INTERLUDE
Establishing Shot: Night. The edge of a futon. The camera slowly moves
upward.
SHEILA (O.S.)
... and then, after they've all been
blown up ... we're running low on
fuel, and, when you get right down
to it, there's nowhere left for us
to go, anyway. <beat> Over the
comm, I hear her mutter, "And so it
all ends." Then static. She's
either decided to cut out on me and
run into the lava, or she took too
many hits, or ... anyway, I don't
know how I should feel. I hold the
broken medal close ... and then ...
The camera has moved up enough to show two pairs of bare feet and ankles
on the futon. Over the next bit, it moves up to show two female bodies
covered by a blanket and sheets.
PRISS (O.S.)
And then what?
SHEILA (O.S.)
And then I see it. <beat> All of
it. All the wonder, all the horror,
everything that's going to happen
... I see it all stretching out
before me. Like an endless stream
of images. And I really wish that
she was still there, so I could say
"No ... it's all just beginning."
<beat> Because it is.
By now, we can see the faces -- it is PRISS and SHEILA -- and their bare
shoulders. SHEILA pauses for a long moment, looking up at the ceiling,
while PRISS looks at her. SHEILA turns to meet her gaze ... then smiles
mischievously.
SHEILA
So, do you ever dream about past
lives?
PRISS
<thinks> Yeahhhh ... when I was just
out of the orphanage, I dreamed
about something not too different.
<beat> I'm walking out of this
cave, feeling depressed and resigned
to something ... and I'm about to
climb up into the ship, when I hear
someone ask me what I'm doing. And
I turn around, and there's this
gorgeous woman with long, black hair
who's -- YOW!
SHEILA is glowering at PRISS.
PRISS
You've got *really* cold feet ...
<beat> Anyway, we have this short
conversation: I'm going up to
fight; she's staying. And then
we're just staring at each other,
and I'm thinking, `I'd like to kiss
her. I'd *really* like to kiss her.
But that would be dumb, so I won't.'
And then I say something weird:
"We'll meet again." And she's like,
what? "Since time is a cycle ...
sooner or later ... this'll all
happen again." `And we'll be
together again, then', I think.
Long pause.
SHEILA
And you leave?
PRISS
Yep.
SHEILA
Good.
PRISS glowers at SHEILA, who smiles unapologetically. PRISS yanks the
pillow that their heads are resting on out from under SHEILA's head.
SHEILA fumes for a moment, before she starts to tickle PRISS, leading to a
brief tickle war that leaves both of them laughing -- healthy, vibrant,
soul-restoring laughter.
PRISS
Crazy dreams, huh?
SHEILA
I don't know ... the Senshi know, or
think that they know, that they've
lived before, thousands of years
ago. Why not us?
PRISS
<shrugs> It's the problem I've
always had with karma ... I don't
wanna think that I'm doomed to keep
doing the same stuff over and over
until I get it right.
SHEILA
Even ... <beat> Even the good
things?
PRISS
Well, yeah. I mean, you can have
too much of a good thing, not that
I've ever --
SHEILA
<smiling sexily> Oh, reeealllly?
She starts to kiss PRISS' shoulder, moving slowly to her collarbone, up
her neck, onto her cheek, and just as she's about to kiss her on the lips
-- there is the sound of a phone ringing. SHEILA's face twists in an
almost comic expression of rage, and she reaches out to snatch up the
cellular on the phone. PRISS seems unsurprised by the interruption.
SHEILA
People In The Process of Really
Enjoying Themselves, please leave a
message at the tone. <fake moan>
MERCURY (TEL)
Very cute, Sheila.
SHEILA gasps a bit, and rolls into a sitting position, hogging the
bedsheets as she does so. PRISS lets out a squawk.
SHEILA
Amy? What's happening?
MERCURY (TEL)
There's a hostage situation in
progress, and we need all the
Palladins to gather at the Temple of
Serenity --
SHEILA
Whoa, back up. Why would the
Palladins be needed to deal with a
hos--
MERCURY (TEL)
Serenity is the hostage.
SHEILA is stunned silent for a very long moment. PRISS rests her head on
SHEILA's right shoulder (the phone is at her left ear), and looks at her
confusedly.
SHEILA
I'm on my way. I'll bring Priss.
MERCURY (TEL)
Oh good, she's with you. <beat> Oh
my. You mean --
SHEILA raises her right hand to rub the back of her head, but PRISS' head
is in the way. SHEILA lets her hand drop.
SHEILA
Uh, right, we'll be there real soon,
bye!
MERCURY (TEL)
Shei--
SHEILA turns the phone off, and turns to look at PRISS.
SHEILA
Serenity has been kidnapped somehow,
and Lady Mercury wants all the
Palladins to gather --
PRISS
Serenity? As in, the Queen?
SHEILA nods with a stunned expression.
PRISS
Boy, whoever's in charge of the
Secret Service is gonna be up
against the wall after this ...
PRISS gets out of bed, and offscreen starts to pull on her underclothes.
SHEILA
I hope not ... Mom's got enough
problems.
PRISS is attaching her bra.
PRISS
Oh yeah ... your mom is her chief
bodyguard.
SHEILA has begun to pull on her knee-length boots.
SHEILA
Well, that and the head of all
civilian intelligence operations
and the international police
organization.
PRISS buttons up her blouse.
PRISS
Seriously?
SHEILA is adjusting her belt.
SHEILA
Yep. <beat> Made my late teenage
years interesting ... I was always
wondering whether she sent people to
spy on my dates or --
PRISS
<stands up> Look, I gotta know -- is
she gonna try to do something about
this?
SHEILA
Not ... consciously. <beat> She's
always said that she won't interfere
in my life, even if she thinks I'm
making a mistake, unless she thinks
I'm going to get hurt, as in injured
or killed. But ... she could try to
make life difficult for you.
PRISS
When you say the word `difficult',
what *exactly* do you mean? Are we
talking assassination --
SHEILA
Priss!
PRISS
I just wanna know what the odds are!
SHEILA
*You* wanna know the odds? <beat>
Okay, here's the way it's set up --
on the one hand, we have my mother,
a figure of superhuman power and
influence, who has to obey the laws
in both their word and spirit in her
dealings with you. On the other
hand there's you, the picture of
normal humanity with no influence,
but you have one great advantage
that my mom doesn't -- I'm in love
with you. <beat> I think it's a
level playing field, don't you?
PRISS doesn't look as certain as SHEILA sounds.
An Inevitable Outcome Feature
Written and Directed
by C. Richard Davies
TOGETHER AGAIN
2937 Chapter
Based on the works of
Naoko Takeuchi, Rumiko Takahashi,
Suzuki Toshimichi, Haruka Takachiho,
Hiroki Hayashi, Yuuki Masami,
and various interpretations thereof.
Dedicated to Gryphon, MegaZone, and ReRob.
ACT V
CAPTION
SEVERAL HOURS EARLIER
Establishing shot: The frigid red deserts of Mars, under an orange sky
that is filled with black clouds. In the distance is an irregular
formation of rocks, towards which, every few seconds, a bolt of black
lightning shoots. We close in on a trio of figures running towards the
rock formation -- RAYE, SHAMPOO, and RANMA.
RANMA
So what's going to happen if she
*has* managed to call Ucchan's
spirit back?
RAYE
Nothing good. The Black Crystal
will grant any wish, but twist the
wisher's intent so as to produce
a horrific effect.
RANMA
For instance?
RAYE is silent for a long moment.
RAYE
The first known user of the thing
used it to try and find the greatest
power in the universe.
RANMA
And?
RAYE
He died saving the life of a girl
he'd come to love, to whom the
crystal had led him.
RANMA
<blinks> *Love* is the greatest
power in the universe?
SHAMPOO
How you can doubt this, husband?
RANMA ignores her.
RANMA
That's so corny! <beat> So what's
going to happen --
RAYE
There is no way of knowing, beyond
saying that the more innocent the
wish, the more horribly it will be
corrupted.
At that moment, a hideous scream echoes across the landscape. RANMA
blanches.
RANMA
Gennosuke!
He dashes off, easily outpacing RAYE, who from her expression is running
full out. She trades exasperated looks with SHAMPOO.
SHAMPOO
Be careful what you wish for ...
Cut to a barren rock wall, just before GENNOSUKE is flung at it, making a
crunching noise as she hits. GENNOSUKE slumps to the ground, looking
upwards in fear and confusion.
GENNOSUKE
Mommy ... mommy, don't ...
Each of the following sentences is punctuated by a tiny "spatula shuriken"
being flung at GENNOSUKE's cowering form. Each misses by only a few
inches.
UKYOU (O.S.)
You know, you should stop calling me
that. <spat> After all, I'm *not*
your mother. <spat> And you're
definitely *not* my daughter. <spat>
*My* daughter would *never* be a
loathsome, bloodsucking monster like
you. <spat> So I think you'll
thank me, in a way, for relieving
you of the burden of your worthless
life.
We see the spatula in a woman's hand. In slow motion, we see it flung at
GENNOSUKE, slowly spinning towards her head. GENNOSUKE closes her eyes
... and a tiny rock, thrown from above, deflects the spat so that it only
slices open a small cut on her cheek. Our point of view angles upward,
and we can see RANMA looking down with a troubled expression. The view
rotates to his POV ... and we see UKYOU KUONJI. She is exactly the same
as she was in the Twentieth century, and staring up at RANMA with a joyous
expression.
UKYOU
<bubbly> RANCHAN! I knew it, I knew
you weren't dead! I knew that you
didn't die in that stupid tournament
on Earth, I knew it!
RANMA
U-- <beat> Ukyou.
UKYOU
I knew all along that you'd come
back to me and to your daughter --
GENNOSUKE (O.S.)
<whimper> Mommy ...
UKYOU's face becomes a hideous mask of hatred.
UKYOU
Shut up you little whatever-you-are!
She goes back to being cute and sweet.
UKYOU
-- and she's such a pretty baby!
You'll love her, I know ...
RANMA
Ukyou.
UKYOU
Yes, Ranchan? <beat> Why aren't
you calling me Ucchan?
RANMA
Ukyou ... that girl is our daughter.
UKYOU
<blinks> No she's not.
RANMA
Yes, she is.
UKYOU
<smiles> Ranchan, our daughter is
only a month or so old! And what
would any daughter of ours be doing
being a <savage> filthy depraved
vampire monster?!
RANMA
Ukyou, you have to understand ...
it's been nearly nine hundred years
since --
SHAMPOO (O.S.)
-- since you went to whatever hell
you belonged in.
UKYOU slowly turns to see SHAMPOO, a bonbori in each hand, standing a few
yards away. SHAMPOO's face is rigid. UKYOU's expression grows darker and
darker as the seconds pass.
UKYOU
You *told* him, didn't you?
SHAMPOO does not reply. UKYOU turns to look up at RANMA, appearing angry
and hurt.
UKYOU
She told you! Didn't she?!
RANMA
She ... she said some things, but --
UKYOU whirls to look back at SHAMPOO.
UKYOU
How dare you tell him?! I told you
that in confidence!
SHAMPOO
Confidence?
UKYOU
Of course! The only reason I told
you was that I was *confident* that
you'd never tell anyone else. After
all, who'd believe it coming from
*you*? <beat> Especially since you
wanted to do it as much as I did.
SHAMPOO's eyes narrow.
SHAMPOO
So you admit it.
UKYOU
To you? Of *course*.
SHAMPOO
Ranma can hear you, you know.
UKYOU
Oh, but I'm not talking to Ranchan
right now, am I?
SHAMPOO looks confused for a few moments by this statement ... then a look
of sudden, horrid understanding blossoms on her face, and she assumes a
combat stance.
SHAMPOO
Ranma, get your daughter out of here
right now!
UKYOU produces her huge battle spatula from nowhere, and holds it in a
ready stance. She pauses to smile up at RANMA.
UKYOU
Ranchan, maybe you should get out of
the way ... somebody definitely has
to teach this Amazon bimbo a lesson,
and it could get messy ... and
you've had enough of that sort of
thing, right? <beat> So *I'll* be
the one to hand this filthy Chinese
whore her head ...
UKYOU's expression grows steadily more malevolent during her final
statement, until she no longer looks quite *human* at the end. RANMA
stares at her in outright horror. She smiles again, and turns to face
SHAMPOO. The edge of her spatula ignites in a black flame. RANMA leaps
down to the floor, picks up GENNOSUKE, and leaps up again, just as UKYOU
charges towards SHAMPOO. We see SHAMPOO from UKYOU's point-of-view,
rapidly moving towards her. She is holding her bonbori vertically at
shoulder length distance.
SHAMPOO
[APOCALYPSE STRIKE OF THE HELL THAT
IS BEST LEFT UNDESCRIBED]!!!
She smashes the heads of the bonbori together.
As RANMA clears the mouth of the crevice, a *huge* burst of flame surges
up. RANMA slides down the rock facing, holding GENNOSUKE (who is
completely terrified) in his arms. He lands on a ledge a few seconds
later, and looks up to see that the flame is still burning.
RANMA
Damn ...
RAYE is standing against the wall, looking up with an annoyed expression.
RAYE
This could get very ugly.
RANMA turns at the sound of her voice, and GENNOSUKE sees her and lets out
a brief shriek of panic.
RAYE
<disgusted> Oh, cut that out.
GENNOSUKE
You're going to kill me!
RAYE
Don't be an idiot, girl, I'm --
GENNOSUKE
I'm a vampyre, Senshi, I know what
you do to my kind!
RAYE's expression grows troubled, and we close in on her eye.
MUSIC VIDEO FLASHBACK #2
We see several images as the third verse of Dire Strait's "Brothers in
Arms" play. We see a young man with blonde-brown hair and shiny green
eyes (AETHAN DEGALES) smiling at the camera.
SONG
Through these fields of destruction
We see a trenchcoated AETHAN being knocked down in an airport by Serena.
SONG
Baptisms of fire
We see AETHAN talking to Mina while seated on a porch swing, when suddenly
an ofuda is thrown at him, striking him between the eyebrows. He stands,
pulling the ofuda off to reveal a very angry expression, and mouths the
words "Do you *mind*?" at the camera.
SONG
I've witnessed all your suffering
We see AETHAN in very bad shape, bleeding from several wounds, slumped on
the ground, holding the limp, broken body of a young man dressed in
t-shirt and jeans -- and sobbing.
SONG
As the battle raged higher
We see AETHAN battling through hordes of stereotypical devils -- tiny red
men with horns and hooves -- with a blazing katana. His face is
expressionless, but there is a strange light in his eyes.
SONG
But though they did hurt me so bad,
In the fear and alarm,
A devil is clawing at the camera's POV, laughing maniacally.
SONG
You did not desert me,
My brother in arms
AETHAN's gloved hand reaches out, grabs the devil by the head, twists it
360 degrees, and tosses the body over his shoulder. His expression does
not change as he does so. He looks down at the camera's POV, and mouths
the words, "You owe me."
Cut to a shot of an enormous funeral pyre igniting spontaneously, with
AETHAN standing before it with head bowed. He lifts his head, and turns
to look at the camera.
AETHAN
Well? <beat> What are you waiting
for? <beat> I assure you that
you'll never get a better chance
than this. <beat> Don't bother
making excuses. I know that you
would be quite happy to see me dead.
<beat> And right now, girl, I would
welcome death.
There is a long pause, and then AETHAN turns to the camera full on, his
face furious, his fangs definitely in evidence.
AETHAN
"Why?" Woden, Thunor und Nerthus,
girl, *what do you care*? You've
hated me from the first moment we
met. I deserve it, I suppose, I am
one of the monsters you're supposed
to destroy. So destroy me, already!
<beat; utter fury> COME ON! DO IT!
*KILL ME AND BE DONE*, RAYE HINO!
Flames fill the image.
END MUSIC VIDEO FLASHBACK #2
RAYE shakes her head, and then looks at GENNOSUKE with a stern but sad
expression.
RAYE
No. We don't judge people for the
things that they *are*, only for the
things that they've *done*. <beat>
And nothing you've done so far calls
for the death penalty, girl. <beat>
Not even the utterly *stupid* act of
using the Dark Crystal!
GENNOSUKE flinches.
RAYE
Didn't you realize that it wouldn't
call your mother back? Just a demon
to wear her form?
RANMA
<startled> Hold it! That's not
really Ucchan?
RAYE
It is and it isn't. <beat> Amy's
*so* much better at this sort of
thing ... it's a demon that borrows
a bit of your Ukyou's spirit, and
uses that to shape its form based on
the memories and expectations --
both conscious and otherwise -- that
you had of her. In a sense, it acts
according to your conceptions of
what Ukyou was like.
RANMA blinks, and then looks at GENNOSUKE ... who does her best to avoid
meeting his gaze.
RANMA
But then ...
RAYE
What?
RANMA
<shakes head> Nothing. <beat> So
what do we do now?
RAYE
We wait. And we pray that Shampoo
lives up to her reputation.
RANMA
Shouldn't we --
RAYE
No. That's the other side of this
sort of demon. It ... reflects the
powers of whoever fights it. <beat>
No, reflect isn't the right word.
More like imitates. Once something
has been used against it --
RANMA
So it's got all Shampoo's techniques
now?
RAYE
All that she's used. But if you or
I were to go in there, its powers
would increase to include ours.
<beat> I think that would fit the
definition of "bad", right?
RANMA nods, but he's clearly not happy.
RANMA
I hate waiting.
RAYE
<intoned> Patience, grasshopper.
RANMA
<glares> You've been waiting nine
hundred years for an excuse to use
that line, haven't you?
RAYE nods smugly.
Cut to a shot of the Crystal Palace, just before dawn. Cut to a large
chamber inside the palace, with a couch and an entertainment system, along
with table and chairs. TENCHI, WASHUU, and TSUNAMI are seated on the
couch, while RYOUKO is hovering beside the door leading outwards. The
door opens, and everyone looks up to see AYEKA leading a fatigued looking
ENDYMION in to the room. TENCHI gets up to greet him.
ENDYMION
Your Imperial Majesty.
TENCHI
Your Highness. <beat> It's true,
then?
ENDYMION
<nods> She was abducted a few
minutes before midnight.
RYOUKO
How'd this happen?
ENDYMION
Apparently, the kidnapper
threatened to detonate a small
nuclear weapon if Serenity didn't
go --
RYOUKO
Wait a minute. How'd he even
even get *in* through the security
around this place?
ENDYMION
Ms. Fujiko is generally acknowledged
as the second greatest thief who's
ever lived.
RYOUKO
Huh. Well, that's different.
TENCHI
In any event, if there's any way
that we can be of assistance in
this matter --
ENDYMION
<nods> There is. Approximately
twenty-four hours ago, Lady Mars
was given the assignment of
pursuing a criminal to Mars.
TENCHI
I'm aware of that.
ENDYMION
There hasn't been any word from her
since her arrival, about eight hours
ago. <beat> In the event of the
Queen's incapacitation, control of
the Realm's forces descends to Lady
Jupiter -- who is, unfortunately, on
a temporary suspension -- and then
to Lady Mars.
AYEKA
Out of curiosity, Prince Endymion,
where are *you* in the chain of
command?
ENDYMION
<shakes head> I'm not. <beat> I
have absolutely no authority
whatsoever, Lady Ayeka. That's the
way I wanted it when we made plans
for our system.
AYEKA
Why?
ENDYMION
When Darien and Serena were younger,
he was always the one who arrived at
the last moment to give her victory.
<beat> It made him feel needed, but
it caused problems in their home
life ... because he didn't realize
that she *allowed* him to be her
savior of the last moment; that she
was quite capable of dispatching the
monsters without being told, "Now,
Sailor Moon!" <beat> Did you know
that they almost broke up, less than
a year after their marriage, because
of that? Fortunately ...
ENDYMION pauses, then smiles sadly, with remembered warmth.
ENDYMION
Fortunately, a couple, older and
*somewhat* wiser than they, helped
them back together. It took time
and counseling, but gradually he
came to accept that Serena loved him
even though she didn't *need* him.
<beat> In any event, when we began
to make plans for the division of
power in Crystal Tokyo, I made very
certain that I was given no special
office, so that my ego wouldn't
become fixated on the idea that
Serenity *needed* me to do this
task or that job. Because she
doesn't -- I am quite convinced that
the only reason she doesn't run the
whole show by herself is that she
wants to give her Senshi something
to do. As for myself, I have only
one duty -- love her. Just love
her. That's all.
There is a long silence in the room. TENCHI almost, but not quite, looks
over his shoulder at his wives.
TENCHI
I see. Yes, I can definitely see
your point.
ENDYMION
<wry smile> I thought you might.
<beat> In any event, I'm not in
the chain of command ... however,
with Mars gone, Jupiter on her
suspension, and Venus ... absent,
command over our forces descends
to Mercury, and she's never been
comfortable taking command of
anything. <beat> What I came to
ask was whether or not you would
be willing to use the starship
you brought here to travel to
Mars and assist Lady Mars in
returning home, swifter than we
can?
TENCHI winces.
TENCHI
Unfortunately, as a gesture of
good faith when the call for the
referendum came, we had the
Throneship power down and land in
Alaska. It'll take several hours
to get it space ready, and you
could have a regular ship on Mars
by then.
TSUNAMI and WASHUU exchange a look, as do AYEKA and RYOUKO. Neither
TENCHI nor ENDYMION notice.
TENCHI
I'm sorry, your Highness ... if we
had another ship, I would be glad to
personally --
TSUNAMI
Excuse me.
TENCHI turns to look at TSUNAMI, who is looking down and rotating her
index fingers around a central point.
TENCHI
Yes, Tsunami?
TSUNAMI
Ummmmm. There ... well ...
TENCHI
Tsunami?
TSUNAMI looks up, turns to look at WASHUU ... who is also looking down and
rotating her fingers.
WASHUU
We ... sort of ...
TSUNAMI
There *IS* another ship available.
TENCHI
<blinks> There is?
TSUNAMI
<nods> Us.
TENCHI
Tsunami, I appreciate the offer,
but aren't You currently holding
orbit near Pluto? It would --
TSUNAMI
No, We're not.
There is a long silence.
TENCHI
<very calm> Where are You?
TSUNAMI
We are currently maintaining
geosynchronous orbit over Hokkaido,
cloaked and generating a Minovski
field to prevent the rather large
fleet assembling over Crystal Tokyo
from detecting Us. There have been
several incidents of near collisions
between Us and Space Force vessels,
but they have as yet not discovered
Our presence.
TENCHI
<deep breath> *Why* are you orbiting
Earth?
TSUNAMI
We decided to ensure that you would
have a means of leaving the planet
swiftly in the event that the vote
turned against the Jurai-Earth
alliance, and hostility broke out.
TENCHI
*You* decided this by *Yourselves*?
TSUNAMI
No. <beat> It was suggested to Us.
TENCHI slowly turns to look at WASHUU, who is still rotating her fingers.
Her rotation slows down, and finally stops, just as she looks up with an
embarrassed expression.
WASHUU
Oops.
TENCHI
<rubbing head> Please explain ...
WASHUU
I knew that you'd do something like
make that good faith gesture, so I
decided to make sure that your
gesture didn't backfire on --
TENCHI
<snaps> Washuu, you DO understand
the concept of a "gesture of good
faith", right? I had the Throneship
grounded because it's the second
most powerful starship in known
space, and I didn't want the Terrans
to have to make their choice with it
hovering over their heads. And now,
I find out that *the* most powerful
starship has been ... <beat> How
could you *do* something so --
WASHUU
Stupid? <beat> I was blinded by
love. It's happened before, and it
will probably happen again. That's
life.
TENCHI stares at her for a few seconds, before he turns away, rubbing the
side of his head.
TENCHI
I cannot afford to get angry right
now, because if I get as angry as I
want to be over this, I won't be
able to think clearly, and I need to
be able to think clearly. <beat>
But when this is over ...
WASHUU sighs, and nods once.
TENCHI
Tsunami, are You ready to set course
for Mars?
TSUNAMI's eyes are distant.
TSUNAMI
There is a problem.
TENCHI
What's the matter?
TSUNAMI
We have just become aware that the
fleet is using gravitic distortion
sensors. If We change Our orbit,
they will certainly become aware of
Our presence.
TENCHI
In other words, you're stuck where
you are.
TSUNAMI
No, those are very good words --
TENCHI
*Great.* Please keep up your
cloak, and do whatever you can to
minimize the chances of discovery.
Prince Endymion, I apologize for
these developments, but I hope that
you will --
ENDYMION
I realize that your wives were only
acting to protect what they saw as
your best interests, Your Majesty.
You have my assurances that I won't
reveal a word of this, except to my
wife, if she asks.
TENCHI
Thank you. I'm sorry that you got
dragged into our little domestic
dispute when you came asking for
help, and that we couldn't give --
AYEKA
Wait, what about Ryo-oh-ki?
TENCHI slowly turns to look at her.
TENCHI
Ayeka, did you know about this too?
AYEKA lowers her head and begins to rotate her index fingers around a
central point.
TENCHI
<sigh> Is there some sign on my back
that says, "Don't tell me about it"?
<beat> Where is Ryo-oh-ki?
TSUNAMI
We had her wait for Us on the far
side of the Moon. Presumably, she's
still there, probably poking around
the craters.
TENCHI
All right. Ryouko, if you could go
up to Ryo-oh-ki and head over to
Mars --
RYOUKO
Yeah ... that'd work. It'll take a
few hours, plus however long it
takes to get authorization.
AYEKA touches her hairpiece.
AYEKA
Embassy, please file a flight plan
for a Moon-bound vessel. Size:
humanoid. Classification ... <beat>
occasionally non-belligerent.
RYOUKO gives AYEKA the hairy eyeball.
AYEKA
Full diplomatic authorizations, of
course. <pause, listens> Good.
<to RYOUKO> They want you to
avoid the fleet build up over
Crystal Tokyo, but you're cleared
for immediate departure.
RYOUKO
Right, thanks. <beat> Full
diplomatic authorization, huh?
<smiles wickedly>
AYEKA
<weary> Please *try* to avoid
embarrassing Jurai ...
RYOUKO is obviously ignoring her, as she walks over to stand before
TENCHI. She peers over his shoulder at WASHUU, who has a downcast
expression.
RYOUKO
Hey, "Mom"? Could you turn around
for a second?
WASHUU
<sigh> Daughter, I've told you that
I don't mind you expressing your
feelings for Tenchi several times.
RYOUKO
Great. I *do* mind you *watching*
me when I do. Turn around.
WASHUU rolls her eyes, and turns her back on them. RYOUKO slowly presses
her lips to TENCHI's, then pulls back, smiling gently.
RYOUKO
Just in case ...
She turns to walk out the door, and notices that AYEKA is staring at her
with mixed disapproval and envy on her face.
RYOUKO
You owe me that one, after a certain
... conversation. <beat> Or lack
thereof.
AYEKA blushes beet red for a moment. RYOUKO heads out the door, pausing
to wave as she exits. TENCHI stares at AYEKA for a moment, then smiles
suddenly.
Cut to Earth orbit. Several large spaceships are maintaining their
positions over a cluster of lights on the planet that resembles the
pentagram of Crystal Tokyo. In between the ships, Mobile Suits -- large,
humanoid mecha of various designs -- dart swiftly about, or hold positions
of their own. Our view closes on a single stationary Mobile Suit. It is
noteworthy not for its armament (a large rifle in its right hand and a
large shield mounted on its left arm) but for its exclusively gray color
and for a large red gem mounted in the center of the torso. (For those
curious and knowledgeable, aside from its coloration and accessory, this
mecha resembles the Mark II Gundam almost exactly). Inside the cockpit,
the pilot -- a young seeming female whose turquoise hair extends out of
her helmet -- is looking rather bored. Suddenly, one of the sensors in
the cockpit begins to beep, and the pilot looks up at her main screen ...
and her jaw drops, for it is showing RYOUKO, standing placidly in the void
of space, apparently examining the Mobile Suit. Finally, RYOUKO mouths
the word "cute", and zooms upwards off the screen.
NAGISA
<blinks> I didn't see that ...
Cut to Mars. RAYE and RANMA are still standing on the ledge with their
backs to the wall, listening to the sounds of the fight. GENNOSUKE is now
standing, although she still looks beaten up.
RANMA
It's been about an hour, hasn't it?
RAYE
About that long, maybe longer. <beat>
What's with the face, Saotome? You
almost look upset at the thought of
Shampoo fighting an opponent that
can match anything she can try.
RANMA
Hey! I don't like her, but I don't
wanna see her --
RAYE
Could've fooled me.
RANMA
<stung> Looks like I did. <beat> I
want her to live, and suffer.
RAYE reacts as though she's been slapped.
RAYE
<angry> Of *course* she's suffering,
she's in love with *you*.
RANMA
Oh yeah?
RAYE
Yeah! And every woman who's loved
you has suffered in one way or
another!
RANMA clenches a fist, and his battle aura starts to glow. RAYE's eyes
narrow. GENNOSUKE looks nervously at them.
RAYE
That's why we're all *here*, isn't
it?
GENNOSUKE
Uh ... father?
RANMA
Oh yeah? Well I've heard a few
things about your love life, too,
*Lady*!
RAYE
What --
RANMA
You think stories don't get told
about poor Lady Mars and her tragic
doomed love for her Queen?
RAYE
Don't you *dare* drag her into this.
GENNOSUKE
Excuse me ...
RANMA
Oh, I've heard 'em all. "Waah, I
love her but we've never done
anything --" <snort> "-- and now
I'm going to lose her forever."
But you never do, do ya? You talk
about losing your loves -- Lady,
as far as I'm concerned, you've
never known *any* real loss.
RAYE
You *bastard*.
GENNOSUKE
Hey!
RANMA & RAYE (sim)
<furious> WHAT?!
GENNOSUKE
Listen to the fight.
They pause, and realize that there is no noise coming from the fight.
There is a brief role of thunder. RAYE scrambles up the wall, followed a
second later. GENNOSUKE watches them go ... and starts to inch away.
RAYE and RANMA peer over the edge, and see that UKYOU -- who is now
radiating Dark Power -- is holding SHAMPOO a foot off the ground, with her
left hand tightly grasping her throat, while ramming the handle of her
battle spatula into her lower chest, causing her to jerk in pain. RANMA
looks like he's about to call out, but RAYE violently gestures for him to
keep quiet. UKYOU laughs shortly, and tosses SHAMPOO aside. SHAMPOO
starts to pull herself to her feet, coughing up blood.
UKYOU
You really are too dumb to quit,
aren't you, bitch?
SHAMPOO is on her feet, but unsteady.
SHAMPOO
When I'm fighting ... for something
as important as this ... I guess I
am ...
UKYOU
As important as *what*? Even if you
defeat me, it won't prove anything.
Ranchan will still hate you like
poison. You're *never* going to win
his heart.
SHAMPOO
I know ...
UKYOU
Then you really are an idiot to keep
fighting like this. Just lie down
and die, like a good little moron.
SHAMPOO
So a monster like you can go on?
Never.
UKYOU
<snorts> So now, after plotting and
scheming and the occasional indirect
murder, you hope to redeem your soul
by battling demons?
In a flash, she is standing in front of SHAMPOO, and with a swing of her
spat, knocks her face first into the crevice wall.
UKYOU
It makes no difference. Your soul
is black like the night, and you're
going straight to Hell when you
die. THERE IS NO HOPE.
SHAMPOO is still against the wall for a long moment.
SHAMPOO
<muffled> No hope?
UKYOU
None.
SHAMPOO slowly pushes herself out of the small impression that she's made
in the crevice wall, and stands very still, her head bowed, and her back
to our view. Slowly she lifts her head.
SHAMPOO
Then there's no point in holding
back, is there?
UKYOU is startled, but before she can react, SHAMPOO spins around. Her
eyes have become catslits, and she opens her mouth to reveal several
broken teeth -- and to let out a low, cat-like growl. Holding her hands
over her face, her fingernails grow over an inch in length, becoming long
claws. Her face a picture of savagery, she leaps towards UKYOU, roaring
like a lioness. We cut to the horrified faces of RANMA and RAYE as the
sounds of violence begin again -- including the sound of tearing flesh.
RANMA
The Neko-Ken?!
RAYE
This is bad.
RANMA
Where the hell did she learn the
Cat-Fist?
RAYE
Saotome, now is not the time. This
is *very* bad.
RANMA
What's so bad about it? She's
killing the demon, right?
RAYE
Gods, it's a miracle you survived a
century. When she destroys the
demon's physical form, its essence
will naturally seek a new vessel.
And demons --
RANMA
-- have a preference for vessels
which already aren't in control of
themselves. <beat> Like she's not.
<beat> This is bad. What do we do?
RAYE
There's not a hell of a lot that we
*can* do, unless you'd care to try
and coax her out of the Cat-Fist,
which will allow the demon to
regenerate and kill us all.
RANMA
Which it's going to do anyway if it
takes hold of Shampoo in Cat Fist
mode. The only thing that would
stop it would be *me* in that state,
and I still can't turn that on and
off at will ...
RAYE closes her eyes, and concentrates for a second.
RAYE
There might be one way.
RANMA
What is it?
RAYE
In the first few seconds of the
demonic possession, its binding is
usually fairly loose. If I could
do a sufficiently powerful exorcism
on it --
RANMA
It'd go back where it came from?
RAYE opens her eyes, and they're troubled.
RAYE
Maybe even destroy it utterly.
<beat> There's just one problem. By
myself, I don't have enough power to
do the job.
RANMA
Then why the hell'd you bring it --
RAYE
Emphasis on "by myself", Saotome.
<beat> I'd need one of the other
Senshi ... or someone of comparable
power. <beat> I'd need your fire.
RANMA stares at her silently for a moment.
RANMA
You'll need to do a link?
RAYE
Yes. <beat> A deep link. We would
... know each other as well as we
know ourselves.
RANMA
<nods> Right. Do it.
He closes his eyes. RAYE stares at him with her misgivings written all
over her face, then slowly reaches out to press her finger tips to his
forehead.
Cut to black.
RANMA floats in the blackness. Suddenly, a speck of light appears in the
distance, and rapidly expands to fill everything with the image of the
Temple that RAYE grew up in. RANMA is suddenly in black and white,
contrasting with the vivid colours of the image. He hears voices, but
can't make out what they're saying. He turns to see a tall man in a
three-piece suit and black sunglasses speaking to a much smaller, wrinkled
man in the robes of a Shinto priest (RAYE'S GRANDFATHER). Finally, the
tall man nods, and turns to walk away. Suddenly, there is the sound of
slapping sandals, as a much younger RAYE (perhaps five or six) comes
running up, her mouth forming the word "Daddy" over and over again.
RAYE'S GRANDFATHER catches her, and holds her back, but she keeps calling
for her Daddy ... who never looks back as he walks out of her life.
RAYE floats in the blackness. Suddenly, a speck of light appears in the
distance, and rapidly expands to fill everything with the image of a bit
of Japanese countryside. RAYE is suddenly in black and white, contrasting
with the vivid colours of the image. She hears something, and turns to
look at a rather large man (GENMA) running and pulling a cart, on top of
which a much younger RANMA (six years old) is sitting and waving at a much
younger UKYOU (ditto), who is running some distance behind them, waving
her arms and shouting. Quite suddenly, RAYE is seated beside young RANMA,
and sees, in his eye, a small tear start to trickle down. He quickly
wipes it away, and looks angry at himself for losing even that much
self-control.
The area around RANMA blurs, and he sees RAYE (now fourteen), sweeping the
grounds of the temple. Quite suddenly, another girl (SERENA) comes
running up to her and starts babbling. RAYE is startled by this. Then
SERENA says something that rubs RAYE the wrong way, and she starts
shouting at her. A strange, rapid thumping noise can be heard, but RANMA
can't seem to identify the source. SERENA starts to back away, but then
she says something that comes through loud and clear.
SERENA
I want to be your friend.
She then heads away, followed by a black cat which casts a look back at
RAYE. RAYE stares, confused, and then notices something on the ground ...
a pen. As she picks it up, the thumping noise slows down.
The area around RAYE blurs, depositing her in a room in the Tendou home,
and she sees RANMA, in her female form, seated beside the prone form of
TENDOU SOUUN, in between NABIKI and AKANE -- and RAYE reacts oddly to the
sight of AKANE with long hair, touching her own hair. KASUMI kneeling at
her father's head, says something that can't be made out. NABIKI reacts
to this, yelling at her father. Her father's response provokes her to
start prodding at RANMA's breasts -- which causes RANMA's face to flush
in embarrassment and humiliation. RANMA turns to look at AKANE in
response to something that she said, and sees that she's smiling at her.
AKANE
I'm Akane. Want to be friends?
RANMA smiles, hesitantly, and there's a faint look of panic in her eyes.
The area around RANMA twists, and he finds himself in a ruined city
district, and he can hear the sounds of battle all around him. RANMA
looks up, just as the body of a young woman with short-cropped blonde hair
in a blue and yellow sailor fuku comes flying through his insubstantial
form. RANMA turns to look at her with a horrified expression, and sees
that she is quite definitely dead -- her upper chest is basically gone.
RANMA looks away, and sees, in the distance, Sailor Moon with a trident
sticking in her stomach. Sailor Mars is crawling towards her ... but Moon
expires before she can touch her hand. For a moment, everything is
still. Then Sailor Moon's body begins to swell, expanding as though some
gas were filling it -- and then it explodes, leaving only tattered rags of
flesh behind, as SERENITY is unleashed. Mars and RANMA stare at this with
mixed horror and wonder.
The area around RAYE twists, and she finds herself in what looks like a
deserted airport terminal. RANMA walks irritatedly towards a row of
phones, picks one up, and talks into it. He stares at it for a moment
with a confused expression, and then his face goes white with sudden
panic. He turns to look out the large picture window at a spaceplane on
the other side ... just as it explodes in a huge fireball that shatters
the window and roars towards him. As the blast front reaches him,
knocking him back, there is only time for him to say one word.
RANMA
Akane --
Then he is knocked through a wall, and fire encompasses everything. RAYE
floats in the fire, with a horrified expression.
The area around RANMA twists, and he watches as Mars, still wearing her
tattered fuku, stumbles into her home, looks up, and sees that a large
crystal in the center of the living room has shattered. She sighs with
relief ... and then she sees the tattered rags of flesh across the
crystal's wreckage, and turns to see ENDYMION standing near the window.
He turns to look at her with a smile on his face. Mars' eyes roll up into
her skull, and she faints.
The area around RAYE twists, and she finds herself watching RANMA erect
the stone structure that will serve as UKYOU's tomb, and realizes that
he's crying.
Dozens of other moments of loss and pain for both of them flash across the
screen ... but mixed in with them are a small handful of moments of joy
and perfect beauty. Finally, the two of them stand before each other, all
illusion stripped, and reach towards one another, slowly merging into a
single being.
RAYE's eyes jerk open, as do RANMA's. Silently, without an expression on
her face, RAYE produces an ofuda, which she holds before her face,
charging it with her fire, making it stand upright. Equally
expressionless, RANMA reaches out to grasp the top of the ofuda,
transferring his battle aura to it ... making the flames burn even more
intensely. RAYE nods, rises, and looks down on the chasm. SHAMPOO is
standing over the remains of UKYOU, and clearly fighting an inner
struggle, which can be seen on her face. She looks up, and sees RAYE
standing there, holding the blazing ofuda, and lets out a hideous, demonic
howl.
RAYE
AKURYOU! TAISAN!
She throws the ofuda at her. It slams into her forehead, and explodes in
flames, knocking SHAMPOO back, but holding *something* -- some twisted,
horned creature -- in its place. The creature writhes, shrieks, and
ultimately disintegrates ... and the human remains do so as well. RAYE
closes her eyes, and lets out a sigh of relief.
UKYOU (O.S.)
Excuse me, what's going on here?
RAYE opens her eyes in disbelief, and stares down at the chasm floor.
UKYOU, dressed in bleached white versions of her usual outfit, is standing
where the creature was standing, looking around confusedly.
SHAMPOO (O.S.)
<hoarse> Your basic battle against
the forces of darkness -- namely
you.
UKYOU turns in the direction of SHAMPOO's voice, and lets out a startled
gasp.
UKYOU
Shampoo? Damn, what happened to
you?
SHAMPOO slowly pulls herself to her feet ... and we see that her left arm
seems to be broken, that she's bleeding from wounds all over her body ...
and that her face is covered with wrinkles, and her hair has gone white.
She looks like a woman in her mid-seventies.
SHAMPOO
Fortunes of war. <beat> Go back to
whatever hell you came from, Kuonji
Ukyou.
UKYOU
What?! What would I be doing in
hell? <beat> The last thing I
remember is fighting Cologne --
SHAMPOO
What would you be doing in hell?
Isn't that where murderers go?
UKYOU
I guess. But ... who'd I kill?
SHAMPOO
<beat> You had Akane killed! You
admitted it --
UKYOU
Oh, that. <shrug> I lied.
There is a long silence.
SHAMPOO
You what?
UKYOU
I realized that you were upset that
you thought I'd gotten to her before
you could, so I decided to mess with
your mind. It was pretty easy,
actually.
SHAMPOO
But -- but -- you went after Cologne
when you found out that she --
UKYOU
Was that what that was about? Damn,
I thought she'd found out that I'd
joined Free Mars.
SHAMPOO's face is wide with horror.
SHAMPOO
Then -- you -- didn't --
UKYOU
Of course not. I thought *you* did,
until you came in accusing me.
<beat> I guess we'll never know ...
oh, well, no great loss, anyway.
<beat> Wait a minute, what *did*
happen at the end of my fight with
Cologne? I can't --
Above, RAYE, who looks almost ill, turns to look at RANMA, who is sitting
and looking away from this spectacle.
RAYE
Saotome. She doesn't realize that
she's dead. <beat> You're going to
have to tell her.
RANMA
You do it.
RAYE
It has to be someone she'll believe.
RANMA slowly gets up, and turns to look down at UKYOU, who is talking to
herself, trying to remember what happened.
RANMA
Ukyou.
UKYOU looks up startled, and a huge grin blossoms on her face.
UKYOU
<bubbly> RANCHAN! I knew it, I knew
you weren't dead! I knew that you
didn't die in that stupid tournament
on Earth, I knew it!
RANMA
U-- <beat> Ukyou.
UKYOU
I knew all along that you'd come
back to me and to your daughter --
RANMA
Ucchan. <beat> Goodbye.
UKYOU
Goodbye? W-where are you going?
RANMA
Nowhere. But you're dead, Ucchan.
UKYOU
I'm dead?
RANMA nods. UKYOU experimentally passes one of her hands through her arm.
UKYOU
Damn.
UKYOU's ghost-body disintegrates instantly. SHAMPOO slowly slumps to the
ground with a devastated expression. RAYE closes her eyes.
RAYE
It's over.
Cut to the base of the stone monument. SHAMPOO is seated on a rock with
her head in her hands and a blanket from the car wrapped around her. RANMA
and RAYE meet a few yards behind her, coming from opposite directions.
RAYE
I've searched everywhere. Your
daughter got clean away.
RANMA
I checked the tomb ... and Ukyou's
actual grave hasn't been entered.
<beat> So that body was a creation
of the Dark Crystal --
RAYE
Wherever it is. <beat> Dammit.
If something went right on this
mission, now, I'd be so thrilled I
might just keel over.
RAYE casts a look in SHAMPOO's direction.
RAYE
I'm going to go get the car started.
With the disruption of the crystal
gone, it should work. <beat> Do me
a favor and talk with her, Saotome.
RAYE walks away. RANMA turns to look at SHAMPOO, and slowly walks towards
her, approaching her from the rear. SHAMPOO doesn't look up.
SHAMPOO
If you're going to kill me do it
quickly. I deserve that much.
RANMA just looks at her. SHAMPOO lifts her head, resting her chin on her
knuckles and staring off towards the horizon.
SHAMPOO
She was right. <beat> Even after
all that I'd realized, I was still
jealous of Akane. And it's quite
possible that if I'd been given a
chance to eliminate her so that no
one would know about it ... I'd have
taken it. <beat> Even though I'd
already given up on ever winning
your heart.
RANMA
What?
SHAMPOO
It's true. When I learned that you
had no intention of ever allowing
yourself to be cured of your curse,
I immediately stopped thinking of
you like that. <beat> At most, I
wanted your friendship ...
RANMA
Whoa. Whoa whoa whoa. What does my
curse have to do with anything?
SHAMPOO turns to RANMA, and smiles a very sweet, sad smile.
SHAMPOO
Picture it. Joketsuzoku, 1991. A
young woman warrior seeks to prove
herself in her tribe's annual martial
arts competition, two years before
she is supposed to be allowed in.
Because of her family's prominence
-- and despite the fact that her
father is an outsider -- the Elders
permit it. <beat> Her training and
natural talent carry her to victory
in every battle that she fights --
with one major exception. The last
fight, in which she is tired from
her exertions, against a red-haired
warrior who has been adopted into
the tribe under the name of Du Sho.
Du Sho has been the village champion
for three years running. The young
girl loses to the champion. It is
sad, but even to have competed
against such a one is an honour.
<beat> However, the victor of the
final match is permitted to ask a
boon of the family of the woman she
has defeated. <beat> And Du Sho,
who is a woman of ... unusual
desires, wishes only one thing of
the vanquished warrior's family --
the young woman herself. <beat> As
a student, Du Sho says. <beat> To
preserve the family honor, the young
woman's grandmother acquiesces.
RANMA
Shampoo ...
SHAMPOO
Please do not interrupt. <beat>
Every day, for a year, Du Sho trains
the young woman in the arts. She
learns much. <beat> And every
night, for a year, Du Sho trains the
young woman in ... other things.
Horrible things. Every night, when
it is done, Du Sho whispers in her
"pupil's" ear, "No man shall ever
love you." <beat> Perhaps Du Sho
means that no man shall ever love
her as much as Du Sho does, and
perhaps Du Sho believes that what
she feels for her pupil is love.
Perhaps. <beat> And then the year
has passed, and the time for the
martial arts competition comes
again. Once more, the young woman
petitions to be allowed to compete,
and once again her petition is
accepted, and once again, she
overcomes all those who fight her.
<beat> And once again, she faces
Du Sho on the log. And as she meets
her teacher in the first exchange of
blows, Du Sho whispers in the ear of
her pupil, "Another year, my sweet?"
SHAMPOO is silent. RANMA is staring at her in horror.
SHAMPOO
The next thing that the young woman
remembers is looking at Du Sho's
body as it is taken away for burial.
<beat> It is a disgrace, of course.
The competition is meant to hone the
skills of the Joketsuzoku, not to
eliminate one who is one of their
finest fighters ... no matter how
unusual her tastes. The young woman
warriors "victory" is ruled invalid,
and the championship is given to the
fighter that she bested just before
the fatal match. <beat> It is a
disgrace, but it attracts the notice
of the young woman's great-grand-
mother ... who takes her under her
wing, so that next year, she can win
the championship. <beat> Unhappily
for all, however ... but I think you
know the rest of the story, because
it is your own, as well.
RANMA
I ... I didn't know.
SHAMPOO
Would you have believed me if I told
you, under any other circumstances,
Ranma? <beat> Would you have even
cared?
RANMA
Yes! My god, *nobody* deserves to
have that happen to them!
SHAMPOO
Would it have made a difference?
SHAMPOO slowly pulls herself to her feet, her joints creaking as she does
so. RANMA moves as if to aid her, but she wards him off.
SHAMPOO
When I can no longer stand by myself
will be my time to fall. <beat> And
I tell you the story now ... because
I want you to understand me, before
the end comes.
RANMA
"The end"? What're you talking
about? You're gonna be okay --
SHAMPOO
I have lost my sense of the Tao,
Saotome Ranma. Soon, the old age
which has been denied shall come on
me with a vengeance. In a few days,
I shall be as my great-grandmother
was. And then an old friend will
come calling.
RANMA
<trying to joke> Mousse?
SHAMPOO
No. <beat> All this is because I
have learned that I have harbored
for centuries a lie at my heart.
<beat> Which leads me to my last
request of you, Saotome Ranma. I
do not wish for you to suffer this
fate. So I ask you this: What, in
the fullness of time, has Hibiki
Ryouga truly done to you?
Cut to RAYE driving the car up to the monument. She sees RANMA standing
alone beside the rock. She stares for a moment, then steps out of the
car.
RAYE
Where is she?
RANMA
She's gone. She said to tell you
that she's resigning her commission,
effective immediately.
RAYE
I see. Well. It's going to be hard
to return this car without the one
who rented it with us, isn't it?
RANMA
Raye --
RAYE
No! You don't get to call me that!
<beat> Stay the hell away from me,
Saotome. Don't talk to me, don't
look at me, and don't even think
that you ...
RAYE trails off as she notices a large shadow growing around them. Both
she and RANMA look up to see Ryo-oh-ki descending from the sky. RYOUKO
teleports a few feet above them.
RYOUKO
Hello, you two. How's tricks?
RAYE
Ryouko? What are *you* doing here?
RYOUKO
Tenchi and Endymion asked me nicely
to come and pick you up from your
mission if you were done. So here
I am.
RAYE
<sigh> Why'd they do that?
RYOUKO
Little matter of your queen being
kidnapped.
RAYE stares up at RYOUKO with a shocked and horrified expression.
RAYE
That's not fucking *funny*, Demon.
RYOUKO
<shrugs> Fine, don't believe me.
RAYE
You're *serious*?!
RYOUKO
Yep.
RAYE
HOW DID -- <beat> No. Just get me
to Earth as fast as you can.
RYOUKO and RAYE exchange an EXTREMELY unfriendly glare.
RYOUKO
All right ...
She lands, and holds out her hands for RAYE and RANMA to take. A few
seconds pass.
RYOUKO
Come on, I can't teleport you two
without some sort of contact.
RAYE reluctantly takes RYOUKO's left hand, while RANMA (who seems even
more reluctant) takes her right hand. RYOUKO fixes him with a strange
glare.
RYOUKO
<heavy scorn> You still haven't
gotten over that yet?
RANMA
Never mind my problems ...
RYOUKO shakes her head, and teleports.
Cut to the control center of Ryo-oh-ki, as RYOUKO, RANMA, and RAYE
materialize. Ryo-oh-ki lets out a friendly "Myah!" which instantly sets
RANMA on edge. RYOUKO sits down in her chair, and braces herself.
RYOUKO
Okay, I think I may have tripped a
few Martian defense systems in my
way in, so we don't have time to
be gentle getting out. Ryo-oh-ki,
anything coming our way?
One of the floating crystals (which is inconveniently located right over
RANMA's shoulder) develops into a crystal version of RYO-OH-KI's "cabbit"
face.
RYO-OH-KI
<negative> Myah.
This spooks RANMA.
RYOUKO
So far, so good. Anyway, both of
you should get down, 'cause I'm not
gonna spare the thrusters getting
us out of here.
RANMA immediately drops to the floor, and spreads out as much as
possible. RAYE does so as well, but less promptly.
RYOUKO
Okay, let's take her up ...
RYO-OH-KI
<panicked> Myah!
RYOUKO jerks her head up to look at one of the screens, a radar display
which shows several "bogies" approaching Ryo-oh-ki's position.
RYOUKO
SHIT! Ryo-oh-ki, PUNCH IT!
>From the outside, we see Ryo-oh-ki go from a full stop to about Mach 10 in
the blink of an eye, easily evading the interceptor aircraft that have
been sent after her. We see SHAMPOO looking up at the retreating space
craft from atop a hill.
SHAMPOO
<whispered> Bie liao, ai ren.
Inside Ryo-oh-ki, inertial dampers take care of much of the stress of
acceleration, but everyone is pressed flat against the floor, even the
floating crystals and RYOUKO's chair. Finally, after a few seconds of
this, the thrusters level off, just as Ryo-oh-ki arrives in Martian
orbit. RAYE picks herself up off the floor.
RAYE
Ryouko, how soon can we get there?
RYOUKO
All things being equal, two hours.
RAYE
Can you make it any faster?
RYOUKO
Not without alerting every listener
from the Solar Confederation on
Mercury to the Brethren of Saint
Teilhard on Pluto that there's a
transwarp-capable ship insystem, and
that the Jurains are up to something
they probably shouldn't be, no.
RAYE
A yes or a no *would* have satisfied
me, you know.
RYOUKO
Well, you rarely get satisfaction,
do you?
RAYE looks like she's about to spontaneously combust. RYOUKO is amused.
RYOUKO
Boy, no wonder you and Ayeka get
along so well ... you react *just*
the same ...
RAYE smiles wintrily.
RAYE
Strange, I hear that you and Ayeka
get along *much* better than she
and I do ...
RYOUKO glares at her.
RANMA
'Scuse me.
RYOUKO and RAYE turn to look at him. He is still lying on the floor, and
RYO-OH-KI is buzzing around his head inquisitively.
RANMA
Could you get this thing to leave
me alone?
Cut to the Temple of Serenity, which resembles the Parthenon of Greece --
it is a large white building on a hill with lots of columns. Currently
it is surrounded on all sides by several dozen Patrol Labors, a few tanks,
and an extensive fleet of hovercars. Nearby is a huge tank-like mecha.
There is an air of barely held-in panic.
Cut to a corridor inside the temple. KEI and YURI walk briskly down the
corridor.
YURI
What'd they say that this place was
again?
KEI
Some temple of some weird religion.
They cleared it out last night, just
before they made the snatch.
YURI
So are we gonna go through with this
thing?
KEI
I dunno, Yuri, I really ... let's go
along with it until we get a clearer
idea of what's *really* going on
here.
YURI
And then?
KEI
We punt.
They arrive at a door, and open it. Inside is FUJIKO, still holding onto
her thermal detonator and standing beside SERENITY, who is seated in a
chair, her hands in her lap. The room is otherwise undecorated.
FUJIKO
Well it's about time. Where's the
Chief?
YURI
You mean Mr. --
FUJIKO
No names.
KEI
I dunno, it was Sm-- uh, his aide
who had us transported over here.
<beat> Lot of spectators, aren't
there?
FUJIKO
Dammit, I want to get this thing
disarmed ...
YURI starts towards her.
YURI
I know a bit about explosives, let
me --
FUJIKO steps back quickly.
FUJIKO
No, thanks all the same, but I'd
really rather not be -- uh, I mean,
only the Chief can disarm it, it's
based on his fingerprints.
YURI isn't fooled for an instant, and her expression shows it.
YURI
Ah. That would make it difficult
to disarm, wouldn't it.
KEI is staring at SERENITY, who turns to gaze back at her unblinkingly.
KEI
So you're Queen Serenity, huh?
SERENITY bows her head in acknowledgment.
KEI
I'm Kei, she's Yuri. We're 3WA
Trouble Consultant Team --
SERENITY
The Lovely Angels. <beat> We are
aware of your reputation, although
we believed that you had lost your
lives some centuries ago.
KEI
Well, rumors of our deaths were
greatly exaggerated. <beat> Anyway,
we're going to escort you to your
trial.
SERENITY
Our trial?
KEI
Yeah, your trial.
SERENITY
For crimes against humanity?
KEI
Uh ...
SERENITY
And where will this alleged trial
transpire?
KEI
Well ...
FUJIKO
Hey! You don't need to know any of
that! <to KEI> And you shouldn't
talk to the prisoner!
KEI
Hey, I know my job, okay?
FUJIKO snorts and rolls her eyes. KEI and YURI glower at her, and then
stop quickly as they realize that SERENITY is watching everything that
they do with a patient expression.
SERENITY
Well, in any event, we are glad that
our captors are concerned with true
justice, and that they have provided
us with such very capable bodyguards
as yourselves. <smiles>
KEI and YURI stare at SERENITY for a moment.
KEI
Yuri, may I have a word with you
outside?
YURI
Sure.
They file out of the room, under FUJIKO's suspicious look. Outside, KEI
turns to look at YURI. They both speak in a rushed tone of voice.
KEI
She's not scared of us.
YURI
Maybe she doesn't know who we are,
really.
KEI
She knows. She knows and it doesn't
faze her.
YURI
Okay ... so she's nuts. I mean,
that royal we thing that she's got
going, can you *get* any more
megalomaniac than that?
KEI
She doesn't sound like a nutcase
megalomaniac and you know it.
YURI
Okay, what does she sound like?
KEI
I don't know what she sounds like,
but she sounds nothing like any of
the power freaks that we've ever
run up against.
YURI
Then what is she?
CHIEF (O.S.)
Convinced of the rightness of her
position, of course, as are all
dictators of the human spirit.
KEI and YURI turn to see the CHIEF approaching, wearing white robes and a
headband with a moon insignia. For a moment, they are baffled by his
apparel ... and then they start giggling. The CHIEF is unamused.
YURI
What (hee hee!) is with *that* (ho
ho ho!) get up, Deacon?
CHIEF
As part of our seizure of the temple
earlier this morning, I was forced
to take on the guise of one of the
priests, and I have not had the
opportunity to change yet.
KEI
<amused> Whatever ... anyway, you'd
better defuse that circuit on the
thermal detonator that --
CHIEF
What circuit?
KEI and YURI exchange a disgusted, *weary* glance.
CHIEF
What are you talking about?
KEI
It's not important ... anyway, when
do we smuggle Serenity out of here
to the moon shuttle, or whatever
you've got worked out to fly her to
the moon?
CHIEF
<smiles> We don't.
Cut to the huge tank-like mecha -- the Mobile Armored Command Center --
which has a set of stairs leading up to a door in the side (about where
the second floor would be on a building). SHEILA's car arrives some
distance from the MACC, and she and PRISS step out and head for the
stairs. Midway up, PRISS turns to look around at the assembled labors,
and sees something off to one side that gives her pause.
PRISS
Huh ... hey!
SHEILA looks down.
SHEILA
What?
PRISS gestures towards something offscreen.
PRISS
What's that?
SHEILA looks where PRISS gesture. We see a small, unremarkable looking
building not too far from the temple, with a sign out in front advertising
the "Museum of the Knight Sabres".
SHEILA
Nobody told you about that? I
thought Raye might have ... it's
really just a tourist trap. <beat>
I haven't been there in a while ...
they've got a few displays about
your more famous cases, like the
boomer uprising that led to an
attack on the MegaTokyo fusion plant
in --
PRISS
The WHAT?
SHEILA
<smile> Maybe we should have kept on
reading the journal instead of ...
um ...
PRISS gives SHEILA a suffering look. SHEILA chuckles, and starts heading
up the ladder again. PRISS shakes her head in mixed annoyance and
amusement, and heads after her.
Cut to the bridge of the MACC. It is set up as a circle, with various
crew stations around the circumference -- weapons control and steering
face forward towards a large monitor screen -- and a large command chair
in the center. All stations are currently occupied by various uniformed
men and women, but the command chair is unoccupied. MERCURY (in fuku) and
JUPITER (in street clothes) are considering the command chair.
MERCURY
Let's review the situation again.
JUPITER
<sigh> Sure.
MERCURY
On the one hand, I am temperamentally
unsuited for command. I lack many
of the aggressive personality traits
that you, Raye, and Mina possess --
or at the least, they are not as
obvious in my decision making
process as they would be in yours.
JUPITER
Okay, granted.
MERCURY
I would prefer to completely analyze
a situation, working up to the last
possible moment to achieve an
optimal strategy.
JUPITER
Like now.
MERCURY
<nod> And this is a liability in a
crisis situation, just as much as an
overly aggressive personality would
be.
JUPITER
I agree completely.
MERCURY
On the other hand, I am the only
Sailor Soldier present, as you are
still suspended from active duty.
Therefore, I have the obligation to
take command, even though I believe
that my command will be disastrous.
JUPITER
Disagree on several points. <beat>
Look, here's what you should do.
Take command just long enough to
bring me back to active status, and
then step down. This is a totally
unprecedented situation, Amy! None
of us have ever been on suspension
during a crisis! I don't think the
normal rules should apply!
MERCURY
Lita, I'm unwilling to ignore her
orders when I agree with them. And
I have noticed a certain degree of
erratic behavior ... but doubtless
you think the same of me.
JUPITER is clutching her hair. The next shot is taken up by a two-shot of
MERCURY and JUPITER's heads and shoulders, not showing the command chair.
JUPITER
No, Amy, I don't. <beat> Look, we
don't have time to dance around this
-- either take command --
VENUS (O.S.)
Hello?
JUPITER
-- find some loophole in your ethics
to justify turning it over to me --
VENUS (O.S.)
What a nice chair!
JUPITER
-- or -- or ...
JUPITER and MERCURY slowly turn to look at LADY VENUS, who is wearing
casual clothes in her colors -- orange, yellow and blue -- and examining
all the neat features of the command chair, like being able to put one's
legs up.
VENUS
Cooool. Hi there!
MERCURY
Mina. <beat> Mina, when did you
get here?
VENUS
Oh, about an hour or so ago ... one
of my buddies in the Service got in
touch with me. At first I was
*really* cheesed off at having my
vacation interrupted, but I figured
I should come out here and give you
the benefit of my expertise in
handling hostage situations. You
know what they say -- those who can,
do unto others as they'd have done
unto them, while those who can't,
teach to educate themselves.
VENUS abruptly causes the chair to begin a slow 360. When she's out of
sight, MERCURY and JUPITER exchange a look of raw panic, which they hide
as she comes back into sight, smiling still.
VENUS
That was fun, but can it get faster?
MERCURY
Ah ... no, I don't think so. <beat>
Mina, do you want to be in command
of this operation?
VENUS
YIKES! No way! <beat> But you
don't want to be either, Amy ... and
you're on suspension right now, Lita
(I'm sorry to hear that, by the by)
and since Raye is on Mars, and
Serenity is the person who's been
kidnapped, I'm the only one who's
qualified. <beat> Well, we could
ask Pluto, but does anyone know when
she is?
Suddenly inspired, VENUS stands up.
VENUS
<loud> Can I please have your
attention?
Everyone on the bridge turns to look at VENUS.
VENUS
I have an important question for all
of you. Does anyone present know
when Sailor Pluto is?
Heads are shaken, hands are spread, and there is a general consensus that
the answer is no.
VENUS
<glum> Daaaamn. She's never around
when you think you need her, only
when she thinks you need her. And
the worst part is, she's usually
right. <to JUPITER> Isn't that
annoying of her?
JUPITER nods rapidly, clearly not trusting herself to speak. VENUS slumps
into the chair.
VENUS
<glum> Well, I don't want the job,
but I'll take it since Amy doesn't
want it either. <all business> Our
first priority should be to open
communications with the kidnappers,
find out what they want, and delay
long enough to be able to move our
people into position to extract
Serenity without endangering her.
<pleading> Could somebody send out
for some doughnuts?
The door to the bridge slides open to admit SHEILA and PRISS. JUPITER
immediately tenses up and scowls. VENUS, facing away from the door,
blinks at this.
VENUS
Would you prefer bagels?
SHEILA
<surprised> Mina!
VENUS whirls around, a big grin on her face.
VENUS
Sheila-chan!
SHEILA
When did you --
VENUS
No, we've done that one already.
Ask me if I brought you anything.
SHEILA
<beat> Did you bring me anything,
Aunt Mina?
VENUS' grin gets naughty.
VENUS
Oh, yeah, I think you and a special
someone will get a lot of use out of
the --
JUPITER
<snap> Mina!
VENUS looks back at JUPITER with a cross expression, then turns back to
SHEILA.
VENUS
On second thought, I'll tell you
about it when there are fewer
puritans about. <beat> Who's your
friend?
All eyes focus on PRISS, who has been observing this conversation silently
with a confused expression.
SHEILA
Um, this is Priscilla S. Asagiri, of
the Knight Sabres. Priss, this is
Lady Venus.
PRISS
<waves> Yo.
VENUS
A-sa-gi-ri. <beat> Did you sing at
one point?
PRISS
Uh ... yeah ...
VENUS
Ah! That's where I remember the
name from! I never ... just a
moment.
VENUS rifles through her clothing, producing a pen and a small pad of
paper, and smiling triumphantly.
VENUS
Can I have your autograph?
PRISS stares at VENUS for a long moment in disbelief, and then opens her
mouth to tell her off. But something in VENUS' expression -- perhaps the
pleading look in her eyes -- stops her. With a very strange look on her
face, PRISS takes the pen and paper, and signs her name quickly. VENUS
looks at the paper for a moment after it's handed back to her ... and then
places it in one of her pockets with a sad expression. She quickly cheers
up though, when she realizes that everyone is watching her.
VENUS
So, what do you do now?
PRISS
I ... I guess I'm a Palladin, now.
VENUS
Oooookay. Ummmm ... where are the
Palladins supposed to go, Amy?
MERCURY
We're planning to address them in
the Strat-Com center, so perhaps you
two should head there.
SHEILA
Right. <to VENUS> It's nice to see
you again, Aunt Mina!
VENUS
You too!
PRISS, still giving VENUS an odd look, and SHEILA turn to go. Just as
they're at the door, VENUS starts talking again.
VENUS
Remind me not to forget to give you
your you-know-what. <beat> The two
of you will have a lot of fun with
it!
PRISS and SHEILA stop dead in their tracks. PRISS risks a look. VENUS is
smiling benevolently and waving the fingers of her hand, MERCURY is
terribly embarrassed, and JUPITER resembles an embodiment of the wrath of
God.
SHEILA
<small voice> Thank you Aunt Mina.
They head out the door. MINA turns back to the front of the bridge.
VENUS
Now, about those donuts ...
[ANNOTATIONS AT THE END OF PART THREE]