***SC***
"Focus rookies! That kinda show boating will get'cha knocked out in the real world!" Commander Nebula growled into the com system. Around him, the rookies of Star Command were training intensely. That last boot they had was more than a kick in the face.
They knew that in order to be better, they would have to train to be better rangers. Of course, the fact that Nebula always changed the level every five minutes really didn't help.
Buzz had his arms crossed as he watched the training going on in the other room…his own rookies were apart of the training. Booster had a good up in strength…Mira in stealth, and surprise…and XR-…well XR made it up as he went. He was the unpredictable ranger.
"So yer tellin' me that you don't think this peace treaty is workin'" Nebula sipped on his coffee and glanced over at Buzz, a serious look on his face. "Why in the universe would'ja wanna bring this up?"
"Well, Commander" Buzz looked over grimacing. "Their terms of peace with us is very…silent" The Ranger frowned. "Whenever we patrol close to the planet, their defenses go up armed…They never report to us…And just yesterday, we responded to a distress signal coming from their planet, and not only did they deny sending it; they made a huge deal out of it. Insulting my troops, and…"
Buzz gritted his teeth. "We may have a peace treaty electronically…but personally, I don't think we're any better off than when we weren't aware that they still inhabited the planet."
"You could be right about that" Nebula frowned. "I've got more than one complaint from rangers who patrol near Saturn" He crossed his arms. "It's those lousy Robots. They ain't even TRYIN to cooperate with us."
"I tend to agree with that, Commander" Buzz looked over. "I think the only ones that really try is Commander Orkono and his soldier…PC I think. They give us less trouble." He turned and crossed his arms. "It's mostly Marril…He acts as though he wants us dead."
"Then it's a good thing that the Queen made this happen" Nebula frowned. "As long as we're at peace with her, those Omions won't attack"
"The Queen-" Buzz paused and then glanced at his rookies, who were still training. "It's to my understanding that Queen Kiyomi is sending transmissions to Star Command without the Omions knowing…and us as well"
"Yes I know" Nebula nodded and walked over to a computer and typed in something. "Every time Star Command has gotten a transmission from Saturn, we monitor it. Turns out that whenever the Queen wants to chat with you, she unknowingly gives us information about her army, and those other two branches."
"What?" Buzz blinked and looked at the information that was now being displayed on the screen.
"You're little kitten friend has supplied us with information without her knowing it. We've learned that there are other cat-robot-things in the palace and around the planet." He put up three pictures on the monitor. One picture was of Commander Orko, another picture was of a cat-robot with sharp armor that looked like it was built for aerodynamics, and the third was of a cat-robot that looked kind of like a maid, or a non-fighter.
"You and your rookies obviously know about the Omions. Commander Orko, his brother, and the rest of that stupid army, are the strength of Saturn. They have different speeds in their wings…they fight with lasers in far range, and swords in close range" He changed the picture to the sharp cat-robot. "This is called a Sumion."
"A Sumion- We saw something similar to that when we were on Saturn."
"They act as the Planets, messengers, delivery, and if necessary, peace-keepers. These suckers are fast too." Nebula paused and looked over. "I'm not sure how fast, but one of the rookies said that they remind them of the Kincelerans…Though they look different, and they probably aren't as fast as those…"
The picture changed to the last robot, which looked friendlier, and more venerable. "This is a Kumion…Uh- apparently they serve as a nurturing… the more protecting role of the three. I think they're more of helpers than actual threats or defense."
"That's interesting" Buzz looked over. "What about the Saturns?"
"We've heard Kiyomi talking about Other Saturns, but we don't exactly know what their role in the planet is. In my eyesight, the robots are controlling the planet, 'cause I never see the actual Saturns." Nebula frowned and paused as something flashed on his screen. It blinked for a while, and then stopped as though nothing ever happened.
"Humph…"
Commander Nebula looked up and typed into the computer. "Alright rookies, that's enough for now. Rest up for a bit, and get back to yer duties!"
The rookies downstairs did as told, looking worn out. Below, Booster, Mira, and XR were heading off to quarters, arguing about the last level.
Buzz watched his troops, and then looked to Nebula. "Sir, I don't know what to do about the problem with that planet, but I assure you, we'll handle it in a Star Command way."
"I'm sure you will" Nebula said, motioning him out. "Don't stress too much. It's not them who we're mainly concerned about. It's Zurg, of course."
"Of course"
With that, Buzz left to go find his rookies.
***SC***
"Admit it! I had more points in the end!" XR yelled, pointing at Booster. "I was the fastest in this round!"
"Well yeah- but Mira was sure a whole lot stealthier than you" Booster grinned, in a challenging manner. "And cadet Phelps was-"
"So he can climb walls, so what?"
"I think you're still trying to get Commander Nebula's attention" Mira smirked. "You know he's never going to accept you as a son"
"He accepts him as a Ranger though" Booster pointed out in XR's defense. Mira thought about this for a moment. "Point. But still"
"You're just jealous" XR crossed his arms and continued to roll down the hall. Once they got into their quarters, XR went to the computer and typed into it. "Lesse, tapes, numbers…ooh look at that, Capital planet's holdin' a bash at the park. Pht, that is soo 2003…" The robot continued to scurry through his stuff, while Booster and Mira got a snack.
"You think Commander Nebula's training will pay off?" Booster asked, taking a bite of one of the bars that he got from Jo'ad. Mira was drinking some water and glancing out the window.
"It better" She replied. "If we're going to keep fighting Zurg. His attempts lately have been getting more frequent. It's like we can't even sit down anymore."
"No kidding" Booster frowned, looking at the table. He looked up and then smiled. "But hey, at least there's been good action too! Like meeting those guys from Round'up!"
"Yeah they were interesting" Mira perked up. "They talked kinda funny too"
"I just can't help but think that Buzz was smitten." XR grinned, looking over. "Did you not notice him tripping all over himself over that western chick? Yee-haw!"
The trio cracked up at the memory of Buzz, each of them making some sort of comment on their commander. As they talked, the charm on XR's computer consol made a slight glow. It glowed a reddish glow for a while, before it blinked repeatedly.
The door opened and Buzz came in, curious as to what was so funny. "Alright team, What's so funny?"
The three had to stop giggling, grinning at him. "Nothing Buzz"
"Nothing worth swooning about"
"rreow"
The trio busted into laughter once more. Buzz crossed his arms and frowned. "None of that, rookies" he said, flushing.
"Oh sure" XR grinned, rolling to his computer. "You can't say you don't have-" he paused as he noticed the charm flashing rapidly. "…feelings…"
"What's up XR?" Mira asked, trying to look at what he was looking at.
"Uh-" XR quickly put the charm in his storage and turned, grinning. "Nothin'! Nothin' at all. Well I'm beat, I'm gonna go see what XL's up to"
The Rangers watched him leave, looking confused.
"Don't you think he seemed rather…rushed?" Buzz asked, almost going after him.
"Ah let him be." Booster smiled. "He's probably hiding another magazine"
***S***
….
..
…Huh? Kimi awoke in her room, all of the lights turned off. It was dark…Shivering, the little kitten stepped out of her bed and looked around, letting her neko-vision adjust…everything was in place…everything seemed fine…
Kimi shivered…it was so dark though…usually the Kumions kept at least two nightlights on in the night. The little Queen padded close to the door and hesitated…she looked around her room…everything looked fine…nothing was broken…nothing was ruined…
Kimi swallowed and tapped the door…which opened immediately. She gasped and took a step back…
At the door, the two Omions looked back, hearing the door open. They gazed at her for a moment, before officer Mizu turned and knelt down, smiling. "Hey. What's wrong, your highness?"
Kimi stood frozen, putting her paws together, and watching him nervously. Was it all just a nighmare?...if it was, then why was it so dark? She didn't know…she just didn't know…did she do something wrong?
A moment of silence went by, before Kimi slowly walked past the two, watching them frightfully. The soldiers gave her confused looks as she slipped away. Mizu looked to Kaji, who shrugged.
"Perhaps she had a nightmare." Kaji muttered, looking back to the corner she turned.
Not paying attention, Kimi ran the halls, looking here and there…everything was in place…everything was fine…The little queen stopped running and looked confused.
Was it really all just a dream? It couldn't have been!
"Your Majesty?"
Kimi yelped and turned around, putting her back against the wall. A surprised Sumion put his hands up. "Whoa- Hey, it's alright, Kiyomi" He knelt down, a concerned look on his face. "What's wrong?"
Kimi shivered and put her paws together. "Na-…Nani…"
The Sumion looked confused and offered a hand to her. "Here- You want me to find the Commander for you?"
Kimi paused and took his hand before she latched onto his chest, looking around nervously. The Sumion stood up fully, looking down at the Queen in his arms. "You must have had a nightmare." He smiled down at her and motioned. "Here, we'll find a Kumion to sit in the room for you-"
"Oruko." Kimi looked up at him. "Oruko…"
"Orko…" The Sumion smiled slightly. "Yes your Highness. Sumion Benny is at your service." With that, Benny kept the kitten in his arms and headed for the control room.
Above, hanging upside-down, Nos-4-A2 watched, covered in his cloak. "hmm…I suppose my shock wave didn't work on the little Queen…but what she thinks is just a nightmare will not hurt me."
Nos grinned and flew off into a vent, flying at a good speed, before he arrived into a storage room. Nos-4-A2 looked around before his optics glowed and he growled lightly. "Nos-4-A2, to Master Derecho. The plan is in motion."
"Good, soon it will be time to begin phase 2." The voice on the other side turned from pleased to annoyed. "But if you EVER allow another mishap to happen again, you will pay DEARLY"
Nos grimaced and bowed slightly. "My- My apologies, master. I- I don't know what happened."
"You do not remember your past life, because it will take away your true potential. But once you bite, you must leave the victim alone. I will not send another scrambling shockwave to aid you if you mess up again." Derecho's voice got dark. "Attack silently. Once our numbers are acceptable, your powers will take them over…"
Above Saturn, the dark figure clenched his fist. "And the attack will begin." Derecho looked down. "Nos-4-A2, Make sure the planet is kept safely unaware. And Keep the Queen where I can get to her in the end"
"Yes master" Nos-4-A2 closed the link and gave a small pause…His past life? That didn't make any sense… Perhaps he had done something…No…now he was in command of the dark forces. And now it was time to keep silent…
And then strike…
A sudden image of a robot flashed through his mind…before he quickly shook it off. What just happened?
He heard movement behind him, and quickly dove into the shadows. An Omion walked in, with a clipboard. "Lesse…we've got another four months before the celebration. I'm not sure if the Queen will want to celebrate here or on some other planet."
Nos kept in the shadows, and prepared to attack. He hadn't remembered biting this one. Something came into his mind though…hadn't he seen something like this before? Nos felt a spark in his circuits…Past life…
With a groan, he put a claw to his head and winced as two more pictures came into his mind…some large purple caped person…and another large mis-matched robot.
Nos gasped as the Omion walked out of the room, his chance at attack failed. With a frown, the energy vampire hovered down and growled. What just happened now? His mind was surely just off track.
The energy vampire growled and swooped out of the room, eager to continue his mission.
***CC***
"Something tells me that the last test run wasn't the greatest." Kier muttered, rubbing his ear lightly. "Nothing went as fast as it usually does."
"That's because you didn't use the Supreme Commander's plan." PC muttered, looking over the blueprint. "We're supposed to depend on his plan, not ours"
Kier's ear twitched and he looked up. "I still don't understand this…the Commander hasn't been here since Kiyomi's first…We are without a King and Queen-"
"We HAVE a Queen" PC frowned at his comrade. "She may be small, but she is still in charge"
"But she's still learning! Shouldn't we take over Command until she's of age?" Kier stood up, trying to reason with his comrade.
PC looked up, surprised at what he was hearing. "Kier! That's not for you to decide!" He frowned and pointed in discipline. "You of all Omions would know that the High Commander would know how to rule his own."
Kier got no time to answer, as Orko entered the room, looking distant. As he entered, the room went to attention. Orko looked around the room, his optics narrowed. He could sense something was wrong…but what? He couldn't remember…
"PC." He finally continued into the room and sat at the main computer. "Give me a status. Have we heard from Michael, or the High Commander?"
"No sir, all we got was the transmission that was intended for Kiyomi last night." PC reported, watching the Omion commander.
Orko was lost…he appeared to be in deep thought. He couldn't recall all of the events that happened yesterday…Kimi…Orko's optics frowned…why couldn't he remember?
"Send a transmission to High Commander Leon." Orko looked over. "I need some sound advice."
"Yes sir" One of the Omions turned and typed into a computer. The screen went static slightly, before it seemed to be thinking…
An Omion appeared on the other side. His armor was golden, his optics deep blue, and his ears perked and attentive. The Omion stared at the screen only for a moment, before a smile came to his face. "Commander Orkono" He greeted.
"Commander Michael" Orko stood and saluted formally. "I would like to talk to Supreme Commander Leon, please."
"I'm afraid I can't grant that request, Commander." Michael replied, going into parade rest. "The Commander is seeing to some details for the coming, and also some information about Derecho."
"Derecho…" Orko spat that name in disgust. "I thought we got rid of him last year"
"Derecho is anything but defeated." Michael replied, frowning. "That snake can do almost anything. You know he's not going to give up trying to get back at us"
"That is true." Orko agreed, his mind turning to last year…he still could hear the screaming…
"Commander Orko"
Orko was drawn out of his thoughts as he looked back to the screen and stayed at attention. "Sir, I know that Saturn security has doubled…I'm more than willing to raise it"
"That's not necessary, Commander. Remember, that no matter how hard it gets over there, you got to be prepared for when we return." Michael looked serious. "Because it's not going to be much longer. Derecho knows that…and he'll do anything to pull Saturn under."
"But if he's as determined as we are, shouldn't we raise our defenses?"
"You may think that could help, but sometimes our understanding clouds what really needs to be done"
Orko reflected on what Commander Michael said. Don't depend on your own understanding…
"Then perhaps you could at least give us some advice…"
Michael's ears were attentive, listening to what Orko had to say. Orko looked down and then looked back up to the screen. "Kimi has made peace with a group…The Space Rangers…Most of my Omions aren't too sure about this decision."
"Hmm…"
"They…aren't exactly what we're used to, and I don't think they truly understand where we come from" Orko looked up. "They show potential…But…"
"Do you recall what has been told to you about treating aliens?" Michael inquired. "Have you given them a chance?"
"Well…no…"
Michael nodded at Orko. "Well then, Commander, you know what to do. It seems Kiyomi does. She's considered her field…now follow your Queen"
Orko sighed and nodded, saluting. "Yes sir. You have my word that this will be resolved"
"I know it will" Michael nodded and smiled. "Don't be so hard on yourself, Commander. Let the past go and look towards the future."
Orko looked up at the screen, and then down once more…that was a hard order… "I'll try my best, sir"
"You'll do. I know."
Orko saluted once more as the other Omion got ready to end the transmission.
"Send Kimi my regards. Michael out"
Orko watched the screen for a while and then nodded, even though the screen was blank. Commander Michael was right. They did need to give star Command a chance…He could accept that…now…if only he could convince Marril…
Orko looked to what troops were in the room and he stood at attention. "Troops…you heard Commander Michael. The Queen made a treaty, and we're going to honor it…Won't we?"
Most of the troops replied in agreement, save for Kier…He wasn't too fond of this whole ordeal…and he knew Marril wouldn't be either…
As they discussed this, the door opened, and Sumion officer Benny came in, looking around. Kimi was in his arms, looking unsure, and seemed to be eyeing each of the soldiers timidly. Orko glanced to the door, and then looked back to his troops. "We're going to make this work. We aren't going to quit now. Keep your endurance up." He nodded. "Now as you were."
Orko looked to Benny and walked over, climbing down the stairs, and his ears perking with interest. He looked over at Kimi who appeared nervous. "What are you doing up?" He asked softly, taking Kimi from the Sumion's arms and holding her to himself. "You know you've got yourself a review to complete"
"Oruko-kun, I'm scared…"
Orko watched her for a moment, before looking to Benny and nodding. "Thank you officer Ben, I'll take it from here."
"Sir" The Sumion nodded, petted one of Kimi's ears and then went on his way to continue with his work.
Orko watched the Sumion leave, and then looked to Kimi, who was fiddling with her necklace. The Commander sighed and headed for her room slowly. What could possibly get Kimi so worked up to come to him? She hadn't done this since…well…since her parents died…
That first three months, Kimi wouldn't leave Orko or Marril…or PC either…She acted as though if she was alone, she would disappear along with her parents.
It was kinda weird to have her acting like that again…
When he approached her room, he noticed Mizu and Kaji, who looked up in surprise, before going into attention. Orko looked from one to the other…something seemed...off…
Without a word, Orko went into the room, and closed the door behind him. For a moment he glared at the door, before he went into the main suite with Kimi's bed waiting…
"Oruko-kun, please stay in here…" Kimi muttered, as Orko took her plushie from her bed and gently set her down, and put the little cat in her arms. Orko glanced at her and then looked to her stuffed kitty…he was grey with white stripes…and he had a police uniform on…complete with all the little accessories.
Orko drummed his fingers slightly and then looked back at the little Queen. "Kimi…what exactly is bothering you? Don't you know that we wouldn't let anything happen to you?"
"I know…" Kimi looked towards the window. "But…Hajime attacked me- Mizu and Kaji turned evil-"
"What?" Orko looked over to the kitten, a serious look in his optics. "What do you mean?"
"There-…There was this cloaked guy-…he- he looked like a robot…vampire-thing…" Kimi put up her paws. "He was big- and mean- and scary-…and he made Hajime mean- and Kier! And- And Lizzy-"
"Whoa whoa whoa- slow down Kimi" Orko put his hands on her shoulders. He studied her carefully…her story…it sounded familiar…but why?
"And-…And Star Command-"
Ok, now it was getting ridiculous… Orko smiled and put a hand to her head. "Kimi, Star Command is where they belong…I think you had one monster dream."
"Demo-"
"Listen…I'll personally guard your door with Kaji and Mizu tonight, and I'll finish my work when it's twilight, alright?" Orko looked to her. "Be still…"
Kimi took a breath and then looked down. Why didn't he believe her? She knew Chugan didn't like her lying…and it wasn't a lie…
"Kimi"
The Little Queen looked up at the Commander, who held her chin up. "You know you're more than a Queen to me…to me you're as precious as a dear little sister. You know I won't ever let harm come to you." He touched her nose and stood up, pulling the covers over her. "Listen…get some sleep, and we'll discuss this during lunch, alright?"
Kimi watched him and nodded slightly. Orko put her police-cat plush next to her and stared at her for a while, before he turned and walked out of the room, turning on her low lights…why were they off in the first place?
Orko glanced back at the timid girl, before he closed the door and headed for the exit of the room. Once he was out, he glanced towards the soldiers…
"She left the room…Why didn't you alert me?"
Kaji winced and looked over to Mizu who looked over. "We-…assumed that she needed a drink."
"Kimi knows better than to wander around the palace un-announced during night hours…" Orko looked up. "Next time this happens, I expect to be notified"
"Yes Commander" The replied in a remorseful tone.
Orko leaned against the wall and nodded, pushing aside their wrong. His thoughts turned to what Kimi had told him…why did all that sound familiar…he didn't recall an event like that happening…and he was standing right across from Mizu and Kaji…
He would find out what was going on…or his name wasn't Orkono…
***K***
Kimi wasn't as ready to get to sleep as Orko wanted her to…
As soon as Orko was out, she sat up and looked around…it was too dark to go out…and if she tried the hallway, Orko would be there…Kimi put a paw to her pendant…That dream wasn't a dream…she knew.
Slowly she slid out of the bed and padded over to a communication computer. She studied it for a moment and then pressed a button. Placing her police plush down, she started typing at the buttons.
Stealth mode on…distance mode on…
Signaling Star Command…
Kimi watched as the computer sat and waited for a wave, before her transmission was relayed to Star Command. Hopefully they weren't too tired, because this side of Saturn was sleeping…as far as she knew, Okiyahma had a whole 3 more mega-cycles to go…
"Star Command here. Whatdya WANT, yah jerky-"
Kimi blinked quickly as the line was answered. XR stood on the other line, his rant cut short, and it looked like he was trying to figure out what was going on.
"Kimi-?" XR blinked and grimaced. "What the- What do you think you're doing?" XR put his hands on his 'hips' and frowned. "You're going to get us in a lot of trouble, Fluffy"
"Xaru" Kimi looked up, taking her police plush and looking up, grimacing. "Okotte ru no?"
XR just stared at her on the other side, completely oblivious to what the little Queen had just said. "Look, your fluffiness, I know you like to talk to Booster and Mira- But you're gonna get us in a lot of trouble"
"Demo-" Kimi paused and looked to the side…how did she commune with a non-Saturn? "Xaru-…I need yer help- I-"
"Wha- wait- You speak English?" XR paused and pointed at her accusingly.
"Muh?" Kimi paused, unsure…oh great. Better make the best of it, because she wouldn't have all that much time. "Xaru-…My soldiers- They're scary- they're-"
"They ARE scary" XR cut in crossing his arms. "You just now realized that?"
"Xaru-" Kimi grimaced…there was no way she was going to be able to commune with him…looking over the controls, she tried to figure out where the controls for translation were…finally she found a piece of paper and took it.
XR watched her, but his talk wasn't over. "You know, as long as you're here, maybe you'll take some complaints." He put his finger up. "First of all, your troops are SO Arrogant! OK, maybe that Orko-guy's ok…kinda…but not Marril!" he waved his arms as he complained. "Oh-HO NOT Marril! He's a jerk- he's- Hey nice drawing kid, that looks like Nos-….Nos-4-A2?"
XR paused as Kimi held up her drawing to the screen. The drawing was indeed of Nos, looking mean and scary. Finally Kimi put it down and looked to XR, grimacing. "Bad…Bad!"
"Hold on- Fluffy are you warning me about something or are you sayin-"
Kimi suddenly found the screen gone static. "Xaru!" She tried to press some buttons, but nothing would work…no…She tried typing but there was no response. "Xaru!"
"Relax Little Queen"
Kimi gasped and turned…but there was no one there.
"Your friend can't talk to you now. You're overdue for your rest."
Kimi looked around nervously, before a hand rested on her shoulder. She yelped and quickly broke away, turning and backing away, trembling. Nos-4-A2 hovered above her, a toothy grin on his face. Something on his forehead seemed to be fading... Kimi trembled and quickly ran to her main room and shut the door behind her.
She could hear Nos chuckling on the other side.
What could she do?...What could she DO?
***SC***
"Kimi? Kimi?" XR punched at the computer. "Ah common! XR to Fluffy!"
No response came. XR crossed his arms and frowned. "Ok… obviously her soldiers must've cut me off. Pah…jerks." XR frowned and tapped at the board. "Yeah, I hate you too Marril!"
The Ranger hopped off the ledge and rolled towards the door…and looked back. "Why would Kimi show me a picture of Nos-4-A2? She wouldn't be my first pick that Nos would be acquainted with" XR crossed his arms in attempt to think.
"Hey! XR!"
The robot Ranger looked up, with a blink. "eh?"
XL sat there in the door way. "Dad sent me to tell YOU that your file's ain't been filed!"
"Oh sure- The only time he notices me is when I'm behind" XR said sarcastically. "I see what kinda game he's playing"
"But Dad ain't playin' a game, he's workin'" XL protested.
"Oh for cryin'- Say XL" XR looked over. "You wouldn't happen to know where Buzz is by any chance, would yah?"
"He's in the bridge, why?"
"Just thought I'd give him the news first" XR said, rolling past his brother. XL blinked and watched him, before rolling after him quickly. "News? What news? I thought that was for TV"
"Oh XL, shut up" XR looked over, still rolling. "You remember Nos-4-A2?"
XL shuddered and looked back at his brother. "'corse I do! That energy vampire tried to EAT me!"
"Well then you better make sure you're not on the menu!" XR frowned as he turned a corner. "'cause I think he's back"