Urusei Yatsura Fan Fiction ❯ The Senior Year ❯ Sylia's Book of Love ( Chapter 43 )

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

"Is she alright?!"

Light illuminates darkness as her eyes open. Pain rages
through her nervous system. Where was she? Was she still alive?

"There she is! Fates!!"

Light shines in her eyes. Shadows dance around the corona.
A rescue party. "Look at her!!" a voice gasps. "Is she alive?!"

Why couldn't she feel her arms? A young woman's face fills
her vision. Niphentaxian. "It's alright," she assures, then
turns to her companions. "We'll take her to the factory."

The others nod...

* * *

...as Yedris' eyes open.

Moaning, she rises, stretching. Wrapping a blanket around
herself, she walks to the viewport. The arc of Earth fills half
the view, its lone natural satellite hovering in the near
distance. Japan sparkles with night lights as the cruiser
descends toward Tokyo. She loved this beautiful world, cared for
it as if this was her homeworld, not Uru.

The door opens and a servant enters. Yedris pays her no
mind. It was a relief, actually. Given her psionic powers,
androids were the only servants whose presence she could tolerate
for an extended period of time. Hopefully her visit will not be
protracted.

Hopefully...

* * *

Urusei Yatsura - The Senior Year: "Sylia's Book of Love"
by Fred Herriot
**** **** ****
Edited by E.B. Kushnir
**** **** ****
A side story of the stories based on "Urusei Yatsura," created by
Rumiko Takahashi
**** **** ****

WRITER'S NOTES:

1) This story occurs in the same time-frame as "A Hectic
Vacation" and the side story "The Last Child of the Outland."
Sylia and Pathfinder Troop Six first appear in "Mie's Story."
Yedris (created by Lew Burton) first appears in "Ataru's First
Girlfriend! Arrive Windy-chan!!" Sugoi (created by Fred Lee
Cain) appears in "The Bodyguards' Denouement." Gloriana and the
Avalonians first appear in "What Price For Love?" Tadahitora
first appears in "Darling's Other Girlfriend."

2) As I first mentioned in "The Bodyguards' Denouement," Sugoi's
portrayal in this series will be significantly different from Fred
Lee's approach, mostly due to the presence of Tanoshii
Seiryokuteki in Megane's life. This story further expands on that
possibility.

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

"Graduation party?!" Sylia wonders.

The commander of Pathfinder Troop Six relaxes in what's
become the team's haunt: Shapiro's Ice Cream Parlour. Sitting
across from the Seishin-born warrior is Sil Dedron. "Dear's
arranging it," the Oni blushes. "Even though Lum-chan and Ataru
are on Reiner's Five with Mie-san and Makoto-san, everyone else
needs the chance to celebrate. Want to come?"

Sylia considers the matter. Alcohol consumption was no
problem; Earth alcohol was too weak to affect Sagussans. There
were no threats to concern them; Bujosur was dead, his hunters now
under the care of the Nendo-kata. "We'll be there," she smiles.

* * *

A Kuromegane calls out, "Miss Lan no Akaikaminoke-seishin,
Lieutenant Rei no Midorinokaminoke-oni, Lady Yedris no
Midorinokaminoke-oni..."

"...have arrived," his companions chant.

The Tarouzakura glows as Lan, Rei and Yedris approach the
crowd of teachers, high school students and their dates. Mendou
and Sil approach them, respectfully bowing to the Oni matriarch.
"Lady Yedris, you do us great honour with your presence," the
former smiles, gently gripping Yedris' hand.

"Thank you, Shutaro," Yedris returning his greeting. The
familiar rush races through her nerves as Mendou's chaotic
thoughts become an open book. Love for Sil, longing for Lum,
annoyance at Ataru. An instant later, Yedris regains control of
her perceptions. "I'm very pleased to be here. I just wish Lum
was here so I could talk to her."

"You'll have to go to Reiner's Five for that, ma'am," Sil
deadpans.

Yedris covers her mouth in a polite laugh as the group
proceeds to a blanket occupied by Shinobu, Pamanba and Clarisse.
The Kuromegane announce the arrival of other guests as people
crowd around Rei's mother. Conversation is polite. People wonder
about the Democratic Alliance's plans for political reform on Uru.
Questions bombard her concerning her list of likes and dislikes
about Earth. Small talk.

Yedris takes this with stride. Sixteen years of practice
with her abilities bestowed a level of tolerance which helped her
maintain her sanity when bombarded by numerous minds. No
threatening thoughts toward her or her children. Some degree of
lust from those who found the physically still-twentysomething
Yedris quite attractive. Typical.

"Team Commander Sylia," the doorman calls, "...Troop
Commander Reinoevan, Chief Petty Officers Linna, Nene and
Asukanoevan..."

"...have arrived!" the others chant.

Students chorus greetings as Pathfinder Troop Six arrive.
Yedris stares at them. Odd mixture: a Seishin-Urusian, a
Tritonian, a Fukunokami, an Ellsian and an Oni. All in Terran
clothes. All with pistols strapped to one leg, combat knives on
the other. Who were they? "How nice of you to come," Sil floats
over to Sylia, gripping her hand, then notices one missing.
"Where's Priss-san?"

"She's conveniently late," Nene rolls her eyes. "Priss
doesn't go for these mixers."

"She prefers to be in a barroom brawl, cleaning house," Linna
winks.

"Her loss, then," Sil escorts them to Yedris. "Everyone,
this is Rei's mother Yedris. She's the leader of the Democratic
Alliance of Uru. Lady Yedris, the members of Pathfinder Troop
Six, Sagussan Navy."

"I've never heard of your planet," Yedris rises, hand
extended.

Sylia smiles. "We're out of the way."

The others titter, finding the continued masking of Sagussa's
nature mildly amusing. Yedris finds herself staring at Sylia, her
mind racing. She was gripping the Sagussan's hand, but nothing
was transmitting to her mind from that touch. Was she an android?
Sylia releases her, allowing the others to shake Yedris' hand. No
thoughts from any of them.

What was going on?

* * *

Sugoi ducks into an alley, hiding behind a trash dumpster.
Why was this happening? She came to Earth to visit Lan and Rei.
She then found herself being chased from solar system to solar
system by a pack of Urusian scouts determined to render her
stardust. Hiding in Tomobiki was no option; the place was well-
known. Worse, she had no idea who these people were or why they
wanted to kill her. She had to find her mother. No such luck.
"She's in there!!" a voice barks.

Sugoi yelps as several Onis lunge at her, leaping into the
air. "What do you want?!"

A stun bolt answers her, paralyzing her shoulder as she is
slammed against a wall! Sugoi drops to the ground, then finds
herself boosted back to her feet by a meaty hand grasping her
neck. Her dazed vision barely registers an angry pair of eyes.
"Ya Sugoi Seq, aren'tcha?" a voice growls.

"Y-yeah," Sugoi mumbles.

"Good," the man smiles as a knife is drawn. "Time ta go back
ta da factory!"

Sugoi struggles as the knife arcs for her heart...then a hand
yanks the knife away, a forearm snapping the arm at the elbow as
the assailant is slammed against a wall. Sugoi sinks to the
ground. The intruder turns on the other attackers, disabling each
with bone-shattering kicks and punches. The problems eliminated,
Priss squats in front of Sugoi, smiling. "What's a nice girl like
you doin' in a dump like this?" she winks.

Sugoi blinks, her vision clearing enough to permit her to
grasp who and what is before her. "Who...who are you...?" she
moans.

"Name's Priss," she helps Sugoi stand. "I'm a friend of
Ataru's. Was passing by when I saw what was happening.
Sorry...the urge to 'white knight' just overcame me."

"Never saw a knight as pretty as you."

"Flatterer," Priss snorts, then turns to the downed Onis.
"Mind telling me what you dickweeds were trying to pull here?"

They rise, balefully glaring at the Sagussan. "Ya buttin' in
where ya don't belong," their leader snarls, hand bolting for his
gun. "Now ya gonna pay for it!"

Priss' pistol clears leather. A foregone conclusion...and
three blasts of energy later...the attackers disintegrate as the
*pirpirsiw'r* holsters her weapon. Sugoi drops to her knees, eyes
wide with shock as her mind registers what happened. "You...you
killed them!!" she finally exclaims.

"They were going to kill us, remember?" Priss sighs as she
boosts Sugoi to her feet. *Boy, she has strong psi-shields for an
Oni!* she mentally notes. "What's your name, kid?"

"S-sugoi," the OIQ...Oni in question... moans. "I'm Rei's
sister."

"I pity you, then. C'mon...let's go take a look at that
shoulder. I hope Sylia won't give me shit for being late for the
party."

* * *

"Where is Priss?!" the TCIQ...team commander in
question...demands, sipping her wine. "She should be here by
now!"

"She's probably cleaning up a bar or three," Linna notes,
relaxing in Nene's lap. "Wish she'd invite us for the ride."

"I'll call her," Asuka taps her wrist-com. "Asuka to Priss.
Where are you?"

"Back at Toranoseishin Finances," the coxswain replies. "Got
into a scrap with three Onis about to perforate another Oni."

"Sitrep?!" Sylia demands.

Priss relays the events in the alley. Sylia moans. "Priss,
what did I tell you about using lethal force here?"

"Excuse me, boss, but when three dorks try to kill me for
defending a helpless girl, I'm naturally inclined to respond in
kind," Priss objects. "Besides, Sugoi took a hit. I'm checking
her over now."

Lan leaps up, eyes wide. "Sugoi-chan was hurt?!! What
happened?!! Is she okay?!!"

"It's just a stun shot in the shoulder, Lan," Priss groans.
"Relax."

Yedris joins them. "Sugoi was attacked?"

Signing off, Sylia explains the situation to the Oni
matriarch. By that time, a crowd has gathered. "Do you have any
idea who'd attack Sugoi, much less why?" Koosei wonders.

"I've no idea, unless I'm the target," Yedris muses. "I'm
not making many friends on Uru with my work in the Alliance. Even
some of the Unionists are becoming antsy."

"Antsy enough to try assassination?" Linna muses. "Cute!"

"Never mind," Sylia waves Linna down. "Don't concern
yourself, Yedris. Sugoi's in safe hands with Priss watching over
her."

"Thank you, Commander," Yedris smiles.

"Maybe we should check if they've got ships," Nene notes.
"We're under orders to keep an eye out for Urusian Imperialists."

"Agreed," Sylia places the glass down. "Thank you for the
party, Shutaro, but sadly, duty calls. Good night."

"Of course, Sylia-san," Mendou bows.

The Sagussans depart. Yedris sighs, though her thoughts
storm as she reviews the night's events. Who were those people?
Why could she not sense their thoughts? Where was Sagussa? Most
of all, who tried to kill Sugoi and why? For the first time in so
long, excitement floods her being. Her powers made understanding
people ridiculously easy. Now, there were those she couldn't
read. Should she investigate or back away? Yedris smiles. A
profound mystery stood before her.

This was going to be fun!

* * *

"Your shoulder isn't damaged," Reinoevan muses as she
bandages Sugoi. "Just bruising. Any idea who those people were?"

Sugoi shakes her head. "All I could read was that they were
from the Renning House."

"Who are they?" Linna wonders.

"Most are Imperialists. Few hard-core, those who would wish
Mother dead. The others are moderates, probably willing to join
the Alliance if given the right incentive."

"There," Rei finishes. "Well, you're free to go, Sugoi-san.
Thank you for the information. We can use it."

"Wait, wait," Sugoi blinks surprisedly at the curt dismissal.
"Who are you people anyway? Where did you come from?"

"Sorry, kid," Priss places a hand on her shoulder. "We can't
tell you that yet."

"Why don't you escort her to her mother's ship?" Sylia
smiles. "I'm sure she'll feel safer amid familiar surroundings."

"Hey, since when was I elected to be her babysitter?!" Priss
demands.

"You saved her," Asuka barbs.

Priss growls as the others laugh. Sugoi blinks confusedly.
Strange enough that she couldn't read their thoughts, but the
social dynamics...the body language...was profound. She could
tell Rei and Asuka were lovers. So were Linna and Nene. Nothing
between Priss and Sylia. Given the limited information, she could
conclude they were very tolerant. "Ah, alright," Priss turns to
Sugoi. "Let's go."

* * *

Later, Sugoi's scout lands aboard Yedris' cruiser, in
geosynchronous orbit over Tokyo. The two disembark to be greeted
by a servant. "Welcome back aboard, Lady Sugoi," he bows. "May I
enquire who your guest is?"

"Master Chief Petty Officer Priss, RSN," Priss announces.

"A guest," Sugoi adds. "We'll head to my quarters. Can you
tell Mom that we're here?"

"Of course, my lady," he heads off.

They proceed to Sugoi's suite. "You always use androids on
this tub?" Priss wonders, staring at several crew diligently
working on a circuit panel.

"You can tell?" Sugoi blinks.

"Easy for me," Priss admits. Androids did not emit neural
energy...the Vosians called the phenomena one's "brainwave"
pattern...which a Sagussan's mind could detect regardless of the
level of psi-shielding a person possessed. The difference between
Priss and Nassur, for example, was that Nassur's powers worked in
an "active" mode. His mind projected neural energy to locate
another's neural energy. Such could be blocked by erecting a psi-
shield. Yehisrites and Sagussans performed this task naturally,
although Priss admitted with pride that her adopted people were
far better talented at such a task than her ancestral race.

Priss' mind worked in "passive" move, emitting nothing but
registering other minds coming into range. Amid psi-nulls like
Terrans, her detection range was limited. More psionically
powerful races like Vosians and Urusians could be detected at a
distance. If this ship was crewed with organics, Priss would know
it. The only organic minds aboard outside herself were Sugoi and
one other.

The two arrive in the Oni's suite, a lavish room fashionably
decorated in the aft end of the superstructure. Already there
were three Onis, two girls and a boy, all Sugoi's age. "Hi,
everyone," Sugoi smiles. "This is Priss. Priss, that's Manju,"
she points to the bespeckled boy, then the very cute girls,
"...Kanari and Homeri."

Very little neural energy. "Biodroids?" Priss wonders,
staring at Sugoi.

"Unfortunately," Sugoi admits, sadness crossing her face.
"They're my best friends. Three years ago, they were in an
'accident.' Brain damage was horrendous, but their bodies were
intact. With Chara's help, I salvaged the braincases of three
androids and mated them to their minds in hope of redeveloping
their personas. So far, so good..."

"But they're too dependent on their mechanical abilities,"
Priss concludes.

"Right," Sugoi nods. "Worse, it wasn't an accident, although
it was well disguised. I asked Nassur to investigate it. Someone
targeted them to get to me...or my mother."

"Same jerks who attacked you tonight?"

"Possibly," Sugoi relaxes on a couch. Manju sits beside her
as Priss relaxes opposite, Kanari and Homeri sitting beside the
Sagussan. "It's been really bad since Mother started to push the
Alliance's agenda in the open. About six years. The incidents
around me have been few; they're risking Uncle's wrath. Despite
their opposition, Mother and Uncle do share one thing in common."

"You and your brother," Priss snorts. "Must make for an
interesting family life."

"It's civil," Sugoi smiles. "I'm sure your friends are
waiting. Kanari, why don't you escort Priss to the teleporter
room."

"Sure, Sugoi-chan," Kanari rises. "Follow me, please."

"Later," Priss waves as they depart.

Sugoi watches her go. "Are you okay, Sugoi?" Manju wonders.

"I'm not sure," Sugoi sighs as Homeri rubs her shoulder. "I
can't sense her mind. No Yehisrite can do that to me. Who is
she?"

The others hum...

* * *

"What happened?!!" Uday Renning demands.

His son Tayoru bows. "The three who were targeting Sugoi
were atomized. We've no idea who did it or why."

The patriarch of the Renning House growls, reclining in his
chair. Tayoru was aboard his scout, sitting on Ryuunosuke's
island in the Sagami Sea. Behind him were the thugs he hired to
assassinate the creatures leading the Democratic Alliance...and by
extension, the majority of Uru...down the path to ruin. If they
only knew what Yedris and Sugoi really were. Tayoru could not
believe it himself when Uday told him. He had dated Sugoi several
times. This was not an easy task. "So," Uday hums. "Someone is
butting his nose where he doesn't belong. We'll just have to find
and eliminate him."

"How do we do that?" Tayoru wonders.

"Keep a low profile," Uday instructs. "Monitor
communications. Keep a close eye on Nagaiwakai Moroboshi. She
doesn't like Lum, but she hates us more. One wrong step and we'll
be facing the damn Inquisition."

"Okay, Father," Tayoru nods...

* * *

"To the end of the Special Hunter Corps ...and the end of the
Mikado," Pamanba toasts. "Good riddance to bad rubbish. Kampai!"

Everyone raises their glass, then drink. "To the return of
the last child of the Outland," Shinobu toasts Clarisse. "The one
who brought tranquility to my friend's life."

"Thanks," Clarisse blushes as everyone toasts her. The gang
relaxes in Shapiro's Ice Cream Parlour. Yedris and Sugoi were
invited to celebrate the official engagement between Pamanba and
Clarisse. "So, what are you folks going to do now?" the
bard/singer wonders.

"Nothing much," Mendou grips Sil's hand. "Other than
persuade my parents of Sil's honourable intentions and obtain
their blessings for our marriage."

"Want help?" Yedris muses. "If I can deal with the likes of
Nagaiwakai Moroboshi, I doubt Shutaro's parents will be a
problem."

"Ma'am," Sil blushes, shying away from the matriarch. To
have the likes of Yedris aid her, even if both were nominal
leaders of their Houses, was unprecedented. She sighs. "By the
way, how have those people been tolerating my continued presence
on Earth?"

By "those people," she meant the Imperialists, Sugoi smiles.
"We passed along that you're investigating the 'influence' Terrans
hold over our future Empress, in hopes of breaking it so that she
can return to Uru...to perhaps lead the conquest on Earth after
her coronation," she snickers. "We even let on you've 'coerced'
Mendou-san, probably to make him your slave when Earth is
overrun."

Everyone laughs. "Brother, are they THAT stupid?" Megane
wonders.

"It's lack of information," Yedris admits. "The Imperialists
have patterns of thought and belief which restrict their ability
to conceive things beyond their worldview. They can't conceive
that the leader of a House like Sil could fall in love with a
potential 'slave' like Shutaro...much less Lum's interest in
Ataru," she smiles, eliciting laughter from her companions.
"We...the Alliance and the Unionists who support our
efforts...cloud their perceptions by minimalizing reconnaissance
of Earth. Earth does not threaten us, so why should we devote our
resources over a quiet sector?"

"Yethis could override it," Sugoi warns.

"If he wasn't in enough trouble over losing his fleet when
the Niphentaxians attacked," Sil muses.

"No such luck," Rei's sister shakes her head. "Uncle is a
wily old fox. It was just a slap in the wrist the President gave
him."

"Back to square one, just like with the Church of Lum," Lan
moans.

"Looks like we need Noa's people after all," Shinobu muses.

And speak of the devil, the door opens and Sylia walks
inside. "Good morning, everyone," the commander smiles.

"'Morning, Sylia," Shinobu smiles.

Shapiro quickly serves Sylia's favourite spumoni triple-
scoop, then she proceeds to sit with the others. "Did you find
the creeps who attacked Sugoi-chan?" Tanoshii wonders.

"Nowhere in Tokyo," Sylia sighs. "I wish we had the
'Kiboo'cha.' It'd make our search easier, but it's sitting on
Reiner's Five."

"Could you use my ship?" Yedris offers. "It's a personal
cruiser, but it does have decent sensory gear."

"Please," Sylia smiles.

* * *

Sometime later, Pathfinder Troop Six stand on the bridge of
Yedris' ship. The android crew work with expected efficiency,
monitored by Nene. Yedris relaxes in her command chair. "This
isn't bad for a civilian yacht," Nene whispers to Linna.
"Although compared to us, it's still antiquated."

Linna snorts. "Give them a millennium."

"Anything?" Sylia walks up.

"Nada," Nene shakes her head. "Either they're not where we
expected them to be or they've gone to ground."

"What does that mean?" Sugoi wonders.

"They've shut themselves down to the point where they've
become 'invisible' to any Urusian sensory unit," Nene explains,
then turns to Yedris. "They know you're here. Such actions would
be smart if they didn't want you to sniff them out, especially if
they just tried to measure Sugoi for a pine box."

"I see," Yedris hums. "Well, then. Sugoi, why don't you
stay here for the next while? It's the safest place for you."

"Okay, Mom," Sugoi nods.

Sylia turns to her troopmates. "Each pair will take a four
hour shift. Physically scan the areas around Tokyo for any sign
of Urusian intrusion beyond what's expected."

"Rei and I'll start," Asuka hums.

"Fair enough," Sylia turns to Yedris. "Would you mind if we
remained aboard?"

"By all means," Yedris smiles.

Everyone streams off the bridge. Rei leans back in the
command chair as Asuka relaxes at the sensory officer's post.
"Let's start with Chiba and work counter-clockwise," the first
officer orders. Once we've done the prefectures in Kantou, we'll
expand the search parameters if required."

"Okay," Asuka coyly smiles. "Rei-chan."

"What is it?" Rei gazes at her bond-mate.

"Got a cure for a headache?"

Rei's eyes roll. Typical *daishi'cha* mixed-up priorities:
business and pleasure together. They were going to get killed if
they did not get their libidos under control, she muses as she
shifts to Asuka's side...

* * *

"At least we brought some provisions," Linna unloads a
backpack full of rations they had prepared earlier. "Ready to
chow down?"

"The galley crew could make something," Yedris offers.
Everyone relaxes in the guest lounge aft of the bridge.

"Our tastes are much different from what you would expect,"
Sylia smiles. "But the offer is highly appreciated."

Bowls of yanbe-chagh, hogh-kyi, bam-gi and mixed chagh are
laid out, followed by thermos bottles of karugh-kalghku, chigh-
tagh and himgh-tagh. Once the table is set, everyone digs in.
Yedris and Sugoi are quick to try everything. "You call this
emergency rations?" the latter stares quizzically at Priss. "This
is all home-cooked."

"Of course it is," the coxswain nods. "We prepare it, then
put it into a portable transporter, freezing it in mid-transport
so that it'll be fresh when we need it. We don't mutilate our
food like other people do."

"We haven't advanced that far, I must admit," Yedris hums.
"Even the Zephyrites aren't as advanced. Who ARE you people?"

The Sagussans sigh. "We might as well tell them," Nene
muses.

Sylia nods, then explains. The Onis are understandably
surprised. "You're the Maidens of the Eternal Voyager?!" Sugoi
gasps.

"Yep," Priss nods. "Ataru's our Chosen One, Lum's his Other
and if anyone tries to argue it, he's bucking for an early grave."

"Then get ready for war," Yedris chuckles. "No one will
allow that level of power to fall into Ataru's hands."

"What Priss said," Linna smiles. "We don't care about what
other people think, just as long as they leave Ataru and Lum
alone."

"And if they don't..." Nene warns.

"I understand," Yedris chuckles.

"Is that why I can't sense their thoughts?" Sugoi stares at
her mother.

"What do you mean?" Priss quizzically stares at the young
Oni.

Yedris winces. They were the only ones who knew this. Sugoi
grasps Priss' hand. "When I do this with other people, I can
sense what they're thinking. Mom and I are the only ones we know
of who can do this. Yet, when I touch you, I don't sense a
thing."

The Sagussans look surprised. "Touch-telepathy?" Sylia hums.
"When did you develop these abilities?"

"I've always had them," Sugoi admits. "Mom started showing
signs of this sixteen years ago after her accident."

"Accident?" Linna hums.

"It's nothing," Yedris chuckles.

"I'd hardly call it nothing," Nene muses. "We possess those
level of abilities, as do the Zephyrites and Kurakoans since
they're Sagussan in descent. Are you sure you don't have some
mixed ancestry?"

"Oh, no, be assured of that," Yedris laughs. "There's no way
Grandmother would've permitted Mother to marry an outworlder.
She'd curse her from the grave."

"Still, it is interesting," Nene hums. "Urusians are
telepathic, but theirs is a non-physical transmission capability.
Our powers work best with physical contact. But the point about
an accident makes me curious. People normally develop paranormal
abilities when they enter puberty."

"Lum showed her abilities right from birth," Priss objects.

"Maybe this is a one-in-a-million case," Linna notions to
Yedris. "And Sugoi inherited it from her mother."

"Why didn't Rei get it?" Nene wonders.

Sylia sighs. "Enough. I'm sure Yedris and Sugoi are
concerned about themselves, but let's not pry into their personal
lives."

Yedris blinks, staring quizzically at the Sagussan.
Admittedly, she was very curious about these powers. Their
presence had forced her and Sugoi into self-imposed isolation,
androids and biodroids being their constant companions. "No,
that's alright, Sylia," she reaches over to gently grasp Sylia's
hand. "Believe me, if I could better understand myself, it would
make my life easier."

Sylia blinks, feeling Yedris' autonomic psi-probes nudge
against her shields. Were the Oni matriarch raised a Sagussan,
Sylia could be tempted to drop her psi-shields in *mavan'shagh,*
announcing her availability as an unbonded person. But could
Yedris, who found it discomforting to be in the presence of
anything organic, take such a shock? *Down, girl!* the logical
part of her mind admonishes. *She's emotionally more mature than
you! Set your sights elsewhere!!*

Still, temptation lingered. Sylia firmly squeezes Yedris'
hand. "If that's what you'll want, we'll pursue it...after we
learned why your daughter was attacked," she projects a seraphic
smile. "Fair enough?"

"Of course," Yedris nods, standing. "In the meantime, Sugoi
and I are going to turn in. If you need anything, please ask."

"We will," Sylia nods. "Good night."

The two Onis depart. Once alone, the Sagussans turn to
Sylia. "Whoo, boss!!" Linna winks. "Getting a wee bit randy
there?"

Sylia flushes. Was her interest in Yedris THAT obvious?
"Well..."

"Hey, it's cool, Sylia," Priss muses. "She's a nice woman.
You're single. It's natural that you'd want to get to know her."

"The line between healthy interest and unwanted intrusion of
one's privacy is fine," Sylia muses. "But thanks for the
support."

"Always," Linna turns to Nene. "Hey, Nene. Let's go have
some fun."

Nene nods. "Remember, you're on watch next," Priss warns as
they depart.

"We'll be there," Linna waves.

Sylia sighs. "We're so knowledgeable, aren't we, Priss?" she
hums. "And at the same time, we're still slaves to our genes."

"Our ALTERED genes, remember?" the coxswain snorts. "What
did you expect? The two controlling computers are male,
remember?"

"They were undoubtedly programmed by males," the commander
laughs. "At least the programmers remembered that women did come
first on Sagussa."

"Thank Lyna! Still...is it alright to be so overt when it
comes to seeking mates?"

"As long as it doesn't interfere with business, I've no
objection to people becoming passionate," Sylia muses. "That, I
suppose is the chief benefit of being programmed with logic before
exploring our emotions. Still, each of us is probably undergoing
the same debate. What's more important at that moment: personal
desire or our duty to Sagussa?"

"Yeah," Priss laughs. "'Seize the day,' they always say. At
least we aren't in the same boat as the scientists and engineers."

"Don't be too sure," Sylia hums. "We're in a purgatory of
our own making. We're the ones who might one day be asked to lay
down our lives for the safety of our Republic."

"So if you hate it so much, why'd you become a Pathfinder?"

Sylia feebly smiles. "When I chose, I didn't know better."

Priss considers the matter. "You could say that for a lot of
us."

"Do you have any regrets?"

"Nope," Priss smiles. "Don't you know? I'm a glutton for
punishment."

"True," the commander laughs. She then rises, gazing on
Earth. "We're at the start of our eternal story, Priss. Every
step we make at this time will have enormous impact on our
descendants. Take our dependency on Ataru. If we slavishly fawn
over one person's wishes and desire, we're no different from the
fighters of Tarun-Chong avenging Lyna's death. We turned to him
when we needed him. By his presence, he helped us better
understand our humanity. Now it's time to wean ourselves of him,
become truly independent of outside influence. But such is a
painful process; growing up...becoming self-aware...always is."

Silence descends. "Sylia?"

"What is it, Priss?"

"Why didn't it happen between us?"

Sylia considers the question. "There was no chemistry
between us which could facilitate a successful relationship. Oh,
we're friends and we'll be there if the other needs help, but it
didn't mesh in the way Linna and Nene meshed, much less Rei and
Asuka."

"And they had to work at it for twelve years," Priss muses,
then stares concernedly at her commander. "Do you think the
chemistry exists between you and Yedris?"

"The potential's there," Sylia admits. "Don't forget, I just
met the woman. Even if she knows what we are, she doesn't have
the understanding of what it means to be Sagussan. It's true she
can teach me a lot. I can teach her a lot. There's the
beginning...but it's only the beginning. But is she ready to take
the culture shock of what being a Sagussan is all about? Noa
constantly asks that about Lum...and they've been bond-mates for
months."

"They've been bond-mates for fourteen years; they just
haven't realized it," Priss rises to stand beside her commander.
"That's Lum and Noa. What about Sylia and Yedris?"

"Depends on a lot."

Priss stares at her. "Then there's only one thing I've got
to say."

"That is?"

She leans up. "Go for it."

Sylia blinks, then smiles, grateful as always for Priss'
emotional support. The door opens, allowing Rei to enter.
"Sylia!"

They notice the tousled hair and clothes. "And what were you
two doing?" Sylia wonders.

"What you'd be doing to Yedris if you had the chance, or so
Linna tells me," Rei smiles, then looks serious. "But that's the
least of our problems. I think I've got a line as to why Sugoi
was attacked."

"What?" Sylia muses.

Rei hands her some print out. The Greek-like alphabet of Uru
is underscored with Sagussan letters. Sylia reads:

"We know what you are. We know you are not the real Yedris
Seq. She died sixteen years ago on Phentax Twelve. You are an
abomination who believes it is Yedris. We will never tolerate
your evil influence on our people and we will do everything in our
power to see you removed from the universe."

Sylia's vision narrows as the threat echoes repeatedly in her
mind. Rei's voice then intrudes. "We couldn't trace the source
of the message. It was zipped prior to transmission, which
seriously reduced the transmitting time. Sylia, are you okay?"

Two words flash red in Sylia's vision. "Phentax Twelve," she
intones. "That explains everything. Yedris...is an Avalonian."

The three nod. "A bioroid," Sylia crumples the paper...

* * *

Sylia lies on her bed aboard Yedris' cruiser, staring at the
deckhead. Her thoughts race from the revelation Reinoevan
presented to her. *Yedris...an Avalonian?!* she repeats again and
again. Sitting up, she assumes the lotus position, hands splayed
as she focuses the energies of her *mei'na.*

In this sacrosanct place of a Sagussan's body, she comes into
contact with the memories of her previous self. Not the Seishin
freedom fighter who died at the start of the Union
Revolution...but the Fourth Republic Sagussan scientist who
sacrificed her soul to the regeneration matrix ten millennia
before when Head Scientist Yuna launched the Grand Design.

The knowledge of that last generation of Sagussans, the ones
who realized they couldn't live on a ravaged world with no
environmental support base, was placed in the matrix so that each
*daishi'cha* could learn the mistakes of their predecessors,
ensure that these mistakes would never be repeated. Sylia is
lucky. Her previous self bore the memories of a dozen
generations, reaching before the Clone Wars to the Age of
Gisan'cha. Where...where...?

There.

It was the early days of Gisan'cha. Science was taking the
Republic into dangerous directions. The practice of cloning
became commonplace. The old traditions were dying. Sagussans
were recklessly altering the genetic codes of dozens of developing
humanoid races. Amid this frenzied work, was a small cabal of
scientists who foresaw the impending disaster. They launched a
project which would preserve the best attributes of the Republic
while eliminating the dangers the need to naturally reproduce
imposed on society.

Project: Avalon.

The bioroids constructed in the factory were perfect genetic
duplicates of Sagussans. Genetically they were no different from
the clones entombed in Tere'na-korgh. However, these bioroids
were self-cognizant, in full control of their lives. Further, in
an act which would be replicated centuries later when the Grand
Design was launched, Sagussans soon to die were permitted to
bestow their memories in a master computer system which would then
distribute them to the factory's products. Eventually, those
memories became the system's controlling element, Gloriana.

Sylia's eyes flutter as her conscience returns to the modern
era. Breathing out, she rises. Now that she understood the
background of the Avalonians, it was time to investigate how
Yedris became one.

There was one who could answer that...

* * *

Sylia materializes on Sado, ringing the doorbell to the
estate where Gloriana and her friends reside. Hensou responds.
"Yes?"

"Hello," Sylia smiles. "Is Gloriana in?"

"Sure," Lum's sister nods. "Come on in."

They proceed to the reading room. There, Lum's other bioroid
double relaxes in a chair, reading "A Tale of Two Cities." "Ria,
there's someone here to see you," Hensou announces.

Ria smiles. "Can I help you, Commander?"

Sylia sits beside her. "Yedris."

The Avalonian elder mother sighs. "When did you find out?"

"An hour ago," the Sagussan crosses her arms. "Further,
someone else knows about her. And they're trying to kill her."

"I see," Ria places the book down on the table. "There's
little I can do to help, Commander. There's very little any of us
can do. Yedris...is unique, you might say."

"I would believe all of you are unique."

"She's more than that," Ria muses. "All of us, even
Darling..." by whom she means Atako Moroboshi, not Ataru, "...bear
some of the memories the Creators bestowed us when the Project was
launched. We're now learning to tap into them, much like you and
the other *daishi'cha* are tapping into your own inner selves.
Yedris doesn't. When she was brought to me, there was little left
of her body. Her mind was intact. She wanted to live, she wanted
to be whole. I gave that to her."

"But you never thought about what powers she would receive
from having a new body created, especially from Sagussan genetic
stock," Sylia objects. "She and her daughter have been forced to
live a lonely existence because of that. How do you justify
that?"

"I don't," Ria admits. "But you have to remember I wasn't in
my own right mind at the time. A lot of the special abilities we
Avalonians possess were seen as black magic by the Niphentaxians.
They believed if the knowledge was not passed on, then this power
would be controlled. More fool them; we were far more intelligent
than that."

"People who own slaves always believe that," Sylia hums.

"True," Ria nods. "But as for Yedris, I can't just recall
her and rebuild her a new body. The shock alone would kill
her...and like it or not, Uru needs her right now if it's to avoid
a civil war."

Sylia considers the point. "True."

"Still, there's something I can do," Ria then volunteers...

* * *

By next morning, the search of districts surrounding Tokyo is
complete. Deciding that a more active defence is required, Sylia
calls off the hunt. In lieu, she volunteers the Troop to guard
Yedris and Sugoi. Thus, Priss finds herself shepherding Sugoi on
a shopping trip to the Ginza sometime later. "Boy, you'd think
they didn't have shopping malls on Uru, the way you're buying
stuff," she muses as Sugoi picks her way through a rack of
blouses.

"Well, maybe it's time to go native," Sugoi stares at her
tiger-striped jumpsuit. "It could confuse whoever's coming after
me."

"Doubtful," Priss crosses her arms, then remembers someone
once telling her than people only see what they want to see.
Given the Imperialists' jaundiced view of Urusians, the thought of
one dressing in the clothes of a slave race was unheard of. Maybe
Sugoi had the right idea all along. *Girl thinks like a
Pathfinder,* she hums, crossing her arms.

Finding a blouse and some blue jeans, she proceeds to a
change room. Priss walks over to sit by the door. A minute
later, the door opens, allowing Sugoi to emerge. "Well?"

"Sexy!" whistles from Priss' lips.

Sugoi feels the colour rise in her cheeks as she stares at a
floor-length mirror. The blouse, a red tie draped around her
collar, hugged the contours of her body. The jeans, form-fitting,
paid tribute to her slim figure. "I guess I am," she hums. "I
just wish Megane-san could notice."

"He's taken, remember?" Priss warns.

"Yeah," Sugoi sighs. "But he's so cute! Tanoshii's lucky!"

"Thank Ataru," Priss stands behind her, gently squeezing her
shoulders. "Turns out that Megane bumped into Tanoshii a year
ago, at a time some *mei'de* temporarily wiped out his memories of
Lum. When she learned of that, she decided she'd wait until
Koosei Ryooki crashed down on his *kimei'ne* club before making
her move. Ataru helped her."

"No need to swear, you know," Sugoi admonishes her.

Priss blinks. *What am I doing?!!* she yanks her hands away.
Her psi-shields, reacting to the warmth of Sugoi's autonomic psi-
probes, had decreased in strength, allowing some information to
leak through. While still intrusive, it was nowhere close to
forming the basis of a *marei'cha* bond, fortunately. "Sorry,"
she turns away.

"Hey!" Sugoi reaches over to grasp her hand. "What's wrong?"

Priss stares at her. "I'm sorry," she gently squeezes her
hand. "But when I touched you, your psi-probes started to wear
down my shields. Stuff leaked through."

Sugoi blinks. "I hardly noticed."

"Understandable," Priss nods.

"So I can read your thoughts."

"You could, if I lost control of myself and dropped my
shields."

"Then why don't you?"

Priss turns away, projecting a warning stare. "Because if
that happened on my planet, we would become lovers."

Sugoi remains in place, blinking...

* * *

Sylia and Yedris make their way through an upscale clothing
shop some distance away. The commander relaxes as the matriarch
tries on a dress. "Ready?" Yedris calls out.

"Ready," Sylia straightens herself.

Yedris emerges from the changeroom, now dressed in a
sleeveless ankle-length Chinese dress with a phoenix and sun
pattern on its blue surface. High heeled shoes complete the
ensemble. "Well? How do I look?"

Sylia's eyes dance all over her. Despite the laugh lines
around the eyes, Yedris was physically a couple years older than
she. The dress hugs all her contours, leaving little to the
Pathfinder's imagination. "You look utterly ravishing," she
affirms.

Yedris blinks, staring intently into those blue eyes. "I
guess I am," she hums.

Sylia flushes, then spins away. "S-s-sorry!" she stammers.
What was she doing?!

"Sylia," Yedris walks up, gently grasping her hand. "If you
find me attractive, by all means say so. I value honesty. In
fact...you might say honesty is something I'm used to."

Sylia stares at her. "The truth?"

Yedris nods. "The truth is...I am very attracted to you,"
Sylia admits. "I want to take you somewhere, make love to you,
caress you, hold you and vow myself to be yours now and forever.
We'd then forge a psi-bond...on Sagussa, we call it bond-
mating...by which we would be seen on my world as a couple. I
would take you back to my world, where we'd live for the rest of
our lives in peace and contentment. What would you say to that?"

The Oni matriarch blinks, stunned by the passion in the
Sagussan's words. *She's telling the truth!* she gasps, taking an
involuntary step away. What could she do about that? Could she
respond? Did she want to respond? Questions. Too many
questions!

"I...I think I want to be alone for a while," she looks away.

Sylia sighs, turning away. "I thought you valued honesty."

Yedris jerks, realizing that Sylia had caught her in a
contradiction. Contradictions were something Yedris abhorred by
nature; their existence debased honesty. "I do," she turns back,
gently grasping Sylia's hand. "And...I'm very flattered by
your...interest. And I do value your honesty. It's just a lot to
take in all at once."

*It's about to get worse,* Sylia sighs...

* * *

Later, Yedris relaxes in a coffee shop overlooking the Ginza.
On street level, Linna and Nene were in a jewelry store haggling
over necklaces. The love between them was apparent. Across the
street, Rei and Asuka modelled T-shirts. The intimate thoughts
between them was also apparent. Sylia, Priss and Sugoi relaxed in
a cafeteria, chatting. Even from this distance, Yedris could
sense the confusion, the uncertainty, Sylia felt towards what was
happening between them.

Yedris admired the Seishin-born warrior. Sylia was direct,
forceful, honest and uncompromising. Further, she was
inexperienced in matters of the heart, the delicate manoeuvrings
one underwent to win another's companionship. All of Sylia's
people were probably the same, the Oni realizes. The love between
each couple was innocent, pure as fresh snow. Could she fit into
such a network after her experience? Then again, her experiences
might have prepared her for the likes of Sylia.

Her husband, Tan, was an uncomplicated man. Hardly
intelligent, a fighter pilot like Rei and Yethis, but warm and
loving. Rei was truly his father's son, as much as Sugoi was her
mother's daughter. Yethis had introduced Tan to Yedris when she
was a university student. It was love at first sight. While
annoyed she was in love with a non-Imperial, her parents
eventually blessed their marriage.

Eight years now since he passed away. Eight years and she
dearly missed him. His gentle laugh, his warm embrace, his firm
body, his masculine smell, his willingness to support everything
she wanted to do in life. It was Tan who had prodded her into
aiding the Alliance when it needed the right sort of support to
blossom, to transform it from a mere philosophical debating
society in Onishuto University into the largest social reform
movement in Urusian history.

And now she had found someone quite like Tan. Sylia was a
warrior, probably one of the best Sagussa possessed. Yet she was
a warrior with a poet's heart and a philosopher's mind. Crammed
with knowledge yet lacking experience to employ it. Filled with
passion yet having never experienced a relationship. Yedris
shudders, realizing she was becoming receptive to Sylia's
interest. Could she love her?

Before she could formulate an answer, a waiter approaches,
coffee in hand. "Here you are, miss," he places it at the table.

She jolts. "I didn't order another cup."

"This is compliments of the lady there," he notions to
another table.

Yedris looks...to see a brown-haired Zeiwanite relaxing by a
window booth several tables away. Dressed in the height of
fashion for her race, she warmly stares at the Oni. She was
familiar, although Yedris could not place her at that moment...

<<Come join me.>>

Yedris gasps as her mind registers that. Zeiwanites weren't
telepathic! How...?

Rising, she walks over, sitting across from the gold-skinned
woman. "I hope you didn't mind," she smiles. "A mutual friend
called me and told me that you were about to discover the truth
about yourself, sister."

Yedris blinks. "'Sister?' I don't recall ever meeting you.
I confess you do look familiar, but that doesn't mean..."

Reaching over, the Zeiwanite touches Yedris...as a flow of
psionic energy storms into the Oni's system. <<Remember...>>

Yedris' world then implodes...

* * *

Where was she?!

Her eyes open. Warm liquid inundates her, flowing into her
lungs, filling every cavity of her ravaged body. However, she can
see outside the chamber preserving what little remains of her.
Hazy shapes, still humanoid, hover outside. Voices then echo in
her mind.

"Her body's too far gone."

"She'll be a quadriplegic if she doesn't fall dead now!"

"We've no choice then. She's a player on Uru. If we save
her, that'll provide enormous trading points with their
government."

"The Council's authorized it. Let's go!"

"The factory's computer has already bioscanned her."

"Thank Elvis! Commence construction."

Yedris feels her consciousness drift away. In her mind's
eye, she finds herself drifting toward a bright light. She was
dying! All people who had lived through near-death encounters
warned of this. But...how could she leave Tan and little Rei
behind?! "I...can't...die..."

<<You will not,>> a warm voice answers.

Yedris blinks. "Who...are you?!"

<<I am addressed as Gloriana. I am the conscience of this
factory. Do not be afraid. You will soon be restored to full
function.>>

"Full function?! What do you mean...?!"

Her mind fades...

* * *

...as she finds herself back in Tomobiki. "You okay?!" the
Zeiwanite wonders.

Yedris stares at her. "Who are you?"

"My name is Tadahitora," the actress leans back in her chair.

"Tadahitora?! Yukinoonna?!!"

"As I was known in my previous life," Tadahitora admits.
"But that was before I underwent what you experienced sixteen
years ago. Literally being given a new life."

"I don't understand," Yedris blinks.

"Sixteen years ago, your ship crashed on Phentax Twelve while
on a diplomatic mission to Phentax Two," Tadahitora explains.
"You barely survived. Your body was a mangled wreck, barely able
to sustain you. The Niphentaxians residing there took you to a
bioroid factory the old Sagussan race left on Phentax Twelve.
When they realized they couldn't save you, they had the factory
construct a new you, then transferred your essence into that
body."

Yedris shudders as she stares at her hands, denial and
acceptance fighting for control of her mind. "I'm a...machine?!!"

"We're all machines, Yedris...protein and carbon machines,
that is," Tadahitora laughs. "The only difference between you now
and you back then was that this body," she taps Yedris' hand,
"...was constructed in a gestation matrix instead of growing in a
mother's womb. What's the difference?"

"That's what happened to you?"

"Yes," Tadahitora nods. "When this body was built, my old
body was controlled by the factory satellite. When it came for me
to 'die,' it just disintegrated my old body. By that time, I was
safe and sound in this one," she points to herself.

"Then...how do you explain what I can do now?!" Yedris
demands.

"That's the problem you'll have to solve yourself,"
Tadahitora sighs. "When you were reborn, Gloriana was blocked
from programming into you the necessary knowledge to manipulate
the powers we Avalonians possess. I got that when I was reborn.
You weren't so lucky."

Yedris absorbs that information. "So what are you doing
now?" she crosses her arms. "Did the...transition bother you?"

"Well, given what I was before it, it was refreshing to have
a new start in life," the actress admits. "Right now, I'm engaged
in some merchandise trading with rim worlds in the Royal Kingdoms.
Quite civil." She leans up, lowering her voice. "Actually, for
the first time, I've been able to date people without their trying
to buck for autographs."

"Really?" the matriarch wonders.

"So what're your plans?" Tadahitora wonders. "I know you're
heavily involved in the Democratic Alliance on Uru. Are you going
to keep working with that?"

"I'm not sure," Yedris sighs. "I mean, I just found out that
I'm an Avalonian. I might be contemplating a career change soon.
Things are coming to a head on Uru, for good or ill."

"Well, if you need someone to chat with, here's my number,"
Tadahitora hands a datachip over. "Don't think you and your
daughter are alone any more, sister. Take care."

"Thanks," Yedris nods as the actress pays her bill, then
leaves.

* * *

Sometime later, the matriarch steps out of the cafe,
proceeding to Sylia's side. "Can I talk to you?" she demands.

Sylia stares at her. "Of course."

They proceed to a nearby alley. Yedris then faces her. "You
knew, didn't you?!"

"Knew what?!" Sylia blinks.

"That I was an Avalonian!"

Sylia crosses her arms. "I learned last night. Turns out
that whoever attacked Sugoi knows it. That's why they're
targeting you."

Yedris stops, staring at her. "What?!"

Sylia pulls out the note. "Read."

The matriarch scans the message. "We couldn't trace the
message through your ship's system," the commander explains.
"Believe me, learning that was a shock. What was I to do? Come
up and say 'oh, by the way, Yedris, you're a bioroid.' I'm not
THAT insensitive! Look how much the shock's affecting you?! I
wanted to keep the shock to a minimum, so I did the most logical
thing: introduce you to someone who underwent the same thing you
did. Tadahitora was happy to come once the situation was
explained to her."

Yedris absorbs the information. "You wanted to protect me,"
she wryly smiles.

"Yes," Sylia nods.

"You really do care for me."

"I do."

Yedris turns away, crossing her arms. "I have to explain
this to the other leaders. They have the right to know."

"That's your choice," Sylia nods.

The matriarch looks back, reaching for the commander's hand.
"Could you be there?"

"Of course," Sylia smiles...

* * *

Sometime later, a small convention of Urusian craft
rendezvous over the Moon's pitted surface. Many are emblazoned
with the Alliance's various slogans. In the main conference room
of Yedris' ship, several dozen people sit. Among them are Sil,
Lan and Sugoi. Sylia relaxes by a door. All stare at the
matriarch as the information sinks in. "You're an Avalonian?" Lan
squeaks.

"In body, yes," Yedris nods. "In spirit, I'm the same person
I always was. It's just that over the last sixteen years, my mind
has had to adjust to the demands this body has forced on me. My
basic beliefs haven't changed, everyone. Please believe that."

"We do, ma'am," Sil cuts in. "But...it's a shock. Many
people don't understand the Avalonians, especially since the
Niphentaxians kept them a secret for so long. How can we be sure
that something in your body will make you...receptive to
Imperialist influence?"

"I can't be sure to be honest," Yedris shakes her head. "And
you're wise to ask that, Sil. But remember this. The Alliance
doesn't sit on my shoulders alone. It sits on yours...not to
mention all those who support you. If you allow the idea to die
just because of what I really am, then everything we've tried to
construct will be lost."

Heads solemnly nod. "There will be those who will demand the
truth, Yedris," Professor Tei, the matriarch's university
philosophy teacher and the intellect behind many of the Alliance's
proposals, cuts in. "And if they can't accept the truth, we're
lost."

"Perhaps we can help," a voice cuts in.

Everyone spins to the door as Ria steps inside, followed by
Tadahitora and one other. "Ria!!!" Lan gasps, then nearly faints
on seeing her favourite actress still breathing. "Yukinoonna-
sama?!! How...?!"

"Quite simple," the Zeiwanite-turned-Avalonian smiles. "I
underwent the same process Yedris experienced sixteen years ago.
My...transformation, you might say, was much more dramatic than
hers."

"Lum-chan, what are you doing here?!" Sil flies up to Ria.
"Aren't you supposed to be on Reiner's Five with Ataru...?!"

"I'm not Lum," Ria shakes her head, pointing to her stylized
hair, now in long braids covering her horns. "My hair is styled
this way so that we can be recognized. If you'll sit down, I'll
explain this."

Sil retreats. Smiling, Ria faces the Alliance
representatives. "My designation is Gloriana. My sentience was
first activated fourteen thousand years ago on the planet Sagussa.
I am the controlling element of Project: Avalon, by which
elements of the Sagussan Fourth Republic could be preserved. For
almost my entire existence, I was a disembodied sentience entombed
in a computer aboard the bioroid factory the Niphentaxians later
located on Phentax Twelve. Through Lum's and Ataru's help, I was
able to achieve the full control over my life."

Tadahitora introduces herself, then the third woman is
allowed to approach. "My name's Otako," the bioroid double of the
ill-fated Hegane priest bows. "I'm a double of the leader of the
Hegane Sect of the Church of Lum, but unlike my late template, I
was never under the control of the crystal ball which destroyed
Phentax Twelve. Along with every Avalonian who lived on Phentax
Twelve, we now live on a new world the Sagussans set aside for us,
continuing the work our creators intended for us: to create our
own race."

"I see," Tei blinks. "I must confess these revelations are
quite profound. But there will be those who will not believe
Yedris is who she claims. And they'll try to have her eliminated.
They already are trying to eliminate her, I must add."

"We understand," Ria nods. "Be assured, Yedris is more
durable than the Imperialists could suspect. Besides, if you
allowed the hard-core Imperialists to intimidate you, then you're
allowing them to win. Our advice is to keep this information
secret, or when it does come to light, discredit it or downplay
it."

"Further," Otako smiles, "...the ruling council on New Avalon
have decided the time has come for our world to extend the hand of
friendship to our neighbours. Because we are located on the
frontier between the Galactic Federation and the Seifukusu
Dominion, we doubt that the Niphentaxians will threaten us. If
they do, the Dominion will attack. The Federation's leaders know
this."

"How does that concern us?" Sil wonders.

"Well, wouldn't it be a feather in the Alliance's cap if your
leaders took the lead in extending diplomatic recognition to New
Avalon?" Otako hums. "Do it in such a way which enjoys the
support of your present regime. But if you take the lead, Uru
would be seen by her allies as taking a stance against the Church
of Lum. I assume everyone knows of Lum's denunciation of the
Church some days past. The Niphentaxians will be forced into a
corner, put under firm control by the Federation...and the people
who'd get credit for it would be the Democratic Alliance."

Silence falls over the scene as the Alliance's leaders
consider the proposal. "It would cause quite a shockwave," Tei
muses. "The Imperialists had no care whatsoever about how the
Niphentaxians treated the Avalonians. If they don't react,
people'll notice."

"And they'll lose further support," Yedris hums, then looks
at Tei. "Sensei, you can handle that, can't you?"

"Of course I can, but what about you?"

The matriarch sighs. "Regardless of how you consider me, I
am now a liability. I will withdraw from my duties in the
Plenipotentiary Council. I will continue to financially support
the Alliance. We will say we're allowing the younger voices a
greater say. Whatever happens, when the revelations about me
becomes well-known, the Alliance should be sufficiently separated
from me to continue with as minimum damage as possible."

"But Mother, what if whoever's attacking you and Sugoi-chan
tries to play up that you're a bioroid when we meet with Otako's
people?" Lan asks. "It would be the perfect time and place to
scuttle the whole works."

"I doubt that will have immediate effect, Lan-chan," Yedris
smiles. "Besides, whoever found out about this'll have to reveal
himself to make his accusations all the more credible. When he
does that, he knows that I'll target him for attacking my child.
Will he risk it?"

"If he does, we'll have a hot reception waiting for him,"
Sylia mutters to Tadahitora.

The actress snickers...

* * *

The meeting lasts another hour, then everyone parts. Ria's
factory ship escorts a party to New Avalon. Others return to Uru.
Lan and Sil return to Earth. Sylia, Yedris and Sugoi watch from
the observation gallery. "So it begins in earnest," the matriarch
hums. "There's no going back."

"Do you want to go back?" Sylia wonders.

"Of course not," Yedris shakes her head, then stares at her
hands. "These powers your predecessors gave me...they've given me
a chance to peer into the inner feelings of most Urusians. Many
of them don't like the current state of affairs. Many of those,
however, have no idea how to change things. They don't really
know what they want."

"Lack of knowledge," Sylia hums.

"Lack of education," Sugoi adds. "People on Uru don't get
any political or social education, even in university."

"Sensei taught me philosophy, but he was actually my
mathematics teacher," Yedris adds.

"I see," Sylia hums. "Back home, there's an old saying.
'When fanatics are blind, a thousand innocent people suffer their
wrath.' This situation could escalate, you know."

"You mean further deny them the ability to perceive their
surroundings," Yedris muses.

"You already are," Sylia objects. "By forcing them to adhere
to their worldview, they force it on others. People are already
suffering. They have no idea what they can do to better their
situation. Education...truth ...seems to be the only way out for
you."

"You speak from experience," Yedris hums.

Sylia nods. "On Sagussa prior to the Clone Rights War,
people fell into two camps. Those who supported the developments
of Gisan'cha espoused genetic modification when dealing with less
developed races, the use of clones as spare body parts and the
eventual separation of people from the planet which gave them
life. Those who opposed them wanted a restoration of traditional
ways, freedom of the clones, the destruction of technology which
didn't benefit one's spirit. By the time of the Clone Rights War,
people were blinded to what was happening, where their ship was
taking them. Chances are good that could happen to Uru...if
you're not careful."

"We'll try," Yedris smiles. "Besides, doesn't democracy mean
that people must know so they can govern themselves?"

"It does," Sylia admits.

"Well, if you two'll excuse me, I'm going to Earth," Sugoi
sighs. "I wanted to visit Lan-chan and I haven't had the chance."

"Call Priss when you get down there so she can escort you,"
Sylia warns as the younger Oni heads off the deck.

"I will," Sugoi waves as she leaves.

Yedris sighs. "She's so precious," she leans against Sylia.
"You know, if I didn't have a child after my transformation,
accepting what I am would've been harder."

"I'm as much a bioroid as you are," Sylia stares at Yedris.
"And I was constructed in the same manner as you...with one
difference. This is my original body," she points to herself.
"Healed and re-energized for another round in this existence."

"Do you remember your previous life?"

"Bits and pieces, but I don't allow that to bother me," Sylia
shakes her head. "I don't consider it important."

They gaze at the other. Without any visible invitation, they
drift into a kiss. "With you free of your obligations," Sylia
purrs, "you could come to Sagussa."

"Do you want me to?" Yedris wonders.

"Yes."

"What could I do there?"

"Whatever your heart chooses."

"If I do come, I'll need some advice," Yedris admits. "I'd
have to upgrade my knowledge so I wouldn't be a disruption."

"I could teach you that," Sylia smiles. "At least you could
make an intelligent choice. I wasn't so lucky when it came time
for me to choose my occupation."

"You could change it, you know."

"I could, but what about my team? If I leave, who leads
them?"

Yedris grins. "I'm in the same boat, you know. If I leave,
what of the Alliance?"

"Guess you're about to find out."

"Guess so," she sighs. "Now...can I learn something else?"

"Which is?"

"How passionate can you and I be?"

Sylia makes a face. "Too lame. On Sagussa, the invitation
for making love is 'do you have a cure for a headache?'"

"Well, do you?" Yedris wonders.

Sylia responds by lifting Yedris into her arms and carrying
her into the main bedroom...

* * *

"Way to go, Mom," Sugoi contently sighs as she gazes at the
small star marking Yedris' ship. Standing at a corner near the
Ginza, the Oni-Avalonian sighs as she turns toward Toranoseishin
Finances. The bond between mother and daughter was fierce. While
Yedris and Sugoi did not intrude on the other's thoughts...they
had learned how to shield themselves in that matter...they did
keep a wary psychic eye out for the other. And with the Alliance
now moving to score political points via contact with the
Avalonians, things could finally go right for a change.

No such luck. "There ya are!!"

Sugoi sees several thugs, a mix of Oni and Seishin, leap out
from an alley. Whoever was coordinating this was obviously
through with sneakiness. He was going for results. Her eye marks
the distance between her and Toranoseishin Finances. Three
hundred metres. Hopefully someone there will notice. "Get
away!!!" she flies down the street.

"Get her!!!" the lead thug yells.

The pack lunge after Sugoi...just as a steel pipe smashes
into the legs of one. He falls with a cry as the others spin to
face their attacker. Before Sugoi could comprehend what is
happening, another pack of attackers overcome the first, crippling
them in seconds. Sugoi gazes intently at her rescuers. One
detail causes her to blink with considerable disbelief.
"Niphentaxians!!"

The people gaze on Sugoi. Their leader is a strikingly
handsome platinum-haired man the height of her brother.
Recognizing her, he projects a friendly smile, quite unlike the
fanatic smirk followers of the Church of Lum projected in lieu of
real emotion. However, the semi-conscious Urusians distract him.
"Ya's butting in...!" one gasps.

"Get rid of them," he orders.

The others casually draw weapons, aim and fire. Sugoi turns
away as the Urusians are vapourized, then looks as the
Niphentaxian man approaches. "Who are you?"

"My name's Yakui," he offers his hand. "You must be Sugoi."

"Have we...met before?" she hesitantly reaches for his hand.

"Not you and I," he smiles. "But your mother might remember
my mother. She was the one who pulled your mother out of that
wreck sixteen years ago and helped...rebuild her."

Sugoi blinks, then warmly shakes his head. "It's a pleasure
to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," he nods. "Listen, is there some
place where we can talk? There's something I need to ask.
Perhaps your mother could help my friends."

"Sure," she nods, waving toward Toranoseishin Finances...

* * *

"You want to move to New Avalon?!"

Yakui and his companions nod. With Priss beside her, Sugoi
meets the Niphentaxians in the cafeteria at Toranoseishin
Finances. "It's quite simple," Yakui smiles. "Not all of my
people mindlessly follow Oogi."

"But...how?!" Sugoi wonders. "Everyone believes that
Niphentaxians are incapable of creating their own society.
Environmental circumstances made your people develop the ability
to copy from others."

"True," Yakui nods. "But something happened along the way.
As we advanced, *institutionalized* replication became the vogue.
And just like other religions..."

"It's either my way or the highway," Sugoi concludes.

"Right," the Niphentaxian nods. "It's become quite acute
with the Church of Lum taking hold. No single concept in our
history has captured the imagination of so many of my people.
There's the danger. With a lunatic like Oogi in charge, the only
future facing my people is destruction. Sooner or later,
someone's going to destroy the church."

"So what does this mean for your people?" the Oni-Avalonian
wonders.

"With the Avalonians about to open the doors, the chances are
good that controlled immigration will be permitted," Yakui smiles.
"We know your friends in the Alliance just had a meet with Otako,
arranging the contact. What we'd like is for you or your mother
to put in a kind word for those of us wanting to migrate to New
Avalon."

"I doubt that'll be possible," Sugoi warns. "Many
Avalonians, from what Lan-chan's told me, have bad memories of
your people."

"We can't be enemies forever, you know."

Sugoi nods. Reconciliation was necessary after hostilities,
lest the conflict between the concerned parties became perpetual.
"I will mention it to Mother, but after she learned the truth
about herself, she elected to fade out of the Alliance leadership.
If we can do something, we will. But if we can't," she holds the
palms of her hands out.

"Just as long as the word gets put in," Yakui nods, staring
at Priss. "It won't be long before her people decide to settle
matters with Oogi...and when that happens, it'll be messy. A lot
of innocent people're gonna get hurt unless they've got some place
to seek refuge."

"True," the Yehisrite-born warrior nods.

* * *

Sometime later, Priss and Sugoi walk up to the bedroom suite.
Gentle snores from the other Pathfinders flutter from their
private cubicles. "It's never easy," Priss muses as she slips off
her shoes.

"Not really," Sugoi sits in a chair. "Then again, I do owe
Yakui-san, both for tonight and sixteen years ago." At Priss'
questioning stare, she elaborates. "His mother was the one who
saved my mother."

"You sure about that?"

"I sensed it," Sugoi nods. "He knows what I'm capable of
doing, yet he came at me without fear or regret. Hard to believe;
Niphentaxians who are capable of something other than drooling
over Lum."

"It's surprising for me, too," Priss snorts, throwing off her
jacket, then slips off her holster and scabbard. "He's right, you
know. With the way Oogi's going now, the only way to get rid of
him is to..."

"...get rid of him," Sugoi completes, then sucks in her
breath.

Priss is immediately at her side. "What's wrong?!"

"Whoa!!" Sugoi gasps, feeling her heart. "What's Sylia doing
to Mom?!"

The Sagussan wryly stares at the Oni. "Why, you pervert!
Spying on your own mother when she's doing the *tamgh va ragh*?!"

"*Tamgh va*...what?!"

"*Tamgh va ragh,*" Priss supplies. "It's really a ritual
dance which lovers perform in front of friends to demonstrate
they're not shy about their choice of mate. These days, we use
the term as a nickname for sex."

"I see," Sugoi hums.

Priss notices her fluttering gaze. "Kid, you've got to learn
how to better control yourself," she admits.

"Priss..."

"What?"

"Will you do it with me?"

Silence falls. Priss falters, backing away from Sugoi. "H-
hey, t-take it e-easy!" she stammers, sinking to her bed. "A-are
you sure you r-really want to d-do that...?"

Sugoi smiles. "You really are a knight, you know that."

"Why do you say that?" Priss wonders.

"Because you're concerned about my virtue," Sugoi titters.
"No one's ever been like that with me."

Priss gazes at Sugoi. Until this point, the Pathfinder had
never concerned herself with seeking a bond-mate. Let the cards
fall where they may; play the hand you're given. That was Priss'
view of life and love. And here was a girl offering herself. Of
course, Priss knew that Sugoi was affected by the bond she
maintained with her mother. She would have to talk to Sylia. As
all Sagussans knew well, ignorance breeds disasters. Yet...could
Sugoi be really interested in her? Or did she understand? Priss
gulps. She just waltzed into a mind field and she couldn't
envision a safe escape...save one possibility: Sugoi.

*Why can't love be like shooting people?!* the Pathfinder
wonders...

* * *

"Another six dead? What's going on?!"

"I don't know, Father," Tayoru shakes his head. The
patriarch of the Renning House relaxes in his home outside
Onishuto. It is late in the evening in Tokyo. "They went out to
locate Sugoi and never returned. We scanned for them, but we had
to wait until Yedris' ship was out of the area before we could
scan. No sign of them but there were signs of weapons
discharges."

Uday sighs. "This is becoming very repetitive, Tayoru. Are
you sure your previous feelings for that creature are not
impairing your judgement?"

Tayoru jolts. "Of course not, Father. But...even you must
admit..."

"Enough!!!" his father slams his hand on a table, causing
Tayoru to jolt. "If you are incapable of doing this one simple
task, then I'll get someone else!!! Understand?!!"

"N-no p-problem," Tayoru stammers.

"Good!!" Uday shuts off the monitor...

* * *

...not realizing that their conversation was monitored by
Yakui and his countrymen, aboard their small scout in lunar orbit.
"Nice going, old fool," the Niphentaxian snorts. "You just hung
yourself."

He knew trouble lay between him and his goal of
reconciliation with the Avalonians. Targeting Yedris' support was
the obvious solution. After studying the bioroids, he knew they
were a very closed society. They mistrusted outsiders for
understandable reasons. Trusting one of their own was automatic.
And what better way to earn Yedris' trust than to hand the man
plotting to kill her and her child on a silver platter?

"Keep a tape of this," he tells his friend. "One more
Imperial takes a fall."

"Right," she laughs as her fingers dance over the controls...

* * *

Morning dawns over Tokyo clear and warm. Yedris' cruiser is
on night shift. Yedris altered her crews in shift rotation,
treating the androids as she would an organic crew. They
appreciated it. Given the advances in programming technology,
they seemed to work better if they were allowed time to rest.

In her bedroom, Sylia and Yedris relax in the other's
embrace. The Oni-Avalonian's eyes are open, although she remains
silent to allow the Sagussan the chance to sleep. Last night had
been imponderable. Her first sexual experience since Sugoi was
born, when her powers fully awakened. With her ability to probe
into people's thoughts, the intimacy of sex frightened her from
all forms of intimate contact, even with Tan.

However, despite her inexperience, Sylia took a very gradual
approach to their first time. Here, Sylia had become the
teacher..."thoughtmistress," she called herself...and Yedris the
pupil. Sagussan sexuality worked on two levels: physical and
psionic. Yedris knew the physical part. It was in the realm of
the psionic where she was the novice.

Sylia started there. Reinforcing one's psi shields to keep
out unwanted thoughts even with physical contact. That had been
Yedris' big problem. It proved quite simple to solve. Just
consciously forge psi barriers at the ends of her nerves. It
would become autonomic with time. To teach her body the actual
process, Sylia introduced her to mind-melding, something Yedris
had never considered doing.

While it wasn't a deep mind-meld...*mavan'shagh,* Sylia
called it...it was enough to transmit necessary data. Yedris
obtained a lot more. An overview of Sagussan history, the purpose
of the Grand Design, their interest in Ataru and Lum. Yedris was
quite surprised when the revelation of Noa's actions came to her.
So legends could come true.

After the lesson came play time. Along with the physical
touching, there was all forms of psychic teasing. Sylia would
psi-jab Yedris at certain places, causing delicious erotic
arousal. *Lucky thing I didn't know this before or I might not
have been able to lead the Democratic Alliance!* Yedris had
thought as they reached their climax.

The matriarch gazes at Sylia, who now stares concernedly at
her. "You okay?"

"Still the gallant knight, eh?" Yedris kisses her. "Last
night was wonderful."

"I do try to please," Sylia purrs.

Yedris reaches for the holovision remote. An image of an
Intergalactic News Network reporter appears. "...those of you
joining the newscast at this time, here is an update of our latest
story. Members of Uru's Democratic Alliance have now made
unofficial contact with the race of bioroids calling themselves
the Avalonians."

Yedris screams in joy as a galactic map appears. "New
Avalon, the bioroids' home planet, is located here," an icon
appears spinside of Earth, "...in sectors jointly claimed by the
Seifukusu Dominion and the Republic of Gomiana. Reports state
that the world they have settled had been terraformed, with cities
manufactured and ready, prior to their arrival. No one yet has
any idea as to the people responsible for this development."

The reporter returns. "While officials of the Dominion have
yet to comment, representatives from the office of President
Kitsui of Gomiana have stated that the Republic will extend
diplomatic recognition to the Avalonians as soon as ambassadorial
contacts can be made. We now switch to Milan Domo, in New
Avalon's capital city, for the on-scene report. Milan?"

The image transforms to the image of a futuristic city
reminding Sylia of Sagussa's capital Tere'na City in the years
before the Clone Rights War. In a public square, leaders of the
Alliance meet with Otako and her central council. Milan Domo
appears. "Hi, everyone! Milan Domo here for INN, presently in
Lyna City, capital of the newly established Republic of Avalon.
Presently the home of a race of bioroids who escaped slavery
several months ago, the Avalonians are in the midst of
negotiations with an Urusian team led by the new president of the
Plenipotentiary Council of the Democratic Alliance of Uru,
Professor Tei no Katsunokaminoke-seishin. Professor Tei is with
me now, along with President Otako, the leader of the Avalonian
Council of Elderwomen." She turns to Tei and Otako. "Professor,
what are current developments?"

"First, I must state that I'm not acting in any official
capacity for the Urusian Union..." Tei iterates, his face bland.

"He looks like he's reciting basic calculus," Yedris
chuckles.

"...but I have personally assured President Lana that the
Avalonians did specifically request members of the Alliance to
negotiate with them," Tei continues. "He's confirmed that he will
support our actions as long as Urusian interests are not
threatened."

Milan turns to Otako. "Madame President, any comments?"

"I must state that we have no hostile intentions toward the
Urusian Union or any Urusian citizen," Otako smiles. "After our
dark time, we wish to peacefully coexist with our neighbours. Of
course, our present place of residence could provide a flash point
between the Federation and the Dominion, which we'll move to
prevent. I've already spoken to the heads of several Houses of
the Magate Round and they've responded positively to our offers
for trade. We have much to offer our neighbours, and as long as
our interests are respected, we'll always keep the door open."

"Thank you, Madame President, Professor Tei," Milan turns to
wrap up the report, ending with, "Back to you, Tsugeru-san."

"Thank you, Milan-san," the anchorwoman returns. "We now
switch to Onishuto, where President Lana is holding a news
conference."

The image melts to the president's chamber in Onishuto.
President Lana, an Oni with a regal countenance, as imposing as
Invader, reads his statement. "I am more than pleased to welcome
the Avalonians into the family of advanced worlds. After their
terrible ordeal on Phentax Twelve, enslaved in conditions which
the civilized galaxy deplored when their plight came to light
sometime ago, these people, who only desired to obtain control of
their destiny, can now close that bleak chapter of their history
and proceed to a new tomorrow. I am also pleased they have turned
to us to forge the first bridge between themselves and the
Federation. Please don't consider this an insult to the
Gomianites or the Tritonians. I've spoken with both King Fuyu and
President Kitsui and they've assured me they'll grant whatever
support is required to ease the transition for the Avalonians. We
must also consider their position vis-a-vis the Dominion. They
are on a tightrope and it would be grossly imprudent to push them
in a direction which could lead to disaster..."

The image returns to the anchorwoman. "That was President
Lana of Uru, welcoming the Avalonians into the galaxy as equal
members," Tsugeru turns to a commentator. "Well, this is a
remarkable development. What does this spell for the Democratic
Alliance, Shi-san?"

"Big points for the Alliance," Shi turns to the audience.
"Professor Tei and his organizers have struck a gold mine. Uru
has been in hot water often when it comes to the Niphentaxians and
the Church of Lum. In one stroke, the Urusian government is able
to distance themselves from the Niphentaxians. This, along with
Lum's denunciation of the Church days ago, isolates the
Niphentaxians from the galaxy at large. While this will allow the
Urusian government to mend bridges with many planets, it was all
done thanks to the Democratic Alliance, who will no doubt parlay
this into support when they launch their referendum drive sometime
this year."

"But what of Lady Yedris Seq?" Tsugeru wonders. "Isn't she
still the nominal head of the Alliance's Plenipotentiary Council?"

"That's the shocking news of this event," Shi confirms.
"Prior to the announcement, Professor Tei announced that Lady
Yedris has resigned from the chair of the Plenipotentiary Council.
While no one has been able to confirm this with Lady Yedris, this
move is said to be a symbolic gesture to the younger leaders of
the Alliance, urging them to press forward with their movement.
This also could be a sign that a successor to Lady Yedris...in
other words, Lum...may have been chosen."

"Lum leading the Alliance?! That would clinch the battle
right then and there."

"Indeed it would," the commentator nods. "Even if Lum
doesn't accept the invitation, her active support for the Alliance
would scuttle any attempts at a counter-revolution from hard-core
Imperialists as many of their supporters flock to Lum's banner.
Things will never be the same again on Uru."

"Thank you, Shi-san..."

Sylia turns off the holovision. "No need to watch the news,
especially since things are proceding as planned," she muses,
turning to Yedris. "Now, I think my lady deserves a reward for
her efforts."

Yedris purrs. "Surprise me!"

* * *

However, someone is NOT pleased. "HOW COULD THIS HAVE
HAPPENED?!?!?!" Uday Renning demands, slamming his fist on the
table.

His advisors tense. "We're not sure, sir," one shakes his
head. "This just came out of the blue! We've no idea how the
Alliance could have come into contact with the Avalonians, much
less pull this off!!"

"Right now, the Alliance has cleared all diplomatic obstacles
between us and everyone in the Federation!" another disparagingly
intones. "They'll probably try to mend fences with the
Noukiites!! Nothing Tei does over the next while will suffer
scrutiny...!"

"Tei is not the problem!!" Uday snarls. "Yedris is!!! That
garbage about her dropping from the Alliance is just that:
garbage!!"

"Sir, if you believe Yedris is a bioroid, you have to produce
irrefutable proof!" a third warns. "Even if the proof is there,
we would then have to bring forth evidence which proves Yedris was
constructed to be an agent for the Avalonians. How could we do
that?"

"The suspicion is enough," Uday grumbles.

"Not anymore, sir," the aide shakes his head. "That's how
far the Alliance has pushed it. The people aren't idiots.
Ignorant, yes. But thanks to the Alliance, the people no longer
accept ANYTHING on the basis of faith! Our words will be just ONE
person's suspicion, not something on which to base opinion."

"If they're told Yedris is a bioroid, they'll want to know
who did it and why," another adds. "The chances are there the
Niphentaxians who built that body did it as a...simple act of
mercy. That the spirit inside the bioroid is really Yedris Seq.
And if that's the truth, then nothing can come from this. We'll
be the ones seen as fools."

"If the Alliance knows about this, then they're probably
prepared to disclose all the information the people would want," a
third warns. "We raise the flag of alarm and they'd snatch it
from us! We're sunk!!"

"Not necessarily!" Uday growls. "I think it's time that
Yedris suffers an accident...a TERMINAL one, this time!!"

"But what about General Yethis...?!"

"What about him?!!" the patriarch of the Renning House
demands, gazing upon the house sigil hanging behind him. "He
might wish to restore the Empire, but it will be a Seq-controlled
Empire!! I've no desire to subvert my House to his! I think it's
time the Renning House has the chance to effect the necessary
change to save our people!"

The aides notice the steel in Uday's eyes, then nod. "Of
course, sir," one bows for them all. The decision had been
made...

* * *

"To the Alliance," Yedris toasts. "Freedom for Uru and peace
for the galaxy."

She and Sylia drink. "Congratulations, Yedris," the
commander smiles. "It was a well-earned victory."

"This is the first step," the matriarch laughs. "Once we've
got enough support, we'll force a referendum and then, THEN, the
Union Revolution will finally reach closure."

"For that, you need Lum," Sylia notes.

"Just her support," Yedris muses. "Don't worry. I know how
you people feel about her freedom of choice."

"That's good," Sylia smiles. "After all, punishing the woman
I love and care for doesn't particularly thrill me."

The door opens, allowing Sugoi to walk inside with Yakui and
Priss. "Mom!"

"What is it?" Yedris looks over, then blinks. "Who's your
friend?"

"This is Yakui," Sugoi waves at him. "His mother's the one
who pulled you out of the wreck on Phentax Twelve."

Yedris blinks, then rises. "A pleasure," she shakes his
hand. "How is your mother? I barely remember her."

"She's in jail now," Yakui sighs. "She's always been an
outspoken critic of what we did to the Avalonians. Even before
the Church of Lum, that was a taboo subject."

"He's come on behalf of Niphentaxians who don't follow the
Church of Lum," Sugoi adds.

"I can sense that," Yedris waves him to a chair. "Please
sit. What can I do for you?"

"Quite simple, really," Yakui admits as everyone relaxes.
"The people I represent are in ghettos on a dozen planets all
along the outer rim of the Federation. We need a place to settle
and await the final fight between the Sagussans and the Church of
Lum," he nods at Sylia. "The best place is New Avalon."

"I see," Yedris hums. "As you know, I have no official
duties with the Alliance, if you want them to speak for you..."

"No, ma'am, we want YOU to speak for us," Yakui cuts in.
"You don't understand. You might think yourself Oni, but you're
as much an Avalonian as Gloriana or Otako. They will implicitly
trust you, ma'am. That's why I came to you instead of seeing
Professor Tei."

"But after your experience with the Avalonians, I doubt even
I could make them accept you," Yedris warns.

"Yes, you can," he offers his hand.

She blinks, then grasps it, allowing her powers to do their
work. After a minute, she lets go. "I believe you. And you
didn't have to offer up Uday Renning to get my support."

"I felt it just," he smiles. "Mother and I always took
interest in you. You're the fulfillment of what the Avalonians'
creators intended: a bioroid who is mistress of her destiny, who
understands what her actions will do to herself and others. The
Sagussans never saw that until it was too late."

Yedris smiles. "I think it's time Uday learns what it means
to cross me," she looks at Sylia. "Syl-chan, if I'm not mistaken,
didn't Ataru order you to eliminate all Imperialist incursions on
Earth?"

Sylia and Priss grin. "She's quick, isn't she?" the latter
hums.

"That's what I like so much about her," the former smiles.
"Where?"

"A small island in the Sagami Sea, with a teashop called
Hamajaya," Yakui supplies.

The Sagussans blink. "Say, isn't that...?" Priss wonders.

* * *

Ryuunosuke's island.

The mound of tree-dotted sand is quiet as the few left in
Tayoru's strike force prepare. "The Alliance is pulling way
ahead," he warns the others. "If we don't cut them off soon,
they'll run right over all the Houses and everything we've worked
for is ruined. We find those two bioroids and put them down!"

The others grunt agreement. Suddenly, a voice yells out.
"Tayoru!!!"

He stares outside. Standing there are two people. "You can
come out!" Yedris barks. "You're surrounded! Surrender now and
you'll be shown mercy!!"

"They're bluffing," one looks outside. "There's no one
here!"

"We couldn't get better luck than this!" Tayoru smiles. His
father would be pleased. Standing, he walks outside the hut, gun
ready. "Nice to see you," he chuckles fearlessly.

"I said you better drop your weapons," Yedris repeats,
placing an arm around Sugoi. "You are surrounded."

"I doubt people back home'd be willing to follow machines
around," he snorts. "Once that gets out, your Alliance is
finished!"

Yedris and Sugoi gaze at each other. "They are so dumb,
aren't they?!" the younger Oni-Avalonian muses.

"That they are," the elder smiles. "Oh, I should tell you,"
she snaps her fingers. "This planet is under the protection of
the Fifth Republic of Sagussa. They're the successors to the
people who first created the Avalonians. And their head-of-
state...Lum's delightful boyfriend...gave his troops an order.
Would you care to know what it is?"

Tayoru blinks. "Wh-what?"

"All Imperialists are to die."

Automatic weapons fire pours down from the skies! Tayoru
spins around to see the teashop inundated by particle shot and
photon grenades. The screams of his troops echo from the flames
as he spins around, his own weapon levelling on the source of his
family's troubles. "DIE!!!!"

Sugoi shoves her mother away as three shots slam into her,
knocking her onto the sand!! Seeing this, Priss' eyes widen, then
narrow as a guttural scream rises from her lungs. Leaping off her
hovercycle, she dives on Tayoru, her combat knife leaping from its
scabbard. The two tumble over each other as the knife rips into
flesh, dismembering Tayoru before he had a chance to defend
himself!!

Seeing this, the other Pathfinders dogpile the enraged Priss.
"Calm down!!!" Nene gasps. "It's alright!!! She's okay!!!"

Roaring unintelligibly, Priss flings them off, hops on her
machine, then blasts off for Yedris' cruiser! Everyone watches
her go as Yedris runs to her daughter's side. "Whew!!" Sugoi
groans as she feels her side. "Lucky thing I was wearing that
shield belt! I would've been dead for sure!!"

"By the looks of it, Tayoru's father will be dead when Priss
gets her hands on him!" Sylia stares at the cruiser.

Everyone blinks as the ship disappears in a rainbow of warp
energies. "Where is she going?!" Yedris spins on Sylia.

"Uru," the Pathfinder lowers her eyes. "In the attack, Priss
must have forgot that you and Sugoi were protected. When she saw
Sugoi struck down, she lost control and, as any of us would in
those circumstances, moved to avenge her mate's 'death!' What's
worse, she'll keep on seeking to avenge Sugoi's 'death' by
slaughtering every living Renning, destroying all their property,"
she breathes in, "...and obliterate them!"

Yedris and Sugoi pale as that dreadful fate becomes known.
Leaping up, the latter grabs Sylia's arm. "Tell me how to stop
her!"

Sylia stares at the young Oni. So damn innocent. "There's
only one way..."

* * *

Uru.

Onishuto is quiet as night falls. At the Renning estate,
guards mill about, relaxing as they continue their watch. The
silence is pierced by a black figure as two guards are hacked down
before they could sense their doom! Priss lands in a combat
crouch, then charges in. Seconds later, a troop of guards are
blasted down by sound-suppressed shots from the Pathfinder's
assault rifle.

The guard hounds spin to confront their masters' attacker,
then find themselves facing an intimidating monster. Priss glares
at them, her *mei'na* burning bright with such rage that in the
eyes of the hounds, she is many times larger than she actually is,
draped in the fiery form of the windrider whose image she wears on
her duty jumpsuit. The hounds whimper as they cower away,
allowing Priss to charge into the estate proper.

Within a minute, two servants are hacked down in the kitchen.
A meat cleaver rips off a guard's head. Silenced rounds drop
several more guards in the lower level. Priss quickly locates the
security control room, hacking off the controller's head before he
could sound the alarm. Severing the communications lines, she
sprints to the upper level.

In the meeting room, Uday Renning relaxes with his advisors,
his baby daughter Shunran in his arms. "It is hard, sometimes,"
he muses, staring at the sparkling city.

"What is, sir?" an aide inquires.

"It is hard to try to instruct the future matriarch of the
Renning House her proper place above the lessers when the lessers
themselves don't respect their own place in the order of things,"
the patriarch snorts. "Especially when her own mother could not
respect that order."

The aides shudder. Shunran's mother was diagnosed with
Hifuto last month, in circumstances clouded in mystery. "We
should have heard from Lord Tayoru by now..." another aide muses.

As if in response, the door is kicked in, Priss' rifle
thundering! The aides are mowed down in the first volley, the
shattering of the glass warning Uday of his impending doom. He
dives for the floor, shielding his daughter from incoming fire.
Uday screams as the volley shreds the room! Shunran cries as
Priss methodically enters, her eyes locked on Uday. "You
miserable little worm!" the Pathfinder growls as her combat knife
slides out of its scabbard. "You DARE assault the woman I care
for?! Prepare to embrace Eternity for what you've done!!"

Staring at the advancing demon, Uday spins around, Shunran
shielding him from that lethal blade. "Don't!!!" he cries.

Priss roars as the blade sweeps up for the kill...just as
Sugoi flies through the window, grabbing Shunran from the
patriarch's hands seconds before the blade tears into flesh!!
Uday's cry is silenced as Priss spins around, eyes locked on the
tiny bundle in Sugoi's hands. "Give her to me!"

Sugoi shakes her head, backing away as Priss approaches her,
all sense of sanity gone from her eyes. "Priss, in Fate's name,
please!!!" she tries to shift Shunran out of the possible line of
fire. "Remember who you are!! It's over!!! It's over!!!"

Priss growls as she draws her pistol, eyes never wavering
from Shunran. The little girl cries as she looks away from the
fearsome creature. Staring at the child, Sugoi then faces Priss,
her jaw set in determination.

"PRISS!!!!!!"

All her psi shields drop! Priss gasps as her shields are
overwhelmed by the power of Sugoi's *mei'na*, her own shields
dropping in response. The Sagussan staggers as the warmth, the
purity of the Avalonian's mind caresses her, washing away the heat
of rage and fury which had exploded from Priss when Tayoru shot
Sugoi down. "Su-...go-...i...!" Priss gasps as their bond forms,
then solidifies, never to be torn asunder.

The psychic burst also affects Shunran as she finds herself
staring at the beautiful icon of light which was once a dark
monster. Her tiny arms reach out for Priss, a word forming in her
lips. "Ma-...ma."

Hearing that, Priss rises, her hands reaching for the child.
Shunran chortles as she sinks into the Pathfinder's embrace.
Sugoi breathes out in relief as she embraces them both, happy that
peace has returned to her bond-mate's soul. Priss stares at
Shunran, gently tracing the baby's forehead and single horn, then
kisses her. Sugoi smiles, sensing the Pathfinder's intention,
telepathically transmitting her approval. It was the only just
solution to this problem.

"Shunran..." she intones the first name, the child's given
name.

"Aipurisu..." she intones the second name. First child of
Priss.

"...no Katsunokaminoke-oni," she intones the last name, her
tribal name.

Shunran chortles in delight, her hands reaching for Priss'
finger. Sugoi wraps an arm around her. "Let's get out of here."

* * *

A day later, Pathfinder Troop Six and their friends relax in
Shapiro's. Priss coos as she nurses Shunran, ignoring the stares
from her troopmates. "Lyna, give her a child to care for and she
turns from the Terminator Mark Two to Red Riding Hood!" Linna
gasps.

"'Mark Two?!'" Shinobu wonders.

"Lufy is Mark One," Nene warns.

Priss smiles. "Wait until you have your first kid, Linna!
It'll mellow you out."

"I hope not!" Linna ducks.

The others laugh as Pamanba and Shapiro serve them coffee and
snacks. Priss stares at Sugoi, who leans against her bond-mate's
side, gently stroking her cheek. "You okay?" the Pathfinder
kisses her.

"You scare me, you know that?"

"Believe me, I scare myself sometimes."

"Ahem!!" Yedris coughs.

"What?!" both stare at the matriarch.

"Well, I would've appreciated it if you had asked my
permission to bond with my daughter, you know," Yedris pouts.

"Oh, really?!" Rei wonders. "Then you need our permission,
too!"

"What permission?!" Yedris demands.

"Permission to seduce our commanding officer!" Asuka wags her
finger. "Most of the *daishi'cha* may call Noa *ashi'cha,* but in
our eyes, Sylia is OUR *ashi'cha!*"

"That's enough, Asuka," Sylia flushes. "Let's take this a
day at a time, shall we?"

Everyone smiles. "I pray she will enjoy a wonderful future,"
Sakura gently strokes Shunran's forehead, then sits. "But I've a
question. What happens now with concern to Shunran-chan's
relatives?"

"Well, Shunran-chan's mother contracted Hifuto Syndrome under
strange circumstances," Yedris muses. "I suspect that Uday used
her to have a child, then disposed of her because she wasn't of
*proper* Imperial stock. Ironically, Tayoru was born under
similar circumstances."

Nausea cross everyone's face at the depth of horrors in which
Shunran was born. "I take it this would be considered normal
among the old houses?" Mendou queasily stares at Sil.

"Yes," Sil nods. "If a slave was ever caught dallying with
the lord or lady of the house, death was the automatic punishment.
If there were children born..." she shudders. "I don't want to
talk about it."

"Don't," Lan pats her friend's hand.

"I suspect no one will miss Uday," Yedris smiles. "Even my
brother had little use for him. Good riddance to bad rubbish!"

"Amen!" Pamanba groans. "Well, we can admit this story has a
happy ending!"

"It's not over yet!" Nene objects.

"Why not?" Megane wonders.

"Sylia and Yedris haven't bonded!!"

Eyes lock on the two in question. They flush, then turn to
each other. "Well, if you're willing..." Sylia smiles.

"I wouldn't mind..." Yedris sighs. "But I will be busy for
the next while..."

"COWARD!!!!!!" everyone screams.

"Alright, already!!!" Yedris cries.

Everyone beams. "Pamanba, Shapiro-san, what are you two
doing?" Shinobu wonders.

People turn to see the two Vosians trying to escape. "After
what Rei and Asuka did, did you honestly expect us to stick around
and get our minds fried?!" Shapiro wonders.

"Get back in here!" Koosei drags them back. "When it's a
normal bond, it's okay!!"

"They aren't normal!!!" Shapiro cries.

Sylia and Yedris gaze at each other, then their hands rise to
touch the other's face. After a moment of concentration, the
oaths escape. "Do vanan'cha...marei'cha-Yedris."

"Do vanan'cha...marei'cha-Sylia."

They kiss as everyone cheers. "See," Priss smiles at
Shunran. "You'll be doing that when you grow up!"

The baby chirrups...

*** The End ***