CHAPTER FIVE:
The New Normal
A thump, and something muffled. It didn't matter. It was warm and soft in here. Stay that way.
The sound again. This time, something wrapping around me. Leave me alone. Sleeping...
“niii-sannn,” came the voice once more.
Without thinking about it, I opened an eye... and then gasped as there was another face in mine.
“niii-sannn, give me piggy-back ride!” pouted a chocolate-brown face with a mess of blonde curls.
“mihoshi,” I whispered. “wake up.”
“niiii-saaannnn!” she pouted again. While that was cute, this situation was entirely inappropriate. Really I know I went to my own bed last night... I then looked around... and saw that I was actually on the couch in the main room... with one of the comforters thrown over me.
Oh. Must have gotten a little more hammered than I had intended. Guess that's what I get for drinking with the Space Pirate.
“niiii-saannnn!” Mihoshi persisted.
Cute – adorable even – but still not funny.
Nope.
Not one bit.
… Well, maybe I did have it coming. What was I thinking last night? Yeesh.
“Mihoshi, please wake up,” I pleaded.
“piggyback ride!” said Mihoshi happily. And then the hurting began.
“AAAAUUUUGGGHHH!!!” I cried out in agony as my ribs splintered.
To be certain, that definitely shook things up, and it was pretty much a repeat of my arrival here, with a few key differences: 1) they weren't wondering who the hell I was and 2) I was able to explain exactly what happened and why thanks to the removal of the language barrier.
Washu tutted in a disappointed manner as she reviewed my medical scans.
“What am I going to do with you Garrick?”
Slap me back together again and stick me out there. The damage to my ribs and internal organs had been extensive... Enough that Washu had me on external life-support for the moment while her medical nanomachines removed bone fragments from my lungs and liver. It was a very strange sensation to not need to breathe, let me tell you. I don't really recommend it.
“While I admit this is fun, I can't imagine its very healthy for you.”
I rolled my eyes as I typed on the holographic keyboard, Can't live in a bell jar forever.
Washu sighed. “No, I guess you can't. But seriously, why you? Why not anyone else?”
Why indeed. Murphy's Law, Washu-chan. It's not the one round with your name on it you need to worry about – it's the ten-thousand other odd rounds labeled 'Occupant'.
Washu actually snickered at that one and shook her head.
“Military. All the same.” She then blinked as she had a thought. “Maybe that's what we should have been aiming for all along here.”
I glared at her. Don't you dare pack me off to the GP. I don't care how highly they come recommended – I am not dealing with police work!
“Oh, stop your whining,” Washu snapped matronly. “I just wanted to give you the body modification so a little squeeze from Mihoshi or one of the others doesn't kill you.”
If I could have sighed, I would have. You know, I'm not exactly all that eager to give up my humanity.
“Oh? What about all the other interesting things you've been getting involved in. From what I understand of your psyche, your idea of self-betterment also applies to upgrades where you can manage them. Transhumanism does have a certain appeal, doesn't it?”
I gave Washu the sort of look a man gives when their friend walks in on them in the bathroom oh-so-blithely just to get the stick of deodorant they left behind... particularly when that friend happens to be female and appears to be twelve years old.
Stay out of my head!
“Oh, c'mon Garrick. Like you didn't really anticipate that, especially when you know I've had to deal with the likes of Doctor Clay only far too recently for my liking.”
I couldn't sigh, so I just facepalmed.
Fine, fine. You're right – I should have been more genre savvy. Yeesh. This oughta teach me to manifest in a place without mad geniuses.
“Well, at least your sense of humor is still working.”
One of the few things that is right now. But anyhow... Look, can you just make me a little more durable so nobody accidentally kills me like Mihoshi almost did?
Washu hummed thoughtfully at that. “I suppose I could. You sure you don't want enhanced strength or anything like that?”
No longer lifespans, no superhuman powers. I just don't want my damn head being taken off the moment somebody here sneezes.
“What about faster healing?”
I thought about that for a moment, then typed, A little bit. Bear in mind, if I do somehow manage to get hurt with these upgrades it's probably because I was either in a desperate situation or I was being monumentally stupid. Which happens sometimes.
“I can understand that. Believe it or not, I too have those can't-see-the-forest-for-the-trees moments. Pain deadening?”
Strictly proportional to adrenal output. Better make that exponentially proportional. If I'm in a tight spot and it's not serious enough to warrant immediate attention, then I really don't want to know.
Washu shrugged. “That's how it pretty much works anyhow, but I'll give your endorphin and adrenal system a tweak. But in the mean time, there some people who want to see you.”
Washu sauntered off and then Mihoshi came in out of the shadows with a pensive expression on her face.
“Washu-chan told me you were gonna be okay,” she said. “But I still feel really bad about what happened. I'm not even supposed to be able to use my super-strength when I sleep!”
I shook my head and typed, Shit happens. Washu-chan is looking into this, but I'm pretty sure that this is absolutely not your fault, Mihoshi.
“Pretty sure it was the booze,” came Washu's voice echoing from wherever she was working. “She's never gotten that drunk that quickly before.”
I looked to Mihoshi, then typed, There, you see? If anything it's my fault for bringing out the moonshine. Now that we know, from now on it's only sake for you, police lady.
“Oh thank goodness!” cried out Mihoshi as she lit up like a lightbulb. “I was so worried that I might hurt Tenchi-kun, too!”
I smiled and decided to tease her a little. Oh? What about the old Earth saying, “You always hurt the ones you love”? You certainly did a number on me! Mihoshi blinked cutely as she cast her eyes upwards in thought, her fingertips to her lips as she pondered.
“Hmm... Well, I do like Gar-kun, but not how I like Tenchi-kun...” She suddenly brightened once more as she exclaimed, “I know now! Gar-kun is like if Mihoshi had an older brother! Because Gar-kun is nice like an older brother is, and he is also tough like an older brother.”
I raised a speculative eyebrow. You sure about that 'tough' part?
“Broken ribs are painful,” said Mihoshi. “I broke one rib once and it hurt so much I cried like a baby. But I broke twelve of your ribs, and punctured your liver and lungs. Even an older brother would scream like you did.”
I shrugged wryly. I guess when you put it that way.
“Okay, times up! It's my turn now!” came Ryoko's voice bawdily from the entrance.
“Mooouuuu,” pouted Mihoshi cutely.
Oh g'wan you! Later let's see if you and I can work out a tactical training course for my C-Space that's worthy of the GP.
“Oh! That sounds like fun!” exclaimed Mihoshi. “I'll get Yukinojo's help and we'll have the plans ready in no time!” And with that she took off at an energetic jog.
I smiled and shook my head as I typed for Ryoko: Tenchi and the rest of you are gonna have your hands full with her if you don't learn how to manage her.
“Eh, she's harmless,” Ryoko replied blithely.
I glared at her, then pointedly raised my gown and gestured sharply to the brilliantly colored bruises on my chest.
Ryoko had the decency to look sheepish. “Eh-heh. Yeah, that's right. You're a bit squishy, aren't ya?” I rolled my eyes at that and Ryoko got the message. “Yeah, sorry. Anyhow... Look, I just wanted to say I really did have fun last night. It's great, you know, just to kick it with someone that likes to take it easy. Especially when he does it while drinking. Just do me a favor and don't die on us, okay? Hate to lose my drinking buddy just like that.”
As long as you're there to watch my back, Buddy, I typed back at her with a grin.
“Hah! You got it. I have to get going now. Tenchi wanted to say hi.”
Sure thing. Catch ya later.
Ryoko and I exchanged a high-five before she sauntered off. As she and Tenchi passed each other, she gave him a saucy wink and that surprised the poor guy.
“Ah, hi Garrick. You doing okay?”
As well as I can. Washu-chan does good work when she feels moved to do so.
He laughed nervously. “Yeah, I guess she does... but... I don't know... Are you really okay, Garrick?”
I gave him a look. There was nothing special about it. It was flat – could feel in in the way my brows suddenly felt so heavy over my eyes. But there must have been something in my eyes as I typed the words...
I will be, Tenchi. I have to be.
“Wait a minute, what do you mean by that?”
Tenchi... I've introspected quite a bit in my lifetime, and if there is one thing I've learned about myself it’s that I deal surprisingly well with suffering. I've had my hopes crushed, my merits squandered, and dreams turned to ash. I have been ridiculed, embarrassed, harassed, neglected, and scorned.
And yet despite everything, despite all my sorrows and tears, despite how much I wished the earth would just open up and swallow me whole... for some reason I persevered. Somehow, somewhere in my upbringing, I had gained the sense that no matter what happens, no matter how unbearable and painful life has become, the only direction to go is forward.
And now, here I am. I cannot go home ever again, and the only path is the one that lies before me. So I will continue on as I have, Tenchi. Ever forwards, no matter how often I stumble and fall.
“Garrick,” Tenchi began slowly, but surely. “I'm glad that you have that strength. For a little bit, I really was worried about you.”
I smiled ruefully. Don't get me wrong, Tenchi. I am hurting. Not just from Mihoshi's misplaced affections... but you get what I mean. I'm just glad that I wound up here.
Tenchi smiled. “I know what you mean. These people... they're wonderful.”
I smiled back at him slyly. Oh yes. Such wonderful girls, you mean.
“Huh?” Tenchi replied, blinking cluelessly.
Tenchi, those girls all love you, and you love all them... but you can't decide for yourself if you love one over the other. Am I right?
“Er... yeah, right so far,” said Tenchi nervously.
So, here's what you do: you start taking them out on dates.
“DATES!?” cried out Tenchi. “Altogether!?”
Of course not, you goof! One at a time, they each get a turn with you.
“Ah... okay... but why?”
EPIC FACEPALM 2X COMBO!
Tenchi... The girls all love you, and you love them, but you won't make a gods-be-damned move! Why the hell do you think things get so fraggin' out of hand here!? They get so antsy and full of nervous energy they don't know what to do with it... well, at least Ayeka and Ryoko don't. Sasami, Washu, and Mihoshi all have their hobbies to help them relieve the tension.
Tenchi's eyes went wide. “You mean that's why they fight all the time!?”
It's a factor. Probably the biggest one for sure, but still, just one factor. I've been talking to them, as you've probably noticed. I've had yet to talk to you about this matter, but now, here we are.
“Waituhminute... why would you do that?”
Look, Tenchi, I like a little bit of drama now and then, but not all the time and not when it can easily devolve into laser death-blades flying all over the place and kiloton punches and kicks being thrown around. As we've seen today, I go squish pretty easily, so this is every bit as much me looking out for my own interests as well as your own.
“But... Washu-chan could-”
I stopped him with a sharp, cutting gesture, then typed, Washu-chan can do a lot of things. She's a regular miracle worker. But what we're not gonna do is go turning me into some immortal nigh-invincible ultimate unstoppable force. I wouldn't be Human anymore if she did that and I think she agrees with me. Granted, I am getting some stuff to help make me tougher and recover a bit faster, but that's about it – I'm not getting the full blown GP Body Modification.
“I... see then,” said Tenchi, his eyes downcast. “I never really thought of it before. I mean... I thought it was strange that I've gotten through such bad situations before... but now that you're here I've seen that... Well, I guess that since Mother was half-Juraian... it only makes sense that I'd be tougher than a normal human.”
Oi, don't be getting down on me, Tenchi-kun. You have to understand that no matter what you learn about yourself, you're still the same person you are. You just have a better understanding of that person is all. Remember: the focus of introspection should be to figure out how you got to this point, not what might have or could have been.
Tenchi's eyes widened in shock as his gaze snapped to mine. “Oh wow! Jeeze!” He then shook his head and went on, “Damn, I can be such an idiot sometimes. You really must be older than the rest of us.”
I laughed... but no sound came out. My lungs were still out of commission. But Tenchi seemed to get the idea anyhow as I typed, Washu-chan and Yosho don't count. I'm only 36, going on 37.
Tenchi laughed back at me. “You're twenty years older than I am! You sure you're not half-alien, too?”
I smirked. Technically speaking, I am an alien. Interdimensional refugees count, don'tcha know?
Tenchi snorted. “Everyone I know is an alien. I guess it can't be helped then. After all, what's one more?”
My smirk became an all-out grin. That's the spirit, Tenchi-kun. Now then, about these dates... Tenchi's good cheer evaporated in a groan. Will you relax? I got something special in mind. First up will be Ryoko and I will chaperon. Since all my paperwork is in order, I'll have Washu-chan transport us up to Yokosuka.
Tenchi blinked. “But why Yokosuka?”
I grinned. Because it's one of the few places in all of Japan where you can get an American-style burger. Trust me on this – Ryoko will love it, and you probably will too. We'll go onto the Naval base and I'll show you guys around – give you the nickel tour. After that, I'll take you two up to Yokohama and turn you loose there. I highly recommend that you take her to Cosmo World – she'll have a blast.
“She will?” Tenchi said in surprise.
What could be better? Morning spent getting a guided tour of a foreign military base, food by people that live it up the way she likes to, and then an afternoon spent with the guy she likes the most, just taking it easy and having fun.
Tenchi shook his head in shock. “I am such an idiot.”
I shook my head. No. You're just inexperienced. This is part of why Sasami-chan wants me to be your older brother. And with that I reached over and playfully scruffled Tenchi's hair.
“Hey!” hissed Tenchi as he ducked away. “I'm not a kid!”
I rolled my eyes and typed, Admits I'm twenty years older than him, and then says not to treat him like a kid. Typical.
“I have my pride, you know,” he grumbled.
Swallow a bit. It builds character.
“Oh dear!” came a cultured voice at just the right volume. “I must be interrupting! I'll be on my way.”
I waved urgently to Princess Ayeka, bidding her to come over. Blinking, she did and and I typed,
No no! It's quite alright. Lord Tenchi and I have had plenty of time to chat. I then turned to Tenchi with a grin as I typed, We'll talk more about this later on in private.
“Ah, sure!” said Tenchi nervously as he rubbed the back of his head. He then turned and quickly left with a parting call of, “Get well soon, Garrick.”
Ayeka stared after him, mystified at his hasty departure. “I wonder what's gotten into him?”
I couldn't laugh, but I could pound the side of my bed. Lord Tenchi and I were discussing what he should do about you and the rest of his paramours.
“What!?” cried Ayeka, scandalized.
Oh, calm down Princess! Don't burst a blood vessel – you knew this was coming.
Ayeka composed herself, saying, “Well yes, it's one thing to know... but it's another to hear it put so blithely.”
My apologies, I typed with a sheepish expression. I am renowned for my brutal honesty. But we're digressing, milady. I must say, I am happy you did come to see me.
“Well of course I would. You can't honestly say that you thought I wouldn't come, can you?”
Of course not. You're your mother's daughter, after all.
Ayeka gave me a confused look. “What do you mean by that?”
I smiled and gestured to the bedside hover-cushion. Come, have a seat and we'll talk.
“As you wish.” She strode over with proper, lady-like movements and gracefully and decorously lowered herself onto the floating cushion. “Now, what is it you wish to discuss, Garrick?”
I apologize, Princess, if this is the first you've heard of it... but I'm pretty sure you've heard there are plans in the works to adopt me into the Royal Family.
Ayeka sighed. “The seed was a big hint. I got the rest of the story from Sasami. If it weren't for the fact that Funaho herself is originally from here then I might wonder what in Tsunami's name Seto is thinking.”
You think I'm not cut out for it?
“Yes and no, Garrick. Some aspects of you would fit well. You certainly have a charisma about you that the common people would find mystifying. But the rest of the Nobility might find you... wanting for refinement.”
And thus the seed.
Ayeka nodded solemnly. “Lady Seto has her reasons, Garrick. For one thing, she does like to spoil Sasami, and nothing would make Sasami happier that being able to call you her Big Brother and really mean it. For another, she does not want you to suffer the same stigma Funaho suffered. Caring for a Royal Tree is one of the highest honors of common folk. They are respected even by Father for the role they play. In fact, some of the nobility even got their start that way.”
Ah! Like squires to their knights!
“Indeed,” replied Ayeka with a pleased smile that I read as 'By George, I think he's got it!' Her look then became serious as she went on, “Remember that well, Garrick – if you are adopted into the family, you will indeed have been elevated to a rather lofty position, technically speaking, of course. However, in the eyes of the nobility you will be nothing more than an upstart and a potential threat.” Her eyes suddenly took on a worried cast. “Tread carefully, my brother.”
My eyes widened in surprise at that last bit... not so much the warning to tread carefully, but the fact she called me her brother. And then to drive the point home, she suddenly leaned towards me, her face darting to my right... and as suddenly as I realized it, she pulled away from the chaste kiss she had given me.
She took in my shocked expression and said, “Do not worry, dear brother. I love Lord Tenchi more than anything else... but that doesn't mean I don't have room in my heart for anyone else.” She then shook her head in rueful amusement. “You are such a clever thief, stealing girls hearts the way you do. How did you ever not find someone to marry?”
I shrugged helplessly and typed, I don't know. Probably a lack of girls actually looking for husbands. Anytime I met a really special girl... you know, the sort who's got that smile that can light a world... the one that makes ordinary and mundane adornments seems mystical and and hypnotic... the one whose very presence makes you take notice... They are always already with someone else... and always that someone else understands just what kind of treasure they have. And I don't have the evil in me to steal it from them.
Ayeka gave me a fascinated look. “Tell me more about this girl,” she said.
I smiled. It was at training for a job – the details don't matter. I saw her in the lobby, waiting with everyone else. She was a dainty little woman – shorter than even you, and yet so perfectly proportioned that you might have taken her as some sort oversized doll. She had this delightfully flirty skirt on and a set of strappy pumps with her ankles adorned with all kinds of bangles and beads. She had a glorious fall of dark hair and these eyes that sparkled with amusement anytime she looked at you.
I couldn't talk to her at first. Two other men had already gotten her attention and they spent a lot of time over the next few days talking with her about all sorts of things. Eventually, though, I managed to find her alone, for the most part, and I did talk with her. But it turned out that she not only had a man in her life, but a child as well.
I suppose it would be just as well. They weren't married – she was a free spirit... too free to allow herself to be shackled by the idea of being married. And I don't think I could have tolerated such an existence for too long.
Suddenly I was glomped from the side opposite Ayeka. Turning, I saw that Sasami had attached herself to me like a limpet.
“Gar-nii-san has the worst luck,” she lamented.
I looked to Ayeka, who simply smiled and reached over to rub the back of Sasami's head, which was firmly embedded in my side.
I smiled wanly and typed, Maybe, my adorable Sasami-imouto... but I think it's coming around. After all, I have such wonderful sisters now. I can wait for a woman to wish to be my wife.
“Okay, no more keyboard for you,” came Washu's voice as she approached. “Your lungs are just fine now so you can go ahead and use 'em. I'll go ahead and turn off the neural interdiction now.” A holographic control panel appeared at Washu's side as she reached up, and then entered a complex series of keys without any markings. Suddenly my diaphragm twitched and sent me into a coughing fit as I got myself back into sorts.
“Ah, thanks,” I rasped roughly once the worst was past. I was still trying to get my throat fully cleared – it felt so phlegmy.
“Brother,” said Ayeka, begging a question, “is it really important to you that the woman you love marries you?”
I shrugged and said with a rough voice, “Not so much the legal definition... just that she swears herself to me – a vow to be there for me when I need her, and for me the same to her. A real partner in life, as it were. We share joys and sorrows, we make babies and raise them together, and we stick together no matter how tough it gets.”
Washu tutted disdainfully. “You're right. As special as that other girl was, you wouldn't have been able to tolerate that sort of mindset for long. You've been hurt so much in the past that demanding such an oath is almost automatic. You need that sense of security – and I don't mean that lightly. It's not an unhealthy thing, either. Really, how much do you love a person if you're not going to promise something like that? It really seems naïve of her.”
“Indeed,” agreed Ayeka. “In fact, I almost sorry for that girl. What must have happened to her to make her afraid of making a commitment like that?”
I sighed – never had it felt so good to do that – and said, “I have no idea, but Washu-chan is right. With everything else in my life being as unstable as it was, the last thing I needed was a girlfriend who had commitment issues. Anyhow... How much longer do I gotta sit here, Doc?”
Washu smiled – it was almost a loving look. “Just a few more hours, Gar-kun. However, a lot of your resources are being expended – not only to repair the damage done, but also make the modifications you requested. I'll need to give you a couple more nutrient injections, and then you'll need a nap.”
“Okay. What about the modifications?”
“They shouldn't impact your lifestyle at all. Your skin, connective tissues, and pretty much everything else are being reinforced with carbon monofilament weaves, and your bones will have monomolecular carbon rods reinforcing them.”
“That's a lot of carbon. Where's it all coming from?”
“Your body's waste byproducts for now. A lot of it is from my nanomachines stripping the carbon atoms out of CO2 molecules and just turning the remaining O2 loose in your bloodstream. However, I'll still need to inject you with some elemental carbon in a liquid suspension to help speed things up.”
I shrugged once more and rolled my sleeve up. “No time like the present.”
I fell asleep soon after that and I had a dream of being a child again. I was playing a forest full of grand, ancient trees. These trees were the welcome sort – tall, but easy to climb. It was peaceful. Sunny. Warm. With a cool breeze, the blue sky full of white, puffy clouds, and the air filled with the smell of wood, earth, leaves, and the call of the cicadas.
One tree was especially large and beautiful. It was special. I loved climbing it, walking its marvelously twisty paths and finding all kinds of hiding places and perches.
But even though I felt that I had the company of these wonderful trees... I still wished that I had friends...
As soon as I had thought it, they were all there. The other children – mostly girls. I liked girls. They were fun. The boys were okay too. We would do boy-things together. But the girls... oh how I loved to tease them. They were always so funny when they would run away squealing. Or even when I made one or two a little angry – that was even more fun because then they'd chase me! But they were having fun, too. I could see it in their eyes.
But most of all...
I could feel the trees all around us, watching us fondly. Lovingly. Like a grandparent watches their descendents playing in their yard.
Especially the grandest one.
She would protect us all when we needed it the most.
Time passes. The months drifted by lazily as Autumn turned to Winter, and Winter inexorably gave way to spring.
Tenchi began dating the other girls. Even Sasami-chan, but we didn't really call those dates. Especially since Ryo-Ohki often tagged along. But I knew better. At the very least, Tenchi was taking my advice to heart – he began to step a little outside his comfort zone and, finding that the feelings really were reciprocal, he found that it wasn't so bad a thing to be a Ladies' Man. The girls were all more than willing to take things slowly, and that was fine with him.
As for The Girls, well... they all finally began to settle down.
Ryoko and Ayeka went from petty rivalry to friendly rivalry. Downright playful even. It was starting to enter the 'good theater' category of fun once the two decided to really go at it. Of course, it always was, but back then it was the sort you'd only watch from High Earth Orbit. But now, we could sit down at the dinner table together... and while the two would toss out the most outlandish and scandalous slander at each other, it was all done with grins that belied the vicious verbal exchanges.
Mihoshi actually tried to do better. And by try, I mean that she even began to subconsciously throw her crazy luck at things. She was still a klutz, a total spaz, and seemingly clueless... but she was no more naïve than the rest of them. Oh, and Washu and I worked together to finally get a working guidance beacon setup for Yukinojo to follow. No more crash landings.
Washu was... well, Washu. There wasn't changing any of that. She still messed around with everyone, and once I had settled in there were no sacred cows. Of course, I would always give as good as I got from her.
Sasami didn't change much either... except that I established an all-hands-on-deck policy regarding dinner. As an old friend of mine put it, “Those who help will eat and those who don't won't.” My aim was to make it so my adorable little sister didn't have to work so hard in the kitchen. I knew what it was like because I had been there. You try cleaning up after six siblings that hardly did anything for themselves.
Sasami protested, of course, but I insisted. Sure, it was rough going at first. I found that we had to clearly label all the ingredients to prevent mix-ups (I'll admit that salt and sugar is an easy one to make if you aren't careful). Prep work like cutting and peeling vegetables was an easy enough task once you knew what to do. Getting the table set was almost a chore in and of itself, with as many place settings as we needed. There were also more menial tasks, like stirring the pots so nothing burned and fixing tea and beverages. My sweet iced oolong tea knocked everyone for a loop and I soon found myself having to prepare it in large quantities.
Of course, I changed as well.
Mostly, what I did was help Tenchi with his field work, and Scrappy the Wonder Truck was endlessly useful. Granted, there wasn't much actual growing going on this time of year, but ground still had to be turned, fertilized, turned again, and kept free of weeds. There was also the irrigation system that had to be maintained, as well as the tools themselves... and then there was Scooby.
With Washu's help I did find a Mazda B2500 Crewcab and turned it into a ridiculously efficient diesel-electric drive and then christened the newly retrofitted vehicle 'The Scooby-Doo Express'.
And then I filed the patent.
There was no response from the automotive industry right away, but I got a lot of hate-mail from the OPEC people – it was all bluster, though. It posed no threat to their corporate interests because it ran on diesel, and I wasn't keeping anyone from using it. Noboyuki had to retain a lawyer for me. The funny part was that the man waived the legal fees in exchange for doing the conversion on his vehicle. The fuel savings alone would pay for his usual fees within a few months, and to make it even better we turned it into a publicity stunt. Soon enough, every Japanese auto manufacturer was looking into offering diesel-electric options... each with their own proprietary quirks, of course.
OPEC was even less happy about that, but their legal avenues were exhausted. Washu never said anything, but I think she wound up stopping an assassination attempt. But then, explosions around here were a pretty regular occurrence anyhow.
But the most interesting changes were because of my lessons from Yosho and Washu.
Washu, not satisfied that I was fulfilling my potential with a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, felt I would be better suited going for a double-doctorate in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering fields. With her personalized attention, she fast-tracked me through everything and we found the most prestigious universities that would permit me to get credit by examination. Scooby wound up being part of my doctoral thesis for both fields.
Did I ever mention that I learn ridiculously fast under dedicated attention?
As for Yosho... he taught me everything I would ever need or want to know about Jurai. I learned about the religion (or rather, the lack thereof), the monarchy, the government, the school system, the cultures, the customs, the food, the holidays and even the languages.
But most importantly, he taught me the sword styles.
I've always had suspicions about my martial aptitude. Sure, I've got endurance out the ass, but mostly because I know how to pace myself. And I can certainly lose myself in the moment which can lead to that all important battle-fugue state. But the most bizarre thing about me was that despite my clumsiness I am a savant at swordplay. In the few informal spars I have been in just to see what I can do, I found that I excel at parrying blows and spotting the opening I needed to score that one precise strike.
I'm good with a sword.
I'm even better with two.
But I am devastating with a sword and a shield.
For now, however, Yosho only allows me one sword... and he has been very pleased with what he has been seeing so far.
For example, he would take Tenchi by surprise time and time again with his disappearing act. I, on the other hand, knew to anticipate such moves and Yosho had to become... creative. Seriously, words cannot express how happy that man was when he realized how much potential I had. He figured that after I got my technique down pat all I'd need was simple strength training to better resist an enemy that sought to batter me with sheer brute force.
Of course... Murphy still loves me like a redheaded step-child.
One week Mihoshi came home early and surprised me with a lake-landing while I was free-running. The small tsunami that made washed me into a thicket and caused me to startle a nest of Suzumebachi. Fucking OUCH.
Then there was the time Tenchi, Yosho, Noboyuki, and I all decided to have a guys' evening in the floating onsen... only someone forgot to mention this fact to the girls, who all decided to descend on the place en masse. We never could get the blood out of the wood decking and it all had to be replaced.
Ryoko was not without guilt when she somehow got the lot of us roped into a freaking PUNISHMENT GAME! You remember the MTV show Silent Library? Guess what – IT ORIGINATED IN JAPAN! She thought it was just a regular game show and I am still a little miffed about it.
But there was one event that particularly stood out... We had all decided to have a little fun in Tokyo... but I had forgotten about something critically important.
The Tokyo Subway Nerve Gas Attack.
We weren't in the subways when it happened. But we were in the area. We were close enough that poor sweet Sasami-chan saw the people dragging themselves out of the subway, shuddering and foaming at the mouth as they tried in vain to breath.
Needless to say, the perpetrators of the attack were mysteriously delivered to the Tokyo Police.
Even though nobody blamed me, I never really forgave myself for that lapse. Not for what Sasami witnessed. Not for the loss of lives I could have prevented.
I still have bad dreams about it to this day.