THE SECRET COLONY OF YAKUSHIMA
Chapter 1: "Mission Parameters"
A Sailor Moon fanfic

By Bill K.


Sailor Moon and all related characters are (c)2016 by Naoko Takeuchi and are used without permission, but with respect. Story is (c)2016 by Bill K.


Dr. Ami Fujihara felt along the sides of her patient's neck with an expert touch born of years of experience. She was feeling for signs of respiratory or glandular complications that would also explain the overt symptoms of the woman she was examining. As she worked, her face remained passive, both to facilitate her concentration on her task and so as not to give her patient any outward sign that might upset her.

This passive, unreadable face, though, upset and annoyed her patient. Michiru Kaioh didn't like not being in control of a situation and her inability to read and predict the outcome of Ami's exam infuriated her. She kept her feelings under wraps, though, both as a mannered kindness to her friend and fellow water baby, and as a means of exerting some control over the situation.

Looking on from the other side of the sofa, as this was a house call and Ami was in the home Michiru shared with Haruka Tenoh, was Haruka. She watched everything intently - - a little too intently for the comfort of the other two women in the room, though they said nothing. It had been Haruka who had called Ami, over Michiru's objections. And it was Haruka who spoke first when Ami didn't reveal her findings fast enough.

"So, Ami? What is it?" Haruka prodded.

"Michiru has moderate to severe microbial rhinitis," Ami proclaimed. She reached into her medical bag, produced some liquid hand gel and began disinfecting her hands.

"I knew it was bad," Haruka muttered.

"In layman's terms, she has a cold," Ami assured her.

"I TOLD you it was a cold," Michiru rasped, her voice distorted by her stuffed sinuses and her sore throat.

"You can't be too safe in this world," Haruka replied, unrepentant.

"I recommend aspirin for the body aches, an over the counter decongestant for the sinus infection, as well as plenty of rest and fluids," Ami continued. "You also should consider zinc lozenges. They won't cure you, but they will lessen the effects of the infection."

"I'll go out and get them right away," Haruka responded. "What kind of fluids?"

"Fruit juice would be fine, due to the vitamin C. Also water. It's important to keep her hydrated." Ami smiled timidly. "And there's always chicken soup."

Michiru's hand folded over Ami's wrist. The doctor looked to her patient and received a solemn head shake from Michiru.

"Don't shake your head," Haruka said. "Doctor's orders. You're getting chicken soup."

"It's always too salty whenever you make it," fussed Michiru.

"You're too salty," Haruka shot back and headed for the kitchen to check the soup supply.

"Honestly, Ami," Michiru sighed, "I love her, but she makes the worst chicken soup in creation."

"Worse than Serenity's? That's saying something," Ami quipped.

"I apologize for her dragging you all the way out here for this," Michiru began.

"It's all right," Ami assured her. "Actually, I had something I wanted to ask Haruka."

"So, ask," Haruka said, ambling back into the room.

"Well," Ami began, composing her thoughts. "There's a small research facility located on Yakushima Island. You are acquainted with the island's location?"

"Yeah, it's part of the Ryukyu Islands south of Japan. Okinawa is another one of that chain," Haruka nodded.

"This facility is run by a colleague of mine," Ami continued. "Dr. Jotaro Hashimoto. He's a biologist studying the fauna of Yakushima, primarily the Macaque population. It's a small facility, but they've produced some very interesting findings." She adjusted her glasses. "To come to the point, nothing has been heard from them for months - - since the restoration of the planet after the ice disaster. Given how small the facility is and how many problems the world has faced in the last six months, their lack of communication went unnoticed until now."

"You're going to check on them?" Michiru ventured.

"I would," Ami hesitated, "but Serenity is planning an excursion to Australia to help with the restoration of that country. Luna feels that she shouldn't go alone, and I agree. Makoto has already volunteered to go with her, but Rei is still in The Philippines and Minako is filming her new film. Besides, I should be there to assist if she encounters any - - health problems."

Haruka and Michiru exchanged solemn glances. They both knew that "health problems" was a diplomatic way of saying Serenity might try to do too much and over-extend herself.

"So I'd like you to go, Haruka, if you're amenable," Ami continued. "Your experience piloting helicopters will be a great asset to this excursion, given the jungle terrain of Yakushima."

"Self Defense Force doesn't have copter pilots?" Haruka asked. "Sounds like a job for Air Rescue."

"I think the evidentiary factors of the situation indicate that a Senshi might be a greater asset to this task than an Air Rescue or a Self Defense Force pilot," Ami demurred.

"And what evidentiary factors would those be?" Michiru asked pointedly, then blew her nose into a tissue.

"Nothing concrete," Ami replied. "But I suspect some of the research had been veering into genetics. Perhaps I'm being overly cautious, but I just feel that a Senshi might be a warranted precaution. I'd go myself if I wasn't committed to guarding Serenity."

"Hey, you can't be too cautious," Haruka shrugged. "And I have been kind of bored lately. Oh, but I have to stay here and take care of Michiru."

"No, you don't," Michiru sighed peevishly. "This may come as a complete shock to you, but I am - - um, over thirty, and I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, as cranky as I'm probably going to get, you'll probably want to get out of the house."

"Michiru," Haruka began, but Michiru held up her hand.

"Go. I've also noticed how bored you've been, what with you being retired from the Formula One circuit, and the 2016 season being cancelled by ice disaster repairs anyway. It'll do you good to get behind the controls of something other than your precious Reventon. And if Ami is right about her fears, you're a better choice to handle this than a normal civilian."

Haruka sighed. "Fine. You've got yourself a pilot, Ami. But I'm not leaving you on your own, Michiru. Not when you're sick." She crossed over to the phone.

"Who are you calling?" Michiru asked suspiciously.

"Your mother," Haruka replied. Michiru's eyes grew to saucers.

"You'd do that to a sick woman?" Michiru gasped dramatically.


In the Crystal Palace, in the Royal Chambers, Queen Serenity sat in a plush Queen Anne armchair. Young Setsuko was sitting on her lap and the child was recounting her last day of kindergarten before Christmas break. The Queen listened eagerly, but Luna, perched on a cabinet across the room, noticed a bit of preoccupation with the monarch. She knew why.

"And Miyoshi-Chan drew a picture of the school yard covered in snow," Setsuko related. "It was very good. It had the playground and all the trees and the place where Sensei parks and everything!"

"That's wonderful, Setsuko-Chan!" gasped The Queen. "Did you do a drawing, too?"

"Yes," sighed the child. "But it wasn't as good."

"Don't be so modest," Serenity smiled. "I'm sure it was very good."

"Not as good as Miyoshi-Chan."

"Did you have fun doing it?" Serenity asked. Setsuko nodded. "Then that's all that's really important. You don't have to be as good as Miyoshi-Chan, as long as you have fun." The Queen darkened for a moment. "Setsuko-Chan, do you remember when I had to travel to all of those other places to help all of those other people?"

"Are you leaving again?" Setsuko sobered.

"Only for a few days," Serenity assured her. "I'll come right back. I promise."

"Will you be here for Christmas?"

"I wouldn't miss it," beamed Serenity. "I want to find out what you got me!"

"Mama," huffed the little black-haired girl. But her mood didn't last. "So where are you going this time?"

"Australia," Serenity told her. "Do you know where that is?"

"That's the place where they have the kangaroos and the koala bears," Setsuko replied proudly. "Can you bring me back a koala bear?"

"Well, I can't bring back a real one," whined the monarch. "But I can probably bring you back a toy one. It that OK?"

"Your Majesty, you're going to spoil the child," muttered Luna.

"Mind your own business, Luna," Serenity replied. "And DON'T call me 'Your Majesty'!" Setsuko giggled. "So, are you going to be OK while I'm gone? Your Papa will be here and Luna will be here to watch you."

"Will Ichiro-Kun be here?" Setsuko asked.

"Yes," Serenity replied, momentarily surprised.

"Then I'll be OK. But don't stay too long. Can I go play with Ichiro-Kun?"

"All right," Serenity grinned. The girl slid to the floor and scooted out of the room.

"Well apparently I've been put in my place," Luna remarked. Then she noticed Serenity's expression. "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

"Remember when she used to carry on whenever I'd leave?" Serenity sighed. "She doesn't love me anymore."

"Oh gracious," Luna scowled. "Your Majesty . . .!"

"Kidding, Luna," Serenity smirked.

"Don't attempt things you know nothing about," the cat replied. "It is comforting to see the child adjusting. It's quite the recommendation of your parenting skills - - despite some of your more indulgent tendencies."

"You're sure it's not just what the crystal did?"

"Don't underestimate the loving, caring environment you provide, Your Majesty. The crystal may have gotten her over the initial trauma of her separation from her birth parents, but your care and that of His Majesty's is what has provided Setsuko a chance to grow and flower. Credit where credit is due, Your Majesty."

"If you say so," Serenity surrendered. Then her eyes narrowed. "She does seem very close to Ichiro-Kun. I wonder if some day . . ."

"Your Majesty, can you at least wait until the child has reached puberty before you marry her off?" sighed Luna.

"I wasn't going to bring it up," fumed The Queen. Luna nodded in vindication. "But then, why wait until the last minute?" Luna scowled.


At Haneda Airport later that afternoon, Haruka was standing in a hanger that housed a small four passenger, single-engine Nareon light aircraft. It was the first time she had seen the new model South Korean made aircraft up close, so naturally she gave herself a chance to look over the cockpit. Dressed for the climate she was heading into, Haruka wore a sleeveless t-shirt with a cotton long-sleeve red and black plaid shirt over it, thick jeans and hiking boots. To anyone who didn't know her, she looked like a young man at home in the wild.

"Haruka, we're here!" Haruka heard Ami call out. Climbing down from the aircraft, she ambled over to where Ami was.

Ami was with three other people. Haruka recognized the thin black-haired man in his early forties as the pilot of the Nareon from his dress and manner. With him was a stout, soft, bespectacled man with brown hair and lightly tanned skin. He wore black slacks and a beige polo shirt, which told Haruka that he wasn't used to working outdoors in a tropical climate. Yet his skin tone told her he was. Looking over his out-of-shape body swung Haruka's estimation towards the former conclusion

The last person in the group was a woman. She was slightly taller than Ami, slim without being petite, with a very Japanese moon face, silky black hair pulled behind her into a bun, high cheekbones and pinched, beady eyes. She was dressed for the climate and the terrain, wearing an olive shirt with the sleeves rolled up, green shorts that ended above the knee, long socks and hiking shoes. Additionally she toted a backpack.

"Haruka, this is Hanbei Kagashima," Ami said, gesturing to the pilot. "He'll fly you as far as Yakushima Airport. From there, you'll travel by helicopter to the research site in the Yakushima interior." Haruka nodded to him.

"You're the copter pilot?" Kagashima asked, nodding back. "Ever fly a Nareon?"

"No," shrugged Haruka diffidently. "I was looking over the controls. I could probably do it in a pinch, but why bother when you've got a pro." She turned to the woman and smiled that bad boy smile that so many women thrilled to. "And you are?"

"DOCTOR Kuroi," the woman replied stonily. "I'm the physician on this team. Hiroyama-San asked me to come along in case there were medical problems at the research facility." Sensing the woman's cold attitude towards her, Haruka withdrew behind her mask of indifference.

"This is Kaburo Hiroyama," Ami continued. "He's the liaison between Tokyo University and Dr. Hashimoto's team."

"You're actually Haruka Tenoh?" Hiroyama gasped. "THE Haruka Tenoh."

"Yeah," Haruka shrugged, by now used to the reaction of fans.

"I am SO honored to have you on this excursion!" Hiroyama gushed. "Fujihara-Sensei, you never told me that you knew Haruka Tenoh!"

"It never came up," Ami offered weakly.

"I assume he's somebody?" Dr. Kuroi scowled impatiently.

"The greatest race car driver in Japan!" Hiroyama exclaimed.

"Oh," Kuroi replied, unimpressed. "Shall we get started?" Kuroi turned and walked to the plane to stow her backpack. Kagashima and Haruka glanced at each other.

"I guess she's not a fan," Kagashima grinned.

"Not everyone is," Haruka replied. She glanced at the doctor as she walked. "Too bad. I could definitely be a fan of her." Turning back, she caught Ami's disapproving stare.

"Check the long range forecast?" Kagashima inquired.

"There's a front rolling in from the Pacific," Haruka related. "But we've got plenty of time to fly in, assess the situation and pull Hashimoto's team out if necessary."

"Sounds good," he nodded. "Let's get you folks to Yakushima." He turned to Hiroyama. "If you're taking anything with you, better load it now. As soon as I confirm it with the tower, we're shoving off." He turned back to Haruka. "Mind riding co-pilot? I doubt I'll need you, but you can't be too cautious."

"Words to live by," Haruka nodded.

Kagashima headed off to contact the control tower. Haruka turned to Ami.

"If you've got a chance before you and Dumpling head out, could you look in on Michiru?" Haruka requested.

"Haruka," Ami began incredulously. "Michiru has a head cold, not Scarlet Fever. With rest and fluids, she'll be fine in a few days."

"Yeah, I keep telling myself that," Haruka murmured. Then she took on a more jovial attitude. "I just want you to make sure she hasn't strangled her mom yet."

Turning, Haruka headed for the small passenger plane. Ami watched her go. The attempt at humor may have fooled other people, but it didn't fool the dissecting eye of Ami Fujihara. And what she saw made Haruka Tenoh such a dichotomy. She could openly lust after another woman, almost like she was playing a game. But even the merest hint that she might somehow lose Michiru Kaioh was a fear that gripped this woman's soul with both hands.

"I must investigate that further some day," Ami thought to herself. "It might make for a very telling paper in the psychological journals."

From the hanger, Ami watched the single-engine plane taxi from the structure out onto the plane's assigned runway. As it turned to head south from Tokyo to Naha, Haruka's face came in view. Ami spotted her and waved. Haruka waved back confidently. The plane took off without a hitch. When Haruka's plane was out of sight, Ami walked over to another hanger. There waited a Cessna Citation commuter jet. After a short wait, a limousine pulled up to the hanger. Out of the car came Makoto, who immediately turned and helped Serenity out of the back while two Palace Security Officers flanked the car and looked around. Makoto seemed fine, until she turned and looked at the plane. Serenity and Ami picked up on it immediately.

"Mako-Chan, you don't have to go if you don't want to," Serenity told her.

"No," Makoto replied, her voice quavering. "You need me. I have to be there." Ami could see she was tighter than a stretched rubber band.

"I can administer a sedative if you like," the doctor offered.

"If you think it's best," Makoto replied, her voice breathy.

"Or I could put you to sleep," Serenity offered. Ami touched her hand.

"Perhaps my way would be better," Ami suggested, "for you and her."

"Right," Serenity nodded, stung by memories. "Better I stay out of her mind."

"I didn't mean it that way, Serenity," Ami told her. Getting behind Makoto and cupping the woman's elbows with her hands, Ami guided her friend to the boarding stairs. "It's going to be all right, Makoto."

"Yeah," Makoto whispered unconvincingly. "It's going to be fine."

Continued in Chapter 2