A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE
Chapter 3: Secrets To Protect
A Sailor Moon fanfic

By Bill K.


"Your Majesty, have you heard . . ." Luna began as she entered the private office of The Queen. The cat stopped short when she saw both King Endymion and Queen Serenity watching a news program.

"...North Korea said in an address broadcast on the State-run television network: 'This blatant attack by the imperialist aggressors in Japan will not be tolerated. Take this as a warning that any further attempts to sabotage the rightful and sovereign government of this country will invite the strongest of retaliation. Your streets will run red. Your country will burn.'"

"Ah, so you've heard," the black cat commented dryly.

"I don't understand," Serenity said in shock. "I rebuilt all of their businesses! I was just trying to help!"

"And you did a wonderful job," Endymion consoled her. "We've received hundreds of communications by phone and by e-mail, thanking you. The messages range from official thanks down to every day citizens of Korea."

"We've also received nearly a dozen requests that you perform the same service for their country," Luna added. "Don't be swayed by the ravings of a single person who feels threatened by your demonstration of magnanimity. He's only cross because you made him look bad."

"Maybe I should try to talk to him," Serenity mused. "Get him to see that I only want to help."

"I'll make some overtures," Endymion smiled.

"In other news," the news reader continued, "Japanese coastal patrols picked up another boatload of refugees. The boat, a craft designed for fifteen passengers that was carrying fifty, launched two days ago from the Bonin Islands. It nearly capsized in the Pacific before the refugees were taken aboard the Japanese patrol boats."

"Another group of refugees," Luna frowned. "This is threatening to become a problem, Your Majesty."

"It has that potential," Endymion mumbled thoughtfully.

"Endymion?" Serenity asked.

"This is the eighth craft that's landed on Japanese shores overloaded with people fleeing hardship in their country," he explained. "Three have been from Korea, two from China, and one each from Taiwan and Russia. Plus we've had an increase in stowaways on cargo ships and commercial airliners, as well as a huge increase in applications for resident visas."

"Don't forget that reckless young man who flew his entire family from The Philippines in a single-engine aircraft," Luna added. "Nearly crashed into the East China Sea, bloody fool. Fortunately for his family, he made it to Nagasaki."

"He must have been desperate," Serenity mused.

"Or single-minded," Luna sniffed. "Or addled."

"The recovery has been a lot slower in other countries," Endymion said. "People hear about the strides Japan has made and they figure it's better to suffer making the journey here than to suffer at home, because here there's hope."

"That's why I went to Korea and did what I did," Serenity said. "I'd heard about the boat refugees, though I didn't know there were this many of them!"

"And the more prosperous Japan becomes under your rule, Your Majesty," Luna added, "the more likely more and more will come here seeking some of that prosperity. Mind you, my heart does go out to unfortunates whom were left with nothing due to the ice disaster. Those who have means should endeavor to do for those who don't. But speaking practically, if this migration continues or, heaven prevent it, increases, this country will very quickly be sorely taxed to handle it all."

Endymion glanced at his wife. She remained silent, but he could tell an idea was forming in her mind.


Hanbei Satorigi had been an elementary school principal for eleven years and in those eleven years this one had to be the most stressful. Of course, the ice disaster had been stressful on everyone. But the extra work he and his staff had put in to get the school ready for fall term after the disaster had been almost as bad. On top of that, there was the problem of watching out for signs in the students and faculty of post-traumatic distress, in addition to everything else one had to look out for while trying to educate.

The latest problem had been the assault on one of the students, Ichiro Ikegami. It had been a particularly violent assault as school skirmishes went and Satorigi found it most disturbing. It was even more disturbing when he found out who Ikegami's parents were. All sorts of undesirable scenarios ran through his mind during the evening and into the next day, everything from the incident making the national news to the Japanese Defense Force, or even worse a mad-as-a-hornet Sailor Senshi, invading his school in search of the culprit.

The last scenario crept ominously closer to becoming real. Makoto Kino-Ikegami sat in his office across from his desk. As an administrator, he was used to dealing with irate parents. A few were even as large as Makoto. None of them were able to throw bolts of lightning.

"I do apologize for allowing the incident to happen," Satorigi said, his black horn-rim glasses weighing heavy on his gaunt, tanned face. "We try to maintain a safe environment and enforce a strict code of discipline. Unfortunately there are some children who are very dedicated and very ingenious about breaking the rules."

"I went to school myself," Makoto replied, trying to remain in control of her budding anger. "You don't have to tell me about fights. I want to know what you're going to do about the child who beat up my son. Do you know he was defending another student?"

"Yes, I talked to your son about the incident yesterday," Satorigi nodded. "He was very forthcoming about why the incident took place. What he did was very praiseworthy, particularly for a seven year old."

"Yes it was," Makoto said, slightly mollified by the compliment. "What about the other boy?"

"Well, that's a problem," Satorigi said cautiously.

"Why?" Makoto asked, her anger rising again.

"Well," Satorigi scowled, "we haven't determined who did it yet."

"What?" gasped Makoto. "Don't you have witnesses or video or something?"

"I'm afraid not," Satorigi responded. "Surveillance would be nice, but way beyond our budget. We're going to have to depend on your son's testimony here."

"Great," muttered Makoto. "Ichiro says he doesn't know the boy."

"I think he does," Satorigi informed her. Makoto looked at him, stunned. "Your son refused to identify the boy who assaulted him. I asked him several times. So did the teacher who found him in the hall, bleeding. But he refused to name the boy."

"He told me he doesn't know him," Makoto mumbled, still in shock. "The girl. The one he was defending. Did you ask her?"

"Ah, Sakata-Chan," Satorigi nodded. "She wouldn't name him either, but I believe for a different reason. She's terrified of this mystery boy. We offered to protect her. Told her that identifying the attacker was her duty to the school and to your son. But she's afraid." He leaned forward. "Not like your son. I don't know why he's holding back. He's afraid of something, but I don't think it's of his attacker."

Makoto didn't respond. She was too busy trying to puzzle out why Ichiro wouldn't name his assailant.

"Has he told you or your husband?" Satorigi asked. Makoto absently shook her head. "Well we'll continue to investigate. I don't intend to let this matter just fade away. This was a very violent attack and if it isn't stopped it could happen again. But if you can get your son to tell you who did this, we would appreciate you letting us know."

"Yeah," Makoto said. Robotically she got up when the Principal did.

"Oh, and Mrs. Ikegami," Satorigi added anxiously. "There - - isn't any need to involve the crown or the military in this matter. Publicity could do more harm than good to the situation. I hope you agree."


Emergency sirens wailed in the distance. In the immediate area, people scurried around frantically seeking assistance or trying to assist others. Streets were still flooded. Buildings were damaged or collapsed. Some of the victims just sat and waited to die.

Just months after emerging from two years of being frozen in ice, just six weeks after being struck by a Pacific Ocean monster known as Typhoon Soudelor that further crippled their land, and in the midst of the arduous task of retrieving the dead and rebuilding their society, the people of Taiwan were struck again by Super Typhoon DuJuan. The massive rain and whipping winds had undone much of what had been rebuilt and rebuilt again over the past few months. For some it was just too much. Why continue to struggle? And those in the northern coastal city of Shihmen hadn't been hit the worst. Imagine what the people in the interior were going through. If the gods were that angry with them, what point was there to go on?

One such woman huddled against a building, on the verge of a breakdown. Her tears were all cried out. Now she just sat. But after a bit, excited voices from all around her brought her out of her cocoon of despair. She looked up, drawn by the exclamations to focus there.

Easing toward Earth in a bubble of silver energy was a goddess with a pristine white gown and golden hair. Beside her in the bubble was a black cat, perhaps her animal avatar. The young woman was confused at first. Was this some god to rescue them from their fate, or one seeking to finally condemn them? For she had to be a god. People didn't levitate.

And then she heard one of the other on-lookers say "Serenity."

"Well Mother Nature certainly did these poor people no favors, Your Majesty," Luna commented as the bubble set down on a dry patch and dissipated.

"One of these days I'm going to get you to stop calling me that," fussed Serenity.

"One of these days you're going to stop drooling in your sleep, too," Luna shot back, "but we BOTH know that it's a long time coming." She didn't see the Queen stick out her tongue at her. She did see the Queen put her hand to her temple as a wave of fatigue and discomfort swept over her.

"Your Majesty, perhaps you should rest a bit first before undertaking your intended plans," the cat advised. Before she could respond, several locals approached.

["You are Serenity, are you not?"] one of the Taiwanese townspeople asked as everyone in the area who wasn't searching for survivors edged closer to her.

"What? Oh, darn it, I forgot!" Serenity scowled. She snapped her fingers, then in perfect Chinese said, "I'm Serenity. I've come to help."

Instantly many in the crowd began bowing to her. Ignoring the tributes, Serenity closed her eyes and raised her hands. The Silver Crystal emerged from her chest.

"I know how much you wish to help these people, Your Majesty," Luna cautioned again, "but mind that you don't try to do too much too soon."

"Yes, Luna," Serenity said in a way that made Luna immediately suspect that the Queen chose to ignore her advice.

The Silver Crystal began to glow brilliantly. The crowd watching her shielded their eyes. Some began to back away. Even Luna had to look away as the crystal began to glow like a miniature star. Then it pulsed. Rings of energy shot out in all directions. Everyone felt it, though the energy seemed to pass through them.

It took a moment for everyone to realize it. When they did notice that the water flooding the streets, the debris from the damaged trees and buildings, the overturned and wrecked cars and all the other signs of the Super Typhoon were gone, a gasp of utter amazement went up. Luna smiled to herself, recalling how the people of Japan had reacted to witnessing Serenity's first miracle.

Then the jewel pulsed again. Warned now, everyone looked around. In an instant, utility lines were repaired; streets were smooth and unbroken; buildings that housed vital businesses were like new. While Shinmen wasn't exactly the way it was before June of 2013, it was a lot better off than it had been yesterday. Everyone was stunned into silence. They looked at Queen Serenity as the Silver Crystal returned to her.

At once, they let out a joyous cheer, wails of gratitude mixed in. But just as suddenly the cheers died when Serenity collapsed before them, sinking to a sitting position and curled up into herself, her forehead and right hand braced against the knee of her bent right leg.

"One of these days you're going to listen to me, Your Majesty!" fumed the black cat, ignoring the gasps of surprise from the others at seeing a talking cat. Then her fury melted into concern. "Your Majesty, you don't look at all well."

"Just," Serenity panted heavily, "just give me a minute."

"Pardon me!" Luna shouted to the crowd, in Japanese. "Is there a doctor about? A DOCTOR!" All she got were blank looks. "Oh, dash it all!"

"Luna, I'm going to throw up!" Serenity whimpered.

"DON'T YOU DARE!" the cat hissed. "Why you insisted on bringing me instead of one of the other senshi is beyond my comprehension!"

"Well, Rei-Chan was gone, and Ami-Chan was working on the robot," Serenity gasped out with a shaky voice, "and Mina-Chan was studying her script and Mako-Chan had to tend to Ichiro. . ."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I don't need their itinerary!" Luna grumbled.

Pushing through the crowd, one of the medics treating typhoon victims, of which there were no longer any to treat, came up to Serenity. He knelt down beside her and began checking her pulse.

"Are you a doctor?" Serenity whimpered. "I don't feel so good."

After a quick examination, the medic stood up and shouted something to another member of his crew that Luna couldn't make out, since she didn't speak Chinese. Within moments, a small oxygen bottle and mask were hurried up, along with a medic kit by one of the medic's partners. As the partner put the oxygen mask over Serenity's nose and mouth, the medic gave her an injection. Then he told her something in Chinese.

"What is he saying?" Luna prodded.

"That I'm supposed to sit here and rest," Serenity replied through the mask, "and if I don't feel better, they'll take me to a hospital."

"I think that's EXCELLENT advice, Your Majesty," Luna advised her.

"I do, too," Serenity agreed. Luna noticed that her eyes still didn't seem to focus properly.


Artemis was engaged in one of his favorite pastimes, namely sleeping on the counter top in Minako's quarters between the kitchen and the dining room. As Minako was locked in her bedroom pouring over the script for the Sailor Moon film she was starring in, the room was blissfully quiet. Even though Artemis had long since learned to shut Minako out when he slept unless she was being particularly boisterous, peace and quiet was always preferable. The cat was curled up on top of his laptop, primarily because it was often warmer than the counter top.

A repeated electronic beep roused the cat from his slumber. His alerted senses scanned the room until he realized that the beep was coming from his laptop. Raising the cover, he immediately recognized the alarm. Typing furiously, he called up files in his laptop's memory. Not liking what he saw, the white cat began taking counter-measures. After several very tense minutes, he achieved results that were to his liking. Leaving his computer to complete its programmed task, Artemis activated his Senshi Communicator.

"Yes, Artemis?" Ami replied.

"Sorry if I woke you, Ami," the cat offered.

"It's three in the afternoon, Artemis," Ami told him. "I'm not usually asleep at this hour of the day."

"Sorry. I'm still on cat time. My laptop just got hacked by an outside source. I ran a check and it looks like the palace systems have been hacked as well. Communications and databases are all compromised."

"Gracious! That's terrible!"

"The systems are all backed up, so we won't lose anything except what someone might have been working on at the moment," Artemis concluded. "The annoying thing is it'll take a while to bring everything back on line. Maybe you better check your computer."

"My senshi computer isn't as vulnerable as normal computer systems," Ami said, producing her henshin stick. "But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to check." After transforming, Sailor Mercury summoned her senshi computer and ran a diagnostic. "Do you know if it was a non-specific malicious hack or were they looking for something in particular?"

"I'm checking that now," Artemis related. "Mercury, all the specifics of the Daiyaku Project are gone! Erased!"

"Interesting," Mercury replied. "Gracious, it was even able to penetrate to my senshi computer! It must have come in through an open ethernet connection to the palace security computers! Fortunately my firewall kept it from attacking any of the files stored on it."

"Well whoever did this is in for a surprise," Artemis stated as he typed. "I was able to back hack the hack. It'll give me at the very least a lead to where the hack originated from." As the cat typed, his lips pulled back and his fangs began to show. "Oh, this guy thinks he's slick. Well I don't care how many proxys you use, you're not getting away from me!"

"Even if you don't succeed in tracing the person responsible for this, it's fairly obvious where we should start investigating," Mercury said. "If the malicious systems crash was just a cover to destroy the Daiyaku Project specs, the first place to start looking is Akaruimirai Corporation. The logical hypothesis is that someone either at Akaruimirai or a competitor is trying to destroy evidence in order to cover malicious intent."

"I was thinking the same thing," Artemis replied as he typed, "though I would have said it a little more concisely. Akaruimirai was very protective of the specs for this project. Maybe they're doing more than just protecting their intellectual property."

"Artemis, I'm going to tie into your computer," Mercury told him. "If I can follow the same path as your back hack, I might be able to gain access to their database and perhaps learn something pertinent to this matter."

"Go ahead," Artemis said. "I've nailed down the origin of the hack. We might as well nose around, since they were rude enough to intrude in the first place."

"These files seem interesting," murmured Mercury. Artemis listened over the communicator as she worked. "Oh my!" gasped Mercury suddenly. Artemis turned and stared at the communicator, hearing the alarm in Mercury's voice. "I recognize these files!"

Continued in Chapter 4