I like to share a message to everyone who is effected by the epidemic going on around the world.

Be strong and stay positive. We've had epidemics before and we got through every single one of them. Don't let the media get to you with their all their negativity, that's what they always do because that's how they make their money. Be aware, but don't let fear get the better of you. Pay attention to what's going around you, wash your hands every chance you get, and keep your distance from others. Keep yourself positive by playing games, watching movies, reading and sharing stories, etc. Share this one with your friends if you think it will make them happy. We'll get through this. We have before and we will again. Other than that, enjoy the chapter and stay tuned for the next one!


Chapter 8

Jasmine Moon

Kunzite was in complete shock, for he was one of the few who knew Lady Kaolinite personally. After the fallout between them many years ago he was convinced that she would never serve Queen Beryl again. Whatever the Queen had said to Kaolinite when she contacted Yankaria must have been significant enough to warrant her return. How long she would stay was now the question.

Before she had even been given the name Lady Kaolinite she had been another of Queen Beryl's agents, a newly added one as he recalled. She had played a crucial role in the fall of Apollonia and had very nearly died from it. After accomplishing her mission she had engaged in a fierce duel against a Sailor Scout who left her to die after it was over. Kunzite's men found her shortly afterwards, her body crushed beneath some fallen pillars. By some miracle they were able to bring her broken body to Queen Beryl's ship. Her life was saved, but it had come at a great cost.

Knowing that she couldn't return to who she once was she pledged her allegiance to Queen Beryl, who gave her a new name, Lady Kaolinite. It was widely believed by many that she was a distant relative to Queen Beryl, a by blow of her family, since they looked very much alike, but Kunzite knew only a very small part of that was actually true.

After Lady Kaolinite made her first appearance in the then newly crowned Queen Beryl's court she was immediately declared the Supreme Commander of the Botolf forces with Kunzite serving as her second in command. Her first task was to demolishing the remaining Lunarian forces. She had done the this almost flawlessly, destroying several Lunarian fleets and taking over entire planets. Almost was the key word here for there was growing tension between Kaolinite and Queen Beryl.

For two years the two had been at odds with each other. Kaolinite had preferred to do things her own way while Queen Beryl kept forcing her to follow her own orders to the letter. The amount of incompetent officers Kaolinite had to constantly deal with also added to the tension. It then escalated when an officer under Kaolinite's command was killed due to a reckless decision by Queen Beryl.

Kunzite remembered that day like it was yesterday. At that time it was just him and Nephrite as the Great Generals. He had been standing in this exact same place when Lady Kaolinite burst into the throne, her pale face filled with such fury that everyone present quickly scrambled to get as far away from her as possible. She had march straight up the throne and demanded to know why one of her men had died such a pointless death.

When Queen Beryl gave a less than sympathetic answer, Lady Kaolinite did the unthinkable by striking the Queen, hard enough to knock her right off the throne. After the sounds of shocked gasps and shouts died down Kaolinite declared that she was no longer Queen Beryl's servant and turned to walk away. When the Queen tried to stop her Kaolinite casually deflected the spell she'd cast at her back toward her, deliberately missing by only a few inches. Kaolinite had then stared at the Queen, daring her to try and stop her again. When Queen Beryl made no move Kaolinite made her way out of the throne room and she left Botolf behind.

The event was kept silent, Queen Beryl had made every witness swear secrecy under the pain of death in order to avoid public humiliation among the Botolf people. For Kunzite though, it had been a remarkable event. He, along with several others, had his own distaste towards Queen Beryl and was secretly happy she had been called out for her actions. The event had taught Queen Beryl a great lesson, for ever since then she had been careful when making her decisions.

It was not long after the event that they began hearing stories about Lady Kaolinite's service to the Prime Director of Yankaria and how she became known as the Red Baroness. Kunzite could hardly fault her for going for offering her services to their ally, for their military might was far superior to Botolf's due to their greater emphasis on proper training and discipline. He had been amazed at her hidden compassion for those under her command, seeing how she little to no mercy she showed towards her enemies.

Then again, she had very little tolerance towards those who were cowardly, dishonest, and incompetent. She would often punish those severely who failed to do their tasks properly or tried to shift the blame away from them. The Prime Director allowed her to enforce this policy of hers after she was declared as his Right Hand, and through it she quickly obtained a fearsome reputation within the Yankarian war machine.

Seeing her here now, Lady Kaolinite had not changed much. She was definitely older, more experienced, and wiser. Yet she was still every bit as deadly as he remembered. While they weren't exactly friends, the two of them had gotten along well enough to work together. Kunzite had considered going with her when she left, but his loyalty was to Botolf and he would not abandon his duty or his home planet.

"You look well," Queen Beryl said to Kaolinite, bringing Kunzite out of his thoughts, "I trust you've kept yourself probably healed?"

"Naturally," she returned sarcastically, "The only thing I am grateful to you for. On the other hand, you seem to be... uneasy, Your Majesty."

"Agitated would be a better term," the Queen smoothly replied back, "A great many things have been happening lately that has raised concern."

"Concern, you say? For Botolf? Or for you alone?"

The tension was still there and it could be felt by all as the two women glared at each other. Even after all these years Kaolinite still openly despised Queen Beryl. But Kunzite knew that the Queen wouldn't take any action against her for if she did she would have to answer directly to the Prime Director.

"Should I remind you, Lady Kaolinite, the reason why I requested your presence?" Queen Beryl said bitterly.

"My apologies, Your Majesty," Kaolinite wasn't fazed one bit, "You do seem to have painted yourself into... quite a corner."

It was getting to be too much, everyone inside the room fully expected a fight to break out between the two very soon.

"How dare you speak to Queen Beryl that way!" yelled Zoisite, startling all, "You should show proper respect to your betters!"

Kaolinite turned her head slightly towards him, seeing him only out of the corner of her eye, "And who exactly are you?"

"I am Zoisite!" the young man proudly replied before anyone else could speak, "One of the Four Great Generals and Queen Beryl's spymaster!"

Kaolinite looked away unimpressed, declaring, "In other words, another lackey with more hair than wit on his head. Someone who is more interested in gaining his master's favor than doing his given task properly."

Zoisite went red, causing Kunzite to quickly lay a hand on his shoulder. When the younger general looked at him he shook his head rapidly as a warning. Zoisite angrily shrugged off his hand but said nothing else.

"Control yourself, Zoisite," said Queen Beryl, "This is no time for bickering."

"Indeed," Kaolinite met the Queen's eyes again, "What exactly happened on the planet Rhodes?"

"If I may," Jadeite stepped forward, "I can give you the full report."

The tension died down a little as Jadeite explained what had happened on Rhodes. But when he was finished, Kaolinite looked at Queen Beryl almost as if she had been told a poor joke.

"You honestly did not anticipate that the the Lunarians would take great steps to ensure the Princess's escape?" she sounded like she wanted to laugh.

"We did not even she was there until by accident," Jadeite said in his defense.

"Despite knowing that Rhodes was a Lunarian colony and even after reinforcements were sent?" Kaolinite snorted, "So much for Botolf efficiency."

The insult was a slap to the face to everyone in the room. Even Queen Beryl looked appalled.

"This is the reason why I left Botolf," Kaolinite went on to say, "The lack of efficiency and the amount of incompetence. Had you not been so careless and had you allowed me to take matters in my own hands you would not be facing this problem, Queen Beryl. I am saddened to see that Botolf is still filled with bumbling fools who are desperate to seek glory while fighting each other to win your favor."

"Such insolence!" Zoisite screamed again and he stepped closer, stabbing the tall woman's arm with his finger, "You have no right insult us like that! The Red Baroness. Ha! More like the Red Fool! Doing whatever she pleases without a single care and saying whatever she likes without having to answer for it!"

This time Kaolinite slowly turned her head all the way to Zoisite, looking down at him with eyes that held a very dangerous glint.

Kunzite instantly become alarmed. He had seen that look only once before and her remembered vividly the last time some fool had the audacity to insult her like that.

"Zoisite," he tried to warn, but younger man ignored him and continued with his prattling.

"Just how did you win the Prime Director's favor anyway? With your charms?" Zoisite smirked, "Couldn't have been very appealing, you being a giant and all. Why, I couldn't even imagine why any man would be-Aaack!"

Kaolinite's hand shot out and the next thing everyone knew she had Zoisite by the throat, lifting him effortlessly into the air with only one hand. Her long fingers squeezed and the General clutched desperately at her arm, choking and gagging as his booted feet thrashed about aimlessly.

"You are testing my patience, General Zoisite," she coldly warned, "and that is very dangerous for you."

"Enough," waved Queen Beryl, "Release him, Kaolinite."

"As you wish."

She let go and Zoisite collapsed on the floor. Kunzite leaned down to help the younger general's as Zoisite coughed and wheezed. The Red Baroness ignored the pathetic life form at her feet and turned her attention back to Queen Beryl.

"We are wasting time," she bluntly stated.

"I agree," Queen Beryl looked down at Zoisite's pitiful figure, "Zoisite, Lady Kaolinite is my guest... and our ally. You will treat her with respect. Am I clear?"

"Y-Yes..." Zoisite gasped, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Queen Beryl turned her gaze back to Kaolinite, "Please forgive Zoisite for his rudeness. He has a bad habit of speaking without thought. Getting back to the matter at hand, I do need your help. If word gets out that Sailor Moon has returned, it will-"

"That is not my concern, Queen Beryl."

Queen Beryl flinched as though Kaolinite had slapped her, then her eyes turned furious.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" she demanded.

"I did not come here to listen to you grovel, Your Majesty," Kaolinite shot back, "I am only interested in the Sailor Scout who left me to die at Apollonia. Before I left Yankaria I informed the Prime Director of what you had told me and my reason for returning to Botolf. Temporarily. I will help you, but the Prime Director asked me to inform you that will receive no aid from Yankaria even if you request it. If you wish to protest you may speak with him personally. If you still wish for my help, I suggest that you remain quiet while I lay out my two requests."

This time Queen did gap at her. For the first time she looked thoroughly shocked. No had ever spoke to her this way or made such demands. Then her teeth clenched, her hands turned into fists, and her body trembled with rage.

The Four Generals-Zoisite having now recovered and was back on his feet-couldn't help but shift back a step. Behind them the other officers leaned away in their chairs, ready to sprint for the door.

By some miracle Queen Beryl managed to control herself.

"Very well," she grounded out, "What are your requests?"

Kaolinite had remained impassive, "First, the entire use of the Botolf armed forces, including a ship of my own."

"Granted," Queen Beryl agreed without hesitation, "And the second?"

"The use of the Fortress Metallia."

Queen Beryl stared at her, startled, "You want to use my personal starship? Why?"

"The Fortress Metallia is well known across the galaxy. It is perfectly suited for the task of capturing the one named Sailor Moon. If Princess Serenity lives up to the name, she will fall right into my trap."

"And just how do you intend to do that?" Queen Beryl glared at her, "I assume you have some sort of plan?"

"I do indeed," Kaolinite gave a chilling smile, "One that I've already set in motion."

"Have you now?" Queen Beryl didn't look convinced, "Explain."

"Before I boarded my ship for Botolf I sent one of my own agents to the Allied World of Cardana to see if one of the Original Nine was hiding there based on the personal knowledge I have of her. It was a hunch but it turned out to be fruitful. Just before I came down here, my agent contacted me and sent me image of a girl who bore a striking resemblance to the description I gave him. Since Botolf is at war with Cardana along with Lunaria, I will go and capture her, bring her to the Fortress Metallia, and then send a message to Princess Serenity to surrender herself if she wants to save her fellow Sailor Scout."

Queen Beryl took a moment to go over Kaolinite's plan, "And what makes you think she will simply comply with that?"

"As I mentioned before, if she is to live up to the name she will not turn her back on a friend, especially if it's a fellow member of the Original Nine. She will simply have no choice. And if I'm fortunate enough, I will have two Sailor Scouts for her to rescue instead of just one."

At this Queen Beryl raised a brow, "What do you mean?"

"Sailor Uranus went to Rhodes to find the one named Sailor Moon, correct? We know that she was not accompanied by the other two, Sailor Neptune and Pluto. This means that those three Sailor Scouts are out searching for the other members of the Original Nine to bring safely to Athena before they were found by your forces. Sailor Uranus already succeeded in this, but the other two haven't just yet. If either of them have knowledge that she is there, then one of them will be seeking the Sailor Scout hiding on Cardana. Depending on the time I arrive with my forces, I will have captured them both."

Kaolinite stood to her full height and declared, "Either way, I will succeed in bringing you the one named Sailor Moon... while having my revenge against the Sailor Scout Luna Novarus."


During the time Sailor Neptune had reunited to Lady Phoebe Athens, Serena, Luna, and her friends were enjoying lunch's in the Delilah's mess hall when the starship suddenly shuddered violently, enough to make everyone bounce, rattle the dishes, and cause food and drink to spill. Then they heard the engines power down and the ship slowed to a crawl.

Luna ordered everyone to remain where they were before she dashed over to the bridge. Amara was already there checking the systems while Lieutenant Vasilatos spoke over the intercom.

"What happened?"

"The hyperdrive suddenly failed," Amara explained, "We don't know why yet."

"I can't tell if it's damaged," came the engineer's voice on the intercom, "I won't know for sure until we set her down so I can take a closer look."

"Can you patch it up?" asked Vasilatos, "Enough to reach Allied Space?"

"I could try, but it would be really risky. Without knowing what caused the failure we could end up losing power entirely, making us dead is space."

Vasilatos cursed and he glanced at the star charts displayed on Amara's console, "We're still a good three hours away from Athena!"

"Could we fly under normal power?" asked Luna.

"It would take too long, and if we run into any Botolf patrol we'll have no chance of escape."

"At least we're not in any system controlled by the Botolfs," Amara stated, "Fortunately for us we're in neutral territory."

"We'll have to land somewhere and make repairs then," Luna leaned over Amara's shoulder, "What system are we in?"

"The Utes System."

"Utes System..." Luna went over her memory of the system, "There's practically nothing here except..."

"Jasmine Moon," finished Amara.

Vasilatos's eyed widened, "You sure you want to go there? You know what Jasmine Moon is like."

"We don't have a choice," Luna firmly stated, "Without the hyperdrive we're too vulnerable."

"If we can't get it repaired we either have to buy a new one, buy a new ship, or hire someone to take us to Athena," said Amara.

"We got enough money with for us to do that if necessary," Vasilatos reluctantly replied. Clearly he would would be disappointed if they had to leave the Delilah behind.

Luna patted Amara's shoulder, "Set a course for Jasmine Moon while I'll go back and explain to everyone."

"Heh," Vasilatos altered course, "the captain is not going to like this."

It turned out to be true. When Luna reported the situation to the others and revealed the plan to go Jasmine Moon for repairs, it was met with mixed reactions. Serena, Molly, and Melvin were excited. However, Isobellas became very worried while Keith was outraged.

"Absolutely not!" he protested, pointing at Serena, "You can't take the Princess there! Jasmine Moon may look pretty on the outside but behind its doors are the worst creatures imaginable, never mind the casinos! It has gang lords, slave owners and traders, smugglers, thieves, and every other criminal you can think of! Oh, and did I mention it's also a major gathering place for bounty hunters? It's a haven for the black market! Do you have any idea what will happen if anyone finds out that Serena's a princess?"

"It would be no different than if we landed on a planet controlled by the Botolfs," Luna quietly countered, "Except the people of Jasmine Moon don't know that she's a princess and they won't looking for her, which gives us the advantage."

"I have to agree with Keith on this," said Isobellas, "Jasmine Moon will be far more dangerous than any planet controlled by the Botolfs. Couldn't we just land somewhere and hide until repairs are complete?"

Luna shook her head, "We don't know what caused the hyperdrive to fail and if there's been serious damage we'll have to land at a space port to buy parts and make repairs, or in the worst case scenario find another ship. We're still far from Allied Space and there could be Botolf patrols hovering around as we speak. I understand your concern, I don't like it either, but Jasmine Moon is the last place they'll think to look. As long as we don't do anything to attract attention we'll be fine."

She patiently waited as Keith and Isobellas struggled to find a counter argument, but in the end they had to give up.

"All right, Luna," Keith sighed heavily, "I just hope you know what you're doing."


A short time later the Delilah arrived at Jasmine Moon, a satellite orbiting a gas giant planet. But when they did, the two pilots saw something that left them completely took them by surprise. Amara immediately got on the intercom.

"Luna, get up here quick! You need to see this."

In ten seconds Luna was inside the control room, with Keith right at her heels.

"What is it?" she frowned when she saw the pilots' bewilderment.

"Out there," Amara pointed out the front glass, "See for yourselves."

Luna and Keith stepped over to where they stood behind their chairs. When they looked, they were just as surprised.

"The Yankarian banner?" Luna seriously didn't believe what she was seeing.

Between two pillars was giant holographic image of the Yankarian flag, a navy blue banner with with several white lines, one part shaped like an an H with a Y in the middle and two thick bars on the top and bottom of the combined letters.

"Along with several Yankarian ships, mostly merchants and a few patrol ships," Keith observed, "And there's a great number of private luxury vessels."

"More than you usually see here," Luna leaned over Amara's shoulder, "Are we at the right place?"

"The coordinates are correct," confirmed Amara after she checked it over, "This is Jasmine Moon."

Luna looked out the bridge again, "I don't remember it being a Yankarian colony. This is well outside of their borders."

"Well, to be fair," Amara reminded them all, "we've been in hiding for the past sixteen years, secluded from the rest of the galaxy. A lot can happen in that time."

"True," Luna hadn't thought of that, "Things have definitely changed."

"Should we turn back?" Keith sounded hopeful, but before anyone could answer they were hailed and the gentle voice of a woman came on.

"We have you on our scope. Please identify yourself."

"Too late for that now," Vasilatos cleared his throat and opened the channel, "This is the Delilah. We were on our way here when our hyperdrive suddenly failed without warning. We don't know if we've suffered any damage to our engines. We request permission to dock immediately so can assess the damage and make repairs before we make our trip back home."

"One moment please," everyone held their breath, "Permission granted. Please proceed to Docking Bay 42. Repair CAMs will be in place to provide you with any assistance you need. Welcome to Jasmine Moon. Enjoy your stay."

"Docking Bay 42 confirmed, thank you," Vasilatos turned to the others, amazed as they were, "That was easy."

Keith wasn't convinced, "We could be walking into a trap."

"I don't think so," said Amara.

Keith frowned at her as Vasilatos guided the ship to the docks, "What makes you say that?"

"When my friends and I first left Qinglong we did try to get up to date on the current events around the galaxy. Jasmine Moon being under Yankarian control might actually work in our favor. For one, we're not at war with the Yanks."

"That could change in an instant!" Keith snorted.

"Let me finish!" Amara snapped.

"People, please," Luna gave a warning glance to them both, "Continue, Amara."

"As I was saying," Sailor Uranus glared at Keith, "Lunaria is not at war with Yankaria. Secondly, believe it or not, Botolf came under a great deal of criticism after the fall of Apollonia. Botolf is their ally but the Yanks haven't provided them with any aid these past sixteen years. In fact, the Prime Director himself has recently prevented Botolf from expanding any further than they already have. Apparently he doesn't trust Queen Beryl one bit."

"Perhaps for good reason," Luna said thoughtfully, "You know, I can actually believe this."

"How?" Keith protested again, "The Yanks have always been our enemy. We've fought multiple wars against them. Why wouldn't they helping their ally?"

"Because despite being enemies we've always respected each other, and so did Botolf," Luna reminded him, "Queen Beryl, on the other hand, has pretty much openly admitted how much she despises Lunaria, especially after that speech she gave when she took over as Queen. No one really knows anything about her. In fact, I don't think even her own people do. That may be why the Prime Director is keeping a close eye on her because she may have far bigger plans than we realize."

Keith stared at her, the realization dawning on his face, "You think she's trying to carve her own empire?"

Luna nodded grimly, "That would be my guess, one that isn't part of the Union or the Alliance."

"But surely her own people would never go along with that! The Botolfs would revolt the moment she suggested such a thing. And even if she did manage to take control of the people through some kind sorcery, she'd never be able to defeat the Yankarian war machine."

"I would agree, but remember what happened at Croton? We still don't know what caused that catastrophe. Who's to say that Queen Beryl didn't have a hand in that? Who's to say that she doesn't have some kind of secret weapon? One that she could use against Yankaria?"

A cold chill went around the bridge.

"Luna's right," said Amara, "We need to find out what exactly is going on in the galaxy or we'll be going in blind. Once we make repairs we can then..."

She suddenly started laughing and slapped her forehead.

"What's so funny?" Luna frowned at her.

"I just remembered," Amara chuckled, "We were suppose to meet at Meteor 21 after we found the others."

"Meteor 21?" Keith blinked in surprise, "Why there?"

"To regroup and to get in contact with Athena should we need any help."

"How come you just remembered just now?" asked Luna.

Amara shrugged, "With everything that happened at Rhodes I honestly just forgot."

"Meteor 21 actually might a better place to go," said Vasilatos, "Like you said, we're going in blind right now."

"I agree," Luna saw the dock approaching, "Once we land let's pretend to be a noble Yankarian family again. The repairs might take a long time after all and since Jasmine Moon is a resort let's try to enjoy ourselves while we can."


The moment they landed they immediately began their masquerade again as they did on Rhodes, but this time they added Keith and Isobellas as a family traveling with them with Melvin acting as their son and Molly and her mother acting as relatives so they could stay close together. After putting on Yankarian clothes and putting their luggage in a large transport, a CAM gave them guidance to a grand hotel that was suitable and close to the space docks. The crew of the Delilah stayed behind while the group made their way into the city.

It was already nighttime at Jasmine Moon and the streets were filled with traffic, slowing their progress to a crawl. Serena, her two friends, and Sammy took this as an opportunity to enjoy the sights. They were all ecstatic as they pointed and stared at all of the different buildings, landmarks, and signs that were all lit and displayed in many different ways, from various kinds of light to spectacular types of decorations. Luna herself, however, was observing all the people going up and down the streets.

"It's definitely different here," she said in amazement, "I've never seen this much... joy in a place like this. Before it was only adults who came to these areas, for it was considered too dangerous for children. Now you see entire families walking around. Back then everyone was cautious, now they're all smiling with glee. When I first came here I already knew all of the stories about Jasmine Moon and it was nothing like this."

Serena looked at her, "You've been here before?"

"Once... with your mother," when Serena frowned she explained, "It was when I was still her apprentice. Several years before you were born a very young Cardanan princess was kidnapped by a rogue Warlock. She brought the girl here, sending a message to Queen Sophia to come alone and to face her in battle. This Warlock was a long time and extremely bitter adversary of your mother's. There was a long history between them and they hated each other deeply. The final fight to the death between them was inevitable. And so we arrived and Queen Sophia went in by herself while I, the King of Cardana, and the rest stayed behind with the ship."

She looked out the window again, remembering that one particular day.

"It was on a night just like this, only not as giddy as you see. It was over an hour before she returned, holding the little princess in her arms," Luna sighed and shook her head, "It must have been a long and very brutal battle, for her uniform was in tatters, her hair was completely disheveled, and she was bloodied and bruised all over. And yet, she stood there smiling like she always did as the little princess was reunited with her father. When I approached her there was this distant look in her eyes, but she only grinned at me and rubbed my head. She assured me that she was fine and we returned home."

Everyone had been quietly listening to her story. Serena went into deep thought. This was the first time she had heard about her deceased mother as a Sailor Scout.

"Was she good?" she asked, "As the one named Sailor Moon?"

"She lived up to the name," was all that Luna said.

Serena said no more and turned her attention back outside. She remembered the conversation she had with Amara back on Rhodes after she was told of her true identity. Could she really live up to the title if she accepted her fate? Could she lead an entire kingdom to victory? That was the question Amara had said to her, and the one she found herself repeating again and again.


DJ Coolidge sat alone at his place in the underground bar, subconsciously spinning a holopod around with his finger while he waited for his next customer to show up whenever they decided. Several more holopods sat next his arm laying on the table.

He hated this place, hated the way his life was now. Six years ago he had been the owner of the biggest and fanciest casinos on Jasmine Moon. He also had his own private business conducted behind close doors.

Back then he had it all. Fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, stylish rides, a luxurious private starship, the finest food, the most exotic drinks, and beautiful females of every specie from every corner of the galaxy. He was the master of his own kingdom, one of many on Jasmine Moon. He could whatever he pleased and have whatever he desired. There was no law out there that could stop him.

At least that's how it was, until that cursed woman in red came with her little private army and everything changed.

Within days of her arrival she had destroyed the crime ring that for many centuries had controlled the entirety Jasmine Moon. It had caught them completely off guard. They all knew who she was but they never imagine she would come here. She had shown the people, the very people they had ruled over for so many years, their true colors. Some did try to flee, but were quickly captured. By the time it was over, the Yankarians had taken over Jasmine Moon and had freed the people from slavery.

Freed them, ha! Coolidge nearly slammed his fist on the table. What good was freedom when you didn't have money? Money controlled everything! It should never used by those who don't how to use it properly!

He had been one of the few to escape that woman's wrath, but he was trapped Jasmine Moon. He honestly wished he wasn't. In six years the city had been transformed from a gambler's paradise to a giant theme park! What a joke! It made him want to vomit every time he stepped out onto the street. All those rich parents throwing their money away for their little brats!

He had lost everything. His casino had been turned into a hybrid of an arcade center and a hotel. That had hurt his pride more than anything. Now he was stuck giving these stupid holopods to these worthless bounty hunters, the only thing the old Jasmine Moon had left.

One day he would get it back. One day he would get his casino and his revenge. One day he would leave he would leave this stinking bar and he would no longer have to wear these filthy clothes.

A presence before him got his attention, relieving him from his misery. He looked up and opened his mouth to speak-then he scowled.

"What are you doing here boy? This ain't no place for you. Go back to your mommy and daddy! I'm expecting someone."

The boy before him only grinned before he eased the big sack his carried off his shoulder. He dropped it on the table, the momentum causing the bag to open and spill its contents. DJ's eyes went wide as he saw hundreds of bars and coins of Lunarian currency spill before him like a flood tide. Around him, he sensed several bounty hunters turning towards them, they attention drawn by the sound of money.

"What this?" his irritation was gone, replaced with curiosity.

"I have a proposition for you."

"Oh? And what's that?"

"I know all about you, Mr. Coolidge. About the tragedy you suffered after the Red Baroness came."

DJ's cheek twitched, "Yeah? What about it?"

"How would like to get your casino back?"

He stared at him, unable to believe his words. This was exactly what he wanted! What he had been waiting for!

He looked at the money displayed before him. There was more than enough there to not only buy back his casino, but to also start his own criminal empire. However... he brought his gaze back to the boy. There was always a catch.

"Okay, kid, you got me interested. What's the deal?"

"Nothing major. I just need you," he waved to everyone around them, "to make an announcement for me."


They finally arrived at their hotel after nearly a hour of slogging through traffic. The lobby was crowded to the brim as they came in, a groom pushing their luggage on a brass cart. Serena noticed there was great number of teenagers, mostly girls.

"Something definitely going on," she said aloud, almost having to yell over the noise.

"I know," Molly agreed, "I wonder what all the excitement's about."

At Luna's insistence the three families were checked into one big suite that fairly close to ground level.

"You know what?" Amara looked around the lobby, "I think I'm going to stay down a bit and see what information I can wring out. I'll meet you in the suite later."

Luna looked at her, "All right, but be careful. We can afford to get separated."

"Relax, I'm a Sailor Scout. Not a simpering miss."

She winked at them and walked into the lobby, wearing her masculine clothes. They watched as she introduce herself to a group of teenage girls, who stared at her with dreamy eyes.

"Are they seriously mistaking her for a boy?" Melvin was confusion.

"Melvin!" Molly laughed, "Just look at her. She can easily pass for a guy."

Their suite was on the fifth floor and the moment they entered the young ones were in awe.

The hotel was named the Golden Palace and almost everything inside was gold themed. The floors were polished white marble with fine wood decorated the kitchen and the stairs leading upstairs to several beds that round instead of rectangular. The walls were also painted and sported several paintings of various things. All the furniture, however, was gold. Or rather, imitation gold or polished brass. The group seriously doubted the hotel owner would use solid gold when it could be so easily stolen.

"Wow," was all Serena could say.

"Yeah," Molly agreed.

"I really feel out of place here," Melvin squeezed his hands, showing his discomfort.

"It is a bit too much," Mrs. Baker bobbed her head, "but it's better than sleeping inside a ship in the middle of nowhere."

"That I can't argue, although a camping trip would be nice," Keith came back down the stairs and pointed, "You kids can sleep up there. I checked it out and it's the safest place in this suite. If anyone tries to break in they'll have to come through the window or through the door. The Sailor Scouts and I will place ourselves near the entrance while the rest of you sleep upstairs."

"You think that will be necessary?" asked Vasilatos.

Before he could answer Keith's communicator beeped.

"Captain?" came the engineer's voice, "Are you guys settled in?"

"We just arrived."

Vasilatos stepped over, "Did you found out what happened to the hyperdrive?"

"Yes, sir I did," the engineer's voice sounded grim, "And it's not good."

"Let's hear it."

"The hyperdrive didn't fail, it actually was damaged... and not by accident. Somebody sabotaged it."

The very word made everyone's heart stop.

"Are you certain?" Keith's voice turned deadly.

"Without a doubt. And that's not all, one of our crewman is missing along with that bag of money we were carrying."

"Do you know who it is?" Keith's gaze had hardened.

"A kid named Socrates. Beyond that I can't tell you much."

"Very well, thank you for the report."

Keith switched off the communicator and looked at the group.

"Ladies and gentleman, I think we have a traitor in our mist," he bluntly stated.

"Just what we needed," Luna groaned in frustration.

"Maybe he'll just take the money and run?" suggested Melvin.

Keith laughed, "I would like to believe that, but going as far as sabotaging the hyperdrive raises suspicion."

"Well, to be fair, we weren't supposed to come here in the first place," Vasilatos reminded.

"So what do we do from here?" asked Serena, "Do we go back?"

"To where?" said Luna, "If we walked out now it would just draw suspicion, our ship is useless at the moment and we have no money to make repairs, buy a new ship, or hire someone to take us. The truth is we're trapped until we can find a way out."

There was a knock on the door, making them all jump and causing the two soldiers to draw their weapons.

"Who is it?" Keith hollered.

"It's me," came Amara's voice, "Let me in."

"Were you followed?" Keith asked right away after he let Sailor Uranus inside.

"No, why?" Amara then noticed the somber mood inside the suite, "What happened?"

They quickly explained the engineer's report and the potential traitor they had.

Amara let out a curse, "That means he knows we're here and he could be having this place watched. But... it actually might not be so bad."

"How so?" Keith frowned.

"Before we get into to that," Luna interrupted, "Did you find out anything while you were in the lobby?"

"I sure did. Plenty in fact," Amara sat down on a coach, "I spoke to people who were born and raised here along a family who was getting to leave by telling them that my parents once came here when they were young and were wondering why Jasmine Moon had changed so much. The family were quite surprised, seeing that they're Yankarian themselves. Anyway, here's what happen: Six years ago a woman known as the Red Baroness came here with her private army."

"The Red Baroness?" Luna frowned, "Who's that?"

"The Right Hand of the Prime Director. From what I was told, she came to Jasmine Moon with the intent of destroying the entire crime ring here. And... she succeeded. Completely. In a matter of days."

"Days?" Luna was stunned, "How?"

"Well," Amara took a breath, "she used a more direct and aggressive approach to accomplish the goal. She actually managed to capture almost every single criminal, slaver, and crime family."

"That's impossible," Keith didn't believe a word of it, "They must be exaggerating. You can't wipe out a major crime ring that easily."

"That's exactly what I said, but they insisted it was the truth and I couldn't find any reason to believe they were lying or making it up."

"What happened after they captured?" asked Luna.

"Here's where it gets interesting. Some were sent to prison while others were released with a warning, but some were publicly executed. And by execution I am not talking about just the heads. I'm talking about entire families, woman and child included."

Everyone was shocked when they heard that last sentence. Even Serena couldn't believe such a thing.

"Not even the children..." she breathed.

"I don't get it," said Vasilatos, "Why the children too? Why would she execute some but let others go? What was she trying to do?"

"Apparently to send a message," answered Amara, "One that wouldn't be easily forgotten."

"Send a message..."

Serena looked over at Luna and saw strange look wash over her face, her eyes growing distant as though she was looking into the past. However, the look was gone as soon as it appeared and Luna shook her head.

"What happened afterward?" Luna asked, almost hesitant.

"Yankarian law and order was established, Jasmine Moon became a colony, and the Red Baroness left," Amara gestured out the window, "The city transformed into what you see it now. No one's complaining, the people here completely happy with the way it is now."

Luna went over the window, appearing lost in thought, and stared at the city outside.

A minute passed before she, "Incredible. She managed to what we couldn't. I really do wonder who this Red Baroness is."

Something in her tone made Serena believe she was hiding something, but decided it for the best not to press her about it.

"Well, at least we don't have to worry about gangsters or slave owners," sighed a relieved Vasilatos.

"No, but we still have that traitor to worry about," Keith reminded.

"Do you really think he will try anything though?" asked Isobellas, "He would have discovered by now that Jasmine Moon is no longer what it was. He'd be better off just keeping the money for himself and go into hiding."

"That's what I would do," Amara agreed, "But there is one place he could go."

Luna finally turned, "And what is that?"

"The crime wave is gone, but the bounty hunters are still around. Underground, or course. There's a bar they gather at. With that much money our traitor could offer a good reward to any and every bounty hunter who's willing to take it. But, as I mentioned earlier, we do have one advantage. You noticed all the excitement going about earlier, right?"

"We did."

"Here's why. There's going to be a music concert tomorrow night and you and I are going to to take Serena and her friends to go see it."

"A music concert?!" Serena and Molly nearly screamed in excitement.

"Hold on!" Keith held a hand, "You can't take Serena to a concert! She'll be out in the open! Easy to capture!"

Amara sighed heavily, "Sir, I know you're very protective of Serena because you consider yourself her foster father but you're letting your protectiveness cloud your senses. For one, she'll have two Sailor Scouts protecting her. Worst case scenario we can put her in a protection spell. Two, no bounty hunter will be dumb enough to try something in a public gathering, especially with a crowd this big. It would bring too much attention, especially with the Yanks. And third, you really think you can keep three teenagers, two of them girls, cooped up here the entire time? Not a chance."

Luna chuckled as Keith scowled, "Amara has a good point, Keith. As the saying goes, sometimes the best place to hide is in plain sight. Serena will be quite safe with us. You have my word on that."

Keith threw up his hands, "Fine! Do whatever you want! But don't blame me if the worse happens."

"Oh, let it go, darling," Isobellas smiled, "We should relax a bit while we're here. Besides," she ruffled Sammy's hair, who had been sitting on her lap the entire time, "Sammy is going to enjoy that big arcade down below. Let's take this opportunity to enjoy ourselves and have some fun as a family. Who knows when we'll be able to do it again."

Keith looked at his son and his body softened, "Yeah, it's been too long since we last did that."

Serena's heart suddenly ached. It pained her to know she was no longer part of that family.

"I assume you got tickets for that concert?" Luna asked Amara, bringing back her attention.

"Got them right here," Amara whipped them out from her coat, "Five of them. That family I spoke to no longer needed them so they let me have it."

She laid them on the little table in front of the coach and spread them out into a fan, motioning for Serena and Molly to scoot closer.

"Come and see for yourselves," she said, "I think you might know who this space idol is."

At the mention of the words Space Idol Serena and Molly threw themselves to the table and each picked up a ticket. Upon closer examination they both gasped in shock.

"This is..." Serena couldn't believe her eyes.

Amara grinned, "How would like to go see Sailor V's concert tomorrow night?"


Chapter 9 Preview: Princess Henriette

Serena and her friends attend Sailor V's concert. Afterwards, they suddenly encounter a familiar face.