Hikawa Shrine

Charlotte paced around the small room. "We're in trouble. That drone was Sontaran in origin."

Ami closed her eyes for a moment as she recalled what Charlotte had said about them. "They're the clone warriors from Sontar, aren't they?"

Charlotte nodded.

Rei crossed her arms, looking more than slightly irked. "Can you stop pacing?" she growled. "It's driving me crazy."

Charlotte stopped walking. "Sorry."

Lita turned away from the window and back towards the other. "What's the big deal with the Sontarans? We've handled worse."

"Sontarans are made to fight and cloned in batch of millions," Charlotte replied. "Their entire culture is based around gaining honor and glory through fighting. Those who flee are seen as weak and killed by the others. Not to mention, they're some of the best soldiers in the galaxy."

Rei frowned slightly. "Then why the drone? If they're so fearsome, why don't they come down themselves?"

Charlotte turned to Rei. "Two reasons. One, to probe offensive and defensive capabilities and two to gain attention so wherever it is they're attacking is at full military strength. This ensures more death and, by their logic, more honor."

"That's sick," Serena interjected.

"Is it?" Charlotte asked. "Because by their culture, you caring for the needy is sick and wrong and is something to despise and eliminate. Your biggest mistake, if you face them, will be assuming that they have mercy and compassion. They have neither."

Ami frowned slightly. "How many?"

"It depends. A full invasion can consist of hundreds of thousands, whereas a small scouting expedition or group with a specific target will consist of ten to twenty."

"How will we know how many there will be?" Ami asked.

"We wait and watch," Charlotte replied. "The more probes that show up, the more there are."

"The Outers would have warned us if there were more than a few," Rei interjected. "Their job is to keep watch on anything entering the system."

Charlotte frowned slightly. "You mean the sensory web around the system? Er..." she seemed mildly uncomfortable. "I disabled it so we could get here unnoticed. I doubt it's been fixed yet. Even if it was up, the technology was archaic at best. A child could disable it."

There was a moment of silence. Serena was the one to break it. "So anything could get in and we wouldn't have any warning?"

Charlotte nodded. "And we're on our own against whatever comes."

"Hold on," Lita said. "What about that Shadow Proclamation thing? Aren't they supposed to do something?"

"Of course they will, eventually," Charlotte said. "But it will take them time to organize an appropriate sized force and get here. Especially after the galaxy-wide war about a year ago. The Shadow Proclamation sustained heavy casualties and it's been hard for them to re-establish order. Basically, we're on our own. I'll familiarize you with Sontarans so you won't be completely unsure of how to fight them."

Charlotte's form wavered and shrank. It solidified into a short, bulky figure in purple and grey armor.

"Erm…" Lita looked down at the figure. "It's a bit, short, isn't it?"

"Is it full-sized?" Serena asked. Even she was taller than the figure.

"Don't underestimate them," Charlotte said. "Sontar's gravity is six times that of Earth. They may be short, but they're stronger than you. In addition, the reduced gravity of your planet will allow them to move faster and jump higher than normal."

"Any weaknesses?" Rei asked.

"One," the figure turned away from the Scouts. A red circle appeared around a small hole in the armor. "A probic vent at the back of the neck. It's the only weak spot in the armor."

"That's it?" Ami asked.

"There is one other possible weakness. But it requires exact phrasing. Incorrect wording or phrasing and it won't work. And Serena has to say it."

Serena groaned. "Not something else to study…"

"I advise you listen carefully and remember it. It may save your life."

Serena sighed in weary resignation. "Alright. What do I have to say?"

Charlotte reverted to her normal form. "By the honorable code of combat established by the glorious and noble Sontaran Empire, I, say you name here, claim this world and all its inhabitants to be under my protection. I challenge the leader of the noble Sontaran force to step forward and look into my eyes."

The Scouts shared glum glances.

"We're doomed," Lita groaned.

"You better not screw it up, Meatball Head." Rei grumbled.

"I'm sure Serena will be just fine," Ami said. The others looked at her incredulously. "We just need to spend a lot of time making sure she remembers it exactly."

Charlotte picked up a notecard. "We could write it down on this too. I'm sure it would fit in your gloves. It wouldn't be too difficult to retrieve and keep hidden either. And get it right."

Rei crossed her arms. "Or?"

Charlotte glanced to Rei, slightly mimicking her posture. "The Sontarans take insult and they open fire. Get it right and you'll have a chance."

The next day, before heading to school, Ami checked the news for any updates on more drones. There was nothing beyond coverage of the one that had attacked by the docks. Even that was minimal beyond compulsory shots of the wreckage a few interviews with the injured, a couple statements from government officials and one or two scientists discussing what the drone might be.

The only interesting bit of information she learned was that the drone's pieces had gone missing before government officials could collect it.

Beyond that, there was no news of more drones anywhere in the world.

Ami felt some relief as she walked to school. If Charlotte was right, the lack of drones meant fewer Sontarans they had to deal with. It's nice to know that an enemy is coming for once.

She checked her pocket again to make sure her transformation stick. Satisfied it was secure, she checked her communicator again.

She glanced up and caught a familiar glance of blonde hair and a red bow. "Mina!' She hurried to catch up with the former scout.

Mina glanced back as her name was called. Ami could see the conflicting emotions flash across Mina's face. She turned forward and quickened her pace. Ami increased her pace a well.

"Mina, wait! Please, it's important!"

Mina didn't stop, but she hesitated long enough for Ami to catch up. She remained silent and didn't look at Ami.

"Mina, we're in danger," Ami said, trying to put the urgency of the situation into her voice. "That probe was only the beginning. There's a new enemy."

"So?"

"Mina, please, we may need help. We need Sailor Venus."

Mina's eyes hardened. "There is no Sailor Venus." She turned and stormed off.

Ami yelled after her before she was out of earshot. "Mina. When they come, stay indoors."

Mina paused only a moment to look back and nod curtly. She strode off and rounded the corner before Ami could say any more.

Ami, with an expression of worry, watched her friend round the corner. "Stay safe, Mina." She whispered to herself.