The Search for Maruten
A fanfic by Edward Vagg
Project A-ko & characters are property of Soeishinsha/Final-Nishijima,
Central Park Media/Island World Communications.
This is a work of fanfiction for fun, so... Not for sale or rent.
Authors Note: This fic is based on Project A-ko's 5 & 6, picking up the
story from the end of Part 6.
****
Chapter 1: The journey begins.
In the last episode...
A-ko, and B-ko, Monster hunters from a desert planet saved the galaxy,
all the other galaxies and all universes from destruction by the hands
of the witch, Lady Xena, who possessed C-ko's body. Maruten, of the
space patrol took all the credit, was promoted, and offered all the
women he wanted. (He accepted) A-ko and B-ko plan to chase Maruten and
rightfully claim the reward for stopping Gail and Xena.
****
Scene: A desert planet, nighttime.
BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG!
A-ko, huddled near a campfire, awakes.
A-ko: (annoyed) B-ko! What's with that racket!
B-ko is hammering away at a contraption, that looks suspiciously
phallic.
B-ko: We need a spaceship to get to Elai 3, right?
A-ko: (approaches B-ko) THAT'S A SPACE SHIP? You know what it looks
like...
B-ko: (sigh) It couldn't be helped. The classic "retro" design is the
most economical and efficient one available to us.
A-ko: You made it like that on purpose!
B-ko: Did not!
A-ko: Did too!
B-ko: A-ko, you're being childish. Once we get some dough together,
we'll trade it in for something better.
A-ko: Really?
B-ko: I promise. Now quit complaining already.
A-ko: (sigh) Ok B-ko.
Grush and Liza approach from over a sand dune.
Grush: Hey! that looks like a big...
B-ko gives Grush a vicious stare.
Grush: (apologetic) I was just gonna say it was a big spaceship...
Liza: (to A-ko) We never did settle our fight once and for all...
A-ko readies herself.
Liza: (continuing) But now I have more pressing issues... We may meet
again. Come on, Grush.
Grush thoughtfully rubs his chin, looking at the rocket.
Liza: Grush?
Grush: Alright, I’m coming!
Liza and Grush dissapear over the sand dune.
A-ko: Phew!
****
B-ko: Ok, I just want to double check one more time.
A-ko grumbles.
B-ko: Right! Oxygen recycling unit?
A-ko: B-ko, Is this really neccesarry?
B-ko: Yes A-ko, of course it is.
A-ko: Oxygen? ... Yes it's running.
B-ko: How about fuel systems?
A-ko: Check.
B-ko: Food supply?
A-ko: Does dozens of crates of Kotobuki Octopus on a stick count as
food?
B-ko: Look on the bright side. It dosen't have any preservatives.
A-ko: Check.
B-ko: How about the warp motivator?
A-ko: Check.
B-ko: Sub light systems?
A-ko: Check.
B-ko: Landing gear?
A-ko: Check.
B-ko: I can't wait to get off this rock.
A-ko: Check.
B-ko: Are you paying attention, A-ko?
A-ko: Check.
B-ko: Huh?
B-ko turns around to see that A-ko is lounging back in her seat, picking
her nose.
B-ko: A-KO!!!!
A-ko: What! I don't understand any of your gizmo's anyway!
B-ko: (sigh) That's right... your puny "intellect" can't comprehend my
technology.
A-ko yawns.
B-ko: I'll go through the list again, and check it myself.
****
B-ko: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. WE HAVE IGNITION!!!!!
B-ko’s rocket spews a lot of smoke, then a brilliant flame. Finally, the
construction takes flight, looking somewhat like
Thunderbird 1, or Tintin’s space rocket.
Grush: (looking skyward) There they go...
Leaving the green sand covered planet behind, the rocket reaches orbit.
****
A-ko: Alright! Let’s warp to Elai 3 already!
B-ko: The rocket hasn’t the range to reach Elai 3 from here, we’ll have
to stop on the way.
A-ko: B-ko....
B-ko: Don’t worry, it won’t take long to refuel. The coordinates are
locked in... Prepare to warp. Coundown. Tee minus thirty
seconds and counting...
A-ko giggles.
A-ko: I’m (glances at B-ko) WE’RE gonna be rich! No more hunting sand
turtles on that wretched planet, we’ll be living the good life! I’ll
finally find myself a husband, and BEST OF ALL, I’ll have lots of
MONEY!!!!! (Voice turns husky) It will be GRAND!
B-ko: You miss the point, A-ko. Sure money is important, but don’t you
think it’s more important that we set the record
straight on who saved the galaxy?
A-ko: Well sure but...
B-ko: (continuing) I mean, we sacrificed our HOME! We dropped
everything, risked LIFE and LIMB, to save the universe,
and what thanks to we get?
A-ko looks blank.
B-ko: (still ranting) IT JUST MAKES ME SICK! I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT PINT
SIZED SCREWBALL TOOK ALL OUR GLORY! WE DESERVE BETTER!
A-ko: (Flustered) Yyyou’re scaring me B-ko...
B-ko: You ain’t seen nothing yet. WARP!
The rocket enters hyperspace with an impresive display of colour. (Cue
token computer graphic animation.)
****
Back on the Desert Planet, Mr Kotobuki is looking worried.
Mr Kotobuki: C-ko! Where are you C-ko!
Mr Kotobuki’s assistant: Don’t worry Mr Kotobuki, I’m sure she’s around
somewhere.
A Kotobuki employee approaches.
Employee: Mr Kotobuki, we’ve searched the ship, and the landing site.
I’m sorry, there’s no sign of her.
Mr Kotobuki: Not a trace?
Employee: No trace, I’m afraid.
Commander Takaaki Tanaka, of Kotobuki’s security division bursts in.
Commander Tanaka: Chairman! We’ve analysed the Hyperspace wake left by
the two girls. Would you like to order a pursuit?
Mr Kotobuki: A-ko and B-ko? I doubt they are responsible for C-ko’s
dissapearence. They saved her, after all.
Commander Tanaka: May I remind you that you were unable to repay them
adequately? They must have kidnapped them for ransom. I’m sure of it!
Mr Kotobuki: What about Liza and Grush?
Commander Tanaka: We’ve already apprehended the two space criminals sir,
they are not responsible this time...
Mr Kotobuki: (sigh) Alright then. Follow the girl’s space ship, although
I’m sure it’s just a misunderstanding. I must have dear C-ko back!
Commander Tanaka: (salutes) Yes sir!
****
Back in A-ko & B-ko’s rocket, the pair look weary.
A-ko: I’m hungry.
B-ko: You’re always hungry A-ko.
A-ko: Yeah, well hyperspace makes it worse. Where’s that Octopus on a
stick...
A-ko decends into the hold.
Sound of a crate being opened then...
A-ko: (screams) B-KO!
B-ko: (rushing to the hold) What!
A-ko is peering into a crate, C-ko, fast asleep is inside.
B-ko: C-ko!
A-ko: The brat ate all our food!
B-ko: Is that ALL you care about A-ko? Besides, we still have plenty of
crates left.
A-ko: Yeah, I guess.
B-ko: However, this leaves us with a slight problem.
A-ko: Problem?
B-ko: Mr Kotobuki will be worried about C-ko, we’ll have to make special
arrangements.to return her.
A-ko: I don’t like this.
B-ko: Quit complaining will you? We’ll just have to cope.
C-ko wakes
C-ko: A-ko! B-ko!
A-ko: WHAT are you doing here?
C-ko: (looking thoughtful) Well... I was hungry, and I saw a crate of
food, so I ate it. But I wasn’t full, so I opened another crate, and ate
all that food too. And then I had a big feast as I found some more
boxes! And then...
A-ko/B-ko: And then?
C-ko: I musta fallen asleep. (giggles sheepishly)
A-ko glows bright red.
A-ko: YOU ATE ALL THE FOOD!!!!
A-ko races around the hold, cracking all the empty boxes open.
A-ko: YOU LITTLE BRAT!
B-ko: SHUT UP A-ko, you’ll upset C-ko.
C-ko: I’m hungry.
A-ko: (incredulous) You’re hungry? What about me?
CLANG
B-ko: What was that?
THUD
A-ko rushes to a porthole.
A-ko: ASTEROID FIELD!!!!
C-ko: (worried) Is that dangerous?
A-ko: Yeah.
C-ko: (sniff sniff) WAAAAAAAHHHH I Don’t wanna die!!!!!
B-ko: (climbing back into cockpit) The shields should hold for now...
C-ko: (still crying) WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!
A-ko: (attempting a soothing voice) Quiet now C-ko, everything will be
alright.
C-ko: WAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
A-ko: (abandoning paitience) I SAID SHUT UP WILL YOU?!!!!
C-ko: WAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!
SLAP!!!!!! (A-ko slaps C-ko across the face.)
C-ko: (stunned) ...
A-ko: Thank god!
B-ko reappears at the entrance hatch.
B-ko: O.K. A-ko, we’re locked on to a safe course out of the asteroid
field. I estimate we’ll be safe in a couple of hours.
A-ko: A COUPLE OF HOURS!
B-ko: It takes time for the navigation computer to plot a safe course!
Don’t worry, the proximity detector will warn us in
advance before we actually collide with any large asteroid.
A-ko: Why didn’t it warn us of those asteroids we just hit?
B-ko: I said *Large* asteroid. Those ones were probably only the size of
your fist.
A-ko: (sarcastic)Well that’s a relief.... And anyway, why can’t we just
warp away?
B-ko: No warp fuel. I’m afraid it’s the space port or bust...
A-ko: Why didn’t you design a bigger fuel tank?
B-ko: Do you want the technical answer? What do you know about spaceship
design?
A-ko: (annoyed) Alright! You got me there... Just get us to Elai 3 in
one piece, Ok?
B-ko: Just leave it to me.
****
Commander Tanaka’s ship, the last combat ship of the Kotobuki fleet
emerges from hyperspace.
Commander Tanaka: Don’t worry C-ko, I’ll see your safe return. And then
I’ll punish your captors...
****
B-ko, once again at the helm, notes the radar console.
B-ko: A-ko! An unidentified blip is right behind us!
A-ko: (suddenly looking alert) Hostile?
B-ko: I don’t know yet...
A laser beam barely misses the nose of the rocket.
B-ko: Yep, hostile.
Commander Tanaka: (communication screen image) This is Commander Takaaki
Tanaka of the Kotobuki fleet, prepare to be boarded!
A-ko beams.
A-ko: He’s come for the brat!
B-ko: (to A-ko) This could be a trick... (to Tanaka) Roger that
Commander. Could you send us an I.D signal?
Cammander Tanaka: Wha... (grumpy) Alright. Here’s my I.D.
Security codes flash on a screen.
B-ko: It appears to be authentic... But I’ll have to check with your
boss to be sure.
Commander Tanaka: I don’t have time for this, a Hyperspace message takes
hours to get through! Is C-ko onboard?
B-ko: That depends on if you are who you say you are!
Cammander Tanaka: So she is onboard. C-ko knows me, she’ll verify I’m
who I say I am. Put her on the channel.
B-ko: A-ko, bring in C-ko.
A-ko: (salutes sarcastically) Yes mam!
A-ko leaves momentarily, then returns with C-ko.
A-ko: Your friend is on the screen over there.
C-ko: (horiffied) THAT’S MR MEAN! HE’S HORRIBLE !
Tanaka: But kid! I’m here to take you home!
C-ko: NO! I WANNA STAY AND PLAY WITH A-KO! WAAAAAHHHHH!!!!
B-ko: Something’s not right...
A-ko: For crying out loud B-ko, he’s just a jerk that C-ko hates. Let
him take her.
C-ko: WAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!! I DON’T WANNA GO!!!!
A-ko: Please?
B-ko: Oh... O.K then. I’m sure I’m worried for no good reason. Commander
Tanaka, we’re willing to dock.
Commander Tanaka: Excellent...
****
Tanaka’s ship pulls alongide A-ko & B-ko’s rocket, and an
accordion-style docking tube snakes from the security ship,
completing the link.
A shadow falls across the hatch, and brooding music starts to play as
Commander Takaaki Tanaka emerges.
C-ko cuddles a reluctant A-ko tightly.
A-ko: Let go, will you?
C-ko: NO! I WANNA STAY HERE!
Tanaka: It’s alright, kid. I’m not here to hurt you....
C-ko grips A-ko even tighter.
Tanaka: Look kid, I don’t have time for this crap! (suddenly embarrased)
I mean, your father is worried. Come back with me.
A-ko: Maybe you should ask nicely!
B-ko: Huh?
A-ko: (whisper’s to B-ko) Trust me on this one... (to Tanaka) For a
commander of a private space patrol, you sure are rude!
Tanaka: What!
Tanaka pauses, appears to think for a second, then bows.
Tanaka: I’m truly sorry, you are quite correct. I am presently on your
ship, and this is no way for a guest to behave. C-ko,
won’t you PLEASE come back with me?
C-ko hesitates.
Tanaka: (on hands and knees) PLEEEEEZE?
Suddenly a siren sounds out, and emergency lights flash.
B-ko (again rushing to the cockpit) Proximity alert!
A-ko: (gulp) Uh oh...
Tanaka: What’s that?
SLAM!
C-ko: Waaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!
B-ko comes back, looking worried.
B-ko: I wasn’t able to dodge the asteroid in time...
A-ko: Then B-ko, why are we still here?
B-ko: Commander Tanaka’s ship took the asteroid. We were just lucky the
ship was driven AWAY from us, by the angle it hit.
Tanaka: WHAAAAT!!!
B-ko: That’s right, you’re stuck with us. Don’t worry, you and C-ko can
catch a shuttle from the next spaceport and meet with Chairman Kotobuki.
C-ko: (still crying) Whaaaaaaaahhhhh!!!!!
A-ko pounds C-ko.
A-ko: SHUT UP!
C-ko cries even louder.
Tanaka: You don’t mean Shiro’s Terminal do you? You must be insane!
B-ko: Shiro? According to my chart it’s called GA 5374...
Tanaka: (agitated)That’s the official designation! Every spacefarer
knows GA 5374 is a corrupt wormpile to be avoided at all costs. It’s
also the only space port in this system. You’ll just have to take us
back home.
A-ko: B-ko! Make C-ko shut up will you?
B-ko: I’m afraid that’s impossible, we’re out of warp fuel.
Tanaka: You can’t be serious!
A-ko: B-ko!
B-ko: I’m plotting a course for GA 5374. I wouldn’t worry though. We can
take care of our selves. Isn’t that right A-ko?
C-ko: Whaaaaah!!!
A-ko: (pointing at C-ko) B-ko...
B-ko: Oh.(suddenly cheerful) C-ko, A-ko promises she’ll play a game with
you.
C-ko: (tears dry up) Really?
B-ko: Yes.... A-ko?
A-ko (sulks) Alright...
C-ko Yay!!!! What will we play first?
A-ko: How about hide & seek? You hide first!
C-ko: O.K!
C-ko happily skips away, and desends down the ladder to one of the lower
levels.
Tanaka grimaces.
B-ko: You’re really worried about Shiro’s Terminal aren’t you?
Tanaka: It’s rough, and lawless. You’d better have decent weapons, and
show them readily. I’m not worried for myself, but C-ko could be hurt in
a place like that.
B-ko: C-ko seems scared of you. How come?
Tanaka: (embarrased) I don’t know! She’s just a weird kid.
A-ko: You’re telling me...
C-ko: (from below) I’M HIDING!!!! COME AND FIND ME A-KO!
A-ko: I’m coming for you, ready or not!
A-ko stays put.
B-ko: Aren’t you going to find her, A-ko?
A-ko: Nah.
B-ko: A-ko! Keep her happy till we reach the starport. That way she
can’t cause any more trouble.
A-ko: (sigh) Alright.
A-ko turns on the internal surveilance system. C-ko is visible on the
screen hiding under A-ko’s bunk.
A-ko: Found her!
****
C-ko finally comes back up, giggling.
C-ko: You’re not very good at this game, You didn’t find me!
A-ko: Oh yeah? You were under my bed!
C-ko: HEY!
B-ko turns around.
B-ko: Shhh!
Tanaka: (to video screen) This is KSS Daitokuji, applying for landing
clearance.
A-ko: This had better work...
B-ko: KSS?
Tanaka: Kotobuki Space Ship.
A-ko: Great, so now YOU’RE THE CAPTAIN?
Tanaka: I know these guys. Trust me.
A-ko: I wouldn’t trust you to...
B-ko: A-ko!
C-ko: Let’s play another game!
GA 5374: KSS Daitokuji, proceed to Bay 42.
Tanaka: Roger that.
More brooding music as the recently named KSS Daitokuji approaches the
ominous, dark hulk of GA 5374, Shiro’s Terminal.
End of part 1.
****
Authors Notes: I’ve tried to stay close to the “battles” series in
regard to characters, Interesting to note that A-ko and B-ko have
changed quite a lot from the “original” series. C-ko, apart from being
younger, isn’t much different. Commander Takaaki Tanaka is of my
invention, I figure he wasn’t actually seen in A-ko’s 5&6, but he was
around. (makes for a neat, clean slate for me to draw a character)
For C&C, please mail me at: evagg@hubble.dialix.com.au
Stay tuned for Part 2 of Search for Maruten: Across the Universe
Visit my web page: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Academy/1378/
Thank you for reading.