Other thoughts about Tenchi and Garrick.
Tenchi's upbringing is Japanese. Garrick's is American. Most Japanese like to have an appearance of mediocrity because mediocrity = uniformity. Americans like to stand out, which means going out, trying different things, and showing off at least a little bit. When confronted with a toilet that doesn't stop running, a Japanese man will think, 'This isn't my specialty. I'd better call the plumber.' The American, on the other hand, will make the adjustment (even if it's not the proper one) and go, "Fixed that for you."
And that's pretty much what it boils down to. Tenchi is passive and Garrick is proactive. Small wonder that Garrick steals the show, eh? But, in time Tenchi will learn to assert himself better, and then the relationship between the two will take on an odd dynamic. Think of Benawi and Kuro from Utawarerumono.
Anyhow, we now return to General Hospital, starring Garrick Grimm, Washu Haukubi, Yakage, and special guest star, Seto Kamiki Jyurai!
“He's far better than I imagined,” I heard a voice somewhere
speaking softly. “Had he a better weapon he might have taken me.”
“You should see some of his projects,” a more familiar voice
murmured. “The weapon he used to take out your drones? He made
that himself... though he claims that it's derivative work.”
“What isn't these days? We all stand on someone's shoulders no
matter what field we pursue.”
“Oh, look! He's coming around. Morning there, Garrick! How ya
feeling?”
“'shu-chan?” I murmured as I cracked an eye open cautiously.
Fortunately, she seemed to have the lights dimmed, but that did
nothing for the fire burning in my chest. “Gahdahm ch'st f'lls
'ikes't used fer trampoline,” I said through clenched teeth.
“F'king 'aser swords.”
“I told you I'd get my pound of flesh from you, boy,” came
Yakage's voice.
“Din't haf ta be so f'king litteral!” I cried out in pain.
“I better do something about that,” said Washu as she twiddled
something on a holo-pad. Right away, blessed relief flooded my
system.
“ooooohhhhohohohoh, that's nice. Soooo much betteeerrrr... Out of
curiosity – pharmaceutical or pain editor?”
“Bit of both,” Washu replied. “Pain editor blocks it out
completely, but the drug helps with the pain induced stress.”
“Natch,” I quipped. I then looked to Yakage. “So, satisfied
now?”
“For now,” Yakage allowed. “You had better do well as a
student, though, or else I may feel that a... repeat lesson will be
in order.”
“Good! Good!” said Washu cheerfully. “Now that that's out of
the way, we have visitors. You can come in now!”
I was expecting Minagi, one of the girls, Tenchi, or even Yosho to
show up. I was, however, not expecting Seto to step into view.
“Oh my, you seem to have gotten roughed up, Garrick,” said the
Devil Princess of Jyurai with a smile that said 'Boys will be boys'.
“I had the other guy on the ropes,” I said glibly, “but then he
played the 'fight fairly' card and beat me with experience. By the
way, not that I am unhappy to see you, but why are you here all the
sudden?”
“We were following unconfirmed reports of an outlaw in this
vicinity when we heard from the Princesses that Yakage was here.
Imagine that,” said Seto coyly as she leveled a deadly glare at the
man in question. “I'll be blunt with you, Yakage.” The man
grimaced and reared backwards as Seto began to advance on him. “I'm
of half-a-mind to arrest you and bring you back home to face
punishment for your crimes – chief amongst them bringing harm to a
ward of the Royal Family.”
“It's official?” I cried out. “Already?”
“Not the adoption,” Seto said, turning a kind smile to me. “For
now, though, the counsel has agreed to grant you provisional
membership of the Royal Household until Funaho and I can get them to
agree to let us adopt you in properly. I love my son-in-law, but he
can be quite stubborn at times.”
I nodded at that and Seto turned her attention back to Yakage. “As
I was saying, part of me would love to bring you back for judgment.
However, since you have been so kind as to agree to pass your
knowledge down to Garrick, I will let it pass. It has been a while
since the Royal Family has had its own Master Weaponsmith.”
“That's what you want me to do?” I asked incredulously.
“If you don't mind,” said Seto as she turned to me with a smile
once more. “I just got done playing with this marvelous little toy
of yours.” She then held up the shot gun I'd used to kill Yakage's
drones. “Got to admit, this thing kicks like a Doduos... but it
strikes like one, too – it actually manages to overload most
mass-produced personal shields in one shot. With some refinement
this could be just the thing my anti-pirate forces need for their
boarding actions. I can only imagine what will come of it after
Yakage is done educating you.”
I blinked at Seto. “Is this some kind of test?” I asked.
“Oh? Why would you feel that way, Garrick?” asked Seto kindly.
I sighed as I tried to put what was on my mind into words. “I
understand you don't like pirates... but deciding my career so
suddenly... that's not entirely like you. And especially not
something you know I may come to dislike. The weapons I make are
mostly for my own use. If a friend or family member expresses an
interest, then I may gift someone with one of my creations, but that
is about as far as I would go. I'm not doing this to arm the
military.
“I want to build things that make everyone's lives better.
Weapons... do not necessarily do this.”
Seto chuckled, a deep and throaty laugh. “Well spoken, Garrick.
I'm glad that you feel that way. Otherwise, I think I would have had
to keep a much closer eye on you than I really wanted. That said
though... If you want the job, it's yours once Yakage is done with
you. Don't worry, it really is nothing more than a ceremonial
position. You see, those that the Master Weaponsmith judges to be
worthy to hold his creations is held in high esteem by the Royal
Household.”
I blinked in surprise. “You mean I would, in essence, be judging
the character of the people the Royal Household interacts with?”
Seto nodded. “Indeed. While it's not really necessary... it is
something we feel better with than without.”
“But why would you want me for that? I mean, you hardly know me!”
“I may not,” Seto replied, putting a fingertip to my lips to
shush me. “Although I have been watching you from afar when I can.
I also speak with my grandchildren on a regular basis. They have
truly come to regard and adore you as the older brother we want you
to be. Think about it, my grandson. Little Sasami is absolutely
smitten with you and wants nothing more than to see you smile. My
darling Ayeka grows more steadfast and serene every time I see her.
Yosho cannot stop about how hard you push yourself in training... nor
can he be more impressed with how Tenchi has begun to follow your
example.
“In case I'm not being clear, I'll spell it out for you. All
ulterior motives aside, I want you to be part of our family, Garrick,
and the only thing really holding us back are the politics. And for
once I can honestly do without them. I just want to see you and the
rest of my grandchildren happy.”
Warmth filled my chest and I was pretty sure it had nothing to do
with Washu's medicine or Yakage's sword.
“In that case, do you mind if I call you Grandma?” I asked Seto
with a smile, already knowing what the answer would be.
Seto smiled back at me. “Only if you let me spoil you from time to
time and call you Grandson.”
The smile became a grin. “I think I can live with that, Grandma.”
Seto then turned to Yakage and the smile left her face. “There are
things you and I need to discuss, Yakage. Let's leave Garrick be so
the rest of his family can visit with him.”
Yakage gave a short bow to Seto. “As the Devil Princess of Jyurai
wishes. Garrick, you and I will speak later.”
Just as Yakage was leaving, though, Minagi was making her way in. I
saw the two make eye contact and then Minagi gasped.
“That scar!” she cried out. Of course, this would be the first
time she's been close enough to see the scar on his face in detail.
“I... I gave you that scar! I... I remember now... the first time
I ever beat you... you kept it as a memento.”
“Then you should know then,” said Yakage with uncharacteristic
gentleness, “that everything I have ever done was for your sake,
Minagi.”
Minagi turned away, but didn't move any further. She remained in
silence.
“I won't kill,” she said at last. “I know I may be left
without any choice in the future, but if I do have that choice...
Never again!”
Yakage sighed as he lowered his head in defeat. “Very well then.
I understand.”
He was about to leave once more when Minagi spoke again, “Garrick
is right, isn't he? You cannot possibly create a Lighthawk Sword,
can you?”
“...I cannot,” Yakage replied with soft finality. “I have gone
over the data with The Professor and the results are conclusive. I
may very well have died dueling Tenchi. And I no longer have the
time left to find the answers I need.”
Minagi's face suddenly took on a sorrowful appearance. “I'm
sorry.”
Yakage was taken aback by the sudden apology. “You are? But why
would you be?”
“Because it was your lifelong dream... to create the ultimate
sword.”
“Minagi, my life-long dream was to give you the ultimate
sword.”
Minagi then turned back to Yakage in surprise, her eyes brimming with
tears. “It was!?”
“Are you so shocked?” Yakage asked kindly as he reached out and
gently brushed her tears away. “A father will do anything for his
daughter.” Minagi gazed up at him for a moment longer and then
suddenly grabbed Yakage up in an embrace, sobbing softly against his
chest.
As Yakage put his arms around Minagi comfortingly, I felt a hand on
my shoulder. Looking up I saw Seto giving me a warm smile. She
nodded once, as though saying that she approved of what I had done
here today, and then quietly left us.
For a long time, Minagi wept quietly while Yakage held her. But
finally, she pulled herself together enough to ask a question.
“What now, my Master?”
“I will pass on everything to Garrick. My knowledge, my
experience, my hopes and dreams... and even you. But my body is not
what it once was. I will need you to help Yosho instruct Garrick in
the way of the sword by sparring with him.”
Minagi looked a question at me and I smiled back at her. “Don't
worry. I'm tough as hell. In fact, I'll probably be up and about
later today.”
“Like hell you will!” snapped Washu. “You know why your chest
is on fire? It's because you had a myocardial rupture!”
Holy shit.
“Myocardial?” said Minagi, putting two and two together. “You
mean...”
“Yes,” said Washu grimly. “His heart exploded when Yakage's
sword passed though his chest.”
Minagi shot a wrathful look at Yakage.
The man simply cleared his throat and said, “Perhaps I had the
voltage level set too high. I am not accustomed to dueling against
humans.”
“MASTER!” snapped Minagi.
“Why the hell am I still alive?” I asked in horror.
Washu nodded knowingly. “Indeed, normally that sort of shock is
instantly fatal for a human. However, when I reinforced your body I
suspected that something like this may happen. So, to that end I
made an adjustment to your neurochemistry that makes you resistant
against suddenly fatal levels of shock. Even if someone were to blow
a hole the size of Yakage's fist in your chest, you'd live at least
long enough for me to get you into my Emergency Intensive Care and
Trauma Unit.”
“Gyaahhh,” I grumbled. “I don't know whether to thank you or
curse you. Whatever! What's the prognosis?”
Washu folded her arms and sighed as she closed her eyes.
“Your heart was not salvageable. The electrical current completely
destroyed the biolectrical system. Even if I could repair the nerve
damage, which is tricky business as you already know, I would have to
reprogram the nerves that control it. It's a lot more work than you
think and it's easier just to make you a new heart.
“For the moment, I have an artificial heart composed of complex
forcefields taking its place. It will keep you alive for now, but
only so long as you stay in that bed. I have already begun to grow
you a new heart and I've made a few minor improvements. Nothing
major, just a bit bigger and stronger to help you cope with what's
coming later. I already know you don't like the idea of me tampering
with your physical makeup without your consent, but this is still
within the scope of your genetic profile. Also, because we're
starting from scratch, the carbon nanoweave reinforcement will be
stronger. You shouldn't ever have another rupture once we get it in
you.
“All said and done, you should be out of here in a week.”
“I guess there's no way to make it shorter.”
“Only if things go horribly wrong. Then you'll be out of here in a
matter of hours. On a slab.”
I winced. “Okay, who are you and what did you do with happy-fun
Washu-chan?”
“She's out while I'm dealing with idiots that get their hearts
disintegrated. Seriously, you're making work for me. KNOCK IT OFF!”
Yakage began to edge away. “I think it would be best if I-”
“AND YOU!” Washu cried out, leveling a finger at Yakage.
“Egotistical! Self-rightous! Prideful! You... YOU'RE AN
ASSHOLE!”
I suddenly felt the irresistible urge to troll Washu. “Now now,
Washu-chan, don't hold back! Tell us how you reeeaaally feeeel.”
Washu whipped around to me and I was briefly reminded of an Oni mask.
“SHUTUP GARRICK!”
Worth it, and I would be happy with that. No need to push my
luck on that matter!
Washu then turned back to Yakage. “Look, it's not like Garrick
hasn't been seriously injured before. That's why I reinforced his
body in the first place! But this is the first time that it was
because someone actually intended him harm! If this happens again
under your watch... I will come after you and KILL YOU myself! Do we
have an understanding, Yakage?”
“It shouldn't be a problem, Professor,” Yakage replied tiredly.
“Good. Now g'wan, get! The others want to see Garrick and he
needs rest!” Without any further ado, Yakage bowed and left us.
Washu nodded her head, satisfied. “Good.” She then turned to us
and flashed a mildly mishievous grin. “Okay you two. No funny
business! That forcefield heart is a very temporary thing –
it won't handle sudden movements very well... or even heavy
workloads. And Minagi?”
“Yes?”
“When was the last time you had a gynecological examination?”
And down she went with a spectacular thud.
I gave Washu a flat look. “Washu, can't you be a little more
gentle with these topics?”
Washu waved it off with a sigh. “You two are sexually active.
This means that, even if you don't have multiple sex partners,
regular examinations are important. Especially if Minagi wants to
preserve her reproductive health.”
Washu got a pleading look from me. “Seriously, Washu-chan...
please be gentle with her. This isn't like when you mess around with
Tenchi trying to get a semen sample from him or goading Ryoko about
her womanly attributes.”
“That's a low blow and you know it, buster!” said Washu sharply.
“Why if you weren't so horribly ill right now I'd smack you upside
the head!”
“Alright, alright!” I said, holding my hands up in surrender. “I
went too far with that, I apologize! Mr. Nasty is back in his cage
now.”
“Mr. Nasty?” said Washu, raising an eyebrow.
“The reason I would make a lousy diplomat – every now and then I
slip up and say something tactless.”
“Well, you should know better regardless.” Washu then knelt down
to help Minagi back to her feet. “Ryoko I had the advantage of
creating her, so I was able to write in programming that took care of
that business for her.” She then looked the still-dazed Minagi in
her eyes. “But you my dear... I still need to make a full
assessment so I fully understand what your medical needs may be.
After all, I want my long-lost daughter to be happy and healthy,
whether or not you decide to have children.”
“Children would be nice,” said Minagi with a dreamy lilt to her
voice – she was sporting a rather large goose egg “Garrick and I
can make beautiful babies.”
Washu gave me a sheepish look. “Okay, I take it back a little –
you seem to be right about her being sensitive.” The then sighed.
“Even if she is more stable than Ryoko.”
I snorted. “Can't have it all, Doc. Like the popular saying on
the Internet about finding a girlfriend goes: attractive, single,
mentally stable – pick only two.”
Washu grimaced at that. “Was it really that bad?”
“Pretty much. I'm trying very hard not to frighten her off and
keep a realistic perspective on this thing.”
Washu blinked at me. “You really have fallen for her?”
I sighed. “I don't know yet. Right now, she's like an oasis after
being lost in the desert for a long, long time.”
“I see,” sighed Washu. “Okay then, I'll go get her situated
and then let the others know you're free to visit.”
“Thanks Washu-chan.”
“Don't thank me yet. You still need to deal with Sasami-chan.”
I blinked at that. “Hoo boy.”
Tenchi's upbringing is Japanese. Garrick's is American. Most Japanese like to have an appearance of mediocrity because mediocrity = uniformity. Americans like to stand out, which means going out, trying different things, and showing off at least a little bit. When confronted with a toilet that doesn't stop running, a Japanese man will think, 'This isn't my specialty. I'd better call the plumber.' The American, on the other hand, will make the adjustment (even if it's not the proper one) and go, "Fixed that for you."
And that's pretty much what it boils down to. Tenchi is passive and Garrick is proactive. Small wonder that Garrick steals the show, eh? But, in time Tenchi will learn to assert himself better, and then the relationship between the two will take on an odd dynamic. Think of Benawi and Kuro from Utawarerumono.
Anyhow, we now return to General Hospital, starring Garrick Grimm, Washu Haukubi, Yakage, and special guest star, Seto Kamiki Jyurai!
“He's far better than I imagined,” I heard a voice somewhere
speaking softly. “Had he a better weapon he might have taken me.”
“You should see some of his projects,” a more familiar voice
murmured. “The weapon he used to take out your drones? He made
that himself... though he claims that it's derivative work.”
“What isn't these days? We all stand on someone's shoulders no
matter what field we pursue.”
“Oh, look! He's coming around. Morning there, Garrick! How ya
feeling?”
“'shu-chan?” I murmured as I cracked an eye open cautiously.
Fortunately, she seemed to have the lights dimmed, but that did
nothing for the fire burning in my chest. “Gahdahm ch'st f'lls
'ikes't used fer trampoline,” I said through clenched teeth.
“F'king 'aser swords.”
“I told you I'd get my pound of flesh from you, boy,” came
Yakage's voice.
“Din't haf ta be so f'king litteral!” I cried out in pain.
“I better do something about that,” said Washu as she twiddled
something on a holo-pad. Right away, blessed relief flooded my
system.
“ooooohhhhohohohoh, that's nice. Soooo much betteeerrrr... Out of
curiosity – pharmaceutical or pain editor?”
“Bit of both,” Washu replied. “Pain editor blocks it out
completely, but the drug helps with the pain induced stress.”
“Natch,” I quipped. I then looked to Yakage. “So, satisfied
now?”
“For now,” Yakage allowed. “You had better do well as a
student, though, or else I may feel that a... repeat lesson will be
in order.”
“Good! Good!” said Washu cheerfully. “Now that that's out of
the way, we have visitors. You can come in now!”
I was expecting Minagi, one of the girls, Tenchi, or even Yosho to
show up. I was, however, not expecting Seto to step into view.
“Oh my, you seem to have gotten roughed up, Garrick,” said the
Devil Princess of Jyurai with a smile that said 'Boys will be boys'.
“I had the other guy on the ropes,” I said glibly, “but then he
played the 'fight fairly' card and beat me with experience. By the
way, not that I am unhappy to see you, but why are you here all the
sudden?”
“We were following unconfirmed reports of an outlaw in this
vicinity when we heard from the Princesses that Yakage was here.
Imagine that,” said Seto coyly as she leveled a deadly glare at the
man in question. “I'll be blunt with you, Yakage.” The man
grimaced and reared backwards as Seto began to advance on him. “I'm
of half-a-mind to arrest you and bring you back home to face
punishment for your crimes – chief amongst them bringing harm to a
ward of the Royal Family.”
“It's official?” I cried out. “Already?”
“Not the adoption,” Seto said, turning a kind smile to me. “For
now, though, the counsel has agreed to grant you provisional
membership of the Royal Household until Funaho and I can get them to
agree to let us adopt you in properly. I love my son-in-law, but he
can be quite stubborn at times.”
I nodded at that and Seto turned her attention back to Yakage. “As
I was saying, part of me would love to bring you back for judgment.
However, since you have been so kind as to agree to pass your
knowledge down to Garrick, I will let it pass. It has been a while
since the Royal Family has had its own Master Weaponsmith.”
“That's what you want me to do?” I asked incredulously.
“If you don't mind,” said Seto as she turned to me with a smile
once more. “I just got done playing with this marvelous little toy
of yours.” She then held up the shot gun I'd used to kill Yakage's
drones. “Got to admit, this thing kicks like a Doduos... but it
strikes like one, too – it actually manages to overload most
mass-produced personal shields in one shot. With some refinement
this could be just the thing my anti-pirate forces need for their
boarding actions. I can only imagine what will come of it after
Yakage is done educating you.”
I blinked at Seto. “Is this some kind of test?” I asked.
“Oh? Why would you feel that way, Garrick?” asked Seto kindly.
I sighed as I tried to put what was on my mind into words. “I
understand you don't like pirates... but deciding my career so
suddenly... that's not entirely like you. And especially not
something you know I may come to dislike. The weapons I make are
mostly for my own use. If a friend or family member expresses an
interest, then I may gift someone with one of my creations, but that
is about as far as I would go. I'm not doing this to arm the
military.
“I want to build things that make everyone's lives better.
Weapons... do not necessarily do this.”
Seto chuckled, a deep and throaty laugh. “Well spoken, Garrick.
I'm glad that you feel that way. Otherwise, I think I would have had
to keep a much closer eye on you than I really wanted. That said
though... If you want the job, it's yours once Yakage is done with
you. Don't worry, it really is nothing more than a ceremonial
position. You see, those that the Master Weaponsmith judges to be
worthy to hold his creations is held in high esteem by the Royal
Household.”
I blinked in surprise. “You mean I would, in essence, be judging
the character of the people the Royal Household interacts with?”
Seto nodded. “Indeed. While it's not really necessary... it is
something we feel better with than without.”
“But why would you want me for that? I mean, you hardly know me!”
“I may not,” Seto replied, putting a fingertip to my lips to
shush me. “Although I have been watching you from afar when I can.
I also speak with my grandchildren on a regular basis. They have
truly come to regard and adore you as the older brother we want you
to be. Think about it, my grandson. Little Sasami is absolutely
smitten with you and wants nothing more than to see you smile. My
darling Ayeka grows more steadfast and serene every time I see her.
Yosho cannot stop about how hard you push yourself in training... nor
can he be more impressed with how Tenchi has begun to follow your
example.
“In case I'm not being clear, I'll spell it out for you. All
ulterior motives aside, I want you to be part of our family, Garrick,
and the only thing really holding us back are the politics. And for
once I can honestly do without them. I just want to see you and the
rest of my grandchildren happy.”
Warmth filled my chest and I was pretty sure it had nothing to do
with Washu's medicine or Yakage's sword.
“In that case, do you mind if I call you Grandma?” I asked Seto
with a smile, already knowing what the answer would be.
Seto smiled back at me. “Only if you let me spoil you from time to
time and call you Grandson.”
The smile became a grin. “I think I can live with that, Grandma.”
Seto then turned to Yakage and the smile left her face. “There are
things you and I need to discuss, Yakage. Let's leave Garrick be so
the rest of his family can visit with him.”
Yakage gave a short bow to Seto. “As the Devil Princess of Jyurai
wishes. Garrick, you and I will speak later.”
Just as Yakage was leaving, though, Minagi was making her way in. I
saw the two make eye contact and then Minagi gasped.
“That scar!” she cried out. Of course, this would be the first
time she's been close enough to see the scar on his face in detail.
“I... I gave you that scar! I... I remember now... the first time
I ever beat you... you kept it as a memento.”
“Then you should know then,” said Yakage with uncharacteristic
gentleness, “that everything I have ever done was for your sake,
Minagi.”
Minagi turned away, but didn't move any further. She remained in
silence.
“I won't kill,” she said at last. “I know I may be left
without any choice in the future, but if I do have that choice...
Never again!”
Yakage sighed as he lowered his head in defeat. “Very well then.
I understand.”
He was about to leave once more when Minagi spoke again, “Garrick
is right, isn't he? You cannot possibly create a Lighthawk Sword,
can you?”
“...I cannot,” Yakage replied with soft finality. “I have gone
over the data with The Professor and the results are conclusive. I
may very well have died dueling Tenchi. And I no longer have the
time left to find the answers I need.”
Minagi's face suddenly took on a sorrowful appearance. “I'm
sorry.”
Yakage was taken aback by the sudden apology. “You are? But why
would you be?”
“Because it was your lifelong dream... to create the ultimate
sword.”
“Minagi, my life-long dream was to give you the ultimate
sword.”
Minagi then turned back to Yakage in surprise, her eyes brimming with
tears. “It was!?”
“Are you so shocked?” Yakage asked kindly as he reached out and
gently brushed her tears away. “A father will do anything for his
daughter.” Minagi gazed up at him for a moment longer and then
suddenly grabbed Yakage up in an embrace, sobbing softly against his
chest.
As Yakage put his arms around Minagi comfortingly, I felt a hand on
my shoulder. Looking up I saw Seto giving me a warm smile. She
nodded once, as though saying that she approved of what I had done
here today, and then quietly left us.
For a long time, Minagi wept quietly while Yakage held her. But
finally, she pulled herself together enough to ask a question.
“What now, my Master?”
“I will pass on everything to Garrick. My knowledge, my
experience, my hopes and dreams... and even you. But my body is not
what it once was. I will need you to help Yosho instruct Garrick in
the way of the sword by sparring with him.”
Minagi looked a question at me and I smiled back at her. “Don't
worry. I'm tough as hell. In fact, I'll probably be up and about
later today.”
“Like hell you will!” snapped Washu. “You know why your chest
is on fire? It's because you had a myocardial rupture!”
Holy shit.
“Myocardial?” said Minagi, putting two and two together. “You
mean...”
“Yes,” said Washu grimly. “His heart exploded when Yakage's
sword passed though his chest.”
Minagi shot a wrathful look at Yakage.
The man simply cleared his throat and said, “Perhaps I had the
voltage level set too high. I am not accustomed to dueling against
humans.”
“MASTER!” snapped Minagi.
“Why the hell am I still alive?” I asked in horror.
Washu nodded knowingly. “Indeed, normally that sort of shock is
instantly fatal for a human. However, when I reinforced your body I
suspected that something like this may happen. So, to that end I
made an adjustment to your neurochemistry that makes you resistant
against suddenly fatal levels of shock. Even if someone were to blow
a hole the size of Yakage's fist in your chest, you'd live at least
long enough for me to get you into my Emergency Intensive Care and
Trauma Unit.”
“Gyaahhh,” I grumbled. “I don't know whether to thank you or
curse you. Whatever! What's the prognosis?”
Washu folded her arms and sighed as she closed her eyes.
“Your heart was not salvageable. The electrical current completely
destroyed the biolectrical system. Even if I could repair the nerve
damage, which is tricky business as you already know, I would have to
reprogram the nerves that control it. It's a lot more work than you
think and it's easier just to make you a new heart.
“For the moment, I have an artificial heart composed of complex
forcefields taking its place. It will keep you alive for now, but
only so long as you stay in that bed. I have already begun to grow
you a new heart and I've made a few minor improvements. Nothing
major, just a bit bigger and stronger to help you cope with what's
coming later. I already know you don't like the idea of me tampering
with your physical makeup without your consent, but this is still
within the scope of your genetic profile. Also, because we're
starting from scratch, the carbon nanoweave reinforcement will be
stronger. You shouldn't ever have another rupture once we get it in
you.
“All said and done, you should be out of here in a week.”
“I guess there's no way to make it shorter.”
“Only if things go horribly wrong. Then you'll be out of here in a
matter of hours. On a slab.”
I winced. “Okay, who are you and what did you do with happy-fun
Washu-chan?”
“She's out while I'm dealing with idiots that get their hearts
disintegrated. Seriously, you're making work for me. KNOCK IT OFF!”
Yakage began to edge away. “I think it would be best if I-”
“AND YOU!” Washu cried out, leveling a finger at Yakage.
“Egotistical! Self-rightous! Prideful! You... YOU'RE AN
ASSHOLE!”
I suddenly felt the irresistible urge to troll Washu. “Now now,
Washu-chan, don't hold back! Tell us how you reeeaaally feeeel.”
Washu whipped around to me and I was briefly reminded of an Oni mask.
“SHUTUP GARRICK!”
Worth it, and I would be happy with that. No need to push my
luck on that matter!
Washu then turned back to Yakage. “Look, it's not like Garrick
hasn't been seriously injured before. That's why I reinforced his
body in the first place! But this is the first time that it was
because someone actually intended him harm! If this happens again
under your watch... I will come after you and KILL YOU myself! Do we
have an understanding, Yakage?”
“It shouldn't be a problem, Professor,” Yakage replied tiredly.
“Good. Now g'wan, get! The others want to see Garrick and he
needs rest!” Without any further ado, Yakage bowed and left us.
Washu nodded her head, satisfied. “Good.” She then turned to us
and flashed a mildly mishievous grin. “Okay you two. No funny
business! That forcefield heart is a very temporary thing –
it won't handle sudden movements very well... or even heavy
workloads. And Minagi?”
“Yes?”
“When was the last time you had a gynecological examination?”
And down she went with a spectacular thud.
I gave Washu a flat look. “Washu, can't you be a little more
gentle with these topics?”
Washu waved it off with a sigh. “You two are sexually active.
This means that, even if you don't have multiple sex partners,
regular examinations are important. Especially if Minagi wants to
preserve her reproductive health.”
Washu got a pleading look from me. “Seriously, Washu-chan...
please be gentle with her. This isn't like when you mess around with
Tenchi trying to get a semen sample from him or goading Ryoko about
her womanly attributes.”
“That's a low blow and you know it, buster!” said Washu sharply.
“Why if you weren't so horribly ill right now I'd smack you upside
the head!”
“Alright, alright!” I said, holding my hands up in surrender. “I
went too far with that, I apologize! Mr. Nasty is back in his cage
now.”
“Mr. Nasty?” said Washu, raising an eyebrow.
“The reason I would make a lousy diplomat – every now and then I
slip up and say something tactless.”
“Well, you should know better regardless.” Washu then knelt down
to help Minagi back to her feet. “Ryoko I had the advantage of
creating her, so I was able to write in programming that took care of
that business for her.” She then looked the still-dazed Minagi in
her eyes. “But you my dear... I still need to make a full
assessment so I fully understand what your medical needs may be.
After all, I want my long-lost daughter to be happy and healthy,
whether or not you decide to have children.”
“Children would be nice,” said Minagi with a dreamy lilt to her
voice – she was sporting a rather large goose egg “Garrick and I
can make beautiful babies.”
Washu gave me a sheepish look. “Okay, I take it back a little –
you seem to be right about her being sensitive.” The then sighed.
“Even if she is more stable than Ryoko.”
I snorted. “Can't have it all, Doc. Like the popular saying on
the Internet about finding a girlfriend goes: attractive, single,
mentally stable – pick only two.”
Washu grimaced at that. “Was it really that bad?”
“Pretty much. I'm trying very hard not to frighten her off and
keep a realistic perspective on this thing.”
Washu blinked at me. “You really have fallen for her?”
I sighed. “I don't know yet. Right now, she's like an oasis after
being lost in the desert for a long, long time.”
“I see,” sighed Washu. “Okay then, I'll go get her situated
and then let the others know you're free to visit.”
“Thanks Washu-chan.”
“Don't thank me yet. You still need to deal with Sasami-chan.”
I blinked at that. “Hoo boy.”