempts to form a relationship. I do not need to reiterate
the problems you encountered when Lum came to reside on Earth.

"Then came Shutaro Mendou," the Nagussan continues. "You found him
quite attractive. However, Ataru noted that you sensed he was not as willing
to commit to a relationship with you because he, like the other males in
Tomobiki, was infatuated with Lum. Afterward came Inaba. You found his
attraction quite earnest. Still, problems existed because he resided in a
different dimension and his superiors did not approve of his interest in you.
Finally, there is Nassur. You simply were too late to affect him because he
had already formed a bond with Benten."

Shinobu jolts, her face flushing with rage and jealousy. Did Ataru know
something?! "All four times, you failed to secure a lasting relationship,"
Naromo's words shake the Terran back to reality. "May I therefore propose
that you have been seeking companionship in the wrong areas."

Shinobu is unable to reply, for with those words, Naromo slides over and
places a gentle kiss on her lips. Ataru's former girlfriend blinks as she
feels herself responding to Naromo's advances. In a minute, both lovingly
embrace the other, their kisses becoming more intimate. Finally, after what
seems a wonderful eternity, they part. "Would you remain here for a moment?"
Naromo muses, gently touching Shinobu's lips.

"S-sure," the latter nods.

Naromo proceeds to the bedroom. Shinobu remains in place, stunned
disbelief etched her face. Naromo was really attracted to her! And with her
personal time with Kaeru, she knew he was just as attracted to her. This was
insane; TWO people wanted to love her? And one was a woman?! She did not
know whether to run away or accept the inevitable. What would her parents
say?! What would her sisters say...?

Shinobu blinks. Nintaiko and Shinoko would loudly approve, urge her to
plunge ahead, take what Kaeru and Naromo freely gave her. Everyone else was
starting to pair off. Why should she remain behind with idiots like Mendou
and the guards? To Naromo, the logic of the situation was flawless. Naromo
loved Kaeru. Shinobu desired Kaeru. Kaeru certainly loved Naromo and
obviously wanted to love Shinobu. So why should Shinobu and Naromo NOT love
the other? It would spare the Terran the fights she had with Lum over Ataru,
not to mention the potential fights she could have had with Benten over
Nassur. Mendou had long become a lost cause and Inaba was, as Naromo bluntly
noted, unreachable. This home could literally become hers if she dared.

Shinobu looks around, her imagination conceiving of what life would be
like if she remained on Nagussa, became part of Kaeru's and Naromo's family.
She and Naromo would have children, all three taking responsibility in their
upbringing (she instinctively knew Kaeru was not the type who would abandon a
mate). It was obvious that Nagussan society would demand that Shinobu become
an active participant. Perhaps become a member of the Defence Force and serve
with Kaeru and Naromo and their friends on the "Ganshiki?" On Nagussa, she
would be free of Tomobiki's insanity, free to live her life as she desired it.
And if she wanted to visit Earth, there was no problem. The "Ganshiki" had
just proved that quick transit was possible. It was so perfect!

Shinobu's thoughts are broken when she notices Naromo entering the
living room. She gasps in awe on seeing the Nagussan dressed in a suspender-
style thong-back catsuit fitted with fishnet stockings. It left NOTHING to
the imagination. "Wow!!" she gasps.

Naromo gently takes the Terran's hand, then helps Shinobu to her feet.
"I ordered it from the clothing replicator especially for this occasion," she
smiles. "Would you permit me to seduce you, Shinobu?"

She blinks. "You're attracted to me **that** much?" Shinobu gasps.

Naromo guides her towards the bedroom. "I stated it before, Shinobu. I
find you very attractive. I assume by your hesitation that this is your first
time you have been intimate with another female?"

Thoughts of Atako Moroboshi cross Shinobu's mind. She had ducked out of
that by giving the bioroid a double of herself to love. She could not pull
such an escape this time. Did she want to? "Yes," Shinobu nods.

"I see," Naromo nods. "I shall be gentle. If in any way you feel some
discomfort, ask me to cease. Still, I would desire your company tonight."

Shinobu blushes, stunned that the Nagussan cared so much. Well, what
was the harm in trying new sensations? "Thank you," she squeezes Naromo's
hand. "Shall we?" she nods towards the bedroom.

They kiss, then proceed through the doorway...

* * *

Shinobu's eyes open, allowing her to gaze upon Naromo's peaceful
features beside her. The Nagussan engineer had let her hair down while they
had made love. The Terran believed Naromo cuter this way. Incredible! Her
first sexual encounter...and it was with a woman, disregard Naromo being an
alien! It did not matter, Shinobu concluded. Naromo was very attracted to
her, had freely expressed her attraction and had desired Shinobu's company.
She did not regret it.

Shinobu's body still reverberated with the assault Naromo gave her once
they were nude and in bed. Despite her usual rational demeanor, when she
allowed herself to express her sexuality, Naromo was a bottomless pit of
passion. Shinobu had been totally overwhelmed. Her response to Naromo's
sensuous advances seemed feeble, hesitant, awkward. The Nagussan was a very
experienced, talented lover. It made the Terran more excited wondering what
Kaeru would be like when they finally went all the way.

Or is that "if?" Despite her enjoyment, Shinobu still found herself
doubting. If she overcame her doubts and accepted Kaeru's and Naromo's offer
to live on Nagussa, she had home and family awaiting her here. Still, this
was a vastly different planet than Earth. The people had been lied to about
the truth of their existence. They needed to discover who and what they
really are. Once they have, they have to configure their lives to conform to
that discovery. Like it or not, nothing would be the same on Nagussa.

Also, Nagussa was Kaeru's and Naromo's home. To ask them to transplant
themselves to Earth would be cruel. They would be seen as nerds, walking
computers, odd, definitely not the norm. They would be overwhelmed by Earth's
rampant emotionalism. Nagussa was the place they had lived their lives,
learned to love and care for each other. If Shinobu agreed to become part of
their family, she would have to move to Nagussa. Was she capable, willing to
live on this world? Could she adjust to living here? Should she even try?

Shinobu sighs as she gently rises from the bed and proceeds to the
kitchen to prepare some local tea. She had an important decision to make.
Rejecting Nagussa for Earth, although fraught with problems, did present
possibilities. Naromo had exposed her to a whole new world, a world which
amazed her, fascinated her...and yes, frightened her. Would she be accepted
having a relationship with another woman? Her sisters would accept her
without a doubt, but what about her other friends? Nokoko and Mal found it
quite easy. Both were so powerful, any homophobe would be spending time in
the hospital if he harassed them, if not a trip to an early grave!

Shinobu stops herself, a snicker escaping her lips. Here she was
contemplating ways of forming a family when she really have never experienced
much success maintaining a working relationship with anyone, with the bare
exception of Naromo and Kaeru. Preparing tea, she returns to the bedroom.
Naromo was awake, fixing her hair. "You should keep that loose," Shinobu sits
on the bed, offering her a cup of tea. "You look more beautiful that way."

"You believe so?" Naromo finishes with her hair, then accepts the
offered cup. "Fascinating. Kaeru prefers my hair styled in this fashion. Is
this opposite belief beneficial or detrimental to a forming relationship?"

"Well, on Earth, they do say 'Opposites attract,'" Shinobu sips her tea.
"Ataru-kun and Lum prove that beyond a shadow of a doubt."

Naromo blinks. "You still have feelings for Ataru, do you not?"

"Yes," Shinobu nods. "I want him...at least as a friend. I...miss him.
I miss his love of life, I miss his joy, I miss a lot of things. The Spirit
War destroyed so much. Part of me wishes we could go back and prevent it from
happening, go back to a simpler, innocent time. But that's not possible,
isn't it?"

"Correct," Naromo nods. "It is the universe's way to progress forward,
evolve, mature. To devolve would be against all the universe stands for."

"That's true."

"Further, may I state that if you desire Ataru's friendship, you should
honour his desire to live away from you, his desire to evolve and mature."

Shinobu considers the point. "You're right," she nods. "I think the
real problem between Ataru and Tomobiki is that we've never honoured whatever
he's wanted, regardless of how simple, how humane his desires were. All he
really wanted, when you get down to it, was to be in control of his life.
What more simple desire would anyone want? That's what made Ataru's departure
from Tomobiki, his anger at us, all the more shocking. We'd got into the
habit of saying 'oh, that's the same old Ataru-kun,' then going on with our
lives, not considering what we were actually doing to him.

"When his temper exploded, when he lashed out at us, when he showed us
how fragile our lives really were, it really felt as if our world had come to
an end. Before the Spirit War, we'd never had to deal with that. We found
ourselves unable to deal with it. Worse, Ataru-kun took hideous advantage of
that, hitting us again and again so rapidly that we proverbally couldn't catch
our breath..."

Naromo remains respectfully silent. Shinobu sighs. "You know, in a
funny way, what Ataru-kun did...actually did us a world of good. It made us
realize there was a world, an existence out there. He went out to find his
place in it...and he showed us how it could be done. In truth, we should be
grateful to him for what he did. A lot of my classmates have boyfriends, are
in fact engaged to be married. And now, I want to follow Ataru-kun. After
all," she reaches over to gently grasp the Nagussan's hand, "...if Ataru-kun
didn't change, I probably wouldn't've met you. And here I am, blathering away
about my problems and not giving you a chance to say a thing. Sorry."

"There is no need to apologize," Naromo lovingly squeezes the Terran's
hand. "A Majjujou philosopher once informed me that true maturity comes when
one fully sees what surrounds her, when one accepts that which influences her,
when one accepts what she can and cannot influence. And I am more than
pleased to have aided you in your search for your place in life. However,
there is a problem which confronts us."

"That is?"

"If Kaeru, you and I form a relationship, we would have to consider
living on either Nagussa or Earth. Both planets would, I am sure you agree,
present problems for the non-native of our theoretical family."

"Yes," Shinobu sadly nods. "I do care for both you and Kae-kun, Naromo-
chan. I would love to form a family with you. I know I'm accepted here.
But...it would be a pretty rough transition."

"As I care for you," Naromo smiles. "However, I do propose an option."

"That being?"

"If you do not locate a potential mate on Earth...or anywhere in your
quadrant; you seem not adversarial to the idea of loving non-Terrans," Naromo
sighs, then smiles, "...then do know that our hearth-fire will always be yours
if you so desire, that a place for you will be set at our table."

Shinobu blinks, then smiles. "Thank you."

"And I desire presently to be intimate with you again."

The Terran blushes, then sets her cup aside. "Move over," she purrs.

Just as the Nagussan sets her cup aside and has shifted over to allow
Shinobu back in bed, the phone rings. "Argh!!!" the latter howls. "It always
happens at the worst time!!"

Naromo reaches to her video-phone controls and activates them. A
holographic screen appears before the engineer, projecting an image of her
ship's science officer. "Greetings, Engineer-first," Keri smiles, then blinks
on seeing Shinobu. "Oh. Greetings, Shinobu. I apologize for intruding."

"You're lucky you're not here, Keri!" Shinobu playfully growls.

Keri smiles. "What is the problem, Science-first?" Naromo sighs.

"Have you seen the Engineer-second?" Keri looks concerned.

Shinobu and Naromo tense. "Not since our meeting in Minister Kouhae's
residence," the latter reports. "He should be aboard the 'Ganshiki.'"

"That is where I presently am," Keri reports. "He is not here."

Shinobu and Naromo stare at the other. "Could something have happened
to Kae-kun?!!" the Terran fearfully stares at Keri.

"I cannot postulate," the Hiyaken-turned-Nagussan scientist shakes her
head. "I am commencing a detailed investigation of the 'Ganshiki' to
determine his whereabouts..."

"We'll be right there!!" Shinobu reaches over to cut communications,
then stands. "C'mon, Naromo!! Get dressed!"

"Agreed," Naromo gets up...

* * *

"Did you hear that, Ami?" a Terran-accented voice utters from a secluded
shadow near Naromo's apartment.

"Affirmative, Usagi," a very cultured yet faintly Yehisrite-accented
voice replies through a communicator. "Henry is trying to locate Ataru-sama's
brother right now. Stay close to Shinobu and Kaeru-sama's child-mate."

"No problem," the first voice nods. "C'mon, Luna."

A throaty growl similar to a tiger's responds as a lithe female form
runs out of the shadow, two enormous pigtails trailing her. Behind the woman
is a cougar-sized catlike creature bearing gigantic batlike wings...

* * *

"I hope last night didn't bother you, Darling," Lum smiles as she and
Ataru make their way from Kouhae's apartment to the ground-level building
housing the meeting chambers of Nagussa's central government. "They are the
hosts. If that's the way Nagussan society works, we have to respect it."

"The idea of making love with my brother's foster mother didn't actually
thrill me," Ataru sighs. "Everyone'll say I have an Oedipal complex!"

"It won't ever leave my lips," the Oni purrs as they board an elevator.
"Besides, I was conceived when Daddy and Mommy got into an orgy when on a
trade mission to Zeiwan. I think that's when Chara-chan was conceived, too."

Ataru snorts. "Old Sagussan saying about diplomacy, Lum: 'Keep it
simple, *de'ne!*'"

Lum laughs. In minutes, both are at ground level. Awaiting them is
Okue, her hair now tied in a decorative ponytail. The first thoughtmistress
politely bows to Ataru. "Greetings, Ataru...Lum. The Council chambers are in
this direction."

"Lead on, MacDuff!" Ataru smiles as the couple falls in line behind the
Nagussan.

Okue chuckles as they proceed towards a set of ornate double doors.
Following the blonde-haired thoughtmistress, Lum's eyes narrow on seeing a
faint light glowing from behind Okue's left ear. Gently squeezing Ataru hand,
Lum sends out a psychic message. <<Darling, do you see what's behind Okue-
san's ear?>>

Ataru looks, then nods. <<Yeah. What about it? It could just be a
subcutaneous transmitter!>>

Lum blinks. <<But when we were with Kouhae-oba-chan and Raikue-oba-
chan, I didn't notice anything like that!>>

<<You mean you actually got close enough to notice?!>>

The Oni flushes. <<Darling, you idiot!>> she playfully swats his arm.

The Terran yelps, then chuckles. Lum's eyes blink as she hears the
*swoosh!* of air rapidly passing a body some distance behind her. Looking
back, she barely sees the blur of a humanoid body zipping from one secluded
alcove to another. The blur is tinted with brunette hair, Yehisrite-suntanned
skin and red-gold-and-black clothing. Lum blinks. *Red-gold-and-black?!
That's the colours of an armourer!! What would one be doing here?!*

Before she could examine the problem further, the three arrive at the
doors. Okue opens then, then ushers them inside. "Please enter."

"Thank you!" Ataru nods as the couple enters the chambers of the Council
of Elderwomen. The meeting area is a small space, large enough for twenty
ministers. The vastness is in the spectator's gallery surrounding the
chamber. No one is present save the Council itself.

Katakue is busy with Kouhae and Raikue when Ataru and Lum approach.
"Ah, there you are!" the Leader smiles as she gently grasps their hands in
greeting. "You honour us with your presence at this meeting."

"Thank you, Leader," Ataru bows. "We're honoured to be here."

Katakue returns his bow. "Thank you. You are the First Citizen of
Sagussa, Ataru. Your presence is especially welcome."

Lum smiles, remembering that *daite'cha*, one of Ataru's two titles with
the Sagussans, literally translates "first above all." "First Citizen" was a
very accurate interpretation. Her pleasure is then diminished when she
notices the area behind Katakue's ear. It also possesses a small flashing
point of light. Drawing back from Ataru, Lum side-steps to Kouhae's side.
Leaning up to the minister's ear, she whispers "I really enjoyed myself last
night, Kouhae-oba-chan."

The Oni gazes at the spot behind the Nagussan's ear. Kouhae does not
possess a flashing point of light. "I am pleased we were able to make your
stay more enjoyable, Lum," she leans over to kiss Lum's cheek.

"Definitely," Lum sighs, then proceeds to Raikue's side to repeat the
thanks. Like her bond-mate, the thoughtmistress does not have a flashing
point of light behind her ear. After receiving thanks from Raikue, Lum draws
back. *Something's not right here!* she crosses her arms. *I can feel it!
I've got this horrible feeling someone's out to do us harm!!*

* * *

"The primitive Lum is more intelligent than given the credit I granted
her," Seiyoku sneers as he watches the meeting on a monitor screen. Located
in a dark space somewhere on Nagussa, the control room projects images of all
aspects of planetary life. Another viewscreen shows Keri monitoring the
"Ganshiki's" primary control stations. "It seems they are not as primitive as
I believed the sentients of your home quadrant to be. They may have to be
forcefully suppressed if I do not desire to invite further attempts by the
Sagussan-descent worlds from making social inroads on Nagussa. Would you
agree with me, Kaeru?" he contemptfully stares behind him.

Now bruised and bloodied from the surprise attack which took him from
the "Ganshiki," secured to a chair, Kaeru angrily glares at the technician.
"What is the logic of your acts, Seiyoku?! What you are planning is treason
against the social order of Nagussa!"

"No, the true traitors are your so-called 'parents!'" Seiyoku snaps,
rising to his feet. "The day they brought you to this world, they caused many
others to consider exploring their sexuality, form bondings and question the
basic reality the Factory created for us all!"

"They are sentient beings, even if the Factory lied to them!!" Kaeru
retorts. "They have no right to be subjected to the Factory's controls!"

Seiyoku rises, then delivers a brutal blow to Kaeru's jaw! "Silence,
primitive! You have, I admit, tried to emulate our ways, make yourself
welcome on this world. However, I have long suspected you to be a subversive
plant programmed by the Sagussans to disrupt and conquer our perfect society!
Your brother's connection to Sagussa is proof!"

"Cease your pitiful attempts at justifying your questionable logic!"
Kaeru spits out a broken tooth, then glares at Seiyoku. "You are simply
motivated by your lust for Naromo, a lust you can never see fulfilled!"

"Perhaps that was my initial motivation," Seiyoku sits at his control
station. "I admit that. That is before the Factory's central computer
contacted me and informed me of his desire to regain a sense of control over
Nagussan life, to restore it to what the Great Programmer desired to be
constructed. An existence free of want, avarice, desire, disease or other
social ill regardless of source of origin. And you must admit by reading your
brother's personal journals that many social ills native to his world rise
from this contemptful barbarism you call 'love!'"

"Then you do not understand what being human is about," Kaeru sneers.

"I do not WANT Nagussans to be the frail creatures you call 'human!!!'"
the programmer roars, bolting to his feet. "Your kind are weak, Kaeru!! Your
kind are contemptible! Your own genetic progenitors' behaviour towards your
brother and sister prove that!! You cannot deny it!"

Kaeru stares at Seiyoku. "There, we agree," he nods. "Hearing of my
genetic parents' actions against Ataru and Nokoko...sickened me. I have no
desire to return to Earth to appease their pathetic illogic."

"You see?!" Seiyoku smiles, kneeling beside the engineer. "You still
try to emulate our society! I find that utterly admirable! Yet, you cannot
understand what the Factory desired of Nagussans! You do not BELONG here,
Kaeru Moroboshi...and I address you as that because THAT is your real name,
not the Nagussan name you took for yourself!!"

Kaeru glares at Seiyoku. "Forty solar revolutions ago on Earth, there
existed a neurotic, narcissist sentient named Adolph Hitler. He was the
leader of a commune on Earth then addressed as Nazi Germany. He desired to be
rid of a social group addressed as Jews which had long been integral to German
society. He did so in a barbaric act of mass slaughter which to this day is
addressed simply as 'the Holocaust.' Is that what you will do to those you
find beneath a mere computer's illogical, paranoid desires, Seiyoku?! Will
you terminate them as Hitler came dangerously close to terminating the Jews?!"

"Oh, no, Kaeru," Seiyoku smiles, appearing as if taking the solution the
Nazis contemplated for Europe's Jews was a possibility. "There is no need.
Your primitive influence on Nagussa is small, easily terminated. Naromo,
Kouhae, Raikue and others would simply be reprogrammed to forget you existed.
You, Ataru, Lum and Shinobu would be transported back to Earth, never again to
influence, much less contact Nagussa again."

"I will NEVER permit you to reprogram Naromo!!" Kaeru sneers. "She is a
sentient being, not a piece of wetware simply created for your pleasure!"

Seiyoku looks disappointed. "You still do not understand. Perhaps that
is also admirable. However, I do admit that your treatment of Naromo, despite
my disapproval of your interest towards her, was admirable. The Factory and I
are willing to reward you for your service. Permit me to transport you to a
location where I may demonstrate this point."

Kaeru finds himself forced to obey when a pistol is aimed at him, the
safety off and the emitter set to full power. Seiyoku unties him, then moves
to the control board. "But, first, let us ensure that your brother does not
attempt to interfere."

With that, he presses a gold switch...

* * *

Okue presents her argument for de-sterilization to the Council of
Elderwomen. Ataru and Lum sit beside Kouhae and Raikue. "...we have reached
the point where we can produce families which can promulgate the Nagussan
race. This is exactly as the Great Programmer desired us to proceed..."

She stops, a confused look on her face. Curiosity crosses the faces of
Ataru and Lum. "Proceed? Proceed in what, Okue?" Kouhae, equally curious,
urges. "Is there something wrong?"

To their surprise and Raikue's, Okue's eyes dull over as she evenly
stares at them. "Your-presence-is-a-threat-to-Nagussan-society," she utters
in a robotic voice. "Surrender-or-face-life-termination."

Ataru, Lum, Raikue and Kouhae are horrified as the entire Council of
Elderwomen rise, eyes dulled and lifeless, hands rising as if they were moving
to crush someone's throat. "They're zombies!!!" Ataru screams.

"They have been cybernetically rendered in a suggestive state!" Raikue
reports as they stand, moving into a protective circle.

"Why don't you say they've been possessed, Raikue!!" Ataru stammers.

"I did state that, Ataru," Raikue stares at the Terran.

"Never mind!!" Ataru shakes his head. "Lum, zap them!!"

"No!!" Kouhae barks. "Lum's organic lightning would cause a feedback
loop in their subcutaneous transponders! You will render them brain-dead!!"

"L-looks like y-you were r-right, Darling!!" Lum stammers, then gets an
idea. "Darling, turn into the Cyborg! You could render them immobile...!!"

"Do not!" Raikue counters.

"Why?!!" Ataru and Lum demand.

"Because whoever is controlling the Council may notice whatever form of
polymorphing Ataru is capable of and move to use the necessary countermeasures
to eliminate whatever threat Ataru could bring to bear!" Kouhae grits her
teeth. "Reserve that option unless it is the only option available."

"G-good p-point!" Ataru nods.

Raikue steels herself, then moves to Okue. "Okue, do not allow whoever
is controlling you to perform this act!" she pleads. "In the name of all we
have created here on Nagussa, regain control of yourself!!"

Okue stops. "It is..." she utters, "...most difficult, Raikue..."

"They're still there!!" Ataru and Lum gasp.

"Not...exactly..." Katakue painfully utters. "Lum...use your power.
Render us...immobile..."

The Oni is horrified. "If I do that, I'll kill you!!!" she cries.

"If you...do not...we will...terminate you..." the Leader gasps. "It
is...an order...do it!"

"Then," a familiar voice utters, "...permit me! GET DOWN!!!!"

Ataru, Lum, Raikue and Kouhae hit the deck as a blast of energy thunders
through the space above them! The energy rips into the minds of the Council
ministers, freezing them in place for a second. The four unaffected persons
watch as the ministers jolt, then drop like marionettes with their strings
cut!! As the blast fades, everyone blinks on seeing puffs of steam emit from
behind the ministers' ears. The smell of fried electronics fills the air.
"Katakue!!!" Kouhae leaps to her feet, kneeling beside Katakue as the latter's
eyes flutter open. "What is your status?!"

"I am uninjured," Katakue painfully rises, feeling behind her ear.
"Fascinating. Using electromagnetic pulses to eliminate the subcutaneous
transponders controlling us. Who would have conceived such a thing?"

"I would," a voice offers.

Lum's eyes brighten as she recognizes the voice. "Ami!!!"

Everyone turns to see a Yehisrite woman approach. With brunette hair
left-side parted and cut short to her cheeks, she has wide, expressive blue
eyes. On her right cheek is a tattoo, three hearts in a V-formation with a
crashing tidal wave between them. She is dressed in a full-sleeve collared
coverall with a deep V-neck design bordered by the Sagussan phoenix. The
colours are red background, gold trimming and black pants. She wears what
appears to be a gold turtle-neck sweater under the coverall. The Sagussan
numbers 53631 are embroidered on both collars and the exploding grenade and
open cog of Weapons Engineering appears on both wrists. She has what appears
to be a giant projection weapon in hand, in addition to enough weapons
strapped over her to start World War Three! "A Sagussan!" Kouhae blinks.

Lum moves to do the introductions. "Everyone, this is Aminobishoojo-
chan," she notions to the Yehisrite-turned-Sagussan. "Everyone calls her Ami-
chan for short. She's an armourer from the Weapons Inspector General office."

Ami-chan bows, her hands in the requisite splayed-finger prayer
position. "Greetings. I bid you peace, logic and harmony."

Katakue returns the bow. "Greetings, Weaponeer Ami. Your arrival was
well-timed. When did you arrive over Nagussa?"

"Seven hours ago," Ami-chan smiles. "We came here when the Chamber of
Eternity and the Gatherer concluded that trouble was brewing on Nagussa. It
would not go well for us if the *daimon'cha* was injured so far from home."

Lum blinks. "So *that's* what Noa-chan meant by help being on the
way!!" she snaps her fingers. "You had a rover unit follow us!"

"You got it," Ami-chan nods.

Ataru is stunned by the information Lum and Ami-chan revealed. "All
*this* was because of **me**?!!" he stammers, pointing to himself.

The Yehisrite-turned-Sagussan looks over...then her eyes become hearts
on seeing the man her people desire more than anything in the universe!
"HELLO, NURSE!!!!!!" she lustfully gags, looking like a lovestruck schoolgirl
having beheld the most popular man in the school for the first time. "He's
more handsome than his psi-pictures EVER presented him!!!"

Ataru does not know whether to bask in the adulation or run away and
hide. Before Ami-chan could leap over to kiss him, the thunder of booted feet
hitting the floor outside the chambers is heard. "I suggest you return
yourself to business, Weaponeer," Okue points to the chamber doors.

Ami-chan notices a crowd of Nagussans race toward them. "I'll settle
this!!!" her hand reaches for her belt, strung with a row of spheres.

A second later, a storm of those same objects flies at the doorway.
They hit the ground, then explode!! The force of the blasts scatters the
attackers in every direction, filling the corridor with smoke and shattered
walls. In fact, there are SO many explosions, the structure outside the
council chambers collapses!! Everyone stares dumbfoundedly as the fireworks
continue for a minute. "Ah!!!" Ami-chan sighs, quite satisfied. "Stun-
grenades! Just like American Express cards! Never leave home without them!!"

An embarrassed Ataru and Lum stand behind her, sweat pouring down their
hair. "And THESE are the people I'm supposed to help?!" the Terran mutters.

"You got a lot of work ahead of you, Darling," the Oni sighs.

When the smoke clears, one certainly cannot fail to conclude that
despite Ami-chan's penchant for overkill, her presence was effective. "Well,
now that these dopes are out of our way, what next?!" she innocently smiles.

"We have to discover who was responsible for the attempt at controlling
everyone," Kouhae muses.

"I can help you there," Ami-chan reports. "Does the name Seiyoku sound
familiar to any of you?!"

"Seiyoku?!!" Okue gasps.

"Who's Seiyoku?!" Ataru looks curious.

"He is the chief programmer of the Factory," Kouhae looks angry. "He
also vociferously disapproved of my adoption of Kaeru."

"He also disapproves of Kaeru's relationship with Naromo," Raikue adds.

"Oh, wonderful!!! Just a case of jilted lovers again!!" Ataru snarls.
"Shit, will this universe ever be rid of creeps like him?!!"

"Well, as long as everyone believes love makes the world go around,"
Ami-chan innocently offers.

"Never mind!!!" Ataru and Lum snarl.

The Sagussan looks embarrassed. "Wait!!" Lum looks horrified. "If this
creep's after Naromo, that means he's going to go after Kaeru-chan, too!!!"
She turns to Ami-chan. "Ami, who came with you from Sagussa?!!"

"Usagi," Ami-chan blushes.

Lum looks understandably disappointed. "Usagi?! You idiot!!!" she bops
Ami-chan on the forehead! "Usagi's a zoologist!!! She's useless in a fight!!
Why didn't you bring Rei, Minako...or better yet, Deunan or Leona?!! ANYONE
would've been better than Usagi!!!"

"Well, she's my watch-mate on this month's duty watch!" Ami-chan
innocently shrugs. "If I tried to change the watch, James'll get upset!! You
know how much he hates it when we change watches on him!!!"

Ataru looks as if everything he has worked diligently for to date has
been in vain. "These are the people I have to help?" he moans, walking over
to the council chamber walls. "I'm inheriting a planet populated by people
like her?!" He bashes his head against the wall! "I'm an idiot!!" And
again! "I'm an idiot!!!" And again and again! "I'm an idiot!!! I'M AN
IDIOT!!!! I'M AN IDIOT!!!!!!"

Everyone else panics. "Darling, stop!!!" Lum cries. "You don't know
what that's going to do to the structure...!!!"

The council chambers, reverberating with Ataru's repeated head-blows,
collapses as his scream echoes over Nagussa! "***I'M AN IDIOT!!!!!!***"

* * *

"What is this?!" Kaeru demands.

Kaeru has been led into the nethermost bowels of the Factory by Seiyoku.
A giant spiral complex five kilometres in diameter located on the largest
continent some distance from Habitation One, the Factory is all that remains
of the Fourth Republic of Nagussa. Here, all one hundred thousand Nagussans
were created from DNA samples, gestated with care and caution to become the
physically perfect specimens now breathing today. The Factory's lower levels
hold the gestation chambers, Nagussa's artificial wombs.

Presently, he has been guided to stand in front of one gestation chamber
by the demented programmer. It is occupied. Kaeru beholds a beautiful young
girl, Hazel's age, floating serenely in the opaque gelatin of the matrix tank.
While her features are not exact, there are details which are very apparent,
including the cherubic face he intimately knew well, the sculptured body about
to blossom into womanhood...now matched with brown hair. Looking at Seiyoku,
Kaeru gestures to the chamber. "Who is she?"

"Surely, you cannot recognize your own genetic offspring," Seiyoku
thinly smiles. "I even took the liberty of naming her. Tadomo ryi'Kaeru-
Naromo. Or Tadomo Moroboshi, if you follow Terran naming procedures."

"You gestated a child based on Naromo's and my genes?! Why?!"

"To reward you," the programmer snorts. "As I stated before, you did
care for Naromo. Do not worry. She will not know about Tadomo. Now...I
believe it is time you and your child became acquainted."

A holo-control panel suddenly appears beside Seiyoku's hand. The
programmer makes several commands. Kaeru stares at the gestation matrix. The
gelatin dissolves into liquid, then drains. In minutes, Tadomo's eyes flutter
open. Her mouth takes in her first breath of air. Once vital signs are
confirmed to be nominal, the matrix tank opens, permitting the young girl to
emerge. Stepping out, she takes a moment to examine her surroundings. Her
brown eyes then fall on Kaeru. She blinks. "Father," she acknowledges.

Kaeru kneels in front of Tadomo. "Are you well, child?"

"I function properly," the child emotionlessly nods.

Kaeru blinks. Even growing up, he never was this emotionless. He
glares at Seiyoku. "Would you care to explain your logic by creating her?
Forgive me, but your logic has always escaped me."

"Oh, really, Kaeru," Seiyoku chuckles. "If you do not understand by
now, you never will. A true Nagussan would comprehend." Those cold eyes
traverse to gaze on the young girl. "Tadomo, what is your function?"

Tadomo blinks, then responds with the same enthusiasm as a computer.
"To serve as Father's offspring."

Kaeru rises. "You have even regulated a child's upbringing against her
parents' wishes. Somehow, I do not believe Naromo would approve. I do not."

"I would not be so quick to pass judgement," Seiyoku sneers. "You and
your brother share one pathetic quality, which is your greatest vulnerability:
you would never permit those who are genetically or emotionally related to you
to suffer. As we speak, you are subconsciously overjoyed that Tadomo exists,
that you have the child you always desired. I cannot provide you her mother,
but I am sure Shinobu would make an excellent substitute."

"This child's mother is Naromo," Kaeru growls. "There is nothing you
can say or do which will alter that fact!"

"Not really...or shall I say you will not have a choice in the matter,
Kaeru," Seiyoku snorts.

Kaeru glares at the programmer. Time to play his final hand. "Would
you say that if you knew Sagussans were on this planet?"

Bull's eye! "What?!" Seiyoku gasps.

"Prior to your absconding with me from the 'Ganshiki,' I detected the
Gatherer's arrival in the system," Kaeru muses, side-stepping over to gently
bring Tadomo against his side. "Two *daishi'cha*, a weapons engineer and a
zoologist, Aminobishoojo and Usagi respectively, have come to ensure the
safety of my brother and his chosen life-mate. What say *you*, sir, to that?"

Seiyoku calls up another holo-vision screen. It reveals a picture of
Naromo and Shinobu fighting the former's cyber-controlled crewmates aboard the
"Ganshiki." Presently approaching from down one corridor was a blonde-haired
Terran with knee-length side pigtails dressed in a standard Sagussan jumpsuit,
light blue with gold trim and red pants. "No!!" the programmer snarls, then
manipulates another series of controls. "We shall see about that!"

* * *

"Keri, control yourself!!" Naromo wrestles the possessed science
officer. "Your actions are too illogical! Shinobu, what is your status?!"

"I'm a little...busy," Shinobu tries to get Shan and Stari off her back.

Seeing Tsuri move to assist her shipmates keep the Terran down, Naromo,
flips Keri, sending her flying into the combat officer! Both slam into one
bulkhead, dropping to the deck. Then, Shinobu cries out as she leaps to her
feet, flinging Shan and Stari away! "Get off me!!!" she gasps.

Naromo draws her pistol, moving to aim at her shipmates. "Do not force
me to resort to stronger measures to subdue you!!" she orders.

Suddenly, a khaki blur whips past Shinobu and Naromo, forming into a
giant catlike creature now in a pounce-like stance ahead of the two women.
The engineer blinks. "What is a sandpanther doing on Nagussa?"

Shinobu gapes. The creature made a tiger look tame! Over two metres
from head to hips with a metre-long tail, covered in coarse khaki-brown fur,
the sandpanther would normally pass for an exotic cougar were it not also
equipped with hairlike feelers projecting from the ears, an extra gripping
appendage to both sides of the jaw and huge batlike wings giving the
sandpanther a eight-metre wingspan! The creature growls as it glares at the
dazed Nagussans, daring them to rise and attack. "That's it, Luna!" a voice
calls out from behind Shinobu. "If they move, rip their throats out!!"

Shinobu and Naromo see Ami-chan's partner stride over. Usagi-chan is
quite beautiful for a fifteen year-old Terran-born woman. Her blue eyes
sparkle with mischievous delight as she shoulders a Sagussan bazooka, the
pigtails which could explain her name cascading from two stylistic buns to
both sides of the back of her head to her knees. "And you are?" Naromo hums.

"Usagi, *daishi'cha* #56662, Zoology," the Terran-turned-Sagussan nods.
"That's Luna, my sandpanther," she nods to the creature protecting them.

Shinobu looks down at the Sagussan jumpsuit, then takes a step back.
"What are you doing here?! Don't you know this is Nagussan space?"

"When the *daimon'cha's* in trouble, that no longer matters," Usagi-chan
sneers. "What business is it of yours, kid?!"

"'Kid?!!'" Shinobu snaps.

"Our thanks for your coming, Zoologist Usagi," Naromo interrupts. "Do
you have an idea as to who is perpetrating this?"

"Yeah," Usagi-chan nods. "Some *de'ne* named Seiyoku."

Naromo and Shinobu blink. "Seiyoku?!!" the former exclaims. "Why?!!"

"Why don't you ask him...that is, if you've got an idea as to where he
could be," the Sagussan shrugs.

The Nagussan considers the point. "He will be at the Factory," she
sighs. "Usagi, can you transport us there?"

Usagi-chan looks up. "You heard her, Henry!"

Before Shinobu could say a word, she is seized by a transporter beam...

* * *

...then materializes with Naromo, Usagi-chan and Luna in a dark chamber
somewhere deep inside the Factory. "Where are we?!!" the Terran cries.

"We are in the proximity of the gestation chambers," Naromo muses. "Are
there lights?!"

In response, the chamber lights activate. As the three women's eyes
adjust to the sudden increase of illumination, a voice barks. "Do not move!"

Naromo sees a group of Nagussan males, all resembling the grey-skinned
Hulk, bearing down on her, weapons drawn. "Do not resist us, Engineer-first
Naromo," their leader demands. "We only desire the Terran and the Sagussan."

"Oh, yeah!!!" Usagi-chan takes aim. "Take this!!"

"Usagi, that is...!" Naromo calls out.

The weapon barks. Usagi-chan had the bazooka backwards, the missile
flying BEHIND her to impact the floor several metres back!! The zoologist
shudders, then giggles on seeing Shinobu's incensed stare.

"...the incorrect direction!" Naromo completes.

The *thud!* of bodies hitting the deck is then heard. The three women
spin around to see another group of grey-skinned Nagussans, all about to pass
out from the proximity of Usagi-chan's shot. "How...was she...aware of...our
presence...?" one moans before falling unconscious.

"Ah-hah!!" Usagi-chan laughs. "I knew they were back there!!!"

Luna's roar is heard. The three women spin around to see the other team
of attackers overwhelmed by the sandpanther. In seconds, the great cat has
smothered them unconscious with her wings. "Attagirl, Luna!!" Usagi-chan
yips. "Lead us to Ataru-sama's brother!!"

With a roar, Luna charges down the hallway, the three women in her wake.

* * *

"This will not be permitted to happen," Seiyoku sneers as he calls up
another program. "You will stop this, Kaeru."

A glowing ball appears. "And what is this?" he demands.

"A copy of your brother's *saikoo jinseijitsu* neural program," the
programmer smiles. "It will be inserted and you shall proceed to destroy
those who will stop me."

Kaeru blinks, remembering Cherry's prophecy. "I refuse."

Seiyoku glares at him. "You have no choice," he thumbs a control.

Tadomo suddenly gasps, her face turning pale as she falls to the deck.
"Tadomo!!!" Kaeru leaps to his child's side.

"Father..." the child gasps as she tries to maintain consciousness,
"...I appear...to be...malfunctioning..."

"Either accept your mission or she will be terminated," Seiyoku warns.

Kaeru glares at the programmer, then nods. "Do as you wish!"

Mirthlessly smiling, Seiyoku keys several commands. Tadomo mercifully
passes out as the glowing ball descends to Kaeru's eye level. A laser beam
forms from the ball, projecting into the adopted Nagussan's mind. Kaeru
blinks as the glowing ball fades. "Excellent!" Seiyoku smiles, a triumphant
cackle uttering from his lips. "Now, Kaeru, proceed forth and destroy those
who will prevent a perfect Nagussa from arising!!"

Kaeru rises...

* * *

The door leading to a control room explodes!! "We're in!!" Lum yips.

Ataru, Ami-chan, Kouhae and Raikue storm in. The Nagussan minister
proceeds to a control station, then runs an emergency diagnostic. What it
informs her is frightening. "Unbelievable!!" she gasps. "Seiyoku has slaved
the Factory's master computer to his own bio-neural net!"

"What?!" Raikue and Lum gasp.

"What does that mean?!" Ataru looks scared.

"It means that there's no difference between Seiyoku and the Factory's
central processor!" Ami-chan explains. "They're one and the same being!"

"That's bad!" Ataru gulps.

Kouhae begins to manipulate the controls. "Further, the Factory has
replicated a neural file from Ataru to program into Kaeru," she stares
curiously at him. "The *saikoo jinseijitsu*...?"

"That's worse!!" Lum gulps.

"Not really," the former sighs. "I'm going after Kaeru!"

"Darling!!"

He stops, then turns and kisses her. "Don't stop me, Lum-chan!"

"Darling...!" she tearfully stares at him.

Ami-chan loans him a photon shotgun, a twin-barrel breech-loading
weapon. Ataru runs out of the room towards his brother's position. The
armourer turns to the two Nagussans. "Now, FIX this thing!!!" she snaps,
hefting a missile launcher. "Or I'LL do it for you the old-fashioned way!!!"

* * *

Tadomo's eyes open.

The young Nagussan rises, staring at her father. She understood what
Seiyoku created her for; to act as a hostage to ensure her father would do the
programmer's bidding. To prevent Tadomo from rebelling, Seiyoku had slipped a
subcutaneous transponder behind her left ear, in the same manner by which
Nagussans were presently controlled. One flip of the switch and she would
suffer massive cardiac failure. Realizing that her presence would bring great
if not fatal harm to her father and his friends, Tadomo gently looks around to
locate something which could aid her in removing the transponder. Her search
had barely begun when a side door is thrown open, allowing a wounded Nagussan
to stagger in. "Programmer Seiyoku," he gasps. "There is an emergency...!!"

A foot knocks him out! "Hey!!!" Ataru snaps. "No telling!!!"

Seiyoku spins around to see Ataru walk in, the shotgun swinging to bear.
"Welcome, Ataru Moroboshi," the Nagussan does not look fearful. "A bit more
rustic than your Chamber of Eternity. There, a hundred thousand *daishi'cha*
remained in cryogenic suspension for ten millennia to await your selection as
*daimon'cha*. I am about to disappoint them. With your demise, the Gatherer
will have to seek a new candidate for *daimon'cha*, while at the same time,
Nagussa will evolve in the way it was **meant** to evolve!"

Ataru takes careful aim, centering the weapon on Seiyoku's chest. "I
wouldn't say that, pal," he smiles. "As a matter of fact, this day will be
the day of the Fifth Republic's freedom from jerks like you! I just wish I
could get rid of Tomobiki that easily!!"

Seiyoku blinks, then smiles. "Terminate him, Kaeru."

Kaeru moves forward to come face-to-face with his brother. "Surrender
the weapon or I will kill you," he evenly intones.

Ataru blinks, then turns the photon shotgun over. "Here you go."

"Excellent..." Seiyoku smiles...

...then gasps as Kaeru spins around, bringing the shotgun to bear on the
programmer's chest. "Not quite," Kaeru muses, then fires!

The photon shotgun projects two mini-photon torpedoes at the target.
Before he could react, Seiyoku has one arm and a good portion of his chest
ripped away as he is blasted into a wall!! Kaeru lowers the shotgun as the
programmer slides insensate to the floor. "Before the next time you attempt
to control someone, ensure your program is operating correctly."

"IF there's a next time!!" Ataru snorts.

Kaeru returns the shotgun to his brother, then the two gaze fixedly at
each other. A moment passes as emotions rage across both their faces, then
finally, Ataru leans over and gives his brother a hug. "I love you, Kaeru."

Kaeru lightly smiles. "I love you, Ataru."

The two turn as Tadomo approaches. "Father, may I requisition some
clothing?" she inquires. "I do not wish to display myself in this matter
until such time as I am emotionally prepared to seek a life-mate."

The brothers laugh as Ataru takes off his sweater, leaning down to slip
it over his niece's shoulders. "There. That'll have to do for a while."

"Thank you, Uncle Ataru," Tadomo smiles.

"Perhaps she functions more properly than I suspected," Kaeru muses.

"You'll have your hands full with her," Ataru chuckles.

"So I may," Kaeru smiles. "Would you explain something, Ataru?"

"What?"

"Why the *saikoo jinseijitsu* prevented itself from duplication?"

"Hey, it's arrogant!" Ataru laughs. "It doesn't want to stoop itself so
low to become the slave of a computer...!!"

"Father!!" Tadomo cries.

Kaeru and Ataru spin around to see a bleeding Seiyoku rise. They are
both sickened to see shattered circuits spark from the wounds the photon
shotgun made. "You...will not...succeed...!" the programmer warns.

"Doesn't he know when to lay down and die?!!" Ataru panics.

Before Seiyoku could make a step, a hail of gunfire slams into his head,
chest and abdomen!! The programmer lets out an electronic squeal as he is
slammed against a matrix tank, blood and other liquids showering the scene as
he collapses to the ground. Ataru and Kaeru are stunned to see the person
firing is none other than Naromo. "LEAVE MY LIFE-MATE ALONE, SEIYOKU!!!!!!"

Seiyoku moans as he passes out, his whole body now bloodied, shattered.
Ataru and Kaeru shudder as Naromo blows cordite from her pistol, then holsters
it. "Don't ever piss that lady off!" the former gulps.

"I shall endeavour not to," the latter nods agreeingly.

Naromo sighs as she turns to face Kaeru. "Are you well, Kaeru?" she
smiles, now her calm self.

"I am well, Naromo," he nods, looking relieved.

Naromo looks down to see a small-scale brown-haired version of herself
staring back. "Who are you?!" she demands.

"I am your daughter, Mother," the younger Nagussan proclaims. "My self-
designation is Tadomo Moroboshi."

Naromo blinks. "MY daughter?!!"

"That is correct," Kaeru sighs. "Seiyoku desired to use Tadomo to
ensure you and those who do not support his desire for a emotionally-pure
Nagussan society. As you have ensured, he has failed."

"Thank Lyna for that!!" Usagi-chan gasps as she, Shinobu and Lyna walk
up. "Wow, what a set-up!!! We could use this on Sagussa...although we'd use
it for growing plants instead!!" she playfully giggles.

Ataru sighs. "Fine, then!!!" he proclaims.

"Fine...what, Ataru-kun?!" Shinobu looks curious.

Ataru stares at Usagi-chan. "At the end of the current school term, I'm
going to Sagussa!!" he proclaims.

Congratulations balloons burst as the Terran-turned-Sagussan zoologist
leaps up and down in celebration! "Hurray!!! Hurray!!! Ataru-sama's coming
to Sagussa!!!" She then sneers at Shinobu. "Guess what, *de'ne*?!! The kid
gloves come off now!!! Tomobiki's finished!!!"

"***HOLD IT!!!!!!***" Ataru barks, knocking Usagi-chan down!

"Wh-what...?!" the Sagussan fearfully stammers.

Ataru angrily stares at her. "I'm coming to Sagussa to ensure that YOU
airheaded ditzes learn to be human beings, **not** walking sex machines!! And
if that means that if you want kids through me, you'll **behave** like human
beings!! And if you continue to behave like you are now, then the only way
you'll get kids through me is via ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION!!!! GOT ME?!?!?!"

"Yessir, yessir, yessir!!!" Usagi-chan rapidly nods.

Luna glares as if stating, "That's what I'VE been trying to tell them!"

Ataru sighs, then turns to face Shinobu. "I've been trying to cure a
town of their infatuation of Lum, now I've got a whole **planet** with an
infatuation towards ME!!!! What did I ever do to deserve this?!!"

"Search me," Shinobu sighs, then looks left.

Ataru sees Tadomo being fawned over by her parents. To the two Terrans,
the three Nagussans are the epitome of the perfect family. "Oh," Ataru sighs,
looking back to see sadness on his former girlfriend's face. "You okay?"

Shinobu considers the question, then shrugs. "Maybe. Maybe not. I
guess I strike out again," she sighs, looking at him. "Rotten luck, eh?! But
thanks for asking, anyway."

"They still care for you," Ataru glances at his brother. "And I guess
they can use the help in raising their daughter."

"I might consider it," Shinobu muses, crossing her arms. "But that
doesn't mean I won't stop looking for my own lover. I guess I just don't like
the idea of competing for a lover's attention."

Ataru blinks. "Osooko will be pleased to hear that, if things between
her and Asuka don't pan out."

Shinobu nods. "If it's her, then it's her. That of course depends on
the master of that particular estate...if he's willing to tolerate someone
from Tomobiki coming by to visit other than Lum and Mie."

Ataru sighs. "I might allow it," he smiles. "I guess I've never really
explained why I left Tomobiki in such a huff."

"You wanted to get away from people abusing you or taking advantage of
you," Shinobu smiles. "You have every right to do that."

"That, plus another," Ataru points to his head. "I was protecting you
from the monster inside here."

"Why?"

"Because if it came out the next time, the chances were good that you
wouldn't be so lucky," Ataru gently grasps her hands. "And even though I
found myself annoyed with you, I don't want your death on my conscience."

Shinobu blinks, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Part of me wants the
old Ataru-kun to come back because I am familiar and comfortable with the old
Ataru-kun...but I know I can't wish for that," she sniffs. "I guess I'll just
have to try to get used to the new Ataru-kun."

"I guess so," he nods. Smiling, Shinobu leans up and embraces him.
Just as she stares over his shoulder, she lets out a scream!

Everyone spins around to see the hideously wounded Seiyoku rising from
the floor, a murderous glare on his damaged face. "You...will...not...!"

"AMI, HELP!!!!!!" Usagi-chan fearfully screams.

Two explosions are heard!! One destroys a control room hanging over the
gestation room. Ataru and Kaeru spin back to see a missile soar from the
gaping hole left by the first explosion. Everyone hits the deck as the
missile tears into Seiyoku!! The programmer, plus a good section of the wall
behind him, disintegrates in a fireball of energy, shredded flesh and
shattered circuits!!! In seconds, he is gone.

"Boy, he's worse than Rei!!!" Ataru gasps.

"He's like a Timex!!" Shinobu shudders. "Takes a licking and keeps on
ticking!!!"

"Hi, everyone!!!" Lum's voice echoes from above.

Everyone looks up to see that the control room was the one Lum had
discovered with Ami-chan, Kouhae and Raikue. The Yehisrite-turned-Sagussan
armourer shoulders her missile launcher, looking quite relaxed. "Heh!!" she
snorts. "THAT'S how I handle computer problems!!!"

Lum flies down to embrace Ataru. "Darling, are you hurt?!"

"I'm okay, now!!" he smiles, kissing her. "Not to mention a whole lot
of other people!"

Lum notices the newest family on Nagussa. "Amen to that!"

"Ugh!!" Shinobu stretches herself. "I don't know about you, but I want
to go home! Saving planets from lunatic madmen are for the professionals!!"

"Then Darling's a professional!" Lum proclaims.

"How so?!" Shinobu looks confused.

"Simple!" the Oni giggles. "He's trying to save Earth from Tomobiki!!!"

The Terran laughs. "True, true!!"

"We'll help him with that!" Usagi-chan proclaims.

Everyone laughs as they move out of the Factory. Ataru and Lum stare at
each other. "Darling, there's one thing, though," the latter sighs.

"What's that, love?" the former muses.

Lum looks pleadingly at him. "Why, why, WHY can't we just do 'happily
ever after?!!'"

* * *

After seeing the mess at the Factory cleaned up, Katakue and the
Nagussan Council of Elderwomen proclaim a new policy regarding reproductive
rights. All Nagussans would undergo desterilization, thus permitting them to
mate with whomever they wanted. Medical personnel were selected, using
Sagussan medical logs and some advice from Usagi-chan to begin work. The
Factory was retooled to become a special parthenogenetic facility to allow
same-sex couples the same rights as two-sex couples.

Kaeru and Naromo took leave from the Nagussan Defence Force to raise
Tadomo. Ataru, Lum and Shinobu remained for a day before taking Ami-chan and
Usagi-chan up on an offer to return to Earth via the Gatherer. Before that,
Reiko, Nokoko, Mal, Atako and Shinoko were transported from Earth so that they
could pose with their relatives in a special Moroboshi clan photograph, with
extra copies to go to Nagaiwakai, Kimaenowakai, Komeru, Kouhae, Raikue and the
Invaders. Of course, no copy was made for Muchi and Kinshou.

Returning to Earth on the Gatherer, Ataru was reunited with another old
friend: the superdreadnought battle-carrier's central processor. Nicknamed
"Henry" when the Terran visited Sagussa twelve years ago, the Gatherer's CPU
had many things other computer systems lacked: personality, charm, a sense of
humour, dignity, not to mention the highest moral code of any artificial
intelligence unit outside of the Home Base computer. Lum knew about the many
times the Home Base CPU tried to electronically seduce the Gatherer's CPU
thanks to Nassur. Before disembarking, Lum obtained a special signal device
from Ami-chan to ensure that if new problems occurred, there was a chance for
the Oni to signal the Duty *Daishi'cha*. To ensure no one learned of the
signaller (read Ten-chan or Lan), Lum had it stored in Ataru's safe in Oshika.

* * *

A day later sees Lum proceeding on her way to Tomobiki High School. She
had just told Ataru's mother about Kaeru still being alive. What spiced that
"conversation" was the fact that the Moroboshis' missing son had no desire to
come to Earth to meet his genetic progenitors. That elicited another mooing-
neighing fit, which quickly earned Ataru's mother a Saturn Five from Koosei!

Walking down the street, the Oni notices that the streets have been torn
up with tank treads. In the air, the Mendou Clan's Air Corps flies search
patterns. In fields, the Kuromegane cut the grass, trying to find the stones
so they can, as their master instructed, leave no stone unturned. "Don't they
EVER give up?!!" she hisses to herself as she walks onto school property...

...then is knocked down when Mendou and the guards appear in front of
her! "Lum-san, there you are!!!" the scion of Japan's richest family gasps,
looking relieved that his icon was alive and well. "Where have you been?!!"

Lum stands, then walks around them. "None of your business!"

"What has that bastard Ataru done to you now?!!" Megane demands.

In response, a storm of particle-proton fire, not to mention a fleet of
missiles, soar from the heavens. They destroy every Mendou Clan vehicle,
aircraft, blow up the Mendou estate, nearly kill all the Kuromegane, not to
mention fry Mendou and the guards!!! As that occurs, a booming but quite
familiar English-accented voice echoes from everywhere. "***YOU HEARD THE
YOUNG LADY!!!! LEAVE HER ALONE OR ANSWER TO ME!!!!!!***"

Everyone is blasted down by that wall of noise! "Wh-who was th-
that...?!" Ryuunosuke fearfully stammers from nearby. "God?!!"

In response, a hologram of C-3P0 appears in front of her. "*Don't be
ridiculous, young lady! It is against my program to impersonate a deity.*"

Everyone else faints! Lum laughs...

*** The End ***