If you're not familiar with the Tenchi series, this story will probably not make a lot of sense to you (as is the case with most "fan fiction"). However, you're welcome to try anyways. There are plenty of Tenchi sites out there if you need further information; check out my anime pages for a few links. But there's really no substitute for seeing the series, especially the original OAV series...
I have throughout proceeded under the assumption that the OAV universe is the "real" Tenchi universe, and that the various discrepancies between that and the TV universe are the results of careless reporting by (who else?) Detective Mihoshi (Mihoshi fans, please don't land your ships on my house in retaliation). At all times I was more concerned with the story line than with hair-splitting about such controversial issues as the role of Ryoko's gems, and I accept no responsibility if my interpretations of these differs from yours. Any outright factual errors, on the other hand, I will readily accept blame for as I certainly can't pretend to be an expert on Tenchi trivia.
Other fiction by the author...