Urusei Yatsura Fan Fiction ❯ The Senior Year ❯ Tripwire ( Chapter 46 )

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

"C'mon," Meo gasps. "We've got to go!"

Lie runs across the field to the scout. Given her current state of
maternity, the Seifukusu quickly tires. Panting, she collapses in the Oni's
arms. "Let's go."

As the two scramble aboard, shouts are heard. A phalanx of Urusian
special forces infantry bursts out of the woods as Meo's scout blasts off,
racing into the night. The captain turns to his communications trooper.
"Signal headquarters," he growls. "They got away!"

"Yes, sir," the trooper nods.

The scout soars away from Okusei. On the cramped bridge, Meo and Lie
embrace. "Where to now?" she wonders.

"Jiyuu," he grimly notes. "In Zephyrite space, we'll be safe."

She nods as the scout enters warp...

* * *

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

WRITER'S NOTES:

1) This story is set during the period of "Dakejinzou's Story" (about a
two-week period in character time). Elements of this story coincide with
themes explored in "Shinobu: Futures Imperfect" and will influence events in
the Great Father Ataru saga.

2) *Ru-jugh* - Sagussan ale.

3) Angus McTavish (uncle to Jamie and cousin to Nicole) was originally
scheduled to appear in "UY20YL." He's VERY loosely based on Hunter S.
Thompson. Saves making up more character names and histories.

4) Steven Lewis was Ambassador to the U.N. at the time of Pierre
Trudeau's second term as prime minister. I'm not sure if John de Chastelain
was a colonel at this time.

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

Sagussa.

The endless night of extragalactic space shrouds the war-ravaged
world as a beacon of light leaps from the southern tip of what was once
Tere'na. Slowly she approaches, her engines powering her away from her
homeworld's gravity well. Not streamlined or bird-shaped like the Republic's
ships of the line, her angular bow turns toward the distant galaxy. It is a
freight car-shaped main hull over two smaller hulls securing two Gladiator
fighters. Sen'a's light reflects off the hull as impulse drive takes over,
revealing the angular script identifying her name and pennant number:
NSS-707, the Republic of Sagussa Starship "Hasei'cha." For the first time in
a decade, the warpsloop has shed the grip of gravity and atmosphere to return
to her true home...

* * *

"All systems go, Shipmistress."

Eluza relaxes in the command chair. Unlike other ships, the
warpsloop's bridge was arranged in rows. Helm, weapons and flight operations
(Amy's, Spea's and Shildy's posts) forward. Command, sciences and engineering
(hers, Rumy's and Patty's) aft. No circular bridges where the shipmistress
could only see the backs of her crew. Besides, "Hasei'cha" was no explorer or
ship of the line.

Shildy walks up, coffee in hand. "I was afraid she'd fall apart when
we launched from the Forge," the first officer muses.

"You doubt Patty's abilities?" Eluza takes the offered cup.

"Of course not. But as starships go, we're unique. No one's ever
shipped three Gladiators on a warpsloop's hull. Even warpshuttles would have
problems with them."

Eluza smiles. Caution was Shildy's middle name. "We are a special
missions force in the Navy. We're not so different from Pathfinder Troop Six.
We've no time for the niceties of a destroyer or a cruiser...even if we had a
destroyer or cruiser to our name."

Shildy nods. Knowledge about the whereabouts of the Fourth
Republic's military forces was lost in the Clone Rights Wars. The postbellum
Sagussans left very little with which the *daishi'cha* could defend
themselves. Construction of new ships was hampered by the lack of
construction yards. Small ship construction was all Sagussa was capable of
at this time. "Well, let's hope we don't make an ass of ourselves on our
first mission," she relaxes at her station."

"Signal from Earth," Amy reports. "Noa."

"On screen," Eluza orders.

Noa's image appears. "Welcome back, Eluza. Space was lonely without
you."

"We tried to make it out faster," the shipmistress smiles. "What's
up? How's Lum?"

"She's getting on," the *ashi'cha* sighs. "Anyhow, we've got
something more important."

"You want us to go after Ataru?"

Noa shakes her head. "The 'Goddess of Luck' wasn't badly damaged
when it crashed on Nekotengu Four. They should be airborne in another couple
of days. Besides, 'Hasei'cha' isn't configured to ship cargo. This concerns
our pending diplomacy with the United Nations."

Eluza steeples her fingers. Recently, Terran officials had warned
Ataru that radical elements in various nations were thinking unhealthy
thoughts towards aliens and those who dealt with them. The Sagussans, who
had approached the United Nations with openness since first contact fourteen
years ago, were under particularly close observation due to their closeness
to Ataru. "What's going on?"

"While maintaining our present stances vis-a-vis Earth," Noa sighs,
"...specifically that Sagussan technology will be transferred to Earth under
the strictest of guidelines and that we respect Terran sovereignty, Lum and
I've decided the time's come for representatives of the United Nations to have
a direct look at what makes us so different from the Urusians."

Eluza's eyebrow rises. Permitting less advanced cultures direct
contact with Sagussan culture was a grey area at best. Technically, the Non-
Interference Directive forbade even considering it. However, the NID was
loose in its interpretation, since each situation had to be analyzed
individually, not whitewashed with the brush of no contact. "So the
'Hasei'cha' will have guests for a while."

"Exactly," Noa nods. "We're limiting visitors to one foreign affairs
representative and one senior military officer from the five senior nations in
the U.N., plus Japan and one other. You're to proceed to New York City and be
gracious to your guests."

"Right," Eluza smirks. "We'll overwhelm them with our feminine
charms."

"Not too much," Noa wags her finger. "Keep your objectivity!"

"Yes, Mother. 'Hasei'cha,' out."

The screen goes dark. "Course for Earth set in," Amy announces.

"Go," Eluza nods.

The warpsloop disappears from Sagussa's home system...

* * *

"What exactly makes this race different from all the others?" Angus
McTavish relaxes in the office of the Canadian Ambassador to the United
Nations. A small folder is in his hand, emblazoned with the notation FIFTH
REPUBLIC OF SAGUSSA (SAGUSSA-UISEN'A) and the Sagussan black phoenix flag.
"Lord knows, we've got enough of them to deal with."

"This race is quite different, I assure you," Ambassador Steven Lewis
relaxes. "Unlike some of the people who've blasted their way through this
system, this race was gracious enough to contact us, to inform us they were
here, even tell us why they were here. We've been in intermittent contact
with them for fourteen years, believe it or not."

"Do the Urusians know of them?" Angus drags on his cigarette.

"No," the ambassador shakes his head. "This was at the Sagussans'
request. They strongly believe if general knowledge of their existence became
known to the galactic community...'before the time is right,' they said...the
implications to Earth's survival would be catastrophic. Considering some of
the other customers we know about, their desire to be discreet is a refreshing
change."

"I take it they're not being so discreet these days," Angus smiles,
wondering for the nth time what he was doing slumming in diplomatic service,
specializing in Terran-alien affairs, when he preferred to be doing front-page
stories for the Toronto Star.

The ambassador thinly smiles. "Well, several weeks ago, a force of
Niphentaxians hell-bent on destroying Earth was wiped out by the Sagussan
Navy. They inflicted 15,000 fatalities and didn't suffer one on their own.
And by all sense of the term, they didn't even have to lift a finger to do a
thing. The Urusians were already in the system."

Angus shakes his head. Life was simple before the First Tag Race
turned everyone's worldview upside down. The existence of aliens had been
postulated in sci fi stories for decades. Having the proof waltz in one day
was shocking, if you ignored that they were here on the pretence of invading
Earth.

The United Nations pulled the proverbial rabbit out of the hat by
allowing Lum and her friends to stay in Tomobiki and Tomobiki only. Raw
intelligence on the races surrounding Earth was quickly needed. Tomobiki
proved to be the perfect hamster cage. Matters became more urgent when the
Second Tag Race proved that aliens seemed not to care about Earth's needs and
wants. Containment then became the name of the game, especially when some of
the more brutal races made their appearance. In addition, there was Ataru's
grandmother...

Angus groans. In trying to understand the bewildering array of races
they were confronting, Earth's leadership was split into factions supporting
either total isolation, limited contact or open doors. And that didn't count
the power-hungry groups smelling opportunity for world domination. Plus there
were the industrialists who smelled big profits from using alien technology.
All the fringe whacko groups. Etcetera, etcetera.

"So, what's so different?" Angus wonders. "Other than they have the
potential to be the real power brokers in the near future."

"Nothing much, which is what concerns a lot of people," Lewis muses.
To say Sagussa 'worried' people seemed overcautious. Fifteen thousand dead
Niphentaxians could attest to that. "Other than cautious friendliness, they
actually don't seem to be one race as a whole. Open the file."

Angus opens it. Pictures of the known Sagussans appear. "We've
identified nearly twenty known races in the group," the ambassador muses.
"The list reads like the master list the Special Committee on Alien Affairs
keeps in their office."

"All women," he notes.

"That's another thing. The kicker here, get this, is that they seem
to be interested in one man: Ataru Moroboshi."

"Oh?!" Angus blinks, then a wry smile twists his mouth. "I know a
few people who'd love to get to know them."

"Probably every open-minded man on the planet. To better accommodate
our curiosity, their senior representative now on ground has permitted a small
delegation from the U.N. to visit one of their ships."

Not even the Urusians or the Zephyrites were that generous. "Who's
going?"

"Senior diplomats from the U.S., the Soviets, the Brits, the French,
the Chinese, the Japanese...and us," Lewis smiles. "You'll be teamed with a
Colonel de Chastelain as military observer. As a matter of fact," he looks at
his watch, "...the Sagussan ship should be arriving soon..."

His words are punctuated by the rumble of something large approaching
the United Nations building. Both men tense as they look out over the East
River. They gape in surprise as the "Hasei'cha" majestically sails up the
river at an altitude of two hundred metres. "Goddamn!" Angus gapes. "That
thing's as big as a bloody supertanker!!"

The warpsloop halts by the U.N. building. The office door opens.
"Mister Ambassador, the Secretary-General just called," Lewis' secretary
reports. "Mister McTavish and Colonel de Chastelain are to proceed to the
plaza to meet the delegation from Sagussa."

"Okay," Lewis turns to Angus, hand extended. "Good luck."

"Y-yeah!" the reporter numbly nods...

* * *

A small crowd has gathered near the hovering warpsloop by the time
Angus McTavish and his military companion emerge. The reporter is quick to
notice the formally dressed delegations from the other nations. "Have you any
idea what we're supposed to be doing now?" Angus stares at the colonel.

"No, sir," Colonel de Chastelain shakes his head, then stares at
Angus' jeans, plaid shirt and hunting vest, the reporter's usual clothing.
"You sure you're ready for this?"

"Nyaa," Angus shakes his head. "I'm never ready for anything this
early in the morning...not to mention sober!"

The American delegation, a spry woman in a skirt attended by a Navy
captain, stands in front of the crowd. "Can you believe this?" she muses as
Angus walks up. "All the other races we've dealt with have always held us at
arm's length. This is an opportunity to see how the other side really
operates."

"I hope so," Angus muses.

The woman looks surprised. "My God!" Jeane Kirkpatrick gasps.
"Steven actually got YOU for this?! Will miracles never cease!"

"I love you too," Angus winks, then waves to the warpsloop's mass.
"Does anyone know this thing's floating around here?!"

"Believe it or not, they actually called LaGuardia and JFK and ASKED
to be permitted to come here," Jeane muses.

Angus blinks. The American's information synced with what Ambassador
Lewis stated was the Sagussans' usual approach when dealing with Earth.
Before he could articulate another thought, the "Hasei'cha" turns to port,
revealing its keel. A small boarding hatch opens, a laser escalator
extending to ground level. A single woman descends.

The crowd hushes as the sloop's first officer steps ashore. Angus
scans through his notes to find her face and name. Shildy. Staring at the
woman, he is stunned to see that she was very young, around twenty. Military
intelligence on Sagussan ranks was non-existent, not to mention the dot-and-
slash glyphs on her sleeves. Fukunokami, he muses, staring at her ears and
jet black hair. Who were these people?!

"Good morning," she smiles, then to everyone's surprise, repeats the
greeting in French, Russian, Chinese and Japanese, before carrying on in
English. "My name is Shildy. My rank is watchmistress. I'm the first
officer of the Republic of Sagussa Starship 'Hasei'cha.' On behalf of
Shipmistress Eluza and the crew, I'd like to welcome you aboard. We hope
that by our openness, trust between the United Nations and the Fifth Republic
will be easier to obtain. Trust is necessary, as I'm sure you'll agree,
especially when other powers believe they've the right to write the rule book
on first contacts."

She holds up a series of devices the size of ballpoint pens. "These
are universal translators. They're programmed to understand all your
languages plus ours," Shildy smiles. "Our normal operation language is
Japanese, by the way, for reasons we hope to make clear to all of you in a
short while. I understand all of you have recording devices. By all means
bring them aboard for your superiors' benefit. Now, if you'll follow me,
I'll introduce you to the rest of the crew."

She turns, stepping onto the escalator, which lifts her to the ship.
Hesitancy anchors the other delegations, unsure as to who should proceed
first. Perhaps they were unsure if the laser escalator would hold them.
Shrugging, Angus breaks rank and strolls over, then stands on a light pad. He
finds himself floating toward the "Hasei'cha." With that, the other parties
quickly follow. De Chastelain falls in behind his counterpart. "Jumping the
gun?" the colonel muses.

"Better than standing like fools on the plaza," Angus hums.

The entourage arrives at the quarterdeck. Amy mans the bos'n mate's
post, piping the parties aboard. Rabby takes the translators and pins them on
as Spea announces each party. "Representing Canada: Mister Angus McTavish,
Colonel John de Chastelain."

"Welcome aboard," Eluza smiles.

"Thanks," Angus smiles, then nods at the other crew. To his
surprise, none were older than Eluza and Shildy. In fact, one seemed barely
ready to enter high school. Obviously, the Sagussans didn't hold to the same
age of majority standards as the Terrans. Child labour activists would freak
on seeing this!

Once the parties were aboard, the hatch closes. The guests are then
escorted to the ship's lounge below the bridge. The flag of the United
Nations stood beside the Sagussan flag. Smaller banners indicated the
national insignias of the guests. As people sit, Eluza stands behind a
podium. "Again, welcome aboard," the shipmistress smiles. "My name is
Eluza. My rank is shipmistress and I am the commanding officer of this ship.
We hope by your presence today, we can smooth over any ill feelings your
nations and the United Nations has towards the Republic and what our goals
may be toward this planet and its people...whatever they may be."

This elicits a chuckle. "I must note that the founding government of
the Fifth Republic has yet to be properly organized," Eluza continues. "All
those you see here are a small representation of a group of 100,000 women
dedicated to the reconstruction of a planet. Because of that, we
aren't...versed in the niceties of diplomacy, even those of us who are
supposedly trained in diplomacy."

Another chuckle rises in response. "Sadly, while we would wish
otherwise, the only diplomacy many other worlds would demonstrate to each
other is that of the gun. For those of you who may hope other races have
totally peaceful intentions, I'm afraid you're about to be terribly
disappointed."

"How are we supposed to know of those matters, Tovarishka Keptain?"
the Soviet civilian delegate wonders, surprising Angus when he hears English
from someone he knew was not fluent in the language. "Most others haven't
been so accommodating as your people."

"Excuse me, my title is Shipmistress," Eluza smiles firmly. "I don't
respond to 'captain' or 'commander.' Those terms don't exist in my Navy. On
Sagussa, female-biased terms are predominant over male."

Stern but fair, Angus muses, gazing at the shipmistress' steely grey
eyes. Vast intellect. Little experience. Odd. "My apologies, Tovarishka
Shipmistress," he nods.

"That's quite alright," Eluza smiles. "In the meantime, let's
proceed to the bridge so you can see how this ship operates."

Looks bordering on lasciviousness flash across the military officers'
faces. *Greedy guts!* Angus' mouth twists as he follows the crowd to the
bridge. *Always ready to see the latest bang-bang toys!*

Everyone soon arrives on the bridge as several of the crew assume
their stations. To the Terrans' surprise, a winged cougar relaxes beside one
station. Angus quickly consults his notes. Sandpanther, a native carnivore,
usually treated like a domestic cat. Cute. "Don't mind Starleaf," Rumy
smiles, patting the sandpanther's head. "He's nice."

"Unless he gets hungry," Patty notes.

Several people shiver as the sandpanther gazes at them. Angus moves
over to offer his hand for Starleaf's inspection. The sandpanther sniffs,
then rubs his head, muttering a few comfortable growls. Rumy smiles. "He
says you remind him of Priss after she's had a few bottles of *ru-jugh.*"

"You...understand him?" Jeane blinks.

"Sure," Rumy scratches Starleaf's jaw, causing the sandpanther to
roll over in delight. "Can't you?"

"They don't teach sandpanther at diplomacy school, I think," Angus
hums.

Eluza reclines in her chair, facing Amy. "Signal LaGuardia and John
F. Kennedy control towers," the shipmistress smiles. "Inform them we're
clearing out of New York airspace, request the least congested route."

"Aye-aye," Amy presses a control to signal the nearby airports.

Angus watches as a flurry of notes are jotted down by several of the
observers. He could lay bets that concealed tape recorders were already at
work. "Aren't you going to take notes?" de Chastelain wonders.

"Nyaa," Angus sighs. He depended on impressions and feelings. Hard
facts he researched. People didn't want to just know the "what," "where" and
"when." "How" and "why" were important. "You go ahead. Give me a while
before I make any comment."

"Okay," the colonel nods.

Soon enough, clearance for departure is granted. The "Hasei'cha"
soars from New York, proceeding over Long Island Sound before rising to the
stars. "I never thought I'd beat all those would-be astronauts and cosmonauts
into space," the American military observer chats to his Soviet counterpart.

"Da," the latter nods. "And you barely feel the acceleration."

The "Hasei'cha" assumes standard scouting orbit, 300 kilometres over
Japan. "We've come to a stop here because we have to pick up several of our
crew who have been in Oshika for the last while," Eluza notes.

"Why?!" the Japanese civilian observer wonders. "We realize your
connection to Ataru Moroboshi, but what mystifies us is...why you want to be
with someone like him."

"That will be made clear soon enough," Eluza assures him. "Where are
they?"

"Coming up now," Shildy notes.

Everyone gasps as a Gladiator swings into view off its mothership's
side. "Gladiator 503 to 'Hasei'cha,'" Mie's voice filters over the speakers.
"Ready to lock on."

"Trapeze is open," Shildy smiles. "Welcome home, Mie."

"Appreciated, Shildy. Coming aboard."

Everyone watches as the Gladiator slides under the warpsloop's bow.
Spea indicates a monitor, which shows the Gladiator slide in between the
booms, her wings folding in as magnetic tractors draw her into a waiting slot
in the "Hasei'cha's" keel. Trapezes extend to secure the fighter in place.
"Gladiator 503 is in," Patty announces. "Pressure lock positive. Clear to
disembark, Mie."

"Roger," Mie calls out. "Shutting down."

Angus scans the notes for the names. Mie Seikou's notation surprises
him. To the shock of Japanese officials, Mie had been on Earth for twelve
years, crash-landing in the wake of Ataru's first visit to Sagussa. Amnesiac,
she had been adopted by a family in Kyushu, living there until recently.
Moving to Tomobiki, she met Ataru and Lum, became friends, then rediscovered
her past when she made contact with her people prior to the Niphentaxians'
attack.

*Mental note to self: Spend time with this one.*

Mie steps onto the bridge, followed by Makoto, Lufy and Catty.
"Well, we're all here," Eluza smiles, introducing the three remaining
crewmembers, then noting that Makoto was temporarily assigned to the sloop
pending her posting to command another ship. "Now that we're here, we can sit
down and start answering questions..."

"Contact!!" Spea barks, causing everyone to jolt. "Unknown craft,
coming from Okusei. Scout-class, appears damaged!"

"On viewscreen!" Eluza barks.

Everyone watches as a tiger-striped scout appears. To Angus'
surprise, the vessel showed considerable damage...and it looked ominous.
"Confirm damage," Rumy reports from her station. "Appears to be particle fire
and photon torpedoes. Life scans report two aboard. Heavy smoke and other
contaminants in the atmosphere...ENGINES GOING CRITICAL!!!!"

"Patty!!!" Eluza snaps.

The engineer keys controls just as the scout explodes!! "We got'em!"
she stares at her readout. "They're in Sick Bay!!"

"Going down!" Catty yells as she and Pony race off the bridge.

The Terrans shake, stunned by the swift reaction showed to the
scout's crew. Eluza stands, staring apologetically at her guests. "It
appears we now have other matters to concern ourselves with. Would you
please proceed to the lounge while we confirm what has happened to our new
guests?"

The Terran file off the bridge...

* * *

"Their reaction time was unbelievable," de Chastelain explains as
everyone meets in the lounge. "Elite material. I'd love to have people like
them under my command!"

"Question is, is this normal?" Jeane wonders. "Or is this a
showpiece ship they use to demonstrate themselves to others?"

"I don't think so," Angus shakes his head, then turns to the JSDF
delegate. "When the Niphentaxians came sometime back, what sort of forces did
these people deploy?"

"Over the planet, they had a thousand mecha similar to what we'd term
mobile suits, plus 200 armed one-man scouts," he shrugs, then turns to the
American officer. "What ships did they have?"

"Four carriers for those mobile suits and the scouts," he muses.
"One large command ship...I mean, this sucker was as big as Manhattan! Plus
four slightly smaller vessels and 400 of those Tomcat-like fighters like the
three this ship slings."

"Curious," the Chinese military observer hums. "Would that be the
total number of vessels these people have in commission?"

"Maybe that's all they need," the British civilian muses.

Shildy enters, smiling on seeing the guests relaxed. "How are they?"
Angus asks.

"I'm pleased to report they'll live," the first officer hums. "They
were a young couple. The wife is almost due with her child according to
Catty. Unfortunately, they're unconscious thanks to smoke and contaminant
inhalation. Once they're conscious, we can then find out who attacked them."

"Then you are convinced they were fired upon?" de Chastelain wonders.

"Spea and Amy are looking over the combat sensor logs right now,"
Shildy sinks into a chair. "However, Rumy's analysis seems correct. We're
trying now to analyze who could've fired on them. Once we know that, we can
then postulate on a motive."

"I guess your boss was right," Angus' mouth twitches. "This isn't a
safe galaxy!"

"Unfortunately not," Shildy sighs. "As our guests from Japan may
confirm, Ataru was kidnapped three weeks ago from his home by another race,
the Hustari. In that act, Lum was nearly shot to pieces. She would've died
had not Catty been there to save her."

"My God," Jeane gasps. "We're...sorry to hear this. Any idea what
could have perpetrated this act?"

"The Hustari, I'm sad to note, are in the midst of a plague similar
to what you call the Black Death," Shildy frowns. "However, their version is
far more vicious. In the last twenty-four hour period, I can accurately state
700,000,000 Hustari have died."

The shock at that statistic is overwhelming. "At present, Ataru and
his friend Dakejinzou Shogai, an independent bounty hunter, are trying to
locate a herb on the planet Nekotengu Four once proven to combat the Hustari's
plague," Shildy concludes.

"Dear God," the British advisor shudders. "To believe that such
horrors still exist."

"They do," Shildy sighs. "My planet is certainly no stranger to the
wrath of Entropy. You may remember Eluza's briefing when you came aboard.
The reason we're rebuilding our world is that 14,000 Earth years ago, Sagussa
was nearly destroyed by a five century civil war which claimed ten billion
lives."

The Terrans are stunned by the Sagussan's emotionless dissertation of
her planet's past. "How can you stay so calm about this?" Angus wonders.

"That was 14,000 years ago, sir," Shildy faces him. "The past is
done. What concerns us now is the future. For me, my world, its
reconstruction and the race I and the others will parent. For you, your world
and the relations you seek to extend to other worlds."

"Including yours," de Chastelain notes.

"Including ours," Shildy nods. "That's what brought us together
today. In the meantime, I'm hungry! Who wants lunch?!"

Surprised, hands rise in response...

* * *

"Such a courteous lot," Jeane muses as she scans the buffet laid
before the Terrans in the cafeteria. "And it's not forced. I've never seen
such honest people in my life!"

"Yeah," Angus nods. "They're missing something, though."

"What's that?" she wonders.

"Empathy," the reporter muses, selecting bam-gi and yanbe-chagh
before they proceed to a table. "They're fine tuned logic machines, but
they're having trouble tapping into their hearts. I read the notes on the
first couple of visits over a decade ago. Talking to them was like talking to
a computer."

"I saw the tapes," the American muses. "According to the people
watching Tomobiki, the reason they're so attached to Ataru Moroboshi is
because close contact with him taught them emotion. However, they're now
*so* attached, they've got to emotionally sever themselves from him to press
on."

"They'll make it," Angus muses, wincing on tasting the fermented
vegetables. "They've got the raw intelligence to push them through. Once
they get experience, they'll be fine."

"They're just as inexperienced as we are," Jeane smiles, jolting on
taking her first bite of yanbe-chagh. "They just have the advantage on
technology."

"Not to mention a corner on spicy food," Angus gasps. "Is there
anything to drink...?"

An opened bottle of himgh-tagh is placed beside him. "Thanks," he
gasps, then jerks on seeing that it was Starleaf who gave him the calorie
juice. "Um...thanks," he blinks as the sandpanther trots off.

"Hope Starleaf doesn't scare you too much," Mie sits beside them.
"He may look fierce, but deep down, he's like a Siamese."

"I hope so," the reporter feels himself smile. "So, you're the one
who got the extra vacation in Kyushu, eh?"

Mie scowls. "You know, I was really mad when Ataru-chan told me the
U.N. was spying on Lum-chan and the others. I mean, what for? If anyone
felt that people living on Earth were threatened...Lum's dad, for
example...Lum-chan and the others'd be taken off so fast, your heads would
spin."

"You must understand our concern, especially after the Second Tag
Race," Jeane warns.

"Yeah, that was a stink," Mie sighs. "Definitely not the best day
for Ataru-chan or Lum-chan. But they got over it."

"Not many others have," Angus warns.

"I suppose they have a right," Mie nods. "But if you want to know
what people are really like, why don't you visit Ataru-chan and Lum-chan and
talk to them face-to-face?"

"Our superiors don't feel that's the right course to take," Jeane
notes.

"Typical of governments," Angus snorts. "They want to shrink things
to countable, manageable lots. Statistics rule the day. They tend to forget
statistics are people."

"Yeah, that's true," Mie sighs. "I can't imagine what's going
through Ataru-chan's head right now. Out there on Nekotengu Four, wondering
if he and Dake-chan will make it back to Hustaros in time...or find a planet
full of six billion corpses."

"You really are close to him, aren't you?" Jeane wonders.

"I care for him," Mie smiles. "Together, we discovered the truth
about ourselves. You see, Ataru-chan's a people person. If he wants to get
to know you, he'll go that extra mile. That even showed up when the *saikoo
jinseijitsu* was screwing with his mind. He could tell you facts about each
girl from memory. Knew them all by name. Hardly needed those old black
books of his," she snickers.

"And Lum ruined it!" Angus laughs.

"They hurt each other," Mie finishes her soup, then attacks her
dish. "But deep down, love was always there. It just needed the chance to
come out and express itself."

The Gladiator pilot tenses as Spea walks in. She proceeds to Eluza,
whispering something in her ear. The shipmistress blinks as she takes in the
combat officer's words, then sighs. Standing, she taps her glass. "Excuse
me, may I have your attention?"

Everyone turns to her. "I've good news and bad news," Eluza sighs.
"The good news is, our guests will make a full recovery. Further, the wife's
baby is unharmed. Catty and Pony are preparing things in case she goes into
labour any time soon."

"And the bad news?" Lufy tenses.

"The bad news is that the husband, Meo, is Oni-Urusian," Eluza
intones. "His wife, Lie, is Seifukusu."

"Oh, shit!!" Makoto exclaims.

"Who are the Seifukusu?" Jeane wonders.

"I doubt your observers in Tomobiki took notice since they spent most
of their time in Oshika," Eluza explains. "The Seifukusu are the central
race of the Seifukusu Dominion, an empire that, a millennia ago, once
controlled all space from here to Karasutengu. While its power is not as
terrifying as it was then, they are still a force to be reckoned with."

"Where are the Seifukusu?" Angus wonders.

"Amy," Eluza nods to the coxswain.

The Vosian-born woman calls up a three-D hologram of local space on a
nearby gaming table. Everyone gathers around the table as Amy programs the
necessary information. Space is divided into four parts. The Federation's
sphere of influence is denoted in dark blue, forming a sideways "L." In the
inside hook is a sea of green. Across the corner from the green is a mass of
red. To the left of the "L" is a space of light blue. A single icon sits
right on the corner of the "L," marked EARTH-TRITON. "This is Ipraedies
space," Eluza indicates the green. "Zephyrites here," she points to the red.
"The Galactic Federation worlds," she indicates the dark blue. "And this is
the Seifukusu Dominion," she indicates the light blue.

"They're not that far from us," the French military observer notes.

"No, m'sieur," Eluza shakes her head. "This is the problem. Not
only is Earth the weak link in Federation space, but it sits where several of
the local big powers could meet in violent contact." Taking a pointer, she
indicates the problems. "The Ipraedies and the Seifukusu would gladly seize
this system to shatter the Galactic Federation. Conversely, the Federation
needs Earth to stay intact. And if the Zephyrites gain some sort of
ascendancy, the Federation would become vassal states of the Holy Republic.
That is something the Dominion or the Ipraedies Empire won't permit since it
gives the Zephyrites the chance to flank them both."

"Why hasn't this spilled into war earlier?" Jeane wonders.

"It hasn't because sensible leaders can't afford to press a war,"
Eluza sighs. "The Dominion's power has been on the wane for a millennia, but
they can still crush some of the Federation worlds. Some, not all. And if
some are threatened, the Federation could scream to the Zephyrites for help.
Likewise, the Ipraedies aren't strong enough to attack the Federation en
masse. The Federation would gladly crush them. And if the Dominion takes
advantage of that, the Federation can still call in the Zephyrites and the
Yehisrites..."

"To spare us all the scenarios, it spells one thing," Angus sighs.
"Intergalactic war. Casualties to levels which would make your War of Clone
Rights quite tame in comparison."

"Exactly," Eluza nods. "However, like your First World War, all this
would require is one spark to set the galaxy aflame. The spark to that flame
now sits in our sick bay."

"What do you mean?!" Jeane wonders.

"Because of the Dominion's actions against the Urusians a millennia
ago, the two races are sworn blood enemies," Eluza rubs the bridge of her
nose. "Over the years, the hatred and fear both felt for the other has built
to the point where any hopes of reconciliation is impossible. Both races see
the other as sub-human, animalistic. What do you suppose would happen if news
got out that an Urusian and a Seifukusu have not only married...but now expect
a child?"

"Surely, things would not go...?!" the British civilian observer
sputters.

"Sir, people have killed each other for infinite reasons," Eluza
shakes her head. "Ensuring age-old antagonisms...feelings by which people
have felt comfortable for ages, by which governments have dominated their
charges through fear and hatred...would remain intact, is just one of them."

Silence falls over the cafeteria...

* * *

"Subject name: Meo no Akaikaminoke-oni," Ami types. "Oni-Urusian
male, age twenty-one. Last known residence: Noukiios colony Okusei. No
known political or military affiliations. Last known trade: commerce
inspector for the Urusian Customs Union. Retired voluntarily one year ago.
Subject name: Lie Uio. Seifukusu female, age twenty. Last known residence:
Okusei. No known political or military affiliations. Last known trade:
Trade representative for the House of Uio, Noukiios. Resigned position one
year ago."

The "Hasei'cha's" crew relax in the lounge of their ship, now in geo-
stationary orbit over New York. After Meo and Lie were brought aboard, the
Terran representatives were beamed to the United Nations to report to their
superiors. Shildy and Rabby were sent ashore to act as intermediaries between
the warpsloop and Earth's authorities. "So, both retired at the same time,"
Eluza muses. "We can assume they married shortly afterward."

"Possibly," Amy sighs. "Urusian law forbids any interaction with
enemy aliens. Seifukusu are classified as enemy aliens. Dominion Imperial
law states that any union between one of the Imperial Houses and a lesser
will not be tolerated. The lesser would be executed and if necessary, the
Seifukusu would be killed to remove the stain against his family's honour."

"Barbaric!" Spea spits out. "So what brings them here?"

"That'll have to wait until they get up," Ami shrugs. "But the
flight plan we salvaged from the scout's black box indicated that their final
destination was Jiyuu."

"In Zephyrite space, they would be safe," Eluza faces her bondmate.
"How soon will they be recovered enough for questioning?"

"In a day," the doctor smiles.

"Good," the shipmistress stands. "In the meantime, let's relax.
There's no need to press panic buttons. Oh, by the way, what sort of weapons
were used on their scout?"

"Urusian Defence Force," Ami reports.

Eluza smiles. "Some democratic union."

* * *

Rabby and Shildy ignore the curious stares passers-by direct at them
as they make their way up Fifth Avenue. While dressed in Terran civilians,
the former's dull golden skin and the latter's elongated ear lobes cause even
blase New Yorkers to blink. "Maybe we should've used a holographic projector
to disguise ourselves," the pilot wonders.

"Why?!" the first officer stares at her. "We're here to be open to
Terrans, remember? Disguising ourselves won't do any good."

"Still," Rabby looks around.

"Relax," Shildy sighs. "Besides, you're carrying a weapon, aren't
you?"

"Of course."

"Enough said."

Both step into Macy's, blinking in disbelief at the sheer opulence of
one of the Big Apple's most famous shopping venues. "Lucky thing we got
enough hard currency to have a little fun," Rabby muses.

"Let's hit jewellery first," Shildy notions her into the store.

Within an hour, they have purchased earrings, some clothes and
footwear. As soon as the staff get over their unfamiliar features...not to
mention the universal attraction of money...Rabby and Shildy get the red
carpet treatment. "Do they do this to all their customers?" the former
wonders.

"Search me," the latter shrugs, then jolts as the sounds of a scuffle
tickle her ears, followed by the shrieks of frightened patrons. "What in
Lyna's name...?!"

They stare at the entrance, surprised to see a phalanx of Kibajoomuu
troopers led by a Seifukusu male, tricorder in hand. Patrons shriek as
security scrambles. A harsh bark from the officer sends the anthropomorphic
porcupines into action, shooting both guards and helpless patrons in the way
without warning. "I don't believe them!!!" Rabby gasps. "What are they
trying to prove?!!"

Shildy taps her communicator, signalling the "Hasei'cha." Rabby
draws her pistol, then charging it, races toward the front entrance, finding
herself buffeted by screaming patrons as she tries to get into the clear.
Once the last has passed by, Rabby takes aim. "Hold it right there,
slimebags!!!"

The Seifukusu party jolt. The officer sweeps his tricorder over her,
then sighs. "This lesser isn't either of them!" he announces. "We'll look
elsewhere!!"

An indignant rush storms up Rabby's spine. Her ears then pick up the
frightened cries of a young girl screaming for her mommy, laid low by one of
the Kibajoomuu. "Screw you!" she snarls, aiming and firing.

The Seifukusu is blasted down, his spine pulverized by the Level 10
shot. The Kibajoomuu jolt as he crashes to the floor, then move to return
fire...as the roar of an irate sandpanther echoes through the halls of Macy's.
The Kibajoomuu are knocked down by Starleaf, his wings and paws overwhelming
the aliens with little difficulty.

Patrons gape as Lufy walks up, her pistol firing heavy stun shots
into the aliens' neck, allowing Starleaf to step off them. Walking over to
the girl, he sniffs the mother, then barks a summons. Pony runs up,
tricorder and first aid kit ready. "It's alright," the doctor coos. "You're
mother'll be fine."

The girl sniffs as Starleaf stares at her, then without invitation,
starts to lick her. The ticklish feeling elicits a spasm of giggles from the
girl as Pony commences first aid. By that time, a phalanx of New York's
finest storm in, weapons ready. "Freeze, everyone!!!" their section sergeant
barks. "Weapons on the ground...what the...?!"

"Relax," Lufy fishes out her temporary U.N. ID and weapons registry
card. "The guilty jerks are right there," she points to the unconscious
Seifukusu attack party.

"Holy shit!!" an officer gasps. "What the hell are these things?!!"

"Kibajoomuu," Lufy sighs. "Slave soldiers of the Seifukusu Dominion.
Look, call Angus McTavish at the United Nations. He'll have all the answers
you want."

"I don't believe this!" the sergeant throws up his hands. "I thought
all the aliens went to that place in Tokyo!!"

"Not anymore," Lufy looks sympathetic.

A cashier runs up, tapping Shildy. "Um...Lieutenant, you better come
see this," she waves toward the appliances department.

"What?!" Shildy wonders.

The Sagussans learn soon enough. One television is tuned to CNN. The
images of Tokyo riot police fighting a small force of Urusian ground troopers
flashes to the world as the commentator makes her report. "Alien infantry,
from two distinct groups, have appeared in a dozen cities all around the
Pacific Rim," she stares at her notes. "Tokyo, Beijing, Seoul, Manila, Hong
Kong, San Francisco, Vancouver, Los Angeles...all of them and more are in the
grips of invasion fever reminiscent of Orson Wells' infamous reading of 'War
of the Worlds.' To date, no one has been able to explain why these aliens
are here or what they're after..."

Shildy's communicator impatiently beeps. "Shildy," she sighs.

"Eluza," the shipmistress' voice echoes from the "Hasei'cha." "If
you're done, you're needed in San Francisco."

"On our way," Shildy nods...

* * *

"NASA confirms two fleets of alien ships now in orbit over Earth,"
Jeane Kirkpatrick reports to the Secretary General. "One is clearly Urusian,
the other possibly hailing from the Seifukusu Dominion. So far, they've only
targeted the large cities around the Pacific Rim, outside of New York. So
far, the 'Hasei'cha's' crew and Pathfinder Troop Six have been able to
contain them, but it's anyone's guess when more will come."

"What's happened to the captured troops?" the leader of the United
Nations wonders.

"They've been handed to local authorities on terrorism and a host of
weapons' charges," Jeane sighs. "However, we're getting reports that as soon
as the aliens are put in jail, their motherships teleport them out!"

"They can't do that!!" the Chairman of the Security Council snaps.
"They committed crimes against Terran citizens! They have to face charges
here!!"

"My God, is this happening?!" the British ambassador shakes his
head. "I thought we were supposed to be containing this problem!"

"We're trying to contain this problem," the Soviet ambassador smiles.
"I am pleased to report that those aliens who attacked Vladivostok did not
escape justice."

"Shot them dead right away, huh?" Angus muses.

"We might be smart to follow their lead," Jeane wryly laughs.

Dry chuckles emit from others. "If it is at all possible, please
don't execute them without due process," the Secretary General sighs. "We
already are seen by many as a tail short of swinging in the tree barbarians.
I don't want to give credence to that attitude."

"We're defending ourselves!" the Chinese ambassador snaps. "That is
the inherent right of all sentient species!!"

"And the Urusians and the Seifukusu could be saying they're
'defending' themselves, while at the same time, blowing up our cities in
retaliation," the Secretary General warns.

"Could we appeal to the Federation?" the French ambassador asks. "Go
through Triton? Surely, they don't like what's happening."

"We can try," the Secretary General sighs. "But if the Urusians
decide they're not going to allow others to interfere..."

"The Zephyrites?!" Jeane wonders.

"Same problem."

"The Sagussans?" Angus muses.

Everyone turns to the Canadian. "Look," Angus sits up. "We don't
know a lot about the Sagussans. But from what I saw when I was aboard their
ship yesterday, they're sincere about respecting our wishes. And they were
all over, stopping the aliens from doing more damage. If that doesn't
demonstrate their sincerity, I don't know what will."

Heads solemnly nod. "Now, if we offer them something in return...say
first treaty recognition rights with us...they'd be all the more willing to
lend us a hand," Angus continues. "We can't expect them to break their own
laws. The Non-Interference Directive is the one which gets mentioned the
most. But given their technological advantage over other races, getting them
on our side, in the long run, would do us a world of good."

Silence falls over the room as everyone considers it. "It's
sellable," Jeane muses. "The Sagussans have tried not to make ripples when
they've come here. Most of the time, they've gone after other aliens.
They're not concerned about our scruples and conflicts."

"Most other races aren't concerned," the British ambassador warns.

"True, but they're ALSO not concerned about our desire to control our
own affairs," the American objects. "This is something I believe the
President would support."

Other ambassadors quickly voice their willingness to obtain support
from their leaders. "If that is the consensus," the Secretary General smiles,
"...and if the General Assembly agrees, then the United Nations will commence
negotiations with the Fifth Republic of Sagussa as soon as their government
organizes itself."

"Perhaps we can help them on that end," the Security Council chairman
muses.

"Not these people," Angus shakes his head. "I think the only thing
they'll be after is raw materials; water, especially."

"Other than Ataru Moroboshi," Jeane adds.

Everyone laughs...

* * *

"Good morning, Shipmistress Eluza," the Secretary General's image
later appears on the "Hasei'cha's" viewscreen. "On behalf of the United
Nations, I personally thank you, your gallant crew and Pathfinder Troop Six
for your assistance in dealing with the miscreants who flouted Terran laws in
the last few days."

"It was our pleasure, Mr. Secretary General," Eluza nods. "After
they were chased off, we noticed they didn't sent down additional search
teams. It seems you did make an impression."

"With your help, of course," he chuckles. "Forgive me, you said
'search teams'...?"

"Yes, sir," Eluza sighs. "It comes with shock that we have
discovered the purpose behind their presence on Earth."

"Do go on."

"They're here because of the young couple we rescued two days ago,"
Eluza shakes her head disgustedly. "We've monitored their communications and
learned that both commanders are under orders to locate and terminate Meo and
Lie before news of their marriage...not to mention the pending birth of their
child...becomes public."

"I see," the Secretary General blinks. "The couple is still aboard
your ship, I assume?"

"Of course. They've recovered from their contaminant inhalation.
Their baby's unharmed and is due in the next couple of days."

"May I ask your intentions?"

"Simple," Eluza shrugs. "We will, out of courtesy, transport them to
their planned destination: the planet Jiyuu."

"Well, that's good," the leader of the United Nations nods. "Forgive
me, Shipmistress, but NASA and the Soviet space agency has detected nearly
fifty ships, several even larger than your own, in orbit over Earth. What is
to prevent them from stopping you should you leave Earth orbit?"

"If they stop us, we'll defend ourselves, of course," Eluza shrugs.
"Their technology is millennia behind ours. Fifty ships would not cause the
'Hasei'cha' any trouble."

"I admire your confidence," he smiles. "I pray your crew does not
pay for it in case it becomes overconfidence."

"Thank you, sir," Eluza nods. "If you wish, we're willing to
continue meeting with your representatives. My senior doctor has recommended
that we do not move until Lie has given birth. Shall we receive them today?"

"Certainly," he nods.

"Another thing. We're running a betting pool on the sex and weight
of the child at birth. Would you care to participate?"

The Secretary General laughs...

* * *

"So who are they?" Captain Kakaru muses.

An image of the Sagussan warpsloop appears on the forward viewscreen
of the Urusian commander's flagship. Technicians try to scan the "Hasei'cha"
to ascertain what exactly lies before them. "Unknown, ma'am," the first
officer shakes his head. "Type unknown. Place of origin unknown."

"Can you scan into it? Find out who's aboard?" Kakaru growls.

"No, ma'am," the sensory officer shakes his head. "That thing puts
out a variation of tachytron radiation which hazes any attempts to scan it.
It's a complete mystery."

"Is that so," she growls. "Interesting."

Her eyes narrow as she looks over the box-like Sagussan craft. There
was a mystery afoot, and one thing Kakaru Azu didn't like was mysteries. Her
search teams had returned to their ships...actually had to be beamed out of
Earth jails...after running a gauntlet of Terran and alien weapons fire.
Several of her teams, those who went to Earth's socialist states, returned as
corpses. Kakaru growls. Stupid monkeys needed to learn something about who
were their superiors. Perhaps one day...

While Terran resistance was more than expected, the judicious use of
particle guns surprised her. No one suspected the Terrans were that
advanced. If they were not, that spelt one thing: another race was horning
in on Urusian turf. Forensics were looking in on the injured crew. So far,
the weapons weren't Zephyrite, Seifukusu or Ipraedies. That left a whole
host of other possible suspects.

Her thoughts are interrupted when the medical officer walks up. "We
finished with the forensics tests," he salutes her.

"Report."

"The weapon is a type unknown to us," he sighs. "However, weapons of
this nature have been encountered no more than six weeks ago."

"That stink with the Niphentaxians?"

He nods. "Before they were wrecked, the fleet deployed here
transmitted some telemetry back to Phentax Two. They shared with us the data
on weapons employed against them. The particle frequencies, beam
wavelengths, even the magnetic drive system used to guide the projectiles,
are all the same."

"I see. Good work, doctor."

He heads off the bridge. Kakaru turns to the "Hasei'cha." Once was
coincidence. Twice was evidence. Someone else was involved. Time to find
out who. "Signals, have a ship go over to inspect that vessel," she nods at
the Sagussan craft. "Find out who they are and what they're doing here.
Maybe our targets are aboard that ship."

"Yes, ma'am," he turns to his board...

* * *

The "Hasei'cha" is currently hosting a small reception of dignitaries
from the United Nations. The crew is busy explaining the many aspects of the
Grand Design and what work is necessary to repair the damage inflicted so
long ago. Angus remains behind the scenes, jotting notes down on a pad. He
was dying for a drink and a cigarette. Sagussans obviously weren't smokers.
"Here you go," Mie smiles, walking up with a bottle of brown liquid.

"What's this?" he takes it.

"You obviously aren't the type who can survive without a smoke or a
drink," the pilot smiles. "This is Sagussan ale. Try it."

He drinks. The frothy malty taste runs smoothly down his
throat...then the alcohol hits him like the proverbial jackhammer. "Whoa!!"
he gasps. "This is strong stuff!"

"Anti-intoxicant pills," she hands him a pack of small white tablets.

"Thanks," he nods. "So, how is it?"

"How's what?" she sits.

"Being a child of two cultures, one still trying to develop. Has it
been a bit of culture shock?"

"Not really," she shakes her head. "My sister Hotaru maintained my
memories, my *mei'na,* while I was on Earth. When she performed the refusion,
I regained those memories. Trying to reconcile my Terran life to my Sagussan
life has been difficult, but I wouldn't say that I suffered culture shock."

"That's interesting," he swallows the rest of the ale. "I've also
heard you handfasted with your bondmate Makoto. I thought marriages and
things like that were frowned upon. Universal free choice."

"We did," she nods. "Makoto-chan had no objection. That's part of
the mixing of Sagussan and Japanese-Terran traditions within me. She loves me
and respects my wishes. I love her and respect her wishes. That's what makes
a relationship work."

"Good. But do you think the introduction of males into a female-
controlled, female-dominated culture would upset things?"

"It might," she shrugs. "We brought in one male. Look how much that
affected us. We're still trying to formulate an immigration policy which
would protect our interests as well as observe the immigrant's personal
rights. It's something we have to work on."

"It should be..." Angus begins.

His words are interrupted by the klaxon. "*Emergency alert,*" the
ship's computer announces. "*Approaching hostile vessel. All personnel to
battle stations. Approaching hostile vessel. All personnel...*"

"Now the fun starts!" Mie sighs as she runs out of the lounge.

Angus follows the crowd to the bridge. Everyone falls into place as
the image of an Urusian destroyer appears before them. "Ship is at battle
stations, shields up, weapons armed and ready," Spea reports.

"Gladiator pilots are in their machines," Shildy adds. "Gladiators
ready to deploy."

"Analysis of the ship?" Eluza asks.

"Approaching vessel is Urusian Tsubusu-class destroyer," Rumy
reports. "Her weapons are armed, shields up. She is hailing us."

"Audio only," the shipmistress orders.

A woman's voice echoes over the bridge speakers. "Unknown vessel,
this is the Urusian Defence Force Ship 'Kezuru.' You are in Urusian-patrolled
space. Lower your shields and prepare for boarding. Refusal to observe this
action will be seen as hostile."

Spea calls up targeting controls. Crosshairs on her master gunnery
board lock on the "Kezuru." "Relax, Spea," Eluza sighs. "Technically,
they're not enemies."

"We know why they're here!" the combat officer objects.

"We know that, but they don't know we know. Reply, audio only."
Eluza pauses, then begins. "'Kezuru,' this is the starship 'Hasei'cha.' We
do not recognize Urusian prerogatives over this star system. The United
Nations of Earth are the controlling power here as recognized by their
Special Resolution 442. We refuse to acknowledge your demands. Withdraw at
once or we will consider your actions hostile." She makes a slashing motion
with her hand to cut transmission.

"The gauntlet's been thrown," Jeane whispers to Angus.

"'Kezuru' is replying," Rumy reports.

"Starship 'Hasei'cha,' the Urusian government doesn't recognize the
Terrans' ineffectual attempts at asserting their sovereignty when they can't
back them up," the Urusian communications officer replies. "Again, heave to
and prepare for boarding."

"What?!!" Jeane gasps. "How dare...!!"

Angus shushes her. Eluza nods to establish two-way. "'Kezuru,' I
should note that was the wrong thing to say," she smiles. "We have delegates
from the United Nations aboard at this time...and they're none too pleased
about your assertions."

"Bloody right about that!!!" the British delegate snaps.

Others nod. Eluza sighs. "We on the other hand believe they have
full rights to dictate whatever they want to protect their sovereignty. Now,
to save us the verbal diarrhea, would you care to explain what you're doing in
this solar system?"

"We're unauthorized to reveal that information, 'Hasei'cha.'
Further, you are in violation of the Galactic Non-Interference Treaty.
Citizens of worlds under the Treaty's protection aren't permitted aboard
vessels of more advanced cultures."

Eluza's eyebrows twitch in annoyance. "We are not signatories of
that treaty. Furthermore, if that is true, you've been in violation of that
treaty since the day Lum met Ataru Moroboshi. Now, OUR Non-Interference
Directive permits us to discuss matters with races infected by other races in
their self-defence. You are intruding on Terran airspace. The United Nations
wants you to go, so either leave now or face the consequences!"

She has the lines severed. "Eluza," Spea looks up. "Sensors
indicate ships from both forces are moving toward us. ECM indicates that
'Kezuru' is relaying signals to the Urusian flagship. I think I've got an ID
on the commander. A Captain Kakaru Azu."

"Lum, do you know her?" Eluza wonders.

"You bet I do!"

"You've been listening in?!" Jeane gasps.

"Why not?!" Lum replies with a chuckle. "With Darling gone, someone
has to make sure Noa-chan's people behave themselves!"

"I heard that!!" Noa snaps.

"Who is this person?" Angus wonders.

"Kakaru's a real bitch," Lum sneers. "She's one of Yethis Seq's many
hounds. She's got the tendency to overdo her missions. In addition, I know
she doesn't like Terrans."

"Cute," Angus smiles.

"Eluza, both fleets are shifting towards us," Spea warns. "Their
shields are up, weapons hot and they look ready to brawl."

The shipmistress detects the purr in the combat officer's voice.
"Down, Spea. Not yet. Open frequencies, audio only."

"Open," Rumy nods.

"Captain Kakaru," Eluza relaxes, "...and to the Seifukusu commander,
whoever you are. This is the 'Hasei'cha.' You are in violation of many
treaties concerning Earth. Further, the United Nations accuses you of
inciting riots, terrorism and general lawlessness among Terran habitations.
I don't give a damn what you think about Terrans and I certainly don't give a
damn about your worthless sense of pride. Meo and Lie are aboard this ship.
If you want them...come and get them."

"Can you take them all on?!" Jeane fearfully stares at the
shipmistress.

"If necessary, I can destroy them right from here," Eluza stands.
"Patty, divert all auxiliary power to shields. I don't think we'll need it,
but better to be safe than sorry. Also, do an engineering scan on all
hostile vessels. Find out where the shield generators and weapons dynamos
are on these ships. I want them targeted."

"No problem," Patty turns to her board.

Everyone yelps in surprise as "Kezuru" opens fire. The beam cannons
and anti-ship torpedoes crash uselessly into "Hasei'cha's" shields, leaving no
appreciable damage to the tachytron-energy fields. "More incoming fire!" Spea
announces.

The "Hasei'cha" gently rocks as more ships pour fire at her. In a
moment, space around the Sagussan warpsloop becomes a no-man's land as ships
rake her. "Frankly, I'd rather be in Philadelphia," Jeane gulps as the energy
flashes illuminate the bridge.

Anti-photon fields dull the screens from outside light. "So now
what?!" Angus wonders.

"We're taking this down," Eluza turns to Rumy's station. "What's the
air traffic like over the North Pacific?"

"Anywhere from the Aleutian Islands to Midway is clear," the science
chief reports.

"Good. Scan underwater. See if you can locate a pair of
submarines. A Soviet Typhoon and an American Ohio class would do perfectly.
Preferably in close range to the other."

"Aye, ma'am," Rumy turns to her station.

"An Ohio class is a boomer boat!" Jeane objects. "And the Typhoons
are the best the Soviets have!! What are you doing?!"

Eluza smiles. "I'm giving you the chance to defend yourselves.
Patty, how's it going?"

"Still working on it," Patty replies.

Eluza sighs. "Amy, set course for the North Pacific. Once in
atmosphere, the drag will degrade their shields and beam cannons. That should
give our defenses a break."

"Found them!!" Rumy yips. "One Typhoon SSBN, one Ohio SSBN. Both
are on opposite sides of the Emperor Seamount Chain, area of longitude 170
east, latitude 38 north. Away from civilian air traffic zones."

"Amy, that's where we're going!" Eluza nods. "Rumy, general call on
all Terran air and sea traffic frequencies. Hostile alien craft are in the
area and for their safety, they had better clear out. Spea, jam hostile ECM
gear. No need for them to try to incur collateral damage by jamming our
warnings."

"Aye-aye!"

The "Hasei'cha" dives for the surface, the hostile fleets close
behind. Incoming fire is maintained as the ships break through the upper
reaches of the atmosphere. The beam cannons lose their power due to the
increasing molecular density of surrounding space. In a moment, the Sagussan
ship clears out of the lowermost level of clouds, a kilometre above the choppy
waters of the North Pacific. Shortly enough, the Seifukusu and Urusian forces
break through the clouds, surrounding the "Hasei'cha." "They're trying to
signal us," Rumy calls from her station.

"Ignore," Eluza turns to Jeane and the Soviet representative. "I
need you two to call your superiors. I can use those subs."

They stare at each other, then nod...

* * *

"What is this woman doing?!" Kakaru growls as she gazes at the
distant Sagussan warpsloop. Sailing into atmosphere was a logical tactic; the
air alone cut Urusian firepower in half. But the aliens' firepower would
likewise be blunted. Particle weapons were next to useless in atmosphere.
"Any responses to our hails?!" she growls.

"Negative, Captain," the communications officer reports.

Suddenly, sharp explosions rock the battlewagon! Everyone jolts in
surprise, then panic as emergency alarms sound off. "Captain, our shields are
down!!" the weapons officer panics. "All weapons down!!!"

"WHAT?!?!" Kakaru gasps.

"Signal from other ships!!" the communications officer gasps. "Their
shields and weapons are gone, too!!!"

"Status of alien craft?!"

"We can't scan more than twenty metres in front of us!" the sensory
officer growls.

Suddenly, Eluza's voice echoes over the battlewagon's bridge. "This
is the starship 'Hasei'cha.' Right now, all your shields and weapons have
been disabled..."

* * *

On the warpsloop's bridge, everyone relaxes. "Technically, you're
defenceless," Eluza smiles. "Now, on behalf of the United Nations of Earth, I
ORDER all of you to vacate this solar system! Failure to respond to this will
result in your immediate destruction!"

She has the transmission cut. Spea operates on tactical. "U.S.S.
'Alabama,' U.S.S.R. 'Admiral Lunin,' this is R.S.S. 'Hasei'cha.' Do you have
your authorization codes from your command centres?"

"This is 'Alabama,' 'Hasei'cha,'" the American captain replies. "NCA
has authorized launch. Our birds are ready to go."

"This is the 'Admiral Lunin,'" the Soviet commander adds. "Launch
commands confirmed. All rockets are at standby."

"Give them targeting data," Eluza orders.

"Aye," Spea taps her board. "'Alabama,' 'Admiral Lunin,' don't be
alarmed. I'm tapping into your launch control computers to adjust flight
programs. These things aren't designed to attack starships, you know."

"Hey, we got 'em, use em!" "Alabama's" captain laughs.

"Confirm both submarines are at optimal launch positions," Rumy
calls. "Urusian and Seifukusu commanders are hailing us."

"Audio," Eluza sighs.

Kakaru's voice barks over the speakers. "Whoever you are, you'll not
get away with this!!! This is an act of war!!"

"I assume you're not leaving?"

"You have committed an act of aggression against the Imperial Houses
of the Seifukusu Dominion!!" the Seifukusu's commander snaps. "We will not
let you get away with it!!!"

Eluza sighs. "Missiles ready?!"

"All missiles show green," Spea nods.

"Launch!" the shipmistress barks.

"Missiles away!!"

* * *

Far to the south, the "Alabama" and the "Admiral Lunin," hovering on
opposite sides of the southern end of the Emperor Seamount Chain north of
Midway, shudder as their apocalyptic cargoes blast from their tubes, burst
free of the sea, then rocket into the sky, homing on intercept courses with
the alien fleets eight hundred kilometres to the north...

* * *

"Lower ECM jamming. Arm missiles."

"ECM down, missile hot!" Spea replies.

"Shields at full power," Patty reports.

"No civilian craft in kill zone," Rumy adds. "Signal from enemy
commanders."

"On audio," Eluza smiles.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!?!" Kakaru's panicked-tinged voice blurts over
the speakers. "Who gave them the right to use their nuclear rockets on us?!!"

"You did when you attacked Earth," the shipmistress flatly responds.
"Now, WE'LL survive the blast. I don't think YOU will."

"CALL THEM OFF!!!!!!" the Seifukusu commander screams helplessly.

"Then leave!" Eluza snaps. "Now!!"

"Missiles accelerating!" Spea reports. "Impact time, twelve minutes!"

"Spea, open fire on any hostile ship who attempts to shoot down the
SLBMs."

"Aye!" Spea programs weapons controls. "Missiles targeted on all
hostile craft!"

"We don't have weapons!" Kakaru screams.

"That's your problem," Eluza smiles.

The minutes tick down. "Impact, ten minutes!!" Spea barks.

"Shade the windows," Eluza orders. "Activate radiation shields."

"Windows shaded, radiation screens up," Patty announces.

"Nine minutes," Spea announces.

Suddenly, a Seifukusu frigate leaps from her formation, climbing to
escape. An Urusian cruiser breaks ranks. Before four minutes are up, even
the flagships manoeuvre away from the "Hasei'cha." "They're retreating,"
Rumy reports, smiling. "First elements entering warp for Dominion and
Urusian space!"

"Lock on flagships," Eluza sighs.

"Aye-aye," Spea smiles.

Kakaru's wounded voice cuts over the speakers. "You'll pay for this,
'Hasei'cha!'" she snarls. "One day, you'll pay!"

In another minute, the flagships clear atmosphere. "Shut the
missiles down!" Eluza barks. "Secure tractor beams. We'll send them to
Vladivostok and Bangor."

"Shutting down!" Spea sighs. "Missile warheads inert, rockets cut."

"In tractor arrays!" Patty reports.

Everyone breathes out in relief. "Well, that should make them think
twice before attacking Earth again," Eluza smiles, turning to the Terrans.
"Let's take our guests home."

"Aye-aye," Amy smiles.

With that, the "Hasei'cha" banks west toward Vladivostok...

* * *

A day later, the ballistic missiles are repatriated to their rightful
owners. The observers from the United Nations return to their offices,
hammering out glowing reports about the Sagussans' actions.

Lie went into labour just as the warpsloop was flying over Siberia.
A baby girl was born, weighing in at 2 kilograms, 948 grams (6 1/2 pounds).
Noa won the betting pool the Sagussans ran. Naturally, the Soviets declared
the child, named Yukai, to be an citizen of Mother Russia.

That afternoon, the "Hasei'cha" hovers beside the U.N. building as
the crew parts from Angus McTavish and Jeane Kirkpatrick. "It was fun," the
American smiles. "I hope one day to be able to visit Sagussa."

"Soon," Eluza sighs. "We learned that Ataru and Dakejinzou have left
Nekotengu Four. Lum's going stir-crazy in Oshika. After we take Meo, Lie and
Yukai-chan to Jiyuu, we're going to take her to visit her friends."

"Be careful up there," Angus warns. "Kakaru might be waiting for
you."

"I doubt it," the shipmistress smirks. "Kakaru's mission was not
authorized by the Tribal Council. Lum told her father about this, so Kakaru
may be facing a court martial when she gets home. As for the Seifukusu, we've
learned that the Uio House are going to face trade sanctions from the Magate
Round for attempting to de-stabilize Dominion borders."

"In other words, that commander's going to be in for it for causing a
major stink with all the Dominion's neighbours," Jeane laughs. "I guess
there's not too much difference between our races after all."

"No, not really," Eluza smiles. "Lyna's blessings on you. May we
meet again soon."

"Take care," Angus nods.

Shildy presses a control. Angus and Jeane step back as the Sagussans
disappear. The "Hasei'cha" then rises from New York City, returning once
again to her true home...

*** The End ***