Joon looked to Agatha, "I assume you have already contacted the sponsors and let them know of our decision to attend. But I want them to donate 10% of all proceeds, including cyber and holovid download fees for the evening to help those affected by the bombing of Unity City during the Kintark attack on Terra. And let them know we will check, so no hiding income and no diverting funds. We know this will be a massive money-making addition well above and beyond what they were planning on. Also, all the setup and security arrangements they are doing come out of their portion of profits only."
"Yes, first wife. And Max: no less than half of JPD's officers will be there along with over half of the TFN personnel assigned to the local system for security."
"Thank you, Agatha. However, I also want Mom and Dad in their armor. Obasan, out of respect for your safety, I would like you in your new armor as well if you do not mind. We have had way too much fighting lately for me to be comfortable otherwise. I also want all hands of Agatha dispersed throughout the crowd, scanning them for potential trouble."
Samira suggested, "We should come in high and hot, dive right to the stage or crowd and flair wings last minute to land with cats lining the stage as before but we need two in the air circling the crowd for instantaneously responding to threats."
Joon excused herself from the group so she could get a few songs ready for the concert.
Mercedes asked Yumi, "Yumisama, some of the girls and I were wondering if we might tour your estate and your tea shop today?"
Yumi was excited about the idea, "Perhaps we could take your motor home for the tour as the grounds are quite extensive as well as the tea shop being in Jericho?"
Max nodded, "That would be the safest way, I think. Obasan, the motor home is actually an armored transport complete with shields and Gatling lasers."
Yumi was impressed and intrigued, "I am curious as to how a diplomat could acquire a military grade transport, as useful, as it may be, my understanding was only special forces could obtain them."
Max smiled, "That is still the case, Obasan."
"Oh!" Yumi nodded with a slightly raised eyebrow.
Howard then asked, "Yumisama, would you be so kind as to lead Kata this morning? We usually do three sets and I need to settle my mind."
"Then let us meet in the cherry orchard in 7 minutes for Kata." She replied, appreciative of the respect Howard had given her.
Everyone met in the orchard with their respective Ghi on and the family lined up with Joon, Max, Howard, Mercedes, and Agatha in front with Emma, Nike, Samira, Paula, and Vika in back. The Kata Yumi led was essentially the same as Sensei Howard's with a few, very subtle differences that Agatha absorbed.
Yumi was glad to note Howard was still proficient and was happy to see the equivalent level of expertise with Agatha's Kata; Max being a very close second. The rest of the group were good, just not yet masters of the art... which would be expected.
After the bow ending the Kata Max, Vika, Agatha, and Samira paired up and began various attacks and defenses for both Yumi's and Howard's viewing interests. After 30 minutes of full-on combat, the groups reforming every 10 minutes, the sparing ended with bows to each other and to Yumi and Howard.
At that moment, Agatha asked, "Obasan, I noted some minor differences in your Kata from Sensei Howard's. Would you mind helping me understand them?"
Yumi smiled, "With your permission, Osolomoriasan?"
Howard bowed politely, "I would be honored, Oyumisama."
Yumi stepped forward and explained, "Both are accurate forms of my Otousan's teachings. Osolomoriasan's eccentricities are due to his approach which is more male oriented, being aggressive and strength based. My form is more female oriented, having a foundation in misdirection and countering one's opponent. Let us move through the Kata one more time together and then we can spar, you with your foundation and me with mine so you can see the differences."
Agatha faithfully reproduced Yumi's Kata without flaw, much to the delight of Yumi. Then the two squared off in sparring. A second hand of Agatha appeared to watch and catalogue the bout for later study. Yumi stated, "Full contact."
Agatha responded, "I would be afraid of hurting you."
Yumi giggled, "If you make contact I would deserve the reprimand."
Agatha began on the offensive with multiple quick strikes, and it was very apparent from the outset the differences between them. Yumi did not worry about striking, focusing upon using her chi to bend with the motions of Agatha's attacks and redirect the energy of the strikes. Her speed was exceptional...but her vision was even better.
After a few minutes Agatha moved to defensive and Yumi began to attack. But her attacks were very different with feints within feints focusing on misdirection and different footing which opened up opportunities to land blows with both her hands and feet. While Agatha had landed 3 blows in 7 minutes of sparring, Yumi landed 10 blows in four minutes.
After a full ten minutes of the second round, Agatha admitted defeat and bowed. Yumi was not done, however. "Agatha-chan, now you attack using my foundation. I know you can."
Agatha and Yumi bowed again, and Agatha attacked using Yumi's base of bending with the motions of Yumi for defense and using her style of misdirection and feints for attack. Agatha was now able to keep Yumi from making contact while she made contact three times, Yumi having taken her motions up a notch which Agatha immediately incorporated.
After 10 minutes they stopped and bowed. Yumi then suggested everyone bathe and wear their ceremonial dress for chanoyu, a tea ceremony.
Back on the Deirdra, the family asked Astrid about the meaning and activities of the Tea ceremony. She explained, "Well like everything else Zen, this particular social ritual contains an inner and an outer form. The inner aspect of tea ceremony emphasizes simplicity and naturalness. These two qualities are what give the outer form of the ceremony its unadorned, quiet, simple appearance."
"A purpose-built room designed for the wabi style of tea is called a chashitsu and is ideally 4.5-tatami in floor area. A 4.5-mat room is considered standard, but smaller and larger rooms are also used. A purpose-built chashitsu typically has a low ceiling, a hearth built into the floor, an alcove for hanging scrolls and placing other decorative objects, and separate entrances for host and guests. It also has an attached preparation area known as a mizuya."
"Building materials and decorations are deliberately simple and rustic in wabi style tea rooms. Chashitsu can also refer to free-standing buildings for tea. Known in English as tea houses, such structures may contain several tea rooms of different sizes and styles, dressing and waiting rooms, and other amenities, and be surrounded by a tea garden called a roji."
"There are two main ways of preparing matcha for tea consumption: thick, koicha, and thin, usucha. The best quality tea leaves are used in preparing thick tea. Historically, the tea leaves used as packing material for the koicha leaves in the tea urn, chatsubo, would be served as thin tea."
"The most important part of a chaji is the preparation and drinking of koicha, which is usually followed by a more relaxed preparation and drinking of usucha. A chakai may involve only the preparation and serving of thin tea (and accompanying confections), representing the more relaxed, finishing portion of a chaji."
"As the terms imply, koicha is a thick blend of matcha and hot water that requires about three times as much tea to the equivalent amount of water than usucha. To prepare usucha, matcha and hot water are whipped using the tea whisk, or chasen, while koicha is kneaded with the whisk to smoothly blend the large amount of powdered tea with the water."
"Thin tea is served to each guest in an individual bowl, while one bowl of thick tea is shared among several guests. But as you may have surmised, a Tea Ceremony is a very calm, introspective art of socializing in Japanese culture. Ceremonies differ by occasion, but the placing of items on the table and actions of the Host are exacting and highly choreographed."
Paula nodded respectfully, "So the ceremonial drinking of tea is a sharing of the inner person that is mimicked by the physical sharing?"
Astrid smiled, "Exactly."
The family arrived at the tea house a little before the appointed time and entered an interior waiting room where they put on fresh tabi socks which are a thick-soled Japanese ankle sock with a separate section for the big toe. The waiting room had a tatami floor and an alcove, or tokonoma, in which was displayed a hanging scroll whose message alluded to the theme of the chaji. Astrid was astounded and relayed the meaning of the scroll: *The families of Smith and Anders are being invited to join the family Komatsu! This is a very solemn occasion indeed!"
The family was then served a cup of sakurayu, cherry blossom tea, and after drinking from the simple, hand-made, earthen bowls, they proceeded to the outdoor waiting bench in the roji, where they remained until summoned by their host. The family was invited five at a time. The first guests included Emma, Nike, Samira, Vika, Paula, and Astrid who led them through the ceremonial process.
Following a silent bow between Yumi and the five family members, they walked in order to a tsukubai (stone basin) where they ritually purified themselves by washing their hands and rinsing their mouths with water. They then continued along the roji to the actual tea house. They removed their footwear and entered the tea room through a small "crawling-in" door (nijiri-guchi) and proceeded to view the items placed in the tokonoma and the tea equipment already placed in the room. They were then seated seiza-style on individual zabuton, pillow.
The door was closed with an audible sound to alert the host, Yumi, who entered the tea room and welcomed them before answering questions about the scroll and other items. Yumi acknowledged this ceremony was celebrating the inclusion of the Smith and Anders families into the Komatsu clan.
Yumi then ritually cleansed each utensil – including the tea bowl, whisk, and tea scoop – in the presence of the family in a precise order and using prescribed motions and placed them in an exact arrangement according to the particular temae procedure she was performing. When the preparation of the utensils was complete, Yumi prepared thick tea.
Bows were exchanged between Asa-chan and Yumi and Yumi handed Asa-chan the bowl of tea. Astrid then took several sips, complimenting Yumi on the tea and cleaning the rim of the bowl before passing the bowl to Samira who rotated the bowl to avoid drinking from its front. Samira lifted the bowl of tea towards Yumi as a sign of respect, then took a sip, again complimenting the host on the tea.
After taking a few sips, she wiped clean the rim of the bowl and passed it to Nike. The procedure was repeated until all of them had taken tea from the same bowl; each family member then had an opportunity to admire the bowl before it was returned to the Yumi, who then cleansed the equipment and left the tea room. The family members were led back out to the waiting area, and everyone sat quietly while the tea room was reset for the second group which included Joon, Howard, Mercedes, Max and Agatha, who, having been coached by Astrid during their ceremony, again led the others through the second ceremony.
However, things were different this time. The scroll was changed to include a statement of a new Iemoto.
Howard was the only one who could read it of the family present, and he was floored. Agatha sensed his change of disposition and asked, "What is it, dad? What does it say?"
All Howard would say to her was, "It seems Yumi is passing the torch."
Immediately after the conclusion of the second tea ceremony, Yumi awarded Agatha her own 10th dan kanji, or black belt. It being the highest possible rank of her Otousan's teachings. Howard expressed his surprise, "You honor my daughter's student, Oyumisama. Agatha, you have just been given the highest possible ranking in our martial arts style. Congratulations, Grand Master OAgathasama." Howard bowed deeply to Agatha, along with the rest of the family.
Agatha felt the heartfelt pride and support of her family and tears of joy streaked her face as she bowed to Yumi in return, bowing again to her family. Yumi then stated: "Agathasama, you are now Iemoto, Grand Master of our order, and named Wakasōshō, young master, with all rights and privileges."
Agatha was relaying what was happening to the rest of the family and Astrid was dumbfounded, "Whaat? Agatha! You have been adopted into the Komatsu family and you are the new head of the order!"
Howard nodded in recognition of the realization he saw in Agatha's eyes, "Yes, you are now my elder in the order and are now responsible for continuing its teachings."
Agatha thanked Obasan but thought to Astrid,
*I am not worthy of this! It should be dad or you!*
Astrid shot back,
*No Agatha, the head of the order is always about merit, not right. It seems Obasan recognized your skill and has observed your interactions with the family. It is her right to decide and to not accept would be a very, very huge insult. Accept it with grace and the family will help you with it.*
The rest of the day was spent touring the Komatsu castle and grounds. Inspecting the different stages of the individual underground tea preparation stations, one for each type of tea grown on the estate, was the highlight of the tour for Max. The old ways were followed here, preserving the flavor of each unique tea at its peak. Samira preferred the many fruit orchards which were currently in bloom, however.
Max felt the moats were the most intriguing after learning they were full of fish. The outer one was a variable depth saltwater moat with a man-made current sporting seaweed, Urchins, eels, abalone, squid, crab, shrimp, lobster, tuna, salmon, whitefish, flounder, sea bass, oysters, clams, baitfish, and scallops. The inner moat was a variable depth freshwater moat which sported peacock bass, warmouth bream, channel catfish, loggerhead turtles, tilapia, and crappie. There was a waterfall connection to the saltwater moat leading to fresh sandy shallows for use during salmon spawning season.
The whole estate was really a self-sufficient aquaculture and horticulture farm. The estate utilized a pebble bed nuclear powerplant for power that was incapable of melting down.
All too soon it was time to eat a light dinner and prepare for the concert. Ginger rice, made of rice cooked with ginger, fried tofu skin, with soy sauce was served as a base for Salmon marinated in a sweet and savory miso sauce and broiled until the outside was beautifully crisp and the inside was perfectly moist.
Fresh spring rolls complemented the meal made with pork belly, daikon radish, and lettuce which was served with a Japanese-style Sesame Ponzu Vinaigrette for a lighter yet refreshing taste. Kabocha squash rounded out the meal which was a simmered Japanese pumpkin with Japanese shio koji seasoning for a delicious umami flavor served on a bed of steamed seaweed.
Hot green tea was served with the meal.
After dinner, Agatha oversaw the evening Kata, now being the newly appointed Iemoto. Out of respect to Yumi, she incorporated the feminine aspects of the Kata into their routine.
After quick showers and dressing in their Fanta-Con outfits (Yumi, Mercedes, and Howard dressed in their armor), the family donned their cats and flew to the festival grounds with a police escort. The family soon began having way too much fun doing acrobatics around and through the escort vehicles, much to the delight and amazement of the officers.
They arrived right at dusk.
The concert was in full swing as the group arrived up above the crowds; the warmup bands having played and gotten the audience worked up for the main event. The family was amazed at the size of the crowd; there had to be half a million people in front of the stage area alone. That didn't include the holovid audience watching live across almost all of Terran space. This was a full production; the local networks pulling out all the stops with lights, ultra-high-definition cameras at every possible angle, rows and rows of high-end speakers, and other electronics.
Joon had no idea she had become so popular.
As the Tigers and Panthers circled overhead, Paula let loose with volley after volley of sheet lightening and ball lightning strikes that lit up the clear night sky as the deafening thunderclaps hit those on the ground; the lightening show silhouetting the family as they then dove straight for the stage. Not to be out done, Nike set loose fountains and sheets of flame above the crowds.
As the family's cats spread their wings wide to break the descent to the stage, great fireworks were set off in a grand finale type of display with great balls of colored fireflies and loud, percussive booms as the family, along with their cats, landed and took their places on stage as well as in the crowd.
Almost immediately, Agatha pushed,
*We have around 100 people here who have ill intent!*
Max then ordered,
*Paula, let Agatha guide you and bring them to your attention! Pull fortune from them and hex them to sleep. Agatha, guide JPD to their locations so they can be arrested.*
Max gave the orders without missing a beat as she unpacked Joon's guitar and handed it to her.
*Let's get this show on the road to distract everyone from what is happening.*
Joon walked up to the front of the stage and spoke as the holographs picked up her face, "Hello everyone! I am Joon!"
The crowd went wild.
Joon, having swiped her glamour, moved immediately into the song "Top Of The World" by the Carpenters to set a calm base for the crowd. Her honeyed voice evoked a lighthearted joy among her audience as their bodies swayed to the music. The applause was loud but seemed to express a bit of expectancy, so Joon quickly followed with "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang to get the energy moving.
Soon people were dancing, hugging, and having the time of their lives as they listened to Joon's lighthearted rendition of the ancient song. Joon used her sub-harmonic vocals to evoke strong emotions of pleasure and happiness within the crowd.
All during this time, Agatha and Paula were working hard to disable the bad seed elements in the audience and directing law enforcement to their locations.
Then, with Joon's visage moving up to the right corners of the holo vids, videos of the destruction of the Assassin's fortress with a Nova Lance were shown as she played a rendition of "Eye Of The Tiger" By Survivor that was full of power and confidence. The crowd stopped dancing but soon people were shouting and fist pumping their support for the Lion.
"Iron Man," by Black Sabbath came afterward with scenes from the second battle of the Dragon March at Port Medea as the Invictus tore through the Kintark battle lines which switched to the whittling down of the Kintark at Olympus. Joon still projected power and strength but now she added a depth of righteous wrath in her sub-harmonic range.
The audience was putty in her hands by this point as she pulled emotional responses from them at will.
"Rip This Joint," followed soon after with scenes showing the arrival of the Maliri fleet during the second Battle of Terra. "U Can't Touch This" By MC Hammer then thundered with the entrance of the lionesses on the field of battle outside of the Citadel. The restored hope with the Maliri and pride expressed in Joon's voice with the lionesses deeply affected her audience who began rhythmically clapping their hands and singing along when the title chorus was repeated.
"The Champion" By Carrie Underwood played as Emporor Beladranax started the battle with the Lion who while being dominated, kept getting back up. The audience screaming again at seeing their champion laid low until Joon moved to "Black Dog," by Led Zeppelin and the video being showcased was of Sakura killing the bombers of Unity City.
The mood picked up dramatically with "Welcome to the Jungle," by Guns N' Roses which Joon sang next as the Lionesses were shown utterly destroying the Kintark marines outside the Citadel. That energy remained as she quickly transitioned to "Back in Black," from AC/DC as Dana in the Raptor was dragging mines through the Kintark forces running after the remnants of the Terran fleets.
"I'm Still Standing" By Elton John evoked screams of triumph and defiance while scenes of John taking over the fight with the destruction of the dampener on the back of the draconian Emporor Baladranax were played which transitioned into "Another One Bites the Dust," by Queen following the demise of the spiteful dragon.
As a final song, Joon bellowed, "We Are The Champions" in overlaid voices by Queen and the crowd roared as various clips of John and the Lionesses at awards ceremonies and other venues played over the holographs.
With the threats eliminated, Joon answered her curtain calls, all six of them, with the Blues Brother's rendition of "Rawhide", "Devil Woman" and "Tonight Carmine" by Marty Robbins, Steve Earle's "Copperhead Road", Motley Crue's "Smokin in the Boy's Room", and ending with "Bad Company" by Bad Company. At the final sound, the cats were quickly mounted, Max only taking time to pack Joon's guitar, sling it over Samira's back, and grab her wife, Joon, in her supportive embrace. The crowd roared continuously as the family departed into the darkness of the night flying fast and low, following the contours of the land beneath them as they made a beeline for Yumi's estate.
Max had a sealed container of sweet tea for Joon which she sipped while her Captain-wife flew her back to their room.
The family, minus Joon who was asleep, gathered in Yumi's library, being too high on adrenaline after the show to rest. Paula just shook her head, "That entire concert was off the chain. I have never experienced anything in my life that was so emotionally charged that it actually carried a life of its own."
Howard and Mercedes were speechless and their faces were tear stained; deep pride very evident on both their faces. Agatha sat and settled herself down: "The pure rush of such strong emotions from the crowd was almost as debilitating as Paula's Divine energy buildup."
Yumi was a bit lost until Vika mentioned, "Our resident Star Child can 'taste' emotions. I think she actually can feed off of them."
"You are correct, Vika-chan. But not in a way I can explain."
Yumi turned on the local news channel to see if there were any stories on the concert and no one was surprised to see the entire news segment was all about it. It seems the concert broke all the records for live viewership and downloads of the event were threatening to crash the servers set aside to handle the traffic. Attendees who were interviewed as they exited the event were still enraptured and in awe of the experience.
It seemed Joon had inspired a renascence of archaic music that artists were eager to explore. None of the 'quick and dirty' renditions held a candle to Joon's performance, though.
What was missing, however, was any mention of the arrests, which was fine by the family as they didn't want a few bad apples to spoil their wife's thunder. Yumi made inquiries with assets she had within the JPD and found out the would-be assailants were mostly family members of those who were found dead at a meeting held on another planet some days ago.
When Yumi mentioned this Astrid sighed: "Obasan, an interplanetary crime syndicate called 24K was involved in Ingrid's kidnapping attempt as well as destroying Chichi and Haha's home. That organization had also killed Max-chan's adoptive parents and one of their enforcers attempted to kill the family recently as well. The family killed the assailants, including the enforcer, who was then raised from the dead and sent on a mission to destroy all of the heads of the syndicate. That mass death was her doing."
"Asa-chan, thank you so much for that information. The Komatsu Clan has been in an undeclared turf war with 24K for several generations now. That Witch of which you speak has been a thorn in the side of Komatsu Industries for some time as well. You say the leadership is being systematically eliminated?"
"Yes, Obasan, the Witch the family sent will not stop until all the movers and shakers of 24K have been eliminated from this area of the Galaxy."
Yumi smiled, "And their assets?"
Samira answered, "Each innocent family member was or will be given enough money to provide a comfortable life for themselves. All other assets were or shall be sold and put into our account. Last we checked that account had grown to over 40 trillion dollars. The Terran Federation locked the account until we explained their crimes and how we acted within the law and offered to give the Federation 90% of those initial proceeds. With that transaction, everyone was happy and we walked away with over 4 trillion dollars and counting."
Yumi giggled, "Yes, it is quite amazing how things can be overlooked when 36 trillion dollars is thrown on the negotiating table. That was an inspired move."
Samira winked, "Our resident Rogue/Shaman used her Portent to show us the best way to deal with that situation."
"Portent, you say?" Yumi looked to Vika and asked, "Do you have any advice for me, young Shaman-chan?"
Vika smiled, "Harden your assets. You and others with capital will be targeted as understudies of 24k attempt to wrest the capital necessary to revive their criminal enterprise."
Yumi nodded, "Wise council indeed. May I warn my associates?"
Vika nodded in the affirmative and Yumi pulled her Shitsuji to the side, giving her explicit orders, before the house overseer left the room in haste.
Joon pushed to the family,
*I think it would be wise for a hand of Agatha to remain with aunt Yumi. She can learn her new role as the clan's new Iemoto as well as keep us abreast of the financial world in Terran space.*
The family agreed. And while Yumi obviously could take care of herself in a hostile environment, it could not hurt to have a hand watching over her safety.
Astrid asked to broach that subject with her Aunt. "Obasan, the family has considered Agathasama may benefit greatly from you as she learns her new role as Iemoto. Would you consider taking her on and teaching her the ways of her new family and clan?"
Agatha looked expectantly towards Yumi who just grinned and winked in Agatha's direction, "House Komatsu would gladly accept and be very honored to have its own Star Child learning the ways of the Komatsu Clan, should she wish it."
Agatha knelt before Yumi and bowed deeply, "Obasan, I would be honored to accept a position in your household. I assure you I will not be a burden. It would also allow me to continue to strengthen your body and revert it back to the bloom of your youth, should you so desire."
Yumi nodded her acceptance, "Perhaps we could discuss that at a later time, Oiemoto Agathasama. But I am very interested in you staying here with me to better learn your role, and if I am to be honest, keep me company."
Max smiled, would you like to see Agatha go through mitosis, Obasan? It is a spiritually moving event. I suspect Chichi and Haha would like to see the process as well."
Mercedes squealed, "Oh Agatha! Would you mind? Observing that would be the highlight of my day!"
Agatha smiled, "I would enjoy your company, would you like a hand to accompany us so she can answer any
questions?"
"Yes, please?" Mercedes asked with hands held in a prayer and raised eyebrows.
Max nodded and giggled, "Obasan, Oiemoto Agathasama will require around 10,000 Calories to perform her mitosis, would your Shitsuji prefer to provide that, or would it be best if we did so?"
Yumi motioned for her Shitsuji who, having had others go and make the necessary phone calls, came immediately and bowed respectfully, awaiting Yumi's request. Yumi inquired as to the possibility of meeting Agatha's needs and Shitsuji nodded and quickly strode off to make arrangements.
Soon after, Yumi's wrist phone rang with a number originating from the Jericho Police Department. Yumi answered it and soon the face of Major Hendrix appeared. Yumi situated herself so the rest of the family could watch and interact after the customary greetings were exchanged. "How can the Komatsu family help you today, Major Hendrix?"
"Mrs. Komatsu, this is an issue concerning the over 100 arrests during the concert last night. May I speak with Mrs. Agatha Oniera?"
"I am here, Major, how can I be of assistance? And just call me Agatha, please."
"Thank you, Agatha. We are needing to file the paperwork with our legal system and wanted to get some understanding as to how you knew everyone you pointed out to us was carrying explosive devices which could be hand thrown? We are needing to develop probable cause for the searches and arrests."
"Actually, Major, I had no idea. All I did was notice some people feinting and pointed them out to officers in the vicinity. In the process of evaluating those individuals for medical issues, you say they found explosive devices?"
"So, you are saying it was just coincidence that every one of them had the exact same devices on them?"
"I don't know what to tell you, Major. Perhaps they all came into contact with some chemical that eventually led to their unconsciousness? But it seems your probable cause was gained with the preliminary first aide medical examination which resulted in finding those devices, yes? And that some agent they all came into contact with, which may or may not have been fully metabolized by their bodies--leaving no trace to find for your medical examiners-- causing unconsciousness was the justification for the search?"
Major Hendrix smiled, "That makes for a very neat package, Agatha."
"Doesn't it just? And it is a probable cause which does not involve our families being entangled in such a sordid mess. I do have empathy for your people having all that paperwork to do, though. Please give them my highest regards for their diligent work and professionalism."
Major Hendrix chuckled, "You are a very wise woman, Agatha. Sneaky wise. But, thank you for your time and I will certainly convey your best wishes to my officers."
With that the call was ended and Yumi looked at Agatha with a bemused expression saying, "Sneaky wise indeed! Well done keeping the family out of that mess. Now, what is this about 100 assailants at the concert last night?"
Howard and Mercedes were also shocked and paid close attention.
Agatha blushed, "Well Obasan, I can 'taste' emotions and I noted those individuals had evil intent. The 'taste' of that emotion is very rancid and easily located, even within a crowd. I informed the family via telepathy of the danger and Max had Paula, who is a witch, pull 'fortune', which is often called luck, from them and then hex them which caused them to lose consciousness until she lifted the hex. I called to an officer in the vicinity of each one as Paula hexed them and soon after the officers arrested them she lifted the hex and the perpetrators woke up. No one being the wiser."
Howard looked at Max, "And you intentionally had hands of Agatha intermixed in the crowds in anticipation of just such a possibility?" Which was more an observation that a question.
Max nodded, "Dad, I try to leave nothing to chance when the safety of our family is in question."
Mercedes then spoke up, "With someone who can taste emotions over a broad area, another who can foretell when issues will arise, and another who can put massive numbers of people to sleep at the drop of a hat; I would say chance has nothing to do with it."
"Well, mom, we do have a very talented family."
Yumi giggled, "I love the way this family incorporates such understatements when explaining what you all can do. It is most refreshing."
Samira then smirked, "And no one has told anyone here about us taking on 10,000 to 1 odds in lethal melee combat to free prisoners from slavers."
At that, Howard and Mercedes had to sit down. "You can't really mean that!"
Joon then sat down with the family and they recounted the events that led up to the freeing of Freeport and the future plans for the mining ship as well as the initiation of the M.E.S.I.N. intelligence entity she was forming in the Minor Empires with the incorporation of the Sharik-Sah intelligence network of the Skerawk species and the captains of all the Bract trading vessels.
Howard just shook his head. "I knew I was outclassed by my girls. I just had no idea how badly. I cannot tell you how proud I am of you all." he said with tears in his eyes. 10,000 to one odds against pirates, slavers, and thieves who included ranks of Drakkar, Kintark, adult Largath and T-Fed traitors... and not a single scratch on any of you?"
Yumi looked at Vika and smiled, "And the smallest among us killed 3 Kintark in one engagement and 3 Bull Largath in another by herself in melee combat. Most impressive, Vikasama."
Howard added, "And the tactical acumen required to plan and execute such a bold plan, Max, made all your sacrifices in the past worth while. No way you could have put that together without your training."
Max blushed and smiled, "It was a team effort, dad."
"And the team leader gets the glory in success and the shame in defeat. Deal with it, my loving daughter. I have seen more than I need to recognize your skills as a warrior."
Samira corrected the record, "Well dad, there was one small casualty. I was ambushed by several dozen mortars in a hallway and blown about 30 meters backwards. Joon had to check me for concussive injuries. But, I was fine."
Yumi asked, "Samira-chan, how was that possible?"
Samira stood and backed up a bit before she pulled our her Aegis. Her golden hard light armor and shields glistening in the noonday sun. " Please call your swords, Obasan."
Yumi called her Katana to her and they soon zoomed to stationary positions before her hands. She took hold of them and raised an eyebrow.
"Strike me with your most deadly and strongest blows, Obasan."
"I dare not Samira-chan. I will kill you."
"You will not even touch me, Obasan."
She was tentative at first, but soon Yumi was striking Samira's hard light shielding and armor with all she had; the blows deflected easily by the armor.
Yumi released her Katana and they flew back to their stands, "That is amazing. Can anything pierce your armor?"
Max drew her Nagamaki, its translucent, dark-crimson form flowing with power. "This can."
"And this," Emma drew her Staff of Kaladanda, whisps of smokey death emanating from its surface.
"And these," Vika said as she let loose with three windblades and two Ca'tagri knives into the ground at her feet.
Yumi then asked, "And what other special gifts do my nieces have?"
Nike just laughed and seemed to flicker for a second before she handed Yumi 4 huge raw diamonds weighing nearly a pound apiece. "I can travel a whole planet in an instant and find buried treasure!"
Finally, Yumi's jaw dropped, and she was speechless, accepting the diamonds with both hands and croaking her thanks and astonishment.
Astrid asked, "Obasan, may I see those, please?"
After Yumi handed them over, Astrid analyzed them and interfaced with Samira's wet ware. Samira then used her arm lasers to cut the raw diamonds into huge, exquisite, finished diamonds with hundreds of individual faces that caught the light of the sun in dazzling displays of rainbow arcs. She then handed them back to Yumi, "There, these are nicer now."
Yumi exclaimed, "Each one of these is a priceless gift!"
Astrid smiled, "By accepting the gift, you honor the giver."
The first of the Ornalith work crews docked on Freeport in three transports and the three hands of Agatha were at the three stations, tasting the emotions of the workers as they passed. Each transport had a 24K operative in their midst and when she pointed them out, each was escorted by two of Mosira's security detail to Agatha's meeting room. While there, their work pouches were searched and the Kintark found several types of explosive and listening devices on them.
The Ornalith began sputtering their indignation when Agatha hexed them with a spell of silence by nonchalantly flicking her fingers. I am not going to waste time talking to you. You have just brought explosives onto the grounds of a foreign embassy. Mosira, take them and lock them in separate brigs where they cannot communicate, do forensic work on these artifacts so you can tie them to each Ornalith, and send me all the data so I can call the Prime Dictatus.
Mosira nodded to her people who knocked the struggling Ornalith out to make life simpler for themselves as they then lifted them up and took them to their cells.
"Prime, the Star Child has called, requesting a moment of your time."
Prime Dictatus replied, "Direct the call to me immediately whenever she calls."
"As you dictate, Prime."
"Hello Agatha, I hope the work crews have begun the initial cleanup?"
"Indeed, Prime, they have. But sadly, there is a diplomatic issue that has arisen, and I wanted your advice on the matter."
Sitting a bit taller, Prime asked, "Indeed? What can I help you with, Agatha? I am at your disposal."
"Well, we have apprehended three workers who are in league with an interstellar crime syndicate called 24K. They were attempting to plant listening devices as well as small bombs on Freeport which, as you know, is a diplomatic vessel. This constitutes an attack on Terran Federation land. Normally that would be a death sentence which we have the right, according to the Concordat of the Minor Empires, to execute immediately. However, given our newly minted accords and in a spirit of trusted cooperation, I, as first secretary to the Ambassador Jooniper Smith/Anders, have decided to allow you to deal with them if you so desired."
It was obvious Prime turned a bit chalky pale as he listened to Agatha. "My dear Agatha, I give you my solemn oath I had no knowledge of this."
"Oh, I have no doubt, Prime. This is just a courtesy I am offering."
"May I see them?"
Agatha relayed the video feeds to Prime's holographic device.
"Ah, I know these three. They are underlings of our mutual friend, the late advisor. I would appreciate it greatly if you would release them to me. I can use this to my political advantage to further erode the power of their sect and I will have them publicly executed according to our ways. Dealing with organized crime also carries the death penalty under our laws. May I send a law enforcement shuttle to pick them up?"
"Whenever you wish, Prime. Thank you for dealing with this issue. I would have no qualms; but particularly after the incident at dinner, I would prefer not to be seen killing more Ornalith. It would just be bad optics."
"I appreciate your courtesy and trust, Agatha. This will be over before the workday is finished. A transport is on its way."
Lunch consisted of Armadillo eggs created by mixing together softened cream cheese with a good amount of smoked paprika which was placed into capped, hollowed out, and halved Jalapenos. Those peppers were then put back together (minus the caps) and enclosed in ground sausage to make a large pill. That sausage pill was then completely covered in a multi-layered wrap of thick, smoked bacon. The resulting 'egg' was then mesquite smoked on an outdoor grill at 200 degrees for about 45 minutes to an hour (or until the bacon was crispy).
Fifteen minutes before being taken off the grill and after the bacon was crispy, the 'eggs' were then slathered with smoked BBQ sauce. When taken off the grill they were allowed to settle for 10 minutes before serving with BBQ sauce on the side.
To these was added a salad of cut Romaine lettuce leaves seasoned with minced parsley, diced green onions, boiled egg quarters, diced smoked bacon, cherry tomatoes, fresh ground pepper, and homemade creamy ranch buttermilk dressing.
Potatoes that had been previously baked until done were then cooled and cut into wedges lengthwise before being rinsed and tossed in 5 pounds of plain flour which had a cup of corn starch added before being quickly fried in peanut oil. The starch caused the flour to be really sticky and stay on the potatoes, making for a nice crusty skin on the potato logs.
A semi-sweet, freshly masticated cranberry juice was served to drink which cleaned the palate as well as complemented the meal. Shitsuji made sure there was lots of good food available so Agatha could get the calories she needed for her upcoming mitosis.
Mercedes ate until she was sick, "My compliments to the Chef, Yumisama. It was seasoned and cooked to absolute perfection! What were those bacon wrapped things?"
Yumi smiled, "They are called armadillo eggs after an old Terran animal they resemble. I was on Terra for a business meeting some time back and invited to dinner at what is called a southwestern grill where these were made. I fell in love with them, asked their cook about them, and he give me the recipe." Yumi then went through the process of how to make them; Paula listening to every word.
Agatha licked her lips and said, "New favorite mitosis prep meal."
Agatha lay on a warmed shower floor in Yumi's private quarters with Yumi, another hand of Agatha, Howard and Mercedes in attendance. Agatha gave her insights into the process for everyone when asked, but mostly everyone was just in a quiet awe as they watched. When it was done, Mercedes collected some of the residual mitosis mucus for study. When it was over, both the weakened Agatha were cleaned by Agatha, Mercedes, and Yumi and laid in Yumi's bed with plenty of fluids and fruits nearby. Clean clothes were provided as well.
Mercedes wept, "I thought, when Mixie said it was a spiritually moving event, that she was being dramatic. I could not have been more wrong."
"The honorable Chigurg, Prime Dictatus of the Ornalith Dictorum has passed judgment. All shall be silent and hear his decree." the Captain of the Guard bellowed in a deep, sonorous voice. The three accused stood in massive chains before the central dais where Chigurg sat behind an ornate stonework desk.
"By the evidence on your persons and by revelations put forth by the investigative branch of the Dictorum guard, you are all three found guilty of consorting with an interstellar crime syndicate and of attempting to install listening and explosive devices on a diplomatic ship of the Terran Federation. Either of these offenses carries the penalty of death. I thereby decree you shall be fed the elixir of calcification so that your preserved bodies of stone may be placed in front of the entrance to the Palace as a reminder to all of the consequences of such heinous actions. Captain of the Guard, carry out their punishment."
Strong guards then put tubes down the throats of the offenders and force fed them a milky fluid. The three convicted Ornalith fought bravely and cursed loudly. But soon each of them began to inexorably turn to stone, and after a minute the transformation was complete. The guards then removed their chains and began the process of relocating them to the front of the entrance of the Palace.
Prime then looked to Agatha, Mosira, and Soumii: "I wish to formally apologize for the misguided actions of these miscreants. It is my sincere hope that the justice dictated this day fully demonstrates our embarrassment as a species for the unreasonably foul reception you and your associates have received from us to this point. I have dictated a full investigation and cleansing of all agents of this crime syndicate from the Dictorum as well."
"Prime Dictatus, the actions of a few do not mark the whole of Ornalith culture whose members we have found to be honest, hardworking people as well as pleasant company. Let us close the ledger on these isolated missteps and move together in a healthy, trusting, and mutually fulfilling new relationship. My ambassador, my associates, and I find your people to be of good character and we have the utmost faith and trust in your wise leadership of such a great society. We look forward to a grand future together as part of the Empowered Minor Empires."
The crew spent the rest of the day reminiscing with Yumi about her past and the connection she had with dad. Howard joined in on that, indicating he adored Yumi and wanted to marry her, but her father would not allow it, wanting Yumi to find a Japanese husband. The problem was that all suitors who were acceptable to dad wanted to make Yumi a porcelain doll and Yumi had too much of the warrior spirit in her for that to ever happen.
"My Otousan, father, even attempted half a dozen Omiai; with each attempt ending in the prospective suitor bowing out after the initial meeting: he finally gave up."
Howard, knowing the unusual number of those Omiai asked, "Why more than one Yumisama?"
Yumi smirked, "I am not entirely sure; but it may have been my stated intent of killing off his entire family immediately after the wedding." The family stifled giggles or guffaws with Samira shaking her head, "I just cannot imagine how such a statement could have swayed a prospective husband, Obasan. I agree with you, it must have been something else." She said with obvious sarcasm. "The spirit of the Onna-Bugeisha indeed."
Yumi smiled into her tea. "Yes, well after the sixth, my Otousan could no longer get an acceptable male suitor or his Otousan to accept an offer."
Mercedes then asked, "Why did you not pursue my husband after your Otousan passed?"
Howard answered that question, "Because it would have dishonored her Otousan and my Sensei. Something neither of us would have ever done. That time has passed for both of us. We are fond of one another, but that is as far as it could ever go, out of respect."
Changing the topic of discussion, Yumi then asked, "Asa-chan, what are your plans for your new shipping venture called Freeport?"
Astrid replied, "I initially purchased it as a way to recover a Bract Galleon for the Bract Conglomerate as an avenue towards diplomatic relations and as a way to deal with some serious issues of piracy within the Minor Empires. Now that the family owns it outright, we are getting it refitted to luxurious levels and will set it up as a duty-free smelting station, diplomatic and cultural center for the Minor Empires, and a centralized M.E. trading station."
"It will now also be the hub of the combined M.E. spy organization called M.E.S.I.N. which is short for Minor Empires Securities and Investigation's Network. The famed Skerawk spy network, Sharik-Sah has joined, and we have begun development of a spy network within the Slarmian Dynasty, with the approval of the Grand Potentate, and also enlisted the services of the entire guild of ship's captains within the Bract Conglomerate for Intel acquisition. We have successfully developed trade agreements with the Ashanath, Trankarans, Terrans, Bract, Slarmians, and the planet of Dau for trade, shipping, and smelting operations which will all kick off as soon as the refit is finished, and we reposition Freeport to a centralized location."
Yumi crinkled her eyes in mirth, "So what you are telling me, Asa-chan, is your family has won a war with M.E. pirates and slavers, won a war with an intersteller crime syndicate, set up a major spy ring, set up a new system of trade for the M.E., and set up diplomatic relationships with many of the major players in the M.E.; all in the space of just a few months? In the midst of Kirrix and Kintark invasions? And you have gotten all this paid for PLUS a cash infusion of 4 trillion dollars?"
Astrid smiled, "Yes, Obasan. That pretty much sums it up."
Yumi winked, "The spirit of the Onna-Bugeisha indeed! Your father would be proud. I know I am."
Astrid countered, "It was a family accomplishment, Obasan."
Yumi merely bowed slightly to each and every member of the family in response. "It seems my intelligence reports left out a few minor details." She said with a hint of humor in her voice.
Astrid then asked, "Obasan, would you consider adding your security network under the umbrella of M.E.S.I.N.? And/or setting up a tea shop in Freeport with exclusive rights for supplying tea to the Minor Empires?"
Agatha and Nomissa walked into the newly completed Terran Embassy on Dau.
Agatha was pleased that the cultural importance of Jherish-Milas was preserved with the Embassy being built within the original, now expanded, cave entrance to the Grotto which had also been enlarged to create an inviting meeting place for all the species of Dau. The Embassy expanded upwards from the beach a total of 6 layers within the cliff face.
Agatha was amazed at how quickly it all came together and mentioned that to Nomissa who explained, "Drones do not tire and do not sleep. And the project was saturated with construction drones to the point they almost got in one another's way. But the results speak for themselves."
"Yes, yes, they do. Please give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who worked so tirelessly on this project."
"As you wish, M-Lady."
Agatha looked askance at Nomissa taking that formal tone and Nomissa winked with a humorous grin on her face.
"I detect a gathering above. Am I supposed to be surprised when we meet?"
"Yes, please. Keeping up pretenses is important right now."
The cave entrance now being the entrance to the Embassy grounds through a short section of the original cave leading to the bah relief of the first floor of the embassy on the left, or leeward side, of the cave wall. The massive wooden doors leading to the inner sanctum of the new embassy were made with precious woods from the forest of Dau that were sustainably harvested, and the entire fascia was decorated with bah relief carvings showcasing the three major cultures of the planet.
The top layer of the Embassy was the living quarters for the Terrans, Chazi, Zakai, and even the Razu who had their own sealed living quarters filled with seawater and appropriate aquatics with a secretive water entrance where antigrav ciclics were used in a unique way to provide a water elevator with both up and down channels for their easy access which also provided for continuous refreshing of the water supply. Water channels also provided access to the common areas of this floor as well as each of the other floors in the Embassy.
While unusual for a foreign embassy to house diplomats from different cultures of a planet, Agatha and Nomissa thought it was expedient to have them close by as there would be growing pains in the three distinct species on the planet who only now began to understand the depth of the true culture of Dau.
The fifth layer housed all of the staff, both domestic and foreign, along with the security detail. Security also had an open cavern to the cliff face for landing and launching security drones, housing a diplomatic shuttle, and handling the logistics needs of the Embassy. The fourth layer was set up with the kitchen, storage, and dining areas, both formal and informal. The third layer from the top incorporated extensive communications suites with private alcoves as well as entertainment centers catering to the three species of Dau.
Each race of the planet had enlisted their own staffs who were also the initial members of the rapidly expanding Dau cyber network; the first inductees having acquitted themselves admirably with the help of the caretakers and Agatha.
The second level from the top was a set of meeting rooms which included a separate office for each of the Dau species as well as the Terran along with a combined meeting room where everyone could sit comfortably and interact face to face... which the Razu and Chazi preferred.
The first level was both a reception area and small gallery/museum showcasing the many aspects of Dau culture and history. The floor of this level had marble tiles set out in a mosaic of the planet, showcasing the special places of cultural and political importance to each species. The walls of each of the levels were all natural, highly polished layers of the materials making up the cliff wall that showed off the geologic strata of the cliff in exquisite detail.
When Nomissa and Agatha walked out of the large elevator into the third story of the Embassy and walked into the formal dining area, Agatha walked into a surprise party...well, as much as it could be a surprise with Agatha having sensed all of them when she entered on the main floor. She had the good grace to effect surprise, much to the delight of those few who were in attendance who knew better.
It seems, deep dish pizza was the main course of the first Ambassadorial dinner party... much to Agatha's amusement; Less and Ness having orchestrated the entire meal for their new family friend. (The import of fine cheeses to Dau was already threatening to unbalance trade; something Agatha had addressed in helping the family learn how to make Terran cheeses. They invested heavily in farming milk cows, pasture land, milking stalls, pasteurizing machinery, and active cheese cultures, intending to corner the market on domestically rendered Terran cheeses.)
The parting dinner with Yumi was served in the peach orchard and consisted of katsudon: a bowl of hot rice topped with sliced tonkatsu, a deep-fried panko coated Pork cutlet, onions, and egg served with a teriyaki based brown sauce. Gyoza, pan-fried dumpling filled with minced vegetables, was served as a side dish and Miso soup made of Fresh Enoki Mushrooms, chopped onion, minced garlic and ginger root, canola oil, water, miso paste, firm tofu and sliced green onion stems, rounded out the meal.
As a parting gift, Yumi presented everyone in the family with their own, custom fitted set of ceremonial silk Gi which had both the Kamatsu Tiger and Solomoria Panther hand embroidered in rampant, winged display over the backs and chests of the jackets.
Max then presented Yumi with a giant, multifaceted, medium dark red music box made from a single, holowed out, lidded, natural, AAAA grade giant ruby measuring 10cm x 14cm x 12cm high. Nike took the time to find and extract it from deep in the planet's crust. Astrid made the music apparatus that played the song 'Sakura' which was a traditional Japanese folk song often used for music boxes in ancient Japan. Samira laser cut the hollowed out structure, lid, and short stubby legs of the box and the piano style hinge was made of 12 carat gold and bonded to the Ruby at the molecular level with witchcraft from Paula. Under the lid was a shallow space where a magical pentacle talisman on a thin Oricalcum chain resided.
"Obasan, this talisman will protect you from evil spells and small arms fire, even sword cuts and arrows. Please wear it whenever you are away from home." Howard asked.
After tearful bows and hugs, the crew boarded the Deirdra, activated their stealth suite, and began their journey to Freeport, with a quick stop at Staverka.
Yumi took a deep breath and walked into her inner sanctum with Agatha at her side. "So, Iemoto, let us enjoy our first evening together discussing what you really are and how you met the family."