NARRATION OF PROJECT A-KO 11 THE NEXT GENERATION COMIC
COMIC NO. 7
***************************
PROJECT A-KO 11 THE NEXT GENERATION - "My Boyfriend's Back
and I'm Going to be in Trouble"
----------
Caption: "It's a great time to graduate from Graviton City
Girls High School ---"
Shot of a graduation scene. Ayumi-Shirasaka Sensei, as well
as Atina and the rest of her class, are seated behind a
podium. Arisa, in her cap and gown and Cygnan shades, is
addressing the assembled multitude. In the foreground,
Captain and Hikaru (both holding kids) are listening.
Er, to be more accurate, Hikaru is trying to listen; Captain
is weeping loudly.
Cap: WAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! MY LITTLE GIRLS ALL GROWN UP AND
GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL ---
Hikaru: Get used to it, Aysha. We'll be doing this seven
more times.
Arisa: Thank you again, everyone, for giving an outsider a
chance...
----------
Caption (continuing): ---and from the Kyoto Prefecture War
College ----"
Shot of Captain in her CAA uniform saluting her two new
commissioned officers, Seiji and Alana, who are saluting
back.
Cap: That's my boy (and girl)!
----------
Caption (continuing): ---and from Graviton City Boys High
School."
Shot of Akira's graduation. His mother (Kei's mom too,
remember Ako4?), who is quite the social planner, looks on.
Captain stands behind her holding baby Athenia, trying to
make sense of what Mrs. Yuki has been running on about.
Mrs. Yuki: Akira and Arisa, dears, now we can devote our
FULL ATTENTION to the WEDDING!
Cap (to herself): Following all of the Earth conventions for
weddings is harder than trying to calculate fuel
requirements for jumps to light-speed.
Kei: Imagine, A-Ko...I'm going to be the best man at my
little brother's wedding! It seems that only yesterday I
was giving him head noogies...
Ako: Howzabout I give YOU noogies, Keisama...??
----------
Shot of the entire Napolipolita-Daitokuji clan, posing for a
photograph.
Photographer: The Mainchi Daily News will put this in
Sunday's edition.
Arisa (in her cap and gown, to Atina): Smile and say
pigface.
Atina (ditto): Shut up.
The twins are playing with their "Asteroid Hunter" doll,
which by now has seen better days. [Hey girls..you know how
ratty Barbies get after they're played with a couple hundred
times, don't you...? Same deal --] Akana is clutching her
pulse rifle. Everyone else looks like perfect little ladies
and gentlemen, er, gentleman.
Bko (who will NEVER recover from the alien invasion): Just
LOOK at this horde. Thanks a LOT, Father.
----------
Caption: "Meanwhile, Earth -- as its newest member -- hosts
the next meeting of the Intergalactic Federation Council..."
Shot of the huge Earth Defense Force conference table.
Captain and Commander Yashida are in attendance, as are
numerous other creatures, mostly humanoids. General Atola
(sigh!) enters the room, his robes sweeping magnificently
behind him.
Atola: My humblest of apologies for arriving late at this
important meeting. I had trouble with my hyperdrive.
Yashida: You're right on time, General Atola. We were just
getting underway...
Captain is shocked to see him. She also seriously doubts if
Atola has ever had trouble with his hyperdrive in his entire
life ---
Cap: GREAT MOTHER!!! WHO INVITED HIM??
He strolls around to her side of the table, smiling. His
face is reflected in each lens of her Cygnan shades.
Cap (to herself, intently): DON'T SIT NEAR ME DON'T SIT
NEAR ME DON'T SIT NEAR ME DON'T SIT NEAR ME GO AWAY GO AWAY
GO AWAY GO AWAY GO AWAY GO AWAY
As Atola places his hands on the seat next to hers, Yashida
sees Captain's distress and remembers rumors...oh well.
Yashida: There's a vacant spot near the head of the table,
General.
Atola: Actually, I prefer the view from here.
Captain grimaces, sweat flying from her brow anime-style, as
he sits next to her and commences a game of footsie under
the table.
----------
Caption: "Later..."
During the break, Atola follows Captain, who is trying to
get away from him.
Atola: A moment, Director-General --
Cap: Leave me alone.
He corners her.
Atola: Ayshalita..why did I have to find out from an Earth
newspaper that we have a grandchild?
Cap (arms crossed, refusing to meet his gaze): Pretend you
never read it. STAY OUT
OF OUR LIVES, ATOLA.
Atola (whose syntax is a little stilted, as it's translated
from the Thessalonikan): But blood calls to blood. I will
soon be old and have no one. You cannot deny me the honor of
knowing my family.
Cap (getting angry and nervous): We'll just see about that.
You forget how powerful I've become.
Atola: Threaten me all you like, my old love. You showed
your true feelings at Tauka Banesh.
Captain is now threatened and waves a clenched fist at him.
A threatened Cygnan, as a general proposition, is not a
pretty sight.
Cap: A ready-made family! How convenient for you, Atola. I
distinctly recall being very inconvenient in your life.
Memory balloon of Atola and his latest girlfriend walking
away from Aysha, who at that time was a teenage fighter
pilot. She has her face hidden in her hands.
New Girl: Who was THAT skinny thing?
Young Atola: Nobody.
Cap (continuing): You never even bothered to lay eyes on
Alana. I hate you.
Memory balloon of Captain holding Alia and baby Alana. She
looks sad and half-drunk.
Atola (coming up behind her): The line between love and hate
is very thin.
Cap (in tears now): Atola, stop. Please just stop.
Atola (his hands on her shoulders -- this guy doesn't waste
any time, does he?): Ayshalita. I don't mind if you have
all those children (not my problem)...just kiss me once..for
old times' sake....
Cap (weakening and hating herself for it): Ohhhhhhh no.....
........Just...this...once.
She turns and kisses him.
[Author's note: In my opinion, she shows almost superhuman
restraint.]
----------
Shot of Atola walking away, cape sweeping behind him.
Atola: I know you love me still.
Captain, horrified by her own behavior, stands clutching
her hair with her fists.
Cap (in a panic, now): I must be losing my mind.
----------
Shot of Captain and Hikaru having dinner in the Daitokuji
Gorgeous Hotel restaurant.
It is obviously a special occasion, as she holds a small
ring box.
Hikaru: Things have never been better for us. B-Ko's made
the transition to chief executive officer, all the children
are doing well, NDFG stock is at a five-year high, and here
we are with another anniversary...
Captain looks down at the ring and then snaps the box shut,
as if it doesn't matter.
She is clearly depressed, and avoids his eyes.
Hikaru (to himself): And yet she's so sad. So she's bored
with her rich old man at last.
----------
They leave the restaurant. Both are silent.
Hikaru (to himself): I can't ask her. If it's true, I
couldn't bear it.
Cap (to herself): I can't tell Hikaru about my problem with
Atola.
----------
Caption: "Meanwhile, at the Kyoto Mansion --"
The doorbell rings. Seiji is busy tending to baby Akiko, who
has her mother's slanted eyes.
Seiji: Alana -- could you answer the door?
She opens it, only to find her father Atola on the doorstep.
He is so large he nearly fills the doorway. He places his
right hand over his heart and bows.
Atola: My dear child. Forgive my intrusion. May I give the
little one a gift?
Alana: Come in.
Shot of Atola bouncing Akiko on his knee. She is enjoying
her present, a little Thessalonikan whirligig toy.
Atola (genuinely pleased): What a beauty. She looks just
like my mother.
Alana (pleased for a number of reasons): Look, Seiji! She
likes her Grampa!
Atola, I forgive you. I'd like to call you father. You're
most welcome to be a grandfather to my children -- another
is on the way, you see.
Atola: I will not abandon them as I did my own little girl.
They will have my love and help as long as I live.
----------
Atola sits in a chair, obviously agitated. Alana plays with
the baby on the floor.
Atola: But then, of course, there's the problem with your
mother. I cannot make things right unless we are together
as a family, as we should have been long ago.
Alana (frowning, trying to discourage the whole idea):
Forget about it. She'll never forgive you for the way you
treated her. Besides, she's happy now. Leave well enough
alone.
Atola: My child, I did not become the leader of my planet's
military might because I lacked determination. This Earth
"marriage" is quaint but of no consequence to me whatsoever.
We were fated to be together.
----------
Caption: "Fated to be together or not, Captain's feelings
are a mystery, even to her..."
Shot of the ND Mansion's swimming pool area (or one of them,
anyway). Captain is having a massage. Her masseuse wears a
shirt bearing the slogan "Napolipolita-Daitokuji Health and
Beauty Services, Inc."
Cap (to herself): WHAT IS THIS?? Do I really want to be 17
again? Is this middle-age crazy, part 2? Or my last gasp
before my Sunset Years? Maybe becoming a grandma did it.
Hmm.
Hikaru-Sama is the love of my life. So why can't I get Atola
out of my head? I fantasized for years that he'd change his
mind. And now that he has, it's much too late...Great
Mother!
----------
She has dressed in a sixties-style sarong-and-boxers outfit
with a daisy print (in honor of Princess C-Ko). She heads
into the Mansion from the pool, walking past two large stone
lions.
Cap: My first option is a rich Earthling who adores me,
adopted my kids, and surrounds me with all this. My second
is an impulsive, warmongering rogue who devastated my life.
Oh well.
----------
She encounters Hikaru in the living room. He is sitting and
thinking to himself.
Cap: I'd better go into the office, Hikaru-Sama.
Hikaru: ((?))
----------
Caption: "Hikaru is trying to figure it out."
Hikaru sits in his lounge chair with his fingers interlaced.
Kazushi hangs onto his shoulder, sucking her thumb.
Hikaru (to himself): She's sick of me --- no. She married
me for my dough --- no. She thinks I'm ancient --- no. She
thinks I'm ugly --- no. She wants (dawning
horror!)...ATOLA!!!!!!!!
----------
Caption: "Meanwhile, the wedding preparations continue..."
The girls stand around Arisa, who has just tried on the gown
she brought back from Alpha Cygni. Akana (sticking her
tongue out): BOYS STILL STINK!
Atina: Give it a year or two, Akana.
Alana (holding Akiko): Lovely.
Bko: That wedding money was set aside for ME!
Kazushi (echoing): Lovely.
----------
Shiiko, still in her school uniform, gives her father a
message.
Shiiko: Oh yeah Daddy... I forgot to tell you...Ma phoned to
say she'd be working late tonight.
Hikaru loses it completely. He races out the door, still
wearing his pjs, robe, and slippers.
Hikaru (to his chauffeur): FIRE UP THE LIMO !!!
----------
Caption: "After an 80-mile-per-hour drive to the Central
Astro Agency Headquarters ---"
Hikaru (running, hand outstretched): NO NO NO NO NO NO NO NO
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He races into Captain's office, then screeches to a dead
halt.
Hikaru: Hunh?
She is sitting at her console, working diligently and
humming a tune (they won't let her hum at home...). She
turns around.
Hikaru (grinning, trying to salvage himself): UH -- UH --
JUST THOUGHT I'D TREAT YOU TO A LATE DINNER....
Cap (amused): IN YOUR PAJAMAS?????
----------
Caption: "Meanwhile, in the Thessalonikan Commander's
headquarters..."
Closeup shot of Atola [Author's note - this guy is so-o-o-o
hot the ink in my pen nearly boiled dry while I was drawing
him...but perhaps I exaggerate...]. His memory balloon
shows a weeping young Aysha walking away from him. He makes
no effort to go after her.
Atola: It's clear I was too hasty years ago. She's rich and
powerful and she's still a honey. Besides, I could USE some
diversion on this primitive rock, and Ayshalita's just the
girl to divert me....(memory balloon of Captain getting
loaded) ...so long as she doesn't revert to bad habits.
(pacing) I know she loves me. Besides..what was mine stays
mine. There are no exceptions to that rule. (His mind is now
made up) I must make my move.
-----------
Shot of Hikaru, Aysha, and Alana entering a grand
reception. Captain is wearing a satin cheongsam dress.
Hikaru (to her, snidely): Are you SURE you want to go to
this reception? Your BUDDY is there...
Cap (to him, even more snidely): Call him my "BUDDY" one
more time and I'll block your next hostile takeover.
Alana (unaware of their conflict and enjoying the party
already): This is cool.
----------
Caption: "Does it surprise anybody that the atmosphere
is....tense??"
Atola stands with his burly arms crossed over his chest. He
is looking at the Daitokujis out of the corner of his
slanted eyes. Hikaru is leading Aysha across the room,
gripping her possessively and expecting the worst.
Atola (loudly): Disgraceful. The mother of my child with
that pathetic excuse for a male.
Hikaru (loudly): If he comes within ten feet of her I'll rip
off his lousy rotten head. (As if he could, but that's
Hikaru for you.....)
Cap (her hand over her face): All these bad vibes are giving
me a HEADACHE!
----------
A few minutes later, they are dancing and Atola is engaged
in a conversation with a young lady.
She has obviously asked him a question about his world as a
pretense to get close to him and check him out more
thoroughly.
Atola (outrageously charming): Thank you for your interest.
Yes, in fact, Thessalonika leads the western quadrant of the
galaxy in the production of magnesium alloys used in the
production of...
He is momentarily interrupted because Hikaru has
"accidentally" elbowed him while dancing by.
Hikaru (quite loudly): Big wisemouth punk rocker alien
weirdo over there flexing his pecs.
Cap: Great Mother. Here we go.
Hikaru cannot bear it another moment. He goes over to Atola
and gets in his face (bear in mind that he is a foot shorter
than Atola, so it isn't quite a nose-to-nose encounter).
Hikaru: ACTUALLY, EARTH'S MAGNESIUM OUTPUT IS GREATER THAN
ALPHA CYGNI AND THESSALONIKA COMBINED.....
Atola (gritting his teeth): I BEG TO DIFFER WITH YOUR
ESTIMATES....
Captain has clapped her hands over her ears.
Atola (continuing): YOUR RIDICULOUS PLANET COULD NOT
POSSIBLY MATCH OUR OUTPUT!
Hikaru: (Stuff it, lover boy.)
Aysha heads for the door.
Cap: All this posturing for male dominance is weirding me
out....I'm OUT of here --
Suddenly, Hikaru loses the last veneer of self-control. He
waves his fists and shrieks.
Hikaru: MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE
MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Atola sighs, forks him under the chin, and lifts him about
four feet off the ground.
Atola (to anyone who will listen): This Earth creature is
beginning to annoy me.
Alana (looking over): Knock it off, Father.
Hikaru: (((NOT
AGAIN!!!!!)))...General....uggggg...Fuzzball...why don't you
warp-speed your wife-stealing butt back to your Mr. Macho
MUDHOLE?
Cap (running back in): ATOLA! Quit showing off!
Atola has had enough of this Daitokuji. He cold-cocks
Hikaru, knocking him back onto Aysha by accident.
Atola: SILENCE, YOU PITIFUL SPECIMEN!!!!
Cap (REALLY mad now): Okay Atola baby -- that tears it.
----------
Atola walks away with a smirk on his face. He stolls past
his impromptu female fan club like the intergalactic
studmuffin he is.
Atola: I LOVE to show off in front of girls.
Cap (comforting Hikaru, who is more embarrassed than hurt):
YOU REALLY THINK YOU'RE HOT STUFF, DON'T YOU?????
Hikaru (his hand covering his eyes): I could die.
----------
Atola now walks away with Alana, who has just entered the
scene. Captain is left behind as Hikaru storms off.
Atola (cheerfully): And how is my precious daughter and
granddaughter?
Alana: Just fine, Father. But don't hit Daddy any more. He
salvaged my Ma and gave us all a home.
Atola: Perhaps, my child...but, alas! He's in my way!
Cap (genuinely worried now): Hikaru-Sama....?
Hikaru (livid, to himself): HOW MANY MORE OF HER OLD
BOYFRIENDS ARE GOING TO COME CRAWLING OUT OF HYPERSPACE?
Captain walks away, crestfallen. She is always intensely
uncomfortable when the wreckage of her past threatens her
present; she also can no longer use booze to dull her
emotional pain.
Cap: How could I have doubted my real feelings for a single
moment? Looking back, Atola was a creep. I've been in
Fantasyland for the past 23 years!
Hikaru (even more crestfallen than she is): Not only am I
boring, but I'm also a wimp. There's no way I can bat
against this guy! Maybe I should just concede defeat and let
Aysha go.
----------
Caption: "At the rehearsal dinner the night before the
wedding, Arisa's Cygnan companions congregate ---"
A beaming Akira is surrounded by alien lovelies. They are --
well -- just being Cygnan.
Cygnan #1: Oooh so hot!
Cygnan #2: It's not too late!
Cygnan #3: Mmmm!
Cygnan #4: Honey bunny!
Cygnan #5: C'mere, cutie pie!
Akira (to himself, naturally): LOVE these Cygnans!
Arisa (sweating bullets and ready to kill): GET --- AWAY---
-FROM---HIM----NOW!!!!!
-----------
Shot of Arisa in her mother's arms, later that night.
Arisa: I can't believe this will be my last night in my own
bed, in my own home.
Cap: This will always be your home, my baby.
----------
Caption: "The next day dawns bright and clear.."
Shot of the bride and two of her bridesmaids, Atina and
Akana.
Arisa: Well girls. Here we go...
----------
Caption: "What a lovely wedding!"
Shot of Hikaru walking Arisa down the aisle. We can see
former Mr. Director Zuma holding the twins. We can also see
Captain, who has already collapsed in tears. Hikaru gives
the bride a kiss and she goes to the altar.
Arisa: Thank you, Dad.
----------
Caption: "The great moment arrives!"
Minister: We are gathered here together in the sight of God
to unite this man, Akira Yuki, and this woman, Arisa
Napolipolita-Daitokuji, in holy matrimony...
Cap (in the front row): Sniff! Sniff!
Hikaru turns and wipes her eyes.
Hikaru: There there, mother...
He catches something out of the corner of his eye and turns
around completely.
Hikaru: YOU MUST BE JOKING!!
Shot of General Atola, seated with Commander Yashida and his
nephew. He is surrounded by young women, who are paying far
more attention to him than to either their boyfriends or the
ceremony.
Hikaru: (What possessed Aysha to invite THAT creepo????)
Cap (oblivious to the men): boo hoo my little baby
----------
The ceremony is complete as Akira and Arisa kiss.
Bko: Alia, I can't believe it! Your mother didn't get into a
SINGLE FISTFIGHT!
----------
Caption: "And, of course, Captain's former nemesis Mari-chan
will NEVER lay a hand on her "little Cygnan sister ---"
Shot of Mari and her family in the congregation. She waves
and looks halfway human.
Mari: Hello Daitokujis -- thanks for inviting us...
Rose (her mouth a gaping maw): TAKE ME HOME HOME HOME NOW
NOW NOW...
----------
Shot of the wedding party, posing for a formal portrait.
----------
Caption: "Now, on to the reception!"
Captain is trying to make her way across the hall without
running into Atola. She wears a long dress with a pouffed
sparkly hem. Her long hair has been elaborately curled for
the occasion.
Whoops...too late!
Atola (bowing deeply and stepping directly in her path):
AYSHALITA!!!! You are even more breathtaking as an Earth
woman than you are as a Cygnan!
Cap: GO AWAY, ATOLA.
She quickens her pace and books it to the ladies' room,
where she will be safe.
----------
Shot of the guests, dancing and talking.
Girlfriend: Did I hear you were honeymooning in Bermuda?
Arisa: No -- it was a wedding gift from my parents!
NDFG Director of Development: The old man will probably do a
stock split so he can give the "Daitokuji Dynasty Round Two"
a nice block of stock...
NDFG Director of Commerce: ...which will dilute the value.
Ayumi-Shirasaka Sensei (with hubby): My aren't those men
dumb discussing business at a nice wedding tee hee!
----------
Captain emerges from the ladies' room after about fifteen
minutes. There are only so many ways you can arrange your
hair.
Atola is waiting for her, just like a spider! She strides
past him.
Atola: It's just a matter of time before we are together
again, long-ago love.
Cap: He is REALLY getting on my NERVES.
She walks past Alana.
Alana: Ma -- listen to me. Watch out for Father..he wants
you back and he is serious.
Cap (hem and hair flying behind her): Wantin' ain't
gettin', as they say here on Earth.
----------
Atola doesn't have to rely on Captain for attention. He has
seated himself, and within two minutes he is surrounded by
drooling women.
Woman #1 (patting his hair): This long silver hair is
gorgeous! Why do Thessalonikans grow it so long?
Atola: To give the girls something to play with.
Woman #2 (touching his elfin ears): Cute pointy ears!
Woman #3 (to Alana): That guy is really hot...but isn't he a
little OLD?
Alana (rolling her eyes, resigned): Yes. He's my daddy.
----------
Shot of D, holding Alana's and Captain's babies. The twins
are playing at her feet. Her husband Hideo is off elsewhere
at the moment.
D: Here I am, back on Napolipolita baby duty!
----------
Captain and Hikaru are dancing.
Hikaru: Not a bad little reception for 1,500 people...
Cap: And we only have nine more to go!
Hikaru (holding her tightly): BUT TELL ME SOMETHING, AYSHA.
WHY ON EARTH DID YOU INVITE ATOLA???
Cap (shocked): ME???? I THOUGHT YOU INVITED HIM!!!!
----------
Alia gives the bride a necklace.
Alia: Arisa -- I have a special gift for you. Do you
remember when we were kids?
Memory balloon shows a Priestess of Cybele comforting Alia,
who is a young girl.
Priestess: I am so sorry, child...your mother's ship has
been lost.
Alia: Then the rescue ships returned. Of course, Ma had
missed them because she'd been on a bad binge.
Memory balloon of Cadet Alia, questioning two disembarking
soldiers.
Alia: Excuse me -- is Captain Napolipolita on board?
Soldier #1 (not realizing who the child is): Hope she's
choked to death on her lousy booze by now.
Soldier #2: Stupid incompetent bitch lost the ship. She
wandered off somewhere months before we were rescued.
Memory balloon of Alia running toward the Egota, crying her
mother's name.
Memory shot of young Alia holding a necklace so that her
weeping little sisters can see it.
Alia: I bought a necklace and vowed never to take it off
until she came home. Of course, I only took it off last year
when you came to visit. And now it's yours, baby.
Arisa (close to tears): Oh Alia. I remember this necklace!
Thank you!
Alana: Isn't it funny, Atina..how everything worked out
right.
Atina: We've all found our places in the universe after all.
----------
Captain and Arisa are posing for the photographer. They are
hamming it up.
Bko (disgusted): They're SO weird. They STILL don't know how
to behave...
Photographer: Not your typical mother-daughter wedding pose!
Cap: Not your typical mother-daughter!
Shiiko and Mitsuko, dressed in their wedding finery, stand
behind her and stick out their tongues as the flash goes
off.
Girls: NYAHHH!! HEE HEE HEE HEE
D holds baby Athenia, who reaches for her mother. At the
same time, Atola passes Hikaru, shoving him out of his
path. He obviously feels that the time for restraint has
passed.
Atola (hissing in his ear): She still loves ME. You know it
and so do I, you worthless sack of spacedung.
Hikaru shakes with unexpressed anger. Atola walks away while
giving Hikaru his parting shot.
Atola (confidently): The best course of action is for you to
concede defeat. It would be entirely too humiliating for you
otherwise.
Cap (goes over to Hikaru, not having heard this exchange):
Hikaru-Sama...is there anything wrong?
Hikaru is gritting his teeth so hard he has probably cracked
at least one crown. He doesn't speak.
Cap (shrugs and decides to take another hike to the loo):
I'll be right back.
Of course, Atola is lying in wait. She goes by, not seeing
him, and he pulls her into a private dining room.
Atola: AAH, AYSHALITA! HERE YOU ARE AT LAST!
Cap: Oh great.
He pulls her close and begins kissing her. She is too
stunned to react immediately.
Atola: I just KNEW you couldn't wait to get your hands on
ME! (Easy, cupcake...)
He grabs her around the waist and gives her...well, a full-
body hug.
Atola: MMMM ALONE WITH MY SWEET CYGNAN BABY AT LAST!!!
Cap is outraged, speechless with shock at the nerve of this
man who had treated her so badly.
Cap (to herself): HIKARU PLEASE BE DIAPERING A KID!!!! Well
isn't this just dandy he's really done it now what if
someone walks in on this tender little scene Hikaru's heart
would be broken well NO WAY YOU OVERGROWN SHAGGY-HEADED
STUD!!!!!!
She is strong but he is stronger. She can't pull away. He
continues playing kissyface.
Alana (from the main hall): HEY MA!! WHERE DID YOU GO --?
Cap (finding that it is difficult to articulate when someone
has you in a liplock): MWWFFFFFF I'M NOT YOUR SWEET CYGNAN
BABY!!!!!!
Atola: Nonsense. Of course you are.
This latest outrage gives her enough added strength to shove
him away.
Cap (stepping back): AND WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THAT I'D BE
INTERESTED IN A KAKAMATANDIS LOUT LIKE YOU? [You remember
this word from the earlier comic, don't you?
I know you do.]
Atola (holding her chin between his thumb and index finger):
Maybe it's the way you hyperventilate when I walk into a
room. And...you've been dreaming of me for YEARS. No need
to be coy with ME...I was WELL worth the wait!!!!
She sputters with shock and rage and bares her teeth.
Cap: Why...WHY...WHY.......!!!!
Atola (what kind of drugs is this guy on??): Let's sneak out
the back.
He has the nerve to take her in his arms again. She pounds
on his chest with her fists.
Cap: YOU FOOL JACKASS!!!! I'M THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE!!! MY
HUSBAND IS RIGHT OVER THERE!!! YOU DUMPED ME!!! YOU
REFUSED TO ACCEPT ALANA!!!! YOU HIT MY
HIKARU!!! KISSING YOU WAS A MISTAKE!!!!!! I DON'T LOVE
YOU, ATOLA !!!!!!!!!!
----------
His arms drop to his sides.
Atola: I can't BELIEVE it! I've NEVER been rejected! The
oxygen-rich atmosphere of Earth has corroded her BRAIN!
Captain has run over to the door, but stops and turns to
deliver her parting shot. She is screaming and shaking her
fists -- and (more than usual..) she is LOUD!
Cap: AND JUST REMEMBER HOT SHOT THAT I PERSONALLY HAVE MY
FINGER ON THE BUTTON! YOU CAN SEE ALANA AND AKIKO BUT BY
THE FIFTH QUEEN OF THE LEPTON KINGDOM OF ALPHA CYGNI IF YOU
EVER TOUCH ME AGAIN I'LL NUKE YOUR LOUSY LITTLE MALE-
DOMINATED PLANET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
----------
She exits, returning to Hikaru, sweet as pie. He has no
idea that an alien power struggle has just transpired.
Suddenly, there is a loud crash as a Cygnan back-flips her
way onto the dance floor, landing on one foot while pointing
accusingly at Atola. He sees her and gasps in horror.
Cygnan: EEEEEYAHHHHHHHHH!!
Hikaru: Aysha! Isn't that the Cygnan who beat up Kei Yuki
back on your home planet?
Of course, Keisama has already recognized her.
Kei: A-KO! SAVE ME !!
Ako: YOU CHILD!!
Cygnan (in a booming voice): ATOLA!!! YOU SCOUNDREL!!!!!
YOUR DAYS ARE NUMBERED, HONEY BUN!!!
Atola (trying to cover his guilt): WANAKY!! My little
Lepton cutie!
Wanaky Koteridis (not cute at the moment): YOU'RE DEAD!!!!
CHASING AFTER THAT
HOMELY EARTH BROAD WHO THINKS SHE'S CYGNAN!!!!! HOW DARE
YOU!
She flips through the air and decks him.
((POW!!!))
Since Atola is now on the floor, Wanaky directs her rage at
Captain, who is shaking in her peau-de-soie shoes.
Wanaky: YOU'RE NEXT, TOOTSIE !!!
Cap: I'll never go to another wedding as long as I live!
Wanaky delivers a side snap-kick, knocking the Mother of the
Bride backwards and upside-down.
((BAAAM!!))
Wanaky: TAKE THAT, YOU MAN-STEALING TRAITOR!
Cap (shrieking while airborne): WAIT!!! I DON'T EVEN WANT
HIM!!!!
Wanaky, still cranked, delivers another body slam, knocking
Captain sideways.
Everyone is horrified but not entirely surprised...they are
Cygnans.
Wanaky (still kicking, outraged): HE'S MINE! I CAPTURED HIM
MYSELF!!!!
Cap: GREAT MOTHER TAKE HIM !!!!!
----------
By this time, Atola has picked himself off the floor. Hikaru
knows better than to interfere with Aysha's battles, so he
simply prays. Captain, however, needs no divine
intervention.
Cap (eyes huge, teeth clenched): ATOLA! YOU'VE MESSED UP
MY LIFE ONE TOO MANY TIMES!!!!!!
She lays him out with probably the best right hook she has
ever delivered.
((WHACK!!!))
She tops that move with a flying crescent kick (good thing
her dress has a full skirt), which sends Atola across the
room, scattering wedding guests, tables, and chairs every
which way.
Cap: YOU TREATED ME WORSE THAN GARBAGE! NOW YOU'VE COME
RUNNING BACK AFTER TWO DECADES OF TRAIPSING AROUND THE
GALAXY AND YOU WANT A 'FAMILY' --- WELL, SWEETCAKES, GO OUT
AND GET ONE 'CAUSE YOU WON'T RUIN MINE!!!
Atola (rather impressed, in spite of himself): OW!
Ayshalita!! You're one heck of a fighter, sober!
But Ayshalita is not done yet. She delivers a kick right
under his chin, flipping him ass over teakettle.
Cap: AND THIS ONE IS FOR CRASHING MY DAUGHTER'S WEDDING !!!
Hikaru (his eyes covered): Such a little lady!
Alana: MA!!!!!
----------
Captain is no spring chicken, and she has run through her
adrenaline high. There is nothing left to do except to go
over and neck with Hikaru for a while. Alana kneels and
peers into Atola's battered face. Wanaky stands over him,
beyond disgusted.
Alana (tentatively): Need some help, Father?
Atola (to himself, still crosseyed): Maybe I'd better forget
about women for a while...
(well, Cygnans, anyway...)
Wanaky: Can't believe I captured that loser!!!!
----------
Things have finally settled down. Captain has rejuvenated
her engine and Atola has slunk off to the men's room.
Alia (laughing): Hey, B-Ko. I think you jinxed it when you
said there wouldn't be a fistfight!
Bko: She's YOUR wacko mother, not mine.
Akana (thinking her Ma is a hot ticket): At least we made it
through the ceremony...
----------
It seems that Cygnan sisterhood survives any male
interference. Wanaky and Captain, looking like the Furies
from Hades, lean on each other and stagger across the room.
Wanaky: Uh -- look. Sorry about my grand entrance.
Cap: Don't mention it. Stay for the reception. (HOMELY,
HUH?????)
Wanaky: By the way, that Earth man you captured isn't too
bad.
Cap: Many thanks.
Alana comes over to them. Without thinking, Captain
introduces her.
Cap: Do you remember my lovely Alana? She looks just like
her father...Atola, you know...
Wanaky: ................................!
The unfortunate Thessalonikan has come back from the can,
only to immediately turn tail and run like hell because
Wanaky, newly outraged, is after him again.
Wanaky: YOU NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT THIS TO ME YOU LYING
SLEAZEBAG!!!!
COME BACK HERE SO I CAN KICK YOUR BUTT AGAIN!!!!
Atola (running for his life): YAAAHHH!!!!
Alana (halfheartedly, knowing it to be a futile gesture):
Leave my father alone.
Hikaru: Welcome back, Ayshalita.
Cap: I was never gone, Hikaru-Sama.
Suddenly, Wanaky recognizes a familiar face and whips
around, inadvertantly giving Atola a chance to escape.
Wanaky (pointing to Kei, delighted): HEYYYYY --- ISN'T THAT
MY OLD WRESTLING BUDDY?
Kei throws his arms over his face and begins to scream for
his wife. Any show of cowardice by a male is music to a
Cygnan's ears, and exhorts her to greater efforts.
Wanaky (grinning and throwing her arms out wide): HOW ABOUT
A REMATCH, SWEETMEAT?
Ako: Oh for God's sake, Kei.
A-Ko begins to chase Wanaky, who is no fool and concedes the
field.
Ako: No armbands tonight, Hot Shot!
Wanaky: I said it before and I'll say it again...CHEATER
CHEATER CHEATER!!!!!!
Kei rushes over to her and kisses her with gratitude.
Kei: Thanks, as usual.
Ako: No problem, Keisama. Now, how about those wedding
noogies ... ?
----------
Caption: "Isn't it funny that things work out for the best?"
It is several days later. Captain and Hikaru are in the
living room, surrounded by their six daughters. He holds her
in his arms, her long jackbooted legs dangling, smooching
her.
Of course, Shiiko and Mitsuko, in their school uniforms, go
beserk.
Girls: KISSING HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE HEE
The twins play with a ball, Athenia sits on the floor
sucking her thumb (oh great, another one!), and Atina and
Alana recount the events of the recent past with glee.
Atina: Your daddy would DIE if he knew that his meddling
moved the clock back on Ma's marriage by at LEAST five
years!
Alana: And it looks like good ol' Wanaky Koteridis gave him
the heave-ho as well. Poor Father!
----------
Caption: "The next evening.."
Hikaru: Well, Aysha. Time to check my positions.
Eurodollars, petrodollars, pounds, rubles, yen, shekels,
francs...SUCH a burden!
Cap (content): Whatever makes you happy, Hikaru-Sama.
(Hugging him) I'm so happy it's all over and things can
return to normal.
Hikaru: So am I. You might give a heart attack to an old man
like me one of these days.
Servant (calling from the foyer): Ma'am -- someone is at
the door for you...
----------
Shot of Atola encountering Captain in the front hallway. He
doesn't even try to come in, but instead spreads his arms in
supplication.His hair is pulled back from his forehead and
he wears Aztec-style jewelry. He looks mm, mm, good.
Atola: How lovely you look, under this alien moon.
Cap (sternly): What do you want, Atola?
Atola: Ayshalita. I have come to say goodbye. It is plain
that I have lost you to that puny Earth creature. I will
visit my daughter and granddaughter but will bother you no
more.
For a moment, she allows herself to remember what he once
meant to her. As angry as she is, these memories prevent her
from adding to his pain.
Cap: Let you and I be friends, for our daughter's sake. Be
well, Atola.
He leaves, sorry that he wasted his youth and that he is now
alone.
----------
Caption: "In orbit just outside the Earth's atmosphere..."
Three Thessalonikan soldiers are talking. All have long
shaggy hair, headbands around their foreheads, pointed ears,
and slanted lined eyes. Despite their appearance, they are
all very macho.
Soldier #1 is grinning because he just heard the rumor that
his commanding officer struck out entirely. Atola enters
the bridge.
Soldier #1: Uh...sir..where is this Cygnan girlfriend we
were supposed to transport home?
Other soldiers: Boy, has he stepped in it.
Atola turns on him, his face terrible: ANOTHER WORD ABOUT
THAT AND I'LL TRANSFER
YOU TO THE IRIDIUM MINES AT GONIDESH!!!!!!
Soldier #1 (cowering): YES SIR!
----------
Caption: "And isn't it funny how stubborn some people can
be?"
Atola looks at Planet Earth through the cockpit window and
muses.
Atola: The seeress I consulted on Karis Makandi was correct.
My fated love will at first reject me. It's a lucky thing
that patience is one of my many virtues....
----------
Back in Graviton City, Akana sits dejectedly at the dinner
table. Her mother comes up behind her and wraps her arms
around her neck.
Cap: And what's wrong with my little baby?
Akana: I miss Arisa already. Atina and I are the only ones
left at home now.
Cap (not quite understanding her meaning): But what about
your six little sisters, Akana?
Akana (to herself): They're Earth brats, Ma -- weren't you
happy with me as your baby?
Cap: Would you like to fly to Paris and do some clothes
shopping, sweetie?
Akana (burying her face on her mother's chest): You never
had any sisters, Ma. You don't know how I feel.
Memory balloon of Captain, as of old and in her captain's
uniform, swinging Akana in her arms. The baby, delighted,
reaches for her face.
Akana: When I was little, you were almost never home---
Memory balloon of Captain passed out, surrounded by her
little girls who are desperately trying to wake her.
Akana: --and you weren't too with it when you were.
Memory balloon of three-year-old Akana held in her mother's
arms.
Akana: And when we came to Earth and I found you again, I
couldn't get enough love. You called me your little baby.
Memory balloon of the four Cynan girls, all tending to baby
Akana.
Akana: And all during the times you weren't there, my
sisters took care of me. And now they're all leaving, and
you love all those other little girls now.
She cries. Captain hugs her for a long time.
Cap: I love all my girls, but there's only one Akana. I'll
love you always.
She is reminded of how grateful she is for her second chance
in life, and puts her other arm around Hikaru, who has
joined them.
Cap: In fact, there's a number of people who I'll love
always.
----------
Caption: "Several weeks later..."
Captain is outside, holding squealing baby Akiko in the air.
Kazushi clings to her right leg, surreptitiously sucking her
thumb (old habits die hard). Azia is trying to climb her
left leg.
Shiiko stands on her head in the grass. In the background,
one can see an unusual piece of garden statuary...a statue
of Hikaru and Aysha in Greek costume. Hikaru, carrying
sleeping Athenia and accompanied by B-Ko, comes to the patio
door.
Hikaru: Aysha, come inside. I have a surprise for you.
Bko (rolling her eyes): More money wasted on that alien!
Cap: Just a moment. Have to finish enjoying my grandbaby.
They go into the house, where he hands her an elaborate
oriental box. She opens it, and gasps -
inside is a thirty-carat diamond on a gold chain.
Hikaru: Just a little bauble for your fortieth birthday. My
agents found it in a Tibetan monastery.
----------
Everyone has assembled to look at the "bauble", which is now
around Captain's neck.
Alana holds the babies and casts a glance at her stepsister,
who apparently has taken this opportunity to be more of a
bitch than usual.
Alana: B-Ko's never been the same since she caught the
bouquet.
Akana: Hope springs eternal.
Bko: Maybe I'll be a military bride...and my wedding will be
bigger, swankier, and more expensive than Arisa's little
Garden Party!
Arisa: Eat your heart out, you drip!
Atina: Sorry, B-Ko. I'm next....
Captain puts her hand on seated Hikaru's shoulder, thanking
him again for the gorgeous gift.
Hikaru (grinning -- there is a method to his madness!): Of
course, I'll buy you several if you never lay eyes on
General Fuzzball again!
Captain smirks and looks over the top of her Cygnan shades.
THE END
(FOR NOW!)
------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------
-------
If you can't quite figure out what happened when and why,
Project A-Ko 12 The Next
Generation - "Prequel" is right up your alley! In this look
back, Captain muscles her way to the top of the corporate
ladder while manufacturing an Earth weapon defense shield,
the world's first light-speed spacecraft, and a new
daughter. When her long-lost daughters finally arrive from
Alpha Cygni to join their new family, they get a real
education about Earth movies, ice cream, and stepsister B-
Ko's jealousy!! Be there Aloha!
(
geocities.com/tokyo/dojo) (
geocities.com/tokyo)