Author's Note: Another week, another chapter. I just want to thank my own cats for some minor help with feline behavior. Just warning you now there is one instance of language in this chapter. As always... reviews appreciated and advice welcome.

Chapter 4

Reveal

"That's not possible!"

"There is no Earth Scout!"

Setsuna leaned back against the wall, pinching the bridge of her nose. Both lunar cats were adamant that what she just revealed to them was impossible. Ami was busy looking for any information on both Krystal and this Colonel Mitchell. She had managed to hack her way into US Air Force Personnel files, and was currently sifting through a lot of files. After what seemed like forever, she finally found the ones she was looking for.

"Its true," Setsuna replied. "The reason you never knew about it was to protect her."

Ami tuned out the conversation as she looked over the files. Blinking in surprise, she discovered that there was yet another layer of security on them. All she managed to find out was that they were both assigned to a facility in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado.

"Why would there be so much security on their files… unless…" Ami said to herself. Apparently, her musing didn't go unnoticed. Luna and Artemis asked what she was talking about. Ami turned to look at both felines, and explained that the only reason she could think of for so much security was if they were both involved in some sort of Black Ops.

"But that doesn't explain Dr. Jackson's involvement with her," Setsuna pointed out. "He's an Archaeologist, not a soldier."

"What do you mean?" Ami asked. The green haired woman told her about the encounter with Dr. Jackson, and the fact that Krystal had come out of the SUV at one point.

"There still can't be an Earth Scout!" Luna declared, coming back to the subject of Sailor Earth. "Only the Prince draws his power from the Earth."

"Luna, try doing that flip you do to make a Transformation Pen," Ami suggested. The dark furred feline just gave her a blank look. Ami sighed, and asked her to humor her. With a sigh, Luna prepared to jump. She was fully expecting nothing to happen. To her surprise, a new Transformation Pen materialized and landed on the floor at the top of her arc. Setsuna picked it up and examined it. It had a green and blue color scheme with gold trim, and the gate symbol for Earth. Luna just stared at it in disbelief.

"We should approach her about this," Artemis finally said, breaking the silence.

"Krystal's an Air Force lieutenant," Ami reminded him. "Its not gonna be like when any of us found out."

"You still have her number?" Setsuna suddenly asked. Ami nodded, unsure what she was thinking of.

"Call her," Setsuna said. "Have her meet you at the Shrine."

Catching on, Ami reached for her cell phone. She really didn't know how Krystal would react to finding out about her status as a reserve Scout, especially since she was active duty Military. Hoping for the best, she dialed the number.

Xena yawned as she stretched. Krystal had volunteered to get the food tonight, and was currently out on the town hunting down something that didn't require chopsticks. Colonel Mitchell was flipping through the channels on the TV while Dr. Jackson was again looking over the files given to them by the Japanese.

"Colonel Mitchell," Teal'c said. "If the Sailor Scouts contact us, how much should we tell them about the Stargate?"

"Damn…" Mitchell replied. "Never thought about that. I'm gonna have to check with the General. We were kinda rushed out here. Didn't have time to discuss whether or not we're going full disclosure with them."

Any further comment on the subject was countered by Sonic music suddenly playing. Specifically Green Hill Zone. Daniel turned, and found the source, Krystal's cell phone. Rolling his eyes, he got up and walked over to pick it up. The rookie member of the team had forgotten it in her haste to find food. He flipped it open and answered it. A young woman's voice came through the other end asking about Krystal, and who had answered.

"I'm Dr. Daniel Jackson," he replied.

"Oh! It's a pleasure to speak to you Dr. Jackson. Krsytal's told me a lot about you. I'm Ami Mizuno. I was just wondering if she was around, considering this is her cell phone."

"Krystal kinda forgot it when she left to get Dinner," Daniel said. He remembered what the redhead had said about claiming to be his research assistant.

"That's ok. Anyways… I was wondering if you needed her tonight."

"Not really…"

Ami explained that she wanted to meet her somewhere. Daniel grabbed a pencil and paper, and wrote down an address. After some brief small talk, he closed the cell phone. Mitchell looked over at the scientist.

"Well?" he asked.

"That was Krystal's new friend," Daniel explained. "Apparently, she wants to talk to her about something."

"Perhaps it would be best if one of us accompanied Lt. Jade," Teal'c suggested.

"I'll go."

All heads turned to face the volunteer. Xena blinked, then asked if her fur was out of place or something. Mitchell asked why she would volunteer.

"Look… having one of you guys show up with her is gonna look suspicious. But if she shows up with a cat…" the orange Lunar Tabby explained. Mitchell had to admit, she had a point. The only one besides her that wouldn't look suspicious was Dr. Jackson. And that would only work if he didn't stay. No one would suspect a cat to be watching her. Speaking of which, Krystal came through the door with four McDonald's bags.

"Ok… managed to snag a taste of home. One Big Mac for Teal'c, Fillet o' Fish for Jackson, two Quarter Pounders for Cam, and a ten piece for me," she said as she handed out the food. Daniel delivered Ami's message and handed her the address. Krystal thought for a moment as she popped a piece of chicken into her mouth. Mitchell then explained that Xena was going to go with her. At first, she opposed the idea. But the Colonel then explained the reasoning, and she relented. After she finished her dinner, Krystal grabbed her backpack, emptied it, and told Xena to jump in.

"Leave an air hole," the orange tabby said as she climbed in. Closing it just enough to keep her secure, Krystal headed for the door.

"Don't leave a mess in there," she said as she opened the door. "That's my favorite backpack."

Ami was pacing in front of the Shrine. It was one of the places the Scouts used for meetings, and also Rei's home. Her Grandfather was out with some of his old friends, still struggling with Rei's disappearance. It didn't feel right to be here without her. Luna and Artemis were perched on the wall overlooking the street. They volunteered to watch for trouble while they approached Krystal.

This feels weird. I'm actually going to reveal that I'm Sailor Mercury to someone. She thought. And not just anyone… a military officer.

If what she found was true, Krystal was in some pretty deep Black Ops. But there was still the question of her association with Dr. Jackson. She was brought out of her thoughts when Luna meowed. Looking up, she saw the redhead looking at a piece of paper, probably trying to make sure the address was correct.

"Hey Krystal!" she shouted, getting the woman's attention. Krystal looked up, and immediately pocketed the paper. She walked up to her and smiled.

"Sorry," she apologized. "Kinda got lost for a while."

"That's ok," Ami replied, then noticed Krystal's backpack. The redhead just brushed it off, claiming that she packed a couple things when questioned about it. Ami motioned for her to follow as she headed up towards the Shrine.

What is this place? Krystal thought. It was a strange place to meet, but maybe it was important to Ami for some reason. At least… that's the sense she got while talking to her. Xena shifted inside the backpack. As soon as they were passed the gate, Krystal blinked in surprise. It looked like a Shrine of some sort, but her attention was on the garden. Whoever tended it was very good. Carefully slipping the backpack off, Krystal looked around in wonder. Even the tree was vibrant and healthy. She got a feeling of peace just looking at the place. Making sure to be careful, Krystal placed her backpack on the ground. The plan was for Xena to slip out when Ami was distracted, and find a place to observe. And just like they planned, Xena slinked out as soon as she got the signal, Krystal nudging the backpack with her foot.

"So… favorite hangout?" Krystal asked.

Xena found a way up the wall, and perched herself on the roof of the Shrine. She had a perfect view of both Krystal and the blunette she was talking to. What she didn't know was that her stealthy arrival hadn't gone unnoticed. A pair of other cats were slinking around, inching their way closer.

Ami sighed. It was now or never.

"Krystal… There's something we need to discuss," she said as she put her hands in her pockets. Her fingers closed around her Transformation Pen, but she didn't pull it out.

"Well… I'd say 'pull up a chair', but there aren't any," Krystal replied with a sideways smile. Ami caught sight of Pluto on the other side of the garden. The Guardian of Time nodded, indicating that she should proceed. Again, Ami sighed.

"You said that you'd be willing to listen when we first met," she said. "Well… first off, I need your word that what I'm about to reveal stays between us."

"Alright," Krystal replied.

"You cannot tell anyone. At all."

"Classified, top secret. Got it."

Ami closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She pulled her Pen out of her pocket, and held it in front of her.

Here goes nothing.

"Mercury Star Power!"

Krystal blinked in surprise. One minute Ami was standing in front of her, the next, Sailor Mercury was. For about a minute, the redhead had a blank, confused look on her face.

Ami is Mercury? She thought. And… how the HELL didn't I see that? Other than the outfit, she looks the same! And… why does she trust me with her identity all of a sudden? And…she knows I'm Air Force…

"The reason I revealed myself to you is because… we need your help," Mercury said. "And you are the only one who can."

"Me? What can I do?" Krystal asked. Granted she was hoping the Scouts would contact SG-1 for help, but this was not exactly what she was expecting.

"A Scout would only reveal her identity to another Scout, or someone they know they can trust with their life."

Krystal turned around, and saw Pluto standing behind her. There was something in her hand. Something that looked about the same size as that stick thing that Ami held before she transformed. The green haired Scout stepped around her, and stood next to Mercury.

"When you fought the Youma, I saw something. Something I had been looking for now for over a week," Pluto said. "You see… the other Scouts were captured by the Dark Kingdom. Mercury and I are the only ones left. Well… except for one other."

Krystal blinked. They were both looking at her. Xena's words from when they first met briefly popping into her head.

"I know this is going to be hard to believe, but you're one of us," Mercury said. "And… we really need your help."

Pluto held out the stick, offering it to Krystal. The redhead was still confused. Mercury put a reassuring hand on her friend's shoulder and said that if she didn't believe them, she should take the stick and find out for herself. Taking a deep breath, Krystal reached out for the stick. As soon as her fingers brushed up against it, time seems to come to a stop as images formed in her mind. They seemed familiar, almost like a memory, but at the same time not.

"So that's it?" a raven-haired woman asked, crossing her arms across her chest.

"What's that supposed to mean?" she replied.

"You're just going to accept this 'special assignment' without question?"

"Alti… if it means I have a shot at making a difference, then yes."

The raven-haired woman facepalmed, before locking eyes with her.

"Kayla, you're going to get yourself killed!" Alti said.

"That's a risk I face every day anyways!" she countered, brushing some of her red hair out of her face.

"No! You're gonna get yourself killed just like Mom and Dad!"

"THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH MOM AND DAD!" she yelled. Alti hit a nerve. Taking a deep breath, she relaxed. "Look. I'm doing this to protect people. That includes you Alti. You're my sister after all. If I don't step up… who will?"

Krystal shook her head. That was totally unexpected. Focusing on the present, she took hold of the stick. Pluto let go, and dropped her hand.

"Um… ok… what is this?" Krystal asked.

"A Transformation Pen," Mercury explained. "This allows us to transform into our Scout forms."

"Just hold it out and say what comes naturally," Pluto added.

Taking a deep breath, Krystal held out the stick. For a moment, she felt stupid doing it. She was surprised when she suddenly knew what to say.

"EARTH STAR POWER!"

Xena smiled. She was right after all. The proof was standing there in front of Mercury and Pluto. Unlike the other Scouts present, Krystal's fuku was predominantly green with white highlights. Her knee high boots were green with a teal stripe on top, and she had teal bows. A round blue broach adorned the bow in front. Besides white gloves, she had gold wrist guards. Xena jumped when a voice came from behind her. One she hadn't heard for a long time.

"And who are you?"

Xena turned, and saw a familiar white cat.

"Artemis?" Xena asked. The white lunar cat blinked in surprise.

"Do I… wait… Xena?"

The orange lunar tabby rushed over, and rubbed against Artemis. Although for her it only felt like a few weeks due to stasis, it had been much longer than that. Another voice, this one borderline angry came up.

"Artemis… who is this… mutt?"

Xena looks back, and sees a dark furred cat puffed up and ready to pounce. Artemis sweatdropped as he positioned himself in the firing line.

"Luna… this is Xena. My long lost sister," he said. The other cat, now identified as Luna, went wide-eyed before passing out.

Krystal was still in shock. Here she was, standing there in a Scout uniform, complete with tiara and bows. She wasn't exactly thrilled about the skirt though. Granted it wouldn't be a problem with agility, she just wasn't the type to wear something like that. Hell… she hated it when she had to put on her dress uniform. She took a step backwards. Looking at the other two Scouts, Krystal was unsure what to say, or even do for that matter. Pluto must have seen the look on her face, as her posture relaxed.

"If you need time to think about this, take what you need," she said. "But keep in mind that we might not be able to save the others without you."

"And if you need someone to talk to" Mercury added, holding out something. "Don't hesitate to call."

Krystal took what Mercury was offering, and discovered a high tech looking watch. Her mind instantly flashed to when Ami was adjusting the time on her own watch. After a second of playing with it, she discovered it opens, and that it was a communicator. Mercury said that if any Youma appear, she'd make sure to tell Artemis not to alert her about them yet. Krystal blinked at that, asking who she was referring to. The blunette explained that Artemis was a lunar cat, and was an advisor to one of the captured Scouts. He, along with another named Luna were present at the Shrine. Krystal cringed, figuring that they noticed Xena. Her hunch was proven correct when he heard a couple new voices, along with a familiar one.

"You never said anything about a sister!"

"I thought she died a long time ago!"

"I got shoved into a stasis pod. Not my fault I couldn't call or send postcards."

"You haven't changed a bit have you?"

"Nope."

Krystal turned, and saw three cats having a conversation. Under normal circumstances, the redhead probably would have voluntarily scheduled a psych evaluation back at the SGC, and maybe even a brain scan. But these were not normal circumstances. Mercury finally told Krystal to get some rest. Not even arguing about it, Krystal grabbed her backpack. Just as she was about to leave, she turned around.

"Um… how do I change back?"

Xena watched as Krystal just leaned against the rail. After coming back to the hotel, she just dropped her backpack and walked out onto the balcony. The rest of SG-1 had gone to sleep about an hour after they arrived, and the resident redhead was still perched out here. She was twirling her new Transformation Pen while just looking out over the city. For a moment, Xena saw Kayla standing there, as she also had a habit of twirling her pen when deep in thought. Although Krystal was a totally different person, Xena could see little things in her that reminded the feline of her old friend. After scratching herself behind her left ear, the orange Lunar Tabby walked over and sat next to the redhead.

"Still thinking about it?" she asked.

"I don't know what to do…" Krystal replied, still looking out over the city.

"It's a part of who you are Krystal," Xena said in a matter of fact tone. "There's nothing to be afraid of."

"You don't understand," Krystal said, finally turning to face the talking cat. "I'm an Air Force Lieutenant assigned to the SGC. I'm not a superhero!"

"Neither were the Scouts. Now look at them. Look at all the good they've done."

Krystal gave an exasperated sigh as she sat down. There was so much on her mind; she just couldn't figure anything out. For a moment, she actually considered just throwing the magic stick as hard as she could. But something held her back. She looked down at the stick in her hand. It was hard to imagine that such an innocent object just turned her life upside down. It felt so right, but at the same time…

"I'm not a hero," Krystal said again. "I'm just some Pacific Northwest girl who was lucky enough to have a specific gene. If not for the ATA gene, I probably wouldn't even be here."

"Why did you join the Air Force?" Xena asked.

"I wanted to help people," Krystal explained. "I wanted to make a difference. And when I joined the SGC… I don't know. I felt like I belonged there. Helping to defend Earth from whatever would threaten it."

"You joined up out of a desire to protect others. Kayla was the same way."

"I'm not Kayla! I don't even know who she was!"

"Short version, in a way you are Kayla. Just… reincarnated. I don't know the specifics, I didn't really have much time to talk to Artemis about everything that's happened since I was put in stasis," Xena replied. "You are a unique individual, but you also inherited many traits from your past life. One being your habit of twirling rod shaped objects while thinking."

Krystal leaned back, and looked up at the stars. Things were so much easier back at the SGC, and back home in general. She was wishing that she was off world right now, exploring some unknown ruin or something. Anything… except dealing with this right now. Getting back up on her feet, Krystal made her way back into the hotel room.

"I don't even know who I am anymore…" she said to herself.

Author's Note: And so... Earth is revealed. But is our resident Redhead ready for all of this?

Anyways... to explain the outfit, I wanted something that would set her apart as she was never a part of the original team. The wrist guards are there mostly because she was a soldier and not royalty, while the colors are more representative of her planet, at least in my opinion.

Next time on Stargate SG-1: SG-1 vs the Aliens