Max Intel: Jooniper
Chapter 9 - Games

Max was in the command chair on the bridge of the Deirdra with Astrid in her lap. "Hon, where does your Obasan live?"

"Oh, I guess I never told you, did I. She lives in a city called Jericho in the Epsilon Eridani system in the core worlds."

Max nodded and smiled, "Agatha, plot us a course for Jericho, Epsilon Eridani system please. And give us an ETA?"

"Yes, Captain-wife." After a few seconds Agatha reported, "Course laid in and we are 2 hours away at maximum FTL."

"Thank you, Agatha. Astrid, perhaps you should let your aunt know we will be at her residence in approximately.... wait, does your aunt have a place where we can land near her home?"

Astrid smiled, "My Obasan has a rather large estate north of Jericho, and she has plenty of space for us to land in her back yard."

Agatha turned towards Astrid from her navigation station, "My dear Asa-chan, I sense there is something you are not telling us. Is it something we need to know at this time?"

Astrid, feeling a bit impish due to visiting her aunt for the first time in ages, gave a cute smirk and stuck out her tongue at Agatha, "You will know it when you see it."

Agatha giggled, "Okay. So, we are playing games today." She nodded with her own cute smile. "Perhaps, just thinking out loud here, Captain-Wife, I might inquire around as to a secured parking area around Jericho and we can take the motor home for a spin so as not to inconvenience Aunt Yumi with a Corvette sized ship in her driveway?"

Astrid laughed out loud, "Agatha, that will not be necessary. But yes, Max, I do need to call her." Astrid stood up from Max's lap and went over to the communication's station and put in the memorized holo address for her Aunt Yumi.

The connection was much faster than before and almost instantly Yumi answered, "Thank you for calling the Tiger Tiger Tea Hou....Asa-Chan! So good to see you again. When might I expect your company?"

Astrid smiled, "Obasan Yumi, I wanted to let you know we are about two hours out. Is the secure landing pad available?"

Yumi's face lit up and the white streak in her hair seemed to glow along with her eyes, "Yes, Asa-Chan, I prepared it for your arrival when you mentioned before you would be visiting. And two hours gives me just enough time to close up shop and meet you there! I will have Aiko make us a nice lunch. Do your wives appreciate fine sushi?"

Astrid pushed to the family. Everyone quickly responded with either a yes or a willingness to try it. The twins and Vika being the virgins. "Oh, Obasan, that would be lovely! Please let Aiko know we will be bringing the tea for her to steep. It is quite a special tea and if you approve, we can make sure some is shipped to you for your tea house. Oh, there will be twenty of us visiting."

To Yumi's credit she barely reacted, "Asa-Chan, you have 19 wives?"

"Obasan, I have 6 wives, two of our visitors will be my Mother and Father In-Law and two are my sisters. Ingred had Otousan and Okaasan's home blown up in an attempt to capture me."

"Asa-Chan! Is everyone okay? Is Ingrisan still at large?"

"I sent Ingrid away with a stern warning that next time she tried to abduct me her life would be forfeit. Everyone is okay but the family home of two of my wives and my mother and father in-law was burned to the ground Obasan. I feel so shamed by her actions."

Yumi's expression went from open concern to calculating and shrewd in a nanosecond. "We will discuss this at length when you arrive Asa-Chan." With a switch back to kindness, Yumi continued, "All of your family are welcome, and I must insist you spend a few nights here with me. It has been too long, and I wish to honor your new family. There is also a Fanta-Con at the Northern Jericho Civic Center. I took the liberty of getting you tickets. I will immediately amend that order so all your family can attend. I know how much you love those."

Astrid was so beside herself she was bouncing in her seat, "Oh Obasan! You have no idea how wonderful a gift that is! I cannot wait to see you and introduce everyone!"

---

Yumi was excited. She had noticed her niece's ears and knew they were High Elven Fanta-con adaptations, but there seemed to be something else going on and she definitely had her interest piqued. She rushed to her estate and got the servants hopping to prepare enough rooms for everyone. She had Aiko order fresh-off-the-boat items for lunch and together they had decided on a buffet and a Teppanyaki grill for everyone.

Yumi had also decided family issues had come to a head and it was time to finally deal with the situation in a more permanent manner. It is one thing for Ingrid to manipulate and quite another to start burning down family homes. Astrid was too close to the situation to see her warning would not change anything and this current failure would only motivate her stepmother to more drastic measures.

Yumi had taken steps to prepare for this eventuality though and all she needed was to make contact. But that will wait, she thought, until she got the full story. There are many ways to die...some more pleasant than others.

---

Agatha informed everyone they were 5 minutes out from the Epsilon Eridani system.

Dame Captain Max Anders considered her question and reasoned,



Agatha immediately started the sensor baffle suite and set the outer skin to mimic what was seen from the opposite sides of the ship so no one could easily see it from above or below.

Max had pushed the conversation to Astrid as well and she came back to the bridge, having been finishing her work to re-skin the motorhome in the cargo bay with Oricalcum. The incognito, armored troop transport now shone with a light, lavender highlighted, golden skin, making her lighter, faster, and more heavily armored than any other personnel carrier in Terran Federation space. The front decal was now actually a pentacle talisman and there were seven winged panthers in various poses on each side of the motorhome.

"Obasan's estate is about 4 kilometers from Jericho on the northern side and is bordered by a large forest to the north, east, and west of the estate." Astrid informed Agatha as she laid on the command couch with her head in Max's lap.

Agatha came out of FTL well outside of the ATC envelope and pulled up a holo map of Jericho and the surrounding area. Astrid stood as Joon, her parents, and Samira entered the bridge, and she began manipulating the holographic map to locate Yumi's estate.

"There it is, Agatha. That flat area there is actually a recessed space where we can park the Deirdra. The top of the secured area actually opens up and you can drop us right in. I know the codes to transmit so let me know when you are ready so I can open the top doors for you."

The area where Astrid indicated was none other than a rendition of a Japanese style castle with dual moats. The outer rim of the estate had 3-meter-thick stone surfaced ferrocrete walls that stood 14 meters above the inner rim of the waters of the outer moat and outlined a kilometer wide buffer zone between the walls and consisted of well-tended gardens full of fruit and nut trees.

Vegetable and spice/herb gardens were visible as well as various tea gardens which also occupied the space between the outer moat wall and inner moat. Another 17-meter-tall stone faced ferrocrete wall lining the inside shore of the inner moat looked to double as the outer wall of living structures including culturally specific roofs and short, round towers; all with the traditional curved roofs associated with high level Japanese building construction. The North side of the inner wall also edged the landing area.

Samira gawked, "Your Aunt Yumi is a Japanese feudal lord!"

Astrid giggled, "Obasan Yumi had her own fortune before my father willed half of his to her. The family traces its cultural roots back eons. She has no children or family other than Ingred and me. I have been informed Ingred is not inheriting any of Obasan's assets."

Joon looked at Astrid, "Obviously your aunt is a traditionalist. Can you give us some quick cultural tips, so we do not offend?"

"Sure! Quick and dirty tips are:
Don't walk on the grass,
don't misuse chopsticks...use a fork or your fingers if you don't know how to use them,
slurp your noodles,
bow when addressed,
use slow hand motions and
use two hands to accept anything handed to you,
say 'kanpai' when toasting,
wear discrete clothing,
keep track of your waste,
don't wear perfume when eating sushi,
only use light makeup if any at all.

Merci smiled, "Excellent advice, thank you Astrid."

With that, everyone got dressed. As a sign of respect, all the women wore silk kimonos. Max wore black with silver cherry blossoms while Joon went with burgundy, Mercedes went with a sky blue, Astrid with white, Vika yellow, Samira with mellon green, Nikke wore flame red and Emma a whispy sky blue and white while all the Agathas went with dark blue. Each kimono had beautiful traditional scenes in contrasting colors with the exception of Max, Joon and Agatha(s) whose scenes were rampant winged panthers, Solomoriah. Howard wore a Montsuki kimono in shades of grey with Solomoriah crests.

---

After the Deirdra had landed in the enclosed bay, Howard and Mercedes called their winged panthers from their armor and set them to guard duty while the family was away.

Astrid's eyes grew wide, "Um, how did you two learn to do that? I didn't even know that was possible without you wearing your armor!"

Howard looked at Mercedes and then at Astrid, "I cannot say. It just seemed natural that we could, so we did it."

"Fascinating!" Astrid mumbled then mentioned,

Now Max's eyes got big, *Glad you mentioned that. And it is a good thing they have the cats on patrol, then."

Astrid stopped mid stride and looked at the Motorhome. Soon an additional 14 cats were now on duty guarding the ship...6 on the immediate perimeter outside and another 8 inside at various strategic places.

Of the 6 outside, four took up stations at the four points of the compas while two flew up to perch on the top of the ship. All of them, however, were focused on the person who stood at the end of the entrance to the underground bay, though they all acted, as cats are wont, like they didn't see her.

The Shitsuji, or estate overseer, was a bit pale and didn't move a muscle with the appearance of the flying panthers.

Agatha sensed her strong emotions and broadcast a sense of calm and security to her as Astrid approached her saying, "Shitsujisan, you are quite safe, these are our very well trained pets who watch over our belongings when we are away. Have no fear, but do not approach them or the ship."

Shitsuji averted eyes with Astrid as she bowed deeply, "Asa-sama, if you and your gokazoku (family) would follow me, I will guide you to Oyumisama."

Astrid bowed slightly in response and motioned the family to follow.

---

The family walked up an inclining hallway of fitted marble stonework into a clearing of Cherry Trees in full bloom. The sweet smell and delicate beauty of the blossoms eliciting strong reactions from the family. At one end of the orchard stood Obasan Yumi in her golden silk kimono with green filigree stems topped with red spider lilies. Her hands were hidden under her sleeves and clasped in front of her as they approached. Shitsuji bowed deeply to Yumi and backed away to the side, allowing Astrid to approach and stop at a respectful distance.

Bowing deeply Astrid made introductions: "Obasan may I present to you my goryoushin, Otousan Howard and Okaasan Mercedes. Mom and Dad, this is my Obasan Yumi."

When Yumi saw them enter the cherry grove she was deeply honored by their dress, realizing they dressed in a traditional way out of respect for her. But, when she looked more closely at Howard and recognized his crests her eyes got big and she bowed deeply, "Osolomoriah-san, you bestow great honor upon this house with your presence and the presence of your family."

Howard bowed in return, "Yumisama, it is you who honor my family with your gracious invitation. May I present to you my wife, Mercedes-chan and our daughters, Max-chan, Joon-chan, Vika-chan Asa-chan, Samira-chan, Paula-chan, Agatha-chan, Nikke-chan, and Emma-chan." Each daughter bowed deeply to Yumi as they were recognized and said, "Obasama Yumi, it is an honor."

"Please be welcome in my home. We have set a meal for everyone if you will accompany me. With the delightful weather I thought we might eat Al-fresco if no one would be offended?"

Howard smiled, "Yumisama, we live on a ship, Al-fresco would be welcomed! Very kind of you to realize this."

Yumi then blushed, "With the different types of food it was decided to do it open buffet style, is there any offense to everyone helping themselves?"

Howard smiled again, "No offense, Yumisama. In fact, some are trying to be adventurous today."

---

A Teppanyaki grill was busy cooking Kobe Wagyu beef steaks to order along with Tonjiru (Pork and Vegetable Miso Soup) in side pots and sauteed Negi, Daikon, Shiso, Renkon, and Takenoko stir fried vegetables.

There was also a chilled bar to the side with many types of Sushi, Sashimi, Nigiri, and Makizushi with several Sushi Chefs behind it busy preparing the dishes and keeping the bar stocked.

The Maki offerings included Torotaku maki (tuna and pickled radish roll), Anakyu maki (cucumber and conger eel roll), Negitoro maki (green onion and tuna roll), and Natto maki (Fermented Soybean roll).
The Nigiri offerings included Maguro / Toro (Fatty Tuna), Sake (Salmon), Hamachi (Young Yellowtail), and Uni (Sea Urchin) Gunkan. The Sashimi choices were Otoro (extra fatty Tuna), Hotate (Sea Scallop), Ikura (Salmon Roe), Kanpachi (Greater Amberjack), and baby whole Tako (Octopus).

For the more squeamish, Sushi Rolls were made available which included the California Roll, Philadelphia Roll, Teriyaki Roll, and Shrimp Tempura Roll. These selections were offered with lots of pickled White Gari Sushi Ginger, Tamaruya Shizuoka Wasabi paste, and Yamashin Shiro Shoyu (White Soy Sauce).

The food was pared with hot Wuni Moon tea which the family brought with them and Dassai Junmai Daigninjo Sake with a sweet and sour flavor profile that was both soft and smooth.

Vika, Emma, and Nikke were hesitant at first, but after being shown how to use the Wasabi and Soy and using the gari to clean the palate they began trying some of the Sushi Rolls before gradually working their way up to some of the more exotic offerings.

Vika after one bite of Maguro / Toro was in love and Emma loved the Tako while Nikke was partial to the Negitoro maki. The newbies to Sushi, having been warned, went ahead and used forks while the rest of the family enjoyed their meal with chopsticks. Soon the Wygu Beef was ready, everyone having put in their preferences on the way to the Sushi Bar earlier and the family sat down to some cut with a fork beef and stir-fried vegetables with Miso soup.

Yumi was overcome with the tea, "Oh, Asa-chan! You must send me as much of this tea as you can! It is both delicate and full bodied at the same time with unique flavor notes I cannot quite place. Please, where is it from?"

Astrid smiled, Obasan, it is from a planet named Dau. The tea only grows under the light of their second moon and it is currently not distributed. However, Joon-chan has diplomatic ties with the rulers of Dau."

Yumi looked a bit embarrassed, but Joon rescued her, "Obasama, I apologize most profusely, but I anticipated you would enjoy the tea and I have enjoined the government of Dau to ship you 15 pounds of fresh Wuni Moon tea every two weeks. I hope I have not caused offense. I know Asa-chan would have mentioned it, but she did not want to appear as if she was being presumptive. It is my hope that your house and your tea shop will enjoy this offering as a gift." With that, Joon walked over to Yumi and bowed slightly as she offered her 15 pounds of ground Wuni Moon Tea leaves.

Agatha informed.

Yumi accepted the tea with both hands. "Again, you honor my house. Domo arigatou gozaimasu Joon-chan."

Vika then spoke, "Obasan, in our culture, if one wishes answers to questions, one need only to ask. I know you have done a background check on us, but you will have found more questions than answers. It would be dishonorable for our family to hold secrets from one another. Would you allow us to explain who we are?"

"Vika-chan, you are very perceptive. But my first observation involves the changes in Asa-chan's appearance." Yumi replied as she turned back to Astrid.

Astrid then responded, "Obasan, as you know, I have always loved the fantasy genre. Well, Agatha-chan is not human and she has gifted us with requested body changes and given us magical fantasy class abilities.

Yumi raised an eyebrow, "Magical?"

Astrid smiled, "Chichi, would you please call one of your cats for Obisan to examine?"

Howard nodded and summoned one of his cats on duty which came flying over to land a respectful distance from Yumi. It bowed politely and purred, inviting head scritches. Yumi's eyes were clear and calculating as she reached out to softly scratch behind the big cat's ears. The purrs got louder.

"Osolomoriah-san, you have come far in your teachings since we last met."

Mercedes, along with everyone else—but she was the one to voice it, "You have met before?"

Howard blushed and cleared his throat, "Yumisama's Otousan was both her and my Sensei."

Astrid was floored, her mouth hung open in shock. Vika walked over and lifted her chin with a gentle touch of her jaw and Paula smiled. Mercedes, Joon, and Max were just dumbfounded. Samira just laughed, "Small universe indeed!"

Everyone had finished eating and Howard asked, "Yumisama, would you like to fly on the back of my sigil?"

Yumi smiled and in a very deft move she, opened side slits on her kimono, and stepped over the now prone, enlarged animal, sitting just behind the shoulders and above the wings of the Panther. The large cat slowly gained speed before extending its wings and Yumi was squealing like a little girl as she flew around the estate. Soon the well-set hair, held in place with long needles, was flying behind her like a silver cape, her arms outstretched to the wind.

Slow circles slowly moved to minor acrobatic moves and soon Yumi was doing barrel rolls and immelmanns. Astrid looked to Howard and asked, "Please do not kill my aunt, dad."

Howard laughed, "I am not directing the cat. Yumi is with her feet and legs."

Soon other enlarged winged panthers arrived and laid down on all fours for Joon, Max, Samira, Paula, Vika, Astrid, Howard, Mercedes, Nikke, Emma, and an Agatha who mounted and soon were all flying with Yumi in two Octahedron shaped flights: one lead by Yumi and another by Howard. The flights were perfectly synchronized and flew as if of one mind... the cats seemingly communicating with one another.

After about 20 minutes the two flights landed and Yumi ran up and gave Howard a huge hug. With blushing cheeks she announced to Howard, "Payment in full."

Max looked at Dad and raised her eyebrow this time. Howard chuckled and said, "The agreement between my Sensei and myself was Yumisama would hold my marker. And should she ever call it in, I was to accept whatever she asked of me in payment for being taught his style. But Yumisama, this cannot be payment as you didn't call in the marker beforehand. This was a gift from my heart."

Yumi then proclaimed, "Meet back here in 15 minutes with your Panther rides. We will ride them to Fanta-Con! Shitsujisan, we will eat at the convention tonight." With that, Yumi clapped her hands and everyone moved like the wind.

---

It was total bedlam in the CQ as all the women were rushing to get dressed:

Howard and Mercedes wore their armor.
Samira wore a grey Solomoriah imprinted in silver tabard,
Joon wore a cape of deep purple over her shoulders collected with a gold chain, navy blue jeans, a frilled white silk form fitting blouse and a silver vest.

Max wore her black knight uniform trimmed in silver...and carried Joon's double necked guitar in its armored case.
Paula wore an iridescent green pointed witch's hat with matching cape, vest, pump shoes, and pants along with a yellow blouse.
Astrid wore an outfit made of Oricalcum, but made to look like a pleated skirt and vest with a golden blouse. As soon as she saw Max with Joon's guitar case, she also packed her holovid drones.

Vika wore a brown cowl with a Solomoriah sigil on its back and a dark red leather top, black leather pants and no shoes.
Nikke and Emma decided to go as their fantasy characters... so Djinn and Ghost. Emma was able to hide her lady bits with mists while Nikke hid hers with flames.

The crew were ready except for Agatha. Joon asked what she intended to wear, and a hand looked at her and then at the door to the CQ. Agatha walked in and everyone's jaw dropped. Agatha decided to change the likeness of one of her hands to an upright cat based upon Max's Agatha... complete with fur, retractable talons, and feline facial features.

Astrid yelped, "Agatha! You are so cute!" Everyone nodded their agreement as Max reached behind her ears and gave her scritchens, eliciting loud purrs from the cat woman.

Everyone then sprinted down the gangways to the cargo bay and got their ride, except for Nikke and Emma who decided to just fly themselves. The oversized, black, winged cats then took one bound and flew back to the cherry orchard where Yumi was waiting for them in a white silk Onna-Bugeisha fighting Gi with her family sigil, a pouncing winged tiger, emblazoned on her back and on each shoulder. She had two crossed Katana bound on her back, the hilts above each shoulder.

Yumi assessed her guests, realizing each one had worn a costume relating to their fantasy class powers. She did a double take seeing the Djinn and Ghost and looked to Howard and slightly nodded, "Now I understand the intelligence reports."

With those who could not fly riding their winged Panthers, the troupe rose up into the early afternoon sun and proceeded southward to the Jericho civic center and outdoor festival where Fanta-Con was being held. On the way, Joon swiped her 'Glamour' a maximum number of times.

---

"Base to JPD unit 069, be advised we are picking up 12 small flying craft heading into the Fanta-Con no-fly zone and are not responding to hails. Your path to intercept is 73 degrees relative, over."

"10-04 unit 069 in route."

… "Unit 069 to JPD Base."

"JPD Base to Unit 069, report."

"I have video to prove this, but the reason they are not responding is because we have what looks like a ghost and a fire demon along with various other Fanta-Con characters who are on flying Panters. Over."

"JPD Base to Unit 069, knock off the bullshit and report, over."

"Unit 069 to JPD Base, hence the video. Uploading now. They are circling in an attempt to land on the grounds, what are your orders? Over."

"Holy fuck! Get the Major down here, NOW!" The dispatcher yelled, "JPD Base to Unit 069, follow and investigate only. Take no further action until the Shift Captain has arrived with backup. Over."

The officer heaved a sigh of relief, "10-4 JPD Base."

---

Agatha pushed,

Mas looked back, seeing the hover car,

Agatha pushed a giggle,

Max pulled out of formation and flew parallel to the door of the police hover car, motioning for the driver to roll down his window for a confab. "Hiya officer! We are not a threat, the Ambassador and her Aunt Yumi wanted to take her family to Fanta-Con. If you want to ask us any questions, we will be available after landing. That work for you?"

"Uh, yeah. That works. Do you mean Yumi as in Yumi Komatsu?"

Max laughed, "Got it in one, officer! See you when we land!"

"Fuck! … Unit 069 to JPD Base."

"Unit 069 this is Major Hendrix, whatcha got. Over."

"Major, it seems the family of Yumi Komatsu, which includes one T-Fed Ambassador, is using flying Panthers to visit Fanta-Con. Over."

"Yeah, I saw those unique hover cars. Land with them so we can verify... and be polite. I don't want the paperwork, copy?"

"Major, no offense, but I got a good look up close when one rider flew beside me. If those are mechanical hover cars, I will be very surprised. Up close and personal they look like real, winged, flying Panthers, Sir. Over."

"Easy son, you are mistaken. No such thing. We both know that. Yes?"

"If you say so, Major. Perhaps you would want to come take a look for yourself. But that still doesn't explain the ghost and the fire demon, Sir."

"ETA is 10 minutes."

---

Ginny was with her sorority friends and Lisa, one of the group, shrieked and pointed up in the air. Ginny looked up and saw... "Oh my gosh! Are those flying cats? And there are people riding them!!?"

Lisa shouted, "And they have a Djinn and a Ghost with them!... and they are LANDING!"

Soon everyone in the vicinity saw the group in the sky and people made space for them to land.

---

Max called out to the two flights, "I want Samira and Paula to land first and secure the landing with their cats and themselves. We will then go in and land two at a time, adding to the perimeter in this order, Vika and Joon, Obasama and Howard, Astrid and Mercedes, Myself and Agatha, and Nikke with Emma last. After we land make room for the police hover car in our midst. The JPD have a few questions. Obasama and Joon, would you like to handle the JPD?"

Both nodded and the landing pattern got tighter as the group circled, waiting their time to land.

---

The Unit 069 officers looked at each other and mutually agreed, 360 video coverage as well as body cams on. "We are not going to do shit. Not with Yumi Komatsu and a T-Fed Ambassador in the group."

---

As the group landed, more and more spectators gathered around, many in their Fanta-Con outfits. The cats were the perfect barrier, no one being quite sure what to make of them. Finally, the police hover car landed in the middle of them and Yumi, along with Joon and Paula, greeted the officers.

Just as they were about to make introductions, a young girl broke away from her mother yelling, "Kitty cats!" and made a bee line for one of the Panthers who was next to Mercedes. Mom screamed, "NOOOOO!" as she ran towards her daughter. She did not reach her before the girl had run up and hugged the huge Panther around the neck. Mercedes smiled at mom, who was shaking like a leaf in a hurricane, and said, "They are our security, but your daughter is safe. She then demonstrated to the little girl, "If you want to make it your friend all you have to do is scratch her behind the ears like this." Mercedes showed the girl how to give her Panther scritchens and the little girl laughed and giggled as she took up the scratching.

The Panther purred loudly and lay down for the girl to climb on top. With mother watching close by, the huge cat stood and walked the little girl around in a slow circle with everyone taking pictures on their holographic devices.

The officers, having heard a woman screaming, turned toward the sound to see the whole incident. One of them had drawn his weapon to try and save the girl if needed.

Joon, in a calming voice said, "Officer, a Terran Federation Dreadnought doesn't have the firepower to kill one of these cats. If you shoot, you may hit the child, you will cause the cat to think you are a threat, and if it decides to attack, you will be dead before you hit the ground. Please, put your firearm away... For your own safety."

His partner put her hand on the firearm and said, "Diplomat and Komatsu."

The firearm was holstered.

The female officer asked, "So, they are real?"

Joon pulled out her diplomatic credentials and introduced herself, "I am Lady Jooniper Anders, Ambassador to the Minor Empires. My family, who are also my staff, are on holiday enjoying Fanta-Con as it is on the bucket list of one of my wives. And the cats are as real as you would be able to understand."

Joon called over her Panther, "She likes scritchens behind her ears." Both officers looked at the little girl riding another Panther and they both reached up to scratch the one standing in front of them...the big cat standing five feet high at the withers. The Panther purred and the officers observed the cat, looking into its eyes and noticing the presence of intelligence behind them.

One of the Officers asked, "Might you be Miss Yumi Komatsu?"

Yumi smiled, "I see my reputation precedes me."

"Ma-am, your philanthropy and tea are renowned." The lady officer replied with a respectful bow.

The male officer then asked, "Please, can you explain the Ghost and Fire Girls?"

Yumi laughed, "I take it you have never seen a real Ghost or Djinn before?"

The officer laughed, "No, really."

Joon called over Nikke and Emma. "Ladies, our friends here wanted to meet a real-life Ghost and Djinn."

One officer held out his hand to Emma only to find hers went through his. "Oh! A hologram!"

Emma laughed, turned back into a human, and said, "Not exactly." before taking the officer's hand again. The cat had taken up position to hide her nudity from the crowds, but Emma changed back quickly so as not to make a scene... at which time, the officer's hand was grasping smoke again.

"Holy shit!"

---

Just at that moment 4 different squad cars came over the horizon with their lights flashing and sirens on. "Unit 069, this is Major Hendrix. Is that you on the fairgrounds?"

"Affirmative, Major. Everything is calm and under control. Over."

Joon asked for the mike, which the officer surrendered, "Major Hendrix, I am Ambassador Jooniper Anders but my stage name is Jooniper Smith. I will send you one of my pets to escort you down."

With that Joon handed back the mike and nodded to her Panther who took off and met the Major's holo car; escorting it into a spiral landing pattern to land next to the squad car. The other vehicles holding station over the group.

The Major got out and walked smartly over to Yumi. "Mrs. Komatsu, are your drones dangerous?"

Yumi laughed, "They are not drones, Major; they are Solomoriah. And they are benign unless one of the family is attacked, then they are unstoppable and deadly."

"Solo...yeah, whatever. If they are dangerous they must leave or we will have to put them down."

Yumi smiled, Joon-san, may I give the Major a demonstration?"

Joon looked at her cat, "You understand and up for this?"

The cat purred and nodded.

Yumi pulled one of her Katana out and let the Major inspect it. He raised an eyebrow when he realized it was an authentic Japanese sword. Yumi then drew the other sword and with both, she viciously attacked the Panther. The swords passed harmlessly through the cat."

The Major laughed, "So a hologram, then."

Yumi laughed and, after sheathing her swords, took the Major's hand and put it on the head of the Panther. "That feel like a hologram to you?"

"But, that's impossible!" Major Hendrix exclaimed.

Joon giggled, "Obviously not, Major." Joon continued, "I was going to give an impromptu concert after dusk this evening, would you and your officers like to attend?"

The female officer shouted, "That's where I know you from! Those holovids! The one from Dau and Staverka! And the one for the Military!"

Joon smiled, "I hope you enjoyed my recent works."

"Oh my gosh! They were amazing! And your voice is just otherworldly!"

Major Hendrix replied, "Ladies, with who the two of you are, I think it wise if we just set an unobtrusive watch over you all for safety's sake."

Yumi smiled, "You are most gracious, Major. And, for your peace of mind, we gladly accept."

The Major smiled, "Yeah, that paperwork would be a.....pain."

---

With the adults being a bit wary of the size of the mythical cats, few children were allowed to ride them, although there were some young girls from a sorority who begged to go on a short ride. The Panthers took it all in stride and gave the girls a toe curdling, acrobatic ride that had them all screaming at the tops of their lungs. After that, no one else asked. Max wondered to the family,

After the children who were allowed got a ride, seeing the sights and visiting the open-air bazaar was on the list. One vendor was selling high quality Fanta-Con t-shirts and Joon insisted everyone get two sets. She made sure Agatha got plenty for all her hands as well.

Everywhere they went, the cats, Nikke, Emma, Samira, and Jade were the center of attention as they were easily the most overwhelming. The Panthers kept a perimeter around the family who enjoyed waving at the crowds now staring at them and murmuring. Some recognized Twix from their gaming days, some recognized Joon from her Holo videos, some recognized Sami-fawn. But the hits of the entourage were definitely the winged Panthers and Agatha.

One of the vendors was serving thinly sliced, rotisseried pork loin that had been injected with key lime juice, salt, and pepper. It was served on a bun with Au jus to the side. The toasted bun was served with a cilantro spiced mayonnaise and a side of spiral cut fried potatoes. Vegetable juice was also served with the meal.

Paula thought to the family,

Vika looked to Paula and smiled, having seen what she would do with this in the future.

---

Howard looked to Yumi, "Yumisama, does Astrid know?"

Astrid looked to dad, then to her aunt. After a moment she asked, "Obasama?"

Yumi looked to her niece and smiled, "Asa-chan, it is time you knew of your real heritage."

Vika took a deep breath and nodded, "it is time."

Yumi began, "To put it succinctly, Asa-chan: You are descendant from a long line of warriors of the line of Hojo Masako who was the first onna-bugeisha. Our lineage has not faltered through the eons of human existence. The vast wealth your father possessed was but a drop in the ocean of the assets our ancestors have accumulated over time. Assets that will be yours when I pass on. This is why I was never worried about your mother's machinations before now."

"However, I cannot allow her to continue with her plans now that she has tried to own your soul. Steps have been taken and my most loyal and capable students have been dispatched to deal with her."

Astrid wept.

"You know she will never leave you alone. And now she knows how powerful you and your family truly are. She will not underestimate you a second time. I am so sorry Asa-chan. But you know I am right. I tried to warn my brother when she latched onto your father, but he was so lonely after your mother died in childbirth. She will no longer be a thorn in your side or the side of this family."

"I suspect my brother told her of the family legacy and that is why she so desperately wants to control you. As the only one left from my generation of our lineage, I cannot stand by and allow such a sociopath to lay waste to our heritage."

"If it helps, know this: she killed your father, my brother, because he left her out of his will. For that reason, I have been watching over you even when you knew it not. Her time of reckoning was always going to come, Asa-chan. There is a time and place for all things under the sun."

Astrid became livid, "I should have killed her when I had the chance!"

Agatha reached out to Astrid,

Astrid felt Agatha's warm embrace as she pushed serenity into her and she took a deep breath. "Obasan, thank you for your wisdom all these years. Thank you for being there when I needed you, even when I could not see you. I have always felt this warrior spirit inside me and now I understand why. Tomorrow, I would like to show you my response to that spirit of the onna-bugeisha."

Yumi and Astrid stood and hugged and there was not a dry eye in the whole family as they gathered around the two in a group hug.

Mercedes looked to Howie, "You know you have some explaining to do now, yes?" she said with an arched eyebrow."

Howard shook, knowing real fear for the first time in his life... "Uh Oh."

"The only fear I have," Yumi sighed, "Is you will be the last of our line. I support your life's decisions, Asa-chan. But children don't seem to be in your future."

"Obasan, what you don't know is Max is packing. So," Astrid winked at Yumi, "That really is not an issue."

Vika looked at Agatha and raised an eyebrow. Agatha smirked at her and said, "Okay! Okay!"

Everyone looked at Agatha and waited.

"Well," Agatha began, "You all know I have been enhancing the family. And, well, I even made Paula younger. Did everyone not realize you are immortal through me?"

Everyone but Vika did a double take, "What do you mean, immortal?"

Agatha smiled coquettishly, "I could never let the loves of my life die of old age. How could I?"

Joon asked in the stunned silence.

Agatha replied to the family.

Yumi smiled, content with those revelations.

---

The family walked up on the stage which had been set up with microphones and a few chairs for making announcements. The cats took up positions at the access points to the stage as well as lining the edge of the stage, lying down, equally spaced, and facing the crowds.

Paula and Astrid took one look at the speakers and Paula decided to not use them and just cast projection spells on Joon and her double necked guitar. There was a very large Holographic screen available above the stage and Astrid immediately deployed her drones and tapped them into the projector.

Agatha walked up to the front of the stage in her cat form, appearing also on the hologram above her, and announced: "Ladies, Gentlemen, children! I have the pleasure... no! The HONOR of introducing the most gifted vocalist and guitar player of all the known worlds for your viewing and listening pleasure! She is known to you as Jooniper Smith, and she has just returned from her visits to other species where she was renowned and celebrated for her latest videos featuring both Slarmian and Dau cultures! The ONE! The ONLY! Jooniper!"

There was maddening applause as Joon swiped her Glamour before she walked up with Max who handed Joon her guitar. And when the drone shot her image to the holographic projector... awed gasps and enraptured silence.

"Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen" Joon spoke in a honeyed voice that everyone could hear even though she didn't use the microphone. "I will be singing some ancient songs from artists that have been forgotten over the eons. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do playing and singing them."

With that, Joon began singing Geoff Castellucci's rendition of "GHOST RIDERS IN THE SKY." Joon effectively recreating his deep bass voice as well as his multiple overlays with her single voice as she sang to the audience. At the end of the song, Emma gave out her frightening moan, causing everyone to gape in fear. It was short lived, however and when she finished the crowd erupted for over a minute before she was able to continue.

Joon then sang Disturbed's version of "THE SOUND OF SILENCE." Again, with this song, her voice mimicked the original singer's voice in timbre, pitch, and resonance, with a clarity and depth and dynamic range with accompanying vocal overlays that were inhuman in their full measures.

Joon then followed with Bonnie Tyler's "Holding Out For A Hero". With this the cats bellowed as one at the pause after singing 'Hero'. Joon also added yearning and earnestness in her vocals, and they had a profound effect on the audience. Agatha, Howard, Samira, and Max pulled out all the stops and did fight routines with Naginata, Ca'tagri fighting knives and Wakizashi short swords.

With the audience enraptured, Joon sang Hot Chocolate's "I believe in Miracles" imbued with the hope and faith her 'Hero' would appear. She then went softer with Sammy Johns' "Chevy Van" while vocalizing the emotional, sensual, and enrapturing love of her 'Hero' coming to her rescue only to have to depart.

Joon then spoke of the emotional instability of losing her 'Hero' with the Eagles' "Hotel California" and "Desperado": finishing with the lament and the self-medication of grief with Alannah Myles' "Black Velvet".

Joon began to pick up the beat a bit with Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" and George Thorogood's "Bad to the Bone" as she allowed her audience to rise from the ashes of loss. She then went full energy with ZZ Top's "Tush" and "Tube Snake Boogie" in again celebrating life.

When Joon began singing Survivor's "Eye Of The Tiger" in celebration of triumph over loss, Yumi got on stage and began a dramatic Kata with her swords and Samira created a hard light rendition of a fighting tiger above her; all of which was shown next to Joon on the Holograph.

Joon then followed with a sensual rendition of Shocking Blue's "Venus" where she used sub-harmonics to elicit lust and desire. She did the same with Joan Jett's "Do You Wanna Touch Me" before making an announcement for her last two songs.

"These last two songs are offered in memory of the Lion of the Federation and his Lionesses who fought on Terra against the Kintark invasion and delivered the human race from a future of slavery and eventual eradication!"

She went directly into Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" and AC/DC's "Thunderstruck", eliciting massive and protective strength with her vocals as Astrid pulled up the most dramatic scenes of the battle as a backdrop to Joon's dynamic performance. During Thunderstruck, Paula let loose with massive lightning bolts with accompanying thunderclaps every time Joon sang the title word in the song and Nikke let loose with blasts of fire into the air.

The crowd went totally nuts and the applause afterward was deafening.

When she finished, Max brought her some tea and packed her guitar as Joon waved to the crowds. No one could speak as the thunder of the crowd's appreciation rolled over them in waves as if the family was standing in the middle of a class 5 hurricane. Max then picked up her wife and the family mounted their Panthers. Max's cat was now even larger to handle the added weight and the entire family flew off into the early evening sky, waiving to all as they flew past.

---

Joon, cuddled in Max's arms with her head on her wife's shoulder, asked her family,

Astrid replied amidst all the murmurs of agreement,

Joon replied as she nodded off in a short nap.

---

Upon arrival at Yumi's estates everyone went to their rooms. Agatha, however, pulled Yumi to the side and spoke to her about the family's dream parties. Yumi was very enthusiastic about joining.

Three hands monitored the digital traffic during the night while also sending out the new holo-vid to the outlying family members.

Each of the bedroom suites featured a unique time in ancient Japanese history.

Howard's and Mercedes' room was decorated in the Tokugawa (Edo) period which saw the rise of the samurai feudal system of government. Astrid's and Samira's room displayed the Meiji era which was the first half of the Empire of Japan, when the Japanese people moved from being an isolated feudal society at risk of colonization by Western powers to the new paradigm of a modern, industrialized nation-state which pulled power and authority back to the emperor.

Similarly, each room was faithfully decorated depicting other epochs, including the Kemmu Restoration, Muromachi (Ashikaga) period, the Kamakura period, and the like. The only concession was one of comfort with modern bedding and pillows... though the furniture and artwork were authentic to each period. Each room had mannequins dressed in period specific and authentic ceremonial apparel.

---

Agatha noted all the news in and around Jericho centered around the family's visit and impromptu performance at Fanta-Con. There were lots of pirated, low quality holo vids out, so Agatha just released the ultra-high quality video Astrid had made to each of the sites. This caused the local nodes to almost crash with the downloads and an hour and a half later there were cries, pleadings, and official offers from the sponsors to have the family back tomorrow evening. Agatha was a bit worried about security, though and began to make arraignments, letting the sponsor of the event know a decision would be made at breakfast the next morning.

Agatha on Depot 3 contacted Mary, asking her for permission to visit and bring some entertainment with the intent to get permission to broadcast the new holo-video on the station's network.

Agatha, having secured the invitation, walked unescorted to Mary's home with a portable holo-vid projector and the data fob with the video. Knocking on the door, Mary called, "Please, come in Agatha! I am always excited to have you over for tea. In the last several hundred years, I cannot ever recall having this much fun or feeling more alive!"

Agatha entered and noted tea was already set and Bob was also present. "Hello Bob, it is wonderful to see you again; this time in better spirits!"

Tom's antennae vibrated rapidly and he replied, "Thanks to the work of you and your family, the Bract Conglomerate has retrieved our prized ship from pirates, saved half of the crew, broken through the barriers to shipping with the Terran Federation, created new shipping contracts that look to be very promising, kept our secrets safe, and helped us root out very serious trade infractions on all our depots. Yes, I would say my spirits are much better, thank you. And if you were Bract, I suspect you would soon be invited to the Board of Governors as you play the game better than most."

Agatha smiled, "Oh my! Such a compliment! Thank you, Bob! I have no desires for recognition, though. I have found my niche, and I am very happy where I am."

Mary smiled, "The Star Child who serves. You will be written down in the annals of our people and the entire M.E., Agatha. But what of this new music video you mentioned? I am most curious."

---

It was very obvious that both Bob and Mary were deeply moved by the video. Bob looked to Mary and then to Agatha, "Her skills are improving exponentially."

Mary nodded, her body's brightness evidence of the emotional waves the video elicited. "I detect sub-harmonic vocals in the Exquisite Lady Jooniper's voice that pulled emotions unbidden from the depths of my heart. Talented, indeed! I see you are not the only entity we should be thankful is benevolent, Agatha. With that voice she could bend entire species to her will."

Agatha smiled, "She and I are not agents of chaos. We are friends. Friends who are sincerely wanting the best for your people."

Mary turned to Bob, "What is your perspective on allowing it to be broadcast among the depots?"

"If I didn't know their character beyond the shadow of a doubt, I would be wary. As it is, I think it will go far to enhance relationships with the Terran Federation."

Mary agreed, "You have your permission."

Agatha also broadcast it in the Consulate on Staverka and Dau as well as providing it to their digital nodes. The Dauchazi and Daurazzu, both having been pushed Terran speech by Agatha, were awed that such emotions could be conveyed by the Terran voice of their now beloved Ambassador.

Zess was beside herself and immediately approved its broadcast on the Dau net.

Teffa forwarded her copy to Ambassador Crinx.

Ambassador Crinx, after viewing the video, immediately called the First Secretary.

"First Secretary, Ambassador Crinx is calling. Are you available to take the call?"

Agatha smiled, "Yes, please. And thank you."

The holographic display coalesced, and the exuberantly happy Ambassador Crinx was all smiles. "Firsst Ssecretary! I beg of you! Allow me the privilege of possting the video of the Exquissite Lady Jooniper'ss latesst concert!"

"Of course, Ambassador, with our compliments."

Crinx was so excited he bid the First Secretary a quick farewell and plowed into making the video public, creating the subtitles so the citizens of Staverka might understand the song while feeling the emotions pulled up by the Exquisite Lady's voice.

---

In freeport, Soumii and Mosira watched the new video and after it was finished, Mosira whispered, "By Assheron the Profound, the ambasssador iss the mosst talented ssinger in the cossmoss. Sshe pulled my emotionss from me with such easse. I wass being manipulated, knowingly sso; but I didn't care."

Soumii immediately had the video looped over Freeport's digital news network. She also sent a copy to the Orithion foreign office for them to do with as they wished.

---

Breakfast was light, filling, and very nutritious. Miso soup, made with tofu, wakame seaweed, mushrooms, and green onions was served with lightly gingered warm rice, oven baked bok choi, salted and grilled salmon, folded egg squares, and a dilled pickle wedge. The eggs were combined with some of Agatha's milk which made them very fluffy and light while still imbuing her essence into the family. This process was explained to Yumi during the shared dream and offered as a way to bring back Yumi's youth.

Yumi was given several pints of frozen breast milk to allow the process to complete.

Joon then asked, "Obasan, you have been very stoic with all the revelations from your new family. If I may boldly ask without offense, I am curious about your reactions."

Yumi smiled, "Joon-san, Japanese culture is steeped in a pantheon of demons, both benign and evil. My intelligence reports indicated Agatha-san to be a gentle, benign spiritual being. As such, I merely had to open my mind to any forthcoming revelations."

"Speaking of reactions," Agatha added, "The impromptu concert has had over 1.6 billion hits as of this morning just in the Terran sector. That is not including Dau, Staverka, the Bract Depots, or Ortherion."

Howard replied, "That seems a bit low, considering how good it was."

Agatha grinned, "Well, dad, it was a bit late last night. I note that in the last hour the video is being downloaded with an exponential rate of increase as word gets out. Also, the sponsors of Fanta-Con were hoping for a repeat performance this evening. They promised a much larger stage and audience with multiple larger holo projectors and state of the art electronics. They also said for you to name your price."

Joon was excited but Max was more cautious, "What about security? It is one thing to have an impromptu concert for one night and quite another to have a repeat performance the next evening that will be widely publicized."

"I anticipated that concern and have enlisted the help of the entire Jericho police department as well as local military to provide security at the event... should the family agree."

Joon replied, "I would love to, but I don't want to take away from our time with Obasan."

Yumi responded, "Oh Joon-chan, I had the time of my life last night. I would love to relive that again this evening!"

Max sighed, knowing it was now decided. Agatha let the sponsors know so they could begin preparations.

---

Far away on another world, Ingrid Komatsu walked into her favorite coffee shop for her regular morning ritual. She was frustrated with her failures to bring Astrid back into the fold. She had wanted to avoid the legal hassles of getting access to the family fortune if Astrid were to just suddenly die; but it was looking more and more like that was her only option left.

An oriental waiter came to her table and took her order. She sighed, evidently her regular waitress was off today. "Yes, I would like a double chocolate espresso with whipped cream, double sugar."

The waiter filled her request and surreptitiously painted the outside of the cup with a particularly deadly strain of Puffer fish poison mixed with a liposome delivery agent so it would be absorbed through the skin.

The waiter delivered the coffee on a saucer and left. Ingrid picked up the cup, appreciating the warmth in her hand as she sipped her espresso. Yes, she needed to enlist a top-notch assassin, it was the only way.

Ingrid didn't notice her hand going numb until her cup dropped from her hand onto the table. The waiter was there quickly and, with gloved hands, whisked away with the cup in hand. Ingrid was about to ask for a replacement but she was suddenly unable to talk. Within another 10 seconds, she leaned face forward on the table... dead.

The waiter walked out of the back of the coffee shop and stepped into a hover car with the cup in a sealed biohazard bag. "Let mistress Oyumi-sama know it is done."

---

Paula then levitated a pair of magical Oricalcum Katana swords, their handles wrapped in layers of strips of very soft kangaroo hide that were then wrapped in a diamond pattern of Oricalcum stranded threads. The pommels were tiger heads with inset emerald eyes. "Obasan, I wish to gift you these Katana. Asa-chan made them for you and they are made of magical metal that is stronger than any known substance in existence. They are also 99.999% laser proof and the edge is exactly one atom thick; making them sharper than razor blades. Razors that never need sharpening."

"You will need to bond with your swords and, when bidden, they will fly to your hands, even if they have to cut through a titanium wall to get to you."

Yumi was beside herself. "Paula-chan, this is a gift fit for a king! You honor me and my house, thank you." Yumi very reverently reached out and held the swords, whispering to them courteously in Japanese to please accept a bond with her. Both swords flashed bright white indicating the acceptance of the bond.

"One other thing, Obasan: No one other than you can wield them. They will not allow it without your consent. Like the hammer of Thor, no one may even pick them up."

Yumi backed away and went through her Kata. The swords seemed to have no weight or momentum, the hilts were comfortable to the hand and fit her perfectly. The swords moved so quickly they actually cut the air as they moved, leaving a small void as the blades passed. This had a light booming effect which Yumi soon learned to use as a weapon itself; directing the sonic booms towards a limb of the nearest cherry blossom tree and disintegrating it.

Yumi was beside herself.

Astrid then levitated a full set of female Oricalcum armor in the onna-bugeisha style. The breastplate having the same Pentacle as Howard's and Mercedes' armor but with Yumi's sigil of winged striped Tigers on the breastplate and backplate. "Obisan, you will need to bond with your armor as well. It has the same properties as your swords, but the Winged Tigers can be manifested by your will, just like the Panthers of Chichi and Haha."

Yumi approached the armor and bowed to it, speaking softly again in Japanese. The Pentacle flashed and Yumi spoke in Japanese, "Armor, to me!" The armor immediately secured itself to Yumi who again went through her Kata. She was amazed how well the armor flowed with her.

"Obasan, when you wear this armor you will not fatigue, you will be stronger and faster than humanly possible, and you will be able to punch through Titanium walls."

Yumi sheathed her Katana in the traditional X pattern on her back and whispered in Japanese. The armor detached from her and settled to the ground beside her. With tears in her eyes, she bowed deeply to Paula and Astrid. Words would not come but the look on Yumi's face said it all.

Astrid then broke the moment saying, "Obisan, I would like to show you my response to that spirit of the onna-bugeisha."

At that moment, Astrid's drones approached and positioned themselves around her, enveloping her as they connected. Astrid explained the armaments and capabilities to Yumi before creating her protective bubble and flying around the estate and settling down in front of Yumi and disconnecting. Astrid then spoke lovingly to her drones which bobbed their appreciation, much to Yumi's surprise.

"They are self-aware?

"Yes, Obasan, they are my children."

Yumi approached the drones and softly pet them, "They are so beautiful, Asa-chan. Your father would be proud."

Just then her Shitsujisan approached, bowed deeply and whispered something to Yumi in Japanese. Yumi smiled and took a deep breath to control her emotions.

"Asa-chan, you will need to settle Ingrid's estate."