From gorgo@kwangju.net Sat Dec 20 00:18:10 1997 Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 13:39:22 +0900 From: Fred Herriot Subject: [fanfic][lemon][UY] "A Remarkable Destiny" Part XIII "What voices," Mrs. Kokoroyo gasps. The Eternal Band had set up their instruments in the main hall of the Nerima Children's Aid Society. People had to switch positions so that one of the couples seeking to adopt the children they were now entertaining had someone with them. Rabby, Shildy and Priss did vocals, Eluza on six-string, Rumy on mini-keyboard, Spea taking Catty's place on the electric guitar, Hotaru subbing for Patty on the eight-string, Makoto on the synthesizer for Pony, Lufy on drums, Amy on the Centre's piano, Sylia playing Benten's biwa and Linna controlling the sound system. The thirteen children and Ten-chan sat on everyone else's laps in a circle around the band as Priss, Shildy and Rabby crooned "Without You." No, I can't forget this evening Though your face's you were leaving But I guess that's just the way the story goes. You always smile but in your eyes Your sorrow shows, yes it shows. No, I can't forget tomorrow When I think of all my sorrows When I had you there but then I let you go. And now it's only fair that I should Let you know what you should know. I can't live...if living is without you. I can't give...I can't give any more. I can't live...if living is without you. I can't give...I can't give any more. It was a song meant for lovers, Ataru knew...but it could also be applied to the love between parents and children. Sagussan music theory demanded that songs have multiple meanings, reach out to as many people as possible. A Sagussan could listen to "Without You" and conclude that this song could symbolize the parting the would-be parents of Pathfinder Troop Six and the "Hasei'cha" as the former went off to fight a war. Well, I can't forget this evening Though your face's you were leaving But I guess that's just the way the story goes. You always smile but in your eyes Your sorrow shows, yes it shows. I can't live...if living is without you. I can't give...I can't give any more. I can't live...if living is without you. I can't live...I can't give any more. If living is without you... He stares at the would-be parents. Even Ryooko, who just yesterday had lived in the Mendou mansion contemplating ways of torturing those who amused her, was playing with a beautiful girl who'd been at the Centre for a year, Satoko. For people like Ryooko, Shinobu, Benten, Ryuunosuke and Nagisa...even Mie, who had forgot for twelve years what a Daishi'cha was meant to be...the crush of demands forced on the first generation of Sagussan mothers should be overwhelming, yet they were happily hugging and holding their future charges like they were born of them. He glances at Setsuna, a tall twin-horned Oni with long green hair. "Have you got the list made up?" "Yes," she pulls out a datapadd. "Let's see...Kin'ya to Priss and Benten, Chigaiko to Sylia and Shinobu, Minami to Linna and Nene, Satoko to Shildy and Ryooko, Noriyoshi to Rumy and Patty, Kin'chi to Spea and Amy, Atsuko to Reinoevan and Asukanoevan, Momoko to Eluza and Pony, Risa to Mie and Makoto, Taeko to myself and Hotaru..." she laughs as playful little Taeko embraces her, "...and Suzuko, Takashi and Sooichi to Catty's brood." "Quite a haul," Ataru muses, then notices Nene hugging Ten- chan as much as Minami. "They're gonna miss the little guy." "Pity we couldn't invite him to Sagussa; Minami-chan likes him very much," Setsuna sighs, then kisses Taeko's forehead. As the band swings into "A Horse With No Name," the front door opens, revealing Invader's smiling face. "There you all are!!" the captain beams as he squeezes into the room. The kids scream, half-fearfully, half-laughing as they whip out beans to shower the captain. "Oni out, luck in...Oni out, luck in...Oni out, luck in!!!" they chant. "Hey, hey, hey!!" Invader yelps. "Wait!!" Ten-chan cries out. "That's Lum-chan's dad!!" "Eh?!" Momoko stares at the young boy, then gazes at Invader. "You're Auntie Lum's daddy?!" "That's right!" Invader relaxes. "Now, much that I'd hate to interrupt your time with your future parents, but Mr. Groom and all his friends have to get going to save Lum-chan and Noa-san." Suddenly, the children begin to cry. "We don't want them to go!!!" Minami wails, tightly embracing Nene. Invader shudders, then stares at Ataru. "Trust me, they're like this every time Lum-chan and I leave," the latter shrugs, then smiles at the children. "Now, you kids relax!! We got a really special thing to show you! Girls, c'mon in!!" The children gape as the Sagussans' companion android doubles walk into the room, all dressed in civilians (the organics were in their duty uniforms). "You all have twins?!!" Momoko cries. "Not necessarily!" Ataru smiles, then stares at Ryooko's newly completed double. "Nice to see you with us, Ryooko-chan." "Well, am I a masterpiece?" the android twirls, showing off the dragon kimono her template once wore. "Aisuru-kun outdid himself!!" Benten whistles, then pats her double's shoulder. "You watch over these kids, hear?!" "No problem, Onee-chan!" the android nods. "They're your sisters?!" Chigaiko wonders. "Not exactly," Sylia's double muses, then looks at Shinobu's. "Shinobu, freeze." The latter automatically shuts down, her eyes staring blankly at the far wall. "You turned her into a statue!" Chigaiko cries. "No," Sylia pulls up Shinobu's shirt...for this, the androids wore bras and panties under their street clothes...and opens the maintenance hatch under her breasts. "Take a look!" "Hey, they really are androids!!" bespectacled Risa, one who was already showing excellent scholastic promise, gasps. "Cool!!!" Sylia's double closes Shinobu's up, then reactivates her. "While we're all gone finding Auntie Lum and Auntie Noa, they'll be here to play with you, okay?!" Rabby kneels beside Takashi. "It'll be just like we were still here. Make sure you feed them every five or six hours so they can have power; they can eat food and use it like we do. And we'll be back as soon as we can, okay?!" "Okay, Rabby-chan," Takashi sniffs, then hugs her. The other children embrace their would-be mothers, not a dry eye in the house. Mrs. Kokoroyo sighs, sadly wishing that these wonderful women weren't going off to war. Even the "tough" women like Lufy, Benten and Priss were weeping as they embraced Suzuko and Kin'ya. Chigaiko then walks up to Ataru. "Uncle Ataru, you make sure Auntie Lum and Auntie Noa are alright, okay?!" "I will," Ataru kisses her, then rises. "Let's go!" With that, the organics stream out of the Centre. Kin'ya waves at them, then gazes at his future mothers' doubles. "Priss- chan, can you sing like your sister?" "You bet!" Priss nods, then looks at the others. "Hey, let's get on those instruments! This party ain't over with!!" They take their places, then begin playing... * * * "A Remarkable Destiny" a Urusei Yatsura lemon fic by Fred Herriot gorgo@kwangju.net **** **** **** "Without You" performed by Nilsson **** **** **** Based on "Urusei Yatsura" created by Rumiko Takahashi **** **** **** NOTE: All standard lemon warnings apply. This is my second time at this, so please give me a break. I'll try to keep it as spicy as possible without going too overboard. WRITER'S NOTES 1) I took the words from "Without You" from the Global CD release "Sounds of the Seventies" (code RADCD01) which I purchased in Korea (it was imported from the United Kingdom). They didn't give full writing credits, so I listed the band that performed the song. 2) More Sagussan terms: neka - Wish, desire good fortune, bless. shorei'cha - Daughter. Son is moerei'cha. If two of the same sex, use "a-" or "o-." If there are multiple children of one sex, number them, i.e. aishorei'cha, eishorei'cha, etc. mashorei'cha - Daughter's bond-mate. Son's bond-mate is mamoerei'cha. **** **** **** PART THIRTEEN - FALL OF IDOLS "Ah, something to really make someone's life miserable!" Lufy cackles as she opens her photon shotgun, then noting that all was well, slings it over her back. "Imagine the bastards! Taking me away from my future kid! If Gaylan crosses my path, they'll be picking up what little's left with a handbroom and dustpan!" "You always were a teddy bear at heart, Lufy!" Rabby loads a magazine into her FAPR. "Remember, those are our children, too!" "Yeah, yeah!!" Lufy nods. Ataru stares at the PDP in his hands, then loads the magazine and chambers a round, ensuring the safety is on. Everyone had changed into battle uniforms before coming to Tomobiki High to prep weapons before boarding the "Hasei'cha;" the warpsloop had little space to do some real field training given the extra people. To keep the risk of detection to a minimum, everyone would use Eluza's ship, now being prepped by the Fourth Fleet monitor engineers. Damn, he always hated these things, Ataru bites his lips as he stares at the other available weapons. At least he'd be shielded from incoming fire; their new uniforms projected a forcefield that stopped anything short of field artillery. No, he'd leave the killing to the experts like Lufy. His priority was saving Lum, Noa and Koosei. Remembering the vagabond, he glances at Oyuki, now charging an Urban Assault Cannon. "You okay, Oyuki-chan?" "Yes, Ataru, I'm fine," Oyuki smiles. Nearby, Ryuunosuke finishes loading her rifle, then blinks as Deunan walks up. "What is it?" Deunan takes her special knife from behind her and hands it over. "Here, you can use this." "Deunan..." "We'd all love to be there, but that little rock's no good for manoeuvre warfare," Deunan smiles. "We'll be rooting for you." "Thanks," Ryuunosuke takes the knife and straps it around one of her legs. "We'll get some!" Deunan nods...just as the familiar thunder of a tidal wave is heard. "Oh, shit!!" Ataru rolls his eyes. "He's out?!!" "RYUUNOSUKE FUJINAMI!!!!!!" her father howls as he sees his "son" dressed like one of the aliens camping out at his school, then lunges at her, fist cocked. "HOW DARE YOU...?!?!?!" Lufy's foot catches him in the chin, smashing him down! "How dare you hit your DAUGHTER, you old geezer?!!" "That hurt, you know..." Mr. Fujinami grunts. "Too bad!" Lufy leans back. "We ain't got time for you, so say good-bye to your daughter for a while!!" The old janitor snarls as he faces Ryuunosuke. "What's this I hear about you mingling with these women?!! You're supposed to be the next heir to Hamajaya, not off galloping into space like the rest of these people!!! Where's your loyalty to your family?!!" "WHAT family?!!" Ryuunosuke screams back. "I ain't got time for you, Oyaji!!! My friends are going out to rescue their friends and I'm going to help them!!! 'Sides, MY family is right there!!!" she points at Nagisa, Rabby and Lufy. "You call THEM family?!!" her father demands, then spins on Nagisa. "Nagisa-chan, how could you allow my idiot SON to go along with this madness?!!" Ryuunosuke moves to slug him into orbit, but Lufy walks up. "Are you sure THIS is your 'son?!'" she yanks open her jersey to expose her unwrapped breasts. "Sure looks like 'daughter' to me!!" The old janitor jerks...then everyone jolts as wails echo from nearby. Eyes turn to see a group of Tomobiki High women bawling. "Whaaaaahh!!!" one burbles. "Ryuunosuke-sama's a girl!!!" Ryuunosuke smiles. "Born one, too!!" she shrugs, then closes her jersey. "Sorry about that, girls!!" she bows. The women exchange surprised looks, then realizing Ryuunosuke had always wanted to tell them that, return her bow. "YOU'RE MY SON!!!!!!" Fujinami lunges at her, fist cocked... ...and collapses into a snoring heap at Ryuunosuke's feet. Behind him, Catty puts away a hypodermic. "Always knew that knock- out potion I made would come into use sooner or later!" the doctor smiles as she returns to suiting up. "I'm glad I bonded with you, Cats," Ryuunosuke blushes. The doctor beams. Nearby, the girls stare in shock at the tomboy's father. "Beating up his own daughter like she was a punching bag!!" one gasps. "What a child abuser!!" Fujinami then finds himself dragged off as the girls move to teach him some manners. Patty walks up to Ryuunosuke. "Looks like you won't have much to worry about anymore," the engineer smiles. "Got that right!" Ryuunosuke nods. At that moment, a limousine drives up. Everyone looks to see two women in beautiful kimonos emerge. "Grandma, Great-grandma?!" Ataru blinks on recognizing them. "What're you doing here?!!" Nagaiwakai Moroboshi and Kimaenowakai Hana approach, both smiling on seeing their favourite descendant. Despite the ten year physical age difference between them, both brown-haired women were still quite youthful, a side effect of their part-Vosian ancestry (Nagaiwakai is 81, Kimaenowakai is 137), which is easily marked by their tapered ears. "Ataru-chan!!" Nagaiwakai embraces him. "My, you have come up in the world, haven't you?!" "Yeah, I guess I have! What're you doing here, Grandma?!" "Well, I heard that you were intending on rescuing the little Oni whore who's been dominating you for the last couple years," Nagaiwakai sniffs, her eyes flashing her hatred. "I was hoping I would dissuade you from constantly bowing to that creature!" Ataru rolls his eyes. Shinobu, Oyuki, Ryuunosuke, Nagisa and Ryooko gape at his grandmother, stunned at the level of vehemence she shows towards Lum. Benten shudders, ready to give the bitch a piece of her mind, but Priss' hand stops her. "Grandma, I've given Lum-chan an option," Ataru sighs. "Yes, I want to be with her, now more than ever...but I know she'll have problems with my being on Sagussa, around all these women on a planet without marriage as she knows it. If she can accept it, we'll be together. If she can't, we go our separate ways. Is that fair enough?" Nagaiwakai stares at him, then turns to Eluza. "You make sure she never takes him off your planet, Eluza-san?" "And provoke a civil war?!" the shipmistress wonders. "I see," Nagaiwakai sighs. "Very well then, Ataru-chan. If you're willing to give the infernal creature one last chance, I won't stop you. **I** would've fed her to the sharks long ago!" she icily glares at Benten and Oyuki. "If she does accept you as you are now, I won't interfere...but if she betrays you, I'll have her hunted down to the ends of the galaxy!!" Ataru sighs. "Yes, Grandma." "Nagai-chan, if Ataru-chan wants to be with Lum-chan, let him be with Lum-chan," Kimaenowakai stares at her daughter. "I mean, just because she paints her hair green and wears those silly pine cones on her forehead doesn't mean she's a bad person!" Nagaiwakai and Ataru jerk. Everyone else faints! "Mother, she's an Oni!!!" Nagaiwakai exclaims. "An Oni?" Kimaenowakai blinks. "Yes!! An Oni!" Silence for a moment as the horse rancher considers the point. "Well, that's her problem!" Kimaenowakai shrugs. Everyone starts to sweat. "That's your great-grandmother?" Ryooko whispers to Ataru. "Uh-huh," Ataru nods. "Ataru...you have our sympathies." "Doghma do va," Ataru bows low. "Well, hello there, Mother!" Kinshou Moroboshi's voice hisses as she and her husband walk up to Nagaiwakai and Kimaenowakai. "What ever brings you down to be with the normal people?!" "Why, hello there, Kinshou!" Nagaiwakai's voice drips an ocean's worth of scorn. "Come to try to take Ataru-chan away from his proper destiny?!" "His proper destiny's with Lum!" Kinshou sneers. "I wouldn't think so!!" Nagaiwakai snarls. "Cow!" "City slicker!!" "Ageless witch!" "Incompetent excuse for a mother!!" "That's your family?!" Benten walks up to Ataru. At his nod, she sighs. "Man, you REALLY have our sympathies!!" "Yeah, let's go before it really hits the fan," Ataru sighs, then tenses as he hears someone running at him. "MOROBOSHI!!!!!!" His fist fires out, slamming into Mendou's nose, knocking the scion of Japan's richest family onto his back! "Isn't this idiot supposed to be back in his playpen?!" Ataru growls. "Well, well, well!!!" Ryuunosuke cracks her knuckles. "How nice of you to show up, Slick!! We got some words to exchange!!!" Mendou bolts back to his feet, his katana out and racing for Ataru's head. "BASTARD, DIE...!!!!!!" He freezes as he sees a hundred weapons lock on his head. "You even think about it, asshole, and you'll be Swiss cheese when we're done with you!!" Deunan growls. Nagisa's eyes flash as she storms up, then she slaps Mendou, driving him to his knees! "You bastard!!! You want to know what it feels like to have a bullet punch through your heart...?!!" "Whoa, tiger!!" Lufy moves to stop her from strangling him. "Forget it, Nagisa-chan!!! He ain't nothin' to you!! Don't drop to his level; it ain't worth it, love!!!" "He has to pay, Lufy-chan!!" "He will!!! Bet on it...but we do it Ataru's way, okay?!" Nagisa shudders, then spits into Mendou's face before storming away. He quakes on feeling the disgusted stares from everyone else, especially Shinobu, Benten and Oyuki...then gapes in shock on seeing his own sister now dressed for war. "Ryooko-chan, what are you doing here?!!" he bolts over to stare at her. "What does it look like, Onii-chan?" Ryooko gazes at him. "I'm going to help rescue Lum-san and Noa-san." "WHAT?!?!?! What did Moroboshi do...?!!" Ryooko slaps him, driving him back to his knees! "You stupid little man!!" she growls. "You always do that!! When something happens, blame Ataru for it!! He always was the *weakest* person around, so who'd really care?! Well, Ataru has nothing to do with my becoming a Sagussan!! SHE does!" she holds out her hand. Shildy walks up, gently embracing her bond-mate as they kiss. Mendou screams out in shock, then spins on Ataru. "This is YOUR fault, you heartless...!!!" "Shutaro!!" He stops, turning to see his parents and Komeru Moroboshi standing there, having been brought in by the Kuroko. "Mother, Father!!" he exclaims, then points at Ryooko. "Have you seen what Moroboshi's evil has done to us?!!" "What we see, Shutaro, is someone who's betrayed the trust of everyone he knows, especially his parents!" Haruka Mendou shudders, glaring at him, then turns to Ryuunosuke and Nagisa. "Fujinami- san, Shinowataru-san, I give you our deepest apologizes for our son's reckless behaviour! If there is anything we could do to repent this awful crime, please tell us...!" "Ma'am, it's quite okay!" Ryuunosuke smiles. "There was no danger; Luf and Rabs were there for us. But...I hope that those who willingly give your family their loyalty'll not suffer because of what HE might do when he takes control of your Conglomerate," she gazes icily at Mendou. "Be assured, he shall NEVER take such control, not for a very long time to come," Hajime Mendou lights his pipe. "Komeru-san here brought us the information we needed to learn of our son's actions," he nods at Komeru, "...then proposed to us a solution that will ensure innocents don't suffer from the fallout of this." "What is that, Father?" Ryooko wonders. "We've discussed this with the Conglomerate's stock holders and the proper authorities," Hajime smiles. "Since he cannot be directly blamed for the actions of his subordinates save for giving them orders, his part in this is minimal. Still, he has betrayed everyone's trust by instigating those events, as well as conspiring to interfere with relations between Earth and Sagussa. To that end, our creditors and we've agreed that he shall not become the new leader of the Mendou Conglomerate until he has long proved himself worthy of everyone's trust." "WHAT?!?!?!" Mendou screams. "The one who fired the rifle that nearly slew Nagisa-san and the one who poisoned Ryuunosuke-san have been arrested and will be punished to the full extent of the law," his father continues. "Further, he will not be giving the right to make use of our clan's Kuromegane or our private armed forces. They will be scaled back to a more civil level as the Mendou Clan pays its many debts to the Moroboshi Clan for their upkeep and maintenance." Mendou gapes at his parents, horrified that they were taking away everything that gave him the power he welded in Tomobiki. "Hey, that sounds pretty cool to me!" Ryuunosuke smiles. "'Sides, it'll get the insurance rates in this place back to normal!!" "Quite correct, Fujinami-san," Haruka nods, then smiles at Ryooko. "Ryooko-chan, shame on you! Why didn't you introduce your bond-mate to us before you bonded with her?" "M-mother...!" Ryooko blushes, then stares at Shildy. "Well, young lady, introduce yourself!" Haruka prods. Shildy bows. "My name is Shildy, Shima'cha, Monma'cha. I'm the first officer of the Republic of Sagussa Starship 'Hasei'cha.' I bid you both peace, logic and harmony." "How do you say that in your language?" Hajime wonders. "Neka do'a hagh wa ronghki wa joghza va." "Neka do'a hagh wa ronghki wa joghza va..." Haruka stammers. "Mashorei'cha," Eluza provides. "Thank you, Eluza-san," Haruka nods, then warmly smiles at Shildy. "Mashorei'cha. My, Ryooko-chan, you have such taste." "Blame Shildy-chan, Mother; she picked me!" Ryooko blushes. Shildy beams as everyone laughs; though one of the people present isn't the least bit pleased. "MOTHER!!!!" Mendou screams. "How could you let this beast get away with seducing your own daughter?!! What about our peace with the Mizunokoji?!! She has to marry Ton-chan, not be with this witch!!!" he thumbs Shildy. "Oh, speaking of that," Hajime sighs. "I spoke to Tobimaro- san's parents. They're willing to make peace with us...though I must say that after what you've done, they're reluctant to allow you to marry Asuka-chan. Tobimaro-san happily recognizes Ryooko- chan's wishes. Further, he found someone he likes very much, a woman from Kyushu who's one very good baseball player, much to his surprise. They've already begun making the arrangements." "Wish him well for me, Father," Ryooko smiles. Her parents nod. Mendou stammers incomprehensively, ignored by everyone else. Eluza then looks at her chrono. "I hate to interrupt this, but we have to get going if we're to make it over Phentax Twenty-three before that interdiction force arrives." "Let's go!" Ataru sighs. "Ataru, wait!" Kinshou walks up to him. "What is it, Mom?" Kinshou reaches into her purse and pulls out a thick book. "It's in English, but I'm sure your friends can translate it." Ataru blinks. "How'd you know...?!" "Ataru-chan, admittedly, I may not have been the best mother for you, but there are some things I do know about my son," she smiles. "Give this book a read; it'll help you with them. And when you rescue Lum-chan and her friend, bring Noa-san home; we want to meet this wonderful woman you two love so much." "I will," Ataru kisses her. "Gotta go!" Everyone forms up to be beamed aboard the waiting warpsloop. One of the Warsuit pilots drags Mendou away from the group. "Good luck!" Deunan nods, saluting Eluza and Shildy. "Luck flies with us," Eluza returns the salute. "Ryuunosuke!!" a voice barks. "What?!!" Ryuunosuke stares at her father. The old janitor wags a finger at her. "Remember, fight for your friends, but fight with honour!!! I never want any child of mine to be accused of fighting people who can't fight back!!" Ryuunosuke blinks, then smiles. "Sure thing, Dad!" "Energize!!" Eluza orders. Everyone disappears from Tomobiki High School... * * * At his encampment, Cherry stares at the glittering lights overhead indicating the Sagussan warships protecting Earth. He sees one break orbit, then disappear from view. He closes his eyes and offers a prayer. He hadn't gone out to visit people; if they needed his help, he knew when to be there. Ataru and his friends were with competent, well-trained people. The danger was there, but could be overcome if they didn't allow fear to control them. "May I join you, Senor Cherry?" a voice wonders. Cherry opens his eyes, then stares at Shinobu's pastor, a slender middle-aged man with the dark Latino features of southern Mexico, dressed in the proper finery of a Roman Catholic priest. "Father Cristobal!" he smiles. "Buddha's blessings on you, my friend! They've left, as you can see," he nods to the heavens. "The Lord's blessings on you, my friend," Father Cristobal blesses the monk with the cross, then gazes into the stars. "Let us offer our prayers for their safe return, then visit Shinobu's parents. We can light a candle for them there." "Agreed," Cherry nods as they pray... * * * "For you, Sylia," Shinobu smiles. Sylia blinks as her bond-mate places a crucifix in her hand, the gold chain glittering in the ship's light, then gapes at her. "I asked Father Cristobal to pray for you every day since we met and bonded," Shinobu smiles. "I know you believe in something much different, but please wear it. I'll feel much safer for you if His symbol was there to protect you from the evil we'll soon face." Sylia smiles, then slips the pendant over her head, tucking it into her sweater. "I wish I could give you a symbol of Lyna in return, but we don't believe in making symbols of her. Thank you, Shinobuvayae. Ragh do va." "Ragh do va, Syliavayae," Shinobu kisses her. Ataru stares at them, then smiles. "Rumy, open a channel to the Eliminator. Shitto?!" "Yo, Ataru!" Paama's image appears on the forward viewscreen, Janny and Negau standing beside him. "Is Cassandra ready to do her thing?!" "*Ready, willing and able,*" Cassandra replies, purring. "Follow us, Cass," Ataru muses. "I'm going to whet your appetite before letting you gorge yourself on the main course!" "*Oh, goody!!*" "The System Destroyers?" Eluza stares at him. "You bet, Eluza. Best speed to Phentax Twenty-three." "Aye, sir. Amy?!" The "Hasei'cha" and the Eliminator blast into transwarp... * * * "They're on their way," Jun reports. Atako sits in the command chair on the "Lyna'cha's" bridge, Feb standing at her side. "Acknowledged," she sighs, then looks down. "What am I doing here, Feb-san?! I know nothing about leading anyone! I've always been a follower!!" "I know, Atako," Feb smiles at her. "Just let us do our jobs and that helps you with yours. Remember, your brother wants someone he can trust back here minding the store." "I understand that, but...oh, Lyna, I haven't even met his parents!" Atako shudders. "I'm not really his sister...other than we're now genetically related, and that was because they had to transfer my mind into a new body because my old one was falling apart and they wanted me to feel at home here!!" "You once worshipped everyone in Tomobiki, Atako," Feb muses. "That means you know exactly who everyone is on sight. Every town and city on Phentax Two was rebuilt over a year to resemble Tomobiki to the last detail, weren't they? So what better way to make you at home here than make you a Terran?" "I hope so," she sighs, then stands up. "Very well, then. I'm going down to Earth to see his...MY family. Feb-san, report to me right away if the galaxy falls apart or something like that. Log me off the bridge please, Jun-san." "Yes, ma'am," Feb and Jun reply as Atako walks off the bridge. "She's getting the hang of it," May muses. "Good for her," April hums. Standing in the turbolift, Atako orders it to her quarters, then hugs herself. Her old life was now ashes. Her new life was so uncertain, it scared her. Ataru had spent as much time with her as possible, which was wonderful, but Atako needed more. He warned her his family was in such a conundrum these days that Atako would have no choice but to pick sides. It would've been easier if they were little kids instead of nearly grown up. Still, she did call him "Onii-chan," thought of him as her brother in spirit as well as genetics. Ushina, her Niphentaxian brother, was now busy chasing Rio and Maya from the Hostage Rescue Team. She saw him from time to time, but he was too enthraled by Rio to worry about her. Atako wasn't angry; Ushina had his own life to live now. She wished him the best. Ataru had told his family about Atako when they met to discuss what to do with Mendou. If she walked into their home in Tomobiki, Komeru's home in Sendai or Nagaiwakai's farm in Hokkaido, she wouldn't be a stranger. Would they accept her? Could she bring peace to them, allow Ataru to have a complete family at last? Oh, Lyna, please give her strength! Arriving at her quarters, she looks in, then slips off her jumpsuit for a frilly blouse and coveralls. Staring at herself in the mirror, she sighs. Atop that, she was very lonely. She couldn't ask her companion android double if someone had come to her; the system prevented her from knowing who might be eyeing her as a potential bond-mate. Still, she wanted to talk to someone before going to Earth. Smiling, she heads out. A moment later, she arrives at Maintenance Lab Two. "Megane- san, are you here?" she calls out as she walks in. "Hi, Atako!" he smiles, waving her inside. "What brings you down?! Are Ataru and the others on their way?" "Just left five minutes ago," Atako reports, then notices the android he is working on. "You're doing one of Asuka-san?!" "Yeah," Megane fits a computer chip into the android's chest. She was physically complete on the outside, a blanket modestly covering her privates. "Another masterpiece almost done!" "You really like doing this, don't you?" Atako smiles. "Oh, yes!!" he laughs. "Where else can you come in and build sexy nymphs, then do them if you get the urge!! Gods, that must sound sick!!" he relaxes, checking the readout on his monitor screen, then picks up the next computer chip with a pair of very fine magnetic tweezers. "Still, the precision one of these ladies needs is more demanding on me than anything I've ever done before. I love the challenge of building them most of all." "How soon?" "Just a couple more chips, then I'll boot her up." "When did Asuka-san decide she wanted to become one of us?" Atako wonders. "Did she meet someone?" *Shit, and I thought Lum was naive?! Doesn't she know how much Asuka-chan's been pining after her since they met?!* Megane wonders, then shrugs. "Well, after Mendou's parents came down on him like that, Asuka's parents decided they'd allow her the chance to decide whether or not she still wanted to marry the schmuck! When she came here earlier today, she asked me to get an android of her ready, then told me she'd found someone she wanted to bond with. She's down telling her parents right now." Atako jolts, then feels her heart. Asuka...wanting to bond with someone? Why did she suddenly feel so sad? "Good for her," she forces a smile. "I hope they'll be happy together." Megane stares at her. Oh, shit, did she think Asuka picked someone else? Is she realizing it now? "You okay, Atako-chan?" "I'm fine!!" Atako smiles. *Poor kid,* Megane sighs, then inserts the last chip. "There! All done!! Now for the boot-up!" Atako watches as he seals the android's maintenance hatch, then programs something into the computer. Energy leads mounted to all sides of Asuka's double light up, flooding her with power. Her blank eyes then sparkle as she takes her first breath, then yawns. "Oh, Aisuru-san, am I done...?" she covers her mouth. "Yep!" Megane nods. "How do you feel?" Asuka blinks. "Diagnostic complete, all systems operating at proper function. I feel quite fine." She then notices the woman staring at her. "Hello, Atako-chan." "Hi, Asuka," Atako smiles. Megane smiles knowingly. Time for Atako to realize what she's been ignoring. "Atako-chan, I'm going to head to the cafeteria to have something to eat; I've been working on Asuka for five hours. Can I trust you to mind the store for an hour or so?" "Um...sure!!" Atako nods. "I'll lock the door." "Fair enough," he nods, walking out of the lab, then ducking into an alcove, presses his wrist-comm. "Aisuru Megane to Asuka Mizunokoji, can you hear me...?" * * * "I wish I could say something that would make you and Father happier, Mother," Asuka looks down. Saeko Mizunokoji smiles as she, her husband Yuujiro and their daughter walk across a wooden bridge over a pond at their estate. "Your decision is understandable, Asuka-chan," Asuka's mother smiles. "Actually, the idea of my child living for a millennium thrills me. Besides, Shutaro-san's actions is enough to convince even me that marrying you to him would not bring any happiness. We want peace with the Mendous...but not under those circumstances!" "Arigato, Mother," Asuka sighs. "Have you decided what you'll do when you go to Sagussa, Asuka?" Yuujiro stares at her. Asuka is currently wearing a beautiful white kimono, her wrists adorned with red bracelets that would normally fit on the Mark Two jumpsuit. "Well, I can fit in a lot of places. Child Services, Physical Education and Recreation..." Asuka then smiles. "You know, Deunan-san once said that she'd love to get me into the Warsuit Brigade, not to pilot a Warsuit...but to BE one!" The three laugh; Asuka tossed tanks around with the same ease Shinobu demonstrated. At that moment, her wrist-comm comes alive. "Aisuru Megane to Asuka Mizunokoji, can you hear me?" "Yes, Aisuru-san?" Asuka raises her wrist. "I just left Maintenance Lab Two. You-know-who's in there now with your double. If you want her, now's your best chance." "Arigato, Aisuru-san!" Asuka nods, then stares at her parents. "Forgive me, Mother, Father. I have to go." Both smile. "Bring whoever she is down so we can meet her, Asuka-chan," Saeko smiles as they embrace her. "Good luck." "Thanks," Asuka nods. "Bianca-san, beam me up, please?" "*Energizing, Asuka-san,*" Bianca replies as a transporter beam seizes her... * * * Atako stares at the android Asuka, drinking in the lovely skin, the well proportioned limbs and those lovely meijasha begging for someone to drink their fluids. Lyna, why was she so aroused by Asuka NOW, especially after they spent almost every spare moment of their time together?! Did she...like her? Could Asuka love Atako? Oh, what would she do?! "Atako-chan, are you alright?" the android wonders. "Eh?!" Atako jolts, then laughs. "I'm fine, I'm fine!" "Are you sure?" Asuka muses. "My sensors tell me you seem to be suffering from some considerable emotional distress. Would you care to talk about it?" Atako shudders, then blinks. The android would know what her sister was thinking. "Asuka-chan, can I ask a question about your sister...a very personal question?" "Well," the android muses, then shrugs. "I can't guarantee an answer, Atako-chan. Despite my primary function, there are certain things even I can't reveal about Onee-chan." Atako nods, then breathes in. "Asuka-chan...does your sister desire me...does she love me?!" The android blinks, then smiles. "Yes." Atako blinks. "Are you sure?" "Very sure. You see, when Onee-chan first came to us to learn about sex, the person who helped her the most...was your double." "Oh, no!!!" Atako screams. "What?!" Asuka sits up. "What is it, Atako-chan?!" "I...oh, I'm such an idiot!!" Atako slaps her forehead. "I asked my sister to be on the lookout for some single girl so I could get a bond-mate!! I didn't want her to go to town..." "Then she fulfilled her primary purpose, Atako-chan!" Asuka laughs. "My, you're just as innocent about mating as Onee-chan!" "But, your sister..." "Yes, she may still be naive about certain thins," Asuka nods. "However, this I can tell you: your double treated her with kindness, respect and friendship, showed her how fulfilling a bond- mating could be. She couldn't do that to Onee-chan unless you had those qualities; we'd be ignoring our primary function if we deviated from our templates' modes of behaviour. That's what made you attractive to Onee-chan...and made her decide she wanted to cast away her old life and start anew on Sagussa...with you." Atako blinks, then feels tears in her eyes. She stumbles forward into Asuka's embrace. "Oh, Asuka-chan, I'm so sorry! I didn't want to confuse you!!" "Atako-chan, Onee-chan went down to talk to her parents, remember?" Asuka helps her back up. "I know they'll approve of her coming to Sagussa; you have nothing to fear!" Atako blinks. "And she wants me." "Hai." Suddenly, an intercom sounds off. "Atako, this is April," the shipmistress calls out. "Asuka Mizunokoji has come aboard and she's on her way to Maintenance Lab Two. Just to let you know." Atako blushes. "Oh, everyone knew!" she sighs, then looks at Asuka. "Asuka-chan, you need to be tested properly, right?" "Of course," the android nods. "Care to be my beta tester?" Atako hums. "Well..." * * * Asuka suppresses a shudder as she makes her way to the door of Maintenance Lab Two. April had told her that Atako was in the lab speaking to her android double. That warmed her...and yet, it also annoyed her; she would've preferred that Atako speak to her instead of an android. However, Asuka had no idea what Atako's feelings for her were. Understandable; the younger Mizunokoji was still getting over the fact that she wanted Atako as her bond-mate. What Mendou did had much to do with it. Then she had that wonderful time with Atako's double, then started to get to know the real person. In Atako, Asuka saw a lot of herself; alone in a very strange world, wondering what her place in it was, dreaming that things would make sense sooner or later. Ryooko's bonding with Shildy clinched it. If Asuka had any true friend in the world, it was Mendou's sister. Both had been in the same situation: the daughters of powerful families whose purpose was to be married to some rich man to cement an alliance. That Ryooko broke out of her role so thoroughly without caring what others thought gave Asuka the courage to do the same. And she wanted that with one person. Stopping at the door, she adjusts her kimono, then opens it to find an empty lab. Blinking, she looks at the empty work table, then sighs as she heads into the preparation lab. No, not here, either. Her ears then pick up soft panting from the testing lab. Blinking, a storm of emotions thundering through her heart, she looks inside...and gapes. "Gods!!" Her android double and Atako now sat on the bed, both nude and kissing passionately, their hands in the other's south gate madly stroking their towers. The passionate looks on their faces cause Asuka to stagger to a nearby chair, gazing as Atako gave her all to her android surrogate. Gods, did Atako desire her THAT much?! With that thought comes a warmth deep in her body. Asuka blinks as her legs rub together. This...this was her arousal on seeing Atako and her android making love. Would it be okay if she masturbated while she was watching? Why couldn't people've told her this? Oh, NOW was no time to get confused about what to do!! Atako pants as the android kisses her neck, then stares at Asuka. "Asuka-chan...oh, gomen!!" she howls as the android jabs her fingers into her south gate. "Something's wrong with your android! I can't get her to stop seducing me!!" Asuka leaps to her feet. "I'll get her off...!" "No, no!!" Atako shakes her head. "She could hurt me before you could help! I have to let her run through her program!!" Asuka blinks. "But she's raping you!" "No...I'm sorry...AAAH!!!!" Atako pants. "I wanted to be with you so much, I forgot myself...it's my fault!!" Asuka blinks. "You mean it?!" "Yes...aaaah, Asuka-chan!!!" Atako howls as the android bites her meijasha. "Here, you go to the storage lab...use my android!" Asuka blinks. "Are you sure?" "Yessss...from me, love!" Atako howls as the android's fingers leap deep into her south gate. "I'll be with you soon, dear...!!" Asuka blinks, then sighs. Well, accidents could happen, even with androids. She had heard that Oyuki's and Shinobu's had been prematurely activated when Megane visited, forcing him to surrender to their desires when all he wanted was to be with Feb and April. Besides, she didn't feel fully confident in having sex with the real Atako just yet. With that, she heads into the storage room. Atako stood on her recharge pad, eyes closed. The room seemed so empty with the Pathfinder Troop Six and "Hasei'cha" androids all gone. Asuka walks up to her, then steps on her power-up button. The glow flows into her for a moment, then she breathes in. "How are you, Asuka-chan? Did you come to see me?" "Hai!" Asuka nods. "C'mon." The two head to the main testing lab. "What's Onee-chan doing with your companion android?" Atako innocently inquires. "Something's wrong with my android, I'm afraid," Asuka sighs. "I was hoping that I could be with Atako-chan tonight." "Eh?! You really want to be with her?!" "Hai," Asuka nods. "I want to be...her bond-mate." Atako smiles contently. "Good. Asuka, Atako, freeze." The women on the bed freeze in place, their passionate looks stilled. Asuka gasps, then spins on Atako. "Atako-chan?!!" she cries out, then blinks surprisedly. "Is it really you?!" Atako walks over to her double on the bed, then touches a point on her mid-back. A maintenance hatch opens. "As you notice, this is the android...and I'm the real one," she points to herself. "Why'd you do it?!" Asuka demands. Atako looks down. "I'm sorry, Asuka-chan!" she drops to her knees, bowing repentantly at Asuka. "After the short time we've spent together, I...I didn't realize that you really did want me!! I thought you only wanted to be friends...why me?!" Asuka blinks, then reaches over to close the open maintenance hatch. "Your sister convinced me," she kneels down to help Atako back to her feet. "And we became friends. Then Ryooko-chan and Shildy-san bonded...and I wanted to bond with my friend, too." Atako gazes at her. "Oh, Asuka-chan..." Asuka smiles. Atako blinks, then both start to laugh. In a moment, they're warmly embracing, their embarrassment flowing out of them like a calm river. "So, what do you want to do?" "Can we have sex?" Asuka smiles. "Eh?! Um...s-sure!" Atako starts to sweat. "Something wrong?" "Um...Asuka-chan..." Atako looks down, her voice dropping to an embarrassed whisper. "I don't know what to do!" "But your android..." "Asuka-chan, your android double could make a prostitute look like a novice!" Atako waves at the androids. "They're programmed to make love to people, remember; that's their job! Naturally, they're going to know how to do it! Other than the time you spent with my double, have you ever done it?!" "Um...no," Asuka admits. Atako sighs. "Atako, Asuka, awaken, cancel last program." Both androids blink, then untangle themselves. "Oh, why'd you make us stop, Onee-chan?" the former's double stretches. "I was really enjoying it!" "And I haven't been properly tested, Atako-onee-chan!" the latter's double pouts, crossing her arms. "Well," Atako waves Asuka to sit on the bed, then sits herself. "We have a bit of a problem. We..." her face turns a brilliant cherry. "Teach us how to make love to each other!!" "You mean you're going to bond?" Asuka's double wonders. "Hai," Asuka nods. "Wonderful!!" Atako's claps her hands. "Okay, I know what to do. Asuka, you get with your sister, I'll sit by mine." The two androids shift position. "Look at her, Onee-chan," Asuka's double locks her template's eyes on Atako. "Look at that beautiful cheek, those nice lips, those wonderful eyes. All of her wants to be with you, Onee-chan. Can you imagine living the rest of your life with this person?" "Yes," Asuka nods. "Look at how her eyes glitter, Onee-chan," Atako's double purrs into her template's ears. "They glitter for you most of all. She wants to spend her life with you. Do you?" "Oh, yes," Atako nods. "Then take her clothes off." Atako reaches over, then undoes the obi. As it falls down, she gently tugs the kimono apart, revealing Asuka's leotard. Asuka remains still as Atako shifts the kimono off her, then setting it aside, she undoes the leotard. It comes down to reveal her sports bra and panties. As Asuka shifts around to slip the leotard and toss it aside, Atako then frees her meijasha and her south gate. "Oh, Lyna...!" she gapes on seeing Asuka's plump breasts, the few times she looked at them while they were swimming having never elicited the wild rush thundering through her system now. "She's beautiful," Atako's double meows, modulating her voice to enhance her template's arousal. "Look at her breasts. They're made to be suckled. And down below; you want to gong her tower, take down her door, give her all sorts of pleasure, don't you?!" "Onee-chan, you're naked and Atako-onee-chan isn't?" Asuka's double urges her. "Don't you think that's wrong?" Asuka nods, unsnapping Atako's coveralls, then pulls off her blouse. Once her topside is clear, she shoves down the coveralls past the hips. Atako then sits down to allow Asuka to slip off the pants. "You came overdressed, didn't you?" she wonders. "Sorry," Asuka blushes. "Now look at each other," Atako's double instructs. They sit a foot apart on their knees, gazing into the other's faces, their eyes darting ever so often to inspect the rest of their bodies. "Onee-chan, is this the one you want to wake up to every morning, cook meals for, care for when she's sick, hold her when she has a nightmare, be with for the rest of your lives?" Asuka's double gently inquires. "Yes," Asuka nods. "Onee-chan, do you feel the same way about Asuka-onee-chan?" Atako's double wonders. "Would you want to live with another person, raise that other person's children, leave Asuka-onee-chan alone and defenceless?" "No...never!!" Atako shakes her head. "Would you let Mendou get near her now?!" "Of course not!" "Would you ensure that only the right men would be allowed to be with her, help her have children, be her surei'cha?" "Yes, oh yes!!" The androids exchange nods. "Now, hold each other's hands," Asuka's double instructs. They gently take the other's hands. "What do you do now?" Atako's double wonders. "We hug," Atako smiles, then sits up, opening her arms. Asuka slides into her embrace. They gaze into each other's eyes, then drift into a tender kiss. Asuka then slips her tongue into Atako's mouth, causing the latter to gasp, but her tongue soon responds. As they play in each other's north gates, they tremble as a subtle heat builds within them. "I'm getting that feeling again," Asuka pants as they slowly part. "What feeling?" Atako wonders. "I wanna pee." Atako blinks. "You want to go to the washroom?!!" Atako's double falls over laughing. "That's the way Asuka- onee-chan described her first real sexual arousal, Onee-chan!" "Oh!!" Atako fires the android an annoyed glare, then stares at Asuka. "Can you make me feel that way, Asuka-chan?" "I think I can," Asuka reaches down. Her finger gently strokes Atako's tower, causing the latter to scream out in shock as a sudden rush races through her. Atako pants as Asuka continues her stroking. "Looks like you want to go, too," she muses as her fingers become damp. "It's not urine, Onee-chan; that's straight from her gate," her android double smiles. "Now, reach into her...just a couple of fingers now, not the whole hand." Asuka licks her lips, then three fingers probe into Atako's quivering gate. "Ooooh...ooooh...Asuka-chaaaan!!" Atako gasps as those fingers probe more and more inside, then she gasps as Asuka's fingers strike something. "What's that?!" Asuka blinks. "There's something in the way!" "That's her door," her android double warns. "You have to break the door down, Onee-chan!" "No!!" Asuka pulls her hand out. "I won't do it?!" Atako's eyes flash. She was enjoying Asuka's fingers dancing inside her. Without hesitation, she grabs her lover's hand and drives it back inside her. "Atako-chan!!" Asuka gapes. "Break it, Asuka-chan!!" Atako growls. "No, I won't...!" Atako swamps her with a kiss, then gazes intently into her eyes. "Break it," she smiles. "I want you to do it." Asuka blinks, then nods, kissing her. "Okay, Asuka-onee-chan, stroke your fingers in and out of her gate," Atako's double prods. "You have to really get her aroused so the pain won't be so bad when you break her door down. Then, you start working more fingers into her gate; the pressure'll break her door!" "Okay," Asuka nods as she begins a gently thrusting motion. Atako cries out, her back arching as those three fingers continue their thrusts. Her vaginal muscles loosen up from the pressure, which convinces Asuka to slip in her little finger. Atako's moans pick up speed as the pressure on her door increases to the point where one good stroke will do it. Finally, Asuka bites her lips, prays for Atako's forgiveness, then with a sharp motion, thrusts her thumb into Atako's gate. Atako screams as her door is shattered. Asuka picks up the tempo, causing all sorts of passion to ignite in her lover. Time soon has no meaning as Atako's panting urges Asuka on, the memories of Ryuunosuke's and Nagisa's lovemaking coming back as she pleases Atako. Atako tries to do something, kiss her, fondle her, do anything to give Asuka a taste of what she was experiencing. Finally, mercifully, Asuka's frantic stroking triggers Atako's orgasm. "AAAAAAAAASUKAAAAAAAAA-CHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!" she cries as she nearly falls off the bed, her vagina throbbing from the simple yet effective forward attack on her gate. Her double catches her, then helps her back up. "Oh, Lyna, that was wild..." She stops on seeing Asuka gazing at the vaginal blood on her hands, her double cleaning it off with a cloth. The woman gazes at Ataru's sister, her eyes tearing. "Did I hurt you...?" "A bit," Atako admits, then smiles. "But I can see why others our age want to experience this as soon as they can!" "Gomen..." Asuka sniffs. Atako blinks, then smiles. While the many rumours and wild speculation about sex were as rampant on Phentax Two as elsewhere ...added to the spice of being able to do it with a double of one of the Holy Company if you had the right connections...she knew that achieving one's sexual adulthood was a cherished goal for many. Unfortunately for Atako, her disease had come at her just as she entered puberty, which forced an isolation from all outside contact. All she ever knew how to do was masturbate. "You love me, Asuka-chan." "Atako-chan...?" "You're crying because you hurt me," Atako smiles. "I guess that means you love me." Asuka sniffs, then smiles, nodding. Atako then leans over so they could kiss. "Will you let me cry for you?" Atako wonders. Asuka blinks surprisedly, then finds herself nodding. She loved it when Atako's double had fondled her, even more so than the other androids she was with that night. She was so soft; was the real Atako the same way? "Please?" "En, Asukavayae," Atako switches to Sagussan as she lays down beside her lover, her tongue probing into the Terran's north gate. Her hands trace down Asuka's firm body, swirl around one of her meijasha, then dive down for her namghsupgh. Asuka trembles as the fingertips stroke her hairs, gently drawing closer to her waiting tower. Atako was using what knowledge she had about pleasing oneself to please her lover. A moment later, her finger lands gently on Asuka's quivering tower, eliciting a shocked cry of surprise and delight from the Terran. "Aaaah...Atako-chan!!" "Here I go," Atako reaches into Asuka's gate, gently stroking with one finger to get her really wet before making the attempt on the door. Asuka begins to pant as that small invader causes her to squirm with pleasure, this being the first time ANYONE has ever entered her most private place. Atako guides her face back towards here so they can continue to kiss as her finger continues its thrusting. A moment later, she sends a second finger in, her thumb now jabbing Asuka's tower every time she thrust inward. Asuka cries out as she feels her body lose control of herself. She tries desperately to think straight, think of anything which will allow her to concentrate on what Atako was doing to her. But try as she might, she couldn't chase the overwhelming sensations away. Then she remembers when she was stroking Atako's gate. She didn't seem to care that Asuka was stealing her self-control away, didn't care about anything save Asuka's pleasing her. That makes her smile. Sex was in one way losing control, but doing so with a person you trusted, you loved, you felt safe with. Asuka Mizunokoji felt safe with Atako Moroboshi. Sensing that Asuka was ready, Atako thrusts a third finger into her gate, then a second later, her little finger. Asuka was really tight; probably, she had never done anything with her gate until her time with the androids. Gritting her teeth, she poises her thumb, then looks at the panting Terran. "Ready?!" Asuka nods. Atako bites her lips as she thrusts her whole hand in. Asuka's hymen shatters from that quick assault, eliciting a heart-wrenching shriek...then her orgasm hits. Asuka's shriek turns into a howl of pain and pleasure as her body unleashes its energies. "AAAAAAAAAAAATAAAAAAAAAAAKOOOOOOOOOO-CHAAAAAAAAAN!!!!!!" escapes her lips as her body bucks for a moment, then she lays back, panting heavily as her mind tries to reassume control. "I'm sorry, Asukavayae..." Atako sniffs as she stares at her hand, now streaked with Asuka's blood. Asuka gazes at her, then smiles. It might not be everything she had to know, but what she did know pleased her. "You're crying for me, Atako-chan...does that mean you love me?" Atako blinks, then smiles. "Yeah...I love you." She leans down to deliver a warm kiss as Asuka's double wipes her hand clear, then both embrace. "Thus endeth the first lesson," Atako's double muses, smiling. Both organics stare at her. "First lesson?!!" "Of course," the android nods. "Each time you do it, it's a new experience. Because you've never been mentally prepared to experience such intimacy, you don't know how to be disappointed. When you reflect on this many years from now, you'll realize that what you did was quite simple." Atako and Asuka exchange looks... * * * Some moments later, both step onto the "Lyna'cha's" bridge. Asuka now wears a black-and-gold government jumpsuit. She hadn't chosen a career yet, so she would wear her lover's colours. "Feb- san, please log Asuka-chan aboard and inform the medical staff that she'll be going for regeneration as soon as possible." "Of course, Atako-chan," the fleet shipmistress nods. "Do you require a nurse to hold her mei'na?" "No," Atako smiles. "I'll do it." She and Asuka kiss, then both head off the bridge. "Best way to handle that problem," Feb smiles... * * * To be continued...^Z