Chronicles of the SEKIGAHARA
                                
                      (AN ANIME CROSSOVER)
                                
                               by
                                
                         Nicholas Stone

                  Prologue: Approach to Destiny
                                
     

Task Force 56, off the coast of Tauri,
Omega Centarui, 2173



     Pinnacles of light filled the sky around the planet of
Tauri, a myriad of stars that concealed the vast secrets of the
universe.  There was one secret that worried the man overlooking
the fifty-five assorted warships from a large bay viewer in his
briefing room.  A nervous sigh emanated from him as he clasped
his hands behind his tall slender frame.
     Where were the Proximians? thought Commodore Yosho Masaki,
commanding officer of the United Federation carrier SEKIGAHARA.
He did not like to dwell on the fact that they were approaching
one of the hottest sectors in this on going war of three years
now, under strength and woefully under gunned.  Not knowing where
the enemy was could lead to potential disaster, one the
Federations could not afford right now.
     Yosho adjusted the rectangular glasses on his face, glancing
briefly at his features from the reflection on the glass.  His
narrow face had draw long after so many days commanding the ship
though the numerous battles; his skin slightly taught accenting
his high cheekbones.  A generous mix of silver-gray offset the
dark black in his long hair and mustache, belying his age.  Still
look sharp in uniform, Yosho mused making a quick tug down on his
brown tunic.  The black trousers tucked neatly into his boots;
Commodore Yosho did indeed project a commanding aura about him
whatever the situation.  The crew had all the faith in him, and
he in turn regarded them as his sons and daughters no matter what
race or species.
     Now they were again heading into harms way, and he sensed
the fear and worry throughout the fleet, and knew that there
would be a heavy toll to pay in this round against the enemy.
     A knock came at the door, Yosho telling whom ever to come
in.
     "Are we disturbing you, Yosho?" a wizened voice said.
     Yosho turned around to face Vice Admiral Happosai as he
walked in, Captain Genma Saotome in step a few paces behind.
     Happosai barely came up to Yosho's waist.  He looked more
comical and out of place than as the commander of Task Group
Fifty-six, but Happosai had led them though many a fight, his
mind still sharp as ever.  His bald forehead and white crop of
hair hid the true strength that he possessed, a natural knack of
cunning that has brought success to every operation they had been
involved in.
     "No, Admiral," replied Yosho.  "I was just thinking and
waiting for the rest of the staff to arrive."
     Happosai hopped up into the seat of the chair at the head of
the large conference table.
     "I can see the worry in your eyes, Commodore.  You have
something for me?"
     Furrowing his brows, Yosho rubbed his chin, gazing down at
the deck.
     "The Proximian naval forces have not been effectively
located in this area," he said.
     "Ah, that's true," added Genma.
     Genma was Sekigahara's executive officer.  A stout man, he
was very efficient, taking care of all the daily routines about
the ship making sure that all evolutions went off without any
snags.  There was no one else Yosho could think better for the
job, and thanked the stars he had such a man behind him.
     "The Proximians have been able to conceal their efforts.
Our intelligence people are finding it hard to come up with
anything solid."
     "That's probably because of what's happening in the Alpha
Centauri quadrant right now," said Happosai.
     Yosho and Genma agreed with him.  The Federation had been
reeling in defeat after defeat before the onslaught of the
Proximian blitzkrieg that was sweeping across most of the forward
arm of the Milky Way galaxies.  After the hard fought battle off
Mardenow, the subsequent thrust towards Alpha had shaken all the
strategies and plans back at high command.  Saving the Alphans
and their conglomerate of planets, had become top priority, and
every resource would be needed.
     Happosai knew this, and realized that this group would have
to do the best with what information it currently possessed.
     "A valid concern, Commodore," he continued.  "Nevertheless,
we must try to do what's expected of us."
     Yosho and Genma sat down at the table.  They briefly looked
over the status displays on the monitors, checking the groups'
readiness before commenting any further.
     "We are very weak, sir," said Yosho.  "Besides the Tunis, we
are the only aircraft carriers in the Omega sectors.  Not to
mention we shipped with only thirty-two hundred planes apiece.
One half of what we should be carrying."
     "Three dreadnoughts, four battleships, sixteen cruisers, and
thirty-two destroyers are not going to stop a determined
Proximian attack either," Genma pointed out.
     Happosai took in their words, cutting them brief glances has
he milled the information in his head.
     "Yes, we are at a disadvantage, gentlemen," he finally said.
"But we must not loose faith in our people, or our capabilities."
     "I've not lost faith in our group, Admiral," replied Yosho,
"We're just concerned about losses.  If the Proximians turn our
forces here on Tauri--."
     "We could be exposing the entire southern flank of the
Federation to attack before we have completed our defenses,"
finished Genma.
     Happosai started to answer, but another knock at the door
stopped him.  In walked Rear Admiral Cologne, commander of
Carrier Wing Thirteen, followed by the rest of her aides.
Hopping quickly over to the vacant chair at the other end of the
table, Cologne rested her staff against the wall as the others
took the seats around the table.
     Cologne's wizened face locked on Happosai, a glint of
annoyance in her eyes.
     "Happy," she began.  "Who's talking down about my wings?"
     Yosho cleared his throat nervously, running a hand through
his hair.  Happosai just laughed.
     "Nobody was down talking your wings, Cologne," he replied.
Reaching behind his back, Happosai pulled out his favorite
smoking pipe, tamping in a small bit of his special aromatic
tobacco.  "Commodore Yosho was just expressing concerns about how
under strength we are," he finished.
     Cologne leaned back in her chair.  She was just a tall as
the Admiral, so all that could be seen was her head and the
pearly white hair she wore in a tight bun.
     "Even under strength, we can manage anything the Proximians
can throw at us," Captain Soun Tendo declared slapping the top of
the table.
     "Careful, Soun," Cologne said to her Chief of Staff.  "Don't
get us into any trouble we can't withdraw from."
     "No disrespect, ma'am, but our pilots are one for one much
better that the Proximians."
     "But numbers will still matter, Captain Tendo," Happosai
said.  "We must husband our resources to the best of our
abilities."
     Happosai stood up in the chair so that everyone could see
him better.  "Since we're all here, I'll start this meeting off.
Keibu, good to see you back up and around,"
     Captain Keibu Zenigata let out a light grunt, nodding.  He
was the warfare coordinator for Carrier Group Thirteen, Strike O
as the others referred to his position.  A long time friend to
both Soun and Genma, Zenigata's bold determination and dogged
persistence made him a dynamic figure of the staff.  Cologne held
all the faith in him, even though at some points he could go
beyond self-sacrifice to get the job done.  That's what Happosai
was referring too, after a rough air strike on a Proximian
Battleship section that resulted in several injuries Keibu barely
recovered from.
     "Find me some targets, Admiral, and my kids will do the
rest," he said.
     "I think you'll find plenty of targets here, Keibu."
     "And just what are we going to do, Happy?" asked Cologne.
     "We have a two-fold job here.  Genma if you would please,"
     Genma activated the holo-projector, an image of Tauri
appearing above them.  The green and tan colored planet spun in a
slow orbit, wisp of cloud formations streaking the atmosphere.
Slightly larger than standard class M planets, she and her
surrounding two moons had become some of the hottest real estate
in the lateral arm of the Omega Galaxy.  Genma let them study the
planet for a few minutes more, then brought up the tactical
overlay on the planets. A veil of red covered most of the planet
denoting the extent of the Proximian advance so far.  Several
frowns and sneers crossed the officers' faces.
     "As you can see, Proxima has virtually overrun most of the
planet," continued Happosai.  "We only hold the southern
continent, but the enemy has gained several footholds and are
building up in strength."
     "Well then that's it," said Soun.  "Looks like the Prox are
going to smash our ground forces."
     "High Command has not given up on Tauri yet," replied
Happosai.  "Our mission is to hold on, for as long as possible,
what territory we can."
     "Hmm, a delaying action," Yosho said.
     "Precisely, Commodore.  Task Group Fifty-Six is to tie down
as many of the Proximian forces as possible, and support General
Goodchild's armies."
     "That's a large order to fill, Admiral," commented Zenigata.
     "Yes, it is."  Genma magnified the view of the southern
continent.  Happosai continued.
     "General Goodchild is fighting to keep the lines open to
Mago; the capital of Tauri, trying to get the rest of his
remaining armies down to the starports at Herimo and Belenita.
So far, Proxima has been stalled, but we have had word that fresh
troops are arriving even as we speak,"
     "Have the Proximians established a blockade, Admiral?" asked
Soun.
     "Currently no.  From what the folks in N3 surmise, Tauri is
not as high on the Proximian list to risk dedicating a full
battlegroup to.  As far as space control, our forces command the
air space directly above the southern continent.  An odd
arrangement mainly because of Proximian attack craft activity
from the moons around Tauri."
     A window came up at the corner, displaying Tauri's moons.
     "On Dermus, a Proximian outpost has been established.
They're operating several wings of attack craft from there."  He
pointed to the other moon.  "Viz though, is operating a full
base, courtesy of the Federation.  Viz not only has planet guns,
but intelligence reports estimate at least six full air wings are
operating from there as well."
     Heads shook in silent disbelief.  All ready out gunned in
aircraft, this added threat only made things worse.
     Soun let out a slow whistle, leaning back.  "Moving right
into the jaws of death," he said.
     "The good thing about Viz is that it's in a fixed orbit on
the other side of Tauri," Happosai pointed out.
     "And Dermus?" questioned Cologne, although she already
suspected what the answer would be.
     "Her orbit will take her past our side in ten days," he
replied.
     "That is not good," said Yosho.
     "We'll deal with that problem when it gets here.  The star
base on our side is Station Hammermill.  A minor repair facility
not suited for long-term combat."
     The display focused back on Tauri.
     "Now to the job at hand.  Seeing that we are at a slight
disadvantage, our air assets must be managed very carefully.
Kasumi, I'm entrusting you to make the proper arrangements on
this."
     Commander Kasumi Tendo looked away from the planet display
to the Admiral.  She smiled lightly, her long brunette hair
shimmering underneath the soft glow.  Her calm, serine looks
always made Happosai shudder as the old urges fought to override
him.  Kasumi was the Air Coordinator for the air squadron, one of
the best in the business.  As `Air Boss', her job was to ensure
that all flights got launched on time, all patrol stations were
filled, and that every deck, tube or hanger bay evolution went
like clockwork.  Kasumi filled this roll with utmost skill.
     "I've already made out a schedule, sir," she said
cheerfully.
     "Good, good.  Soun, as soon as we get a better picture of
what's going on, you and Genma start planning fighter sweeps
through the sectors.  Keibu, start making up attack packages
against Dermus, then follow this up with strikes against the Prox
ground forces on Tauri."
     "I'll submit them within the hour."
     Happosai nodded and paused for a moment.  He stared up at
the display contemplating his next part of the plan.
     "Once we've got some sort of control over Taurian airspace,
phase two will be to get transports in here to evacuate the
remainder of our armies.  I believe this will be the most
difficult part. "
     "What about Dermus?" asked Cologne.
     "Hopefully we'll have neutralized the base there before they
get within harms range, Admiral," he answered.
     Cologne glanced at Happosai, furrowing a brow.
     "The Proximians are not going to just let us run Helter-
Skelter over them, Happy.  Once they see transports, they'll know
what we're doing and hit us with everything they have,"
     "We'll just have to do the best we can, Cologne," Happosai
replied.
     Cologne did not like that answer, but let it go for the
moment.
      "Once we've evacuated as many civilians as we can, and
recovered the ground troops, only then will this task group clear
Taurian space."
     "Handing the Proximians yet another victory," Soun commented
bitterly.
     Happosai did not like it anymore than everyone else, but the
tactical situation warranted the withdrawal.
     "Only temporary, Captain," he replied.  "We must stem this
tide, but Tauri is not the place to do it."  He paused to give
anyone else a chance to speak, but there were none.  "Then, if
there are no more questions, let us put the plan into motion.
Yosho, I'll brief the other C.O.'s in one hour here.  Please see
that they are notified,"
     "Yes, Admiral.  I'll--," began Yosho, when the
communications panel beeped.
     "Yosho."
     <Commodore, this is Tac Ops.  Our picket destroyers are
reporting multiple contacts approaching from the far side of the
planet.  Sensor cuts are identifying them as attack planes,
strength unknown, but in large numbers.>
     Then only reaction from Yosho was the slight drop of his
head at the news.  He let out a sigh, looking over to Happosai.
     "Well, there goes the element of surprise," said Happosai
letting out a large puff of smoke.  "You know what to do,
Commodore."
     Yosho nodded slightly. <Tac, put the task group at battle
stations.  Set general quarters, and launch fighters,>
     As the claxton sounded the alarm through the ship, all the
staff members rushed from their chairs leaving Happosai and
Cologne alone.  She stared silently at him as he pondered this
turn of events.
     "Happy," she finally said.  He cut his eyes to her.  "I know
you know that what H.C. is asking from us is a bit much."
     He remained silent, listening to the dull roar of fighters
being launched from the upper launch tubes.  Cologne grabbed her
staff, bounding over next to him.
     "We brought the best we could find," she continued.  "But
even then, as out numbered as we are, that might not be enough."
     "I know, Cologne.  Its haunting my thoughts every waking
moment of my day."
     She leaned closer.  "A lot of people are going to die,
needlessly.  Some of them we can't afford to loose."
     Happosai turned, and she arched a knowing brow at him.  He
began to speak, but stopped realizing that she was right.  Taking
another drag from his pipe, he glanced over to the tactical
display.
     We'd better get to Tac Ops," he said bounding from his chair
. . .


                           EPISODE ONE
                                
                              Loner
                            (Ranma 1/2)
                                
     Corkscrewing across the sky above the Sekigahara, Federation
and Proximian fighters conducted their mad dance of death, puffs
of expanding gas marking those unfortunate enough to lose their
part in the game.  Energy bolts and solid rounds streamed past
them, missiles hunting for the nearest enemy signature racing
through the void.
     Lieutenant Ryoga Hibiki hit the lateral thrusters of his
Stingray fighter, putting a hard turn on to the left as a burst
of energy cut precariously close by his wings.  The Hammerhead
fighter that pursued him jinxed right surprised by the move,
banking away to open the distance.  Ryoga grinned as he completed
the roll.
     Perfect, he thought as the electronic sights locked down on
his opponents rear engine port.  Ryoga fired a burst, catching
the Hammerhead squarely in the engine, and it exploded with a
bright flash of light.
     "Ha, ha!  Who said these Hammerhead fighters are better than
ours?"  Ryoga exclaimed triumphantly.
      [Tactical specifications show that the Hammerhead is much
superior aircraft performance wise,] came a voice from the front
panel.
     Ryoga smirked at the explanation his battle computer gave.
"Now, Fang, that's crap," he answered.
      [I could argue with you, but I think you should be more
concerned about the three coming up behind and to the left right
now,]
     Ryoga gawked loudly, pushing his throttle forwards.  His
fighter shot away, hotly pursued by the Proximians.
     <Hey, Hey, Ukyo, where the hell are you!> he shouted into
his helmet mic.
     <I'm right here, Ryoga,> Lieutenant (j.g.) Ukyo Kuonji
answered him.
     Off to his right, just a little ways behind the Proximians,
Ryoga could see Ukyo's fighter move up.  She let go with two
missiles destroying one of the fighters, and the remaining two
broke away, heading back towards their side of the planet.
     <Taking big chances there, Ryoga,> she said.
     <Funny.  Where the hell did you go?>
     <I should ask you the same question, sugar,> she replied.
     He didn't reply, knowing that it was foolish to split from
your wingman when it wasn't necessary.  Glancing down at the
tactical display, it appeared that the Proximians were calling it
quits for now, retreating back towards the far side of Tauri.
     <Shall we go after them?> he asked Ukyo.
     She chuckled lightly, always ready to add on a few more
kills.  Before they could turn, another voice called across the
net.
     <Don't even think about it,> said Lieutenant Commander
Tatewaki Kuno, flight leader of VF-288.
     <Aw, come on, Kuno.  We can bounce these--.>
     <Save it.  You know this not a free for all hunt, Ryoga.>
     Just then, the voice of the Air Boss came online.
     <Wild Horses, bring it in, acknowledge.>
     <Mother, this is wing leader, we're RTB,> Kuno replied.
     The rest of VF-288 began to form on Kuno as they made their
way into the pattern for recovery.  Ryoga looked around to see if
anyone was missing.  Nope, ten out, ten in.  That's what made a
day good to him.
     <Yo, Ryoga,> someone called to him.  He recognized the voice
and sighed.
     <What do you want, Ranma?>
     Ltieutenant Ranma Saotome inched his fighter back slightly
from Kuno's left quarter.
     <Hey, guy.  Akane tells me you got a little carbon scoring
on your vertical surfaces.  Play'n daredevil again?>
     What?  Ryoga gasped.
      [He's right.  We did sustain some scaring on our upper
ventricle--.]
     "Why didn't you tell me sooner!"
      [At the time, you were busy.]
     Ryoga held in his growl.  He took a deep breath, and
switched back on the net.
     <Uh, yeah.  Just a little bit.  Nothing Major.>
     He knew Ranma was leading into something.
     <Oh.  Well I guess you're the only one who took any damage.>
     <Hey, look pal.  I was in some hot fighting, and--.>
     <Cut the squabbling, you two!> Kuno shouted. <Everyone, once
we land, the Skipper wants us all down in ready room three.  Got
it?>
     Another voice came online.
     <What we do.  What we do, Kuno?> LT(j.g.) Shampoo said.
<Wild Horses take down many Proximian today.>
     <I don't know, Shampoo, but lets not have anyone late,
okay?>
     < Probably another ass chewing,> Lieutenant Nabiki Tendo
said in her usual emotionless voice.
     <Well I'm not scared.  What's the worst he can do, put us on
the deck?> Ryoga said.
     Any remaining comments would have to wait as the fighters
approached the starboard hanger bay for landing.
     

                            * * * * *
                                
     Ryoga was not to far off the mark when he said put them on
the deck.  The entire flight was lying prone on the ready room
floor, balancing on the tips of their fingers in push-up
position, Captain Tendo reading them the riot act as Rear Admiral
Cologne looked on.
     "Great suggestion. . . Ryoga," Ranma muttered between
grunts.  Ryoga only strained in silence, a pile of books and
assorted heavy object on his back.
     "Disregard for sector assignments!" bellowed Soun as he
paced between them.  "Fouling the ships guns, jeopardizing this
ship!"
     "How did we. . . jeopardize the ship. . . sir?" Kuno asked.
     Soun knelt beside him.  "Kuno, you of all people.  The ships
AA-guns are set to respond to close range threats.  By allowing
your people to move in close, you fouled their targeting, thus
exposing us to needles fire."
     "But we were engaging planes that had cut into our area,"
Nabiki said.
     "Yeah, we just got dragged in. . . kind'a," added Akane
Tendo.
     "Targets you should have left for us to handle!" roared
Soun.  "UP!"
     They moved into the up position, groaning beneath the books
on their backs.
     "The Admiral and I also had the privilege of watching your
sloppy engagements."
     "Sloppy!" raged Ranma.  "We--."
     "Silence, boy!" shouted Soun, and Ranma went begrudgingly
quiet.  Soun stepped over to Ryoga.
     "You, mister.  What do you mean by leaving your wingman?"
     "I told you," Ukyo muttered.
     Soun snapped his fingers and an enlisted crewman dropped
another pile of books on her back.  He continued.
     "A stupid move that almost cost us a plane.  Planes are not
a luxury for us right now, youngster, and you've got to take care
of that piece of taxpayers money plus your ass."
     "I was. . . only. . . stopping a run on the. . . carrier,
sir," Ryoga replied.
     "Stupid move, DOWN!"
     More grunts and groans echoed through the room.  Cologne
suddenly hopped over to the back, where LT(j.g.) Mousse and
Shampoo lay.
     "You two," she began.  "What is your primary mission in this
squadron?"
     Mousse and Shampoo flew specially configured electronic
warfare fighters for the Wild Horses.  Their main function in
life was not to engage in close combat, but to sit back, screen
and disrupt enemy sensors, and pick off long-range targets with
their special missile pods.  A job that today they neglected to
do.
     "Okay, so we kind'a got caught up in the heat of the
battle," Mousse replied.  "But we did bounce a few planes!"
     "Mousse right," Shampoo added.  "I shot down one Hammerhead,
one Battleaxe."
     Both answers were not what Cologne wanted to hear.  Several
more books piled down on their backs.
     "Your job is to cover your squadron, not look for glory like
Ryoga!"
     Cologne slid down her staff so that Mousse and Shampoo could
see her.
     "Don't forget your positions ever.  Protecting your squadron
mates must be top priority!"
     In a flash, she bounded back up to the front of the room.
"Today was a sloppy day for the Wild Horses.  I trust, Kuno, that
this will be the last time I have to make an appearance like
this!"
     "Yes, ma'am!" Kuno quickly answered.
     Cologne eyed him, and then moved back towards the door.
Soun stepped up.
     "Those books on your backs are not just there for our
pleasure," he said.  "They are the complete readouts on
Federation Fighter Tactics, squadron doctrines, Proximian
tactics, and other assorted things the Admiral and I feel you
have all forgotten.  Every waking moment you have, every chance
there is in between flights, I expect you to all have your noses
in them.  Full reports to me at the end of this operation.  IS
THAT CLEAR?"
     "YES, SIR!" they all replied.
     Soun cast a glaring eye across them, pausing briefly on
Ryoga, then turned following Cologne out.  Several sighs of
relief followed as the pilots collapsed in tired heaps on the
floor.
     "Oooh, I don't think I'm going to be able to grip a flight
control ever again," Ranma said, groaning as he sat up.  Akane
waved a hand at him, pointing to the books on her back.  He
pushed them off allowing her to roll onto her side.
     "I'm going to need a doctor after this," she said.
     Ranma smiled, turning to lock a dark glower on Ryoga.  He
lay under his pile, the biggest of them all, silently pondering
what had just happened.  Sensing the gaze, Ryoga looked around.
     "What do you want now, Ranma?" he said.
     "Personally, your hide, but I'd settle for an apology," he
replied.
     Ryoga hopped up, books scattering around him.  "An apology?
I didn't do anything to you to warrant that, pal!"
     Ranma quickly jumped up, getting eye to eye with Ryoga.
     "Oh yeah?  Who was the idiot that went chasing after those
Prox birds, huh.  Was it Kuno, no.  Was it Akane, no.  Was it me,
definitely not.  So that leaves the only reckless fool out of us
all.  You!"
     "Me!"
     "Yes, you!"
     "Why. . . I aught'a. . ."
     Akane and Ukyo quickly separated the two men before fist
could fly, then Kuno stepped between them, anger in his eyes.
     "Knock it off, both of you!" he shouted.  Akane pulled Ranma
away before any more words could be exchanged.
     "I don't think anyone made wise choices today," continued
Kuno.  "We should take this as a learning experience."
     "Hear, Hear," said Mousse.
     Kuno suddenly whirled on Ryoga.  "I don't like to say this,
but Ranma is right, Ryoga.  You did drag us into that dogfight
needlessly."
     "I broke up the attack.  I don't see what the Admiral is so
upset about?" he said.
     "You were reckless, Ryoga," Nabiki said.  "If we hadn't come
in to help, they would have blasted you and Ukyo out of the sky."
     Good'ol Nabiki.  Straight and to the point, thought Ryoga.
No wonder they call her the `Ice Queen'.
     "Hey, can I help it if I see an opportunity and take it?" he
said.
     "You don't understand, do you, idiot!" Ranma said, Akane
barely able to hold him back.  "Just because you want to die,
doesn't mean we all want to."
     "This is a squadron, not a pack of loners," Kuno said.
"You've got to realize what one person does, effects everyone.
Your Wingman, the flight next to you."
     "So are you saying I should take it easy on the Prox,
Commander?"
     Kuno glared hard at him.  He leaned close.
     "I'm saying to tone it down, Lieutenant.  Clear?"
     Ryoga smirked, glancing around at the hot stares upon him.
     "Okay.  Orders acknowledged."  He flipped a sarcastic salute
at Kuno.
     Kuno let out a frustrated sigh, pulling back.  He was about
to say more, when the scramble alert went off.
      [All fighter pilots to their planes.  Hot scramble, hot
scramble,] sounded over the PA system.
     Everyone broke for the door in a mad dash.  Just before
Ryoga could exit, Kuno grabbed him by the shoulder.
     "Don't be stupid this time," Kuno said with a stern gaze.
     "Never am," he replied . . .

                            * * * * *
                                
     The Wild Horses had been relocated to the lower launch bay,
their planes prepped ready to go.  Ryoga scrambled into Fang,
pulling on his helmet as the canopy lowered.
     "Okay, Fang.  Here we go again," he said powering up the
fighter.
      [Oh, another round of daredevil jockeying by the great
Ryoga?] replied the computer.
     Ryoga paused.  "What, my own plane against me as well?"
      [I'm still sporting carbon-racing stripes if you do
recall,]
     "Can it, Fang!"
     The anti-grav track picked up his plane, Ryoga feeling a
rush of excitement as he was guided to the launch bay.  On the
track to his right, Ukyo's plane moved up.  Through the glass, he
could see her staring at him strangely.
     <What's up, partner?>
     <You've got that look again.>
     <Look, what look?>
     <That look you get when we're about to go into a fight.  A
look of the kill, something a predator gets before it takes down
prey.>
     <Well that should be good then.>
     <No, this time for some reason it scares me.>
     <Wild Horses, this is Bay Control.  Stand-by for launch,>
called the controller over the net, ending anymore discussion.
     The bay doors opened, a red claxon crying through the air.
With a sudden lurch, VF-288 shot forwards out into the void of
space.  Forming up, the squadron vectored away from the carrier.
Kuno dialed up the Tactical net.
     <Ops, Horse leader.  Flight is away, standing by for
vector.>
     The net crackled to life. <Wild Horses, this Control,> a
young female voice replied.
     Kuno recognized Lt(j.g.) Murasaki Suminawa's voice, breaking
into a grin.
     <Hey, Murasaki, what's up?>
     <Plenty, Commander.  Don't have time for small talk.  Vector
is 025 Level, Sector 12.  Proximians have shifted targets and are
attacking our picket screen.  Tin Men and Goblins are on the
scene, but they're out numbered.>
     <Aren't we all,> joked Tsubasa.
     <No kidding.  Okay we're on it.>
     Leading his squadron over to the new heading, Kuno
accelerated speed.  They raced through the inner flight of ships,
breaking out to the open.  Their scanners quickly picked up the
signatures of a cruiser and two destroyers, surrounded by flashes
of light.  Smaller craft weaved around them, some in dogfights,
others bearing down on the ships.
     <Oh this is ugly, gang,> Ranma said.
     Ryoga didn't mind.  He was excited even more, rubbing his
hands together expectantly.
     <Well lets go get these bastards!> he exclaimed.
     <Throttle back, Ryoga!> Kuno shouted. <You forget what
happened earlier?>
     Ryoga grit his teeth angrily, letting out a frustrated hiss
at the rebuff.
     <Mousse, Shampoo, what have you got for me?> continued Kuno.
     <Got a congregation of targeting signals just forwards of
the WESTOR AMERILON; looks like another raid coming in.> reported
Mousse.
     <Shampoo have multiple signatures just to right of ORETI,
smaller group of targeting sensors to left of NIAGARA.>
     Kuno studied their downlinks on his display.  The two
destroyers were positioned to either flank of the WESTOR
AMERILON, one level down, laying out a murderous fire into the
approaching attack planes.  He could see that most of the on
station fighters had been diverted to cover them, leaving the
cruiser open for attack.  Immediately he knew where they had to
go.
     <Okay, you weasels.  Start screening us.  Ranma, stick with
me.  Ryoga take Kodachi and Shampoo and go high.  We'll stay low
and left to come up under the wave.>
     <You got it, boss,> Ryoga replied, thrilled that he was
going to lead the attack.
     <Ryoga,> Kuno said before he could break away.
     <Yeah?>
     <Don't do anything brash.  Understand?>
     <Sure thing, boss.>
     Ryoga watched as Kuno and his section of the squadron peeled
away, diving towards the lower part of the cruiser.  Kodachi and
Tsubasa took up position off Ukyo's right wing, Shampoo a level
above.
     "Now to kick some ass," he said to himself guiding them up.
     They could make out the narrow, triangular shape of the
WESTOR AMERILON clearly now.  From a distance the cruiser
appeared to be doing okay, but a closer scan showed the gapping
holes in her upper superstructure.  One of the two radar towers
had been blasted to scrap, and it looked like the ship received a
direct hit on her bridge level.  Suddenly, the cruiser's main
battery fired a volley at the approaching Proximians, briefly
lighting up the sky.
     Ryoga pitied the crew of the stricken ship as they flew over
her.
     <Boy are they taking a beating,> he said over the net.
     <Too bad,> Ukyo replied.  Another volley of shots were
fired, then the ship stopped.
     <Okay, they're letting us get in there,> Ryoga told them.
He gripped his controls tighter, watching the distance close
between them and the enemy ships. <Shampoo, have they seen us?>
     <Shampoo not think so.  I jam sensors good.>
     <What are we looking at for targets?>
     Shampoo ran up her database, matching the signatures that
she held. <Look like Flamers.  Lot of them.  Hammerhead
signatures too,>
     <Stay on the Flamers.  If you've got a good lock, let'em
have it,>
     Shampoo was already releasing her safety cover, thumbing off
a series of Hunter missiles from the pods on her wings.  They
shot away out of sight, then a series of explosions dotted the
horizon.
     <Nihao!  Shampoo take out bunch of them.>
     <That's great, Shampoo, but lets--.>
     Threat sensors suddenly wailed, Shampoo's barrage bringing a
quick response.  Anti-Aircraft missiles snaked towards them out
of the void.
     <BREAK!> cried Ryoga pitching his plane hard to the left.
The section scattered, barely avoiding the volley.  Letting out a
curse, he gunned his plane down into the Proximians.  Ukyo raced
after him.
     <Ryoga, wait.  We're leaving Kodachi and the others behind!>
she said.  It did no good, Ryoga's blood at a boil now.
     The Flamers started coming into view, twenty to thirty of
the wide, ungainly looking bombers flying in a tight sweeping
formation.  He let lose with a few missiles, firing heavy burst
from his main guns.  Ukyo knew it was to late to abort, and
quickly joined in.  Their fire broke up the planes, and they
scattered.  Bright flashed erupted around them as they banked
around for another pass.
     <Take that, you bastards.  Nobody takes a pot shot a Ryoga
and lives!>
     <Ryoga, you fool!> shouted Ukyo. <They didn't shoot the
missiles.  They did!>
     Ryoga looked up.  Hammerheads swarmed above them, at least
twice their number.  Already Kodachi and Tsubasa were desperately
twisting and banking, closely pursued by several of them.
Realizing his mistake, Ryoga shot up to help.
     <Help.  Somebody get this son-of-a-bitch off my ass!> cried
Kodachi as her plane was bracketed by blaster fire.
     <I got him, Kodachi.  Hang on!> he replied.
     Ryoga clipped the Proximian's wingman with a missile, taking
him out of the fight.  He aligned up on the next fighter, sending
a stream of bolts into the rear of the fighter.  It blew up.
     "Okay, Fang.  Keep my tail clear," he said to his computer.
      [Keep your tail clear?  Please Lieutenant, spare any jokes.
Now is not the time with five fighters behind you,]
     He and Kodachi immediately split up, thrusters blaring while
turning back into the enemy around them.  An alert from his
console went off.  Great, missiles, thought Ryoga.  Fang launched
decoys, drawing away four, but three more continued to close.
      [You better do something,] said Fang.
     "You better do something," mocked Ryoga.  "Give it a rest
and help me, Fang!"
      [You got yourself into this,]
     "Shut-up, Fang.  Just shut-up!"
     Desperately, Ryoga pulled back, powering up his engines as
far as they would go.  The missiles arced right along with him;
then he made a quick roll right, firing the lower thrusters to
increase his glide.  Just barely did the missiles miss,
detonating in the general proximity once they sensed his
defensive screens.  The blast rocked the fighter hard.
     "Fang?"
      [Most of the damage is surface structure, a few dings but
nothing major.  Fortunately for us, the hull screens caught most
of the energy,]
     Ryoga let out a brief sigh of relief then scanned the sky
around him.  He could see Kodachi going head to head with a pair
of Hammerheads; Tsubasa in a hot fight not far away from her.
     <Ukyo,> Ryoga called over the net.
     <Oh, so you're looking for your partner now, eh?> she
answered.
     <Where are you?>
     <How the hell do I know?  I'm in the middle of a dogfight, I
don't have time to check my position!>
     Ryoga had to return his attention back to the fight around
him as fighter suddenly cut in front of his plane.  He fired a
burst missing, then the sensor alarms went off again.  One
Proximian had moved up of his left rear quarter, another pair off
each side of his nose.  A `Shark Sandwich' as the Federation
pilots called the tactic; Ryoga instantly recognized it, taking
evasive action.
     Pickling off a spread of missiles at the lead fighters to
disrupt their aim, He jinxed left then right hoping to fool the
one behind.  Tracers cut precariously close to either side of his
canopy.  Nope, guess I didn't fool him, Ryoga thought as he
dived.
     The Proximian stayed tight on his tail, deluging Ryoga with
blaster fire.  No matter what he did, it was to no avail as the
bolts began to creep closer and closer with each burst.  He cried
out, panic filling him, dreading the killing pain that was sure
to follow.
     Out of the darkness a stream of bolts lanced into Ryoga's
attacker.  As the bright ball of debris thinned, two Stingrays
cut across his nose.
     <I should'a let him wax you, Ryoga,> Ranma scowled over the
net.  Ryoga shuddered banking around.
     <Ranma . . . thanks.>
     <Thanks hell!  What are you thinking about, another notch on
the kill board?>
     <No.  Those damn fighters just outnumbered us, that's all!>
     <But you let them get the jump on you, Ryoga,> Akane said.
<Why can't you learn to curb that impulse of yours?>
     That hurt Ryoga.  Akane was right he did blow this run, and
again jeopardized everyone's life.  Was he being too aggressive,
or maybe it was a need to be the best?  Arrogance that just now
almost got him killed.
     <I'd better find Ukyo,> he said breaking away.
     Adjusting his scanners, Ryoga searched for her planes
signature, picking it up not to far below his flying plain.  He
grimaced, noticing the multitude of hostile paints around her.
     <Hang on, Ukyo, I'm coming!> Ryoga said as he increased
speed.
     Ukyo was too busy to answer, barely keeping the fighters
around her from blasting her into frozen meat.  Her fighter
already had serious damage on its tail and wings.  Only by sheer
skill had she managed to stay alive, but the numbers were
starting to close in on her.  Three Hammerheads pirouetted down
above her, weapons blazing.  She throttled back, hitting her
forward thrusters backing out of the deadly stream of bolts and
rounds.  Unfortunately, that left her as a slow target for
another fighter slipping up from the rear.  Three hard jolts
shook Ukyo, her console's emergency alerts blaring loudly.
     <Help!> she cried over the net.
     Smoke began to filter through the cotpit, then Ryoga's voice
crackled across the net.
     <I'm on him, Ukyo!> he said.
     <Hurry!>
     Ryoga locked his sensors on the Proximian, the red
holographic sight centering on the plane.  He fired stitching a
trail across the front imploding the cotpit, but to late to
prevent the pilot from letting go with another burst of his own.
A bright flash appeared next to Ukyo's canopy.  Ryoga heard her
cry out as the stricken fighter pitched away.
     <Ukyo?> muttered Ryoga.  There was no response. <Ukyo!> he
shouted following her.  Two Proximians moved to cut him off,
exploding as Kuno's fighter passed over him.
     <Get after Ukyo, you idiot,> he snapped at Ryoga.
     Ryoga kept going catching up with the fighter in its
listless glide towards deep space.  The damage to the plane was
extensive.  Both wings were pot marked with holes and carbon
scoring, the main fuselage battered from all the near misses.  Oh
man, this is all my fault, he thought coming up level along the
right side of the plane.  A spider web of cracks ran through the
canopy, and barely could Ukyo's form be seen.  She floated up
against the restrains of her seat, apparently unconscious or
worse.
     <Ukyo?> Ryoga called.  At first she did not respond.  He
called again.  She stirred sitting up slowly.
     <R-R-Ryoga?>
     Ryoga felt relief flow through him. <Oh, gosh, Ukyo.  I
thought--.>
     <Ryoga, you son-of-a-bitch!>
     <Huh?> wondered Ryoga. <Ukyo, we've got to get you back to
the ship.>
     <Oh . . . thanks for worrying about me now . . . partner.>
     <I'm sorry, Ukyo, really I am!>
     Pain shot through Ukyo, her throttled groan heard over the
net. <Ooooh, Ryoga I'm hurt bad!>
     <Can you fly your plane?>
     Ukyo tried moving her arms.  Her left arm came up with no
problem, but the right was unresponsive.  She moaned, leaning to
one side.
     <Ryoga!  Why, why did you have to do this?>
     Her sobs made him feel sick.  He could have killed himself
right then and there, angered by his lack of responsibility.
     <Please, Ukyo, don't lose it on me now!>
     <What do you want me to do?  My computers shot, I can't see
or hear out the right side of my head, and there's blood all over
the place!>
     <You've got to try!  Now pull up.  I'm going to get my wing
under yours and help you along.>
     Grimacing against the pain, Ukyo reached out a shaky hand,
taking hold of the joystick control and pulled back.  Meanwhile,
Ryoga inched closer slipping his left wing under her right.
Together they climbed up until the picket ships came back into
view.  No sign of the Proximians, apparently they rest of the
squadron had somehow manage to drive them off.
     <Kuno, Kuno answer me!> Ryoga called.
     <Don't shout, Ryoga,> replied Kuno.  He flew up off of
Ryoga's right, Nabiki in trail.
     <Kuno, Ukyo's hurt bad.  I've got to get her back to the
ship!>
     <You do that.  And Ryoga.>
     <Yes?>
     <Don't come back.>
     Kuno banked sharply away leaving a dumbfounded Ryoga behind.
Nabiki moved up long enough to gaze at him, shaking her head then
followed.
     "Oh boy, did I screw this up big time," muttered Ryoga.
Switching up to the air control net, he nudged Ukyo's plane
around towards back towards the carrier . . .

                            * * * * *
                                
     Sekigahara was ready to receive Ukyo's stricken craft by the
time they returned.  As Bay Control slapped a harnessing field
around her ship, Ryoga quickly landed Fang.  He was barely parked
before popping the canopy, leaping out dashing through the
recovery crew towards the turbo lifts.
     "Oh, Ukyo.  Please don't die on me.  Please don't!" he said
to himself as the lift carried him over to the next hanger bay.
     The doors parted, Ryoga running out searching for his
partners ship.  It had moved off to the side out of harms way.  A
crowd of people surrounded the fighter; emergency and medical
teams working to get Kuonji out.  Ryoga watched horror stricken
as they carefully pulled her from the shattered cotpit onto a
waiting gurney.
     "Ukyo!" he cried out.  Several crewmen held him back as Ukyo
was pushed past towards a waiting medical lift.  Ryoga watched
until the doors closed, then headed to sickbay . . .

                            * * * * *
                                
     It was about an hour before Doctor Tofu finally appeared out
of the operating room.  Ryoga sat in one of the reception chairs
downcast, a forlorn look of dread about him.  Sensing Tofu, he
looked up.
     "Doc?"
     Tofu pulled off his round wire-rimmed glasses, casually
cleaning them between the folds of his pea-green smock.
     "Don't worry, Ryoga," he said.  "Ukyo is fine."
     Ryoga literally sagged from relief in his chair.  He closed
his eyes giving a brief prayer to the gods that be for her life.
Tofu gave him a concerned gaze, sitting down in the chair next to
him.
     "Ryoga, are you all right?" he asked.
     Ryoga cupped his hands to his face, all his emotions finally
bursting forth.
     "Doc, this is all my fault!" he stammered, shaking
uncontrollably.  "If I had just waited, if I had just held back
my anger, Ukyo wouldn't be lying in there right now.  The others
were right.  I am reckless."
     Tofu waited until Ryoga calmed down from his ramblings.
"Ryoga, do you really believe that?" he said.
     "Its true!  Look, look at Ukyo.  She was my wingman, and I
led her and others into a no-win situation."
     "Okay, so we both agree that you are a very aggressive
person.  That doesn't mean you are reckless.  Unawares maybe, but
. . ."
     Ryoga stopped, staring at the doctor.  He felt the heat
rising up in his temples, then realized what was going on.
Taking a deep breath, he slowly looked away.
     "You see.  My initial diagnosis is a quick temper, and
larger than life ego which needs to be curtailed," continued
Tofu.
     "Yeah . . . I guess you're right, Doc," admitted Ryoga.
"Damn!  Why'd I have to find this out now?"
     "Sometimes, as much as I hate to admit, something like this
is the only way to get the point across."  Tofu placed a
confiding hand on his shoulder.  "You've been a loner for a long
time, Ryoga.  Maybe that's what you are, but you're not alone.
You have plenty of friends weather you are aware of it or not."
     "So what should I do?"
     "Stop trying to compete with everyone.  I think you'll find
things will go a lot smoother."Ryoga frowned, thinking hard.
I've been so selfish, he thought.  I don't have anything to prove
to anyone.  I should be working to help the squadron out, and not
be so foolish.
     Letting a smile come to his face, Ryoga looked over to Tofu.
"Think I'll get another chance, doc?"
     Tofu shrugged.
     Angry voices echoed through the outer corridors drawing
their attention.
     "Where is he?  Where is that egotistical bastard, I'll kill
him!" they could hear Ranma shouting.
     "Ranma, Ranma will you calm down!" beckoned Akane.  Several
other voices followed, trying to settle the infuriated pilot
down.
     "Hm, sounds like your fans are here," joked Tofu rising up
from his chair.
     The hall doors slide open, Ranma angrily striding in.  Akane
was literally locked around his back tugging with all of her
might to rein him back.  Shampoo and Mousse followed ready to
pounce if things got ugly.  Just then, Ranma spotted Ryoga and
everyone went silent.  A slow curl came to his lips and he began
moving towards him.
     "Ranma, Ranma please!" Akane pleaded leaning back as far as
she could go.
     Nothing was going to stop him, not even the threat of Doctor
Tofu; who planted himself between them.
     "Ryoga, you damn idiot.  I'm going to thrash you to with in
an inch of your life!"
     Everyone expected Ryoga to jump at a chance to fight with
Ranma, or at least be smart and run.  Instead he just sat there,
staring down at the floor.
     "Run, Ryoga, run!" shouted Shampoo latching herself around
Ranma's neck.
     Ryoga just looked up solemnly.  "Let him come.  I deserve
it," he said.
     Mousse, trying to get a good grip around one of Ranma's
legs, cried out, "You fool!  Are you trying to commit suicide?"
     "All the better!" growled Ranma.  He shook off the three
pilots without a pause, and was just about to sidestep Tofu when
the PA sounded.
      [Lieutenant Ryoga, report to Captain Tendo's stateroom.]
     Ranma stared up at the overhead for a moment.  A grin slowly
broke across his face and he eased back away from Ryoga.  Ryoga
didn't like this sudden change.
     "So, the ol'man has his sights set on you too, eh?" Ranma
said.  He made a mock sweeping gesture towards the doors.  "I do
think you don't to keep him waiting."
     Ryoga glared at him, but the man was right.  Slowly he stood
up and gazed around at the looks from the rest of the people
around him, then started heading for the door.  Abruptly he
stopped before Ranma.
     "At least you could have hit me, Ranma," he said.
     Ranma smirked.  "Later."
     "Hopefully I'll still be around," replied Ryoga walking on.

                            * * * * *
                                
     Captain Tendo's stateroom was dimly lit, reflecting his
current mood.  Ryoga stood at attention in front of his desk;
Tatewaki Kuno seated off to the side.  On the desk monitor, Soun
reviewed Hibiki's record.  Every once in a while he'd cut his
eyes up at him before moving on to the next entry.
     "Lieutenant Hibiki, is there anything you could tell me that
would prevent your being court-martialed right now?" Soun asked.
     "No, sir." replied Ryoga.
     Soun looked confused for a moment, pausing from his reading.
His eyes cut over to Kuno, then to Ryoga.
      "You realize what you did is considered to be dereliction
of duty, Lieutenant?"
     Ryoga swallowed the lump in his throat.  "Yes, sir.  What I
did was foolish, and got my partner injured."
     Soun sharply looked up.  "You're damned right it was
foolish, Hibiki.  Mindless antics like yours are what gets people
killed!"  The color of Soun's face grew red, skin tight as the
tension and anger built inside him.
      "I want you to know, mister, that you are very lucky Kuonji
survived that fight.  Otherwise, you'd have already been sent to
the brig awaiting trial."
      "Then in all truths, sir.  Maybe I should be removed from
flying status," replied Ryoga.
     That surprised Soun. Even Tatewaki had to lift his head
slightly at the remark.  Soun just gazed at him.
      "I'll ignore that remark, Lieutenant," he said sitting
back.  "I still need you."
      "Sir?"
      "Commander Kuno has vouched for you despite your
annoyances.  Much to my displeasure, he has requested that you
remain in the squadron."
     Now it was Ryoga who showed surprise.  He looked over to
Kuno, mouth gaping.  Tatewaki Kuno, sparing him from humiliation?
Soun's voice snapped him back to attention.
      "I should demote you, Hibiki, but in light of your fairly
decent record, I'll hold off on that . . . for now."
      "I--."
      "Save it," Soun cut him off.  "Control that impulse of
yours, Ryoga.  Do what you know is right, and don't make me have
to call you in here again.  For if I have to, the next thing
you'll be flying is a garbage scuttle between Terra and Uranus.
Is that clear, Lieutenant?"
      "Yes sir."
      "Dismissed."
     Ryoga abut faced, departing quickly knowing that again he
dodged another bullet.  After the doors closed, Soun turned to
Tatewaki.
      "Kuno, you are taking a very big chance with this," he
said.
     Tatewaki just smiled, standing up.  "Well sir, I think Ryoga
is going to turn out alright."
     Soun thought a moment.  "What about the rest of your
squadron?  Will they trust him now, after what he's done?"
      "I believe they will."
     It baffled Soun why Kuno was doing this, but let him keep
his reasons to himself for the moment.  "Its your call,
Commander.  I hope you know what you are doing."

                            * * * * *
                                
     Three days passed and the Sekigahara battle group was spared
any more air attacks.  If that was supposed to be good, nobody on
the ships saw it that way.  It didn't take a mind reader to know
why the Proximians halted their attacks.
     The moon of Dermus hovered menacingly in void above Tauri,
her reddish glow a threatening glob of fire that seemed to
permeate everything around it.  The Task Force was repositioned
between her and Tauri preparing for the next round of combat.
Intelligence reported Dermus to be a minor outpost at best, but
the preliminary recon flights that went to update their
information got shot to pieces by a torrent of fighters and
ground based weapons.
     Admiral Happosai figured as much.  The Proximians had used
the time while Dermus moved in its orbit to upgrade the base.
Now a major threat, Happosai knew there was no other choice but
to act before Dermus got within firing range of the defenders on
Tauri below.
     In ready room three, the Wild Horses listened to the
holobrief being given by the Admiral and his staff.  Everyone sat
taking in as much as they could, several thoughts of survival or
madness passing through their minds.  Ryoga though could only
think about the preceding days battle, and of his stricken
partner still lying in guarded condition down at sickbay.
      [This is a critical attack we're about to make, folks,]
Happosai said pacing before the tactical screen displayed behind
him. [Sekigahara and Tunis will be launching sixteen waves of
Slammers and eight waves of Swallowtail attack planes each in the
assault,]
      "That's over half of the attack planes in the battle
group," Kodachi whispered to Nabiki.  Nabiki just shook her head
slowly as Happosai continued.
      [Of the forty fighter squadrons, thirty of them will be
assigned escort for this strike, the remainder to be on stand-by
stations just incase the Prox try to hit us while we're at this,]
     Several moans and whistles went up at the figures.  This was
definitely a clear sign how much rode on this flight.
      "Why don't we just bombard this planet, or better yet hit
it with nukes?" asked Ranma.
     Happosai heard his question. [Because our scanners have
detected level seven shielding around the surface installations.
Now while we could pound them to death, that would take to much
time, and expose my ships to needless fire or attack,]
     Happosai waited to see if there were anymore question before
moving on.
      [Now, the first waves will break down to the lower
hemisphere where we know the Proximians are at.  The second wave
will cover the upper hemisphere, sweeping for other
installations.  I'm sure our people can accomplish this, but my
main worry is fighter interceptions.  To forgo any surprises,
twenty of our early warning planes will be attached to the lead
flights, Commander Kasumi in command.  Their job is to direct and
coordinate all flights going in, and coming out.  Pay close
attention to her, or any of the controllers.  That's what they're
there for.]
     It looked like Happosai was staring directly at the Wild
Horses.  They all inched back slightly in their chairs as his
face briefly filled the screen.
      [Rear Admiral Cologne has already briefed her wing
commanders on their assignments.  I wish you all the luck, and
may victory be the fruits of our efforts.  Be careful out there
people.]
     The holoview winked out.
      "Be careful he says," Mousse said holding his head in his
hands.  "This is a nightmare."
     Nabiki looked around at Akane seated behind her.  "I cannot
believe that Kasumi is going into combat with us," she said.
     Akane felt fear and worry fill her mind.  "I know, but I
guess she's the best one for this job."
      "She is," Tatewaki said stepping up to the front.  "Guess
who's covering her also."
      "Figures," grumbled Ranma.
      "That's good," Tsubasa said.  "Shows that the Admiral still
has faith in us."
      "Okay, okay enough chatter." Tatewaki said.  "Down to
business.  We're covering the boss, so anywhere she goes we go.
The Dark Angels off the Tunis will join us.  That should be more
than enough to protect her."
      "Babysitting, Shampoo like.  Much safer place to be."
      "Depends on where she goes," replied Nabiki.  "Our dear
sister can be unpredictable at times."
      "Nevertheless, people, we have orders to stick to her like
glue.  Is that clear to everyone?"
     Several quick glances at Ryoga followed.  Ryoga smirked, but
stayed silent.
      "This moon has a thin atmosphere, semi-arid, mountainous
with a low gravity rating.  Stay sharp during your maneuvers if
we're engaged.  I want all chatter down to a minimum, scanners
passive.  Mousse, you're flying wingman for Ryoga.  Shampoo, you
get a double augment of pods, so don't try to play fighter with
such a heavy load."
     Kodachi's cynical laugh carried through the ready room;
Mousse gasping loudly.
      "K-K-Kuno . . . m-m-me?  Why, why me!" he stammered.
      "Because you're needed.  Now button it up!"
     Mousse just sagged in his chair, muttering something
silently to himself.  Shampoo patted him lightly on the shoulder
for comfort.
      "Okay, we have about an hour before this operation starts.
I want everyone in their plane thirty minutes prior, prepped and
ready to go.  Questions?"
     There were none, Kuno dismissing them.  Everyone left but
Ryoga.  He sat staring hard at him.
      "Something the matter?" he asked.
     Ryoga stood up.  "You didn't have to do that you know."
      "What?  Assign Mouse to you.  Yes I did."
      "I think I'd be better off by myself."
      "That's crap if I ever heard it, Hibiki."
     Ryoga took in a deep breath, looking away for a moment.
      "Why did you do it?"
      "Because you need a wingman."
      "No, no, no.  Why did you stick up for me to Captain Soun?"
      "Oh.  Because you're one of us, and we need you, Ryoga."
     Tatewaki placed a friendly hand on his shoulder.  "Despite
all of the hardheadedness you possess, we need you, man.  You may
not believe this, but a lot of us consider you a good friend."
     That struck Ryoga hard.  To hear this from Kuno was just
more than shocking.  It baffled him; after all he's done, that
they'd still accept him.  No hate, well maybe Ranma, but concern.
Concern for him.
     Fighting back his tears, Ryoga gazed down at the floor.  "I-
I don't think I can ever make it up to everyone."
      "Nobody is asking you too," replied Kuno.  "Just take care
of yourself, and trust us, okay?"
     Ryoga nodded his head, looking back up.  "You got it, boss."
     He turned heading for the door, stopping just before it slid
open.  "Kuno?"
      "Yes, Ryoga?"
      "Can I get a few extra minutes?  I need to see someone
before we head out."
     Tatewaki smiled.  "Sure," he replied.
     Ryoga returned the grin, heading down to sickbay . . .

                            * * * * *
                                
     Making sure it was clear with Doctor Tofu, Ryoga found
himself staring at the door to Ukyo's room in sickbay.  He felt
ashamed, hesitant to go in.  Maybe she will not want to see me,
he thought.  I have to see her . . . I've got to tell her how
much I'm sorry. Pushing back his fear, Ryoga gently hit the
access button on the door.
     A low light filled the room, the gentle beep from a monitor
echoing in the background.  Ukyo lay in a hydro-thematic bed on
her back with eyes closed, sensor pads dotting her arms and
forehead.  An IV dripped a slow feed of green liquid into her
arm, and as Ryoga got closer he could see a thick coating of
translucent blue regen gel applied to the entire right side of
her body.
     She did not move as he reached the bed, Ryoga staring down
at her for a few minutes sick to his stomach.  Finally he could
stand no more, guilt filling him and he turned heading back for
the door.
      "Leaving me again, partner?" Ukyo said slowly, startling
Ryoga.
     He spun around.  "Ukyo!  No, no.  I-I-I wasn't sure you were
awake and didn't want to disturb you," he answered.
     Ukyo's lips formed a thin smile.  "I wasn't aware that you
were shy, Ryoga."
      "Shy?  No, more like foolish.  Down right foolish."
      "Because of this?"  Ukyo chuckled.  "Ryoga, don't let this
upset you too much."
      "But look at you, Ukyo.  You look horrible!"
      "Probably true, sugar.  I'm honestly not fond of having jam
smeared on me.  Kind'a tingles, feels good in its own kinky way.?
      "It's all my fault.  I should have waited, I should have
thought before I leaped.  What's the result?  This."
      "Ryoga, I'm going to be all right.  Doc Tofu says I'll be
up and around before next weeks end.  I just hope you've learned
a lesson from all of this."
      "Hell of a way to do that."
      "Comes with the job."
      " I certainly don't want you killed because of my bad
habits.  I'm really worried about you, Ukyo."
     A brief silence passed between them.  Ryoga struggled to
find the right words to say, but Ukyo spoke breaking his chain of
thought.
      "Heard about today's mission.  Who's filling in for me?"
she asked.
      "Mousse."
      "Oh.  Bet he's having a hard time with this assignment."
      "He's literally terrified."
     Ukyo laughed.  She called to Ryoga, motioning him to come
closer.  At first, Ryoga was hesitant, caution coming to his
senses.  Ukyo continued to wave him over, and he shrugged
standing next to the bed.  She opened her good eye, peering at
him.
      "Closer," she said lightly.
     Ryoga leaned towards her, then without warning she slapped
him hard across the face.  He staggered back astonished.
      "I believe we are quite even, Lieutenant," she said.
     Ryoga held a hand to the right side of his face, mouth
gapping.  He regained his composure, shaking away the shock.  "I
deserved that," he replied.
      "Good.  Now come back here."
      "You going to hit me again?"
      "Come here!"
     Ryoga returned to the side of the bed.  Ukyo reached down to
the controls, adjusting her position until she was sitting
upright.  She told him to lean over.  Pulling her identification
tags from around her neck, Ukyo slipped them over his head.
      "For luck," she said.  Ukyo pulled him close, kissing him.
     A numb sensation filled Ryoga.  He looked like a schoolboy
after his first kiss, cheeks flushed red.  Ukyo just smiled.
      "I expect to get those back, so . . . so don't get killed
on me, please."
     Ryoga stared down at the white coded tags, closing his hand
firmly as he looked at her.
      "I won't.  That I promise."
     Ukyo let out a light sigh, closing her eye.  "You better get
down to the hanger.  I'm sure the rest of the squadron is waiting
for you," she said.  Ryoga watched her for a few minutes before
heading out.  As the door slid shut behind him, Ukyo slowly
opened her eye again.
      "Be careful, Ryoga," she whispered.

                            * * * * *
                                
     Hanger bay one was a flurry of activity, planes of all
classes being armed and powered up for the upcoming strike.  Most
of the Wild Horses were sitting on the stand-by line, conducting
final checks, reviewing the tactical orders or other things to
pass the time.  Ryoga sat in Fang, trying to relax and get his
mind off of the past events.  The roars of launching aircraft
made him start, sitting up.
      [Something wrong, Lieutenant?] Fang asked him.
      "Nah, Fang.  Nerves that's all."
      [Oh.  Then I supposed you've made amends with Lieutenant
Kuonji?]
      "Kind of.  Hey what is this, some sort of interrogation?"
      [No, Lieutenant.  I was just evaluating your current
emotional level,]
      "Translate that, Fang."
      [How are you feeling?]
     Ryoga rolled his eyes.  "Is that all?"
      [I figure it is a legal question.]
      "Well if you must know, I'm feeling quite fine.  In fact, I
have a real good feeling about our up coming flight."
      [So nothing has changed then,]
      "No. Yes . . . Fang!"
      [Yes, Lieutenant?]
     A strained growl emanated from Ryoga.  He clenched his fist
tight leaning towards the controls.
      "Darn you.  If it weren't for the fact that you're the best
flight computer I've ever had, I'd have slicked you a long time
ago."
      [Really?  Well, I guess that there is a change in you after
all,]
      "How do you figure?"
      [Confessing a weakness to me?  Not your style, Lieutenant.]
     Ryoga relaxed and sat back.  He stared at the controls for a
moment.  "Well, Fang, you got me there.  I dunno, a lot of things
have happened to really open my eyes these past few days.  Such a
putz I've been, and yet . . . they still stand up for me."
      "Who?"
      "The squadron.  Why Ranma would have thrashed me, yet I've
not heard one peep from him since sickbay."
      "Do you want him to?"
      "No not really, but I--."
     Abruptly Ryoga stopped, realizing that he was not talking to
Fang, but somebody outside the cotpit.  He looked over finding
Ranma standing on his left wing peering inside.  Ranma smiled.
      "So.  You still want that thrashing?" he said.
      "Ranma, how long have you been there?"
      "Long enough," Ranma replied.
      "You really shouldn't talk to yourself like that, Ryoga,"
said another voice from the other side.  He turned to find Akane
blinking cheerfully at him.
      "I wasn't talking to myself.  Fang and I were just . . .
talking that's all."
     Ranma laughed.  "Say, Ryoga, we all know how you are, your
attitude that is.  However; you can count on us in a pinch."
     A blush colored Ryoga's cheeks and he looked down at the
floor.
      "I know, but I've really been too bull headed to understand
that."
      "No argument there."
      "Ranma!" Akane snapped.  Ranma held up his hands, quickly
apologizing.
      "Ryoga, I hope you learned something from all of this," she
continued.  "Nobody has any distrust about you."
     Several sharp snaps made the trio look over to see Mousse
seated in prayer, getting what appeared to be his last rights
from the ships obosan, Shampoo chanting along with the verses.
Ryoga gave them a skeptical gaze.
      "Okay, most everybody," said Ranma.
      "The point is, Ryoga, we'd like to say just take care of
yourself.  No more risky chances, okay?"
     There was honest concern in Akane's eyes, Ryoga could see.
He patted her arm confidently.  "Okay, Akane.  For you, and the
rest of the squadron, I'll be more tentative to my duties."
     She smiled.  "Thanks.  You know you are a really good
pilot."
      "After me, of course," cut in Ranma.  Akane's narrowed eyes
made him draw back.
      "Ignore him, Ryoga," she said.  The warning alarm sounded,
bay crews scurrying around the hanger to prepare the planes for
launch.
      "Well, gotta go."
      As Akane hopped down from the wing, Ranma paused turning
around once more.  "Be careful, Ryoga," he said giving him a
thoughtful gaze.
      "You too." replied Ryoga.  Ranma smiled leaping from the
wing.
     A warm feeling filled Hibiki.  No way was he about to let
them down again.  Not now, not ever.  One of the crewmen rapped
on the side of the cotpit, bringing him back to the fore.  He
quickly slipped on his helmet as the canopy lowered, powering the
engines.
      [From your bioreadings, I see your mood has improved
greatly,] said Fang.
      "You're so right, partner," Ryoga replied taking hold of
the controls.  "Now let go out there and show these Prox what a
squadron can do."

                            * * * * *
                                
     Waves of planes flew steadily towards Dermus, filling the
surrounding skies around the battle group.  The Wild Horses
formed up in a protective chevron above the ECV-12 Farshadow
carrying Kasumi to the battle.  The large size of the craft made
it an easily identifiable target for any enemy ships that got
close; the fixed half disk sensor positioned on the top of the
craft marking its mission.  The adjustable wings currently were
extended out straight, two engine pods set to either side of the
main fuselage moving it along.  The forward slopped canards and
twin tails gave the Farshadow a menacing look, although they
carried no physical armament.
     Over the tactical net, the pilots of VF-288 could hear
Kasumi issuing attack orders, organizing the strikes into their
respective positions.
      [Green Flight Two, descend T-minus 140, Green One, T-minus
100.  Alpha Wave on station plus ten, Vanguard Flight increase
approach four.]
     <Listen to her, Akane,> Nabiki said over the Horse's tacnet.
<Our sister is definitely got things running smooth.>
     Akane felt a tinge of pride, glancing down at the Farshadow.
<Isn't it fantastic?  One day I'm going to be just like her.>
     <You can't even manage your flight book, and you want to be
an air boss?> Ranma said poking fun at her.
     <What!  Ranma I'm going--.>
     <Cool out, Akane,> Kuno said. <Lets try to keep the noise
down.>
     Akane let out a grunt, going silent.  Across the circuit,
Kasumi suddenly came up.
     <Tatewaki, I'm switching the Dark Angels up to your
circuit,> she said.
     <Standing by, Commander.>
     A brief paused followed.
     <Wild Horses, the is Dark Angel Leader.  Kuno, buddy, are
you there?> a mans voice asked.
     <Carson D Carson, is that you?> Kuno answered.
     Ten more Stingrays glided up behind them. <Kuno, long time
no see,> Lieutenant Commander Carson D Carson replied. <So we've
got bodyguard duty.>
     <Yep.  Not a bad assignment.>
     <Guess not.   What'll it be?  Umbrella or Gutter?>
     <We'll stay cover.>
     <Okay, gutter it is.  Going down.>
     The Dark Angels dived, taking up a chevron position two
levels below them.  Kuno was satisfied, casting a glance over to
Ryoga.  Still there, that was a relief, then Kasumi's voice over
the tacnet caught him.
      [All flights, we have multiple indications across the
target.  Execute Plan Sierra.]
     Group leaders acknowledged her order.  Several of the waves
began to make their way to the decent positions around the moon.
It wasn't very long before the Proximians made their presence
known.
      [Crown Leader, this is Peeper 01, have Proximian fighters
area D50-120.  Engaging,] came a report.
      [Crown, Peeper 02, picking up heavy Tracscan emissions
Areas D25-010 to D28-005,] followed another.
     The Horses listened intently as the battle commenced; the
first flashes of Ion and Pulse energy fire dotting the atmosphere
around Dermus.
     <Wow, what a show!> exclaimed Ranma.
     <They sure have some firepower here,> added Kodachi. <I'm
impressed.>
     <Let's not hope its so impressive that our attack birds
can't get in to blast'em,> said Nabiki.
     They listened more to the net, watching as the enemy symbols
on their monitors increased with alarming speed.  Kasumi abruptly
came up, calling to Kuno.
     <Kuno.  We're moving to sector D30-10,> she said.  That was
over the northern hemisphere of Dermus, noted Kuno.  Precariously
close to some of the heavy fighting.
     <With all due respects, Commander, I don't think you should
be moving in there.>
     <We have to.  Peeper 04 was shot down.  The attacks are
breaking up and I've got to see what we're up against.>
     <Fair enough.  Let me send Shampoo in there to sniff the
area first.>
     <Okay.>
     <Shampoo, take the point.  Carson, flank your weasels and
come up a level.  Ryoga cover Shampoo,>
     Ryoga perked up slightly at Kuno's orders.  Silent through
most of the flight, he felt that glow of warmth flow through him,
the blood facing through his veins.  No, he thought settling
down.  He was not about to let his urges over take his sense of
judgment. <Roger, Kuno.  Okay Mousse, lets hit it.>
     <Please don't say it that way, Ryoga,> Mousse replied
following Ryoga.
     Together they shot ahead of the flight, taking station on
either side of Shampoo's plane.
     <You late,> she said.
     <Ha, ha, very funny,> replied Ryoga. <Just watch that
spectrum.  I don't want to get caught off guard.>
     <Thought that's the way you like it,> said Mousse.
     <Have some faith, Mousse.  That Ryoga wizened up.>
     Mousse grumbled something, but held back any comments.
     The three fighters sped on, finally reaching the edge of D30-
10.  On her scanners, Shampoo indicators began to increase as
several hostile emitters were detected.
     <Uh oh,> she said cycling through the alerts.
     <What, Shampoo?> asked Ryoga.
     <Shampoo see why bombers get shot down.  Picking up Cyclops
`F' Series sensor.  Probably sending targeting information to
their fighters,>
     Kasumi came up. <Can you send me a position, Shampoo?>
     Shampoo tweaked her equipment trying to draw out a position,
but the signal remained fluid.  Another emitter drew her
attention and she grimaced slightly.
     <Signal not fixed.  Can give you only general area.  Now
picking up fighter signatures.  Hammerheads!>
     Ryoga perked up in his cotpit glancing around.  At first he
couldn't see anything, then approaching from the surface a
cluster of dark specks could be seen.
     <Four o'clock low, coming up fast!> he reported.  Mousse
began to chant his prayers, hoping that Ryoga didn't do anything
rash.  His next transmission surprised them all.
     <Kuno, what do you want us to do?>
     <Get out of there.  Shampoo, pickle and scoot.  Ryoga cover
her withdrawal.>
     <Got it!>
     Shampoo released her safeties, letting go with a spread of
missiles before banking away, Ryoga and Mousse in close trail.
Explosions could be seen on their rear scanners.  Angered, the
remaining Proximian fighters increased speed in pursuit.
     <Kuno, their hot on our tail!> exclaimed Ryoga. <Still want
us back?>
     <Affirmative.> Kuno briefly studied the display.  Twelve
enemy targets was the count, not much of a threat right now at
their current range. <Crown Leader, you have enough to get a
strike on target?>
     <Negative, Horse leader,> Kasumi replied. <I'm going to have
to break atmosphere to guide my strikes in.>
     Damn, he muttered. <Okay.  Dark Angels you got the Prox.
Think you can screen us, Carson?>
     <Go on, Kuno.  We'll handle this pack,> answered Carson.
     As the Dark Angels broke off to attack, Kuno instructed the
Wild Horses to reform around the Farshadow.
     <Hey, hey I'm still alive!> proclaimed Mousse thrilled that
Ryoga had not jumped at the pending fight.
     <Told you things will be different,> replied Ryoga.
     <Still haven't locked horns yet,> Kodachi said.
     Kuno cut them off. <Alright, cut the comedy.  Shift
telemetry and prepare to break atmosphere,> he said.
     The Farshadow and its accompanying escorts adjusted their
pitch, the friction briefly heating up the undersides of the
ships as they entered Dermus's thin atmosphere.  Several streams
of Ion bolts streaked close by the group, but in minutes they
were under the Proximian's fields of fire.
     Letting out a relieved sigh, Ryoga looked out off his left
spotting a large formation of Swallowtail attack planes on the
distant horizon moving in their direction.  Suddenly his ESM
alerts began to sound.
      [I am picking up fighter indications,] Fang reported.
Directly ahead, maybe less than eighty kilometers, another flight
of fighters tracked towards them.
     <Yo, Kuno,> said Ranma, but Tatewaki already saw them.
     <Crown, we got what looks like two squadrons of fighters
coming to spoil our party.>
     <Don't let them intercept my strike, Kuno,> Kasumi replied
with some urgency. <Keep them off us for just a few minutes
more.>
     <Roger.  Ranma take the upper level, Kodachi you go right
and low.  Nabiki and I will fly up the slot,>
     <What about us, Kuno,> Ryoga asked.
     <Cover anything that gets past us.  Shampoo, stick to Crown
Leader.>
     The Horses broke up, leaving Shampoo, Ryoga and Mousse
suddenly very much alone.
     <Guess Kuno doesn't want us mixed up in the fray,> Mousse
said after a moment.
     Ryoga wondered about that, watching as the fighters engaged
the Proximians with missiles.
     <Don't get to relaxed, Mousse,> he said. <I'm sure we're
going to see some action right quick.>
     True to his word, six of the Proximians quickly dodged the
ongoing melee, streaking towards them.
     <Looks like companies coming,> Mousse said.
     <Right.  Shampoo-->
     <Have lock, firing,> she answered, letting go with a flurry
of missiles.  The Proximians countered, missiles detonating
midway.  Two of the Hammerheads spiraled out of the sky in
flames.
     <Kasumi, you've got to vector out of here,> Ryoga said over
the net.  Seeing the wisdom in his words, Kasumi ordered a course
change, Shampoo following along with them.
     <Okay, Mousse.  You're closer so you got lead.  I'll flank
left and cover your rear.>
     <Don't leave my, Ryoga.  You hear me!> replied Mousse.
     <Trust me.  Now get going.>
     Mousse banked up towards the fighters; Ryoga turning sharply
left to open the distance and present less of a missile target
for them.  He steadied out, coming around to pace Mousse.
Meanwhile Fang's scanner locked down on the lead fighters feeding
the information to his missiles.  Ryoga wasted no time, launching
four in rapid succession.  They streaked away forcing the
Proximians to break formation.
     <Get on'em, Mousse!>
     Mousse responded, cutting his fighter around to the nearest
Hammerheads.  In the thin atmosphere and low his Stingray was
quickly on their tail.  Both fighters turned right, their rear
exhaust ports glowing brighter as they increased power.
     <Man these guys are fast!> Mousse exclaimed.
     Ryoga sped up behind him. <Don't lose them Mousse, or we're
sunk!>
     Mousse opened his throttle and maneuvered to stay with them.
On his scanners, Ryoga kept a wary eye on the two fighters still
evading his volley of missiles.  He wanted to go and jump them,
feeling that warm tug of aggressiveness gnawing at his chest.
Ryoga took a deep breath, aware that Mousse, although a good
pilot, would not be able to handle two Hammerheads by himself,
and he wasn't about to make the same mistake for a third time.
     <Mousse, take the shot, will'ya!> he shouted.
     <I'm trying, but these guys are wriggling to much.  My TC
can't get a good lock.>
     <To hell with the TC, use your visual HUD and blast them.>
      [Oh now that wasn't nice,] Fang said at the insult.
      "Can it, Fang," Ryoga answered.
     Mousse did as he was told, letting go with a burst of
blaster fire.  The bolts bracketed the closer fighter, finally
ripping across the right wing.  It blew off and the Hammerhead
rolled in a fiery spiral towards the ground.
     <Got'em!> cried Mousse.  That was good, but it came a tad
bit late Ryoga noticed, watching as the other pair of Hammerheads
swung around to help their comrade.
     <Mousse, break left and go low!  I'm going to pop decoys and
roll high.>
     <What about this other guy?>
     <Scratch him.  We've got two bandits coming up behind us.>
     <Got it.  I'm gone.>
     Mousse shot away, diving hard towards the surface.  Ryoga
waited eyeing his scanner, waiting for the right moment then
fired two decoys aft as the telltale paint of missiles appeared.
He pulled back on his controls kicking in the forward thrusters
while increasing speed.  Satisfying explosions sparkled beneath
him, and he smiled.
      "These guys fall for that trick every time," Ryoga said
rolling out level.  The maneuver caught the Proximians off guard,
and now Mousse and Ryoga had them neatly in a crossfire.
Blasters flashed and the two fighters spiraled out of the sky.
     Mousse let out a yell of excitement, falling in off of
Ryoga's right wing. <Now that was great,> he said.
     < We still got that other Prox to worry about,> Ryoga
reminded him.
     The last fighter had decided to avoid the two and sped off
towards the flight of Swallowtails descending to their attack
run.  Quickly, Ryoga chose an intercept course and dived after
him, Mousse in trail.
     <This is going to be cutting it close, folks,> he said.
<Shampoo can you get this guy?>
     <I have lock, but strike in background.> she replied.
     Ryoga grit his teeth angrily.  He glanced back at Mousse.
<Mousse, I gott'a do this.  Don't get upset with me.>
     <Do what you've got to do,> Mousse answered.
     Thrusting the throttle forward as far as it would go, Fang
shot away, arching down through the sky towards the Hammerhead.
Ryoga could see the Proximian pilot was just about ready to rip
into the strike despite their evasive maneuvering.
      "Fang, ol'buddy.  I'm going to have to take this one
myself," he said to his computer.
      [Trying to show me up now.  I see where our relationship is
going,] Fang answered.
     Ryoga frowned, not sure if the unit was joking or not.  No
time to ponder that; Ryoga lined up the HUD sights and fired.
The bolts streaked across the Hammerhead's nose, startling its
pilot.  He turned sharply away from the flight.  That was all
Shampoo needed.  Several missiles erupted from her pods, locking
down on their target.  It was over in a matter of seconds, the
Hammerhead smothered under the explosions.
     As the last parts of the plane hit the ground, Ryoga came
around pacing the Swallowtails as the continued on towards their
target.  Mousse flew up, then Shampoo with Kasumi's Farshadow.
     <Nice shot, Shampoo,> Ryoga said.
     <Nothing.  Shampoo think for moment there, Ryoga try to be
daredevil and wait too long.>
     <Please, just a little credit, guys.  Okay?>
     <Well . . . I guess you have turned out for the better,>
Mousse said. <I wonder how Ukyo's going to take this?>
     <She probably think it miracle,> answered Shampoo.
     <Alright, alright funny people.  I told you, thing for me
have changed.  I've seen a new light now.>
     <Well, Ryoga,> Kasumi suddenly said. <I hope your light is
not blinding you too much.  We still have a war to fight, and
there are indications of more fighters approaching.>
     Ryoga glanced down at his displays, noting the symbols being
fed to him.  He smiled, glancing around at the two fighters. <You
two ready?> he said.
     <Lets go kick some butt,> Mousse replied.
     <I low on missiles . . . ready when you are,> added Shampoo.
     Ryoga gripped his controls tight.  "Fang?"
      [Of course.  No need to ask me, partner,] the computer
replied.
     With a laugh, Ryoga lead them up to meet the new threat, a
feeling of satisfaction coursing through him.  Things would be
better now.
     Much better . . .

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